Pursuant to a special resolution passed by shareholders July 11, 2003, the Company has changed its name from Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. to Stornoway Diamond Corporation. There is no consolidation of capital.

Effective at the opening July 22, 2003, the common shares of Stornoway Diamond Corporation will commence trading on TSX Venture Exchange under the new symbol SWY.

Stornoway Diamond Corporation holds a 70% interest in the 7 million acre Aviat Project, located on the Melville Peninsula in Nunavut and host to the diamondiferous AV-1 kimberlite. The Company also maintains a 35% interest in the Churchill diamond project, totaling more than 1.5 million acres located near the community of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Recent drill testing of geophysical targets identified at Churchill in 2002 has resulted in the discovery of nine new kimberlite-like bodies.

Other diamond interests held within prospective diamond regions throughout Canada include the Coronation (North Slave) properties in Nunavut as well as the Otish Mountain property in Quebec. Stornoway Diamond Corporation's properties encompass over 11 million acres, making its landholdings one of the largest in Canada.

On behalf of the Board
NORTHERN EMPIRE MINERALS LTD.
/s/ "Eira M. Thomas"
Eira M. Thomas
President

For further information, please contact the Company at 604-331-2269 or (888) 338-2200
** INTERNET ADDRESS: www.stornowaydiamonds.com **

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release