Northgate Discovers New Mineralization at Kemess North; Hole KN-05-24 Intersects 307.6 Metres of 0.31 g/t Au and 0.24% Cu.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Northgate Minerals Corporation (TSX:NGX)(AMEX:NXG) is pleased to announce that exploration drilling on the Kemess North Offset target has intersected 307.6 metres of 0.31 g/t Au and 0.24 % Cu.

Ken Stowe CEO of Northgate commented: "The significance of this intersection is in the discovery of either the faulted extension of the Kemess North deposit or even a new mineralized system in an open untested area. At this point we do not know how big the system is and whether or not there is a high-grade core similar to the adjacent Kemess North deposit. Given the nature of the block fault systems in the Kemess North region, there is also the possibility that sections of this new mineralized system may have been faulted upwards much closer to the surface. Two additional holes are planned after which we anticipate weather conditions will terminate the program for this year."

As illustrated on the accompanying map and cross section, the hole is located east of the East Bounding Fault, south of the North Bounding Fault and at a lower elevation than the Kemess North deposit. Within the overall mineralized interval (Table 1) there are sections of higher grade gold and copper, the lower one of which is associated with the contact zone between the host Takla volcanic rocks and a monzonite intrusive body.

Table 1 - Assay results from KN-05-24

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From            To    Width          Gold   Copper
(metres)   (metres) (metres) (Grams/tonne)      (%)
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722        1,029.6    307.6          0.31     0.24
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774            812       38          0.48     0.41
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966            996       30          0.53     0.36
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The follow up holes to discovery hole KN-05-24 are holes KN-05-27 and 28, located 100 metres to the north of KN-05-24. Hole KN-05-27 is a vertical hole that is in progress. Hole KN-05-28 (to be drilled from the same site as hole KN-05-27) will be an inclined hole designed to test the system 200 metres to the east of hole KN-05-27. The two initial holes (KN-05-22B and KN-05-23) in the Kemess North Offset program did not intersect significant mineralization.

To view the Plan view of drill holes relative to Kemess North deposit map please click on the following link: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/docs/ngx01.pdf

To view the Cross sectional profile through Kemess North and Hole KN-05-24 map please click on the following link: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/docs/ngx02.pdf

Table 2 - Table of Drill Hole Collar Co-Ordinates

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                                            Eleva-
Hole_ID    Nad83E  Nad83N Easting Northing   tion Azimuth Dip TDepth
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KN-05-22B  636503 6326793   10570    16474   1604       0  90 1206.4
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KN-05-23   636888 6326356   16023    10940   1598       0 -90  489.0
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KN-05-24   637076 6326419   11133    16081   1730      90 -85 1029.6
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KN-05-27   637076 6326519   11133    16181   1705       0 -90
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The results of Northgate's 2005 exploration program were reviewed, verified and compiled by Northgate's geological staff that includes a qualified person, Carl Edmunds, P. Geo. for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. Northgate employs a rigorous quality control, quality assurance program. Assays for the program were completed at ALS Chemex in North Vancouver, BC. The copper analyses were completed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), following a triple acid digestion. Gold analyses were completed by standard one assay ton fire assay with AAS finish.

Northgate Minerals Corporation is a gold and copper mining company focused on operations and opportunities in the Americas. The Corporation's principal assets are the 300,000-ounce per year Kemess mine in north-central British Columbia and the adjacent Kemess North deposit, which contains a Proven and Probable Reserve of 4.1 million ounces of gold. Northgate is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange  under the symbol NGX and on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol NXG.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, future metal production and production costs, potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, progress in the development of mineral properties, demand and market outlook for commodities and future plans and objectives of Northgate Minerals Corporation (Northgate). Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", or "continue" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Northgate's expectations are disclosed under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties" in Northgate's 2004 Annual Report and under the heading "Risk Factors" in Northgate's 2004 Annual Information Form (AIF) both of which are filed with Canadian regulators on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov). Northgate expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Northgate Minerals Corporation (TSX:NGX) (AMEX:NXG)