Ashton Announces Senior Appointment.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 1999--

John S. Auston, President and CEO of Ashton Mining of Canada Inc.(TSE:ACA.)(ME:ACA.) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brooke P. Clements as Vice President -- Exploration.

After receiving the degree of Master of Science in economic geology from the University of Arizona in 1991, Mr. Clements worked principally with Exmin Corporation on exploration for diamonds in North America. He began work with Ashton Mining of Canada on its Alberta programs in 1998, and was appointed Chief Geologist in February, 1999. Mr. Clements brings to Ashton substantial experience in exploration for diamonds, and will be responsible for the overall design and execution of the Company's programs.

He replaces Mr. Wayne D. Hillier, who has been appointed General Manager -- Exploration of Ashton Mining Limited in Australia. Mr. Hillier worked with Ashton Mining of Canada for the past six years and has made a significant contribution to the Company's progress. In his new position he will be responsible for Ashton Mining's global exploration program and its business development initiatives.

Ashton is a diamond exploration company with interests in a wide range of properties in Canada and the United States. It is 61.2 percent-owned by Ashton Mining Limited of Australia, a leading explorer, producer and marketer of diamonds which holds an interest of 40.1 percent in the Argyle diamond mine in northwestern Australia.