Atna Announces Management Changes and Option Grants

    GOLDEN, Colo., Dec. 18 /CNW/ -- Atna Resources Ltd. ("Atna") -- (TSX:
ATN) announces that David Watkins has been appointed Executive Chairman of
Atna by the board of directors and is stepping down from his responsibilities
as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2009. Mr. Watkins will
continue to be actively engaged in the growth and forward strategy as Atna
pursues its goal of becoming a junior gold producer in 2009. James Hesketh
will be appointed CEO of Atna effective January 1, 2009, while retaining his
role as President.
    The board of directors granted 442,500 stock options to employees and
consultants, 600,000 stock options to independent directors and 1,200,000
stock options to officers of the Company. Each option is exercisable into one
share of common stock at an exercise price of C$0.45, term of five years; and
50 percent vest immediately and 25 percent vest on the anniversary date each
year for the next two years.
    Key development activities at the Briggs Gold Mine in California are well
underway and Atna expects to begin commercial production in the first half of
2009. The Company has sufficient cash to meet all of its anticipated operating
needs during 2009. Management expects Briggs to become cash flow positive in
the second half of 2009 under current market conditions.
    Permitting activities at the Reward Gold Project have rapidly advanced
with the completion of several major permits, receipt of a Biologic Opinion
and filing of a number of additional permit applications. Atna expects permit
approval on the Reward Project sometime in the first half of 2009.About AtnaAtna Resources Ltd. is building a successful gold mining company
dedicated to responsible gold production and the creation of sustainable value
for shareholders, employees and communities. Atna's professional management
team is committed to integrity and creating a performance driven culture
dedicated to safety and environmental responsibility.
    Atna's gold development operations are well funded. The primary focus of
the Company is the re-start of mining operations and gold production at the
Briggs Mine in Inyo County, California. In addition, the Company is well
advanced on permitting efforts at the Reward Gold Project near Beatty, Nevada.
The Company also owns a 70 percent interest in the Pinson Gold Project, but
expects Pinson Mining Company ("PMC"), a subsidiary of Barrick Gold, to meet
their farm-in requirements by April 2009, reversing the ownership position to
Atna owning 30 percent and PMC owning 70 percent. Atna controls the Columbia
Gold Project in Montana and enjoys a carried position in eight exploration
ventures in North America and Chile.
    For additional information on Atna Resources, please visit our website at
http://www.atna.com.
    This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements," as
defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
and within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to the
timing of placing the Briggs Mine into operation, the Briggs Mine achieving
positive cash flow, permitting success at Reward, and changes in equity
interests at Pinson. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not
historical fact. They are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the
Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a
number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances
that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future
events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The
Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise except as required by applicable law. Factors that could
cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements include: the Company might encounter problems such
as the significant depreciation of metals prices, accidents and other risks
associated with mining exploration and development operations; the risk that
the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors; the Company's
need for and ability to obtain additional financing; the possibility that the
Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances
necessary to carry out the Company's mine development plans; and the other
risk factors discussed in greater detail in the Company's various filings on
SEDAR (http://www.sedar.com) with Canadian securities regulators and its
filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the
Company's Form 20-F dated March 25, 2008.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
     Valerie Kimball, Investor Relations -- [phone]
     or toll free [phone]
     James Hesketh, President and COO -- [phone]
     http://www.atna.com

For further information: Valerie Kimball, Investor Relations,
[phone], toll free, 1-877-692-8182, or James Hesketh, President and
COO, [phone], both of Atna Resources Ltd. Web Site:
http://www.atna.com