MINING company Southern Gold on Wednesday announced the appointment of its new general manager in Cambodia, Grant Thomas, a move it said reflected the progress of its concession in southern Kratie province. Thomas previously worked for Tianshan Goldfields, a miner based in Perth, Australia. "The appointment reflects the transition of Southern Gold's gold and base metal exploration projects in Cambodia from exploration success toward development and feasibility," a statement said. The company previously announced it would recommence drilling in November.