A Pure-Play Zinc Producer October 2018 October w w w . a s c e n d - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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A Pure-Play Zinc Producer October 2018 October w w w . a s c e n d - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

1 PROFITABILITY GROWTH OPPORTUNITY A Pure-Play Zinc Producer October 2018 October w w w . a s c e n d a n t r e s o u r c e s . c o m T S X : A S N D OTCQX: ASDRF 2 Forward Looking Statements This presentation contains


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A Pure-Play Zinc Producer

October October 2018

PROFITABILITY • GROWTH • OPPORTUNITY

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Forward Looking Statements

This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use

  • f words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "guidance", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "strategy", "target", "intends", "objective", "goal", "understands", "anticipates" and "believes" (and variations of

these or similar words) and statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" "occur" or "be achieved" or "will be taken" (and variations of these or similar expressions). Forward-looking information is also identifiable in statements of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future, such as "providing the Company with", "is currently", "allows/allowing for", "will advance" or "continues to" or other statements that may be stated in the present tense with future implications. All of the forward-looking information in this presentation is qualified by this cautionary note. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by Ascendant at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to, risks generally associated with the mining industry, such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, currency fluctuations, energy prices and general cost escalation), uncertainties related to the development and operation of Ascendant's projects, dependence on key personnel and employee and union relations, risks related to political or social unrest or change, rights and title claims, operational risks and hazards, including unanticipated environmental, industrial and geological events and developments and the inability to insure against all risks, failure of plant, equipment, processes, transportation and other infrastructure to operate as anticipated, compliance with government and environmental regulations, including permitting requirements and anti-bribery legislation, volatile financial markets that may affect Ascendant's ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, the failure to obtain required approvals or clearances from government authorities on a timely basis, uncertainties related to the geology, continuity, grade and estimates of mineral reserves and resources, and the potential for variations in grade and recovery rates, uncertain costs of reclamation activities, tax refunds, hedging transactions, as well as the risks discussed in Ascendant's most recent Annual Information Form on file with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Ascendant does not assume any

  • bligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this presentation or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information,

except as required by applicable law. The information concerning the Company’s mineral properties has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 (“NI-43-101”) adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators. In accordance with NI-43-101, the terms “Mineral Reserves”, “Proven Mineral Reserve”, “Probable Mineral Reserve”, “Mineral Resource”, “Measured Mineral Resource”, “Indicated Mineral Resource” and “Inferred Mineral Resource” are defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the “CIM”) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014. While the terms “Mineral Resource”, “Measured Mineral Resource”, “Indicated Mineral Resource” and “Inferred Mineral Resource” are recognized and required by NI 43-101, the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) does not recognize them. The reader is cautioned that, except for that portion of mineral resources classified as mineral reserves, mineral resources do not have demonstrated economic value. Inferred Mineral Resources have a high degree of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be economically or legally mined. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of any Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Therefore, the reader is cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource exists, that it can be economically or legally mined, or that it will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Likewise, you are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a measured or Indicated Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded into Mineral Reserves. Readers should be aware that the Company’s financial statements (and information derived therefrom) have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and are subject to Canadian auditing and auditor independence standards. IFRS differs in some respects from United States generally accepted accounting principles and thus the Company’s financial statements (and information derived therefrom) may not be comparable to those of United States companies. Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar values herein are in US$.

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Why Ascendant Resources?

A Compelling Compelling Investment Opportunity

A Unique Zinc Opportunity Long-Term Low Cost Producer

Multiple Avenues for Growth

  • The only pure-play junior zinc producer in a tight

zinc market

  • 2018 Cost Guidance US$70-80/t
  • Organic growth opportunities at El Mochito with

accretive growth opportunities like Lagoa

Deeply Discounted to Peers

  • Undervalued vs peers: EV/EBITDA & P/NAV

The only junior pure -play

ZINC PRODUCER

Exploration Upside Potential

  • Lagoa Salgada high-grade polymetallic VMS project

in the Iberian Pyrite Belt

  • El Mochito potential as yet untested
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Zinc-Lead-Silver Mine

Flagship El Mochito Mine

  • 100% owned underground mine.
  • Continuous operation since 1948 producing 27+

million tonnes ZnEq over its lifetime. (~8 million ozs AuEq)

  • 2017 production of 66 MM lbs ZnEq. 2018 guidance
  • f 85-95 MM lbs ZnEq.
  • Significant Resource base with 7+ year Reserve mine

life.

  • 11,000 ha land package; majority unexplored.
  • Very limited exploration work undertaken by

previous owners in 5+ years.

  • Secure 9-year offtake agreement in place with

Nyrstar N.V. Typical NSR breakdown: Zn 70% Pb 20%

Ag 10%

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The El Mochito Mine, Honduras

Las Vegas, Honduras

El Mochito Mine, Honduras ( 100% )

Underground Zn/Pb/Ag mine on an 11,000 hectare land package, operating since 1948

Country Snapshot

  • 70 years of continuous operations at El Mochito.
  • El Mochito represented ~3% of exports in 2014. The

mining industry (2 mines) represented 4% of GDP in 2015.

  • Business friendly jurisdiction with a long history of

mining.

  • S&P Honduras’ credit rating BB- with positive outlook.
  • Overwhelming local community support.
  • Stable democratic constitution; Incumbent President

re-elected in 2017.

  • Decentralized government; municipalities have

autonomy.

  • Solid infrastructure; 2 hour drive from San Pedro Sula.
  • 25% Corporate Tax Rate + 5% NSR ($53MM in tax

losses available for 2018/2019).

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38,521 38,866 53,729 49,393 50,597 50,795 57,458 58,978 59,601 64,449 64,327 69,578

30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000 55,000 60,000 65,000 70,000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

81% Production Increase in 2017

Positive EBITDA Free Cash Flow Positive

2017 Operational Turnaround Highlights

El Mochito Transformed to a Free Cash Flowing Operation: Annual Production Exceeded 2017 Production Target.

Tonnes Milled

31%

DIRECT OPERATING COSTS

Note: All % figures are provided on a full 2017 calendar year basis from Jan 2017-Dec 2017.

20%

TRUCK AVAILABILITY PRODUCTIVE WORKING HOURS

40%

IMPROVED VENTILATION VOLUMES

23%

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2018 Operating Results

Continuous Improvements at El Mochito Following 2017 Turnaround Year

$0.00 $20.00 $40.00 $60.00 $80.00 $100.00 $120.00 5,000,000 10,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000 Q1 17 Q2 17 Q3 17 Q4 17 Q1 18 Q2 18 Q3 18

Contained Zinc Production (lbs) Contained Lead Production (lbs) Zinc Equivalent Production (lbs) Direct Operating Costs $/t Ore Milled

7+ quarters

  • f strong production

performance

2018 Guidance

85-95 million ZnEq lbs of contained metal production $70 - $80 /t direct operating costs $24 - $27 million capital expenditure

Record Production

levels of contained metal production achieved in Q2 18

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New El Mochito Reserve and Resource Estimate

El Mochito Life of Mine Extended Beyond 7 Years

El Mochito Mineral Reserve Statement – Effective 01 January 2018

Category Tonnes Grade Contained Metal (kt) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) ZnEq. (%) Zn Mlbs Pb Mlbs Ag Moz ZnEq. Mlbs Proven Reserves 785 4.7 2.1 54 7.2 81 35 1.4 124 Probable Reserves 4,946 4.7 1.6 36 6.6 516 174 5.8 717

Proven & Probable Reserves 5,731 4.7 1.7 39 6.7 597 209 7.2 841

Notes: (1) Metal price assumptions used were US$1.21/lb Zn, US$1.06/lb Pb and US$18/oz Ag. (2) Zinc equivalent metal grade (ZnEq %) was calculated as follows Zn% +(Pb % x 0.8175) +(Ag g/t x 0.0149) = ZnEq% and is based on 88.9% Zn, 74.3% Pb and 77.7% Ag metallurgical recoveries. (3) A cut-off value of 4.76% ZnEq was used to estimate the Mineral Reserve which considered metal price assumptions, metal recoveries, refining charges, concentrate mass pulls, operating costs, royalties, concentrate treatment charges, payables, penalties and transportation/selling costs. (4) Mineral Resources are stated inclusive of Mineral Reserves, tonnages, grades and contained metal values have been rounded, totals may vary due to rounding. (5) The Mineral Reserve and Metallurgical technical contents of this presentation were completed by Eugene Puritch, P.Eng. FEC, CET, James Pearson, P.Eng. and D. Grant Feasby, P.Eng. of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., all “Independent Qualified Persons” as defined by NI 43-101.

El Mochito Mineral Resource Statement – Effective 01 January 2018

Category Tonnes Grade Contained Metal (kt) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) ZnEq. (%) Zn Mlbs Pb Mlbs Ag Moz ZnEq. Mlbs Measured Resources 1,100 5.5 2.0 65 8.2 134 48 2.3 198 Indicated Resources 6,452 5.2 1.7 41 7.2 735 241 8.4 1,019 Measured & Indicated Resources 7,553 5.2 1.7 44 7.3 869 289 10.7 1,216 Inferred Resources 4,972 5.1 1.4 33 6.7 556 156 5.4 739

Notes: (1) Mineral Resources are stated inclusive of Mineral Reserves, Tonnage, grade and contained metal values have been rounded, totals may vary due to rounding. (2) Price assumptions used were US$1.21/lb Zn, US$1.06/lb Pb and US$18/troy oz Ag. Zinc equivalent metal grade (ZnEq. %) was calculated as follows: Zn% +(Pb % x 0.82) +(Ag g/t x 0.0149) = ZnEq% and is based on 88.9% Zn recovery, 74.3% Pb recovery and 77.7% Ag recovery. (3) A cut-off of 3.1% ZnEq. was used to estimate Mineral Resources and is based on fourth quarter 2017 marginal direct operating costs. (4) Results of an interpolated bulk density deposit model have been applied, and contributing 5ft downhole assay composites were capped at 38% Zn, 36% Pb and 2000g/t Ag. (5) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. (6) The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. (7) The Mineral Resource content of this presentation was completed by Michael Cullen, P. Geo. of Mercator Geological Services Limited, Mr. Cullen supervised and is responsible for the Mineral Resource Estimate and is an “Independent Qualified Person” as defined by NI 43-101. For further details on the El Mochito Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimate effective January 01, 2018, please refer to the Technical Report on the Company’s website or SEDAR www.sedar.com.

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1.5x 2.0x 2.8x 3.5x 3.7x 5.0x 5.9x 6.6x

Ascendant Resources Inc. Atico Mining Corporation Trevali Mining Corp. Capstone Mining Corp. Red River Resources Ltd. Sierra Metals Inc. Taseko Mines Ltd, Copper Mountain Mining Corp.

EV/EBITDA

Peer Value Comparison

The Rerating Case for ASND

Source: Consensus from Bloomberg as at market close October 16, 2018. 0.30x 0.37x 0.43x 0.49x 0.49x 0.51x 0.51x 0.60x 0.60x 0.73x 0.97x 1.44x

Tinka Resources Ltd. Capstone Mining Corp. Taseko Mines Ltd, Red River Resources Ltd. Ascendant Resources Inc. Atico Mining Corporation Copper Mountain Mining Corp. Titan Mining Corp. Trevali Mining Corp. Excellon Resources Inc. Heron Resources Limited Sierra Metals Inc.

P/NAV

1.7x 2.0x 2.1x 2.4x 2.8x 2.9x 5.1x 6.3x 10.8x

Capstone Mining Corp. Atico Mining Corporation Ascendant Resources Inc. Trevali Mining Corp. Copper Mountain Mining Corp. Taseko Mines Ltd, Sierra Metals Inc. Red River Resources Ltd. Excellon Resources Inc.

P/CF

ASND appears undervalued on all metrics relative to its peers.

0.62x 3.9x

Note: ASND 1.5x EV/EBITDA is based on analysts consensus EBITDA for 2018. Note: ASND 2.1x P/CF is based on analysts consensus of cash flow expectations for 2018.

4.7x 16.8x

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Exploration Strategy

El Mochito Mine

  • Increase high-grade Reserve &

Resource; New NI 43-101 defined significant Resources & Reserves with 7+ years LOM

  • Update in 2019

Long history of Resource conversion and discovery

New High- Grade Zones Grow El Mochito Longer-term Discovery

  • Known targets to potentially add

high-grade material to improve grade for the long-term

  • Long history of converting

Inferred Resources into Measured & Indicated Resources

  • Follow up on regional targets

identified by historical drilling data

  • 11,000 ha land package barely

explored

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2018 Program Focused on Near-Mine and Regional Targets

2018 Exploration Initiatives:

  • ~30,000 metre drill program planned at El

Mochito; equally focused on definition and exploration drilling.

  • Target ‘chimney’ ore bodies (his

istoric ical l grade des s in excess ss of 17% ZnEq Eq).

  • SGH soil geochem survey of El Mochito

concession.

  • Review and prioritize near-mine known

targets.

  • Review of historical mining areas in upper

levels with high-grade targets.

Exploration and Resource Upside

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  • Mine extends laterally for around 2 km, open East - West
  • Combination of lower grade mantos and higher grade chimneys

El Mochito Mine Layout – Long Section

A Long History of Resource Discovery and Conversion

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Key Areas Optimizing Existing Development

2018 Exploration Areas – Plan View

Esperanza Port Royal Santa Elena Deep North Deep East Nueva Este Palmar

Dyke Trend Defined Faults Targeted Exploration Areas Planned Drill Holes Development Planned Development Ore Body

Victoria Nispero and Upper San Juan

Included in 2017 drill results: Deep East Manto: 6.4% ZnEq Deep North Manto: 6.8% ZnEq Historical Results: Port Royal Chimney: 17.25% ZnEq Imperial Trend Targets 8% - 17% ZnEq Dec 2015 Estimations: Palmar: 9.1% - 13.8% ZnEq Victoria: 6.95 – 7.4% ZnEq

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Significant High-Grade Mineralized Intercepts

2018 Drill Program Results

16,269 metres

Step-out Holes

DDH 10956 – 1.4m at 35.8% ZnEq, 20.1% Zn, 13.4% Pb and 318 g/t Ag (Porvenir) DDH 10958 – 6.3m at 12.6% ZnEq, 6.2% Zn, 5.6% Pb and 125.2 g/t Ag (Santa Elena) DDH 10949 – 8.6m at 9.6% ZnEq, 5.7% Zn, 3.4% Pb and 75.8 g/t Ag (Esperanza) and – 7.5m at 8.9% ZnEq, 5.5% Zn, 3.3% Pb and 41.4 g/t Ag

Results continue to support Company’s goals of increasing tonnage for further Mineral Reserve and Resource growth and identifying higher-grade mineralization at El Mochito.

In-fill Holes

DDH 10996 – 7.1m at 14.0% ZnEq, 7.4% Zn, 6.2% Pb and 86.5 g/t Ag (Esperanza) DDH 10998 – 13.7m at 10.7% ZnEq, 5.7% Zn, 4.6% Pb and 72.0 g/t Ag (Esperanza) DDH 10950 – 4.1m at 15.3% ZnEq, 15.1% Zn, 0.1% Pb and 6.4 g/t Ag (Santa Elena) DDH 11017 – 16.1m at 9.9% ZnEq, 9.4% Zn, 0.1% Pb and 25.9 g/t Ag (Port Royal Manto)

1 Please refer to tables in the press release dated June 14, 2018 for true/apparent widths which are estimated from actual drilled lengths. 2 ZnEq grades in % represents zinc grade together with the lead and silver grades (zinc equivalent) in terms of zinc using certain metal price, payable metal, and processing recoveries assumptions: Metal prices - Zn$1.21/lb, Pb$1.06/lb, Ag$18.00/oz; processing recoveries - Zn 88.9%, Pb 74.3%, Ag 77.7%.

Step-out (62%) & In-fill (38%)

Key Highlights (true/apparent widths) Include:

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Victoria Santo Niño Porvenir Fault Planned 2018 Drilling: ~11,000 ft Surface Exploration Holes:

14-PS-01: 30.7 ft @ 9.9% Zn, 2.0% Pb, 32 g/t Ag. ZnEq= 12.9% 14-PS-02: 27.8 ft @ 5.9% Zn, 3.8% Pb, 35 g/t Ag. ZnEq= 10.7% 14-PS-04A: 13.3 ft @ 12.6% Zn, 0.4% Pb, 27 g/t Ag. ZnEq= 13.9%

L-2790

  • Follow up on historical drill

holes along structure.

  • Historical holes show high-

grades over meaningful widths.

  • Porvenir fault target

(highlighted here) is one of several such targets.

  • Potential to add meaningful

tonnage/extend mine life if trends continue which could support potential mill expansion.

  • Resource expansion moving

east.

Longer Term Regional Exploration Opportunities

2018 Porvenir Trend Targets Could Add Significant Scope

Plan view Deep East Manto - ZnEq 6.4% Deep North Manto - ZnEq 6.8%

1 500 1000ft

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Long-Term Growth – Regional Exploration Opportunities

Known Targets Discovered by Past Surface Exploration Activities

N

Lake Yojoa

Valid Concessions Known Targets Fault Lines Existing Orebodies Being Mined

Manzanal:

  • drillholes
  • geochemistry
  • trenches
  • geophysics

Salva Vida Trend:

  • drillholes

Caliche:

  • exploration

tunnel

  • drillholes
  • geochemistry

Soledad:

  • exploration tunnel
  • drillholes

Big Fuzzy:

  • drillholes
  • 8m @ 5% Zn

Porvenir Trend:

  • drillholes

1 2 Km

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High-Grade Polymetallic VMS Deposit in the Prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt

Lagoa Salgada Project

  • 25% interest in Redcorp with an option to

increase to 80%.*

  • Low-cost entry to a high-grade polymetallic VMS

deposit with significant exploration upside.

  • Located along the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal;

home to multiple world class mines that has been transformational for Lundin Mining (Neves Corvo) and Trafigura (Aguas Tenidas).

  • Established Mineral Resource suggests near-

term development and mineable opportunity with modest drilling.

  • Jurisdictional and commodity diversification in a

region management has operated before.

*Ascendant owns an 25% interest in Redcorp – Empreendimentoes Mineirs, LDA., which owns an 85% interest in the Lagoa Salgada Project as well as acts as the operating entity. Ascendant has an option to increase ownership to 80% upon completion of certain milestones and payments. On a pro rata basis Ascendant currently owns an effective 21.25% of the Project.

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Zn Pb Ag Cu Au

ALJUSTREL NEVES CORVO AGUAS TENIDAS LAGOA SALGADA PROJECT

Copper-rich Iberian Pyrite Belt

RIO TINTO GRUPO MEXICO FIRST QUANTUM

Atlantic Copper Smelter

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High-Grade Polymetallic VMS Deposit with Significant Growth and Development Potential

Lagoa Salgada Project – Overview

Scale 0m 10,000m 5,000m

Lagoa Salgada Exploration Project

Legend:

Basement Density Anomalies (Gravimetric Geophysical Survey) Gas Target Anomalies (CO2) (Soil Gas Survey) T.E.M. Geophysical Survey Lines

Lagoa Salgada Deposit

Main Zone (LS-1 Deposit) LS-1 Stockwork Zone (LS-1 Central) Rio de Moinhos

  • High-grade polymetallic VMS deposit:

Zn/Pb/Cu/Ag/Au.

  • Good infrastructure with strong

community with government support.

  • Large land package of 10,700 ha with

minimal drilling and numerous targets.

  • Drilling limited to 71 holes over 17

gravimetric targets with only 2 being significantly tested.

  • 2 defined deposits; Main Zone (LS-1) and

Stockwork Zone (LS-1 Central); open in all directions.

  • Iberian Pyrite Belt has a long history of

successful VMS discovery demonstrating typical characteristics of VMS deposits: large in scale, multiple deposit mines, high-grade in nature.

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Significant Resource with Significant Upside Potential

Lagoa Salgada – Resource Estimate for the LS-1 & LS-1 Central Deposits

Mineral Resources for the LS-1 Deposit at a 3.5% ZnEq cut-off grade - Effective date January 05, 2018

Classification

Tonnage (‘000 t) Zn (%) Pb (%) Cu (%) Ag (gpt) Au (gpt) ZnEq (%) Indicated 5,840 2.79 2.96 0.32 53.54 0.78 8.88 Inferred 2,010 2.44 2.80 0.24 47.37 0.65 7.82

Notes: (1) Block matrix is 10mx10mx10m (2) Grades are estimated by ordinary kriging interpolation (3) A cut-off grade of 3.5% ZnEq was used to report the Mineral Resource for the LS-1 Deposit (4) Zinc equivalent metal grade (ZnEq%) was calculated as follows: ZnEq% = ((Zn Grade * 25.35) + (Pb Grade * 23.15) + (Cu Grade * 67.24) + (Au Grade * 40.19) + (Ag Grade * 0.62)) / 25.35 Metal prices used: US$1.15/lb Zn, US$1.05/lb Pb, $3.05/lb Cu, US$19.40/oz Ag, and 1,250/oz Au No recoveries were applied (5) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability (6) Shown on a 100% basis. Ascendant holds a 25% interest in Redcorp, the operating subsidiary which holds an 85% interest in the Lagoa Salgada Project

Mineral Resources for the LS-1 Central Deposit at a 3.5% ZnEq cut-off grade - Effective date January 05, 2018 Classification

Tonnage (‘000 t) Zn (%) Pb (%) Cu (%) Ag (gpt) Au (gpt) ZnEq (%) Inferred 2,220 1.91 1.11 0.51 17.76 0.07 4.80

Notes: (1) Block matrix is 10mx10mx10m (2) Grades are estimated by inverse distance squared interpolation (3) A cut-off grade of 3.5% ZnEq was used to report the Mineral Resource for the LS-1 Deposit (4) Zinc equivalent metal grade (ZnEq%) was calculated as follows: ZnEq% = ((Zn Grade * 25.35) + (Pb Grade * 23.15) + (Cu Grade * 67.24) + (Au Grade * 40.19) + (Ag Grade * 0.62)) / 25.35 Metal prices used: US$1.15/lb Zn, US$1.05/lb Pb, $3.05/lb Cu, US$19.40/oz Ag, and 1,250/oz Au No recoveries were applied (5) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability (6) Shown on a 100% basis. Ascendant holds a 25% interest in Redcorp, the operating subsidiary which holds an 85% interest in the Lagoa Salgada Project

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Three key areas:

  • 1. Targeted Drill Program
  • Planned 22 hole / 7,750 metre program targeting

the Main (LS-1) and Stockwork (LS-1 Central) Deposits and the Central zone located between the deposits

  • 2. Relogging & Assaying of Historical Drilling at

eastern Rio de Moinhos area

  • Numerous historical samples contained sulphide

mineralization but were never assayed

  • 3. Structural Reinterpretation
  • Undertake a significant geologic reinterpretation of

Lagoa to help guide future exploration and identify new targets

High-Grade Polymetallic VMS Deposit with Significant Growth and Development Potential

Lagoa Salgada Project – Exploration Program

2018 exploration program to focus on expanding known Mineral Resources.

Main Zone Central Zone Stockwork Zone

First drill hole LS_MS_07 intersected 108 metres grading 10.25% ZnEq in the Main Zone.

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$0.00 $0.50 $1.00 $1.50 $2.00

Zinc Fundamentals

Zinc Fundamentals Remain Strong as Supply Continues to Drive Tightening Market

Source: Bloomberg, LME

Jan 2007

LME Zinc Warehouse Stock Levels (T) (RHS) / Zinc Spot Price ($/Lb) (LHS)

Key drivers for a sustained and strong zinc price:

Physical zinc market remains very tight

Fundamentals continue to indicate structural deficits due to lack of new supply. Supply deficits drove prices to 10-year highs of $1.63/lb in Jan. 2018. Although current prices have edged down due to new supply expectations and trade war rhetoric, analysts forecast continued tightness in the physical market.

Global zinc demand remains steady.

Modest global GDP growth of 2-3% implies strengthening demand (~400kt pa of additional new supply required).

Zinc price forecasts remain strong.

Analysts’ average annual zinc price forecasts: 2018E: US$1.46/lb / 2019E: US$1.40/lb / 2020E: US$1.31/lb

Recent Pullback Appears Unwarranted.

Uncertainty regarding potential global trade wars and political rhetoric has resulted a material pullback in prices over the past few months, however, underlying fundamentals have not changed, supporting a recovery in prices. Aug 2018 1300 100 600

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Pro Forma Capital Structure

Ascendant Resources Inc.

Share Price (C$, as at Oct. 16/18) $0.73 Shares Issued / Outstanding (MM’s) 76.6 Shares Fully Diluted (MM’s) 98.3 Estimated Float ~25% Market Capitalization (C$MM) $56.0 CQS 18.4% Steve Laciak 16.5% Vertex One Asset Management 14.0% MM Asset Management Inc. 13.8% Directors and Management approx. 16.4%*

Major Shareholders

Stock Symbol TSX: ASND

*fully diluted basis

Analyst Coverage

Dalton Baretto Canaccord Genuity Matthew O’Keefe Cantor Fitzgerald Stefan Ioannou Cormark Securities Gabriel Gonzalez Echelon Wealth Partners Jacques P. Wortman Eight Capital Ian Parkinson GMP Securities Heiko F. Ihle H.C. Wainwright & Co. Ryan Hanley Laurentian Bank Securities

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2018 Catalysts and Deliverables

A Year of Profitability and Resource Growth

Deliver Meaningful EBITDA

Four consecutive quarters of positive EBITDA

New NI 43-101 Resource Report

Defined a significant Resource with 7+ year Reserve life (LOM)

Sustained Higher Production Rates

2018 expected metal production 29-44% higher than 2017

Increase Ore Head Grades

Increased ore head-grade to the mill; higher grade zones now in the mine plan

Long-Term Optimization

Long-term cost reduction opportunities and operational efficiencies for profitability in any metals price environment

Extensive Exploration Activities (El (El Mochito Mochito & & Lagoa Lagoa Salgada Salgada)

El Mochito – Continue exploration for further Resource growth Lagoa Salgada – quickly expand Resources at defined deposits and test additional targets

Strategic Opportunities

Pursue and evaluate accretive growth opportunities in country and globally Long-term goal of being a multi-asset mid-tier metals producer

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WHY NOW IS THE TIME FOR ASCENDANT? Profitability Achieved

Mine optimization and rehabilitation complete

Sustained Operational Improvements

Continued production growth and cost reductions in 2018

Exploration Potential

El Mochito: Updated Reserve & Resource defined significant Resource with 7+ year Reserve life (LOM); continued exploration in 2018 for additional growth Lagoa Salgada: low-cost exploration program aimed at significantly expanding Resources

Long-term Mid-Tier Producer

Maximize profitability and shareholder value; organic growth and accretive opportunities

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Appendices

TSX - V A S N D

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Management

CHRIS BUNCIC, MBA, CFA, P. Eng – PRESIDENT, CEO, AND DIRECTOR

| Mr. Buncic is one of the founding partners in the formation of Ascendant Resources Inc. and its acquisition of the company’s flagship operating El Mochito mine from Nyrstar NV in

  • 2016. Prior to cofounding Ascendant, Mr. Buncic served in senior management roles at several Canadian corporations in the

technology and resources sectors. His depth of experience also includes six years in Institutional Equity Research at leading Canadian independent full service brokerage firms Cormark Securities Inc. and Mackie Research Capital Corporation. Mr. Buncic is a CFA Charterholder, has a MBA from Schulich School of Business and B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto. Mr. Buncic is a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and the CFA Society.

CLIFF HALE-SANDERS, MBA, CFA – EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT |

  • Mr. Hale Sanders is one of the founding partners in the

formation of Ascendant Resources Inc. and its acquisition of the company’s flagship operating El Mochito mine from Nyrstar NV in

  • 2016. Mr. Hale Sanders’ career has spanned approximately 20 years in the capital markets industry working as a leading Base

Metals and Bulk Commodities research analyst in Canada working at RBC Capital Markets, TD Securities, CIBC World Markets and Cormark Securities. During this period, Mr. Hale Sanders visited and reviewed numerous mining operations and corporate entities around the world. Mr. Hale-Sanders holds a B.Sc. in Geology and Chemistry, an MBA from McMaster University and is a CFA Charterholder.

NEIL RINGDAHL – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | Mr. Ringdahl is a senior mining executive with over 23 years of

international mining, development, and executive management experience. Mr. Ringdahl has a strong technical background in a career that has been primarily focussed on underground and open pit mining in Latin America and Africa. Previously, Mr. Ringdahl held the roles of Chief Operating Officer at Orvana Minerals Corp. and Chief Executive Officer at Apogee Silver. At Apogee, he significantly de-risked the rehabilitation project at the Pulacayo mine in Bolivia while fostering proactive community relations improvements and agreements. Prior to this, Mr. Ringdahl has held various senior positions with Korea Zinc, Volcan Companía Minera, Anglo Platinum, and AngloGold. Mr. Ringdahl holds a bachelor's degree with Honors in mining engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

ROHAN HAZELTON, CPA, CA – CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | Mr. Hazelton is a Chartered Professional Accountant with

  • ver 20 years of international finance experience including 15 years in the mining sector. Has was formerly Vice President, Strategy

at Goldcorp Inc. where he held a variety of roles including Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer of Mexican Operations and Corporate Controller. He holds a B.A. in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Harvard University.

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Board of Directors

MARK BRENNAN

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

  • Mr. Brennan is a founding partner of

Ascendant Resources Inc. and has over 30 years of financing and operating experience in North America and

  • Europe. Mr. Brennan most recently

served as President and CEO of Sierra Metals Inc. Prior to Sierra Metals, Mr. Brennan served as President & CEO at Largo Resources Ltd.

CHRIS BUNCIC, MBA, CFA, P. Eng

PRESIDENT, CEO, AND DIRECTOR

PETRA DECHER, CPA

DIRECTOR

  • Ms. Decher currently serves as

Chairwoman of the Board at Red Pine Exploration Inc. and recently served as the Lead Independent Director of Integra Gold Corp. until its acquisition by Eldorado Gold Corporation. Ms. Decher served as the VP, Finance and Assistant Secretary for Franco-Nevada Corporation from 2009 to 2016.

GUILLERMO KAELIN

DIRECTOR

  • Mr. Kaelin is a capital markets

professional with over 18 years of experience in private equity, investment banking, research and public securities and is currently the Head of Latin America of Appian Capital Advisory LLP.

KURT MENCHEN

DIRECTOR

  • Mr. Menchen has over 37 years' of

experience operating and managing mining projects, including over 20 years as General Manager at the Jacobina Gold project in Brazil where he successfully operated the underground project for Anglo American, Desert Sun Mining and eventually Yamana Gold.

STEPHEN SHEFSKY

LEAD DIRECTOR

  • Mr. Shefsky is the President & CEO,

Founder and Director of James Bay Resources Ltd. and has over 40 years’ experience in the investment and mining industry through Canada and Latin America.

ROBERT CAMPBELL

DIRECTOR

  • Mr. Campbell is an exploration

geologist with over 40 years experience in mining and exploration industry through Canada, United States and Latin America. Mr. Campbell is currently VP, Exploration at Largo Resources Ltd.

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Responsible Mining at El Mochito

El Mochito Mine COMMUNITY WORKFORCE ENVIRONMENT

Through various community investments, El Mochito has contributed to local employment generation, infrastructure improvement and education advancement. El Mochito strives to play an active role in the strengthening of the surrounding community and will continue to remain a steward of responsibility going forward. El Mochito’s multiple environmental sustainability programs seek to preserve the region's natural resources and monitor the quality of soil, water, air and the protection of local wildlife. Through various initiatives, we continue to make environmental protection a core pillar in our day-to-day operations. We believe our workforce and their well being are imperative to the success and sustainability of the El Mochito operation. The continuous commitment to our workforce is reaffirmed through the development of our employees in the areas of workplace and educational advancement and a strong commitment to the improvement of ongoing health and safety initiatives. Ascendant Resources continues to make mining responsibly at El Mochito its top priority as it creates tangible benefits for all our stakeholders, including our employees, the local communities and the environment in which we operate in.

10th

Consecutive Annual Award Received for Corporate Social Responsibility

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2017 Operating Summary

El Mochito Operational Results

  • 1,000,000

2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 7,000,000 8,000,000 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Contained Metal Production Profile

Zn lbs Pb lbs Zn Eq. lbs (Production)

  • 1,000,000

2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Contained Zinc Production (lbs)

  • 500,000

1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Contained Lead Production (lbs)

$50.00 $60.00 $70.00 $80.00 $90.00 $100.00 $110.00 $120.00 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Cost Profile

Cash Cost $/t of Ore Milled Direct Operating Cost $/t Ore Milled

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Historical Operating Statistics

El Mochito Back on Track

El Mochito – back on track:

  • Historically El Mochito has demonstrated the ability for

sustained annualized production of +90 MM lbs.

  • Minimal development and exploration work by previous
  • perators impacted 2016 operating results

90

2014 2015 2016 2017 Tonnes Milled 756.0 765.9 515.6 656.3 Average tpd 2,071 2,098 1,409 1,889 Average Head Grades Zinc 4.56% 3.43% 3.40% 3.50% Lead 2.61% 1.68% 1.16% 1.39% Silver 85.9 50.1 46.0 43.0 ZnEq 9.5% 6.3% 5.8% 5.63% Average Recoveries Zinc 85.6% 87.2% 90.7% 88.9% Lead 78.7% 75.9% 73.3% 74.3% Silver 87.4% 88.3% 80.5% 77.7% Contained Metal Production Zinc (ktonnes) 29.5 23.0 15.9 20.4 Lead (ktonnes) 15.5 9.8 4.4 6.8 Silver (Kozs) 1,827.0 1,105.0 614.3 698.5 ZnEq (MMlbs) 133.5 90.5 54.8 66.1

60.6 41 24.8 29.9

500 1000 1500 2000 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 2014 2015 2016 2017

Silver 000’s ozs Contained Metal Production

Zinc (ktonnes) Lead (ktonnes) ZnEq (ktonnes) Silver (Kozs)

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Process Flow Diagram

El Mochito Mine Processing

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El Mochito Geological Long-Section

El Mochito Mine

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Ore Genesis of a Carbonate Replacement Deposit

Representative of the El Mochito Carbonate Replacement Skarn Mineralization

El Mochito

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Schematic of a Polymetallic VMS Deposit

Representative of the Lagoa SalgadaMineralization

Source: Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide Deposits, Alan G. Galley, Mark D. Hannington, And Ian R. Jonasson, 2007.

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Zinc Basics

Zinc is the 30th element in the periodic table of elements.

Zinc is the fourth most consumed metal

in the world after iron, aluminum and copper.

The most common and commercial use for zinc is galvanizing (rust-proofing) steel accounting for

60% of usage.

Zn

Zinc

30

14 millions tonnes consumed globally in 2016 75% sourced

from mining.

25% sourced

from recycling. Fertilizer accounts for

~2% of zinc usage.

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El Mochito Mine Entrance

Las Vegas, Honduras El Mochito Mine Flotation Circuit

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79 Wellington St. W., Suite 2100 Toronto, Ontario M5K 1H1 www.ascendantresources.com Tel: 647-796-0066 Fax: 647-796-0067

TSX ASND

Investor Contact: Katherine Pryde, MBA, CPA, CMA Director, Communications and Investor Relations info@ascendantresources.com