Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Astral Announces First Results from Phase II Drilling on the Jumping Josephine Gold Project

View News Release in PDF Format

Vancouver, BC - Astral Mining Corporation (TSX-V AST) ("Astral") and Kootenay Gold Inc. (TSX-V KTN) are pleased to report assay results from the first six of thirty-eight drill holes of the Phase II drill program on the JJ Main Gold Zone on the Jumping Josephine (JJ) Gold Project in southeast British Columbia.

Assay results from HQ diamond drill holes 07JD032 through to 07JD039 include 4m averaging 15.18 g/t gold (13.1 feet at 0.443 opt*) from hole 07JD032, which includes 1m at 56.4 g/t gold (3.28 feet at 1.645 opt*). Holes 07JD032-036 were drilled 40m south of the southernmost holes of the Phase I drilling, Holes 07JD037-039 were infill holes. Full results are presented below in Table 1.

The 38 holes have extended the quartz stockwork zone over a known lateral extent of 700 meters. Only the first six of the thirty-eight holes are reported in this release. These six holes along with previously reported Phase I assay results, confirm mineralization along 220 meters of the 700 meters tested to date. Assay results are pending for 32 holes drilled along the remaining 480 meters of the 700 meter strike. The stockwork zone is open along both strike directions and to depth.

The second of two deeper holes is underway and is planned to intersect the zone at a vertical depth in excess of 200m. This will be the final hole of this year's program and is expected to be finished later in the week.

Current information indicates the JJ Main Gold Zone has an estimated true width of up to 12.6m (41.32 feet) as evidenced by previously reported hole 07JD013 which assayed 19m averaging 7.01 g/t gold from 46m (see July 12, 2007 News Release). The zone remains open along strike in both directions and at depth. Infill aeromagnetics, geological mapping and surface geochemistry suggest that the host structure for the mineralized stockwork at JJ Main may extend for over three kilometres.

A map showing Phase II drillhole locations and a longitudinal section is provided on Astral's website at the following links: http://www.astralmining.com/i/pdf/2007-11-13_JJDP.pdf and http://www.astralmining.com/i/pdf/2007-11-13_JJLS.pdf

Table 1:
Significant Intervals from Diamond Drill Holes 07JD032-039 on JJ Main Gold Zone

* troy ounce per short ton
** Hole collar locations converted from local grid - located by tape, compass and hand held 12 channel gps.- Accurate surveys awaited

Technical Summary

Phase II drill program of 38 drill holes for approximately 5,050m (nearing completion) in ten fences tests the gold-bearing quartz stockwork zone over a strike length of 700m and to a vertical depth in excess of 200m. This work builds on Phase I drilling which comprised 1,431m in 20 holes along 5 fences, testing the gold-bearing quartz stockwork zone over a strike length of 180m and to a vertical depth of up to 100m.

The stockwork zone is characterized by silicified and sericitized quartz monzonite hosting a distinct zone of multi-phase stockwork veining and breccia zones controlled by a northeast-striking structure. Observed sulphide mineralization includes pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, sphalerite and molybdenite. Visible gold has been observed in several holes. Aeromagnetic surveys, geological mapping and geochemistry completed to date suggest that this structure may extend for over three kilometres.

All drill core samples reported in this release were collected from HQ core halved by diamond saw. All analytical results contained in this release are from 1,000g samples analyzed using the Au by Screen Fire method by ALS Chemex in North Vancouver B.C. ALS-Chemex is an internationally-recognized analytical service provider. In addition to laboratory standards Astral has included independently-prepared standards into the sample sequence to assure proper quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC).

Exploration work reported in this release was completed under the supervision of Astral's Project Geologist Dale Brittliffe, B.Sc.. Technical information contained in this release has been reviewed by Dr. David A. Terry, P.Geo., Director and Vice President of Exploration for Astral Mining Corporation, and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

Astral is earning a 60% interest in the JJ Project from Kootenay (see April 12, 2006 news release).

Astral Mining Corporation, a member of the Grosso Group, is a Canadian-based company engaged in the exploration and development of precious metal properties in North America. 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 currently being drilled for the first time, and 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.

Kootenay is an emerging exploration Company actively developing a suite of premier gold and silver projects in British Columbia, Canada and Mexico. The Company's top priority remains the ongoing aggressive development of its rich Promontorio Silver project, which encompasses the former producing Promontorio Silver Mine in Northwest Mexico. Supported by an experienced and accomplished technical team, over the past four years Kootenay has substantially grown its mineral asset base through key acquisitions, while successfully achieving four new mineral discoveries in the Rossland Republic Gold Trend of British Columbia. Further information can be found at: www.kootenaygold.ca

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Manfred Kurschner"

Mr. Manfred Kurschner, President & CEO
Astral Mining Corporation

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"James M. McDonald"

Mr. James M. McDonald, CEO
Kootenay Gold Inc.

For further information on Astral please contact Manfred Kurschner, President & CEO, at 1-800-901-0058 or 604-687-1828, or fax 604-687-1858, or by email info@astralmining.com, or visit the Company's web site at http://www.astralmining.com.

For further information on Kootenay Gold, James McDonald, CEO at 403- 238-6986 or Ken Berry, President at 604-601-5655; 1-888-601-5650; www.kootenaygold.ca

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

2007 Number 29