Benton Initiates Airborne Geophysical Survey over Black Shale Projects in Northern Newfoundland

Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 20, 2018) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or "the Company") would like to provide an update on the Company's ongoing activities on the Great Northern Peninsula in Newfoundland. The Company has acquired two large land positions by staking: the GNP black shale gold property and the Cape Eagle property. Both projects are mapped by the Newfoundland government as having similar geology to that of White Metal Resources Corp's new discovery where they recently announced highly anomalous gold values from their Gunners Cove Project over approximately 15 square kilometres in sedimentary black shale units (see White Metal Resources Corp. PR dated November 20, 2017). In addition, Benton's Cape Eagle project is tied directly to the east of Altius Minerals Corp's new Sail Pond lead, zinc, copper, silver and gold discovery where Altius obtained grab samples up to 2,030 gpt Ag, 7.08% Cu, 9.40% Pb, 2.54% Sb, 0.46 gpt Au and 944 gpt Ag, 5.24% Cu, 7.6% Pb, 2.32% Zn, 0.30gpt Au (South Zone) and 803 gpt Ag, 3.58% Cu, 0.11% Pb, 1.04% Zn, 0.92% Sb, 0.17 gpt Au (North Zone) (see Altius web site).

Benton has received all permits necessary to complete the airborne time-domain electromagnetic (EM) and magnetic (MAG) geophysical survey and the equipment has been mobilized. The survey is expected to commence within a few days, weather permitting.

The geophysical data will assist the Company in better understanding and delineating structural and stratigraphic features which might host gold, and minerals of interest. Benton is planning an exploration program to evaluate the targets generated by the airborne survey to begin in late May.

In addition, Benton holds multiple high grade gold projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's web site. Most projects have an up to date National Instrument 43-101 report available. Interested parties can contact Stephen Stares from the contact below.

About Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX)

Benton Resources Inc is a well-funded Canadian-based project generator with a diversified property portfolio in Gold-Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements.

Clinton Barr (P.Geo.), V.P. Exploration for Benton Resources Inc., is the qualified person responsible for this release has prepared, supervised the preparation or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release.

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

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

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

For further information contact Stephen Stares @:
684 Squier Street,
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 4A8
Phone (807)475-7474
Cell (807)474-9020
Fax (807)475-7200
www.bentonresources.ca
sstares@bentonresources.ca