Atna reports increased mine life for reward gold project, Nevada

Tuesday, Jul 10, 2012

GOLDEN, Colo., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Atna Resources Ltd. ("Atna" or the "Company") (TSX:ATN / OTCBB:ATNAF) is pleased to report the completion of a new technical report for the Reward gold project, located approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas in Nye County, Nevada. Recent in-fill and exploration drilling has been incorporated into the new resource and financial models to create a new report.

"The new NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Reward Gold Project increases mine life by two years over the original 2008 estimate. Mining is now expected to continue for six years at an average annual rate of approximately 35,000 ounces per year. This work details a larger project with stronger economic justification to support project development than shown in previous reports. We are pleased to have a pipeline of gold projects advancing towards production, including Pinson Underground before the end of this year, Reward ramping up in late 2013, the Pinson open pit prefeasibility to be completed later this year, and the Columbia project in Montana moving towards permitting," states James Hesketh, President & CEO.

The Reward Gold Project will be a conventional open pit mining operation with ore crushing and heap leach gold recovery. Phase 1 development bonds have been posted and substantially all permits required for mine development have been received. Offsite infrastructure development requirements for the project have been completed and final construction design engineering is underway. Wildlife exclusion fencing has been constructed and the on-site production water well has been drilled and completed. A truck fleet order for delivery in mid-2013 has been placed.

SOURCE Atna Resources Ltd.