Form 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
From: May 11, 2010
IVANHOE MINES LTD.
(Translation of Registrants Name into English)
Suite 654 999 CANADA PLACE, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA V6C 3E1
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of
Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)
Form 20-F- o Form 40-F- þ
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form
is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)
Yes: o No: þ
(If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with
Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .)
Enclosed:
News Release
May 11, 2010
Ivanhoe Mines releases new Integrated Development Plan
for Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mining complex in Mongolia
Average annual production estimated at 1.2 billion pounds
of copper and 650,000 ounces of gold for the first 10 years
Plan declares first underground mineral reserves
for Hugo Dummett block-cave mine
Oyu Tolgoi on track to become one of the worlds
top three copper-gold mines
ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA A new, independent Integrated Development Plan confirms that Ivanhoe
Mines Oyu Tolgoi Project in southern Mongolia has the mineral resources to become one of the
worlds top three copper-gold producers and an industry model of responsible,
environmentally-sound mineral development, Ivanhoes Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and
President and Chief Executive Officer John Macken announced today.
The new plan, IDP-10, is a comprehensive update of the original 2005 Integrated Development Plan
and supports Ivanhoe Mines commitment to advance Oyu Tolgoi into full construction, with
production of copper and gold expected to begin in 2013.
The Oyu Tolgoi development blueprint contains the first published declaration of underground
reserves for the planned Hugo Dummett block-cave mine. It also presents the results of extensive
studies of two complementary development scenarios:
|
1. |
|
A Reserve Case, based only on Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves established to
this point in time, which would sustain mining for a projected 27 years. |
|
2. |
|
A Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case, which adds to the Reserve Case a large base of
resources identified through exploration to date but currently classified only to the
level of Inferred Resources under Canadas internationally recognized definitions
standards. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have
the economic considerations applied to them that would
allow them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the
Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case will be realized. The IDP-10 estimates that the Life-of-Mine
Sensitivity Case would sustain mining at Oyu Tolgoi for a projected 59 years. Part of the
ongoing exploration program at Oyu Tolgoi is directed at upgrading Inferred Resources to
higher classifications, as has been progressively accomplished during the past nine years
of exploration and discovery at the project. |
In both cases, the average production at Oyu Tolgoi over the first ten years would exceed 1.2
billion pounds (544,000 tonnes) of copper and 650,000 ounces of gold.
IDP-10 independent report prepared by international experts
The 2010 Integrated Development Plan is an independent report commissioned for the project by
Ivanhoe Mines from a team of the worlds foremost engineering, mining and environmental
consultants, led by Australia-based AMEC Minproc and including U.S.-based Stantec Engineering. The
complete Plan, a technical report compliant with Canadas 43-101 reporting standing, will be
available on the SEDAR document retrieval service within 45 days.
The scale of the Oyu Tolgoi project has increased significantly since the release of the first
Integrated Development Plan in 2005. In accordance with its corporate responsibilities as a public
company, Ivanhoe Mines, the projects controlling shareholder, has commissioned updates that
reflect independent analyses of project economics, increased mineral resources and reserves and
revised valuation estimates. Disclosure of this accumulated information incorporated in the updated
IDP-10 has been triggered by the completion of the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement, which took full
legal effect on March 31, 2010, which enabled use of the agreements fiscal provisions in modelling
for the IDP-10.
The IDP-10 was prepared independently of Rio Tinto and the joint Ivanhoe Mines-Rio Tinto Oyu Tolgoi
Technical Committee. The IDP-10 recommends that Oyu Tolgoi LLC, the Mongolian company that is
developing and will operate the mining complex, conduct a comprehensive review to establish a
baseline for the Project with a goal of improving or optimizing value. The IDP-10 also recommends
that its conclusions be reviewed and analyzed by the joint Technical Committee to help determine
detailed plans for the ongoing implementation of the Project.
New IDP a green light to launch Oyu Tolgoi construction
Mr. Macken said that the IDP-10, developed within the terms of the Investment Agreement signed with
the Government of Mongolia in October 2009, consolidates the extensive planning and construction
activities that have been conducted as part of the Oyu Tolgoi Project since the completion of the
original IDP in 2005.
Given the scale of our discoveries and the outstanding economics of this project, this updated
plan gives us the green light we were expecting from this process to continue proceeding straight
into construction and operation of a world-class mine. The increase in value and the amount of
mineral reserve, with the first inclusion of underground
reserves, will support our financing plans as we begin our drive toward operations at Oyu Tolgoi,
Mr. Macken said.
This 2010 IDP incorporates the thinking of many of the worlds leading, independent authorities on
efficient development of natural resources and best-practice environmental management. The plan is
further confirmation that Oyu Tolgoi will positively and significantly contribute to Mongolias
economic growth and social development for generations to come.
Mr. Friedland said that the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case generates a 95% increase in
potential feed for the ore processing plant over projections in the 2005 IDP. This case
increases estimated copper production by 50%, to 52.5 billion pounds, or 23.8 million tonnes,
and increases estimated gold production by 126%, to 26.4 million ounces, over projections
reported in the 2005 IDP.
Ivanhoe Mines believes that these results will continue to improve and that Oyu Tolgoi will stand
tall with established giants like Grasberg and Escondida in the pantheon of the worlds greatest
mines, Mr. Friedland added.
The tremendous increase in gold production spotlighted in this latest plan is especially
significant in light of the current expectations for the price of gold.
2
We also believe that our current, projected 59-year mine life from the Life of Mine
Sensitivity Case will prove to be very conservative. We have a very successful record in
upgrading resources and recent discoveries have intersected additional high-grade copper and
gold mineralization in new, deep targets identified at Oyu Tolgoi with the first field
application of the unique, Zeus induced-polarization exploration technology.
Scenario 1: Highlights of the Reserve Case
The Reserve Case sets out the likely path of development for the initial phases of the Oyu Tolgoi
group of deposits (stages 1 through 9 of the open pit on the Southern Oyu deposits and the first
lift, Lift 1, of the Hugo North Deposits underground block-cave mine).
|
|
|
The first lift of the planned underground block cave on the Hugo North Deposit contains
437 million tonnes of Probable Reserve at 1.90% copper and 0.42 grams of gold per tonne
the projects first declaration of an underground reserve since discoveries began at Oyu
Tolgoi in 2001. |
|
|
|
The planned open pit on the Southern Oyu copper and gold deposits contains a Proven and
Probable Reserve of 955 million tonnes at 0.49% copper and 0.35 grams of gold per tonne. |
|
|
|
The total mineral reserve (Proven & Probable) contains 1.393 billion tonnes at 0.93%
copper and 0.37 grams of gold per tonne. |
|
|
|
Total production of 25.2 billion pounds (11.5 million tonnes) of copper and 13.1 million
ounces of gold is projected from mining only the open pit on the
Southern Oyu deposits and the first lift of the underground block cave on the Hugo North
Deposit. |
|
|
|
Production is expected to commence in mid-2013. |
|
|
|
The ore processing plant would be expanded from an initial 36.5 million tonnes per year
to 58 million tonnes per year (100,000 to 160,000 tonnes per day) by the end of the fifth
year of operations. |
|
|
|
Peak single-year production is estimated at 1.7 billion pounds (800,000 tonnes) of
copper and 1.1 million ounces of gold. |
|
|
|
The economic analysis projects an after-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of US$4.536 billion
at an 8% discount rate, an IRR of 16.33% and a payback period of 6.32 years (based on
$2.00/lb. copper and $850/oz. gold). |
|
|
|
Based on current metal prices of $3.23/lb. copper and $1,200/oz. gold, the NPV would be
US$12.6 billion, with an IRR of 26.3% and a payback period of 4.73 years. |
Scenario 2: Highlights of the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case
The Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case reflects the development flexibility that exists with later
phases of the Oyu Tolgoi group of deposits, which currently include the Heruga Deposit, the Hugo
South Deposit and the second lift of the Hugo North Deposit. These subsequent phases will require
separate development decisions in the future based on conditions prevailing at the time and the
accumulated experience gained from developing and operating the initial phases of the project.
3
The Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case reflects the development flexibility that exists with respect to
later phases of the Oyu Tolgoi group of deposits (Heruga, Hugo South and the second lift of Hugo
North), which will require separate development decisions in the future based on then prevailing
conditions and the development experience obtained from developing and operating the initial phases
of the Project. Accordingly, the Life of Mine (Sensitivity) Case is effectively a preliminary
assessment. Insofar as the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case includes an economic analysis that is
based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources, the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case does not have as
high a level of certainty as the Reserve Case. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too
speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would allow them
to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity
Case will be realized.
|
|
|
Oyu Tolgoi has been independently affirmed to be a world-class mineral resource. The
Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case is intended to show the significant, long-term potential of all
classifications of the entire mineral resource that has been identified to date at Oyu
Tolgoi. |
|
|
|
The Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case would produce more than twice as much copper and gold as
projected under the shorter-term Reserve Case, which is limited to the Southern Oyu open pit
and the first lift from the Hugo North underground mine. |
|
|
|
With a mine life projected to be 59 years, Oyu Tolgoi would process an average of 58
million tonnes of ore per year (160,000 tpd), yielding total production of 52.5 billion
pounds of copper (23.8 million tonnes) and 26.4 million ounces of gold. |
|
|
|
The projected 59-year mine life incorporates the Reserve Cases Proven and Probable
mineral reserves at the Southern Oyu open pit and the Hugo North block-caves Lift 1 and
also adds Inferred Resources from the Hugo North block-caves Lift 2 and the Hugo South and
Heruga deposits. |
|
|
|
Mining of all resources delivers an after-tax NPV of US$5.614 billion (based on $2.00/lb.
copper and $850/oz. gold). |
|
|
|
A Real Options analysis produces an after-tax NPV of US$7.55 billion, based on stochastic
modelling with long-term prices of $2.00/lb. copper and $850/oz. gold. (An accompanying
IDP-10 presentation will be available at www.ivanhoemines.com) |
|
|
|
Based on current metal prices of $3.23/lb. copper and $1,200/oz. gold, the NPV would be
US$15.3 billion, with an IRR of 26.7% and a payback period of 4.62 years. |
The IDP-10 is based on updated Oyu Tolgoi mineral resources that have been identified through
Ivanhoe Mines ongoing exploration. Currently identified Oyu Tolgoi resources include:
|
|
|
1.4 billion tonnes classified as Measured and Indicated at an average grade of 1.33%
copper and 0.47g/t gold. |
|
|
|
In addition, 2.4 billion tonnes now are classified as Inferred at an average grade
of 0.78% copper and 0.33g/t gold an increase of 10% over the resource reported in
March 2008. |
|
|
|
The Measured and Indicated resource classifications contain an estimated 40.7
billion pounds of copper and 21 million ounces of gold. The Inferred classification
contains an additional 40.6 billion pounds of copper and 25.4 million ounces of gold. |
|
|
|
Less than half of the 20-kilometre-long mineralized trend at Oyu Tolgoi has been
extensively drill-tested to date. An ongoing exploration program using ZeusTM
proprietary, induced-polarization technology has identified numerous additional world-scale
mineral exploration and development targets. Drilling continues to be directed at expanding
the projects resources and reserves. |
4
Production and Financial Results
|
|
|
|
|
Description
|
|
Reserve Case
|
|
Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case |
Inventory
|
|
Mineral Reserve
|
|
Mineral Reserve plus Inferred Resources |
Peak Production Rate
|
|
58 mt/a
|
|
58 mt/a |
|
|
160,000 tpd
|
|
160,000 tpd |
Total processed
|
|
1 393 million tonnes
|
|
3 019 million tonnes |
NSR
|
|
US$32.57/t
|
|
US$32.37/t |
Copper grade
|
|
0.93%
|
|
0.89% |
Gold grade
|
|
0.37g/t
|
|
0.34g/t |
Copper recovered
|
|
25.2 billion lb.
|
|
52.6 billion lb. |
Gold recovered
|
|
13.1 million oz.
|
|
26.2 million oz. |
Mine life
|
|
27 years
|
|
59 years |
Initial Capital (100,000 tpd concentrator Southern Oyu Open Pit)
|
|
US$3.5 billion
|
|
US$3.5 billion |
Pre-production underground capital
|
|
US$1.1 billion
|
|
US$1.1 billion |
Total project cash requirement
|
|
US$4.6 Billion
|
|
US$4.6 billion |
10-year cash cost (net of gold credits)
|
|
0.45 cents/lb.
|
|
0.44 cents/lb. |
NPV (8%) After Tax
|
|
US$4 536m
|
|
US$5 614m |
IRR after tax
|
|
16.33%
|
|
16.73% |
Payback period
|
|
6.32 years
|
|
6.22 years |
The Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case includes an economic analysis that is based, in part, on
Inferred Resources that do not have as high a level of certainty as the Reserve Case. Inferred
mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic
considerations applied to them that would allow them to be categorized as mineral reserves,
and there is no certainty that the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity will be realized.
5
Metal Price Sensitivities (project Net Present Value at 8% discount; US$M)
Metal Price Sensitivity Reserve Case
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After-tax values |
|
Gold price/oz |
|
Copper price/lb |
|
$ |
750 |
|
|
$850 (Base) |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$1,200(Current) |
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
|
$ |
1,750 |
|
|
$ |
2,000 |
|
$1.50 |
|
|
1,346 |
|
|
|
1,680 |
|
|
|
2,173 |
|
|
|
2,824 |
|
|
|
3,784 |
|
|
|
4,580 |
|
|
|
5,377 |
|
$2.00 (Base) |
|
|
4,218 |
|
|
|
4,536 |
|
|
|
5,011 |
|
|
|
5,648 |
|
|
|
6,602 |
|
|
|
7,391 |
|
|
|
8,188 |
|
$2.50 |
|
|
7,035 |
|
|
|
7,353 |
|
|
|
7,826 |
|
|
|
8,460 |
|
|
|
9,416 |
|
|
|
10,210 |
|
|
|
11,000 |
|
$3.23 (Current) |
|
|
11,145 |
|
|
|
11,464 |
|
|
|
11,937 |
|
|
|
12,569 |
|
|
|
13,516 |
|
|
|
14,309 |
|
|
|
15,100 |
|
$3.50 |
|
|
12,663 |
|
|
|
12,979 |
|
|
|
13,452 |
|
|
|
14,084 |
|
|
|
15,037 |
|
|
|
15,827 |
|
|
|
16,617 |
|
$4.00 |
|
|
15,469 |
|
|
|
15,788 |
|
|
|
16,265 |
|
|
|
16,899 |
|
|
|
17,847 |
|
|
|
18,638 |
|
|
|
19,428 |
|
$5.00 |
|
|
21,097 |
|
|
|
21,413 |
|
|
|
21,887 |
|
|
|
22,520 |
|
|
|
23,464 |
|
|
|
24,250 |
|
|
|
25,039 |
|
$6.00 |
|
|
26,715 |
|
|
|
27,029 |
|
|
|
27,502 |
|
|
|
28,134 |
|
|
|
29,083 |
|
|
|
29,870 |
|
|
|
30,654 |
|
Metal Price Sensitivity Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After-tax values |
|
Gold price/oz |
|
Copper price/lb |
|
$ |
750 |
|
|
$850(Base) |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$1,200(Current) |
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
|
$ |
1,750 |
|
|
$ |
2,000 |
|
$1.50 |
|
|
1,777 |
|
|
|
2,137 |
|
|
|
2,671 |
|
|
|
3,377 |
|
|
|
4,412 |
|
|
|
5,269 |
|
|
|
6,126 |
|
$2.00 (Base) |
|
|
5,268 |
|
|
|
5,614 |
|
|
|
6,127 |
|
|
|
6,815 |
|
|
|
7,840 |
|
|
|
8,698 |
|
|
|
9,559 |
|
$2.50 |
|
|
8,703 |
|
|
|
9,043 |
|
|
|
9,556 |
|
|
|
10,244 |
|
|
|
11,277 |
|
|
|
12,131 |
|
|
|
12,986 |
|
$3.23 (Current) |
|
|
13,715 |
|
|
|
14,056 |
|
|
|
14,568 |
|
|
|
15,253 |
|
|
|
16,287 |
|
|
|
17,143 |
|
|
|
17,999 |
|
$3.50 |
|
|
15,563 |
|
|
|
15,905 |
|
|
|
16,422 |
|
|
|
17,111 |
|
|
|
18,140 |
|
|
|
18,996 |
|
|
|
19,852 |
|
$4.00 |
|
|
19,002 |
|
|
|
19,346 |
|
|
|
19,859 |
|
|
|
20,544 |
|
|
|
21,571 |
|
|
|
22,427 |
|
|
|
23,285 |
|
$5.00 |
|
|
25,865 |
|
|
|
26,208 |
|
|
|
26,725 |
|
|
|
27,412 |
|
|
|
28,442 |
|
|
|
29,300 |
|
|
|
30,155 |
|
$6.00 |
|
|
32,740 |
|
|
|
33,083 |
|
|
|
33,597 |
|
|
|
34,280 |
|
|
|
35,305 |
|
|
|
36,158 |
|
|
|
37,014 |
|
6
Resources continuing to increase at Oyu Tolgoi
The IDP-10 is based on updated Reserve and Resource estimates filed on March 31, 2010. Total
resources for the deposits at Oyu Tolgoi now are estimated to contain 1.4 billion tonnes at a
grade of 1.33% copper and 0.47 grams of gold per tonne in the Measured and Indicated category.
These classifications contain an estimated 40.6 billion pounds (18.4 million tonnes) of copper
and 20.9 million ounces of gold providing a total copper equivalent of 49.8 billion pounds
(22.6 million tonnes).
In the Inferred category, Oyu Tolgoi now is estimated to contain an additional 2.4 billion
tonnes at a grade of 0.78% copper and 0.33 grams of gold per tonne. This Inferred Resource
contains:
|
|
|
an estimated 40.6 billion pounds (18.4 million tonnes) of copper, an increase of 2.4
billion pounds (1.1 million tonnes), or 6.2%, since March 2008; |
|
|
|
25.3 million ounces of gold, an increase of 1.1 million ounces, or 4.8%, since March
2008; and |
|
|
|
a copper equivalent of 53.2 billion pounds (24.1 million tonnes), an increase of 3.2
billion pounds (1.5 million tonnes), or 6.4%, since March 2008. |
Significantly, the revised estimate of mineral reserves adds underground reserves of 437 million
tonnes. The revised estimate also extends the reserves in the proposed open-pit mine to 955
million tonnes, an increase of 2.6% since February 2006.
Total Oyu Tolgoi Project Mineral Resources based on the
March 31, 2010(1)(2) Technical Report
(based on a 0.60% copper equivalent (CuEq) cut-off)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contained Metal(4) |
|
Resource |
|
|
|
|
|
Cu |
|
|
Au |
|
|
Mo |
|
|
CuEq(3) |
|
|
Cu |
|
|
Au |
|
|
CuEq(3) |
|
Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
|
(%) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(ppm) |
|
|
(%) |
|
|
(000 lbs) |
|
|
(ounces) |
|
|
(000 lbs) |
|
Measured |
|
|
101,590,000 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.34 |
|
|
|
1,430,000 |
|
|
|
3,590,000 |
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
1,285,840,000 |
|
|
|
1.38 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
39,120,000 |
|
|
|
17,360,000 |
|
|
|
46,770,000 |
|
Measured + Indicated |
|
|
1,387,430,000 |
|
|
|
1.33 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.63 |
|
|
|
40,680,000 |
|
|
|
20,970,000 |
|
|
|
49,860,000 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
2,367,130,000 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
0.33 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
1.02 |
|
|
|
40,610,000 |
|
|
|
25,390,000 |
|
|
|
53,280,000 |
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(1) |
|
Resource classifications conform to CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves
referred to in National Instrument 43-101. Mineral Resources that are not Reserves do not
have demonstrated economic viability. Measured and Indicated Resources are that part of a
mineral resource for which quantity and grade can be estimated with a level of confidence
sufficient to allow the application of technical and economic parameters to support mine
planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the project. An Inferred Resource is
that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade can be estimated on the basis
of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified,
geological and grade continuity. |
|
(2) |
|
This table includes estimated resources on the Hugo North Extension Deposit and the
Heruga Deposit. These deposits are located on mineral licences owned by Entrée but subject
to the Entrée Joint Venture. These resources consist of indicated resources of 117,000,000
tonnes grading 1.8% copper and 0.61 g/t gold and Inferred Resources of 910,000,000 tonnes
grading 0.48%
copper and 0.49 g/t gold and a 141ppm molybdenum at a 0.6% cut-off grade on the combined
Hugo North Extension and Heruga Deposits. |
|
(3) |
|
CuEq has been calculated using assumed metal prices ($1.35/lb. for copper and $650/oz
for gold and $10/lb for molybdenum); %CuEq. = Cu+((Au*18.98)+(Mo*0.01586))/29.76. Mo
grades outside of Heruga are assumed to be zero for CuEq calculations. The equivalence
formula was calculated assuming that gold and molybdenum recovery was 91% and copper
recovery was 72%. |
|
(4) |
|
The contained gold and copper represent estimated contained metal in the ground and
have not been adjusted for the metallurgical recoveries of gold and copper. Differences in
measured and indicated totals relate to rounding associated with tonnes and grade. |
7
The estimates were based on 3-D block models utilizing commercial mine planning software
(MineSite®). Industry-accepted methods were used to create interpolation domains; these domains
were based upon mineralization and geology. Grade estimation was performed by ordinary kriging. A
separate resource model was prepared for each of the deposits. Only hypogene mineralization was
estimated, with the exception of a zone of supergene mineralization at Central Oyu. The estimation
plans, or sets of parameters used for estimating blocks, were designed using a philosophy of
restricting the number of samples for local estimation, as it was found to be an effective method
of reducing smoothing and producing estimates that match the Discrete Gaussian change-of-support
model and ultimately the actual recovered grade-tonnage distributions.
Modelling consisted of grade interpolation by ordinary kriging. Only capped grades were
interpolated in the Southern Oyu and Hugo South deposits. Nearest neighbour grades were
interpolated for validation purposes. For copper and gold, on all deposits except Hugo South, an
outlier restriction was used to control the effect of high-grade composites. In the Southern Oyu
deposits, resource grades also were adjusted to reflect likely occurrences of internal and contact
dilution from unmineralized post-mineral dykes. Validation procedures included Discrete Gaussian
change-of-support method, comparisons using a nearest neighbour model and visual checks.
The base case copper-equivalent cut-off grade assumptions for each deposit were determined using
cut-off grades applicable to mining operations exploiting similar deposits.
Common start-up plan creates base for two development scenarios
As studied in the IDP-10, both the Reserve Case and the alternative Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case
share the same underlying plan for the construction and operation of an initial concentrator
facility that would process 100,000 tonnes of ore per day (36.5 million tonnes per year). By the
end of the fifth year of operation, the concentrator would be expanded to a capacity of 160,000
tonnes per day (58 million tonnes per year).
Under the common start-up plan, ore initially would be sourced from the open-pit mine on the
Southern Oyu deposits while the adjacent, higher-grade underground mine on the Hugo Dummett Deposit
is developed toward full production of 85,000 tonnes per day. The expansion would be timed to
provide for the processing of ore to be mined from underground, as well as the open pit, when
operations reach full capacity. The initial infrastructure to be constructed to support the mining
also is common to both cases.
All the Proven and Probable ore included in the Reserve Case would be from mineral resources
classified as Measured and Indicated, which would be mined from the open pit on the Southern Oyu
deposits and the first lift of the underground block cave on the Hugo North Deposit.
Expanding on the Reserve Case, the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case is based on the addition of
Inferred Resources from the proposed second lift of the Hugo North block cave, as well as Inferred
Resources from additional block caves at the Hugo South and Heruga deposits. This expanded
development plan would create a much larger resource base for mining. The study of this case shows
the possible development plan for all of the currently identified future mining areas at Oyu
Tolgoi and the significant, long-life potential of the entire mineral resource at Oyu Tolgoi.
Although our focus is on the design, construction and commissioning of Oyu Tolgoi in line with the
Reserve Case, the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case represents the ultimate realization of the inherent
value of Oyu Tolgois resources, Mr. Macken said.
8
The economic analysis of the Reserve and Life-of-Mine cases used a price assumption of
US$2.00/lb. for copper and US$850/oz. for gold at a discount rate of 8%. The basis of the
operational framework of the mine used in the analysis is current Mongolian legislation and
also the terms of the October 2009 Investment Agreement between Ivanhoe Mines, its strategic
partner, Rio Tinto, and the Government of Mongolia.
Additional features of the IDP-10
|
|
|
Mining of the open pit on the Southern Oyu deposits and the first lift of the underground
block cave on the Hugo North Deposit is confirmed as the foundation for long-term development
plans. |
|
|
|
Total cash costs are estimated at US$0.45 per pound of payable copper produced, after gold
credits, over the first 10 years (using a gold price of US$850/oz.). Total cash costs are
conservatively defined to include minesite costs and all treatment, refining, transport and
royalty costs arising from product sales. |
|
|
|
Cash costs for the Life-of-Mine Sensitivity Case, after gold credits, will be $0.73/lb. |
|
|
|
The initial capital cost required to achieve first production from the open-pit mine on
the Southern Oyu deposits is forecast at US$4.6 billion. This amount includes $1.1 billion to
be spent advancing underground development at the Hugo North Deposit in preparation for the
start of block-cave mining. |
|
|
|
Alternative production options indicate that flexibility with mine development could
further enhance value and possibly support additional production expansions to 265,000 tonnes
per day which would make production at the Oyu Tolgoi complex among the largest in the
global mining industry. Economic analysis for these scenarios has not been undertaken and
thus the feasibility is uncertain. |
Summary of key results of the 2010 IDP
Economic results have been generated using metal prices of US$2.00/lb. copper and US$850/oz. gold.
Under these assumptions, capital expansion programs would be funded from mine operations.
Detailed baseline capital estimates originally were prepared for plant and infrastructure in Q4
2007. These estimates have been trended for the IDP-10 up to December 2009, with reference to scope
changes and to changes in the underlying escalation indices in the United States, Mongolia and
China.
No provision has been made for escalation during construction. All other anticipated pre production
cash costs of Oyu Tolgoi LLC have been classified as capital for the purposes of IDP10, including
the prepayment of taxes to the Government of Mongolia required under the terms of the Investment
Agreement.
Capital and project-schedule assumptions will continue to be updated during initial construction
activities as project financing discussions progress.
International team of industry experts helped produce IDP-10
The preparation of the IDP-10 was led by AMEC Minproc, of Adelaide, Australia, with supporting
input from the following prominent international engineering consultants and professional services
advisory firms:
|
|
Quantitative Geoscience Pty. Ltd. (Quantitative Group), Perth, Australia. |
|
|
|
Stantec Engineering (formerly McIntosh), Tempe, Arizona, USA. |
|
|
|
Rio Tinto Technology and Innovation, Melbourne, Australia. |
|
|
|
Golder Associates, Vancouver, Canada. |
9
|
|
SRK Consulting, Vancouver, Canada. |
|
|
|
Ernst & Young LLP, Toronto, Canada. |
|
|
|
Fluor Corporation, Irving, Texas, USA. |
|
|
|
AMEC Americas Limited, Vancouver, Canada. |
|
|
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, Lakefield, Canada. |
|
|
|
MinnovEx Technologies Inc., Toronto, Canada. |
|
|
|
Klohn Crippen Berger Inc., Vancouver, Canada. |
|
|
|
Knight Piesold Pty. Limited, Perth, Australia. |
|
|
|
Aquaterra Consulting Pty. Ltd., Perth, Australia. |
|
|
|
Eco-Trade Co. Ltd., Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. |
|
|
|
The Mongolian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. |
|
|
|
Sustainability Pty. Ltd., Perth, Australia. |
|
|
|
Teshmont LP Consultants, Winnipeg, Canada. |
|
|
|
AMMTEC Pty. Limited, Perth, Australia. |
Next steps in the development of Oyu Tolgoi
On October 6, 2009, Ivanhoe Mines, Rio Tinto and the Government of Mongolia signed a long-term
Investment Agreement for the construction and operation of the Oyu Tolgoi Mine. The Investment
Agreement established terms for bringing the Government of Mongolia into the project as a 34%
shareholder and also established the long-term, stable, fiscal and legal environment that
Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto required before committing to the construction and production
phases of the projects development.
In late 2009, the joint Ivanhoe Mines-Rio Tinto Oyu Tolgoi Technical Committee conditionally
approved a $758 million budget for 2010 to begin full-scale construction of Oyu Tolgoi. The budget
for 2010 contains Ivanhoe Mines repurchase from Rio Tinto of major items of mining and milling
equipment completed in March 2010 at a value of $195.4 million. The equipment includes principal
components for the 100,000-tonne-per-day Oyu Tolgoi phase-one copper-gold concentrator, including
two large, 38-foot-diameter, semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mills, four ball mills, re-grind mills,
crushers, motors, gearless drives, conveyors and flotation cells. Also included is the hoist and
major components for the sinking of Shaft #2 the 10-metre-diameter, main production shaft for
the underground block-cave mine at the Hugo North Deposit.
The 2010 budget provides for an early start on a site-wide development program.
Work in 2010 is planned to include:
|
|
|
Resumption of the sinking of the 10-metre-diameter Shaft #2, which will be used to hoist
ore to the surface from the deep, underground, copper-gold-rich Hugo Dummett Deposit. |
|
|
|
|
A start on construction of a 97-metre-tall (approximately 31-storey),
reinforced-concrete headframe for Shaft #2. |
|
|
|
|
Pouring the concrete foundation for the 100,000-tonne-per-day concentrator and
deliveries of building materials for the concentrator and infrastructure. |
|
|
|
|
Installation of a 20-megawatt power station and 35-kilovolt distribution system. |
|
|
|
|
Initial earthworks for the open-pit mine at the Southern Oyu deposits. |
|
|
|
|
Continuation of lateral underground development off Shaft #1 at the Hugo Dummett
Deposit. |
10
|
|
|
A start on construction of a 105-kilometre highway link to the Mongolia-China border,
which will be fully paved by the time production begins. |
|
|
|
|
A start on construction of a regional airport, with a concrete runway to accommodate
Boeing 737-sized aircraft. |
Ivanhoe Mines advancing project financing plan
Ivanhoe Mines is advancing its financing plan for the project. Ivanhoes consolidated cash position
at March 31, 2010 was approximately US$1.32 billion, of which US$590 million is solely available
for use by Ivanhoe Mines. This amount, combined with the future proceeds from the expected exercise
by Rio Tinto of its Ivanhoe warrants valued at a total of approximately US$1.2 billion, will
provide the foundation for the funding of the Oyu Tolgoi Project.
In January 2010, Ivanhoe Mines appointed New York-based leading global investment banking firm Citi
and independent mining-sector specialist Hatch Corporate Finance, of London, England, to evaluate
and advise the company on a range of strategic options to further enhance shareholder value.
Citi and Hatch are assisting Ivanhoes management to evaluate a range of options that include, but
are not limited to, potential debt/equity offerings, a credit facility, the sale of subsidiaries,
equity investments, project financing and/or various corporate transactions.
Citi specializes in providing tailored, strategic advisory services on M&A transactions and
capital-raising activities, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, financial
restructurings, underwriting and distributing equity, debt and derivative securities. Hatch
Corporate Finance, a leading, independent corporate finance adviser focused exclusively on the
global metals and mining sectors, specializes in providing tailored advice in M&A transactions
(acquisitions, divestitures, mergers and joint ventures), capital markets activities and debt
advisory services.
Commitment to sustainable communities and best-practice environmental management
Oyu Tolgoi seeks to work in partnership with communities and leaders to ensure that demonstrable
sustainable benefits from the Oyu Tolgoi business reach Mongolians in the South Gobi region and
nationally. These partnerships are driven by strategies and plans that align the development
aspirations of the Mongolian government and the people of Mongolia with Oyu Tolgois business
objectives. At the heart of these partnerships are enduring relationships with Mongolian
communities, government, civil society and like-minded international stakeholders based on trust,
openness and the joint pursuit of mutual interests.
Sound environmental practices are key to sustainable communities. Oyu Tolgoi is complying with
internationally accepted standards and policies regarding environmental performance and the
management of socio-economic effects on communities, as described in Ivanhoe Mines Statement of
Values and Responsibilities. The Values Statement declares Ivanhoes support of the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, commitment to best environmental practices, respect for
cultural diversity, support of local businesses, creation of opportunities for skills acquisition
and assurance of safe and healthy working conditions.
11
Present status of work at Oyu Tolgoi
Shaft No. 1 has been completed to a depth of 1,385-metres and is supporting the initial
development program underway for the Hugo North underground mine. The underground lateral
development currently covers a total of approximately 1,700 metres and development rates are
exceeding initial estimates. In addition, surface works for the construction of Shaft No. 2
have been completed.
Site earthworks have been undertaken in preparation for the laying of the concentrator
foundation. An initial 1,800-person construction camp has been built and the construction
warehousing facility was completed in early 2010.
By March 2010, engineering for the copper concentrator facility was 75% complete and
engineering for the required infrastructure was 50% complete.
Key management for construction and operations has been engaged and is in place in Mongolia in
preparation for the start of full-scale construction.
Oyu Tolgoi Project resources
In 2001, Ivanhoe Mines discovered the copper-gold porphyry potential in South Oyu, Southwest
Oyu and Central Oyu now known as the Southern Oyu deposits. In late 2002, Ivanhoe drilled a
hole in the far northern portion of the property, now known as the Hugo Dummett Deposit, to
test a broad, induced-polarization high. More than 800,000 metres of drilling now have been
completed at Oyu Tolgoi, including related exploration on the adjoining joint-venture licences
with Entrée Gold.
In November 2009, Ivanhoe announced the completion of an initial five-month field survey of the
12-kilometre-long chain of deposits at Oyu Tolgoi utilizing the proprietary Zeus
induced-polarization technology. The survey results have helped better define the spatial
extent of the known ore bodies and revealed potential mineralization at depths of up to 3,500
metres. Based on these results, Ivanhoe has begun a new exploration program to drill previously
unexplored areas around the deposits on strike and at depth. Details of the Zeus exploration
are contained in a news release and accompanying investor presentation issued by Ivanhoe Mines
on November 17, 2009 (http://www.ivanhoemines.com/i/pdf/Zeus-update-Nov-18-09.pdf).
12
Measured and Indicated resources at Oyu Tolgoi now total approximately 1.4 billion tonnes at an
average grade of 1.33% copper and 0.47g/t gold, plus an additional 2.4 billion tonnes of Inferred
Resources at an average grade of 0.78% copper and 0.33g/t gold. The estimated mineral reserves, a
sub-set of the resources, total 1.39 billion tonnes.
Oyu Tolgoi mineral resource summary based on the March 31, 2010 Technical Report
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contained Metal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper |
|
|
|
Tonnage |
|
|
Copper |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Equiv. |
|
|
Copper |
|
|
Gold |
|
|
Equiv. |
|
Deposit |
|
(t) |
|
|
(%) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(%) |
|
|
(000 lb) |
|
|
(oz) |
|
|
(000 lb) |
|
Southern
Oyu Deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured |
|
|
101 590 000 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
1.34 |
|
|
|
1 430 000 |
|
|
|
3 590 000 |
|
|
|
3 000 000 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
465 640 000 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
0.43 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
|
|
|
6 360 000 |
|
|
|
6 440 000 |
|
|
|
9 140 000 |
|
Measured + Indicated |
|
|
567 230 000 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
0.97 |
|
|
|
7 750 000 |
|
|
|
10 030 000 |
|
|
|
12 130 000 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
88 500 000 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.41 |
|
|
|
0.73 |
|
|
|
920 000 |
|
|
|
1 170 000 |
|
|
|
1 420 000 |
|
Hugo Dummett Deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indicated
(Hugo North Ivanhoe) |
|
|
703 200 000 |
|
|
|
1.82 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
2.07 |
|
|
|
28 220 000 |
|
|
|
8 820 000 |
|
|
|
32 090 000 |
|
Indicated Shivee Tolgoi
(Hugo North EJV) |
|
|
117 000 000 |
|
|
|
1.80 |
|
|
|
0.61 |
|
|
|
2.19 |
|
|
|
4 640 000 |
|
|
|
2 290 000 |
|
|
|
5 650 000 |
|
Indicated
(All Hugo North) |
|
|
820 200 000 |
|
|
|
1.82 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
2.08 |
|
|
|
32 910 000 |
|
|
|
11 080 000 |
|
|
|
37 610 000 |
|
Inferred
(Hugo North Ivanhoe) |
|
|
722 800 000 |
|
|
|
0.97 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
1.17 |
|
|
|
15 460 000 |
|
|
|
6 970 000 |
|
|
|
18 640 000 |
|
Inferred Shivee Tolgoi
(Hugo North EJV) |
|
|
95 500 000 |
|
|
|
1.15 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
1.35 |
|
|
|
2 420 000 |
|
|
|
950 000 |
|
|
|
2 840 000 |
|
Inferred
(All Hugo North) |
|
|
818 300 000 |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
1.19 |
|
|
|
18 040 000 |
|
|
|
7 890 000 |
|
|
|
21 470 000 |
|
Inferred
(Hugo South) |
|
|
490 330 000 |
|
|
|
1.05 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
1.11 |
|
|
|
11 350 000 |
|
|
|
1 420 000 |
|
|
|
12 000 000 |
|
Inferred
(Hugo North and South) |
|
|
1 308 630 000 |
|
|
|
1.02 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
1.16 |
|
|
|
29 430 000 |
|
|
|
9 260 000 |
|
|
|
33 470 000 |
|
Heruga Deposit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heruga Javkhlant EJV |
|
|
910 000 000 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.49 |
|
|
|
0.87 |
|
|
|
9 570 000 |
|
|
|
14 300 000 |
|
|
|
17 390 000 |
|
Heruga Ivanhoe |
|
|
60 000 000 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
670 000 |
|
|
|
700 000 |
|
|
|
1 090 000 |
|
Inferred
(All Heruga) |
|
|
970 000 000 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.86 |
|
|
|
10 240 000 |
|
|
|
15 000 000 |
|
|
|
18 480 000 |
|
Oyu Tolgoi
Project Grand Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured |
|
|
101 590 000 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
1.34 |
|
|
|
1 430 000 |
|
|
|
3 590 000 |
|
|
|
3 000 000 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
1 285 840 000 |
|
|
|
1.38 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
39 120 000 |
|
|
|
17 360 000 |
|
|
|
46 770 000 |
|
Measured + Indicated |
|
|
1 387 430 000 |
|
|
|
1.33 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
1.63 |
|
|
|
40 680 000 |
|
|
|
20 970 000 |
|
|
|
49 860 000 |
|
Inferred |
|
|
2 367 130 000 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
0.33 |
|
|
|
1.02 |
|
|
|
40 610 000 |
|
|
|
25 390 000 |
|
|
|
53 280 000 |
|
Notes:
|
|
|
1. |
|
The contained gold and copper estimates in the tables have not been adjusted for
metallurgical recoveries. |
|
2. |
|
The 0.6% CuEq cut-off has been used to enable comparison with previous disclosures. |
|
3. |
|
The mineral reserves are not additive to the mineral resources. |
|
4. |
|
CuEq was calculated using the following formula: CuEq = %Cu + (g/t Au*11.25)/17.64. |
|
5. |
|
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. |
|
6. |
|
EJV is the Entrée Gold Joint Venture. Ivanhoe Mines rights in the Shivee Tolgoi and
Javkhlant mining licences are included in the Contract Area covered by the Oyu Tolgoi
Investment Agreement. Activities in the
Contract Area will be the responsibility of Oyu Tolgoi LLC, which will receive 70-80% of cash
flows from the EJV licences after capital and operating costs. |
13
Total Oyu Tolgoi Project Mineral Reserve, May 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recovered Metal |
|
|
|
Ore |
|
|
NSR |
|
|
Cu |
|
|
Au |
|
|
Copper |
|
|
Gold |
|
Deposit |
|
(Mt) |
|
|
($/t) |
|
|
(%) |
|
|
(g/t) |
|
|
(Mlb) |
|
|
(koz) |
|
Southern Oyu Deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proven |
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
21.38 |
|
|
|
0.58 |
|
|
|
0.93 |
|
|
|
1 399 |
|
|
|
2 994 |
|
Probable |
|
|
828 |
|
|
|
10.81 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
6 980 |
|
|
|
5 229 |
|
Mineral Reserve
(Proven + Probable) |
|
|
955 |
|
|
|
12.21 |
|
|
|
0.49 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
8 380 |
|
|
|
8 223 |
|
Hugo Dummett Deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probable
(Hugo North Ivanhoe) |
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
51.12 |
|
|
|
1.90 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
|
|
15 823 |
|
|
|
4 368 |
|
Probable
(Hugo North EJV Shivee Tolgoi) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
55.57 |
|
|
|
1.85 |
|
|
|
0.72 |
|
|
|
1 032 |
|
|
|
531 |
|
Mineral Reserve (Probable)
(All Hugo North) |
|
|
437 |
|
|
|
51.40 |
|
|
|
1.90 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
16 855 |
|
|
|
4 899 |
|
Oyu Tolgoi Project Mineral Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proven |
|
|
127 |
|
|
|
21.38 |
|
|
|
0.58 |
|
|
|
0.93 |
|
|
|
1 399 |
|
|
|
2 994 |
|
Probable |
|
|
1 266 |
|
|
|
24.84 |
|
|
|
0.97 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
23 835 |
|
|
|
10 127 |
|
Mineral Reserve
(Proven + Probable) |
|
|
1 393 |
|
|
|
24.52 |
|
|
|
0.93 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
25 234 |
|
|
|
13 121 |
|
Notes:
|
|
|
1. |
|
Metal prices used for calculating the Southern Oyu Open Pit NSR are copper $1.30/lb., gold
$500/oz., and silver $9.50/oz., based on long-term metal price forecasts at the beginning of
the mineral reserve work. The analysis indicates that the reserve is still valid at these
metal prices. |
|
2. |
|
Metal prices used for calculating the Hugo North Underground NSR are copper $1.50/lb., gold
$640/oz. and silver $10.50/oz., based on long-term metal price forecasts at the beginning of
the mineral reserve work. The analysis indicates that the reserve is still valid at these
metal prices. |
|
3. |
|
The base case financial analysis has been prepared using current long term metal price
estimates of copper $2.00/lb., gold $850/oz. and silver $13.50/oz. |
|
4. |
|
For the open pit, the processing and general administration operating costs that have been
used to determine cut-off grades are: Southwest and Central Chalcopyrite $3.88/t, Central
Chalcocite and Central Covellite $3.41/t. |
|
5. |
|
The NSR has been calculated with assumptions for smelter refining and treatment charges,
deductions and payment terms, concentrate transport, metallurgical recoveries and royalties. |
|
6. |
|
For the underground block cave, all material within the shell has been converted to mineral
reserve. This includes inferred material with zero grade that has been treated as dilution. |
|
7. |
|
Only measured resources were used to report proven reserves and only indicated resources were
used to report probable reserves. |
|
8. |
|
EJV is the Entrée Gold Joint Venture. Ivanhoe Mines rights in the Shivee Tolgoi and
Javkhlant mining licences are included in the Contract Area covered by the Oyu Tolgoi
Investment Agreement. Activities in the Contract Area will be the responsibility of Oyu Tolgoi
LLC, which will receive 70-80% of cash flows from the EJV licences after capital and operating
costs. |
|
9. |
|
The mineral reserves are not additive to the mineral resources. |
14
43-101F1 Technical Report
The IDP-10 is a technical report compliant with Canadas 43-101F1 reporting standards. Details
surrounding the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resources
and reserves surrounding the resource and reserve estimate, as well as information relating to
the QPs data verification procedures, are found in the 43-101F1 Technical Report for the Oyu
Tolgoi Project, a copy of which will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days and available at
www.sedar.com and on Ivanhoes website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
Details of Conference Call to discuss IDP-10
Ivanhoe Mines will host a telephone conference call and webcast on Tuesday, May 11, at 5 p.m.
Eastern Time (2 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss the new Integrated Development Plan. A portion of the
conference call will follow a series of presentation slides containing details of the development
plan, which will be posted on the Ivanhoe Mines home page at www.ivanhoemines.com and available
ahead of the conference call.
The conference call may be accessed by dialling 1-877-240-9772 in Canada and the United States, or
1-416-340-8527 in the Toronto area and internationally. An operator will register participants. A
simultaneous webcast of the conference call will be provided through www.ivanhoemines.com. The
conference call will be archived for later playback until May 25 and may be accessed by dialling
1-800-408-3053 or 1-416-695-5800 and entering the pass code 1833536.
Ivanhoe shares are listed on the Toronto, New York and NASDAQ stock exchanges under the symbol
IVN.
Preparation of IDP and Qualified Persons
The IDP-10 was prepared under the supervision of AMEC Minproc Limited. Bernard Peters, as Oyu
Tolgoi Study Director for AMEC Minproc Limited and Qualified Person as defined in National
Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this news release.
The Qualified Persons and their areas of responsibility in relation to this news release are:
|
|
Bernard Peters, B.Eng. (Mining), M. AusIMM (201743), employed by AMEC Minproc Limited as
Principal Mining Consultant, was responsible for the overall preparation of the report and, in
particular, the open-pit mineral reserve estimate of the Technical Report. |
|
|
|
Scott Jackson, B.Sc. (Hons), CFSG, M. AusIMM (201735), employed by Quantitative Geoscience
Pty. Ltd. (trading as Quantitative Group and QG) as Principal Consultant, was responsible
for preparation of the Mineral Resources. |
|
|
|
John Vann, B.App.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc., F.Aus.I.M.M. (103352), F.A.I.G., M.S.E.G,
employed by Quantitative Geoscience Pty. Ltd. (trading as Quantitative Group and QG) as
Principal Consultant, was responsible for preparation of the Mineral Resources. |
|
|
|
Albert Chance, B.App.Sc., Association of Professional Engineers of the Province of British
Columbia (no. 16370), an employee of Golder Associates Ltd., was responsible for preparation
of the subsection on Open Pit Mine Geotechnical. |
15
|
|
George R Stephan, E.M. (Engineer of Mines), MBA, Qualified Professional Member Mining and
Metallurgical Society of America an employee of Stantec Mining (formerly McIntosh
Engineering), was responsible for the underground mineral reserve estimate of the Technical
Report. |
|
|
|
Jarek Jakubec, C.Eng., an employee of SRK Consulting Inc., was responsible for preparation
of the subsection on Underground Mine Geotechnical Sections |
|
|
|
Dean David, B.App.Sc. (Metallurgy), AusIMM.(102351), employed by AMEC Minproc Limited as
Process Consultant, was responsible for preparation of the Processing Sections. |
|
|
|
Bruce Brown, PE.PhD., employed by Rio Tinto Technology and Innovation as Principal Advisor
Water, Waste and Tailings, was responsible for preparation of the Tailings Storage Facility
Sections. |
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
John Vann, Principal and Director, and Scott Jackson, Principal and Director of Quantitative Group,
of Perth, Australia, performed an independent audit at the Oyu Tolgoi site on Ivanhoes exploration
practices and resource estimation parameters and found them to be in line with industry best
practices.
SGS Mongolia LLC prepares the split core at the project site and assays all samples at its facility
in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Ivanhoes QA/QC program is monitored by independent consultant Dr. Barry
Smee, P.Geo., and managed on site by Dale Sketchley, M.Sc., P.Geo. In-house, matrix-matched
copper-gold-molybdenum standards and blanks are inserted at the sample preparation lab on the
project site to monitor the quality control of the assay data.
Information contacts in North America
Investors: Bill Trenaman: +1.604.688.5755 / Media: Bob Williamson: +1.604.688.5755
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements made herein, including statements relating to matters that are not historical
facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and
events which will or may occur in the future, constitute forward-looking information within the
meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Forward-looking information and statements are typically identified by words such as
anticipate, could, should, expect, seek, may, intend, likely, plan, estimate,
will believe and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an
outlook. These include, but are not limited to, Oyu Tolgoi becoming one of the Worlds largest
copper and gold producers; timing for first production; expansion of processing plant from 36.5
mtpy to 58 mtpy by the sixth year; expected payback period of capital; mine life under the reserve
and Life-of-Mine (Sensitivity) Case and the anticipated yearly production, including average annual
production; peak single year production; the ability of the mine development to support an
expansion to 265,000 tonnes per day; anticipated production and financial results; launching the
Oyu Tolgoi Training and Development Strategy; Rio Tintos exercise of its Ivanhoe Warrants; the
ability to fund the remaining funding requirements for the project through debt; statements
respecting anticipated business activities; planned expenditures; corporate strategies; proposed
acquisitions and dispositions of assets; discussions with third parties respecting material
agreements; the expected timing and outcome of the fulfillment of conditions precedent for an
Investment Agreement in respect of the Oyu Tolgoi Project; the timing of commencement of full
construction of the Oyu Tolgoi Project; the estimated timing and cost of bringing the Oyu Tolgoi
Project into commercial production; anticipated future production and cash flows; target milling
rates; the ability of the partners to arrange financing for construction of the Oyu Tolgoi Project;
the impact of amendments to the laws of Mongolia and other countries in which IVN carries on
business; the potential of plans to make non-core projects self-funding; and other statements that
are not historical facts.
16
All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses
made by Ivanhoe Mines management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends,
current conditions and
expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the
circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and
other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected
in the forward-looking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results
to differ from these forward-looking statements include those described under the heading Risks
and Uncertainties elsewhere in the Companys MD&A filed on Sedar. The reader is cautioned not to
place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements.
The release also contains references to estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources. The
estimation of reserves and resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments
about many relevant factors. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and
quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and
geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable. There can be no assurance that these
estimates will be accurate or that such mineral reserves and mineral resources can be mined or
processed profitably. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated
economic viability. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume the obligation to revise
or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to
reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.
17
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
IVANHOE MINES LTD.
|
|
Date: May 11, 2010 |
By: |
/s/ Beverly A. Bartlett
|
|
|
|
BEVERLY A. BARTLETT |
|
|
|
Vice President &
Corporate Secretary |
|