News..RRTHUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, Oct 28, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) --
BentonResources Corp. (TSX VENTURE: BTC) ("Benton") and Royal Roads Corp.(TSX VENTURE: RRO) ("Royal Roads"), ("the Companies") are pleased toannounce the discovery of a new zone of magmatic nickel sulphidemineralization within gabbro of the Puddle Pond Complex on their LongRange joint venture in central Newfoundland. The discovery was made bybedrock trenching of a VTEM conductive anomaly within gabbro andreturned assays of up to 2.70% nickel, 0.58% copper and 0.24% cobalt ingrab samples, as well as sawed channel samples averaging 0.99% nickel,0.22% copper and 0.05% cobalt over 3.0 metres, including 2.18% nickel,0.19% copper and 0.11% cobalt over 1.0 metre. Highlights also includebedrock grab samples assaying up to 5.30% copper, 1.13% nickel, 0.04%cobalt and 0.06 g/t gold. Platinum, palladium and sulphur analyses arepending.
Samples were collected from a trenched bedrockexposure of mineralized gabbro measuring approximately 25 metres by 5metres and hosting 5% to 15% disseminated sulphides dominated bypyrrhotite with lesser chalcopyrite and pentlandite. The higher nickelassays are derived from samples that include material from a 10 to 15cm thick, sulphide-rich band hosting approximately 30 - 40% pyrrhotiteand pentlandite with lesser chalcopyrite within the mineralized gabbro.The band has been exposed for a minimum strike length of 5 metres andlikely continues under overburden to the east and west. Furthermore,the mineralized band has the same trend as and is potentiallycorrelative with a weak VTEM conductive anomaly. This anomaly islocated approximately 200 metres northeast and along trend ofmineralized float discovered by prospecting this past summer assayingup to 0.75% nickel and 0.64% copper (news release dated September 14,2009). The VTEM anomaly is estimated to have a minimum strike length of200 metres and may remain open to the north where it is likely occludedby conductivity associated with overhead power lines.
Diamond Drilling
Afirst phase diamond drilling program designed to test the extent ofthis newly discovered nickel-copper mineralization in the trench andthe associated VTEM conductor is currently underway. The drill programis anticipated to be concluded by the end of October, with results tobe released upon receipt of assays.
Elsewhere on the Long Rangeproperty, a drill program designed to test a recently discoveredcopper-bearing sulphide zone located outside the gabbro (news releasedated September 29, 2009) was completed on October 23. Results areexpected shortly and will be released upon receipt of assays.
TheLong Range project is a 50/50 joint venture between Benton and RoyalRoads with Royal Roads as the operator. The project was acquired toexplore for magmatic nickel-copper sulphide deposits within apreviously unexplored area, recently recognized to be prospective formagmatic sulphides. The project is well situated with ready access topaved roads, power and port facilities. The property is subject to netsmelter royalties of up to 2%, of which 1% can be purchased for $1million. Portions of the property are also subject to underlying optionagreements requiring cash payments and share issuances for the jointventure to earn a 100% interest.
Qualified Person
PaulMoore, M.Sc., P.Geo., (NL), Royal Road's Vice President of Exploration,is acting as Qualified Person in compliance with National Instrument43-101 with respect to this release and has reviewed the contents foraccuracy. Mr. Steve House, P. Geo., (NL), Benton's NewfoundlandProjects Manager, supervised the trenching program including thecollection of reported assays. Analyses referred to herein are fromtrenched bedrock samples collected as grab samples and sawed channelsamples. All assays were completed by Eastern Analytical Limited ofSpringdale, Newfoundland by the ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma OpticalEmission Spectroscopy) method (ICP-11) and Ore Grade Assay for Ni, Cuand Co by the atomic absorption (AA) method. Gold assays were completedby standard 1/2 assay ton fire assay using the AA method. AppropriateQA/QC protocols were applied, including duplicate analyses andmonitoring of assay results through the insertion of control standards.
About Benton Resources
Benton is a Canadian based juniorwith multiple joint ventures and a diversified property portfolio inGold, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements which can be view onthe company's web site post below. The company currently hasapproximately $15.0 million in cash, owns a 32.2% interest in CoroMining Corp (TSX: COP), holds an approximate 5% interest in MarathonPGM Corp (TSX: MAR) and retains a 2% Net Smelter Royalty on thenorthern portion of the Marathon PGM deposit.
About Royal Roads
RoyalRoads is a Canadian based junior exploration company primarily focusedon exploring and developing mineral properties in Newfoundland Canada,including its flagship project located within the historic Buchansmining camp. Acadian Mining Corporation (TSX: ADA) owns 29.18% of RoyalRoads. For additional information on Royal Roads' properties andactivities, please visit www.royalroadscorp.ca.
Forward-lookingstatements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harborprovisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995.Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involverisks and uncertainties.