Ivanhoe Mines issues financial results and review of operations for the third quarter of 2017
Development of twin declines starts at Kakula Discovery to provide access to high-grade copper resources
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Pre-feasibility study underway for a first-phasesix-million-tonne-per-year mine at Kakula
New Kamoa-Kakula preliminary economic assessment of two mines, with projected, combined production of 12 million tonnes per year expected by the end of this year
Potential phased mine developments of up to 18 million tonnes per year also being assessed for Kamoa-Kakula
Drilling at Kamoa-Kakula continues with 14 drill rigs focused on expanding and upgrading copper resources, and testing new targets
TORONTO, Nov.09, 2017(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN) (OTCQX:IVPAF) today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: 1) Mine development at the Platreef platinum-group metals, nickel, copper and gold discovery on the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; 2) mine development and exploration at the Tier One Kamoa-Kakula copper discovery on the Central African Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and 3) upgrading at the historic, high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-silver-germanium mine, also on the DRC's Copperbelt.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The comprehensive drilling program at the Kamoa-Kakula copper project continued during the third quarter. Ten rigs are focused on expanding and upgrading copper resources at the Kakula Discovery; four rigs are testing other targets on the 400-square-kilometre Kamoa-Kakula mining licence.
- A new mineral resource estimate for the entire Kakula Discovery based on the current, delineated strike extent of least 12 kilometres is expected around the end of this year. The new evaluation will expand the May 2017 estimate and include an initial resource estimate for the Kakula West Discovery and the saddle area between the existing Kakula Mineral Resource area and the Kakula West Discovery.
- On May 17, 2017, a mineral resource estimate for the then-defined 7.7-kilometre strike length of the Kakula Discovery contained Indicated Mineral Resources of 116 million tonnes at 6.09% copper, plus Inferred Resources of 12 million tonnes at 4.45% copper, at a 3% cut-off. The combined Indicated Mineral Resources at both the Kamoa and Kakula discoveries in the May 2017 estimate totalled one billion tonnes at 3.02% copper, plus another 191 million tonnes of Inferred Resources at 2.37% copper, at a 1.4% cut-off.
- The May 2017 Kakula estimate established the Kamoa-Kakula Project in the ranks of the five largest copper deposits in the world. The project's copper grades are the highest, by a wide margin, of the world's top 10 copper deposits. Both the original Kamoa Discovery and the subsequent Kakula Discovery continue to remain open for significant expansion.
- Ivanhoe holds an extensive, 100%-owned exploration land position in the Western Foreland region, just to the west of the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Licence, which is highly prospective for Kamoa-Kakula-type copper discoveries. Ivanhoe's DRC exploration team began an initial, $4 million exploration program on the Western Foreland exploration licences in August.
- Underground development at Kamoa's Kansoko Mine, consisting of service and conveyor declines, was completed in September 2017. The high-grade Kansoko Sud copper mineralization was reached and approximately 13,500 tonnes of development ore was stockpiled at surface. Various development options for Kansoko are being assessed in conjunction with the ongoing mine development activities at Kakula.
- On October 26, 2017, the surface box cut at the Kakula Discovery was completed. Development of twin underground declines, similar to those at the Kansoko Mine, will begin in the middle of this month. The first blast for the declines is scheduled for mid-November 2017.
- OreWin Pty. Ltd., of Australia, is nearing completion of a follow-up preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the development of the Kakula and Kamoa deposits. It is expected that the increased resource base at Kakula will support a mine capacity of approximately six million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). The capacity of the Kansoko Mine also is expected to be six Mtpa, giving the two mines in the revised PEA a projected, peak mine production of approximately 12 Mtpa from the presently delineated Kamoa and Kakula deposits.
- In light of the successful step-out drilling at Kakula West, as well as the potential to find additional resources in high-priority targets located in the untested parts of the Kamoa-Kakula Project area, the Kamoa-Kakula development plans will be reassessed and amended as the project moves forward. Phased mine development options totalling up to 18 million tonnes per year are being assessed.
- Orewin also is preparing a pre-feasibility study for a six-million-tonne-per-year, phase one mine at Kakula. Given the ultra-high-grade copper mineralization at Kakula, the initial development focus at Kamoa-Kakula is on fast-tracking advancement of the Kakula Mine.
- On November 1, 2017, Ivanhoe announced that sinking of Platreef's Shaft 1 had reached a depth of more than 500 metres below surface and development of the first of four planned shaft stations - the 450-metre-level substation - had been completed. Shaft 1 is expected to reach the top of the Flatreef mineralized zone, at a depth of 783 metres, in the third quarter of 2018. Sinking of the shaft will continue to a planned final depth of 980 metres.
- Early-works surface construction for Platreef's Shaft 2 began last May with initial curtain grouting around the box cut. Further work includes the excavation of a surface box cut to a depth of approximately 29 metres and construction of the concrete hitch for the 103-metre-tall concrete headgear (headframe) that will house the shaft's permanent hoisting facilities and support the shaft collar. The early-works construction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of next year.
- Ivanhoe is focused on advancing the Platreef Project along its critical path. The continued development of shafts 1 and 2 will provide access to the Flatreef Deposit and help to ensure that the project is able to meet the scheduled, first-phase start-up of the underground mine and concentrator by 2022.
- On July 31, 2017, Ivanhoe announced the positive results of an independent, definitive feasibility study for the planned first phase of its Platreef platinum-group metals, nickel, copper and gold mine in South Africa. The study envisages an initial annual throughput rate of four million tonnes a year, producing 476,000 ounces of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (3PE+Au), plus 33 million pounds of nickel and copper.
- The Platreef Mine is projected to be Africa's lowest-cost producer of platinum-group metals, with a cash cost of $351 per ounce of 3PE+Au, net of by-products, including sustaining capital cost. There is good potential for relatively quick and capital-efficient expansion to six and eight million tonnes a year, and beyond, using start-up infrastructure.
- Ivanhoe has appointed five leading mine-financing institutions as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers to arrange debt financing for the development of the Platreef Mine. They are: KfW IPEX-Bank, a German government-owned institution; Swedish Export Credit Corporation; Export Development Canada; Nedbank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division); and Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking. Expressions of interest have been received for approximately $900 million of the targeted $1 billion project financing.
- The Platreef Project financing process is progressing, with technical and environmental due diligence now underway. Discussions are underway on the financing of the broad-based, black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) structure. Strategic discussions regarding the Platreef Project also are continuing with significant global mining companies and investors.
- On October 30, 2017, Ivanhoe announced that that the company has agreed to rebuild 34 kilometres of track to connect the Kipushi Mine with the DRC national railway at Munama, south of the mining capital of Lubumbashi. The Kipushi-Munama spur line, which has been inactive since 2011, will be rebuilt under terms of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Ivanhoe Mines and the DRC's state-owned railway company, Soci?(C)t?(C) Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC).The DRC national railway is a key part of the international rail corridor that links the DRC Copperbelt to major seaports at Durban and Richards Bay in South Africa, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Lobito in Angola.
- A pre-feasibility study for the redevelopment of the Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-lead-silver mine is being prepared by OreWin. The comprehensive new study is expected to be issued before the end of this year. It will update and refine Ivanhoe's May 2016 preliminary economic assessment of Kipushi's proposed redevelopment.
- Continuing strategic discussions concerning Ivanhoe Mines and its projects are ongoing with several significant mining companies and investors across Asia, Europe, Africa and elsewhere. Several investors that have expressed interest have no material limit on the provision of capital. There can be no assurance that the company will pursue any transaction or that a transaction, if pursued, will be completed.
- Ivanhoe Mines' three projects achieved a combined 8.2 million work hours free of lost-time injuries (LTIF) by the end of Q3 2017. Ivanhoe had recorded 457,807 LTIF hours at Platreef, 51,230 hours at Kipushi and more than 7.7 million hours at Kamoa-Kakula to the end of Q3 2017.
Principal projects and review of activities
1. Platreef Project
64%-owned by Ivanhoe Mines
South Africa
The Platreef Project is owned by Ivanplats (Pty) Ltd., which is 64%-owned by Ivanhoe Mines. A 26% interest is held by Ivanplats' historically-disadvantaged, broad-based, black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) partners, which include 20 local host communities with a total of approximately 150,000 people, project employees and local entrepreneurs. In January 2017, Ivanplats reconfirmed its Level 3 status in its third verification assessment on a B-BBEE scorecard. A Japanese consortium of ITOCHU Corporation; Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation and Japan Gas Corporation, owns a 10% interest in Ivanplats, which it acquired in two tranches for a total investment of $290 million.
The Platreef Project hosts an underground deposit of thick, platinum-group metals, nickel, copper and gold mineralization on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex, approximately 280 kilometres northeast of Johannesburg and eight kilometres from the town of Mokopane in Limpopo Province.
On the Northern Limb, platinum-group-metals mineralization is hosted primarily within the Platreef, a mineralized sequence that is traced more than 30 kilometres along strike. Ivanhoe's Platreef Project, within the Platreef's southern sector, is comprised of three contiguous properties: Turfspruit, Macalacaskop and Rietfontein. Turfspruit, the northernmost property, is contiguous with, and along strike from, Anglo Platinum's Mogalakwena group of mining operations and properties.
Since 2007, Ivanhoe has focused its exploration and development activities on defining and advancing the down-dip extension of its original discovery at Platreef, now known as the Flatreef Deposit, which is amenable to highly mechanized, underground mining methods. The Flatreef area lies entirely on the Turfspruit and Macalacaskop properties, which form part of the company's mining right.
Positive independent, definitive feasibility study for Platreef's first-phase development; Platreef projected to be Africa's lowest-cost producer of platinum-group metals
On July 31, 2017, Ivanhoe Mines announced the positive results of an independent, definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the planned first phase of the Platreef Project's platinum-group metals, nickel, copper and gold mine in South Africa.
The independent Platreef DFS covers the first phase of development that would include construction of a state-of-the-art underground mine, concentrator and other associated infrastructure to support initial production of concentrate by 2022. As Phase 1 is being developed and commissioned, there would be opportunities to refine the timing and scope of subsequent phases of expanded production.
Highlights include:
- Indicated Mineral Resources contain an estimated 41.9 million ounces of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold with an additional 52.8 million ounces of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold in Inferred Resources.
- Increased Mineral Reserves containing 17.6 million ounces of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold - an increase of 13% - following stope optimization and mine sequencing work.
- Development of a large, safe, mechanized, underground mine with an initial four Mtpa concentrator and associated infrastructure.
- Planned initial average annual production rate of 476,000 ounces (oz.) of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (3PE+Au), plus 21 million pounds of nickel and 13 million pounds of copper.
- Estimated pre-production capital requirement of approximately $1.5 billion, at a ZAR:USD exchange rate of 13 to 1.
- Platreef would rank at the bottom of the cash-cost curve, at an estimated $351 per ounce of 3PE+Au produced, net of by-products and including sustaining capital costs, and $326 per ounce before sustaining capital costs.
- After-tax Net Present Value (NPV) of $916 million, at an 8% discount rate.
- After-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 14.2%.
The study was prepared for Ivanhoe Mines by principal consultant DRA Global, with economic analysis led by OreWin, and specialized sub-consultants including Amec Foster Wheeler E&C Services Inc. (Amec Foster Wheeler), Stantec Consulting, Murray & Roberts Cementation, SRK Consulting, Golder Associates and Digby Wells Environmental.
Health and safety at Platreef
By the end of September 2017, the Platreef Project reached a total of 7,987,271 hours and 457,807 lost time injury-free (LTIF) hours worked in terms of South Africa's Mines Health and Safety Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Platreef Project continues to strive toward its workplace objective of an environment that causes zero harm to employees, contractors, sub-contractors and consultants.
Pre-shift safety meeting with members of the shaft-sinking team
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Construction of first shaft station in Shaft 1 completed
Shaft 1, with an internal diameter of 7.25 metres, will provide access to the Flatreef Deposit and enable the initial underground development to take place during the development of Shaft 2. Ultimately, Shaft 1 will become the primary ventilation intake shaft during the project's four-million-tonne-per-annum production case. The average sinking rate is between 40 to 50 metres a month. The shaft includes a 300-millimetre-thick, concrete-lined shaft wall.
The main sinking phase is expected to reach its projected, final depth of 980 metres below surface in 2019. Shaft stations to provide access to horizontal mine workings for personnel, materials, pump stations and services will be developed at depths of 450 metres, 750 metres, 850 metres and 950 metres. The permanent sinking phase, which started in July 2016, had reached a depth of 480 metres on September 30, 2017. The first off-shaft lateral development on the 450-metre-level, which will serve as an intermediate water pumping and shaft cable-termination station, was successfully completed in September. The next off-shaft lateral development will be on the 750-metre-level and will serve as the first mine working level.
Members of Platreef's shaft-sinking team in Shaft 1 at a depth of 500 metres below surface, more than halfway to the planned final depth of 980 metres
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Shaft 2 early-works construction underway
Shaft 2, to be located approximately 100 metres northeast of Shaft 1, will have an internal diameter of 10 metres, will be lined with concrete and sunk to a planned, final depth of more than 1,100 metres below surface. It will be equipped with two 40-tonne rock-hoisting skips with a capacity to hoist a total of six million tonnes of ore per year - the single largest hoisting capacity at any mine in Africa.
The headgear for the permanent hoisting facility was designed by South Africa-based Murray & Roberts Cementation. The early-works for Shaft 2 include the excavation of a surface box cut to a depth of approximately 29 metres below surface and the construction of the concrete hitch (foundation) for the 103-metre-tall concrete headgear (headframe) that will house the shaft's permanent hoisting facilities and support the shaft collar. The box cut is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete.
Drill-rig crew members during early-works surface construction at Shaft 2, located approximately 100 metres northeast of Shaft 1
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Underground mining to use highly productive mechanized methods
The mining zones in the current Platreef mine plan occur at depths ranging from approximately 700 metres to 1,200 metres below surface. Primary access to the mining zones will be by way of Shaft 2 and secondary access to the mine will be via Shaft 1. During mine production, both shafts also will serve as ventilation intakes. Three additional ventilation exhaust raises are planned to achieve steady-state production.
Planned mining methods will use highly productive, mechanized methods, including long-hole stoping and drift-and-fill. Each method will utilize cemented backfill for maximum ore extraction. The ore will be hauled from the stopes to a series of internal ore passes and fed to the bottom of Shaft 2, where it will be crushed and hoisted to surface.
The current mine plan has been improved over the 2015 PFS mine plan by optimizing stope design, employing a declining Net Smelter Return (NSR) strategy and targeting higher-grade zones early in the mine life. This strategy has increased the grade profile by 23% on a 3PE+Au basis in the first 10 years of operation and 10% over the life of the mine.
Shaft 2 engineered to allow for future expansion options
Shaft 2 has been engineered with a crushing and hoisting capacity of six Mtpa. This will allow a relatively quick and capital-efficient first expansion of the Platreef Project to six Mtpa by increasing underground development and commissioning a third, two-Mtpa processing module and associated surface infrastructure as required.
A further expansion to more than eight Mtpa would entail converting Shaft 1 from a ventilation shaft into a hoisting shaft. This would require additional ventilation exhaust raises, as well as a further increase of underground development, commissioning of a fourth, two-Mtpa processing module and associated surface infrastructure, as described in the Platreef preliminary economic assessment (PEA) as Phase 2 of the project.
Preliminary expressions of interest received for approximately
$900 million of the targeted $1 billion Platreef project financing
On July 19, 2017, Ivanhoe Mines announced the appointment of another two leading, mine-financing institutions - KfW IPEX-Bank, a German government-owned institution, and the Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK) - as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers (IMLAs) to arrange debt financing for the ongoing development of the Platreef Mine.
KfW IPEX-Bank and SEK joined the three initial IMLAs - Export Development Canada, Nedbank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division) and Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking - that were appointed earlier this year.
The five IMLAs will make best efforts to arrange a total debt financing of up to $1 billion for the development of Platreef's first-phase, four-Mtpa mine. Preliminary expressions of interest now have been received for approximately $900 million of the targeted $1 billion project financing. Negotiation of a term sheet is ongoing. In addition, preliminary discussions have commenced with leading financial institutions around the financing of the contribution by the black economic empowerment partners to the development capital.
Metallurgical test work and processing methods
Metallurgical test work has focused on maximizing recovery of platinum-group metals (PGM) and base metals, mainly nickel, while producing an acceptably high-grade concentrate suitable for further processing and/or sale to a third party. The three main geo-metallurgical units and composites tested produced smelter-grade final concentrates of approximately 85 g/t PGM+Au at acceptable PGM recoveries.
Test work also has shown that the material is amenable to treatment by conventional flotation without the need for mainstream or concentrate ultrafine re-grinding. Extensive bench-scale test work comprising of open-circuit and locked-cycled flotation testing, comminution testing, mineralogical characterization, dewatering and rheological characterization was performed at Mintek in South Africa, an internationally accredited metallurgical testing facility and laboratory.
Comminution and flotation test work has indicated that the optimum grind for beneficiation is 80% passing 75 micrometres. Platreef ore is classified as being 'hard' to 'very hard' and thus not suitable for semi-autogenous grinding; a multi-stage crushing and ball-milling circuit has been selected as the preferred size-reduction route.
Improved flotation performance has been achieved using high-chrome grinding media as opposed to carbon-steel media. The inclusion of a split-cleaner flotation-circuit configuration, in which the fast-floating fraction is treated in a cleaner circuit separate from the medium- and slow-floating fractions, resulted in improved PGM, copper and nickel recoveries and concentrate grades.
A two-phased development approach was used for the DFS flow-sheet design. The selected flow sheet comprises a common four-Mtpa, three-stage crushing circuit that feeds crushed material to two parallel milling-flotation modules, each with a nominal capacity of two Mtpa. Flotation is followed by a common concentrate thickening, concentrate filtration, tailings disposal and tailings-handling facility.
Bulk water and electricity supply
The Olifants River Water Resource Development Project (ORWRDP) is designed to deliver water to the Eastern and Northern limbs of South Africa's Bushveld Complex. The project consists of the new De Hoop Dam, the raised wall of the Flag Boshielo Dam and related pipeline infrastructure that ultimately is expected to deliver water to Pruissen, southeast of the Northern Limb. The Pruissen Pipeline Project is expected to be developed to deliver water onward from Pruissen to the municipalities, communities and mining projects on the Northern Limb. Ivanhoe Mines is a member of the ORWRDP's Joint Water Forum.
The Platreef Project's water requirement for the first phase of development is projected to peak at approximately 7.5 million litres per day, which is expected to be supplied by the water network. Ivanhoe also is investigating various alternative sources of bulk water, including an allocation of bulk grey-water from a local source.
The Platreef Project's electrical power requirement for the phase one, four-Mtpa, underground mine, concentrator and associated infrastructure has been estimated at approximately 100 million volt-amperes. An agreement has been reached with Eskom, the South African public electricity utility, for the supply of phase-one power. Ivanhoe chose a self-build option for permanent power that will enable Ivanhoe to manage the construction of the distribution lines from Eskom's Burutho sub-station to the Platreef Mine. The self-build and electrical supply agreements are being formulated.
2. Kipushi Project
68%-owned by Ivanhoe Mines
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Kipushi copper-zinc-germanium-silver mine in the DRC is adjacent to the town of Kipushi and approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Lubumbashi. It is located on the Central African Copperbelt, approximately 250 kilometres southeast of the Kamoa-Kakula Project and less than one kilometre from the Zambian border. Ivanhoe acquired its 68% interest in the Kipushi Project in November 2011; the balance of 32% is held by the state-owned mining company, La G?(C)n?(C)rale des Carri??res et des Mines (G?(C)camines).
Health, safety and community development
The Kipushi Project achieved a total of 51,230 work hours free of lost-time injuries by September 30, 2017. One lost-time injury occurred in September 2017.
The Fionet Know for Sure initiative to improve malaria diagnostics and treatment expanded to 300 Deki Readers installed in 252 medical service providers in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces in Southern DRC, which host Ivanhoe's Kipushi and Kamoa-Kakula projects.
Deki Readers provide automated readings of rapid diagnostic tests to remove the human-error factor and avoid prescription of unnecessary medication. The data are uploaded to a cloud server for analysis by the Ministry of Health in planning malaria-control measures. There were more than 24,000 patient encounters in Q3 2017 where Deki Readers provided diagnostic testing; only approximately 14% of Kipushi Project employees who were symptomatic tested positive for malaria.
A representative of the Know for Sure initiative, holding a Deki Reader used to conduct rapid diagnostic testing for malaria, explains to children how to get access to testing for themselves and their parents.
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At the request of the Kipushi municipal authority, and in conjunction with the Haut-Katanga Office of Roads and Drainage (Office des Voires et Drainage) and La Commission Nationale de Pr?(C)vention Routi??re (CNPR), additional speed bumps and signs have been installed on paved roads in the municipal areas in an effort to reduce traffic accidents.
Underground drilling program includes metallurgy,
infill and resource expansion drilling
Ivanhoe initiated a second phase of underground drilling at Kipushi in April 2017. The planned drilling program totalled 6,500 metres in 41 drill holes and included metallurgy, resource infill and expansion and exploration drilling. As of September 30, 2017, 36 holes and 7,812 metres had been completed. The program has been increased to approximately 9,500 metres as result of exploration success and now is scheduled to be completed in Q4 2017.
Resource drilling initially focused on the Southern Zinc to confirm and expand the resource area and to upgrade it into an Indicated Mineral Resource. In Q3, drilling continued to extend the vertical limit of the Southern Zinc and targeted the area between the Southern Zinc and the Big Zinc, attempting to connect these two zones. Drilling also tested the eastern extent of the S?(C)rie R?(C)currente.
Drilling is continuing with two rigs, one with the Southern Zinc expansion and the other with the S?(C)rie R?(C)currente exploration. Ivanhoe intends to update the Kipushi Mineral Resource estimate early in Q1 2018.
A member of the Titan drilling team operating a drill rig underground at Kipushi
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Project development and infrastructure upgrading
The Kipushi Mine, which had been placed on care and maintenance in 1993, flooded in early 2011 due to a lack of pump maintenance over an extended period. At its peak, water reached 851 metres below the surface. Ivanhoe restored access to the mine's principal haulage level at 1,150 metres below surface in December 2013. Since then, crews have been upgrading underground infrastructure to permanently stabilize the water levels.
Since completion of the 2014/2015 drilling program, water levels have been lowered to the bottom of Shaft 5, which is planned to be the mine's main production shaft. The shaft is eight metres in diameter, 1,240 metres deep and approximately 1.5 kilometres from the planned main mining area. It provides the primary access to the lower levels of the mine, including the Big Zinc Deposit, through the 1,150-metre haulage level and underground ramp decline.
Welding at the Kipushi Mine's Shaft 5 pumping station in preparation for a resumption of production
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Pre-feasibility study for Kipushi nearing completion
In September 2016, Ivanhoe began a pre-feasibility study (PFS) on the Kipushi Project that will further refine the optimal development scenario for the existing underground mine. Orewin, of Australia, has been appointed the main engineering firm for the preparation of the PFS. Golder Associates, MDM, SRK, DRA, Murray & Roberts and Grindrod also have been engaged to complete various aspects of the study.
The PFS will refine the positive PEA for the redevelopment of the Kipushi Project that was announced on May 2, 2016. The comprehensive new study is expected to be issued before the end of this year. Highlights of the 2016 PEA, prepared by OreWin and the MSA Group, include:
- After-tax net present value at an 8% real discount rate is $533 million.
- After-tax real internal rate of return is 30.9%.
- After-tax project payback period is 2.2 years.
- Leveraging existing surface and underground infrastructure significantly lowers the redevelopment capital compared to a greenfield development project, as well as the time required to reinstate production.
- Life-of-mine average planned zinc concentrate production of 530,000 dry tonnes per annum - with a concentrate grade of 53% zinc - is expected to rank Kipushi, once in production, among the world's major zinc mines.
- Life-of-mine average cash cost of $0.54/lb. of zinc is expected to rank Kipushi, once in production, in the bottom quartile of the cash-cost curve for zinc producers globally.
3. Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project
39.6%-owned by Ivanhoe Mines
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining, has been independently ranked as the largest copper discovery ever made on the African continent. Kamoa-Kakula also includes adjacent prospective exploration areas within the Central African Copperbelt in the DRC. It is approximately 25 kilometres west of the town of Kolwezi and 270 kilometres west of Lubumbashi.
Ivanhoe sold a 49.5% share interest in Kamoa Holding Limited to Zijin Mining in December 2015 for an aggregate consideration of $412 million. At the time, Kamoa Holding held a 95% interest in the Kamoa Project. In addition, Ivanhoe sold a 1% share interest in Kamoa Holding to privately-owned Crystal River Global Limited for $8.32 million, which Crystal River will pay through a non-interest-bearing, 10-year promissory note. Since the conclusion of the Zijin transaction in December 2015, each shareholder of Kamoa Holding has been required to fund expenditures at the Kamoa-Kakula Project in an amount equivalent to its proportionate shareholding interest in the company.
A 5%, non-dilutable interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Project was transferred to the DRC government on September 11, 2012, for no consideration, pursuant to the DRC Mining Code. Following the signing of an agreement with the DRC government in November 2016, in which an additional 15% interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Project was transferred to the government, Ivanhoe and Zijin Mining now each hold an indirect 39.6% interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Project, Crystal River Global Limited holds an indirect 0.8% interest and the DRC government holds a direct 20% interest. Kamoa Holding now has an 80% interest in the project.
Kakula's May 2017 estimate boosted combined Kamoa-Kakula Indicated Mineral Resources to approximately one billion tonnes at 3.02% copper, at a 1.4% cut-off
Ivanhoe issued an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Kamoa-Kakula Project on May 17, 2017. The estimates were prepared by Ivanhoe Mines under the direction of Amec Foster Wheeler, of Reno, USA, in accordance with the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The Qualified Persons for the Kamoa-Kakula Mineral Resource estimate are Dr. Harry Parker, RM, SME, and Gordon Seibel, RM, SME, both of Amec Foster Wheeler.
The May 2017 resource estimate included an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Kakula Discovery, but did not include any drilling results from the new Kakula West discovery area. Ivanhoe expects that an updated Kamoa-Kakula resource estimate, including an initial resource estimate for the Kakula West Discovery and the saddle area between the existing Kakula Mineral Resource area and Kakula West, should be available around the end of this year.
The combined Indicated Mineral Resources for the entire Kamoa-Kakula Project presently total 1.101 billion tonnes grading 2.85% copper, containing 69.2 billion pounds of copper at a 1.0% copper cut-off grade and a minimum thickness of three metres. Kamoa-Kakula also has Inferred Mineral Resources of 244 million tonnes grading 2.12% copper and containing 11.5 billion pounds of copper, also at a 1.0% copper cut-off grade and a minimum thickness of three metres.
The Indicated Mineral Resources just for Kakula total 349 million tonnes at a grade of 3.23% copper, containing 24.9 billion pounds of copper at a 1% copper cut-off. At a 2% copper cut-off, Indicated Resources total 210 million tonnes at a 4.41% copper grade, containing 20.4 billion pounds of copper. At a higher cut-off of 3% copper, Indicated Resources total 116 million tonnes at a grade of 6.09% copper, containing 15.6 billion pounds of copper.
Kakula also has Inferred Mineral Resources totalling 59 million tonnes at a grade of 2.26% copper, containing 3.0 billion pounds of copper at a 1% copper cut-off. At a 2% copper cut-off, Inferred Resources total 27 million tonnes at a 3.19% copper grade, containing 1.9 billion pounds of copper. At a higher cut-off of 3% copper, Inferred Resources total 12 million tonnes at a grade of 4.45% copper, containing 1.1 billion pounds of copper. Kakula's Indicated and Inferred resources are included in the combined Kamoa-Kakula Project mineral resources.
The average true thickness of the Kakula selective mineralized zone (SMZ) at a 1% cut-off is 12.0 metres in the Indicated Resources area and 6.4 metres in the Inferred Resources area. At a higher 3% cut-off, the average true thickness of the SMZ is 5.3 metres in the Indicated Resources area and 3.9 metres in the Inferred Resources area.
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project geology showing Kakula Discovery area open for significant expansion along trend to the west
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc6712a4-b9ac-4e44-b078-448fc8128aec
New expanded-case Kamoa-Kakula preliminary economic assessment
scheduled for completion this quarter
The new Kamoa-Kakula Project PEA is progressing well and is expected to be completed during Q4 2017. The new PEA is considering a mine capacity of six Mtpa at Kakula, based on the May 2017 Mineral Resource estimate, with a six-Mtpa mine at Kansoko with a centralized concentrator and smelter at Kakula, for a projected, peak mine production of approximately 12 Mtpa from the presently delineated Kamoa and Kakula deposits.
In addition to the new PEA study, preliminary work is underway on a six-Mtpa pre-feasibility study (PFS) at Kakula that will be based on an updated resource model. The study will be considered as the base case for the first phase of development at Kamoa-Kakula. In light of the successful step-out drilling at Kakula West, the Kamoa-Kakula development plans will be reassessed and amended as the project moves forward.
Health and safety at Kamoa-Kakula; more than seven million lost-time,
injury-free working hours achieved
Health and safety remain key priorities for all people working at the Kamoa-Kakula Project, which had achieved 7,729,995 lost-time, injury-free hours worked by September 30, 2017.
By the end of September 2017, 107 cases of malaria were diagnosed at the Kamoa clinic during the first nine months of 2017, a significant reduction from the 147 cases for the same period in 2016. This progress is due, in part, to the project's malaria prevention plan.
Exploration activities increased at Kakula West to expand the high-grade zone
of chalcocite-rich copper mineralization
Exploration activity increased significantly during Q3 2017, with additional drilling for geotechnical, hydrogeology, environmental and metallurgical studies, as well as an expansion in the resource drilling to support the updated resource estimate. A total of 33,500 metres were completed during Q3 2017. With 14 rigs in the field, more than 89,000 metres now have been drilled in 2017.
Resource expansion drilling was focused in Kakula West and in the saddle between the Kakula West discovery and Kakula. In addition, infill drilling was completed in the main Kakula area to tighten up the drill spacing while exploration drilling was completed in Kamoa Ouest.
One of 14 rigs drilling at Kamoa-Kakula - 10 of which are drilling in the Kakula and Kakula West area
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Improved copper recoveries and concentrate grades confirmed
by preliminary metallurgical tests on drill core from Kakula
The next phase of flowsheet development has been initiated following the positive preliminary test-work results received during Q4 2016 showing 87.8% recovery at an extremely high concentrate grade of 56% copper.
A metallurgical drilling campaign to compile a representative composite sample has been completed and material is being prepared for shipment to the XPS metallurgical laboratories in Canada. This sample will be used for the PFS circuit development and optimization test work planned for the second half of 2017.
Earlier metallurgical test work indicated that the Kamoa and Kakula concentrates contain extremely low arsenic levels by world standards - approximately 0.02%. Given this critical competitive marketing advantage, Kamoa-Kakula concentrates are expected to attract a significant premium from copper-concentrate traders for use in blending with concentrates from other mines. The concentrates will help to enable the other concentrates to meet the limit of 0.5% arsenic imposed by Chinese smelters to meet China's environmental restrictions.
Maroon diamictite, siltstone with disseminated chalcocite drilled in the southern edge of Kakula West
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cabe3f3-fda5-455a-a2dd-2063b2bc2a1b
Excavation completed on the Kakula box cut; decline development to begin
in mid-November
The contractor, CREC 9, completed the box-cut excavation, support and civil works at the end of October 2017. The Kakula decline development contract has been awarded to JMMC, a DRC subsidiary of JCHX.
The first blast for the twin declines at Kakula is scheduled for mid-November 2017. Depending on ground conditions, the 3,600-metre decline development contract is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.
The Kakula box cut was completed on October 26, 2017.
The first blast for the access declines is scheduled for mid-November 2017.
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d65ef3f-6201-43ca-8dfa-46075cc26001
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1fe562a9-0652-4cfd-aa14-219eaf4f2d05
Development at the Kansoko Mine has reached the high-grade copper mineralization
Underground development at Kamoa's Kansoko Mine, consisting of service and conveyor declines, was completed by Byrnecut Underground Congo SARL in September 2017. The high-grade Kansoko Sud copper mineralization was reached and approximately 13,500 tonnes of development ore was stockpiled at surface. Various development options for Kansoko are being assessed in conjunction with the ongoing mine development activities at Kakula.
High-grade chalcopyrite-rich copper ore from the Kansoko Mine
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e9c6448-561a-49ed-b2b6-bc26fca4624e
High-grade development ore stockpiled from construction of the Kansoko Mine
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95599fc3-bf3c-4db4-b1ad-ab9c083e2cc4
Refurbishment work progressing at the Mwadingusha power station
Repair work at the Mwadingusha Unit 1 was completed in August 2016. The Mwadingusha G1 unit, supplying 11 megawatts, was synchronized in September 2016 to the national, interconnected grid operated by SNEL, the DRC's state-owned power company. The contract to purchase four turbines for the Mwadingusha power plant upgrades was awarded and the contract signed between SNEL and the consortium Andritz Hydro & Cegelec Corporation. The Mwadingusha G1 and associated infrastructure upgrading is proceeding according to plan.
The Kansoko Mine site has been connected to the national hydroelectric grid since late 2016.
Continuing focus on jobs, community and sustainability
The number of job opportunities from the Kamoa-Kakula Project and contractors has risen during the third quarter of 2017 due to the increase in activity around the camp and mine area. Preference is given to local job-seekers and numerous positions have been filled.
The Sustainable Livelihoods project is largely aimed at economically empowering communities in the vicinity of the planned mine. The project, which has been in place for the past five years, has continued to successfully manage the following programs during 2017 to date:
- a small-holder maize (corn) production program yielded maize from local communities and the mine's farm, which now includes a recently acquired maize sheller, maize-cleaning machine, dehuller and grinding mill for maize meal production;
- a vegetable program supplying produce to the Kamoa-Kakula Project camp kitchen;
- a poultry project that supplies the Kamoa-Kakula Project camp kitchen with chickens and eggs;
- a beekeeping program managing more than 50 honey-producing hives; and
- a fish-farming program, consisting of two fully stocked dams, with a third dam under construction.
A crop and household relocation survey has been conducted for the entire 15km2 Kakula mining area. Compensation to farmers has been paid and alternative land has been allocated and is in the process of being ploughed. Fifty relocation houses will be constructed near the village of Muvundaquali for households to be relocated from the mine area. The first demonstration house has been built and is being inspected.
4. Western Foreland Exploration Project
100%-owned by Ivanhoe Mines
Democratic Republic of Congo
Exploration underway on Ivanhoe's 100%-owned Western Foreland exploration licences west of Kamoa-Kakula
Ivanhoe's DRC exploration group is targeting Kamoa-Kakula-style copper mineralization through a regional diamond drilling program on its 100%-owned Western Foreland exploration licences located to the west of the Kamoa-Kakula Mining Licence. Based on the geological similarities between the Western Foreland and the Kamoa-Kakula areas and the accumulation of in-depth, proprietary geological insights into the features controlling the high-grade copper mineralization gained by Ivanhoe's geological team during almost two decades of exploring in the region Ivanhoe is confident of additional exploration success and is planning to expand its Western Forelands exploration program in 2018.
Drilling is ongoing with two contractor rigs focused on one of the company's more promising targets on the Western Foreland exploration licences. During Q3 2017, Ivanhoe's exploration team engaged in interpreting the regional geology and Nguba Basin architecture of the Western Foreland Area. The company is planning gravity and seismic surveys in coming months to assist the geological interpretation process.
Construction is underway to provide uninterrupted wet-season access to the exploration areas via an all-weather road that will connect the Kamoa-Kakula road network to the Western Foreland exploration licences. Work on a bridge across the Lufupa River is being completed to allow access from west of the river to previously inaccessible exploration drill targets.
Construction of the first phase of Ivanhoe's exploration camp is nearly complete. Offices, core processing and laboratory facilities have been installed and are operational. Core processing and sampling work has begun in earnest and a water borehole has been installed. Ivanhoe has decided to continue exploration through the rainy season and preparations are being made at both drill camps to mitigate the season's logistical challenges.
Ivanhoe's 100%-owned Western Foreland exploration licences, west of the Kamoa-Kakula mining licence
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/900feb6e-e7e3-4601-b993-5ec73b8e539f
Selected quarterly financial information
The following table summarizes selected financial information for the prior eight quarters. Ivanhoe had no operating revenue in any financial reporting period and did not declare or pay any dividend or distribution in any financial reporting period.
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Discussion of results of operations
Review of the three months ended September 30, 2017, vs. September 30, 2016
The company's total comprehensive loss for Q3 2017 of $21.2 million was $20.6 million higher than for the same period in 2016 ($0.6 million). The increase largely was due to exchange gains on translation of foreign operations recognized in Q3 2016 of $10.8 million resulting from the strengthening of the South African Rand by 10% from June 30, 2016, to September 30, 2016, compared to an exchange loss on translation of foreign operations recognized in Q3 2017 of $6.2 million.
Exploration and project expenditures for the three months ending September 30, 2017, amounted to $11.6 million and were $3.8 million more than for the same period in 2016 ($7.8 million).
With the focus at the Platreef Project on development and the Kamoa Project being accounted for as a joint venture, $10.8 million of the total $11.6 million exploration and project expenditure related to the Kipushi Project. Expenditure at the Kipushi Project increased by $3.2 million compared to the same period in 2016.
The company's share of losses from the Kamoa Holding joint venture increased from $6.3 million in Q3 2016 to $6.8 million in Q3 2017.
The costs associated with mine development are capitalized as development costs in Kamoa Holding, while the exploration expenditure is expensed. Capitalization of costs at Kakula commenced during Q2 2017, coinciding with the start of the Kakula box cut. Exploration drilling at Kakula West and in the "saddle" area between Kakula West and Kakula still are expensed.
The interest expense in the Kamoa Holding joint venture relates to shareholder loans where each shareholder is required to fund Kamoa Holding in an amount equivalent to its proportionate shareholding interest. The company is advancing Crystal River's portion on its behalf in return for an increase in the promissory note due to Ivanhoe.
Review of the nine months ended September 30, 2017, vs. September 30, 2016
The company's total comprehensive loss of $37.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, was $19.8 million higher than for the same period in 2016 ($17.7 million). The increase was largely due to an exchange gain on translation of foreign operations of $10.4 million recognized in the first nine months of 2016 compared to a gain of $1.4 million for the same period in 2017.
Exploration and project expenditures for the nine months ending September 30, 2017, amounted to $29.5 million and were $6.6 million higher than for the same period in 2016 ($22.9 million). Of the $29.5 million exploration and project expenditure, $28.4 million related to the Kipushi Project.
Expenditure at the Kipushi Project increased by $6.1 million compared to the same period in 2016.
The company's share of losses from the Kamoa Holding joint venture increased to $17.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $15.8 million for the same period in 2016.
Financial position as at September 30, 2017 vs. December 31, 2016
The company's total assets decreased by $27.8 million, from $1,002.2 million as at December 31, 2016, to $974.4 million as at September 30, 2017. This resulted from the company utilizing its cash resources in its operations. The company's total liabilities increased by $1.5 million to $47.5 million as at September 30, 2017, from $46.0 million as at December 31, 2016.
The company received the fourth installment of $41.2 million on February 8, 2017, and the fifth and final installment on May 23, 2017, which represented the remaining purchase-price receivable due to the company as at December 31, 2016, as a result of the sale of 49.5% of Kamoa Holding.
The company's investment in the Kamoa Holding joint venture increased by $65.0 million from $473.6 as at December 31, 2016, to $538.6 million as at September 30, 2017, with the current shareholders funding the operations equivalent to their proportionate shareholding interest. The company's portion of the Kamoa Holding joint venture cash calls amounted to $62.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, while the company's share of comprehensive loss from joint venture amounted to $17.3 million.
Property, plant and equipment increased by $37.2 million, with a total of $39.7 million being spent on project development and to acquire other property, plant and equipment, $34.1 million of which pertained to development costs of the Platreef Project. The company utilized $30.6 million of its cash resources in its operations and earned interest income of $2.7 million during the nine months ending September 30, 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The company had $228.1 million in cash and cash equivalents as at September 30, 2017. At this date, the company had consolidated working capital of approximately $233.7 million, compared to $364.8 million at December 31, 2016. The Platreef Project's restricted cash has been fully utilized and the project's current expenditure is being funded by Ivanhoe through an intercompany loan. The Company believes it has sufficient resources to cover its short-term cash requirements. However, the Company's access to financing always is uncertain and there can be no assurance that additional funding will be available to the company in the near future.
On December 8, 2015, Zijin, through a subsidiary company, acquired a 49.5% interest in Kamoa Holding for a total of $412 million in a series of payments. Ivanhoe received an initial $206 million from Zijin on December 8, 2015, and a further $41.2 million on each of March 23, 2016, July 8, 2016, October 25, 2016, February 8, 2017, and May 23, 2017. Since December 8, 2015, each shareholder in Kamoa Holding has been required to fund Kamoa Holding in an amount equivalent to its proportionate shareholding interest. The company is advancing Crystal River's portion on its behalf in return for an increase in the promissory note due to Ivanhoe.
The company's main objectives for the remainder of 2017 at the Platreef Project are the continuation of Shaft 1 construction and early-works construction of Shaft 2. At Kipushi, the principal objective is the completion of the PFS and continued upgrading of mining infrastructure. At the Kamoa-Kakula Project, priorities are the continuation of drilling and the decline construction at Kakula. The company expects to spend $15 million on further development at the Platreef Project; $19 million at the Kipushi Project; $3 million on regional exploration in the DRC; and $5 million on corporate overheads for the remainder of 2017 - as well as its proportionate funding of the Kamoa-Kakula Project, expected to be $16 million for the remainder of 2017.
The company is required to fund its Kamoa Holding joint venture in an amount equivalent to its proportionate shareholding interest.
Continuing strategic discussions concerning Ivanhoe Mines and its projects are ongoing with several significant mining companies and investors across Asia, Europe, Africa and elsewhere. Several investors that have expressed interest have no material limit on the provision of capital. There can be no assurance that the company will pursue any transaction or that a transaction, if pursued, will be completed.
Qualified Person
Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, who is considered, by virtue of his education, experience and professional association, 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. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.
Ivanhoe had 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 Project Kakula 2017 Resource Update Technical Report dated June 14, 2017, prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd., Amec Foster Wheeler E&C Services Inc., MDM (Technical) Africa Pty Ltd; and SRK Consulting Pty Ltd., 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.
- The Kipushi Zn-Cu Project, Kipushi 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report dated May 12, 2016, prepared by MSA Group (Pty) Ltd and OreWin Pty. Ltd., 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 for the Platreef Project, the Kipushi Project and the Kamoa-Kakula Project cited in this news release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release concerning the Platreef Project, Kipushi Project and Kamoa-Kakula Project.
Additional Information
This news release should be read in conjunction with Ivanhoe Mines' Q3 2017 Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis report available at www.ivanhoemines.com and at www.sedar.com.
Additional information regarding the company, including the company's Annual Information Form, is available at www.sedar.com.
Information contacts
Investors
Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834
Media
North America: Bob Williamson +1.604.512.4856
South Africa: Jeremy Michaels + 27.82.772.1122
Website www.ivanhoemines.com
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this 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. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.
Such statements include without limitation, the timing and results of: (i) statements regarding Shaft 1 providing initial access for early underground development at the Flatreef Deposit; (ii) statements regarding the station development of Shaft 1 at the 750-, 850- and 950-metre levels; (iii) statements regarding the sinking of Shaft 1, including that the average sinking rate is between 40 and 50 metres a month; (iv) statements regarding Shaft 1 reaching the planned, final depth at 980 metres below surface in 2019; (v) statements regarding the timing of the commencement of Shaft 2 development, including that construction of the box cut will take approximately 12 months to complete and that Shaft 2 will be sunk to a final depth of more than 1,100 metres; (vi) statements regarding the operational and technical capacity of Shaft 1; (vii) statements regarding the internal diameter and hoisting capacity of Shaft 2; (viii) statements regarding the company's plans to develop the Platreef Mine in three phases: an initial annual rate of four million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to establish an operating platform to support future expansions; followed by a doubling of production to eight Mtpa; and then a third expansion phase to a steady-state 12 Mtpa; (ix) statements regarding the planned underground mining methods of the Platreef Project including long-hole stoping and drift-and-fill mining; (x) statements regarding peak water use of 7.5 million litres per day at the Platreef Project and development of the Pruissen Pipeline Project; (xi) statements regarding the Platreef Project's estimated electricity requirement of 100 million volt-amperes; (xii) statements regarding the timing and completion of an updated preliminary economic assessment at the Kamoa-Kakula Project in Q4 2017 and a preliminary feasibility study for a six Mtpa mine at Kakula; (xiii) statements regarding the timing, size and objectives of drilling and other exploration programs for 2017 and future periods, including drilling of 9,500 metres at the Kipushi Project in 2017; (xiv) statements regarding exploration through the rainy season on the Western Foreland exploration licences; (xv) statements regarding the first blast for the twin declines at Kakula scheduled for mid-November 2017 and completion of the contract by the end of 2018; (xvi) statements regarding the timing of an initial resource estimate at Kakula West, (xvii) statements regarding the timing of an update to the Kipushi Mineral Resource estimate early in Q1 2018, (xviii) statements regarding the timing and completion of the preliminary feasibility study at the Kipushi Project, and (xix) statements regarding expected expenditure for the remainder of 2017 of $15 million on further development at the Platreef Project; $19 million at the Kipushi Project; $3 million on regional exploration in the DRC; and $5 million on corporate overheads - as well as its proportionate funding of the Kamoa-Kakula Project, expected to be $16 million for the remainder of 2017.
As well, all of the results of the pre-feasibility study of the Kamoa-Kakula Project and preliminary economic assessment of development options for the Kakula deposit, the feasibility study of the Platreef Project and the preliminary economic assessment of the Kipushi Project, constitute forward-looking statements or information, and include future estimates of internal rates of return, net present value, future production, estimates of cash cost, proposed mining plans and methods, mine life estimates, cash flow forecasts, metal recoveries, estimates of capital and operating costs and the size and timing of phased development of the projects. Furthermore, with respect to this specific forward-looking information concerning the development of the Kamoa-Kakula, Platreef and Kipushi projects, the company has based its assumptions and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include: (i) the adequacy of infrastructure; (ii) geological characteristics; (iii) metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv) the ability to develop adequate processing capacity; (v) the price of copper, nickel, zinc, platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold; (vi) the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the cost of consumables and mining and processing equipment; (viii) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (ix) accidents or acts of sabotage or terrorism; (x) currency fluctuations; (xi) changes in regulations; (xii) the compliance by joint venture partners with terms of agreements, (xiii) the availability and productivity of skilled labour; (xiv) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; and (xiv) political factors.
This release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Estimates of Mineral Reserves provide more certainty but still involve similar subjective judgements. 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 (including estimated future production from the company's projects, the anticipated tonnages and grades that will be mined and the estimated level of recovery that will be realized), which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that ultimately may prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates may have to be re-estimated based on: (i) fluctuations in copper, nickel, zinc, platinum group elements (PGE), gold or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates and/or changes in mine plans; (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licences; and (vii) changes in law or regulation.
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 here and under "Risk Factors", as well as 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.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this 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 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 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 of the company's Q3 2017 MD&A and its Annual Information Form.