Mawson West Responds to Media Comments on DRC Copper Exports

PERTH, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwired - April 18, 2013) - Mawson West Limited (TSX:MWE) ("Mawson West" or "the Company") provides the following statement in response to commentary in the international media on a potential ban on copper concentrate exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC").

Concentrate produced in the DRC by Mawson West's local subsidiary is governed by the terms of the Dikulushi Mining Convention. The Convention specifically provides that Mawson West's concentrate may be freely exported on international markets.

In this regard, the terms of the Convention have been recognised by the DRC Government who in the past have advised in writing that a previous ban on the export of concentrate from the DRC did not apply to Mawson West. The Company does not see any reason why this situation will now change and does not expect to be affected by the new decree. Mawson West will keep the market informed if anything different emerges.

About Mawson West

Mawson West is an Australian copper and silver-focused resource company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with its head office in Perth, Western Australia.

The Company's approximate 7,300km² ground position in the DRC contains Mawson West's two key projects, the Dikulushi copper-silver mine and the Kapulo Project, and provides multiple near-mine and stand-alone exploration opportunities.

Existing cash and cash-flow from Dikulushi are expected to provide the Company with sufficient capital to complete development of the Kapulo Project and advance its exploration program. In addition, the Company has assembled a proven management team with a track record of delivering new resource projects, and years of experience of working in Africa and other jurisdictions.