Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. ("Empire") is pleased to announce that it has been informed by Diamondex Resources Inc. ("Diamondex") that the 2002 exploration program on the Peregrine Property located in the Coronation Diamond District has commenced. A detailed airborne 75 meter Mag/EM survey (Fugro DIGHEM) is now underway and is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete. Ground geophysics will be conducted immediately following completion of the airborne program. 

Diamondex has informed Empire that the 2002 exploration expenditures are estimated to be approximately $1.2 million and will also include detailed till sampling and a contingency budget for drilling later this year.

The Peregrine property is located approximately 520 kilometers north of Yellowknife, NWT and adjoins immediately to the west of the Vic and Kim claims of Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. who recently reported encouraging diamond results from the Artemisia kimberlite pipe. The Peregrine property is composed of 51 mineral claims covering 152,469 contiguous acres. Diamondex can acquire a 70% interest in this property by expending $1,000,000 over three (3) years.

Empire has exposure to over 900,000 acres within the Coronation Diamond District and over 2,000,000 acres throughout Canada.

On behalf of the Board,

NORTHERN EMPIRE MINERALS LTD.

"John E. Robins"                                   

John Robins, P. Geo.
President
 
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