RNS Number:5629H
Thistle Mining Inc.
17 February 2003



 THISTLE MINING ANNOUNCES A 50% INCREASE IN MILLING CAPACITY AT PRESIDENT STEYN
                                      GOLD



   BOARD APPROVES MANAGEMENT'S PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW GOLD PROCESS PLANT TO
                     INCREASE PRODUCTION BY A FURTHER 100%



Toronto - 17 February, 2003 (TSX: THT, AIM: TMG):  The Board of Thistle Mining
Inc. today announces that its fourth ball mill at the President Steyn Gold Mine
is now fully operational.



Increased production from the Steyn 3, 7 and 9 shafts, better known as the
Golden Triangle, where the ore pass systems have already been completed, is
expected to provide increased throughput to a capacity of 135,000 tonnes per
month of ore production from the Steyn 1 & 2 shafts will also increase steadily
during the next six months as the development of ore pass systems at those
shafts will be completed by March 2003.  Previous throughput was 110,000 tonnes
per month of which only 90,000 tonnes per month was reef and up to 20,000 tonnes
per month was waste rock from development, which could not be segregated, had
been processed through the mill. The mine complex has a hoisting capacity of
over 400,000 tonnes per month.



As a result of continuous improvements in mining operations since the middle of
2002, the head grade has already increased from 4.67 grams per tonne to 4.72
grams per tonne.  The full implementation of the ore pass system throughout the
mine site is expected to enable the mine to achieve a head grade above 5.0 grams
per tonne of gold.



Following the completion of its annual strategic review of the business, carried
out at the mine site in South Africa, the Board has also approved the
commencement of a bankable feasibility study, which will result in the
construction of a 150,000 tonnes per month gold process plant at the Northern
Section of the President Steyn Gold Mine.  The Northern Section operation is
situated 35 kilometres to the north of the existing Steyn plant and will result
in substantial savings on transport costs.  It is anticipated that
implementation of the plan will lead to the creation of 4,000 new long-term jobs
in South Africa.



Commenting on the decision, Lord Lang, Chairman of the Board said; "This major
increase in throughput is a significant milestone for the Company one year after
we completed the acquisition of the Steyn Mines."



                                    - End -



For further information, contact:



Willie McLucas
President and Chief Executive Officer

+ 44 7836 638 912

or

Harvey McKenzie

Chief Financial Officer

+ 1 416 594 3293





                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

MSCGGGMZMNMGFZM