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

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

1 PROFITABILITY GROWTH OPPORTUNITY A Pure-Play Zinc Producer April 2018 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 "forward-looking


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A Pure-Play Zinc Producer

April 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 Compelli pelling Investment Opportunity

A Unique Zinc Opportunity Long-Term Low Cost Producer

Multiple Avenues for Growth

  • The only pure-play junior zinc producer benefiting from

record zinc prices

  • 2018 Cost Guidance US$70-80/t with activities underway

for further cost reduction

  • Focused on organic growth opportunities within

El Mochito and Honduras as well as accretive growth

  • pportunities

Deeply Discounted to Peers

  • 2018 guidance:

EBITDA US$32-40 million - trading at ~1.9xEBITDA Free Cash Flow US$14-20 million – trading at ~4.1xFCF

The only junior pure-play

ZINC PRODUCER

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Ascendant – Positioned for the Future/Long-Term

Corporate Outlook

2017 2018 2019

RESTRUCTURE: SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONAL TURNAROUND

  • Rehabilitation & Optimization of the El Mochito Mine complete
  • Generated EBITDA & Free Cash Flow
  • Significant exploration work focused on higher-tonnes and higher-grade

PROFITABILITY / RESOURCE GROWTH

  • 2018 guidance indicates significant Free Cash Flow & EBITDA
  • New NI 43-101 resource expected to add considerable resources

and extend LOM in Q2 2018

  • Focus on further cost reductions

LONG-TERM, PROFITABLE MULTI-ASSET PRODUCER

  • Maximize long term profitability; ongoing focus on

cost reduction and higher value per tonne

  • Accretive growth opportunities in country and globally
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2018 Operational Guidance

Putting El Mochito Back on the Map

On track for annualized production +90MM lbs of ZnEq.

Operating Data

Contained Metals: Zinc Equivalent Metal

93 – 109 million lbs

Zinc

65 – 73 million lbs

Lead

24 – 28 million lbs

Silver

0.9 – 1.2 million ozs Other Operating Assumptions

Direct Operating Costs $70 – $80 / tonne Capital Expenditure $16 – $18 million

Financial Assumptions

Adjusted EBITDA

1

$32 – $40 million Free Cash Flow $14 – $20 million

Note: Figures are based on assumed metal prices of zinc US$1.50/lb, lead US$1.10/lb and silver US$18.00/oz and 355 operating days in 2018 and are expressed in US dollars. Assumed metal prices are based on the 2018 and 2019 price forecasts from the BMO Capital Market’s Base Metals and Bulk Commodities Outlook report dated October 18, 2017.

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1.39x 1.44x 1.92x 2.29x 3.27x 3.57x 4.34x 4.61x 4.62x 7.62x

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

EV/EBITDA

Peer Value Comparison

The Rerating Case for ASND

Source: Consensus from Bloomberg as at market close March 28, 2018. 0.42x 0.47x 0.52x 0.52x 0.52x 0.59x 0.60x 0.61x 0.70x 0.70x 0.81x 1.11x 1.48x

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

P/NAV

1.69x 1.70x 2.05x 2.28x 2.36x 2.69x 2.92x 4.37x 5.55x 5.62x

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

P/CF

ASND appears undervalued on all metrics relative to its peers.

0.69x 3.7x

Note: ASND 1.8x EV/EBITDA is based on the Company’s mid point of 2018 EBITDA expectations as outlined in the 2018 guidance press release issued January 11,

  • 2018. ASND 2.2x EV/EBITDA is based on analysts consensus EBITDA for 2018.

Note: ASND 1.69x P/CF is based on using the Company’s mid point of 2018 EBITDA expectations, as

  • utlined in the 2018 guidance press release issued January 11, 2018, as a proxy for cash flow from
  • perations. ASND 1.7x P/CF is based on analysts consensus of cash flow expectations for 2018.

8.4x 54.46x

Titan Mining Corp.

Note: The Company expects consensus NAV to increase and reflect exploration value and resource growth potential when the new NI 43-101 technical report is published in Q2 2018.

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Zinc-Lead-Silver Mine

El Mochito

  • 100% owned underground Zn/Pb/Ag mine.
  • In continual operation since 1948.
  • 2017 Zn/Pb/Ag production of 66 MM lbs
  • ZnEq. 2018 Guidance of 93-109 MM lbs ZnEq.
  • Significant Reserve and Resource base with

12-year mine life.

  • 11,000 ha land package; the 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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MILLED PRODUCTION

81% 31%

DIRECT OPERATING COSTS

23%

IMPROVED VENTILATION VOLUMES

40%

PRODUCTIVE WORKING HOURS Responsible Mining:

9th

Consecutive Annual Award Received

A Successful Turnaround Complete – 2017 Achievements

PROFITABILITY

  • 1. Positive EBITDA since July 2017
  • 3. Free Cash Flow Positive in Q4
  • 2. Net Income in Q3; EPS of $0.01

20%

TRUCK AVAILABILITY

El Mochito - A Year in Review

Note: All % figures are provided on a full 2017 calendar year basis from Jan 2017-Dec 2017 expect Direct Operating Costs which are calculated from Jan 2017 – Sept 2017.

  • 4. Cash Balance of US$8.0M exiting 2017
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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

7-day work stoppage.

81% Production Increase in 2017

Introduction of additional underground shift. First new Equipment in rotation.

Positive EBITDA Free Cash Flow Positive

TPD

Calendar Day

1,243 1,388 1,733 1,646 1,632 1,693 1,853 1,903 1,987 2,079 2,144 2,241

2017 Operational Turnaround Completed

El Mochito Transformed to a Free Cash Flowing Operation

Annual production exceeded 2017 production target.

Tonnes Milled

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2017 Production 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

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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

  • Almost 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 history of mining.
  • Overwhelming community support; Las Vegas emerged as

a result of the mine’s existence.

  • Decentralized government; municipalities have autonomy.
  • President re-elected for another 4-year term; focus remains
  • n security, corruption and business investment.
  • Solid infrastructure; 2 hour drive from international airport

(San Pedro ~1.5M pop.). Paved road to site and reliable power source.

  • 25% Corporate Tax Rate + 5% NSR ($53MM in tax losses

available for 2018/2019).

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Honduras

A Beautiful and Growing Tourist Destination

Roatán Island Copán Ruins Lake Yojoa Tegucigalpa, Capital

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Exploration Strategy

El Mochito Mine

  • Grow high-grade

Reserve/Resource and extend LOM

  • Resource Update with new

NI 43-101 expected in Q2 2018

Long history of resource conversion and discovery

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

  • Several known targets to

potentially add high-grade material to mill to improve grade for the long-term

  • Follow up on regional targets

identified by historical drilling data

  • 11,000 ha land package barely

explored

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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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Extensive 2018 Program with Significant Upside Potential

2018 Exploration Program ~40,000 meters:

  • ~20,000 m of definition drilling for resource conversion
  • ~20,000 m of exploration drilling to define additional

material near mine and regional exploration targets 2018 Exploration Initiatives:

  • SGH soil geochem survey of El Mochito concession.
  • Review and prioritize near-mine targets (Manzanal,

Caliche, Porvenir Trend, Big Fuzzy) as well as other concessions within Honduras.

  • Review of historical mining areas in upper levels which

still contain a number of high-grade targets.

  • New NI 43-101 Resource expected in Q2 2018 to

incorporate bulk of 2017 drilling to upgrade and expected to expand resources.

  • Follow up on known ‘chimney’ ore bodies and define new

‘chimney’ targets (historical grades in excess of 17% ZnEq).

Exploration and Resource Upside

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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 Niña Blanca 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

Results from 2017 Drill Program

  • Results are targeting the

extensions of four ore bodies; Palmar Dyke, Santa Elena, Victoria and Esperanza.

  • Three areas are very close to

existing workings and could be accessed within 6 to 12 months.

  • The fourth, the Esperanza
  • rebody, is already being

mined and this drilling represents a further extension showing similar grades.

Step-out Holes

HOLE 10846 – 17.6m at 5.3% zinc, 3.8% lead and 83 g/t silver (Palmer Dyke) - 10.0% ZnEq HOLE 10845 – 17.0m at 5.0% zinc, 2.0% lead and 53 g/t silver (Victoria) - 7.7% ZnEq HOLE 10837 – 5.5m at 17.3% zinc, 3.6% lead and 142 g/t silver (Palmar Dyke) - 23.0% ZnEq HOLE 10875 – 5.5m at 5.2% zinc, 2.7% lead, 2,297 g/t silver and 0.98% copper (Palmar Dyke) - 45.5% ZnEq HOLE 10887 – 23.4m at 6.5% zinc, 1.0% lead, and 24 g/t silver (Santa Elena) - 7.7% ZnEq HOLE 10904 – 12.2m at 6.6% zinc, 5.6% lead, and 81 g/t silver (Esperanza) - 12.6% ZnEq HOLE 10909 – 3.7m at 19.3% zinc, 15.0% lead and 122 g/t silver (Deep East) - 33.7% ZnEq HOLE 10941 – 15.2m at 5.8% zinc, 1.4% lead and 61 g/t silver (Esperanza) – 7.9% ZnEq

In-fill Holes

HOLE 10833 – 35.4m at 5.6% zinc, 2.0% lead and 31 g/t silver - 7.8% ZnEq including 5.4m at 7.8% zinc, 2.6% lead and 35 g/t silver (Santa Elena) - 10.6% ZnEq HOLE 10847 – 17.5m at 6.2% zinc, 2.2% lead and 41 g/t silver (Esperanza) - 8.8% ZnEq HOLE 10828 – 26.5m at 5.7% zinc, 0.6% lead and 18 g/t silver (Santa Elena) - 6.5% ZnEq HOLE 10826 – 17.1m at 5.8% zinc, 1.2% lead and 36 g/t silver (Esperanza) - 7.5% ZnEq HOLE 10880 – 5.1m at 3.1% zinc, 2.5% lead, 149 g/t silver and 0.55% copper (Palmar Dyke) - 7.6% ZnEq HOLE 10870 – 4.1m at 10.0% zinc, 1.9% lead, and 95 g/t silver (Victoria) - 12.0% ZnEq HOLE 10932 – 10.2m at 9.3% zinc, 7.5% lead and 229 g/t silver (Port Royal) – 19.2% ZnEq HOLE 10936 – 25.6m at 7.4% zinc, 2.5% lead and 27.5 g/t silver (Santa Elena) – 9.9% ZnEq

A few significant results include (true and apparent widths):

Results are significantly higher grade than current Reserve and Resources.

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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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Zinc Fundamentals

Zinc Fundamentals Remain Strong as Supply Drives Tightening Market

Key drivers for a sustained and strong zinc price:

  • Fundamentals indicate structural deficits due to depleting global inventories.
  • Modest global GDP growth (2-3%) implies strengthening demand (400kt pa of additional new supply required).
  • Supply deficits will prevail in short and medium term as a result of global mine closures and production cuts.
  • Zinc prices are already responding to this pressure; 10 year high of $1.63/lb prevailed on January 30, 2018.

ZINC SPOT PRICE ($/LB)

Source: Bloomberg

Jan 2007 Nov 2017

300,000 600,000 900,000 1, 200,000 $0.00 $0.50 $1.00 $1.50 $2.00

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

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Pro Forma Capital Structure

Ascendant Resources Inc.

Share Price ($C, as at Mar. 28/18) $0.94 Shares Issued / Outstanding (MM’s) 74.2 Shares Fully Diluted (MM’s) 94.2 Estimated Float ~25% Market Capitalization (C$MM) $69.8 CQS 18.4% Vertex One Asset Management 14.0% MM Asset Management Inc. 13.8% Steve Laciak 16.5% Directors and Management approx. 16.4%*

Major Shareholders

Stock Symbol TSX: ASND

*fully diluted basis

Analyst Coverage

Matthew O’Keefe Cantor Fitzgerald Gabriel Gonzalez Echelon Wealth Partners Jacques P. Wortman Eight Capital 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 FCF Guidance and market outlook support robust FCF in 2018; US$14-20 million Remain focused on operating margins and maximize value per tonne milled New NI 43-101 Resource Report Targeted completion in Q2 2018; incorporates all 2017 exploration work Expected to expand resource and extend LOM Sustained Higher Production Rates 2018 expected metal production 41-65% higher than 2017 Mill has demonstrated ability to sustain the newly increased production rates Increase Ore Head Grades Focus on increasing high-grade ore to the mill with better dilution control and higher grade zones now in the mine plan Optimization Studies Focus on long-term cost reduction opportunities Extensive Exploration Activities Maintain aggressive internal and near mine exploration work for near-term resource growth as well as commence regional exploration for long-term LOM extension 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? Restored

Mine optimization and rehabilitation complete

Profitability

Significant Free Cash Flow in 2018; Rerating expected

Resource Growth

Significant exploration potential; Updated 43-101 in Q2 2018

Long-term Mid-Tier Producer

Maximize profitability and shareholder value; organic growth and accretive opportunities

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Appendices

T S X - V A S N D

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Management

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

| Mr. Buncic played an instrumental role in the founding of Ascendant Resources Inc. and its acquisition of the company’s flagship operating El Mochito mine from Nyrstar NV in

  • 2016. Prior to founding 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’ 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 has over 30 years of

financing and operating experience in North America and Europe and 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.

RENAUD ADAMS

DIRECTOR

  • Mr. Adams recently served as President

and Chief Executive Officer of Richmont Mines Inc. until it was acquired by Alamos Gold Inc. Mr. Adams has over 20 years of experience as an executive and as an operator in the mining industry.

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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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.

  • 2015 is a representative year of the long-term sustained
  • perational capability of the mine.
  • 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 Processing

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Historical Reserves and Resources

El Mochito Mine – Significant Reserve & Resource

El Mochito Tonnage (MT) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t)

Proven 0.57 4.59% 2.63% 77.4 Probable 1.34 4.94% 2.27% 47.6 Total Reserves 1.91 4.84% 2.38% 56.5 Measured 1.38 5.22% 1.93% 62.1 Indicated 4.03 4.72% 1.65% 38.8 Total M&I 5.41 4.85% 1.72% 44.7 Inferred 3.86 5.11% 1.38% 35.0

Note: NI 43-101 Compliant. Readers are cautioned to use these figures as Historical rather than as Reserves & Resources. Mineral Resources were estimated at a ZnEq cut-

  • ff of 2.8% and Mineral Reserves were estimated at a ZnEq cut-off of 5.6% and are shown inclusive of reserves. Reserves and resources are from internal Nyrstar Qualified

Person, audited on an annual basis, are not independent and are calculated as at December 2015.

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El Mochito 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

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El Mochito Mine Entrance

Las Vegas, Honduras El Mochito Mine Flotation Circuit

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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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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.

9x

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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

T S X A S N D

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