Minefinders report delay in production at Dolores

Minefinders Corporation, a precious metals mining and exploration company, announces that the initial gold and silver pour from its Dolores Mine in Mexico has been delayed from mid-July until later this quarter.

The company said that it is likely that the revised timing for initial gold and silver production may affect previously released production estimates for 2008, but should not have an impact on the production estimates for 2009 and 2010.

This is second time that company has announced a delay in production from its Dolores Mine. On June 9, first gold and silver production was further delayed to mid-July as a result of an illegal blockade established in May at the Dolores Mine by a fringe group of protestors. During the blockade Minefinders suspended mine operations out of concern for the safety of its employees and contractors.

The blockade was removed after intervention by Mexican authorities and Minefinders briefly resumed mine operations in early June.

However, the Company was forced to again curtail operations because of threats of violence from protestors who remained on site.

Mine operations fully resumed in early July after police arrived to ensure access and safety for the Company’s employees and contractors.

While a small group of protestors remain onsite, the Chihuahua state government has provided the Company with a guarantee of ongoing safe access to the mine.

The Company is continuing discussions with the state and federal governments and with the individuals responsible for the protest to come to a definitive long-term resolution.