Santa Cruz Exploration

TORONTO, ON - McEwen Mining Inc. reported that during the first quarter, the Santa Cruz Exploration in Argentina, a total of 2,950 meters of percussion drilling was completed on McEwen Mining's Celestina project. Through this exploration, a number of targets have been defined for core drilling. The Company plans to continue drilling into mid-May, prior the onset of Argentinian winter.

The drill permits for McEwen Mining's 100% owned claim package are in review with the provincial government. The Company has been notified that the earliest these permits could be approved would be by the end of the Second Quarter of 2012. The Company is planning to establish a drilling program to commence in the Third Quarter of 2012, which marks the beginning of Argentinian spring.