Improves Segala Mine Plan

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Avion holds 80% of the Tabakoto and Segala gold projects in Mali. Gold production commenced at these projects in 2009 with approximately 51,290 ounces produced. 2010 production was 87,630 ounces of gold.

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Improves Segala Mine Plan

posted on Feb 26, 2009 02:32AM

February 26, 2009

Avion Resources Improves Segala Mine Plan

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 26, 2009) - Avion Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:AVR) ("Avion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that an updated Segala Mine plan demonstrates reduced costs and increased savings and results in a projected more profitable four year mine plan for the Company's Tabakoto project in Mali, West Africa. Measured and Indicated mineral resources remain the same as per the recent 43-101 report, however, the plan has been further studied and optimized to reduce operating costs and increase revenue and net cash flow as compared to the conservative plan presented in the January, 2009 scoping study.

In addition, Avion is pleased to announce that it is on track to meet its targeted 2009 production of 66,000 ounces of gold at its Tabakoto/Segala mine and mill complex. Highlights of the updated mine plan include:

- Redesign of the Segala open pits to reduce waste stripping ratios, and increase the resource tonnage mined. Different ramp designs and wall configurations have been engineered. The open pit production schedule has been refined with detailed pushback designs.

- Reduction in the amount of lower grade stockpile resource scheduled to the process plant.

- Lower open pit mining contracted operating costs and equipment mobilization costs.

- Reduction in explosives costs.

- USD1.0 million savings in start-up capital expenditures.

Underground mining as contemplated in the recent 43-101 report remains essentially the same with the exception of a slight reduction in mineral resources due to increased tonnage mined by open pit. Two consulting firms have been hired to further study underground mining and geotechnical aspects at Segala. A new resource model, which will focus on developing the underground mining potential, is being developed for the Tabakoto deposit. Exploration drilling at Tabakoto has intersected numerous gold mineralized zones that display sufficient grades and widths to potentially support an underground mining operation. Avion is optimistic that this opportunity will provide future growth for the company.

A table that compares key aspects of the updated plan completed in February, 2009, versus the plan in the NI43-101 report dated January, 2009, is presented below. Both plans are based on a gold price of USD750/oz.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      2009    2010    2011     2012    TOTAL
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Recovered Oz        oz   Jan. Plan  66,000  72,000  96,000   86,000  320,000
Au                       Feb. Plan  66,000  79,000  87,000  101,000  333,000
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Operating Cost  USD/oz   Jan. Plan     493     553     418      431      467
per Oz Au                Feb. Plan     505     462     449      395      447
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Estimated Net      USD   Jan. Plan    10.3     8.7    22.7     18.7     60.4
Cash Flow     millions   Feb. Plan    10.7    17.1    17.6     26.0     71.4
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John Begeman, President and CEO of Avion, commented, "Avion continues to provide excellent results. Improved mine plan economics and the recent start-up of the process plant demonstrate the Company's ability to reach its goal of becoming a successful gold producer".

As previously announced on February 9, 2009, Avion has also recently signed a letter of agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Dynamite Resources (TSX VENTURE:DNR) in exchange for common shares of Avion. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will have approximately CAD $13 million in cash and cash equivalents, as well as full ownership of the Segala and Tabakoto projects, subject to the Government of Mali's 20% interest. The transaction will also allow Avion to take advantage of the substantial exploration opportunities on its property and possible expansion of production capability.

Andrew Bradfield, P.Eng., the Chief Operating Officer of the Company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this press release. Avion has not completed a feasibility study on the Mali gold projects and there is no certainty the proposed operations will be economically viable. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

About Avion Resources Corp.

Avion is a Canadian-based gold company focused in West Africa. The Company holds 80% of the Tabakoto and Segala gold projects in Mali (assuming completion of the Dynamite acquisition). Gold production at these projects has commenced, with approximately 66,000 ounces of production as projected in the scoping study for 2009 rising to almost 100,000 ounces by 2012. Avion has a highly skilled management team, with a focus on growth and consolidation within West Africa.

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