The completion of the coal quality analysis will give Cardero Resource sufficient time to carry out negotiations with potential end-users.

Cardero Resource chief executive officer Michael Hunter said the completion of coal quality analysis on the seams represented a key milestone for the project.

“We are very pleased to have completed this important part of the bulk sampling program on schedule, allowing us to move towards timely off-take negotiations in Q2,” he said.

“Off-take agreements are one of several financing options potentially available to Cardero in 2013 and they could help limit share dilution as we move towards feasibility and a potential production decision.”

The miner said samples from individual seams weighed approximately 300kg.

When analysed they will provide coal quality data which should assist potential customers to negotiate future off-take arrangements.

Carbon Creek is an advanced metallurgical coal development project located in the Peace River coal field of north-eastern British Columbia.

The project is tipped to produce 2.9 million tonnes of saleable coal per annum.

Cardero expects to complete a feasibility study on the project in early 2013.