Great Western Minerals appoints Bruce Higson-Smith to Board as Independent Director

– CANADA, SK – Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. (“GWMG”) (TSX VENTURE: GWG) (OTCQX: GWMGF), a leader in the manufacture and supply of rare earth element-based metals and metal alloys and holder of a low cost, high-grade critical rare earth asset (the “Steenkampskraal Project” or “SKK”), announced that effective March 3, 2014, Bruce Higson-Smith was appointed as an independent director of GWMG and that Ron Hochstein has resigned from the Board.

Robert Quinn, Chairman of the Board of GWMG, commented, “Bruce is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in key disciplines, and we look forward to drawing on his deep industry experience as we continue to execute on our mine-to-market strategy.”

Mr. Higson-Smith is a mining engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the mining industry. He joined Golden Star Resources Ltd., a TSX and NYSE MKT listed company, in 2003 and is currently their Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy with responsibility for evaluating and executing M&A opportunities. Previously, he spent ten years reviewing projects, conducting due diligence, negotiating and structuring mining transactions around the world, initially with the Castle Group, a mining investment management company, and then with Resource Capital Funds. Mr. Higson-Smith has previously served on the boards of two Canadian public companies, is a member of the Society of Mining Engineers and received an MBA in Finance from Baruch College, City University of New York.

Mr. Hochstein had served as a director since January 2013 and as lead independent director since May 2013. The Company’s Board continues to consist of six directors, including four independent directors. A new lead independent director will be determined at a future date.

Mr. Quinn added, “We understand Ron’s decision and thank him for his commitment to Great Western and the many contributions in helping lead the company forward. His extensive experience and skill were invaluable to our ongoing efforts.”

Mr. Hochstein stated, “I am proud to have worked with the Great Western Board and its employees and believe they are on the right strategic path.”

About GWMG

Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. is a leader in the manufacture and supply of rare earth element-based metals and metal alloys. Its specialty alloys are used in the battery, magnet and aerospace industries. Produced at the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Less Common Metals Limited in Ellesmere Port, U.K., these alloys contain transition metals, including nickel, cobalt, iron and other rare earth elements. As part of the Company’s vertical integration strategy, GWMG also holds 100% equity ownership in Rare Earth Extraction Co. Limited, which controls the Steenkampskraal monazite mine in South Africa. The Company also holds interests in three rare earth exploration properties in North America that are not active.

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