Coalspur appoints new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

CALGARY, May 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Coalspur Mines Limited ("Coalspur" or "Company") (ASX: CPL, TSX: CPT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Gill Winckler as Managing Director and CEO and a member of the Board, effective July 1^st,2012, following the resignation of Mr Gene Wusaty to pursue other interests.

Gill Winckler joins Coalspur from BHP Billiton, where she has worked for the past 15 years in a number of senior executive roles.  Gill was Chief Development Officer of the Energy Coal division where she was responsible for BHP Billiton's thermal coal business development activities and project growth pipeline around the world. During her tenure BHP Billiton significantly increased its thermal coal presence in Australia and also initiated and advanced various expansion projects in South Africa.

Most recently Gill was Vice President of Strategy and Development for BHP Billiton's Diamonds and Speciality Products division based in Canada. In this role she was instrumental in advancing the company's potash growth program in Canada, specifically delivering two successful market acquisitions and multiple exploration programs, as well as progressing projects towards Feasibility Study and securing the required port and rail options.

Gill's earlier positions included Global Practice Leader for Strategy and Business Development and Director of Corporate Finance at Billiton, before its merger with BHP. Gill is a Chartered Accountant and holds a B Comm (Hons) and a B.Sc.

Commenting on the management change, Colin Steyn, Chairman, said "We are delighted to welcome Gill to Coalspur. Her strong credentials with a proven track record in thermal coal, project management, business development, strategy, finance and people management will complement the current management team's expertise.

As the Vista Project enters the last stages of project planning and regulatory approvals ahead of commencing construction in 2013, we believe Gill has the appropriate skills and experience to deliver our outstanding project pipeline and ultimately ensure Coalspur becomes the largest export thermal coal producer in Canada.

Gene Wusaty has done an outstanding job in building Coalspur from a junior explorer into a major thermal coal development company on the cusp of production.

Among his numerous achievements since joining in mid-2009, he has built a strong management team with excellent development and operating credentials, delivered a successful Bankable Feasibility Study on schedule, secured landmark agreements for the necessary rail and port allocations and delivered real value to shareholders.  We wish him well in his future endeavours."

The full version of this news release is available on the Company's website at www.coalspur.com and SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Coalspur Mines Limited