Afri-Can Marine Minerals: Diamond Sampling Vessel Departs Cape Town

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Aug 27 (MARKET WIRE) --
Afri-Can Marine Minerals Corporation ("Afri-Can") (TSX VENTURE: AFA) has
been informed by International Mining and Dredging Holding Ltd. (IMDH)
that the contracted diamond sampling vessel MV DP The Explorer has left
Cape Town, South Africa, for the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia. IMDH will
then conduct deep sea testing in the vicinity of Walvis Bay in order to
calibrate the new onboard sampling equipment, treatment plant and Dynamic
Positioning system (DP II) for optimal efficiency. IMDH will also conduct
crew training and a test sampling program to ensure all systems are
functioning properly before commencing the sampling program on Afri-Can's
Block J offshore diamond concession in Namibia.

A detailed schedule for the sampling program on Block J will be
established once IMDH confirms that the vessel and its sampling system
are functioning at optimal efficiency. A complete schedule of operation
will be communicated to our shareholders in due course.

Our technical team is currently finalizing the details of the sampling
program in collaboration with IMDH. Preparations include incorporation of
Afri-Can's data base into the positioning system of the vessel,
establishment of quality controls and security procedures, and detailed
sample locations.

"We are pleased with the high level of collaboration between our
technical team and IMDH, and look forward to a successful sampling
program. It is encouraging that recent prices for marine diamonds from
Namibia have held above US $200 per carat, indicating that our segment
has been less affected by economic problems than the general market for
rough diamonds," said Pierre Leveille, Afri-Can's President & CEO.

The sampling program in Block J will cover four geological features and
will comprise a total of 332 samples. Of these, 237 are sited within
previously delineated targets covering 18.96 square kilometres. The
remaining 95 samples are designed to test geological formations that are
thought to be potentially diamond bearing, but have not yet been proved
as such. Details of the program are contained in the report titled "EPL
2499 (Block J) PHASE 3 SAMPLING, 2009" which can be viewed in the
Investors/Technical Reports section of our web site at www.afri-can.com.
The aim of the complete surveying and sampling program is to delineate
diamond resources on Afri-Can's Block J marine diamond concession in
Namibia in compliance with National Instrument 43-101.

Afri-Can is a Canadian company, actively involved in the acquisition,
exploration and development of major mineral properties in Namibia.
Afri-Can's creative and scientific approach targets large marine diamond
deposits in unexplored prospective territories.

Neither 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.

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements," as
identified in the Afri-Can's periodic fillings with Canadian Securities
Regulators that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be
no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual
results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated
in such statements.

Shares outstanding: 158,176,394

Contacts:
Afri-Can Marine Minerals Corporation
Pierre Leveille
President & CEO
514-846-2133
514-846-1435 (FAX)

Afri-Can Marine Minerals Corporation
Bernard J. Tourillon
Executive V.P. and CFO
514-846-2133
514-846-1435 (FAX)
info@afri-can.com
www.afri-can.com

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