VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Jan. 28, 2013) – Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX:SWY) is pleased to report the completion of a mine design and cost optimization exercise (the “Optimization Study”) for the Renard Diamond Project, Stornoway’s 100% owned mining development project located in north-central Quebec. The Optimization Study incorporates certain design refinements undertaken since the release of the project’s Feasibility Study in November 2011 (the “Feasibility Study”), including the deferral of shaft access for the underground mine and a modified underground mining sequence and draw point design. As a result of these design changes, project operating and capital cost estimates have been restated, and a revised production schedule established. The Optimization Study also contains an updated project development schedule and financial model incorporating, amongst other things, the terms of the March 2012 Mecheshoo Agreement with the Cree Nation of Mistissini, the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), and the Cree Regional Authority, and the November 2012 Renard Mine Road financing agreement with the Government of Quebec. Highlights of the Optimization Study are as follows