SilverCrest Updates Santa Elena Resource Infill and Expansion Drilling

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec 4, 2012) -SilverCrest Mines Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SVL)(NYSE Amex:SVLC)(NYSE MKT:SVLC)(CW5.F) (the "Company") is pleased to announce results of further drilling at the Santa Elena Mine in Sonora, Mexico. Seventy nine holes of a planned 100 holes have been completed to re-categorize Indicated and Inferred Resources to Probable Reserves and expand current underground Resources (see attached Figures -http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/svl1204-F1-2.pdf). To date, this drill program has been successful and will assist with resource confirmation and conversion which will be included in the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study for the Santa Elena Expansion Project.

Assay values in this series of holes range from 0.22 gpt to 4.92 gpt gold and 28.0 to 277.4 gpt silver. Mineralized intervals range from 1.0 metres to 38.9 metres. All mineralized drill intercepts are near true thicknesses. The most significant intercepts are30.7 metres grading 1.61 gpt Au and 169.6 gpt Ag (Hole SE-12-54) and 16 metres grading 2.15 gpt Au and 166.9 gpt Ag (Hole SERC-12-36). The most significant assay results in this series of holes are shown in the following table;

All sample analyses were completed by ALS Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico and North Vancouver, BC.

Assays are pending for Holes SE-12-49 and SE-12-53, in the above sequence. "GT" numbered holes are geotechnical holes that are being used for underground mine design for the Expansion Pre-Feasibility Study. Holes SERC-12-23, 25 and 26 had significant downhole deviations and were subsequently abandoned.

The Santa Elena deposit (Main Mineralized Zone) is open along strike and depth. Core holes SE-12-72 and SE-12-73 have been completed as part of a 15 hole program to test for the possible expansion of resources along strike to the east and to depth. Mineralized intercepts in these two holes are 5 to 10 metres wide with banded quartz and argentite mixed with breccia and disseminated argentite. These intercepts are approximately 100 to 150 metres beyond the boundary of current resource estimates. Approximately 13 additional holes are planned in this area as steps outs along strike and to depth. The Company is awaiting assay results for holes 72 and 73 to determine the extent of expansion potential.

Seventy nine holes totaling 25,512 metres of drilling have been completed to date in the underground resource conversion to reserves and resource expansion program. Results for the next series of holes will be released once compilation of results is complete. Three drills are currently on site to complete the program by the end of 2012. Revised Santa Elena Resources and Reserves, along with the results of Pre-Feasibility Study for the Expansion Plan are expected in Q1 2013.

The Qualified Person underNational Instrument (NI 43-101) Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projectsfor this News Release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and Chief Operating Officer for SilverCrest Mines Inc., who has reviewed and approved its contents.