Benton Resources' Drilling Push and South Pond Expansion Signal Copper-Gold Breakthrough

Benton Resources (TSXV:BEX) is accelerating its exploration at the Great Burnt Copper-Gold project in Newfoundland, with a summer 2025 drilling campaign and expanded geophysical surveys poised to unlock new value. The company’s focus on high-grade targets, coupled with strategic extensions of its electromagnetic (EM) surveys, positions it at a pivotal moment in advancing one of Canada’s most promising copper-gold projects.

Drilling Results Highlight Expansion Potential

Recent drilling at the North Stringer Zone (NSZ) has delivered compelling results. Hole GB-25-61, targeting 50 meters below the discovery in GB-25-59, intersected two distinct mineralized zones:
- Upper Zone: 0.69% Cu over 14.4 meters, including 1.09% Cu over 3 meters, with associated gold grading 0.67 g/t Au.
- Lower Zone: 0.80% Cu over 15 meters, with higher-grade intervals like 2.07% Cu over 2 meters.

The lower zone’s link to a downhole EM anomaly suggests the system could extend further downward—a critical factor for resource expansion. Benton plans four additional holes around the NSZ to test above, below, and along strike of these intercepts.

Meanwhile, the GB Main Deposit is seeing a 50-meter step-out hole targeting its southern continuation. Previous drilling in GB-25-53 returned 0.77% Cu over 32.1 meters, including a standout 4.34% Cu spike. The deep EM conductor here hints at a down-plunge extension, a common path for mineralization in such settings.

South Pond Trend Expansion: A 1 km Leap Northward

The South Pond trend, already yielding robust gold results like 1.88 g/t Au over 54.5 meters, is set to gain further scrutiny. A 5-km surface EM survey has identified large conductive plates tied to mineralized zones, with plans to extend the survey 1 km north toward the claim boundary. This expansion could unlock new targets along a structural anticlinal fold, a geological feature that often traps and concentrates metals.

The fold’s crest hosts existing mineralization, but its limbs—less explored—could host parallel zones. With the system remaining open in all directions, the extended survey offers a clear path to expanding strike length and tonnage.

Technical Strength and Resource Upside

Benton’s exploration is underpinned by rigorous QA/QC, with all samples analyzed by Eastern Analytical Ltd. (ISO/IEC 17025-accredited). Notably, the project’s current indicated resource stands at 667,000 tonnes at 3.21% Cu, while the inferred resource totals 482,000 tonnes at 2.35% Cu. These figures, however, may soon grow: past drill highlights like 12.8% Cu over 3 meters (from GB-23-02) and 5.97% Cu over 14.7 meters (from GB-25-60) suggest the potential for high-grade pockets to boost average grades.

Strategic Leverage and Development Pathway

Benton’s 70% ownership of Great Burnt, with partner Homeland Nickel covering 30%, ensures flexibility. The project’s six known copper-gold zones over 15 km of strike and untested EM targets create a multi-year drill inventory. With summer 2025 focused on testing the NSZ, GB Main, and South Pond conductors, the company aims to deliver a revised resource estimate by year-end—a catalyst that could attract developer interest or a joint venture.

Conclusion: A Copper Story With Legs

Benton Resources is on the cusp of a transformative period. Its drilling at Great Burnt targets high-grade copper-gold intersections in a well-structured geological setting, while the South Pond expansion adds significant exploration upside. With a 3.21% Cu indicated resource and the potential to expand it via high-grade intercepts and structural mapping, the project aligns with the growing demand for critical minerals.

The company’s focus on EM-driven targets—backed by strong lab results and a qualified technical team—reduces exploration risk. Investors should watch closely for results from the NSZ and South Pond’s northern extension, as these could validate the project’s scale. At current resource levels and with exploration costs shared via its JV, Great Burnt has the ingredients to become a cornerstone asset for Benton, making it a compelling play in the base metals space.