Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  January 17, 2012

GOLDEN MINERALS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

350 Indiana Street, Suite 800

Golden, Colorado 80401

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (303) 839-5060

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

¨    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Table of Contents

Item 5.02         Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On January 17, 2012, Robert Blakestad, Senior Vice President, Exploration and Chief Geologist of Golden Minerals Company (the “Company”), notified the Company that he intends to retire as an officer and employee of the Company effective as of February 29, 2012.  The Company has initiated a search for Mr. Blakestad’s replacement.

3

Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:  January 23, 2012

4