Capstone Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2010

Earnings from Mining Operations of $37.9 million, Adjusted Net Earnings of $21.7 million (All amounts in US$ unless otherwise specified)

VANCOUVER, May 12, 2010 - Capstone Mining Corp. (CS: TSX) today announced
its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Capstone's
two mines, Cozamin and Minto, produced 22 million pounds of copper contained
in concentrates in the three months ended March 31, 2010, while payable
copper totalled 21.2 million pounds which was produced at an estimated total
cash cost (1) of $1.12 per payable pound. Capstone ended the quarter with
cash on hand of $111.9 million and liquid investments of $43.4 million as of
March 31, 2010.

Capstone will hold a conference call Thursday May 13, 2010 at 9:00 AM
Pacific time (12:00 PM Eastern time) to discuss these results; call-in
details are at the end of this release. This release should be read in
conjunction with Capstone's first quarter 2010 consolidated financial
statements and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") which are
available on Capstone's website at:

capstonemining.com/s/FinancialStatements.asp.

                                   Overview
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Total    Total
                                                           Q1-2010  Q1-2009
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Gross sales revenue ($ millions)                         88.0     63.4
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Payable copper produced (millions lbs)                   21.2     25.1
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total cash cost per pound of payable copper(1) ($)       1.12     1.05
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Copper sold - (millions lbs)                             21.2     28.4
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings (loss) for the period ($ millions)              13.5    (16.2)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Earnings (loss) per share ($)                            0.07    (0.10)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Adjusted net earnings(1) ($ millions)                    21.7     30.7
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Adjusted net earnings(1) per share ($)                   0.11     0.19
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Cash flow from operating activities ($ millions)          4.4     10.7
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Cash flow from operating activities per share(1) ($)     0.02     0.07
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Unrestricted cash ($ millions)                          111.9     39.8
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash flow from operating activities(1) was impacted by build up of
concentrate inventory at Cozamin and ore stockpiles at Minto, as discussed
below.

"Capstone continues to build its production profile and financial
strength," said Darren Pylot, Vice Chairman and CEO of Capstone Mining Corp.
"We benefit from low production costs and have a very strong balance sheet,
with $112 million in unrestricted cash on March 31, 2010, which positions us
well to not only weather the turbulence in markets, but to grow both
organically (through exploration and mine expansions), and through external
transactions."

"Cash flow from operations at Capstone's two operations, the Cozamin and
Minto mines, was impacted by inventory builds at both mines during the first
quarter: at Cozamin as we switched concentrate trucking contractors and, in
the process, built a copper concentrate inventory of 13,834 tonnes, while at
Minto we stockpiled approximately 994,000 tonnes of ore ahead of freshet,"
said Stephen Quin, President and COO of Capstone Mining Corp. "The excess
concentrates at Cozamin should all be trucked to port in the second quarter
and Minto is now utilizing the stockpiled ore as its sole source of mill
feed, which will reduce the inventory levels during the second quarter and
beyond," he said. "Operationally, we look forward to building on our
production levels during the coming months."

Senior Management Addition

Capstone also announced today the appointment of Mr. Gregg Bush as Chief
Operating Officer for the Company, effective May 24, 2010. Gregg has 30 years
experience in the mining industry, most recently as Chief Operating Officer
for Minefinders Corporation Ltd. and, prior to that, 17 years with
Barrick/Placer Dome where he was Mine General Manager and Operations Manager.
Gregg is fluent in Spanish and has very relevant experience, having worked in
Alaska, Nevada and Latin America including Mexico. He will be responsible for
all of Capstone's mining operations, including the management of the Minto
and Cozamin mines.

"I am pleased to welcome Gregg to the Capstone team," said Mr. Pylot.
"His experience will be an asset to the Company as we continue to ramp up our
operations and his appointment will free up Stephen Quin, President, to focus
on the growth aspects of the Company, including business development,
exploration and investor relations," he added. "With our strong balance
sheet, we are well positioned to build shareholder value through growth and
Stephen will be more able to pursue this key aspect of the Company's future."

     Q1 Highlights

    Financial and Production Highlights for the Three Months Ended March 31,
    2010
    -  Recorded net earnings of $13.5 million or $0.07 per common share which
       included:
       -  Earnings from operations of $34.1 million;
       -  A realized loss of $7.7 million on derivative instruments settled
          in the period;
       -  An unrealized loss of $0.4 million on the derivative instrument
          mark-to-market value due to an increase in metal prices; and
       -  Current and future tax expenses of $10.4 million.
    -  Adjusted net earnings(1) were $21.7 million or $0.11 per common share
       after making adjustments for certain non-cash and one-time items.
    -  Generated cash flow from operating activities of $4.4 million or $0.02
       per common share, which was impacted by the build up of copper
       concentrate inventory at the Cozamin Mine and the ore stock pile
       inventory at the Minto Mine.
    -  Working capital was $110.9 million at March 31, 2010, which included
       $111.9 million in unrestricted cash.
    -  Produced a total of 21.2 million pounds of payable copper at an
       estimated total cash cost(1) of $1.12 per pound.
    -  Recorded gross sales revenue of $88.0 million on the sale of 21.2
       million pounds of copper, 3.1 million pounds of zinc, 2.5 million
       pounds of lead, 10,695 ounces of gold and 352,538 ounces of silver.
    Operational Highlights for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
    Minto
    -  During the quarter, the first exploration results for the 2010
       exploration program at the Minto Mine were reported with encouraging
       results from the Minto East discovery and from the south extension of
       the Area 2 mineralization.
    -  During the quarter, the Minto mine experienced throughput constraints,
       initially due to crusher limitations and, subsequently, due to the
       tailings plant. While reported on May 3, 2010 as having been resolved,
       some throughput constraints in the tailings plant have subsequently
       re-emerged, as discussed below.
     Cozamin
    -  During the quarter, updated mineral resource estimates were reported
       for the Cozamin Mine, with modest increases in contained copper and
       silver, but significant increases in contained lead and zinc,
       primarily as a result of conversion of mineralized material,
       previously below cut off, as a result of higher metal prices.
    -  Updated mineral reserve estimates were reported for the Cozamin Mine,
       incorporating the new mineral resource estimates noted above,
       resulting in more than an eight year life for the Cozamin Mine.
    Highlights Subsequent to March 31, 2010
    -  In April 2010, Capstone reported further exploration results from
       both the Minto East and Area 2/Copper Keel areas at the Minto Mine,
       with encouraging high grade copper-gold intercepts.
    -  While the previously reported sliming issue at Minto was resolved and
       the tailings plant throughput returned to approximately 3,200 tonnes
       per day ("tpd"), subsequently the tailings plant throughput fell to
       2,800 to 2,900 tonnes as tailings filtration capacity became the
       limiting factor to plant throughput. Since the plant has run at well
       above these levels for extended periods in the past, Capstone believes
       these constraints are temporary, but is working with independent
       consultants to obtain an expeditious resolution.
    -  Capstone commenced exploration drilling at Cozamin, with results
       already showing several significant intercepts of copper
       mineralization.

Guidance

On December 17, 2009, Capstone provided guidance that it expected to
produce between 90 and 100 million pounds of copper in concentrates at an
estimated total cash cost(1) of $1.10 to $1.20 per pound of payable copper,
net of by-product credits in 2010. Given the production constraints at the
Minto Mine in the first four months of the year, which constraints are not
fully resolved, combined with the Cozamin Mine being at the lower end of its
guidance range, Capstone believes it is appropriate to express some caution
as to its ability to reach its guidance range unless production exceeds
nominal capacity for the balance of the year. Since both the Cozamin and
Minto mills have exceeded their nominal capacities of 3,000tpd and 3,200tpd
for extended periods in the past, Capstone believes this outperformance is
achievable and will be the Company's objective going forward.

    Results of Operations
    -  Minto Mine:
       -  The Minto Mine was affected by underperformance of the new crusher
          system during the first two months of the year, with those issues
          resolved in March, followed by unanticipated constraints in the
          tailings plant, where excessive sliming caused issues with both the
          tailings thickener and tailings filter presses. The cause of this
          sliming was identified and resolved in early May. However, as noted
          above, tailings throughput remains an issue.
       -  The Minto Mine was well prepared for the onset of freshet (which
          commenced mid-April and ended on May 9), with 994,000 tonnes of ore
          in stockpiles outside of the pit (sufficient to sustain milling for
          the rest of the year), a water conveyance network in place (to
          divert unaffected water around the site and to divert water
          affected by operations to the appropriate locations), and a new
          water treatment plant completed. Water volumes collected on site
          are estimated to be less than one third of the water volume
          collected in 2009. Mining is expected to resume this week,
          stripping waste from the south side of the pit;
       -  Processed 229,338 tonnes (2,548 tpd) of ore averaging 2.54% copper,
          1.30g/t gold and 10.3g/t silver, with the throughput constraints
          noted above limiting production;
       -  Produced 11.9 million pounds of contained copper in concentrates,
          and 7,651 ounces of gold and 62,258 ounces of silver as by-
          products;
       -  Produced 13,172 dmt of copper concentrate averaging 41.0% copper;
          and
       -  Produced 11.7 million pounds of payable copper at a total cash
          cost(1) of US$1.37 per pound.

     -  Cozamin Mine:
       -  The Cozamin Mine performance was generally in line with
          expectations, but was modestly affected by production constraints
          from underground (with the mill well able to outperform mine
          production), slightly lower copper grades as high lead grade feed
          supplemented production, and low zinc recoveries caused by poor
          performance of the flash cell (which was rectified at the end of
          the quarter). This performance was offset by significantly higher
          lead production from opportunistic mining of high lead grade
          hangingwall veins, most of which are not part of the mineral
          reserve.
       -  Unit operating costs were marginally higher than expected due to
          increased development costs as more production areas are being
          developed, unbudgeted increases in electricity rates imposed by the
          provider, rental of two scoops used to offset two units being out
          for rebuild, and higher reagent costs to manage the higher lead
          feed grades;
       -  Processed 259,656 tonnes (2,885tpd) of ore averaging 1.90% copper,
          1.17% zinc, 0.97% lead and 65 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver, with
          mill throughput constrained by ore availability from underground;
       -  Produced 9.9 million pounds of contained copper in concentrates,
          along with by-products of 3.8 million pounds of zinc, 3.6 million
          pounds of lead and 0.4 million ounces of silver;
       -  Produced 18,594 dmt of copper concentrate averaging 24.3% copper;
          and
       -  Produced 9.5 million pounds of payable copper at a total cash
          cost(1) of US$0.82 per pound.

     -  Kutcho
       -  Advanced metallurgical test programs designed to enhance the
          metallurgical performance of the Kutcho ores, with encouraging
          results indicating that grinding can be coarsened significantly
          without negatively affecting recoveries over those assumed in the
          Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") announced in September
          2009.
       -  Continued to advance the evaluation of other potential
          optimizations from the PEA, including power supply alternatives.
       -  Will incorporate the results of this work in an updated PEA during
          2010 and, if positive, advance towards completion of a pre-
          feasibility study and permitting. Expenditures in 2010 are expected
          to be approximately $1.4 million.

Conference Call Details

Capstone will host a conference call on Thursday, May 13, 2010 to
discuss these results. The conference call and webcast details are as
follows:

     Date:    Thursday, May 13, 2010
     Time:    9:00 AM Pacific Time (12:00 PM Eastern Time)
     Dial in: North America - +1-888-231-8191,
              International - +1-647-427-7450
     Webcast: www.newswire.ca/en/webcast/viewEvent.cgi?eventID=3054920
     Replay:  North America - +1-800-642-1687,
              International - +1-416-849-0833
              Replay Pass code:  71759000

The conference call replay will be available until May 16, 2010. A
transcript of the call will also be made available on Capstone's website
(capstonemining.com/s/ConferenceCalls.asp) within 24 hours of the
call.

The TSX does not accept any responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy
of this press release.

Forward-Looking Information

This document may contain "forward-looking information" within the
meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These
forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and the
Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these
forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities
legislation.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance
and reflect Company management's expectations or beliefs regarding future
events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the
estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the realization of
mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future
production, costs of production, capital expenditures, success of mining
operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title
disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. In certain cases,
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as
"plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "outlook", "budget",
"scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not
anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or
statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would",
"might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these
terms or comparable terminology. In this document, certain forward-looking
statements are identified by words including "may", "future", "expected",
"intends" and "estimates". By their very nature forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may
cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from any future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include,
among others, risks related to actual results of current exploration
activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined;
future prices of resources; possible variations in ore reserves, grade or
recovery rates; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining
industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the
completion of development or construction activities; as well as those
factors detailed from time to time in the Company's interim and annual
financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those
statements, all of which are filed and available for review under the
Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has
attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions,
events or results to differ materially from those described in
forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions,
events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The
Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to
be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from
those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

43-101 Compliance

Unless otherwise indicated, Capstone has prepared the technical
information in this MD&A ("Technical Information") based on information
contained in the technical reports and news releases (collectively the
"Disclosure Documents") available under Capstone Mining Corp.'s company
profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Each Disclosure Document was prepared by
or under the supervision of a qualified person (a "Qualified Person") as
defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral
Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Readers are
encouraged to review the full text of the Disclosure Documents which
qualifies the Technical Information. Readers are advised that mineral
resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic
viability. The Disclosure Documents are each intended to be read as a whole,
and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The Technical
Information is subject to the assumptions and qualifications contained in the
Disclosure Documents.

The disclosure in this MD&A of all technical information has been
prepared under the supervision of Stephen Quin, Professional Geologist,
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Robert Barnes, P.Eng.,
Vice President Operations of the Company, and Brad Mercer, P.Geo., Vice
President Exploration of the Company, all Qualified Persons under NI 43-101.

Non-GAAP Performance Measures

The items marked with a "(1)" are non-GAAP performance measures and
readers should refer to Non-GAAP Performance Measures in the Company's
Interim Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March
31, 2010 as filed on SEDAR and as available on the Company's website for
further details.

—————————

(1) These are non-GAAP performance measures: please see "Non-GAAP
Performance Measures" below.

For further information: about Capstone, please contact: Darren Pylot,
Vice Chairman & CEO or Stephen Quin, President & COO or Investor Relations
Zobeida Slogan at +1(604)684-8894 or +1(866)684-8894,
zslogan@capstonemining.com

For further information: about Capstone, please contact: Darren Pylot, Vice Chairman & CEO or Stephen Quin, President & COO or Investor Relations Zobeida Slogan at +1(604)684-8894 or +1(866)684-8894, zslogan at capstonemining.com