EXHIBIT 23.1 - ------------ CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS --------------------------------------------------- We have issued our report dated April 14, 2003 accompanying the financial statements of Arete Industries, Inc., which appears in the annual report on Form 10-KSB for year ended December 31, 2002. We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of the aforementioned report. Date: September 2, 2003 By: /s/ Causey Demgen & Moore Inc. ------------------------------ Causey Demgen & Moore Inc. 1801 California Street Denver, Colorado 80202