Torchlight Joins the Russell Microcap Index PLANO,

PLANO, TX --(Marketwired - June 26, 2017) - Torchlight Energy Resources, Inc. ( NASDAQ : TRCH ) ("Torchlight" or the "Company"), today announced it was added to the U.S. Russell Microcap Index® after the equity markets closed on June 23, 2017.

"Being added to the Russell Microcap Index is a positive milestone as we look to increase Torchlight's exposure in the investment community and broaden our shareholder base," stated John Brda, CEO of Torchlight.

Russell indexes are broadly used by both investment professionals for index funds, as well as benchmarks for investment strategies. Approximately $5.7 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Russell Indexes. Annual reconstitution of the Russell U.S. indexes captures the 4,000 largest U.S. stocks as of the end of May, ranking them by total market capitalization. The smallest 2,000 companies make up the widely used Russell 2000 Index.

Market analysis on the Russell Indexes are available at https://www.ftserussell.com/research-insights...nstitution .

About Torchlight Energy

Torchlight Energy Resources, Inc. ( NASDAQ : TRCH ), based in Plano, Texas, is a high growth oil and gas Exploration and Production (E&P) company with a primary focus on acquisition and development of highly profitable domestic oil fields. The company has assets focused in West and Central Texas where their targets are established plays such as the Permian Basin. For additional information on the Company, please visit www.torchlightenergy.com .

Forward Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the Company's ability to obtain additional capital in the future to fund planned expansion, the demand for oil and natural gas, general economic factors, competition in the industry and other factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Company is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.