West African Iron Ore Corp outlines additional targets on Forecariah property

VANCOUVER, Jan. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - West African Iron Ore Corp. (TSX-V: WAI) West African Iron Ore Corp. ("WAI" or the "Company") is pleased to report that geological mapping over the northern portion of the Forecariah property has revealed two highly prospective new target areas south of Wondima.

The Company has initiated a more intensive exploration programme based on these discoveries.

The new prospects, now known as Wondima and Kantinbanga (north and northeastern portion of the Forecariah permit - see map), were outlined by geological crews who are conducting detailed mapping.

The Wondima target is an extensive iron bearing layered prospect that has been identified along the northern extension of the Sambalama / Kalyadi magnetic anomaly. The target consists of several zones in excess of 50km², which are consistently flat lying, or with a very shallow dip to the west.

The iron bearing horizons are mainly composed of hematite oolites and pisolites with magnetite gravels. The upper part of the iron cap forms a hardened accumulation of silica, alumina and iron oxide. Several polymictic pebbles including gneiss, quartzite, quartz, and amphibolites fragments have been observed on top of the iron bearing horizons.

At least three different layers of this hardened, iron rich horizon have been observed at a river cut near the edge of second Plateau (located near by Amaraya - see map).

Based on results obtained in the field on grab samples analysed using a Niton XRF analyser, the Company has initiated a more intensive exploration programme on Wondima. This work will include systematic mapping and pit sampling of the iron rich horizons over an area in excess of 50km² in order to better understand the sub-surface lithology. Depending upon these results and the availability of personnel, a follow-up gravity survey over a 3km by 2km area is being planned to generate initial drill targets.

Currently, Fugro Ground Geophysics PTY Ltd. of Australia is conducting a ground gravity survey on the Sambalama and Kalyadi targets and should be completed by the end of February. The intent, if logistics allow, would be for the geophysical team to continue their work on Wondima.

The 2^nd target, Kantinbanga, a magnetite quartzite anomaly which appears to have a strike length of approximately 2km and a width of at least 500m, is currently being mapped.

Please see map for targets location within the Forecariah permit at: http://www.westafricanironore.com/pdfs/Target_Generation_Areas_Forecariah.pdf.

Sampling and Quality Control

The Company prepared all cuttings, on site, from the reverse circulation-drilling program. SRK Consulting of Australia inspected our facility and confirmed our quality control program .All samples analysed were conducted by SGS Canada Inc. in Lakefield, Ontario in Canada.

The Company maintains a systematic quality control program including the use of standards, blanks, duplicates, and an independent check laboratory. The DDH (Diamond Drill Hole) Assay samples collected are sent to SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd., and the RCH (Reverse Circulation Hole) assay samples are sent to SGS Canada Inc. in Lakefield, Ontario.  The performance of the quality control samples associated with these data indicates acceptable analytical quality. Please refer to the NI 43-101 Technical Report, which is filed on SEDAR and available on the Company's website, for further discussion of sample methodology, detailed quality control procedures and other information regarding the project.

Jonathan Challis, FIMMM, is a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and is responsible for the contents of this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Guy Duport
CEO

Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates and that the resource potential will be achieved on exploration projects, currency fluctuations, dependence upon regulatory approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing and exploration risk. Readers should also refer to the specific factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

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.

Guy Duport
CEO
[email protected]
Tel: [phone]

Investor Relations
Vanguard Shareholder Solutions
Tel: [phone]
Toll Free: 1-866-638-0824
[email protected]