Palladon Ventures Limited - CML Update

VANCOUVER, 04/11/13 - Palladon Ventures Ltd. ("Palladon" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: PLL) announces the following update for CML Holdings, Inc.


CML Holdings, Inc. Update

Based on conversations with the management of CML Metals, Inc. ("CML"), we are pleased to provide you with the following update for CML on its logistics, plant operations, hedging arrangements and resource development activities.


Logistics

After many years of work to secure port access in Southern California, we are pleased to announce that CML has secured appropriate port space at the Port of Long Beach, California. CML, with the great assistance of the port owners, SA Recycling, as well as the logistics providers, Union Pacific and PHL shortline, sent its first ship, a fully loaded Supramax, from the Port of Long Beach on March 31, 2013. Not only does the new port facility increase export capacity, but the Port of Long Beach is substantially closer to the mine than CML's current ports, providing rail cost savings as well as lower maintenance costs related to the CML rail cars. In addition, CML is working with the Port of Long Beach to use larger ocean vessels, such as Panamax and Post Panamax vessels capable of carrying in excess of 100,000 tons, which will further lower CML's freight costs going forward.


Plant Operation

In Q4 2012 CML sustained production through the use of temporary filter presses rented from a third-party. The rented filter presses allowed CML to produce concentrated iron ore in the fourth quarter, albeit yielding fewer tons at a higher cost than budgeted. In Q1 2013, CML replaced both the original and temporary filter presses used to remove water from the tailings with centrifuge de-watering equipment. This provided CML a permanent de-watering solution with respect to their tailings. The centrifuges have lowered the unit cost of production from Q4 2012 levels, allowed for increased production and resulted in a more consistent, high-quality end product.

Additionally, CML entered into an agreement to replace the filter presses used to remove water from their concentrated iron ore with hyperbaric disk filters, which are expected to be installed and operating by the end of 2013.

CML is currently producing at 70-75% of capacity, and expects to increase production to 100% of capacity by year-end, once the new disk filters are installed. In the meantime, CML's unit costs will run higher than expected due to the fixed plant, rail lease and G&A costs being spread over fewer tons. On the positive side, the front end of the CML plant (crushing and grinding) is running well-above engineered capacity. Once the filtration equipment arrives and is installed, CML will seek to push capacity beyond the rated two million tons. This could provide CML more tonnage and decreased unit costs.


Hedging & Liquidity

As of March 31, 2013, CML had cash on its balance sheet and no debt.

CML's current hedge position was as follows:
2013: 375,000 tons at approximately $133 per ton
2014: 120,000 tons at approximately $119 per ton


Resource Development

CML has completed the drilling of nine twin holes to a maximum depth of approximately 1,200 feet in the Rex deposit for purposes of verifying the historic resource. CML has confirmed that the drilling results are consistent with historical data. CML is also conducting a feasibility study on the Rex deposit and is on track to have it completed in the first half of 2013.


Corporate

CML is currently in litigation with both its insurance carriers and the manufacturer of its original filter presses. Because of the nature of litigation, no further comment is available on these cases.

CML is in the process of redesigning its website. In the near future CML intends to post progress updates and pictures.

John Cutler, CEO of Palladon, commented: "Securing the Long Beach shipping facility represents a major improvement in logistics for the Company and is the realization of a long held goal. CML continues to make progress overcoming initial commissioning issues at the concentrate plant. We look forward to the Rex feasibility study and to future updates confirming targeted production goals and other initiatives."


Green Springs mining claims update

Palladon is also pleased to announce that on February 26, 2013 it closed the sale of its interest in the Green Springs mining claims to DHI Minerals US Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ely Gold & Minerals (TSX VENTURE: ELY), for US$300,000 in cash.

About Palladon Ventures Ltd.

Palladon owns a significant minority interest in CML, which is focused on advancing the Iron Mountain project, an iron ore mine located west of Cedar City, Utah.


Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (1) a downturn in general economic conditions in North America and internationally, (2) the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature associated with mineral exploration and production, (3) a decreased demand for minerals, (4) any number of events or causes which may delay or cease exploration and development of the Company's property interests, such as environmental liabilities, weather, mechanical failures, safety concerns and labor problems; (5) the risk that the Company does not execute its business plan, (6) inability to retain key employees, (7) inability to finance operations and growth, and (8) other factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statement.

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.



Contacts:

Palladon Ventures Ltd.
John W. Cutler, Chief Executive Officer
801.521.5252
604.681.4760 (FAX)
info@palladonventures.com
www.palladonventures.com