VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 09/19/2006 -- Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. (TSX: ACA) today confirmed Stornoway Diamond Corporation's announcement that 68.2 % of Ashton's issued and outstanding common shares have been tendered to, and taken-up under Stornoway's bid. Accordingly, Stornoway will replace Rio Tinto as the company's majority shareholder. Stornoway also announced that it has extended the expiry of its unsolicited offer to October 2, 2006.

John Cole, Chair of the Board, commented: "We reiterate our view that Stornoway's offer is inadequate and recommend that Ashton shareholders reject the extended offer. We believe that Ashton shareholders stand to realize more value by retaining their Ashton shares rather than by tendering to this bid. At the same time, Ashton's Board and management remain enthusiastic about the company's prospects and moving forward with Ashton's new majority shareholder to advance the value-creating projects underway at Renard and other properties."