Successful Metallurgical Drill Program Concludes at Gunnison

VANCOUVER - Excelsior Mining Corp. reported that the metallurgical drill program has ended successfully at the Gunnison Copper Project in Arizona.

Ten diamond-drill holes were completed totaling 5,899 feet of diamond drilling (11,306 feet in total drilling). Excelsior has submitted a total of 23 samples for metallurgical testing. The samples will be crushed and categorized by geologic factors; the tests are estimated to last 120 to 160 days based on separate leach cycles. Open cycle column leaching will include mature raffinate generated in previous column leach tests on ore from the North Star deposit or from the Johnson Camp mine, which is adjacent to the North Star Deposit. Testing will be conducted by the independent laboratory, MAG (Minerals Advisory Group) of Tucson, Arizona under the supervision of Dr. Ronald J. Roman.

The results of these metallurgical tests will be used to determine copper extraction rates, acid consumption rates, and rinsing procedures and rates. Results will be used for both the permitting application process and the feasibility study.

Commenting on this news, President & CEO, Stephen Twyerould stated, Each metallurgical sample can weigh as much as 350 pounds; these are robust samples from which we will be able to gather feasibility-level data for the critical components that will drive our project: namely acid consumption and copper recovery rates. We fully expect that the results of this comprehensive metallurgical program will continue to support the potential for industry leading economics combined with environmental excellence.

Excelsior is a mineral exploration and development company that is advancing the Gunnison Copper Project.