Aurizon Mines Ltd.: Additional Encouraging Results from Defintion Drilling at Casa Berardi-On Schedule for November Start Up

Aurizon Mines Ltd. (TSX: ARZ)(AMEX: AZK) is pleased to present additional results from the ongoing definition drilling on Zone 113 and a progress report on development activities at its 100 percent owned Casa Berardi Gold Project located in north-western Quebec, Canada.

"The completion of definition drilling of Zone 113, along two additional levels, confirms that the initial gold production from Casa Berardi should exceed that outlined in the current mine plan." said David Hall, President and CEO of Aurizon. "Casa Berardi remains on schedule and on budget to commence gold production in approximately 10 weeks' time, despite unscheduled interruptions and distractions. We anticipate that Aurizon shareholders will benefit not only from strong gold prices, but also from higher initial gold production. Aurizon is poised to realize the re-rating associated with producing companies."

Five underground rigs (two for exploration and three for definition) and two surface exploration rigs are currently active on site. Additional drill results are expected shortly.

Definition drill program on Zone 113 between 650-720 metre levels

Additional definition drilling performed between the 650 and 720 metre levels covered the area where the initial stope development will occur. Fifty (50) infill and definition holes have previously been reported within this area and fifty seven (57) additional definition holes have now been completed from the 670 (1 hole), 690 (34 holes) and 710 (22 holes) metre levels. Best results are as follows.


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             Gold  Gold                         Gold  Gold
           Ounces Grams                       Ounces Grams
Definition    per   per Thickness  Definition    per   per Thickness
Hole #        ton tonne   (metres)     Hole #    ton tonne   (metres)
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690-10       0.31  10.7       7.7      710-01   0.89  30.7       2.9
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690-13       0.62  21.4       9.0      710-07   0.60  20.8       6.5
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690-21       0.46  15.7       7.5      710-09   0.46  15.7      15.1
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690-22       0.37  12.7      26.0      710-10   0.99  34.0      12.4
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690-24       0.34  11.5       7.5      710-11   0.97  33.4      14.5
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690-25       0.29  10.1      12.1      710-12   0.69  23.7       4.2
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690-26       0.46  15.9      16.5      710-13   0.25   8.7      17.5
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690-28       0.19   6.5      21.3      710-18   0.62  21.4      21.0
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690-29       1.51  52.1       2.3
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690-31       0.28   9.7      22.2
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690-32       0.22   7.7      12.5
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690-33       0.20   6.8      21.0
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Missing numbers in the sequence are shown on the sketch attached to this press release, which shows all holes drilled in this area of Zone 113.

A high grade core of Zone 113 plunges steeply to the east as shown on the sketch. An updated mineral reserve estimate should be completed during the fourth quarter, 2006.

Information from the definition drilling is being used to outline the precise ore stope dimensions. Footwall drifts, which are set 20 metres apart, are being used as the collar locations of the current drill program.

Progress Report on Casa Berardi Development

- Start up of commercial production remains on target for early November 2006.

- Over 400 people are currently active on site.

- Shaft sinking: Completed and has reached the shaft bottom at the 760 metre elevation. Related underground infrastructure is anticipated be completed early in the fourth quarter 2006. Shaft access has been completed on the 280, 550 and 690 metre levels.

- Ramp access: Completed and has reached the 730 metre level, which is the depth required for initial production.

- Drift access development: Completed on four of the five required access drifts, and the fifth access drift, on the 730 metre level, is substantially complete. Construction of draw points is underway on the 650, 670 and 690 metre levels, and will be initiated on the 710 and 730 metre levels by the end of this month.

- Construction of a rockfill network: In progress. Modification to the existing cement plant and construction of the rockfill dump station should be completed this quarter. Underground drilling of the slurry distribution holes and development of the fill raises are currently underway from the 690 metre level to the surface. In addition, the fill raise collar has been completed ahead of schedule.