JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Ivanhoe Mines’ (TSX: IVN; OTCQX: IVPAF) Co-Chairmen Robert Friedland and Yufeng “Miles” Sun confirmed today that the company has had, and is continuing to have, strategic discussions regarding its 100%-owned Western Forelands Project that adjoins its Kamoa-Kakula mining licence also in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as its Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold project on the Northern Limb of South Africa’s Bushveld Complex.
Executive Co-Chairman Robert Friedland said, “2020 has been an extraordinary year in many ways. In our industry, it has seen a remarkable rebound in metals prices. The weighted 'basket' of the prices for palladium, rhodium, gold and nickel, measured in South African Rand terms, is near all-time highs. Copper has hit two-year highs, silver is at seven-year highs, and gold has surpassed its 2011 peak to reach an all-time high above US$1,900 per ounce. Our tier-one projects in Africa will produce all of these metals.”
“The unparalleled exploration potential for new high-grade copper discoveries on our wholly-owned, Western Foreland exploration licences that total more than 2,500 square kilometres; the recent progress toward putting our tier-one Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold project in South Africa into production; and the unrivalled zinc, copper and silver grades in our Kipushi Project in the DRC, are each generating significant attention.”
Mr. Friedland continued, "Not surprisingly in this environment, we have been receiving daily inquiries from companies across the industry and world, from the West as well as China, and from streaming companies and various bank and non-bank lenders, inquiring about investing in these great projects. That level of interest requires that we critically examine these opportunities, which we are now doing."
A number of mining companies have expressed interest in advancing exploration activities at the wholly-owned Western Forelands copper project. In addition, the company is continuing to have strategic discussions regarding its Kipushi zinc-copper-silver-lead-germanium mine in the DRC. Finally, several expressions of interest have also been received from streaming companies interested in the Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold project in South Africa. This is in addition to ongoing talks with a number of bank and non-bank commercial lenders.
Ivanhoe Mines will provide further comment only if a specific transaction or process is concluded, or if further disclosure is required or deemed appropriate. There can be no assurance that the company will pursue any transaction or that a transaction, if pursued, will be completed.
Project Studies Nearing Completion
Ivanhoe Mines also anticipates releasing its updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Platreef Project this quarter, which will include a preliminary economic analysis (PEA) on the phased-development production plan for the Platreef Project. The DFS will take into account refreshed and improved metal prices and foreign exchange assumptions since the 2017 DFS.
Ivanhoe Mines indirectly owns 64% of the Platreef Project through its subsidiary, Ivanplats. The South African beneficiaries of the approved broad-based, black economic empowerment structure have a 26% stake in the Platreef Project. The remaining 10% is owned by a Japanese consortium of ITOCHU Corporation; Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation; and Japan Gas Corporation.
As well, work is progressing on the independent Kakula DFS and an updated Integrated Development Plan for the entire Kamoa-Kakula mining complex at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project, which is expected to be finalized in August. The Integrated Development Plan will include details on the planned expansion phases for the greater Kamoa-Kakula mining complex, incorporating updates for mineral resources, production rates and economic analysis.
The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%), Zijin Mining Group (39.6%), Crystal River Global Limited (0.8%) and the DRC government (20%).
The Kipushi Project is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (68%) and the DRC's state-owned mining company, Gécamines (32%).
Technical Reports
Ivanhoe has prepared a current, independent, NI 43-101-compliant technical report for each of the Platreef Project, the Kipushi Project and the Kamoa-Kakula Project, which are available under the company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com:
- The Kamoa-Kakula 2020 Resource Update dated March 25, 2020, prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd., Wood plc, DRA Global, SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd and Stantec Consulting International LLC, covering the company’s Kamoa-Kakula Project;
- The Platreef 2017 Feasibility Study Technical Report dated September 4, 2017, prepared by DRA Global, OreWin Pty. Ltd., Amec Foster Wheeler, Stantec Consulting, Murray & Roberts Cementation, SRK Consulting, Golder Associates, and Digby Wells Environmental, covering the company’s Platreef Project; and
- The Kipushi 2019 Mineral Resource Update dated March 28, 2019, prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd., MSA Group (Pty) Ltd., SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd and MDM (Technical) Africa Pty Ltd. (a division of Wood PLC), covering the company’s Kipushi Project.
These technical reports include relevant information regarding the effective dates and the assumptions, parameters and methods of the mineral resource estimates on the Platreef Project, the Kipushi Project and the Kamoa-Kakula Project, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release in respect of the Platreef Project, Kipushi Project and Kamoa-Kakula Project. Additional information regarding the company, including the company’s Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About Ivanhoe Mines
Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: the development of new mines at the Kamoa-Kakula copper discoveries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold discovery in South Africa; and the extensive redevelopment and upgrading of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the DRC. Ivanhoe also is exploring for new copper discoveries on its wholly-owned Western Foreland exploration licences in the DRC, near the Kamoa-Kakula Project.
Information contacts
Investors
Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834
Media
Matthew Keevil +1.604. 558.1034
Website www.ivanhoemines.com
Cautionary statement on forward-looking information
Certain statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “predict” and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to statements regarding possible strategic transactions involving its strategic discussions regarding its Kipushi zinc-copper-lead-germanium mine, its 100%-owned Western Foreland licences that adjoin its Kamoa-Kakula mining licence to the north and also in the DRC, and its Platreef palladium-platinum-nickel-copper-rhodium-gold project on the Northern Limb of South Africa’s Bushveld Complex.
Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the company’s MD&A, as well as the inability to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner; the potential for unknown or unexpected events to cause contractual conditions to not be satisfied; unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.
This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 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 and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in platinum, palladium, gold, rhodium, copper, nickel or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licences.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.
The company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in the company’s MD&A for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and its current Annual Information Form.
南非约翰内斯堡 — 艾芬豪矿业 (TSX: IVN; OTCQX:IVPAF) 联席董事长罗伯特·弗里兰德 (Robert Friedland) 与孙玉峰 (Miles Sun) 今天宣布,公司对于其全资拥有、毗邻刚果民主共和国 (以下简称“刚果”) 卡莫阿-卡库拉 (Kamoa-Kakula) 开采许可区的西部前沿项目 (Western Foreland) 及其位于南非布什维尔德火成杂岩地带北部的普拉特瑞夫 (Platreef) 钯-铂-镍-铜-铑-金矿项目,已经展开并将持续讨论其战略性开发方案。
执行联席董事长罗伯特·弗里兰德说:“从各个方面来看,2020年绝对是非常特别的一年。在矿业界,金属价格显著反弹,以南非兰特测算的钯、铑、黄金和镍“一篮子”金属加权价值创下历史新高。铜金属格价跳升至两年来的高位,白银价格达到七年来的新高,黄金价格更是超越2011年的峰值,创下每盎司1,900美元以上的历史新高 —— 而这些正是我们位于非洲的顶级矿产项目将会生产的金属。”
“我们全资拥有的西部前沿高品位铜矿项目,占地超过2,500平方公里,拥有超凡的勘探潜力。位于南非的普拉特瑞夫钯-铂-镍-铜-铑-金矿项目,最近正紧锣密鼓地推进投产相关工作。而位于刚果的基普什项目更拥有无可比拟的锌、铜和银品位。这三个项目都分别受到各方的高度关注。”
弗里兰德先生补充说:“也是因为在这些条件下,我们每天都收到来自业界、中国和西方机构的询问,以及金属流公司、不同银行及非银行贷方咨询有关这些重大项目的投资事宜。我们十分重视来自外界对于我们项目的高度关注,目前我们正埋首审慎研究这些潜在机遇。”
多家矿业公司已表示有意参与公司全资拥有的西部前沿铜矿项目,推进勘探活动。另外,公司对于其刚果的基普什锌-铜-银-铅-锗矿将继续进行战略性讨论。除了与多家银行及非银行商业贷方持续商讨以外,还有多家金属流公司对于南非的普拉特瑞夫钯-铂-镍-铜-铑-金矿项目表示兴趣。
艾芬豪矿业仅在有具体交易或流程完成、或者在适当的情况下将作出进一步披露,并且不保证是否寻求任何交易或是否完成交易。
项目研究即将完成
艾芬豪矿业预期将于本季度发表普拉特瑞夫项目的最终可行性研究更新版,并包括普拉特瑞夫项目分阶段开发生产方案的初步经济评估。最终可行性研究将会涵盖自2017年最终可行性研究完成以来更新的金属价格和外汇假设。
艾芬豪矿业通过其子公司 Ivanplats 间接持有普拉特瑞夫项目64%的权益。普拉特瑞夫项目26%的权益由《全面提高黑人经济实力法案》的南非受益人持有。余下的10%权益由伊藤忠商事株式会社、日本石油天然气和金属国家公司和日本天然气公司组成的日本财团持有。
同时,在卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目方面,卡库拉矿山的独立最终可行性研究和卡莫阿-卡库拉矿群的综合开发计划更新版正在编撰当中,预计于8月完成。综合开发计划将包括卡莫阿-卡库拉矿群后续扩产的计划细节,并将纳入最新的矿产资源、产量和经济分析数据。
卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目是艾芬豪矿业 (占股39.6%)、紫金矿业集团 (占股39.6%)、晶河全球 (占股0.8%) 及刚果政府 (占股20%) 的合资项目。
基普什项目是艾芬豪矿业 (占股68%) 和刚果国有矿业公司杰卡明 (占股32%) 的合资项目。
技术报告
艾芬豪已经为普拉特瑞夫项目、基普什项目和卡莫阿-卡库拉项目分别编制了一份符合NI 43-101标准的最新独立技术报告,这些报告可在SEDAR网站上的艾芬豪页面获得,网址为www.sedar.com﹕
- 2020年3月25日发布的2020年卡莫阿-卡库拉资源更新,由OreWin Pty Ltd.、Wood PLC、DRA Global、SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd 和Stantec Consulting International LLC编制,涵盖公司的卡莫阿-卡库拉项目;
- 2017年9月4日发布的2017 年普拉特瑞夫可行性研究技术报告,由DRA Global、OreWin PtyLtd.、Amec Foster Wheeler、Stantec Consulting、Murray & Roberts Cementation、SRK Consulting、Golder Associates 和Digby Wells Environmental编制,涵盖公司的普拉特瑞夫项目;以及
- 2019年3月28日发布的2019 年基普什矿产资源更新,由OreWin Pty Ltd.、MSA Group (Pty) Ltd.、SRK Consulting (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. 和MDM (Technical) Africa Pty Ltd .(Wood PLC 的一个部门)编制,涵盖了公司的基普什项目。
这些技术报告包括本新闻稿中引用的普拉特瑞夫项目、基普什项目和卡莫阿-卡库拉项目的矿产资源估算的生效日期、假设、参数和方法等信息,以及本新闻稿中关于普拉特瑞夫项目、基普什项目和卡莫阿-卡库拉项目的科学和技术性披露的数据验证、勘探程序和其他事项的信息。更多有关公司的信息(包括公司的年度信息表),可在 SEDAR 网站 (www.sedar.com) 获得。
关于艾芬豪矿业
艾芬豪矿业是一家加拿大的矿业公司,目前正推进旗下位于南部非洲的三大项目﹕位于刚果民主共和国 (简称“刚果”) 的卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿和位于南非的普拉特瑞夫钯-铂-镍-铜-铑-金矿的新矿山开发工作;以及同样位于刚果、久负盛名的基普什锌-铜-锗-银矿的大型重建和改善工程。同时,艾芬豪正在刚果境内其全资拥有、毗邻卡莫阿-卡库拉项目的西部前沿勘探许可区内寻找新的铜矿资源。
联系方式
投资者
Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834
媒体
Matthew Keevil +1.604. 558.1034
前瞻性信息的警戒性声明
本新闻稿载有的某些陈述可能构成适用于证券法所定义的“前瞻性陈述”或“前瞻性信息”。该等陈述及信息涉及已知和未知的风险、不明朗因素和其他因素,可能导致本公司的实际业绩、表现或成就、其项目或行业的业绩,与前瞻性陈述或信息所表达或暗示的任何未来业绩、表现或成就产生重大差异。该等陈述可通过文中使用“可能”、“将会”、“会”、“将要”、“打算”、“预期”、“相信”、“计划”、“预计”、“估计”、 “安排”、“预测”、“预言”及其他类似用语,或者声明“可能”、“会”、“将会”、“可能会”或“将要” 采取、发生或实现某些行动、事件或结果进行识别。
本新闻稿载有的前瞻性陈述包括但不限于:关于其位于刚果的基普什锌-铜-铅-锗矿、同样位于刚果并连接卡莫阿-卡库拉开采许可区北面的全资拥有西部前沿许可区,以及位于南非布什维尔德火成杂岩地带北部的普拉特瑞夫钯-铂-镍-铜-铑-金矿项目的战略性讨论所涉及的潜在战略性交易的陈述。
前瞻性陈述及信息涉及重大风险和不确定性,故不应被视为对未来表现或业绩的保证,并且不能准确地指示能否达到该等业绩。许多因素可能导致实际业绩与前瞻性陈述或信息所讨论的业绩有重大差异,包括但不限于“风险因素”以及公司《管理层讨论与分析》(MD&A) 报告里其他部分所指的因素,以及无法及时获得监管审批;未知或无法预计的事件导致未能符合合约条件的可能性;有关部门实施的法律、法规或规章或其不可预见的变化;与本公司签订合约的各方没有根据协议履行合约;社会或劳资纠纷;商品价格的变动;以及勘探计划或研究未能达到预期结果或未能产生足以证明和支持继续勘探、研究、开发或运营的结果。
本新闻稿亦载有矿产资源估算的参考信息。矿产资源的估算具有内在的不确定性,并涉及对许多相关因素的主观判断。矿产资源并非矿产储量,并不显示其具有经济潜力。任何该等估算的准确性是可用数据的数量和质量的函数,并根据工程和地质诠释的假设和判断而作出,可能被证明是不可靠的,在一定程度上取决于钻孔结果和统计推论的分析,而最终可能证明是不准确的。矿产资源估算可能需要根据以下因素重新估算:(i) 铂金、钯、黄金、铑、铜、镍或其他矿物价格的波动;(ii) 钻孔工程的结果;(iii)冶金测试和其他研究的结果;(iv) 更改建议开采作业,包括贫化;(v) 在任何估算日期之后作出的矿山计划评估;以及(vi) 未能取得所需准许、批准和许可证的可能性。
虽然本新闻稿载有的前瞻性陈述是基于本公司管理层认为合理的假设而作出,但本公司不能向投资者保证实际业绩会与前瞻性陈述的预期一致。这些前瞻性陈述仅是截至本新闻稿发布当日作出,而且受本警戒性声明明确限制。根据相应的证券法,本公司并无义务更新或修改任何前瞻性陈述以反映本新闻稿发布当日后所发生的事件或情况。
基于本公司截至2020年3月31日止季度的《管理层讨论与分析》(MD&A) 报告里的“风险因素”部分和其他部分所指的因素,本公司的实际业绩可能与这些前瞻性陈述所预计的业绩产生重大差异。