Atna Resources (TSX: ATN) announced that it poured approximately 300 ounces of gold in dore its Briggs Mine in Inyo County, California.
Mining commenced at the site in January, with crushing and the loading of ore onto the leach pad in March, and solution delivery to the leach pad in April.
Atna is now focused on increasing gold production to a target level of 40,000 ounces per year by the end of 2009. I
Atna also confirmed that drilling was continuing to expand the reserve potential at the Briggs Main Deep zone.
"Our first gold pour is a major milestone in Atna's transition from an exploration company to a mid-tier gold producer. We are very pleased with the rapid re-start of the Briggs Mine. Our next step will be to transform Atna to a mid-tier gold production company with development of additional mines from our strong pipeline of three advanced development projects," stated James Hesketh, President & CEO.
Atna recently concluded a formal Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Barrick Gold (70%) and Atna (30%) at the Pinson Gold Project in Nevada.