Northwestern discovers five radioactive structures during ground exploration on uranium properties in Niger

Northwestern Mineral Ventures Inc. (TSXV: NWT; OTCBB: NWTMF) is pleased to announce results from a reconnaissance program conducted as part of ongoing exploration on its 100%-owned In Gall and Irhazer uranium concessions in Niger. Work included further evaluation of 17 top-ranked near-surface uranium anomalies that are on trend with known uranium deposits and occurrences, as identified during Northwestern's recently completed airborne survey. Results have revealed four highly prospective, radioactive structural domes that are geologically similar to others that have been proven to host uranium mineralization in Niger.

"We are extremely excited by the discovery of these domal structures and associated radioactivity as they further support Northwestern's confidence in the uranium potential of our Niger properties," said Marek J. Kreczmer, President and CEO of Northwestern. "We are scheduling to drill test these significant targets in the spring, when we expect to become the first North American explorer since the 1970s to conduct a uranium drill program in Niger."

In less than two months of field work, five definite drill targets have been identified by Northwestern's local geological team and independent consulting group RSG Global Ltd. The four newly discovered structural domes all returned elevated radiometry, with results ranging up to 4,000 counts per second (cps) in sharp contrast to background values of 200-300 cps. The fifth target anomaly, situated in a different geological setting, is extremely radioactive and returned values over 42,000 cps on a background of 200-300 cps. Field personnel have also observed secondary yellow staining on the surface in the area of high radioactivity.

RSG Global is currently conducting a systematic evaluation of the airborne anomalies. The order in which individual anomalies are being reviewed will be revised due to the extremely positive results from the reconnaissance exploration program.

"We are pleased with the work that RSG Global has conducted to date," said Abdelkarim Aksar, Northwestern's Niger Project Manager. "We look forward to ongoing cooperation between RSG Global and our local crew."

A comprehensive high-resolution, multi-sensor airborne geophysical survey was flown over Northwestern's Niger concessions earlier this year. It identified numerous uranium anomalies defined by uranium-thorium ratios, including at least 15 top-ranked zones that are on trend with known uranium deposits and occurrences. The survey covered approximately 14,900 line miles (24,000 line kilometers), as discussed in a press release issued on September 22, 2006.

In Gall and Irhazer cover 988,000 acres (4,000 square kilometers) of highly prospective land within the same stratigraphy as two operating uranium mines that together provide almost 10% of worldwide production. Niger currently ranks as one of the world's top producers of uranium.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Fieldwork was conducted under the supervision of Abdelkarim Aksar, P.Geo., Northwestern's Niger Project Manager.

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN:

Northwestern Mineral Ventures (www.northwestmineral.com) is an international resource exploration company with an experienced management team. The company is focused on properties in Niger and Canada with potential uranium targets. Northwestern also has a precious and base metal property in Mexico. Northwestern is listed on the NASD Bulletin Board under the symbol "NWTMF" and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NWT."

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept

responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release includes certain "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the world wide price of mineral commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in mineral exploration, risks associated with development, construction and mining operations, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital.

Further details of the In Gall and Irhazer concessions are set forth in Northwestern's press releases dated March 8, 2006, March 27, 2006, May 2, 2006, May 23, 2006, June 15, 2006 and September 22, 2006, all available with SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

For further information: Marek J. Kreczmer, M.Sc., P.Eng., President and CEO, (866) 437-9551, info@northwestmineral.com