AuRico Gold reports fatalities at El Chanate mine

Thursday, Nov 15, 2012

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - AuRico Gold Inc. (TSX:AUQ) (NYSE: AUQ), ("AuRico" or "the Company") regrets to report the fatal injury of two contractors at its El Chanate mine, located 37 kilometres northeast of Caborca in Sonora State, Mexico.  The accident occurred in the afternoon of November 13, 2012 when a pressure vessel in one of the three separate ADR processing plants ruptured.

"The occurrence of this incident is incredibly distressing as the safety of our employees and contractors is the Company's highest priority and this incident is a tragic shock to everyone," said Scott Perry, President & Chief Executive Officer.  "On behalf of all of us at AuRico, I want to extend our deepest condolences to those impacted, particularly the family, friends and colleagues of those involved in this incident. More than ever, our number one focus must remain on ensuring all of our employees and contractors return home safely, each and every day."

The matter is currently being investigated by the Company and the relevant authorities have been notified.  The Company will be facilitating site wide safety reviews and repairs for this portion of the processing facility. It is anticipated that gold production for the balance of 2012 will be somewhat impacted and as a result, the Company is revising its full year gold production guidance to 70,000 to 75,000 oz Au for the El Chanate mine.

About AuRico Gold

AuRico Gold is a leading Canadian gold producer with a diversified portfolio of high quality mines and projects in North America that have significant production growth and exploration potential. Following the divestiture of Ocampo, the Company will be focused on its core operations including the Young-Davidson gold mine in northern Ontario which declared commercial production on September 1 ^st, 2012 and the El Chanate mine in Sonora State. AuRico's strong project pipeline also includes advanced development opportunities in Mexico and British Columbia. AuRico's head office is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Source: AuRico Gold