05/21/2014

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As the Gold Sponsor for this year's Minerals North Conference, New Gold will give participants a chance to operate the backhoes, bulldozers, rock trucks and other heavy equipment used in mining.

"The Minerals North Conference is such an important opportunity to bring industry, governments and communities together," said New Gold President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Robert Gallagher. "Mining is essential to the future of the north and the discussions that take place at the conference help build strong, productive relationships."

With an expected Blackwater Project workforce of 500 operations employees and 1,200 to 1,500 construction workers, New Gold is committed to hiring and contracting locally whenever possible.

"We're focused on making sure local communities have access to local training and education opportunities," said Mr. Gallagher. "Bringing the Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator to Minerals North gives everyone a chance to try out the equipment and learn a little more about mining as a career choice."

The simulator provides new learners with a hands-on experience and helps existing operators hone their skills. It can take many years for heavy equipment operators to develop a high level of proficiency and simulators significantly reduce learning time and help address BC's shortage of skilled labour.

New Gold's simulator attracts school children and youth and is a powerful outreach tool that has been used at camps and public events throughout British Columbia.

"We know it's important to introduce elementary and high school students to mining as a potential career," said Mr. Gallagher. "The simulator provides youth with a hands-on mining experience and exposes them to career opportunities close to home."

Up to 60 grade six students will have a chance to experience New Gold's Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator and test drive bulldozers, rock graders, rock trucks, loaders, backhoes and excavators, as part of the conference's mining education program.

As the Gold Sponsor, New Gold is playing a significant role in this year's conference, with New Gold Director of Environment and Sustainability, Tim Bekhuys, and Community Manager Claudette Gouger making presentations, Geologists Robin and Kim Foubister facilitating the Core Shack, the Heavy Duty Equipment Operator Simulator available for use and a significant contingent of Blackwater team members attending as delegates.

The Minerals North Conference
The Minerals North Conference is one of the largest northern mining conferences in Western Canada. The conference will bring community and industry leaders together to share information, discuss policies and explore community goals.

This year, the conference runs from May 21st to May 23rd in Vanderhoof BC, the centre of major mining development and exploration projects, including New Gold's Blackwater Project.

The Blackwater Project
The Blackwater Project is located along the northern flanks of Mt. Davidson approximately 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George and 110 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof.

New Gold is committed to making a positive contribution to the community and the region. Since 2012, New Gold has spent over $155 million on local goods and services and contributed $175,000 to local community charities.

New Gold
New Gold is a BC-based intermediate gold mining company. The company has a portfolio of four producing assets and three significant development projects. The New Afton Mine in Kamloops, British Columbia, the Cerro San Pedro Mine in Mexico, the Mesquite Mine in the United States and the Peak Mines in Australia provide the company with its production base and solid foundation. In addition, New Gold owns 100% of the Blackwater project in British Columbia and 100% of the Rainy River project in Ontario, as well as 30% of the El Morro project located in Chile.

For more information, please contact:
Blackwater Project Community Office
139 1st Street East, Vanderhoof, BC
250-567-3276 | office.blackwater@newgold.com | www.newgold.com/blackwater

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