Ivanhoe Mines Announces Financial Results and Review of Operations for the Third Quarter of 2009
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SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, Nov 13 (MARKET WIRE) --
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSX: IVN)(NYSE: IVN)(NASDAQ: IVN) today announced its
results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. All figures are in US
dollars, unless otherwise stated.
HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE QUARTER AND SUBSEQUENT WEEKS
- On October 6, Ivanhoe Mines and its strategic partner, Rio Tinto,
joined with the Government of Mongolia in a state ceremony for the
signing of an Investment Agreement for the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold
project. The Investment Agreement establishes a stable legal, fiscal and
regulatory environment for the construction and operation of the Oyu
Tolgoi mining complex.
- On October 27, Ivanhoe received $388 million from Rio Tinto, increasing
Rio Tinto's equity ownership in Ivanhoe Mines to 19.7%. The additional
funds will be used to help build and commission the open-pit mine and to
advance development of the underground block-cave mine at Ivanhoe's Oyu
Tolgoi copper-gold project in Mongolia.
- Exploration work continued at Oyu Tolgoi utilizing proprietary,
deep-probing Zeus(TM) induced polarization (IP) survey technology on the
first 12-kilometre section of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mineralized
trend. The IP anomalies outlining the deposits have been dramatically
extended and there is important potential to significantly increase Oyu
Tolgoi's current gold and copper resources through expanded drilling
programs. The company expects to release initial Zeus survey results in
the near future.
- On October 26, Ivanhoe's 79%-owned subsidiary, SouthGobi Energy
Resources (TSX VENTURE: SGQ), entered into a financing agreement with a
wholly-owned subsidiary of China Investment Corporation for $500 million
in the form of a secured, convertible debenture. The funds primarily will
support an accelerated coal expansion program in Mongolia. SouthGobi
reported coal sales in Q3'09 of approximately 457,000 tonnes from its
Ovoot Tolgoi mine in southern Mongolia.
- In November, Ivanhoe Mines' 83%-owned subsidiary, Ivanhoe Australia
(ASX: IVA), received its initial, independent NI 43-101 resource estimate
for its Merlin Project in northwestern Queensland.
- The Oyu Tolgoi Project's Integrated Development Plan (IDP-09) is being
updated based on the terms of the signed Investment Agreement. The IDP-09
is being prepared for Ivanhoe Mines by several of the world's foremost
engineering, mining and environmental consultants, led by GRD Minproc and
including Stantec (formerly McIntosh) Engineering.
- In Q3'09, Ivanhoe Mines expensed $43.5 million in exploration and
development activities, compared with $59.7 million in Q3'08. In Q3'09,
Ivanhoe Mines' exploration activities were largely focused in Mongolia
and Australia.
MONGOLIA: OYU TOLGOI COPPER-GOLD PROJECT
Rio Tinto increased its interest in Ivanhoe Mines to 19.7%
On October 27, 2009, Rio Tinto completed Tranche 2 of its private
placement financing as part of the strategic partnership announced
between the companies in October 2006. Tranche 2 consisted of 46,304,473
Ivanhoe Mines shares at $8.38 per share, for proceeds to Ivanhoe Mines of
$388 million. The financing increased Rio Tinto's equity ownership in
Ivanhoe Mines from 9.9% to 19.7%.
The proceeds of $388 million will be used to help build and commission
the open-pit mine at Oyu Tolgoi and to advance development of the
underground block-cave mine.
Under the current agreement with Ivanhoe Mines, Rio Tinto has rights to
subscribe for common shares from Ivanhoe Mines' representing up to 43.1%
of Ivanhoe Mines and, during the next two years, Rio Tinto may increase
this stake to a maximum of 46.6% through purchases on the open market.
Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto signed long-term Investment Agreement with
the Mongolian Government to build and operate Oyu Tolgoi
On October 6, 2009, Ivanhoe Mines, with its subsidiary, Ivanhoe Mines
Mongolia Inc. LLC (IMMI), and Rio Tinto, signed the long-awaited
Investment Agreement with the Government of Mongolia, establishing a
long-term, comprehensive framework for maintaining a stable tax and
operating environment for the construction and operation of the Oyu
Tolgoi copper-gold mining complex in Mongolia's South Gobi Region. The
signing, at a state ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, was attended by invited
guests and dignitaries, including the President, the Prime Minister, the
Speaker of Mongolia's Parliament (the State Great Khural), Cabinet
members, members of Parliament and representatives of the international
diplomatic and business communities. The ceremony culminated nine years
of exploration successes that have established Oyu Tolgoi as one of the
world's largest, undeveloped copper-gold porphyry projects, and nearly
six years of negotiations with the Government of Mongolia for an
Investment Agreement.
The agreement created a partnership between the Mongolian Government -
which will acquire a 34% interest in Oyu Tolgoi's licence holder, IMMI -
and Ivanhoe Mines, which will retain a controlling 66% interest in IMMI.
Provisions of the Investment Agreement include protection of the parties'
investments in the Oyu Tolgoi Project, the amount and term of the
parties' investments in the Oyu Tolgoi Project, the right to realize the
benefits of such investments, the conduct of mining with minimum
environmental impact and progressive rehabilitation, the social and
economic development of the South Gobi Region and the creation of
thousands of new jobs in Mongolia.
The Mongolian Parliament, through a special resolution approved on July
16, 2009, authorized the Government to finalize the Agreement. As
mandated by the resolution, the terms of the Investment Agreement were
consistent with or authorized under current laws and regulations
applicable in Mongolia. The draft agreement was accepted by the
Government's Cabinet and Mongolia's National Security Council -
consisting of the Prime Minister, the President and Speaker of the State
Great Khural.
Four Mongolian laws were changed to clear the way for an Oyu Tolgoi
Investment Agreement. On August 25, the Mongolian Parliament approved
amendments to the laws, including the insertion of a sunset provision to
cancel the 68% windfall profits tax on copper and gold effective January
1, 2011.
A 50-year assurance of stability
Given the extent of the discoveries associated with the Oyu Tolgoi
Project and the potential for additional discoveries, Ivanhoe Mines and
the Government of Mongolia agreed that the Investment Agreement should
conform with the provision of Mongolia's current Minerals Law specifying
that certain deposits of strategic importance qualify for 30 years of
stabilized tax rates and regulatory provisions, with an option of
extending the term of the Investment Agreement for an additional 20 years.
Major taxes and rates stabilized for the life of the agreement include:
corporate income tax; customs duty; value-added tax; excise tax;
royalties; exploration and mining licences; and immovable property and/or
real estate tax.
IMMI will receive a 10% investment tax credit on all capital expenditures
and investments made throughout the initial Oyu Tolgoi construction
period. Any future taxes introduced will not be imposed on the project
unless future legislation is more favourable, in which case Ivanhoe Mines
may request the more favourable treatment. If Mongolia enters a tax or
bilateral treaty that provides greater benefits to the investor, Ivanhoe
Mines may request the benefit of such law, regulation or treaty to help
ensure that a stable taxation and operating environment is maintained.
Mongolia will join Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto as a partner in Oyu Tolgoi
Mongolia's state-owned company, Erdenes MGL LLC, will acquire a 34%
interest in the Oyu Tolgoi Project within 14 days of the Investment
Agreement taking effect - after the conditions precedent contained in the
Investment Agreement have been satisfied.
Provisions of the Investment Agreement and Shareholders' Agreement also
include:
- Ivanhoe Mines will arrange financing for the construction of Oyu Tolgoi
within two years of the Investment Agreement taking effect. Production
must begin within five years of financing being secured.
- Ivanhoe Mines will fund the construction of Oyu Tolgoi through loans
and equity during the construction and initial production periods.
Ivanhoe Mines will receive loan repayments, redemption of the equity,
dividends and interest at a rate of 9.9%, adjusted to the US CPI. Erdenes
will nominate three directors and Ivanhoe will nominate six directors to
the nine-member IMMI board of directors.
- Ivanhoe Mines will nominate the management team that will be
responsible for Oyu Tolgoi's core operations. Management services
payments will be received, based on capital and operating costs, through
the construction period and after production begins.
- The Government will have the option to purchase an additional equity
interest of 16% of IMMI, at an agreed upon fair-market value, one year
after the expiry of the initial 30-year term of the Investment Agreement
and following the start of the permitted 20-year extension. This
additional equity interest would give the government a total maximum
interest of 50% of IMMI for the remainder of the Oyu Tolgoi Project's
operational life. Ivanhoe Mines would continue to hold management rights
over the project and hold a deciding vote at board and shareholder
meetings.
Mongolian Government Treasury Bills purchased by IMMI
On October 6, 2009, IMMI agreed to purchase three Treasury Bills
(T-Bills) from the Government of Mongolia, having an aggregate face value
of $287.5 million, for the aggregate sum of $250 million. The effective
rate of interest on the T-Bills is 3.0%. Each T-Bill will mature on the
fifth anniversary from the date of its respective issuance. - The initial
T-Bill, with a face value of $115 million, was purchased on October 20,
2009. The purchase price was $100 million.
- A second T-Bill, with a face value of $57.5 million, will be purchased
for $50 million within 14 days of the satisfying of all conditions
precedent to the Investment Agreement.
- The final T-Bill, having a face value of $115 million, will be
purchased for $100 million within 14 days of IMMI fully drawing down the
financing necessary to enable the complete construction of the Oyu Tolgoi
Project, or June 30, 2011, whichever date is earlier.
Present status of work at Oyu Tolgoi
The 1,385-metre Shaft No. 1 has been completed at Oyu Tolgoi and is
supporting the initial development program underway for the Hugo North
underground block-cave mine. The underground lateral development
currently covers a total of 1,430 metres, with development rates
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 is nearing
completion.
By mid-October 2009, engineering for the concentrator facility was 73%
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.
Ivanhoe Mines has continued to advance mine planning and engineering. The
Oyu Tolgoi Project's Integrated Development Plan (IDP-09) is being
updated based on the terms of the signed Investment Agreement. IDP-09 is
being prepared for Ivanhoe Mines by several of the world's foremost
engineering, mining and environmental consultants, led by GRD Minproc and
including Stantec (formerly McIntosh) Engineering.
Oyu Tolgoi exploration continued on the area between Southwest Oyu and
Heruga; Zeus(TM) IP survey technology deployed in first full field test
During Q3'09, Ivanhoe Mines completed 2,350 metres of drilling on the Oyu
Tolgoi Project, entirely in the area between the established Southwest
Oyu and Heruga deposits, within Ivanhoe Mines' 100%-owned Oyu Tolgoi
Mining Licence. Two holes were drilled by the one drill rig available.
Drill hole OTD1495 is a vertical hole 1,000 metres northeast of the
previously reported thick intersection in OTD1487A, targeting the same
mineralized zone; it was lost at 1,951 metres in the conglomerate that
overlies the mineralization. A daughter hole, OTD1495A, is a
northeast-oriented wedge off OTD1495, commencing at 1,140 metres. The
hole intersected the top of mineralization at 2,034 metres, and went on
to intersect 280 metres of 0.84% copper to 2,314 metres, followed by a
16-metre unmineralized dyke, then by 47.2 metres of 1.32% copper from
2,330 metres to the end of the hole at 2,377 metres. The hole ended, due
to drilling difficulties, in 1.8% copper mineralization. Hole OTD1487A
completed in December 2008 intersected 369.3 metres grading 0.83 g/t
gold, 0.53% copper, and 64 ppm molybdenum (1.09% copper equivalent). This
hole included an intersection of 78.3 metres grading 2.13 g/t gold, 0.82%
copper and 126 ppm molybdenum (2.24% copper equivalent) between 2258 and
2336.3 metres downhole. The mineralization is rich in bornite and appears
to be very similar to that in the Hugo Dummett Deposit.
In Q2'09, Ivanhoe Mines and GoviEx Gold entered into an agreement to
inaugurate the proprietary Zeus technology at Oyu Tolgoi in an expanded
induced-polarization (IP) survey to test the full extent, on strike and
at depth, of the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mineralized trend. The Zeus
IP transmitter has been designed to increase the effectiveness and
productivity of exploration surveys through improved resolution of
targets and host geology, enabling real-time investigation of mineralized
targets to extended depths. The multiple A-B electrode spacings, up to 20
kilometres wide, allows for a much greater understanding of the deep
mineralization in this area. GoviEx Gold is an Asia-based mineral
exploration company that utilizes proprietary geophysical technology and
expertise to conduct exploration activities at the regional, district and
mine scale.
Using Zeus, the IP anomalies outlining the deposits have been
dramatically extended, indicating important potential to significantly
increase Oyu Tolgoi's current gold and copper resources through expanded
drilling programs. An update on the initial Zeus survey results is
expected to be issued in the near future.
Three rigs, including one underground rig to be set up on the 1300-metre
level near the Hugo North Deposit, are being used in the current drilling
program directed at expanding the the Oyu Tolgoi Project's resources and
reserves.
MONGOLIA: COAL PROJECTS
SOUTHGOBI ENERGY RESOURCES (79% owned)
SouthGobi secured $500 million convertible debenture financing from China
Investment Corporation
On October 26, 2009, SouthGobi announced that it had entered into a
financing agreement with a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Investment
Corporation (CIC) for $500 million in the form of a secured, convertible
debenture bearing interest at 8.0% (6.4% payable in cash and 1.6% payable
in SouthGobi shares, where the number of shares to be issued is
calculated based on the 50-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP), with
a maximum term of 30 years.
The conversion price is set as the lower of C$11.88 or the 50-day VWAP at
the date of conversion, with a floor price of C$8.88 per share. Assuming
full conversion at the base price of C$11.88 and that any conversion
occurs following SouthGobi achieving a 25% public float (on an as
converted for the debenture loan basis), CIC's overall shareholding
interest in SouthGobi would be approximately 22%.
SouthGobi and CIC each have various rights to call conversion of the
debenture into common shares. CIC has the right to convert the debenture,
in whole or in part, into common shares 12 months after the date of
issue. SouthGobi has the right to call for the conversion of up to US$250
million of the debenture on the earlier of 24 months after the issue
date, if the market price of its common shares is greater than C$10.66,
or upon SouthGobi achieving a public float of 25% of its common shares
under certain agreed circumstances. If SouthGobi fully exercises its
conversion right immediately following its achieving a 25% public float
(on an as converted for the debenture loan basis) and assuming conversion
at the C$11.88 base price, CIC's initial shareholding interest in
SouthGobi would be approximately 11%.
After five years from the issuance of the convertible debenture, at any
time that the VWAP of SouthGobi's shares for 50 consecutive business days
is 20% higher than the floor price of C$8.88, SouthGobi can convert any
remaining outstanding portion of the convertible debenture into SouthGobi
shares at the conversion price, which is set as the lower of C$11.88 or
the 50-day VWAP at the date of conversion, with a floor price of C$8.88
per share.
The financing primarily will support the accelerated investment program
in Mongolia and up to $120 million of the financing also may be used for
working capital, repayment of debt due on funding, general and
administrative expense and other general corporate purposes.
Expansion planned for SouthGobi's Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine
SouthGobi is producing and selling coal at its Ovoot Tolgoi Project in
Mongolia's South Gobi Region, 45 kilometres north of Mongolia's border
with China.
During early 2009, SouthGobi and other regional coal exporters
experienced difficulties expediting coal shipments across the
Mongolia-China border due to sporadic openings at the Ceke crossing. In
January 2009, SouthGobi curtailed production to preserve cash and to
manage stockpiles. By the end of Q2'09, operating hours at the border
crossing had increased to 11 hours a day, six days a week, enabling
SouthGobi to increase its coal sales and draw down its coal stockpiles.
With the increasing sales and reductions in its coal inventory, SouthGobi
resumed non-stop mining operations effective July 1, 2009.
In July 2009, Chinese and Mongolian authorities agreed to build a
designated coal transportation corridor at the Shivee Khuren-Ceke border
crossing. This facility is under construction and is expected to be
operational by late 2009. When completed, it will permit coal to be
transported across the border through three corridors that are separate
from non-coal traffic. SouthGobi believes that these improvements to the
border crossing capacity will allow it to continue to substantially
increase the amount of coal it ships into China.
Coal sales in Q3'09 were approximately 457,000 tonnes, an increase from
the Q2'09 coal sales of approximately 384,000 tonnes. SouthGobi
recognized revenue of $11.9 million in Q3'09 at an average realized
selling price of approximately $28 per tonne. The cost of sales was $8.6
million in Q3'09. Total cash costs per tonne of coal sold in Q3'09 were
$13.41, compared with $18.13 for Q2'09. The decrease primarily was due to
SouthGobi resuming full mining operations in Q3'09. Operational costs
were expensed in Q2'09 due to the full mine shutdown and therefore
resulted in higher total cash costs in Q2'09.
In April 2008, SouthGobi purchased a second fleet of coal-mining
equipment that is scheduled to be commissioned in Q4'09. The new
shovel/truck mining fleet consists of a Liebherr 996 hydraulic excavator
with a 34-cubic-metre bucket and four Terex MT4400 218-tonne-capacity
trucks. The new fleet will supplement the existing mine fleet consisting
of a Liebherr 994 hydraulic excavator with a 13.5-cubic-metre bucket and
seven Terex TR100 91-tonne-capacity trucks.
Additional equipment will be required as production at the mine expands,
including larger hydraulic shovels, larger dump trucks, bulldozers and
graders. SouthGobi has entered into an agreement for a third fleet that
will be delivered in mid-2010, with an additional fleet likely to be
ordered for 2011. The larger equipment will increase productivity.
However, SouthGobi will continue to employ the smaller initial fleet in
areas of thinner seams and to supplement the larger equipment. Ovoot
Tolgoi resources updated
On October 12, 2009, SouthGobi completed a pre-feasibility study for the
Ovoot Tolgoi Mine resulting in the identification of Proven and Probable
Mineral Reserves. The independent estimate prepared by Norwest
Corporation (Norwest) calculated 114.1 million tonnes of Proven and
Probable surface coal reserves at July 1, 2009.
SouthGobi also received an updated, independent NI 43-101 resource
estimate for the Ovoot Tolgoi Complex, prepared by Norwest. The Ovoot
Tolgoi surface and underground resources contain Measured plus Indicated
coal resources of 249.8 million tonnes, with an additional Inferred coal
resource of 33.5 million tonnes as at June 1, 2009.
Initial resources reported for Soumber Deposit
The Soumber Deposit is approximately 20 kilometres east of the Ovoot
Tolgoi Mine and approximately 50 kilometres northeast of the Shivee
Khuren-Ceke border crossing.
On October 12, 2009, SouthGobi received an initial, independent NI 43-101
resources estimate for the Soumber Deposit. The Soumber central field
resources consist of Measured coal resources of 13.1 million tonnes,
Indicated coal resources of 8.3 million tonnes and Inferred coal
resources of 55.5 million tonnes. Laboratory data demonstrated that some
coal seams possess the potential of coking-coal characteristics. The
Soumber Deposit has potential to increase coal resources to the east and
to the west, as well as at depth.
Due to its proximity to the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine, the Soumber Deposit likely
will be able to share common infrastructure with the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine.
SouthGobi has initiated mine planning and will submit an application for
a mining licence for development of this project.
AUSTRALIA
IVANHOE AUSTRALIA (83% owned)
Ivanhoe Australia's Merlin molybdenum and rhenium deposit received
initial NI 43-101 Mineral Resource estimate
In November 2009, Ivanhoe Mines received an initial, independent NI
43-101 resource estimate for the high-grade Merlin molybdenum and rhenium
deposit, which comprises part of Ivanhoe Australia's Mt. Dore Project in
the Cloncurry District in northwestern Queensland. The NI 43-101
Technical Report on Mt. Dore (including the Merlin Zone) has been filed
on www.sedar.com.
At a cut-off grade of 0.3% molybdenum, estimated Indicated resources
total 5.2 million tonnes at a grade of 1.0% molybdenum and 16 g/t
rhenium, containing 52,000 tonnes of molybdenum and 83 tonnes of rhenium,
plus additional Inferred resources totalling 3.5 million tonnes at a
grade of 0.8% molybdenum and 14 g/t rhenium, containing 28,000 tonnes of
molybdenum and 49 tonnes of rhenium.
Using a lower cut-off grade of 0.1% molybdenum, estimated Indicated
resources total 10 million tonnes at a grade of 0.6% molybdenum and 10
g/t rhenium, containing 58,000 tonnes of molybdenum and 97 tonnes of
rhenium, plus additional Inferred resources totalling 5.8 million tonnes
at a grade of 0.5% molybdenum and 10 g/t rhenium, containing 29,000
tonnes of molybdenum and 58 tonnes of rhenium.
Preliminary development project studies for Merlin are underway to
evaluate suitable mining and processing alternatives for the Merlin
Project.
KAZAKHSTAN
Drilling underway at Bakyrchik Gold Project
Altynalmas Gold has commenced an initial 33,000-metre deep-level drilling
program at the Bakyrchik Gold Project intended to upgrade the present
mineral resource to provide the basis for future project financing. The
drilling program is expected to be completed by April 2011. In addition,
Altynalmas Gold plans to commence a 6,000-metre, near-surface drilling
program in early 2010 to drill open-pit targets. Following completion of
the drilling program, Altynalmas Gold plans to complete a feasibility
study.
Construction of a 100,000-tonne-per-year rotary kiln (Pilot Roaster)
began in September 2007 and was completed in December 2008. The purpose
of the Pilot Roaster plant is to assess the viability of single-stage
roasting, using a rotary kiln as outlined in the work program approved by
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. On April 18, 2009,
a decision was made to shut down the Pilot Roaster until further
modifications were made to the ore preparation and rotary kiln. The Pilot
Roaster is in the process of being re-commissioned. Given an increased
understanding of the mineralogical characteristics of the Bakyrchik ores,
it remains unlikely that recoveries greater than 60% can be achieved by
single-stage roasting.
Following the completion of laboratory bench-scale and pilot testwork,
the solution to successfully treating Bakyrchik ores appears to be
fluidized-bed roasting involving two stages: a reductive first stage,
followed by an oxidative second stage. Whereas the reductive first stage
volatizes and drives off arsenic, the oxidative stage oxidizes sulphur
and carbon. Altynalmas Gold believes that gold recoveries of 85% to 88%
can be realized in a commercial-scale plant. Following pilot testwork,
the technology is scalable into commercial use. Preliminary design work
has commenced as part of a pre-feasibility study.
EXECUTIVE CHANGES
Andrew Harding, Rio Tinto's new Chief Executive, Copper, was appointed to
Ivanhoe Mines' Board of Directors on November 5, 2009.
Based in London, Mr. Harding provides management oversight to the Copper
Group, which comprises Kennecott Utah Copper, Kennecott Minerals Company
and the Resolution copper project in the U.S., interests in the copper
mines of Escondida in Chile, Grasberg in Indonesia, Northparkes in
Australia and Palabora in South Africa and the La Granja copper project
in Peru, as well as the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold partnership with Ivanhoe
Mines in Mongolia.
Mr. Harding joined Rio Tinto in 1992, initially working for Hamersley
Iron. He went on to hold operating roles within the Energy, Aluminium and
Iron Ore product groups, including at the Mount Thorley, Hunter Valley,
Weipa, Mount Tom Price, Marandoo and Brockman mines. In 2007, he became
Global Practice Leader, Mining, within Rio Tinto's Technology &
Innovation group. Prior to his new executive role, Mr. Harding was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Kennecott Utah Copper.
Mr. Harding succeeds Bret Clayton as Rio Tinto's representative on the
Ivanhoe Mines Board. Mr. Clayton, who served on the Board since May 2007,
recently was appointed to the new role of Group Executive, Business
Support and Operations, for Rio Tinto.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
In Q3'09, Ivanhoe Mines recorded a net loss of $69.8 million (or $0.18
per share), compared with a net loss of $88.0 million (or $0.23 per
share) in Q3'08, representing a decrease of $18.2 million. Results for
Q3'09 mainly were affected by $43.5 million in exploration expenses,
$12.5 million in general and administrative expenses, $4.1 million in
interest expense, a $23.0 million write-down of property, plant and
equipment, and $23.0 million in share of loss of significantly influenced
investees. These amounts were offset by $3.6 million in income from
discontinued operations and $19.5 million in mainly unrealized foreign
exchange gains.
Exploration expense of $43.5 million in Q3'09 decreased $16.2 million
from $59.7 million in Q3'08. The exploration expenses included $28.1
million spent in Mongolia ($37.9 million in Q3'08), primarily for Oyu
Tolgoi and Ovoot Tolgoi, and $11.5 million incurred by Ivanhoe Australia
($17.0 million in Q3'08). Exploration costs are charged to operations in
the period incurred and often represent the bulk of Ivanhoe Mines'
operating loss for that period. Ivanhoe Mines expects to commence
capitalizing Oyu Tolgoi development costs in 2010 once the Investment
Agreement conditions precedent have been addressed and the agreement
takes full effect.
Ivanhoe Mines' cash position, on a consolidated basis at September 30,
2009, was $341.7 million. As at November 13, 2009, Ivanhoe Mines' current
consolidated cash position is approximately $600 million.
SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA
This selected financial information is in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as
presented in the annual consolidated financial statements.
($ in millions of dollars, except per share information)
Quarter Ended
------------------------------------
Sep-30 Jun-30 Mar-31 Dec-31
2009 2009 2009 2008
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $11.9 $10.7 $3.5 $3.1
Exploration expenses (43.5) (38.1) (37.4) (76.0)
General and administrative (12.5) (10.5) (7.8) (8.1)
Foreign exchange gains (losses) 19.5 21.7 (9.3) (40.6)
Writedown of other long-term
investments - - - (18.0)
Net (loss) income from continuing
operations (73.4) (29.9) (66.7) (168.1)
Income from discontinued operations 3.6 5.0 10.7 8.1
Net (loss) income (69.8) (24.9) (56.0) (160.0)
Net (loss) income per share - basic
Continuing operations ($0.19) ($0.08) ($0.18) ($0.45)
Discontinued operations $0.01 $0.01 $0.03 $0.02
Total ($0.18) ($0.07) ($0.15) ($0.43)
Net (loss) income per share - diluted
Continuing operations ($0.19) ($0.08) ($0.18) ($0.45)
Discontinued operations $0.01 $0.01 $0.03 $0.02
Total ($0.18) ($0.07) ($0.15) ($0.43)
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Quarter Ended
------------------------------------
Sep-30 Jun-30 Mar-31 Dec-31
2008 2008 2008 2007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0
Exploration expenses (59.7) (67.3) (57.3) (96.6)
General and administrative (5.1) (7.5) (6.8) (9.0)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains (20.0) (1.0) (1.3) 2.3
Writedown of other long-term
investments - - - (24.5)
Gain on sale of long-term
investments - 201.4 - -
Net (loss) income from continuing
operations (98.7) 118.3 (69.6) (265.5)
Income from discontinued operations 10.7 9.2 6.0 11.9
Net (loss) income (88.0) 127.5 (63.6) (253.6)
Net (loss) income per share - basic
Continuing operations ($0.26) $0.32 ($0.19) ($0.71)
Discontinued operations $0.03 $0.02 $0.02 $0.04
Total ($0.23) $0.34 ($0.17) ($0.67)
Net (loss) income per share - diluted
Continuing operations ($0.26) $0.29 ($0.19) ($0.71)
Discontinued operations $0.03 $0.02 $0.02 $0.04
Total ($0.23) $0.31 ($0.17) ($0.67)
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QUALIFIED PERSONS
Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature in this release and the
Company's MD&A in respect of each of Ivanhoe Mines' material mineral
resource properties were prepared by, or under the supervision of, the
qualified persons (as that term is defined in NI 43-101) listed below:
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Oyu Tolgoi Project Stephen Torr, P.Geo, Employee of the Company
Ivanhoe Mines
Ovoot Tolgoi Project Stephen Torr, P.Geo, Employee of the Company
SouthGobi Energy
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Ivanhoe Mines' results for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2009, are contained in the audited Consolidated Financial Statements
and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations, available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com
and Ivanhoe Mines' website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
Ivanhoe Mines shares are listed on the Toronto, New York and NASDAQ stock
exchanges under the symbol IVN.
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, statements
respecting the timely satisfaction of conditions precedent to the
effectiveness of the Investment Agreement; future equity investments in
Ivanhoe Mines by Rio Tinto; the availability of project financing for the
Oyu Tolgoi Project; expansion of the reserves and resources identified to
date at 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 production; anticipated future
production and cash flows; target milling rates; the impact of amendments
to the laws of Mongolia and other countries in which Ivanhoe Mines
carries on business; the anticipated future production for the Ovoot
Tolgoi Coal Mine; the potential improvement of the export conditions at
the Ceke border between Mongolia and China; the planned commissioning of
a second fleet and third fleet of coal-mining equipment to expand Ovoot
Tolgoi's production capacity; the completion of a Scoping Study for the
Merlin Project; the planned drilling program and feasibility study at the
Bakyrchik Gold Project; and other statements that are not historical
facts.
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 Company's MD&A. The reader is
cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or
statements.
The MD&A 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.
Contacts:
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
Bill Trenaman
Investor Contact
+1.604.688.5755
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
Bob Williamson
Media Contact
+1.604.688.5755
www.ivanhoemines.com
Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.
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