Date: 21st January, 2013

Appointment of Geoff Laing to the Board of Hot Chili

Hot Chili (ASX code: HCH) is pleased to announce the appointment of well-regarded mining executive Mr Geoff Laing to the board of Hot Chili as an executive director. The appointment, which commences today, will involve Mr Laing managing all aspects of the company's development activities for the Productora copper project in Chile.
Mr Laing is an engineer with more than 20 years' experience in the mining business. Over the past five years Mr Laing was involved in the successful development and operation of Exco Resources Ltd as both Managing Director and General Manager of Corporate and Business Development. Most recently, Mr Laing oversaw the successful conversion of a hostile bid for Exco Resources to an agreed takeover of the company. Prior to that, Mr Laing was involved in the development of a number of major projects including the Tenke Fungurume copper project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Norilsk Nickel Refining Projects. Mr Laing has operational experience in base and precious metals in both Africa and Australia. Mr Laing holds an MBA from the University of Western Australia and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Hot Chili's development strategy for the Productora copper project will benefit greatly from Mr Laing's recent experience with the development of the Australian copper assets of Exco Resources and his involvement in the successful development of the world-class Tenke Fungurume copper project in the DRC.
The appointment of Mr Laing significantly strengthens the board of Hot Chili as it progresses the Productora copper project towards the delivery of a pre-feasibility study in the second half of 2013 and the commencement of a definitive feasibility study.
Two major resource up-grades are expected over the coming 6-8 months as Hot Chili establishes itself as one of the leading emerging copper producers on the ASX. The first of these two major resource up-grades is expected in the coming weeks.
Further management additions to the company's development team are expected over the coming months.

For more information please contact: Christian Easterday

Managing Director

+61 8 9315 9009

christian@hotchili.net.au


or visit Hot Chili's website at www.hotchili.net.au

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