GCM Resources plc (GCM), an AIM listed resource exploration and development company, has identified a world-class coal resource of 572 million tonnes (JORC 2004 compliant) at the Phulbari Coal and Power Project (the Project) in North-West Bangladesh. GCM is awaiting approval from the Government of Bangladesh to develop the Project.

The Phulbari Coal and Power Project is based on a substantial, world-class thermal and semi-soft-coking-coal resource that is amenable to high-volume coal production based on open pit mining, giving the capability of supporting some 6,000MW of power generation utilising the latest high efficiency, low emission (HELE) coal-fired power plant technology. It is the only such deposit in Bangladesh that has been subjected to a full Feasibility Study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment prepared to international standards. In partnership with the Bangladesh Government, civil society and the community, GCM is committed to developing the Phulbari Coal and Power Project to the highest social and environmental standards. By doing this, GCM seeks to maximise the benefits of the Project for both the Company’s shareholders and the people of Bangladesh.

The Company (GCM) under its former name, Asia Energy PLC, was incorporated in England and Wales as a public limited company on 26 September 2003. Asia Energy PLC was admitted to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange on 19 April 2004. Through seed capital raising and the subsequent placement of shares, some £14 million was raised.

In November 2005, following submission to the Government of Bangladesh of the Phulbari Coal and Power Project's Feasibility Study and Scheme of Development, the Company placed an additional 7 million shares and raised a further £33 million.

GCM actively reviews investment opportunities in order to broaden its global investment portfolio.