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Aguas Blancas Iodine Mine – Chile

• The crushing and grinding circuit in the agitated leach plant is being modified to properly handle the various ore types found at Aguas Blancas. The reconfiguration is expected to be complete by year end and fully operational in 2011. Bringing this agitated leach plant on stream will be an important step in improving production and extending the mine life.

• Tonnes mined in the first quarter of 2010 were slightly lower than the same period in 2009 due to lower productivity by one of the continuous mining machines. This was more than compensated for however by an increase in grade of ore mined. The grade increase is mostly due to high grade ore encountered in previously mined areas that were thought to have been mined out.

• Overall, the various optimizations and modifications implemented in 2009 continue to yield positive results. The first quarter period was again an outstanding quarter in terms of production and sales with over 315 tonnes of iodine produced and sold.

Salvador Potash Project – Brazil

• In December 2009, the Company commenced the first phase of a drill program designed to define the depth, thickness and grade of the potash beds within the central portion of the Salvador Potash Project. Drilling on the first hole advanced slowly during the first quarter. Heavy rains and mechanical problems with the drill rig impacted productivity and the first hole is now expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2010. Geological indications are still positive in this hole, and we are optimistic about encountering the zone of interest in the coming 300 to 500 meters of drilling.

• The second drill hole is in progress and is currently at a depth of just over 300 meters. The Company holds exploration permits covering an area of 1,700 square kilometers over the southern on-shore portion of the Reconcavo sedimentary basin. Historical drilling records indicate the occurrence of potash beds at depths of approximately 1,000 meters, directly overlying the halite salt bed located in the evaporitic section of the lower Alianca Formation of upper Jurassic age.

Our goal with Atacama is to build it into one of the leading companies in the industrial minerals sector – one that is capable of competing at the top level internationally. Atacama has a solid foundation and is positioned for that growth. We look forward to continued success throughout the remainder of 2010.

On behalf of the Board,

Tim Miller, President and CEO

About Atacama Minerals

Atacama Minerals Corp. is a Canadian company focused on the discovery and development of economic industrial minerals projects in South America. The Company produces iodine from its Aguas Blancas mine in northern Chile. In addition, the Company holds a potash exploration project in northeastern Brazil.

This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's plans for its properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to political risks involving the Company's exploration and development of its properties, the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations, the inability or failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's periodic filings with the British Columbia Securities Commission. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not intend to update this information and disclaims any legal liability to the contrary.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.