Benton Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:BTC) ("Benton" or "the Company") is pleased
to announce that the Company has initiated a diamond drilling program on the
recently acquired Elizabeth Anne gold project located approximately 19km west of
the Mountain Pass rare earth mine in San Bernardino County, California (the
"Property"). The Company believes that the Property lies within the southern
part of the Walker Lane Gold Belt which hosts several multi-million ounce gold
deposits. This first phase drill program consists of approximately 1,400 metres
of drilling in five holes and will test areas of highly anomalous surface
sampling which returned values of up to 73 grams per tonne (gpt) gold. Benton
has obtained all the permits required for prospecting, mapping and drilling for
the current program. The Company can earn a 100% interest in the Property by
paying $1.2 million over 13 years subject to a 3% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) of
which Benton has the right to purchase 50% of the NSR (1.5%) for $1.5 million
and holds a Right of First Refusal to match any offer on the other 1.5% NSR. 


Results of the program will be released as they are received and compiled.

The Company is also pleased to report that the information circular prepared by
management setting forth the details of the previously announced spin-out
transaction has now been mailed and shareholders should expect to receive it
shortly (see Benton PR dated April 23, 2012). The Company feels that
shareholders will benefit from this transaction as the Coro Mining Corp.
("Coro") investment is worth approximately $0.285 per Benton common share alone
(based on closing trading prices from Friday April 27, 2012). In addition to the
Coro investment and Benton's approximate $7.45 million in cash, the Company owns
various other equity positions valued at approximately $7.15 million (based on
closing trading prices from Friday April 27, 2012) in addition to its portfolio
of exploration assets and joint venture arrangements. 


Clinton Barr (P.Geo.), V.P. Exploration for Benton Resources Corp., is the
qualified person responsible for this release.


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

Stephen Stares, President

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.