Ascendant Copper fka ACX

[calgarylady]

Ascendant Copper Clarifies Results of Check Assaying Program on Junin Property
DENVER, COLORADO--(CCNMatthews - June 18, 2007) - Ascendant Copper Corporation (the "Company" or "Ascendant") (TSX:ACX)(TSX:ACX.WT)(BERLIN:A0HMLE)(FRANKFURT:A5C)(WKN:A0HMLE) announced on June 11, 2007 certain results from a check assay program completed in 2007 on its Junin project, a copper/molybdenum, gold/silver porphyry property located in northern Ecuador.

Based on reviewing existing data over the past several days, Ascendant's consultant Micon International Co. Limited ("Micon") has concluded that the inferred mineral resource of 982 million tonnes grading 0.89% copper, 0.04% molybdenum and 1.9 grams per tonne silver, as stated in the 2005 Junin Report, remains current and indicative of the potential of the Junin project.

The foregoing conclusion is based on several considerations, including re-examining key exploration data existing on the Junin property and including a series of earlier re-assay results on holes 25 through 30. These results were obtained in a re-assaying program completed in 1996 and 1997 by an independent party, CODIGEM, that produced results that validate the original assays. Micon reviewed the Ascendant re-assay results of eight holes (#4,10,17,22,27-30) and has concluded that the re-assay results reported on June 11, 2007 were based on core samples that have been adversely affected due to deterioration of the existing historic core and the lack of sample custody. This loss of quality and inability to produce proximate results is due to a combination of numerous events, including: 1) known loss or theft of complete sections of historic core as well as numerous individual pieces, 2) wood core box disintegration due to termites and open exposure to the elements, 3) transfer of historic core to new boxes since 1997, resulting in mixing of core, 4) loss of fine material, and 5) possible mislabeling of core boxes, among other factors. Large data variances could be expected between the original assays and the re-assay results given the poor condition of the drill core. On this basis, it can be concluded that the 2006-2007 check sample material is not reliably representative of the original core samples.

Ascendant plans on generating new data from the work program previously recommended in the Junin Report. This would include completing a drilling program of the Junin project, which would comprise the twinning of certain historic holes, with all aspects of future drilling, logging, sampling and assaying to be closely scrutinized and carried out in accordance with industry standard best-practices.

Responding to these developments, Gary E. Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascendant, stated, "Ascendant recognizes that the 2007 check assay program results were generated from the remaining core samples in poor condition and that Micon has concluded that the 2007 assay data does not form a reliable basis for assessment of the original assay results. Furthermore, the recent 2007 check assay results are not comparable to the original assay results or the CODIGEM assay results. It was essential that we re-examine all data, considering the value of this very important asset for shareholders."

John R. King, Ascendant's resident exploration and geological expert as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the above statements. Mr. King confirms that although Ascendant followed quality controls and correct assay procedures, the 2007 check assay program is not representative of the original core and as such, should not be considered reliable and should not have any impact on the inferred resource estimate as reported in the Junin Report. The Company cautions, however, that the nature of an inferred resource requires further definition by additional drilling which may produce results significantly different from the present estimate.

Ascendant Copper Corporation is a mineral exploration and development company responsibly advancing the Chaucha copper-molybdenum project, the Company's lead project, and the Junin copper-molybdenum project, both in Ecuador, toward a verifiable economic base metal discovery. Ascendant has a solid mineral asset base, a diversified portfolio, proven management, and is committed to becoming a mid-tier copper producer through its agreement in respect of the Chaucha project with Antofagasta PLC (LSE:ANTO) and its strategic exploration alliance in Ecuador with Rio Tinto (LSE:RTZ).



CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ascendant Copper Corporation
John R. Haigh
Manager of Investor Relations
1-866-907-6047 or [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.ascendantcopper.com