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Probe Results from
Nevsun's Diamond Exploration Program in Mali

November 15,
2005
PROBE RESULTS FROM
NEVSUN’S DIAMOND
EXPLORATION PROGRAM IN MALI
Nevsun Resources Ltd (NSU-TSX
and AMEX) (“The
Company”) is pleased to report the initial
probe results of indicator minerals from its
diamond exploration program in the Kéniéba
area of western Mali. The probe analysis
was completed by Minerals Services Canada
Inc. and Lee Barker, P. Eng., P. Geol.,
reviewed the results. The company first
reported results from its diamond
exploration program on July 13, 2005.
Please refer to this press release for the
initial results and the history of diamonds
in the local area.
The 175 square kilometers
diamond license area surrounds and includes
Nevsun’s Tabakoto and Segala gold mining
licenses. The Company is currently in the
final stages of construction of the Tabakoto
Gold Mine with gold production scheduled for
December of 2005.
PROBE RESULTS
The 541 kimberlite and loam
samples from shallow pits excavated on
selected targets were processed by Mineral
Services Canada Inc. for major element
mineral analysis of kimberlite indicator
minerals. This has provided a geochemical
assessment of the diamond potential of the
various kimberlite bodies discovered to date
and will assist in defining priorities for
follow up testing. Nevsun now has the most
comprehensive kimberlite indicator database
for the area.
Two of the target areas
appear to have sufficient potential to host
diamonds. It is recommended that they be
drilled to obtain fresh samples of
kimberlite. Eight further areas are
recommended for additional work in order to
obtain a more representative sample for
processing and analysis. The sampling
program has shown that there are likely many
undiscovered kimberlite pipes of varying
ages and mineral chemistry still to be found
on the property.
The samples that contained
significant numbers of garnets included G10
garnets indicating areas of high-interest
and conducive to the presence of diamonds.
The composition of the ilmenites recovered
would indicate that a moderate amount of
resorption could be expected. The alluvial
diamonds found to date on the property would
seem to verify this observation. The
ilmenite compositions further indicate there
may have been multiple phases or multiple
intrusions of the kimberlites which could
also be favorable for diamond presence and
preservation.
In summary, the proven
kimberlite occurrences will need to be drill
tested to determine their size and nature
and evaluated for diamond content and
distribution. Additional work in the form
of geophysical surveys, pitting and drilling
is warranted for many other targets
identified to date on the property. Future
programs also need to establish a reliable
mantle geotherm in order to more accurately
interpret future data.
Nevsun would consider a
knowledgeable partner to advance this
exciting diamond exploration property. With
the present infrastructure in place the
economic parameters associated with
advancing the project and any production
from any economically viable kimberlites
will be significantly different than those
associated with a stand alone mining
operation.
As part of the ongoing
diamond exploration program at Kéniéba, the
Company has engaged a group of experienced
consultants, including A. Lee Barker, P.
Eng., P. Geol., to oversee its work programs
and to plan its exploration strategy in the
Kéniéba area. Mr. Barker has a proven record
of successful international diamond
exploration experience and is a Qualified
Person under National Instrument 43-101.
Forward Looking
Statements: The above contains forward
looking statements that are subject to a
number of known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may
cause actual results to differ materially
from those anticipated in our forward
looking statements. Factors that could case
such differences include: changes in world
commodities markets, equity markets, costs
and supply of materials relevant to the
mining industry, change in government and
changes to regulations affecting the mining
industry. Forward-looking statements in
this release include statements regarding
the diamond potential of further exploration
targets. Although we believe the
expectations reflected in our forward
looking statements are reasonable, results
may vary, and we cannot guarantee future
results, levels of activity, performance or
achievements.
| NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD.
“John A. Clarke”
Dr.
John A. Clarke
President & Chief Executive Officer
Nsu05-31.doc |
For further information,
Contact:
Judy Baker
(604) 623-4704 or 1-888-600-2200
e-mail:
nevsuninfo@nevsun.com
Website:
www.nevsun.com
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