2004 News

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - Oct. 18, 2004 - Candente Resource Corp. - DNT:TSX-V ("Candente") and Orex Ventures Inc. - REX:TSX-V ("Orex") are pleased to announce that exploration has begun on the Las Sorpresas gold property. Geophysical crews have commenced ground magnetics (Mag), Induced Polarization (IP) and Self Potential (SP) geophysical surveys.

The Las Sorpresas property is located adjacent to Yanacocha, the world's largest open-pit, heap leach gold operation, containing reserves exceeding 35 million ounces and producing in excess of 2 million ounces of gold per year. Las Sorpresas is underlain by the same Calipuy volcanic rocks that host the Yanacocha deposits, as well as some younger volcanic rocks, which overlie the Calipuy. Evidence of gold mineralization found through previous work by Candente includes anomalous gold levels in stream sediments, hydrothermal alteration zones and key trace elements in soils and rocks similar to those which have assisted in gold discoveries at Yanacocha.

The geophysical surveys are part of a Phase I exploration program, which Orex is funding as part of their option to earn a 51% interest in the property from Candente. The Phase I program is planned to delineate drill targets by carrying out Mag, IP and SP geophysical surveys, geological mapping, rock chip and soil sampling for a total estimated budget of US$250,000. Geophysical surveys and interpretations are being carried out by Quantec Geoscience of Santiago, Chile, and SJ Geophysics of Vancouver, B.C. The survey will commence adjacent to the Yanacocha property boundary and over previously mapped alteration zones and will be expanded to cover the remainder of the property. Additional IP and SP surveys will be planned once preliminary results have been compiled and assessed.

The property is situated in the Andean mountains of Northern Peru and is accessible by road during most of the year. Exploration on Las Sorpresas will be operated by Candente's Peruvian exploration team led by Ing. Fredy Huanqui, and employed by subsidiary Cia. Minera Oro Candente S.A. ("Oro Candente"). Michael Casselman, P. Geo., is acting as the qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

For more technical information on the Las Sorpresas property please refer to: www.candente.com/s/Projects_Peru.asp?PropertyInfoID=655&View=5

Orex has the right to earn a 51% interest in the Las Sorpresas property by incurring exploration expenditures of US$2.5 million over 3.5 years on the property, while Candente retains the right to operate all exploration over the 3.5 years. In addition to the exploration expenditure commitments, Candente has received US$15,000 in cash and will receive staged share issuances totalling 250,000 shares for the property by January 31st, 2008.

Candente is a well-funded mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and exploration of gold and copper projects with world-class potential. Management has a strong geological/technical focus and a track record of discovering world-class mineral deposits. Candente subscribes to principles which ensure that its exploration and development activities are beneficial to the local communities.

Orex is a junior mineral exploration company, comprised of highly qualified mining professionals with a current focus on the exploration of prospective gold properties in northern Peru. Management is actively engaged in the acquisition of new properties in South America.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joanne Freeze, P. Geo., President & CEO

Candente Resource Corp.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gary Cope, President & CEO

Orex Ventures Inc.

This News Release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Candente relies upon litigation protection for forward-looking statements.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Candente Resource Corp.
Joanne Freeze, P. Geo.
President & CEO
(604) 689-1957 or Toll Free: 1-877-689-1964
Email: info@candente.com
Website: www.candente.com
or
Orex Ventures Inc.
Gary Cope
President & CEO
(604) 684-4691
Email: gary@ipm.bc.c
Website: www.orexgold.com

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.