THUNDER BAY, ON--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 3, 2008 -- Benton Resources Corp. (CDNX:BTC.V - News) ("Benton") and Pacific North West Capital Corp. ("PFN") (Toronto:PFN.TO - News) are pleased to announce that a helicopter-borne magnetic and electromagnetic (VTEM) survey has been completed over the Tooms Township claim block of the Swayze JV Project located west of Timmins, Ontario.

The Swayze joint venture was formed to explore for nickel-copper-platinum-palladium deposits in the ultramafic rocks of the Swayze Greenstone Complex, centered 80 km southwest of Timmins. Land holdings include three claim blocks totaling 670 units located in Tooms, Heenan and Kenogaming Townships. The Tooms Property is host to several nickel showings with historic drill core values of up to 0.83% Ni over 7.3m including 2.5% Ni over 1.6m (MNDM assessment files). On the Heenan Twp claim block, a 20 km grid has been established and ground magnetic and induced polarization surveys (IP) have been completed over a new gold-bearing zone discovered by prospectors John Hussey and Armand Aube of Timmins, Ontario. Initial surface grab samples from the zone have returned up to 4.3 grams per tonne gold.

Mapping and prospecting crews are currently active on the Heenan and Kenogaming claim blocks and will be dispatched to the Tooms property when results from the airborne survey have been compiled.

Benton Resources Corp. and Pacific North West Capital are participating in a 50% - 50% Joint Venture whereby both Companies agree to bear all expenditures and participate in a single purpose unincorporated Joint Venture for the purpose of carrying out all mineral exploration. Benton is the Operator for the project and will be responsible for carrying out all exploration activities.

About Benton Resources Corp:

Benton Resources Corp. (the "Company") is a mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BTC. Benton's aggressive and experienced management team is focused on base and precious group metal exploration. The Company's diverse property portfolio includes Canadian projects which are highly prospective for gold, uranium, platinum, palladium, nickel and copper. Benton Management believes due to the current market conditions the Company is extremely undervalued. The Company currently has approximately $20 million in working capital and an extremely prospective property portfolio.

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

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

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.

Distributed by Filing Services Canada and retransmitted by Marketwire

     For further information contact
     Stephen Stares
     611 Montreal Street,
     Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6J7
     Phone (807) 475-7474
     Fax (807) 475-7200
     http://www.bentonresources.ca
      
     Investor relations:
     First Canadian Capital Corp.
     Daniel Boase
     Phone (416) 742 5600
     Toll Free: 1-866-580-8891
     In U.S.A:
     The Windward Agency
     Kelly Boatright
     Phone (704) 588 8600