VML Viscount Mining Corp

Verena Minerals Corporation (TSX VENTURE: VML) (the "Company" or "Verena") announces the results of the first 3 drill holes from the current diamond drilling program at the Volta Grande Gold Project located in Para State, Brazil. Hole number VVGD-005 intercepted 96 meters grading 2.37 g/t gold including a high grade interval grading 10.25 g/t gold over 15 meters. All three drill holes intercepted multiple mineralized intervals and assays are summarized as follows:

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        Hole #          From (m)      To (m)   Width (m)      Au g/t
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        VVGD-001          132.00      144.00       12.00        1.07
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        including         132.00      135.00        3.00        2.58
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        and               151.00      167.00       16.00        1.08
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        including         151.00      158.00        7.00        1.60
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        and               224.00      231.00        7.00        2.05
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        VVGD-002          136.00      147.00       11.00        1.17
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        including         142.00      147.00        5.00        1.57
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        and               194.00      212.00       18.00        0.89
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        including         194.00      200.00        6.00        1.53
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        VVGD-005           71.00       76.00        5.00        1.43
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        and               107.00      203.00       96.00        2.37
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        including         107.00      116.00        9.00        1.58
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        including         135.62      143.00        7.38        5.29
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        including         161.00      176.00       15.00        0.91
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        including         188.00      203.00       15.00       10.25
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        and               241.00      256.00       15.00        0.88
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        including         251.00      256.00        5.00        1.07
        ------------------------------------------------------------

Note: Assay results from Holes VVGD-003 and VVGD-004 are still pending. The width reported above represents the core width of the intercepts, true widths are expected to range between 85-95% of the core width.

The holes were drilled at the Ouro Verde deposit (see location map below) and the results confirm the extension the known mineralized zones for at least an additional 50 m down dip (see vertical sections below).

Verena has completed approximately 2,500 meters (9 holes) of the currently approved 15,000 meter program. Verena plans to initiate diamond drilling at the Gameleira target which is a possible NW extension of the Ouro Verde and Grota Seca deposits in the near future. Three drill rigs are currently at the site.

In addition to the drilling, a mining trade off study for the Ouro Verde deposit and an initial environmental assessment (base line studies) have already been contracted. Exploration work over the South block has been initiated with a 45 line km soil sampling campaign covering a 6 km strike length of the diorite and mafic volcanic contact zone which host numerous gold garimpos (historical artisanal mining sites). The gold mineralization is hosted in sulfide bearing rocks and the Company is planning to carry out an orientation IP (Induced Polarization geophysical survey) to test this tool as an alternative to locate mineralized trends and structures.

The Volta Grande Gold Project has an estimated indicated mineral resource of 715,000 ounces of gold (20,090,000 tonnes grading 1.11 g/t gold) and an estimated inferred mineral resource of 1,388,000 ounces of gold (45,210,000 tonnes grading 0.95 g/t gold) based on 0.50 g/t gold cut off, as outlined by the NI 43-101 study undertaken by Scott Wilson Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. ("Scott Wilson RPA") of Toronto (see news release of September 29, 2009). The previous preliminary economic assessment carried out by Scott Wilson RPA was based on the mineral resources estimated with drilling to only 150 meters below surface on the North Block. The Company's current drill program focuses on upgrading the resources category and testing extensions of the mineralized zones along strike and down dip.

Helio Diniz, the Vice President, Exploration for Verena, stated "We are excited to see such significant mineralized intervals with high grades in the extension of the deposit where we are presently drilling. The deposit at this point remains wide open for further expansion down dip. Several targets that are located at shallow depths have not yet been tested by drilling."

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by David Gower, P. Geo., an advisor to Verena and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Verena's procedures for handling drill core comprise initial description and logging into a Microsoft Access database. Mineralized and suspected mineralized intervals in the holes are described in detail and marked for sampling. Core is then cut in half with the right-hand portion of the core put into plastic sample bags and sealed. Assay standard and "Blank" samples are inserted every 20th sample. These samples are then delivered to ACME Labs sample preparation facility in Itaituba, Para, Brazil. The assay samples are then fine-crushed to better than 80% passing 10 mesh screen, with an assay pulp split of up to 500 grams pulverized to better than 85% passing 200 mesh screen. Samples are assayed at ACME Labs in Santiago, Chile, using a 50 gram fire assay with AAS finish. These QA/QC procedures provide several measures of data quality and assure the Company that the assay data is representative of the original sample.

About Verena

Verena Minerals Corporation is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with a portfolio of properties focused on gold in Brazil. Verena's prime focus is on advancing and expanding its 100% owned Volta Grande Project, located in Para State. Verena trades on the TSX Venture Exchange and has approximately 138.0 million common shares issued and outstanding.

Cautionary Statement on Forward Looking Information

This press release includes forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including mineral resource estimates, statements regarding the planned exploration program, and the purposes and costs of the program. Forward looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is currently expected. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, refer to Verena's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website at www.verena.com.

To view the maps of the Volta Grande Gold Project associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/VML-MAPS0630.pdf

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.

Contacts: Verena Minerals Corporation Mark Eaton President and CEO (416) 861-5934 www.verena.com