Noront Resources Ltd. V.NOT

SGS SA-Noront Resources Ltd.: Double Eagle Project

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SGS SA-Noront Resources Ltd.: Double Eagle Project Assay Data Reporting Update

  LAKEFIELD, ONTARIO AND TORONTO, ONTARIO, May 02(MARKET WIRE) --  SGS SA (ZWX: SGSH), Noront Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: NOT) -     Pursuant to Noront's press release of April 25th, SGS and Noront wouldlike to provide this update and clarification regarding the status of theanalytical and quality program used for 774 samples from Noront's DoubleEagle project, located in the McFauld Lake area in north eastern Ontario.These samples were received by SGS' Toronto laboratory in eight batchesover the period February 6th to March 31st, 2008.    The Company reaffirms that this quality control issue does not relate toany assay results that have been previously released. In addition, thedelays in achieving acceptable results from the laboratory have nobearing on the actual results that will be forthcoming.    Due to the ongoing high volume of samples processed at the SGSlaboratory, the first Noront samples were not addressed until mid-March.The first batch of approximately 400 samples was processed for base andprecious metals during a 10 day period. These data were reported toNoront's Quality Control QP, Ms. Tracey Armstrong, P. Geo., of P&E MiningConsultants Inc. from April 7th through April 22nd, 2008. Upon reviewingNoront's certified field reference standards in these batches, Ms.Armstrong determined that the base metal data produced by SGS using astrong acid digest ICP-OES method were biased significantly low andcontacted SGS on April 7th. A certified reference sample is commonlyreferred to as a "standard" and is purchased from an independent firmthat certifies the assays for the standard are accurate and repeatable.If the standard sample assays are greater or less than the acceptedrange, then the entire batch of samples would be re-run for a second setof assays.    As per the terms of Noront's Services Agreement, SGS investigated,defined and addressed the problems from April 8th-11th and began theprogrammed retesting of samples on April 14th . A delay between reportingto the lab of the low bias standards and the results from the reanalysiscan be expected to take a minimum of 10 days. When this delay wasexceeded, Noront issued the Press Release of April 25th in order toexplain to investors the lack of forthcoming assay results.    SGS determined that, during the base metals analysis over the 10 dayperiod when the samples were first analysed, two breaches to SGS's globalanalytical quality control program had occurred. The first was related tothe choice of certified reference material used to monitor the overallquality of the base metal analyses and the second was related to anICP-OES calibration error. Both errors were human in nature and were notcaught by subsequent QC monitoring and data reviewers. In response tothis issue, SGS has reengineered the Toronto Lab Quality System asfollows:    - The choice of certified reference material is now made by a seniorlaboratory staff member on a sample-batch basis. SGS has also issuedstricter data acceptance criteria and now sample batches are rejected ifthe contained certified reference material is not suitable in matrix andconcentration level when compared to the client samples.    - The calibration protocols for the ICP-OES group are also changed toincrease the frequency of the calibration verification. This will improvethe calibration monitoring process and prevent undetected calibrationfailures.    SGS is processing the Noront requested retests and is planning to haveall remedial work completed by Friday May 2nd, 2008.    Upon receipt of the revised analytical reports from SGS, Noront willreview the results for QA/QC as before, apply them to the drill holeinformation and release results in a timely manner.    SGS is a longstanding respected member of the North American explorationcommunity and is very aware of the implications of analytical data andthe need for quality and diligence. In response to the unprecedented boomin exploration activity, SGS has invested heavily to ramp-up capacity,quality and capability throughout our North American analytical networkthe last three years. The SGS laboratory in Toronto processed over 8.5million analytical determinations in 2007 and is currently undergoinganother significant expansion that will boost the laboratory's capacityto in excess of 17 million analytical determinations per annum. As well,one of SGS' senior lab managers was transferred to the Toronto site inlate 2007 in response to the significant growth in business experiencedthe last 2 years and in response to the 2008 capacity expansion.    SGS considers itself to be an industry leader in terms of quality systemsimplementation - the Toronto lab has been certified to ISO/IEC 17025 fora number of specific registered tests since 2003 and has been audited tothis Standard three times, the most recent being in April 2008. TheNoront incident has already resulted in changes in operational proceduresand protocols at the Toronto Lab site.    After the initial delay, Noront is impressed with SGS' professionalapproach and their immediate attention to correcting the problem. Norontexpects to continue to use SGS as one of it's analytical laboratories.    All information contained in this release pertaining to SGS had beensupplied by SGS and Noront makes no representation expressed or impliedas the accuracy thereof.    SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification,testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized asthe global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 50,000employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratoriesaround the world.    This press release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" withinthe meaning of the US Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. other thanstatements of historical fact, all statements are "Forward-LookingStatements" that involve such various known and unknown risks,uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that suchstatements will prove accurate. Results and future events could differmaterially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers of thispress release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these"Forward-Looking Statements".    Noront is a tier 2 junior resource company on the TSX Venture Exchange,trading symbol NOT, with 128,568,083 shares issued to date.Contacts:SGS Minerals ServicesRuss CalowVP Global Geochemistry(705) 652-2018(705) 652-6365 (FAX)Email: [e-mail] Resources LtdRichard NemisPresident and CEO(416) 864-1456(604) 367-5444 (FAX)Email: [e-mail]