BPI noted that Mr Craddock will make himself available as a technical advisor to the BPI board of directors for the next six months, as needed to assist in an orderly transition and further advance BPI’s development and financing efforts.

His daily responsibilities will be divided between Randy Oestreich, vice president for field operations and Michael Dawson, senior geological advisor. There are currently no plans to replace Mr Craddock, according to BPI.

James Azlein, BPI’s president and CEO, said: Jim Craddock joined BPI in 2006 and has played a significant role in guiding the company’s operating strategy over the past two years.