Astral Commences Exploration Program at Los Crestones Gold-Silver Project, Sinaloa, Mexico

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/21/11 -- Astral Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE: AA)(TSX VENTURE: AA.WT)(PINK SHEETS: AAMJF)(FRANKFURT: A7DA) ('Astral' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce commencement of a Phase I surface exploration program at the 4,168 hectare Los Crestones epithermal gold-silver project in the Sierra Madre gold-silver belt, in Sinaloa, Mexico. In preparation for diamond drilling this summer, Astral has mobilized its exploration crew to the 100% owned Los Crestones Project.

The scope of Phase I program will include:

--  Rock chip and channel outcrop sampling
--  Trenching and channel sampling on vein extensions
--  Project-scale reconnaissance rock sampling and mapping
--  Geological mapping at project and detailed scales
--  Orientation soil sampling along identified trends
--  Community consultation and environmental permitting
--  Road building and drill pad construction

The current program will evaluate potential extensions of the main mineralized trend and evaluate additional showings on the property prior to diamond drilling scheduled to commence during summer 2011.

Los Crestones is an early stage gold-silver property located within the prolific Sierra Madre gold-silver belt in Western Mexico that has never been drill tested. Historical workings on the property are limited to small adits and excavations on three prominent quartz veins or 'crestons' hosted by andesitic rocks proximal to monzonitic and granodioritic intrusive rocks. The three named veins 'Corona', 'Bohemia' and 'El Indio' are oriented north-south and dip uniformly 60 to 75 degrees to the east. The veins define a 400m wide corridor and scattered showing indicate that the trend may traverse the length of the property (see map here: www.astralmining.com/s/LosCrestonesPhotos.asp?ReportID=437018&_Title=Main-showings-looking-North).

Technical details contained in this news release have been reviewed by Dale Brittliffe, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and Astral's V.P. Exploration, but should be viewed as historical as the work was carried out by previous parties.

Astral Mining Corporation is a Canadian company engaged in the exploration and development of precious metal properties in the Americas. By focusing on exploration in mining-friendly districts, the Company minimizes the political and social risks encountered in many other parts of the world. With a new gold discovery at the Company's Jumping Josephine Gold Project in Southern British Columbia, the promising early stage Los Crestones gold-silver project in Sinaloa state, Mexico, an experienced technical team and seasoned management, Astral is poised to leverage this expertise into early exploration success. Further details on Astral Mining Corporation and its high-quality portfolio of exploration projects can be found at www.astralmining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Mr. Manfred Kurschner, President & CEO

Astral Mining Corporation

Cautionary Note to US Investors: This news release may contain information about adjacent properties on which we have no right to explore or mine. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

Shares outstanding - 20,205,400

2011 Number 07

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Astral Mining Corporation

Manfred Kurschner

President & CEO

604-641-1315
info@astralmining.com
www.astralmining.com