Well-known consultancy Snowden is the overall project manager of this study, which is due for completion in December.

“This is an exciting time for the company and all of its stakeholders as we have now begun the final stage before we formally commence construction at Vista,” Coalspur managing director Gene Wusaty said.

“The prefeasibility study confirmed the economical viability of Vista and the BFS will help maximise its potential to be a strategic player in the world export thermal coal market.

“The appointment of Snowden was a natural selection for us and clearly the best fit for the overall project manager’s role. Snowden has a highly credentialed mining team based in Calgary and has existing close working relationships with the other firms that will perform specialist functions for the BFS.”

Spanning 8700 hectares in the Hinton region of Alberta, the project holds 260.1Mt of proven and probable marketable coal reserves, including 208.4Mt which are proven.

First coal is expected in 2014 and 90% of production is expected to be exported.

Coalspur shares are up 2c to $2.09 this morning.