CRYSTALLEX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (T.S.E. symbol: KRY; V.S.E. symbol: KRY) today announced a number of new appointments to its Board of Directors, as well as the addition of a new Vice President of Exploration. The appointments reflect the expanded shareholder base of the Company as a result of its Cdn $21 million special warrant financing placed in June 1996.

''We are very pleased and excited that this group of professionals has joined our organization. To have this level of experience committed to the Company's goals demonstrates both the potential of our future, and our strength today,'' said Mr. Marc J. Oppenheimer, President and CEO of Crystallex.

The new members of the Company's Board of Directors are:

Mr. Robert A. Nihon, a career merchant banker, is Chairman and CEO of International Bankers, Ltd., Chairman of Alexis Nihon Canada and Honorary Consul for Canada in the Bahamas.

Mr. Robert A. Fung, is the Vice Chairman of Gordon Capital Corporation where he oversees a broad range of investment activities and has been involved in a number of growth situations worldwide.

Mr. Daniel R. Ross is a partner in the law firm, McCarthy Tetrault. McCarthy Tetrault maintains offices throughout Canada and in London, England. His experience includes corporate, business and administrative law.

Mr. Armando F. Zullo is Founder and President of A. F. Zullo & Company, Ltd., a leading supplier of industrial products to commercial, industrial and municipal entities including companies such as Placer Dome, MacMillan Bloedel Ltd., and other multi-nationals.

Continuing on in their positions on the Board of Directors are Marc J. Oppenheimer and Philip R. Lacerte, Chairman.

In order to make room for the new board members, former board members Douglas Beaumont, James Clucas, Robert Dengler and James Matthews have stepped down. ''The Company appreciates the contribution of these former members,'' said Mr. Oppenheimer.

The company also named Dr. Luca Riccio as Vice President of Exploration. ''Dr. Riccio has over 25 years experience in mining and exploration worldwide. His experience includes expert consulting for BP Minerals, Homestake Mining, Inco Gold, Anaconda and other successful mining companies. We are quite excited about the contribution that he can make as we accelerate our growth,'' stated Mr Oppenheimer. Dr. Riccio is a respected author, an internationally known industry leader and is a Fellow of the Geological Association of Canada.

When asked about the new expansion plans and personnel changes, Mr. Oppenheimer explained, ''These moves serve to provide the management foundation necessary as we expand the rate of development of our current properties in Venezuela and begin an aggressive acquisition program. Both activities are aimed at continuing to maximize shareholder value while increasing our leadership within the marketplace.''

Crystallex International Corporation is a gold mining and exploration company. The Company's Albino mine is the first foreign-owned gold mine operating in the Kilometre 88 region of Venezuela. Part of the Company's strategy for growth is to develop its portfolio of properties in Venezuela as well as to diversify geographically by investing in producing or near- producing projects and by exploring properties of merit in other areas of the world.

On Behalf of the Board,

"Marc J, Oppenheimer"

Marc J, Oppenheimer, President & CEO

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