OREANDA-NEWS. July 01, 2016.  Endeavour Mining Corporation (TSX:EDV)(OTCQX:EDVMF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that a groundbreaking ceremony was held today at its Hound Project site in Burkina Faso. Construction began in April 2016 and is progressing on-time and on-budget with the first gold pour expected during the fourth quarter of 2017.

The ceremony celebrated an important milestone for both Endeavour and the government of Burkina Faso, as Hound is expected to become the Company's flagship low-cost mine and a prominent mine within the country. More than 10,000 people attended the ceremony in support of the project, including the President of Burkina Faso, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Carriers, numerous other Government ministers, officials and diplomats, senior community representatives and members, as well as Endeavour's executive management, its Chairman of the Board, and Hound? employees.

Roch Marc Christian Kabor, President of Burkina Faso, stated:

"We welcome Endeavour's investment in Burkina Faso, and the company's decision to make a long-term commitment to our country. This reflects the favourable investment environment that Burkina Faso has created for the mining sector, and is a strong signal of the future health of the gold mining industry in our country. The Hound development will create hundreds of jobs, both directly in mining and also ancillary services, and the associated prosperity will raise living standards throughout the surrounding district. With the Hound? Project and the Karma mine, Endeavour Mining is becoming a key partner for our Country"

Alpha Oumar Dissa, Minister of Energy, Mines and Carriers, stated:

"We are extremely pleased with the advancement of the Hound project, which demonstrates that the Hound? belt is amongst the world's most prosperous gold mining regions. We look forward to continue to work closely with Endeavour and the surrounding communities as they bring this flagship project to life. Congratulations to everyone involved, I know the Hound? Mine will benefit the Tuy region for generations to come."

S?bastien de Montessus, CEO of Endeavour, stated:

"We are honored to share this important event with President Kabor, his Prime Minister, his Minister of Energy, Mines and Carriers, and the numerous government representatives here in support of the Hound? project. This strong governmental presence demonstrates Hound?'s importance for both Endeavour and the country. The partnership between Endeavour and every level of government in Burkina Faso exemplifies our collaborative and local approach to building mines in West Africa. Burkina Faso is a key focus for Endeavour, and we are proud to be a contributor to the economy and to our communities."