Oriel Resources Announces Director Resignations

Mon Jun 9, 10:13 AM

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - June 9, 2008) - Oriel Resources plc ("Oriel" or the "Company") (TSX: ORL.TO)(AIM: ORI) announces that further to the announcement on 17 April 2008 by Mechel OAO, Russia ("Mechel") that the recommended cash offer made by Mechel for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Oriel had been declared unconditional in all respects, the following members of the Oriel Board of Directors have resigned: Messrs Geoffrey Bush, John Reynolds, Alexander Nesis, Roger Richer, Neil Woodyer and Ehud Rieger. All resignations are of immediate effect.

Mr Takhir Baratov remains Executive Director of Oriel whilst during the transition period, Dr Sergey V Kurzin and Mr Nick Clark will remain as Non-Executive Directors.

Mechel is one of the leading Russian companies. Its business includes three segments: mining, steel, and power. Mechel unites producers of coal, iron ore concentrate, nickel, steel, rolled products, hardware, heat and electric power. Mechel products are marketed domestically and internationally.

Contacts

Alexander Tolkach
Mechel OAO
Head of International Relations & Affairs Relations
+7 495 221 8888

Gavin Dallas
Oriel Resources Plc
Investor Relations
+44 (0) 20 7514 0590
:+44 (0)20 7514 0591 (FAX)
Email: info@orielresources.com
Website: www.orielresources.com

Ryan Gaffney
Canaccord Adams Limited
+44 (0) 20 7050 6500