John E. Robins, President of Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. ("Empire") is pleased to announce that Empire has acquired, through staking a 19,030 acre property located in the Otish Mountain diamond area of central Quebec. The confirmation of title is subject to final approval with the Ministry of Natural Resources Quebec.

The La Croix property was located on the basis of favorable geology and a series of geophysical anomalies associated with a prominent mafic dyke system. The property is situated approximately 35 kilometers east of the recent kimberlite discoveries by Ashton Mining/Soquem and immediately adjacent to the east of Majescor/BHP's Portage Property.

The La Croix property is on an apparent eastern extension of the same prominent magnetic feature trending through the central portion of the main Ashton/Soquem and Majescor claims blocks. Majescor has stated that the source of its indicator mineral anomalies may be related to major dykes of Proterozoic age similar to those on the La Croix property. These mafic dyke systems signify deep penetrative structural zones of weakness strongly associated with kimberlite emplacement.

The company is currently planning its 2002 exploration program on the La Croix property. A program of till sampling and geophysical surveys is anticipated. Empire views this acquisition as a strategic step in establishing its presence in the emerging Quebec Otish Mountain diamond play.

Empire is continuing to pursue opportunities in diamond exploration throughout Canada.

On behalf of the Board,

NORTHERN EMPIRE MINERALS LTD.

"John E. Robins"                                   

John Robins, P. Geo.
President
 
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