Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. ("Northern Empire") is pleased to report drilling has commenced on the Kikerk Lake Property in the Coronation Diamond District of Nunavut. The focus of the drill program is to determine the geometry of the Stellaria kimberlite and the extent of its emplacement along an otherwise untested 2km long linear magnetic feature.

One high priority target recently identified along this linear magnetic feature is coincident with a prominent kimberlite indicator mineral dispersion fan. This target is located approximately 700 metres south-southwest of the Potentilla kimberlite pipe and 1200 metres southwest of the Stellaria kimberlite discovery hole. Samples of any kimberlite core material collected during the drill program will be tested for microdiamonds.

Currently ongoing is the processing of a 5.5 tonne mini-bulk sample collected from the Potentilla kimberlite through Ashton's dense media separation plant in North Vancouver, as reported on May 21, 2002. Completion of analysis is now expected in early September.

Northern Empire holds a 30% participating interest in the Kikerk Lake property and has advanced Ashton, the operator of the programs, its portion of this year's $1.56 million exploration program. Ashton has a 52.5 percent interest in the Kikerk Lake property with a right to earn a further 7% from Caledonia Mining Corporation's remaining 17.5% interest. 

Northern Empire is a well-funded diamond exploration company with an aggressive acquisition and development philosophy. The Company has established itself as one of the premiere diamond explorers in Nunavut. The Company's property interests now total more than 3.5 million acres. The Company has 14 properties in the Coronation Diamond District, the Melville Peninsula, the Rankin Inlet area, and 2 properties in the Otish Mountains Region of Quebec.

On behalf of the Board,

NORTHERN EMPIRE MINERALS LTD.

"John E. Robins"                                   

John E. Robins, P. Geo.
President