2008 Press Releases

May 20, 2008

Mali Assets Sale Closing

Vancouver, British Columbia - Nevsun Resources Ltd. (TSX:NSU)(AMEX:NSU) ("Nevsun") is pleased to announce that it has closed the sale of all of its interests in properties in Mali, including the Tabakoto Mine, the Segala property and related Malian exploration properties to Avion Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:AVR) for US$20 million plus a 1% net smelter return royalty on future production.

Genuity Capital Markets was Nevsun's advisor in connection with the sale. An advisory fee of $362,500 is payable to Genuity in shares of the Company.

The $20 million will go towards Nevsun's share of the development costs for its Bisha project in Eritrea.

Forward Looking Statements:
The above contains forward-looking statements concerning finance commitments and requirements, strength of cash position, continued support of Eritrean government and assumptions contained within "Project Economics". Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, those described in the Management Discussion and Analysis of the Company. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD.
Dr. John A. Clarke
President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:
Nevsun Resources Ltd.
Judy Baker
Investor Relations
(416) 786-7860
or
1-888-600-2200
Email: nevsuninfo@nevsun.com
Website: www.nevsun.com