Crystallex: Current Imataca regulations, issued by Decree, specifically provides for mining activities in the region

The Minister's comments of yesterday followed the position outlined in a letter from a Director General in the Administrative Office of Permits at MinAmb which was sent to the Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana ('CVG') as discussed in the Company's press release dated April 30, 2008.
Crystallex still maintains that the Director General letter and now the Minister's comments are in conflict with the Las Cristinas Environmental Impact Study approval, Construction Compliance Guarantee Bond Request and Environmental Tax request issued by the same Ministry. Both the posting of the Bond and payment of the requested Tax were satisfied in 2007 and Crystallex obtained receipt of acceptance. Additionally, MinAmb officials testified at a Venezuela National Assembly panel late last year that all the requirements for the issuance of the Las Cristinas Environmental Permit had been satisfied and that the Permit will be issued.
The letter from the Director General and the comments made by the Minister appear to be in opposition to all industrial activity in the Imataca Region and leave a number of current and historic projects standing contrary to their position. In addition, Crystallex believes that the comments made by the Minister and the Director's letter contradict Presidential Decrees, National Assembly Resolutions, MinAmb Resolutions, and Ministry of Basic Industry and Mines Resolutions. Current Imataca regulations, issued by Decree, specifically provides for mining activities in the region.