Avnel and Iamgold agree exploration extension

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ST. PETER PORT, Guernsey, Dec. 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Avnel Gold Mining Limited (TSX: AVK) -

Avnel reports that it and IAMGOLD Corporation have agreed to extend the Exploration Phase under the Option Agreement between Avnel and IAMGOLD to enter into joint venture arrangements. Under the original Kalana Option Agreement IAMGOLD was scheduled to deliver a Resource Study during the third quarter of 2012 (subject to IAMGOLD's rights to extend the Exploration Phase for a maximum period of 12 months in specified circumstances). On May 15, 2012, Avnel announced its agreement with IAMGOLD to extend the Exploration Phase to December 31, 2012. Avnel and IAMGOLD have now agreed to a further extension of the Exploration Phase to January 31, 2013.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Avnel is a producing gold mining company operating the Kalana Mine in south-west Mali and is engaged in the exploration of the 30-year Kalana Exploitation Permit encompassing 387.4 sq km around and to the south of the Kalana Mine as well as on Avnel's abutting Fougadian Exploration Permit.

Avnel's principal asset is an 80% interest in Société d'Exploitation des Mines d'Or de Kalana ("SOMIKA") which is the holder of the Kalana Exploitation Permit. The Kalana Project is situate in south west Mali. The 387.4 sq km exploitation permit has a NI-43-101 compliant resource of 1,020,000 oz (at an average grade of 10.4 g/t) in the measured and indicated category, and 249,000 oz (at an average grade of 3.4 g/t) in the inferred category.

Avnel also holds the Fougadian Exploration Permit covering an area of 75 sq. km. to the south of the main Kalana Exploitation Permit area and abutting it. Avnel and IAMGOLD Corporation have entered into a joint venture arrangements agreement whereby IAMGOLD has the option to acquire up to an initial 51% in Avnel's interest in the Kalana Exploitation Permit as well as in Avnel's interest in the Fougadian Exploration Permit and in an additional 75 sq kms to the south of Avnel's Fougadian Exploration Permit area for which IAMGOLD has applied for an exploration permit.

Technical Information and Qualified Person/Quality Control Notes

Information in this release arising subsequent to the date of the 2005 Snowden Technical Report regarding the Kalana Gold Mine and exploration activity is provided by Avnel management under the supervision of Roy Meade (a director of the Company) who is a non-independent "Qualified Person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101. Portions of the information are based on assumptions, qualifications and procedures which are not fully described herein.

Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Although Avnel believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Avnel does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE AVNEL GOLD MINING LTD.