GOLD EXPLORATION: Casa Berardi exploration drift yields 19 g/t

QUEBEC — Underground drilling on the 810-metre level along the new exploration drift at the Casa Berardi mine has returned assays as high as 18.9 g/t Au over a true width of 4.0 metres. This grade occurred within a longer intersection that averaged 7.4 g/t over 12.0 metres. The mine is owned and operated by Aurizon Mines of Vancouver.

A second hole from the same location tested 16.8 g/t Au over 5.3 metres.

The mineralized corridor identified in this area in 2006 by surface and underground drilling programs is approximately 400 metres wide and follows a moderate west plunge. The mineralized veins, stockworks, and sulphide-bearing structures fill the contact between folded competent rock units such as conglomerate and the Casa Berardi Fault.

Aurizon has a $15-million exploration budget for 2009. The company plans to complete 40,00 metres of underground and surface drilling and 1,900 metres of underground exploration drifting. A new resource estimate is expected by the end of the year.

The Casa Berardi mine is expected to produce between 150,000 and 155,000 oz of gold in 2009. Details are posted at www.Aurizon.com.