VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 14, 2011) - Empire Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE:EPC) ("
Empire") is pleased to announce the results of the first assays from underground
Diamond drilling at its 100% owned
Bulqiza chromite project in Albania.
Drill hole ETH-002, collared at -50 degrees returned a weighted mean assay of 41.98% Cr2O3 over an intersected width of 4.85 metres, with a chrome to iron ratio of 3.24:1. Combined with the low alumina and high magnesia obtained, the grades fall well within the category of high quality metallurgical ores. A table with the full intercept assayed results is available at the following link:
http://www.empireminingcorp.com/i/nr/2011-07-14-table.pdf
Four holes have been completed in the current drilling program with assays for holes ETH-001, 003 and 004 pending. The current drilling is being carried out at Thekna Gallery (adit) 25 which is located within the Bulqiza-Batra Licence and is aimed at confirming the grades and thicknesses reported in an Albanian state historical resource* of 300,000 tonnes grading 45% Cr2O3, where Empire believes there is scope for significant expansion.
The assays from hole ETH-002 appear to be consistent with results reported from the state drilling** which include: 40.7% Cr2O3 over 9.7 metres intersected width some 30 metres away from hole ETH-002, 42% Cr2O3 over 3.0 metres about 20 metres away and 46.03% Cr2O3 over 4.5 metres some 40 metres distant. A cross section can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.empireminingcorp.com/i/nr/2011-07-14-xsection.pdf
The intercept in ETH-002 was obtained at a hole depth of 312.35 to 317.2 meters. Empire is considering various options to advance exploration and development in the medium term, and eventual mining; including decline access from the Thekna level 25 adit and access from existing infrastructure in closer proximity to the mineralization.
Initial indications are that the geology at Thekna is structurally complex with potential for fold and fault tectonics similar to those observed in the main Bulqiza-Batra area and with similar potential for expansion of the historical resource.
* Caution: A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate respecting the Thekna deposit as a current mineral resource. Empire is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the historical estimate should not be relied upon.
** The historical drill holes were not subject to down-hole surveying to check for deviation, so the quoted intercepts are located approximately.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Cores were first sawn in half, bagged and sent to the OMAC/Stewart laboratory in Loughrea, Ireland where they were prepared and assayed. Every stage is monitored according to strict QA/QP procedures, including standard reference material, blanks and chain of custody.
Empire's Qualified Person, David C. Cliff, BSc (Hons), MIMMM, C Eng, FGS, also Empire's President & CEO, has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
David Cliff, President & CEO
This release contains forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"), respecting Empire's exploration, development and mining plans. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation the ability to acquire necessary permits and other authorizations; environmental compliance; cost increases; availability of qualified workers; competition for mining properties; risks associated with exploration projects, mineral reserve and resource estimates (including the risk of assumption and methodology errors); dependence on third parties for services; non-performance by contractual counterparties; title risks; and general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation assumptions about: general business and economic conditions; the timing and receipt of required approvals; availability of financing; power prices; ability to procure equipment and supplies; and ongoing relations with employees, partners and joint venturers. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and we undertake no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.
Neither the 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. 
