[0] Atna Acquires Historic Silver District in Northern Chile.

Business Editors

VANCOUVER, B.C., Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2001

Atna Resources Ltd. (TSE:ATN) is pleased to announce that it has acquired the rights to a 100% interest in the historic Chanarcillo silver mining district. Atna's evaluation indicates exploration potential for both a large, open pit, silver deposit that may be amenable to heap leach processing and, high-grade silver-zinc deposits in mantos and veins. The 3,500 hectare land package is situated at an elevation of 1,100 meters, 14 km west of the Pan American highway and 70 km south of the city of Copiapo in Region III of Chile.

Production began at Chanarcillo in 1865 and more than 100 million ounces of silver were extracted over the next 60 years. Historical production was from oxidized veins, chimneys and mantos above the water table. Cut-off grades in the deeper workings ranged between 3,000 and 5,000 g/t (88-146 oz/T) silver. No modern exploration has been carried out on the property because of the historically complex land ownership.

Atna has entered into two Agreements that have consolidated the previously fragmented ownership of the district. The Agreements call for combined payments totaling US$168,000, and exploration and/or development expenditures totaling US$800,000 over six years, and a 2% net smelter royalty. Atna plans to carry out sampling of the vein networks and altered wall rocks to outline drill targets.

Acquisition of these under-explored properties provides Atna with a significant opportunity to discover a silver ore body as well as exposure to price appreciation in what Atna perceives to be an undervalued commodity.