For Immediate Release July 20, 2009

TSX: CTQ

NYSE Amex: ETQ

VANCOUVER, CANADA, July 20, 2009 – On March 17, 2009, Corriente Resources Inc.

announced that all suspensions of field operations of the company were lifted. Continuation of

our permitting activities at Mirador has led to approval by the Ministry of Environment of our

updated Environmental Management Plan and by the Secretary of Water for our Water Use

Permit. Securing these two key permits is an essential milestone for advanced operations to

commence in the field.

Separately, negotiations are continuing with the selected party regarding the potential sale of the

company, as last reported in the company’s news release dated June 9, 2009. Discussions are

ongoing and management remains satisfied with the progress to date. Further comments or

announcements will be made by the company as developments warrant. No assurance can be

given that the negotiations will result in an agreement for any sale of the company.

Corriente holds a 100% interest in four known copper and copper-gold porphyry deposits that are

being strategically developed as the Mirador Project (which includes our Mirador Norte deposit)

and the Panantza-San Carlos Project, for which NI 43-101 Technical Reports have been filed on

SEDAR (

Kenneth R. Shannon

CEO and President