BacTech Set to Begin Exploration Program at McKinnon Creek.

TORONTO -- BacTech Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE:BM)("BacTech") today announced that it has been granted an extension to December 15, 2004 for the option to purchase the McKinnon Creek deposit near Revelstoke, B.C. A fee of $10,000 was paid by BacTech to the Estate of T. E. Arnold to secure the extension. The extension will allow time for BacTech and the Estate to negotiate a definitive option agreement while BacTech completes its' 2004 work program at the site, which includes an underground drilling program.

BacTech has an option to acquire 100% of the McKinnon Creek polymetallic deposit situated approximately 45 km north of Revelstoke. A Technical Review prepared in 1996 by H. A. Simons Ltd. includes a potential resource of 3.6 million tonnes grading 7.24 g/t gold, 81 g/t silver, 3.0% lead and 3.93% zinc. Over the past 15 years, approximately $12 million has been spent by various companies on exploration, scoping studies and adit development. BacTech advises that this is historical information that has yet to be verified in detail and there is no certainty that economic resources will exist on the McKinnon Creek property. The historical resources use resource categories that do not conform to Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") or National Instrument 43-101 standards. To the best of BacTech's knowledge, the resource estimate cited in this press release is the most recent estimate available.

BacTech's 2004 work program includes environmental data collection, mine metallurgical testing, permitting and underground exploration, and bulk sampling. The purpose of the underground exploration, which was recently initiated, is to provide additional information, and to review the historical resource estimate according to CIM and National Instrument 43-101 standards, as well as provide fresh drill core for metallurgical evaluation. A 5 tonne bulk sample was mined in August and shipped to Process Research Associates in Vancouver for metallurgical evaluation. The metallurgical work in progress includes evaluation of separate lead and zinc flotation concentrates for smelting, and a gold/silver flotation concentrate for bioleaching. Results of the underground drilling program and metallurgical evaluations will be released as they come available.

Tim Maunula, P.Geo., Chief Geologist of Wardrop Engineering Inc. is the independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The work program is being conducted under Mr. Maunula's supervision. Mr. Maunula has read and approved this news release.

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 will 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.

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BacTech Mining Corporation (TSX VENTURE:BM)