News Releases

Athabasca Receives Additional Positive Frac Sand Test Results

Edmonton, Alberta - July 28th 2011 - Athabasca Minerals Inc. ("Athabasca" or the "Corporation") (TSX Venture: ABM) is pleased to announce it has received additional test results of conductivity and permeability of its 20/40, 40/70 and 70/140 frac sand. The testing was performed by Stim-Lab, Inc., an independent firm based in Duncan, Oklahoma that specializes in proppants testing for the oil and gas industry. The samples were selected from various test holes that represent a typical layer of silica sand from the Corporation's 12,800 hectare Firebag property located in the Wood Buffalo region of Northern Alberta.

These test results, together with test results previously announced on June 10th, 2011, provide positive indication that the Corporation's Firebag property silica sand is suitable for use as quality proppants in hydraulic fracturing.

Conductivity testing evaluates how easily fluid can pass through sand at reservoir conditions. Various closure stresses are tested to determine how sand withstands forces at different depths and pressures. Permeability is a measure of the ability of fluids to flow through sand (or other porous media), expressed in units termed Darcys.

The results from the testing are as follows:

Conductivity (millidarcy-foot) versus Closure Stress at 150 degrees F

Permeability of Frac Sand - (Darcy)

The samples were evaluated at 2 lb/ft2 at 150 °F and long-term for 50 hours at 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000, and 10,000 psi closure stress between slabs of Ohio Sandstone core.

Previous test results demonstrate Athabasca frac sand in 20/40, 40/70 and 70/140 sizes exhibit high quality crush strength silica ratings, and can be processed with minimal waste. All three grades of frac sand meet or exceed API/ISO specifications for use as quality proppants in hydraulic fracturing in many types of reservoirs, as well as in gravel packing operations.

These results were indicated to be comparable, and in some fractions superior, to those of selected industry standard frac sands.

Dom Kriangkum, President of Athabasca, commented: "We are very pleased with these most recent test results of Athabasca frac sand, and look forward to establishing the quantity potential of our silica resources in the coming months. The demand for frac sand has increased substantially in recent years. The Corporation seeks to position itself as a market leader in the supply of quality frac sand within Alberta and other regions in Canada and the United States.

The Corporation intends to explore opportunities with companies interested in utilizing its high quality natural frac sand."

Darrell Cotterrill, PGeol, is identified as the qualified person of the Corporation under NI 43-101 for this news release.

About Athabasca

Athabasca is a resource company involved in the management, exploration and development of aggregate projects. These activities include contracts work, aggregate pit management, new aggregate development and acquisitions of sand and gravel operations. The Corporation also has industrial mineral land holdings in the vicinity of Fort McMurray and Peace River, Alberta, for the purpose of locating and developing sources of industrial minerals and aggregates essential to high growth economic development.

For further information on Athabasca, please contact:

CHF Investor Relations
Robin Cook, Senior Account Manager
T: 416-868-1079 x 228
E: moc.rifhc@nibor

Boardmarker Group
Dean Stuart
T: 403-517-2270
E: ten.rekramdraob@naed

Should you wish to receive the Corporation's news via email, please email moc.rifhc@nerual and specify "Athabasca Minerals news" in the subject line.

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

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Corporation. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The securities of Athabasca have not been, nor will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States.