Andina Minerals Inc. Welcomes Rose as Chief Operating Officer

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/04/12 -- Andina Minerals Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ADM) ('Andina' or the 'Company') today reported that, as announced (see press release dated November 7, 2011), Mr. W. Robert (Bob) Rose has joined the Andina team on a full time basis as of January 1, 2012.

Mr. Rose has 31 years of experience in the gold mining business, including engineering, operating and developing gold mines. He brings his wealth of experience to the Andina team having most recently been employed by Kappes Cassiday & Associates, where amongst other assignments, including Construction Project Manager for Agnico Eagle's Pinos Altos mine and AuRico's Ocampo mine, he was Project Manager for the current engineering program associated with Andina's Volcan Gold Project.

George Bee, President and CEO stated, 'We are delighted that Bob has joined the Andina team as we have important milestones to complete in 2012 including the submission of the project Environmental Impact Assessment in Q1 and then the finalization of the Feasibility Study for Volcan.'

Associated with his compensation package, Mr. Rose was awarded 300,000 incentive share options approved for issuance (see press release dated December 7, 2011), which are exercisable into common shares of Andina at CAD$0.82 per share and have a five year term.


About Andina Minerals Inc.

Andina's primary focus is mining exploration and development in Chile. The Company's flagship development project is the 100%-owned Volcan Gold Project, strategically located in the prolific Maricunga Gold Belt.

In February 2011, Andina announced the results of a positive pre-feasibility study for Volcan. Initial Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves are 6.6 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 0.73 g/t contained in 283 million tonnes of ore. In addition, there remains 2.4 million ounces of Measured and Indicated gold resources at an average grade of 0.68 g/t contained in 110 million tonnes of ore plus 1.5 million ounces of gold in the Inferred category contained in 73 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.65 g/t Au.

Andina is progressing with a feasibility study and EIA submission for Volcan, targeted for completion in the first half of 2012.

In addition to Andina's extensive underexplored land position surrounding Volcan, the Company holds two other mineral properties located within Chile's primary mining regions.


Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and regulations. Such information is based on the current expectations and beliefs of Andina's management and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those described above. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the completion of the feasibility study and EIA, permitting timelines, government regulation of exploration and mining operations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, limitations on insurance coverage, timing and possible outcomes of any pending litigation and timing and results of future resource estimates or future economic studies. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'planning', 'planned', 'expects', 'looking forward', 'does not expect', 'continues', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'potential', 'anticipate', 'does not anticipate', or 'belief', or describes a 'goal', or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to, that estimates and studies are accurate, that Andina's mining operations continue in the ordinary course and as expected, that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on the agreed time frames, that the equipment necessary for exploration and development work is available as scheduled, availability of water for milling and mining, that no labour shortages or delays are incurred, that plant and equipment function as specified, Andina's ability to obtain adequate financing when and as needed, the continued favourable market for gold at prices at or above estimated levels, that no unusual geological or technical problems occur, that no unusual or unexpected events have a material adverse effect on Andina's operations or financial condition, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of gold; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the company's publicly filed documents. Although Andina has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Andina does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required to do so by applicable laws.

Neither 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.



Contacts:

Andina Minerals Inc.
George M. Bee, President & CEO
416 203 3488

Andina Minerals Inc.
Derrick Weyrauch, Chief Financial Officer
416 203 3488
www.andinaminerals.com