June 17, 2002

News Release: Kensington appoints James Rothwell, former president of Dia Met Minerals, to board of directors

VICTORIA, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 2002-- Kensington Resources Ltd. (the "Company")(TSX.V: KRT) is pleased to report the appointment of James R. Rothwell to its Board of Directors. Mr. Rothwell was President and CEO of Dia Met Minerals Ltd. between 2000 and 2001 where he successfully implemented the Board of Directors' decision to sell the company at a significant premium for its shareholders. Prior to that, he worked for BHP Minerals between 1986 and 2000 where he held the position of President of BHP Diamonds from 1997 to 2000. Mr. Rothwell led BHP's entry into the diamond industry via development of the EKATI Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada's first producing diamond mine.

Commenting on the appointment, David H. Stone, President of the Company stated, "Kensington is poised for growth and the appointment of Mr. Rothwell to our board further strengthens our commitment to build sustainable long term value for our shareholders. He has a proven record of success in building effective management teams and delivering outstanding business outcomes. His experience with Dia Met and BHP will be of considerable value as we seek to advance our interest in the Fort la Corne Project."

Mr. Rothwell has over 25 years' experience in corporate strategic planning and business development in Canada, the United States, Australia and Brazil. He is a graduate of Stanford University where he completed the Marketing Management Program and received his MBA. The Company is also pleased to report that Standard & Poor's ("S&P") has approved the Company for a complete corporate listing and description in S&P Corporation Records. Additionally, the Company will have its corporate description published in S&P Daily News Section. S&P also will initiate financial coverage of the Company as part of the S&P Market Access Program, including coverage of the Company on S&P's website, www.advisorinsight.com as well as S&P Marketscope and the electronic version of S&P Stock Guide database.

The Fort la Corne Diamond Project is a joint venture among De Beers Canada Exploration Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of De Beers (42.25%), Cameco Corporation (CCO-TM;CCJ-DNQX;CMECF-L) (5.5%), UEM Inc. (carried 10%), and Kensington Resources Ltd. (KRT-CDNX;KNSRF-L) (42.25%). The 71+ kimberlite bodies of the Fort la Corne Field form one of the largest diamondiferous clusters in the world.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF KENSINGTON RESOURCES LTD.

(signed) "David H. Stone"
David H. Stone
President

TRADING SYMBOL: KRT-TSX.V

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risk factors contained in the Company's documents filed from time to time with the B.C. Securities Commission and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

FORM 20-F FILE #0-24980
LISTED IN STANDARD & POOR'S

CONTACT: Kensington Resources Ltd.
Investor Relations
William Callahan, 800/514-7859 or 250/361-1KRT
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or
Robert A. Young & Associates (Investor Relations)
Robert A. Young, 877/626-2121 or 604/682-5123
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