Asia Pacific Resources Corporate and Project Update.

VANCOUVER, B.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 1997--Asia Pacific Resourc(TSE, VSE APQ., NASDAQ APQCF.) In response to recent stock market events, Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. (APQ:TSE) wishes to report upon and clarify certain critical project and corporate issues.

Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. holds a 62.5 percent interest in APPC, while Metro Resources Ltd. holds 27.5 percent and the Government of Thailand holds 10 percent. The Metro Group is one of Thailand's largest agrochemical companies, with significant fertilizer marketing experience in Thailand and other parts of southeast Asia.

TITLE

Asia Pacific Potash Corp. holds exclusive legal title to the Udon Thani Potash Concession, in northeast Thailand, under the terms of a formal Concession Agreement between APPC and the Government of Thailand (as represented by the Ministry of Industry).

This agreement guarantees APPC's exclusive rights to explore for, develop and exploit any potash deposits discovered within the concession area. No further contractual negotiation is required in respect of the agreement, which describes the process for APPC securing long term mining leases for its potash discoveries.

FEASIBILITY STUDY

Over 140 diamond drillholes and more than 400 kms of seismic surveys, together with detailed geotechnical and hydrogeological studies have been completed by APPC, over the past four years.

Exploration for a mineral such as potash is significantly different from that for precious metals, such as gold. Potash in a drillcore is very obvious to trained personnel, and downhole electric logs provide qualitative and quantitative data prior to assaying.

Assaying of potash samples has been performed in Vancouver, B.C., by Pioneer Laboratories. Check samples have been sent to two other laboratories including the Saskatchewan Research Council which provides assaying services to the Canadian potash industry.

Reserve estimates have been undertaken by four independent engineering consultants at various stages of project development. APPC's principal technical consultants are Golder Associates of Calgary, and H.A. Simons, of Vancouver.

Both firms have extensive experience in the assessment and development of potash deposits.

These firms, together with other specialized consultants, are currently engaged in completing a Bankable Feasibility Study for a two million tonne per annum potash mine based in the Somboon field (one of two discovered potash fields) in the southern part of the concession area.

Work is proceeding on schedule and the study should be completed in July, 1997. Project management services for the study are being provided by Micon International Inc. of Toronto.

Golders and Simons had earlier completed an Interim Feasibility Study, the results of which were previously published.

It is important to note that the accuracy of assays and the scale of the potash deposits have never been, to our knowledge, held in question. Indeed, none of the several potential industry investors which reviewed project data, visited the concession area and met with APPC's technical advisors, has expressed concerns regarding the programs completed by APPC.

1996/97 FIELD PROGRAMS

Ongoing field programs include in-fill and extension drilling to define the potash resource included within the Udon field (located some 7 kms to the north of Somboon). Upon completion of this program, the overall potash resource will be evaluated and a development plan for a second mine will be examined.

While the final evaluation of the Udon field must await the completion of a feasibility study, the company believes that this resource will support the development of additional production capacity of two million tonnes per year, or more.

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

The company has previously announced that a number of fertilizer industry companies had signed confidentiality agreements to review project data. Discussions have been held with certain of these, and such companies have been asked to give an indication of their interest in participating in the project. The company has not, at this time, entered formal negotiations with any of these companies.

Management will continue with such discussions as appropriate, and to explore all possible ways to maximize shareholder value, including participation by a strategic financial partner.

Arrangements with other industry companies would only be considered if they offered clear and significant advantages to APPC and its shareholders. Participation by an existing producer is not essential for the project's development.

Notwithstanding the current uncertainty which exists in the stock market, and which has undoubtedly contributed to the recent decline in APQ's stock price, it is encouraging to report that potential project lenders have confirmed their interest to evaluate the project on its own merits and inherent value.

The Company believes that the necessary debt and equity to develop the initial Udon Thani potash mine can be put in place.

Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. is debt-free and currently has a treasury of some $25 million. Project financing arrangements would require completion by the fourth quarter of 1997, to maintain the present development schedule. Sufficient funds are on hand to enable engineering design to proceed in preparation for development of construction contracts to be offered.

The Udon Thani deposits are located some 500 kms from Bangkok in close proximity to the key Chinese and southeast Asian markets. Basic infrastructure is good and requires little upgrading for the project envisaged.

The deposits consist of clean, high grade sylvinite ore and are found at shallow depths of about 300 metres (in comparison, the Saskatchewan deposits are typically up to 1100 metres in depth). Also, unlike certain Saskatchewan mines, the prospect of water inflow is very low. Dr. Gerald D. Wright, Chairman -0- NOTE: Location map available from the Company at the phone number listed below. -0- This News Release was prepared by the Board of Directors on behalf of Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. which is solely responsible for its contents.

CONTACT: Asia Pacific Resources Ltd.

Dr. Gerald D. Wright, 604/681-8003

604/662-3180 (FAX)

E-mail: [e-mail]

http://www.crewgroup.com