Vancouver, B.C. - December 22, 2011. Appleton Exploration Inc. ("the Company") (TSXV: AEX) announces the appointment of Courtney Shearer, B.Sc., MBA as interim CEO, interim President, and director effective immediately.  Mr. Shearer replaces Mr. Tim Henneberry, who has resigned as CEO, President, and director.  The Company wishes to thank Mr. Henneberry for his services to the Company for the past five years.

Over a career spanning 31 years, Mr. Shearer has been involved in natural resources businesses, primarily in various capacities in the mining sector.  He has been President, CFO, Corporate Secretary and director for several public, exploration and mining companies since 2000.  He was a director of San Gold Corporation 2005 to 2010 while that company grew from an exploration company to a producing, junior mining company.

Mr. Fred Sveinson, director, said, "The current objective for the Company is to find new exploration or development-stage projects to grow the Company.  We look forward to exciting developments in 2012."

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Frederick J. Sveinson, Director

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