CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN; OTCQX: IVPAF) Executive Co-Chair Robert Friedland and President, Marna Cloete, announced today at the African Mining Indaba Conference, the completion of the Shaft 1 production changeover at the company’s tier-one Platreef palladium, rhodium, nickel, platinum, copper and gold project in South Africa.
Shaft 1 will serve as Platreef's initial production shaft and is approximately 450 metres away from the first high-grade area of the Flatreef orebody scheduled to be mined during Phase 1 production. On April 22, 2022, Ivanplats celebrated the first blast at Platreef’s 950-metre level, marking the commencement of lateral mine development, with first production anticipated in the third quarter of 2024.
Underground mine development will use battery-electric M2C drill rigs and 14-tonne load haul dumpers being manufactured by Epiroc, a leading mining equipment manufacturer, at its facilities in Örebro, Sweden. The partnership with Epiroc for emissions-free mining equipment is an important first step toward reducing the carbon footprint of the mine, with learnings to be applied across all of Ivanhoe Mines’ operations.
Watch a May video highlighting mine development activites at Platreef: https://vimeo.com/707495611/caee06c0d1
On April 22, 2022, Ivanplats celebrated the first blast on Platreef’s 950-metre level, marking the commencement of lateral mine development toward the high-grade Flatreef ore body.
“The completion of changeover is another noteworthy milestone in the growth of Ivanhoe Mines into a major, diversified miner; one with top ESG credentials and an industry-leading portfolio of tier-one assets,” said Ms. Cloete. “Given our string of successes at Kamoa-Kakula, Platreef, Kipushi, and Western Foreland, it is a great time to be part of the exceptional Ivanhoe team, and continue our track record of delivering world-scale projects on schedule and on budget. I’m extremely proud of how we all work together to keep things on the right track.”
“Platreef is very scalable. The Phase 1 mine is only the beginning of a multi-stage, multi-generational mining complex underpinned by an enormous, high-grade resource and vast exploration upside. Future expansions to 12 million tonnes of ore per annum and beyond, as demonstrated in previous studies, would position Platreef among the world’s largest and lowest-cost nickel and PGM mines: producing more than 24,000 tonnes of nickel and 1.1 million ounces of palladium, rhodium, platinum and gold per year. We expect Platreef to join Kamoa-Kakula in our portfolio as a long-life, leading producer of critical metals that provides outstanding returns for our shareholders and local communities.”
"Platreef is well on track for historic first PGM and base metal production by the third quarter of 2024," Mr. Friedland said. "Since acquiring the Macalacaskop and Turfspruit prospecting permits in 1998, Ivanplats has successfully advanced Platreef to where it is today – the world's greatest precious metals deposit under development, with a peerless endowment of palladium, rhodium, platinum, and gold; as well as highly significant quantities of strategic 'electric' metals such as nickel and copper. We are counting down to production less than 30 months from now, and this achievement will only mark our first milestone. We plan to expand this tier-one operation into one of the largest and lowest-cost, integrated PGM operations on the planet … all while creating a world-scale, long-life economic driver for South Africa, and generating outstanding returns on capital for a major, disruptive mine.
"Platreef will align with our goal of 're-inventing mining' and leverage the most sustainable technologies available … as evidenced by our commitment to zero-emission, battery-powered equipment, green solar power, and the adoption of the safest possible tailings method utilizing dry-stack technology, which has the added benefit of minimizing water consumption. We will build on our achievements at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and leverage the valuable experiences from its industry leading phased development model, to build South Africa's next great PGM complex.
Finally, let us also not forget ... Platreef still has vast potential to significantly expand an already enormous resource base … as well as a plethora of new nickel-sulphide exploration opportunities, many of which are near surface.”
Platreef’s Shaft 1 headframe on the left and Shaft 2 construction, raising the headframe from the hitch to the collar, on the right.
Shaft 1 changeover enables underground mining to commence; first blast on Platreef’s 950-metre level complete on April 22
Three development stations on Shaft 1 have been completed on the 750-, 850-, and 950-metre levels. Underground development now is focused on completing the mine’s first ventilation raise, as well as the ore and waste-rock passes connecting the 750-metre level to the 950-metre level.
With the completion of the first blast on Platreef’s 950-metre level on April 22, 2022, Ivanplats has started lateral mine development towards the high-grade Flatreef orebody, which is approximately 450 metres from the 950-metre-level station.
The thick Flatreef orebody is flat lying, which is ideal for safe, bulk-scale, mechanized mining optimized for maximum ore extraction. Flatreef is characterized by its high-grade mineralization and a palladium-to-platinum ratio of approximately 1:1, which is considerably higher than other PGMs discoveries on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld.
Newly designed rock chutes on surface will connect the conveyors feeding the concentrator plant and the waste-rock area. The waste rock will be crushed and used as cemented backfill underground for maximum ore extraction, as well as for protection berms to contain storm water and to reduce noise emissions.
The Ivanplats team preparing for the first blast on Platreef’s 950-metre level.
Installation of the conveyor belt for the waste-rock conveyor system leading from Shaft 1.
Detailed engineering studies are well underway on Platreef’s initial 700,000-tonnes-per-annum (700-ktpa) mine and concentrator.
Earthworks for the first concentrator plant are planned to begin in the second quarter of 2022, followed by civil works and the ordering of long-lead-time items in the second half of 2022. First ore feed to the concentrator is planned for the third quarter of 2024.
Phase 1 average annual production is estimated at 113,000 ounces (oz.) of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (3PE+Au), plus five million pounds of nickel and three million pounds of copper.
Early-works surface construction for Shaft 2, including the excavation of a surface box-cut to a depth of approximately 29 metres below surface and construction of the concrete hitch for the 103-metre-tall concrete headframe, has been completed. The Shaft 2 headframe construction, from the hitch to the collar level, is progressing well. Ten civil lifts are to be constructed in total, including a ventilation plenum and personnel access tunnel, with targeted completion in May 2022.
Shaft 2 headframe construction, from the hitch to the collar level, which is progressing well.
Ivanplats takes delivery of initial battery-electric vehicles, construction of first solar power plant now underway
Ivanplats initial order with Epiroc of Stockholm, Sweden, for its primary mining fleet includes emissions-free, battery-electric jumbo face drill rigs, 14-tonne battery scooptrams, battery-electric bolting rigs and 42-tonne battery dump trucks. Ivanplats has received Platreef’s first battery powered underground equipment; a ST14 scooptram and a Manitou MHTX 790 telehandler, which have successfully been slung down to the 950-metre level.
Construction of Platreef’s initial solar-power plant is scheduled to commence in August 2022, with commissioning expected in 2023. The solar-generated power from the initial plant will be used for mine development and construction activities, as well as for charging Platreef’s battery-powered underground mining fleet.
“Ivanhoe Mines is committed to being an ESG leader and the implementation of electric vehicles and solar-generated power at Platreef aligns with our goals of limiting emissions and environmental impacts,” commented Executive Vice President, Technical Services, Pierre Joubert. “We plan to continue to assess and implement leading-edge renewable technologies across our world-scale mineral portfolio.”
Ivanplats’ first Epiroc ST14 battery Scooptram removing blasted rock from the initial access drive on the 950-metre level.
2022 Feasibility Study envisions Platreef becoming one of the world's largest and lowest-cost PGM producers
Platreef’s Phase 2, 5.2-million-tonnes-per-annum steady state production rate would rank it as the world’s fifth largest primary platinum-group metals mine on a palladium equivalent basis, with annual forecast production of more than 590,000 ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold, plus more than 40 million pounds of nickel and copper.
The Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study reflects the initial two phases of development for the Platreef Mine. Previous studies have demonstrated the resource base for future expansions up to 12 million tonnes per annum.
Through phased development, Platreef is projected to become one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost producers of palladium, rhodium, nickel, platinum, copper and gold. The 2022 Feasibility Study considers Phase 1 and Phase 2 development, including only one third of Platreef’s Indicated Resources above an US$80/tonne Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-off.
As development and stoping of the project progresses, additional drilling from underground will be undertaken with the goal of increasing the confidence of the current mineral resources, as well as to expand the resource base.
Riggers Paul Matjekane and Innocent Nchabeleng preparing Platreef's first battery-electric ST14 Scooptram Loader for delivery to the 950-metre level.
Platreef’s thick mineralization, which will be mined with highly productive mechanized methods, combined with higher nickel and copper grades, contribute to lower cash costs compared to other primary platinum-group-metal producers.Among global primary platinum-group-metals producers, Platreef’s estimated net total cash cost of US$514 per 3PE+Au ounce, net of copper and nickel by-product credits and including sustaining capital costs, ranks at the bottom of the cash-cost curve.
Platreef’s Indicated Mineral Resources contain an estimated 18.9 million ounces of palladium, 18.7 million ounces of platinum, 3.1 million ounces of gold, and 1.2 million ounces of rhodium (a combined 41.9 million ounces PGMs plus gold), plus 2.4 billion pounds of nickel and 1.2 billion pounds of copper, at a 2.0 g/t 3PE+Au cut-off.
Platreef’s Inferred Mineral Resources contain an additional 23.8 million ounces of palladium, 23.2 million ounces of platinum, 4.3 million ounces of gold, and 1.6 million ounces of rhodium (a combined 52.8 million ounces PGMs plus gold), plus 3.4 billion pounds of nickel and 1.78 billion pounds of copper, also at a 2.0 g/t 3PE+Au cut-off.
Tshifhiwa Netshirando, Ivanplats’ Production Manager; Ivanplats’ Kgalalelo Tladi, Chief Safety Officer; and Busisiwe Mpuru, Shift Supervisor with Murray and Roberts, a South African-based engineering and mining contractor; on the 950-metre level to inspect the working faces prior to the first blast.
Shaft 2 commissioning accelerated to 2027, expediting Phase 2 expansion
While the 700-ktpa initial mine is operating using Shaft 1, the sinking of the project’s second, larger shaft (Shaft 2), that drives the Phase 2 expansion to 5.2 million tonnes per annum, will progress simultaneously. The 2022 Feasibility Study envisions Shaft 2 equipped for hoisting in 2027, an accelerated schedule by approximately 18 months compared to the 2020 PEA, and coming online approximately three years from first production of Phase 1.
Once Shaft 2 is complete, two 2.2-million-tonnes-per-annum concentrator modules will be commissioned, and the initial concentrator will be ramped up to its full capacity of 770-ktpa, increasing the steady-state production to 5.2 million tonnes per annum.
Members of the Ivanplats and Murray and Roberts teams preparing to go underground to commence mine development operations following the first blast on Shaft 1's 950-metre level. Platreef is on track for first production in the third quarter of 2024.
Schematic section of the Platreef Mine, showing Flatreef’s thick, high-grade T1 and T2 mineralized zones (dark orange and red), underground development work completed to date in shafts 1 and 2 (white) and planned development work (grey).
Qualified persons
In March 2022, Ivanhoe Mines filed a new National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) technical report covering the Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study. The updated NI 43-101 technical report includes an independent feasibility study for the initial two phases of development for the Platreef Mine to a steady state production rate of 5.2 million tonnes of ore per annum.
The Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study Technical Report was independently prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd. of Adelaide, Australia; Mine Technical Services of Reno, USA; SRK Consulting Inc. of Johannesburg, South Africa; DRA Global of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Golder Associates Africa of Midrand, South Africa.
The technical report titled “Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study” has been filed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
Other scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines’ Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, a Qualified Person under the terms of NI 43-101. Mr. Torr is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is the Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.
About Ivanhoe Mines
Ivanhoe Mines is a leading Canadian mining company developing and expanding its four principal mining and exploration projects in Southern Africa: the Kamoa-Kakula copper mining complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that began commercial operations in July 2021; the Platreef palladium, rhodium, nickel, platinum, copper and gold discovery in South Africa; the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-lead-germanium mine in the DRC; and the expansive exploration program for new copper discoveries on Ivanhoe’s Western Foreland exploration licences, near Kamoa-Kakula.
Kamoa-Kakula is the world’s fastest growing major copper mine. Kamoa-Kakula began producing copper concentrates in May 2021 and, through phased expansions, is positioned to become one of the world's largest copper producers. Kamoa-Kakula is being powered by clean, renewable hydro-generated electricity and is projected to be among the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of metal produced.
Information contacts
Matthew Keevil +1.604.558.1034
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 involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company, the Platreef Project, 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. These statements reflect the company’s current expectations regarding future events, performance and results, and speak only as of the date of this news release.
The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this news release include without limitation, statements that (i) the Phase 1 mine is advancing towards first production in Q3 2024; (ii) Shaft 2 commissioning is accelerated to 2027; (iii) Phase 2 annual forecast production is more than 590,000 ounces of palladium, platinum, rhodium and gold, plus more than 40 million pounds of nickel and copper; (iv) Platreef is to have a cash cost of US$514 per ounce 3PE + AU; (v) earthworks for the first concentrator is planned to begin in Q2 2022; (vi) civil works and ordering of long lead items is planned for H2 2022; (vii) rock hoisting is to commence in Q2 2022; (viii) steady state production in Phase 2 is 5.2 Mtpa; (ix) construction of Ivanhoe’s first solar power plant at the Platreef Mine is scheduled to commence in August 2022, with commissioning expected in 2023; (x) ten civil lifts are to be constructed in total at Shaft 2, including a ventilation plenum and personnel access tunnel, with targeted completion in May 2022; (xi) earthworks for the first concentrator are planned to begin in the second quarter of 2022, followed by civil works and the ordering of long-lead-time items in the second half of 2022; and (xii) Platreef is projected to become one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost producers of palladium, platinum, rhodium, nickel, copper and gold.
In addition, all of the results of the Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements include metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, metal recoveries, mine life and production rates, and the financial results of the Platreef 2022 Feasibility Study. These include estimates of internal rates of return after-tax of 18.5% at long term consensus metal prices and 29.3% at spot metal prices with payback periods of 7.9 years and 6.6 years respectively; net present values at an 8% discount rate of US$1.7 billion at long term consensus metal prices and US$4.1 billion at spot metal prices; future production forecasts and projects, including average annual production of 590koz 3PE+Au; estimates of net total cash cost, net of copper and nickel by-product credits and including sustaining capital costs of US$514/oz; mine life estimates, including a 28.3 year mine life; initial capital costs of US$448 million and US$1.5 billion for expansion capital costs; Phase 1 average annual production of 113,000 ounces of 3PE + Au; cash flow forecasts; estimates of 3PE+Au recoveries of 86%. Readers are cautioned that actual results may vary from those presented.
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 believe 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 including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, industrial accidents or machinery failure (including of shaft sinking equipment), or delays in the development of infrastructure, and the failure of exploration programs or other studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements also include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the company’s most recently filed MD&A as well as in the most recent Annual Information Form filed by Ivanhoe Mines. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Certain of the factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and statements, and certain of the risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially are presented in technical reports available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves 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 or Mineral Reserve 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.
南非开普敦 — 艾芬豪矿业 (TSX: IVN; OTCQX: IVPAF) 执行联席董事长罗伯特·弗里兰德 (Robert Friedland) 和总裁玛娜·克洛特 (Marna Cloete) 今天在非洲矿业投资大会 (African Mining Indaba Conference) 上宣布，公司位于南非的普拉特瑞夫 (Platreef) 钯-铑-镍-铂-铜-金矿顶级项目1号竖井向生产井的转换已骏工。
1号竖井将会用作普拉特瑞夫的第一个生产井，距离 I 期规划开采的Flatreef高品位采区约450米。2022年4月22日，Ivanplats庆祝在普拉特瑞夫950米中段完成首次爆破，标志着水平巷道开拓正式启动，预计I期将于2024年第三季度实现投产。
地下开拓工程将会使用安百拓 (Epiroc) 公司的电动M2C钻机及载重14吨的铲运机。安百拓是一家领先的采矿设备制造商，其工厂位于瑞典厄勒布鲁。Ivanplats与安百拓在零排放采矿设备方面的合作，是迈向减碳足迹的重要一步，其成功经验将广泛应用于艾芬豪矿业旗下的其它矿山。
点击观看普拉特瑞夫5月份开拓工程的视频﹕
https://vimeo.com/707495611/caee06c0d1
2022年4月22日，Ivanplats庆祝在普拉特瑞夫950米中段完成首次爆破，标志着水平巷道开拓正式启动，向Flatreef高品位矿体推进。
“转换工作完成是艾芬豪矿业迈向多元化大型矿业公司的又一重要里程碑，成为具有ESG良好信誉和行业领先的一级资产的典范。”克洛特女士说道，“艾芬豪团队表现出色，在卡莫阿-卡库拉 (Kamoa-Kakula)、普拉特瑞夫、基普什 (Kipushi)和西部前沿 (Western Foreland) 等项目均取得卓越成就，我们深信团队将可继续在预算之内按计划交付各个世界级项目。对于团队同心协力使项目如期进展，我感到非常自豪。”
“普拉特瑞夫矿山拥有重大的开发潜力，I期矿山只是这个多阶段、跨世代采矿项目的起点。矿山蕴藏着大量的高品位矿产资源，且具有巨大的勘查前景。过往的研究显示，后续扩产可达到1,200万吨/年的处理规模，这将使普拉特瑞夫成为全球规模最大和成本最低的镍和铂族金属矿山之一，年产超过24,000吨镍和110万盎司的钯、铑、铂金和黄金。我们预期，普拉特瑞夫将跟随卡莫阿-卡库拉成为行业领先的关键金属长期供应商，为我们的股东和社区带来可观的回报。”
弗里兰德先生说﹕“普拉特瑞夫正按计划推进，有望于2024年底实现首批铂族金属的生产。Ivanplats于1998年获得Macalacaskop和Turfspruit探矿许可证，普拉特瑞夫现已发展成为全球规模最大的在建贵金属矿床，蕴藏无与伦比的钯、铑、铂金和黄金，以及大量战略性电能源金属，如镍和铜。普拉特瑞夫按计划将在未来30个月内实现投产，然而，这只是项目的首个里程碑。我们正计划扩建这个顶级项目，使它成为全球规模最大、成本最低的铂族金属矿山之一，以及南非的长期、世界级经济发展驱动，并为这座非凡的大型矿山带来可观的经济回报。”
“普拉特瑞夫将采用最可持续的先进技术，迈向我们 ‘重塑采矿业未来’的共同目标。我们已作出承诺，致力实现零排放，并使用电池动力设备和环保太阳能，采用最安全的尾矿干堆技术，同时大幅降低耗水量。我们将在刚果民主共和国卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿项目强劲发展的势头下，利用在领先行业的分期开发模式中获得的宝贵经验，为建设南非下一座伟大矿山而努力。”
“最后，请大家不要忘记，普拉特瑞夫仍具有巨大的资源增长潜力，以及广阔的硫化镍勘查前景，而且许多是近地表的。”
普拉特瑞夫投入运营的1号竖井和在建的2号竖井
1号竖井转换骏工使地下采矿正式启动；普拉特瑞夫950米中段的首次爆破于4月22日完成
1号竖井位于750米、850米和950米中段的三个工作站均已完工。目前，地下工程集中在完成矿山首个通风井的建设，以及连接750米中段至950米中段的放矿和废石设施。
随着普拉特瑞夫950米中段的首次爆破于2022年4月22日完成，Ivanplats已开展水平巷道开拓，向Flatreef高品位矿体推进，矿体距离950米中段工作站约450米。
Flatreef矿体厚大、产状平缓，适合进行安全的大规模机械化作业，最大化开采矿石。Flatreef以其高品位为特征，铂钯比约1:1，远远超过布什维尔德北部发现的其它铂族金属矿床。
新设计的地表溜槽将会连接输送系统，将岩石运输至选厂和废石场，废石将被破碎加工成混凝土回填采空区以最大化开采矿石，并用作护堤储存雨水及降低噪音排放。
Ivanplats团队为普拉特瑞夫950米中段的首次爆破做好准备。
安装1号竖井废石输送带。
普拉特瑞夫初期70万吨/年矿山和选厂的详细工程研究正在进行中。
项目计划于2022年第二季度开展第一座选厂的土方工程，并于2022年下半年开展土木工程和长周期设备采购。将于2024年第三季度向选厂供应首批矿石。
预计 I 期平均年产11.3万盎司的铂金、钯、铑和黄金 (3PE+Au)，以及500万磅镍和300万磅铜。
2号竖井的前期地表工程已经完工，其中包括地表以下约29米深的开口以及建造103米高的混凝土井架的地基。 2号竖井井架 (从地基至井口) 的建设工程进度理想。计划建设共十部升降机，包括通风和工作人员通道，将于2022年5月完工。
2号竖井井架 (从地基至井口) 的建设工程进展顺利。
Ivanplats已接收首批电动采矿设备；第一座太阳能发电厂正在施工中
Ivanplats向瑞典斯德哥尔摩的安百拓订购的首批主要采矿设备包括零排放的电动掘进凿岩台车、载重14吨的铲运机、电动锚索钻机以及载重42吨的电动卡车。Ivanplats已接收普拉特瑞夫的首批电池动力地下采矿设备﹕一台ST14铲运机及曼尼通 (Manitou) 的MHTX 790伸缩臂叉车，并已成功运送到950米中段。
普拉特瑞夫的初始太阳能发电厂计划于2022年8月开始施工，预计于2023年投产。太阳能电力将用于矿山开发和建设活动，以及为普拉特瑞夫的电池动力地下采矿设备充电。
“艾芬豪矿业致力于成为ESG领导者。普拉特瑞夫矿山使用电动采矿设备和太阳能发电，以实现我们减排和降低环境足迹的目标。”技术服务执行副总裁皮埃尔·朱伯特 (Pierre Joubert) 评论说，“我们将会继续进行评估，并在旗下所有的世界级矿产项目采用先进的可再生能源技术。”
Ivanplats第一台安百拓ST14电动铲运机，在950米中段的第一进场通道内装运爆破岩石。
2022可行性研究预期普拉特瑞夫将成为全球规模最大、成本最低的铂族金属生产商
普拉特瑞夫 II 期达到520万吨/年的稳态产能后，将使普拉特瑞夫成为全球第5大主要铂族金属矿山 (按钯金属当量排名)，预计年产超过59万盎司的钯、铂金、铑和黄金以及4,000万磅以上的镍和铜金属。
2022可行性研究论证了普拉特瑞夫矿山早期两阶段开发的方案。过往的研究显示，后续扩产可达到1,200万吨/年的潜力。
普拉特瑞夫项目将分阶段开发，预计将会成为全球规模最大、成本最低的钯-铑-镍-铂-铜-金矿之一。2022可行性研究包括 I 期和 II 期两个开发阶段，仅使用了约1/3的控制资源量 (冶炼厂净收益边界为80美元/吨)。
随着项目开发和采矿作业，后续井下钻探将旨在提高资源的可靠程度，同时扩大资源规模。
钻机操作员Paul Matjekane 和 Innocent Nchabeleng准备将普拉特瑞夫第一台电动ST14铲运机运送到950米中段。
普拉特瑞夫的矿体厚大，将使用高效的机械化方式开采，得益于镍和铜品位较高，相比其他主要铂族金属矿山的现金成本更低。在全球主要的铂族金属矿山中，估计普拉特瑞夫的总净现金成本为每盎司（3PE+Au）514美元 (扣除铜和镍副产品收入，并计入维持性资本开支)，是现金成本最低的矿山之一。
以3PE+Au等于2.0克/吨的边界品位估算，普拉特瑞夫控制资源量的金属量为：1,890万盎司钯金、1,870万盎司的铂金、310万盎司的黄金、120万盎司的铑金；也即合计4,190万盎司的铂族金属+黄金金属量，以及24亿磅的镍金属量和12亿磅的铜金属量。
以3PE+Au等于2.0克/吨的边界品位估算，普拉特瑞夫推断资源量的金属量为：2,380万盎司钯金、2,320万盎司的铂金、430万盎司的黄金、160万盎司的铑金；也即合计5,280万盎司的铂族金属+黄金金属量，以及34亿磅的镍金属量和17.8亿磅的铜金属量。
Ivanplats生产经理Tshifhiwa Netshirando、Ivanplats首席安全官Kgalalelo Tladi及南非工程及采矿承包商 Murray & Roberts公司的值班主任Busisiwe Mpuru在950米中段进行首次爆破之前检查工作面。
加快推进 II 期扩建，2号竖井提前至2027年投产
初期70万吨/年矿山利用1号竖井进行生产，并同步开展更大规格的2号竖井凿井工程，以实现 II 期扩建至520万吨/年的产能。按照2022可行性研究的方案，2号竖井将于2027年完成装配并投入提升作业，相比2020初步经济评价计划的时间点提前约18个月，与 I 期投产只相隔三年多。
一旦2号竖井完工，两座220万吨/年的选厂将正式投产，而初始选厂将提升产能至77万吨/年，项目总稳态产能扩大至520万吨/年。
1号竖井950米中段的首次爆破完成后，Ivanplats与Murray and Roberts的团队成员准备前往井下正式启动开拓工程。普拉特瑞夫将按计划于2024年第三季度实现投产。
普拉特瑞夫矿山示意剖面图，显示Flatreef的T1和T2厚大的高品位矿化带 (深橙色和红色) 、1号竖井和2号竖井已完工的开拓工程 (白色) 和规划的凿井和掘进工程 (灰色)。
合资格人
艾芬豪矿业于2022年3月提交了普拉特瑞夫2022 可行性研究，符合加拿大矿产项目披露标准43‐101 (以下简称 “NI 43-101”) 的最新技术报告。更新后的NI 43-101技术报告包括对普拉特瑞夫最初两个阶段的独立可行性研究，稳态产能扩大至520万吨/年。
普拉特瑞夫2022 可行性研究技术报告由澳大利亚阿德莱德的OreWin Pty Ltd.、美国里诺的Mine Technical Services、南非约翰内斯堡的SRK Consulting Inc.、南非约翰内斯堡的DRA Global以及南非米德兰的Golder Associates Africa独立编撰。
标题为“普拉特瑞夫2022可行性研究”的技术报告已提交至SEDAR网站www.sedar.com和艾芬豪矿业公司网站www.ivanhoemines.com。
本新闻稿载有的其他科学和技术信息，已经由艾芬豪矿业项目地质及评估副总裁斯蒂芬·托尔 (Stephen Torr) 审阅和批核。托尔先生是符合NI 43-101 条款下的合资格人。由于托尔先生是艾芬豪矿业项目地质及评估副总裁，因此他并不符合NI 43-101 对独立人士的界定。托尔先生已核实本新闻稿所披露的技术数据。
关于艾芬豪矿业
艾芬豪矿业是一家领先的加拿大矿业公司，正在开发和扩展旗下位于南部非洲的四大主要采矿和勘查项目：位于刚果民主共和国的卡莫阿-卡库拉铜矿已于2021年7月实现商业化生产、位于南非的普拉特瑞夫钯-铑-镍-铂-铜-金勘探区、位于刚果(金)、久负盛名的基普什锌-铜-铅-锗矿，以及在毗邻卡莫阿-卡库拉项目的西部前沿探矿权内进行详细勘查以寻找新的铜矿资源。
卡莫阿-卡库拉是世界上增长最快的大型铜矿。卡莫阿-卡库拉于2021年5月实现铜精矿生产，未来将分阶段进行扩建，预计将会成为全球规模最大的铜生产商之一。卡莫阿-卡库拉使用清洁、可再生的水电，将成为世界上每单位金属温室气体排放量最低的矿山之一。
联系方式
马修·基维尔 (Matthew Keevil)，电话﹕ +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证券法所订议的“前瞻性陈述”或“前瞻性信息”。这些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、普拉特瑞夫项目或行业的业绩，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。这些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。这些陈述仅反映本公司于本新闻稿发布当日对于未来事件、表现和业绩的当前预期。
本新闻稿载有的前瞻性陈述或前瞻性信息包括但不限于以下的陈述﹕(i) I期矿山将于2024年第三季度实现首产；(ii) 2号竖井将提前于2027年投产；(iii) 估计II期年产超过59万盎司的钯、铂金、铑和黄金以及4,000万磅以上的镍和铜金属；(iv) 普拉特瑞夫的现金成本为每盎司3PE + AU 514美元；(v) 计划于2022年第二季度开展第一座选厂的土方工程；(vi) 计划于2022年下半年进行土木工程及订购长周期设备；(vii) 2022年第二季度开展岩石提升；(viii) II期的稳态产能为520吨/年；(ix) 艾芬豪位于普拉特瑞夫矿山的第一座太阳能发电厂计划于2022年8月开始施工，预计于2023年投产；(x) 计划建设共十部升降机，包括通风和工作人员通道，计划于2022年5月完工；(xi) 计划于2022年第二季度开展第一座选厂的土方工程，并于2022年下半年进行土木工程及订购长周期设备；以及 (xii) 预计普拉特瑞夫将成为全球规模最大、成本最低的钯-铂-铑-镍-铜-金矿山之一。
另外，普拉特瑞夫2022 可行性研究的所有结果均构成前瞻性陈述及前瞻性信息。前瞻性陈述包括金属价格假设、现金流预测、资本和运营成本估算、金属回收率、矿山服务年限和开采率，以及普拉特瑞夫2022 可行性研究的财务业绩。这些包括税后内部收益率18.5% (以长期共识金属价格计算) 和29.3% (以现货金属价格计算) 以及项目回报期分别为7.9年和6.6年的估算；净现值 (折现率8%) 17亿美元 (以长期共识金属价格计算) 和41亿美元(以现货金属价格计算)的估算；未来产量的预测及项目(包括预测平均年产量为59.0万盎司3PE+Au)；估计总现金成本净值(扣除铜及镍副产品收入，并已计入维持资本开支) 为514美元/盎司；估计矿山服务年限 (包括矿山服务年限为28.3年)；初步资本开支4.48亿美元及扩建资本开支15亿美元；I期平均年产量为11.3万盎司 3PE+Au的估算；现金流量预测；估计3PE+Au回收率86%。读者请注意实际业绩与本新闻稿所述的可能会有所差异。
所有该等前瞻性信息和陈述乃基于艾芬豪矿业管理层就他们的经验和对于过往趋势、目前条件和预期未来发展的看法，以及管理层在此情况下认为恰当的其他因素而作出的某些假设和分析。然而，这些陈述涉及不同风险和不明朗因素以及其他因素，可能导致实际事件或业绩与前瞻性信息或陈述所预测的有重大差异，包括但不限于有关部门实施的法例、法规或规章或其无法预计的修订、合约各方未能根据协议履行合约、社会或劳资纠纷、商品价格的变动、基础设施出现无法预计的故障或设施不足、工业事故或机械故障(包括竖井凿井设备)、或延迟开发基础设施；以及勘探计划或其他研究未能达到预期结果或用作证明和支持继续研究、开发或运营的结果。可能导致实际业绩与前瞻性陈述有差异的其他重要因素包括本公司最近提交的管理层讨论与分析报告内以及艾芬豪矿业最近提交的周年信息报告内“风险因素”部分所指的因素。读者请注意不应过度依赖前瞻性信息或陈述。用作编撰前瞻性信息和陈述的某些因素和假设，以及可能导致实际业绩产生重大差异的某些风险均载于SEDAR (www.sedar.com) 及艾芬豪矿业网站(www.ivanhoemines.com) 内的技术报告。
本新闻稿还载有矿产资源和矿产储量估算的参考信息。矿产资源和矿产储量估算未能确定，并涉及对许多有关因素的主观判断。矿产资源不是矿产储量，不具有論証的经济潜力。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，在一定程度上取决于钻探结果和统计推论的分析，而最终可能证明是不准确的。矿产资源或矿产储量估算可能需要根据下列因素作出重新估算﹕(i) 铂金、钯、黄金、铑、铜、镍或其他矿产价格的波动；(ii) 钻探结果；(iii) 选冶试验和其他研究的结果；(iv) 更改建议采矿作业，包括贫化；(v) 在任何估算日期后作出的采矿计划评估；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公司管理层认为合理的假设而作出，但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，而且受本警示声明明确限制。根据相应的证券法，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。