Mr. Stephen Stares reports

BENTON RESOURCES ANNOUNCES GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS

Benton Resources Inc.'s board of directors, in accordance with the company's stock option plan, has approved the grant of incentive stock options to certain officers, directors, employees and consultants of the company to purchase up to an aggregate of 5.65 million common shares in the capital of the company.

The stock options are exercisable at a price of nine cents per share and will expire on Oct. 16, 2031. The options are subject to the terms of the company's stock option plan and any applicable vesting provisions, as well as approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Benton Resources Inc.

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

Benton is focused on advancing its Dominion copper-zinc-gold project, the Victoria West/South gold projects, the Stoney Caldera copper-gold project and its various hydrogen-helium projects on the west coast of Newfoundland.

We seek Safe Harbor.