THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 25, 2016) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:BEX) ("Benton" or
"the Company") is pleased to announce that it has executed an option to joint venture agreement (the "Option") with Rio Tinto
Exploration Canada Inc. ("RTEC") (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto) on the Company's 100%-owned Bark Lake copper, nickel
and platinum group elements ("Cu-Ni-PGE") project. The Bark Lake project is located approximately 140km west of Thunder Bay,
Ontario.
Under the terms of the Option, RTEC can earn a 70% interest by incurring $3 million in exploration expenditures and by paying
Benton $50,000 cash over 5 years (the "First Option"). After the First Option period, RTEC may either form a joint venture
with Benton on a 70/30 basis or, at its election, increase its interest to 80% (the "Second Option") by spending an additional $5
million in exploration expenditures over 4 years and by paying Benton $100,000 cash within 30 days after electing to exercise the
Second Option. Upon exercising the Second Option, RTEC may elect to form a joint venture with Benton on an 80/20 basis.
The Company is extremely pleased to have executed this agreement with RTEC.
About Benton Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:BEX)
Benton Resources Inc is a well-funded Canadian-based junior 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.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,
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.