Mawson Announces Court Ruling in Finland

VANCOUVER, Dec. 31, 2014 /CNW/ - Mawson Resources Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF) announces that after police investigations and a legal process of nearly three years, the Company has been notified today on the ruling by the Kemi-Tornio District Court in Finland.

According to the verdict, Mawson and its employees have been judged not guilty of the original basis for the case, being the nature conservation crime associated with the destruction of specific endangered plant species.  Additionally, associated compensation requests have been rejected.

However, the Company's hand dug trenches completed during 2010/2011 were found to have diminished the representativeness and diversity of the nature conservation values within State based protection areas where some of the hand digging took place.  The court found this conduct to fulfil the essential elements of Natural Preservation crime against two of the Company's employees.  As a consequence, a fine of €5,000 is imposed on Mawson and the two employees have been fined €5,320 and €6,930 respectively.  Additionally, Mawson and its two employees are to jointly compensate the State for testimony costs of €748.

Mr. Michael Hudson, President and CEO states, "Mawson is currently examining the verdict and will announce its view on the court ruling at a later date. The case has been regrettable, caused unnecessary damage to the reputation of our Company, and slowed down our work. Fortunately, the local community and our partners have supported us in the awareness that we operate according to the best practices in the field."

Additionally, the ruling deemed Metsähallitus Nature Services ("Metsähallitus") to not be considered a complainant in the case.  Therefore Metsähallitus has no right to demand penalty from Mawson or its employees and its claim for legal expenses is dismissed. Metsähallitus' claims for indemnity are also dismissed as premature. 

Mr. Hudson continues, "Mawson has already started discussions with Metsähallitus on rehabilitation of the impacted sites and planning will continue in the New Year with good cooperation and understanding between all stakeholders."

About Mawson Resources Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, PINKSHEETS:MWSNF)

Mawson Resources Ltd. is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with a focus on the flagship Rompas and Rajapalot gold projects in Finland.

On behalf of the Board,

"Michael Hudson"                  
Michael Hudson, President & CEO

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements").  All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates, equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions, permitting, operational delays, environmental and safety risks, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com.  Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

SOURCE Mawson Resources Ltd.