VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/03/2006 -- Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. ("Ashton" or the "Corporation") (TSX: ACA) today confirmed the announcement by Stornoway Diamond Corporation ("Stornoway") that approximately 4.3 million additional common shares of Ashton have been tendered to and taken-up in accordance with Stornoway's unsolicited offer. As a result, Stornoway has increased its ownership interest in the Corporation from 68.2 to 72.7 percent. Stornoway also announced that its bid has been extended and will now expire on October 16, 2006.

The Board of Directors of Ashton has recommended to the Corporation's shareholders that they not tender their shares to the Stornoway bid. The reasons for the recommendation are outlined in the Directors Circular dated August 22, 2006 and in a subsequent letter to shareholders dated September 11, 2006. Both are available on Ashton's website at www.ashton.ca.