Drilling on Essakan Main Zone Continues to Yield Strong Results - Intersections include 10.2 g/t over 45m and 5.9 g/t over 56m OTTAWA, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orezone Resources Inc. (OZN:TSX, AMEX) is pleased to announce the latest results from a US $5.2 million exploration program being carried out on the Company's Essakan gold project in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The results are from reverse circulation ("RC") and core holes designed to expand resources by drilling the down plunge extension of the Essakan Main Zone ("EMZ"), and from 25m by 25m infill drilling on the existing resource. Results from resource expansion drilling include 11.2 g/t over 16.5m in hole ERC758D, 6.9 g/t over 18m in hole ERC817D and 5.0 g/t over 20.3m in hole ERC685D. Infill drilling results include 10.2 g/t over 45m in hole ERC860, 5.9 g/t over 56m in hole ERC854 and 1.8 g/t over 130m in hole ERC837. To date, 15,077m of RC and 3,154m of diamond core drilling have been completed during the current campaign which commenced in August, 2004. The core drilling primarily consisted of deepening shallow holes drilled with an RC rig which is less expensive but has limited depth capabilities. Drilling has confirmed the geological model which predicted that the deposit, including high grade lenses or shoots, continues down the shallow east dipping structure. The deepest holes drilled to date intersect the structure at a vertical depth of 220m where it remains open. Infill drilling at 25m centres has been initiated to confirm the continuity of the mineralization and bring a portion of the previously published NI 43-101 compliant indicated resource up to the measured category. Ron Little, President of Orezone stated that "Drilling results continue to show that the orebody and its high grade shoots persist at depth." He added that, "Our plan is to carry on drilling the EMZ at a 25m spacing in order to better define these high grade lenses and to expand resources." Indicated resources in the EMZ currently total 49 Mt grading 1.5 g/t (2.4 Moz) and inferred resources total an additional 5.7 Mt grading 1.7 g/t (0.3 Moz) based on a 0.5 g/t cut off grade. The latest results are not included in these resource calculations. > Note: Samples were collected at a minimum of every 1m down the hole and analyzed using a 2kg bottle roll cyanide leach at the Transworld Laboratory or SGS Laboratory in Tarkwa, Ghana, both internationally recognized laboratories. A minimum of 5% of the samples are for QA/QC, which includes duplicates, triplicates, standards and blanks. The program was carried out under the supervision of Jeffrey Ackert, VP Exploration, and qualified person for Orezone. Gold Fields Limited can earn a 50 per cent interest in the Essakan Property by spending US $8 million over five years, and can increase its interest to 60 per cent by completing a bankable feasibility study. Gold Fields has spent over US $4.0 million to date. Orezone is currently the operator. Orezone Resources Inc. (OZN:TSX, AMEX) is an emerging Canadian gold producer with three advanced exploration projects in Burkina Faso, West Africa that are moving rapidly toward the pre-feasibility stage. Burkina Faso is a politically stable country that is located in one of the world's fastest growing gold producing regions. Orezone's mission is to create wealth by discovering and developing the earth's resources in an efficient and responsible manner. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future and other factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward- looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: OREZONE RESOURCES INC. CONTACT: Ron Little, President & CEO, ; Greg Bowes, Vice President, Corporate Development, ; Phone (613) 241-3699, Toll Free (888) 673-0663

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