Rara Terra Minerals expands Xeno rare earth property and completes geophysical surveys

Trading Symbol:  RTX - (TSX.V)

VANCOUVER, Aug. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Rara Terra Minerals Corp. ("Rara Terra" or "the Company"), is pleased to announce that it has recently completed a 691-line-km DIGHEM airborne geophysical survey by Fugro Airborne Surveys at its Xeno rare earth property located in northern British Columbia, and that it has expanded the project by 6,938 hectares via strategic staking to a total land package of 14,909 contiguous hectares.

The Xeno claim block is located in the Kechika River-Terminus Mountain area of the Liard Mining Division and lies within an area containing a suite of alkaline igneous rocks consisting of syenites, carbonatites and various other alkaline diatremes and their related dykes and tuff breccias. The complex forms a west-northwest trending belt that has been mapped for approximately 36 kilometres.  Rara Terra's claim block now contains the vast percentage of the volcanic intrusions in this region and encompasses a host of areas which have been previously explored for their Heavy Rare Earth Element ("HREE") potential.

The Xeno project was surveyed between July 5 and 14, 2012 and the Company will report the specific results of the electromagnetic, magnetic and radiometric data collected after the final report is received.  It is anticipated that the geophysical results, when combined with existing exploration data will provide geological insights to further ground exploration efforts.

Regardless of significant challenges in the REE arena, Rara Terra remains optimistic that REE deposits with high grades of heavy rare earths or unusual distributions of rare earths will have continued value for the foreseeable future.  Heavy rare earths continue to have significantly higher values than light rare earths and 4 of 5 critical rare earths (as identified in the US Department of Energy Critical Materials Strategy report, December 2010) are HREEs (europium, terbium, dysprosium, and yttrium).

Qualified Person

Rara Terra's qualified person, Robert Friesen, PGeo, has read and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Rara Terra Minerals Corp.

Rara Terra is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focussed on Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Rara Terra is seeking to identify and develop REE deposits characterized by less common mineralization. These unique deposits will bear those specific REEs that are widely agreed to have the strongest mid to long term technological relevance and sustainable economic value.

Due to significant challenges in the REE arena, Rara Terra is also assessing other opportunities to create shareholder value.  With that said, Rara Terra remains optimistic that REE deposits with high grades of heavy rare earths or unusual distributions of rare earth will have continued value for the foreseeable future.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

RARA TERRA MINERALS CORP.

Per: "Fraser Atkinson"
Fraser Atkinson
Chairman and Director

Neither the 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 news release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding Rara Terra Minerals Corp. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including but not limited to, any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations concerning timing and success of exploration activities generally, government regulation of exploration and mining operations, indications and benefits of exploration, drilling test work and engineering assessments, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, the Company's intention to raise additional capital and financing, and expectations or intentions regarding the future.  Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements.  No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them.

SOURCE: Rara Terra Minerals Corp.

Rara Terra Minerals Corp.
John Veltheer
Phone: [phone]
www.raraterra.com