Mano River Resources Inc the TSX Venture Exchange and AIM listed exploration and development company focused on gold, iron ore and diamonds in West Africa announced the appointment of Mr Kirill S Zimin to the Board of Directors.

Following the completion of the deal with Severstal in December 2008 and in accordance with the agreement signed on May 22nd 2008, Mr Zimin has been elected as the chosen representative of Severstal Resources to complement the existing Board and oversee the 6.29% strategic investment in Mano as well Severstal's 61.5% interest in the Putu Range iron ore JV Severstal Liberia Iron Ore Limited.

Mr Zimin joined ZAO Severstal Resources in 2006 and is Senior Manager for Strategy and Corporate Development. In this capacity he is also Head of Business Development for Africa. Previously Mr Zimin was deputy GD at OAO Kuzbassugol Coal Company where he joined from OAO SUAL Holding having worked for over three years as a specialist in corporate governance. Mr Zimin graduated from the Moscow State University with a Law degree.

Mr Luis da Silva president & CEO of Mano said that "This appointment not only strengthens the Mano Board but also our relationship with Severstal in taking forward the Company's joint objectives. We have an excellent relationship with the Severstal team and we look forward to expanding on this in the future. This appointment is an endorsement of the Company's strategy as we seek to grow, especially in light of the amalgamation with African Aura Resources."