American Manganese Purchases Manganese Properties

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 05/16/11 -- Mr. Larry Reaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Manganese Inc. ('American Manganese' or the 'Company'), (TSX VENTURE: AMY)(PINK SHEETS: AMYZF), is pleased to report the Company has entered into a purchase agreement with Elemental Solutions, LLC as to 50% and Lodestar Management Group, LLC as to 50% to purchase a 100% interest (subject to a 2% NSR) in the SoCal Manganese unpatented load mining claims. The purchase price is $20,000 and 200,000 shares of American Manganese. The claim groups are TA# 1-11, Langton #1-8, 10, 40 and 41, and Black Jack #1-12.

The TA #1-11 are located in Imperial County, California 42 miles south of Blyth and the Langton 1-10, 40, 41 and Blackjack 1-12 are located in Riverside County, California 20 miles north of Blyth.

Past production in 1917-18 was 3500 tons grading 42% manganese from the area now covered by the TA# 1-11 and 22,000 tons grading 43% manganese from 1952-59. The area was also mined from 1941-44 but there is no record of production (Mesozoic-Cenozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Colorado River Region/April 1982).

In the Midway Mountains, Imperial County, deposits of manganese oxides are localized along the detachment fault as well as along normal faults within the upper plate. Psilomelane, pyrolusite, and manganite are the most common manganese minerals present.

Larry Reaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer says; 'This acquisition of the SoCal Manganese prospect increases the Company's exposure to manganese projects in the United States. The Company's focus remains on the Artillery Peak Manganese project in Arizona.

The above transaction is subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities.

About American Manganese Inc:

American Manganese Inc. is a diversified specialty and critical metal Company focusing on potentially becoming the lowest cost producer of electrolytic manganese from its Arizona Manganese Project.

This release has been reviewed by Norman L. Tribe, P.Eng, a qualified person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of Management

AMERICAN MANGANESE INC.

Larry W. Reaugh, President and Chief Executive Officer

This news release may contain certain 'Forward-Looking Statements' within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time with the TSX-Venture Exchange, the British Columbia Securities Commission and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The TSX-Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

American Manganese Inc.

Larry W. Reaugh

President and Chief Executive Officer

604-531-9639

604-531-9634 (FAX)
www.americanmanganeseinc.com