VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 13, 2010) - Empire Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE:EPC) ("Empire") is pleased to announce that drilling has commenced at its 100% owned Bulqiza chromite project in Albania.

Drilling will be carried out with two separate drill rigs and will consist of at least 13 surface core holes, ranging in depth from 50 to +200 metres and totaling approximately 1,400 metres.

Drilling will focus on the northern and southern shallow portions of the eastern limb of the Bulqiza-Batra Orebody*. The Bulqiza-Batra Orebody hosts the historically productive Bulqiza and Batra Mines which were responsible for the bulk of Albania's chromite output when it was the third largest producer in the world before the collapse of the communist regime in 1989. The Bulqiza-Batra Orebody is characterized by high grades (+38% Cr₂O₃) and metallurgical quality (Cr:Fe ratios of up to 3:1). Empire's Bulqiza Licence surrounds and extends from the producing Bulqiza and Batra Mines and includes the eastern and western extensions of the Bulqiza-Batra Orebody which was identified by Empire in the data analysis carried out through 2009.

The eastern extension (the "Eastern Limb"), outlined at 3 km of strike and averaging more than 500 m across, has not been thoroughly tested by drilling.

At the southern end of the Eastern Limb at Batra, drilling is planned to confirm extensions northward from outcropping and shallow chromite in area only about 50 m from an open pit where an outcrop of the Eastern Limb is currently being mined by a third party. In addition, a newly-identified shallow extension to the south of this mining area will be evaluated by short drillholes. At the northern end of the Eastern Limb, drilling is planned to confirm grade and thickness of previous state drillhole intersections and obtain continuity.

The current planned drilling program is intended as a precursor to a more intensive drilling and development campaign aimed at obtaining a NI 43-101 resource and establishing sites for future mining.

* The term "Orebody" in this press release is used in the historical sense and is not meant to imply current economic viability.

Empire's Qualified Person, David C. Cliff, BSc (Hons), MIMMM, C Eng, FGS, also Empire's President & CEO, has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Robert F. Giustra, Director

This release contains forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"), respecting Empire Mining's exploration plans, drill targets and depths, number of drill rigs to be used; and the ability to ultimately obtain a NI 43-101 resource and establishment of sites for future mining. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation the ability to acquire necessary permits and other authorizations; environmental compliance; weather risks; cost increases; availability of qualified workers; availability of equipment; competition for mining properties; risks associated with exploration projects, mineral reserve and resource estimates (including the risk of assumption and methodology errors); dependence on third parties for services; non-performance by contractual counterparties; title risks; and general business and economic conditions. There is no assurance that the Bulqiza property will lead to a NI 43-101 resource, nor that future drilling will be desirable or conducted on the property. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation assumptions about: general business and economic conditions; favourable weather conditions; the timing and receipt of required approvals; availability of financing; power prices; ability to procure equipment and supplies; and ongoing relations with employees, partners and joint venturers. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and we undertake no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.