Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. ("Northern Empire") and Shear Minerals Ltd. (SRM:TSXV) ("Shear") are pleased to announce that they have completed a 16,307 line-km high resolution aeromagnetic geophysical survey on the 540,000 acre Churchill Diamond Project located in the Rankin Inlet area of the Nunavut Territory. 

Data acquired during the survey will be used in conjunction with geochemical data to identify kimberlite targets. Numerous priority targets have been identified during a preliminary review of the data and it is expected that more targets will emerge as the final interpretation is completed. A comprehensive program that includes prospecting, sampling, ground geophysical surveys and drilling is planned for spring 2003.

130 till samples were collected on the property in 2002 and are currently being processed at the Saskatchewan Research Council. Preliminary results from the silicate portions of 11 samples have been received. Of these samples, 5 yielded diamond indicator minerals with one sample containing 47 grains. Indicator minerals picked include pyrope garnet, olivine, chrome diopside, and ruby corundum. The remaining samples are being picked and final sample results will be released over the next month. 

As reported in September two occurrences of kimberlite float were discovered on the property within a corridor coincident with diamond indicator minerals recovered in the 2001 regional till sampling program. Evaluation of the kimberlite float and indicator minerals suggests local sources and a number of magnetic targets have been identified in the vicinity of these occurrences. 

The Churchill Diamond Project is owned 51% by Shear Minerals Ltd., 35% by Northern Empire Minerals Ltd., and 14% by Hunter Exploration.

Northern Empire is a diamond exploration company with an aggressive acquisition and development philosophy. The Company has established itself as one of the leading diamond explorers in Nunavut. The Company's property interests now total more than 3.5 million acres. The Company has 16 properties in the Coronation Diamond District, Melville Peninsula, Rankin Inlet area, and Otish Mountains Region of Quebec.

On behalf of the Board,

NORTHERN EMPIRE MINERALS LTD.

"John E. Robins"

John E. 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.

For further information: Tel: (604) 331-2267 - Toll free: (888) 338-2200
Fax: (604) 331-2266 Email: info@northernempireminerals.com