EXHIBIT 99.1


ECHO BAY MINES
6400 S. Fiddler's Green Circle                          Contact:  Tom Yip
Englewood, Colorado  80111-4957                                   (303) 714-8829

www.echobay.com

                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


       ECHO BAY CONTINUES DEFERRAL OF CAPITAL SECURITIES INTEREST PAYMENTS

     Monday, March 13, 2000 - Echo Bay Mines Ltd. (Amex and TSE: ECO)
announced today that the company has elected to defer the interest payment due
on April 1, 2000 to holders of its $100 million capital securities.

     Under the terms of the capital securities, issued in March 1997, the
company has the right to defer interest payments for up to 10 consecutive
semiannual periods.  The current deferral represents the fourth consecutive
deferral of semiannual interest payments.  Interest accrues during the deferral
period at the rate of 12% per annum, compounded semiannually, compared with the
11% face amount payable on the capital securities.

     The next scheduled interest payment date is April 1, 2000.  Whether to
continue the deferral period or recommence payment of interest will be decided
prior to that date.

     Echo Bay mines gold and silver in North America.  The primary markets for
its common shares are the American and Toronto stock exchanges.


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