Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. ("Empire") announces that further to approval from the Canadian Venture Exchange Inc. ("CDNX") the transactions announced December 17, 2001, January 16, 17, and 21, 2002 have been closed. A finders fee of 50,000 shares in the capital stock of Empire has been issued to Canaccord Capital Corp. subject to hold period expiring June 13, 2002 in regards to the Jubilee property. An aggregate of 600,000 shares of Empire has been issued to 524520 BC Ltd. subject to hold period expiring June 13, 2002. Of the 600,000 shares, 400,000 are in consideration of the Coronation Diamond Project, 100,000 are in consideration of the Bear property, and the final 100,000 shares were issued as consideration for the Peregrine property.

Empire views these and its other property acquisitions as a strategic steps in establishing itself as a dominant player in the emerging Coronation Diamond District. 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
 
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.