Vancouver, February 24, 2004—Diamond Fields International Ltd. (DFI-TSX) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kenneth E. Hecker to the positions of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. Mr. Hecker joins Diamond Fields International to guide the process of exploring and developing the Company’s international diamond and nickel projects, while seeking opportunities to acquire new economic mineral projects worldwide.
Mr. Hecker was most recently the Vice-President, Finance for Doe Run Peru, where he oversaw all financial functions, plus information systems and business development activities for a smelting and mining operation with 4,300 employees and revenues of US$450 million. He was also responsible for the evaluation and negotiation of new business opportunities and contracts.
Previously, Mr. Hecker spent 12 years at Kennecott Corporation (Rio Tinto PLC. subsidiary), including seven years as Director, Planning and Business Development for Kennecott Exploration Company. Mr. Hecker states “I view Diamond Fields International as a unique opportunity to build a significant diamond and nickel producer in an orderly series of steps. This begins with the resumption of diamond mining in Namibia and grows with additional exploration and acquisitions. I am excited about the growth prospects for Diamond Fields International.”
Diamond Fields International’s President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Sedun added: “We are very pleased to have Ken join the Company as COO/CFO. He brings to Diamond Fields 25 years of experience in managing acquisitions, exploration, development, financing, and operation of mines, as well as a senior management track record of success with complex mining projects. He is exceptionally well qualified for these positions, both in his work experience with Kennecott and Doe Run Peru and in his educational background, including an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a Masters of Geology from the University of Florida. Mr. Hecker will be an outstanding addition to our management team.”
Diamond Fields International Ltd. is an internationally active exploration and mining company pursuing diamond and nickel opportunities worldwide. The Company’s strategy is to systematically explore and develop its international diamond and nickel projects, while seeking opportunities to acquire new economic mineral projects worldwide. Additional information about the Company is available on the website at www.diamondfields.com.
DIAMOND FIELDS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
“Gregg Sedun”
Gregg J. Sedun, President and Chief Executive Officer
For further information contact: Investor Relations (604-682-2113)
Website: www.diamondfields.com
Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors identified in the Diamond Fields’ periodic filings with Canadian Securities Regulators. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Diamond Fields does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.