Atna adds to Yukon holdings

Junior Atna Resources (VSE) has expanded its presence in the Yukon.

Having staked an additional 114 claims in the area of its Foot, Pak and Toe properties, the Vancouver-based company now holds 594 claims (or about 31,000 acres) in the area.

Westmin Resources (TSE) is earning a 60% interest in the ground by spending $3 million over four years. About $650,000 will likely be spent this year. Atna notes that the properties are near, and in the same favorable formation as, the ABM deposit, discovered last year by Cominco on its Kudz Ze Kayah project.

The ABM resource is estimated at 13 million tonnes grading 5.5% zinc, 1% copper and 1.3% lead, plus 125 grams silver and 1.2 grams gold per tonne. Cominco is so encouraged by the find that it has fast-tracked the exploration and development schedule at the project. Assuming further work and engineering proves positive, production could begin as early as 1997.