Vancouver, B.C., June 1, 2012. Empire Mining Corporation (EPC: TSX-V) ("Empire") announces that it has granted incentive stock options to two of its employees to purchase up to an aggregate of 125,000 common shares exercisable at an exercise price of $0.27 per share. Of the foregoing options, 25,000 are exercisable until August 1, 2016 (of which 12,500 vest on August 1, 2012 and the remaining options vest on August 1, 2013); and 100,000 are exercisable until August 22, 2016 (of which 50,000 vest on August 22, 2012 and the remaining options vest on August 22, 2013).

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