Ashton Mining of Canada Inc.: Second Mini-Bulk Sample Collected From Kimberlite K252.

Business Editors

VANCOUVER, B.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2001

Ashton Mining (TSE:ACA.)

Robert T. Boyd, President and CEO of Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. ("Ashton") reports that a second mini-bulk sample with an estimated weight of 20 tonnes has now been collected from the K252 kimberlite on the Buffalo Hills property in Alberta.

The K252 kimberlite was discovered in March 2000. A 1.28 tonne mini-bulk sample collected late in the year yielded 0.85 carats of diamond larger than 0.8 mm giving this sample an estimated grade of 66.2 carats per hundred tonnes. Geophysical data and data from five core holes drilled in February 2001 indicate that K252 is approximately two hectares in size.

The second mini-bulk sample was collected in March 2001 from three vertical holes drilled to depths of approximately 200 metres using a reverse circulation rig. The estimated weight of 20 tonnes is derived from volume calculations. Volcaniclastic kimberlite and kimberlite breccia were recovered in approximately equal amounts, and will be processed for macrodiamonds using the dense media separation plant at Ashton's laboratory in North Vancouver. Results are expected in four to six weeks.

Concurrently, core samples collected from kimberlite K281, discovered in March 2001 on the Buffalo Hills property, will be processed for recovery of microdiamonds. Results are expected in four to six weeks.

The joint venturers on the Buffalo Hills property and their approximate interests are Ashton (ACA.TSE) 45 percent, Alberta Energy Company Ltd. (AEC.TSE) 45 percent and Pure Gold Minerals Inc. (PUG.TSE) 10 percent.

Ashton is the operator of the Alberta programs. Brooke Clements, Professional Geologist, who is Ashton's Vice President, Exploration, is responsible for the design and conduct of the programs.