Mr. Wade Nesmith reports

PRIMERO ANNOUNCES PLANNED SUCCESSION OF ERNEST MAST TO PRESIDENT AND C.E.O. AND JOSEPH CONWAY TO EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN

Primero Mining Corp. has appointed Ernest Mast as president and chief executive officer and director of the board effective Jan. 31, 2016. Joseph F. Conway, the company's chief executive officer since its inception, will assume the role of executive vice-chairman as part of an established succession plan.

Mr. Conway's role of executive vice-chairman will be focused on the seamless leadership transition of the incoming chief executive officer, fostering expanded relationships between the board of directors and senior management and working with the executive team in areas of strategic and corporate development. In mid-2016 Mr. Conway will transition to vice-chairman and director of the board.

"Joe has been a passionate and committed leader," stated Wade Nesmith, chairman. "And it has been my privilege to have worked with him over the past five years. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Joe for leading the Primero team and building Primero into a low-cost, mid-tier gold producer with two mines, a development project, and exploration properties in Canada and Mexico."

As part of Mr. Conway's planned retirement, Primero has an established leadership succession plan that has prepared Mr. Mast to lead Primero as president and chief executive officer. Mr. Mast has been the president and chief operating officer since joining Primero in February, 2015. He has over 25 years of international mining experience including the last 15 years in executive leadership roles. Mr. Mast has a master's degree in metallurgical engineering from McGill University, is a registered professional engineer and is a graduate of the Henley Business School. The company is in advanced stages of hiring a replacement for Mr. Mast's operational responsibilities.

"I have enjoyed my leadership role in the early development of Primero and its executive team," stated Joseph F. Conway, chief executive officer. "With Ernie as chief executive officer, I have the utmost confidence Primero will demonstrate continued operational improvement, particularly at Black Fox, and achieve superior returns for our shareholders. Ernie's operational background, Latin American experience and business development mindset are uniquely suited to lead the company through its next phase of growth."