DNT: TSX-VEN

    VANCOUVER, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Candente Resource Corp. -
DNT:TSX-VEN (Candente) is pleased to advise that bulk sampling of copper
mineralization is currently underway on the Canariaco property, in Northern
Peru. Leachable copper (chalcocite) has been identified in outcrop at four
locations over a lateral extent of approximately 600 metres. Trenching and
bulk sampling is in progress by Candente's Peruvian subsidiary, Exploraciones
Milenio S.A.
    The copper samples will be submitted for assay, and for metallurgical and
petrographic studies. Such studies will assist in determining grade,
leachability (a low-cost recovery process for copper) and other
characteristics integral to the economics of the mineralization. Ten out of
eleven holes previously drilled at Canariaco have intersected significant
copper mineralization over vertical widths of 200 to 300 metres. Leachable
copper (chalcocite) grading 0.6% to 1.25% has been found in several of the
drill holes. None of the exposures currently being sampled have been drilled
to date. The Company has tendered bids for diamond drilling.
    Candente is also very pleased to welcome Michael Casselman, M.Sc., P.Geo.
to the Company as Manager Exploration. Michael brings over 35 years of
international exploration experience to the Candente team, which includes
extensive experience in copper. Starting in 1969, Michael was directly
involved with feasibility to production of the Highland Valley Copper Mine in
British Columbia, which is Canada's largest copper mine and one of the largest
copper mining/concentration operations in the world. He was also in charge of
exploration both at the mine and in the surrounding district in the 1980's. In
the mid 1990's Michael was involved with copper exploration in Chile with
Cominco as Manager Exploration, Chile based in Santiago, Chile and later as
Administration Manager, International Exploration based in Vancouver. In 1995,
Mr. Casselman wrote a paper on the Highland Valley Copper Deposits, which was
published as part of a CIM Bulletin titled Porphyry Copper Deposits of the
Northern Cordillera. Michael retired from Cominco in 1999 after holding the
position of Exploration Manager, Cominco Ltd.
    The Canariaco project advancement will be under the direction by Mr.
Casselman who will be assisted by Ing. Fredy Huanqui and Mr. Frank Nelson.
Ing. Huanqui is a co-founder of Candente, has had 30 years of experience in
copper and gold exploration in Peru and now holds the position of Vice
President Business Development Latin America. Mr. Nelson also has over 30
years of experience in copper exploration internationally including the
discovery of the Ertsberg East Deposit (Grasberg District) in Irian Jaya,
Indonesia and is on the Candente Advisory Board.
    The Company also announces it has granted Incentive Stock Options to
employees and consultants in the amount of 600,000 shares at a price of $0.80
for a period of five years.
    Candente is a well-funded mineral exploration company focused on the
acquisition and exploration of world-class gold and copper projects.
Management has a strong geological/technical focus and a track record of
discovering world-class mineral deposits. Candente has a policy of ensuring
that its exploration and development activities are beneficial to the local
communities.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    "Joanne C. Freeze"
    Joanne Freeze, P. Geo., President & CEO
    Candente Resource Corp.

    The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release
may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments
regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological
interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery
processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and
conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual
results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such
statements. Candente relies upon litigation protection for forward looking
statements.

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