Aurizon Provides Mineral Reserves and Resources Update

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/01/08 -- Aurizon Mines Ltd. (TSX: ARZ)(AMEX: AZK) reports mineral reserves and resources estimates as at December 31, 2007 for its Casa Berardi and Joanna projects, both located in north western Quebec, Canada.

- Upon achieving commercial production at Casa Berardi, Aurizon initiated the process of converting mineral resources to mineral reserves. The gain in mineral reserves from resource conversion has been offset by 2007 mine production, a reduction in projected mining recoveries and an increase in cut-off grade. Mineral reserves, using the three year trailing average gold price of US$581 per ounce, are estimated at 3.1 million tonnes averaging 9.3 grams of gold per tonne for 918,000 ounces, resulting in a gain of 21% in grade and a depletion of 251,000 ounces.

- As a result of the current gold prices being significantly higher than US$581 per ounce used to establish reserves, the 2008 mining plan includes the production of 77,000 tonnes averaging 4.3 grams of gold per tonne or 11,000 ounces, currently classified as mineral resources. These resources are located within Zones 113 and North West, close to existing development and underground infrastructure. As previously reported, the 2008 mining plan estimates gold production of 160,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 8.6 grams of gold per tonne.

- Total measured and indicated mineral resource estimates result in a gain of 456,000 ounces in comparison with 2006, including increases of 136,000 ounces at Casa Berardi and 320,000 ounces at Joanna.

- Total inferred mineral resource estimates result in a gain of 465,000 ounces in comparison with 2006, including increases of 154,000 ounces at Casa Berardi and 311,000 ounces at Joanna.

- A new inferred mineral resource estimate for the newly discovered Zone 123-S, located one kilometre east of the West Mine area at Casa Berardi, resulted in inferred mineral resources of 714,000 tonnes averaging 9.4 grams of gold per tonne for 216,000 ounces.

"Aurizon's focus at Casa Berardi during 2007 was to achieve commercial production and gradually ramp up mine output," said David Hall, President and CEO. "Our significant operating cash flow will enable us to develop improved underground drilling access and undertake major drill programs to transfer mineral resources to mineral reserves. The increase in resources at our two projects bodes well for Aurizon's future growth," he added.

Mineral reserve and resource estimates have been completed in accordance with the Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Corporate Mineral Reserves and Resources As at December 31, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 2006 ----------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Grams/ Gold Grams/ Gold Tonnes tonne ounces Tonnes tonne ounces --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineral Reserves- Casa Berardi 3,087,000 9.3 918,000 4,713,000 7.7 1,169,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Measured and Indicated Resources Casa Berardi 3,613,000 5.7 662,000 3,097,000 5.3 526,000

Indicated Resources Joanna 11,298,000 1.7 630,000 5,398,000 1.8 309,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources 14,911,000 1,292,000 8,495,000 835,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Inferred Resources Casa Berardi 5,484,000 6.9 1,214,000 5,027,000 6.6 1,060,000

Joanna 28,565,000 1.6 1,413,000 21,838,000 1.6 1,102,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Inferred Mineral Resources 34,049,000 2,627,000 26,865,000 2,162,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notes:

1. Measured and indicated mineral resources are exclusive of mineral reserves.

2. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Casa Berardi mine

The Casa Berardi mine is a vein type deposit located close to the contact between a sedimentary basin sequence and the volcanic basement. The deposit extends for a 5 kilometre strike length along the Casa Berardi Fault system. The mine produced 159,500 recovered ounces of gold in 2007, reaching the commercial production stage on May 1, 2007.

Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle ("Scott Wilson RPA") and Breton Banville and Associates ("BBA") were commissioned by Aurizon to update the mineral reserve estimates for the different zones of the property. Scott Wilson RPA reviewed the mineral reserve estimate on Zones 109 and 115, and updated the mineral resources of existing West Mine zones. BBA prepared a mineral reserve estimate on the East Mine crown pillar. Golder Associates Ltd. prepared an updated mining plan for the Lower Inter zone, based upon an updated mineral resource estimate prepared by Scott Wilson RPA.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------Casa Berardi Mine Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves As at December 31, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 2006 ----------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Grams/ Gold Grams/ Gold Tonnes tonne Ounces Tonnes tonne Ounces --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proven

113 Zone 780,000 8.7 218,000 622,000 10.7 213,000 North-West 116,000 6.1 23,000 - - -East Mine Pillar 84,000 3.9 11,000 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven 981,000 8.0 252,000 622,000 10.7 213,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Probable

113 Zone 843,000 12.1 329,000 2,160,000 8.9 616,000 Lower Inter Zone 857,000 9.5 262,000 1,190,000 6.1 233,000 115 Zone 37,000 12.0 14,000 - - -109 Zone 43,000 6.8 10,000 - - -South West Zone 5,000 5.8 1,000 420,000 4.1 55,000 North West Zone - - - 179,000 5.5 32,000 111 Zone 28,000 5.6 5,000 53,000 5.0 9,000 Low-Grade Development 89,000 3.9 11,000 89,000 3.9 11,000 East Mine Pillar 206,000 5.2 34,000 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Probable 2,106,000 9.8 666,000 4,091,000 7.3 956,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Mineral Reserves 3,087,000 9.3 918,000 4,713,000 7.7 1,169,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notes: 1. CIM definitions were followed for mineral reserves. 2. Previous mineral reserve estimates were based on a mining recovery of 97% as proposed by the Updated Feasibility Study prepared by Scott Wilson RPA dated October 26, 2005. The experience gained in the first year of production indicates that a mining recovery of 90% on primary stoping and 95% on secondary stoping would be more appropriate. 3. Mineral reserves are estimated using a long-term average gold price of US$581 per ounce, and a US$/CDN$ exchange rate of 1 : 1.14, resulting in a revised minimum cut off grade of 5.1 grams of gold per tonne. The minimum cut off grade was previously 4.0 grams per tonne. 4. Totals may not represent the sum of the parts due to rounding.

The following assumptions were used in the estimates of mineral reserves:

- For the underground operation, the selected mining method is sequential transversal long hole when the vein is larger than 10 metres and sequential transversal or longitudinal long hole retreat when the vein is less than 10 metres. The stoping sequence includes cemented rockfill of the primary stoping sequence, cemented and unconsolidated rockfill for the longitudinal retreat and unconsolidated rockfill for secondary stoping sequence.

- Stope dilution has been calculated from numerical modeling on the basis of the stability of the stope openings, ore deposit geometry and mining method. The amount of dilution was reduced for stopes of smaller dimensions on the fringes of the zone, and increased for stopes with unfavourable geometry. In addition, each stope was assigned a backfill dilution percentage based on number of walls of fill and type of mucking floor. As a result, dilution averages 18-20%.

- Minimum underground mining widths of two to three metres were used.

- The East mine crown pillar open pit is designed to a depth of 80 meters with an overall pit slope of 35 degrees. Reconciliation of Casa Berardi mineral reserves

The following table outlines the primary factors impacting mineral reserves during 2007 following the actual experience gained during the first year of production at Casa Berardi.

-------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonnes Gold ounces --------------------------------------------------------------------Mineral Reserves - December 31, 2006 4,713,000 1,169,000 Resources conversion (1) 370,000 99,000 Mining depletion (2) (608,000) (191,000) Engineering (3) (718,000) (58,000) --------------------------------------------------------------------Mining cost (4) (670,000) (100,000) --------------------------------------------------------------------Mineral Reserves - December 31, 2007 3,087,000 918,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to the reconciliation of mineral reserves:

(1) Resources conversion resulted in the addition of 99,000 ounces to mineral reserves representing a 52% renewal of the in situ 2007 production including milling and mining recoveries. (2) Mining depletion represents 2006 mineral reserves mined and processed in 2007 before mining and milling recoveries and therefore does not correspond to actual 2007 gold production of 159,469 ounces. (3) Engineering includes changes in mining dilution and recovery assumptions and other mine design considerations. (4) Mining cost represents an adjustment to the cut off grade by applying the three year moving average gold price of US$581 per ounce to increased mining costs. As the current gold price is significantly higher, it is anticipated that most of these ounces will be mined and recovered.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------Casa Berardi Mine Mineral Resources As at December 31, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 2006 --------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Grams/ Gold Grams/ Gold Tonnes tonne Ounces Tonnes tonne Ounces ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Measured Mineral Resources Zone 113 - - - 38,000 7.3 9,000 East Mine Crown Pillar - - - 291,000 4.3 41,000 East Mine Underground 299,000 6.8 67,000 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured Resources 299,000 6.8 67,000 329,000 4.7 50,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated Mineral Resources Zone 113 681,000 3.9 85,000 500,000 3.7 60,000 Zone Lower Inter 103,000 19.9 66,000 298,000 5.4 52,000 Zone 111 52,000 5.2 9,000 40,000 5.4 7,000 Zone South West 579,000 4.6 85,000 323,000 4.6 47,000 Zone North West 24,000 4.2 3,000 - - -Zone Inter 124,000 4.4 18,000 124,000 4.4 18,000 Zone 109 19,000 11.2 7,000 68,000 8.6 19,000 Zone 115 24,000 15.3 12,000 39,000 15.1 19,000 Zone Principal 903,000 6.5 189,000 655,000 6.2 131,000 East Mine Crown Pillar 667,000 4.0 86,000 617,000 4.6 91,000 East Mine Underground 138,000 8.2 36,000 104,000 9.6 32,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Indicated Resources 3,314,000 5.6 596,000 2,768,000 5.3 476,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured & Indicated Resources 3,613,000 5.7 662,000 3,097,000 5.3 526,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred Mineral Resources Zone Lower Inter 158,000 6.4 32,000 115,000 6.6 25,000 Zone 123 - S 714,000 9.4 216,000 - - -Zone 118 - 120 854,000 6.6 183,000 1,141,000 6.9 254,000 Zone Principal 2,963,000 6.5 615,000 2,963,000 6.5 615,000 East Mine Crown Pillar 170,000 5.7 31,000 170,000 5.7 31,000 East Mine Underground 624,000 6.8 137,000 638,000 6.6 135,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Inferred Resources 5,484,000 6.9 1,214,000 5,027,000 6.6 1,060,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notes: 1. CIM definitions were used for mineral resources. 2. Mineral resources are estimated using a long-term average gold price of US$750 per ounce, a US$/CDN$ exchange rate of 1:1.10, and a cut off grade of 4.1 grams of gold per tonne. 3. Minimum underground mining widths of two to three metres were used. 4. Totals may not represent the sum of the parts due to rounding. 5. Mineral resources are exclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Joanna

The property is located along the Cadillac Break, 20 km East of Rouyn-Noranda just off highway 117. The property was mined previously from underground to a maximum depth of 200m (46,000 tonnes at 6.6 grams of gold per tonne).

At Joanna, previous surface and underground exploration focused mainly on a poorly developed stacking of high grade veins within sediments. The veins were included within a 15 to 60 metres wide lower grade halo of 0.8 to 2.0 gram of gold per tonne. Compilation of existing data indicates that the corridor could be extended along a 1,800 metre trend and can currently be followed down to a depth of 400 metres. Mineralization follows multiple distinct zones, along a dip of 50 degrees to the north with a western plunge.

Geostat Systems International Inc. ("Geostat") was commissioned by Aurizon to prepare a mineral resources estimate as at September, 2007, in accordance with the Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as defined by N1 43-101. Details are contained in a technical report prepared by Geostat entitled "Resource Modeling Estimation Update - Joanna Gold Deposit" dated October 26, 2007, a copy of which has been filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. No updated resource estimate was prepared as of December 31, 2007.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------Joanna Mineral Resources(1) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 2006 --------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Grams/ Gold Grams/ Gold Tonnes tonne Ounces Tonnes tonne Ounces --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated Mineral Resources East block 8,200,000 1.6 420,000 5,398,000 1.8 309,000 West block 1,670,000 1.9 103,000 - - -Heva Block(i) 1,428,000 2.3 107,000 - - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Total Indicated Resources 11,298,000 1.7 630,000 5,398,000 1.8 309,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Inferred Mineral Resources East block 24,300,000 1.5 1,150,000 21,838,000 1.6 1,102,000 West block 2,689,000 1.9 161,000 - - -Heva block(i) 1,576,000 2.0 102,000 - - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Total Inferred Resources 28,565,000 1.6 1,413,000 21,838,000 1.6 1,102,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(i) Including Stellar Pacific Venture Inc.'s 25% interest

(1) Mineral Resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

For the East block, a minimum cut-off grade of 0.5 grams of gold per tonne was used. For the West block, a minimum cut-off grade of 0.5 grams of gold per tonne was used for intercepts between the surface and a depth of 150 metres, and a minimum cut-off grade of 1.5 grams of gold per tonne was used for intercepts between a depth of 150 metres and 300 metres.

Outlook

At Casa Berardi, the three year program initiated last year to transfer the existing mineral resources to mineral reserves will intensify.

- A re-assessment of the Principal Zones, located one kilometre east of the West Mine is in progress, evaluating the potential for underground and open pit mining. As the 280 metre level is rehabilitated, drilling will be initiated early in the second quarter, starting along the Principal Zones, to be followed by drilling to test the area between Principal Zones and the East Mine.

- As the re-assessment of the East Mine below the 100 metre level is complete, drilling and an economic study will be initiated with the objective of transferring the existing mineral resources to mineral reserves. - An exploration drift will be developed at the 810 metres level, east of Zone 113 and to the south of the Casa Berardi fault, to provide drill access to test the depth extension of Zone 113 and to test the continuity and extension of Zones 122 and 123-South.

At Joanna, four rigs are currently active along the lateral and dip extension of the mineral resources contour with the objective of increasing the existing mineral resources. An updated technical report on Joanna is in progress with emphasis on the upper part of the East block of mineral resources, above the 200 metre level.

Quality control

Mineral resource estimates, implementation and the quality control program are supervised by Jeannot Boutin P.Eng., Superintendent, Mine Geology for Casa Berardi and Ghislain Fournier P.Eng., Manager, Corporate Development for Joanna, both "qualified persons" as defined by the National Instrument 43-101.

Information of a technical and scientific nature in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Michel Gilbert, P.Eng., Vice President, a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101.

Additional information

A sketch is attached showing the mineral reserve and/or resource outlines at the Casa Berardi Gold Mine and Joanna Gold Project. All other information previously released on Casa Berardi and Joanna is also available on the Aurizon website at www.aurizon.com.

To view accompanying map, please click on the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/ARZ_Sketch.pdf

Aurizon is a gold producer with a growth strategy focused on developing its existing projects in the Abitibi region of north-western Quebec, one of the world's most prolific gold and base metal regions, and by increasing its asset base through accretive transactions. Aurizon shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ARZ" and on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "AZK". Additional information on Aurizon and its properties is available on Aurizon's website at http://www.aurizon.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This News Release contains "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the 2008 Casa Berardi mine plan and estimates of gold production, grade and long-term average gold prices, mineral reserve and mineral resources estimates, planned work programs and expected outcomes. Forward-looking statements express, as at the date of this News Release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions, including those listed in the news release, that plant and equipment will operate as expected, and that mining operations will not be delayed or suspended and such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to inherent uncertainties associated with exploration, conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in mining plan necessitated by actual conditions encountered during operations; changes in future prices of gold; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; environmental risks and hazards, and other risks more fully described in the Feasibility Study for the Casa Berardi Project, dated October 26, 2005, Aurizon's Annual Information Form filed with the Securities Commissions of the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, and in Aurizon's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These documents are available on Sedar at www.sedar.com and on Edgar at www.sec.gov.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO US READERS

As a British Columbia corporation, the Company is subject to certain rules and regulations issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BC Securities Commission"). The Company is required to provide detailed information regarding its properties including mineralization, drilling, sampling and analysis, security of samples and mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates. Further, the Company describes mineral resources associated with its properties utilizing terminology such as "measured" or "indicated" or "inferred" which terms are recognized by Canadian regulations but are not recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Regarding Mineral Resources

The SEC allows mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits they can economically and legally extract or produce. The Company may use certain terms in this document, such as "mineral resources", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred resources" that are recognized and mandated by Canadian securities regulators but are not recognized by the SEC.

This News Release may use the terms "measured" or "indicated" resources. U.S. readers are cautioned that while that term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in this category will ever be converted into mineral reserves.

This News Release may also use the term "inferred" resources. U.S. readers are cautioned that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. "Inferred resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

U.S. Registration: (File 001-31893)

Contacts: Aurizon Mines Ltd. David Hall President (604) 687-6600 or Toll Free: 1-888-411-GOLD (604) 687-3932 (FAX)

Aurizon Mines Ltd. Michel Gilbert Vice President (819) 874-4511 (819) 874-3391 (FAX) Email: info@aurizon.com Website: www.aurizon.com

Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Barry Mire (514) 939-3989 Email: bmire@renmarkfinancial.com

Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Jen Power (514) 939-3989 Email: jpower@renmarkfinancial.com

Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Vanessa Napoli Media (514) 939-3989 (514) 939-3717 (FAX) Email: vnapoli@renmarkfinancial.com

2008-04-01 20:22:57 0325610 MARKETWIRE