THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO--(Dec. 1, 2009) - Benton Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:BTC)("Benton" or "the Company") is pleased to announce assay results from several drill holes completed at its 100% owned Saganaga gold project located in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt 100km west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The diamond drill program, recently completed, consisted of approximately 2,700 metres in 20 drill holes of which assay results for 16 of the holes have been received. Drill holes SAG09-01 to SAG09-12 tested the historical Powell vein of which 8 holes intersected significant gold values. Drill holes SAG09-13 and 14 tested the Starr zone mineralization below where Teck Cominco Ltd intersected 20.0m grading 5.36gpt gold in 2006. Both holes intersected significant gold mineralization. Hole SAG09-13 cut 20.5m grading 3.0gpt Au including 4.0m grading 7.3gpt Au and a second lower zone grading 8.26gpt Au over 1.0m. Holes SAG09-15 and 16 were drilled in the North Starr area where significant gold assays were also encountered such as 3.6gpt Au over 4.3m including 2m grading 7.2gpt Au in SAG09-16. Results for drill holes SAG09-17 (North Starr showing) and SAG09-19 and 20 (Megan showing) are pending. The following table lists significant gold intersections:

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 Hole ID    From (m)   To (m)  Interval (m)  Au g/t         Location        
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 SAG09-02     76.3     76.55       0.25       3.0         Powell Zone       
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              123.6    124.3       0.7        1.1                           
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             128.35    132.25      3.9        0.6                           
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 SAG09-03     30.15     30.4       0.25       2.9         Powell Zone       
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              59.0     61.15       2.15       3.3                           
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 SAG09-05     96.6     96.85       0.25       4.8         Powell Zone       
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 SAG09-07     50.2     54.45       4.25       2.5         Powell Zone       
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              63.6      72.5       8.9        0.9                           
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 includes     70.0      72.5       2.5        2.4                           
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 SAG09-08     72.9      78.2       5.3        0.7         Powell Zone       
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 includes     72.9      73.5       0.6        2.6                           
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              93.0      94.5       1.5        2.7         Powell Zone       
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 SAG09-09     49.0     53.85       4.85       2.3         Powell Zone       
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 SAG09-13      6.0      7.0        1.0        1.0        Starr Showing      
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              20.0      42.0       22.0       2.8                           
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 includes     21.5      42.0       20.5       3.0                           
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    or        23.0      32.0       9.0        5.4                           
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    or        23.0      27.5       4.5        7.3                           
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    or        23.0      24.5       1.5        10.1                          
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    and       41.0      42.0       1.0        8.3                           
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 SAG09-14     30.0      34.0       4.0        1.0        Starr Showing      
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              65.0      80.0       15.0       0.7                           
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              75.5     76.25       0.75       5.7                           
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              142.5    143.7       1.2        1.0                           
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 SAG09-15     27.4     33.85       6.45       1.8     North Starr Showing   
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 including    27.4      28.5       1.1        8.1                           
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              76.0      78.0       2.0        2.4                           
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 SAG09-16     25.95    30.25       4.3        3.6     North Starr Showing   
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 including    28.25    30.25       2.0        7.2                           
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Benton is pleased with the assay results thus far in the Company's first phase of diamond drilling. Not only did the drill program intersect numerous shallow gold zones but it also provided valuable information on the nature and controls of the gold mineralization. The current drill results are being compiled with the recent geological mapping, ground geophysics (induced polarization and magnetics), soil geochemistry, and prospecting to help prioritize a second phase of diamond drilling scheduled for 2010. New gold zones uncovered by prospecting and the soil geochemical survey will be followed up with surface trenching and additional diamond drill testing.

Benton currently has approximately $14.2 million in cash and in addition to holding various interests in a number of exploration projects, owns a 33% interest in Coro Mining Corp (TSX:COP), holds an approximate 5% interest in Marathon PGM Corp (TSX:MAR) and retains a 2% Net Smelter Royalty on the northern portion of the Marathon PGM deposit.

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

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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Benton Resources Corp.
Stephen Stares

(807) 475-7474
(807) 475-7200 (FAX)

www.bentonresources.com

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