MINES MANAGEMENT, INC. (NYSE Amex: “MGN”) (TSX: “MGT”) is pleased to announce that Michael G. Rasmussen, Ph.D., CPG, has been appointed Vice President of Exploration.

Dr. Rasmussen brings to Mines Management over 25 years of experience in mining and exploration in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Mr. Rasmussen held senior roles at NYSE listed company Echo Bay Mines and Kinross Gold (NYSE: “KGC”), and Endeavour Silver (NYSE Amex: “EXK”). He was a consulting geologist with Mines Management within the past year during which he assisted with geologic evaluations.

Dr. Rasmussen earned a masters degree in geological sciences from Loma Linda University and a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from the University of Washington. He is a member of the Society of Economic Geologists, Geological Society of America, Northwest Mining Association, and the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Of note, he has conducted exploration extensively throughout Mexico, having overseen programs in the states of Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, and elsewhere throughout the Sierra Madre, as well as having been responsible for exploration in New Mexico, southern British Columbia and northeastern Washington State, where he has been credited with the discovery of the Emanuel Creek epithermal gold deposit.

The company’s President and CEO, Mr. Glenn M. Dobbs, stated, “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rasmussen to our team. His breadth and depth of experience complements our deepening technical team, and will assist us greatly as we seek potential mineral acquisition targets inside the United States and abroad.”

Mines Management, Inc. is a U.S.-based mineral company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals deposits. The company’s current primary focus is on the advancement of the Montanore Silver-Copper Project located in northwestern Montana. The Montanore Project is a large silver and copper project currently undergoing the approval process and preparations for an underground evaluation and drilling program which would support completion of a feasibility study. The Company is also currently seeking properties primarily in the Western Hemisphere as part of its ongoing growth strategy.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS - Some information contained in or incorporated by reference into this release may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include comments regarding the acquisition of future exploration targets, further exploration and evaluation of the Montanore Project, including planned rehabilitation and extension of the Libby adit, drilling activities, feasibility determination, engineering studies, environmental and permitting requirements, process and timing, and estimates of mineralized material and measured, indicated and inferred resources; financing needs; the markets for silver and copper; planned expenditures in 2009 and 2010; and potential completion of a bankable feasibility study. The use of any of the words "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "may," "project," "should," "believe," and similar expressions are intended to identify uncertainties. We believe the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, we cannot assure that the expectations will prove to be correct. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth below and other factors set forth and incorporated by reference into this report: worldwide economic and political events affecting the supply of and demand for silver and copper, and the availability and cost of financing for mining projects; volatility in the market price for silver and copper; financial market conditions and the availability of financing on acceptable terms or on any terms; uncertainty regarding whether reserves will be established at Montanore; the availability of exploration projects for acquisition, and of financing capacity for such acquisitions; uncertainties associated with developing new mines; variations in ore grade and other characteristics affecting mining, crushing, milling and smelting and mineral recoveries; geological, technical, permitting, mining and processing problems; the availability, terms, conditions and timing of required governmental permits and approvals; uncertainty regarding future changes in applicable law or implementation of existing law; the availability of experienced employees; and the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2008.