Benton Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:BTC) ("Benton" or the "Company") announces
that its board of directors today approved the appointment of Thomas Weisel
Partners International Limited as exclusive financial advisor to the Company in
relation to a wide-ranging review of the strategic options that are available to
the Company.


The review will focus on efforts to unlock the underlying value of Benton's
assets, which include both diverse interests in mining projects and equity
interests in other exploration and development companies. Benton believes that
there is a significant dislocation between those underlying asset values and its
stock price and that the ability of its shareholders to realize the full
potential of their investment will benefit from an active approach to the entire
asset portfolio.


Thomas Weisel Partners International Limited is a member of the Thomas Weisel
Partners group, is an international investment banking group founded in 1998 and
focused principally on the growth sectors of the economy. It has extensive
experience in the mining sector having been involved as adviser in numerous
equity financings and M&A transactions over recent years. Benton has access to
the resources and expertise of the Thomas Weisel Partners group as a whole and
will take full advantage of its extensive international network.


The board of Benton and Thomas Weisel Partners will be working together during
the coming months to formulate a strategy that is in the best interests of all
shareholders.


Benton is a Canadian based junior with multiple joint ventures and a diversified
property portfolio in Gold, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. The
company currently has approximately $9.4 million in cash and owns approximately
38.7 million shares and 18.9 million warrants in Coro Mining Corp (TSX:COP).
Benton is also in the process of splitting out the Company's 100% owned Bermuda
property to it shareholders into a new company to be named Coldwell Copper Corp.


On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Corp.

Stephen Stares, President

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform act of 1995. Investors
are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties.