TORONTO, ONTARIO--(MARKET WIRE)--May 16, 2008 -- CRYSTALLEX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (Toronto:KRY.TO - News)(AMEX:KRY - News) commented today on market activity relating to comments made by the Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources of Venezuela ("MinAmb") regarding open pit mining in Venezuela.

The Minister's comments of yesterday followed the position outlined in a letter from a Director General in the Administrative Office of Permits at MinAmb which was sent to the Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana ("CVG") as discussed in the Company's press release dated April 30, 2008.

Crystallex still maintains that the Director General letter and now the Minister's comments are in conflict with the Las Cristinas Environmental Impact Study approval, Construction Compliance Guarantee Bond Request and Environmental Tax request issued by the same Ministry. Both the posting of the Bond and payment of the requested Tax were satisfied in 2007 and Crystallex obtained receipt of acceptance. Additionally, MinAmb officials testified at a Venezuela National Assembly panel late last year that all the requirements for the issuance of the Las Cristinas Environmental Permit had been satisfied and that the Permit will be issued.

The letter from the Director General and the comments made by the Minister appear to be in opposition to all industrial activity in the Imataca Region and leave a number of current and historic projects standing contrary to their position. In addition, Crystallex believes that the comments made by the Minister and the Director's letter contradict Presidential Decrees, National Assembly Resolutions, MinAmb Resolutions, and Ministry of Basic Industry and Mines Resolutions. Current Imataca regulations, issued by Decree, specifically provides for mining activities in the region.

On May 12, 2008, Crystallex filed its appeal under the Venezuelan Administrative Law to MinAmb outlining the reasons and evidence that the proposed Las Cristinas operations were not only in keeping with Venezuelan Law but would clean up and deal with the severe environmental degradation as a result of decades of illegal mining activity in the area. Crystallex is also aware of its legal rights and remedies and will undertake whatever is necessary in order to protect its shareholders' rights.

Local and indigenous communities and Venezuelan Officials have voiced continued support for the development of the Las Cristinas project and other mining projects in the region.

The Company is continuing its efforts with the support of Venezuelan governmental agencies to advance the Las Cristinas project which will create significant employment, healthcare facilities and sustainable development for the surrounding communities.