Vancouver, B.C., December 16, 2011. Empire Mining Corporation (EPC: TSX-V) ("Empire") announces that it has granted incentive stock options to certain of its officers, directors, consultants, employees, and service providers, to purchase up to an aggregate of 925,000 common shares exercisable on or before December 16, 2016, at an exercise price of $0.15 per share. Of the foregoing options, 575,000 vest immediately while 350,000 will vest as to 100% in 12 months from the date of grant.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Robert F. Giustra
Chairman

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information contact:

Investor Relations
604-634-0970 or
1-888-818-1364
info@empireminingcorp.com