''Crystallex stands by its long record of public disclosure regarding agreements it has to acquire interests in the Santa Elena 7, Santa Elena 8, Carabobo and San Miguel concessions. The Company has informed shareholders fully and often that its option to acquire the properties is contested. Recent allegations cited in media reports and elsewhere again convey incomplete and inaccurate impressions of Crystallex's disclosure of these matters, again relying on partial quotations and statements taken out of context from our financial reports.

''For the record, numerous Crystallex financial reports dating back as early as December 31, 1994 have accurately and fully dealt with the issues of ACOMIXSUR and the related properties. The 1996 annual report clearly states that:

'Although the company and its independent counsel are confident that all necessary procedures were followed and rules adhered to in order to ensure that such agreement was properly entered into by ACOMIXSUR and that, accordingly, the Company has good title to the Santa Elena 7 and 8, Carabobo and San Miguel concessions, there can be no assurance that the Court will not subsequently agree with the MEM notice. The exact effect of an adverse finding by the Court cannot be accurately predicted, but such circumstances could result in such agreement being rescinded or re-negotiated.'

''This clear and concise statement of the status of Crystallex's interest in these properties has been clearly disclosed, along with Crystallex's extensive record of financial reporting, in all of Crystallex's financial statements since December 31, 1994 for review by all interested parties.''

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.

Note:

This news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Crystallex, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed from time to time with The Toronto Stock Exchange, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.