Meridian Gold Inc.
9670 Gateway Drive, Suite 200
Reno, Nevada 89511
Phone: (775) 850-3777
Fax:      (775) 850-3733

MERIDIAN GOLD INC. FILES AN F-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT WITH THE
SEC IN RELATION TO THE OFFER FOR BRANCOTE HOLDINGS

Reno, Nevada, April 19, 2002 – Meridian Gold Inc. confirms it has filed an F-4 Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in relation to its Offer for Brancote Holdings PLC, announced on 4 April 2002. The Offer Document will be mailed to shareholders of Brancote upon confirmation from the SEC of the F-4 Registration Statement becoming effective.

For further information, please contact:

Wayne M. Hubert
Investor Relations
Meridian Gold Inc. Tel:   (800) 572-4519
Fax: (775) 850-3733
E-mail: wayne.hubert@meridiangold.com