NEWS RELEASE

Trading Symbols: TSXV:SXG or OTCBB:SMXMF           No. 3-06       January 16, 2006

PRIVATE PLACEMENT

SAMEX has arranged a private placement of 3,610,000 units comprised of one common share and one-half of a share purchase warrant at a price of $0.70 per unit. One full warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share at a price of $0.78 per share if exercised at any time during the three year term of the warrant. The share/warrant units will be subject to a four-month hold period. The proceeds of the private placement will be used for expenditures on the Company’s mineral properties and for general working capital. Directors/Officers of the Company are placees for an aggregate of 230,000 units. Finders fees or other compensation may be payable with respect to a portion of the placement. The private placement is subject to regulatory acceptance.
 

Jeffrey P. Dahl,
President

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein.