VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Apr 16, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Fortunate Sun Mining Company Ltd. (the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kristian Whitehead P.Geo. as Fortunate Sun’s Vice President of Exploration.

Mr. Whitehead, M.Sc., P.Geo., brings approximately ten years of experience to the company in the areas of exploration project management and geological consulting, as well as having owned and operated a successful drilling company for several years.

In addition to having spent a great deal of time managing projects in Canada, his work experience has also taken him to Mexico, British Guyana, Brazil, Holland and the United States, including Alaska.

During his time in the industry, he has had extensive experience in Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Care (QC), technical report writing, developing and managing exploration proposals and programs, as well as producing budgets, managing claims and handling permitting, environmental and First Nations matters. He has also been involved in Safety Policy Generation as well as managing underground drill programs.

“We are excited by the prospects of having Kristian join our team at this time and feel his presence definitely adds a valuable asset to the company. His extensive knowledge of the industry, his work ethic and enthusiasm for the job at hand make him an excellent choice for the position of VP exploration for the company,” said Reg Advocaat, President of Fortunate Sun.

Mr. Whitehead’s most immediate job will be to manage the upcoming diamond drilling program at the company’s Golconda project in Southwest Sonora, scheduled to begin in the very near future.

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to, information regarding geological interpretations, resources, potential timing and content of exploration programs, production schedules and projections, receipt of permits, company financings etc. Forward looking statements refer to events and conditions which have not yet taken place and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. Fortunate Sun relies on litigation protection for forward looking statements.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Reg Advocaat, President and CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

        Contacts:

        Fortunate Sun Mining Company Ltd.

        Reg Advocaat

        President and CEO

        778-945-2139
www.fortunatesunmining.com