DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Kinross Gold Corp. (NYSE:KGC) (KGC) has subscribed for 5 million common shares of Rye Patch Gold Corp. (TorontoVE:RPM) (RPM.V) pursuant to a non-brokered private placement, giving it about a 15.2% stake in the Vancouver company.

Kinross said the investment is part of its strategy "to increase its exposure to quality exploration opportunities by investing in junior resource companies."

Kinross is a Toronto-based gold producer.

-Carolyn King; 416-306-2100; AskNewswires@dowjones.com

    (END) Dow Jones Newswires   05-16-08 0950   Copyright (c) 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.