TORONTO, CANADA -- TRANS HEX INTERNATIONAL LTD. (CDNX: THI) reports on the results to date of the sampling program at its Barra Grande diamond exploration project in the Minas Gerais state of Brazil.

At the Barra Grande property, processing of the samples excavated from the first pit at the Villa Barroso target continues. Commissioning of the diamond recovery plant was completed by the end of February 2001 and the plant is now operating on a 24-hour basis, five days per week. The gravel body can be subdivided into three separate units with a two metre basal unit of well-sorted and rounded clasts with a 30% clay content (levels 6 & 7). The basal unit has sandy lenses intercalated within it. The middle unit (2 metres thick) consists of a coarser pebble gravel, clast supported with plentiful resistate clasts (levels 4 and 5), and has the highest heavy mineral count. The upper unit (3 metres thick) is the coarsest gravel with greater than 50% of the grains being more than 12mm in diameter (levels 1, 2 and 3).

To date, processing of 31 samples representing 3,330 bank cubic metres ("BCM's") had been completed out of a total of 172 samples excavated. A total of 28 diamonds weighing 14.90 carats have been recovered from level 5 (2,430 BCM's), which was the one metre thick interval with the highest heavy mineral content. This represents an average grade of 0.61 carats per 100 BCM's and an average stone size of 0.53 carats, with the largest stone recovered being 1.55 carats. The volumes of material treated thus far from levels above and below level 5 are minimal. The Company considers the minimal representative sample to be at least 1,500 BCM's from a single identifiable geological unit.

Although commercial grades are not yet being achieved from this intermediate gravel body (level 5), the results indicate that the average stone size is reasonably large with all stones recovered to date being of gem quality. The joint venture has determined that treatment of the southern samples will continue on further levels until the end of June 2001, whereupon sampling of the northern site will commence. A revised schedule indicates that results for this northern sample should be available in November 2001. Both the southern and northern sites have clearly defined, structurally controlled, geological characteristics favourable to the delineation of discreet ore bodies.

For purposes of comparison, during March three samples of gravel, totalling 1,200 BCM's, were excavated from the Sertaozinho garimpo and processed through the sampling plant. Ten diamonds, with a total weight of 3.10 carats, were recovered. The average grade of the basal gravels (784 BCM's) is estimated to be 0.35 carats per 100 BCM's with an average stone size of 0.34 carats per stone.

During November 2000, the Company met its expenditure commitment of US$2 million, to earn its 50% project interest, and the Option was exercised. All rights, title and interest in and to the exploration permits, mining property and surface rights are being transferred to the joint venture company, Mineracão Barra Grande S.A. ("MBG"). In terms of the Shareholders' Agreement, which was executed by both parties on January 29, 2001, the partners are required to fund ongoing expenditure in proportion to their respective interests, or their interests will be diluted. The Company funded a disproportionate share of the expenditure during the five months ended March 31, 2001 and as a result increased its interest in MBG to 56.4%. The Company will continue funding the entire program for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 and its interest will increase to approximately 60%.


Trans Hex International is an international diamond exploration company with interests in exploration projects and joint ventures in Brazil, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The principal shareholder of the Company is Trans Hex Group Limited, a South African producer of high quality gem diamonds, with well established independent diamond marketing facilities. The design and conduct of the Company's exploration programs is the responsibility of Mr. Peter Walker, a professional geologist registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
D.M. (Niel) Hoogenhout - Chairman and C.E.O.
Tel +1.416.363-5440 Fax +1.416.363-6506
E-Mail nhoogenhout@transhex.com

Peter D. Danchin - Chief Operating Officer
Tel +27.21.939-1105 Fax +27.21.939-0711
E-Mail PeterD@transhex.co.za

Peter W.A. Walker - Vice President, Exploration
Tel +27.21.939-1105 Fax +27.21.939-0711
E-Mail PeterW@transhex.co.za

Stephen Woodhead - Chief Financial Officer
Tel +1.416.363-5440 Fax +1.416.363-6506
E-Mail swoodhead@transhex.com