<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE ECHO BAY, LTD. FORM 10-Q FOR
THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 12,381
<SECURITIES> 1,955
<RECEIVABLES> 3,925
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 42,172
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 75,127
<PP&E> 970,824
<DEPRECIATION> 755,371
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 313,557
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 77,112
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 713,343
<OTHER-SE> (598,776)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 313,557
<SALES> 212,505
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 212,505
<CGS> 126,731
<TOTAL-COSTS> 181,139
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 16,270
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 3,688
<INCOME-PRETAX> 15,096
<INCOME-TAX> (1,397)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 16,493
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 16,493
<EPS-BASIC> 0.04
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.04
</TABLE>