Campbell Resources' board approves plan to proceed with underground exploration of Joe Mann West Zone; Exploration drilling commences in Mexico.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 1995--Campbell Resources Inc.'s (CCH: TSE, NYSE, ME) Board of Directors approved a $1.35 million underground program to further explore the Joe Mann gold-copper mine's West Zone where mineralization was identified by surface exploration diamond drilling last year. The program will consist of 3,500 feet of lateral drifting on the 1,650 level, west of the existing shaft, from which 35,000 feet of diamond drilling will test the new zone of mineralization. Drifting is to commence in June, with drill testing and bulk sampling of the new zone expected to commence by January 1996.

The West Zone was discovered in 1994 during a 31,000 foot exploration drill program from surface. The best intersections included 0.797 oz. gold per ton over 6.0 feet and 0.258 oz. gold per ton over 21.2 feet. A preliminary assessment of the West Zone, located approximately 1,800 feet west of the existing shaft, indicates the potential for approximately 1 million tons grading between 0.18 and 0.25 oz. gold per ton. The proximity to the existing shaft would allow this new zone to be serviced by the existing infrastructure. An initial estimate indicates that this new zone could expand the Joe Mann Mine operation by at least 30%, reaching expanded production of 85,000 ounces of gold by 1999 under the currently proposed schedule. Unit operating cost per ounce would be reduced as a result of the increased production levels. The Joe Mann Mine, located in the Chibougamau area of Quebec, is expected to produce approximately 65,000 ounces of gold and 1.2 million pounds of copper in 1995.

Exploration drilling on the Santa Gertrudis gold property in northern Mexico commenced two weeks ago. A program of 82 holes consisting of 15,000 feet of reverse circulation drilling and 1,000 feet of diamond drilling will test 10 priority targets (see attached map). Initial assays received have confirmed gold mineralization on two targets drilled to date: Hole CON-W-120 testing Corral NW intersected 5.06 grams over 6.4 metres, and Hole S-5 testing the Sofia target assayed 1.3 grams over 15.4 metres.

This Phase I drill program's objective is to increase mineable reserves through the discovery of new gold deposits in the 10 square-mile area of current running operations. Continued geological and structural mapping, geochemical sampling, and trenching by a team of nine exploration geologists have delineated additional favourable targets on the large, 50 square-mile property. Cdn$2.0 million is budgeted for exploration on the Santa Gertrudis property in 1995. The Santa Gertrudis mine is expected to produce over 50,000 ounces of gold in 1995.

CONTACT: Elaine Ellingham, 416/366-5201