Lebowa Changes its Name to Bokoni and New JSE Sponsor Appointed

VANCOUVER , Oct. 1 /CNW/ - Anooraq Resources Corporation ("Anooraq" or the "Company") (TSXV: ARQ; AMEX: ANO; JSE: ARQ) refers shareholders to the announcement dated 2 July 2009 and announces that the name of Lebowa Platinum Mines has been changed to Bokoni Platinum Mines, in a move that reflects both that this is truly an African company, and that the communities surrounding the mine have a significant and meaningful interest in it. The name was selected through a consultative process and means "People of the North".

Philip Kotze, Chief Executive Officer of Anooraq, said that the name change symbolises a new era for the mine. "Our short time as operators of the mine has reinforced our view that there is significant potential for Bokoni to become one of the leading, long-term PGMs producers of the future. The name change signifies not only a change in culture, but also the fundamental entrepreneurial approach that we have adopted."

Bokoni mine is located at the northern part of the Eastern Limb of the world-renowned Bushveld Igneous Complex, in South Africa's Limpopo Province. Bokoni was acquired by Anooraq from Anglo Platinum in July 2009 . The mine, comprising a four-shaft complex, currently produces 150,000 4E on an annualised basis. Anooraq is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) and has secondary listings on NYSE:AMEX and JSE Limited.

CHANGE OF JSE SPONSOR

Anooraq is pleased to announce the appointment of Macquarie First South Advisers (Pty) Limited ("Macquarie") as JSE sponsor to Anooraq with effect from Thursday, 1 October 2009 .

Macquarie's global and established presence in Toronto , New York and Johannesburg means that it is able to provide a comprehensive global service to Anooraq going forward.

For and on behalf of the Board

Philip Kotze President and Chief Executive Officer

    
    The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy
    or accuracy of this release.

    The American Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the
    contents of this press release.
    

Cautionary and Forward Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address potential acquisitions, future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that Anooraq expects are forward looking statements. Anooraq believes that such forward looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including assumptions that: the Lebowa Transaction will complete; Lebowa will continue to achieve production levels similar to previous years; the planned Lebowa expansions will be completed and successful; Anooraq will be able to secure future debt and equity financing on favourable terms; and the Ga-Phasha and Platreef Project exploration results will continue to be positive. Forward looking statements however, are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, changes in and the effect of government policies with respect to mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements. For further information on Anooraq, investors should review the Company's annual information form filed on www.sedar.com or its form 20-F with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its other home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

For further information: please visit our website www.anooraqresources.com or call investor services in South Africa at [phone] or in North America at 1-800-667-2114