Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 08/01) - Ekati Diamond Mine produced sparkling second quarter results according to BHP Billiton's production report for the period ending June 30, 2001.

Ekati's diamond production was 15 per cent higher compared with the same period last year and 14 per cent higher compared to the first quarter ending March 2001.

The company attributed the results to increased production and higher ore grade. They also reported increased recoveries of low-value diamonds from the Panda pipe.

BHP Billiton owns 51 per cent of the Ekati Diamond Mine, located about 300 kilometres north of Yellowknife near Lac de Gras. The company employs nearly 60,000 people worldwide -- more than the total population of the territories.

Since the merger of BHP and Billiton, achieved through a dual listed companies' structure, the new company is listed on the London, Johannesburg and Australian exchanges.

Ekati is the first producing diamond mine in the NWT.