Gravity and Resistivity/IP Surveys on the Butler Property-Drill Program Underway

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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 15, 2012) - MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:BMK) ("MacDonald" or the "Company") continues to receive results of a ground gravity survey over targets on its Butler Property in the Ring of Fire. In addition, the IP/Resistivity Survey has now been completed over the primary VMS Target at Butler 3. Butler 3 exhibits a suite of characteristics typical of a VMS system as identified in previous press releases.


Deep Penetration and High Resolution IP/Resistivity Survey Results over Butler 3


Results of the Insight Geophysics survey over Butler 3 have confirmed chargeability anomalies and resistivity structures fitting with the Company's model - that of an overturned VMS system with the core to the east of the intersected stock work/stringer mineralization. Chargeability measures the ability of the sub-surface to temporarily maintain an electrical charge - sulphides are typically chargeable.


The preliminary post processing studies indicate chargeable targets that are 10 times the regional background in magnitude at vertical depths exceeding 400 meters. The apparent resistivity studies support the interpretation of an overturned VMS model. Butler 3 shows the traditional complexity of lithology, structure and alteration of a VMS system.


The Insight Survey (DCIP) supports the following observations at Butler 3:

The volume of alteration is exceptional, indicating that a very large volume of hydrothermal fluid discharged in this region. The DCIP surveys clearly indicate this to depths in excess of 400m.

Butler 3 is contained in a felsic-dominated sequence. The apparent resistivity values collected are typical of these types of rocks.

The alteration zone is Cu-enriched, and the Cu content increases stratigraphically upwards towards the mineralized horizon. Cu tenor is high (greater than 3%). The DCIP chargeability modeling indicates anomalies, which are typical of those with increased sulphides.



Ground Gravity Survey - Butler 5


After the completion of the gravity survey over Butler 3 (February 26, 2012 Press Release) the survey crew began data collection over Butler 5. The OGS/GSC airborne gravity gradiometer survey identified a density anomaly on Butler 5 that has the greatest measured amplitude of the entire airborne survey of the region. The gravity signature of this anomaly has a larger "footprint" than that over the known chromite deposits in the Ring of Fire.


The ground gravity survey conducted by Abitibi Geophysics has confirmed the airborne data signature. The ground gravity data has mapped an anomaly with an amplitude of 7 mGal with an approximate strike greater than 1.5 kms and over 700m wide. The anomaly is bound on each side by magnetic highs and our previous drilling has confirmed the anomaly exists in an ultra mafic sequence. Although the Butler 5 gravity anomaly has a larger "footprint", the associated gravity signature and flanking magnetic association are hallmark characteristics found in the world-class chromite deposits discovered in the Ring of Fire.


Drill Crew Mobilized


The Company has now mobilized its field crew to the Butler Lake camp. A 4,000-metre drill program will commence in early April.


Qualified Person


Quentin Yarie, P.Geo., is the qualified person in regard to the technical data contained within this news release and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Company's exploration programs.


About MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd.


MacDonald Mines is a mineral exploration company with an established exploration history in the Canadian Northlands. MacDonald Mines has set upon a strategic direction of exploration with particular focus on nickel, chrome, copper, zinc, vanadium and titanium in the "Ring of Fire" area of the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario.


With over 9 years of exploration in the James Bay Lowlands, the Company has systematically acquired quality land positions based on a very precise selection format that utilizes region-wide interpretations completed by geological consultant Hadyn Butler, P. Geo. MacDonald is now the second largest landholder in the Ring of Fire and has a proven track record of environmentally and socially conscious exploration practices.


MacDonald Mines exploration focus has been on 3 properties - the Butler, the Semple-Hulbert and the Sanderson. Recent exploration has been focused on the Butler property, where the Company has identified seven significant zones of multi-element mineralization, including copper-zinc VMS systems, vandiferous titano-magnetite and magmatic nickel sulphides.


The Company has established rapport with First Nation Communities in this region, which has culminated in the signing of exploration agreements with the Kasabonika Lake and Webequie First Nations.





Cautionary Statement:




No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. The foregoing information may contain forward-looking statements relating to the future performance of MacDonald Mines Exploration Inc. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from MacDonald Mines plans and expectations. These plans, expectations, risks and uncertainties are detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by MacDonald Mines with the TSX Venture Exchange and securities regulators. MacDonald Mines does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We seek safe harbour.




FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Brent Nykoliation
MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd.
Vice President of Business Development
(416) 364-7024
(416) 364-2753 (FAX)
bnykoliation@macdonaldmines.com
ORKirk McKinnon
MacDonald Mines Exploration Ltd.
President & CEO
(416) 364-7024
(416) 364-2753 (FAX)
kmckinnon@macdonaldmines.com
http://www.macdonaldmines.com/">www.macdonaldmines.com