William E. Zimmerman Jr.

William E. Zimmerman, Jr.

President of BHP Diamonds, Inc.

"GIA deserves our support for a number of reasons. Today, the diamond and jewelry industry is undergoing change at a pace that would have been considered impossible just a few years ago. GIA provides the research and a forum to address the new technologies affecting the industry. But most importantly it offers a gateway for young people to enter the trades and commerce of precious stones and jewelry, and these will be the leaders who enable the industry to continue its growth."

Mr. William E. Zimmerman, Jr.'s role at BHP Diamonds is to implement a growth for BHP's diamond mining business and to develop relationships within the industry that will be important to BHP's future success.

BHP Diamonds was formed in 1991 to hold its interest in the Ekati Mine joint venture. Mr. Zimmerman joined the company in 1994 to lead the development and implementation of the marketing strategy for the rough production from that mine. Zimmerman helped to open an office in Antwerp in 1997 which sold the first diamonds in January 1999. The successful construction and operation of the Ekati Mine, together with the introduction of a new source of diamonds to the manufacturing industry, have set the base for the expansion of BHP in a new and exciting industry.

Mr. Zimmerman's career in mining began in 1970 in San Francisco at Utah International, which was later acquired by BHP. Prior to diamonds, Mr. Zimmerman was responsible for the marketing development of several mineral products in the United States, South America and Indonesia.

Mr. Zimmerman was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and received a degree in mineral economics from Pennsylvania State University followed by a master quote s from the University of San Francisco. He currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, with his wife, Carol. They have four children, Betsy, Rob, Diane and Jennifer, all married and living in the United States.