RNS Number:5824H
Mano River Resources Inc
17 February 2003

MANO RIVER RESOURCES INC

NEWS RELEASE



17th February 2003

No:  2003/05



TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V)            Trading Symbol:  MNO

London Stock Exchange (AIM)               Trading Symbol: MANA





MANO REPORTS HIGH GRADE GOLD ANOMALY & SIGNIFICANT GOLD-BEARING VEINS WITHIN 7KM
  STRUCTURAL TREND FROM SONFON GOLD JOINT VENTURE PROJECT WITH GOLDEN PROSPECT
                               PLC, SIERRA LEONE

                    And Reports on Mano's Other Gold Assets



*         3km long by 0.3km wide gold anomaly discovered, with peak value of
1,100ppb



*         High grade gold-bearing stockwork vein system beneath anomaly, with
trench intersect of 7.3m@7.4g/t



*         Potential bulk tonnage gold deposit identified for drill testing



*         Highly encouraging gold grades from grab samples confirm historical
work including a previous grab sample of  77oz/t



*         840,000 ounces combined KGL and Weaju Liberia gold resource economics
enhanced using $350/oz



Mano River Resources Inc, the AIM and TSX-V traded gold and diamond exploration
company, is pleased to report highly encouraging results from its gold
exploration programme. The Sonfon gold district contains Sierra Leone's richest
and most prolific historic gold fields, across the country's pre-eminent Sula
Mountains greenstone gold belt. See map  www.manoriver.com/properties/
sl_lakesonfon.html.



Phase-1 Geochemical Survey Results

A 3 kilometre (km) long northwest trending gold-in-soil anomaly identified by a
25ppb contour, has been defined by a geochemical soil sampling programme and
termed the Yanfarina-Dalakuru-Sende (YDS) gold zone. The programme included 879
samples, covering an area of approximately 50km2, which were assayed by SGS
Laboratories in Ghana. The YDS zone is coincident with an area of extensive
alluvial and laterite artisanal gold workings and is within a prominent
tectonically defined structure, approximately 9km long by 5km wide. Trenching
within the anomalous zone has identified a series of high grade gold-bearing
narrow veins (stockwork) that could represent a highly significant bulk tonnage
gold target.



On the subject of the phase-one results Mano's CEO, Dr Tom Elder comments: "Mano
is very pleased to report these highly encouraging results. Mano's benchmark for
gold exploration is high grade deposits grading above 4g/t with greater than one
million ounces and open pit mining potential. Such deposits typically require
large structures in which to form, carry significant surface geochemical
signatures and are proximal to extensive primary or secondary artisanal gold
workings. The results from the phase-1 programme indicate that the YDS gold zone
target passes all these key criteria. Mano has therefore identified a very
significant drill target as well as a regional gold system with excellent
further exploration potential".



Results from a previous regional soil geochemical programme conducted by Mano
identified certain gold anomalies assaying up to 3,227ppb (3.2 g/t) coincident
with and up to 5km north and 4km south of the YDS zone. While more detailed
interpretation is underway, further assay results representing the remaining two
thirds of the regional survey are anticipated in March 2003. A grab sample taken
from a previous reconnaissance survey from a sulphide rich shear zone in the
newly defined YDS zone returned a highly encouraging 2,388 g/t (77 oz/t) gold
including, 2.2% Pb, 0.43% Zn, 0.04% Ag, 0.11% Ni, 0.05% As.



The results from this phase-1 survey have confirmed the presence of gold in
association with a major linear structural trend of axial planar shearing
associated with folding, which has been identified from satellite image
interpretation. Significant base metal values associated with metavolcanincs and
elevated copper values in the Yanfarina area have been reported and together
with sulphide mineralisation reported previously, the potential for economic
volcanic-associated base metal mineralization in the area is also highlighted.



Positive Trench Sampling Results from YDS Zone, Sonfon

A series of recent trenches taken as part of the phase-1 programme, targeting
primary vein gold mineralization on the side of the Yanfarina River north of
Dalakuru, returned the following highly encouraging results.


                Phase-1 YDS Zone Trench Samples
       Trench             Length (m)           Grade (g/t)
DT-1                         3.5                   3.6
DT-2                         0.9                   1.6
DT-3*                        1.9                  24.9
DT-4                         6.0                   0.5
DT-5                         2.0                   0.2
DT-6                         7.3                   7.4
DT-7                         5.9                   3.6
*including                   0.45                  108


Field geologists report that the mineralised quartz tourmaline veins trend north
westerly and range between 0.1 metres (m) and 1m wide. The vein stockwork has
been traced continuously over a distance of at least 75m with artisans having
masked its continuation through their mining activities. It is considered likely
that the veins exposed in Trench DT-4 along strike are part of the same system
suggesting a minimum length of 150m.



Positive Grab Sample Results from Yisangba Prospect, Sonfon

Grab samples from a 3m wide highly silicified outcrop 5km northeast of the YDS
gold zone, range from 1 to 12.6 g/t for an average of 6.3 g/t. A previous
channel sample taken by IMC Mackay & Schnellman (IMC) assayed 3m@10.3 g/t. IMC
reported the area to be "highly prospective for primary gold targets".


             Phase-1 Yisangba Grab Samples
         Sample No.                   Gold g/t
            50901                        5.6
            50902                        2.9
            50903                        1.0
            50904                      12.6
            50905                        9.1



The Yisangba target is located within the 'Bongone block', where previous
drilling of a geochemical anomaly in the 1960's reportedly intersected an 85m
wide zone of sulphide mineralization (2-3% sulphides). Two geophysical anomalies
(zone A and B) were also reportedly identified at that time, with zone A
coincident with the geochemical anomaly at a depth of between 45m to 60m
continuing for over 2,000m to the north.



Two further prospects have previously been identified at Kumantakuyie and
Kantenki with trench samples returning grades of up to 17 g/t gold. The targets
lie 2km apart, along a shear zone where gold is mined artisanally from laterites
considered to be in-situ above primary mineralization.



Highlights of Sonfon Prospect

Previous work includes regional geochemistry, which has identified gold
occurrences related to major shear structures in areas with extensive artisanal
gold workings. The presence of gold in the Sonfon area has historical reference,
with the name of the local river 'Sende', translating to "gold bearing water".
Active artisanal alluvial and laterite gold workings are found extensively
across the Sonfon district. The prospect has reportedly been described in 1997
by a major international gold producer as Sierra Leone's 'most outstanding gold
prospect' and by independent consultants IMC as hosting the 'potential for the
discovery of gold deposits of significant size'.



POSITIVE GRAB SAMPLES FROM PAMPANA LICENSE, CENTRAL SIERRA LEONE

Elsewhere Mano is encouraged by positive grab sample results received from an
initial gold reconnaissance programme conducted on Mano's Pampana gold license
also on the Sula Mountains greenstone gold belt. These results will be followed
up by way of a more detailed systematic sampling programme.


                 Pampana Grab Samples
         Sample No.                   Gold g/t
             PS1                        2.70
             PS2                        0.02
             PS3                        4.55
             PS4                        0.06
             PS5                        0.92



Pampana hosts the Mayimbo gold mining village where ore grading a reported 5g/t
is mined from stockwork veins (measuring up to 50cm wide) and the weathered
material on top of the main lithologies.



NIMINI PHASE-2 GOLD EXPLORATION PROGRAMME PLANNED, SIERRA LEONE

Mano's 54km2 Nimini EPL lies over a zone of major shearing and folding
coincident with gold mineralization, first discovered in the area in the 1930's.
Artisanal alluvial gold mining has continued to the present day in the area,
especially in streams draining the scarp around Levuma, immediately west of
Njaiama, and in drainage of the Komahun area.



A major shear runs parallel to the eastern boundary of the permit, which
contains an extensive 4km x 0.5km gold and base metal geochemical anomaly
previously identified by an EU stream sediment sampling programme. Soil sampling
has detected two further anomalous gold zones of 1km@1g/t & 2km@0.5 g/t.



The western part of the permit contains part of the Komahun primary gold deposit
(drill intersect of 4.9m@7.8 g/t and trench of 1.98m@70g/t) and its
north-easterly extension.



LEADERSHIP IN WEST AFRICAN GOLD PROVINCE

Mano is the pioneer and leader in the exploration for and discovery of potential
multi-million ounce gold deposits within the highly prospective Archaean
greenstone gold terrains of Sierra Leone and western Liberia. Mano believes that
this under explored Archaean terrain has the potential to develop into a world
class gold province, possibly similar in scale and productivity to the Lake
Victoria greenstone goldfields in Tanzania.



Liberian Gold Projects Overview:

*         840,000 oz drilled geological resource defined to date, open in all
directions at +/-5g/t

*         Discovery cost of +/-$5 per resource ounce to date

*         25,000 oz per annum (pa) production from open pits envisaged for 2005
with objective of rising to >100,000 oz pa within 4 years

*         Long term objective of 300,000 oz pa using a central processing plant

*         Barely 5% of recognised major mineralised shear structures within
licence tested to date, already yielding close to one million ounces, plus
several early stage gold projects

*         Modern new mining code in Liberia and new 25 year 1,000 km2 Mineral
Development Agreement (MDA) awarded to Mano

*         Project offices and local office, staff & accommodation in place,
including camp equipped for the planned KGL start-up mine



Mano performed the first serious exploration for gold in Liberia using modern
technology, and obtained licences that contained Archaean greenstone belts with
the most interesting geological structures and widespread artisanal gold
workings, without the usual constraints of the limited availability of prime
ground characteristic of more mature exploration terrains. Two flagship projects
discovered to date at KGL and Weaju, display clear potential for increased
resources in both strike and depth extensions. Given that these projects and
several new prospects lie within a central trucking distance (25km) of each
other and may possess the same good (>90%) free milling metallurgy, Mano have
the option of developing several deposits simultaneously using a centrally
placed treatment facility (see www.manoriver.com/properties/liberia_bea.html).



Liberian Gold Project Economics Enhanced

Mano's high grade Liberian deposits are potentially very strong cash generators,
having been financially robust in a $275/oz gold price environment. Mano has
remodelled the working project economics for a start-up 25,000 ounce pa mine at
KGL, using the current gold level of $350/oz. The project model returns an IRR
of 52% an NPV of $8m (@12%) over a ten year mine life, with payback in under two
years from a modest capital expenditure of approximately US$7m.



The concept from the outset is to base the project on a modular plant, capable
of substantial expansion as further reserves are defined. Being at surface, the
deposits will be developed as high-grade open pit mines to around 70m depth,
however, Archaean deposits are often mined underground to depths in excess of
1,000 metres, adding further blue sky potential.



Secure Mining Title

The Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) is a key element of the new progressive
Liberian Mining Law and Regulations introduced during 2000 and 2001, granting
the holder inter alia, the following basic rights:



*         A three year exploration period, renewable for a further two years for
a reduced area

*         Automatic and exclusive right to mine, by declaring one or more
production areas

*         Mining rights valid for 25 years, renewable for a further 25 years



A full year of peace in Sierra Leone is quickly contributing to a vigorous
economy, while elections in Liberia to be held in October this year are widely
expected to constitute an essential achievement for growth and stability in the
sub-region.



Based on the quality and quantity of gold properties assembled in Mano's
portfolio to date the Company is extremely well placed to benefit from its
position as pioneer in what may soon become recognised as major world class gold
province.



On behalf of the Board of Mano River Resources Inc.

Tom Elder
President and CEO



For further information on Mano River Resources and its exploration programme,
you are invited to visit the Company's website at www.manoriver.com or contact
one of the following:



   Tom Elder             President and CEO          UK  +44 (0) 1235 810 740
   Guy Pas               Co-Chairman                Switzerland +41 22 758 2151
   Anthony Rhatigan      Co-Chairman                Mobile  +44 (0) 7785 297 348
   Raz Hussein           Controller                 Canada +1 (604) 689 1700
   Hugo de Salis         St Brides Media & Finance  UK  +44 (0) 20 7242 4477



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