Coeur's Palmarejo Project Commences Crushing ActivitiesMajor Milestone Achieved as Silver/Gold Project Remains On Budget and On Schedule

Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation (NYSE:CDE) (TSX:CDM) (ASX:CXC) is pleased to announce that crushing activities have begun and construction activities are proceeding on schedule and on budget at its major Palmarejo silver and gold project in Mexico.

The mine has successfully operated the crusher, an important milestone in completion of the construction of the processing facilities at Palmarejo. In addition, commencement of silver and gold production remains on target to begin in late March following mechanical completion of all plant facilities.

Palmarejo is expected to produce approximately 5.3 million ounces of silver and 72,000 ounces of gold next year, contributing to an expected 63% increase in silver production and 100% increase in gold production in 2009 over 2008 levels.

About Coeur

Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation is one of the world's leading silver companies and also a significant gold producer. Coeur, which has no silver production hedged, is now producing silver at what is considered to be the world's largest pure silver mine - San Bartolome in Bolivia - and is currently constructing another world-leading silver mine - Palmarejo in Mexico. The Company also operates underground mines in southern Chile and Argentina and one surface mine in Nevada; and owns non-operating interests in two low-cost mines in Australia. The Company also owns a major gold project - Kensington in Alaska - and conducts exploration activities in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Mexico. Coeur common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CDE, the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CDM, and its CHESS Depositary Interests are traded on the Australian Securities Exchange under symbol CXC.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States, Canada, and Australia, including statements regarding anticipated operating results. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of Coeur. Operating, exploration and financial data, and other statements in this presentation are based on information that Coeur believes is reasonable, but involve significant uncertainties affecting the business of Coeur, including, but not limited to, future gold and silver prices, costs, ore grades, estimation of gold and silver reserves, mining and processing conditions, construction schedules, currency exchange rates, and the completion and/or updating of mining feasibility studies, changes that could result from future acquisitions of new mining properties or businesses, the risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather or geologically related conditions), regulatory and permitting matters, risks inherent in the ownership and operation of, or investment in, mining properties or businesses in foreign countries, as well as other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings made from time to time with the SEC, the Canadian securities regulators, and the Australian Securities Exchange, including, without limitation, Coeur's reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Actual results, developments and timetables could vary significantly from the estimates presented. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Coeur disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, Coeur undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Coeur, its financial or operating results or its securities.

SOURCE: Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation

Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation Investor Contact Director of Investor Relations Karli Anderson, 208-665-0345 or Media Contact Director of Corporate Communications Tony Ebersole, 208-665-0777