ASCOT MINING PLC INVESTOR COMMUNICATION #03, DATED 5 May 2013 Dear Opt-In Subscriber, In our letter of 10 March we addressed the recent breach of contract of an obligation to fund US$10 Million for Ascot Mining Plc (“Ascot” or “Company”). We write this update, the third of 2013, to bring our shareholders and other interested opt-in subscribers up to date on the Company’s current circumstances and on management’s efforts to seek funding solutions and reinstate trading in the Company’s shares. We can advise that a number of negotiations have failed to come to fruition, due in large part to the uncertainty caused by the current trading suspension and the problems associated with the Company’s debt and working capital shortfall. The Company, however, is pressing on with talks on a number of fronts whereby it is pointing out the benefits associated with a “ready to go” gold production opportunity and in this regard we have not exhausted our prospects. While no firm commitments have been reached at the time of this writing it is hoped to have a deal in the near future that will eliminate or substantially reduce debt, provide sufficient working capital and facilitate reinstatement of trading in the shares and, importantly, restart production. A number of scenarios are actively being pursued, including, but not limited to, working with our creditors toward an agreed solution, seeking new equity funding, possible gold off-take arrangements, joint venture arrangements, sale of assets, merger possibilities and / or debt solutions. Ascot has received a number of supportive emails from its shareholders recently, expressing concern for the future of the Company. Some have asked why the Company has not approached its existing shareholders for financial help. The truth is that, whilst these gestures are appreciated, the Company must be very careful not to be seen as soliciting financial assistance from the public under its current circumstances as this may be viewed as a breach of securities regulations. In summary, market conditions in the junior mining sector remain abysmal, with many companies being severely undercapitalized and at risk of closure. Witness, for the first time in many years, the Toronto Stock Exchange, which is the home of 60% of the worlds mining companies, had ZERO IPO’s in Q1 2013. In spite of what amounts to a near perfect storm of negativity, and whilst there is no guarantee of success, we at Ascot wish to acknowledge our shareholders and our employees in Costa Rica for their patience and loyalty while management continue to work tirelessly to find an acceptable arrangement to mitigate the current situation and hopefully bring about an opportunity to grow shareholder value. As always your questions and comments are welcomed to info@ascotmining.com Sincerely, David Jackson Ascot Mining Plc. |