Minefinders Increases Production At Dolores Mine

VANCOUVER, BC - Minefinders Corporation Ltd. increased production in February 2009, compared to January 2009 and the commencement of positive operating cash flow at the Dolores open pit mine in Chihuahua, Mexico. The Company also reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Gold production at the Dolores Mine in February 2009 was 5,089 ounces, up 88% from 2,700 ounces in January 2009. Silver production totaled 111,010 ounces in February 2009, up 122% from 50,000 ounces in January 2009.

"In February, we entered positive cash flow for the first time as the market value of gold and silver produced at Dolores significantly exceeded the direct cash operating costs incurred during the same period. We achieved this milestone sooner than anticipated in part due to the strong gold and silver prices, the decreasing value of the Mexican peso and a rapid increase in production," said Mark Bailey, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The Dolores Mine remains well on target to reach commercial production in the second quarter of 2009."

Gold and silver production in March is expected to continue to increase as the volume of ore under leach and time under leach increases. Minefinders expects the rate of production of gold and silver to escalate to a steady state level later in the year.

The crushing and stacking rate has continued to increase. Average throughput in March 2009 is expected to be at or near 18,000 tonnes per day, the planned average rate through the life of the Dolores Mine.

The Company commenced first production of gold and silver at the Dolores Mine in late November 2008 and produced 3,093 ounces of gold and 57,378 ounces of silver in November and December of 2008. The Company sold 2,440 ounces of gold and 42,800 ounces of silver in the 2008 fourth quarter, all in December. The average realized price was approximately US$843 per ounce of gold and approximately US$10.69 per ounce of silver. Pre-commercial production operating costs, net of sales revenue, were capitalized to mine development costs.

The Company recorded a net loss in 2008 of $29.12 million compared with a net loss of $19.204 million ($0.39 per share) in 2007. The increase in the loss for 2008 as compared to 2007 is due primarily to the increase in activity as the Dolores Mine transitioned to pre-commercial production. Also contributing to the 2008 loss were a $1.25 million foreign exchange loss, higher interest expense associated with the revolving credit facility and lower interest income during the year.

During 2008, the Company spent $63.248 million (2007 - $90.247 million) on mineral property, plant and equipment, primarily in the construction and commissioning of the Dolores Mine and in pre-commercial production operating expenditures, net of associated sales revenue. The decrease is due to the wind-down and completion of construction activities at the Dolores Mine during 2008 and the continuing transition to commercial operations.

At December 31, 2008, the Company had $26.018 million in cash and cash equivalents and net working capital of $24.831 million, which is more than sufficient liquidity to attain commercial production at the Dolores Mine.

The company’s address is 2288-1177 W Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3, (604) 687-6263, fax: (604) 687-6267.