Joint Statement by the Government of Mongolia, Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto
ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/06/11 -- Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSX: IVN)(NYSE: IVN)(NASDAQ: IVN) -
1. Ivanhoe Mines, Rio Tinto and the Government of Mongolia have concluded discussions on the two aspects of the Investment Agreement that were raised by the Government of Mongolia, and are pleased to confirm that all parties have reaffirmed their continued support for the Investment Agreement and its implementation.
2. The Government of Mongolia has once again confirmed that the Investment Agreement was signed in full compliance with all laws and regulations of Mongolia.
3. Since the signing of the Investment Agreement, Mongolia has achieved international stature as one of the countries most attractive to foreign investment. Mongolia's economy has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The people of Mongolia are reaping great benefit from the construction of the Oyu Tolgoi project and stand to benefit even more when the project becomes operational.
4. The Investment Agreement has also formed the basis for the construction of Oyu Tolgoi, which recently passed the 50% completion mark and is expected to begin initial production during the third quarter of next year. To reach this point, 2.6 billion USD have been invested by Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto and a significant amount has been committed to bring Oyu Tolgoi into production.
5. Section 15.30 of the Investment Agreement provides that 'Upon mutual consent recorded in writing, the Parties may amend or modify this Agreement'. Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto acknowledge that the Government of Mongolia acted in accordance with this provision of the Investment Agreement in seeking to discuss these changes. Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto respect the position of the Government of Mongolia and appreciate their continued support for the Investment Agreement.
6. The shareholders are united in their commitment to secure the necessary project finance and bring the Oyu Tolgoi Project to completion and full production for the benefit of the nation of Mongolia. All stakeholders, investors, lenders, employees, contractors, civil society and local communities can have full confidence in the future of Oyu Tolgoi.
Contacts:
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
Bill Trenaman
Investors
1.604.688.5755
Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
Bob Williamson
Media
1.604.331.9830
www.ivanhoemines.com