Rio Grande Appoints New President and CEO

Rio Grande Mining Corp.

Suite 1130, 789 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 1H2 Tel: (604) 669-9330 Fax: (604) 669-9335

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 5, 2012

RIO GRANDE APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

Vancouver, BC, June 5, 2012: Rio Grande Mining Corp. (RGV - TSX-V) (the “Company”) announces that it has accepted the resignation of Mr. Jerry Minni as Chief Executive Officer, President and director of the Company. To fill the vacancy, the Company’s board of directors has appointed Mr. John Bevilacqua as Chief Executive Officer, President and a director.

The Company thanks Mr. Minni for his years of service to the Company.

Mr. John Bevilacqua brings more than 14 years experience of management and finance in both private and public companies. John spent five years managing investor relations for Stockhouse Inc., which is an online financial media company that serves financial institutions, media publishers, public companies, and advertisers. Developing strong relationships within the investment and brokerage community, John has assisted several public companies building and executing their business plans.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

John Bevilacqua

President & CEO Rio Grande Mining Corp.

(604) 669-9330

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.