GOLD-ZINC DEVELOPMENT: Manitoba premiere attends Lalor project kick-off

MANITOBA - As the Lalor gold-zinc development gets underway, HudBay Minerals of Toronto held the project kick-off in Snow Lake earlier this week. The HudBay management team, board of directs and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger attended.

"The Snow Lake region has immense potential for copper, zinc, gold and silver," said Premier Selinger. "Projects like this highlight the importance of the mining industry in the Manitoba economy, providing high-paying jobs and supporting our northern communities."

The province is assisting the town by cost-sharing a project manager to co-ordinate projects necessary for the growth that will accompany mining industry expansion of this magnitude.

HudBay has committed $560 million for get the Lalor deposit in full production. Initial production with ramp haulage is scheduled in Q2 2012, and full production via shaft is to be reached in late 2014. Approximately 400 permanent jobs will be created.

More information about the Lalor mine is available at www.HudBayMinerals.com.