Atna Resources Ltd. (TSX: ATN) (OTC Bulletin Board: ATNAF) has reported early drilling results from its campaign to expand reserves at the Briggs Mine in Inyo County, California.
The first phase of the 2011 drilling program focused on potential expansion of the BSU pit area. This pit was considered as mined out during 2010 despite ore grade mineralization remaining in the highwall. Seven holes were drilled, which confirmed the extension of this mineralized zone.
"We are pleased with these early program results as they demonstrate the strong potential for resource and reserve expansion at the Briggs Mine. These results are very encouraging and provide strong justification for continuing and possibly expanding this drilling program," states James Hesketh, President & CEO.
These results have a weighted average grade of 0.028 oz/ton compared to current mine reserve grade of 0.021 oz/ton. This information will be incorporated into the Briggs resource model, although it will not be reflected in year end 2010 reserve or resource estimates. The drilling program will now focus on the newly engineered North Main Briggs pit, where a substantial block of inferred mineral resources lies within and adjacent to the current pit plan. Further focus will also be placed on delineating and expanding mineralization behind the east wall of the Briggs Main pit and in the Deep Briggs resource zone discovered in 2009.
Analytical results contained within this press release were completed by standard fire assay methods with an atomic absorption or gravimetric finish by Inspectorate America Corporation, an independent, ISO certified, analytical laboratory located in Sparks, Nevada. Atna maintains a rigorous Quality Assurance - Quality Control program utilizing both certified gold standards and blanks to augment Inspectorate's internal QA/QC program.
This press release was prepared under the supervision and review of William Stanley, V.P. Exploration of Atna, a Licensed Geologist, and Qualified Person with the ability and authority to verify the authenticity and validity of information contained within this news release.
Source: Atna Resources Ltd.