BacTech Mining Corporation: China Joint Venture Update.

TORONTO -- BacTech Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE:BM) ("BacTech") announced today that it has decided not to proceed with its' proposed investment in Michelago Limited, an Australian public company, which was previously announced on December 17, 2003. BacTech had indicated that an investment in Michelago was under consideration, but has concluded it would not be prudent to commit funds that could otherwise be used to advance BacTech's existing projects.

BacTech continues to pursue commercial and strategic linkages with Michelago that could allow BacTech the right to back into 30% of any refractory gold projects identified by Michelago in China.

CORPORATE PROFILE

BacTech has developed and patented bioleach technology for the treatment of refractory ores and concentrates to enhance the recovery of gold, silver and base metals. BacTech has successfully commissioned three bioleach plants for gold and, in 2000, successfully demonstrated its' technology in the selective recovery of base metals from complex sulphide concentrates in a joint project with Industrias Penoles de C.V. of Mexico.

BacTech acquired a 55% stake in Tonkin Springs LLC, the owner of the Tonkin Springs gold project in north central Nevada, in July 2003. BacTech has also acquired an option on 100% of the McKinnon Creek polymetallic deposit near Revelstoke, British Columbia. Finally, BacTech has entered into a series of agreements in China and the Philippines that could see the Company participating in certain projects.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Corporation, certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other ecological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future and other factors described in the section entitled "General Development of the Business of the Company - Risks of the Business" in the Corporation's annual information form dated May 17, 2004. Circumstances or management's estimates or opinions could change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Shares Outstanding37,447,412

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept any responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

BacTech Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE:BM)