Northgate Minerals Corp fka NGX

[NYBob]

Northgate Minerals Initiates Drill Program at the Awakening Gold Project, Nevada

06.23.2011

http://www.northgateminerals.com/news-and-media/press-releases/press-releases-details/2011/Northgate-Minerals-Initiates-Drill-Program-at-the-Awakening-Gold-Project-Nevada1125768/default.aspx

View Press Release (pdf)

VANCOUVER, June 23, 2011 /CNW/ - Northgate Minerals Corporation ("Northgate") (TSX: NGX, NYSE-Amex: NXG) is pleased to announce the mobilization of a diamond drill rig program to the Awakening Gold Project in Humboldt County, Nevada.

The Awakening Gold Project consists of 432 claims (approximately 35.9 square kilometres ("km2") or 13.9 square miles) and is located 50 km northwest of Winnemucca, Nevada, on the northwest flank of the Slumbering Hills. The property covers the northwest portion of the historic Awakening mining district and adjoins the north end of the former producing Sleeper Gold Mine, which has produced 1.7 million ounces of gold and 2.3 million ounces of silver.

Prior to commencing the current drill program, Northgate carried out an induced polarization ("IP") survey as well as additional soil and water geochemical sampling to further define drill targets.

The 2011 drill program will consist of 3,000 metres ("m") of diamond drilling on geophysical targets defined by an IP survey completed last year. The geologic target is a low sulphidation gold and silver deposit hosted by quartz-adularia veins in Tertiary volcanic rocks. The project area has been selected on the basis of anomalous ground water samples collected and analysed over previous years.

The drill program is anticipated to last four to six weeks, and drill results should be available for release in the fall.

The Awakening Gold Project is a joint venture agreement with Nevada Exploration Inc. ("Nevada") (TSX-V: NGE). The agreement has been in effect since June 7, 2010, when Northgate signed a formal exploration and option agreement on the project. Northgate recently entered into its second year of the agreement.

Further information on the Awakening Gold Project can be found under the Exploration section of Northgate's website at www.northgateminerals.com.

Figure 1 - 2011 Drill Targets

http://www.northgateminerals.com/Theme/Northgate/files/Releases/2011/targets_2011.gif

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Northgate Minerals Corporation is a gold and copper producer with mining operations, development projects and exploration properties in Canada and Australia. Our vision is to be the leading intermediate gold producer by identifying, acquiring, developing and operating profitable, long-life mining properties.