Ashton Mining of Canada to commence diamond exploration in Alberta.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 1996-- Ashton Mining of Canada (TSE, ME ACA.) John S. Auston, President and CEO of Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. (Ashton), is pleased to report that Ashton and Pure Gold Resources Inc. (Pure Gold) have signed today a $5.5 million option agreement with a large Alberta energy company.

Under the terms of the agreement Pure Gold has committed to funding the first $500,000 in exploration expenditures to earn an interest of 15 percent in the proposed joint venture. Ashton has the option of funding the remaining $5 million to earn an interest of 42.5 percent and will be operator of the programs.

Wayne Hillier, Ashton's Vice President Exploration, stated that "Ashton was attracted to the project area and proposed joint venture as a result of the identification of geophysical anomalies within the joint venture area of interest. The geophysical signatures of these isolated anomalies have characteristics identical to those associated with kimberlitic-style volcanism."

In early November the proposed exploration program will commence with detailed geophysical surveys. In early 1997 a drilling program to test the anomalies will begin following permit approvals.

Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. is a diamond exploration company with interests in a wide range of properties in Canada and the United States. The Company is 62 percent owned by Ashton Mining Limited of Australia, a leading international diamond exploration, mining and marketing group which has an interest of 40 percent in the Argyle mine in northwestern Australia.

CONTACT: Ashton Mining of Canada Inc.

John S. Auston, 604/ 983-7750

or

Ashton Mining of Canada Inc.

Wayne D. Hillier, 604/ 983-7750