January 25, 2007 – The EKATI Diamond Mine is pleased to announce its support for the Rock and Ice Ultra, an annual winter endurance event to be held in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; the inaugural race to be held March 1723, 2007.

BHP Billiton’s EKATI Diamond Mine has signed a three year title sponsorship agreement which includes supplying four diamond awards totaling nearly $30,000. These round, brilliant cut diamonds will be presented to the solo winners of the ultra races; the KRock160 and the Diamond300.

“We’re excited to participate in what we believe is a healthy way to showcase the North and its people”, said Sean Brennan, President and CEO of the EKATI Diamond Mine. “As Canada’s first diamond mine, we’re very proud to donate four beautiful EKATI diamonds to encourage more participation and to draw attention to this world class event right in our own backyard.” BHP Billiton actively supports initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

When Scott Smith of Northern Canadian Adventure Racing had the idea for Yellowknife to host a winter endurance race, BHP Billiton was happy to offer support. Northerners and athletes from around the world will compete on foot, snowshoes or cross country skis in their choice of four races ranging in distance from two to 300 km through the frozen wilderness of the Northwest Territories.

The EKATI Diamond Mine will host the award presentations where solo winners of the foot and ski categories will each receive an EKATI diamond – a one carat stone for the Diamond300 winners and half a carat for the KRock160.

To learn more about the Rock and Ice Ultra or to register, visit www.rockandiceultra.com.

For more information contact: Deana Twissell Senior External Affairs Officer BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. Tel: (867) 6696107 Fax: (867) 6699293 BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc. Operator of the EKATI Diamond Mine