Candente Copper Corp. announced that exploration and feasibility drilling has recommenced on the Canariaco property. Two drills are now working on the property.

The first hole was collared on December 21, 2012 on Canariaco Norte and is a metallurgical hole. The second drill was collared several days later at Canariaco Sur and is an exploration hole. The Company received the water permit from the Authority Nacional de Agua (ANA) on December 07, 2012 which allows the Company to use site water for the drilling activities and was the last permit required for drilling to commence at Canariaco.

In accordance with best environmental practices, water used for drilling will be collected in ponds and recycled as much as possible. Upon completion of drilling, water used will be treated and kept in the ponds where it will undergo a natural evaporation process. Muds (additives) used for drilling will be contained and transported off site for disposal in an approved disposal facility.

Approximately 11,000 metres of feasibility drilling are planned for Canariaco Norte and approximately 2,500 metres of exploration drilling are planned for Canariaco Sur. Approximately 140 local employees are currently engaged in support of the drilling and other project site activities.