Pacific Ridge Appoints Director and Grants Stock Options

July 29, 2011

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA --- Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:PEX) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Bruce Youngman as a director of the Company. Mr. Youngman has thirty years of experience in the minerals industry. From 2008 to 2010, he was President and COO of Canplats Resources Corporation, during which time the 4 million ounce Camino Rojo deposit in Mexico was outlined and the company acquired by Goldcorp Inc. for $300 million. Mr. Youngman previously held senior positions with Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd., including President, Vice-President and Director, and was closely involved in the acquisition and expansion of the Pebble Gold-Copper Porphyry Project in Alaska. Mr. Youngman graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of British Columbia. He is currently Chairman and Director of Strategic Metals Ltd. and Director of ATAC Resources Ltd.

The Company has granted incentive stock options to Mr. Youngman to purchase 200,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.61 per share exercisable for a period of five years. The options vest as to 50% on the date of grant and 50% in one year, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's stock option plan. The options are subject to acceptance for filing by the TSX Venture Exchange.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

John S. Brock, President and CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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