Bear Creek announces appointments of three new officers

VANCOUVER, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Bear Creek Mining (TSX Venture: BCM / BVL: BCM) ("Bear Creek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, effective immediately, the appointments of three new officer positions; Vice President of Legal and General Counsel, Vice President of Corporate Development, and Vice President of Exploration.

Andrew Swarthout, CEO, states that "These three individuals have made significant contributions in achieving critical goals which have positioned Bear Creek as a unique silver company advancing two, low cost projects containing over 330M ounces of silver.  The naming of the three positions not only acknowledges their achievements, but recognizes the capability of these leaders as we continue to advance our projects.  I am proud to have such uniquely qualified professionals on our team."

Dr. Alvaro Diaz will assume the position of Vice President of Legal and General Counsel.  Dr. Diaz has done an outstanding job in managing the legal affairs of the Company resulting in successful outcomes.  Dr. Diaz is managing the Santa Ana process for which we remain hopeful that a negotiated settlement will be the outcome.  He has contributed important support in the Corani ESIA process.  Dr. Diaz has over 20 years experience in the mining sector, principally with Southern Peru Copper and Freeport, until he joined Bear Creek in 2010 as Manager of Legal Affairs.  Dr. Diaz is a highly respected mining lawyer in Peru and his accomplishments since joining Bear Creek have reinforced this view within our industry.

Mr. Andres Franco will assume the position of Vice President of Corporate Development.  Mr. Franco joined Bear Creek in 2011 as Manager of Corporate Affairs where he created and executed, in concert with Dr. Diaz, the social investment model at Corani which is becoming recognized as the model for how mining companies in Peru can successfully engage local communities and obtain transparent social license. Mr. Franco will be crucial in obtaining social license at Santa Ana, assuming that the Company recovers its rights to operate.  Mr. Franco has 20 years' experience in the extractive resources sector where he has a long standing track record of creating innovative solutions resolving local population concerns.

Mr. Christian Rios will assume the position of Vice President of Exploration.  Mr. Rios joined the Company in 2004 as an exploration geologist and since has assumed increasing management roles, ultimately serving as Exploration Manager.  Mr. Rios obtained his Masters Degree at the University of Arizona under the prestigious Lowell Minerals Program of Economic Geology.  Mr. Rios's accomplishments include managing geologic efforts at Corani and Santa Ana which significantly contributed to the value established in these new deposits.  Mr. Rios will continue to manage the Company's exploration efforts where he focuses on generating high quality exploration targets, such as Carito and Maria Jose, for the Company's exploration pipeline. It is generally accepted within the industry that Mr. Rios has assembled one of the best explorations teams in Peru.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Bear Creek Mining Corporation