Ecometals Receives Environmental License for Advanced Exploration of Rio Zarza Project, Samora, Ecuador

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICE OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire - April 3, 2012) - Ecometals Limited (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: EC) (BERLIN: GDQ) (FRANKFURT: GDQ) - The Company is pleased to announce that it has received the Environmental License from the Ministry of the Environment for advanced exploration for its Rio Zarza project in Zamora, Ecuador. The Environmental License encompasses the Rio Zarza and Valle del Inca I licenses and authorizes advanced exploration activities as per the Company's Environmental Impact Study which includes, but is not limited to, diamond drilling.

This key permit for advanced exploration, which has been granted to only a handful of mining companies operating in Ecuador, is valid through the Advanced Exploration phase and allows the Company to continue with its exploration program.

Chief Executive Officer, William Lamarque, said, "This is an important step forward for our Rio Zarza project as we continue to work hard to add value to our properties while carefully abiding by all regulatory requirements. Congratulations and thanks to our local team and advisors."

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.


About Ecometals

Ecometals Limited is a Canadian TSX Venture Exchange listed mineral exploration and development company focused on the mineral resources in Latin America. Apart from its gold exploration in Ecuador, Ecometals also has significant manganese, iron and gold projects in Brazil at grass roots exploration and development planning stages.


Forward-Looking Information:

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, the expected date of receipt of the final payment) constitute forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company as well as certain assumptions including, without limitation, assumptions as to ECC's successful negotiations with its joint venture partners and its ability to complete its listing. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the inability of ECC to complete its listing, if at all, in a timely manner.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Neither 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.



Contact Information

Ecometals Limited - Investors
William Lamarque, Chief Executive Officer
wglamarque@ecometalslimited.com

Ecometals Limited - Investors
Andrew Robertson, Chief Financial Officer
+44 207 340 8521
arobertson@ecometalslimited.com

Ecometals Limited
Information
Enquiries: info@ecometalslimited.com
www.ecometalslimited.com