Tara Minerals Provides Update

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Feb 8, 2012) - Tara Minerals Corp. (OTCBB: TARM) (BERLIN: 6T3) is pleased to announce that work at the 150 hectare Champinon iron ore property is ongoing and continues to verify earlier grab sample assays. Tara's operational team has succeeded in identifying high, medium, and low grade mineralized iron zones. Drilling, mineralogy and design work, with a dual focus of tonnage expansion and production, is progressing well. A production, operation, and marketing plan is under development and details will be shared upon its completion.

On August 9, 2011, Tara Minerals had entered into an option with Carnegie Mining and Exploration, Inc. (CME) whereby CME would invest $13 million, and achieve certain production targets, to earn an undivided fifty percent (50%) interest, over two phases, in various high grade gold, silver, zinc, lead and iron ore concessions. Within this option, CME had a ninety day option to designate an iron ore property and incur a minimum of $1 million on the designated property to earn an undivided fifty percent (50%) interest in Tara's current and future iron ore projects within Mexico. CME did not meet its obligations and thus the options expired. CME sought to extend its option by asking for a sixty-day mediation process as provided for within the option agreement. Tara cooperated in the process but CME failed to hold a meeting within the allocated mediation time frame.

Tara initiated legal action by filing suit in the Southern District of Nevada seeking a judgment regarding the expiration of the iron ore option. Tara's complaint states that the indisputable facts reflect that CME completely failed to fulfill its obligations under the option agreement. Thus far, CME has failed to respond in any substance to the complaint. However they did undertake an action against two former CME employees, who are now Tara employees, in a Texas state court. Tara believes that CME's complaint was actually defensive in nature and meant to obfuscate and distract attention from CME's failings. This complaint was removed to Texas federal court and will be defended vigorously. Tara believes that the facts will vindicate our position.

Mr. Francis Biscan Jr., President of Tara Minerals Corp., commented, "Evidence supporting our position has been provided to the court. It appears that CME has been waging a campaign of intimidation, much of which has been captured in their communication, in both private and public forums. Option agreements are common in the mining industry and CME unilaterally failed to meet its obligations. Tara will take all measures at its disposal, including seeking remedy for any damages, to protect shareholder assets. Our team will continue to conduct itself in a professional manner and is focused on progressing Champinon and other properties for the benefit of all shareholders."

About Tara Minerals Corp. (http://www.TaraMinerals.com)

Tara Minerals Corp. is focused on advancing its gold/silver/zinc/lead Don Roman mine and mill, its iron ore projects and its Picacho gold/silver project, all located in Mexico. Management is creating long-term shareholder value and deploying its capital to advance its projects by enhancing resources, further outlining new discoveries/targets, and acquiring additional strategic assets. Tara's strength in recognizing value early and strategy of reducing risk through a foundation of cash flow, positions it for low-risk value creation.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein which are not historical are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies or products, delays in testing and evaluation of products, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Please read the full disclaimer at www.TaraMinerals.com (http://taraminerals.com/English/General/Disclaimer/default.aspx).