An Emerging Zinc Producer October 2017 w w w . a s c e n d a n t r - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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An Emerging Zinc Producer October 2017 w w w . a s c e n d a n t r - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

1 T S X A S N D An Emerging Zinc Producer October 2017 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 statements" and


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An Emerging Zinc Producer

October 2017 T S X A S N D

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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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A turnaround story in the making….

“With the acquisition of the operating El Mochito Mine in

December 2016, we set out on a mission to take a poorly performing, underfinanced and underexplored mine through a rigorous optimization process with the goal of creating a long term profitable operation and value through a significant growth opportunity”

Chris Buncic, President & CEO, Ascendant Resources Inc.

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Revival of the El Mochito Zinc Mine in a Favourable Zinc Market

A COMPELLING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

A Unique Investment Opportunity:

  • One of the only pure play small cap zinc companies

to benefit from the current zinc price rally.

  • Deeply discounted compared to peers with a

significant re-rating expected imminently.

Optimization and Profitability on the rise:

  • Milled production up 53% YTD in 2017 – on track for

Q4 guidance of 2,200 tpd.

  • Positive EBITDA achieved in July 2017 and continues.
  • On target to generate free cash flow in Q4 2017.

Multi Avenues for Growth:

  • Current 33,200 metre drill program in place to

identify higher-grade ore and extend mine life .

  • Long-term goal of becoming a multi-asset mid-tier

producer.

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THE ASCENDANT OF TODAY

Significant Production Increases 53% increase YTD Exiting Q4 at 2,400 tpd 663,475 tonnes milled / avg 1,923 tpd for 2017 Cost Reductions Ongoing ~30% decrease over the year $70/t average exiting Q4 Mineral Reserve & Resource 1.9M tonnes / 5.41M tonnes 12 year mine life (including inferred) Increased Profitability as Guided Generated positive EBITDA in July and August 2017 Free cash flows in Q4 2017 Exploration – Growth Potential 33,200 meter drill program underway Goal – identify higher grade ore and upgrade resource Sustainability Creating a safety & performance based culture Overwhelming community support

All mineral resources and mineral reserves set out in this Presentation are “historical estimates” as defined in NI 43-101 and Ascendant does not treat such estimates as current mineral reserves or mineral resources. They were prepared by Nyrstar NV, the prior owner of the El Mochito mine, prior to its acquisition by Ascendant, with an effective date of December 31, 2015 and no Qualified Person has done sufficient work to classify the estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The most recent NI 43-101 report was filed by Breakwater Resources Ltd. in March, 2010. At this time, the relevance and reliability of the estimates are not known and they should not be treated as current. The historical resource estimates were made using a ZnEq cutoff grade of 2.8% and the historical mineral reserve estimates were made using a ZnEq cutoff grade of 5.6%. The estimates are classified using the categories set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines as required by NI 43-101. The mineral resources are reported inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Ascendant plans to commission a NI 43-101 report to upgrade the historical estimates to current estimates in due course.

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YTD Operational and Financial Progress

Target Q4/17 average of 2,200+ tpd

1,243 1,388 1,733 1,646 1,632 1,693 1,853 1,903 2,200

1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000 2,200 2,400 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Q4 Avg Target

Tonnes

Ore Milled Per Calendar Day

7-day work stoppage. Hot seating started. First new equipment in rotation.

53% Increase YTD

On track to deliver 2017 production guidance of 66MM lbs Zn Eq (annualized production

  • f 80Mm lbs of Zn Eq). 2018 expected to be higher in both tonnes and grade.

Generating +VE EBITDA FCF Expected

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2018 Potential

2,400+ tpd capacity – ability to ramp up to 3,000 tpd for minimal capital spend 2017 drill results are confirming addition high- grade mineralization Cost cutting measures in 2017 + less capital spend in 2018 = substantial FCF

Q1 2017 1,619 tpd 5.56% ZnEq US$101.82/t

  • ve operating cash

flows Exiting Q4 ~2,400 tpd ~6.5% ZnEq ~US$70.00/t +ve free cash flows

THE ASCENDANT OF TOMORROW

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Peer Value Comparison

  • Based upon Consensus 2018 forecasts ASND appears significantly undervalued on all metrics as relative to its peers.

The Rera rati ting g Case for

  • r ASND

Source: Eight Capital Partners

  • ASND @ 2.1x 2018 CF vs. 4.5x Comps average.
  • ASND @ 1.7x 2018 EV/EBITDA vs. 4.4x Comps average.

Price Market Enterprise Consensus Consensus EBITDA x Consensus CFPS x Exchange 2017-10-06 Cap Value NAV (US$MM) EV / EBITDA (US$/sh) P / CF Name Ticker Listed (US$ / share) (US$ MM) (US$ MM) (US$/sh) P / NAV 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 Atico Mining Corporation ATY TSX Venture $0.57 $58 $68 $0.71 0.80x $25 $21 2.7x 3.2x $0.14 $0.15 4.2x 3.9x Boliden AB BOL-SE Stockholm $35.94 $9,830 $10,622 $14.84 2.42x $1,592 $1,568 6.7x 6.8x $4.84 $5.03 7.4x 7.1x Capstone Mining Corp. CS Toronto $1.18 $473 $771 $1.47 0.80x $137 $180 5.6x 4.3x $0.26 $0.37 4.6x 3.2x Copper Mountain Mining Corp. CMMC Toronto $1.11 $153 $425 $1.43 0.78x $64 $89 6.6x 4.8x $0.38 $0.51 2.9x 2.2x Heron Resources Limited HRR ASX $0.06 $140 $65 $0.08 0.75x ($4) NA NM NA NA NA NA NA Compania Minera Milpo SAA MILPOC1-PE Lima $1.52 $2,011 $1,555 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Red River Resources RVR-AU ASX $0.19 $96 $73 NA NA ($3) $18 NM 4.0x ($0.01) $0.03 NM 7.2x Sierra Metals SMT Toronto $2.55 $415 $476 $1.72 1.49x $95 $128 5.0x 3.7x $0.44 $0.64 5.9x 4.0x Taseko Mines Limited TKO Toronto $2.27 $540 $705 $1.65 1.38x $127 $96 5.5x 7.3x $0.48 $0.31 4.8x 7.2x Trevali Mining Corporation TV Toronto $1.29 $1,090 $1,220 $1.09 1.18x $157 $330 7.8x 3.7x $0.21 $0.32 6.3x 4.0x Average 1.12x 5.7x 4.4x 5.1x 4.5x Ascendant Resources Inc. ASND Toronto $0.58 $45 $38 $1.13 0.52x ($5) $22 NM 1.7x ($0.09) $0.28 NM 2.1x

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EL MOCHITO

  • 100% owned underground Zn/Pb/Ag mine in

continual operation since 1948.

  • 11,000 ha land package with the majority of it

unexplored – current mine footprint only about 10%.

  • 2,300+ tpd concentrator capacity - possible expansion

to 3,000 tpd for modest capital investment.

  • Secure 10-year offtake agreement in place for both

Zinc and Lead concentrates with Nyrstar BV at LME prices .

  • Significant reserve and resource base.
  • No exploration work done by previous owners in 5+

years.

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El Mochito Mine

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The El Mochito Mine

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

  • Honduras is a business friendly jurisdiction with a

history of mining.

  • Current President is focused on security, corruption

and business development and is favoured to win another 4-year term in 2017 elections (Nov. 20th).

  • Overwhelming community support – Las Vegas,

Honduras emerged as a result of the mine’s existence.

  • Solid infrastructure; 2 hour drive from international

airport on paved road to site, access to reliable power source.

  • 25% Corporate Tax Rate + 5% NSR – of which 50% goes

directly to local government; 25% corporate tax rate; 44% net corp. tax rate; $53MM in tax losses to use.

  • El Mochito is a significant contributor to the country;

~3% of exports.

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Historical Reserves and Resources

El Mochito Mine – Significant Resource and LOM 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

Mine Life

Proven and Probable Measured and Indicated1 Total including Inferred

All mineral resources and mineral reserves set out in this Presentation are “historical estimates” as defined in NI 43-101 and Ascendant does not treat such estimates as current mineral reserves or mineral resources. They were prepared by Nyrstar NV, the prior owner of the El Mochito mine, prior to its acquisition by Ascendant, with an effective date of December 31, 2015 and no Qualified Person has done sufficient work to classify the estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The most recent NI 43-101 report was filed by Breakwater Resources Ltd. in March, 2010. At this time, the relevance and reliability of the estimates are not known and they should not be treated as current. The historical resource estimates were made using a ZnEq cutoff grade of 2.8% and the historical mineral reserve estimates were made using a ZnEq cutoff grade of 5.6%. The estimates are classified using the categories set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines as required by NI 43-101. The mineral resources are reported inclusive of mineral reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Ascendant plans to commission a NI 43-101 report to upgrade the historical estimates to current estimates in due course.

  • Ore body has a long history of conversion

and growth/replenishment.

  • Updated NI 43-101 in H1/2018.
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Revenue Mix and Cost Breakdown

El Mochito Mine

Typical NSR Breakdown Typical Cost Breakdown

Note: ZnEq based on Zn=$1.00/lb, Pb=$0.87/lb, Ag=$19.00/oz.

  • Annual production mix expected to be relatively consistent.
  • 80% of costs relatively fixed in the short term.

Zinc 59% Lead 22% Silver 19% Labour 30%

  • Ext. Services 22%

Consumables 22% Other 8% Energy 18%

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107.0 98.1 126.9 149.5 150.4 127.7 143.6 129.0 133.5 90.5 62.3 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 50 100 150 200

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Silver 000's ozs Metal Production MM lbs

Zinc - MMlbs Lead - MM lbs ZnEq MMlbs Silver - 000's ozs (RHS)

Historical Operating Statistics

Putting El Mochito Back on Track

2015 Is A Representative Year:

  • 2016 results impacted by 2 months of lost production and

slow restart in Q4 due to changing of hands.

  • Minimal development and exploration spending between

2012-16 has limited access to high grade mineralization.

2014 2015 2016 Tonnes Mined 756.0 765.9 515.1 Tonnes Milled 756.0 765.9 515.6 Average tpd 2,071 2,098 1,409 Average Head Grades Zinc 4.56% 3.43% 3.40% Lead 2.61% 1.68% 1.16% Silver 85.9 50.1 46.0 ZnEq 9.5% 6.3% 5.8% Average Recoveries Zinc 85.6% 87.2% 90.7% Lead 78.7% 75.9% 73.3% Silver 87.4% 88.3% 80.5% Concentrate Produced Zinc (DMT) 60.0 44.8 31.3 Grade (Zn%) 49.0% 50.8% 50.7% Lead (DMT) 24.3 15.3 6.9 Grade (PB%) 64.2% 65.3% 53.6% Payable Metal production Zinc (MMlbs) 54.5 42.6 35.0 Lead (MMlbs) 34.2 21.5 9.7 Silver (Kozs) 1,448.6 831.1 617.9 ZnEq (MMlbs) 133.5 90.5 62.3 90

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1 2 8 7 4 6 5 3

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

El Mochito Mine Layout

Untested Untested

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Optimization & Operational Improvements – The Impact

Re-Positioning El Mochito for the Long Term

Implementations To Date

Partial Fleet Replacement Implemented “Hot Seating” (increased working hours per shift) Extensive Health & Safety Training Investment in Ventilation System & Repairs Management Restructuring

Direct Impacts

Unit cost savings due to maintenance and related labour More tonnes per day mined/ more consistency in production rates More working hours per shift/employee (~6 hrs/shift) Truck utilization significantly up Less accidents and downtime Cheaper input costs Improved accountability and general mining culture

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Las Vegas, Honduras Solidad Mine Tailings Facility El Mochito Mine Mill El Mochito Mine Mill

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El Mochito - Short, medium and long term targets

  • 2017 exploration program initiated with

33,200 m of planned drilling; 18,200 m for definition drilling aiming to convert Inferred to M&I and 15,000 m of exploration drilling focussing on adding high-grade chimney material.

  • Exploration success highly probable given

long history of conversion and discovery. Trends are well known along faulting.

  • Near and medium term exploration

focused on defining new chimney areas to improve head grade to the mill.

  • Near and medium term targets projected

to add up 2.0 MM t of new resources.

  • Bulk of these targets are known chimney

extensions which should enhance grade to mill.

Exploration and Resource Upside

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Exploration Areas in 2017

Seven Key Areas, Optimizing Existing Development

Esperanza Port Royal Santa Elena Deep North Deep East Palmar Victoria

1 7 2 3 4 5 6

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Significant High-Grade Mineralized Intercepts

Results to date from 78 diamond drill holes; 13,617m of 33,200m exploration and definition drilling program

  • Results are evenly split

between step-out and in-fill drill holes, targeting the extensions of four ore bodies, namely 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 on its western edge while this drilling represents a further extension to the East 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 10844 – 8.6m at 10.7% zinc, 4.0% lead and 95 g/t silver (Palmar Dyke) - 15.8% 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

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 10884 – 4.1m at 10.1% zinc, 0.6% lead, and 31 g/t silver (Palmar Dyke) - 11.1% 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

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

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  • Immediate access to drill platforms in

existing development headings.

  • Target areas – Esperanza, Victoria

Chimney and Manto from 2790 level, Palmar Dyke and 2100 Chimney region and Port Royal Chimney area.

  • Target to expand known resources in

these regions to add a further 1.0MM t

  • Significantly higher grade is expected

relative to current average grade being mined based upon historical results.

  • Development underway to access this

region in H2/17 for production.

Short Term Exploration Targets

Multi tiple le Low Capi pita tal l Intensi sive ve Targe rgets ts

L-2790

Drill Stations

Chimney Manto

Victoria Targets Palmar Dyke Targets

Longitudinal Section Longitudinal Section L-2790 Drill Stations 2100 Chimney Palmar Dyke East 200 ft Jun 2016 Estimation Palmar Dyke East

Resources: 27 kt @ 6.0% Zn, 4.8% Pb, 79 g/t Ag, ZnEq 11.6%

Palmar Dyke East Inferred

Inferred: 61 kt @7.1% Zn, 4.4% Pb, 150 g/t Ag, ZnEq 13.8%

2100 Chimney

Inferred: 134kt @ 6.2% Zn, 1.7% Pb, 63 g/t Ag, ZnEq 9.1%

Palmar Dyke (Mined out)

Mined: 97 kt @ 4.9% Zn, 3.9% Pb, 100 g/t Ag, ZnEq 10.2%

Dec 2015 Estimation Victoria Chimney

Resources: 566 kt @ 4.3% Zn, 2.6% Pb, 44 g/t Ag, ZnEq 7.4%

Victoria Manto

Resources: 516 kt @ 5.2% Zn, 1.5% Pb, 24 g/t Ag, ZnEq 6.95%

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  • Development on 1160 to access upward extension of known

resources and open up higher level zones for exploration.

  • Expand known extension of the McKenney, Barbasco, Imperial

and Esperanza chimneys.

  • Total development approx. 4,500 ft. with a targeted new

tonnage of at least 1.0MM t of higher grade material with the trend open.

Medium Term Exploration Targets

Modest development time and capital needed

500 ft

Mined till Dec 2015 Esperanza

Inf.: 444 kt @ 4.8% Zn, 2.2% Pb, 55 g/t Ag

Imperial Chimney

Mined: 583 kt @ 4.0% Zn, 3.2% Pb, 94 g/t Ag

Barbasco Chimney

Mined: 208 kt @ 8.1% Zn, 5.3% Pb, 255 g/t Ag

McKenney Chimney

Mined: 130 kt @ 6.4% Zn, 6.9% Pb, 271 g/t Ag

Port Royal Chimney

Mined: 424 kt @ 7.3% Zn, 7.0% Pb, 200 g/t Ag

Esperanza Imperial Nivel 1160

L-1160 L-1850 Imperial Esperanza Exploration Potential Mochito Shale Drilling Barbasco L-2430

Plan view Longitudinal Section Mined till Dec 2015

Esperanza Inf.: 444 kt @ 4.8% Zn, 2.2% Pb, 55 g/t Ag, ZnEq 7.8% Imperial Chimney Mined: 583 kt @ 4.0% Zn, 3.2% Pb, 94 g/t Ag, ZnEq 8.6% Barbasco Chimney Mined: 208 kt @ 8.1% Zn, 5.3% Pb, 255 g/t Ag, ZnEq 17.7% McKenney Chimney Mined: 130 kt @ 6.4% Zn, 6.9% Pb, 271 g/t Ag, ZnEq 17.7% Port Royal Chimney Mined: 424 kt @ 7.3% Zn, 7.0% Pb, 200 g/t Ag, ZnEq 17.25%

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  • Follow up historical drill holes

along structure.

  • Historical holes show high grades
  • ver meaningful widths.
  • Porvenir fault target (shown) is
  • ne of several such targets.
  • Potential to add meaningful

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

Longer Term Regional Exploration Opportunities

Numerous near mine and regional targets

Surface Exploration Holes:

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

Victoria Santo Niño Deep East Manto

Inferred Resources: 244 kt @ 22 g/t Ag, 0.9% Pb, 5.2% Zn Deep North Manto Inferred Resources: 286 kt @ 29 g/t Ag, 1.1% Pb, 5.3% Zn

Plan view Surface Exploration Holes:

14-PS-01: 30.7 ft @ 9.9% Zn, 2.0% Pb, 32 g/t Ag, ZnEq 12.2% 14-PS-02: 27.8 ft @ 5.9% Zn, 3.8% Pb, 35 g/t Ag. ZnEq 9.8% 14-PS-04A:13.3 ft @ 12.6% Zn, 0.4% Pb, 27 g/t Ag, ZnEq 13.5%

Deep East Manto

Inferred Resources: 244 kt @ 22 g/t Ag, 0.9% Pb, 5.2% Zn, ZnEq 6.4%

Deep North Manto

Inferred Resources: 286 kt @ 29 g/t Ag, 1.1% Pb, 5.3% Zn, ZnEq 6.8%

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Close Mine Exploration Targets

Known Targets Discovered by Past Surface Exploration Activities

Existing orebodies being mined

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The Argument for Zinc

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 $1.51/lb prevailed in October 2017.

PROJECT OPERATOR LOCATION METHOD CLOSURE PRODUCTION (ktpa)

Lisheen Vedanta Ireland UG 2014 169 Century MMG Australia OP 2015 488 Duck Pond Teck Canada UG 2015 14 Pomorzany ZGH Poland UG 2016 75 Skorpion Vedanta Nambia OP 2017 145 Rosebury MMG Australia UG 2018 88 Cayeli First Quantum Turkey UG 2019 43 Golden Grove MMG Australia UG 2019 53 Pyhasalmi First Quantum Finland UG 2020 22 Elura CBH Australia UG 2020 50 Total 1,147

REFINED ZINC SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE

Source: Bloomberg, Wood Mackenzie

Mt US$/pound

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Glob

  • bal

al Zinc Visib ible le Inventor tories s Continu inues s to Fall l at Alar armin ming g Rates

Total Global Zinc Stocks Continue to Decline

Source: LME, SHFE, Comex, Bloomberg, Scotiabank GCM, Scotiabank Mining Sales

December -2.2% January -3.6% February -4.3% March -3.2% April -13.5% May -7.1%

June -11.9%

July -2.8%

YTD -44.6% to 413kt and -43.6% YoY or 10.5 days of consumption

Steady Inventory Declines

Historically the “pinch point” driving prices higher is when total inventories reach only 10 days

  • f consumption.
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Pro Forma Capital Structure

Ascendant Resources Inc.

Share Price ($C, as at Oct. 5/17) $0.77 Shares Issued / Outstanding (MM’s) 71.7 Shares Fully Diluted (MM’s) 94.2 Market Capitalization (C$MM) $55.2 CQS 19.9% Vertex One Asset Management 19.9% MM Asset Management Inc. 10.4% Directors and Management approx. 16.4%*

Major Shareholders

Stock Symbol TSX: ASND

* On a fully diluted basis.

Analyst Coverage

Matthew O’Keefe Echelon Wealth Partners Jacques P. Wortman Eight Capital Heiko F. Ihle H.C. Wainwright & Co.

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An Emerging Zinc Producer

A Unique Investment Opportunity:

  • A highly leveraged zinc play in a favourable zinc

market.

  • Significantly undervalued on a P/NAV basis

compared to peers.

Management Has and Will Continue to Deliver:

  • Production targets achieved, milled tpd up 53%

YTD.

  • Profitability restored as guided and optimization

initiatives implemented for even further improvements into 2018.

Growth Potential:

  • Extensive drill program aimed to convert and

upgrade current resource as well as identify new mineralization.

  • Drill program to date has returned positive results

that indicate the ability to extend mineralization and add additional high-grade material.

WHY ASCENDANT?

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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 currently serves as

President and Chief Executive Officer

  • f Richmont Mines Inc. and 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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Process Flow Diagram

El Mochito Processing

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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: Chris Buncic, MBA, CFA, P.Eng President and CEO info@ascendantresources.com