SouthGobi Energy Resources Named "Local Job Creator of the Year" by Mongolia's National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

HONG KONG, CHINA, Feb 17, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- SouthGobi Energy Resources Ltd. /quotes/comstock/11t!sgq (CA:SGQ 17.20, -0.10, -0.58%) (SEHK: 1878) is pleased to announce that on February 10, 2010 the Mongolian National Chamber Of Commerce and Industry selected Southgobi sands LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SouthGobi Energy Resources, as the "Local Job Creator of the Year" for 2009. The purpose of this commemorative prize is to encourage and support the hiring of local residents in remote areas of Mongolia.

"We are very proud to have received this distinguished award, which recognizes our commitment to transforming natural resources into jobs, prosperity and sustainable development," said Dave Bartel, Executive Director and Vice-President of Southgobi sands LLC.

SouthGobi currently employs 337 people in Mongolia with over 97% being Mongolian nationals. In addition, 105 employees are from the Gurvantes soum (town) near the company's flagship coal mine, Ovoot Tolgoi - double the number of local employees from last year and represents 31% of total employees. Added Mr. Bartel, "We not only hire local citizens but we also provide professional and special training and opportunities to advance professional skills."

In addition to providing employment to local citizens, Southgobi sands also sponsors scholarships for local citizens to attend University in mining-related fields of study. Upon graduation, students are offered a one-year internship with the company.

About SouthGobi Energy Resources

SouthGobi Energy Resources is focused on exploration and development of its Permian-age metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in Mongolia's South Gobi Region. The Company's flagship coal mine, Ovoot Tolgoi, is producing and selling coal to customers in China. The Company plans to supply a wide range of coal products to markets in Asia.

Forward-Looking Statements: This document includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Plans to supply a wide range of coal products to markets in Asia; and other statements that are not historical facts. When used in this document, the words such as "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although SouthGobi believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in SouthGobi's Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and for nine months ended September 30, 2009, all of which are available at www.sedar.com.

Contacts:
SouthGobi Energy Resources Ltd.
Steven Feldman
Investors
+1 604 681-6799

SouthGobi Energy Resources Ltd.
Bob Williamson
Media
+1 604 681-6799
www.southgobi.com




SOURCE: SouthGobi Energy Resources Ltd.