CAU Canyon Resources Corp

GOLDEN, Colo., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Canyon Resources Corporation (AMEX:CAU), a Colorado-based mining company, is pleased to provide an update on its Phase II reverse circulation development drilling program at its Briggs Mine in Inyo County, California. This program was planned as a follow-up drill test on a zone (Goldtooth Underground Zone) of high-grade, structurally controlled gold mineralized material discovered in last spring's Phase I program adjacent to the hanging wall of the Goldtooth fault. Phase II drilling to date has focused on a probable high-grade shoot within the northern extension of the zone. It remains open to the north along the strike of the fault, and partially open at depth. Following is a table showing significant gold intercepts received to date from Canyon's current drilling program. Higher-grade (> 0.10 opt Au) gold intercepts from within the Goldtooth Underground Zone are italicized Infill Hole No. From To Length Length Au Assay Au assay ---- (feet) (meters) (oz/t) (g/t) Step-out R-68 385 425 40 12.2 0.081 2.80 step-out including 405 420 15 4.6 0.141 4.84 405 410 5 1.5 0.187 6.41 R-69 385 415 30 9.1 0.032 1.10 infill including 400 405 5 1.5 0.088 3.02 R-70 285 335 50 15.2 0.085 2.93 step-out including 295 315 20 6.1 0.170 5.83 including 295 305 10 3.0 0.223 7.64 R-71 460 465 5 1.5 0.102 3.49 step-out R-72 340 425 85 25.9 0.064 2.20 step-out including 385 410 25 7.6 0.145 4.95 including 385 390 5 1.5 0.323 11.05 R-73 385 440 55 16.8 nil step-out R-74 240 270 30 9.1 0.057 1.96 infill including 250 260 10 3.0 0.135 4.62 R-75 275 320 45 13.7 0.032 1.11 infill including 310 315 5 1.5 0.110 3.81 R-76 590 615 25 7.6 nil step-out R-77 575 595 20 6.1 0.027 0.935 step-out R-78 395 425 30 9.1 0.054 1.85 infill including 410 415 5 1.5 0.212 7.25 R-79 100 175 75 22.9 pending step-out 175 180 5 1.5 0.640 22.00 440 485 45 13.7 nil R-80 345 370 25 7.6 0.049 1.66 infill 390 470 80 24.4 0.097 3.34 including 400 405 5 1.5 0.286 9.80 including 445 460 15 4.6 0.310 10.62 R-81 175 195 20 6.1 0.031 1.07 step-out 315 375 60 18.3 0.029 1.00 475 480 5 1.5 0.200 6.86 R-82 345 390 45 13.7 0.036 1.24 infill 425 460 35 10.7 0.064 2.20 infill including 455 460 5 1.5 0.164 5.61 "This infill drilling program has been successful in demonstrating the continuity of the underground potential at Briggs, which is an important step toward reserve declaration. We continue to be positively impressed by our drilling results and the robust nature of the Briggs deposits," stated James Hesketh, President and CEO. "Every drilling program that we have conducted on these deposits to date has been successful in adding gold mineralization. We are enthusiastic about the potential results from our ongoing drilling programs. This current drilling program, while being designed to add confidence to potential underground mining targets, has been successful in adding near surface mineralization that will be evaluated for additional open pit potential." This drill program was launched with a two-fold purpose; infill the original 100- to 150-foot spaced drill grid to provide hole density needed to generate a reserve estimate and to test the down-dip extent, plunge direction and geometry of the high-grade mineralization. The potential zone currently being drilled is approximately 800 feet long and varies from 3 ft to 21 ft in true thickness. It forms a shoot or lens of material that dips 60 to 70 degrees to the west and has an apparent steep plunge to the north. These high-grade gold intercepts are situated within significantly broader intervals of lower-grade and shallower gold mineralization that will be evaluated for potential open pit mine design. Gold mineralization at Briggs is associated with intense silica-carbonate-pyrite flooding and stockwork veining. Silica-carbonate alteration without pyrite is widespread and forms broad, elongated zones parallel to, but well outboard of major shears and faults. Disseminated pyrite is more localized and confined to discrete zones within or directly adjacent to controlling structures. In the Goldtooth underground zone, pyrite content usually rises above 2-3 percent in the high-grade gold intervals and makes them visually very distinctive. The assay footwall of the high-grade gold mineralization, nearest the Goldtooth fault, is typically sharp, while the hangingwall assay values are usually gradational over several tens of feet. These visually notable features are assisting in our understanding of these deposits. This Phase II drilling program will continue into 2007 with a minimum of six additional holes expected to be completed in the 800-foot long northern area. Thereafter, we intend to move the drill rig to the south and continue testing another 800 to 1000 foot-long segment of the Goldtooth fault where previous open pit mining and prior drilling suggests the possible presence of another high-grade shoot of material similar in size and nature to that currently being tested to the north. Approximately 15 to 18 holes are planned for this area. Assay analyses were performed by ALS Chemex of Sparks, Nevada, using a 30 gram fire assay with AA finish. The drilling and assay program has been performed under the direction of Mr. Bill Fleshman, PGeo, AUSIMM, as a qualified person. About Canyon Resources Canyon Resources, based in Golden, Colorado, was formed in 1979. The Company has a history of precious metals exploration success and can claim a number of significant discoveries. Canyon currently owns the Briggs Mine in California and is currently evaluating the re-start of that operation. Canyon is also evaluating the potential development of the Reward Gold Project in Nevada. For additional information on Canyon Resources and its projects please visit our website at http://www.canyonresources.com/. This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, feasibility studies for the Briggs and Reward projects, mineralized material estimates, drilling capability and the potential reopening or expansion of the Briggs Mine. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others: the volatility of gold prices; potential operating risks of mining, development and expansion; the uncertainty of estimates of mineralized material and gold deposits; and environmental and governmental regulations; availability of financing; the outcome of litigation, as well as judicial proceedings and force majeure events and other risk factors as described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Most of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Hesketh, President and CEO (303) 278-8464 Valerie Kimball, Investor Relations (303) 278-8464 DATASOURCE: Canyon Resources Corporation CONTACT: James Hesketh, President and CEO, or Valerie Kimball, Investor Relations, both of Canyon Resources Corporation, +1-303-278-8464 Web site: http://www.canyonresources.com/

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