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Global mining challenge to bring clean drinking water to developing countries Orezone launches MINING FOR WATER Challenge - Goal to raise $1 million and drill 150 functional water wells by March 1, 2005 Toronto, ON (PDAC, Booth 2327) - March 8, 2004 - Ron Little, president of Orezone Resources Inc. (TSX:ORZ) today announced the launch of the Mining for Water Challenge, developed to leverage the resources of the global exploration and mining industry to substantially improve the quality of life for people in developing countries by providing clean, fresh drinking water. This Challenge is inspired by the efforts of 12-year-old Ryan Hreljac and his Ryan's Well Foundation, and is being led by Orezone Resources. Ryan's Well Foundation (www.ryanswell.ca) is a not-for-profit organization led by 12-year-old Ryan Hreljac, from Kemptville, Ontario, Canada. At age six Ryan first participated in a project to raise money to drill a well to provide fresh water to a village in Africa. Since then, Ryan's Well has raised more than $800,000, drilled 75 clean water wells in seven countries and benefited more than 100,000 people. Ryan continues to travel extensively around the world to educate others about water-related issues. "Ryan's efforts to date, as a child, are so moving that my first thought was that we can do more," said Ron Little, president of Orezone Resources and chair of the Mining for Water Challenge. "Mining companies already make a good effort to supply drinking water in the areas they work, but I know we can do better. If Ryan can do this, the entire mining community should be able to at least match his efforts. The Mining for Water Challenge is really a wake-up call that more can be done." The Mining for Water Challenge (www.miningforwater.com) is for the global mining community to raise $1 million and drill 150 water wells in the developing world, by March 1, 2005, and to ensure that all wells drilled are properly situated and equipped to maximize the benefits to the local community. The Challenge is open to all global exploration and mining companies, drilling contractors, brokers, agents, lawyers and other service providers. Participants are being asked to drill wells in developing countries or alternatively contribute directly to Ryan's Well Foundation. They are encouraged to donate a percentage of their exploration drilling budgets, or profits from ore produced, or a portion of their fees earned from the mining business. "One out of every five people on earth does not have access to safe drinking water. 30,000 people die every day from drinking contaminated water," said Ryan Hreljac, founder of the Ryan's Well Foundation. "UNICEF says that 80% of sickness and death among children is caused by water-related diseases - that's almost 4 million deaths every year. Exploration and mining companies can help because they are already working in developing countries and they have powerful drills and experienced crews. Kids can help change the world but they can't do it by themselves. If all the kids and adults worked together then maybe someday there will be peace and clean water for everyone. Orezone and the rest of the mining industry can help and they have taken a big step today." Mining companies improve the quality of life in developing countries by creating employment and business opportunities, and by generating tax revenues for local governments. And, they often drill water wells for their own supply as well as that of the local communities. However, these wells may be left without adequate pumping equipment or may not be known to the agencies that can maintain them. Furthermore, mining companies may not be aware that there is a critical need for clean water in areas very near to their drilling sites, or in areas passed by while moving drills from one site to another. The goal of the Mining for Water Challenge is to increase the numbers of effective water wells drilled and to ensure that each water site is properly located and equipped with a hand pump. This complements the goals of Ryan's Well foundation, which also include educating local communities about proper sanitation and well maintenance. Feedback from the mining community has been very positive. Barrick, Gold Fields, Newmont, Placer Dome, BMO Nesbitt Burns Mining Division, Canaccord Capital, Westwind Partners, and Stikeman Elliot are just a few of those who have expressed an interest to participate. Orezone is hoping to secure a co-chair and premiere sponsor of the Mining for Water Challenge, to help reach its goal. Next year, at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association Conference (PDAC), the Mining for Water Challenge will announce awards in a number of categories, including Most Wells Drilled and Largest Donation. The Challenge is open from March 2004 to February 2005. Donations may be made to: Ryan's Well Foundation, P.O. Box 1120, Kemptville, Ontario, Canada, K0G 1J0. About Orezone Resources Inc. Orezone Resources Inc. (www.orezone.com) is an emerging Canadian gold producer whose activities are focused in the West African country of Burkina Faso. Orezone's mission is to create wealth by discovering and developing the earth's resources in an efficient and responsible manner. For more information,
contact: Adrienne Vienneau Mining for Water, Media Relations Tel:
(613) 747-4257 Cell: (613) 286-8666 Email: anj@magma.ca
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