EXPLORATION NEWS Diamonds Found in Quebec

ASHTON MINING reported that a 4.81-tonne sample collected from the Otish Mountains of north-central Quebec has an estimated diamond content of 64.7 carats/100 tonnes. The sample was collected from the Renard 4 kimberlitic body on the Foxtrot property. The material was processed in Ashton's North Vancouver Laboratory.

The sample returned a total of 3.11 carats of diamonds larger than 0.85 mm from the 4.81-tonne sample. It consisted of two parts: a 4.11-tonne portion of kimberlitic breccia containing 66.4 carats/100 tonnes and a 700-kg portion of brecciated country rock containing 54.3 carats/100 tonnes.

The work is being done under a 50:50 joint venture of Ashton and SOQUEM. The partners hold more than 380,000 hectares, including the 153,000-hectare Foxtrot prospect, which hosts the eight diamondiferous Renard kimberlitic bodies. Ashton is the operator of the exploration program. More drilling is planned.

Information on this venture and Ashton's other activities can be found at www.ashton.ca