VANCOUVER, B.C. July 19, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Management of Bright Star Ventures Ltd (TSX Venture Exchange:BSV) is pleased to announce that the first batch of sample results have been received from Ecotech Laboratories Ltd. in Kamloops, BC. Samples collected are from Grasshopper Mountain target areas identified in the fall 2001 airborne EM/Mag survey.
As part of the exploration program, the company's mandate is to explore for Platinum and Gold occurrences that were identified in the 2001 program. In the 1890's the Tulameen River and its tributary creeks were the site of a major gold rush. Along with bonanza grade placer gold, miners discovered a grayish metal, which were ultimately determined to be Platinum. At least 20,000 ounces of Platinum nuggets were recovered in streams originating from Bright Star's properties.
The current year's exploration program has confirmed the existence of high-grade Platinum in dunite zones on Grasshopper Mountain. A significant sample assaying 3 gm/t Platinum has been located in a broad, northwest trending area measuring 300 m x 800 m of platinum bearing chromitiferous dunite. Previous drill results in the same area on Grasshopper Mountain have indicated 3 to 5 gm/t platinum over 10 ft intervals within 500 ft. of surface. This area will be extensively examined during the current exploration program to assess for drill targets this season.
Gold Discovered on Grasshopper Mountain
In addition, the exploration program on the eastern margin of the properties has identified a 2 km corridor that has been sampled for PGE and Gold. Within this corridor, the Company has identified a mineralized quartz vein system in a sheared zone measuring 500 m x 200 m with significant gold values. Preliminary grab samples have returned gold assays values of 2.13 gm/t gold, 2.12 gm/t gold, 2.08 gm/t gold, and 11.2 gm/t gold at wide spacing in the structure. The latter sample of 11.2 gm/t gold also included 93.2-gm/t silver.
The Company is confident that the new gold occurrence will add significantly to the company's potential in developing its drill target program to be started in September 2002.
For information on the company call 1-800 884-3864, or visit our website at www.brightstar-ventures.com
On behalf of the Board
"Reg Handford"
President & Director
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.