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Re: News Release - Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Empire Acquires Significant Chromite Exploration Project in
Albania
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Vancouver, B.C., May 21st, 2008. Empire Mining Corporation (EPC: TSX-V)
("Empire" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has been
awarded an Exclusive Prospecting Permit covering most of the
chromite-bearing, Bulqiza ultramafic massif in eastern Albania.
The Bulqiza massif contains over 350 chromite occurrences and deposits
including the producing Bulqiza Batra mine (excluded from the Empire
permit area) which is widely recognized as one of the largest podiform
chromite deposits in the world with past production of about 20 million
tonnes grading 35-42% Cr2O3. Bulqiza ores are characterized by
exceptionally high grades and generally command premium prices in world
markets. Albania was the world's third largest producer of chromite,
mainly from Bulqiza, before the collapse of communism in the late
1980's but the local industry has been largely dormant since that time.
Empire's prospecting permit, totaling 134.25 km2, surrounds the Bulqiza
Batra mine and covers the most prospective geological terrain within
the Bulqiza massif. The permit area contains extensive known chromite
mineralization including the projected north and south extensions of
the fold structure controlling and hosting the chromite ores in the
Bulqiza Batra mine.
Empire has engaged the services of some of Albania's most experienced
chromite geologists to carry out its exploration programs at Bulqiza
which are scheduled to commence immediately. Initial activities will
include compilation and re-interpretation of extensive historic
exploration data and conventional prospecting, mapping and sampling to
evaluate identified chromite occurrences within the permit area and
prioritize targets for drilling later this year.
Chromite is an important component of stainless steel production and
recent demand from steel mills in China and elsewhere in the world has
boosted its economics dramatically. Supply and demand fundamentals for
chromite are currently positive with shortages anticipated for the next
ten years.
The Company's Qualified Person, John Prochnau, B.Sc. (Mining
Engineering), M.Sc. (Geology), and a Special Advisor to Empire, has
reviewed and approved the content of this news release.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
"Robert Giustra"
Robert F. Giustra, Director
For more information contact:
Ray Lagace
Investor Relations
604-638-3474
1-866-689-2599
info@empireminingcorp.com
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Copyright (c) 2008 EMPIRE MINING CORPORATION (n/a) All rights
reserved. For more information visit our website at
http://www.empireminingcorp.com/ or send
mailto:info@empireminingcorp.com
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