BMO Capital Markets Global Metals & Mining Investor Conference Begins Today
More than 230 leading mining companies from around the world to participate

HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA, February 25, 2008 – BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), will kick-off its 17^th annual Global Metals and Mining Conference today in Hollywood, Florida.

The conference will feature a full slate of more than 230 corporate presenters from the Metals and Mining sectors. A record 1,220 delegates from around the world have registered to attend the event, which will be webcast live.

The entire three-day event will be hosted by the highly-regarded BMO Capital Markets Metals & Mining Equity Research team:
• David Haughton, Co-Head, Metals & Mining Research
• Tony Robson, Co-Head, Metals & Mining Research
• Andrea Cheung, Gold & Precious Minerals
• John Hayes, Gold & Precious Minerals, Mining Exploration
• Craig Miller, Gold & Precious Minerals, Base Metals
• Bart Melek, Global Commodity Strategist
• James Picton, Diamonds
• Chris Rollason, Diamonds, Mining Exploration
• Jay Turner, Uranium, Coal
• Nawojka Wachowiak, Base Metals

Presentations will be broadcast live and archived at:
http://www.bmocm.com/conferences/2008metalsandmining/default.aspx

An up-to-the-minute agenda with presentation times for the conference is also available on the web site.

Media interested in scheduling interviews are asked to call (416) 867-3996.

About the BMO Capital Markets Metals & Mining Group
BMO Capital Markets has been focused on the Metals & Minerals industry for almost 100 years. As a member of BMO Financial Group, (TSX, NYSE: BMO), the firm is able to leverage the financial strength and capabilities of one of North America’s leading financial services organizations. With 10 dedicated Metals & Mining equity research analysts targeting coverage of 120 public companies, BMO Capital Markets provides clients with access to the best analysis and ideas in specific sectors such as coal, base metals, zinc, nickel and other precious metals. BMO Capital Markets has offices in London, Australia, China, Europe, and across North America including Toronto, New York and Chicago. For more information, visit: www.bmocm.com.

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Media Contacts:

Kim Hanson, Toronto, kim.hanson@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996
Holly Holt, New York, holly.holt@bmo.com, (646) 919-8629

Internet:

www.bmocm.com