Permitting Status For Haile Gold Mine Project

TORONTO - Romarco Minerals Inc. reported that the period for submission by all interested parties of comments on the Company's applications for two of the permits required for operation at the Haile Gold Mine project, in Lancaster County, South Carolina, has closed.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company submitted applications for two permits required for commencement of operations: the State Mine Operating Permit and Federal 404 Wetlands Permit. The regulating agencies responsible for issuing these permits are the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - "DHEC" and the US Army Corps of Engineers - "USACE" respectively. As part of the mine permitting process, agencies and the public are requested to review the permit applications and provide their comments to the regulating agency. The comment period for the Mine Operating Permit concluded in February 2011 with few comments received; the comment period for the 404 permit concluded on March 30, 2011. The Company received copies of the comment letters from the USACE late on March 31, 2011, and as expected, the comments reflected a spectrum of views on the project including strong support, questions regarding impacts, and requests for additional information. The EPA, acting as a commenting agency on this matter, recommended that the USACE request additional information and clarification before a permit be issued. While other agencies may act as commenting agencies, the USACE is the regulatory agency that will issue the Federal permit, and no determination has been made by the USACE regarding an EIS. The Company has established good rapport and communication with all agencies, and will continue to work proactively with the USACE and DHEC to address the relevant comments. The Company is committed to working with the USACE, DHEC and commenting agencies to demonstrate that its plans will fulfill the requirements of the applicable environmental regulations. The company's address is 181 Bay, St. Suite 3630, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3, 416-367-5500, fax: 416-367-5505.