Mawson West Limited: Dikulushi Production Update

PERTH, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 11, 2013) - Mawson West Limited (TSX:MWE) ("Mawson West" or "the Company") is pleased to announce a production update from the Company's Dikulushi copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) operation located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

During the fourth quarter 2012, production at Dikulushi exceeded internal forecasts for both copper and silver concentrate with 2,766 tonnes Cu and 218,789 oz Ag produced as the Company continues to ramp up production. Mawson West has now successfully completed the transition of the Dikulushi cut back to full scale ore production, representing a significant milestone for both Mawson West and the Dikulushi operation.

Production during the month of December was 1,584 tonnes Cu and 127,429 oz Ag in concentrate. Process plant feed grades exceeded 5.4% Cu and 139 g/t Ag with process plant recoveries averaging 92% and 90% for Cu and Ag respectively. Furthermore, process plant availability exceeded 95% during December 2012.

To view the graph "December 2012 Quarterly Production," please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/mawson_west_jan11_fig01.jpg

To view the graph "2012 Quarterly Production," please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/mawson_west_jan11_fig02.jpg

Mawson West Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bruce McFadzean said: "The transition to full scale ore production from the Dikulushi cut back represents a significant milestone for Mawson West as we continue to focus on delivering on our targets. We have high-grade ore deposits, a new management team and a compelling opportunity to grow production and mine life at Mawson West. I applaud the efforts of our operating and support teams for reaching this milestone."

About Mawson West

Mawson West is a copper and silver-focused resources company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and based in Perth, Australia.

The Company's two key projects are the Dikulushi copper-silver mine and the Kapulo copper mine located in the south eastern Katanga province of the DRC. Mawson West also continues to focus on exploring multiple prospective targets located within its significant land holding of approximately 7,300km² in the DRC's rich copper belt.