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VANCOUVER, Feb. 24 /CNW/ - Western Pacific Resources Corp. (TSXV: WRP) is pleased to report the results of surface mapping, rock chip sampling
and geophysics in the C and D pit area at its Mineral Gulch project in
southern Idaho. The C and D pit is the southernmost pit located 834
meters southwest of the Tallman pit and 1,400 meters southeast of the E
pit. The pit area is one of several major drill targets Western plans
to drill upon approval of its drilling permit by the Idaho Forest
Service. Highlights of recent work in the C and D area include:



Pit sampling shows significant mineralization existing in the pit walls






Pit mapping suggests down-dropping of host rocks and potential
mineralization






Historic drill results show continuation of mineralization outside of
known pits






Geophysics defines potential intrusives which are possible sources for
the local mineralization



Pit Sampling


Thirty-seven (37) rock chip samples taken in the C and D pit show gold
values ranging from <0.005 to 9.95 g/t with 10 samples being greater
than 1.0 g/t. An additional 7 rock chips ranged between 0.5 g/t and
1.0 g/t Au. The chips vary in length, the longest being 9 meters
running 1.64 g/t. The higher gold grades are associated with the
multiple structures that were mapped in the pit. Drilling during the
2011 field season will concentrate on expanding the known
mineralization left in the pit and exploring for potential
mineralization down-dropped to the east. Drilling will also follow-up
on known mineralization reported from drill holes that lie outside the
pit margins. Historical drilling in the late 1980's was fairly shallow
and did not test deeper targets. All historical drill hole data was
taken from Noranda annual drill hole reports acquired in the Newmont
database.


Pit Mapping


Geologic mapping in the C and D pit shows the presence of deformed and
altered sediments with gold concentrated within the folded rocks and
along a dense network of northwest and northeast-striking faults. Both
sets of faulting appear to carry mineralization into the pits walls and
out away from the pit to the northeast towards the Tallman pit, and to
the northwest towards the E pit.


This is demonstrated by the mineralization shown in the following drill
holes:


1) BP-87-188R, located 580m northeast of the C and D pit, drilled to
91.4 meters which cut 18.2m @ 0.42 g/t Au from 1.5m to 19.7m, and 21.3m
@ 0.62 g/t Au from 53.3m to 74.6m.


2) BP-88-391R, located 154m northwest of the C and D pit, drilled to
82.3 meters, which cut 13.7m @ 2.62 g/t Au from 39.6m to 53.3m.


3) and BP-89-479, located 778m northwest of the C and D pit, drilled to
122m which cut 42.7m @ 1.92 g/t Au from surface to 42.7m.


These drill results are taken from Noranda's Year End Project Reports
dated January 1988 and January1989. These results are historic in
nature, and Western Pacific has not yet completed sufficient work to
verify the results; as such they have to be treated with caution.
However, Western Pacific believes the work was carried out to a high
standard.


Geophysics


The results of the recent magnetic and gravity survey over the C and D
area show a magnetic anomaly (potential source of mineralization)
southeast of the C and D pit. The magnetic anomaly is located near the
intersection of the eastern range bounding fault and the feeder fault
that connects the C and D pit with the E pit. This magnetic anomaly,
along with the one reported east of the Tallman pit, suggests that
mineralization may have come from a source to the east and additional
targets lie at depth along the range front east of the Tallman, C/D and
A pits.


Western's 2011 Exploration Plans



Western is planning the following work for 2011:






Drill 33 holes to test 8 target areas






Map and sample the remaining pits (A, B and E)






Continue surface sampling and mapping to follow up on the down-dropped
mineralization potential east of the known pits






Expand (and in-fill) the original Noranda soil grid to aid in locating
potential buried targets






Continue exploration throughout Nevada in search of high quality
properties






Explore new strategic alliance and joint venture opportunities





About Mineral Gulch


Mineral Gulch is located in Cassia County, Idaho, along the southeast
edge of the Black Pine Mountains and on trend with Newmont's Long
Canyon deposit. Western Pacific owns 100% of the project which it
acquired through staking.


The project encompasses the historic Black Pine Mining District and
surrounding exploration ground. Western Pacific recently acquired the
historical proprietary data for the property from Newmont Mining
Corporation.


Sporadic small-scale gold and base-metal mining occurred in the area as
early as 1915. Noranda conducted exploration programs at Black Pine
between 1984 and 1990. Pegasus Gold entered into a joint venture with
Noranda in 1990 and became the majority owner and operator of the
mining effort between 1992 and 1998. The Black Pine produced over
500,000 ounces of gold at an average head grade of 1.5 grams from
several small open pits. Historic exploration and mining efforts have
generally focused on near-surface, oxidized ore bodies.


About Western Pacific


Western Pacific is a gold explorer focused on acquiring advanced-stage
projects in the Western United States, and has the right combination of
exploration and financial professionals to succeed in making a world
class gold discovery. For more information, please visit our website at

the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has prepared or
supervised the preparation of the disclosure of any scientific and
technical information contained in this news release.









ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD




Warwick Smith, Chief Executive Officer