News Releases

More than 1,200 attendees from six continents have registered to attend the BMO Capital Markets Global Metals & Mining Conference, one of the most comprehensive mining institutional investor events in the world.

The 17^th annual event is taking place in Hollywood, Florida from February 25 to February 27, 2008. It will provide international investors the opportunity to meet senior management of 230 leading mining companies from around the world, including Australia, Canada, China, Russia, South Africa, United States and the United Kingdom, among others.

“BMO Capital Markets welcomes all of its North American and international guests. The global metals and mining sector is continuing its spectacular growth and Canada has maintained a central role in supporting this rapidly evolving industry,” said Eric Tripp, Co-President of BMO Capital Markets.

“BMO Capital Markets remains committed to investing in global mining, and as a firm, is embracing the incredible opportunities presented by the geographical potential we see here at home and beyond North America,” Mr. Tripp added.

As a recognized leader to the Metals & Mining sector, BMO Capital Markets anticipates the increasingly global nature of the industry and the continued rapid growth of the mid-cap sector to be among the key themes that will dominate the conference. Industry statistics reveal the current market capitalization of the mining industry worldwide has exploded to US$2 trillion from US$185 billion in just five years.

The entire three-day event will be hosted by the well-regarded BMO Capital Markets Metals & Mining Equity Research team:

David Haughton, Co-Head, Metals & Mining Research

Tony Robson, Co-Head, Metals & Mining Research

Andrea Cheung, Gold & Precious Minerals

John Hayes, Gold and Precious Minerals, Mining Exploration

Craig Miller, Gold and Precious Minerals, Base Metals

Bart Melek, Global Commodity Strategist

James Picton, Diamonds

Chris Rollason, Diamonds, Mining Exploration

Jay Turner, Uranium, Coal

Nawojka Wachowiak, Base Metals

Media interested in scheduling interviews are asked to call (416) 867-3996. Presentations will be broadcast live and archived at:

http://www.bmocm.com/conferences/2008metalsandmining/default.aspx

An up to the minute agenda* with presentation times for the conference is also available on the web site. Scheduled presenters include:

* Agenda subject to change.

About the BMO Capital Markets Metals & Mining Group

BMO Capital Markets has been focused on the Metals & Minerals industry for almost 100 years. As a member of BMO Financial Group, (TSX, NYSE: BMO), the firm is able to leverage the financial strength and capabilities of one of North America's leading financial services organizations. With 10 dedicated Metals & Mining equity research analysts targeting coverage of 120 public companies, BMO Capital Markets provides clients with access to the best analysis and  ideas in specific sectors such as coal, base metals, zinc, nickel and other precious metals. BMO Capital Markets has offices in London, Australia, China, Europe, and across North America including Toronto, New York and Chicago. For more information, visit: www.bmocm.com.