Benton Commences Phase 2 Drilling at the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project and Considers Options for the High-Grade Uranium Discovery at Kepenkeck Joint Venture

Rhea-AI Summary

Benton Resources Inc. initiates Phase 2 diamond drilling program at Great Burnt Project, targeting copper expansion and infill of the Great Burnt Main deposit. The company, along with joint venture partner Sokoman Minerals Corp., explores high-grade uranium potential at Kepenkeck Project. Results will be released as drilling progresses.

Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2024) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced its Phase 2 diamond drilling program at Great Burnt Project, with drill pad preparation underway for testing the down dip and down plunge extensions of GB-23-12 which cut 25.42m grading 5.51% Cu (see news release dated January 3, 2024). The Company plans to complete a minimum of 3,000 m of drilling in this program, which will target expansion and infill of the Great Burnt Main deposit. Results will be released as they are received and compiled by the Company.

In addition, given the current uranium price as well as the market interest in uranium, the Company and its joint venture partner Sokoman Minerals Corp. (together, the "Alliance") are exploring the excellent uranium potential at its Kepenkeck Project. While exploring for gold in 2022, the Alliance discovered high-grade uranium where 5 samples were collected from a radioactive area of black topsoil and sandy till returned significant uranium values grading between 0.06% to 1.86% U308. The area sits in favourable geology along the projected contact of a hot radioactive granite and sedimentary unit that could host a high-grade roll-front and/or low-grade granite-type uranium deposit. The Alliance is considering its options for advancing the discovery, including optioning or selling the project. Interested parties should contact Benton or Sokoman's management team for further information.

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. Following a project generation business model, Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio of gold, silver, nickel, copper, platinum group elements and, most recently, lithium and cesium assets. In addition, it currently 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 currently 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 (P&E Mining Consultants, 2022). The Project has an excellent geological setting covering 25 km of strike and boasts six known Cu-Au-Ag zones over 15 km 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. The Phase 1 drill program consisting of over 5,650 metres has just been wrapped and results include 25.42 m of 5.51% Cu, including 9.78 m of 8.31% Cu, and 1.00 m of 12.70% Cu from hole GB-23-12. Phase 2 drilling is underway.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Stares, President & CEO
Phone: 807-474-9020
Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca

Iryna Zheliasko, Investor Relations
Phone: 647-249-9298 ext. 322
Email: iryna@grovecorp.ca

Website: www.bentonresources.ca
Twitter: @BentonResources
Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/198633

FAQ

What is Benton Resources Inc. doing at Great Burnt Project?

Benton Resources Inc. has started its Phase 2 diamond drilling program at Great Burnt Project to test the down dip and down plunge extensions of GB-23-12, aiming to expand and infill the Great Burnt Main deposit.

What significant discovery did the Alliance make while exploring for gold in 2022?

While exploring for gold in 2022, the Alliance discovered high-grade uranium at Kepenkeck Project, with samples showing uranium values ranging from 0.06% to 1.86% U308 in a radioactive area of black topsoil and sandy till.

Who is the 'Qualified Person' mentioned in the news release?

The 'Qualified Person' mentioned in the news release is Stephen House (P.Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., who approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the release.