News Release: August 20th, 2004 Private Placement Almaden Minerals Ltd. (the "Company") announces that it has received from the Toronto Stock Exchange conditional approval for the listing of shares under a proposed Private Placement of 150,000 Flow-Through Shares at a price of $2.25 per Flow-Through Share for gross proceeds of $337,500. A commission of 3% of the total gross proceeds realized from the placement is to be payable, such commission to be satisfied as to ½ by the issue of flow through shares and the balance by cash. The placement is expected to close on or about August 30, 2004. Part of these funds will be used to accelerate the ongoing diamond drill program on the Siwash Vein area of the Company's Elk Gold property near Merritt, B.C. as well as for general mining exploration in Canada.   ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Morgan Poliquin The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed nor accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release which has been prepared by management. Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements as that term is defined in the private securities litigation reform act of 1995. Such forward -looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from estimated results. Such risks and uncertainties are detailed in the Company's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.