Benton Partners with Metals Creek to Acquire 6 Projects with Natural Hydrogen Potential in Newfoundland

Rhea-AI Summary

Benton Resources (BNTRF) and Metals Creek jointly staked 763 claim units on March 25, 2026 to acquire six prospective natural (white) hydrogen projects on Newfoundland's west coast.

Three projects have historical gas shows; Parson's Pond drill logs report up to 72% C1 methane in two holes. The companies caution that further studies are required to confirm hydrogen or helium.

Positive

• 763 claim units staked to acquire six projects
• 3 of 6 projects have historical gas shows
• 72% C1 methane recorded in Parson's Pond drill logs

Negative

• Presence of gas does not guarantee hydrogen or helium discovery; further validation required
• Projects are at an early exploration stage with no binding commercial terms or resource estimates

News Market Reaction – BNTRF

+32.61%

+32.61% Session close to close

In the Mar 25 session, BNTRF gained 32.61%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

The stock surged +32.6% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with B...

Analysis

The stock surged +32.6% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Benton’s strategic move into natural hydrogen, adding a new exploration theme alongside its copper-gold focus. However, historical data show that prior exploration and metallurgical updates often saw negative moves despite positive content, suggesting sentiment has been fragile. Investors would need to weigh the early-stage nature of these 6 projects and the fact that gas occurrences, including up to 72% C1 methane, do not guarantee hydrogen or helium discoveries.

Key Figures

Hydrogen projects: 6 projects Projects with gas: 3 of 6 projects Claim units: 763 claim units +3 more

6 metrics

Hydrogen projects 6 projects Number of natural white hydrogen projects staked in Newfoundland

Projects with gas 3 of 6 projects Projects with identified gas in historical drilling or surface venting

Claim units 763 claim units Total mineral claim units staked to acquire project lands

Methane level 72% C1 methane gas Observed in historical drill logs at Parson's Pond

Hole separation 14.2 km Distance between two historical drill holes at Parson's Pond

Gas flow duration 12 months Explosive gas reportedly flowed for at least this long in Deer Lake Basin hole

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: 2026-03-02 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
2026-03-02	Conference attendance	Neutral	-28.2%	Announcement of PDAC convention attendance and investor presentation schedule.
2026-02-11	Management update	Positive	-9.9%	Appointment of special technical advisor and exploration planning update.
2026-01-27	Drill results	Positive	-37.3%	Encouraging copper and gold drill assays at End Zone and South Pond.
2026-01-14	Metallurgy results	Positive	-11.3%	Positive gold recovery testwork and prior strong copper recovery data.
2025-12-23	Year-end update	Positive	+7.7%	Year-end exploration summary, cash position, and multiple strategic acquisitions.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows a tendency for the stock to trade down on generally positive or neutral news, with only one recent event seeing a positive price reaction.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Benton reported several exploration-focused updates, including new VMS copper discovery and metallurgical results at South Pond with notable gold and copper recoveries. A year-end update on Dec 23, 2025 highlighted cash, equity holdings, extensive drilling, and strategic acquisitions, and was the only event to see a positive 7.69% reaction. Subsequent technical and corporate updates in early 2026 all saw double-digit percentage declines, providing context for how the market had been treating news before this hydrogen-focused project staking.

Key Terms

serpentinized ultramafic, thrust fault system, sedimentary basin, glauconite, +4 more

8 terms

serpentinized ultramafic technical

"A large serpentinized ultramafic unit near documented structures and faults."

Serpentinized ultramafic is a type of deep-seated rock that has been chemically altered by hot water, turning dense, iron- and magnesium-rich rock into a slippery, greenish material called serpentinite. It matters to investors because these altered rocks often concentrate valuable metals like nickel, cobalt and platinum-group elements and can generate hydrogen or natural gas, but they also bring mining challenges and environmental risks—think of it as a promising yet tricky ore body that requires careful evaluation.

thrust fault system technical

"A large sedimentary basin in a thrust fault system, with gas noted in historical drill holes..."

A thrust fault system is a network of cracks in the Earth where large blocks of rock have been pushed up and over neighboring blocks, like several blankets shoved and stacked on top of one another. For investors in mining, oil or gas, these stacked rock layers can create pockets that trap minerals, oil or gas and also influence drilling difficulty and cost, so recognizing a thrust system helps assess both resource potential and operational risk.

sedimentary basin technical

"A large sedimentary basin in a thrust fault system, with gas noted in historical drill holes..."

A sedimentary basin is a large, bowl-like region of the Earth where sediments have accumulated over millions of years, forming thick stacked layers like a layered cake. For investors, these basins matter because they often host concentrated deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, minerals and groundwater; their size, depth and history help determine how likely and costly it is to find and extract those resources, so they directly affect exploration risk and asset value.

glauconite technical

"gas noted in historical drill holes near serpentine and glauconite mineralization."

A green, clay-like mineral formed on ancient seafloors that is rich in iron and potassium and typically appears as small pellets or grains. Investors pay attention to glauconite because its presence can signal promising geological conditions for mineral or fossil fuel exploration, serve as a local source of potassium for fertilizers, and influence soil and commodity values—like finding a particular plant that hints at what's growing underground.

serpentinite technical

"A large serpentinite-bearing ultramafic unit near documented structures and faults."

A greenish, often shiny rock formed when mantle minerals are altered by water; it’s made mostly of serpentine-group minerals and can look like a slick, fibrous stone. For investors, serpentinite matters because it often marks ground that hosts valuable metals such as nickel, chromium and cobalt, can contain asbestos-like fibers that raise environmental and regulatory costs, and influences mineability and reclamation expenses—like a neighborhood sign that hints at what’s buried below.

ultramafic intrusions technical

"intensely sheared and serpentinized ultramafic intrusions and likely in contact with fault structures..."

Ultramafic intrusions are bodies of very dense, magnesium- and iron-rich rock that pushed up into the Earth's crust and often concentrate metals like nickel, chromium, platinum and cobalt. Investors care because these geologic “blobs” can host economically valuable mineral deposits; finding one can mean a new mine, while size, composition and depth determine how costly or profitable extraction and permitting will be. They also carry environmental and regulatory considerations that affect project timelines and costs.

natural white hydrogen technical

"6 potential natural white hydrogen projects located in Newfoundland, Canada..."

Natural white hydrogen is hydrogen gas that occurs naturally in the Earth’s subsurface and can be captured directly from underground reservoirs rather than produced by industrial processes. For investors it matters because it represents a potentially lower-cost, lower-emission supply source and a new exploration opportunity, like discovering a natural gas deposit, but it also carries geological, extraction and regulatory risks that affect project economics and long-term value.

C1 methane gas technical

"historical drill logs from two holes 14.2 km apart has observed C1 methane gas levels reaching 72%."

Methane, often labeled C1 to indicate a one‑carbon hydrocarbon, is the primary component of natural gas and a common fuel and industrial feedstock. Investors care because its production and price drive energy company revenues and project economics, while leaks and regulation affect operating costs and environmental liabilities—think of it as the ‘gasoline’ of many power systems and a potential risk if it escapes like a costly, unseen leak.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 25, 2026) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) (the "Companies" or "Benton") and Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) (OTC Pink: MCREF) (FSE: M1C1) (the "Companies" or "Metals Creek") are pleased to announce that they have jointly acquired through staking 6 potential natural white hydrogen projects located in Newfoundland, Canada (the "Projects").

The Projects (see Figure 2) were selected and staked after extensive research of historical data in areas of comparable geological settings to those that current hydrogen companies across the USA and Canada are targeting.

Of particular interest is that 3 of the 6 projects have identified gas from historical drill holes or the surface venting of gas. The Projects, all located on the west coast of Newfoundland, are hosted in geological environments considered prospective for natural white hydrogen. A total of 763 claim units were staked to acquire the mineral lands with geological characteristics that support the targeting potential.

Stephen Stares, President and CEO of Benton, stated, "While Benton is primarily focused on advancing its Copper-Gold assets, there are times when unique opportunities allow management to act decisively as an early mover. Partnering with Metals Creek enables the Companies to share relatively low-cost exploration risk while maintaining meaningful upside, should even one of these projects lead to a significant discovery of hydrogen or helium. In neighboring Nova Scotia, companies such as Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. are already demonstrating success in exploring for natural hydrogen. We believe Newfoundland's geological setting offers comparable potential for these emerging and highly prospective discoveries."

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/289811_43f07ae4c48dfbb0_002full.jpg

Source: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/aas-infographic-hydrogen-factories

Listed below are brief descriptions of the 6 projects acquired through staking.

Parson's Pond
A large sedimentary basin in a thrust fault system, with gas noted in historical drill holes near serpentine and glauconite mineralization. In addition, gas venting at surface is documented in Newfoundland government files. See:
https://gis.gov.nl.ca/mods/ModsCard.asp?NMINOString?temp=n&NMINOString=012I/04/Btm002

Cape St. Gregory
A large serpentinized ultramafic unit near documented structures and faults.

Bond Pond
15 historical drill holes noted, intensely sheared and serpentinized ultramafic intrusions and likely in contact with fault structures within a sedimentary basin environment.

Deer Lake Basin
Explosive gas encountered in historical hole that flowed for a minimum of 12 months in uranium-thorium rich basin environment. See:
https://gis.gov.nl.ca/mods/ModsCard.asp?NMINOString?temp=n&NMINOString=012H/03/Btm002

Bay St George
Gas noted in historical drilling. See:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/em/files/publications-energy-fwr-port-au-port-no-1-final-well-report-volume-2.pdf

Bay of Islands
A large serpentinite-bearing ultramafic unit near documented structures and faults.

At Parson's Pond (see Figure 1) research of the historical drill logs from two holes 14.2 km apart has observed C1 methane gas levels reaching 72%. The area is underlain by thrust faulted rocks of the Humber Arm Supergroup. Drill logs indicate unique sedimentary units composed of shales along with sandstones, containing fragments of serpentine and chrome. Of particular interest is the presence of mineral glauconite, which, combined with these geological indicators, suggests a highly prospective environment for the potential formation white hydrogen (natural hydrogen) to form within the basin. The presence of such high concentrations of methane alongside hydrogen indicators suggests a potentially active gas system within the basin. In addition, surface areas have been noted to vent gas within the project boundaries.

(Ref NALCOR ENERGY - OIL AND GAS INC FINAL HOLE REPORT For Nalcor Energy et al SEAMUS #1 https://www.gov.nl.ca/em/files/publications-energy-nalcorseamusfwr.pdf and NALCOR ENERGY - OIL AND GAS INC FINAL HOLE REPORT For Nalcor Energy et al Finnegan #1 https://www.gov.nl.ca/em/files/FinniganFWR.pdf).

Figure 1: Parson's Pond Regional Cross Section/Geology and Hole Location (Seamus & Finnigan)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/289811_43f07ae4c48dfbb0_003full.jpg

Source: NALCO Energy - Oil and Gas Inc. Final Well Report for Nalcor Energy et al FINNIGAN #1 & NALCO Energy - Oil and Gas Inc. Final Well Report for Nalcor Energy et al SEAMUS #1.

Figure 2: Project Location Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/289811_43f07ae4c48dfbb0_004full.jpg

Source: Newfoundland. Geological Survey of Canada, "A" Series Map, 1678A. https://doi.org/10.4095/126990.

Please note that the presence of gas or methane on these staked projects or gas discovered on adjacent properties does not guarantee the presence of hydrogen or helium. Further studies are required to validate their presence.

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio and holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow.

Benton is focused on advancing its high-grade Copper-Gold Great Burnt Project in central Newfoundland, which has a Mineral Resource estimate of 667,000 tonnes @ 3.21% Cu Indicated and 482,000 @ 2.35% Cu Inferred. The Project has an excellent geological setting covering 25km of strike and boasts six known Cu-Au-Ag zones over 15 km that are all open for expansion. Further potential for discovery is excellent given the extensive number of untested geophysical targets and Cu-Au soil anomalies. Phase 1 and 2 drill programs returned impressive results including 25.42 m of 5.51% Cu, including 9.78 m of 8.31% Cu, and 1.00 m of 12.70% Cu. Drilling at the South Pond Gold Zone, approximately 7.5 km north of the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Zone, has confirmed a robust gold-mineralized system over 2.5 km with results of 74.20 m of 1.43g/t Au and 43.75 m of 1.62g/t Au and is open for expansion in all directions.

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

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Stares, President & CEO
Phone: 807-474-9020
Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca

Nick Konkin, Investor Relations
Phone: 647-249-9298 ext. 322
Email: nick@grovecorp.ca

Website: www.bentonresources.ca
Twitter: @BentonResources
Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/289811

FAQ

What did Benton (BNTRF) and Metals Creek announce on March 25, 2026?

They announced a joint staking of 763 claim units for six prospective natural hydrogen projects in Newfoundland. According to the companies, three projects show historical gas and require further study to confirm hydrogen.

Which BNTRF project reported high methane levels and what was measured?

Parson's Pond reported historical hole data with up to 72% C1 methane in two holes. According to the companies, this observation suggests an active gas system but does not confirm hydrogen presence.

How many of the six BNTRF projects have documented gas shows?

Three of the six projects have identified gas from historical drill holes or surface venting. According to the companies, those gas shows informed the selection but need follow-up testing for hydrogen.

What geological settings are BNTRF and Metals Creek targeting in Newfoundland?

They targeted thrust-faulted sedimentary basins and serpentinized ultramafic units near faults and structures. According to the companies, these settings are considered prospective for natural white hydrogen and helium.

Does the BNTRF announcement guarantee discovery of natural hydrogen or helium?

No, the announcement expressly cautions that presence of gas or methane does not guarantee hydrogen or helium discoveries. According to the companies, further studies and validation are required.

What are the near-term steps for BNTRF and Metals Creek after staking these projects?

Near-term steps include further geological review and validation studies of historical gas shows and venting. According to the companies, follow-up work is needed to assess hydrogen or helium potential before exploration commitments.