Edgewater Exploration announced Friday it has appointed Dr John A Thomas to the position of chief operating officer a move that sent its shares up by 15.79% to USD 0.55.

Dr Thomas studied chemical engineering at the University of Manchester in the UK before earning a diploma in accounting and finance from the UK Association of Certified accountants.

He has over 38 years of experience in the mining industry, including with both base and precious metals. He has worked in several countries, including Brazil, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Russia, Canada, and Zambia, and his duties have covered process development, management of feasibility studies, engineering and management of construction, and operation of mines.

Mr George Salamis CEO of Edgewater commented that "We are very pleased to have Dr. Thomas join the Edgewater team as COO. Given John's depth of experience managing feasibility studies, overseeing mine construction and operations, and working on international projects, his skill set is a perfect fit for Edgewater. “

Edgewater's 100% owned Corcoesto Gold Project in Northwest Spain is now rapidly advancing from exploration to development with the company initiating a feasibility study on the project this year.