Bear Creek: a lock-cyclemetallurgical test work is being completed

Tag : base metals
Bear Creek MiningCorporation  is pleased to report that the pre-feasibilitystudy is on track and the pace has recently accelerated with thecompletion of Vector Engineering and Samuel Engineering's initialsite visits. In addition, the next series of lock-cyclemetallurgical test work is being completed at the SGS VancouverMetallurgy testing laboratories. To date, lock-cycle flotationtests have been completed on six mixed sulfide (Ore Types I and II)composites representing approximately 70% of the mineralization inthe resource model (see news release on Metallurgical Mapping datedMay 5, 2008). The results of this latest testwork show averagesilver recovery into the separate lead and zinc concentrates of80.6%, lead recovery into the lead concentrate of 75.3% and zincrecovery of 68.4% into separate marketable high-value,silver-lead and zinc concentrates. The results vary somewhat fromthe recovery guidance given previously, namely increased lead anddecreased zinc recoveries. This variation is normal as testingcontinues to be optimized and the final overall recoveries asindicated by the test work and Metallurgical Mapping is expected toremain at 80% silver, 60% lead, and 75% zinc. Importantly, the testwork also indicates that the production of lower-value bulklead-zinc concentrate from these ore types will not be required.Three additional mixed sulfide composites are scheduled for locked-cycle tests. The metallurgical test work is on target forcompletion of the pre-feasibility study expected in January 2009.Periodic updates on all aspects of the Prefeasibility Studyprogress will be provided.

According to Andrew Swarthout President and CEO, "We are verypleased that test results continue to support, or exceed, ourrecovery assumptions as the metallurgical testing represents themain component to be completed for pre-feasibility. Work willcontinue to focus on optimizing recovery even further as we focuson continuing to enhance the economics at Corani."

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for theadequacy or accuracy of this release.

Regulatory footnotes:

All of Bear Creek's exploration programs and pertinent disclosureof a technical or scientific nature are prepared by or preparedunder the direct supervision of David Volkert, P.Geo., Bear Creek'sVice President of Exploration and/or Marc Leduc, P. Eng., SeniorVice President of Engineering and Development and the President andCEO, Andrew Swarthout, P.Geo., who serve as the Qualified Personsunder the definitions of NI 43-101.

Certain disclosure in this release, including management'sassessment of Bear Creek's plans and projects, constitutesforward-looking statements that are subject to numerous risks,uncertainties and other factors relating to Bear Creek's operationas a mineral exploration company that may cause future results todiffer materially from those expressed or implied in suchforward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and otherfactors are disclosed in Bear Creek's continuous disclosure filingswith Canadian securities regulators including its most recentannual information form, available on www.sedar.com. Bear Creekexpressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or reviseany forward-looking statements whether as a result of newinformation, future events or otherwise.