Western Sierra (OTC WSRA) Reports Initial Production Results Targeting $400 Million in Reserves at Gold Basin Mine

PRESCOTT, AZ--(Marketwire - January 8, 2009) - Western Sierra Mining Corp. (PINKSHEETS: WSRA) today released preliminary ore refining data from production sites at the Gold Basin Mine currently being processed. Specifically, the initial production results from its "Site 76" at the Gold Basin Mine are producing .75 grams gold per yard of processed ore.

Michael Chaffee, CEO & President of Western Sierra Mining, stated, "We are pleased with the results from Site 76 and the gold recovery corresponds well with our previous testing programs. Production has been limited to date due to weather; we will continue to mine Site 76 for the next 2-3 weeks and move on to our Site 64 which has now been cleared and readied for ore production. Site 76 represented the third best probable resource during the initial testing program with Site 64 being our second target. Our best deposit remains Site 56 which has also been cleared with ore stockpiled and readied for delivery to the production pad."

These preliminary results are consistent with historical data and company expectations; the Gold Basin Mine has in excess of 500,000 oz. of total gold reserves valued at over $400,000,000 with anticipated margins of approximately 50%.

About Western Sierra Mining Corp.

Western Sierra Mining is an aggressive gold and silver exploration and mining company that has been in the exploration mode for the past four years. Incorporated in Utah in 1907, we have a heritage of over 100 years in gold and silver mining and exploration. The company has over 1100 shareholders with an active and independent seven member Board of Directors featuring a Chairman who is the former CFO for Nabisco Foods, European Division. Focused on the historic mining districts of the Bradshaw mountains of Arizona, with additional areas of interest within Nevada and Mexico, our current projects include the SunGold, Oro Cache, and the Big Chief mining group, all of which have demonstrated high-grade mineralization with previous histories of production. Long-term company goals are to create maximum shareholder value by continuing to build a strong base of properties and advance these projects toward production. For more information on Western Sierra Mining please go to http://www.westernsierramining.com; for comprehensive information on the gold and silver market or to buy and sell precious metals products we recommend that you visit http://www.kitco.com.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Western Sierra Mining Corp., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.