Mr. Ruiz is the former General Director of Mines and Geology for Venezuela's Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), where be was responsible for exercising the Government's policy for the mining sector. In this role, he gained significant expertise in the areas of governmental procedures. He also has extensive experience in project management, mining operations, and mineral deposit evaluation.

Crystallex International President and CEO Marc J. Oppenheimer said, "We are pleased that so talented and experienced a mining professional as Oswaldo has joined Crystallex to head up our intensifying efforts in Venezuela. His extensive practical expertise in geology and mining, as well as significant local knowledge about Venezuela, its mining sector and government mining policy will be an invaluable asset. We expect that his experience and judgment will help drive increasing exploration and mining in the area."

Prior to his government position, Mr. Ruiz's experience included serving as Mine Manager for the Paso Diablo Mine Carbozulia S.A., the mining arm of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), Project Manager for Carbozulia - Shell International and Veba Oil of Germany joint venture and Chief Project and Exploration Geologist for the Carbozulia C.A. filial of Corpozulia and the Venezuelan Investment Fund. Mr. Ruiz has also been engaged as a private consultant to prepare exploration programs for various international mining companies.

Mr. Ruiz is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado in the United States. He resides in Caracas.

Mr. Oppenheimer added, "As Crystallex de Venezuela moves into this new phase of its activities with the appointment of Oswaldo Ruiz, we also want to acknowledge the contributions that have been made by Stephen Goss, immediate past president of Crystallex de Venezuela, and board member Ludovico Fontana. Their efforts on behalf of Crystallex were instrumental in establishing the firm foundation for our growth throughout Latin America."

Crystallex International Corporation is a gold mining and exploration company. The Company's strategy for growth is to develop its portfolio of properties in South America as well as to diversify geographically by investing in producing or near-production 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

NOTE: The Toronto Stock Exchange and the Vancouver Stock Exchange have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.