Atna Resources Ltd.: Favourable Metallurgical Results From Cerro Negro.

Business Editors

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 2002

Atna Resources Ltd. (TSX:ATN) is pleased with results of the metallurgical work completed on its 100% controlled Cerro Negro copper oxide deposit in Chile. Leach testing of bulk samples indicates that the majority of material tested exhibits excellent response to sulfuric acid leaching. The company also reports filing a technical report by an independent qualified person (Michael Easdon, Registered Professional Geologist) in support of its resource estimates conforming to National Instrument 43-101. A copy of the full report will be available on the SEDAR website.

Atna classified Cerro Negro copper oxide mineralization into four ore types on the basis of grade, solubility ratios, and acid consumption. Bulk samples were collected from underground workings and "column tested" to determine the variability of leach characteristics in each type. The initial results indicate recoveries in excess of 90% of the soluble copper content in all ore types, with favourable acid consumption in the higher-grade material (greater than 0.5% Cu Total). The lower grade ores demonstrated good copper recoveries and variable acid consumption.

Leachable copper minerals include chrysocolla, atacamite, brocanthite, malachite, and iron-copper oxides (wad). The ratio of sulfuric acid soluble copper to total copper varies from 40 - 80% in the oxide zone, depending on the specific copper minerals. The higher-grade zones tend to have higher ratios of soluble copper to total copper, whereas the lower grade material is variable. The leachability characteristics are dependent on the copper species and gangue mineralogy. Some copper occurs in clays and iron oxides that are semi-refractory, but the vast majority of material tested gives excellent leaching response.

The results of the metallurgical testing indicate that it is probable that a mineable resource would exceed Atna's threshold of a 50 million tonne deposit. Production ore would be treated in two separate processes: 1) crush, agglomerate, and pad leach for the higher-grade material, and 2) run of mine leach for the lower grade.

Financial modeling of the deposit at a production rate of 25,000 tonnes per year of copper cathode shows an economically viable operation with an attractive rate of return. The production rate could increase to 30 - 40,000 tonnes with optimization studies, further enhancing the return. The next stage of work entails in-fill drilling to confirm continuity of the higher grade leachable material, upgrade the resource to proven and probable categories, and provide the data for optimization studies and mine planning.

The deposit as modeled has a low strip ratio, high copper recovery, short leach cycle, and relatively low acid consumption. Power lines run adjacent to the property, a government maintained gravel road connects Cerro Negro to nearby port facilities at Chanaral and to three towns within a 45-minute commute. Low cost alternatives for water supply are available near the site and acid is available from nearby smelters and through the port.

The Cerro Negro project has advanced to a point of economic potential that justifies completing a feasibility study. Atna's Board has recommended a search for a partner to participate in financing and future development. Discussions have been initiated with a number of parties who have expressed interest.