VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Feb. 29, 2008) – True North Gems (TSX VENTURE:TGX) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Boyd as Chairman of the Board of True North Gems. As part of a re-organization of the Company’s executive, Andrew Lee Smith will be assuming the role of President and CEO.
Mr. Boyd is a mining executive with more than 30 years experience in exploration, executive-level management, corporate finance and corporate governance. Mr. Boyd is currently a Director of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) and the Association for Mineral Exploration BC. He was formerly the President CEO and Director of Ashton Mining of Canada Inc., a leading diamond exploration company, also a founding principal and major shareholder of a financial and strategic advisory firm, and former Vice President Exploration for Homestake Canada Limited.
Mr. Boyd is a geologist and gemologist. He is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC, the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Society of Economic Geology and a fellow of the Geological Association of Canada, and Gemological Associations of Great Britain and Canada.
Andrew Lee Smith has over 20 years of experience in successfully exploring, developing and operating North American base and precious metal mining and gem projects. Mr. Smith joined Aurizon Mines Ltd. in 1985 and resigned in 1998 from the position of vice-president of exploration.
Mr. Smith is the co-founder of True North Gems, and has served as Chairman and CEO since 2003. Mr. Smith holds a BSc and is a professional geologist as well as a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.
Greg Fekete is relinquishing the role of President of True North Gems and taking up a new role as a both Director and Corporate Secretary. Mr Fekete has been responsible for the development of the Company as President since 2004 and, in this capacity has made significant contribution to the success True North has achieved to date.
Information about True North Gems can be viewed at the Company’s website www.truenorthgems.com or at www.sedar.com.
True North Gems Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is a pioneer in coloured gemstone exploration and, currently in Greenland, holds a 100% interest in the Qaqqatsiaq ruby property and has the rights to earn 100% interest in the Fiskenaesset ruby and pink sapphire property, and in Canada, holds a 100% interest in the Tsa da Glisza emerald property, Yukon, and the Beluga sapphire property located on Baffin Island, Nunavut.
The Company relies on litigation protection for “forward-looking” statements. Certain technical information contained within this press release is 43-101 non-compliant by virtue of the fact that National Instrument 43-101 which governs public disclosure of technical information for mineral exploration properties in Canada is silent with respect to the exploration and technical disclosure of gemstone properties. The company employs high standards for the collection of geological information and exploration data; employs industry recognized professionals as qualified persons to provide oversight and management of the exploration programs and is committed to the implementation of QA/QC protocols to monitor the integrity of the technical information.
True North Gems Inc.
Andrew Lee Smith
President and CEO
(604) 687-8055 or 1-800-399-8055
or
True North Gems Inc.
Ken Shortt
Investor Relations
(604) 687-8055 or 1-800-399-8055
Email: ken@truenorthgems.com
Website: www.truenorthgems.com