CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - Feb. 14, 2007) - Torch River Resources Ltd. ("Torch") (TSX VENTURE:TCR) is pleased to announce rhenium geochemical analysis of 137 core samples from selected intervals of 1,942.95 meters of core drilling. Diamond drill holes RB-06-132 to 138 were drilled in 2006 and were directed at 3 molybdenite bearing mineral zones on the Red Bird molybdenum-copper porphyry deposit. The Red Bird Mo-Cu porphyry is known to contain trace amounts of rhenium (Re) associated with molybdenite mineralization and to a lesser extent chalcopyrite, and rare bornite. Rhenium is a rare and valuable metal that is used for catalysts, electronic devices, thermocouples, temperature controls, heating elements, and coatings. Rhenium is recovered as a byproduct from molybdenite concentrates and can substantially add value to Mo-Cu porphyry ore as was the case with Island Copper mine (North Vancouver Island, Holberg Inlet). Rhenium was first produced by Utah Mines in 1972 as a byproduct from the mining operation (which is currently closed) at Island Copper a Cu-Mo porphyry deposit (345 million tonnes of ore with reported head grades of 0.41% Cu, 0.017% Mo, 0.19 g/t Au, and 1.4 g/t Ag). Utah Mines reported that the rhenium content of molybdenite concentrate varied from 0.09 to 0.135% Re. The current market bid price for rhenium is $5850 U.S. per troy ounce or $188 U.S. per gram.
Rhenium content of 137 select split drill core samples from diamond drill holes RB-06-132 to 138 (2006 core drilling carried out by Torch River Resources on the Red Bird porphyry Mo-Cu deposit) returned an average geochemical analysis value of 106 ppb Re or 0.106 grams/tonne Re. The first drill hole (RB-06-132) was analyzed in detail (sample width @ 2 m. or 6.56 ft. for each of the 58 samples analyzed) for rhenium corresponding to the section which returned the best zone of molybdenite mineralization giving the following results:
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DDH No. From To Interval Zone Name Mo Re
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RB-06-132 270 m. 386 m. 116 m. Main 0.137 % 0.128
(885.8 ft.) (1,266.4 ft.) (380.6 ft.) grams/
tonne
or
128 ppb
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As reported in a press release last year resampling was done on drilling previously carried out by Craigmont Mining Ltd, this covered holes numbered 75,79,80,82,86,90,97 and 124. Rhenium corresponded with high levels of molybdenum with grades ranging from 304 to over 2500 ppb rhenium. Together with the results from our 2006 program we are very encouraged by the potential for economic values of rhenium in the Red Bird deposit.
Torch River Resources Ltd ("Torch") announces that it is in active negotiations to obtain a further molybdenum property in British Columbia under an option agreement. A portion of this property contained high grade molybdenum that was mined in the 1970s. Torch believes this property will prove to be an exciting addition to compliment the Red Bird property.
The above exploration information has been reviewed by Andris Kikauka, P. Geo., a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
Torch is a company listed and trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, symbol: TCR.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Torch River Resources Ltd.
Dr. William E. Pfaffenberger
President
(403) 444-6888
Email: torchriver@telus.net
