MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 14, 2010) - Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FWR) is pleased to announce the initial National Instrument 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for the Black Thor chromite deposit on its 100%-owned McFaulds property. The 100%-owned McFaulds property, consisting of 1,036 hectares, comprises one of three properties in the "Ring of Fire" metals district in northern Ontario that Freewest is exploring on its own or under joint-venture agreements.

MINERAL RESOURCES:

The Black Thor chromite deposit contains an Inferred Mineral Resource of 69,554,960 tonnes grading 31.9% Cr2O3. This Inferred Mineral Resource is based on a 25% cut-off grade for chromite; utilizing different cut-off grades for chromite yields a range of tonnes and grades for the Black Thor chromite deposit as set out in the table below. This initial mineral resource estimate is compliant with National Instrument 43-101. The details of the mineral resource estimate are as follows:

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Classification        Tonnes (millions)        %Cr2O3      Cut-Off Grade 
--------------        -----------------        ------           (% Cr2O3)
                                                           --------------
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Inferred Mineral 
 Resources                 121,883,768           27.8                 20
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Inferred Mineral 
 Resources                  69,554,960           31.9                 25
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Inferred Mineral 
 Resources                  36,062,976           36.1                 30
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Inferred Mineral 
 Resources                  16,710,037          40.46                 35
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1.  CIM Definition Standards were followed for classification of Mineral 
    Resources.
2.  The cut-off grade of 25% Cr2O3 is based on a Cr2O3 price of $150 per 
    tonne for high-grade chromite mineralization (greater than 40% Cr2O3)
    and assumed mining costs.
3.  The Inferred Mineral Resource estimate utilizes drill-hole data 
    available as of January 7, 2010 that comprised 54 drill holes 
    totaling 19,641 metres of drilling.
4.  Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have 
    demonstrated economic viability.
5.  All sample preparation and analyses were completed by Activation 
    Laboratories of Ancaster, Ontario.

The tonnage-grade curve for the Black Thor chromite deposit set out below helps to illustrate the effect of different cut-off grades for Cr2O3 on available Inferred Mineral Resources. The mining and processing methods to be chosen will help determine what proportion can be upgraded to "mineral reserves", as Inferred Mineral Resources do not take into account mineability and dilution.

Freewest contracted Mr. Alan J. Aubut, M. Sc., P. Geo. (Ontario) of Sibley Basin Group Geological Services to calculate the National Instrument 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for Black Thor and to write an accompanying technical report. He is currently a member in good standing in the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Practicing Member 1750). Mr. Aubut has more than ten years of practical experience in mineral resource estimation, particularly with orthomagmatic nickel-copper-platinum group element deposits (Thompson nickel belt, Manitoba) as well as orthomagmatic chromium-platinum group element deposits.

Mr. Aubut estimated the mineral resource from a block model that was controlled by constructing a wire frame from the interpretation of geological cross-sections. The resulting mineral envelope for Black Thor extends from surface to a vertical depth of about 400 metres below surface. Block model grades were then calculated geostatistically using ordinary kriging.

Due to the shortage of time and incomplete data, it was not possible to include platinum, palladium or the chrome-to-iron ratios (Cr:Fe) in this initial mineral resource estimate. These parameters will be included in a technical report that is required to be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release. Systematic calculation of Cr:Fe ratios for the 54 drill holes utilized in this mineral resource calculation indicate Cr:Fe ratios of 1.80 for chromite grades of 30% and greater and Cr:Fe ratios of 2.08 for chromite grades of 40% and greater. In Freewest's view, based on published ratios for known producing chromite deposits globally, such ratios are indicative of very good ore quality.

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ABOUT BLACK THOR:

The Black Thor chromite deposit has been traced on the McFaulds property over a 2.9 kilometre strike-length, remaining open-ended along strike and to depth. It is the most extensive chromite-bearing body on the McFaulds property and, to date, within the entire Ring of Fire metals district. It strikes southwest to northeast and has an over-turned sub-vertical dip towards the northwest ranging between 70 degrees and 85 degrees. The zone typically contains two chromite layers known as the Lower and Upper zones that range in thickness from tens of metres to more than 100 metres in thickness. The zones are separated by a horizon of disseminated chromite hosted within peridotite and dunite. The goal of an up-coming third phase of diamond drilling at Black Thor is to upgrade the Inferred Mineral Resource to the Indicated Mineral Resource category. In this regard, a planned 10,000-metre diamond drilling program is slated to commence late January, 2010.

Donald Hoy, P. Geo. (Ontario), Vice-President, Exploration and a Director of Freewest Resources Canada Inc., is the Qualified Person (under National Instrument 43-101) on the McFaulds property and is responsible for the preparation and verification of data contained in this news release.

ABOUT FREEWEST:

Freewest is a mineral exploration company actively exploring for gold, base-metals and chromite within eastern Canada. Corporate information can be accessed on the Internet at www.freewest.com. Freewest's shares are listed on Tier 1 of the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FWR.

Georgeson is acting as Freewest's solicitation agent in connection with the proposed Plan of Arrangement with Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Georgeson may be contacted as follows:

                                 Georgeson
                          100 University Avenue
                         11th Floor, South Tower
                            Toronto, Ontario
                                 M5J 2Y1
              North American Toll Free Number: 1-866- 433-7579
              Banks and Brokers Collect Number: 1-212-806-6859

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Freewest Resources Canada Inc. ("Freewest"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Freewest will derive therefrom. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Freewest's management at the time the information is released and Freewest does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Freewest Resources Canada Inc.
Mackenzie I. Watson
President and CEO
514-878-3551 or 1-888-878-3551
514-878-4427 (FAX)
[email protected]
www.freewest.com

Neither the 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.