BacTech Obtains Manitoba Government's Permission for Test Work on New Britannia Arsenopyrite Concentrate Stockpile

  BacTech Mining Corporation ("BacTech" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: BM) today announced that it has been given permission to conduct a bioleach study on the arsenopyrite concentrate stockpile located at former producer New Britannia Mine at Snow Lake, Manitoba.

The government of Manitoba, owner of the stockpile and the party responsible for the environmental liability, granted BacTech access to the stockpile to collect drill samples from the estimated 300,000 tonnes of concentrate contained there. Historical data, provided by Dr. Barbara Sherriff of the University of Manitoba, states the concentrate grades approximately .32 oz/t, providing approximately 100,000 oz of gold in place.

The concentrate, produced by flotation at the mill located onsite in the 1950's, was stockpiled due to its high level of arsenic. Over a number of years, the arsenic has become mobilized and is leaching into the local water supplies and soil. The presence of the arsenic and the potential to recover the associated gold through bioleaching led BacTech to this project. The advantage of BacTech's patented bioleaching technology is its ability to capture certain precious and base metals, as well as treat and neutralize arsenic from concentrates. The release of arsenic and its subsequent bonding with iron during the bioleaching process, produces an end product of stable ferric arsenate that is classified as benign by the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency.

Dr. Sherriff has informed BacTech that she has non-oxidized drill core samples from the site generated from a previous study she conducted on the project. These samples were frozen and can be used by BacTech for bioleach test work in lieu of disturbing the site to obtain samples.

BacTech will undertake assay work on the concentrates provided by Dr. Sherriff. The bioleach work should begin within one month, with initial results expected by July. Should the test work prove positive, it would be BacTech's intention to seek permission and the necessary approvals to process the stockpile material, which would involve building a bioleach plant in the vicinity to reprocess the arsenopyrite concentrate, stabilize the arsenic and recover a high percentage of the contained gold. The process will extract the gold and produce a stable residue in a manner which is economic, efficient, effective, and would result in a financial saving to the government of Manitoba. BacTech is committed to working with all parties associated with the potential reclamation of the Snow Lake site.

Given the fact that the stockpile has already been concentrated, the capital cost associated with building a bioleach plant could be significantly reduced. In addition, Manitoba's low energy prices would provide for a beneficial reduction in operating costs, as power can consume as much as 40% of the operating costs for bioleaching.

BACTECH PROFILE

In January, the Company announced its intention to effect a divisive reorganization whereby BacTech will separate its technology into two separate companies, being a mining company and a cleantech company. The common shares of a subsidiary will be distributed to the shareholders of BacTech upon completion of the reorganization. Completion of the proposed reorganization is subject to receipt of all required consents and approvals, including without limitation, court approval, shareholder approval, and TSX Venture Exchange approval. A special meeting of shareholders is required to approve the reorganization.

BacTech owns patented bacterial oxidation technology for the treatment of refractory ores and concentrates to enhance the recovery of gold, silver and base metals. The Company's initial focus is the acquisition of equity positions in projects amenable to bioleaching.

Shares outstanding 89,264,706

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts: BacTech Mining Corporation Ross Orr President & CEO 416-813-0303 ext 222