January 5, 2004

News Release: Anatolia gets 100% of 4-million oz Copler gold play

Anatolia Minerals Development Limited (Anatolia) announces it has increased its interest in the +4 million-ounce Copler inferred gold resource to 100% by acquiring interests from Rio Tinto Mining & Exploration Limited (Rio Tinto) and from the original license owner, free of any royalties, earn-in rights or back-in rights.

The inferred resource at Copler was estimated at 44 million tonnes grading 2.9 grams per tonne (4.2 million contained ounces of gold) in March, 2003 by Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited, Toronto. The shallow leachable portion of that resource is Anatolia's initial focus. 'This is a great New Year's gift for Anatolia shareholders. We are now in a position to accelerate development,'said Richard Moores, Anatolia's President. 'Our plan is to bring leachable material into an in-pit resource and begin engineering and environmental work to fast-track development for a potential high grade open pit operation. Concurrently, work on the sulfide resources will focus on how best to integrate them into the development plan to maximize project value. We expect that we can put this project into production in a few short years,'Mr. Moores added.

Under the terms of the transaction, Rio Tinto will give up all rights to Copler and the surrounding area in exchange for 4 million common shares of Anatolia. Following this transaction, Rio Tinto will own 5.7 million shares, or approximately 15% of Anatolia's issued and outstanding shares. In addition, Rio Tinto will provide Anatolia with a comprehensive scoping study with preliminary economics for Copler in January, 2004. Michael Harris, Exploration Director of Rio Tinto Mining &Exploration, Africa &Europe, commented that 'Copler has been an exploration success for the Anatolia-Rio Tinto alliance, but probably will not meet our criteria for making a meaningful impact on Rio Tinto's business. We are pleased that Anatolia is to take this project forward, and we will continue to stay involved through our other joint ventures with them.'

In addition, Anatolia has also bought out its Turkish partner, the original holder of the Copler property license. The Turkish partner has received US$2 million cash immediately, plus an Anatolia preferred share redeemable within 90 days for US$2 million in cash or the share automatically converts to US$2.25 million worth of Anatolia common shares. 'With US$1 million in the bank after paying our Turkish partner and US$5 million in warrants coming due at US$0.65 to US$1.30 this Spring,'said Mr. Moores, 'we are well positioned to advance Copler.'

In other matters, Anatolia noted that Rio Tinto is currently earning into three other prospects in Turkey, each requiring expenditures of US$10 million and payment of US$1.5 million for a 66.67% interest. Anatolia continues to add value to shareholders through this joint venture arrangement and believes that it is teamed with one of the premier mining companies in the world, enabling it to explore and advance its portfolio of exciting projects.

Anatolia has 31.1 million shares issued and outstanding, 38.7 million fully diluted, before giving effect to the foregoing transaction. Anatolia trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange as ANO.U.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements in respect of various matters including upcoming work programs and events. The results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Anatolia disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Assays are performed by OMAC Laboratories, Ireland, with quality control of sampling, preparation and assaying overseen jointly by Rio Tinto and Anatolia whose President, Richard C. Moores, is a 'qualified person'for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities regulations.

For further information: Richard C. Moores, President, (303) 670-9945/9947 (fax), or George Duggan, Investor Relations, (818) 542-6880/249-7024 (fax), or visit www.anatolia-minerals.com

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