Vancouver, B.C.: Further to the announcement by Southern Arc Minerals (TSX VENTURE:SA) on February 12, 2009, regarding the implications of Indonesia's newly enacted Mining Law, the Company is pleased to announce that it has received a formal letter from the Department of Energy & Mineral Resources (ESDM):

1. confirming that the West Lombok and Taliwang Contract of Work applications will continue to be respected and new mining business licenses (IUP) will be processed without the properties going to public tender; and

2. the government is preparing regulations regarding the processing of IUP licenses.

Furthermore, during the first week of March, Southern Arc's management had the opportunity to meet privately with the Indonesian Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal (ESDM coordinating body) Dr. Bambang Setiawan, who was also a speaker at the 2009 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference held in Toronto. Based upon this meeting and the letter from ESDM, the Company intends to immediately apply for IUP licenses for its West Lombok and Taliwang properties. The Company is encouraged by these recent developments in connection with its efforts to finalize tenure to its mineral properties in Lombok and Sumbawa.

On behalf of the Board of
Southern Arc Minerals Inc.


"John Proust”

President and CEO
Southern Arc Minerals Inc.
Suite 1500, Box 1078, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E8 Canada

Telephone: (604) 676-5241 Fax: (604) 676-5246 Website: http://southernarcminerals.com/

"The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release"

Head Office
Southern Arc Minerals Inc.
Suite 650
669 Howe St
Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 0B4
Telephone: +1-778-725-1490
Fax: +1-604-428-1124

 

Investor Relations
John Proust,
Chairman & CEO
Telephone: +1-778-725-1482

E-mail
info@SouthernArcMinerals.com