Avanti's Kitsault Environmental Assessment Application Accepted After Screening Review

VANCOUVER, 02/22/12 - Avanti Mining Inc. (TSX VENTURE: AVT) (PINKSHEETS: AVNMF) ('Avanti' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce that its Environmental Assessment (EA) Application for the Kitsault Mine Project ('Project') in northern BC, has been accepted by the Province for formal review after the Screening Assessment. The Province has concluded that the draft EA Application meets the application requirements as stated in the Project Application Information Requirements (AIR). All members of the Project Technical Working Group participated in the Screening Assessment, including Provincial and Federal regulators as well as First Nations. Avanti will assess and finalize its EA Application over the next 30 days and when completed, the 180-day legislated review of the document will commence.

'Acceptance of the Kitsault Mine Project EA is a significant milestone within the Environmental Assessment process,' Mr. Craig J. Nelsen, President and CEO, stated. 'With its acceptance, the Kitsault Mine Project can officially move to the formal review stage of the Environmental Assessment process, which includes legislated timelines for review and decision making.'

The BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), in a letter dated February 17, 2012, concluded that the 'Application provides an appropriately meaningful treatment of the information set out in the AIR and has decided to accept the Application for formal detailed review.' The AIR is posted on the EAO's Project Information Center website at www.eao.gov.bc.ca.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment (CEA) Agency, responsible for managing the Federal CEA process, has indicated that more time is needed to complete their independent Screening Assessment.


Avanti Mining Inc. is focused on the development of the past producing Kitsault Mine Project located north of Prince Rupert in British Columbia. In late 2010, Avanti completed the Kitsault Feasibility Study on the Kitsault Mine Project, dated December 15, 2010, prepared by AMEC Americas Limited that showed Proven and Probable Reserves of 232.5 million tonnes averaging 0.081% molybdenum. Ken Collison, P.ENG., senior vice president, project development and a Qualified Persons as defined by NI43-101, is responisble for the technical information in this press release.


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.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain forward-looking information concerning the business of Avanti Mining Inc. (the 'Corporation'). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, in particular statements herein about the timing and advancement of the Corporation's Environmental Assessment application for the Kitsault Project, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the opinions of management at the date the statements are made and are based on assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's expectations include the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the preparation of the EA application, the fact that the Corporation's employees and consultants may divide their time between other projects and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Corporation's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is available at www.sedar.com. The Corporation is under no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's opinions should change, excepting as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.



For further information, please visit www.avantimining.com, or contact:

Avanti Mining Inc.
Craig J. Nelsen, Chief Executive Officer
303-565-5491, extension 4471

A.J. Ali, Chief Financial Officer
303-565-5491, extension 4472