Wide Zones Of Significant Gold Intersected At South Pond

THUNDER BAY - Benton Resources Inc. reported that the South Pond Gold Zone (SPGZ) in south-central Newfoundland has been substantially expanded based on the initial results received from the first four holes from the previously announced drilling program.

The results will successfully expand the extents of the SPGZ, which remains open in all directions and include significant drill intercepts. Notably Hole SP-24-07 intersected an impressive 74.20 m of 1.43g/t Gold (Au) and Hole SP-24-03 encountered 43.75 m grading 1.62g/t Au. To date, Benton has completed 23 drill holes in its ongoing program at South Pond totalling 3,183 m.

Drill hole SP-24-03 tested a strong magnetic anomaly approximately 40 m due north of historical hole SP-21-01 completed by Homeland Nickel Inc. which intersected 51.00 m grading 1.69g/t Au. Drill hole SP-24-07 tested the Magnetic Horizon approximately 45 m south-southeast of the historical hole and was drilled at -87 degree dip which tested the potential height of the mineralized zone with highly positive results.

The Company has diligently developed a strong exploration model to guide active work at South Pond. Focused field geological mapping and ground magnetics surveying, jointly evaluated by Benton personnel and consulting geoscientist Mike Cooley, have led to the development of a new geological and geophysical model. The model suggests that the mineralized sequence is structurally thickened due to folding and/or faulting. This has resulted in a near-surface zone of thicker mineralization that may be amenable to shallow open-pit mining methods. Testing the model is proving to be very successful with 22 diamond drill holes completed on the >2.5 km long mineralized magnetic horizon. All holes have intersected significant mineralization and thicknesses with drill core being cut and delivered to Eastern Analytical on a regular basis.

At the Great Burnt Copper Deposit, the Company completed one aggressive 200 m step-out hole (GB 24-48) down plunge and along strike to the south of the deepest intercept in drill hole GB 24-45, which cut 12.3 m of 1.72% Cu. This hole cut anomalous Cu mineralization but is believed to be just above or below the main horizon. The Company is currently planning a down hole deep EM survey to target the zone for follow-up drilling. In addition, drilling will also test the potential footwall zone at Great Burnt, which has previously cut highly anomalous gold along with copper grades. Regional exploration continues with many new anomalous zones of copper and gold, in addition to nickel.

Benton ihas completed the necessary exploration expenditures to earn its 70% interest in the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project and Homeland Nickel recently notified the Company that they will participate as a joint venture partner on a 70% (Benton) - 30% (Homeland) basis with respect to exploration expenditures moving forward with Benton as the operator.