Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. ("Northern Empire") (NEM-TSX Venture), is pleased to provide the following exploration update on the Jubilee property, located in the Coronation Diamond District, some 550 km north of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and 60 km southeast of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. The Jubilee property, comprising approximately 137,250 acres of diamond prospective claims, is being explored under a joint venture between Northern Empire, Stornoway Ventures Ltd. (SWV-TSX), Earth Star Diamonds Ltd. (ERH-TSXV), Wind River Resources Ltd. (WRR-TSXV) and International Samuel Exploration Corp. (SAZ-TSXV).
The Property lies within the so-called ‘Corridor of Hope' that extends northwest from Lac De Gras and encompasses many of the diamondiferous kimberlites discovered in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to date. It is estimated that more than $20 million will be spent by at least a dozen companies on grass roots exploration for diamonds in the Coronation Diamond District in 2002.
A detailed fixed wing aeromagnetic survey over the Jubilee property has now been completed and preliminary data received. The survey was designed to collect high-resolution total field and horizontal gradient magnetic data at 100 m line spacing, and will be used for the direct detection of responses indicative of potential kimberlite pipes, as well as for analysis of structural features that may influence kimberlite emplacement. To date, 11 priority targets have been identified and it is anticipated that more targets will emerge once final data is received and the interpretive work finished.
A summer field program, consisting of ground checking of airborne geophysical anomalies and regional/detailed till sampling to identify kimberlitic indicator minerals, has now commenced. Approximately 250 till samples will be collected on the property before the end of August 2002. All till samples collected during the summer will be processed for kimberlite indicator minerals by a laboratory dedicated to Stornoway and its partners.
Churchill Diamond Joint Venture Project
Northern Empire also announces the closing of the transaction announced June 17, 2002 with Shear Minerals Ltd. (Shear) and Hunter Exploration Group (Hunter) on the Churchill Diamond Joint Venture. Northern Empire has issued 50,000 shares to Shear and 300,000 units to Hunter. A unit consists of one common share and one warrant entitling Hunter to purchase an additional 300,000 shares at a price of $0.85 per share for a two year period.) The securities have a hold period expiring November 25, 2002.
On behalf of the Board,
NORTHERN EMPIRE MINERALS LTD.
"John E. Robins"
John E. Robins, P. Geo.
President
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