OT IA signedhttps://www.riotinto.com/media/5157_18565.asp
06 October 2009
Rio Tinto signs Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement
Rio Tinto today signed an Investment Agreement with the Government ofMongolia for the development of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold complex in Mongolia'sSouth Gobi region. Rio Tinto and Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, the development partners forthe project, will now move forward with the government to address the conditionsprecedent and commence the development phase. Production is expected tocommence in 2013, with a five year ramp up to full expected production of450,000 tonnes of copper per year and 330,000 ounces of gold.
Bret Clayton, chief executive of Rio Tinto's Copper and Diamonds group, saidthat Oyu Tolgoi is consistent with Rio Tinto's strategy of investing in large,long life, low cost ore bodies.
"While the size and grade of the existing Oyu Tolgoi ore reserves and mineralresources are already world class, we are also excited by significantexploration upside that still remains," he said. "We plan to be a partner herein Mongolia for decades to come."
Mr Clayton said that the Oyu Tolgoi project holds great potential, both forthe parties investing in its development, and for the people of Mongolia. " Webelieve Oyu Tolgoi will bring far reaching benefits for employees andcommunities directly linked to the mine, as well as for the people andindustries indirectly connected to our operations."
Under the terms of the Investment Agreement and associated Shareholders'Agreement, the Government of Mongolia will own 34 per cent of Ivanhoe MinesMongolia Inc LLC, the license holder of the Oyu Tolgoi Project. Key termsinclude a stable operational and tax environment, provisions dealing with theGovernment's equity participation and financing arrangements.
Rio Tinto initially made a US$303 million investment in a 9.95 per centshareholding in Ivanhoe Mines Ltd in October 2006 under the terms of a PlacementAgreement, and has the obligation to invest US$388 million for a further 9.95per cent holding at the conclusion of an unconditional investment agreement withthe Mongolian government (Tranche 2). Rio Tinto and Ivanhoe have recently agreedto a short term, month by month extension of the October 27 deadline forcompleting Tranche 2.
Under its current agreements with Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, Rio Tinto has the rightto acquire up to 43.1 per cent of Ivanhoe's shares under fixed price options,with a right to further increase that interest to 46.65 per cent throughon-market purchases.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK,combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and NYSE listed company, and Rio TintoLimited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources.Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold,industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore.Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and NorthAmerica with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southernAfrica.