EMERALD EXPLORATION NEWS – $2.2-Million Program at Regal Ridge

FINLAYSON LAKE, Northwest Territories This year's exploration program at the Regal Ridge emerald project will cost Vancouver-based TRUE NORTH GEMS $2.2 million. The program includes continued surface bulk sampling for several zones, diamond drilling to evaluate underground structures, and upgrades to the existing wash plant and crushing circuit.

Surface exploration will continue to focus on further expanding the known emerald-bearing zones and the exploration of new areas with the highest potentials for hosting emerald mineralization. This year's field program also includes a contingency for 100 metres of underground excavation; that decision may be made as early as mid-July.

The processing of new trenched material and 1,500 tonnes of stockpiled material will begin in early July at a rate of 50 tonnes/day.

If True North can successfully mine the Regal Ridge property, it will become Canada's first emerald producer. Learn more about emeralds and the company's properties at www.truenorthgems.com.