Benton Continues to Intersect Gold Mineralization at Elizabeth Anne

THUNDER BAY, ON, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the results from the second phase drill program at the Elizabeth Anne gold property located approximately 19km west of the Mountain Pass rare earth mine in San Bernardino County, California.  The Company completed a total of 2873 metres of drilling in 8 holes to follow up on previously announced intercepts of 10.92gpt gold over 15.24m in hole EA12C-05, 5.55gpt Au over 6.1m in EA12C-03 and 5.54gpt over 4.58m in EA-12-01 (see Benton N.R.'s dated June 6, 2012 and July 4, 2012). The second phase drill program was successful in identifying further gold (Au) and silver (Ag) mineralization at depth and along strike in both the mega-breccia and C1 mineralized trends.  Highlights from the Phase 2 drill program include 0.6gpt Au and 10.6 gpt Ag over 83.8m in drill hole EA12C-12 including a higher grade interval of 11.9gpt Au and 381gpt Ag over 1.5m.  This mineralized intersection in drill hole EA12C-12 is situated approximately 80m below EA12-05 within the mega-breccia zone.  The results of the second phase of drilling have provided the Company with a better understanding of the orientation of the mineralized trends for further targeting.

In addition the company is compiling all available geochemical results to assist with targeting by creating pathfinder haloes associated with the mineralization typical of epithermal gold systems.  Drill holes EA12C-06 and 7 were drilled 110m north of EA12C-05 and EA12C-13 was collared 215m NNE of EA12C-05 and are all believed to have been drilled above the plunge of the mineralized gold zone along the mega-breccia mineralized trend. Holes EA12C-10 and 11 were drilled 90m north of EA12C-01, 02 and 03 on the C1 zone trend and have now expanded the mineralized gold horizon another 75m. In addition, recent prospecting has returned further high grade gold values between 0.27 to 13.35gpt Au in selected grab samples approximately 100m north from the furthest north drill hole EA12C-11.

President and CEO Stephen Stares commented "This project continues to exhibit potential for economic gold and silver mineralization and we are pleased that the Phase 2 drill program continued to intersect encouraging results.  We believe targeting the mineralized zones should become easier as we continue to advance the project and we look forward to modeling and interpreting the data gathered to date and planning the next phase of exploration."

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.

Previously announced Phase 1 drill results (see N.R. dated June 6, 2012):

* anomalous Au from 175 to 288m

Phase 2 diamond drill program results:

nsa  = no significant assays
Note: drill intervals represent core lengths

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"
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.

SOURCE Benton Resources Corp.