Abacus Minerals: La Manchuria Drill Program in Argentina to Commence April 1, 1998

Business Wire, March 13, 1998

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 1998-- ABACUS MIN. (VSE:AMC.) Abacus Minerals Corporation (the "Company") announces that a drill contract has been negotiated to begin drilling on the La Manchuria project in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Drilling is scheduled to commence on April 1st.

Abacus is earning a 100 percent interest in the La Manchuria Project from Barrick Gold Corp. by carrying out US $2,700,000 in exploration over a four year period. The Company must spend US $500,000 by December 31, 1998. To date, the Company has expended approximately US $325,000 on the project. The upcoming drill program will exceed the Company's first year work commitment. After Abacus is vested, Barrick has a right to back into La Manchuria for a 50 percent interest by carrying out the next US $3,700,000 in exploration.

Barrick discovered gold mineralization in 1996 on La Manchuria and reported values of 110 metres grading 1.48 g/t gold, 57.7 g/t silver and 180 metres grading 1.37 g/t gold, 14.89 g/t silver from two of their three trenches. Following this initial discovery and the formation of the Abacus/Barrick agreement, Abacus carried out continued trenching, mapping and geophysical surveys. Abacus trench results included 70 metres grading 1.18 g/t gold and 51.77 g/t silver. The geophysical surveys show large targets which conform to the surface trench results and indicate highly prospective drill targets.

Nine or ten HQ sized diamond drill holes will be directed below existing trenches as well as one or two holes designed to test geophysical zones of silicification and chargeability. Upon receiving these initial drill hole results, an immediately expanded drill program is envisaged while the drill rig and geological crew remain on site for approximately 3-4 weeks.

La Manchuria Project is approximately 80 kilometres west of Anglo American's Cerro Vanguardia Project. Recent published works indicate Cerro Vanguardia has reserves of 3,800,000 ounces of gold and 33,000,000 ounces of silver.

ABACUS MINERALS CORPORATION

Steve L. Todoruk, P.Geo., President -0-

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CONTACT: Abacus Minerals Corporation

Steve L. Todoruk, P.Geo., 604/682-0301 or

800/811-5388 (Toll Free)

604/682-0307 (FAX)

E-mail: info@abacusminerals.com

Website: http://www.abacusminerals.com