Atocha Receives REE Data on the Tresor Nord Property Abitibi, QC.

January 23, 2012 - Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA - Atocha Resources, (the Company), TSX.V - ATT reports it has received the results, and a detailed interpretation of its vegetation (bark) sampling on the Trésor (Treasure) Nord rare earth element (REE) property.

The 2011 exploration program consisted of 32 line kilometres of magnetometer and VLF-EM geophysical surveys and vegetation (bark) sampling at 50-metre intervals resulting in 648 samples and 1,296 geophysical stations.

Atocha engaged the services of Dr. Peter J. Rogers, a consulting geochemist, through Chavin Consulting Limited to undertake an analysis of the bark sampling.   As result of the geochemical analysis, Dr. Rogers identified three large, circular, positive and negative type anomalies (complex) in many elements with a granitic or Lithophile association.   In addition, four smaller, probable intrusive bodies were also found in the survey area.

Dr.  Rogers indicated the following:

• Au potential is indicated by widespread anomalies of As, Sb and Pb even though Au levels are restricted to a single point anomaly.
• The presence of Re and Mo in the haloes around Complexes 2 and 3 lends support to the presence of possible porphyry systems.
• The anomaly patterns are consistent with the occurrence of several small intrusions with elevated levels of Al, K and REE, and the areas where they intersect the regional structures may represent an exploration target.
• Each of the 3 large complexes identified are worthy of additional detailed work.   All exhibit strong enrichments in Lithophile and Granophile elements however complex 2 has a more mafic character and Complex 1 has very high K and High Field Strength element values.
• The smaller bodies are also broadly similar in element content but contain both U, Sn, W, Th and REE enrichments and might be rhyolite domes or similar, more evolved, intrusive bodies.
• Several area-wide Northeast to Southwest trending structures are noted along with a concomitant set trending at 90 degrees to the predominant geological trend.  All structures appear to have a major role in locating large and smaller intrusive bodies.

Marcy Kiesman, Chief Executive Officer stated "Atocha is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Peter J. Rogers undertake the detailed analysis on our Trésor Nord property.   I am pleased that Atocha has identified several areas for potential follow up, not just for REE but for gold as well.  We are looking forward to the 2012 exploration program which will be announced soon."  

The Montviel carbonatite complex is located 200 kilometres north of Val d'Or, extending over an area of 32 square kilometres, making it one of North America's largest carbonatite complexes.   Carbonatite complexes are a significant host for REEs worldwide producing rare earth concentrates and oxides.  Neighbours in the Montviel area are Canada Rare Earths and Geomega Resources Inc.  Geomega announced on November 14, 2011, "Montviel's 'Core Zone' base case resource estimate, using a Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) cut off grade of 1.00%, hosts an indicated mineral resource of 183,900,000 tonnes grading 1.45% TREO in addition to an Inferred mineral resource 66,700,000 tonnes grading 1.46% TREO" via www.sedar.com.

Technical information in this news release has been reviewed by Derrick Strickland, PGeo., a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

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ABOUT ATOCHA

Atocha is a natural resources company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mining/exploration properties, mainly for copper and precious metals.  The Company has options to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the McGillivray Property, located in the Kamloops Mining Division of British Columbia, the Atkinson (Detour Lake) gold project in Ontario, the Trove, Descouverte and Bijou gold properties in the Abitibi of Quebec, the Sol Riche and Trésor Nord/Sud REE properties in Montviel Township in Quebec and the Strike 101-114 gold claims near Dawson City, Yukon. 

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 Forward-Looking Statement

This document may contain or refer to forward-looking information based on current expectations, including, but not limited to timing of mineral resource estimates, future exploration or project development programs and the impact on the Company of these events. Forward-looking information is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, as actual results may differ materially from forecasted results. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date hereof and we assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. For a detailed list of risks and uncertainties, as it relates to Atocha Resources Inc., please refer to the Company's Prospectus filed with SEDAR.

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