Aurizon Announces Receipt of Investment Canada Act Approval; Aurizon Shares Halted in Toronto

Aurizon Mines Ltd.

is pleased to announce that the Minister of Industry and Minister of State has in accordance with the Investment Canada Act approved the arrangement transaction involving Hecla Mining Company

and Aurizon (the "Arrangement"). Accordingly, closing of the Arrangement is anticipated to occur on June 1, 2013.