Mirasol Stakes Nine High Sulphidation Gold Projects in Chile with Rock Chip Assays of up to 1.6 grams / tonne gold

VANCOUVER, Jan. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Mirasol Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: MRZ, Frankfurt: M8R). Mirasol Resources Ltd. is pleased to announce that claims were staked covering nine 100% owned properties totaling 22,300 hectares covering high-sulphidation epithermal gold targets in northern Chile's prospective Mio-Pliocene Volcanic Arc.  This geologically young Arc hosts many giant high-sulphidation gold, porphyry gold and porphyry copper deposits (Figure 1). Yet, large tracts of the northern segment of the Chilean Mio-Pliocene arc remain relatively unexplored.  Mirasol believes the potential for the discovery of large mineral deposits in this segment of the Arc is high.

Alteration studies on Mirasol's properties show extensive areas of steam-heated and high-level advanced-argillic alteration, consistent with assemblages typically seen near the tops of high-sulphidation epithermal gold systems (Figure 2). This alteration is typically devoid of gold but can overlie higher-grade gold mineralization at depth. Mirasol benefited from efforts of highly experienced Latin American epithermal geologists, advanced Aster satellite imagery and third-generation field-portable infrared mineral identification technology used to vector geochemical sampling to the more prospective areas within large alteration systems.

Reconnaissance rock-chip sampling of outcrop and bedrock in hand-dug pits, returned assays with anomalous gold and epithermal pathfinder elements on multiple Mirasol properties. Best rock-chip assay results to date have been received from a 700 by 500 metre area which contains low levels to anomalous gold, and includes eight assays which range from 0.5 to 1.6 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.  These assays are considered very encouraging. Mirasol will conduct a mechanical trenching program to systematically test this anomalous zone.

Mirasol's new Chile gold portfolio has emerged from the Company's ongoing project generation program in Chile which commenced in 2006.  Mirasol re-initiated its Chilean generative program approximately two years ago to focus on the search for large gold deposits in the Mio-Pliocene Arc and to diversify its geographic exploration presence.  Mirasol focused exploration where the Company considers the most permissive parts of the Arc, utilizing a proprietary targeting model to define controls on mineralization in the Arc, with local Chilean geologist expertise and targeting skills of a specialist consulting group.  Management believes an integrated approach will maximize the potential for discovery of a significant gold deposit. Mirasol continues to consolidate its property positions in key portions of the Arc and looks forward to reporting on further exploration developments as they evolve.

Stephen C. Nano, Vice President of Exploration for Mirasol, is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101 who has prepared and approved the technical content of this news release.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control:

Exploration at the Chile exploration program is supervised by Stephen C. Nano, Vice President of Exploration, who is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101.  All technical information for the Company's projects is obtained and reported under a formal quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program.  All Drill Rock chip and stream sediment samples are collected under the supervision of Company geologists in accordance with standard industry practice.  Samples are dispatched via commercial transport to an ISO 9001:2000-accredited laboratory in Chile for analysis.  All rock chip and drill samples are submitted to the Laboratory with independently sourced, accredited standard and blanks and where appropriate duplicate samples to facilitate monitoring of laboratory performance.  Certified Results are examined by an independent qualified consultant to ensure laboratory performance meets required standards.

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.

SOURCE: Mirasol Resources Ltd.

Mary L. Little 
President and CEO 
Tel: [phone]: Fax:  [phone] 
Email: [email protected] 
Website: www.mirasolresources.com