Benton Resources Inc. (TSX-V: BEX)  is pleased to announce that the South Pond Gold Zone 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. (formerly Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd.) 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. Base metal assays will follow in the coming weeks. A plan map showing drill hole locations is shown in Figure 1 and cross sections are shown below in Figures 2 through 4 below.

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.

A table of the first 4 holes received are below accompanied by a location map and sections showing the mineralized zone. (see Table 1).

Table 1: South Pond Drill Results

Note: Widths quoted are true core length, at this early stage, further drilling is required to determine true width of mineralization

 Figure 1: Drill Hole Location Map

Figure 2: South Pond Section 5363060N

Figure 3: South Pond Section 5363090N

Figure 4: South Pond Section 5363000N

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 is also pleased to announce that it has 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.

Company President and CEO, Stephen Stares states “We are very excited that our first results from South Pond have delivered exceptional results over significant widths. The Company is confident that we are onto a robust mineralized system and we look forward to continuing drilling, as well as more extensive regional exploration. Since acquiring the project just over a year ago, our team has made excellent advancements on all fronts and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in such a short period of time.”

QA/QC Protocols

Core and rock samples, including standards, blanks and duplicates, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd., Springdale, Newfoundland for preparation and analysis. All samples were acquired by saw-cut (channels/drill core) with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference, or hand (rocks) and delivered, by Benton personnel, in sealed bags, to the Springdale lab of Eastern Analytical, which is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples are analyzed using Eastern’s Au (Fire assay) @ 30g + ICP-34 method that delivers a 34-element package utilizing a 200 mg subsample totally dissolved in four acids and analyzed by ICP-OES analytical technique. Overlimits are analysed with Eastern’s atomic absorption method, using a 0.200 g to 2.00 g of sample, digested with three acids. All reported assays are uncut. Eastern Analytical Ltd. achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in February 2014 (for more details on the scope of accreditation visit the CALA website).

QP

Stephen House (P.Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., the ‘Qualified Person’ under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation.

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio and holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow.

Benton is focused on advancing its high-grade Copper-Gold Great Burnt Project in central Newfoundland, which has a Mineral Resource estimate of 667,000 tonnes @ 3.21% Cu Indicated and 482,000 @ 2.35% Cu Inferred. The Project has an excellent geological setting covering 25km of strike and boasts six known Cu-Au-Ag zones over 15km that are all open for expansion. Further potential for discovery is excellent given the extensive number of untested geophysical targets and Cu-Au soil anomalies. Phase 1 and 2 drill programs returned impressive results including 25.42 m of 5.51% Cu, including 9.78 m of 8.31% Cu, and 1.00 m of 12.70% Cu.