The PFS will provide significant detail on key mine-development considerations, including a new resource estimate, mine design, coal product specifications, and production schedule, processing plant design, site infrastructure, product transportation options and a detailed financial assessment.

Thompson is a geologist with 15 years experience in exploration and mining, mostly in metallurgical coal. Most recently, he was exploration manager for Anglo American, responsible for coal exploration in the Peace River Coalfield, BC.

His experience includes all aspects of metallurgical coal exploration, coal quality analysis and resource definition, Cardero said.

In addition, he has operational experience, having been responsible for significant in-pit coal recovery improvement at the Trend Mine, BC.

“David will be responsible for all aspects of exploration, resource definition and conversion to reserves as Cardero Coal completes its final drill campaign before the anticipated publication of a feasibility study in 2013,” Cardero said.

“In recent months, Cardero has been building management capacity in support of feasibility work and, ultimately, anticipated mine development at the company's flagship Carbon Creek metallurgical coal deposit in northeast BC.

“Following on from the appointment of Angus Christie as chief operating officer, the appointment of David Thompson is the first in a series of intended management appointments. The company is currently accepting applications for a senior mining engineer and project engineer.”

The recent approval of coal license application 414152 will allow the remaining coal seams to be drilled during the 2012 program, with final product specification feeding into the full Feasibility Study.

The 2012 drill program is the last major drill program prior to completion of the Feasibility Study. The program currently includes 5,600 metres of diamond drilling, 3,335m of rotary drilling and a significant large-diameter drill program.