Minefinders Retires 2011 Convertible Notes

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 20, 2011) -

(All figures are in United States dollars).

Minefinders Corporation Ltd. ("Minefinders" or the "Company") (TSX:MFL)(NYSE Amex:MFN) announced today the full settlement of its $52.1 million convertible notes (the "2011 Notes") in accordance with their terms.

In settling the 2011 Notes, the Company issued 4,202,199 common shares on the conversion of $45.72 million face value of the 2011 Notes. The remaining 2011 Notes with a face value of $6.34 million were held to maturity and settled by a cash payment of $6.34 million in respect of the principal and $0.14 million in respect of accrued interest.

The 2011 Notes, which were issued in October 2006 and matured on December 15, 2011, had a face value of $52.1 million, an interest rate of 4.5% and were convertible at the election of the holders a rate of 91.9118 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes equal to $10.88 per share.

About Minefinders

Minefinders is a precious metals mining and exploration company and operates the Dolores gold and silver mine in Mexico. For more information, please visit our website at www.minefinders.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        Minefinders Corporation Ltd.
        Jonathan Hackshaw
        Director of Corporate Communications
        Toll Free: (866) 687-6263

        Minefinders Corporation Ltd.
        Mike Wills
        Investors Relations Representative
        Toll Free: (866) 687-6263
        www.minefinders.com

Source: Minefinders Corporation Ltd.