BHP Billiton recently announced the merger of its two diamond branding initiatives into one global brand, Aurias, which will be sold in select retail outlets in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Singapore. Further global expansion is planned for 2003.

Previously, BHP Billiton had successfully introduced the Ekati brand diamond in Canada and the Aurias brand in Australia and Singapore.

BHP Billiton is the majority owner and operator of the Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, North America’s first diamond producer. The mine has been in production since 1998. BHP Billiton, through its subsidiary BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc., markets gem-quality rough diamonds through its marketing office in Antwerp, Belgium. For information, visit www.aurias.com.