Premier announces proposed changes to Board of Directors

Ebe Scherkus to become Corporate Chairman

Shares Issued: 137,431,855

THUNDER BAY, ON, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - PREMIER GOLD MINES LIMITED (TSX: PG) announces proposed changes to the Company's Board of Directors, to be effective at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for 4:00pm, June 28, 2012, at the Toronto Board of Trade.  Proposed additions to the Premier team include Mr. Ebe Scherkus as Director and Chairman and Mr. Claude Lemasson as Director.   Premier's current Chairman, Mr Richard J. (Ritch) Hall and Director John A. Pollock will not be standing for re-election.

Mr. Scherkus brings to Premier 37 years of mineral exploration and mine development experience with a successful history of corporate development.  Ebe will play an important role in Premier realizing its future growth objectives as it transitions toward project development.  Mr. Scherkus recently retired as President and Chief Operating Officer of Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. after a 27-year progressive career with the company that also included serving as Executive Vice-President, Operations from 1998 to 2005; as Vice-President, Operations, from 1996 to 1998; as Manager of the company's La Ronde Division from 1986 to 1996; and as a Project Manager from 1985 to 1986. Mr. Scherkus is a graduate of McGill University (BSc), a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario and the past-president of the Quebec Mining Association.

Mr. Sherkus said, "Premier has an excellent portfolio of advanced exploration properties and development projects. I look forward to the opportunity of working with management to advance these properties and seek to turn Premier Gold into the next quality gold producer!"

Mr. Lemasson is a professional engineer and graduate of the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA program, bringing to Premier more than 20 years of mining development experience in Canada and the United States.  Claude previously held senior mine development and operational roles with Goldcorp Inc. including serving as General Manager of Projects for Canada and the U.S., where he was responsible for the advancement of the Eleonore Project and General Manager of the Red Lake Mine.  Most recently, Mr. Lemasson served as President, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Guyana Goldfields Inc.

Ritch Hall has provided more than 2 years of strong guidance and has played an important role in implementing the Company's growth platform. The Corporation wishes to thank him for his valuable contribution.  John Pollock is one of Premier's original directors, having served Premier, and its predecessor company Wolfden Resources Inc., for nearly 14 years. Mr. Pollock has been a mentor to the Corporation's President and CEO since its inception. He is thanked for his many years of valuable service to the Company.

Ewan Downie, Premier's President and CEO, said, "I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Ritch and John. I am also excited by the prospect of working with our new board members as we continue to implement the Corporation's strategic vision. Ebe and Claude bring to Premier strong mine development experience with Ebe having played a major role in driving the growth of one of the mining industry's senior production companies. These experiences will be important as we assess new opportunities and advance Premier's portfolio of projects toward development."

Premier Gold Mines Limited is one of North America's leading exploration and development companies with a high-quality pipeline of gold projects focused in proven, safe and accessible mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.  The Company's portfolio includes significant assets in world class gold mining districts such as Red Lake, Musselwhite and Geraldton in Ontario and the Carlin Trend in Nevada.

The statements made in this Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections.

Ewan Downie, President & CEO, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]  Web Site: www.premiergoldmines.com