Sierra Metals announces update on Polo y Ron Minerals option agreement

TORONTO, March 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Sierra Metals Inc. (TSXV: SMT) (BVL: SMT) ("Sierra" or the "Company") is pleased to report that a Federal Court in the State of Chihuahua has granted to the Company a temporary suspension of the adverse resolution issued by the State Court of Chihuahua, Mexico. A final verdict by the Federal Court is pending. The Company will continue to vigorously defend this claim by applying the proper legal resources necessary to defend its position.  Sierra continues to believe that the original claim is without merit.

In October 2009, Polo y Ron Minerals, S.A. de C.V. ("P&R") sued the Company and one of its subsidiaries, Dia Bras Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. P&R claimed damages for the cancelation of an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") regarding the San Jose properties in Chihuahua, Mexico (the "San Jose Properties"). The Company believes that it has complied with all of its obligations pertaining to the Option Agreement.

In October 2011, the 8^th Civil Court of the Judicial District of Morelos in Chihuahua issued a resolution that absolved the Company from the claims brought against it by P&R on the basis that P&R did not provide evidence to support any of its claims. P&R appealed this resolution to the State Court, which overruled the previous resolution and ordered the Company to: (i) transfer to P&R 17 mining concessions from the Company's Bolivar project, including the mining concessions where mine operations are located; and (ii) pay US$422,674 to P&R.

The San Jose Properties are not located in any areas where Dia Bras Mexicana, S.A. de C.V currently operates, nor are these properties included in any resource estimates of the Company.

About Sierra Metals

Sierra Metals is a Canadian mining company focused on precious and base metals from its Yauricocha mine in Peru and its Bolivar mine in Mexico. The Company is also advancing its Cusi silver project in Mexico from advanced development into commercial production. In addition, Sierra Metals is exploring several precious and base metal targets in Peru and Mexico. Projects in Peru include Adrico (gold), Victoria (copper-silver) and Ipillo (polymetallic) at the Yauricocha Property in the province of Yauyos. Projects in Mexico include Bacerac (silver) in the state of Sonora, La Verde (gold) at the Batopilas Property in the state of Chihuahua, and Las Coloradas (silver) at the Melchor Ocampo Property in the state of Zacatecas.

The Company's common shares trade on the Bolsa de Valores de Lima and the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") under the symbol "SMT".

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Other than statements of historical fact, all statements are "forward-looking statements", which involve various known and unknown risk and uncertainties and other factors, including market conditions that may affect the Company's ability to execute its current business plan.  Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: Sierra Metals Inc.