Aurelian suspends drilling as required by the Ecuador mining mandate

Aurelian Resources Inc. announced that the Company is obliged by order of the Mining Mandate to reduce its operations and workforce.

The previously announced Mining Mandate, effective April 18, 2008, ordered a halt to mining activities on concessions, including drilling, exploration and development.

We profoundly regret the impact the Mining Mandate will have on our employees, both in Ecuador and in Canada.

However, the Mining Mandate requires a complete suspension of activities on our concessions while a new mining law is drafted and implemented, said Patrick Anderson, President and CEO.

During this mandated standby we will continue to comply with obligations to the government and other stakeholders and to maintain our surface and mineral rights, facilities and assets in good standing to the extent permitted by the law with a reduced group of employees.

The following adjustments are being made to Aurelian’s operations in response to the Mining Mandate:

- Suspension of Drilling Operations – The Company’s drilling contractors in Ecuador have been notified to demobilize in an orderly manner.

- Workforce Reductions – Aurelian’s workforce of approximately 450 employees has been reduced by 80%, with reductions at the Condor Project camp, Quito and Toronto locations. The Company assisted Ecuadorian employees by properly terminating their employment under Ecuadorian law and providing for a voluntary support payment. In addition, Aurelian will work with local authorities to continue to provide some basic health services and maintain several community development projects.

- Deferral of FDN Scoping Study and Updated Resource – Limited work will continue on Aurelian’s Scoping Study and updated resource for the Fruta del Norte gold-silver deposit. However, it is anticipated that the final reports will not be released until after the mining law is in place thus defining the fiscal regime and therefore the costs of development and production.

Mr. Anderson concluded, our project has received strong support from local communities in Ecuador. We regret the effect the Mining Mandate will have on our employees and their families as well as suppliers and the larger community.

We remain committed to Ecuador, our local communities and our employees and look forward to the day when the law will permit us to work together to build a world class mine of which we can all be proud.