Astur Gold Welcomes Comments From Mayor of Tapia Regarding Salave
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/20/10 -- Astur Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: AST)(FRANKFURT: CDC) ('Astur Gold' or the 'Company') is pleased to report that the mayor of Tapia de Casariego, Gervasio Acevedo, has stated in the October 19th, 2010 edition of the Spanish newspaper of La Nueva Espana that he will thoroughly examine and assess the proposal for an underground drift at the Salave Gold deposit in northern Spain. His comments are in response to Astur Gold's initial formal application for geotechnical drilling.
The mayor of Tapia de Casariego, Gervasio Acevedo, affirmed yesterday that the municipality will 'examine thoroughly' and 'assess' the proposal that the company Astur Gold has presented to the Department of Industry of the Principado to first drill and then exploit, the resources of Salave. Mr. Acevedo has been mayor of Tapia since 1991. He states that Astur Gold is taking another approach to the mine development process, in contrast to the 2005 application of predecessor Rio Narcea Gold Mines, commenting that it 'is different... therefore we'll have to study it in depth'. (La Nueva Espana, 19.10.2010, English translation).
The Company is currently evaluating a number of mining options to bring Salave into production. Further, the Company intends to conduct drilling to explore the deposit's potential at depth. The last hole drilled in 2005 was Hole RN-70, which intersected high grade mineralization assaying 33.9 g/t gold over 39.8 metres in two zones at depths of 252.2 and 302.7 metres.
Astur Gold has opened an office in Tapia de Casariego and intends to hire people from the local area for the development of Salave and future mining operations. To date the company has received over 400 CV's, demonstrating strong support for the mine and the opportunities it holds for the local economy. To further public relations in the community, Astur Gold will also start on the first of three surveys in the Tapia area in the upcoming few weeks. The Company's first newsletter went out in early October to Tapia residents.
'We want to thank the many people who have submitted their CV's,' stated CEO Cary Pinkowski. 'We are just at the start of our public relations campaign and understand that environmental considerations are just as important as economics. We will continue to work closely by way of full and transparent communication with the people of Tapia to bring Salave into production, and intend to employ best practices in every element of our operations.'
Brian McEwen, P. Geol. is the qualified person as defined in NI 43-101 is responsible for the scientific and technical information and has reviewed the contents of this news release.
ABOUT ASTUR GOLD
The Company is focused on developing its 100% owned Salave Gold Project in northern Spain. Salave is one of the largest and highest grade undeveloped gold deposits in Western Europe. The property has a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate containing 1,683,000 oz of gold in the Measured & Indicated category (17,945,000 tonnes grading 2.9 g/t Au) with an additional 338,000 oz of gold in the Inferred category (3,770,000 tonnes grading 2.8 g/t Au). (NI 43-101 report, 'Technical Report on Salave Gold Deposit, Spain', March 5, 2010).
There is excellent exploration potential at Salave, with four of the principal high grade zones of mineralization open at depth. Additional exploration areas to the west have also yet to be tested. Previous metallurgical tests indicate gold recoveries on the order of 90% are possible. The region boasts excellent infrastructure and a history of mining that will help support future mine development. Astur Gold looks to advance Salave and cultivate an enduring partnership with the people of Asturias in developing economic prosperity for the region.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Cary Pinkowski, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Neither 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:
Astur Gold Corp.
Cary Pinkowski
Chief Executive Officer and Director
604-694-1600
604-694-1663 (FAX)
info@asturgold.com
www.asturgold.com