Great Western Minerals launches mine shaft refurbishment at Steenkampskraal

SASKATOON (Scrap Monster): Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:GWG), has selected East Rand Engineering Services (ERESSA) to carry out the shaft refurbishment project at the Company's Steenkampskraal Rare Earth project in South Africa.

The project is scheduled to begin within two weeks and be completed by mid-November, 2011.

Included is the refurbishment of the mine access decline, construction of winding gear, installation of dewatering pumps at the 3½-level and the refurbishment of the ore bin. Additionally, all infrastructure services will be installed throughout the underground mine area.

ERESSA, a highly experienced South African contractor, specializing in the engineering, design and construction of mining projects, has been successful in winning the contract following an exhaustive tendering process.

Jim Engdahl, President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Western Minerals Group, said, "Awarding this contract marks a significant watershed for the company as it commences its program to deliver Rare Earth production at Steenkampskraal by the end of 2012. Vincent Mora, the Steenkampskraal Project Director has been tireless in assembling a first rate development, mining and processing team in South Africa, moving rapidly forward."

Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. is an integrated Rare Earths processor. Its specialty alloys are used in the battery, magnet and aerospace industries. Produced at the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries Less Common Metals Limited in Birkenhead, U.K. and Great Western Technologies Inc. in Troy, Michigan, these alloys contain aluminium, nickel, cobalt and Rare Earth Elements.

As part of the Company's vertical integration strategy, GWMG has signed an Off-take Agreement for 100% of the Rare Earth Elements to be produced at the former producing Steenkampskraal Mine in South Africa and holds 93.1% equity ownership in Rare Earth Extraction Co. Limited, the owner of the Steenkampskraal Mine. In addition to a planned exploration program at Steenkampskraal, GWMG also holds interests in five Rare Earth exploration and development properties in North America.