Ascendant reduces operating costs at El Mochito in new PEA

Ascendant Resources (TSX: ASND; US-OTC: ASDRF) has tabled a new preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for its El Mochito zinc-lead mine in Honduras that increases production while reducing operating and all-in sustaining costs. The expansion PEA increases the processing rate 27% to 2,800 tonnes per day and zinc equivalent production 26% to 126 million lb. per year over a 10-year mine life. It reduces operating costs 22% to US57¢ per lb. zinc equivalent and all in sustaining costs 18% to US96¢ per lb. zinc equivalent. The new PEA assigns the project a US$83 million after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate and a 57% after-tax internal rate of return. The expansion would take two years to build and cost US$32.8 million. It would offer payback in two years. Continue reading at The Northern Miner.