Nyrstar announces its friendly Offer to acquire Breakwater is now free of regulatory approval conditions

Nyrstar NV ("Nyrstar") announced today that it has received approval from The Honourable Christian Paradis, Canada’s Minister of Industry, under the Investment Canada Act for the proposed acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares ("Breakwater Shares") of Breakwater Resources Ltd. (TSX: BWR) ("Breakwater") announced on 15 June 2011 (the "Nyrstar Offer"). In addition, and as previously announced today, Nyrstar has now received required consents and approvals from anti-trust authorities in South Korea and Canada, and has waived the condition requiring receipt of Honduran anti-trust approval.



The Nyrstar Offer is now subject only to there having been validly deposited (and not withdrawn) at least 66 2/3 % of the Breakwater Shares (on a fully diluted basis) by the expiry date, and other customary conditions. The Offer remains open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on 25 August 2011, unless further extended.



Breakwater shareholders are encouraged to tender their Breakwater Shares as soon as possible. Kingsdale Shareholder Services Inc. is the depositary and the information agent for the Nyrstar Offer. Shareholders can obtain copies of the takeover bid circular and related materials at no charge from the depository or make any enquiries in relation to the offer at 1-800-775-5159 or by email at contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.

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About Nyrstar
The partner of choice in essential resources for the development of a changing world. Nyrstar is a leading global multi-metals business, producing significant quantities of zinc and lead as well as other products (including silver, gold and copper). Nyrstar is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels under the symbol NYR. For further information visit the Nyrstar website, www.nyrstar.com.



About Breakwater
Breakwater is a mining, exploration and development company which produces and sells zinc, copper, lead and gold concentrates to customers around the world. The Company’s concentrate production is derived from three mines in Chile, Honduras and Canada. Breakwater is preparing the Langlois mine in Quebec, Canada for production in the first quarter of 2012.





IMPORTANT INFORMATION



This announcement has been prepared by Nyrstar NV (the "Company"). It does not constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer, solicitation or invitation to subscribe for, underwrite or otherwise acquire, any securities of the Company or any member of its group nor should it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities of the Company or any member of its group, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever.



The information included in this announcement has been provided to you solely for your information and background and is subject to updating, completion, revision and amendment and such information may change materially. Unless required by applicable law or regulation, no person is under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained in this announcement and any opinions expressed in relation thereto are subject to change without notice. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, reasonableness or completeness of the information contained herein. Neither the Company nor any other person accepts any liability for any loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from this announcement or its contents.



This document and any materials distributed in connection with this document are not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would require any registration or licensing within such jurisdiction.