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Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.: Fortuna Reports Illegal Road Blockage at San Jose Project, Mexico

^{Published on 2009-04-16 05:23:51, Last Modified on 2009-04-16 05:24:22 - Market Wire}
 

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 16, 2009) - Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FVI)(BVLAC:FVI) reports that a group of demonstrators, ranging from 10 to 50 persons, have illegally blocked the main access road to the San Jose del Progreso town and the Company's project. The majority of the people involved are from outside the immediate area of the project, and the demonstrators include only a small fringe group from the San Jose del Progreso community itself.

Along with local authorities, the Company is engaged in discussions with state and federal authorities to assist in bringing about a peaceful and long term resolution to the road blockade.

On April 3rd, the "Manifiesto de Impacto Ambiental" of the project was presented to Mexican environmental authorities. Fortuna is also advancing with engineering studies for the development of the San Jose deposit including mine and processing plant design, tailings dam engineering as well as evaluating power and water supply alternatives. The Company has already secured all the land required for the project and is in the advanced stages of negotiation of a collaborative agreement with the community.

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna is a growth oriented, silver and base metal producer focused on mining opportunities in Latin America. Our primary assets are the Caylloma Silver Mine in southern Peru and the San Jose Silver-Gold Project in Mexico. The Company is selectively pursuing additional acquisition opportunities. For more information, please visit our website at [ www.fortunasilver.com ].

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge Alberto Ganoza Durant, President, CEO and Director

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.