Technical Report
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
From:
October 12, 2005
IVANHOE MINES LTD.
(Translation of Registrants Name into English)
Suite 654 999 CANADA PLACE, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA V6C 3E1
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of
Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)
Form 20-F o Form 40-F þ
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form
is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)
Yes: o No: þ
(If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with
Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .)
Enclosed:
Technical Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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IVANHOE MINES LTD. |
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Date: October 12, 2005
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By:
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/s/ Beverly A. Bartlett |
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BEVERLY A. BARTLETT |
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Corporate Secretary |
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This report was prepared as a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, in accordance with Form
43-101F1, for Ivanhoe Mines by AMEC Americas Limited [AMEC] with input from certain other
professional consultants and Qualified Persons retained by Ivanhoe Mines as more particularly
described in the report. The quality of information, conclusions, and estimates contained herein is
consistent with the level of effort involved in AMECs and such other professional consultants and
Qualified Persons services, based on :
i] information available at the time of preparation ii] data supplied by outside sources, and iii]
assumptions , conditions , and qualifications set forth in this report.This report is intended to
be used by Ivanhoe Mines , subject to the terms and conditions of its contract with AMEC. That
contract permits Ivanhoe Mines to file this report as a Technical Report with Canadian Securities
Regulatory Authorities pursuant to provincial securities legislation. Except for the purposes
legislated under securities laws, any other use of this report by any third party is at that
partys sole risk.
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Contents
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SECTION 1 Summary |
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1-1 |
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1.1 Overview of IDP |
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1-1 |
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1.2 Economic Benefit to Mongolia |
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1-3 |
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1.3 Financial Summary |
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1-4 |
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1.4 Ore Release Schedules |
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1-7 |
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1.4.1 Phase
1 Base Case |
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1-7 |
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1.4.2 Phase
2 Expanded case |
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1-8 |
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1.5 Development, Capital and Production Schedules |
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1-9 |
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1.6 Mineral Resources |
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1-11 |
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SECTION 2 Introduction and Terms of Reference |
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2-1 |
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SECTION 3 Disclaimer |
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3-1 |
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SECTION 4 Property Description and Location |
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4-1 |
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4.1 Mineral Tenure |
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4-1 |
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4.2 Permits and Agreements |
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4-3 |
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SECTION 5 Accessibility, Climate, and Physiography |
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5-1 |
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5.1 Location |
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5-1 |
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5.1.1 Regional Centres and Infrastructure |
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5-1 |
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5.1.2 Transportation Infrastructure |
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5-1 |
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5.2 CLIMATE |
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5-2 |
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5.3 Physiography |
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5-5 |
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5.4 Seismicity |
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5-5 |
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5.4.1 General |
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5-5 |
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5.4.2 Mongolian Seismology Centre |
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5-6 |
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5.4.3 Analysis and Conclusions |
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5-6 |
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SECTION 6 History |
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6-1 |
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SECTION 7 Geological Setting |
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7-1 |
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7.1 Regional Geology |
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7-1 |
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7.2 Property Geological Units |
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7-2 |
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7.2.1 Stratified Rocks |
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7-2 |
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7.2.2 Intrusive Rocks |
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7-6 |
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7.3 Property Structural Geology |
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7-7 |
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7.3.1 Solongo Fault |
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7-7 |
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7.3.2 Northwest Shear Zone |
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7-9 |
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7.3.3 Central Fault |
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7-9 |
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7.3.4 Axial Fault, West Bat, East Bat Faults |
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7-9 |
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7.3.5 Boundary Fault System |
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7-10 |
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7.3.6 Northeast-Striking Secondary Faults |
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7-10 |
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7.3.7 Folds |
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7-10 |
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7.4 Southern Oyu Deposits |
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7-11 |
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7.4.1 Southwest Oyu Deposit |
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7-11 |
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7.4.2 South Oyu Deposit |
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7-12 |
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7.4.3 Wedge Deposit |
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7-13 |
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7.4.4 Central Oyu Deposit |
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7-14 |
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7.5 Hugo Dummett Deposit |
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7-15 |
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1 October 2005
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TOC i
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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7.5.1 Hugo South Deposit |
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7-15 |
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7.5.2 Hugo North Deposit |
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7-21 |
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SECTION 8 Deposit Types |
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8-1 |
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SECTION 9 Mineralization |
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9-1 |
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9.1 Southern Oyu Deposits |
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9-1 |
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9.1.1 Southwest Deposit |
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9-1 |
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9.1.2 South Deposit |
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9-2 |
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9.1.3 Wedge Deposit |
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9-2 |
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9.1.4 Central Deposit |
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9-3 |
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9.2 Hugo Dummett Deposits |
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9-4 |
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9.2.1 Hugo South Deposit |
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9-4 |
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9.2.2 Hugo North Deposit |
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9-8 |
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SECTION 10 Exploration |
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10-1 |
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SECTION 11 Drilling |
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11-1 |
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SECTION 12 Sampling Method and Approach |
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12-1 |
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SECTION 13 Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security |
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13-1 |
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13.1 Sample Preparation and Shipment |
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13-1 |
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13.2 Assay Method |
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13-2 |
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13.3 QA/QC Program |
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13-2 |
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13.3.1 Standards Performance |
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13-2 |
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13.3.2 Blank Sample Performance |
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13-3 |
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13.3.3 Duplicates Performance |
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13-3 |
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13.3.4 Specific Gravity Program |
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13-4 |
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13.4 Concluding Statement |
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13-4 |
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SECTION 14 Data Verification |
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14-1 |
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SECTION 15 Adjacent Properties |
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15-1 |
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SECTION 16 Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing |
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16-1 |
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16.1 Background |
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16-1 |
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16.2 Flotation Testwork |
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16-1 |
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16.3 Comminution |
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16-3 |
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SECTION 17 Mineral resource and Mineral Reserve Estimates |
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17-1 |
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17.1 Geologic Models and Estimation Domains |
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17-1 |
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17.2 Grade Interpolation |
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17-2 |
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17.2.1 Validation |
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17-3 |
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17.3 Mineral Resource Classification |
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17-3 |
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17.4 Mineral Resource Summary |
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17-4 |
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SECTION 18 Other Relevant Data and Information |
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18-1 |
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SECTION 19 Requirements for Technical Reports on Production and Development
Properties |
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19-1 |
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19.1 Framework for IDP |
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19-1 |
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19.2 Mine Plan |
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19-3 |
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19.3 Scheduling Scenarios |
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19-3 |
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19.3.1 Approach to Scheduling |
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19-5 |
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19.3.2 Base Case Production Schedule |
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19-5 |
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19.3.3 Expanded Case Production Schedule |
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19-7 |
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19.4 Open Pit Mining |
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19-9 |
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1 October 2005
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TOC ii
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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19.4.1 Pit Optimization |
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19-9 |
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19.4.2 Open Pit Mine Design |
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19-10 |
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19.4.3 Open Pit Mining Operations |
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19-11 |
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19.5 Underground Mine Development |
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19-12 |
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19.5.1 Deposit Assessment |
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19-13 |
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19.5.2 Lift 1 Development Plan |
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19-14 |
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19.5.3 Underground Mining Method |
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19-15 |
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19.5.4 Design and Planning Considerations |
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19-16 |
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19.5.5 Cost and Schedule Issues |
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19-16 |
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19.5.6 Geotechnical |
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19-16 |
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19.5.7 Caving Predictability |
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19-17 |
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19.6 Process Facilities |
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19-17 |
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19.6.1 Process Description |
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19-18 |
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19.7 Concentrate Handling and Shipping |
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19-22 |
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19.7.1 Concentrate Transport to Railhead |
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19-22 |
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19.7.2 Concentrate Transport to Smelters |
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19-23 |
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19.8 Tailings Management |
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19-23 |
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19.8.1 TSF Site |
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19-23 |
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19.8.2 Facility Description |
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19-24 |
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19.8.3 Facility Operation |
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19-24 |
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19.8.4 Facility Closure |
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19-25 |
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19.9 Mine and Process Water Supply |
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19-26 |
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19.9.1 Water Supply and Management |
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19-26 |
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19.9.2 Borefield Water Supply System |
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19-26 |
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19.9.3 Camp and Construction Water Supply |
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19-27 |
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19.9.4 Mine Dewatering |
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19-28 |
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19.10 Electrical Power Requirement and Supply |
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19-28 |
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19.11 Other Infrastructure and Facilities |
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19-30 |
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19.11.1 Plant Site |
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19-30 |
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19.11.2 River Diversion |
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19-31 |
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19.11.3 Roads |
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19-31 |
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19.12 On-Site Support Buildings, Structures and Facilities |
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19-32 |
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19.12.1 Off-Site Facilities |
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19-36 |
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19.12.2 Project Implementation |
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19-37 |
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19.13 Operating Plan |
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19-40 |
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19.13.1 Personnel Organization |
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19-40 |
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19.13.2 Fuel Supply |
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19-41 |
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19.13.3 Power Supply |
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19-41 |
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19.13.4 Operating Consumables |
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19-41 |
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19.13.5 Maintenance Contracts |
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19-41 |
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19.13.6 Analytical Services |
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19-41 |
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19.14 Socio-Political Assessment |
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19-42 |
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19.14.1 Effects on Local Communities |
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19-42 |
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19.14.2 Effects on National Economy |
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19-42 |
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19.15 Safety, Health and Environment |
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19-44 |
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19.16 Environmental Assessment and Management |
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19-45 |
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19.16.1 Existing Environment |
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19-46 |
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19.16.2 Closure and Reclamation |
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19-49 |
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19.17 Marketing |
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19-51 |
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19.18 Project Economics |
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19-53 |
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1 October 2005
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TOC iii
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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19.18.1 Summary of Results |
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19-53 |
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19.18.2 Basis of Analysis |
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19-53 |
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19.18.3 Special Stability Agreement (SSA) |
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19-56 |
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19.18.4 Capital Cost Estimate |
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19-58 |
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19.18.5 Operating Costs |
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19-59 |
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19.19 Opportunities |
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19-61 |
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19.20 Sensitivity Analysis |
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19-62 |
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SECTION 20 Conclusions and Recommendations |
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20-1 |
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20.1 Geology QP: Steve Blower |
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20-1 |
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20.2 Open Pit Mining QP: Bernie Peters, Allan Haines |
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20-3 |
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20.3 Underground Mine Development QP: Scott McIntosh, Jarek Jakubec |
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20-3 |
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20.4 Metallurgy and Process Facilities QP: Mike Grundy |
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20-5 |
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20.5 General Components QP: Duane Gingrich |
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20-7 |
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20.6 Key Development Features |
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20-10 |
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SECTION 21 References |
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21-1 |
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Tables |
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Table 1-1: Financial Model Discount Rates @ 8% and 10%* |
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1-4 |
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Table 1-2: Project Sensitivities Phase 1 Base Case* |
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1-6 |
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Table 1-3: Project Sensitivities Phase 2 Expanded Case* |
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1-6 |
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Table 1-4: Mineral Resource Estimate of 3 May 2005 |
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1-11 |
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Table 5-1: Monthly Temperatures (°C) based on Byan Ovoo Data |
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5-2 |
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Table 5-2: Monthly Relative Humidity |
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5-2 |
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Table 5-3: Design Soil Freezing Depths |
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5-3 |
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Table 5-4: Rainfall Summary (mm) |
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5-3 |
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Table 5-5: Rainfall Intensities (mm/h) |
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5-4 |
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Table 5-6: Design Evaporation Data |
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5-4 |
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Table 5-7: Maximum One-Hour Wind Speeds (m/s) at Byan Ovoo |
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5-5 |
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Table 5-8: Frequency of Dust Storms in the Gobi Desert |
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5-5 |
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Table 16-1: Sampling Density for Flotation Testwork |
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16-3 |
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Table 16-2: Anticipated Life-of-Mine Metallurgical Performance Base Case
85,000 t/d |
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16-3 |
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Table 16-3 Summary of Grinding Simulation Results |
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16-5 |
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Table 17-1: Oyu Tolgoi Project Mineral Resources based on a 0.6% Cu Eq. Cutoff,
3 May 2005 |
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17-4 |
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Table 19-1: Open Pit Resource Inventory by Stage |
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19-11 |
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Table 19-2: Open Pit Mining Equipment Requirements |
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19-12 |
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Table 19-3: Summary of Hugo North Assessment Base Case 85,000 t/d (June 2005) |
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19-13 |
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Table 19-4: Initial Operations Work Force |
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19-40 |
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Table 19-5: Project Impacts (2002 - 2043) Expanded Case |
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19-43 |
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Table 19-6: NPV ($million) After Tax @ 10% Discount Rate |
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19-54 |
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Table 19-7: NPV ($million) After Tax @ 8% Discount Rate |
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19-54 |
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Table 19-8: Basic Production Data Life-of-Mine Average/Total |
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19-55 |
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Table 19-9: Smelter Terms |
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19-56 |
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Table 19-10: Summary of Capital Costs over Mine Life ($M) |
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19-58 |
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Table 19-11: Operating Costs |
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19-60 |
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Table 19-12: Sensitivity Analysis |
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19-62 |
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1 October 2005
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TOC iv
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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Table 20-1: Anticipated Life-of-Mine Metallurgical Performance Base Case 85,000 t/d |
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20-6 |
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Table 20-2: Summary of Capital Costs over Mine Life ($M) |
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20-8 |
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Table 20-3: Operating Costs |
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20-9 |
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Figures |
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Figure 1-1: Phase 1 Base Case Cash Flow Schedule ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au) |
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1-5 |
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Figure 1-2: Phase 2 Expanded Case Cash Flow Schedule ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au) |
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1-5 |
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Figure 1-3: Ore Sources and Feed Grades |
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1-7 |
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Figure 1-4: Contained Metal Production, Life-of-Mine |
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1-7 |
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Figure 1-5: Ore Sources and Feed Grades, Life-of-Mine |
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1-8 |
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Figure 1-6: Contained Metal Production, Life-of-Mine |
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1-8 |
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Figure 1-7: Base Case - 85,000 t/d, 1st 20 years |
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1-9 |
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Figure 1-8: Expanded Case - 140,000 t/d, 1st 20 years |
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1-10 |
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Figure 1-9: Profile of Orebodies |
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1-11 |
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Figure 4-1: Oyu Tolgoi Project Location Map |
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4-1 |
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Figure 4-2: Oyu Tolgoi Tenements |
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4-2 |
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Figure 7-1: Location of Oyu Tolgoi, Gurvansayhan Terrane, and Major Cenozoic Faults
in Southern Mongolia |
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7-1 |
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Figure 7-2: Stratigraphic Column of Paleozoic Bedrock Units in the Oyu Tolgoi Project
Area |
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7-3 |
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Figure 7-3: Simplified Geological Map of Oyu Tolgoi Concession |
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7-8 |
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Figure 7-4: Simplified Interpretation of Section 6200 N, Hugo South Deposit |
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7-17 |
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Figure 7-5: Simplified Interpretation of Section 7100N, Hugo North Deposit |
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7-23 |
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Figure 7-6: Simplified Interpretation of Section 7400N, Hugo North Deposit |
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7-24 |
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Figure 9-1: Sulphide Distribution in the Hugo South Deposit (Section 6200N) |
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9-6 |
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Figure 9-2: Cross-Section 6200N in the Hugo South Deposit |
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9-7 |
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Figure 9-3: Section 4767500N (7500N) in Hugo North Deposit |
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9-9 |
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Figure 13-1: SRM Failure Chart |
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13-3 |
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Figure 16-1: Metallurgical Testwork Programs Related to Resource Growth |
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16-2 |
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Figure 16-2: Throughput Assessment Method |
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16-4 |
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Figure 16-3: Grinding Circuit Configuration for IDP |
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16-5 |
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Figure 19-1: Open Pit and Underground Scheduling Blocks for Expanded Case |
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19-4 |
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Figure 19-2: Ore Processing by Metallurgical Ore Type Base Case |
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19-6 |
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Figure 19-3: Copper Feed Grades Base Case |
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19-6 |
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Figure 19-4: Gold Feed Grades Base Case |
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19-7 |
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Figure 19-5: Ore Processing by Metallurgical Ore Type Expanded Case |
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19-8 |
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Figure 19-6: Copper Feed Grades Expanded Case |
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19-8 |
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Figure 19-7: Gold Feed Grades Expanded Case |
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19-9 |
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Figure 19-8: Block Cave Mining Method |
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19-15 |
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Figure 19-9: Concentrator Facilities |
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19-18 |
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Figure 19-10: Oyu Tolgoi Simplified Flowsheet |
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19-19 |
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Figure 19-11: Crushed Ore Conveyor and Stockpile |
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19-20 |
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Figure 19-12: Grinding Circuit |
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19-20 |
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Figure 19-13: General Arrangement of TSF |
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19-25 |
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Figure 19-14: Basement Topography Gunii Hooloi North East |
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19-27 |
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Figure 19-15: Electrical Power Load Profile |
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19-30 |
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Figure 19-16: General Site Plan |
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19-33 |
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Figure 19-17: Tianjin to Oyu Tolgoi Road Routes |
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19-39 |
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Figure 19-18: Impact on Government Revenues (Tg 2005 billions) Expanded Case |
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19-44 |
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1 October 2005
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TOC v
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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Figure 19-19: Chinas Sources vs. Consumption for Refined Copper until 2010 |
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19-52 |
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Figure 19-20: Phase 1 Base Case Cumulative Cash Flow ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au) |
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19-60 |
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Figure 19-21: Phase 2 Expanded Case Cumulative Cash Flow ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au) |
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19-61 |
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Appendices |
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Appendix A List of Drill Holes used for Resource Estimates |
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Appendix B List of Significant Composite Intervals used in Resource Estimates |
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1 October 2005
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TOC vi
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 1 SUMMARY
This technical report summarizes the findings of the IDP study prepared for Ivanhoe Mines
Mongolia XXK Inc. (IMMI) by AMEC Auscenco Joint Venture (AAJV), entitled Oyu Tolgoi Project,
Mongolia Integrated Development Plan and issued August 2005. AMEC Americas Limited, a partner
in the AAJV, was commissioned by Ivanhoe Mines Limited to complete an Independent Qualified
Persons Report on the Oyu Tolgoi Project.
The Oyu Tolgoi property contains a large copper-gold resource recoverable by a combination of
open pit methods and large-volume block-cave mining. The open pit mine designs were developed from
a mineral resource model with 92% of the tonnage in the Measured or Indicated category (at 0.3% Cu
equivalent cutoff grade). The primary underground mine resource, Hugo North, contains the majority
of the economic value of the property. The underground block-cave mine designs were developed from
a mineral resource model with 50% of the tonnage classified as Indicated and 50% as Inferred (at
0.6% Cu equivalent cutoff grade).
Ongoing drilling has encountered mineralized intersections that suggest the presence of an
extension to the physical boundaries of the current resource.
Initial production from the open pit will be processed through a conventional 70,000 t/d crushing,
grinding, and flotation circuit using proven technology and equipment sizing developed from
extensive mineral processing testwork. Testwork has also confirmed that this circuit can process
the higher-grade Hugo North ore at a rate of 85,000 t/d if additional capacity is added to the
flotation and filtration circuits.
The open pit mine design is complete and optimized. It will provide the primary feed to the mill
for the first few years until production from Hugo North ramps up. Stockpiled open pit material
also tops up production from the underground for several years. Open pit mining will be done with
a fleet of 220 to 240 tonne trucks and hydraulic shovels operated by IMMI. IMMI employees will be
trained in block-cave mining methods for Hugo North, which, when combined with open pit ore, will
provide feed to the mill for 40 years. This development and production scenario represents the
base case for project assessment.
Construction of an exploration/early development shaft for Hugo North has begun. To maximize
project value from the high-grade Hugo North deposit, this evaluation assumes that construction of
a second production shaft will commence in 4Q 2005 and of a third 18 months later, both prior to
obtaining results from the initial exploration shaft program.
A major expanded case was evaluated in which plant production increases to 140,000 t/d after Hugo
North reaches its peak base case mining rate. The assessment of project economics for the expanded
case is based on preliminary capital and operating cost estimates. To achieve this feed rate,
production from Hugo North would be increased to over 90,000 t/d, the Hugo South deposit would be
mined at a rate of 50,000 t/d, and open pit push-backs would be developed.
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-1
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Planning associated with the initial phase of project developmentthe Southwest open pit,
concentrator, and infrastructure componentis well advanced. However, commencement of development
will need to be coordinated with the conclusion of current negotiations and discussions related to:
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the Special Stability Agreement with the Government of Mongolia |
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a reliable electrical power supply |
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VAT and import duty payments on materials and equipment |
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a location on the Chinese mainline rail system for concentrate transfer from trucks
loaded at Oyu Tolgoi |
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completion of environmental assessment and the development of an environmental
monitoring program. |
Oyu Tolgoi is located in an isolated region of Mongolia with little developed infrastructure. The
site is, however, only 80 km from the Chinese border, where resources exist to support the project
in the energy, transportation, manufacturing, and construction areas. The development plan for the
project is therefore based on the principle of maximizing Mongolian content while involving and
realizing the benefits of the resources in China. Balancing the dual objectives is seen as
achievable.
Western companies with recent experience on major industrial developments in China have confirmed
the presence of an experienced construction industry capable of working to international standards
of quality and completing projects on schedule. The implementation plan assumes that Chinese
construction capacity and experience will fill the gaps where Mongolian resources need to be
augmented.
It is also assumed that the Chinese road and rail transportation systems can accommodate the
movement to site of imported materials required for construction and operations and the shipment
off site of all concentrate produced at the process plant. This will need to be confirmed.
The rail system between the southern Gobi area and northern China is expected to be augmented by
the construction of a new rail line connecting the anticipated coal field development at Tavan
Tolgoi, 140 km northwest of Oyu Tolgoi, to an existing Chinese railhead. Construction of a rail
link to this new line is an important requirement for the project in about Year 4 of operations,
when concentrate production will exceed the reasonable capacity of the early trucking system.
Under the expanded case, three or more trains would be loaded with concentrate every day.
Completion of these related developments in time to support Oyu Tolgoi is one of the base
assumptions for the IDP.
The Mongolian population generally has a strong basic education, although experienced mine labour
is scarce. IMMI is committed to operating the project with a 90% Mongolian workforce within five
years of start-up. To make this possible, IMMI has identified the need and allowed funding for a
major training initiative that encompasses a dedicated facility, experienced trainers, and modern
equipment. During the early production years, experienced expatriate personnel will provide
commissioning and training support to help bring the capacity and productivity of Mongolian
employees to equivalent Western standards.
The results of a significant program of environmental and socioeconomic assessment suggest that
environmental concerns can be managed and that the socioeconomic benefits to Mongolia will be
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-2
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
substantial. Two of three Environmental Impact Assessment reports for the project have been
submitted. The first was approved by the Mongolian government in May 2004. The second was
submitted at the end of June 2005, and the third will be ready later in the year. Approvals of
these reports are expected to be a prerequisite to project approval. Regulatory review and
approval is assumed to support the proposed project development schedule.
To date no environmental or socioeconomic baseline or assessment work has been conducted for
China-related components of the project. The Chinese regulatory approval processes and subsequent
construction period associated with rail facilities are also expected to support the project
development schedule.
A project risk assessment concluded that although IMMI must address and resolve several critical
issues before commencing project development, no risks have been identified that, if managed to a
reasonable conclusion, would jeopardize the successful development and operation of the project.
It is assumed that a risk mitigation and management system will be implemented.
Based on the AMECs review, the character of the project is of sufficient merit to justify carrying
out the recommended expenditures called for in the IDP.
1.2 Economic Benefit to Mongolia
Based on a report commissioned by IMMI and published in August 2005, the Oyu Tolgoi expanded
case would have the following impacts on the economy of Mongolia between 2002 and 2043:
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34.3% (average) increase in real GDP |
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10.3% (average) increase in employment |
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11.5% (average) increase in real per capita disposable income |
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US$7.9 billion (cumulative) increase in government operating balance, excluding debt payments |
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US$54 billion (cumulative) increase in exports. |
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-3
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
1.3 Financial Summary
Table 1-1: Financial Model Discount Rates @ 8% and 10%*
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Expanded |
Parameter |
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Unit |
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Base Case |
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Case |
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Key Input |
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Copper (Cu) average per year |
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M lb |
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730 |
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1,007 |
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Gold (Au) average per year |
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000 oz |
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258 |
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333 |
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Mine Life |
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Years |
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40 |
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35 |
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Initial Capital (to achieve 70,000 t/a)a |
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$ |
M |
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1,275 |
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1,275 |
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Future & Sustaining Capital |
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$ |
M |
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2,673 |
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4,156 |
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Site Operating Costs (average)b |
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$ |
/t |
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5.94 |
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5.62 |
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Realization costs (transport to smelter, treatment & refining, royalties) |
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$ |
/t |
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6.32 |
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6.03 |
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Financial Projections |
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AfterTax Results: |
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NPV 8% |
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$ |
M |
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2,221 |
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2,706 |
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NPV 10% |
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$ |
M |
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1,513 |
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1,852 |
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IRR |
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% |
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19.25 |
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19.75 |
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Payback |
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Years |
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5.80 |
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6.53 |
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Total Cash Costs /lb Cu (after Au credits) |
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$ |
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0.39 |
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0.40 |
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* |
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This assessment includes the use of Inferred resources that are considered too speculative
geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be
categorized as a Mineral Reserve. Inferred resources will require further exploration before
they can be upgraded to the higher Measured and Indicated categories. |
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Although the assumptions underlying the preliminary assessment are considered reasonable, there is
no certainty that the predicted results will be realized. |
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a |
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excludes realization costs |
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b |
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excludes escalation and ramp-up capital |
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-4
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Figure 1-1: Phase 1 Base Case Cash Flow Schedule ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au)
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* |
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Value used in financial analysis |
Figure 1-2: Phase 2 Expanded Case Cash Flow Schedule ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au)
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* |
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Value used in financial analysis |
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-5
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table 1-2: Project Sensitivities Phase 1 Base Case*
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IRR |
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NPV8 |
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NPV10 |
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Change |
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Change |
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Change |
Parameter |
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Base Value |
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Change |
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(%) |
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($M) |
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($M) |
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Gold Price |
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$400/oz |
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± $25/oz |
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0.4 |
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68 |
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57 |
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Copper Price |
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$1.00/lb |
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± $0.05/lb |
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1.2 |
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271 |
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216 |
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Initial Capital |
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1.274 M |
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± 10 |
% |
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1.3 |
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116 |
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113 |
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Site Operating & Transport |
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$6.78/t |
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± 10 |
% |
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0.9 |
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183 |
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149 |
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Smelter Charges $ |
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75/wmt, $0.075/lb |
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± $10/wmt, $0.01/lb |
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0.4 |
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93 |
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74 |
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Copper Recovery |
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90.8% (avg) |
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± 1% point |
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0.2 |
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50 |
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40 |
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Power Cost |
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$0.0426/kWh |
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± 10 |
% |
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0.2 |
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46 |
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36 |
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* |
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This assessment includes the use of Inferred resources that are considered too speculative
geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be
categorized as a Mineral Reserve. Inferred resources will require further exploration before
they can be upgraded to the higher Measured and Indicated categories. |
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Although the assumptions underlying the preliminary assessment are considered reasonable, there is
no certainty that the predicted results will be realized. |
Table 1-3: Project Sensitivities Phase 2 Expanded Case*
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IRR |
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NPV8 |
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NPV10 |
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Change |
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Change |
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Change |
Parameter |
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Base Value |
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Change |
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(%) |
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($M) |
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($M) |
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Gold Price |
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$400/oz |
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± $25/oz |
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0.4 |
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81 |
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68 |
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Copper Price |
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$1.00/lb |
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± $0.05/lb |
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1.2 |
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346 |
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274 |
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Initial Capital |
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1.274 M |
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± 10 |
% |
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2.1 |
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116 |
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113 |
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Site Operating & Transport |
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$6.50/t |
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± 10 |
% |
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1.0 |
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241 |
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195 |
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Smelter Charges |
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$75 /wmt, $0.075/lb |
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± $%, $0.01/lb |
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0.4 |
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120 |
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94 |
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Copper Recovery |
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89.7% (avg) |
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± 1% point |
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0.2 |
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62 |
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49 |
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Power Cost |
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$0.0426/kWh |
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± 10 |
% |
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0.2 |
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58 |
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46 |
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* |
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This assessment includes the use of Inferred resources that are considered too speculative
geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be
categorized as a Mineral Reserve. Inferred resources will require further exploration before
they can be upgraded to the higher Measured and Indicated categories. |
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Although the assumptions underlying the preliminary assessment are considered reasonable, there is
no certainty that the predicted results will be realized. |
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-6
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
1.4 Ore Release Schedules
1.4.1
Phase 1 Base Case
Figure 1-3: Ore Sources and Feed Grades
Figure 1-4: Contained Metal Production, Life-of-Mine
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-7
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
1.4.2 Phase 2 Expanded case
Figure 1-5: Ore Sources and Feed Grades, Life-of-Mine
Figure 1-6: Contained Metal Production, Life-of-Mine
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-8
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
1.5 Development, Capital and Production Schedules
Figure
1-7: Base Case 85,000 t/d, 1st 20 years
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-9
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Figure 1-8: Expanded Case 140,000 t/d, 1st 20 years
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-10
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
1.6 Mineral Resources
Table 1-4: Mineral Resource Estimate of 3 May 2005
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0.6% Cu Eq. Cutoff |
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0.3% Cu Eq. Cutoff |
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Grade |
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Grade |
Mineral Resource Category |
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Tonnes |
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Cu % |
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Au g/t |
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Tonnes |
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Cu % |
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Au g/t |
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Southern Oyu Deposits |
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Measured |
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101,590,000 |
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0.64 |
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1.10 |
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126,560,000 |
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0.58 |
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0.93 |
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Indicated |
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465,640,000 |
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0.62 |
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0.43 |
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790,590,000 |
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0.49 |
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0.27 |
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Measured + Indicated |
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567,230,000 |
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0.62 |
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0.55 |
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917,150,000 |
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0.50 |
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0.36 |
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Inferred |
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88,500,000 |
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0.47 |
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0.41 |
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78,240,000 |
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0.37 |
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0.18 |
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Hugo Dummett Deposit |
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Hugo North |
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Indicated |
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581,930,000 |
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1.89 |
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0.41 |
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Inferred |
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581,290,000 |
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1.08 |
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0.32 |
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Hugo South* |
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Indicated |
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Inferred |
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490,330,000 |
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1.05 |
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0.09 |
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Total Project |
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Measured+Indicated |
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1,149,160,000 |
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1.30 |
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0.47 |
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Inferred |
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1,160,120,000 |
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1.02 |
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0.23 |
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* |
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Resource estimate of June 2004 |
Figure 1-9: Profile of Orebodies
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1 October 2005
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Page 1-11
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE
This technical report summarizes the findings of the IDP study prepared for Ivanhoe Mines
Mongolia XXK Inc. (IMMI) by AMEC Auscenco Joint Venture (AAJV), entitled Oyu Tolgoi Project,
Mongolia Integrated Development Plan and issued August 2005. AMEC Americas Limited, a partner
in the AAJV, was commissioned by Ivanhoe Mines Limited to complete an Independent Qualified
Persons Report on the Oyu Tolgoi Project.
Duane Gingrich, P.Eng., an employee of AMEC and the AAJV Study Manager for the IDP, served as the
Qualified Person responsible for preparing this technical report as defined in National Instrument
43-101 (N1 43-101) Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and in compliance with 43-101F1
(the Technical Report). Mr. Gingrich visited the project site on 17 March 2005.
Additional Qualified Person assistance was provided as follows:
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Steven Blower, P. Geo., an employee of AMEC, was responsible for preparation of all
sections on geology. |
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Mike Grundy, B. Eng. (Chemical Engineering), Aus.I.M.M., an employee of AMEC, was
responsible for preparation of the sections on Metallurgy and Process Plant design. |
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Bernard Peters, B. Eng. (Mining), Aus.I.M.M. 201743, an employee of GRD Minproc
Limited, was responsible for preparation of the section on Open Pit Mining. |
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Allan Haines, C. Eng, an employee of Steffen Robertson Kirsten (Australasia) Pty Ltd.,
was responsible for preparation of the subsection on Open Pit Mine Geotechnical. |
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Scott McIntosh, PE, an employee of McIntosh Engineering Incorporated, was responsible
for preparation of Section 19.5 (except those portions attributed to SRK Consulting
(Canada), plus the specific reference to the underground operating costs contained in
Tables 19-10
and 19-11. |
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Jarek Jakubec, C. Eng., an employee of SRK Consulting Inc., was responsible for
preparation of the subsection on Underground Mine Geotechnical. |
Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia Inc. XXK (IMMI) holds mining licences associated with the Oyu Tolgoi project
in Mongolia. Since 2000 the property has been the subject of an exploration program that has
successfully delineated a large copper-gold resource contained in two deposits suitable for open
pit development and two suitable for underground development. During the exploration period,
several studies assessed various plant production rates and numerous mine plans. Exploration
continues at the property, and mineralized drill intersections have been encountered that have not
been
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Integrated Development Plan
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categorized or included as part of this evaluation. This document is based on information
available at the end of the first quarter 2005 and presents the current vision for developing the
property.
The IDP report was prepared to describe the current status of the dynamic Oyu Tolgoi project and to
clearly present the current vision for its development. The quality of geological and
mineralogical knowledge of the deposits varies from high, for Southwest and Central, to moderate
for the components of Hugo North and Hugo South considered in the report. Similarly, confidence
levels for mine design and mineral processing and capital and operating cost estimates vary for the
different deposits. As a result of these variations, the classification of work performed for the
study varies from feasibility study level to scoping study level. The information associated with
all levels of work was combined to prepare the economic evaluation for the project; therefore, the
overall IDP report quality is classified as a preliminary assessment.
The preparation of the IDP study was coordinated by AMEC Ausenco Joint Venture (AAJV), a joint
venture between AMEC E&C Services Limited (AMEC) and Ausenco International Pty. AAJV was also
responsible for various other aspects of the study and reviewed the work by others for consistency
and reasonableness. However, responsibility for the content of these sections remains with the
original author. The main contributors to the report and their associated roles and
responsibilities are outlined as follows:
IMMI ((Mongolia/Perth/Vancouver)
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Property ownership & tenure |
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Exploration drilling |
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Electrical power cost estimate |
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Mineral resource model |
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Government & public relations |
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Financial modelling and analysis |
AMEC (Vancouver)
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Mineral resource estimate |
AAJV (AMEC/Ausenco Joint Venture) (Perth/Vancouver)
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Coordinate IDP preparation |
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Metallurgy & plant design |
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On-site, off-site infrastructure design |
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Capital & operating costs for process plant, on-site & off-site
infrastructure |
GRD Minproc Limited (Perth)
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Open pit mine design |
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Capital & operating costs for open pit mines |
Steffen Robertson Kirsten (Australasia) Pty Ltd. (Perth)
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Geotechnical engineering for open pits |
SRK Consulting Inc. (Vancouver)
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Geotechnical engineering associated with underground mines |
McIntosh Engineering Inc. (Tempe, Arizona)
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Design of block-cave underground mines |
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Capital & operating costs for underground mines |
SGS Lakefield Research Limited (Lakefield, Ontario)
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Flotation, gravity-recoverable gold, comminution & leaching
testwork |
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SAG mill pilot plant |
MinnovEX Technologies Inc. (Toronto)
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Comminution & flotation testwork |
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Modelling / interpretation |
AMMTEC Ltd. (Perth)
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Flotation & comminution testwork |
Knight Piésold Pty Limited (Perth)
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Access road & tailings storage design |
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Site-wide water balance |
Aquaterra Consulting Pty Ltd. (Perth)
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Hydrogeology & raw water borefield design |
Eco-Trade Co Ltd. (Perth)
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2002 environmental baseline study |
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Environmental Impact Assessment |
Sustainability Pty Ltd. (Perth)
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Coordinate environmental, archaeological, & socioeconomic
assessments |
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Training systems assessment |
Teshmont L.P. Consultants (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Fluor (Shanghai)
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Coal-fired power plant evaluation |
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1 October 2005
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 3 DISCLAIMER
The preparation of the IDP study was coordinated by AMEC Ausenco Joint Venture (AAJV), a joint
venture between AMEC E&C Services Limited (AMEC) and Ausenco International Pty. AAJV was also
responsible for various other aspects of the study and reviewed the work by others for consistency
and reasonableness. However, responsibility for the content of these sections remains with the
original author. The main contributors to the report and their associated roles and
responsibilities were presented earlier in Section 1. Similarily, for the preparation of this
technical report, AMEC has used the information supplied by the additional consultants and
Qualified Persons under the assumption that the concepts, design, estimates, and conclusions have
been prepared by qualified persons.
This assessment includes the use of Inferred resources that are considered too speculative
geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be
categorized as a Mineral Reserve. Inferred resources will require further exploration before they
can be upgraded to the higher Measured and Indicated categories.
Although the assumptions underlying the preliminary assessment are considered reasonable, there is
no certainty that the predicted results will be realized.
The term ore is used for convenience throughout this report to denote material mined or
processed. The use of the term is not meant to imply that this material falls within the
classification of a Mineral Reserve as determined by the Canadian Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy (CIM), the Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC), or other similar bodies.
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Integrated Development Plan
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 4 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
The Oyu Tolgoi property hosts a series of copper-gold mineralized deposits in a mid-Palaeozoic
porphyry system. It is located in the Aimag (Province) of Omnogovi in the South Gobi region of
Mongolia, about 550 km south of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and 80 km north of the border with
China (see Figure 4-1). The Oyu Tolgoi property is included in Mining Licence 6709A, which covers
an area of 8,496 ha centred at latitude 43°00"45"N,
longitude 106°51"15"E.
Figure 4-1: Oyu Tolgoi Project Location Map
4.1 Mineral Tenure
IMMI was granted mining licences for the Oyu Tolgoi property and three satellite properties on
23 December 2003 in accordance with the Minerals Law of Mongolia. Also in accordance with this
law, IMMI submitted a Scoping Study in February 2004 to support these licences, which give IMMI the
right to mine within the bounds of the licence area.
The licences are valid for 60 years, with an option for IMMI to acquire a 40-year extension. The
licences were converted from exploration licences originally issued on 17 February 1997.
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Integrated Development Plan
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
The exploration licence fees were $1.50 /ha in 2002 and 2003 (years six and seven of tenure).
Thus, IMMI has paid $12,744 to the Mongolian government each year since acquiring the property.
The mining licence fees are as follows:
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Years 1 3
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$5.00 /ha |
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Years 4 5
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$7.50 /ha |
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Year 6 on
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$10.00 /ha |
Surtech International Ltd legally surveyed the Oyu Tolgoi property in August 2002.
In November 2004 IMMI signed an Earn-In Agreement with Entrée Gold Ltd. (Entrée) to explore and
potentially develop approximately 40,000 ha of Entrées 100%-owned, Shivee Tolgoi (Lookout Hill)
property, adjacent to Oyu Tolgoi. The agreement, which contains a number of conditions for IMMI to
earn a participating interest in the project, will secure for IMMI a long-term option to utilize
the optioned property to construct project facilities and give IMMI an interest in the property.
The licence area in relation to the surrounding tenements and the property subject to the Entrée
Earn-In Agreement are shown in Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2: Oyu Tolgoi Tenements
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Integrated Development Plan
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
4.2 Permits and Agreements
Upon transfer of the exploration licence, IMMI agreed to a 2% NSR royalty with BHP Minerals
Exploration International Inc. (BHP). However, this 2% NSR royalty has now been acquired by IMMI.
Royalties payable to the Mongolian government are governed by Article 38 of the Minerals Law of
Mongolia, which states: Royalties shall be equal to 2.5 per cent of the sales value of all
products extracted from the mining claim that are sold, shipped for sale, or used. Royalties shall
be equal to 7.5 per cent of the sales value of gold extracted from the placer that are sold,
shipped for sale, or used.
When the areas were covered by exploration licences, an environmental plan accompanied the annual
work plans submitted to the relevant soum, or district (Khanbogd Soum). The original environmental
performance bond was posted in 1998 by BHP and is still retained by the soum for the ongoing work.
Further requirements for environmental impact assessment are discussed below.
The soum must also be paid for water and road usage. Payments are computed at the end of each
calendar year based on the extent of use.
Archaeological surveys and excavations have been completed in the project area by the Institute of
Archaeology of the Mongolian Academy of Science. Archaeological approvals have been granted for
disturbance at the site.
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1 October 2005
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 5 ACCESSIBILITY, CLIMATE, AND PHYSIOGRAPHY
5.1 Location
The Oyu Tolgoi project is in the Aimag of Omnogovi, located in the South Gobi region of
Mongolia. The property is approximately 550 km south of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar.
The elevation of the Oyu Tolgoi property ranges from 1,140 m to 1,215 m above sea level. The
topography largely consists of gravel-covered plains, with low hills along the northern and western
lease borders. Small, scattered rock outcrops and colluvial talus are widespread within the
northern, western, and southern parts of the property.
5.1.1 Regional Centres and Infrastructure
There are a number of communities in the South Gobi region. The most prominent is
Dalanzadgad, population 15,000, which is the centre of the Omnogovi Aimag and is 220 km northwest
of the Oyu Tolgoi property. Facilities at Dalanzadgad include a regional hospital, tertiary
technical colleges, a domestic airport, and a 6 MW capacity coal-fired power station. IMMI
envisions that Dalanzadgad may be suitable as a regional centre for recruiting and training. The
closest community to the property is Khanbogd, the centre of the Khanbogd soum. Khanbogd has a
population of approximately 2,500 and is 35 km to the east. Other communities relatively near to
the project include Mandalgovi (population 13,500), the capital of the Dundgovi aimag, 310 km north
of the project on the road to Ulaanbaatar, Bayan Ovoo (population 1,600), 55 km to the west, and
Manlai (population 2,400), 150 km to the north.
5.1.2 Transportation Infrastructure
Access to the property from the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, is possible either by an
unpaved road, via Mandalgovi, a 12-hour drive under good conditions, or by air. IMMI has
constructed a 2,000 m long gravel airstrip at the site and routinely receives flights from
Ulaanbaatar. The Trans-Mongolian Railway crosses the Mongolia-China border approximately 420 km
east of the property, traversing the country from southeast to northwest through Ulaanbaatar to the
border with Russia. At the Mongolian-Chinese border the rail gauge changes from the Russian
standard to the Chinese standard. A desert trail connects the rail line at Sajn Sand to the site.
The Chinese government has upgraded 226 km of road from Ganqimaodao to Wuyuan, providing a direct
road link between the Mongolian border crossing at Gushaan Suhait, 80 km south of Oyu Tolgoi, and
the Trans-China Railway system. A rough track/trail crosses the desert from the Mongolian border
to the site.
Ulaanbaatar has an international airport, and Mandalgovi and Dalanzadgad have regional airports.
There is currently charter air service between the site and Ulaanbaatar. The closest regional
airport in China is at Hohhot. There are no airport facilities at Wuyuan or Bayan Obo.
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Integrated Development Plan
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
5.2 CLIMATE
The South Gobi region has a continental, semi-desert climate. The spring and autumn seasons
are cool, summers are hot, and winters are cold. Typical of desert climates, the site has low
average humidity and significant variations in daily temperatures.
Knight Piésold conducted an extensive evaluation of the available climatic information for the
project area using regional data from bibliographical sources and local data from nearby climate
stations.
Data Sources
Data were derived primarily from climatic records for Byan Ovoo, approximately 75 km west of Oyu
Tolgoi, and from two years of available Oyu Tolgoi site data. Although these data have some
limitations they are considered adequate for use in design. Data were also obtained from Khanbogd,
approximately 45 km northeast of the site, Dalanzadgad, 220 km northwest, and Hailutu, 200 km
southwest, but the information from Byan Ovoo was deemed the most representative of conditions at
Oyu Tolgoi.
Air Temperature
Temperatures range from an extreme maximum of about 50°C to an extreme minimum of about -34°C. The
typical air temperature in wintertime fluctuates between 6°C and -21°C. In the coldest month,
January, the average temperature is -21°C. Data from Byan Ovoo are shown in Table 5-1.
Table 5-1: Monthly Temperatures (°C) based on Byan Ovoo Data
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Jan |
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Feb |
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Mar |
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Apr |
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May |
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Jun |
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Jul |
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Aug |
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Sep |
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Oct |
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Nov |
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Dec |
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Minimum |
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-34.2 |
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-33.3 |
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-24.9 |
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-21.7 |
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-12.7 |
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0.4 |
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4.1 |
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2.6 |
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-4.6 |
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-20.0 |
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-26.5 |
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-33.4 |
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Average |
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-12.5 |
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-8.0 |
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-0.4 |
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9.3 |
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17.9 |
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23.4 |
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25.4 |
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22.7 |
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16.5 |
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7.2 |
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-2.9 |
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-10.3 |
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Maximum |
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9.0 |
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16.2 |
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24.0 |
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31.0 |
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38.4 |
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49.9 |
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40.2 |
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39.0 |
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39.0 |
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29.8 |
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25.3 |
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14.0 |
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Relative Humidity
The average relative humidity ranges from 18.7% in May to 53.3% in January. Daily relative
humidity is dependent on current temperature and varies considerably. Table 5-2 shows monthly
relative humidity statistics using the calculated hourly averages from the site weather station.
The design relative humidity for summer is based on an analysis of the July 2002 and 2003
hourly temperatures and corresponding relative humidity values. The design relative humidity for
a July 1 temperature of 34.5°C is 15.1%.
Table 5-2: Monthly Relative Humidity
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Jan |
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Feb |
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Mar |
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Apr |
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May |
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Jun |
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Jul |
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Aug |
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Sep |
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Oct |
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Nov |
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Dec |
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Minimum |
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19.0 |
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12.5 |
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3.0 |
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2.0 |
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1.0 |
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1.5 |
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4.5 |
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8.0 |
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1.0 |
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2.0 |
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5.5 |
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10.5 |
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Average |
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53.3 |
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38.3 |
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23.5 |
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24.3 |
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18.7 |
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31.3 |
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37.4 |
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36.4 |
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34.4 |
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30.4 |
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40.7 |
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43.5 |
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Maximum |
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81.5 |
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67.0 |
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88.0 |
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89.5 |
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100.0 |
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96.5 |
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100.0 |
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100.0 |
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100.0 |
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81.0 |
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85.0 |
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80.5 |
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Page 5-2
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Ground Temperature
From the data available to date, the minimum recorded ground temperature is -39°C and the
maximum is 70°C. Table 5-3 shows the design freezing depths at the site based on the
Mongolian Climate Data and Geophysical Parameters for Use in Construction Design Code Document No.
CNR 2.01-01-93.
Table 5-3: Design Soil Freezing Depths
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Soil Type |
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Freezing depth (m) |
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Clayey soil |
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1.5 |
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Sandy soil |
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1.9 |
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Gravely soil |
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2.2 |
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Solar Radiation
Solar radiation data have been collected at the Oyu Tolgoi site station since 2002. Solar
radiation is measured in W/m2 and fluctuates during the day, ranging from 0 W/m2
at night and peaking soon after mid-day. The average daily maximum for the two years of data
available is 655 W/m2, the highest daily maximum is 1,030 W/m2, and the
lowest daily maximum is 76 W/m2.
Maximum levels of solar radiation are lower during the winter. The average daily maximum is 429
W/m2 for January and 859 W/m2 for July.
Precipitation
Average annual precipitation is 57 mm/a, 90% of which falls as rain and the rest as snow. Snowfall
accumulations rarely exceed 50 mm. Maximum rainfall events of up to 43 mm/h for a 1-in-10 year,
10-minute storm event have been recorded. In an average year, rainfalls occur on only 19 days, and
snow falls on 10 to 15 days. The ground snow load is 0.1 kPa. Monthly rainfall data are shown in
Table 5-4 and Table 5-5. Both tables are derived from Byan Ovoo data for 1975 to 2002.
Table 5-4: Rainfall Summary (mm)
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Jan |
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Feb |
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Mar |
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Apr |
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May |
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Jun |
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Jul |
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Aug |
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Sep |
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Oct |
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Nov |
|
Dec |
|
Total |
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Maximum daily |
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|
2.1 |
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|
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3.8 |
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4.4 |
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|
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10.4 |
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|
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19.0 |
|
|
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16.2 |
|
|
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29.5 |
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|
|
102.0 |
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|
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19.2 |
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4.0 |
|
|
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4.3 |
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|
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1.5 |
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|
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|
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Average monthly |
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0.4 |
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0.4 |
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0.8 |
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1.4 |
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3.1 |
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8.1 |
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18.1 |
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17.8 |
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5.0 |
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0.9 |
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0.6 |
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0.2 |
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56.8 |
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Average rain-days
per month |
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0.6 |
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0.6 |
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1.0 |
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0.8 |
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1.5 |
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3.0 |
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4.5 |
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3.9 |
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1.4 |
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0.6 |
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0.7 |
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0.4 |
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19.0 |
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Page 5-3
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table 5-5: Rainfall Intensities (mm/h)
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Return Interval |
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1 in 2 |
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1 in 10 |
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1 in 20 |
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1 in 50 |
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1 in 100 |
|
1 in 500 |
Duration |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
Years |
|
10 minutes |
|
|
15.4 |
|
|
|
44.2 |
|
|
|
63.5 |
|
|
|
99.8 |
|
|
|
138.3 |
|
|
|
284.2 |
|
30 minutes |
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
28.7 |
|
|
|
41.3 |
|
|
|
64.8 |
|
|
|
89.9 |
|
|
|
187.7 |
|
60 minutes |
|
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6.8 |
|
|
|
19.5 |
|
|
|
28.0 |
|
|
|
44.0 |
|
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60.9 |
|
|
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125.2 |
|
2 hours |
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
12.3 |
|
|
|
17.7 |
|
|
|
27.8 |
|
|
|
38.6 |
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|
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79.3 |
|
3 hours |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
13.3 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
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28.9 |
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|
|
59.4 |
|
6 hours |
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
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7.9 |
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12.4 |
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17.2 |
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35.4 |
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12 hours |
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1.1 |
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3.2 |
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4.6 |
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7.3 |
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10.1 |
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20.7 |
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24 hours |
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0.7 |
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1.9 |
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2.7 |
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4.2 |
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5.9 |
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12.0 |
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48 hours |
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0.4 |
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1.1 |
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1.5 |
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2.3 |
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3.2 |
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6.3 |
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72 hours |
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0.3 |
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0.8 |
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1.0 |
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1.6 |
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2.2 |
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4.2 |
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Thunderstorms and Lightning
Local records indicate that thunderstorms are likely to occur from 2 to 8 days each year at Oyu
Tolgoi. Electrical activity generally totals about 29 hours each year. An average storm will have
up to 83 lightning flashes a minute.
Evaporation
Given the importance of this variable for determining project water requirements, a number of
different methods were used to generate and analyze evaporation data to determine design levels.
The results are summarized in Table 5-6. It should be noted that site measurements are ongoing to
confirm these results.
Table 5-6: Design Evaporation Data
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Evaporation |
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Sublimation |
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Winter |
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Summer |
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(waterbodies frozen in winter) |
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(open waterbodies) |
Month |
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(mm) |
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(mm) |
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January |
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22 |
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82 |
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February |
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41 |
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101 |
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March |
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142 |
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April |
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256 |
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May |
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439 |
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June |
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378 |
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July |
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382 |
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August |
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285 |
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September |
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192 |
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October |
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132 |
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November |
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53 |
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11 |
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December |
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27 |
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88 |
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Total Water Loss: Sublimation + Evaporation = 2,349 mm |
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Wind Loading and Dust Generation
Wind is usually present at the site, predominantly from the north. Very high winds are accompanied
by sandstorms that often severely reduce visibility for several hours at a time. At present,
site-specific wind monitoring data are available for only a short period of time, less than a year.
Based on regional information, windstorms can have gusts up to 50 m/s. Snowstorms and blizzards
with winds up to 40 m/s occur in the Gobi region for 5 to 8 days each winter. Spring dust storms
are far more frequent and can continue through June and July. The average storm duration is 6 to 7
hours. An average of 120 hours of dust storm activity and 220 hours of drifting dust are recorded
each year.
Based on the Mongolian Code, the Basic Wind Speed is 34 m/s. Maximum one-hour speeds recorded at
Byan Ovoo are shown in Table 5-7. The number of dust days per year is shown in Table 5-8.
Table 5-7: Maximum One-Hour Wind Speeds (m/s) at Byan Ovoo
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Jan |
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Feb |
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Mar |
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Apr |
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May |
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Jun |
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Jul |
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Aug |
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Sep |
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Oct |
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Nov |
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Dec |
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Maximum wind speed |
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13.4 |
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14.0 |
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15.4 |
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18.1 |
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16.6 |
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16.2 |
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16.3 |
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14.8 |
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16.0 |
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18.6 |
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19.3 |
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14.5 |
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Table 5-8: Frequency of Dust Storms in the Gobi Desert
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Jan |
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Feb |
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Mar |
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Apr |
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May |
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Jun |
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Jul |
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Aug |
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Sep |
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Oct |
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Nov |
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Dec |
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No. of days |
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0.7 |
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1.0 |
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2.4 |
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4.7 |
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4.1 |
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1.5 |
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1.0 |
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0.4 |
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0.6 |
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0.7 |
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1.9 |
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0.7 |
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5.3 Physiography
The region is covered by sparse semi-desert vegetation and is used by nomadic herders who tend
camels, goats, and sheep. Several ephemeral streams cross the lease area and flow for short
periods immediately after rainfall. Water is widely available from shallow wells.
The Oyu Tolgoi property is relatively flat, with occasional exposed bedrock. This topography will
be amenable for the construction of the infrastructure, including the tailings storage facility,
permanent and construction accommodations, and the processing plant.
5.4 Seismicity
5.4.1 General
Knight Piésold has completed a seismic hazard assessment of the Oyu Tolgoi site. The
seismicity of the Oyu Tolgoi site was determined to be low, and the seismicity of eastern Mongolia
is generally low.
However, to the west of Oyu Tolgoi lies the Mongolian Altaia tectonically active mountain range
stretching 1,700 km from southwest Siberia to the Gobi Desert. The easternmost extension of the
Mongolian Altai is known as the Gobi Altai, which dies out approximately 50 to 100 km west of Oyu
Tolgoi.
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5.4.2 Mongolian Seismology Centre
The Research Centre for Astronomy and Geophysics of Academy of Science (Seismology Centre) is
responsible for assessing seismology in Mongolia. IMMI appointed the Seismology Centre to perform
a seismic assessment for the project. This work has been completed and the findings incorporated
into the assessment by Knight Piésold.
5.4.3 Analysis and Conclusions
Based on the assessment, appropriate seismic design parameters were selected:
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For plant site structures, the maximum acceleration associated with an earthquake with
a return period of 475 years (10% chance of exceedance in 50 years) is 0.06g. This makes
it a UBC Zone 1, which is recommended for design. For the Russian building code SNIP
II-7-821, a seismic intensity rating of VI (6) would be used for the design of common
facilities and of VII (7) for critical facilities at Oyu Tolgoi. |
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The foundation factor is defined by the soil profile. The site will mainly have
foundation on rock or on dense or very stiff soil less than 15 m in depth. There are no
areas of deeper loose or soft soils or soils that may liquefy. |
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For design of the tailings storage facility: |
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The operating basis earthquake (OBE) was selected as the
earthquake with a 475-year return period. Assuming a design life of 30 years
for the tailings facility, the probability of exceedance is 6%. The maximum
acceleration for the 475-year-return-period earthquake is 0.06g. A conservative
design magnitude of M7.5 has been selected for the OBE. |
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Considering the consequences of failure (safety of life,
economics, social and environmental impacts), the hazard classification of the
tailings facility is high. |
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The maximum design earthquake (MDE) with a maximum bedrock
acceleration of 0.08g (1,000-year-return-period event) and design magnitude of
M7.8 has been adopted. |
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 6 HISTORY
The existence of copper in the Oyu Tolgoi area has been recognized since the Bronze Age, but
contemporary exploration for mineral resources did not begin until the 1980s, when a joint
Mongolian and Russian geochemical survey team identified a molybdenum anomaly at the Central
deposit and evidence of alteration and copper mineralization at the South deposit.
In 1996, geologists from Magma Copper Company identified a porphyry copper leached cap nearby and
secured exploration tenements in late 1996. Magma was subsequently acquired by BHP.
Geophysical surveying at Oyu Tolgoi was first initiated by BHP in 1996. An airborne magnetometer
survey was flown at a height of approximately 100 m on 300 m spaced, east-west oriented lines over
approximately 1,120 km2 of BHPs mineral concession. The survey provided good
resolution of the magnetic features to facilitate geological and structural interpretation across
the concession areas. BHP also undertook an induced polarization (IP) survey utilizing a single
gradient array with a 2,000 m AB and a ground magnetometer survey. Both surveys were conducted on
east-west-oriented lines surveyed by a local Mongolian surveying team at 250 m spacing. The
surveys covered Southern, Southwest, Central, and North Oyu exploration targets but did not extend
into the Far North region that ultimately became the Hugo Dummett deposit.
BHP carried out geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys and diamond drilling programs (23
holes total) in the Central and South deposits in 1997 and 1998. Copper and gold were encountered
at depths from 20 m to 70 m below surface. Based on the results of this drilling, BHP estimated a
preliminary resource of 438 Mt, averaging 0.48% copper and 0.25 g/t gold, early in 1999. The
historical resource estimate pre-dates National Instrument 43-101 and is not necessarily in
accordance with the resource classification categories prescribed therein.
BHP then halted its exploration in Mongolia and offered its properties for joint venture. IMMI
visited Oyu Tolgoi in May 1999 and made an agreement to acquire 100% interest in the property,
subject to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR).
In 2000, IMMI completed 8,000 m of reverse circulation (RC) drilling, mainly at the Central
deposit, to explore the chalcocite blanket discovered earlier by BHP. Based on this drilling, IMMI
estimated an Indicated resource of 31.7 Mt at 0.80% copper and an additional Inferred resource of
11.2 Mt grading 0.78% copper for the chalcocite blanket. The historical resource estimate
pre-dates National Instrument 43-101 and is not necessarily in accordance with the resource
classification categories prescribed therein.
In 2001, IMMI continued RC drilling, mostly in the South deposit area, to test possible oxide
resources, and then drilled three diamond core holes to test the deep hypogene copper-gold
potential. Hole 150 intersected 508 m of chalcopyrite-rich mineralization grading 0.81% copper and
1.17 g/t gold; hole 159 intersected a 49 m thick chalcocite blanket grading 1.17% copper and 0.21
g/t gold, followed by 252 m of hypogene covellite mineralization grading 0.61% copper and 0.11 g/t
gold.
These results encouraged IMMI to mount a major follow-up drill program. In late 2002, drilling in
the far northern section of the property intersected 638 m of bornite-chalcopyrite-rich
mineralization in hole 270, starting at a depth of 222 m. This hole marked the discovery of the
Hugo Dummett deposit.
IMMI completed all of its earn-in requirements by June 2002 and acquired the 2% NSR royalty
retained by BHP in November 2003. As a result, IMMI became the sole owner of the property.
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1 October 2005
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Page 6-1
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Integrated Development Plan
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 7 GEOLOGICAL SETTING
This section has been copied verbatim from the May 2005 Technical Report on the Oyu Tolgoi
Mineral Resource estimate (Juras, 2005).
7.1 Regional Geology
The Oyu Tolgoi camp in southern Mongolia lies within the Paleozoic Gurvansayhan Terrane, which
consists of highly-deformed accretionary complexes and oceanic island arc assemblages (Badarch et
al., 2002). The Gurvansayhan Terrane is itself a component of the Altaid orogenic collage a
continental-scale belt dominated by collisional tectonics related to Late Paleozoic convergence and
rotation of Neoproterozoic and pre-0.6 Ga cratonic blocks. In the region surrounding Oyu Tolgoi,
the Altaid orogenic collage forms a broad corridor of major strike-slip faults, contractional fault
and fold belts, and fault-controlled Mesozoic sedimentary basins. Major structures in this area
include the Gobi-Tien Shan sinistral strike-slip fault system, which splits eastward into a number
of splays in the Oyu Tolgoi area, and the Gobi Altai Fault system, which forms a complex zone of
sedimentary basins overthrust by basement blocks to the north and northwest of Oyu Tolgoi (Figure
7-1). To the east of Oyu Tolgoi, regional structures are dominated by the northeast-striking East
Mongolian Fault Zone, which forms the southeastern boundary of the Gurvansayhan Terrane. This
regional fault may have formed as a major suture during Late Paleozoic terrane assembly, with
Mesozoic reactivation leading to the formation of northeasterly-elongate sedimentary basins along
the fault trace.
Figure 7-1: Location of Oyu Tolgoi, Gurvansayhan Terrane, and Major Cenozoic Faults in Southern
Mongolia
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The present morphology and structure of southern Mongolia largely reflect the influences of
Mesozoic to Cenozoic intra-plate deformation events. The principal recognized deformation episodes
include: 1) Late Jurassic to Cretaceous north-south extension, accompanied by the intrusion of
granitoid bodies, unroofing of metamorphic core complexes, and formation of extensional and
transpressional sedimentary basins; and 2) superimposed northeast-southwest shortening associated
with major strike-slip faulting and folding within the Mesozoic basins.
7.2 Property Geological Units
7.2.1 Stratified Rocks
The Oyu Tolgoi area lies within an east-west-trending belt of Devonian-Carboniferous volcanic
and sedimentary rocks of continental margin and island arc affinities, constituting the South
Mongolia Volcanic Belt. Two major stratigraphic sequences are recognized in the project area
(Figure 7-2): 1) tuffs, basaltic rocks, and sedimentary strata of probable island arc affinity,
assigned to the Upper Devonian Alagbayan Formation; and 2) an overlying succession containing
conglomerates, fossiliferous marine siltstones, sandstones, waterlain tuffs, and basaltic to
andesitic flows and volcaniclastic rocks, assigned to the carboniferous Sainshandhudag Formation.
The two sequences are separated by a regional unconformity that, in the Oyu Tolgoi area, is
associated with a time gap of 10 Ma to 15 Ma.
A thin covering of gently-dipping to horizontal Cretaceous stratified clays and clay-rich gravels
overlies the Paleozoic sequence, infilling paleochannels, and small fault-controlled basins.
Devonian Alagbayan Formation
The oldest rocks identified at Oyu Tolgoi are correlated with the Upper Devonian Alagbayan
Formation. They subcrop in the area around and to the west of the South and Southwest Oyu
deposits, and are intersected in drill holes in all of the deposit areas. Four major lithologic
divisions are present within the Alagbayan Formation, and each of these divisions comprises two or
more mappable subunits. The two lower units are commonly strongly altered and form important ore
hosts, while the upper two units, although pre- to syn-mineral in age, lack significant alteration
and mineralization.
Unit DA1: Basaltic Flows and Volcaniclastic Rocks
The stratigraphically lowest rocks identified to date at Oyu Tolgoi consist of mafic volcanic flows
and volcanogenic sedimentary rocks, forming a sequence at least several hundred metres in
thickness. These rocks are commonly strongly altered and host much of the contained copper in the
Southern Oyu and Hugo Dummett deposits.
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Page 7-2
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Figure 7-2: Stratigraphic Column of Paleozoic Bedrock Units in the
Oyu Tolgoi Project Area
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Three main lithotypes are present in the lower sequence. Lowest is a subunit consisting of grey to
green finely-laminated volcanogenic siltstone and interbedded fine sandstone. These rocks are
overlain by and partially interbedded with dark green, massive porphyritic (augite) basalt,
characterized by up to 35% phenocrysts in a fine-grained pilotaxitic matrix of plagioclase and
augite. The third principal rock type is monolithologic to slightly polylithic basaltic lapilli
tuff to volcaniclastic conglomerate/breccia, occurring above or partially interbedded with the
massive augite basalt.
Unit DA2: Dacite Tuff / Volcaniclastic Rocks
Volcanic fragmental rocks of dacitic composition overlie the basaltic rocks of unit DA1 and form an
important ore host in parts of the Hugo South deposit. The dacite sequence can be up to 200 m
thick and consists of two major divisions. Volumetrically dominant is buff to dark green, dacite
lapilli tuff with common eutaxitic texture and ovoid to globular fragments. This subunit occurs in
the lower part of the sequence and is usually overprinted by intense sericite and advanced argillic
alteration. It is overlain by or partially interstratified with a thinner unit of typically
unsorted, polymictic block tuff to breccia. This coarser subunit is usually less altered than the
lapilli tuff and does not contain significant copper mineralization.
A zircon U/Pb date of 365+/-4 Ma from the Hugo Dummett deposit constrains the age of the dacite
sequence to Upper Devonian (Wainwright et al., 2005).
Unit DA3: Clastic Sedimentary Sequence
A clastic sedimentary sequence that overlies the dacite marks an important change in stratigraphic
style that is recognizable throughout the Oyu Tolgoi project area. This clastic sequence is only
weakly altered and measures up to approximately 100 m in thickness. Two main rock types are
present. A finer subunit consisting of rhythmically interbedded carbonaceous siltstone and fine
brown sandstone forms a lithologically distinctive unit overlying the top of the dacite. This unit
is ubiquitous in drill holes in Hugo North and is also discontinuously distributed in the more
southerly deposits. A second subunit characterized by polylithic conglomerate, sandstone, and
siltstone is abundant in the South Oyu deposits and parts of the Hugo South deposit. The
conglomerate typically has a muddy matrix, and is transitional downward to boulder conglomerate and
volcanic breccia at the top of the underlying dacite sequence.
Cross-cutting relationships with radiometrically-dated units constrain the age of these clastic
strata to Upper Devonian.
Unit DA4 Basaltic Flows / Fragmental Rocks, Siltstone
The uppermost strata of the Alagbayan Formation at Oyu Tolgoi comprise a sequence of basaltic flows
and volcaniclastic rocks, overlain by and partly interstratified with thinly-bedded siltstone and
massive sandstone. Together with unit DA3, these strata form a weakly-altered to unaltered, pre-
to syn-mineralization cover sequence to the Oyu Tolgoi deposits averaging around 600 m thick.
Basaltic composition, dark green volcanic breccia with vesicular, fine-grained to coarsely
porphyritic basaltic clasts is the dominant lithotype in the upper Alagbayan Formation. These
breccias are commonly interstratified with volcanogenic sandstones and conglomerates that appear to
be directly derived from the basalts. Middle parts of unit DA4 are dominated by thinly-interbedded
red and green
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siltstone, which contain subordinate basalt layers in their lower levels. Uppermost strata of the
unit are massive green to grey sandstone with rare siltstone interbeds.
Lower Carboniferous Sainshandhudag Formation
The Lower Carboniferous Sainshandhudag Formation forms the upper of the two major stratigraphic
packages at Oyu Tolgoi. The unit post-dates porphyry mineralization and is separated from the
underlying Devonian rocks by a regional unconformity. Radiometric dates and biostratigraphic
correlations suggest the unconformity spans a time gap of 10 Ma to 15 Ma, omitting most of the
Famennian (Upper Devonian) and Tournaisian (Lower Carboniferous) stages.
The Sainshandhudag Formation is divided into three major units at Oyu Tolgoi: a lowermost
tuffaceous sequence, an intermediate clastic package, and an uppermost volcanic/volcaniclastic
sequence.
Unit CS1: Andesitic Lapilli Tuff and Volcaniclastic Rocks
Lowest strata within the Sainshandhudag Formation in the Oyu Tolgoi area consist of andesitic
lapilli tuff with abundant fiamme, and subordinate block tuff to breccia. These rocks are
characterized by a crowded feldspar phenocryst-rich matrix and angular lithic clasts, which are
invariably fine-grained and non-porphyritic.
The andesitic tuff is widely distributed in the Oyu Tolgoi area and measures up to 200 m in
thickness. It is absent from the base of the Sainshandhudag Formation in several drill holes along
the east side of the Hugo Dummett deposit, where higher units in the Sainshandhudag Formation
disconformably overlie Devonian strata.
A U/Pb zircon date obtained from the Hugo Dummett deposit area suggests an age of 351 ± 2 Ma for
the andesitic tuff/volcaniclastic unit (Wainwright et al., 2005).
Unit CS2: Conglomerate, Sandstone, Tuff, and Coal
A clastic sedimentary sequence overlies the lower andesitic package and measures up to 200 m in
thickness. The sequence typically shows a progression from a lower
conglomerate-sandstone-siltstone dominant unit to an overlying siltstone-waterlain tuff unit.
Carbonaceous siltstone and coal beds occur in the lower part of the sequence.
Abundant marine and plant fossils constrain an Upper Tournaisian-Lower Visean (Lower Carboniferous)
age for the unit.
Unit CS3: Basaltic and Andesite Lava and Volcaniclastic Rocks
The uppermost division of the Sainshandhudag Formation consists of a thick sequence of andesitic to
basaltic flows and volcaniclastic rocks comprising several subunits. These subunits include, in
order of superposition, a basal thin volcanic sandstone, a discontinuous porphyritic basaltic
andesitic lava sequence, a thick basaltic breccia-to-block tuff unit, and an interstratified- to
overlying-porphyritic basalt flow sequence. Together, these units can measure over 800 m in
thickness.
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7.2.2 Intrusive Rocks
Intrusive rocks are widely distributed through the Oyu Tolgoi area and range from large
batholithic intrusions to narrow discontinuous dykes and sills. At least seven classes of
intrusive rocks can be defined on the basis of compositional and textural characteristics.
Copper-gold porphyry mineralization is related to the oldest recognized intrusive suite, comprising
large Devonian quartz monzodiorite intrusions that occur in all of the deposit areas. Many of the
older intrusive units found on the property are strongly to intensely altered (e.g., quartz
monzodiorite suite), and the compositional classifications used for these units should therefore be
considered only as field terms.
Basalt / Dolerite
Mafic dykes are the youngest intrusive rocks recognized on the Oyu Tolgoi property and intrude all
stratified units. They are typically aphanitic to fine-grained, locally vesicular, and contain
variable amounts of plagioclase phenocrysts. In the deposit area, they are limited to dykes from
metres to at most a few tens of metres wide, but in the southwest part of the property they may
also occur as large, sill-like intrusive masses. This class of intrusions includes a strongly
magnetic, north-striking subvertical dolerite dyke that cuts across the Hugo Dummett deposit.
Rhyolite
Rhyolite dykes and sills are abundant throughout the property and measure up to a few metres to
tens of metres wide, with strike extents of hundreds of metres. Except where emplaced as sills,
they typically have steep dips, and strike orientations are variable. Texturally they are
aphanitic and aphyric. Intrusive breccias are common along dyke contacts, commonly incorporating
both rhyolitic and wall rock fragments within a flow-banded groundmass. U/Pb zircon dates obtained
from the rhyolite dykes are 335 ± 3.1 Ma (Wainwright et al., 2005).
Hornblende Biotite Andesite, Dacite
Hornblende biotite andesite and dacite dykes occur in all of the deposit areas, but usually are
less volumetrically significant than other intrusive units. Both units are part of a trachyte
suite, which may be genetically related to flows and pyroclastic units of the Sainshandhudag
Formation. They are typically strongly porphyritic with feldspar, hornblende, and biotite. Quartz
phenocrysts are common within the dacite dykes.
Biotite Granodiorite
Late- to post-mineral biotite granodiorite intrusions form a voluminous dyke system along the
western side of the Hugo Dummett deposit and the more-restricted dykes and sills elsewhere. The
intrusions are compositionally and texturally varied and likely include several intrusive phases.
Typically, they contain large plagioclase phenocrysts with lesser small biotite phenocrysts, within
a fine-grained to aphanitic brown groundmass. In the Hugo Dummett deposit, the age of the biotite
granodiorite is constrained by U/Pb dating of zircon to 362 ± 4 Ma (Wainwright et al., 2005).
Quartz Monzodiorite
Porphyry-style mineralization at Oyu Tolgoi is genetically linked to Late Devonian quartz
monzodiorite to monzodiorite intrusions, which form the most voluminous intrusions in the deposit
area. These intrusions are texturally and compositionally varied, and several distinct phases can
be distinguished
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within the deposits. They are typically phenocryst-crowded, with >40% plagioclase phenocrysts
up to 5 mm long, and 10% to 15% biotite and hornblende. Preliminary U/Pb zircon ages of 370.6 Ma
and 378 Ma have been obtained from unaltered and altered phases of the quartz monzodiorite in the
Southwest Oyu deposit. These dates are at odds with the younger ages obtained from the dacite tuff
country rocks and require further analysis. The form and characteristics of the quartz
monzodiorite subunits are described in more detail in the following individual deposit
descriptions.
Northwest Granitic Complex
The Oyu Tolgoi deposit area is bounded on the northwest by a large, polyphase granitic complex.
Intrusive phases recognized in this complex include syenite, granite, quartz monzonite, quartz
diorite, and quartz syenite. The temporal relationships between these different compositional
phases have not been documented, and the only radiometric date obtained to date is a U/Pb zircon
age of 348 Ma (Wainwright et al., 2005), implying that the complex post-dates mineralization at Oyu
Tolgoi. The Northwest Granitic Complex is separated from older rocks of the deposit area by the
northeast-striking, steeply northwest-dipping North Boundary Fault. The movement history of this
fault is uncertain, and it may largely be the result of movement focused along the intrusive
contact during post-intrusion deformation.
Hanbogd Complex
The Early Permian Hanbogd alkaline granite complex is a large, circular intrusion exposed just east
of the Oyu Tolgoi property. The complex has a concentric structure defined by abundant pegmatite
(dykes enriched in rare earth elements and Zr. The Hanbogd Complex has a flat roof, as indicated by
numerous basaltic wall rock roof pendants, and may therefore have a pancake or lopolithic
intrusive form.
7.3 Property Structural Geology
The Oyu Tolgoi project area is underlain by complex networks of faults, folds, and shear zones
(Figure 7-3). Most of these structures are poorly exposed on surface and can only be defined
through integration of detailed exploration data (primarily drill hole data), property-scale
geological mapping, and geophysical data. Ivanhoe has made extensive use of oriented core drilling
at Oyu Tolgoi, and the structural data collected has been invaluable in helping determine the
subsurface morphology and structural history of the project area. Major structures in the project
area strongly influence the distribution of mineralization by both controlling the original
position and form of mineralized bodies, and modifying them during post-mineral deformation events.
7.3.1 Solongo Fault
The Solongo Fault is an east- to east-northeast-striking, subvertical structure that cuts
across the Oyu Tolgoi property just south of the Southwest Oyu and South Oyu deposits. All of the
significant mineralization discovered to date on the Oyu Tolgoi property is on the northern block
of this fault.
The Solongo Fault typically occurs as a strongly tectonized, foliated zone up to several tens of
metres wide. Rhyolite dykes commonly intrude the fault zone, and themselves have tectonically
brecciated margins. On ground magnetic data, the fault forms a major linear anomaly that can be
traced across the entire width of the Oyu Tolgoi property.
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Figure
7-3: Simplified Geological Map of Oyu Tolgoi Concession
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The Solongo Fault forms a major structural break, and there is a minimum of approximately
1,600 m of south-side-down stratigraphic offset where it juxtaposes mineralized basalt (unit DA1b)
in the South Oyu deposit against sediments correlated with the upper Alagbayan Formation (unit DA4)
to the south. Depending on movement direction, net slip may be considerably greater. The
displacement history of the Solongo Fault is poorly constrained. The fault clearly existed prior
to emplacement of rhyolite dykes, which are part of a suite dated at 335 ± 3 Ma. Rhyolite dykes
locally cross the fault with little or no apparent displacement, implying that movement since their
emplacement was negligible.
7.3.2 Northwest Shear Zone
The Northwest Shear Zone is a wide, ductile shear zone that cuts across the far northwest
corner of the Oyu Tolgoi project area (Figure 7-3). This shear zone consists of mylonitic to
ultramylonitic rocks in the centre, grading outward over about 200 m to rocks lacking visible
ductile strain. Together with the Boundary Fault, the shear zone marks the break between the
volcanic and sedimentary strata hosting and surrounding the Oyu Tolgoi deposits (Alagbayan and
Sainshandhudag formations), and the carboniferous granitic complex exposed on the northwestern
corner of the property. Ubiquitous subhorizontal stretching lineation, asymmetric mesoscopic
fabrics (shear bands, asymmetric porphyroclasts), and map-scale deflections of dykes indicate that
the Northwest Shear Zone accommodated dominantly dextral strike-slip movement. The magnitude of
displacement is not closely constrained, but the geometry of deformed dykes in the shear zone
indicates that at least several kilometres of displacement have occurred.
Deformed quartz-feldspar porphyry dykes in the shear zone are geochemically identical to the
rhyolite intrusions in the deposit area, and have produced an identical U/Pb age of 335 ± 3 Ma,
placing a maximum age on shear zone deformation; no minimum age is constrained.
7.3.3 Central Fault
The Central Fault is a west-northwest-striking, moderately north-dipping structure that lies
between the Hugo South and Central Oyu deposits. It occurs in numerous drill hole intersections in
Hugo South, and its surface trace coincides with a strong linear magnetic anomaly.
Stratigraphic distribution across the Central Fault shows conflicting stratigraphic relationships
at different levels. The fault consists of several splays and may have experienced multiple
periods of displacement. The simplest interpretation of geological relationships is that early
fault displacement resulted in north-side-down apparent offset, followed by a later apparent
reverse displacement of lesser magnitude. Stratigraphic evidence suggests the Central Fault may
have been active as a Late Devonian growth fault. However, the fault is clearly visible as a
linear magnetic feature cutting the overlying Sainshandhudag Formation, implying that movement
continued into the carboniferous or later.
7.3.4 Axial Fault, West Bat, East Bat Faults
The alignment of the Southwest Oyu, Central Oyu, and Hugo Dummett deposits, along with the
elongate form of the Hugo Dummett deposit itself, strongly implies that an underlying
north-northeast-
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striking fault or fault zone (referred to as the Axial Fault) controlled emplacement of porphyry
intrusions and related hydrothermal activity. For example, the tabular, north-northeast-elongate
form of the biotite granodiorite dyke complex that follows the west side of the deposit may reflect
fault-controlled intrusion.
The Hugo Dummett deposit lies within a north-northeast-trending structural high bounded by the West
Bat and East Bat faults. Although the latest movement on these bounding faults displaces
post-mineral strata, they may represent the shallow expression of a longer-lived,
deposit-controlling fault zone. Offsets of post-mineral stratigraphic contacts measure at least a
kilometre (east-side up) for the West Bat Fault, and 200 m to 300 m (west-side-up) for the East Bat
Fault. For both of these structures, the true slip direction is uncertain, and if there is a large
strike-slip component of movement, total displacement may be significantly greater than
stratigraphic offset.
7.3.5 Boundary Fault System
Roughly coincident with the northern boundary of the Oyu Tolgoi concession, an
east-northeast-striking fault zone juxtaposes the Devonian sequence hosting and overlying the Oyu
Tolgoi deposits against the carboniferous granitic complex to the north. Faults within this system
include the North Boundary Fault, a splay of the North Boundary Fault, and the Boundary Fault.
These faults dip steeply to the north or northwest, and occur as strongly-developed, foliated gouge
and breccia zones ranging from decimetres to several tens of metres wide. They juxtapose younger
rocks (north block) over older (south block), but true displacement direction and magnitude are
poorly constrained.
7.3.6 Northeast-Striking Secondary Faults
Magnetic and satellite images show a strong northeast to east-northeast linear structural
fabric cutting across parts of the Oyu Tolgoi property. Many of these lineaments can be correlated
with faults identified in drill holes (e.g., East Bounding and West Bounding faults at the
Southwest Oyu deposit), but others occur in areas where few or no drill holes have been completed,
and may mark the positions of undocumented faults. Northeast-striking faults in the Southwest Oyu
deposit form a primary control on the distribution of copper and gold mineralization, and the
presence of mineralized clasts within the fault zones implies that they were also active following
mineralization. Other northeast-striking faults displace stratigraphic contacts in the Lower
carboniferous Sainshandhudag Formation near the South Oyu deposit.
7.3.7 Folds
Variations in bedding attitude recorded in both oriented drill core and surface outcrops
define two orientations of folds on the Oyu Tolgoi property: a dominant set of northeast-trending
folds, and a less developed set of northwest-trending folds. These folds are well defined in
bedded strata of both the Sainshandhudag and Alagbayan formations. They are likely present in
stratified rocks throughout the property, but outcrop and drill hole data are insufficient to
define them in many areas.
Together, the two orientations of folds form a dome-and-basin interference pattern, but it is not
possible to determine their relative ages. Both of the dominant fold orientations occur in Lower
carboniferous strata, indicating that both folding events post-date mineralization.
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Sedimentary facing direction indicators in drill holes along the east flank of the Hugo Dummett
deposit indicate that parts of the upper Alagbayan Formation are overturned. The overturning is
interpreted to be associated with tight to isoclinal folds. These folds are cut by biotite
granodiorite dykes, and therefore most were formed within the Late Devonian.
7.4 Southern Oyu Deposits
The Southern Oyu deposits include the Southwest Oyu or Southwest, South Oyu or South, Wedge
Zone of Wedge, and Central Oyu or Central deposits. These deposits form contiguous zones of
mineralization representing multiple mineralizing centres, each with distinct styles of
mineralization, alteration, and host rock lithology. The boundaries between the individual
deposits coincide with major fault zones (Figure 7-3). Strong, high-sulphidation mineralization
and associated advanced argillic alteration, hosted by dacite tuff and quartz monzodiorite, are
characteristic of the Central and Wedge deposits. The mineralization grades downward into
chalcopyrite-gold mineralization with associated biotite-chlorite alteration hosted within basalt.
At Southwest the dacite tuff and overlying strata have been removed by erosion, exposing
deeper-level chalcopyrite-gold mineralization with associated biotite-chlorite alteration, hosted
within basalt. Mineralization at the South deposit is chalcopyrite-bornite dominant with
associated biotite-chlorite alteration, and is hosted within quartz monzodiorite, basalt, and
dacite tuff.
7.4.1 Southwest Oyu Deposit
Host Rocks
The Southwest Oyu or Southwest deposit is a Au-rich porphyry system characterized by a
southwest-plunging, pipe-like geometry with over a 700 m vertical extent. Over 80% of the deposit
is hosted by massive to fragmental porphyritic basalt of the Upper Devonian Alagbayan Formation,
with the remainder hosted by intra-mineral, Late Devonian quartz monzodiorite intrusions. The
quartz monzodiorite intrusions form irregular plugs and dykes related to several distinct phases.
These include 1) early-strongly-altered quartz-veined dykes mainly limited to the high-grade
central deposit core (informally referred to as OT-Qmd); 2) superimposed younger fragmental dykes
entraining early quartz vein clasts but lacking strong sulphide mineralization (informally referred
to as xQmd); and 3) voluminous massive quartz monzodiorite containing weaker mineralization,
flanking and underlying the high-grade deposit core.
Several phases of post-mineral dykes cut the Southwest deposit. Most of the dykes belong to the
rhyolite, hornblende biotite andesite, or biotite granodiorite intrusive phases. They commonly
have steep dips, and many are localized along faults. The rhyolite dykes tend to have west to
west-northwest strikes in the deposit core and northeast strikes when emplaced along major faults.
Hornblende biotite andesite dykes strike east-northeast except where they intrude along the major
northeast faults.
Structural Geology
Most of the Southwest deposit, and the entire high-grade, gold-rich core of the deposit, lies
between two northeast-striking faults, the West Bounding Fault and the East Bounding Fault. Both
faults are clearly defined on ground magnetic images, and their positions and orientations are well
constrained by numerous drill hole intersections.
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The bounding faults consist of foliated cataclasite, gouge/breccia, and mylonitic bands in
zones ranging from a few metres to a few tens of metres wide. Both faults have subparallel splays
locally. Correlation of drill hole intersections constrains an average fault dip of 80° to
310° for both faults. The East Bounding Fault juxtaposes younger rocks to the southeast
against the Alagbayan Formation rocks (augite basalt) hosting the deposit, while the West Bounding
Fault is mainly intraformational within the augite basalt. The West Bounding Fault is commonly
intruded by hornblende-biotite andesite dykes, whereas rhyolite dykes are more common along the
East Bounding Fault.
The cataclasite within the fault zones contains abundant quartz, quartz sulphide, and sulphide (py,
cpy, sph, gal) clasts in a comminuted matrix that is locally overprinted by fine-grained pyrite and
chalcopyrite. These relationships imply that at least some of the fault movement was
contemporaneous with mineralization. Kinematic indicators within the fault zones imply dominantly
sub-horizontal, sinistral movement on the bounding faults.
Quartz-dominant veins with variable amounts of sulphide (py, cpy, bn), K-feldspar, chlorite, and
carbonate are ubiquitous in the Southwest deposit, and there is a general correlation between vein
density and copper and gold grade. Most veins have widths of several millimetres to several
centimetres, although within the core of the deposit veins up to a metre or more thick occur. Vein
contacts can be either planar or variably deformed, and folded and/or faulted veins are common.
Veins within the high-grade deposit core display subparallel to sheeted forms with a preferred
southwest-dipping orientation. These pass into more irregularly oriented stockwork veins in
peripheral mineralized zones, where subvertical north- to northwest-striking orientations are most
common.
Fault geometry and kinematics, vein orientations, and deposit geometry at Southwest support a
structural model invoking deposit formation in a dilational fault transfer zone. This zone is
delineated by the West Bounding Fault on the northwest and the East Bounding Fault on the
southeast. The preferred vein orientation within the core of the deposit reflects the local stress
geometry within this zone of dilation. The Southwest deposit probably formed as a subvertical
cylindrical body and attained its present west-southwest plunge during post-mineral regional
deformation. This post-mineral rotation is consistent with the easterly stratigraphic dips of both
pre- and post-mineral rocks in the deposit area.
7.4.2 South Oyu Deposit
Host Rocks
The South Oyu or South deposit occurs within an east- to northeast-dipping sequence of Alagbayan
Formation strata (basalt and dacite tuff units), intruded on the southwest by an irregular quartz
monzodiorite body. Much of the basalt sequence contains fragmental textures with juvenile
pyroclasts and is texturally similar to the overlying dacite tuff sequence. To the northeast, the
altered and mineralized rocks are overlain by mudstones and conglomerates of the upper Alagbayan
Formation, which pass up-section into the overlying basalt and sediment sequence and ultimately
into rocks of the Sainshandhudag Formation.
The deposit area is cut by numerous barren dykes, most of which belong to the post-mineral rhyolite
and basalt intrusive suites. These dykes typically have widths of only a few metres, with the
exception of a major, east-west rhyolite dyke that cuts through the middle of the South deposit and
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attains widths of up to a few tens of metres. This wide dyke commonly balloons into larger
intrusive masses where it intersects the South and Solongo faults. Although irregular in form, the
rhyolite dykes have roughly west to west-northwest strikes and steep dips. In contrast, the basalt
dykes have moderate north-easterly dips, subparallel to contacts within the stratified host rocks.
Structural Geology
The South deposit lies on a fault block bounded on the northwest by the northeast-striking South
Fault, and on the south by the east-northeast-striking Solongo Fault (Figure 7-3). The South Fault
forms a zone with several strands over a width of up to 90 m, which juxtapose progressively younger
strata on the northwest against older strata to the southeast. Drill hole intersections of these
faults typically consist of gouge and breccia zones up to several metres wide. To the west, the
faults strike into a large quartz monzodiorite intrusion. The faults are difficult to trace
through the intrusion and offset of the intrusive contact is minimal, implying that most movement
pre-dated emplacement of the quartz monzodiorite.
The Solongo Fault truncates the southern edge of the South deposit. It forms a wide, strongly
tectonized zone. Stratigraphic offset on the Solongo Fault is at least 1,600 m. No significant
mineralization has been identified on the south side of the fault.
Copper mineralization in the South deposit is associated with stockworks of thin (usually < 10
cm) quartz+sulphide veins. In surface exploration pits and trenches, veins occur as steep,
northwest-striking, strongly sheeted sets. However, veins intersected in drill holes have a
stockwork style and lack the strong preferred orientation visible in surface exposures.
7.4.3 Wedge Deposit
Host Rocks
The Wedge deposit occurs within a northeast-dipping sequence of Upper Devonian Alagbayan Formation
strata similar to that hosting the adjacent South deposit. However, in the Wedge deposit, the
dacite tuff unit is significantly thicker (up to 180 m) than at South and forms the dominant host
to copper mineralization. On the northeast, conformably overlying non-mineralized rocks of the
upper Alagbayan Formation and lower Sainshandhudag Formation form the upper limit of
mineralization.
Mineralized rocks in the Wedge deposit are cut by numerous barren dykes, including biotite
granodiorite, hornblende biotite andesite, and rhyolite compositions. Biotite granodiorite and
hornblende biotite andesite are more common along the northwest margin of the deposit and typically
have northeast strikes, parallel to the East Bounding Fault. These intrusions are also common as
sills, typically intruding along the stratigraphic contact between the dacite tuff and the
overlying sedimentary strata. Rhyolite dykes are common throughout the deposit. They typically
have steeply-dipping contacts but varied strike orientations.
Structural Geology
The Wedge deposit occupies a rectangular fault block bounded on the west by the northeast-striking
East Bounding Fault and on the south by the east-northeast-striking South Fault (Figure 7-3).
Within this block, stratigraphic contacts are continuous and relatively planar, showing little
evidence of structural disruption.
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Movement on the East Bounding and South faults has juxtaposed younger strata within the fault block
hosting the Wedge deposit against older strata on the adjacent blocks containing the Southwest and
South deposits. Stratigraphic contacts are relatively continuous between the Wedge deposit and the
Central deposit, implying that displacement on the East Bounding Fault is largely transferred to
the Rhyolite Fault (between Southwest and Central), leaving the Wedge and Central as a structurally
intact block that has been displaced downward relative to the Southwest and South deposits.
Fault disruption is common along the contact between the Alagbayan Formation dacite tuff and the
overlying sedimentary strata. However, there is no evidence of significant stratigraphic omission
or repetition associated with this faulting, and the movement may be relatively minor.
7.4.4 Central Oyu Deposit
Host Rocks
The Central Oyu or Central deposit is hosted within a swarm of feldspar-phyric quartz monzodiorite
intrusions, emplaced into porphyritic augite basalt and overlying dacite tuff of the Alagbayan
Formation. The dacite tuff is in turn overlain by unmineralized sedimentary and mafic volcanic
rocks of the upper Alagbayan Formation, which currently dip moderately to the east.
Several phases of intra-mineral and late-mineral quartz monzodiorite intrusions have been
distinguished in the Central deposit based on textural variations and intensity of mineralization
and alteration. Most have dyke forms, emanating from a larger intrusive mass to the north and west
of the deposit area. The quartz monzodiorite dykes terminate within the base of the sedimentary
units of the upper Alagbayan Formation.
Basalt flows and dacite tuffs of the Alagbayan Formation are preserved as a series of isolated,
irregular, moderately north- to northeast-dipping bodies within the quartz monzodiorite dyke swarm.
These volcanic windows are up to 200 m thick and extend several hundred metres down dip to the
limit of drilling. The contact between the dacite and the overlying sedimentary sequence is
commonly faulted and forms the upper limit to mineralization, as elsewhere in the Oyu Tolgoi
district.
Post-mineral dykes are common in the Central deposit and comprise rhyolite, biotite granodiorite,
hornblende biotite andesite, and dacite dykes. The rhyolite dykes are most abundant, with the
majority occurring as west- and west-northwest-striking bodies in the southern half and on the
periphery of the deposit. Biotite-granodiorite dykes occur along the deposits eastern margin and
tend to strike north to north-northeast. East-northeast striking hornblende biotite andesite dykes
occur mainly along the north-eastern margin of the deposit.
Structural Geology
Drill holes through the Central deposit show little evidence of significant post-mineral faulting,
and the mineralogical zoning, grade distribution, and continuity of contacts are consistent with
the deposit
being contained in a structurally intact block. Most contacts in the deposit are intrusive or
stratigraphic, although minor faulting occurs locally. Post-mineral faults form minor zones of
breccia and cataclasite in some drill holes, but it is not possible to correlate these
intersections between drill holes to define continuous fault surfaces. Pre- or syn-mineral faults,
if present, are largely obscured by intrusive and hydrothermal overprinting.
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The Central deposit area is overlain to the east by non-mineralized conglomerate, mudstone, and
siltstone of the upper Alagbayan Formation. Wide zones of breccia and foliated breccia occur
either along the basal contact of or within the lower portion of these sedimentary strata. The
displacement history of these zones is uncertain, and they may be related to minor
post-mineralization movement between the two rheologically contrasting rock packages.
Along its southern margin, the Central deposit is juxtaposed against the Southwest deposit area by
an east-west-striking fault that is now occupied by a rhyolite dyke (the Rhyolite Fault). The
ignimbrite and overlying sedimentary units have been uplifted and eroded from the block south of
this fault.
Mineralized veins within the Central deposit show a range in orientations, the most common
including southwest-, west-, and northwest-dipping attitudes. Vein orientations are similar to
those documented in the Southwest deposit, although the degree of preferred orientation in the
deposit core is weaker at Central. Similar preferred vein orientations at Central and Southwest
suggest that the two deposits were formed in a similar structural regime. However, the Central
deposit lacks the strong bounding fault control that is fundamental to the form and geometry of the
Southwest deposit. This lack of bounding fault control may account for the more-irregular form of
the mineralized body at Central.
Post-mineral tilting of the Central deposit is implied by bedding dips in the enclosing and
overlying stratigraphic sequence. Rotating the structural data for the Central deposit
sufficiently to restore bedding to horizontal indicates a strong preference for subvertical veins
within the deposit at the time of formation.
7.5 Hugo Dummett Deposit
The Hugo Dummett deposit consisting of Hugo North and Hugo South, contains porphyry-style
mineralization associated with quartz monzodiorite intrusions, concealed beneath a deformed
sequence of Upper Devonian and Lower carboniferous sedimentary and volcanic rocks. The deposit is
highly elongated to the north-northeast and extends over 3 km (Figure 7-3). Although
mineralization is continuous over this entire length, it thins markedly and decreases in grade
where the host strata are displaced by an east-west striking, north-dipping fault, termed the 110
Fault. This fault defines the boundary between Hugo South and Hugo North. The depth to the top of
the high-grade (>2.5% Cu) zone varies from 300 m at Hugo South to about 900 m at Hugo North.
7.5.1 Hugo South Deposit
Host Rocks
The Hugo South deposit is hosted by an easterly-dipping sequence of volcanic strata correlated with
the lower part of the Devonian Alagbayan Formation and quartz monzodiorite intrusive rocks.
Stratigraphically lowest rocks in the sequence consist of porphyritic basalt flows and minor
volcaniclastic strata. These rocks are overlain by dacite tuffs and breccias forming a sequence
approximately 100 m to 200 m thick. Weakly-altered to unaltered sedimentary and volcanic rocks of
the upper Alagbayan Formation and Sainshandhudag Formation overlie the mineralized sequence along
the eastern flank of the Hugo South deposit. The thickness of the non-mineralized Alagbayan
Formation sequence commonly exceeds 600 m, although structural thickening may occur within the
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sequence. The Sainshandhudag Formation strata unconformably overlie, and are locally faulted
against, the Alagbayan Formation.
Several phases of intrusive rocks occur in the Hugo South deposit. The oldest recognized
intrusions are quartz monzodiorite bodies, which underlie the entire deposit area and contain low
copper grades. Quartz monzodiorite contacts are irregular, but overall show a preferred easterly
dip, subparallel to contacts in the enclosing stratified rocks. The quartz monzodiorite is broadly
contemporaneous with alteration and mineralization, and two varieties are distinguished on the
basis of alteration characteristics and position within the deposit: 1) an intensely quartz veined
phase that occurs along the upper margin of the main intrusive body or as a separate east-dipping
tabular body in the overlying strata; and 2) a lower-grade, more weakly veined variety, which makes
up the large intrusive body forming the lower part of and underlying the entire deposit.
Late- to post-mineral biotite granodiorite intrusions form a north-northeast-striking dyke complex
cutting across the western edge of the deposit. Based on correlations between drill hole
intersections and measurements of individual contacts using oriented drill core, dyke contacts
appear to have a moderate to steeply west-dipping preferred orientation.
Younger intrusions include rhyolitic, hornblende biotite andesite, dacite, and basalt/dolerite
compositional varieties. These intrusions usually occur as dykes with subvertical orientations, or
less commonly as easterly-dipping sills emplaced along stratigraphic contacts. They are
non-mineralized and not volumetrically significant except locally in the deposit.
Structural Geology
The Hugo South deposit occurs within a north-northeasterly elongate block bounded on the north and
south by moderately north-dipping faults, and on the east and west by steep,
north-northeast-striking faults. Strata within the block form a homoclinal sequence dipping
moderately to the east-southeast.
Deformation of the Hugo South deposit is dominated by brittle faulting (Figure 7-4). Major faults
cutting the deposit can be grouped on the basis of orientation into four sets: 1) east-west
striking, moderately north-dipping faults (110, Central faults); 2) steep north-northeast-striking
faults (East and West Bat, East Hugo, and Axial faults); 3) north-northeast-striking faults that
dip moderately east, subparallel to lithologic contacts (Contact, Lower faults); and 4)
east-west-striking, subvertical faults (East-West Fault).
110 Fault
The 110 Fault defines the division between the Hugo North and Hugo South deposits, although
mineralization is continuous across the fault. The fault strikes east-west and dips northerly at
approximately 45° to 55°. In drill hole intersections, the 110 Fault consists of zones of
non-cohesive gouge and breccia up to several metres thick. Tectonic fragments within the fault
zone are derived from adjacent wall rocks and include mineralized quartz veins within strongly
foliated clay gouge.
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Figure
7-4: Simplified Interpretation of Section 6200 N, Hugo South Deposit
Note: Shows distribution of major lithologic units, principal faults, and Cu mineralization
The 110 Fault juxtaposes younger strata on the hangingwall block (north) against older strata
on the footwall block (south). The stratigraphic offset of the base of the upper member of the
Alagbayan Formation varies between approximately 100 m and 200 m. Depending on the net slip
direction, the true offset may be greater. The fault is truncated up-dip by the East-West Fault,
and the intersection between the two fault surfaces is subhorizontal. Because it is truncated by
the East-West Fault, the 110 Fault does not have a surface trace in the Hugo Dummett deposit area.
Stratigraphic evidence suggests that earliest movement on the 110 Fault had a large north-side-down
component and may have been syn-depositional with respect to the strata immediately overlying the
ignimbrite unit. In particular, in several areas coarse volcanic breccias (block and ash tuff
unit) are thicker in drill holes immediately north of the fault than on the southern fault block.
In addition, the upper basalt + sediment portion of the Alagbayan Formation is up to 200 m thicker
on the northern fault block than to the south. However, the variation in thickness could be
associated with varying depths of erosion at the disconformity marking the top of the unit.
Additional evidence for early movement on the 110 Fault is the lack of offset of the biotite
granodiorite dyke contact where the two intersect, implying that most of the stratigraphic
displacement pre-dates dyke emplacement.
Kinematic indicators in the foliated gouge indicate oblique sinistral + reverse movement on the 110
Fault, contrary to the apparent stratigraphic displacement. These fabrics likely record a late
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period of movement that is of lesser apparent magnitude than earlier displacements. Cataclasite
developed during this stage of movement contains tectonic fragments of veins with copper sulphides,
indicating post-mineral timing. However, the late fault movement does not significantly displace
mineralization.
Central Fault
The Central Fault is a shallowly to moderately north-dipping structure that lies beneath the
southern portion of the Hugo Dummett deposit. It projects to surface between the Hugo South and
Central deposits. Drill hole intersections indicate a strike of approximately 90° to 100°, and its
surface trace coincides with a strong linear magnetic anomaly.
At shallow levels, stratigraphic contacts are offset across the Central Fault with apparent normal
displacement. At deeper levels (OTD401 series drill holes), the opposite stratigraphic
relationships occur: dacite tuff of the Alagbayan Formation is faulted over sedimentary strata
correlated with the upper Alagbayan Formation. In drill core, the Central Fault consists of a zone
of fault breccia and gouge that can be up to several metres thick.
Contradictory stratigraphic relationships (stratigraphic repetition at deeper levels, stratigraphic
omission at shallow levels) imply that the Central Fault may have experienced multiple periods of
displacement, similar to the history proposed for the 110 Fault. The simplest interpretation is
that early displacement resulted in north-side-down apparent offset, followed by a later period of
reverse displacement during a period of roughly north-south contractional deformation. The
magnitude of reverse displacement was insufficient to restore the entire apparent normal offset.
At depth, the
reverse sense reactivation may have been localized along a splay in the hangingwall of the
principal fault surface, resulting in local stratigraphic repetition.
East-West Fault
The East-West Fault cuts across and displaces the northern end of the Hugo South deposit. Drill
hole intersections constrain the fault orientation to subvertical with a strike of approximately
080° to 090°. It forms an abrupt boundary to alteration and mineralization in several sections.
Biotite granodiorite dyke contactsthe Contact Fault, East Hugo Fault, 110 Fault, and East Bat
Faultare all cut by the East-West. In drill hole intersections, the East-West Fault occurs as a
zone of clay-rich breccia and locally foliated gouge up to several metres in width, similar in
character to the Central and 110 faults. Narrow basaltic dykes commonly occur within the fault
zone.
Offsets of a late basaltic dyke, stratigraphic contacts, and the axis of the Hugo South deposit
constrain an oblique dextral + north-side-down net slip of roughly 150 m to 200 m on the fault,
along a gently eastward-plunging slip vector.
Deposit-Parallel Faults
Moderately east-dipping (deposit-parallel) faults that occur within and immediately adjacent to the
Hugo Dummett deposit include the Contact Fault and the Lower Fault. The Contact Fault is a
bedding-parallel detachment zone that normally occurs at the transition between the dacite tuff
unit (middle Alagbayan Formation) and the overlying sediment/basalt sequence. The intensity of
fabric development along this fault is highly variable: in some drill holes it occurs as a wide
zone of anastamosing foliation and brecciation in carbonaceous mudstones within the base of the
upper
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sequence; elsewhere there is little tectonic disruption along the contact. The Contact Fault
is often intruded by dykes or sills of basaltic, andesitic, or rhyolitic composition. The Contact
Fault marks the upper limit of strong alteration in most of the Hugo Dummett deposit. Bedding
above and below the faulted contact is concordant. Other than the variable thickness of lithologic
marker unit near the contact (e.g., uppermost block and ash tuff in the middle Alagbayan
Formation), there is no indication that significant structural omission or repetition has occurred
at the Contact Fault.
In the western part of the Hugo Dummett deposit, the biotite granodiorite dyke crosses the Contact
Fault at a high angle. The fault continues as a narrow zone of breccia and clay gouge in the
biotite granodiorite, but is difficult to identify in many drill holes. Although there is likely
some displacement of the intrusive contact, the magnitude is too small to be mappable with the
present drill hole spacing.
The Lower Fault occurs as an intensely brecciated, clay gouge-rich zone within the middle or lower
portion of the mineralized body, typically 200 m to 400 m below the Contact Fault. Similar to the
Contact Fault, the Lower Fault can be traced westward through at least part of the biotite
granodiorite dyke as a narrow zone of breccia and gouge.
Latest movement on the deposit-parallel faults post-dates both mineralization in the Hugo Dummett
deposit and intrusion of the biotite granodiorite dykes. It is difficult to clearly demonstrate
geological offsets on the deposit-parallel faults. The lack of apparent offset may in part reflect
the absence of clear stratigraphic markers at the levels at which the faults occur, as well as the
fault orientation being close to that of both stratigraphic and alteration contacts. However, in
the Hugo North deposit, the Lower Fault appears to displace the Hugo North gold zone and biotite
granodiorite dykes by up to 400 m.
The contact-parallel nature of the Contact and Lower faults suggests that they may have formed as
gently-dipping thrusts during regional contractional deformation. These faults were localized
along contacts between units with differing competencies, or along relatively weak layers within
the stratigraphic sequence.
Axial Fault
The linear mineralized trend defined by the Central, Southwest, and Hugo Dummett deposits, which
now measures over 6.5 km, likely reflects the presence of a deep, north-northeast-striking crustal
fault or fault zone controlling magma emplacement and mineralization. This inferred structure
probably also controlled emplacement of the north-northeast-striking late-mineral biotite
granodiorite dyke. Although the controlling structure is largely conceptual and direct evidence
for it would have been overprinted in many areas by the biotite granodiorite dyke, it is referred
to for convenience as the Axial Fault.
Apparent offsets of stratigraphic contacts across the main biotite granodiorite dyke provide
supporting evidence for the existence of the Axial Fault (Figure 7-4). Depending on how contacts
are projected through areas with low drill hole density, the basal contact of the upper member of
the Alagbayan Formation shows an apparent stratigraphic displacement of approximately 200 m to 300
m across the biotite granodiorite dyke. Because the slip direction is unknown, this represents the
minimum amount of movement on the fault. There is no clear evidence for post-dyke movement on the
Axial Fault. This restricts the timing of movement to the narrow time interval between deposition
of upper Alagbayan Formation and intrusion of the biotite granodiorite.
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West Bat Fault
The West Bat Fault is a north-northeast-striking, subvertical structure that extends along the west
side of the Hugo Dummett deposit. It cuts the northwestern edge of the Hugo North deposit, but is
well west of the main part of the Hugo South deposit. The structural character of the fault in
drill hole intersections varies with both depth and stratigraphic level. In deeper intersections,
where the fault juxtaposes massive volcanic conglomerates (upper Sainshandhudag Formation) against
quartz monzodiorite, biotite granodiorite, or lower Alagbayan Formation, it occurs as a weakly to
moderately foliated gouge and breccia zone up to a few metres wide. At shallower levels, the fault
forms a much broader tectonized zone and commonly splits into several subparallel splays.
The West Bat Fault juxtaposes significantly lower stratigraphic levels to the east against higher
stratigraphic levels to the west. If the base of the upper Sainshandhudag Formation is used as a
marker, stratigraphic offset, and therefore the minimum net slip, is over 1,500 m. Determination
of true net slip amount and direction on the West Bat Fault is complicated by the probable multiple
periods of movement on the fault, and available data do not uniquely constrain the fault movement
history.
East Bat Fault
The East Bat Fault is a north-northeast-striking, subvertical structure occurring along the east
side of the Hugo Dummett deposit. Although contact positions adjacent to the fault imply a minimum
of a few hundred metres displacement, the fault expression in drill core can be subtle, often
amounting to only decimetres of foliated gouge or cataclasite. The East Bat Fault occurs well east
of the mineralization defined within the Hugo South deposit.
Stratigraphic contacts within the Sainshandhudag Formation show around 200 m to 300 m of
east-side-down stratigraphic offset across the East Bat Fault. There is no kinematic information
available for the fault, so the true slip direction and amount are uncertain. Much, if not all,
movement would have been post-mineral: the fault cuts carboniferous strata of the Sainshandhudag
Formation, but is itself cut by the East-West Fault.
East Hugo Fault
The East Hugo Fault occurs as a north- to north-northwest-striking, steeply east-dipping zone of
strong to intense brecciation and clay gouge occurring along the east limb of the Hugo South and
Hugo North deposits. At Hugo South it cuts across stratigraphic contacts at moderate angles and
forms a sharp break in alteration intensity and copper grade. It displaces mineralization, and
there is no evidence in grade distribution or alteration to suggest that the fault was present at
the time of mineralization. Drill hole data suggest that the East Hugo Fault cuts the 110 Fault
but is displaced dextrally by the East-West Fault. Sections where fault and contact geometry are
best constrained show apparent east-side-down displacement of the Alagbayan Formation contacts
ranging from about 200 m to as much as 400 m. The true slip direction, and thus the amount of net
slip, is not constrained.
Folding History
Bedding measurements obtained from oriented drill core, mainly from bedded intervals within the
upper Alagbayan Formation, define two orientations of folds in the Hugo South deposit area: a
dominant set of north-northeast-trending folds, and a subordinate set of northwest-trending folds.
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Both of the dominant fold orientations also occur in carboniferous post-mineral strata, indicating
that both events post-date mineralization and may have modified the form of the deposit.
Within the upper Alagbayan Formation, north-northeast-trending folds have wavelengths and
amplitudes on the scale of metres to tens of metres. The far greater abundance of east-dipping
bedding measurements implies that the fold geometry is strongly asymmetric, characterized by
west-verging folds. In contrast, northwest-trending folds have wavelengths of hundreds of metres
and open, symmetric forms. Together, the two fold sets define an elongate dome and basin
interference pattern. Because the axial surfaces and fold axes of the two sets are at a high angle
to one another, and no penetrative cleavage fabrics formed during either event, it is not possible
to determine their relative ages in the deposit area.
Reversals in sedimentary facing direction occur locally in the upper part of the Alagbayan
Formation along the east flank of the Hugo South deposit. These reversals suggest the presence of
tight to isoclinal folds affecting at least the Alagbayan Formation. These same overturned folds
occur in the Hugo North deposit, where they are cut by the Late Devonian biotite granodiorite dyke.
These cross-cutting relationships effectively bracket the timing of folding to Late Devonian,
roughly contemporaneous or close in age to mineralization.
7.5.2 Hugo North Deposit
Host Rocks
The Hugo North deposit occurs within a geological setting similar to that at Hugo South. Host
rocks are an easterly-dipping sequence of volcanic strata correlated with the lower part of the
Devonian
Alagbayan Formation and quartz monzodiorite intrusive rocks. Stratigraphically lowest rocks in the
sequence consist of basalt flows and minor volcaniclastic strata overlain by a dacite tuff and
breccia sequence. The dacite sequence includes a lower lapilli tuff unit, with overlying coarser
tuffs and breccias. Weakly-altered to unaltered sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the upper
Alagbayan Formation and Sainshandhudag Formation overlie the mineralized sequence along the eastern
flank of the deposit. Farther to the east and up-section, Sainshandhudag Formation rocks
unconformably overlie and are locally faulted against the Alagbayan Formation.
Intrusive rocks at Hugo North are dominated by quartz monzodiorite bodies that underlie the entire
deposit area and host a significant portion of the copper and gold mineralization. Quartz
monzodiorite contacts are irregular, but overall show a preferred easterly dip, subparallel to
stratification in the enclosing rocks. The quartz monzodiorite is contemporaneous with alteration
and mineralization, and several varieties are distinguished on the basis of alteration
characteristics and position within the deposit: 1) an intensely quartz-veined phase that occurs
along the upper margin of the main intrusive body or as a separate east-dipping tabular body in the
overlying strata; 2) a gold-rich phase, restricted to the western part of the main intrusion in the
northern part of the Hugo North deposit; and 3) the main intrusive body, which typically has lower
vein density and lower copper and gold grades. Cross-cutting relationships between the different
phases are ambiguous, and it is uncertain whether they represent a temporally distinct intrusive
events or simply variations in alteration intensity related to position within the deposit.
Late- to post-mineral biotite granodiorite intrusions form a voluminous, northerly-striking dyke
complex cutting across the western edge of the deposit. Although these intrusions locally contain
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elevated copper grades adjacent to intrusive contacts or associated with xenolithic zones, they are
essentially non-mineralized. The positions and orientations of dyke contacts are now well
established in the Hugo North deposit area on the basis of correlations between drill hole
intersections and measurements of individual contacts using oriented drill core. Dominant dyke
orientation varies with depth. At levels above approximately 250 m, where it cuts through the
non-mineralized hangingwall strata, the biotite granodiorite occurs as a single intrusive mass with
contacts dipping moderately to steeply to the west. Below this level, the biotite granodiorite is
more complex, occurring as multiple, subparallel to anastamosing dykes that cut through the quartz
monzodiorite intrusion and mineralized Alagbayan Formation strata. Drill hole correlation suggests
that this lower portion contains a wide, steeply-dipping central dyke, from which emanate numerous
moderately- to steeply-dipping apophyses.
Younger intrusions include rhyolitic, hornblende biotite andesite, dacite, and basalt/dolerite
compositional varieties. These intrusions usually occur as dykes with subvertical orientations or
less commonly as easterly-dipping sills emplaced along stratigraphic contacts. They are
non-mineralized and not volumetrically significant in most of the deposit.
Structural Geology
The Hugo North deposit occurs within easterly-dipping homoclinal strata contained in a
north-northeasterly elongate fault-bounded block. The northern end of this block is cut by several
northeast-striking faults near the northern boundary of the Oyu Tolgoi property, but the deposit
remains open along trend north of these faults. Other than these northeasterly faults, the
structural geometry and deformation history of the Hugo North deposit are similar to those of the
Hugo South deposit.
Deformation of the Hugo North deposit is dominated by brittle faulting (Figures 7-5 and 7-6).
Major faults cutting the deposit can be grouped on the basis of orientation into four sets: 1)
east-west-striking, moderately north-dipping faults (110 Fault); 2) steep north-northeast-striking
faults (East and West Bat, East Hugo, and Axial faults); 3) north-northeast-striking, moderately
east-dipping faults subparallel to lithologic contacts (Contact, Lower faults); and 4) the
east-northeast-striking faults cutting across the northern end of the deposit (Boundary Fault
System).
110 Fault
The 110 Fault defines the division between the Hugo North and Hugo South deposits. The Hugo North
deposit diminishes in size and grade southward approaching the fault. The characteristics and
interpretation of the 110 Fault are summarized above in the description of the Hugo South deposit.
Deposit-Parallel Faults
Moderately east-dipping faults at the Hugo North deposit include the Contact Fault and the Lower
Fault. The Contact Fault is a bedding-parallel detachment zone that normally occurs at the
transition between the dacite tuff (middle Alagbayan Formation) and the overlying basalt/sediment
cover sequence. The structural character of the Contact Fault at Hugo North is similar to that
described above for the Hugo South area. The Contact Fault does not significantly displace the
biotite granodiorite dyke contact, implying that movement following emplacement of this intrusion
was minor.
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The Lower Fault at Hugo North occurs as an intensely brecciated to foliated, clay-rich gouge zone
within the middle or lower portion of the high-grade mineralized body, typically at a level 200 m
to 400 m below the Contact Fault. It often coincides with the upper contact of the
easterly-dipping portion of the biotite granodiorite dyke and extends updip within the dyke as
well. In many drill holes, the Lower Fault occurs at an abrupt downhole discontinuity in copper
and/or gold grades, indicating that latest movement displaced mineralized zones. Cross-sections
through the Hugo North gold zone show apparent thrust offsets of around 300 m to 400 m, based on
displaced high gold grades.
West Bat Fault
The subvertical, north-northeast-striking West Bat Fault occurs along the west side of the Hugo
North deposit and cuts the western edge of the northern part of the deposit. Its orientation and
structural character are similar to those at Hugo South, except that it splays upwards and
northwards into several subparallel strands. Drill hole intersections in the northern part of Hugo
North indicate an irregular fault surface, although this irregularity may be in part due to
inaccurate surveys, compounded by the great depths of the fault-piercing points. The West Bat
Fault is truncated at its northern end by the northeast-striking Boundary Fault System.
The stratigraphic offset of the base of the upper Sainshandhudag Formation across the West Bat
Fault is over 1,500 m. The fault movement direction is unknown, and the total offset may be
significantly greater than the stratigraphic offset.
Figure
7-5: Simplified Interpretation of Section 7100N, Hugo North Deposit
Notes: Shows distribution of major lithologic units, principal faults, and Cu mineralization
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Figure
7-6: Simplified Interpretation of Section 7400N, Hugo North Deposit
Note: Shows distribution of major lithologic units, principal faults, and Cu mineralization
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East Bat Fault
The north-northeast-striking East Bat Fault follows the east flank of the Hugo Dummett deposit,
well east of the known deposit extents. It is intersected in only three drill holes at Hugo North,
all of which are in the southernmost part of the deposit. The fault is assumed to continue
northward along the edge of the deposit, but its existence is unproven. Based on constraints in
the Hugo South area, the East Bat Fault has several hundred metres of apparent east-side-down
displacement.
East Hugo Fault
The East Hugo Fault can be traced northward from the Hugo South deposit up to approximately Section
4767500N. In the southern and central part of Hugo North, it cuts across stratigraphic contacts at
moderate angles and forms a sharp break in alteration intensity and copper grade. The fault
gradually loses expression northward, suggesting a gradual decrease in displacement.
The East Hugo Fault strikes north to north-northwest (subparallel to the deposit trend) and dips
steeply to the east. The northernmost segment has a slightly more northerly strike than the fault
to the south. The fault cuts and displaces mineralization, and there is no evidence that the fault
was present at the time of mineralization.
Northeast-Striking Faults (Boundary Fault, Others)
Several northeast-striking faults cut across the northern end of the Hugo North deposit near where
it crosses the Oyu Tolgoi property boundary. These include the North Boundary Fault, which
juxtaposes carboniferous granitic rocks against carboniferous strata to the south, an unnamed, more
gently-dipping splay of the North Boundary Fault, and the Boundary Fault, which occurs slightly to
the south.
The North Boundary Fault has been intersected in several drill holes and usually occurs as a zone
of intensely developed, foliated clay gouge up to several tens of metres wide. Its strike varies
from east-northeast to nearly north-south, but dips are consistently around 70° to the northwest.
The Boundary Fault follows the intrusive contact of the granitic complex in the northwest part of
the Oyu Tolgoi Property and likely represents reactivation of that surface during regional
deformation.
A moderately northwest-dipping splay of the North Boundary Fault juxtaposes carboniferous strata
over the deposit sequence in several drill holes in the northern part of the property. This splay
diverges upward from the North Boundary Fault well above the level of mineralization and thus does
not cut the deposit.
The steep, northeast-striking Boundary Fault juxtaposes strongly-mineralized rocks against
post-mineral carboniferous strata near the northern property boundary. This fault truncates the
West Bat Fault and likely displaces it and the northern end of the Hugo North deposit to the
northeast. At higher levels, the Boundary Fault is cut by the splay of the North Boundary Fault.
Folding History
Bedding measurements indicate that fold style and orientation in the Hugo North deposit are similar
to those at Hugo South, with most folding restricted to the upper part of the Alagbayan and
overlying Sainshandhudag Formation.
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The inverted sedimentary facing directions found in the upper part of the Alagbayan Formation at
Hugo South occur at similar stratigraphic levels at Hugo North. However, at Hugo North, they
define tight folds that are clearly truncated by the biotite granodiorite dyke. This narrowly
restricts the age of folding to Late Devonian, in roughly the same time period as mineralization.
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SECTION 8 DEPOSIT TYPES
Section 8 has been copied verbatim from the May 2005 Technical Report on the Oyu Tolgoi
Mineral Resource estimate (Juras, 2005).
The Oyu Tolgoi deposits display copper-gold porphyry and related high-sulphidation copper-gold
deposit styles. Copper-gold porphyry deposits are low-grade bulk tonnage deposits, where copper
sulphides are finely disseminated or deposited in anastamosing veins and fractures in a large
volume of rock. These deposits are amenable to large-scale open-pit or underground bulk mining
methods.
The Oyu Tolgoi deposits are older than typical porphyry copper systems and as a result have been
subjected to post-mineral deformation associated with terrane accretion and intracontinental
deformation events. Recognition of how this deformation has affected the form and distribution
within the deposits has been an important factor in both exploration and resource modelling. One
aspect of the deformational history that is unusual in porphyry systems involves large-scale
rotation of the deposits from their original positions. Several lines of evidence suggest that the
deposits have undergone moderate amounts (30° to 60°) of easterly tilting since their formation:
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Post-mineral carboniferous strata flanking the deposits are folded but show consistent
easterly to northeasterly dip directions, subparallel to those in the underlying Devonian
strata. This implies that despite the time gap between the sequences, there is little
angular discordance at the unconformity, and therefore the porphyry deposits formed within
gently-dipping Devonian strata. |
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The distribution of alteration, copper and gold grades, and sulphides in the Hugo
Dummett deposit are most consistent with a source below and to the west of the deposit
axis. |
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In the Central and Southwest deposits, mineralized veins and high-grade core zones are
more vertical than their present orientations if the enclosing Devonian strata are
considered to have been subhorizontal during deposit formation. |
The Oyu Tolgoi porphyry copper deposits display a range in mineralization styles, alteration
characteristics, and deposit morphologies despite having formed in close spatial and temporal
association. These distinctions likely reflect differences in structural controls, host rock
lithology, and depth of formation. Structural influences account for the most part for the
differences in shape and distribution of mineralization within the deposits. In general,
high-sulphidation mineralization and associated advanced argillic alteration are most common within
the dacite tuff, the upper parts of the quartz monzodiorite, where it intrudes to levels high in
the stratigraphic succession, and in narrow structurally controlled zones. In contrast the more
typical copper-gold porphyry style alteration and mineralization tend to occur at deeper levels,
predominantly within basalt and quartz monzodiorite.
The Southwest deposit, particularly the gold-rich core zone, occurs as a steep cylindrical body
typical of many porphyry copper deposits. Southwest is localized within a dilational transfer zone
linking movement between the northeast-striking West Bounding and East Bounding faults. The strong
structural control exerted by these faults is reflected in the abundant sheeted veins showing a
high degree of preferred orientation, the pipe-like form of the gold-rich core to the deposit, and
the spreading of low-grade copper and gold values along the bounding fault zones.
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The Central deposit occupies a structurally intact block within which no significant internal fault
disruption has been identified. It forms an irregular to slightly funnel-shaped zone of
mineralization characterized by high-sulphidation (pyrite-covellite-chalcocite-enargite) and
copper-gold (chalcopyrite-gold) porphyry styles, as well as a chalcocite enrichment blanket.
Although the preferred orientation of quartz veins implies strong structural control within the
deposit, the geometry of intrusive phases is irregular. Weathering of the Central deposit has
produced an oxide zone 40 m to 60 m thick, usually devoid of mineralization, overlying a chalcocite
enrichment zone up to 80 m thick.
The South and Wedge deposits are located on the eastern flank of the north-northeast-trending
mineralized corridor at Oyu Tolgoi, within several structural blocks cut and bounded by minor
northeast-striking subvertical faults. Despite the numerous faults cutting these deposits, the
lesser degree of preferred vein orientation relative to other deposits implies that structural
control was weaker during mineralization.
The Hugo Dummett deposits have several features unusual to porphyry copper systems, including: 1)
the anomalously high copper and gold grades, particularly in the northern part; 2) an unusually
weakly altered pre-mineral sedimentary cover sequence that lies just above the porphyry system; 3)
quartz + sulphide vein contents always exceeding 15%, and commonly over 90%, in the high-grade
portion of the deposit; and 4) a highly-elongate gently-plunging tabular shape to the high-grade
stockwork system.
The formation of the high-grade portion of the Hugo Dummett deposits as a tabular, intensely
veined, subhorizontal body contrasts markedly with most porphyry copper deposits, which tend to
have steep, roughly cylindrical or elongate forms. This unusual form likely results from at least
two geological influences: 1) the presence of low-permeability overlying sedimentary rocks; and 2)
emplacement within a passive to slightly compressional horizontal stress regime, synchronous with
thrust faulting. Both of these factors would serve to inhibit the upward migration of hydrothermal
fluids, leading to the formation of a broad subhorizontal zone of fluid overpressuring and
attendant hydraulic fracturing and vein formation. This fluid trapping likely also contributed to
the unusually high copper grades in these deposits.
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SECTION
9 MINERALIZATION
This section has been copied verbatim from the May 2005 Technical Report on the Oyu Tolgoi
Mineral Resource estimate (Juras, 2005).
9.1 Southern Oyu Deposits
9.1.1 Southwest Deposit
Copper-gold porphyry style mineralization at the Southwest deposit consists of a cylindrical
high-grade core roughly 250 m in diameter enclosed within a broad zone of lower-grade
mineralization. The high-grade core is centred on a 10 m to 30 m wide, vein-rich quartz
monzodiorite dyke and extends for over 100 m into the adjacent massive porphyritic augite basalt.
The high-grade core is characterized by 1 cm to 50 cm wide contorted milky white quartz veins in
sericite, albite, minor tourmaline altered quartz monzodiorite and biotite-magnetite altered augite
basalt, overprinted by chlorite + sericite. Chalcopyrite with subordinate pyrite, bornite, and
molybdenite occur as late veinlets filling fractures in quartz veins and disseminated through wall
rocks.
Low-grade copper mineralization peripheral to the high-grade core is characterized by lower vein
densities, hosted in chlorite+epidote altered basalt and lesser sericite+albite altered quartz
monzodiorite. Magnetite veinlets post-date the quartz veins but predate the main sulphide event.
Chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrite are mainly disseminated, with fracture or vein controlled
sulphides being less prominent. These peripheral zones include the informally defined Far South
zone, which encompasses mineralized basalt with 1:1 gold copper ratios on the southwest margin of
the deposit area, and the Bridge zone, consisting of copper mineralized basalt and quartz
monzodiorite between the Southwest and Central deposits. Although these two subzones are used in
resource modeling, there is no clear geological boundary distinguishing them from the adjacent
peripheral zone mineralization.
Gold in the Southwest deposit is closely associated with chalcopyrite, and occurs intergrown with
chalcopyrite, as inclusions and fracture infills within pyrite, or on grain boundaries of pyrite.
Lesser gold occurs on grain boundaries with bornite or as inclusions in bornite, quartz or
carbonate. The gold to copper ratios range from 2:1 to 3:1 within the high-grade core, decreasing
to 1:1 in the low-grade margins of the deposit.
The Southwest deposit is capped by an oxidized zone that varies from 50 m to 60 m thick, and
consists of black copper oxide (neotocite or tenorite) as fractures coatings and speckled
throughout the oxidized limonite stained basalt.
Alteration styles at the Southwest deposit are typical of copper-gold porphyry systems. Augite
basalt in the high-grade core of the deposit contains biotite + magnetite alteration, overprinted
by chlorite + sericite. Biotite alteration occurs pervasively in the core of the deposit and
grades outwards to selvage controlled within pervasive chlorite + epidote alteration. Minor albite
alteration occurs as selvages along veins or fractures. Locally brown carbonate alteration is
present in the basalt.
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Vein-rich quartz monzodiorite (OT-Qmd and xQmd phases) in the high-grade core contains sericite +
biotite + albite alteration with minor tourmaline and montmorillonite. Pink albite alteration
commonly occurs as selvages on veins or fractures, and sericite overprints biotite and albite.
In the low-grade peripheral portions of the deposit, augite basalt is pervasively chlorite +
magnetite altered, with epidote occurring in patches and sericite and pink albite on vein or
fracture selvages. Pink albite may form reaction rims around irregularly shaped epidote patches.
Biotite alteration occurs locally. Late calcite or ankerite veins cross-cut the assemblage.
Quartz monzodiorite within the low-grade margin contains pervasive sericite alteration, with albite
occurring along quartz vein or fracture margins. Spotty biotite alteration occurs locally.
9.1.2 South Deposit
Mineralization in the South deposit is hosted dominantly in quartz monzodiorite in the
southwestern portion of the deposit, in basalt throughout the central portion of the deposit, and
in a minor zone of dacite tuff on the northern margin. Contorted quartz veins are present at
South, but there is no clearly defined zone of high quartz vein density such as at the Southwest
deposit. Consequently, fracture-controlled sulphide veins are minor, and sulphides occur
dominantly as disseminated chalcopyrite, bornite, and molybdenite. Chalcopyrite is the principal
copper sulphide, but in higher-grade areas bornite locally exceeds chalcopyrite in abundance.
Magnetite occurs disseminated and as veins. Small zones with elevated gold values occur locally.
A small zone of high sulphidation mineralization occurs within a quartz monzodiorite breccia in the
western part of the deposit, adjacent to the South Fault. Mineralization here consists of pyrite,
chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite, and primary chalcocite in quartz sericite kaolinite alteration,
with late dickite veins.
An oxide zone approximately 60 m thick overlies the South deposit and consists of malachite,
azurite, cuprite, chrysocolla, neotocite, or tenorite hosted within basalt and quartz monzodiorite.
Alteration within the basaltic rocks at South consists of moderate chlorite, biotite
hematite/magnetite, weak sericite, and pink albite fracture and vein selvages. Hematite overprints
magnetite. Quartz monzodiorite is typically pervasively altered with quartz, sericite, and pyrite,
as well as albite within vein selvages, small radiating clusters of tourmaline, and fluorite in
quartz veins. Advanced argillic alteration consisting of quartz, sericite, and kaolinite with late
dickite veins is associated with the high-sulphidation mineralization in the quartz monzodiorite
breccia.
9.1.3 Wedge Deposit
The Wedge deposit contains a zone of high-sulphidation mineralization hosted principally in
dacite tuff, grading downward and southward into chalcopyrite mineralization in basalt and quartz
monzodiorite host rocks.
High-sulphidation mineralization consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, enargite, covellite,
and primary chalcocite in advanced argillically altered host rocks. Higher grades of copper
(>0.8% Cu) occur in a shallowly east-dipping zone in the upper hundred metres of dacite tuff.
Gold is absent,
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except locally in drill holes adjacent to the South Fault. Mineralization is open down dip and to
the north.
High-sulphidation mineralization grades downward into chalcopyrite, with lesser bornite within
basalt host rocks, and pyrite + chalcopyrite mineralization in quartz monzodiorite.
Dacite tuff within the Wedge deposit is characterized by advanced argillic alteration consisting of
kaolinite, zunyite, pyrophyllite, muscovite, illite, topaz, diaspore, alunite, montmorillonite,
late dickite, and fluorite. A barren, specular, hematite-rich zone occurs marginal to advanced
argillic alteration and is progressively overprinted by advanced argillic alteration assemblages
with increasing copper grades towards the centre of the deposit. The advanced argillic alteration
grades downward into biotite + chlorite alteration with hematite overprinting magnetite, mainly
within basalt host rocks underlying the dacite tuff. In the southern part of the Wedge deposit,
sericite + pyrite alteration occurs within the quartz monzodiorite.
9.1.4 Central Deposit
Mineralization in the Central deposit is characterized by an upward-flaring, high-sulphidation
zone that overprints and overlies porphyry-style chalcopyrite-gold mineralization. A
secondary-enriched supergene chalcocite blanket tens of metres in thickness overlies the
high-sulphidation covellite-pyrite zone.
Chalcopyrite-gold mineralization is dominant on the south and western margins of Central within
either basalt or quartz monzodiorite adjacent to intrusive contacts with basalt. Higher grades are
associated with zones of intensely contorted quartz stockwork veins, where the gold (ppm) to copper
(%) ratios reach 2:1. Peripheral, lower-grade mineralization has gold:copper ratios of less than
1:1. Hematite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, magnetite, and gold occur disseminated in the zone
and as fracture fillings. Hematite is pervasive and overprints magnetite.
The high-sulphidation part of the Central deposit lacks significant gold and contains a mineral
assemblage of pyrite, covellite, chalcocite/digenite, enargite, tennantite, cubanite, chalcopyrite,
and molybdenite. Dominant host rocks are dacite tuff and quartz monzodiorite. Higher-grade
mineralization is associated with disseminated and coarse-grained fracture-filling sulphides in
zones of intense contorted quartz stockwork veins and anastamosing zones of hydrothermal breccias.
Hydrothermal breccia consists of quartz vein and quartz monzodiorite fragments within an intensely
sericitized matrix. The sulphide-filled fractures cut both the quartz veins and enclosing wall
rock. High-grade mineralization grades outward to a broad, weakly veined, low-grade halo of
dominantly disseminated sulphides. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, and enargite occur here as relic
grains replaced by chalcocite, and covellite, and pyrite also hosts small inclusions of covellite.
Covellite, chalcocite and enargite occur as intimate intergrowths or as free disseminations.
Cubanite and tennantite occur intergrown with or replacing enargite, and molybdenite occurs locally
in quartz.
A supergene enrichment zone overlies the high sulphidation assemblage and underlies a 20 m to 60 m
thick, hematitic limonite, goethite-rich leached cap. The supergene zone consists of pyrite,
hematite, and chalcocite/digenite, with lesser amounts of colusite, enargite, tenorite, covellite,
bornite, chalcopyrite, cuprite, and molybdenite. Pyrite is the dominant sulphide and occurs as
disseminated crystals. Sooty chalcocite occurs as rims or microveinlets in pyrite and covellite,
and as independent
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disseminations. Colusite occurs as single grains or intergrown with chalcocite/digenite and/or
pyrite. Tenorite occurs interstitial to silicate-iron oxide grain boundaries. Micrograins of
chalcopyrite replaced by bornite and covellite occur as small inclusions within pyrite.
Minor exotic copper oxide mineralization occupies a bedrock depression on the northeastern flank of
Central. Chrysocolla, malachite, and neotocite mineralization occur over a 400 m x 300 m area as a
thin 2 m to 4 m thick layer at the base of the gravels. The leached cap is generally devoid of
mineralization except off the eastern and southern flanks of the deposit, where patchy malachite
and neotocite occur.
Alteration in the Central deposit shows a close spatial relationship to mineralization and original
host lithology. Biotite-chlorite and intermediate argillic alteration coincide with
chalcopyrite-gold mineralization within basalt. Advanced argillic and sericite alteration
coincides with the high-sulphidation mineralization within quartz monzodiorite and ignimbrite.
The biotite-chlorite zone consists of an assemblage of biotite, chlorite, epidote, sericite,
albite, carbonate, and anhydrite. Hematite and minor magnetite occurs in veins and disseminated.
Biotite has been overprinted by chlorite and sericite, and magnetite has been altered to hematite.
Anhydrite and carbonates occur as late veins. K-feldspar alteration increases at depth beneath
Central, occurring as vein selvages within biotite-altered basalt.
Intermediate argillic alteration forms a narrow zone separating the advanced argillic and sericite
alteration from the biotite chlorite alteration. Intermediate argillic alteration is characterized
by a creamy yellow to pale green coloured assemblage of kaolinite, chlorite, pyrophyllite, and
illite.
Advanced argillic and sericite alteration are associated with high-sulphidation mineralization,
hosted primarily within dacite and quartz monzodiorite. The advanced argillic assemblage consists
of topaz, quartz, zunyite, diaspore, alunite, illite, andalusite, late kaolinite, and dickite.
There is a zonation from an advanced argillic assemblage of zunyite, andalusite, and alunite
associated with higher-grade hydrothermal breccia-hosted mineralization, to a muscovite,
sericite-dominant peripheral zone associated with lower-grade disseminated mineralization.
Alteration within the supergene zone is characterized by illite, muscovite, kaolinite, alunite and
pyrophyllite. Montmorillonite, smectite, kaosmectite, illite and kaolinite are the dominant clay
minerals in the leached cap.
9.2 Hugo Dummett Deposits
9.2.1 Hugo South Deposit
Copper mineralization at the Hugo South deposit is centred on a high-grade (typically > 2%
Cu) zone of intense quartz stockwork veining, which in much of the deposit is localized within
narrow quartz monzodiorite intrusions and extends into the enclosing basalt and dacite tuff. The
intense stockwork zone has an elongate tabular form, with a long axis plunging shallowly to the
north-northwest, and an intermediate axis plunging moderately to the east. Copper grades gradually
decrease upwards from the stockwork zone through the upper part of the basalt and the dacite tuff,
and a broader zone of lower grades occurs below and to the west in basalt and quartz monzodiorite.
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Dominant sulphide minerals at Hugo South are chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, and pyrite, with
minor molybdenite, enargite, tennantite, and covellite. Rarely, sphalerite and galena occur.
Sulphides are zoned (Figure 9-1) with bornite ± chalcopyrite, chalcocite, and tennantite comprising
highest grades (>2.5% Cu), grading outwards to chalcopyrite (1% to 2% Cu). Pyrite-chalcopyrite
± enargite, tennantite, bornite, chalcocite, and rarely covellite occur with low-grades (<1%
Cu), mainly in advanced argillically altered dacite tuff.
Drill hole assays (Cu, Au, Ag, As) and selected ICP-MS multi-element data (Pb, Zn, Se, Te, Tl, Bi)
show distinct geochemical zoning coincident with sulphide zoning. Copper shows a strong
correlation with Au, Ag (up to 9 ppm), Se (up to 33 ppm), Bi, and, to a lesser extent, Tl. High As
values (up to 2,850 ppm) occur mainly with high pyrite and enargite in the dacite tuff, and Zn (up
to 3,530 ppm) occurs with chalcopyrite at the top of the mineralized zone.
Alteration in the Hugo South deposit is typical of copper porphyry systems, including K-silicate
(minor), advanced argillic, muscovite/sericite, and intermediate argillic styles. The mineral
groupings used to define individual zones are not necessarily true assemblages that formed
contemporaneously, but are associations that may represent several paragenetic stages.
The following alteration zones have been defined at Hugo South (Figure 9-2):
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Chlorite-illite alteration occurs in the uppermost part of the dacite tuff. This
alteration is not texturally destructive, and primary volcanic textures are clearly
visible. No mineralization is associated with this weak outermost alteration zone. |
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Advanced argillic alteration is dominant in the dacite tuff and is characterized by the
minerals quartz, pyrophyllite, kaolinite, topaz, diaspore, zunyite, alunite, and dickite.
Because the advanced argillic alteration is widespread and consists of a complex mineral
assemblage, it is divided into subzones: |
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Pyrophyllite-kaolinite: This is the most widespread subgroup of the
advanced argillic alteration. It occurs dominantly in the dacite tuff, but also in
the upper parts of the basalt and quartz monzodiorite. Late white to pink dickite
on fractures is ubiquitous. |
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Quartz-alunite: The quartz-alunite zone typically occurs in the dacite
tuff in bedding-parallel lenses. The lenses are parallel to, and occur just above
and east of, the high-grade, vein-rich deposit core. It is whitish-pink to brown in
colour. |
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Topaz alteration occurs as an intense, completely texturally destructive
zone and is typically of limited extent. Topaz-altered zones are vuggy and
whitish-brown in colour. They are most common in the dacite tuff, but occur locally
in the basalt. |
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Pyrophyllite-kaolinite-dickite-muscovite/illite (intermediate argillic) alteration
occurs in the upper parts of the basalt at the contact with the dacite tuff and is the
dominant alteration type in the high-grade deposit core. It is brownish-yellow in colour
but turns pinkish where pyrophyllite is the dominant mineral. It is not texturally
destructive. Hematite is common as fine specularite. |
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Chlorite-muscovite/illite-hematite alteration is the dominant alteration in the basalt.
It is characterized by its green colour, and the original texture of the basalt is still
visible (e.g., relict pseudo-hexagonal augite crystals). Locally, particularly at depth,
biotite occurs in the zone. Relict magnetite occurs either disseminated or in veins. |
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Figure
9-1: Sulphide Distribution in the Hugo South Deposit (Section 6200N)
Note: |
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Shows bornite+chalcocite core zone, grading outward through bornite,
chalcopyrite+bornite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite zones |
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Figure
9-2: Cross-Section 6200N in the Hugo South Deposit
Note: Shows distribution of alteration zones
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Muscovite/illite alteration occurs mainly in quartz monzodiorite intrusions. It
is pale green to gray in colour and in most cases texturally destructive, although in
places original feldspar crystals can still be observed. Locally, topaz occurs with
muscovite, and a subgroup of muscovite-topaz alteration was recognized. |
The distribution of the alteration is strongly lithologically controlled: dacite tuff typically
shows strong advanced argillic alteration, whereas basalt tends to be chlorite-muscovite-hematite
altered with pyrophyllitic advanced argillic alteration in its uppermost parts. Pockets of
advanced argillic alteration occur locally in the high-grade zone in the quartz monzodiorites.
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9.2.2 Hugo North Deposit
The highest-grade copper mineralization in the Hugo North deposit is related to a zone of
intense stockwork to sheeted quartz veins. The high-grade zone is centred on thin, east-dipping
quartz monzodiorite intrusions or within the upper part of the large quartz monzodiorite body, and
extends into the adjacent basalt. In addition, moderate to high-grade copper and gold values occur
within quartz monzodiorite below and to the west of the intense vein zone, in the Hugo North gold
zone. This zone is distinct in its high Au (ppm) to Cu (%) ratios (0.5:1). In other respects the
Hugo North and Hugo South deposits have similar mineralogy and zonation patterns.
Bornite is dominant in highest-grade parts of the deposit (3% to 5% Cu) and is zoned outward to
chalcopyrite (2%). At grades of <1% Cu, pyrite-chalcopyrite ± enargite, tennantite, bornite,
chalcocite, and rarely covellite occur, hosted mainly by advanced argillically altered dacite tuff.
The high-grade bornite zone comprises relatively coarse bornite impregnating quartz and
disseminated in wall rocks, usually intergrown with subordinate chalcopyrite. Pyrite is rare or
absent, except in local areas where the host rocks are advanced argillically altered. Whereas
chalcocite is commonly found with bornite at Hugo South, it is less common at Hugo North. In
addition, high-grade bornite is associated with minor amounts of tennantite, sphalerite, hessite,
clausthalite, and gold. These minerals occur as inclusions or at grain boundaries.
Elevated gold grades in the Hugo North deposit occur within the up-dip (western) portion of the
intensely veined, high-grade core, and within a steeply-dipping lower zone cutting through the
western part of the quartz monzodiorite. Quartz monzodiorite in the lower zone exhibits a
characteristic pink to buff colour, with a moderate intensity of quartz veining (25% by volume).
This zone is characterized by finely disseminated bornite and chalcopyrite, although in hand
specimen the chalcopyrite is usually not visible. The sulphides are disseminated throughout the
rock in the matrix
as well as in quartz veins. The fine-grained sulphide gives the rocks a black sooty appearance.
The red colouration is attributed to fine hematite dusting, mainly associated with albite.
Similar to Hugo South, copper in the Hugo North deposit correlates with elevated abundances of Ag,
Se, and Te. Arsenic occurs at low levels in the high-grade zone and is related to tennantite.
Zinc (about 300 ppm) occurs mainly as sphalerite. Se and Te are attributed to hessite and
clausthalite inclusions in bornite. Pb occurs at levels of up to several hundred ppm peripheral to
the high-grade zone in dacite tuff. Low levels of Hg (0.2 ppm) occur in the upper part of the ore
body.
The Hugo North deposit is characterized by copper-gold porphyry and related styles of alteration
similar to those at Hugo South (Figure 9-3). This includes biotite-K-feldspar (K-silicate),
magnetite, chlorite-muscovite-illite, albite, chlorite-illite-hematite-kaolinite (intermediate
argillic), quartz-alunite-pyrophyllite-kaolinite-diaspore-zunyite-topaz-dickite (advanced
argillic), and sericite/muscovite zones.
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Figure
9-1: Section 4767500N (7500N) in Hugo North Deposit
Note: Shows typical distribution of alteration zones for the Hugo North deposit
The distribution of alteration zones is similar to that in the Hugo South deposit, except that
the advanced and intermediate argillic zones are more restricted and occur mainly along the
northern margin of the intrusive system (Figure 9-3).
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Chlorite-illite marks the outer boundary of the advanced argillic zone. It occurs
mainly in the coarse, upper part of the dacite tuff. |
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Quartz-pyrophyllite-kaolinite-dickite (advanced argillic) is hosted mainly in the lower
part of the dacite tuff, although on some sections at Hugo North it extends into strongly
veined quartz monzodiorite. The advanced argillic zone is typically buff or grey, and
late dickite on fractures is ubiquitous. Within the advanced argillic zone, a massive
quartz-alunite zone forms a pink-brown bedding-parallel lens. |
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Topaz is widespread as late alteration controlled by structures cutting both the
advanced and intermediate argillic zone. As illustrated by the type section, topaz appears
to replace parts of the quartz-alunite zone. In addition topaz may also occur disseminated
with quartz-pyrophyllite-kaolinite. Strong topaz zones are mottled buff or light brown and
sometimes vuggy. |
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Hematite-siderite-illite-pyrophyllite-kaolinite-dickite (intermediate argillic) is an
inward zonation from the advanced argillic zone, and is commonly hosted by augite basalt
but may also occur in dacite ash flow tuff. Hematite usually comprises fine specularite
and may be derived from early magnetite or Fe-rich minerals such as biotite or chlorite. |
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Hematite-chlorite-illite-(biotite-magnetite) (chlorite) is transitional to the
intermediate argillic zone and is commonly hosted by augite basalt. It is characterized by
a green colour, and relict hydrothermal magnetite, either disseminated or in veins. |
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Muscovite-illite (sericite) generally occurs in the quartz monzodiorite intrusions and is a
feature of the strongly mineralized zone. Alteration decreases with depth in the quartz
monzodiorite. |
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SECTION 10 EXPLORATION
The following has been copied verbatim from the May 2005 Technical Report on the Oyu Tolgoi
Mineral Resource estimate (Juras, 2005).
Exploration at Oyu Tolgoi has been mainly by remote sensing and geophysical methods, including
satellite image interpretation, detailed ground magnetics, Bouguer gravity and gradient array
induced polarization (IP), as well as extensive drilling. Gradient array IP has been conducted on
north-south and subsequently east-west lines at 200 m line spacing, with electrode spacing up to 11
km. Drill holes have been targeted to test IP chargeability targets or structural zones.
Outcropping prospects (Southwest, South, and Central) have been mapped at 1:1,000 scale. The
central part of the exploration block was mapped at 1:5,000 scale in 2001, and the entire block was
mapped at 1:10,000 scale in 2002. As described below, geophysical methods have been the most
important exploration tool.
Geophysical surveying at Oyu Tolgoi was first initiated by BHP in 1996. An airborne magnetometer
survey was flown at a height of approximately 100 m on 300 m spaced, east-west oriented lines over
approximately 1,120 km2 of BHPs mineral concession. The survey provided good
resolution of the magnetic features to facilitate geological and structural interpretation across
the concession areas. BHP also undertook an induced polarization (IP) survey utilizing a single
gradient array with a 2,000 m AB and a ground magnetometer survey. Both surveys were conducted on
east-west-oriented lines surveyed by a local Mongolian surveying team at 250 m spacing. The
surveys covered Southern, Southwest, Central, and North Oyu exploration targets but did not extend
into the Far North region that ultimately became the Hugo Dummett deposit.
Ivanhoe initiated geophysical exploration after the discovery of the high-grade, gold-rich portion
of the Southwest Oyu zone in June 2001. The gold-rich, chalcopyrite-dominate mineralization
discovered in drill hole OTRCD150 was clearly responsible for the IP chargeability anomalies
previously delineated by the BHP survey. The presence of hydrothermal magnetite with the
copper-gold mineralization was the probable source of the intense magnetic anomalies defined over
SW Oyu and possibly South Oyu. Delta Geoscience of B.C., Canada, was mobilized to the property in
the fall of 2001 to undertake detailed IP surveying utilizing gradient arrays with multiple
electrode spacings to delineate the vertical extent of the sulphide mineralization being defined by
drilling in SW Oyu. The detailed IP surveys initially covered a 3 km east-west x 4 km north-south
block encompassing the Southwest, South, Central, and Far North target areas. At the same time
Ivanhoe acquired two magnetometers and initiated very detailed ground magnetometer surveying using
5 m spaced readings along 25 m spaced, north-south oriented lines over the Southern Oyu target
areas. An Ulaanbaatar-based geophysical team ultimately expanded this magnetic survey to cover
the entire 8 km x 10 km concession. This group covered the northern half of the concession with
east-west oriented lines on 50 m intervals with 25 m spaced readings.
In 2002 the geophysical program was further expanded to include a gravity survey over the Oyu
Tolgoi concession block. The survey was controlled by GPS with readings taken on 50 m centres over
the core of the concession and 100 m centres over the extremities. The Bouger map was reduced to
residual gravity for contouring. Unfortunately no additional processing or modelling of the data
has been carried out. With the density measurements that have been taken on drill core through out
the deposits, detailed computer modelling of the gravity data should be possible.
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Telluric Electromagnetic (TEM) surveying was also conducted over the eastern half of the concession
in conjunction with extensive TEM surveying used to define the Cretaceous-aged, semi-consolidated
sedimentary basins along the Galbyn Gobi and Gunii Holloi valleys, southeast and northeast,
respectively, from Oyu Tolgoi. These basins developed along the East Mongolian Fault system and a
splay off of the fault, and form the reservoirs for extensive water resources required to operate
the Oyu Tolgoi mine. On the Oyu Tolgoi concession, the TEM work was designed to delineate smaller
drainage basins that could have channelled copper-rich surficial waters from the exposed copper
deposits during the Cretaceous period. These pregnant waters could potentially have precipitated
copper into river gravels down stream to form secondary exotic copper deposits.
Diamond drilling ultimately has been the primary tool of exploration at Oyu Tolgoi. To the
beginning of May 2005, more than 1,000 drill holes have been completed, many of which in the Hugo
North deposit were multiple daughter holes navi-drilled from a single parent. Approximately
546,000 m of core has been collected and stored on the property. The amount of drilling in the
individual deposit areas is tabulated below (metres).
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Total Diamond Core Drilling |
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546,000 |
|
Hugo Dummett Deposit |
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249,000 |
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Central & Bridge |
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95,000 |
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Southwest |
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139,000 |
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South & Wedge |
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62,000 |
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Other |
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22,000 |
|
Entrée Ivanhoe JV |
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9,000 |
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SECTION 11 DRILLING
Section 11 has been largely copied from the May 2005 Technical Report on the Oyu Tolgoi
Mineral Resource estimate (Juras, 2005).
Diamond drill holes are the principal source of geological and grade data for the Oyu Tolgoi
project. Ivanhoe conducted diamond drilling over the Southern Oyu deposits throughout 2003
(Central and Southwest) and 2004 (Southwest, South, and Wedge). Drilling on the Hugo Dummett
deposit concentrated on the Hugo North deposit in 2004 and 2005. As of the mineral resource cutoff
date of 15 April 2005, drilling totals just under 273,000 m in 583 drill holes for the Southern Oyu
deposits and 200,000 m in 156 drill holes, including daughter holes, for Hugo North. The Southern
Oyu holes generally range in length from 60 m to 1,200 m, averaging 470 m. The Hugo North holes
range from 400 m to 2,200 m and average 1,280 m in length. A list of all drill holes used for the
resource estimates is attached as Appendix A.
Drilling was done by wireline method with H-size (HQ, 63.5 mm nominal core diameter) and N-size
(NQ, 47.6 mm nominal core diameter) equipment using up to 20 drill rigs. Upon completion, the
collar and anchor rods were removed and a PVC pipe was inserted into the hole. The hole collar was
marked by a cement block inscribed with the hole number. Hugo North drilling almost always include
multiple daughter holes drilled from the parent drill hole. A bend was placed in the parent hole
at the location where the planned daughter holes were to branch off. The bend was achieved by
means of a Navi-Drill® (navi) bit, which was lowered down the hole to the desired depth and aligned
in the azimuth of the desired bend. As the navi bit advanced, a bend was achieved at the rate of
1° every 3 m. No core was recovered from the navi-drilled interval.
Drill hole collars were located respective to a property grid. Proposed hole collars and completed
collars were surveyed by a Nikon Theodolite instrument relative to 18 survey control stations
established during a legal survey of the property in 2002. The drill holes were drilled at an
inclination of between 45° and 90°, with the majority between 60° and 70°. Holes were drilled
along 035° and 125° azimuths in Southwest and South, 0° and 180° azimuths in Central. Down-hole
surveys were taken approximately every 50 m by the drill contractor using a multi-shot measurement
system (RANGER survey instrument).
Standard logging and sampling conventions were used to capture information from the drill core.
The core was logged in detail onto paper logging sheets, and the data were then entered into the
project database. The core was photographed before being sampled.
AMEC reviewed the core logging procedures at site, and the drill core was found to be well handled
and maintained. Material was stored as stacked pallets in an organized core farm. Data
collection was competently done. Ivanhoe maintained consistency of observations from hole to hole
and between different loggers by conducting regular internal checks. Core recovery in the
mineralized units was excellent, usually between 95% and 100%. Very good to excellent recovery was
observed in the mineralized intrusive sections checked by AMEC. Overall, the Ivanhoe drill program
and data capture were performed in a competent manner.
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SECTION 12 SAMPLING METHOD AND APPROACH
Rock sampling for resource estimation has been conducted on diamond drill core obtained from
holes drilled between May 2001 and April 2005. Samples are taken at 2 m intervals down the drill
holes, excluding dykes that extend more than 10 m along the core length. NQ and HQ core sizes are
drilled routinely, with one-half of the core collected for analysis.
The core is split with a rock saw, flushed regularly with fresh water. Core recovery is good, with
relatively few broken zones. To minimize sampling bias, the core is marked with a continuous
linear cutting line before being split. Samples are placed in cloth bags and sent to the on-site
preparation facility for processing.
Reject samples are stored in plastic bags inside the original cloth sample bags and are placed in
bins on pallets and stored at site. Duplicate pulp samples are stored at site in the same manner
as reject samples. Pulp samples used for assaying are kept at the assaying facility for several
months and then transferred to a warehouse in Ulaanbaatar. A list of the significant composite
intervals used in the resource estimate is provided as Appendix B.
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SECTION 13 SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES, AND SECURITY
13.1 Sample Preparation and Shipment
Split core samples are prepared for analysis at an on-site facility operated by SGS Mongolia
LLC (SGS Mongolia). The samples are then shipped under the custody of Ivanhoe to Ulaanbaatar,
where they are assayed at a lab facility operated by SGS Mongolia. All sampling and QA/QC work is
overseen on behalf of Ivanhoe by Dale A. Sketchley, M.Sc., P.Geo.
The samples are initially assembled into groups of 15 or 16, and then 4 or 5 quality control
samples are interspersed to make up a batch of 20 samples. The quality control samples comprise
one duplicate split core sample, one uncrushed field blank, a reject or pulp preparation duplicate,
and one or two standard reference material (SRM) samples (one <2% Cu and one >2% Cu if
higher-grade mineralization is present based on visual estimates). The two copper SRMs are
necessary because SGS Mongolia uses a different analytical protocol to assay all samples >2% Cu.
The split core, reject, and pulp duplicates are used to monitor precision at the various stages of
sample preparation. The field blank can indicate sample contamination or sample mix-ups, and the
SRM is used to monitor accuracy of the assay results.
The SRMs are prepared from material of varying matrices and grades to formulate bulk homogenous
material. Ten samples of this material are then sent to each of at least seven international
testing laboratories. The resulting assay data are analyzed statistically to determine a
representative mean value and standard deviation necessary for setting acceptance/rejection
tolerance limits. Blank samples are also subjected to a round-robin program to ensure the material
is barren of any of the grade elements before they are used for monitoring contamination.
A total of 38 different reference materials have been developed and combined with two commercially
purchased ones, used to monitor the assaying of six different ore types made up of varying
combinations of chalcopyrite, bornite, primary and supergene chalcocite, enargite, covellite, and
molybdenite.
Split core samples are prepared according to the following protocol:
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The entire sample is crushed to 90% minus 3 mm. |
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|
A 1 kg subsample is riffle split from the crushed minus 3 mm sample and pulverized to
90% minus 75 µm (200 mesh). |
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|
A 150 g subsample is split off by taking multiple scoops from the pulverized 75 µm
sample. |
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|
The 150 g subsample is placed in a kraft envelope, sealed with a folded wire or glued
top, and prepared for shipping. |
All equipment is flushed with barren material and blasted with compressed air between each sampling
procedure. Screen tests are done on crushed and pulverized material from one sample taken from
each batch of 15 or 16 samples to ensure that sample preparation specifications are being met.
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Prepared samples are placed in wooden shipping boxes, locked, sealed with tamper-proof tags, and
shipped to Ulaanbaatar for assaying. Sample shipment details are provided to the assaying facility
both electronically and as paper hard copy accompanying each shipment. The assaying facility then
electronically confirms sample receipt, the state of the tamper-proof tags, and assigned laboratory
report numbers back to site.
13.2 Assay Method
All samples are routinely assayed for gold, copper, and molybdenum. Gold is determined using
a 30 g fire assay fusion, cupelled to obtain a bead, and digested with Aqua Regia, followed by an
AAS finish. Copper and molybdenum are determined by acid digestion of a 5 g subsample, followed by
an AAS finish. Samples are digested with nitric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and perchloric acids
to dryness before being leached with hydrochloric acid to dissolve soluble salts and made to volume
with distilled water.
13.3 QA/QC Program
Assay results are provided to Ivanhoe in electronic format and as paper certificates. Upon
receipt of assay results, values for SRMs and field blanks are tabulated and compared to the
established SRM pass-fail criteria:
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automatic batch failure if the SRM result is greater than the round-robin limit of
three standard deviations |
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automatic batch failure if two consecutive SRM results are greater than two standard
deviations on the same side of the mean. |
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automatic batch failure if the field blank result is over 0.06 g/t Au or 0.06% Cu. |
If a batch fails, it is re-assayed until it passes. Override allowances are made for barren
batches. Batch pass/failure data are tabulated on an ongoing basis, and charts of individual
reference material values with respect to round-robin tolerance limits are maintained.
Laboratory check assays are conducted at the rate of one per batch of 20 samples, using the same
QA/QC criteria as routine assays.
13.3.1 Standards Performance
Ivanhoe strictly monitors the performance of the SRM samples as the assay results arrive at
site. The ability of the laboratories to return assay values in the prescribed SRM ranges has
steadily improved to greater than 99% (Figure 13-1). Charts of the individual SRMs are included in
Juras (2004a) and Juras (2005). All samples are given a fail flag as a default entry in the
project database. Each sample is re-assigned a date-based pass flag when assays have passed
acceptance criteria. At the data cutoff date of 15 April 2005, only a very small number of assayed
samples still had the fail flag. The relative uncertainty introduced to the mineral resource
estimate by using this very small number of temporarily failed samples is considered negligible.
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Figure 13-1: SRM Failure Chart
13.3.2 Blank Sample Performance
Charts showing the assay performance of field blanks are available in Juras (2004a), and Juras
(2005). The results show a low incidence of contamination and a few cases of sample mix-ups, which
were investigated at site and corrected.
13.3.3 Duplicates Performance
The QA/QC program currently uses four different types of duplicate samples: core, coarse
reject, pulp, and laboratory check pulps (samples sent to an umpire lab).
Core, Coarse Reject, and Pulp Duplicates
AMEC has reviewed the core, coarse reject, and pulp duplicate samples for the Southern Oyu and Hugo
Dummett deposits. The pulp and coarse reject duplicates reproduce well for copper and are
reasonable for gold values greater than 0.2 g/t. Relative difference charts and percentile rank
charts are available in Juras (2004a) and Juras (2005). Pulp and reject duplicate types for each
metal, though more so for gold, show similar high variability to good reproducibility trends from
near detection values towards higher-grade value. Patterns for all metals are symmetric about zero
on the relative difference charts, suggesting no bias in the assay process.
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13.3.4 Specific Gravity Program
Samples for specific gravity determination are taken at approximately 10 m intervals per drill
hole and tabulated by rock type. The specific gravity for non-porous samples (the most common
type) is calculated using the weights of representative samples in water (W2) and in air (W1). The
bulk density is calculated by W1/(W1-W2). AMEC believes this method to be appropriate for the
non-porous mineralized units and barren dykes.
Less-common porous samples are dried and then coated with paraffin before weighing. Allowance is
made for the weight and volume of the paraffin when calculating the specific gravity.
As a check on its method for specific gravity determinations, Ivanhoe submitted 120 samples to a
commercial laboratory for independent testing. The results, reviewed by AMEC, show near-identical
values to the original Ivanhoe numbers, and support the procedures and results of Ivanhoes
specific gravity program.
13.4 Concluding Statement
In AMECs opinion, the QA/QC results demonstrate that the Oyu Tolgoi project assay database
for 2005 is sufficiently accurate and precise for resource estimation.
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SECTION 14 DATA VERIFICATION
As a test of assay data integrity, the data used to estimate the 2005 Southern Oyu and Hugo
North mineral resources and the 2004 Hugo South mineral resources were verified with a random
comparison of 5% of the database records against the original electronic assay certificates. No
discrepancies were found. Collar coordinates were checked against the database entries. No
discrepancies were observed in the 2005 check, but several minor discrepancies (<0.5m) were
noticed in the 2004 check of Hugo South records. AMEC also checked the down-hole survey data.
Camera shots and RANGER output were read for the checked drill holes and compared to those stored
in the resource database. Rare minor discrepancies were observed that are probably due to
arbitrary corrections made to the data because of the suspected or measured presence of magnetite.
The down-hole survey discrepancies and the 2004 collar coordinate discrepancies would have neglible
impact on any resource estimate. AMEC concludes that the assay and survey database transferred to
AMEC is sufficiently free of error to be adequate for resource estimation.
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SECTION 15 ADJACENT PROPERTIES
Adjacent properties are not relevant for the review of the Oyu Tolgoi project.
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 16 MINERAL PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL TESTING
16.1 Background
The history of metallurgical testing for Oyu Tolgoi reflects the progress in defining the
resource. Testwork started in late 2001, when samples from site were shipped to SGS Lakefield
Research Limited for preliminary analysis. SGS Lakefield produced seven composite samples for ore
roughly corresponding to the Southwest, Central, and Hugo South orebodies as they were known at the
time. Extensive mineralogical, leach, comminution, and flotation work was done on these samples in
2002 and 2003. The work was carried out by SGS Lakefield, A.R. MacPherson Consultants Ltd. (ARM),
and Terra Mineralogical Services under the supervision of IMMI. A conceptual flowsheet was
developed, and IMMI gained a good understanding of the potential of the property.
As exploration and mine definition advanced, the centre of interest in the mineral deposits
changed, the original samples no longer represented all the ore included in the mine plan, and the
metallurgical data were deemed indicative only.
In late 2003, AAJV and IMMI initiated an additional phase of metallurgical testwork, which began in
early 2004 and extended through to early 2005. This program was designed to confirm the flotation
and comminution response of ores from the Southwest, Central, Hugo South, and Hugo North zones.
Laboratory batch-scale and pilot-plant flotation testwork programs, as well as laboratory-scale
comminution testwork, were conducted at AMMTEC Ltd. in Perth. Further work to define fundamental
flotation and comminution parameters was executed by MinnovEX, and SGS Lakefield carried out a SAG
pilot-plant test program to confirm the laboratory-scale testwork.
An illustration of the testwork programs as they relate to the growth of the mine resource is
provided in Figure 16-1.
16.2 Flotation Testwork
The bench-scale testwork was conducted in three phases. First, the flowsheet developed during
the earlier test programs was verified and optimized for Southwest ore. A simple, typical
flowsheet for porphyry copper ore treatment was found to work well for all ore types:
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primary grind of approximately 80% passing 150 µm |
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rougher flotation using Cytec 3418A, a selective diakyl dithiophosphinate collector |
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regrinding to 80% passing 25 µm |
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two or three stages of cleaner flotation. |
Following flowsheet verification, locked-cycle tests and batch tests were performed on composites
corresponding to ore-release schedules, and batch flotation tests were performed on a large number
of spatially distributed samples to gauge the variability of flotation response throughout each
orebody. The test results were compared and algorithms developed to relate flotation response to
mine model parameters, such as head grade and copper/sulphur ratio, to project metallurgical
response to each ore block in the mine plans.
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Figure 16-1: Metallurgical Testwork Programs Related to Resource Growth
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Table 16-1: Sampling Density for Flotation Testwork
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Zone |
|
Ore Represented (Mt) |
|
No. of Variability Samples |
|
Southwest |
|
|
231 |
|
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|
152 |
|
Central |
|
|
30 |
|
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|
30 |
|
Hugo North |
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Hugo South |
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|
4 |
|
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|
20 |
|
|
In parallel with the conventional flotation program conducted at AMMTEC, basic flotation
parameters (mineral-by-mineral flotation kinetics and maximum recoveries) were measured at the
MinnovEX laboratory in Toronto and entered into the MinnovEX FLEET flotation simulator to determine
the required flotation residence times and circulating load parameters.
Toward the end of the test period, additional sample was collected from areas of step-out drilling
to the north of the original Hugo North sample locations. This material was tested under the same
flotation conditions, and results were similar and repeatable. Because of time restraints,
conditions for this relatively high grade, low-sulphur ore have not been fully optimized.
Table 16-2: Anticipated Life-of-Mine Metallurgical Performance Base Case 85,000 t/d
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|
Zone/ |
|
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|
|
Grade |
|
Distribution |
Material Type |
|
Mt |
|
Cu % |
|
Au g/t |
|
Cu % |
|
Au % |
|
Southwest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Ore to plant |
|
|
123.192 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Concentrate |
|
|
2.319 |
|
|
|
24.70 |
|
|
|
25.40 |
|
|
|
88.0 |
|
|
|
68.9 |
|
Tailings |
|
|
120.873 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
Hugo North Lift 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore to plant |
|
|
576.494 |
|
|
|
1.46 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Concentrate |
|
|
25.550 |
|
|
|
30.00 |
|
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
91.9 |
|
|
|
79.1 |
|
Tailings |
|
|
550.944 |
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
Hugo North Lift 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore to Plant |
|
|
578.574 |
|
|
|
1.03 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Concentrate |
|
|
19.270 |
|
|
|
28.10 |
|
|
|
7.40 |
|
|
|
90.0 |
|
|
|
79.0 |
|
Tailings |
|
|
559.304 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
16.3 Comminution
Throughput rates for the concentrator were assessed using the MinnovEX CEET simulator.
Simulator input data include SAG performance index, Bond ball mill work index, and crushing index,
all of which were determined from small-diameter core obtained from the resource drilling program,
providing a large sample suite without the need for special metallurgical drill programs. To
increase confidence in the results, the simulator at the JK Metallurgical Research Centre (JKMRC)
was used as a secondary comminution model. The method used to arrive at the nominal plant tonnage
is illustrated overleaf.
To assess potential grinding circuit configurations, a special suite of 26 samples of
large-diameter (PQ) core was taken from diamond drill holes specifically sited to intercept all of
the major ore types,
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classified by lithology and alteration. Hardness parameters were measured for each sample, and a
grinding circuit model was developed for each ore type in both CEET and JKMRC. Run-of-mine ore
size was obtained from a blasting analysis done by Scott Mine Consultants Ltd. The MinnovEX,
JKMRC, and AAJV databases of industrial installations were referred to extensively to assist in
building and adjusting the models until IMMI and AAJV were satisfied that they provided reasonable
results and agreement over the full range of ore types represented in the 26-sample suite.
The calibrated models were then applied to simulations of potential configurations for
representative sample sets of Southwest and Hugo North ore. The selected configuration is
open-circuit SAG with secondary pre-crushing, followed by ball mills in closed circuit with
cyclones. The analysis indicated that the circuit throughput rate will be limited by the SAG mill
more than 90% of the time.
The subsequent SAG mill pilot program conducted by SGS Lakefield in April 2005, using a 250-tonne
bulk sample of ore from the Southwest deposit, confirmed the results of the small-scale testwork.
Figure
16-2: Throughput Assessment Method
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Figure 16-3: Grinding Circuit Configuration for IDP
Table 16-3 Summary of Grinding Simulation Results
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Parameter |
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Southwest |
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Hugo North |
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SAG Mill Feed F80 (mm) |
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52 |
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40 |
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Transfer Size T80 (mm) |
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4.4 |
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4.4 |
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Circuit Product Size P80 (µm) |
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164 |
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195 |
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SAG Mill Capacity (t/h) |
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3,519 |
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4,128 |
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Ball Mill Capacity (t/h) |
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4,186 |
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4,259 |
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Total Circuit Capacity (t/h) * |
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3,490 |
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4,044 |
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Pebble Circulating Load (%) |
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27 |
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18 |
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* |
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Throughput rates are raw numbers discounted 10% for operational contingency and potential sample set bias |
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 17 MINERAL RESOURCE AND MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATES
The mineral resources for Southern Oyu and Hugo North were estimated under the direction of
Dr. Harry Parker, Ch.P.Geol., and Dr. Stephen Juras, P.Geo. in 2005 (Juras, 2005). The mineral
resource estimate for Hugo South was also completed under the direction of Dr. Harry Parker,
Ch.P.Geol., and Dr. Stephen Juras, P.Geo., but this work was done in 2004 (Juras, 2004a). Hugo
South resources were not re-estimated in 2005 because no significant new drilling has been
completed there since the previous estimate in June 2004.
The estimates were made from 3D block models utilizing commercial mine planning software
(MineSight® for Southern Oyu and Hugo North, and Gemcom® for Hugo South). The project consists of
two groups of deposits: Hugo Dummett (Hugo) and Southern Oyu (OTS), each represented by its own
resource model. Hugo comprises Hugo South (HS) and Hugo North (HN), and OTS contains four
deposits: Southwest (SW), South (SO), Wedge (WZ), and Central (CO). Projects limits are in
truncated UTM coordinates. Project limits are 650500 to 652500 East, 4765000 to 4768200 North, and
-660 to +1170 m elevation for Hugo and 649500 to 652000 East, 4762000 to 4765000 North, and -225 m
to +1,170 m elevation for OTS. Cell size for the project was 20 m east x 20 m north x 15 m high.
The block size for the Southern Oyu model was selected based on mining selectivity considerations
(open pit mining). It was assumed the smallest block size that could be selectively mined as ore
or waste, referred to the selective mining unit (SMU), was approximately 20 m x 20 m x 15 m. In
this case the SMU grade-tonnage curves predicted by the restricted estimation process adequately
represented the likely actual grade-tonnage distribution. For the Hugo Dummett models, mining
selectivity was less of an issue because the mining method envisioned, block cave mining, does not
easily yield to any selectivity. The same block size was used for ease of integrating the block
models for mine planning considerations.
Only the hypogene mineralization was estimated (with the Central chalcocite blanket being the only
exception). The base of sulphide oxidation surface defined the top of the hypogene mineralization
in the Southern Oyu deposits.
17.1 Geologic Models and Estimation Domains
The data analyses demonstrated that all of the copper and gold grade shells in the Southern
deposits should be treated as separate domains with respect to copper and gold. Additionally, the
mineralized volcanic (Va) and Qmd units will be treated as separate sub-domains in Southwest for
both copper and gold. Grades for blocks within the respective domains in each deposit or zone will
be estimated with a hard boundary between them; only composites within the domain will be used to
estimate blocks within the domain. Soft boundaries will be used between Qmd units and mineralized
volcanic units in Central, South, and Wedge deposits.
At Hugo North, the data analysis showed that the mineralized and grade shells for copper and gold
should be treated as separate domains with respect to grade interpolation. No distinctions were
deemed necessary between inter-domain lithologic units. Some grade softening along the Quartz Vein
domain and 0.6% Cu shell was implemented to reflect the transitional nature across that contact
over 15 to 30 m. Hugo South results showed that the 0.6% and 2.0% shells for copper should be
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treated as separate domains with respect to grade interpolation. The 1.0% shell is more
artificial, and some grade softening along its contact is necessary to avoid creating different
distribution patterns relative to the composite data. Future modelling work at Hugo South, likely
to happen only after the next phase of drilling, i.e. in-fill drilling to convert of indicated
resources, should plan to use a philosophy more akin to that used at Hugo North: a mineralogy
based higher grade copper domain (e.g. quartz veining) and a grade based lower grade domain (around
0.5%). The 1% shell should be eliminated. Finally a gold domain should also be constructed (0.2
to 0.3 g/t Au).
17.2 Grade Interpolation
Modelling consisted of grade interpolation by ordinary kriging (KG). The chalcocite blanket
in Central was interpolated by grade averaging because of the small data population in this domain.
Only capped grades were interpolated. Nearest-neighbour (NN) grades were also interpolated for
validation purposes. Blocks and composites were matched on estimation domain. To reduce the
impact of locally inaccurate block grades due to conditional bias at the grade shell boundaries,
all blocks straddling those contacts were estimated twice with each of the composite sets on either
side of the contact. The final block grade was calculated with a volume-weighted average of the
two domain grades in that block. The effect is to slightly smooth the grades at the hard grade
shell boundary so that the distribution of block grades more closely approximates the shape of the
composite distribution.
The search ellipsoids were oriented preferentially to the orientation of the respective zone as
defined by bounding structures or to the attitude of the relevant copper or gold grade shell. A
two-pass approach was instituted for interpolation. The first pass allowed a single hole to place
a grade estimate in a block, and the second pass required a minimum of two holes from the same
estimation domain. This approach was used to enable most blocks to receive a grade estimate within
the domains, including the background domains. The number of composites used in estimating grade
into a model block followed a strategy that matched composite values and model blocks sharing the
same ore code or domain. The minimum and maximum number of composites were adjusted to incorporate
an appropriate amount of grade smoothing. This was done by change-of-support analysis (Discrete
Gaussian or Hermitian polynomial change-of-support method).
For both metals, an outlier restriction was used to control the effects of high-grade composites
within each of the domains in Southern Oyu and Hugo North, particularly in background domains and
poorly mineralized units (e.g., Southwest Qmd). The threshold grades were generally set as the
grade of the relevant grade shell, or the distinct break in the CDF curves in the case of poorly
mineralized units. The restricted distances were 40 m in Southern Oyu and 50 m in Hugo North and
Hugo South.
Final resource grade values for Southern Oyu and Hugo North were adjusted to reflect likely
occurrences of internal and contact dilution from the unmineralized post-mineral dykes. The
estimated mineral resources for Hugo North and Southern Oyu deposits were tabulated and reported
using these adjusted or diluted grade values (whereas the 2004 Hugo South grades are undiluted and
would need to incorporate additional dilution and allowances for mining recovery prior to
conversion to mineral reserves).
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17.2.1 Validation
AMEC completed a detailed visual validation of the Southern Oyu and Hugo Dummett resource
models. Models were checked for proper coding of drill hole intervals and block model cells, in
both section and plan. Coding was found to be properly done. Grade interpolation was examined
relative to drill hole composite values by inspecting sections and plans. The checks showed good
agreement between drill hole composite values and model cell values. The hard boundaries between
grade shells appear to have constrained grades to their respective estimation domains. The
addition of the outlier restriction values succeeded in minimizing grade smearing in regions of
sparse data and, in general, all background domains.
An independent check on the smoothing in the estimates was made using the Discrete Gaussian or
Hermitian polynominal change-of-support method. The grade-tonnage predictions produced for the
various Oyu Tolgoi models show that grade and tonnage estimates are validated by the
change-of-support calculations over the likely range of mining grade cutoff values (equivalent to
about 0.4% to 0.6% Cu).
The block model estimates were checked for global bias by comparing the average metal grades (with
no cutoff) from the kriged model (KG) with means from nearest-neighbour estimates. Results show no
problems with global bias in the estimates. Local trends in the grade estimates (grade slice or
swath checks) were also checked. This was done by plotting the mean values from the
nearest-neighbour estimate versus the kriged results for benches (in 30 m swaths), northings and
eastings (both in 40 m swaths). Results for copper and gold for Southern Oyu and Hugo Dummett
domains show that the trends behave as predicted and show no significant trends of copper or gold
in the estimates.
17.3 Mineral Resource Classification
The mineral resources of the Oyu Tolgoi project were classified using logic consistent with
the CIM definitions referred to in National Instrument 43-101. Inspection of the model and drill
hole data on plans and sections in the Southwest gold zone area, combined with spatial statistical
work and investigation of confidence limits in predicting planned quarterly production, showed good
geologic and grade continuity in areas where sample spacing was about 50 m. When taken together
with all observed factors, AMEC decided that blocks covered by this data spacing in the Southwest
gold zone area may be classified as Measured Mineral Resource. A three-hole rule was used where
blocks containing an estimate resulting from three or more samples from different holes (all within
55 m and at least one within 30 m) were classified as Measured Mineral Resource.
The Indicated Mineral Resource category is supported by the present drilling grid over most of the
remaining part of the Oyu Tolgoi Southern deposits. The drill spacing is at a nominal 70 m on and
between sections. Geologic and grade continuity is demonstrated by inspection of the model and
drill hole data in plans and sections over the various zones, combined with spatial statistical
work and investigation of confidence limits in predicting planned annual production. Considering
these factors, AMEC decided that blocks covered by this data spacing may be classified as Indicated
Mineral Resource. A two-hole rule was used where blocks contained an estimate resulting from two
or more samples from different holes. For the Southwest deposit the two holes needed to be within
75 m, with at least one hole within 55 m. For the remaining deposits, both holes needed to be
within 65 m, with at least one hole within 45 m to be classified as Indicated Mineral Resource.
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
The Indicated Mineral Resource category is supported at Hugo North where the drill spacing is
approximately 125 m x 75 m centres. Geologic and grade continuity is demonstrated by inspection of
the model and drill hole data in plans and sections over the various zones, combined with spatial
statistical work and investigation of confidence limits in predicting planned annual production.
Considering these factors, AMEC decided that blocks covered by this data spacing may be classified
as Indicated Mineral Resource. To help define the area outlined by this drill spacing, AMEC
utilized an indicator variogram method (based on the Quartz Vein domain) where a suitable threshold
value was selected by inspection relative to the observed drill hole locations.
All interpolated blocks that did not meet the criteria for either Measured or Indicated mineral
resource at Southern Oyu or Hugo North were assigned as Inferred Mineral Resource if they fell
within 150 m of a drill hole composite. Hugo South mineral resources only support being
categorized as Inferred mineral resources. Interpolated Hugo South model blocks that fell within
150 m of a drill hole composite were assigned as Inferred mineral resources.
17.4 Mineral Resource Summary
The mineralization of the Oyu Tolgoi Project as of 3 May 2005 is classified as Measured,
Indicated, and Inferred mineral resources. The total project mineral resources are shown in Table
17-1, reported at a copper equivalent cutoff grade of 0.6%.
The equivalent grade was calculated using assumed metal prices of US$0.80/lb for copper and
US$350/oz for gold. For convenience the formula is:
CuEq = %Cu + (g/t Au*11.25)/17.64
The contained gold and copper estimates in the table have not been adjusted for metallurgical
recoveries.
Table 17-1: Oyu Tolgoi Project Mineral Resources based on a 0.6% Cu Eq. Cutoff, 3 May 2005
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|
Grades |
|
Contained Metal |
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|
|
Cu |
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Au |
|
Cu Eq. |
|
Cu |
|
Au |
Mineral Resource Category |
|
Tonnes |
|
% |
|
g/t |
|
% |
|
000 lb |
|
oz |
|
Southern Oyu Deposits |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured |
|
|
101,590,000 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
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|
|
1.34 |
|
|
|
1,440,000 |
|
|
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3,580,000 |
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Indicated |
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|
465,640,000 |
|
|
|
0.62 |
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|
|
0.43 |
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|
|
0.89 |
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|
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6,360,000 |
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|
|
6,400,000 |
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|
|
Measured+Indicated |
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567,230,000 |
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|
|
0.62 |
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|
|
0.55 |
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|
|
0.97 |
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|
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7,810,000 |
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|
|
9,980,000 |
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|
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Inferred |
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88,500,000 |
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|
|
0.47 |
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|
0.41 |
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|
0.73 |
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920,000 |
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1,170,000 |
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Hugo Dummett Deposits* |
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|
|
|
|
Indicated |
|
|
581,930,000 |
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|
|
1.89 |
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|
|
0.41 |
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|
|
2.15 |
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24,250,000 |
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|
|
7,600,000 |
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Inferred |
|
|
1,071,620,000 |
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|
|
1.07 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
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|
|
1.20 |
|
|
|
25,220,000 |
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|
|
7,310,000 |
|
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Total Oyu Tolgoi Project |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measured |
|
|
101,590,000 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
1.10 |
|
|
|
1.34 |
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|
|
1,440,000 |
|
|
|
3,580,000 |
|
Indicated |
|
|
1,047,570,000 |
|
|
|
1.33 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
1.59 |
|
|
|
30,610,000 |
|
|
|
14,070,000 |
|
|
|
|
Measured+Indicated |
|
|
1,149,160,000 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
1.54 |
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32,850,000 |
|
|
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17,340,000 |
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|
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Inferred |
|
|
1,160,120,000 |
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|
|
1.02 |
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0.23 |
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|
|
1.16 |
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26,200,000 |
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|
|
8,400,000 |
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* |
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Hugo South values based on June 2004 Juras report |
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION 18 OTHER RELEVANT DATA AND INFORMATION
Not used.
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Integrated Development Plan
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SECTION
19 REQUIREMENTS FOR TECHNICAL REPORTS ON PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROPERTIES
19.1 Framework for IDP
The following summary provides an outline of the framework that guided the work on the IPD.
The Oyu Tolgoi property contains a large copper-gold resource recoverable by a combination of open
pit methods and large-volume block-cave mining. The open pit mine designs were developed from a
mineral resource model with 92% of the tonnage in the Measured or Indicated category (at 0.3% Cu
equivalent cutoff grade). The primary underground mine resource, Hugo North, contains the majority
of the economic value of the property. The underground block-cave mine designs were developed from
a mineral resource model with 50% of the tonnage classified as Indicated and 50% as Inferred (at
0.6% Cu equivalent cutoff grade).
Ongoing drilling has encountered mineralized intersections that suggest the presence of an
extension to the physical boundaries of the current resource.
Initial production from the open pit will be processed through a conventional 70,000 t/d crushing,
grinding, and flotation circuit using proven technology and equipment sizing developed from
extensive mineral processing testwork. Testwork has also confirmed that this circuit can process
the higher-grade Hugo North ore at a rate of 85,000 t/d if additional capacity is added to the
flotation and filtration circuits.
The open pit mine design is complete and optimized. It will provide the primary feed to the mill
for the first few years until production from Hugo North ramps up. Stockpiled open pit material
also tops up production from the underground for several years. Open pit mining will be done with
a fleet of 220 to 240 tonne trucks and hydraulic shovels operated by IMMI. IMMI employees will be
trained in block-cave mining methods for Hugo North, which, when combined with open pit ore, will
provide feed to the mill for 40 years. This development and production scenario represents the
base case for project assessment.
Construction of an exploration/early development shaft for Hugo North has begun. To maximize
project value from the high-grade Hugo North deposit, this evaluation assumes that construction of
a second production shaft will commence in 4Q 2005 and of a third 18 months later, both prior to
obtaining results from the initial exploration shaft program.
A major expanded case was evaluated in which plant production increases to 140,000 t/d after Hugo
North reaches its peak base case mining rate. The assessment of project economics for the expanded
case is based on preliminary capital and operating cost estimates. To achieve this feed
rate, production from Hugo North would be increased to over 90,000 t/d, the Hugo South deposit
would be mined at a rate of 50,000 t/d, and open pit push-backs would be developed.
Planning associated with the initial phase of project developmentthe Southwest open pit,
concentrator, and infrastructure componentis well advanced. However, commencement of
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development
will need to be coordinated with the conclusion of current negotiations and discussions related to:
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the Special Stability Agreement with the Government of Mongolia |
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a reliable electrical power supply |
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VAT and import duty payments on materials and equipment |
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a location on the Chinese mainline rail system for concentrate transfer from trucks
loaded at Oyu Tolgoi |
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Mongolian and Chinese government agreement to continuously open the border crossing at
Gushaan Sukhait / Ganqimaodao. |
Oyu Tolgoi is located in an isolated region of Mongolia with little developed infrastructure. The
site is, however, only 80 km from the Chinese border, where resources do exist to support the
project in the energy, transportation, manufacturing, and construction areas. The development plan
for the project is therefore based on the principle of maximizing Mongolian content while involving
and realizing the benefits of the resources in China. Balancing the dual objectives is seen as
achievable.
Western companies with recent experience on major industrial developments in China have confirmed
the presence of an experienced construction industry capable of working to international standards
of quality and completing projects on schedule. The implementation plan assumes that Chinese
construction capacity and experience will fill the gaps where Mongolian resources need to be
augmented.
It is also assumed that the Chinese road and rail transportation systems can accommodate the
movement to site of imported materials required for construction and operations and the shipment
off site of all concentrate produced at the process plant. This will need to be confirmed.
The rail system between the southern Gobi area and northern China is expected to be augmented by
the construction of a new rail line connecting the anticipated coal field development at Tavan
Tolgoi, 140 km northwest of Oyu Tolgoi, to an existing Chinese railhead. Construction of a rail
link to this new line is an important requirement for the project in about Year 4 of operations,
when concentrate production will exceed the reasonable capacity of the early trucking system.
Under the expanded case, three or more trains would be loaded with concentrate every day.
Completion of these related developments in time to support Oyu Tolgoi is one of the base
assumptions for the IDP.
The Mongolian population generally has a strong basic education, although experienced mine labour
is scarce. IMMI is committed to operating the project with a 90% Mongolian workforce within five
years of start-up. To make this possible, IMMI has identified the need and allowed funding for a
major training initiative that encompasses a dedicated facility, experienced trainers, and modern
equipment. During the early production years, experienced expatriate personnel will provide
commissioning and training support to help bring the capacity and productivity of Mongolian
employees to equivalent Western standards.
The results of a significant program of environmental and socioeconomic assessment suggest that
environmental concerns can be managed and that the socioeconomic benefits to Mongolia will be
substantial. Two of three Environmental Impact Assessment reports for the project have been
submitted. The first was approved by the Mongolian government in May 2004. The second was
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submitted at the end of June 2005, and the third will be ready later in the year. Approvals of
these reports are expected to be a prerequisite to project approval. Regulatory review and
approval is assumed to support the proposed project development schedule.
To date no environmental or socioeconomic baseline or assessment work has been conducted for
China-related components of the project. The Chinese regulatory approval processes and subsequent
construction period associated with rail facilities are also expected to support the project
development schedule.
A project risk assessment concluded that although IMMI must address and resolve several critical
issues before commencing project development, no risks have been identified that, if managed to a
reasonable conclusion, would jeopardize the successful development and operation of the project.
It is assumed that a risk mitigation and management system will be implemented.
19.2 Mine Plan
The mine plan for Oyu Tolgoi is based on initial open pit mining followed by an emphasis on
underground mining to provide the majority of plant feed over the life of the project. Open pit
mining after the initial production period is scheduled to suit the priorities of the underground
mine and varies for the two project scenarios (base case and expanded case).
Block modelling and optimization have identified nine open pit stages at the Southern Oyu deposits
and three block caves at the Hugo Dummett deposit.
From analysis of various open-pit-only, underground-only, and combined mining schedules, the
relative ranking of the deposits in terms of highest to lowest value is Hugo North, Southwest, Hugo
South, and Central. However, considering the lead-time required to develop and bring the block
caves to full production, the following life-of-mine mining sequence was developed:
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Open Pit
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Southwest (stages 1 & 2) |
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Underground
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Hugo North Lift 1 |
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Open Pit
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Southwest (stages 3 & 4) |
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Underground
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Hugo North Lift 2 |
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Underground
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Hugo South |
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Open Pit
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Southwest & Central (stages 5 to 9) |
Not all open pit stages are used in the present mine plan.
19.3 Scheduling Scenarios
The IDP examines two scenarios:
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Phase 1 base case, 70,000 to 85,000 t/d.
Plant feed is from two Southwest open pit stages and two Hugo North block caves. |
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Phase 2 expanded case, nominal 140,000 t/d.
Plant is essentially doubled in size and feed is from the first four open pit stages, two Hugo North block caves, and one Hugo South block cave. |
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Figure 19-1: Open Pit and Underground Scheduling Blocks for Expanded Case
In both cases, timely underground development is the critical path for ore production from
Hugo North Lift 1.
The mining rate from the open pit stages and block caves was based on the blending requirements for
plant feed. The following metallurgical ore types have been defined:
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Ore Type |
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Deposit |
1
|
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Southwest |
2
|
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Central chalcocite |
3
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Central covellite |
4
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Central chalcopyrite |
5
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Hugo South |
6
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Hugo North |
The base case limits production from Hugo North Lift 1 to 30 Mt/a and defers the latter stages
of the open pits until after Hugo North Lift 2 comes into production. For these reasons Phase 2
has been examined as a production scenario that could maximize the project value. The decision to proceed
or not with Phase 2 can be made as Hugo North Lift 1 production is ramping up to its Phase 1 rate.
Other scenarios, such as scheduling the entire underground and open pit inventories, are yet to be
completed. The number of open pit stages that have been identified provides opportunity for risk
reduction if underground development should be delayed.
Mine planning work for the open pits is based on Measured and Indicated resources only, while the
underground mine planning uses both Indicated and Inferred resources to generate production
schedules.
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19.3.1 Approach to Scheduling
The approach to production scheduling was based on balancing mining, milling, and stockpiling
quantities:
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Timing of the mining stages and block caves is determined by the plant throughput rate
for each blended ore type. Plant capacity ramps up over the first 18 months after
commissioning. |
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Underground production is considered the priority mill feed because of its higher NSR
values. Open pit production is scheduled around the underground mining requirements. |
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The underground production schedule incorporates development requirements and
initiation of the block caves. |
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Open pit mining rates are based on the number of shovels available and required
throughput of mid-value NSR cutoff ore. Mining inventories are reported by bench within
the selected pit shells. |
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|
In Phase 2, production from different pit stages is balanced to obtain an operationally
practical mining schedule with smooth waste and ore production rates throughout the mine
life. The mining rate is balanced by using low-grade stockpiles where necessary. |
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|
Material from the low-grade stockpiles supplements underground ore after exhaustion of
the open pits. |
19.3.2 Base Case Production Schedule
First ore treatment in the plant is scheduled for mid-2008. Open pit mining commences the
year before to match the staggered delivery and commissioning of shovels and other equipment.
Underground access and development continue from Hugo North Shaft 1, which is currently being
constructed. Development of Shaft 2 begins in 2006.
Medium- and high-grade ore from open pit preproduction is stockpiled and processed in 2008.
Low-grade ore is stockpiled separately for feed at the end of open pit mining. Only materials from
Southwest (ore type 1) and Hugo North (ore type 6) are processed in the base case. The average
mining rate is 25.5 Mt/a from the open pit and 30 Mt/a from Hugo North over a mine life of 40
years.
The high gold grades from the pit and very high copper grades from underground indicate the source
of early gold production from the combined feed and reinforce the high value of the underground
ore. Lower copper and gold grades after 2013 are from low-grade stockpiled material from the open
pit.
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Figure
19-2: Ore Processing by Metallurgical Ore Type Base Case
Note: Bars show kt feed to the mill from stockpile
Figure
19-3: Copper Feed Grades Base Case
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1 October 2005
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Figure
19-4: Gold Feed Grades Base Case
19.3.3 Expanded Case Production Schedule
The preproduction and initial years of the expanded case are the same as the base case. The
difference is that open pit mining continues with the stripping of stage 3 and plant capacity is
expanded as Hugo North Lift 1 production reaches and passes 30 Mt/a. Hugo South is developed and
begins production to replace the open pit resources.
The average mining rate is 52.5 Mt/a from all ore sources over a mine life of 35 years.
In the expanded case two additional Southwest pit stages and increased production from Hugo North
Lift 1 provide the ore for the larger plant. The expansion also allows Hugo South to be mined much
earlier than would be possible in the base case. The remaining open pit stages (5 to 9) are not
included but would be available to expand the project life beyond the current schedule.
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Page 19-7
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Figure 19-5: Ore Processing by Metallurgical Ore Type Expanded Case
Figure 19-6: Copper Feed Grades Expanded Case
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Page 19-8
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Figure
19-7: Gold Feed Grades Expanded Case
19.4 Open Pit Mining
The open pit design work was performed by GRD Minproc Limited, focusing on the Southern Oyu
deposits. Recognizing the ultimate benefit to the project of exploiting the underground resources
in Hugo Dummett, the plan provides for flexibility in grade and tonnage scheduling. The open pit
mine plan is based on a mineable resource of Measured and Indicated material.
Key geotechnical design parameters were provided by Steffen Robertson Kirsten (Australiasia) Pty
Ltd based on extensive geotechnical studies. The geotechnical assumptions will be validated by the
implementation of a slope management programme including the collection and review of pit wall
piezometric data and pit slope performance using extensometers, survey prisms monitoring or slope
radar.
19.4.1 Pit Optimization
Pit optimization and mine design were carried out on a preliminary resource model prepared by
IMMI in February 2005. This model formed the basis for the AMEC model produced in May 2005. A
comparison of the two models showed only a small difference in mining inventory within pit shells
that were essentially the same. Only resources classified as Measured or Indicated in the block
model were used in the optimization and production scheduling. Inferred resources were treated as
waste. The resource model grades incorporate dilution, including the small-scale dykes that
intersect the mineralized zones.
Using the model grades, the net smelter return (NSR), or revenue paid for the concentrate at the
mine gate, was calculated for each block. Silver was not included in the pit optimization but was
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Page 19-9
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included in the production schedules. The NSR calculation excludes costs for mining, process, and
G&A and is the in-situ value after:
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recovery to concentrate |
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smelter deductions |
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concentrate transport |
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smelter treatment and refining charges |
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impurities |
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royalties. |
The resulting NSR values were used to classify the ore blocks in the pit optimization and also as
economic cutoffs as reported in the mining inventories.
Based on the NSR values, the open pit optimization was completed in the Whittle Four-X software
program, which is considered a standard mining industry tool.
19.4.2 Open Pit Mine Design
Based on the pit optimization results, the objective of the pit development strategy was to
minimize the early mining costs and maximize the early return from the open pit operation. Nine
open pit mining stages, all within the Southwest and Central deposits only, were identified to
allow for all life-of-mine options. Only designs for stages 1 to 7 were considered for production
scheduling. Stages 8 and 9 are pit optimization shells that require further work as mine planning
proceeds. The open pit inventory by stage is shown in the table overleaf.
Preproduction ore is from stage 1 only. The base case production schedule is generated from mining
stages 1 and 2, while the expanded case uses stages 1 to 4.
Basic Design Criteria
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Average cutback width
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150 m |
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Minimum mining width
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40 to 50 m |
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Bench height
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15 m |
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Bench stack height limit |
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Weathered rock
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60 m |
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Unweathered rock
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90 m |
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Berm width
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7.0 to 11.5 m |
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Bench face angle (assuming drained slopes): |
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Weathered rock
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65° |
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Unweathered rock
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75° |
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Wall slopes (LOSA)
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40° to 50° |
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Horizontal drainage (behind pit wall)
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100 to 200 m |
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1 October 2005
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Page 19-10
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Integrated Development Plan
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table 19-1: Open Pit Resource Inventory by Stage
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Stage |
|
Total Movement kt |
|
Waste kt |
|
Ore kt |
|
NSR $/t |
|
Cu % |
|
Au g/t |
|
As g/t |
|
Ag g/t |
|
F ppm |
|
1 |
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|
125,635 |
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74,742 |
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|
50,892 |
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|
|
15.39 |
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|
0.58 |
|
|
|
0.89 |
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|
9.97 |
|
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|
1.42 |
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2,124.28 |
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2 |
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197,635 |
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|
|
125,312 |
|
|
|
72,323 |
|
|
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11.11 |
|
|
|
0.49 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
12.41 |
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|
|
1.31 |
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1,981.79 |
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3 |
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259,784 |
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176,222 |
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83,562 |
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9.91 |
|
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|
0.45 |
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0.49 |
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19.00 |
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1.35 |
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1,615.07 |
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4 |
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83,196 |
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44,009 |
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39,187 |
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9.21 |
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|
0.61 |
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0.19 |
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76.49 |
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|
1.88 |
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1,898.57 |
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5 |
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35,163 |
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|
20,505 |
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14,658 |
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7.43 |
|
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|
0.40 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
20.25 |
|
|
|
1.05 |
|
|
|
1,374.76 |
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6 |
|
|
33,042 |
|
|
|
19,526 |
|
|
|
13,516 |
|
|
|
10.56 |
|
|
|
1.01 |
|
|
|
0.12 |
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252.42 |
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|
|
1.46 |
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2,189.26 |
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7 |
|
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312,355 |
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171,644 |
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|
|
140,711 |
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|
|
8.42 |
|
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|
0.65 |
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|
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0.16 |
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|
168.42 |
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|
1.38 |
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1,914.54 |
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8 |
|
|
315,765 |
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|
|
169,459 |
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|
|
146,306 |
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|
|
8.18 |
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|
0.40 |
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|
0.40 |
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21.46 |
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|
|
1.19 |
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1,596.48 |
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9 |
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1,302,292 |
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984,298 |
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|
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317,995 |
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|
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8.12 |
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0.48 |
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0.29 |
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|
|
86.61 |
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|
|
1.13 |
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1,743.69 |
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Total |
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2,664,866 |
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1,785,717 |
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|
879,150 |
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|
|
9.09 |
|
|
|
0.51 |
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|
|
0.36 |
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|
|
72.89 |
|
|
|
1.27 |
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1,783.53 |
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Waste Dumps and Stockpiles
Dumps and low-grade stockpiles will be constructed as required for each stage of open pit mining.
Dump heights will vary between 50 m and 60 m depending on topography and waste volumes.
The low-grade stockpile area has a capacity of approximately 100 Mt at 40 m height to accommodate
all mining scenarios. An overall slope of 18° was considered in the preliminary design of the
waste dumps and stockpiles. In the calculation of the waste dump capacities, it is assumed that
the swell of bank volume would be 30% after taking into account some natural sorting and compaction
on the dumps.
Because Oyu Tolgoi is in an arid area with very low rainfall, no significant acid rock drainage
(ARD) issues are expected. The base of the dumps will be sealed by working the subsurface clay
materials. Potentially acid forming (PAF) material will be encapsulated within non-acid-forming
(NAF) material, and the final surfaces will be capped with rock armouring. This methodology will be
suitable for progressive construction and rehabilitation of the dumps.
19.4.3 Open Pit Mining Operations
Open pit mining at Oyu Tolgoi will be a conventional shovel-truck operation. Drilling,
loading, hauling, and dumping will be carried out by the Owners workforce. Blasting products and
services will be provided by a contractor, and equipment maintenance will be performed under a MARC
arrangement. The open pits will be operated 24 h/d, on two 12-hour shifts, nominally 340 d/a. It
was assumed that 25 days per year will be lost due to unscheduled delays such as weather
conditions. The total workforce is estimated to vary from approximately 400 to 448 personnel,
including management and labour, from start-up to peak requirements.
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Page 19-11
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table 19-2: Open Pit Mining Equipment Requirements
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Equipment |
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Start-up |
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Peak |
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Hydraulic Shovels |
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2 |
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3 |
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Mining Trucks |
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13 |
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23 |
|
Rotary Drill |
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2 |
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3 |
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Hydraulic Excavator (Phase 2 only) |
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1 |
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Wheel Dozers |
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1 |
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1 |
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Track Dozers |
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3 |
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4 |
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Graders |
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2 |
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2 |
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Loaders |
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1 |
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1 |
|
Water Carts |
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2 |
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2 |
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|
Drilling and Blasting
Rotary blasthole drills will be used to drill 17 m deep, 305 mm diameter blast holes. A secondary
drill is provided for pre-split blasts, secondary drilling, and the horizontal drain holes
specified in the geotechnical recommendations. ANFO will be used in dry holes and heavy ANFO in
wet holes. Given the prevailing conditions, most blasting is expected to be dry.
Loading and Hauling
The primary loading unit will be 28 m3 bucket diesel hydraulic shovels. In normal operation, one
shovel will be mining mainly ore and the other(s) will be stripping waste. The shovels will load
to 220 to 240 tonne diesel mechanical trucks for transport to the mill site or the waste dumps
The ore will be dumped directly to the crusher or stockpiled for reclaim. Waste will be
distributed to the dump areas either through temporary ramps accessing the upper levels of the pits
or via the final designed ramps in the pit stages. An 18 m3 front-end loader will be used for
dropcut excavation and backup loading capacity.
Support Equipment
Conventional ancillary equipment will support the loading and hauling operations. Pit dewatering
will be by diesel-powered pumps from in-pit sumps to a tank at the crusher. Pit dewatering is not
expected to be a major issue at Oyu Tolgoi.
19.5 Underground Mine Development
The Hugo Dummett deposit will be mined by block caving, a cost-effective method where applied
under suitable conditions. The deposit has two zones, North and South, both having dimensions,
tonnages, and grades comparable to other deposits currently exploited by block-cave mining
elsewhere in the world. Hugo North is the most attractive target for mining.
McIntoshs assessment for the IDP is based on the results of exploration and development drilling
to March 2005, from which IMMI and AMEC derived the currently defined resource tonnage and grades.
SRK Consulting (Canada) reviewed geotechnical data and conducted the necessary geotechnical
analyses of data collected and collated from all drill core. SRKs findings are supportive of the
block-cave mining method and integral to McIntoshs assessment.
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Page 19-12
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Presuming that the current defined resource tonnages and grades are substantiated during
underground development and operations, the assessment indicates that block-cave mining at Hugo
North could produce 1,155 Mt averaging 1.249 % Cu and 0.299 g/t Au over a 43-year mine life. For
the base case evaluation, peak ore production is 30 Mt/a, or approximately 85,000 t/d.
Further increases could be realized in the Indicated and Inferred resources of Hugo North. Two
adjacent areas with resource potential have been identified: a northern extension on strike, down
plunge, and on approach to and within property held in joint venture with Entrée Gold Inc.; and
additional deposits on the south and west fringes of Hugo North. An IMMI drilling program is
currently underway in the northern extension area.
Table 19-3: Summary of Hugo North Assessment Base Case 85,000 t/d (June 2005)
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Mined Resource |
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|
|
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|
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|
|
Hugo North Lift 1 |
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|
|
|
Tonnes (including development) |
|
|
576.5 M |
|
NSR ($/t) |
|
|
24.89 |
|
Cu Grade (%) |
|
|
1.463 |
|
Au Grade (g/t) |
|
|
0.286 |
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|
|
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|
Hugo North Lift 2 |
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|
|
|
Tonnes (including development) |
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|
578.6 M |
|
NSR ($/t) |
|
|
17.81 |
|
Cu Grade (%) |
|
|
1.035 |
|
Au Grade (g/t) |
|
|
0.312 |
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Production Schedule |
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Hugo North Lift 1 Start |
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|
2010 |
|
Lift 1 Life (years) |
|
25 years |
Hugo North Lift 2 Start |
|
|
2028 |
|
Lift 2 Life (years) |
|
24 years |
Peak Ore Production Start |
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|
2015 |
|
Peak Ore Production End |
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|
2050 |
|
Mine Ore Production End |
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|
2051 |
|
Total Mine Life (years) |
|
43 years |
|
19.5.1 Deposit Assessment
A critical consideration for development of the deposit is assurance that the resource will
cave. SRK has visited the Oyu Tolgoi site several times to inspect and log certain drill core and
to guide IMMIs, collection and collation of geotechnical data. SRK and McIntosh concur that the
Hugo North zone will cave productively.
SRK reached the following conclusions in its analyses:
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The mineralized rock mass of the Hugo North orebody is cavable at a hydraulic radius of
20 to 27 m. This is the equivalent of a footprint of approximately 80 m x 80 m to 110 m x
110 m. The current footprint of the caving envelope for both lifts greatly exceeds this hydraulic
radius. |
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Page 19-13
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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The rock mass is characterized as an average cavable rock mass (not Palabora and not
Cassiar) ...the Hugo North rock mass is less competent than Northparkes or Ridgeway, which
caved at a smaller hydraulic radius. |
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It is estimated that shear zones and faults will further improve the cavability by at
least 5% to 10%. |
AMECs estimates of copper and gold grades within the Indicated and Inferred resources of Hugo
North at an equivalent cutoff of 0.6% Cu suggest metal content of more than 38 billion pounds of
copper and more than 13 million ounces of gold, representing one of the largest such deposits in
the world. The combined Indicated and Inferred resources for Hugo North and Hugo South exceed 1.5
billion tonnes.
A high-grade starter zone has been identified within Hugo North. Scoping-level studies have been
performed based on resource estimates by IMMI and AMEC, mining assessments by McIntosh, and
processing and administration assessments by AAJV and others. These studies support the contention
that the Indicated resource of 184 Mt grading 1.987% Cu and 0.419 g/t Au can be mined and processed
over the first 10 years to enhance project economics.
The Hugo North mineral resource plunges to the northeast. Its current base is near the minus 400 m
elevation (1,600 m below surface). The caving shapes foreseen are 1,500 m long x 200 to 700 m wide
x 300 to 500 m high. The resource dimensions are considered suitable for block caving and place
the mine into the category of deep caving.
19.5.2 Lift 1 Development Plan
It is proposed to construct and operate Hugo North Lift 1 in a way that permits increasing ore
production in a sequence of steps from approximately 15,000 t/d to 60,000 t/d and finally to 85,000
t/d. This sequence takes 11 years to execute from the date of project approval, or 6 years from
initial to full production. Timely completion of shafts, primary development, underground
installations, and secondary mine development is critical to achieving the forecast tonnages.
To enable production ramp-up, the following major tasks will need to be executed concurrently or
sequentially:
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constructing and commissioning: |
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|
Shaft 2 (one friction-type service hoist and one friction-type production hoist) |
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|
|
Shaft 3 (two production hoists) |
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|
Shaft 4 (one production hoist) |
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annually constructing 60, then 96, and eventually 120 drawpoints on Lift 1. |
It should be noted that to meet the schedule, Shafts 2 and 3 and some associated lateral work will
need to be developed before the necessary information for a feasibility study on Hugo North is
obtained from the Shaft 1 exploration program.
Assuming Hugo North is developed to produce 85,000 t/d of ore, it will be one of the worlds
largest block-caving operations exploiting a single, contiguous mineralized block.
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Page 19-14
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
19.5.3 Underground Mining Method
Block caving is a safe, proven, and highly productive method for extracting bulk ore tonnages
from underground mines. It involves undercutting part of the orebody across a plan area, causing
the overlying rock to collapse. The collapse of the ore, or cave, is by design and is
accomplished in a deliberate, controlled, and predictable manner. Initially, the ore is undercut
and induced to cave by blasting. Thereafter, the blasted ore falls into an array of drawpoints
beneath the initial cave area and is removed by load-haul-dump (LHD) equipment. As broken ore is
removed, the pile within the cave slumps, creating a void, which in turn promotes further caving.
The cumulative plan area overlying the drawpoints is called the cave footprint. Four sublevels
will be developed under and adjacent to the orebody. The first two, undercut and extraction, are
necessary to initiate and sustain ore production. The others are known as the ventilation and
haulage sublevels.
Figure 19-8: Block Cave Mining Method
Offset Herringbone Pattern
El Teniente Pattern
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Page 19-15
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Integrated Development Plan
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Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
19.5.4 Design and Planning Considerations
Block caving is expected to result in surface subsidence. To preserve the integrity of the
mine shafts and principal infrastructure, the shafts and infrastructure will be grouped together in
a farm approximately 1,500 m due west of the centreline of the resource.
All mining crews, materials, and supplies required to construct and operate the block cave will be
lowered and/or raised 1,300 m within a service shaft.
All ore and waste rock will be lifted 1,500 m to surface by one of four friction hoists after being
hauled 1,100 m from the block cave by a combination of underground loader, train, and conveyor.
Collar-to-collar, the mining crews will transit roughly 6,000 m. From collar to workplace,
materials and supplies will transit 3,000 m.
Mongolia is a developing country and Oyu Tolgoi is an extremely remote frontier site. In addition
to the challenge of attracting and retaining a qualified workforce of both national and expatriate
personnel, arranging vendor support for mining equipment will need particular attention.
19.5.5 Cost and Schedule Issues
Costs have been estimated to a scoping level of study for the following:
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hoisting plants |
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underground primary mine development and equipment, including ventilation and haulage
drifting, crushing, conveying, bins, skip loading, shops, warehouses, explosives
magazines, shaft bottom access, and mid-shaft roping arrangements |
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undercutting, panel drifting, drawpoint construction, and ore production loading operations |
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mine operations. |
The costs and schedules to complete these requirements are considered achievable, recognizing that
substantial contractor/expatriate participation will be required until Mongolian employees are able
to consistently demonstrate the necessary skills and performance standards. The construction and
development schedule is critical, however, and is without slack. The proposed hoists, shaft
conveyances, and payloads have been proven in operation at other mines, but will be among the
largest ever constructed. Given sufficient time to stabilize production and crew performance,
operating costs could be below the mid-point of those at all other existing block-cave mines.
19.5.6 Geotechnical
A significant amount of geotechnical information is available about the Hugo North mineralized
resources, but the actual underground setting has not been observed, and the resource has never
been blocked out from a drift.
Little drill core has been obtained from the proposed locations of the mine shafts and primary
underground development. At this stage, assumptions for shaft and development advance rates and
ground support are preliminary. Geotechnical core drilling is currently underway.
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As yet, there are no data to characterize the groundwater regime in the underground mine area.
Groundwater quality, quantity, source points, and durations of influence have implications for
several operating conditions:
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potential inrush and/or mudrush |
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dust control |
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mine pumping |
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water treatment |
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process water quality and quantity |
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corrosion |
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shaft maintenance |
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hoist rope life. |
19.5.7 Caving Predictability
If the orebody does not cave as effectively as predicted, or if it does cave but the cave muck
is exceedingly fine, then recovery of mineral resources may be slowed, and, in severe cases, some
resources could be lost. Although drawpoint control and cave management are intended to mitigate
this possibility, it could take some time to recognize that caving is not taking place as expected.
On the other hand, more-effective caving than predicted could accelerate mine production.
19.6 Process Facilities
The largest conventional and industry-proven components were selected for the initial
production rate of 70,000 t/d. The grinding circuit consists of a single 12.2 m x 7.5 m (40 ft x
24.5 ft) SAG mill, equipped with a 24.5 MW drive, feeding a pair of 8.2 m x 13 m (27 ft x 43 ft)
ball mills, each driven by a 18.6 MW gearless drive. As the softer Hugo North ores displace
Southwest ore, the capacity of the grinding circuit increases to 85,000 t/d. Grinding and flotation
capacity will be increased to more than 140,000 t/d for the expanded case.
All aspects of facility design are focused on minimizing water consumption as much as practicable.
No new technology is employed in the design, and all the equipment specified for the process is
proven. Use of the largest available machinery will minimize the number of equipment units,
thereby reducing the footprint and complexity of the facility. The plant will employ advanced
communications and control methods.
The sampling densities used in the metallurgical test program were sufficient to describe the ore
within reasonable limits, and the plant specified will be able to attain the target production with
this ore.
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Figure 19-9: Concentrator Facilities
19.6.1 Process Description
Primary Crushing and Conveying
During the 70,000 t/d phase, the primary source of ore will be the Southwest open pit. Ore will be
hauled to a gyratory primary crusher. A run-of-mine (ROM) ore stockpile near the crusher will
absorb fluctuations in mine production and facilitate the blending of different ore types. Crushed
ore from the primary crusher will be conveyed to a covered stockpile near the concentrator. The
stockpile building will have a maximum capacity of three days supply of ore for the mill; the
maximum live load capacity will be one day.
Ore released during development of the underground mine and initial underground production will be
trucked to the open-pit primary crusher and blended with open-pit ore. During the 85,000 t/d
phase, underground ore will be delivered to a half-day surge pile near the mine shaft farm and
conveyed overland to the coarse ore stockpile.
Secondary Crushing
Coarse ore will be reclaimed from the stockpile by four belt feeders and be discharged over a
vibrating grizzly with bars at 65 mm spacing. Undersize from the grizzly (approximately half of
the coarse ore) will fall onto the grinding mill feed conveyor, and the oversize will be conveyed
to two secondary cone crushers with closed-side settings of 50 to 65 mm. The crusher discharge
will join the grizzly undersize on the feed conveyor to the SAG mill. This circuit will
accommodate both the 70,000 t/d and 85,000 t/d cases.
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Figure 19-10: Oyu Tolgoi Simplified Flowsheet
Grinding
The grinding equipment will be based on the largest units currently in use (at Collahuasi in
Chile). The SAG mill will be a single unit 12.2 m x 7.5 m (40 ft x 24.5 ft) in size with a 24.5 MW
wrap-around variable-speed drive.
SAG mill discharge with a top size of 75 mm will pass through a trommel screen with 13 mm openings,
where the bulk of the water and fine solids will be removed. The oversize will be washed over a
vibrating screen, also equipped with a 13 mm screen deck. Undersize from the trommel and vibrating
screens will collect in a pumpbox for transfer to the ball mill circuit. The washed pebbles will
be conveyed to a bin ahead of two 746 kW cone crushers.
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Self-cleaning electromagnets on the conveying system will protect the cone crushers from tramp
grinding steel. Crushed pebbles will report to a vibrating screen with a 13 mm deck located above
the SAG mill discharge pumpbox. Water sprays will thoroughly wet and slurry the screen undersize,
which will then mix in the SAG mill discharge pumpbox with the undersize from the other screen.
Grinding circuit throughput will normally (90% to 95% of the time) be limited by the SAG mill
capacity. When the crushers are not available, or when pebble production is excessive, a bypass
feeder will draw uncrushed pebbles from the bin and deposit them on the SAG mill feed belt.
Figure 19-11: Crushed Ore Conveyor and Stockpile
Figure 19-12: Grinding Circuit
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Pressure distributors will divide undersize from the SAG mill circuit screens between
two ball mills in closed circuit with 838 mm cyclones. The ball mills will be 8.23 m diameter x
12.95 m long (27 ft x 43 ft), with 18.6 MW variable-speed wrap-around drives. Cyclone overflow, at
about 33% solids and an average 80% passing particle size of 150 µm, will report to the flotation
circuit. The grinding circuit will accommodate both the 70,000 t/d and 85,000 t/d cases due to the
differences in grinding energy required for the Southern and Hugo ores.
Flotation
The testwork programs have led to a simple, typical porphyry copper flotation circuit with no
unusual features or equipment. Ball mill cyclone overflow will gravitate to three rows of eight
160 3 tank-type rougher flotation cells. Rougher concentrate will be combined with
cleaner-scavenger concentrate, classified, and reground by four 1,119 kW vertical stirred mills in
closed circuit with a cluster of twelve 508 mm cyclones. Regrind cyclone overflow, at a particle
size of 80% passing 25 µm, will be cleaned in two parallel rows of four 160 m3 cleaner cells
followed by four 160 m3 scavenger tank-type flotation cells.
The cleaner-scavenger concentrate will be combined with rougher concentrate for regrinding.
Cleaner-scavenger tailings will be combined with rougher tailings and pumped to the tailings
thickeners. The first cleaner concentrate will be pumped to a distributor feeding four 4.5 m
diameter x 14 m high recleaner column cells. Recleaner column tailings will be combined with
primary regrind cyclone overflow and routed to the cleaner/scavengers.
For 85,000 t/d operations, the vertical stirred mill circuit will be duplicated to provide eight
mills for regrinding the combined rougher concentrate and cleaner-scavenger concentrate. The
cleaning circuit for regrind cyclone overflow will be expanded from two to three parallel rows of
eight flotation cells. The circuit for the first cleaner concentrate will be expanded from four to
twelve recleaner columns.
Concentrate Dewatering and Storage
Final concentrate will be thickened to 65% solids in two 20 m diameter, high-rate concentrate
thickeners and stored in an agitated surge tank prior to filtration. When the plant is expanded
for the 85,000 t/d phase, a third thickener and second stock tank will be required. Automatic
pressure filters will reduce the concentrate moisture to less than 9%. Two 108 m2 filters will be
required for 70,000 t/d operation. For the 85,000 t/d operation processing the high-grade Hugo
North ore, these two filters will be converted to 144 m2, and two additional 144 m2 units will be
installed.
Because of the cold winters, the concentrate thickeners and the stock tanks will be enclosed in a
building, with the concentrate filters on a floor above a concrete bunker providing storage for
approximately 10 days of production. Shuttling, reversible conveyors below each filter will
intercept the falling concentrate and distribute it along the length of the bunker.
Concentrate Load-Out
During the initial operations phase, a wheel loader will load the concentrate into trucks for
transport to a railhead in China. During the Phase 1c expansion, rail service will be available at
the mine, and a
rail siding will be routed through the loading point. The filter plant and storage shed will be
enlarged
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to double the storage capacity, and a second loading point will be added. Wheel loaders
will fill the railway cars from the pile below the filters.
Tailings Disposal
Flotation tailings will be thickened to 55% to 65% solids in two 125 m diameter tailings
thickeners. The thickener rakes, designed for winter operation, will be traction driven.
Thickened tailings will be pumped through two tailings lines to a booster pumpstation near the
tailings storage facility (TSF). The tailings lines will follow a graded corridor to allow the
tailings lines to drain into the booster pumpbox if operations are interrupted. Two two-stage
booster pump lines will distribute tailings around the TSF.
Process Water
Process water will be supplied from two ponds at the concentrator, each capable of storing 24
hours requirement. Make-up water will be added to the pond from the raw water supply system to
maintain the inventory. The ponds will collect reclaim water from the thickeners tailings dam,
surplus water from mine dewatering, and runoff from the site drainage containment system.
Raw water from the borefield will be pumped to a tank close to the process plant for use in fire
fighting, cooling, gland seal, column sprays, and other applications where clean water is required.
Grinding Media and Reagents
Grinding balls will be delivered from China and dumped into storage bins at site. Ball feeders
will meter the balls from holding bins onto the SAG mill feed belt, and onto conveyors delivering
balls to the feed chutes of the ball mills. Grinding balls for the lime slaking mill and the
regrind mills will be loaded into buckets and charged to the mills by the bridge cranes.
Flotation reagents will be obtained from international suppliers, generally through Chinese-based
affiliates. Storage will be provided for a six-week supply of unmixed reagents and for a one-day
supply of diluted, mixed reagent. Quicklime will be received in bulk from China and stored in a
silo capable of holding a two-week supply. Quicklime will be slaked as required to maintain a
one-day supply of slurry in holding tanks.
19.7 Concentrate Handling and Shipping
19.7.1 Concentrate Transport to Railhead
Mongolia is land-locked and lacks developed ground transportation infrastructure. Because
smelters within China will be the primary customers for the concentrate, a transportation link
connecting Oyu Tolgoi with the rail system in northern China will be created. Wuyuan, China, was
assumed to be the railhead location for study purposes.
For the first three years of operations, concentrate will be loaded into 40 tonne trucks for
transport to Wuyuan. The operation will be conducted 24 h/d, requiring more than 50 trucks each
day in Year 3. Because the route passes through heavily populated areas, operating procedures will
need to be negotiated with the communities to address safety and environmental concerns.
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By the beginning of the fourth year, the trucking operation will be replaced with rail transport.
A rail line expected to be constructed as part of the development of regional coalfields to the
northwest of Oyu Tolgoi will pass within 40 km of the mine site, en route to northern China. A
spur line will be constructed to the mine site, directly connecting Oyu Tolgoi to the Chinese rail
system. Peak production rates arising from the Phase 2, 140,000 t/d mining schedule reach 2.5
million wmt/a, requiring an average of four trainloads per day. Capital costs for the connecting
spur and the on-site track are included in project costs as part of Phase 1c development. No costs
are included for the rail link between China and the coal fields or for road upgrades required
within China.
19.7.2 Concentrate Transport to Smelters
Pricing for concentrate transport from Wuyuan to smelters was estimated based on concentrate
production information and the likely mix of smelter customers. Potential customers within an
average distance of 1,800 km from site have been identified for approximately 0.5 Mt/a of
concentrate, which represents most of the production for each of the first three years. As
production expands, IMMI anticipates that volumes of between 0.5 and 1 Mt/a would be sold to
Chinese smelters within an average rail distance of 2,300 km from site. Quantities in excess of
1.5 Mt/a would be sold to smelters in Asia, exported through the Chinese port of Tianjin.
The average estimated cost of concentrate transport from Oyu Tolgoi to the smelters varies from
US$38.17/wmt in the early years, when the first leg includes trucking, to as low as $20.15/wmt once
the rail line to site is in place.
19.8 Tailings Management
The design of the tailings storage facility (TSF) is based on testwork conducted by Knight
Piésold. The tailings were classified as predominantly silt-sized with low plasticity. The
settling rate is moderately fast (95% of final settled density within five days), and relatively
high final settled densities are achievable with up to 42% of the initial water volume released as
supernatant.
Geochemical characterization of tailings samples concluded that most of the tailings are non acid
forming (NAF) and only a small proportion is potentially acid forming (PAF). The PAF tailings will
be encapsulated within the NAF tailings in the TSF cells.
19.8.1 TSF Site
The TSF site is lower in elevation than the tailings thickeners and adjacent to the waste rock
storage area. This location minimizes pumping requirements from the thickeners and the costs for
waste rock haulage. Mine waste rock will be the principal construction material for the starter
dam. Because of the low topographical relief at site, a four-sided, bunded impoundment will need
to be constructed. A range of near-surface NAF mine waste materials (clays, sands and gravels,
competent rock) will be available for various uses.
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19.8.2 Facility Description
The initial TSF will be constructed in cells, each consisting of two sub-cells for separate
winter and summer deposition. At the 85,000 t/d production rate, the first cell will be filled in
Year 14. Each cell will have similar underdrainage, decant, and deposition systems.
The natural clay material at the site will be conditioned to form an impermeable base as a natural
liner. The embankment of the starter dam will consist of an upstream low-permeability layer and an
area of structural fill. In subsequent lifts, the inner layer, facing the impoundment, will be
constructed with tailings from the upper beach area. Use of the tailings for construction will be
climate-dependent and will be practical during summer months only, when the material can be
suitably dried, moisture conditioned, and compacted. Mine waste material for the structural fill
will be obtained directly from the open pits up to Year 7 and from stockpiles or local borrow areas
thereafter. The outer layer of rock will provide a durable surface to resist wind erosion.
Seepage through the tailings mass will be intercepted by a series of collector, branch, and finger
drains, which will join to form a basin underdrainage system. The drainage network will be
connected to three concrete sumps at the upstream toe of the main embankment; seepage will be
pumped back into the impoundment.
19.8.3 Facility Operation
Sub-aerial deposition methods will be used for the following reasons:
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The supernatant pond can be as small as practicable to reduce water losses due to
evaporation and seepage. |
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It allows operating flexibility to mitigate dust generation on the tailings surface. |
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It allows full drying of the tailings adjacent to the embankments to prevent
liquefaction and facilitate lift construction. |
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It reduces the extent of saturated beach area and consequently will reduce the
potential for seepage. |
Water from the tailings pond will be reclaimed to the process water ponds. This recovery will be
maximized by using two pumping systems to minimize environmental losses and reduce the amount of
raw water required from external sources.
Three independent tailings pipelines will be installed to ensure that tailings can be discharged
from anywhere around the cell periphery or the central divider embankment and that operations are
not limited by embankment construction.
During winter, tailings will be discharged from single, large-diameter line. A thin sheet of ice
and glaciated tailings will be allowed to develop over otherwise inactive beach areas in each of
the two sub-cells. The sub-cell used for winter deposition will be taken out of service during
spring and allowed to thaw. As much stored water and thawed ice as possible will be pumped back
from the TSF. The supernatant pond will be drawn down to reduce evaporative losses.
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Figure 19-13: General Arrangement of TSF
19.8.4 Facility Closure
The TSF will be developed in a way that suits ongoing rehabilitation and the closure
objectives. The overall embankment slope will be relatively flat, and a waste rock cover will be
placed over the tailings surface to control wind erosion.
After periods of rainfall, water will accumulate within the old tailings pond area. This could
result in the creation of a natural vegetated zone similar to the original topography. The aim
will be to return the final surface of the facility to conditions similar to the existing
environment to the extent practical.
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19.9 Mine and Process Water Supply
19.9.1 Water Supply and Management
Aquaterra Consulting Pty Ltd (Aquaterra) completed a comprehensive assessment of potential raw
water sources to meet the projects total estimated water demand of 650 Mm3 over 40
years for the 70,000 to 85,000 t/d case. The IDP does not consider the use of surface or
subsurface water extracted from the Umdai River because of its intermittent flow and the
potential for impact on users downstream.
Vast reserves of groundwater are stored in nearby sedimentary basins, which are considered to
offer the most cost-effective option for a long-term process water supply. Field
investigations identified three regional aquifers:
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Gunii Hooloi |
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Galbyn Gobi |
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Nariin Zag. |
Of these, the Gunii Hooloi aquifer was selected as the priority for development, based on supply
capacity, economics, and environmental impact. The Galbyn Gobi system has potential as a
supplemental supply, while the Nariin Zag system proved to be insufficient.
The groundwater resource at Gunii Hooloi has the capacity to supply the long-term demand
requirements of the mine for a production rate of 70,000 to 85,000 t/d. When a second grinding
line is installed in the future 140,000 t/d production scenario, then other water sources will need
to be investigated, including the Galbyn Gobi aquifer.
A site-wide water balance was prepared for the nominal plant production rate of 70,000 to 85,000
t/d over a 40-year mine life. Considering maximum recovery of water from the tailings supernatant
pond for process use, yearly average and seasonal peak raw water demands were calculated to be
1,865 m3/h (518 L/s) and 2,624 m3/h (729 L/s), respectively. The seasonal peak demand occurs in
the winter, primarily because the tailings ponds will be frozen and water will not be reclaimed to
the process plant until spring thaw.
A water balance at the design maximum production rate, defined as 15% above the instantaneous
design rate at 70,000 to 85,000 t/d, was also produced. Peak demand in this case is estimated to
be 3,179 m3/h (883 L/s). This rate was used as the design maximum flow for the raw water supply
pipeline system for continuous but short periods of operation.
19.9.2 Borefield Water Supply System
The initial borefield development will consist of 48 production bores, 28 of which will be
adequate for average demand and the other 20 to meet short-term peaks in demand. Multi-stage,
fixed-speed submersible pumps will be installed in all bores.
The water will be pumped to a raw water tank at the central plant facilities through a steel
pipeline arranged with two booster pumpstations en route. The pipeline will be buried at a depth
of 2.2 m, below the soil freeze/thaw active layer. Each booster station will be equipped with
three variable-
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speed, vertical turbine pumps (two operating, one standby), connected in parallel, to meet the
fluctuating demand.
Telemetry between the raw water tank, the booster stations, and the bore pumps will control the
system. The bore pumps will be cycled on and off as required to control the level in the raw water
tank and to minimize any drawdown effects at each bore.
Environmental Impacts of Borefield Operation
Depth to groundwater level over the Gunii Hooloi system is more than 35 m, whereas the limited
vegetation that exists in the area has a maximum estimated root depth of 10 m. As such, the
vegetation does not depend on the aquifer. In localized areas vegetation may rely on water in
streambeds, but these are not expected to be affected by borefield extraction.
Figure 19-14: Basement Topography Gunii Hooloi North East
19.9.3 Camp and Construction Water Supply
During the construction period, water supply for the camp and construction activities will be
developed from sources as close as practical to the Oyu Tolgoi site. Existing sources located on
site will be adequate initially, but other sources will be required as the workforce construction
activities and resulting demand increases. For a period during construction, it may be necessary
to develop a small number of the bores in the southwest section of the Gunii Hooloi basin and to
transport this water to site by tanker truck until the borefield pipeline is operational.
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19.9.4 Mine Dewatering
Aquaterra studied the dewatering requirements and impacts associated with the mining
developments. A numerical flow model was used to predict inflow into the open pits and the
underground mine workings and was also used in conjunction with an analytical model to assess the
post-mining pit water balance and water recovery levels. The combined mine dewatering rates from
the open pits and Hugo North are predicted to rise to a peak of approximately 125 L/s after four
years, remain above 100 L/s until year 11, and then gradually drop to approximately 60 L/s at the
end of mining. Under the 140,000 t/d case, the peak is estimated to be 140 L/s.
During the period of underground mining, groundwater levels are estimated to drop to the base of
open pits and to depths of 150 m below surface in the area above the underground mining. This
drawdown extends out to a maximum of 5 km from the mine site.
After mining, the underground mines will flood, but evaporative losses from the open pits will
cause a long-term zone of drawdown approximately 300 m deep at the Southwest pit, extending out
nearly 4 km. Water levels north of the open pits will recover substantially because of the
underground mine flooding, but it will take at least 300 years for steady-state conditions to
develop.
Environmental Effects Related to Dewatering
Mine dewatering together with post-mining evaporative losses will result in the development of a
groundwater sink below regional static water levels in the pit areas. Under quasi-steady-state
conditions after mining, groundwater gradients around Oyu Tolgoi will trend toward the pits. This
will potentially mitigate possible effects on groundwater quality from any contaminants released in
runoff or seepage from the decommissioned facilities. With the exception of part of the TSF, most
of the mine infrastructure falls within the anticipated cone of depression at the end of mining,
and any water-borne contaminants will be captured by the prevailing flow patterns towards the pits.
The degree of capture will depend on the status of the pit at the particular time, i.e., less
capacity in the early years. Subsequent evaporation will prevent the dispersion of these waters.
The only groundwater-dependent vegetation identified within 10 km of Oyu Tolgoi is elm trees
adjacent to or in streambeds. The end-of-mining drawdown contours extend to these areas, but on
closure, when groundwater recharge resumes, the trees will be outside any drawdown zone. After
rainfall events, the local streams receive considerable runoff, and the trees are expected to have
adequate water supply throughout mine operations.
19.10 Electrical Power Requirement and Supply
The projected electrical power load profile for Oyu Tolgoi is illustrated below. At the
initial production rate of 70,000 t/d, average 15-minute power demand will be approximately 130 MW.
This will increase to approximately 200 MW when the production rate increases to 85,000 t/d during
the fourth year of operation.
Initial investigations to assess various options for the supply of power to Oyu Tolgoi began as
early as mid-2002. Three primary options were identified:
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obtaining power from the Mongolian Central Electricity System (CES) located
approximately 560 km to the north of Oyu Tolgoi |
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obtaining power from the Inner Mongolian (China) grid approximately 100 km to the south
at its closest point |
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generating power at or near Oyu Tolgoi fuelled by local coal resources. |
Studies of these options by recognized independent consultants and engineering firms Teshmont and
Fluor (power plant pre-feasibility study) have reached the following conclusions:
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Considering the current load resource balance, the condition of existing generation
equipment, and the significant load of the region, CES will require additional generation
capacity in the future. |
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The cost of construction for a dual-circuit 220 kV transmission line from the CES to
the project site is in the range of $150 million to $200 million. There is no apparent,
readily available funding available to the CES for this construction. There is a
substantial risk that the line will not be operational in time to meet the needs of the
Oyu Tolgoi project. |
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Substantial and reliable power appears to be readily available from Inner Mongolia
(China) and can be obtained in a timely manner. |
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The construction of coal-fired power plants in the vicinity of Oyu Tolgoi is both
technically and economically feasible. |
The most cost-effective and reliable power supply for Oyu Tolgoi is considered to be the
combination of a coal-fired power station at the Tavan Tolgoi coal property 140 km northwest of the
site, in conjunction with a 220 kV transmission line connection to the substantial power grid in
Inner Mongolia. Connection to the Chinese grid would allow Oyu Tolgoi to start up on schedule,
provide IMMI and the Mongolian government early access to revenue, provide a long-term solution for
power supply stability, and act as a source of backup power.
Given these conclusions, the IDP is based on power being provided by the equivalent of an
independent power producer (IPP) through the construction of coal-fired power plants at Tavan
Tolgoi. These units would initially be operated to provide power solely for Oyu Tolgoi and the
coal mine at Tavan Tolgoi but, over time, as the need for additional power within the southern Gobi
region develops and additional power generating stations are constructed, the plants will function
more as a utility, with Oyu Tolgoi being a significant customer.
Assuming that an IPP or utility would require similar returns on its investment, IMMI developed a
financial model having tax and depreciation parameters consistent with the projects economic model
and a rate of return of 10%. From this model, the price of electricity is estimated to be
US$0.0426/kWh.
It is important to note that the Mongolian government is not in full agreement with the conclusions
of the studies performed for IMMI and continues to assert that the CES can reliably provide both
short-term and long-term power requirements of Oyu Tolgoi. Consequently, approval has not been
received to import power from Inner Mongolia, and discussions between IMMI and the Mongolian
government continue.
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Integrated Development Plan Technical Report Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Figure 19-15: Electrical Power Load Profile
In addition, the Government of Mongolia, other internationally recognized consultants, and IMMI
have agreed to perform further studies that will more intimately involve members from Mongolias
National Dispatch Centre (NDC) and the Mongolian government. These studies commenced in early June
and are expected to be completed in late September 2005.
On the basis of ongoing discussions, the IDP is based on the assumption that this issue will be
resolved to the benefit of the southern Gobi region and the Oyu Tolgoi project. Despite the
advantages of connection to the Chinese power grid, engineering studies have shown that reliable
and economic power can be achieved through the construction of stand-alone, coal-fired power plants
at Tavan Tolgoi or other Gobi coal properties.
Expansion to 140,000 t/d If the Hugo Dummett resource achieves reserve status, Oyu Tolgoi will be
one of the largest underground mines in the world. Present strategy anticipates a significant
expansion of the mining and processing operation from 85,000 t/d to more than 140,000 t/d around
Year 8 of production. As a result of this expansion, electric power demand will increase from
approximately 200 MW to 350 MW. This demand will be met through the further development of
coal-fired power plants at either Tavan Tolgoi or another Gobi coal property in proximity to Oyu
Tolgoi.
19.11 Other Infrastructure and Facilities
19.11.1 Plant Site
The selected plant site is close to the open pit and underground mines and provides a compact,
cost-effective layout. The site is generally flat, with some relief to about 6 m height, and
includes a
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Integrated Development Plan Technical Report Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
bedrock plateau where the SAG and ball mills will be founded. The ancillary buildings
will be founded on gravel/alluvial type deposits. All facilities are located beyond the
underground mine subsidence zone outline, as estimated by McIntosh Engineering.
To prepare the building site foundations, topsoil will be removed and stockpiled, followed by
cut-and-fill levelling as required. Approximately 1.5 Mm3 of additional fill from
selected borrow pits is required to form elevated pads for the thickener, process water ponds, and
the coarse ore stockpile.
19.11.2 River Diversion
The existing Umdai River channel runs through the future open pits. Subsurface flow in the
river channel is constant, but surface flow is sporadic, occurring only after heavy rainfall. The
river must be diverted to prevent the mining hazard represented by water inflows to the pit and to
ensure continued supply to downstream users. A dam and diversion channel will be constructed and
the submerged flow diverted through a buried pipe arrangement. Surface floodwater will be diverted
via the diversion channel to the parallel tributary. Both flows will return to the Umdai River
downstream of the site.
Because the near-surface water in the river flows in a perched water table, separated from the
underlying groundwater table, the river flow is not expected to be affected by the drawdown
associated with mine dewatering.
19.11.3 Roads
Knight Piésold and IMMI conducted a reconnaissance of several road routes from the site to the
Mongolia-China border. The route selected for the project traverses approximately 95 km southeast
from the project site, generally following an existing track to Gashuun Sukhait, the border post on
the Mongolian side, and Ganqimaodao, on the Chinese side
This road will be constructed with a gravel sub-bed, using borrow materials from local sources, and
have an 8 m wide sealed running surface and 1 m wide shoulders. The design will suit construction
requirements and maximum 40 tonne payload truck-trailers or trucks to transport ore concentrate to
China. Costs for improving this road are included in the capital cost estimate for the Oyu Tolgoi
project, although there may be an opportunity for the road to be constructed with international
development funds.
A number of on- and off-site gravel roads will be constructed to access the raw water borefield,
tailings dam, accommodation village, airstrip, and mines.
South of the Mongolia-China border, the existing road to Wuyuan, the proposed location of the
railhead facility, will be upgraded; this represents a total distance of approximately 260 km.
Only short sections of the existing road are suitable for the large volume of construction traffic
to site and the concentrate truck transport operation in the early years. The route passes through
heavily populated areas north of Wuyuan but connects to a recently improved road that bypasses
Wuyuan itself and connects to the railhead. The final decision on routing and IMMIs capital
contribution to road-building will depend on consultation and negotiation with local authorities in
northern China. Currently, no costs are included in project estimates for upgrading or maintaining
roads within China.
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19.12 On-Site Support Buildings, Structures and Facilities
Warehouse
The main site warehouse will provide heated, covered storage for equipment spares and
weather-sensitive materials, as well as office space for warehouse personnel. Adjacent external
storage areas will include a concrete-surfaced pad and yards for bulk materials that do not require
protected storage. All external yards will be surrounded by security fencing.
Truckshop Complex
The truckshop complex will consist of two self-contained, structural steel buildings, the main one
for service bays, warehousing, and offices, and the second for lube storage. In the main building,
space is provided for integrated service bays for heavy and light vehicles as well as other
maintenance and repair shops and facilities. The warehouse space will include ground floor and
mezzanine storage. Offices for mine operations, administration, mine management, engineering,
safety, training, and a lunchroom will be allocated on the second and third floors.
In preliminary discussions with equipment maintenance contractors, there is an option to include
construction of the truckshop in the scope of the MARC (maintenance and repair contract). This
will be further evaluated prior to award of the contract; however, capital has been provided in the
IDP for the construction of this facility.
Explosives Magazine and Emulsion Mixing Plant
The magazine and emulsion mixing facilities will be constructed and operated by a contractor.
Facilities will consist of fuel oil storage tanks, an ammonium nitrate storage area, a detonator
storage area, and an emulsion mixing plant. The project capital estimate includes the provision of
services for the facility, but not for construction of the facility itself.
Accommodation Village
The permanent accommodation facilities will be arranged as a village at the foot of the low hills
that rise at the north boundary of the lease. The buildings will be constructed from modules
manufactured off site. Facilities will include the following:
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dormitories |
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kitchen and associated food storage and preparation facilities |
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local style and Western style mess |
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wet mess |
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laundry and associated room-cleaning facilities |
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village administration and recreation facilities |
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shop, including post office and public phones |
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first aid facility |
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occupational health testing facility. |
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Figure 19-16: General Site Plan
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Integrated Development Plan Technical Report Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
The village will be constructed in phases and will be utilized for both construction and
operations. Initial facilities to house construction management and general service contractor
personnel during construction will house 1,500. As production commences and production personnel
replace construction personnel, the village will be expanded to house 500 additional general
employees, bringing the total population of the village to 2,000. The village will be refurbished
for operations occupancy after the construction phase of the project.
Security Facilities
The site will have two manned guardhouse gates and a perimeter fence to enhance safety and security
of personnel and property, to prevent animals from wandering onto the site, and to protect native
fauna.
Airstrip
The airstrip design is based on specifications derived from the International Civil Aviation
Organisations (ICAO) and will be suitable for Lockheed C130 and Fokker F50 aircraft. A single
gravel-surface strip will be constructed southwest of the process plant.
The terminal building will be 12 m wide x 25 m long and will include an entry area with a check-in
counter, security check-point with bag x-ray and personnel metal detector, a departure lounge sized
for 50 persons, and male and female washrooms.
No facilities will be provided for fuel storage or airplane refuelling.
Power Distribution
On-site facilities will be supplied by a 35 kV distribution system through radial feeders
originating at a 220 kV main substation and routed through underground cables or overhead power
lines. The following voltages will be utilized for systems and equipment:
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35 kV for the plant site power distribution system and the primary feeders to the
converter transformers for the gearless mill drives |
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3.3 kV for large motors above 200 kW rating |
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10.5 kV and 3.3 kV for the underground mining power distribution systems |
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690 V for process equipment rated less than 200 kW |
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380/220 V, three phase and single phase, for lighting and small power loads. |
Heating
The site facilities will be heated by coal-fired boilers burning coal available in the vicinity of
the site. Two central boiler plants, one at the process plant and the other at the accommodation
village, will provide building heating by means of glycol circulation to air-handling and heating
units. A third boiler plant will be constructed to provide heated ventilation air to the
underground Hugo North mine; this system will be expanded as the mine develops. All remote small
buildings and modules will be provided with electric heating.
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Emergency Power
Emergency power will be provided by diesel-fuelled generating sets, installed in the following locations:
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process plant (four 1.5 MW diesel generators for a total of 6 MW capacity) |
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tailings pumphouse (one 1.5 MW diesel generator) |
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truckshop facilities and boiler house (one 750 kW diesel generator) |
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accommodation village (four 750 kW diesel generators for a total of 3 MW capacity) |
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airstrip (one 150 kW diesel generator). |
In the event of a utility power failure, the emergency power generators will start automatically,
providing power to the essential loads such as lighting, heating, and communication systems in
buildings, and to emergency loads for selected process equipment in the process plant to ensure
orderly shutdown and permit plant maintenance activities.
Communications
A communications network will be established based on satellite technology and wireless
communication for voice, fax, Internet, and PC network traffic. The communications and IT
infrastructure will consist of satellite link, PABX, Ethernet LAN, IT servers, desktop computers,
UPS system, copper and fibre cabling, and site VHF radio system. VSAT (very small aperture
terminal) satellite equipment on site will consist of satellite antenna, transceiver, modem, and
bandwidth manager. Ethernet LAN points will be provided in all offices, stores, and workshops. A
trunked repeater system will provide the infrastructure to enable VHF and mobile radio sets to
communicate around the site.
System security will be achieved by a centralized access control server with a network intrusion
detection system and VPN (virtual private network) concentrator. Voice communications will be
based on an IP network using wide area network (WAN) links, which will result in lower operating
costs.
Fuel and Coal Supply
Diesel fuel will be stored in a central fuel storage depot supplied and operated by the diesel fuel
supplier under contract. The facility will consist of a lined and bunded tank farm with two tanks,
each of 2 ML capacity, located south of the truckshop.
Coal will be required for the boilers used to heat the process plant, accommodation area buildings,
and underground mine. Coal will be delivered to site, dumped, and pushed by bulldozer into
stockpiles adjacent to the heating units. Initial delivery will be by truck, but rail transport is
anticipated in the future. During the initial years of open pit mining, annual diesel fuel
consumption will reach approximately 50.0 ML/a. Coal consumption is estimated at 12,000 t/a
initially, increasing to 20,000 t/a when Hugo North is in full production.
Water Systems
Raw water will be pumped approximately 70 km from the Gunii Hooloi borefield to the raw water tank
adjacent to the process water ponds. From the tank, water will be distributed by underground
pipelines to the process water ponds, the process plant, and the potable water treatment plant. As
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the underground mine is developed, raw water will be supplied to a tank at the shaft farm through a
line routed along the overland conveyor. Excess inflow water from the open pit and the underground
mine will be pumped to the process water ponds. Raw water for potable use will be treated in a
suitable plant near the concentrator and be distributed to the various facilities.
The raw water tank, primary crusher raw water tank, and potable water tank at the accommodation
village will each have a reserve of fire water in the lower portion of the tank that will be drawn
from below the primary water nozzles. The fire-fighting reserve in each tank will meet a two-hour
demand of 340 m 3/h.
Sewage Treatment and Waste Disposal
A modular sewage treatment plant will be provided midway between the accommodations village and the
process plant area. The plant will be a two-train system, each train having a treatment capacity
for the requirements of 1,000 people. Sludge from the plant will be dried and buried, and
wastewater will be pumped to the tailings storage facility.
Recyclable wastes, including waste oils, will be collected on site before being removed.
Non-recyclable wastes will be disposed of in a sanitary landfill.
19.12.1 Off-Site Facilities
Railhead and Associated Facilities
The IDP is based on trucking concentrate to storage facilities at a railhead facility in Wuyuan,
China, for the first years of operation. The facility, to be owned and operated by IMMI and
included in the cost estimates, will have the capacity for a minimum of 10 days of storage at an
annual concentrate production rate of 450,000 t/a. The design of this facility will be reviewed
during the basic engineering phase of the project to evaluate options such as the use of an
existing facility or acquiring space on a lease basis.
Off-Site Administration
A regional office will be established at a major city in China for the following operations functions:
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concentrate marketing and sales |
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concentrate transport logistics |
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procurement and logistics. |
The existing office in Ulaanbaatar will be modified to include offices for personnel involved in
the following activities:
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government relations |
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legal support |
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travel coordination |
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human resources |
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translation. |
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Integrated Development Plan Technical Report Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
It is envisaged that Dalanzadgad, northwest of the project site, will be the main regional centre
for recruitment of semi-skilled and unskilled personnel, as well as some skilled and professional
employees. Khanbogd is the community closest to the site and will be another source of personnel.
Funds have been allocated in the operating budget to support the following activities, which will
be supported from site or by establishing facilities in these communities:
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provincial government relations |
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recruiting |
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workforce training and education. |
19.12.2 Project Implementation
Successful development of the initial phase of the project (Phase 1a) will involve the
implementation of a plan for the concurrent management of at least three major project
componentsopen pit, concentrator & infrastructure; underground development; and power supply
(refer to Level l project schedule presented earlier in project overview).
After the initial development phase, a near-continuous program of phased studies and associated
development/construction efforts will be required over a period of 12 years to achieve the possible
mining and processing rate of 140,000 t/d (Phase 2).
The execution strategy recognizes several key factors:
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No new technology is proposed for the process plant. |
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Project management and engineering firms exist that are experienced with the proposed
technology, but no local contractor has experience with a development of this size or
complexity in Mongolia. |
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Certain governmental and commercial negotiations are outstanding. |
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Regulations, permitting, and taxation issues in Mongolia may be subject to ongoing
negotiation and adjustment. |
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Benefits arising from the project are to be maximized in favour of Mongolia and the
Mongolian people. |
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The Mongolian construction labour force is of modest size and has not participated in a
mining development of this size or complexity. |
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The site is located near China, which has a large, skilled workforce and an industrial
manufacturing sector experienced in major modern mining developments. |
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Mongolia is landlocked without direct access to tide water. China has well-developed
infrastructure from the coast to within 80 km of the site. |
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Advancement of the underground development will enhance project economics. |
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Long-lead procurement items associated with the process plant will need to be ordered
early to satisfy the construction schedule. |
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EPCM contractors and suppliers for the metals mining industry are currently in high
demand. |
To meet the diverse and extensive management for the development, a Western contractor with
significant experience in mining and in Asia will be appointed to lead a Program Management
Organization (PMO) as part of an integrated team with IMMI. This team will have overall
responsibility for directing and coordinating the major project components.
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The PMO will manage the various principal contractors associated with the process plant and
infrastructure development from a base in Beijing or another location within China. Concurrently,
the PMO will manage the underground mining development work associated with the advancement of the
two shafts at Hugo North, the power supply initiative, and project-related off-site developments.
A key component of the execution plan is to maximize opportunities for Mongolia while also
maximizing Chinese value. Chinese value will be captured by involving experienced Chinese
contractors in construction of major components of the processing plant, some on-site
infrastructure, and shaft sinking. Chinese manufacturers are expected to supply many of the bulk
materials and some equipment. To realize the benefits in these high-value areas, it is anticipated
that Chinese Design Institutes (CDIs) will complete much of the detailed design. This approach
reflects recent experience in China where Western expectations of quality and schedule performance
have been met to the satisfaction of major international clients.
The principal contract packages for the combined open pit, concentrator, and infrastructure are as
follows:
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PMO Services (international firm) |
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Basic Engineering process and on-site infrastructure, including procurement of
off-shore open pit equipment (international firm) |
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Detailed Engineering process and on-site infrastructure (CDI in China) |
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Basic Engineering utilities and off-site infrastructure (international / China) |
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Detailed Engineering utilities and off-site infrastructure done as E, EP, or EPC (CDI
or Mongolian firm) |
Further plans for construction execution are summarized below:
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Procurement of key process equipment will be carried out by the PMO. With the buoyant
mining industry, some delivery times of 75 or 80 weeks have been quoted. Purchase orders
for this equipment will therefore require early attention. |
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Construction contracts will be a combination of unit price/lump sum and direct hire.
The heavy industrial work will be tendered to major Chinese firms and components of
infrastructure to Mongolian contractors; the site services activities will be performed by
direct-hire Mongolian labour. |
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Chinese and Mongolian contractors with larger workforces will be required to provide
their own camps, while all other site workers will be housed in an Owner-provided camp. |
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Logistics and transportation studies have concluded that equipment and supplies
procured from off shore will be received at the Chinese port of Tianjin. These goods and
Chinese-manufactured materials will be sent to a consolidation yard, then be transshipped
to site by road or rail. |
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Off-shore shipments will be transported under bond, and all receiving, consolidation,
and custom-clearance activities will be conducted by a freight-forwarding contractor. |
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The preferred road route from Tianjin to site is by way of the Inner Mongolian town of
Ganqimaodao at the China-Mongolia border. |
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Currently, this border crossing is open only intermittently. The IDP assumes that the
border will be opened full time in the near future. |
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Importation of equipment and materials is currently subject to Mongolian duties and
taxes. It is anticipated that the Special Stability Agreement being negotiated with the
Mongolian government will reduce many of these obligations. Certain activities in China
may also result in tax or duty exposure. Certain duties and taxes can be avoided or
mitigated by structuring appropriate corporate and contracting relationships. The cost of
duties and tax is excluded in the capital cost estimate. |
The execution plan presented here does not address the expansion to 140,000 t/d. Although the
strategies and approaches outlined for Phase 1a are expected to remain essentially the same, the
Mongolian workforce is expected to be more effective and regional infrastructure more developed
when in-depth planning for Phase 2 begins.
Figure 19-17: Tianjin to Oyu Tolgoi Road Routes
Schedule
Development
of the open pit, concentrator, and infrastructure will be completed over a 33-month
period following project approval.
The early activities include basic engineering for the process plant, construction of temporary
services, and placement of long-lead equipment orders for process plant and major mine mobile
equipment. Mining activities are scheduled for the final 16 months of construction and include
training.
Based on recent experience in mine developments executed in remote locations, the schedule is
reasonable and achievable, although full cooperation of Mongolian and Chinese authorities will be
necessary to expedite the transportation of equipment and supplies and to accommodate the joint
Mongolian and Chinese workforce.
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Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
19.13 Operating Plan
19.13.1 Personnel Organization
Mine management and administration functions will be centralized at the site. Off-site
offices will be set up at Ulaanbataar for government relations, at Dalanzadgad for hiring and
regional government affairs, and at a major centre in China for procurement, marketing, and other
Chinese business matters. Initial staffing will include a combination of expatriates and
Mongolians.
The number of expatriates will be relatively large at the beginning but will eventually be similar
to levels at world-scale operations in developing countries run by Western companies. Expatriates
will fill senior management roles. These individuals will be among the leaders in their fields of
expertise and will have hands-on experience from other major mines. Other expatriate personnel
with specific technical expertise will assist in training and in implementing operational
procedures in the early years of the operation. Their goal will be to bring the Mongolian
workforce to skill and knowledge levels that permit them to replace most of the initial
expatriates.
Table 19-4: Initial Operations Work Force
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Number of |
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Total |
Year |
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Expatriates |
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Employees |
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1 |
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78 |
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880 |
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4 |
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43 |
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1,095 |
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8 |
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12 |
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1,185 |
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12 |
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7 |
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1,187 |
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Mongolian-based professional staff and approximately 50% of other non-expatriate staff are
expected to live in Ulaanbataar and the rest in Dalanzadgad or other centres in the Gobi.
Accommodation facilities will be provided at the mine site for employees on rotational work
schedules. While on site:
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Most employees will work 12-hour shifts |
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Senior managers will work 5 days, then be returned to Ulaanbaatar |
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Expatriates will work 6 weeks, then be returned to their country of hire for 2 weeks |
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Mongolian nationals will work 14 days followed by 7 days at home. |
Mongolian Workforce
IMMI has been carrying out exploration activities in Mongolia for more than four years and has
developed considerable knowledge of the available skills and applicable wage rates. Supplemental
data have also been provided by other companies operating in the country.
The level of education in Mongolia is comparable to that in many Western countries, with almost
universal literacy and a high participation rate in tertiary education. However, Mongolian
exposure to the particular technical and trades skills that will be required for the Oyu Tolgoi
operation has been limited. Although another large mine is in operation in northern Mongolia
(Erdenet), technology and working methods are not consistent with those envisaged for Oyu Tolgoi.
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Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
IMMI plans to establish significant training resources and facilities. IMMIs objective is to
maximize Mongolian employment levels and to have a 90% national workforce by the fifth year of
operation.
19.13.2 Fuel Supply
Diesel fuel will be used for the mobile equipment associated with open pit mining and, to a
lesser extent, underground mining. There are no oil refineries in Mongolia; supply is expected to
be from Russia.
Facilities on site will be heated by coal-fired boilers. The coal will be sourced regionally from
the large nearby coalfields in Mongolia.
Other fuels, such as gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas, will only be used where diesel or coal
are impractical.
19.13.3 Power Supply
For the first five years of operation, it is anticipated that power will be obtained from the
Inner Mongolian grid. Thereafter, power is expected to be supplied from a coal-fired power station
built at Tavan Tolgoi or other Gobi coal field. The point of power purchase will be at the site
substations at a cost of $0.0426/kWh.
19.13.4 Operating Consumables
Grinding media, bulk chemicals such as lime and flotation reagents, and most maintenance
supplies will be obtained from China. Exceptions are certain proprietary collectors and specialty
spare parts for process equipment. Supplies and stores will be marshalled at a yard in China and
forwarded to the site.
Adequate warehousing will be maintained at Oyu Tolgoi for spare parts and supplies. The MARC
contractor responsible for mine mobile equipment maintenance will maintain a stock of spares for
the open pit mine equipment.
19.13.5 Maintenance Contracts
Oyu Tolgoi will undertake most maintenance with its own workforce. Exceptions are the mine
mobile equipment fleet, which, as noted, will be maintained by a MARC contractor, and mill
relining, which will be performed by contract crews for the first five years of operation. After
this time, the relining will be done by Oyu Tolgoi personnel.
19.13.6 Analytical Services
Assays for concentrator control, mine grade control, metallurgical accounting, and shipments
will be done in a laboratory on site at the process facilities. Most environmental analysis work
will be performed in Ulaanbataar.
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19.14 Socio-Political Assessment
Socio-political assessment for the project has included the collection of baseline data on
communities with direct historic, economic, and cultural links to the project site and surrounding
area, and on other communities most likely to be influenced by project activities. In addition,
traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) has been gathered in conversations with nomadic herder
families.
Information used for impact assessment was drawn from a wide variety of sources, including field
surveys, personal interviews, community consultation, existing records for the area, and desktop
studies. The economic studies relied heavily on econometric models of the national and regional
economies.
19.14.1 Effects on Local Communities
The main socioeconomic effects of the Oyu Tolgoi project on local communities are expected to be:
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provision of direct employment at the mine |
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improved opportunities for employment in secondary sectors |
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higher fiscal revenue |
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infrastructure development |
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work-related training |
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a better quality of life overall. |
Induced impacts on local residents from environmental change may occur in the areas of local water
supplies, grazing land, air quality, and noise levels. IMMI has implemented a residential
exclusion zone surrounding the project site and is assisting with the relocation of herders who
have customarily used this area for traditional activities.
19.14.2 Effects on National Economy
IMMI commissioned three socioeconomic and macroeconomic studies on the impact of the Oyu
Tolgoi project on Mongolia. These studies were prepared in 2004 and reflect earlier project data.
In mid-2005, IMMI commissioned a new report to assess the socioeconomic impact on Mongolia of the
IDP expanded case (nominal 140,000 t/d) for the project.
The mine is expected to have significant, long-lasting, and net positive effects on the economy of
Mongolia in terms of investment expenditures, exports, and jobs. The project is also expected to
help Mongolia expand its industrial and manufacturing sectors and to bring job-intensive
diversification to an economy that is currently dominated by agricultural production.
More than 10,000 person-years of construction employment and 38,000 person-years of total
employment will be generated. IMMI aims to have a 90% Mongolian national workforce by the fifth
year of operation.
Over the life of the mine, the average increase in the number of jobs created in Mongolia is
forecast to be 10.3% per year. It is assumed that sufficient workers are available in Mongolia to
meet the
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operational needs of the project, including indirect employment. The largest effects will
not be seen in the mining industry, but rather in other support industries that are currently
under-utilized.
The real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Mongolia is forecast to increase by approximately 34.3%
from 2002 to 2043. In addition, the project will dominate national economic performance during its
lifetime. Correspondingly, variations in mine production will affect overall economic conditions
in the country over time. Fiscal effects are indicated by the cumulative difference in the
government sectors current revenues. The increase from base case revenues is projected to US$7.9
billion over the life of the mine, potentially producing a substantial cumulative reduction in
government debt. Corporate taxes show the largest increase over the project period.
Other economic effects include changes to physical infrastructure and human resource capabilities.
Regional infrastructure will be improved with new road and railway transportation links and a new
electricity generating station and power transmission lines.
IMMI will also be undertaking training and capacity-building activities on a national scale to
assist with efforts to reach its employment target for Mongolian nationals on the project and in
support of its broader social responsibilities.
From the report published in August 2005, the impacts of the expanded case are summarized below.
Table
19-5: Project Impacts (2002 2043) Expanded Case
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Average |
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Cumulative |
Economic Factor |
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% Increase |
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Increase |
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Real GDP |
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34.3 |
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Consumer expenditures |
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9.3 |
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Exports |
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71.6 |
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Imports |
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44.2 |
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Net exports (US$1995 billions) |
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11.2 |
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Employment |
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10.3 |
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Labour force participation rate (avg) |
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5.8 |
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Real per capita disposable income |
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11.5 |
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Government operating balance excluding debt
payments (US$2005 billions) |
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7.85 |
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Figure
19-18:Impact on Government Revenues (Tg 2005 billions) Expanded Case
19.15 Safety, Health and Environment
Occupational Health and Safety Standards
IMMI policy insists on, and the company is dedicated to, implementing a comprehensive health and
safety program that meets or exceeds mining industry standards for best practice. The project will
be executed under local, international, and IMMI guidelines and standards for occupational health
and safety. To create and maintain a safe and healthy working environment, IMMI will implement a
comprehensive Health & Safety Management System (HSMS) that:
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provides a framework for continually improving overall health and safety performance |
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is appropriate for IMMI operations |
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integrates with other systems and core functions |
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assists IMMI in managing its legal obligations |
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meets the requirements of the Ivanhoe Mines Health and Safety Policy |
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outlines the requirements of the site-specific Health & Safety Management Program. |
The HSMS will be based on the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4801:2001, Occupational Safety
and Health Management Systems, General Guidelines on Principles, Systems and Supporting Techniques,
and will incorporate the following five principles from the standard:
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commitment and policy |
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planning |
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implementation |
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measurement and evaluation |
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review and improvement. |
IMMI has reviewed the existing Mongolian mine safety legislation and identified no significant
compliance or operational constraints. For future considerations, where Mongolian regulations do
not
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meet these international standards, other regulations, specifically Canadian or Australian,
will be adopted. The HSMS meets the standards prescribed by the international safety standard
OSHAS 18001.
Management of Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, evacuation, or other serious emergency, the site Emergency Management
Team (EMT) will initiate an appropriate response to safeguard life and minimize damage to the
environment, property, and equipment.
19.16 Environmental Assessment and Management
IMMI has stated that it is committed to the implementation of ISO-14001 for the Oyu Tolgoi
project.
Extensive baseline data have been gathered and plans developed to assess the potential impacts of
the Oyu Tolgoi project on the bio-physical and social environment in the south-central region of
Mongolia. Work to date also includes preliminary environmental risk assessment, proposed
mitigation, protection, and monitoring plans, and the identification of areas where work is
incomplete or outstanding. The available information covers three broad project components:
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access road and powerline corridor from site to the Mongolia-China border at Gashaan
Sukhait (access road corridor) |
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groundwater resource use from the Gunii Hooloi and Galbyn Gobi regional aquifers
(aquifer locations and water supply corridor) |
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Oyu Tolgoi project mine licence area. |
The access road corridor from the Mongolia-China border to Wuyuan in China, the destination for
mine concentrate and location of the rail head for the first three years of operation, has not been
addressed in terms of environmental baseline conditions and impact assessment.
Regulatory Framework
The Mongolian Ministry for Nature and Environment (MNE) is responsible for environmental
legislation and approvals for new projects in the country. The primary legislative instrument is
the Law of Mongolia on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (2001).
Mining projects must produce project documents for screening before obtaining a licence for mineral
use. After negotiations between MNE and IMMI in 2002, preliminary project concepts were submitted
to MNE in February 2003, including baseline environmental data produced by Mongolian consultants
licenced for undertaking EIA under Article 9 of the Law on EIA. On review of this information, the
MNE screening committee established formal guidelines for the Oyu Tolgoi EIA in March 2003. The
MNE screening guidelines for the project were originally valid until the end of the first quarter
of 2004 and have since been extended to 15 October 2005.
The EIA for the project is being completed in three stagesaccess road corridor, aquifer locations
and water-supply corridor, and mine licence areathat reflect the current status of project
planning and development. The EIA for the access road corridor from Oyu Tolgoi to Gashuun Sukhait
was completed in April 2004 and approved by the MNE in May 2004. The second document on
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groundwater resource use was submitted 22 June 2005. The last, covering the mine licence, will be
submitted during the second half of 2005.
An annual environmental report must be produced during project construction and operation,
providing details of environmental management and monitoring activities in accordance with the
plans and approved programs. An environmental bond equivalent to 50% of the annual budget to meet
environmental management plan obligations must be deposited in a bond account with the Soum (local
government) authority.
19.16.1 Existing Environment
Topography
The access road corridor, aquifer and water supply corridor, and mine licence areas are situated
within the Galbyn Gobi, one of 33 Mongolian Gobi deserts. The Galbyn Gobi is a broad, flat
valley at the lowest altitude in the country (860 to 1,075 m) surrounded by mountains up to 1,351
masl. Project-related impacts on topography are subject to current assessments of the project area
layout. Detail design will focus on minimizing the footprint of project components as well as
following best practices during development and reclamation of the waste rock stockpiles, tailings
impoundment, mine facilities, and linear structures. Within the water resource area, groundwater
extraction will be managed to minimize the potential for surface subsidence.
Climate and Air Quality
IMMI is currently monitoring climatic conditions at several locations in the region. Further
long-term monitoring is required to complete air quality modelling. Baseline assessments of the
air quality in the mine licence area were carried out in July 2002. Additional meteorological and
air quality monitoring is required in this area and along the access road corridor.
Acid Mine Drainage and Metal Leachate
Geochemical testing has been conducted on samples of tailings and the open pit waste rock. No
modelling has yet been done to predict the potential for post-closure acid-mine drainage and metal
leachate generation. The existing testwork results suggest that potential geochemical issues can
be managed by a combination of mine scheduling of relevant waste types and appropriate design and
construction of the waste dumps and TSF. The potential for acid mine drainage and metal leachate
from materials sourced from borrow pit areas should be assessed prior to excavation and use on
roads.
Hydrology and Surface Water Quality
The Oyu Tolgoi project area is located within the closed Central Asian drainage basin and has no
outflow to the ocean. Most riverbeds in this drainage basin are ephemeral creeks that remain dry
most times of the year. The Umdai River is the most significant hydrological feature of the
project area. A tributary of the river passes through the site.
Flows after heavy summer rainstorms often result in very turbulent, high-velocity mud flows,
locally termed Gobian wild floods. These floods have been known to destroy road crossings and to
carry away vehicles caught in the riverbeds. No surface flow data are available for these isolated
and episodic flood events. Discussions with local herders indicate that, on average, four to six
flow events occur in summer to autumn each year.
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Shallow springs are used by wildlife and livestock as drinking water sources. Migratory wildlife
movements during summer months in the Gobi are likely to be dictated by the presence of surface
water in natural springs.
Water quality baseline data for surface waters throughout the project area, access road corridor,
and aquifer areas are being collected through current monitoring programs. This information will
be established prior to project development as a basis for assessing potential project-related
impacts on surface water quality during routine monitoring.
Potential impacts on surface water systems in the project area include changes to natural flow
paths and depletion of springs, ephemeral wetlands, and salt-marshes from project development and
operation activities, which may cause loss of wildlife habitat, increased wildlife mortality rates,
and changes to wildlife distribution and migration patterns.
Potential impacts on surface water quality include increased sedimentation and risk of pollution of
springs, ephemeral wetlands, and salt-marshes from increased erosion, contaminated dust fallout,
contaminant spills, and accidents associated with project construction and operational activities.
Fugitive dust control management plans and spill management systems are being developed to avoid
and mitigate potential impacts to surface water quality. These impacts may result in loss of
wildlife habitat, decrease in wildlife health, and decrease in wildlife population because of
higher mortality rates.
Positive impacts associated with the upgrading of road facilities along the corridor include the
formation of dedicated stream crossings, which will reduce the number of undefined and informal
crossings that now exist along the section of local roads. This will significantly reduce the area
where stream banks and riverbeds are disturbed by uncontrolled vehicle access. Improvement of the
road and crossings will reduce the risk associated with transport of hazardous materials.
Hydrogeology and Groundwater Quality
Detailed groundwater investigations to date have been concentrated in the Gunii Hooloi, Galbyn
Gobi, and Nariin Zag aquifer areas to assess the potential to meet the projects estimated water
demand. Groundwater investigations conducted in the mine licence area focused on assessment of
required dewatering rates for mine works and the potential to meet the projects camp and
construction water demands.
Following a review of available studies completed in the region by Aquaterra, AAJV confirmed that
additional work is needed to further characterize groundwater conditions in each project area and
the region as well as to increase confidence levels in existing conceptual resource and impact
models.
Soils
Six soil types were identified in the 2002 field surveys, all containing low nutrient content and
ranging from medium to high alkalinity. Soils in elevated areas contain a high proportion of rock
fragments throughout poorly developed horizons. Sandy eluvium over preserved brown loams cover the
valleys and steppe areas, providing an indication of the major impact of wind and dusting on soil
development. The sandy valley and steppe soils are generally non-saline. Further baseline work
within the project area is continuing to identify key concentrations of quality parameters in soils
so that potential changes resulting from project development can be assessed.
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Vegetation
The flora in the Oyu Tolgoi project area has been classified as representative of the eastern
region of the Gobi Central Zone within the Central Asian Greater Zone. Vegetation tends to be
homogenous across the Eastern Gobi Desert Steppe and consists of drought-tolerant shrubs and thinly
distributed low grasses. Four rare plant species occur within the mine licence area. Some shrubs
are used for cooking and heating fires in ger dwellings. However, pressure from human use is
lower near Oyu Tolgoi because the population density is very low. Traditional nomadic herders have
used specific local plants as medicinal drugs, while other plants are used as seasonal food.
Vegetation in the region also serves as wildlife habitat and food source for wildlife and
livestock.
Other current stresses on vegetation cover and health in the region arise from vehicle traffic over
unformed tracks that have disturbed large areas. Construction of the access road and designated
project roads may significantly reduce this stress on vegetation.
Project-related impacts on vegetation cover and health include permanent removal of vegetation
cover for the development of project facilities and infrastructure, i.e., open pit, plant site,
rock piles, mine roads, tailings storage facility, borrow areas, access road, and power line; and
temporary removal and disturbance of vegetation cover for development of underground mines and the
water resource pipeline and borefield. Indirect impacts on vegetation cover and health are
expected from dust fallout, surface water runoff, and shallow groundwater contamination along the
access road and within the mine licence area. Desiccation caused by changes to the surface water
drainage system and possibly by groundwater extraction are expected to lead to loss of vegetation
cover; these impacts may remain post-closure. Mitigation and monitoring will be implemented to
reduce these impacts.
Fauna
The fauna of Mongolia is represented in the north by forest-steppe species of Eurasia and in the
south by desert species of Central Asia. The central belt of Mongolia is a transitional zone that
includes both. The desert fauna of the Gobi region is extremely diverse, with many species typical
of the Central Asian desert. The low population density and isolation of the southern Gobi region
of Mongolia has resulted in the survival of many endangered species that no longer exist in
neighbouring countries.
Although the entire project area serves as habitat for reptiles and to migratory mammals and birds,
low sandy dunes areas and shrublands provide habitat to distinct wildlife communities.
Many of the larger mammals found within the general project area are rare and endangered species.
Six species having conservation significance have been recorded in the mine licence area (MNE,
1997). Two species (the Asiatic wild ass and black-tailed gazelle) listed as threatened were
recorded in the access road corridor and Galbyn Gobi aquifer area.
Potential impacts on fauna associated with development of the project include changes in abundance,
geographic distribution, and productivity at the species and ecosystem level. Wildlife management
plans will be developed along with local authorities and government bodies to minimize these
impacts. These plans will include initiation of wildlife research programs with Mongolian research
facilities to gain a better understanding of wildlife populations, migration, and species
diversity.
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Noise and Vibration
No baseline noise and vibration data have been collected for the project areas of impact. Noise
and vibration assessment is required to ensure compliance with Mongolian and World Bank criteria
during both construction and operations, and also to address anticipated concerns by stakeholders,
including the general public. An assessment is proposed prior to mine development to meet
Mongolian and World Bank standards.
Protected Areas
The Small Gobi Strictly Protected Area (SGSPA) is approximately 80 km south of the mine licence
area, on the Mongolia-China border. The access road corridor traverses through 13 km of the
protected area. With the acceptance of the EIA for the corridor in June 2004, IMMI has received
approval to cross through this area.
Land Use
The land surrounding the mine licence area is predominantly used for nomadic herding of goats,
camels, and sheep by small family units. Use is based on informal traditional Mongolian principles
of shared grazing rights with limited land tenure for semi-permanent winter shelters and other
improvements. Initiation of the herder support program has reduced the incidence of land use
conflict between current mineral exploration and grazing practices. The project intends to
maintain coexistence of traditional grazing practices and mineral development except where there is
a risk to public safety or livestock.
Risk Assessment
The Law of Mongolia on Environmental Impact Assessment (2001) and the guidelines issued for IMMIs
EIA (2001) require the inclusion of a risk assessment in project documentation. Risk assessment
means identification and prediction of the possible emergencies and accidents that could occur
during the production process or natural disasters, and elimination and mitigation of their
consequences.
Ongoing Work
A complete list of outstanding work to be completed at various stages of development, and current
status, is included in the main body of the IDP report. Key work includes baseline studies and
assessment of project-related impacts along the access road corridor from Mongolia-China border to
Wuyuan, China; wildlife population dynamics, habitat use, ecology and migratory habits of key
species within the region; transboundary issues, cumulative effects, human health risks, and noise
effects; and continued evaluation of acid mine drainage and metal leachate potential, hydrology,
water quality of surface water occurrences, groundwater resources, air quality, soil chemistry; and
projected impacts. Completion of this work will aid in customizing and improving existing
environmental management and monitoring plans as part of an Adaptive Environmental Management
System.
19.16.2 Closure and Reclamation
As part of overall project planning, IMMI has prepared a preliminary reclamation and closure
plan. Certain features of the mine, such as the open pit, waste dumps, and tailings impoundment,
will create permanent changes to the current landscape that cannot be completely remedied through
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reclamation. The closure plan will, however, ensure that these disturbed areas are stable and have
no residual impact on the surrounding water, air, and land.
The closure plan for the Oyu Tolgoi project will address the socioeconomic impacts of mine closure
considering that the existence and economic survival of some communities may have become dependent
on the project. Issues include ongoing environmental management during and after reclamation, loss of jobs, and continued operation of social infrastructure such as water
supply, electricity, and road networks in and around local communities.
Reclamation and sustainability considerations are integrated into mine and facility design.
Progressive reclamation will be an ongoing activity throughout the life of the operation.
The primary reclamation objective is to develop the mine in a manner that prevents leaving an
unsustainable environmental legacy and that considers community input and values. Other key
objectives:
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protect public health and safety during all stages of project development |
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prevent or mitigate environmental degradation caused by mining-related activities |
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return the maximum amount of disturbed land to pre-mining conditions suitable for
nomadic herdsmen and their grazing animals |
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secure the open pit areas, subsidence zones, waste dumps, and tailings storage
facilities to ensure public and environmental safety |
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plan and implement reclamation techniques that eliminate the need for long-term
maintenance presence on site and permit IMMI to walk away from the reclaimed mine with
no environmental or social encumbrances. |
IMMI will develop environmental monitoring plans, including proposed activities and schedules, to
ensure that environmental parameters meet the criteria, standards, and limits laid out in the EIA
and Environmental Protection Plan. In accordance with Mongolian law, IMMI will undertake
monitoring at its own expense using approved methods and accredited facilities. The monitoring
will permit procedures and activities to be adjusted and/or modified as necessary to ensure optimal
environmental protection.
Parameters to be monitored during the closure and post-closure phases of the mine include the
following:
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surface water and groundwater quality |
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physical stability of tailings deposits |
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physical stability of the river water diversion dike, waste rock dumps, drainage
ditches, and concrete shaft/raise caps |
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isolation of open pit voids and unfilled subsidence zones, including status of open
water and erosion controls |
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success of indigenous revegetation, including remediation as required until proven to
be self-sustaining |
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condition of groundwater monitoring wells, piezometers, survey monuments, and other
instrumentation |
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effectiveness of dust-control measures on waste rock, TSF, and other waste areas with
specific attention to potential wind-blown contaminant sources. |
19.17 Marketing
During 2004, IMMI began analyzing the copper market in anticipation of developing the Oyu
Tolgoi deposit in the Southern Gobi region of Mongolia. From the data obtained, copper
consumption projections have been developed that demonstrate a continued demand for refined copper
through 2010. Specifically, the analysis shows that by 2008, when Oyu Tolgoi commences commercial
production, it will be entering a market where there is growing demand for copper concentrate and
in which it will hold an advantage with its strategic geographic location.
Other committed and anticipated copper mining projects appear capable of meeting the needs of the
refined copper market through 2008. Beyond 2008, however, mine production levels will need to
increase substantially over the capacity that is already firmly committed to meet the projected
copper demand. These increases are required not only to meet rising consumption, but also to
offset the natural decline in production at existing mines as a result of falling ore grades and
depletion of resources. The following graph shows Chinas actual (2000 to 2004) and projected
(2005 to 2010) production of copper metal by major source against the curve of anticipated demand
for refined copper within China until 2010. Given the disparity, most of the increased mine
production will have to come from new projects, and the timing of Oyu Tolgoi appears to be well
positioned.
After 2010, the challenge of maintaining sufficient mine production to meet rising metal demand
will become even greater. By 2015, a number of large mines currently in operation will have
reached the ends of their productive lives.
The Oyu Tolgoi mine will be a custom concentrate producera mine that produces concentrate for sale
on the open market rather than delivering concentrate to its own smelter. While initially all of
the Oyu Tolgoi production will be delivered to Chinese smelters, the commercial terms Oyu Tolgoi
receives will be dictated by conditions on the international concentrate market. The custom
concentrate market currently represents nearly half of the Western Worlds concentrate production,
but treatment and refining charges are determined by the entire concentrate market balance, not
just the custom concentrate markets.
Based on a review of the concentrate market, IMMI has incorporated a treatment charge of $75/dmt of
concentrate and a refining charge of $0.075/lb of payable copper, along with price participation of
±10% from a base price of $0.90/lb of copper, into the financial analysis for the project. These
terms equate to 22.3% of the base price, which is close to the average price between 1987 and
2003a period that spans both surplus and deficit conditions.
Looking ahead to 2007, IMMIs analysis suggests that all mine development required to meet growing
copper consumption will need to be stimulated by an average copper price similar to that in the
1990s: about $1.24/lb in 2005 dollars. However, this overlooks the effects of any possible
consumption downturn. Market indicators and projections support the expectation of a long-term
average copper price of $1.00/lb (2005 constant dollars), which is used in the base case financial
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analysis for Oyu Tolgoi. This is slightly higher than the frequently reported assumption of $0.90
to $0.95/lb, but it appears to be justified by the strong fundamental outlook for copper.
With regard to gold price, Central Banks have sold off approximately 400 t/a of gold in recent
years, which has had a negative effect on price. Without such intervention, the gold price would
probably be higher than the range seen in the past year ($385 to $454/oz). Another recent
influence is the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the Euro and other currencies. With the
growing U.S. trade deficit, it seems likely the U.S. dollar will come under further pressure, which
probably will lead to an increase in gold price when expressed in U.S. dollars. IMMI has selected
a gold price of $400/oz in 2005 constant dollars for the IDP.
Silver price has tracked gold price upwards in the last year, but its largest market, photographic
film, is being constantly eroded by the rising popularity of digital photography. IMMI has
selected a silver price of $6.00/oz in 2005 constant dollars for the IDP.
During 2004 and 2005, IMMI held commercial discussions with five Chinese smelters that are
favourably located to receive copper concentrate from Oyu Tolgoi. All have indicated a strong
desire to purchase concentrate. One, Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd., signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with Ivanhoe Mines in June 2004. In total, these five smelters could purchase 500,000 dmt per
year; commercial discussions will continue. IMMI will also continue to monitor the future
development of other smelters that would make sense geographically for consumption of Oyu Tolgoi
concentrate.
Figure 19-19: Chinas Sources vs. Consumption for Refined Copper until 2010
Sources: Antaiki, Brook Hunt, ICSG, various corporate reports
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Page 19-52
|
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|
|
|
Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
19.18 Project Economics
19.18.1 Summary of Results
The following economic evaluation uses, in part, Inferred resources that are considered too
speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them
to be categorized as mineral reserves and, accordingly, there is no certainty that this economic
evaluation will be realized.
A detailed financial model was developed for two operating scenarios: the Phase 1 base case and
Phase 2 expanded case. The cases were analyzed at discount rates of 10% and 8%.
The net present value (NPV) of the base case at a discount rate of 10% is $1,979 million before tax
and $1,513 million after tax. At a discount rate of 8%, the NPV is $2,855 million before tax and
$2,221 million after tax. The internal rate of return (IRR) of this case is 19.25% after tax, and
the payback period is 5.8 years. Total cash cost after gold credits over the life of the project
is $0.39/lb. During the first five years, the cash cost is substantially lower, at $0.29/lb,
reflecting the high gold grade in the Southwest deposit.
The NPV of the expanded case at a discount rate of 10% is $2,388 million before tax and $1,852
million after tax. At a discount rate of 8%, the NPV is $3,434 million before tax and $2,706
million after tax. The IRR of this case is 19.75% after tax, and the payback period is 6.53 years.
Total cash cost, after gold credits over the life of the project is $0.40/lb.
Gold hedging of early year production would increase the presented NPVs (8% and 10% discounted
rates) by more than $200 million at a gold price of $550 for the first 6 years. The high gold
content in those years is sourced from the Southwest deposit and therefore the improvement in value
is similar for both the base and expanded cases.
19.18.2 Basis of Analysis
Pre-tax and after-tax models were constructed using a base copper price of $1.00/lb and base
gold price of $400/oz. No factors were applied for escalation or inflation of operating costs,
capital costs, or metal prices. The model is based on 100% equity financing. All costs are
expressed in U.S. dollars, with no provision for exchange rate variation. NPV was calculated from
the fourth quarter of 2005. The evaluation covers the period from October 2005, the anticipated
project decision date, through a 33-month development and construction stage, to the end of the
operating life of each case.
Expenditures to date and those anticipated to 1 October 2005, including the drilling and
exploration program for the Hugo North shaft, are treated as sunk costs and are excluded from this
analysis. These costs total $175 million.
Expenditures during the period 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2006 are not discounted. Therefore,
the first discounted year is 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Page 19-53
|
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|
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|
Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
The fiscal regime used to estimate the project cash flow is based on information currently
available and incorporates the draft terms of the Special Stability Agreement currently being
negotiated with the Government of Mongolia.
Table 19-6: NPV ($ million) After Tax @ 10% Discount Rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cu Price |
|
Gold Price ($/oz) |
|
($/lb) |
|
350 |
|
|
375 |
|
|
400 |
|
|
425 |
|
|
450 |
|
|
Phase 1 Base Case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
536 |
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
649 |
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
763 |
|
0.90 |
|
|
966 |
|
|
|
1,024 |
|
|
|
1,081 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
|
|
1,196 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
1,399 |
|
|
|
1,456 |
|
|
|
1,513 |
|
|
|
1,571 |
|
|
|
1,628 |
|
1.10 |
|
|
1,831 |
|
|
|
1,888 |
|
|
|
1,945 |
|
|
|
2,003 |
|
|
|
2,060 |
|
1.20 |
|
|
2,263 |
|
|
|
2,320 |
|
|
|
2,378 |
|
|
|
2,435 |
|
|
|
2,492 |
|
|
Phase 2 Expanded Case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
622 |
|
|
|
689 |
|
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
823 |
|
|
|
892 |
|
0.90 |
|
|
1,166 |
|
|
|
1,234 |
|
|
|
1,303 |
|
|
|
1,371 |
|
|
|
1,440 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
1,715 |
|
|
|
1,784 |
|
|
|
1,852 |
|
|
|
1,920 |
|
|
|
1,988 |
|
1.10 |
|
|
2,260 |
|
|
|
2,328 |
|
|
|
2,396 |
|
|
|
2,464 |
|
|
|
2,532 |
|
1.20 |
|
|
2,803 |
|
|
|
2,871 |
|
|
|
2,939 |
|
|
|
3,008 |
|
|
|
3,076 |
|
|
Table 19-7: NPV ($ million) After Tax @ 8% Discount Rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cu Price |
|
Gold Price ($/oz) |
|
($/lb) |
|
350 |
|
|
375 |
|
|
400 |
|
|
425 |
|
|
450 |
|
|
Phase 1 Base Case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
1,003 |
|
|
|
1,069 |
|
|
|
1,136 |
|
|
|
1,204 |
|
|
|
1,272 |
|
0.90 |
|
|
1,543 |
|
|
|
1,611 |
|
|
|
1,678 |
|
|
|
1,746 |
|
|
|
1,814 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
2,085 |
|
|
|
2,153 |
|
|
|
2,221 |
|
|
|
2,288 |
|
|
|
2,356 |
|
1.10 |
|
|
2,627 |
|
|
|
2,695 |
|
|
|
2,763 |
|
|
|
2,830 |
|
|
|
2,898 |
|
1.20 |
|
|
3,169 |
|
|
|
3,237 |
|
|
|
3,305 |
|
|
|
3,372 |
|
|
|
3,440 |
|
|
Phase 2 Expanded Case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
1,162 |
|
|
|
1,242 |
|
|
|
1,322 |
|
|
|
1,403 |
|
|
|
1,484 |
|
0.90 |
|
|
1,849 |
|
|
|
1,931 |
|
|
|
2,013 |
|
|
|
2,094 |
|
|
|
2,176 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
2,543 |
|
|
|
2,625 |
|
|
|
2,706 |
|
|
|
2,787 |
|
|
|
2,869 |
|
1.10 |
|
|
3,230 |
|
|
|
3,312 |
|
|
|
3,393 |
|
|
|
3,474 |
|
|
|
3,556 |
|
1.20 |
|
|
3,917 |
|
|
|
3,998 |
|
|
|
4,080 |
|
|
|
4,161 |
|
|
|
4,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Page 19-54
|
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|
Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table
19-8: Basic Production Data Life-of-Mine Average/Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base |
|
|
Expanded |
|
|
|
Unit |
|
|
Case |
|
|
Case |
|
|
Ore Milled |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rate |
|
Mt/a |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
44.1 |
|
Total |
|
Mt |
|
|
1.207 |
|
|
|
1.553 |
|
Grade |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper |
|
% |
|
|
1.20 |
|
|
|
1.14 |
|
Gold |
|
g/t |
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
Project Life |
|
years |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
Strip Ratio |
|
|
|
|
1.62 |
|
|
|
1.71 |
|
|
Concentrate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production |
|
Mt/a (dry) |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
Grade |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper |
|
% |
|
|
31.9 |
|
|
|
31.7 |
|
Gold |
|
g/t |
|
|
7.74 |
|
|
|
7.21 |
|
|
Metal Produced |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cu in Concentrate |
|
Mt |
|
|
13.2 |
|
|
|
16.0 |
|
Au in Concentrate |
|
M oz |
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
|
11.7 |
|
Ag in Concentrate |
|
M oz |
|
|
68.8 |
|
|
|
82.0 |
|
|
Total Cash Costs for Cu* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
after gold credits |
|
$/lb Cu |
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
0.40 |
|
before gold credits |
|
$/lb Cu |
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
Treatment & Refining |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charges for Payable Cu |
|
$/lb Cu |
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
includes treatment & refining, realization & transport costs |
Smelter Terms
IMMI anticipates that all concentrate produced in Phase 1 will be sold to smelters in China.
Realization costs comprise treatment and refining charges from smelters plus concentrate transport.
In Phase 2, concentrate sales will likely extend to smelters outside of China. The same terms were
adopted for both cases in the financial analysis.
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Page 19-55
|
|
|
|
|
Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table 19-9: Smelter Terms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description |
|
Unit |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper payment |
|
% |
|
|
96.5 |
|
Minimum deduction |
|
% Cu |
|
|
1 |
|
Gold payment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 to 3 g/t |
|
% |
|
|
90 |
|
3 to 5 g/t |
|
% |
|
|
92 |
|
5 to 10 g/t |
|
% |
|
|
95 |
|
10 to 15 g/t |
|
% |
|
|
96 |
|
15 to 20 g/t |
|
% |
|
|
97 |
|
20 g/t + |
|
% |
|
|
98 |
|
Minimum payment level for Au |
|
g/t |
|
|
1.00 |
|
Silver payment: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full silver content |
|
% |
|
|
90 |
|
Minimum payment level for Ag |
|
g/t |
|
|
30.00 |
|
|
Treatment Charge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rate of charge |
|
$/wmt |
|
|
75.00 |
|
Smelter price participation |
|
% |
|
|
10 |
|
Base price for participation |
|
$/lb Cu |
|
|
0.90 |
|
|
Refining Charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base copper refinery charge |
|
$/lb |
|
|
0.075 |
|
Rate for recovered gold |
|
$/oz Au |
|
|
6.00 |
|
Rate for recovered silver |
|
$/oz Ag |
|
|
0.45 |
|
|
Penalties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arsenic: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penalty threshold |
|
% |
|
|
0.3 |
|
Penalty per 0.1% |
|
$/dmt |
|
|
2.00 |
|
Rejection level |
|
% |
|
|
0.5 |
|
Fluorine: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penalty threshold |
|
ppm |
|
|
300 |
|
Penalty per 100 ppm |
|
$/dmt |
|
|
2.00 |
|
Rejection level |
|
ppm |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
Concentrate Transport |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rail/Truck Transport Years 1 to 3 |
|
$/wmt |
|
|
38.17 |
|
Rail Transport after Year 3: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First 500 kt |
|
$/wmt |
|
|
20.15 |
|
500 kt to 1.5 Mt |
|
$/wmt |
|
|
21.48 |
|
Above 1.5 Mt |
|
$/wmt |
|
|
37.93 |
|
|
19.18.3 Special Stability Agreement (SSA)
The current form of the SSA, unchanged since January 2005, addresses a range of conditions
under which IMMI XXK will construct and operate the mine. This agreement essentially represents
the main Mongolian legislation currently applicable for Oyu Tolgoi:
|
|
|
General Law of Taxation of Mongolia |
|
|
|
|
Foreign Investment Law of Mongolia |
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Page 19-56
|
|
|
|
|
Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
|
|
|
Minerals Law of Mongolia |
|
|
|
|
Business Entity and Organization Income Tax Law of Mongolia |
The financial analysis required the interpretation of certain clauses with regard to four main
legislative provisions:
Period of Concessional Taxation
|
|
|
From the commencement of production, the investor shall be exempted from the corporate
income tax for five years and will have a 50% exemption for the following 5 years. |
The operating life of the Oyu Tolgoi mine begins with a ramp-up period in 2008 and reaches
nameplate capacity in 2009. The model treats 2009 as the year of commencement of production.
Investment Allowance
|
|
|
If the investor reinvests to its entity from its applicable income, its taxable income
shall be subject to a deduction equivalent to the amount of such reinvestment. |
In the model, reinvestment is considered to cover all capital expenditure in a given year to the
limit of the amount of taxable profit determined in the preceding year. This provision is treated
as a separate item from depreciation, which continues to be calculated as per the legislation.
Claiming the investment allowance does not reduce the taxable base of the asset.
Carry Forward of Tax Losses
|
|
|
Tax losses can be carried forward for a three-year period. |
Application of this provision to mining remains unclear. In the models prepared for this analysis,
the tax loss carry forward provision had no impact on the results.
Customs and VAT Exemptions
|
|
|
Customs duty and VAT are exempt for a specific list of construction items. |
The models assume that most items on the initial capital investment schedule will be exempt under
these provisions. Allowance has been made for customs duty to be payable at a rate of 5% on a
number of limited construction items. Customs duty is calculated separately on operating costs and
is disclosed as a G&A cost once production commences. VAT is calculated on a similar basis but at
a rate of 15% and is disclosed in working capital. Successful conclusion of current discussion
with the Mongolian government is required to achieve the values assessed in the IMMI model.
Other Fees and Taxes
|
|
|
Sales Royalty is calculated at 2.5% of net sales. |
|
|
|
|
Immovable Property Tax is calculated at 0.6% of the written-down value of immovable
property each year. Immovable property was assumed to comprise the capital expenditure
category that depreciates over 40 years. |
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
|
|
|
|
Page 19-57
|
|
|
|
|
Integrated Development Plan Technical Report Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
|
|
|
Calculation of Corporate Tax was based on current legislation applicable to the
metallurgy industry, which provides for a tax holiday for the first five years of
operations, following by a further five years at half the corporate tax rate. The first
year was taken to be 2009, the first full year of production. Beyond Year 10, corporate
tax will be paid at the full rate of 30% of taxable income. |
19.18.4 Capital Cost Estimate
The base date for the estimate is second quarter 2005. All costs are expressed in U.S.
dollars with no allowance for escalation. The initial capital estimates for components other than
the underground mine were developed to a prefeasibility level with an expected accuracy range of
-5% to +20%.
Table 19-10: Summary of Capital Costs over Mine Life ($M)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phase 1 |
|
Phase 2 |
Item |
|
Base Case |
|
Expanded case |
|
Initial Capital (prior to
first mill feed) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open pit |
|
|
75.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Process plant |
|
|
230.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tailings storage facility |
|
|
31.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
On-site infrastructure |
|
|
114.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-site infrastructure |
|
|
98.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Indirects |
|
|
195.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Owners cost (incl. pre-strip) |
|
|
175.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Contingency |
|
|
120.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Escalation |
|
|
55.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Underground mine |
|
|
232.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
1,328.8 |
|
|
|
1,328.8 |
|
|
Ramp-up |
|
|
51.1 |
|
|
|
51.1 |
|
|
Future Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Process plant |
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
228.9 |
|
Tailings storage facility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
On-site infrastructure |
|
|
38.3 |
|
|
|
71.0 |
|
Off-site infrastructure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
59.9 |
|
Indirects |
|
|
28.3 |
|
|
|
171.0 |
|
Underground mine |
|
|
728.7 |
|
|
|
1,211.9 |
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
833.7 |
|
|
|
1,763.7 |
|
|
Sustaining Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open pit |
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
|
74.5 |
|
Process plant |
|
|
79.8 |
|
|
|
132.8 |
|
Tailings storage facility |
|
|
158.4 |
|
|
|
269.9 |
|
On-site infrastructure |
|
|
38.3 |
|
|
|
40.1 |
|
Off-site infrastructure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indirects |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underground mine |
|
|
1,519.5 |
|
|
|
1,865.8 |
|
Closure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
50.0 |
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
1,831.8 |
|
|
|
2,432.9 |
|
|
Total incl. Initial Capital |
|
|
4,059.5 |
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5,576.5 |
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1 October 2005
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Page 19-58
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Integrated Development Plan Technical Report Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Initial Capital
Initial capital includes the cost of constructing the open pit, concentrator, and infrastructure
components of the project. A program was implemented during preparation of the IDP to include
China value in the initial capital cost estimates. Pricing was obtained from Chinese firms based
on schedules of quantities provided by AAJV and analyzed to developed unit rates.
Initial capital also includes construction of the Hugo North underground Shafts 1 and 2 and
associated surface works.
Future Capital
In the base case, expenditure continues on underground development after ore feed to the mill
commences. Additional capital is also spent on the processing plant and infrastructure to meet the
higher throughput rates associated with underground mining.
In the expanded case, work also begins on development of the Hugo South underground mine, and more
capital is required for the process plant and infrastructure.
Sustaining Capital
Sustaining capital is included in the analysis in each subsequent year following the major capital
expenditure periods. The most significant item in sustaining capital is expansion of the tailings
dam facility.
19.18.5 Operating Costs
Operating costs were separated into mining, processing, and G&A costs. The detailed costs
were supplied by AAJV for processing and G&A, by GRD Minproc for open pit mining, and by McIntosh
for underground mining.
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1 October 2005
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Page 19-59
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Integrated Development Plan Technical Report Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table
19-11: Operating Costs
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Area |
|
Phase 1 |
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|
Phase 2 |
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|
Unit Costs ($/t) |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining $/t ore mined |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open Pit Mining |
|
|
2.11 |
|
|
|
2.39 |
|
Strip Ratio |
|
|
1.62 |
|
|
|
1.71 |
|
UG Mining Hugo North |
|
|
2.17 |
|
|
|
2.16 |
|
|
On-Site Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining average all sources |
|
|
2.16 |
|
|
|
2.28 |
|
Process |
|
|
2.61 |
|
|
|
2.53 |
|
G&A |
|
|
1.09 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
Customs Duties |
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
Immovable Property Tax |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
Total Unit On-Site Costs |
|
|
5.94 |
|
|
|
5.62 |
|
|
Total Operating Costs ($M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Site Operating Costs |
|
|
7,182 |
|
|
|
8,725 |
|
Mongolian Government Royalty |
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
791 |
|
Concentrate Transport Costs |
|
|
1,006 |
|
|
|
1,375 |
|
Treat./Ref. Charges/Penalties |
|
|
5,963 |
|
|
|
7,200 |
|
|
Total Operating Costs |
|
|
14,813 |
|
|
|
18,091 |
|
|
Figure
19-20: Phase 1 Base Case Cumulative Cash Flow ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au)
1 October 2005
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Page 19-60
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Figure
19-21: Phase 2 Expanded Case Cumulative Cash Flow ($/lb Cu, $/oz Au)
19.19 Opportunities
Further Resources
IMMI has identified further opportunities for mining developments on the adjacent claim to the
north owned by Entrée Gold Ltd., as reported in a June 2005 disclosure statement by Ivanhoe Mines.
Initial drilling results confirm the presence of additional high-grade mineralization. IMMI has
recently concluded an Earn-In-Agreement with Entreé. This represents a good opportunity to expand
the resource, possibly by developing a separate high-grade underground operation.
Smelting
The IDP uses a base treatment charge of $75 /wmt of concentrate. After price participation, this
escalates to $82.50. Transportation costs for concentrate range from $21 to $38 /wmt, depending on
destination and transportation method. To increase value and/or reduce risk, evaluation of the
possible benefits of a dedicated smelter at or near the site is warranted. If a dedicated smelter
is demonstrated to be advantageous, then optimization of metal recoveries and concentrate grades to
suit the revised treatment and transportation conditions should be considered.
With a smelter providing a nearby source of sulphuric acid, it could be advantageous to process the
low-grade resource identified in the Southwest pit in a heap leach operation. The amenability of
this material for heap leaching should be evaluated.
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1 October 2005
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Page 19-61
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
HighDensity Tailings
The combined use of high-compression thickeners to increase the deposition density of tailings and
of decant towers to reduce the size of the tailings pond area has the potential to reduce make-up
water requirements and operating costs.
Concentrator Capacity
The results of throughput determinations by means of lab test simulations and SAG mill pilot-plant
testing were discounted 10% for operational contingency and potential sample set bias. The IDP
process plant design may have additional capacity without the need for further capital expenditure.
Additionally, the grinding circuit of the expanded case plant has a nominal capacity of 170,000 t/d
for Hugo ores. This may permit a further plant expansion to be made at a modest cost.
Gold Hedging
Although not included as a basis of the financial analysis, the project NPV8 & 10 would
increase, for both the base and expanded cases, by more than $200 million if gold production for
the first six years was hedged at $550/oz. As IMMI explores funding alternatives for the project,
investigation from specific conditions necessary to realize a benefit from gold hedging should be
assessed.
Open Pit Mineable Resources
The expanded case includes four open pit stages out of a potential nine. Mine planning has
identified 879 Mt within pit shells, but the expanded case includes only 245 Mt of Southwest
resource. Central and Hugo South both remain as a potential open pit feed sources for different
production schedule options.
19.20 Sensitivity Analysis
An analysis was performed to assess the sensitivity of after-tax NPV and IRR to changes in a
number of key parameters. Each parameter was assessed on its own while holding base conditions for
all other parameters, not in combination. Combined beneficial or adverse changes in parameters
could have more (or less) marked effects on the returns from the project than individual
variations. The sensitivity of each case to variations in key parameters is summarized in Table
19-12.
Table
19-12: Sensitivity Analysis*
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|
|
|
|
|
IRR |
|
|
NPV8 |
|
|
NPV10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
Parameter |
|
Base Value |
|
Change |
|
(%) |
|
|
($M) |
|
|
($M) |
|
|
Base Case |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold Price |
|
$400/oz |
|
± $25/oz |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
Copper Price |
|
$1.00/lb |
|
± $0.05/lb |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
Initial Capital |
|
1.274 M |
|
± 10% |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
Site Operating & Transport |
|
$6.78/t |
|
± 10% |
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
Smelter Charges |
|
$75/wmt, $0.075/lb |
|
± $10/wmt, $0.01/lb |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
Copper Recovery |
|
90.8% (avg) |
|
± 1% point |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
Power Cost |
|
$0.0426/kWh |
|
± 10% |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
36 |
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1 October 2005
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Page 19-62
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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IRR |
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|
NPV8 |
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NPV10 |
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|
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|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
Parameter |
|
Base Value |
|
Change |
|
(%) |
|
|
($M) |
|
|
($M) |
|
|
Expanded Case
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Gold Price |
|
$400/oz |
|
± $25/oz |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
Copper Price |
|
$1.00/lb |
|
± $0.05/lb |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
274 |
|
Initial Capital |
|
1.274 M |
|
± 10% |
|
|
2.1 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
Site Operating & Transport |
|
$6.50/t |
|
± 10% |
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
241 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
Smelter Charges |
|
$75 /wmt, $0.075/lb |
|
± $%, $0.01/lb |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
Copper Recovery |
|
89.7% (avg) |
|
± 1% point |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
Power Cost |
|
$0.0426/kWh |
|
± 10% |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
* |
|
This assessment includes the use of Inferred resources that are considered too speculative
geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be
categorized as a Mineral Reserve. Inferred resources will require further exploration before
they can be upgraded to the higher Measured and Indicated categories. |
|
|
|
Although the assumptions underlying the preliminary assessment are considered reasonable, there is
no certainty that the predicted results will be realized.
|
The project is particularly sensitive to changes in the price of copper and operating costs.
It is also quite sensitive to changes in initial capital cost and copper recovery. The project is
far less sensitive to changes in gold price or power cost. The results reflect the fact that
copper provides more than 85% of the gross metal value of the project.
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1 October 2005
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Page 19-63
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION
20 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
20.1
Geology QP: Steve Blower
Four deposits are known in the Southern Oyu system:
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|
|
The Southwest deposit consists primarily of pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization related
to biotite-magnetite alteration, overprinted by chlorite-sericite alteration.
Mineralization is characterized by high gold contents with Au:Cu ratios (ppm:%) of about
1:1 in the main part of the deposit, rising to 3:1 in the core of the system and at depth.
Gold in the Southwest Oyu deposit is closely associated with chalcopyrite and occurs
intergrown with chalcopyrite, as inclusions and fracture infills within pyrite, or on
grain boundaries of pyrite. The deposit is essentially hosted in augite basalts. |
|
|
|
|
South deposit mineralization is hosted in quartz monzodiorite in the southwest and
basalt throughout the central portion of the deposits. Chalcopyrite is the principal
copper sulphide, but in higher-grade areas bornite locally exceeds chalcopyrite.
Alteration in basaltic rocks consists of chlorite, biotite, hematite / magnetite, and weak
sericite. Quartz monzodiorite contains advance argillic alteration. Small zones with
elevated gold values occur locally. |
|
|
|
|
Mineralization in the Central deposit is characterized by an upward-flaring
high-sulphidation zone that overprints and overlies porphyry-style chalcopyrite-gold
mineralization. A secondary enriched supergene chalcocite blanket tens of metres in
thickness overlies the high-sulphidation covellite-pyrite zone. The high-sulphidation
portion of the Central Oyu deposit contains a mineral assemblage of pyrite, covellite,
chalcocite/digenite, enargite, tennantite, cubanite, chalcopyrite, and molybdenite.
Dominant host rocks are dacite tuff and quartz monzodiorite. Higher-grade mineralization
is associated with disseminated and coarse-grained fracture-filling sulphides in zones of
intensely contorted quartz stockwork veins and anastamosing zones of hydrothermal
breccias. Chalcopyrite-gold mineralization is dominant on the south and western margins
of Central within either basalt or quartz monzodiorite adjacent to intrusive contacts with
basalt. The high-sulphidation part of the Central deposit lacks significant gold.
Alteration in the Central deposit shows a close spatial relationship to mineralization and
original host lithology. Biotite-chlorite and intermediate argillic alteration coincide
with chalcopyrite-gold mineralization within basalt. Advanced argillic and sericite
alteration coincide with the high-sulphidation mineralization within quartz monzodiorite
and ignimbrite. |
|
|
|
|
The Wedge deposit contains a zone of high sulphidation mineralization hosted
principally in dacite tuff, grading downward and southward into chalcopyrite
mineralization in basalt and quartz monzodiorite host rocks. High-sulphidation
mineralization consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite, enargite, covellite, and primary
chalcocite in advanced argillically altered host rocks. The high-sulphidation
mineralization grades downward into chalcopyrite, with lesser bornite within basalt host
rocks, and pyrite + chalcopyrite mineralization in quartz monzodiorite. Gold is absent,
except locally in drill holes adjacent to the South Fault. |
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-1
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
The geologic characteristics of the Hugo Dummett deposit are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
The highest-grade copper mineralization in the Hugo Dummett deposit is related to a
zone of intense stockwork to sheeted quartz veins. The high-grade zone is centred on
thin, east-dipping quartz monzodiorite intrusions or within the upper part of the large
quartz monzodiorite body and extends into the adjacent basalt. In addition, moderate- to
high-grade copper and gold values occur within quartz monzodiorite below and to the west
of the intense vein zone, in the Hugo North gold zone. This zone is distinct in its high
gold (ppm) to Cu (%) ratios (0.5:1). Bornite is dominant in the highest-grade parts of
the deposit (3% to 5% Cu) and is zoned outward to chalcopyrite (2%). At grades of <1%
Cu, pyrite-chalcopyrite ± enargite, tennantite, bornite, chalcocite, and rarely covellite
occur, hosted mainly by advanced argillically altered dacite tuff. |
|
|
|
|
Elevated gold grades in the Hugo North deposit occur within the up-dip (western)
portion of the intensely veined high-grade core, and within a steeply dipping lower zone
cutting through the western part of the quartz monzodiorite. Quartz monzodiorite in the
lower zone exhibits a characteristic pink to buff colour, with a moderate intensity of
quartz veining (25% by volume). This zone is characterized by finely disseminated bornite
and chalcopyrite, although in hand specimen the chalcopyrite is usually not visible. The
sulphides are disseminated throughout the rock in the matrix as well as in quartz veins.
The fine-grained sulphide gives the rocks a black sooty appearance. The red colouration
is attributed to fine hematite dusting, mainly associated with albite. |
|
|
|
|
The Hugo Dummet deposit is characterized by copper-gold porphyry and related styles of
alteration. This includes biotite-K-feldspar (K-silicate), magnetite,
chlorite-muscovite-illite, albite, chlorite-illite-hematite-kaolinite (intermediate
argillic), quartz-alunite-pyrophyllite-kaolinite-diaspore-zunyite-topaz-dickite (advanced
argillic), and sericite/muscovite zones. |
Resource Estimation
|
|
|
The database used to estimate the mineral resources for the Oyu Tolgoi project consists
of samples and geological information from core drill holes, some of which are daughter
holes drilled from a parent. The holes were drilled by Ivanhoe between 2002 and April
2005. Data transfer to the resource database was validated from original assay
certificates through a 5% check of the database. |
|
|
|
|
Ivanhoe employs a comprehensive QA/QC program. Each sample batch of 20 samples
contains four or five quality control samples. The quality control samples consist of one
duplicate split core sample and one uncrushed field blank, which are inserted prior to
sample preparation; a reject or pulp preparation duplicate, which is inserted during
sample preparation; and one or two reference material samples (one <2% Cu and one
>2% Cu if higher-grade mineralization is present based on visually estimates), which
are inserted after sample preparation. AMEC reviewed Ivanhoes QA/QC procedures at site
and found them to be strictly adhered to. Duplicate performance of core, coarse reject,
and pulp duplicates was evaluated by AMEC and found to be well within the respective
accepted ranges. The current Ivanhoe QA/QC program exceeds industry standards and
demonstrates that the assay process for the Southern deposits samples is in control. |
|
|
|
|
The Oyu Tolgoi resource models were developed using industry-accepted methods. AMEC
validated the model estimates and found them to reasonably estimate grade and tonnage for
the Southern deposits. |
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-2
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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|
The mineral resources of the Oyu Tolgoi project were classified using logic consistent
with the CIM definitions referred to in National Instrument 43-101. The mineralization of
the project satisfies sufficient criteria to be classified into Measured, Indicated, and
Inferred mineral resource categories. |
20.2
Open Pit Mining QP: Bernie Peters, Allan Haines
The open pit design work was performed by GRD Minproc Limited, focusing on the Southern Oyu
deposits.
The open pit provides feed to the plant as the underground mine ramps up to full production. The
open pit mine plan is based on a mineable resource of 126 Mt of Measured and 752 Mt of Indicated
material (total of 878 Mt in pit shells that may be suitable for open pit mining). The production
schedule includes a total of 123 Mt of open pit feed in the base case and a total of 245 Mt of open
pit feed in the expanded case.
Timing of the availability of the resource models and metallurgical parameters has meant that the
pit designs are based on optimizations of models, NSR calculations, and throughput schedules that
are not those of the final IDP. Optimization work has shown that the pit shells are similar to
those developed for the IDP. Updating of the pit designs based on the most current resource models
and updated metallurgical parameters should be part of further work.
The open pit plan in the IDP is based on diesel-powered shovels. If the operating life of the open
pit were to be extended, then the use of electric-powered equipment may provide an opportunity to
improve the overall project efficiency. If the open pit is to be limited to the stages in the IDP,
then contract mining may be of benefit; this should be examined further in the next stage of study.
IMMI is currently undertaking a tender process for MARC (maintenance and repair contract) on the
open pit equipment. This should be completed.
Key geotechnical design parameters were provided by SRK Consulting based on extensive geotechnical
studies.
Because Oyu Tolgoi is in an arid area with very low rainfall, no significant acid rock drainage
(ARD) issues are expected. The base of the waste rock dumps will be sealed by working the
subsurface clay materials. Potentially acid forming (PAF) waste material will be encapsulated
within non-acid-forming (NAF) material, and the final dump surfaces will be capped with rock
armouring. This methodology will be suitable for progressive construction and rehabilitation of the
dumps.
20.3
Underground Mine Development QP: Scott McIntosh, Jarek Jakubec
McIntoshs assessment for the IDP is based on the results of exploration and development
drilling to March 2005, from which IMMI and AMEC derived the currently defined resource tonnage and
grades. SRK Consulting (Canada) reviewed geotechnical data and conducted the necessary
geotechnical analyses of data collected and collated from all drill core. SRKs findings are
supportive of the block-cave mining method and integral to McIntoshs assessment.
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-3
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Presuming that the current defined resource tonnages and grades are substantiated during
underground development and operations, the assessment indicates that block-cave mining at Hugo
North could produce 1,155 Mt averaging 1.249 % Cu and 0.299 g/t Au over a 43-year mine life. For
the base case evaluation, peak ore production is 30 Mt/a, or approximately 85,000 t/d.
Deposit Assessment
A critical consideration for development of the deposit is assurance that the resource will cave.
SRK has visited the Oyu Tolgoi site several times to inspect and log certain drill core and to
guide IMMIs, collection and collation of geotechnical data. SRK and McIntosh concur that the Hugo
North zone will cave productively.
SRK reached the following conclusions in its analyses:
|
|
|
The mineralized rock mass of the Hugo North ore body is cavable at a hydraulic radius of
20 to 27 m. This is the equivalent of a footprint of approximately 80 m x 80 m to 110 m x
110 m. The current footprint of the caving envelope for both lifts greatly exceeds this
hydraulic radius. |
|
|
|
|
The rock mass is characterized as an average cavable rock mass (not Palabora and not
Cassiar) ...the Hugo North rock mass is less competent than Northparkes or Ridgeway, which
caved at a smaller hydraulic radius. |
|
|
|
|
It is estimated that shear zones and faults will further improve the cavability by at
least 5% to 10%. |
The costs and schedules to complete these requirements are considered achievable, recognizing that
substantial contractor/expatriate participation will be required until Mongolian employees are able
to consistently demonstrate the necessary skills and performance standards. The construction and
development schedule is criticial, however, and is without slack. The proposed hoists, shaft
conveyances, and payloads have been proven in operation at other mines, but will be among the
largest ever constructed. Given sufficient time to stabilize production and crew performance,
operating costs could be below the mid-point of those at all other existing block-cave mines.
Geotechnical
A significant amount of geotechnical information is available about the Hugo North mineralized
resources, but the actual underground setting has not been observed, and the resource has never
been blocked out from a drift.
Little drill core has been obtained from the proposed locations of the mine shafts and primary
underground development. At this stage, assumptions for shaft and development advance rates and
ground support are preliminary. Geotechnical core drilling is currently underway.
As yet, there are no data to characterize the groundwater regime in the underground mine area.
Groundwater quality, quantity, source points, and durations of influence have implications for
several operating conditions:
|
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|
potential inrush and/or mudrush |
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|
dust control |
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-4
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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mine pumping |
|
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|
water treatment |
|
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|
|
process water quality and quantity |
|
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|
|
corrosion |
|
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|
|
shaft maintenance |
|
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|
|
hoist rope life. |
Caving Predictability
If the orebody does not cave as effectively as predicted, or if it does cave but the cave muck is
exceedingly fine, then recovery of mineral resources may be slowed, and, in severe cases, some
resources could be lost. Although drawpoint control and cave management are intended to mitigate
this possibility, it could take some time to recognize that caving is not taking place as expected.
On the other hand, more-effective caving than predicted could accelerate mine production.
20.4
Metallurgy and Process Facilities QP: Mike Grundy
The history of metallurgical testing for Oyu Tolgoi reflects the progress in defining the
resource. Testwork started in late 2001, when samples from site were shipped to SGS Lakefield
Research Limited for preliminary analysis. SGS Lakefield produced seven composite samples for ore
roughly corresponding to the Southwest, Central, and Hugo South orebodies as they were known at the
time. Extensive mineralogical, leach, comminution, and flotation work was done on these samples in
2002 and 2003. The work was carried out by SGS Lakefield, A.R. MacPherson Consultants Ltd. (ARM),
and Terra Mineralogical Services under the supervision of IMMI. A conceptual flowsheet was
developed, and IMMI gained a good understanding of the potential of the property.
As exploration and mine definition advanced, the centre of interest in the mineral deposits
changed, the original samples no longer represented all the ore included in the mine plan, and the
metallurgical data were deemed indicative only.
In late 2003, AAJV and IMMI initiated an additional phase of metallurgical testwork, which began in
early 2004 and extended through to early 2005. This program was designed to confirm the flotation
and comminution response of ores from the Southwest, Central, Hugo South, and Hugo North zones.
Laboratory batch-scale and pilot-plant flotation testwork programs, as well as laboratory-scale
comminution testwork, were conducted at AMMTEC Ltd. in Perth. Further work to define fundamental
flotation and comminution parameters was executed by MinnovEX, and SGS Lakefield carried out a SAG
pilot-plant test program to confirm the laboratory-scale testwork.
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-5
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table
20-1: Anticipated Life-of-Mine Metallurgical Performance Base Case 85,000 t/d
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zone/ |
|
|
|
|
|
Grade |
|
|
Distribution |
|
Material Type |
|
Mt |
|
|
Cu % |
|
|
Au g/t |
|
|
Cu % |
|
|
Au % |
|
|
Southwest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore to plant |
|
|
123.192 |
|
|
|
0.53 |
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Concentrate |
|
|
2.319 |
|
|
|
24.70 |
|
|
|
25.40 |
|
|
|
88.0 |
|
|
|
68.9 |
|
Tailings |
|
|
120.873 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
Hugo North Lift 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore to plant |
|
|
576.494 |
|
|
|
1.46 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Concentrate |
|
|
25.550 |
|
|
|
30.00 |
|
|
|
5.10 |
|
|
|
91.9 |
|
|
|
79.1 |
|
Tailings |
|
|
550.944 |
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
Hugo North Lift 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ore to Plant |
|
|
578.574 |
|
|
|
1.03 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Concentrate |
|
|
19.270 |
|
|
|
28.10 |
|
|
|
7.40 |
|
|
|
90.0 |
|
|
|
79.0 |
|
Tailings |
|
|
559.304 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
Process Facilities
The largest conventional and industry-proven components were selected for the initial production
rate of 70,000 t/d. The grinding circuit consists of a single 12.2 m x 7.5 m (40 ft x 24.5 ft) SAG
mill, equipped with a 24.5 MW drive, feeding a pair of 8.2 m x 13 m (27 ft x 43 ft) ball mills,
each driven by a 18.6 MW gearless drive. As the softer Hugo North ores displace Southwest ore, the
capacity of the grinding circuit increases to 85,000 t/d. Grinding and flotation capacity will be
increased to more than 140,000 t/d for the Phase 2 expansion.
All aspects of facility design are focused on minimizing water consumption as much as practicable.
No new technology is employed in the design, and all the equipment specified for the process is
proven. Use of the largest available machinery will minimize the number of equipment units,
thereby reducing the footprint and complexity of the facility. The plant will employ advanced
communications and control methods.
Tailings Management
The design of the tailings storage facility (TSF) is based on testwork conducted by Knight Piésold.
The tailings were classified as predominantly silt-sized with low plasticity. The settling rate
is moderately fast (95% of final settled density within five days), and relatively high final
settled densities are achievable with up to 42% of the initial water volume released as
supernatant.
Geochemical characterization of tailings samples concluded that most of the tailings are non acid
forming (NAF) and only a small proportion is potentially acid forming (PAF). The PAF tailings will
be encapsulated within the NAF tailings in the TSF cells.
The TSF site is lower in elevation than the tailings thickeners and adjacent to the waste rock
storage area. Mine waste rock will be the principal construction material for the starter dam.
Because of the low topographical relief at site, a four-sided, bunded impoundment will need to be
constructed. A range of near-surface NAF mine waste materials (clays, sands and gravels, competent
rock) will be available for various uses.
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-6
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
The TSF will be developed in a way that suits ongoing rehabilitation and the closure objectives.
The overall embankment slope will be relatively flat, and a waste rock cover will be placed over
the tailings surface to control wind erosion.
After periods of rainfall, water will accumulate within the old tailings pond area. This could
result in the creation of a natural vegetated zone similar to the original topography. The aim
will be to return the final surface of the facility to conditions similar to the existing
environment to the extent practical.
20.5
General Components QP: Duane Gingrich
Production and Economics
Throughput for Phase 1, the base case, begins at 25.5 Mt/a (70,000 t/d) from the Southwest pit,
increasing to 30 Mt/a (85,000 t/d) by Year 7.
The base case has a mine life of more than 40 years. At a discount rate of 10%, the NPV for this
scenario is US$1.5 billion; at 8% the NPV is US$2.2 billion.
Continuing at a production rate of 85,000 t/d beyond Year 10, the project has sufficient resources
to operate for at least another 30 years by expanding open pit production and exploiting the Hugo
South resource.
Phase 2, the expanded case, realizes the ability of Hugo North to produce at more than 30 Mt/a
with concurrent development of Hugo South and additional open pit mining to support a process plant
expansion to 52.5 Mt/a (nominal 140,000 t/d). In this plan, open pit production would continue to
Year 12 and the underground mine life would extend to Year 35.
Although the final decision to implement Phase 2 does not need to be made until Year 3 of
operations, the significant enhancement (+US$339 million NPV10; +US$485 million
NPV8) of project economics represented by timely expansion
of production makes Phase 2 an integral part of the IDP.
IMMI estimates that formal authorization to proceed with the project will be received in October
2005, with first ore feed to the milling circuit in July 2008.
Processing the ore defined in the IDP mine plan schedule for the expanded case recovers 35.2
billion pounds of copper and 11.7 million ounces of gold.
Cost Estimates (US Dollars)
Under the base case, capital expenditure of $1,380 million is incurred to the beginning of 2009.
This amount is expended over a 33-month construction period to July 2008 and also includes the
six-month period immediately following as the plant ramps up to initial maximum capacity. The
capacity at this stage of development is 70,000 t/d, sourced almost exclusively from the open pit.
Capital expenditure continues on the underground deposit, allowing the operation to achieve the
85,000 t/d maximum capacity of the plant in 2015.
Therefore, the total capital to achieve 85,000 t/d from Hugo North, in the base case, is $2.4
billion, including all sustaining capital, over slightly more than nine years of phased
development.
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-7
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
In a base-case-only scenario, the average cash cost of copper after gold credits is $0.39/lb over
the life of mine. If Phase 2 is added to create an expanded case, then the average over the life
of mine is $0.40/lb.
Table
20-2: Summary of Capital Costs over Mine Life ($M)
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phase 1 |
|
|
Phase 2 |
|
Item |
|
Base Case |
|
|
Expanded case |
|
|
Initial Capital (prior to first
mill feed) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open pit |
|
|
75.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Process plant |
|
|
230.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tailings storage facility |
|
|
31.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
On-site infrastructure |
|
|
114.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-site infrastructure |
|
|
98.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Indirects |
|
|
195.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Owners cost (incl. pre-strip) |
|
|
175.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Contingency |
|
|
120.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Escalation |
|
|
55.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Underground mine |
|
|
232.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
1,328.8 |
|
|
|
1,328.8 |
|
|
Ramp-up |
|
|
51.1 |
|
|
|
51.1 |
|
|
Future Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open pit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Process plant |
|
|
38.4 |
|
|
|
228.9 |
|
Tailings storage facility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
On-site infrastructure |
|
|
38.3 |
|
|
|
71.0 |
|
Off-site infrastructure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
59.9 |
|
Indirects |
|
|
28.3 |
|
|
|
171.0 |
|
Underground mine |
|
|
728.7 |
|
|
|
1,211.9 |
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
833.7 |
|
|
|
1,763.7 |
|
|
Sustaining Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open pit |
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
|
74.5 |
|
Process plant |
|
|
79.8 |
|
|
|
132.8 |
|
Tailings storage facility |
|
|
158.4 |
|
|
|
269.9 |
|
On-site infrastructure |
|
|
38.3 |
|
|
|
40.1 |
|
Off-site infrastructure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indirects |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underground mine |
|
|
1,519.5 |
|
|
|
1,865.8 |
|
Closure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
50.0 |
|
|
Subtotal |
|
|
1,831.8 |
|
|
|
2,432.9 |
|
|
Total incl. Initial Capital |
|
|
4,059.5 |
|
|
|
5,576.5 |
|
|
|
|
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-8
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Table
20-3: Operating Costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Area |
|
Phase 1 |
|
|
Phase 2 |
|
|
Unit Costs ($/t) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining $/t ore mined |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Open Pit Mining |
|
|
2.11 |
|
|
|
2.39 |
|
Strip Ratio |
|
|
1.62 |
|
|
|
1.71 |
|
UG Mining Hugo North |
|
|
2.17 |
|
|
|
2.16 |
|
|
On-Site Costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining average all sources |
|
|
2.16 |
|
|
|
2.28 |
|
Process |
|
|
2.61 |
|
|
|
2.53 |
|
G&A |
|
|
1.09 |
|
|
|
0.78 |
|
Customs Duty |
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
Immovable Property Tax |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
Total Unit On-Site Costs |
|
|
5.94 |
|
|
|
5.62 |
|
|
Total Operating Costs ($M) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Site Operating Costs |
|
|
7,182 |
|
|
|
8,725 |
|
Mongolian Government Royalty |
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
791 |
|
Concentrate Transport Costs |
|
|
1,006 |
|
|
|
1,375 |
|
Treat./Ref. Charges/Penalties |
|
|
5,963 |
|
|
|
7,200 |
|
|
Total Operating Costs |
|
|
14,813 |
|
|
|
18,091 |
|
|
Economic Benefit to Mongolia
Based on a report commissioned by IMMI and published in August 2005, the Oyu Tolgoi expanded case
would have the following impacts on the economy of Mongolia between 2002 and 2043:
|
|
|
34.3% (average) increase in real GDP |
|
|
|
|
10.3% (average) increase in employment |
|
|
|
|
11.5% (average) increase in real per capita disposable income |
|
|
|
|
US$7.9 billion (cumulative) increase in government operating balance, excluding debt
payments |
|
|
|
|
US$54 billion (cumulative) increase in exports. |
Opportunities
Smelting
To increase value and/or reduce risk, evaluation of the possible benefits of a dedicated smelter at
or near the site is warranted. If a dedicated smelter is demonstrated to be advantageous, then
optimization of metal recoveries and concentrate grades to suit the revised treatment and
transportation conditions should be considered.
With a smelter providing a nearby source of sulphuric acid, it could be advantageous to process the
low-grade resource identified in the Southwest pit in a heap leach operation. The amenability of
this material for heap leaching should be evaluated.
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-9
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
High-Density Tailings
The combined use of high-compression thickeners to increase the deposition density of tailings and
of decant towers to reduce the size of the tailings pond area has the potential to reduce make-up
water requirements and operating costs.
Concentrator Capacity
The results of throughput determinations by means of lab test simulations and SAG mill pilot-plant
testing were discounted 10% for operational contingency and potential sample set bias. The IDP
process plant design may have additional capacity without the need for further capital expenditure.
Additionally, the grinding circuit of the expanded case plant has a nominal capacity of 170,000 t/d
for Hugo ores. This may permit a further plant expansion to be made at a modest cost.
Gold Hedging
The project NPV8 & 10 would increase, for both the base and expanded cases, by more than
$200 million if gold production for the first six years was hedged at $550/oz. As IMMI explores
funding alternatives for the project, investigation from specific conditions necessary to realize a
benefit from gold hedging should be assessed.
20.6 Key Development Features
Mining Licence
IMMI owns 100% of the project under four mining licences granted by the Government of Mongolia on
23 December 2003. The term of the licences is 60 years with an option for a 40-year extension.
Special Stability Agreement
IMMI is in negotiations with the Government of Mongolia for an agreement to establish the rights
and obligations of the Oyu Tolgoi project with regard to taxation, cross-border import/export,
supply of power, labour, land use, water rights, and other government-regulated matters. IMMI
expects the agreement to be finalized during the second half of 2005. The IDP assumes that draft
terms of the agreement will be realized.
Health, Safety and Environment
IMMI policy is to implement a comprehensive health and safety program that meets or exceeds mining
industry standards for best practices during all design, construction, and contracting activities
associated with the project. IMMI states that the project will also be environmentally compliant
with the stringent procedures outlined in ISO 14001.
A detailed, three-stage environmental impact assessment (EIA) is underway to meet Mongolian
legislation for the project. The first EIA document, for the transport corridor south of Oyu
Tolgoi to the Chinese border, was submitted in April 2004 and approved in May 2004. The second,
covering the water supply system, was submitted in June 2005. The final submission, incorporating
the results of the IDP, is in preparation and is planned to be submitted during the second half of
2005.
The access road corridor from the Mongolia-China border to Wuyuan in China, the destination for
mine concentrate and location of the rail head for the first three years of operation, has not been
addressed in terms of environmental baseline conditions and impact assessment.
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-10
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Potential impacts on surface water systems in the project area include changes to natural flow
paths and depletion of springs, ephemeral wetlands, and salt-marshes from project development and
operation activities, which may cause loss of wildlife habitat, increased wildlife mortality rates,
and changes to wildlife distribution and migration patterns.
Potential impacts on surface water quality include increased sedimentation and risk of pollution of
springs, ephemeral wetlands, and salt-marshes from increased erosion, contaminated dust fallout,
contaminant spills, and accidents associated with project construction and operational activities.
Fugitive dust control management plans and spill management systems are being developed to avoid
and mitigate potential impacts to surface water quality. These impacts may result in loss of
wildlife habitat, decrease in wildlife health, and decrease in wildlife population because of
higher mortality rates.
Positive impacts associated with the upgrading of road facilities along the corridor include the
formation of dedicated stream crossings, which will reduce the number of undefined and informal
crossings that now exist along the section of local roads. This will significantly reduce the area
where stream banks and riverbeds are disturbed by uncontrolled vehicle access. Improvement of the
road and crossings will reduce the risk associated with transport of hazardous materials.
A complete list of outstanding work to be completed at various stages of development, and current
status, is included in the main body of the IDP report. Key work includes baseline studies and
assessment of project-related impacts along the access road corridor from Mongolia-China border to
Wuyuan, China; wildlife population dynamics, habitat use, ecology and migratory habits of key
species within the region; transboundary issues, cumulative effects, human health risks, and noise
effects; and continued evaluation of acid mine drainage and metal leachate potential, hydrology,
water quality of surface water occurrences, groundwater resources, air quality, soil chemistry; and
projected impacts. Completion of this work will aid in customizing and improving existing
environmental management and monitoring plans as part of an Adaptive Environmental Management
System.
To date, no environmental issues have been identified that cannot be managed through normal mining
practices.
Marketing
Current consumption trends for copper suggest that Oyu Tolgoi is well positioned to sell its
product. During 2004 and 2005, IMMI held commercial discussions with five Chinese smelters, all of
which indicated a desire to purchase concentrate from Oyu Tolgoi. Potential sales to these
smelters total 500,000 dmt per year. One company, Jiangxi Copper Co. Ltd., signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with IMMI in June 2004.
A diversified strategy will be needed to evaluate and encourage the development of greater smelter
capacity in geographically favourable regions of China and elsewhere in Asia as concentrate
production at Oyu Tolgoi increases beyond 1.5 Mt/a.
Water Supply and Management
Regional aquifers are capable of providing long-term water supply for the project. The Gunii
Hooloi field can meet average demand for 40 years at a nominal production rate of 85,000 t/d.
Although additional exploration is required, a second field, Galbyn Gobi, together with other
regional resources
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-11
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
are expected to hold sufficient groundwater resources for requirements at the
nominal 140,000 t/d production.
Depth to groundwater level over the Gunii Hooloi system is more than 35 m, whereas the limited
vegetation that exists in the area has a maximum estimated root depth of 10 m. As such, the
vegetation does not depend on the aquifer. In localized areas vegetation may rely on water in
streambeds, but these are not expected to be affected by borefield extraction.
Power Supply
Power supply for the project is subject to agreement with the Government of Mongolia. The IDP is
based on the initial power demand of 130 MW being imported from Inner Mongolia via a 220 kV
transmission line for the first five years, followed by supply from a coal-fired power station
constructed in Mongolia to exploit the extensive coal resources in the region. The anticipated
price of electric power was derived from a financial model, having tax and depreciation parameters
consistent with the projects economic model and a rate of return of 10%, based on estimated
operating costs and capacity charges. From this model, the price of electricity is estimated to be
US$0.0426/kWh.
Approval has not been received to import power from Inner Mongolia, and discussions between IMMI
and the Mongolian government continue. It is important to note that the Mongolian government is not
in full agreement with the conclusions of the studies performed for IMMI and continues to assert
that the CES can reliably provide both short-term and long-term power requirements of Oyu Tolgoi.
River Diversion
The existing Umdai River channel runs through the future open pits. Subsurface flow in the river
channel is constant, but surface flow is sporadic, occurring only after heavy rainfall. The river
must be diverted to prevent the mining hazard represented by water inflows to the pit and to ensure
continued supply to downstream users.
Because the near-surface water in the river flows in a perched water table, separated from the
underlying groundwater table, the river flow is not expected to be affected by the drawdown
associated with mine dewatering.
Infrastructure
Based on IMMIs assessment, rail transportation is expected to be available for use by Oyu Tolgoi
by the fourth year of operation. The project will construct on-site trackage and a spur line to a
new rail line anticipated to be constructed from the coal fields at Tavan Tolgoi to the existing
Chinese rail system. This development must be realigned to enable the project to achieve its
potential.
Project Implementation
The AAJV recommends that the project will be executed with key engineering and supply resources
from Western countries supplemented by resources from Mongolia and China. The prime engineering
contractor should be from a Western-based company that has been active in the region and has the
proven capability to effectively deliver large mining projects. A Program Management Organization
(PMO) consisting of personnel from IMMI and the engineering contractor will oversee all
activities associated with the project, including the management of all supply and construction
contracts.
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1 October 2005
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Page 20-12
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
Planning associated with the initial phase of project developmentthe Southwest open pit,
concentrator, and infrastructure componentis well advanced. However, commencement of development
will need to be coordinated with the conclusion of current negotiations and discussions related to:
|
|
|
the Special Stability Agreement with the Government of Mongolia |
|
|
|
|
a reliable electrical power supply |
|
|
|
|
VAT and import duty payments on materials and equipment |
|
|
|
|
a location on the Chinese mainline rail system for concentrate transfer from trucks
loaded at Oyu Tolgoi |
|
|
|
|
Mongolian and Chinese government agreement to continuously open the border crossing at
Gushaan Sukhait / Ganqimaodao. |
Oyu Tolgoi is located in an isolated region of Mongolia with little developed infrastructure. The
site is, however, only 80 km from the Chinese border, where resources do exist to support the
project in the energy, transportation, manufacturing, and construction areas. The development plan
for the project is based on the principle of maximizing Mongolian content while involving and
realizing the benefits of the resources in China. Balancing the dual objectives is seen as
achievable.
It is also assumed that the Chinese road and rail transportation systems can accommodate the
movement to site of imported materials required for construction and operations and the shipment
off site of all concentrate produced at the process plant. This will need to be confirmed.
Work Force for Operations
IMMI plans to maximize Mongolian employment levels and achieve a 90% national workforce by the
fifth year of operation. Mongolian exposure to the specific technical and trade skills required
for the project has been limited, and an extensive training program will be required to achieve
this level of local participation.
Risk Assessment
A project risk assessment concluded that although a number of issues need to be addressed and
resolved, none of the identified risks, if managed to a reasonable conclusion, would jeopardize the
successful development and operation of Oyu Tolgoi.
Concluding Statement
In AMECs opinion, the character of the property is of sufficient merit to justify carrying out the
recommended expenditures called for in the Integrated Development Plan.
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
SECTION
21 REFERENCES
The basis of this document is the report prepared for Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia XXK Inc. entitled: Oyu
Tolgoi Project, Mongolia Integrated Development Plan, prepared by AMEC Ausenco Joint Venture
(AAJV) August 2005.
Several other firms contributed to the preparation of the IDP. Attached is the complete list of
the appendices for the IDP for reference.
1. |
|
Badarch, G. et al., 2002. A new terrane subdivision for Mongolia: implications for the
Phanerozoic crustal growth of Central Asia. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, v.21, p.87-110. |
|
2. |
|
Cargill, G., 2002. Report on the Oyu Tolgoi Exploration Project South Gobi Region, Mongolia.
National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, 11 January 2002. |
|
3. |
|
Hodgson, S., 2004. Technical Report, Preliminary Assessment, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia.
National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, January 2004. |
|
4. |
|
Journel, A.G. and Huijbregts, Ch. J. 1978. Mining Geostatistics, Academic Press, London. |
|
5. |
|
Juras, S., 2003. Technical Report, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia. National Instrument 43-101
Technical Report, February 2003. |
|
6. |
|
Juras, S., 2004a. Technical Report, Hugo Dummett Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia. National
Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, June 2004. |
|
7. |
|
Juras, S., 2004b. Technical Report, Southern Oyu Tolgoi Deposits Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia.
National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, September 2004. |
|
8. |
|
Juras, S., 2005. Technical Report, Hugo Dummett and Southern Oyu Tolgoi Deposits Oyu
Tolgoi, Mongolia. National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, May 2005. |
|
9. |
|
Perello, J. et al., 2001. Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia: Siluro-Devonian porphyry copper-gold-Moand
high-sulphidation copper mineralization with a Cretaceous chalcocite blanket. Econ.Geol. v.96,
p.1407-1428. |
|
10. |
|
Tseveendorj, D. and Garamjav, D., 1999. About ancient copper mining and processing in
Mongolia; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Academy of Science Institute Proceedings Series 19, p.17-21
(in Mongolian). |
|
11. |
|
Knight Piésold Report PE601-00001/19, March 2005. Climatic Design Values for Feasibility
Study |
|
12. |
|
Knight Piésold Report VA601-1/11-1, April 18, 2005. Report on Seismic Hazard Assessment |
|
13. |
|
RCAG-DASE-MUST Seismic Hazard Assessment of OT Site, Final Report, March 2005 |
|
14. |
|
Mongolian Wind Code Report, 23 March 2005 |
|
15. |
|
Drill Hole List and Locations |
|
16. |
|
QAQC Data |
|
17. |
|
Data Analyses Plots |
|
18. |
|
Variograms and Variogram Models |
|
19. |
|
Model Validation |
|
20. |
|
Southern Oyu Resource Model, Sections and Plans |
|
21. |
|
Hugo Dummett Resource Model, Sections and Plans |
|
22. |
|
AAJV MTR001 Regrind Circuit Financial Assessment |
|
23. |
|
AAJV MTR002 Fluorine Contamination of Oyu Tolgoi Concentrates Southwest Oyu Tolgoi |
|
24. |
|
AAJV MTR003 Comparison of SIBX and 3418A |
|
25. |
|
AAJV MTR005 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Relationship Southwest Deposit 7-12 Month
Production Composite |
|
26. |
|
AAJV MTR006 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Relationship Southwest Deposit 0-6 Month
Production Composite |
|
27. |
|
AAJV MTR008 Primary Regrind Assessment Southwest Sample 2 |
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1 October 2005
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Page 21-1
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
28. |
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AAJV MTR009 Rougher Kinetic and Batch Flotation Tests Southwest 7-12 Month Production
Composite |
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29. |
|
AAJV MTR010 Rougher Kinetic & Batch Flotation Tests Southwest 0-6 Month Production
Composite |
|
30. |
|
AAJV MTR011 Rougher Kinetic & Batch Flotation Tests Southwest Deposit Year 2 Production
Composite |
|
31. |
|
AAJV MTR 012 Rougher Kinetic and Batch Flotation Tests Southwest Deposit Year 3 Production
Composite |
|
32. |
|
AAJV MTR013 Southwest Year 4 Production Composite Rougher Kinetic and Batch Flotation Tests |
|
33. |
|
AAJV MTR014 Rougher Kinetic and Batch Flotation Tests Southwest Year 5 Production Composite |
|
34. |
|
AAJV MTR015 Rougher Kinetic and Batch Flotation Tests Southwest Years 6-10 Production
Composite |
|
35. |
|
AAJV MTR016 Southwest Year 2 Grind / Recovery Relationship |
|
36. |
|
AAJV MTR017 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Relationship Southwest Year 3 Production
Period Composite |
|
37. |
|
AAJV MTR018 Grind / Rougher Recovery Tests Southwest Year 4 Production Composite |
|
38. |
|
AAJV MTR019 Grind / Rougher Recovery Tests Southwest Year 5 Production Composite |
|
39. |
|
AAJV MTR020 Grind / Rougher Recovery Tests Southwest Year 6 -10 Production Composite |
|
40. |
|
AAJV MTR021 Locked Cycle Test Southwest 0-6 Month Production Composite |
|
41. |
|
AAJV MTR022 Locked Cycle Test Southwest 7-12 Month Production Composite |
|
42. |
|
AAJV MTR023 Locked Cycle Test Southwest Year 2 Production Composite |
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43. |
|
AAJV MTR024 Locked Cycle Test Southwest Year 3 Production Composite |
|
44. |
|
AAJV MTR025 Locked Cycle Test Southwest Year 4 Production Composite |
|
45. |
|
AAJV MTR026 Locked Cycle Test Southwest Year 5 Production Composite |
|
46. |
|
AAJV MTR027 Locked Cycle Test Southwest Year 6-10 Production Composite |
|
47. |
|
AAJV MTR029 Summary of Metallurgical Testwork Conducted by Lakefield Research (Report 1 of
5) |
|
48. |
|
AAJV MTR030 Summary of Metallurgical Testwork Conducted at Lakefield Research (Report 2A of
5) |
|
49. |
|
AAJV MTR031 Summary of Metallurgical Testwork Conducted at Lakefield Research (Report 2B of
5) |
|
50. |
|
AAJV MTR032 Summary of Metallurgical Testwork Conducted at Lakefield Research Report 3 of 5
South Deposit |
|
51. |
|
AAJV MTR033 Summary of Metallurgical Testwork Conducted by Lakefield (Report 4 of 5) |
|
52. |
|
AAJV MTR035 Summary of Metallurgical Testwork Conducted at Lakefield Research Report 5 of 5
Hugo Deposit |
|
53. |
|
AAJV MTR036 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Test Hugo North Year 0-5 Production Composite |
|
54. |
|
AAJV MTR037 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Tests Hugo North Year 6-9 Production Composite |
|
55. |
|
AAJV MTR038 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Relationship Central Deposit (C1 Pit) |
|
56. |
|
AAJV MTR039 Hugo South Grind/ Recovery Relationship |
|
57. |
|
AAJV MTR040 Southwest Variability Batch Tests Year 04 |
|
58. |
|
AAJV MTR041 Southwest Variability Batch Tests Year 5 and Years 610 |
|
59. |
|
AAJV MTR042 Rougher Kinetics and Batch Flotation Tests Hugo North |
|
60. |
|
AAJV MTR043 Hugo South Rougher Kinetics and Batch Flotation Tests |
|
61. |
|
AAJV MTR044 Hugo North Variability Batch Flotation Tests |
|
62. |
|
AAJV MTR045 Locked-Cycle Test Hugo North Years 05 Production Composite |
|
63. |
|
AAJV MTR046 Locked-Cycle Test Hugo North Years 69 Production Composite |
|
64. |
|
AAJV MTR047 Locked Cycle Test Hugo South Year 0-5 Production Composite |
|
65. |
|
AAJV MTR048 Locked Cycle Test Using Site Water Southwest Year3 Production Composite |
|
66. |
|
AAJV MTR049 Central Covellite Rougher Kinetics and Batch Flotation Tests |
|
67. |
|
AAJV MTR050 Central Covellite Ore Type Locked Cycle Flotation Test |
|
68. |
|
AAJV MTR051 Repeat Locked-Cycle Tests Southwest Production Composites |
|
69. |
|
AAJV MTR052 Collector Screening Tests Southwest Year 3 Production Composite |
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1 October 2005
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Page 21-2
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
70. |
|
AAJV MTR054 Flotation Bulk Flotation Test Southwest and Hugo North Deposits |
|
71. |
|
AAJV MTR055 Operator Variability Flotation Tests Southwest Deposits |
|
72. |
|
AAJV MTR056 Batch Flotation Tests Blended Southwest and Hugo North Composite |
|
73. |
|
AAJV MTR057 Concentrate Regrind and Pyrite Depression Test Work on Southwest Production
Period Composites |
|
74. |
|
AAJV MTR058 Concentrate Upgrade Tests on Southwest Production Period Composites |
|
75. |
|
AAJV MTR059 Central Batch Tests Individual Ore Types and Blended with Southwest Ore |
|
76. |
|
AAJV MTR060 Grind/Rougher Recovery Tests Summary Southwest Deposit |
|
77. |
|
AAJV MTR061 Locked-Cycle Test Hugo North 918 Fan Composite |
|
78. |
|
AAJV MTR062 Hugo North 963 Fan Locked-Cycle Test |
|
79. |
|
AAJV MTR063 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Test Hugo North 918 Fan Composite |
|
80. |
|
AAJV MTR064 Primary Grind / Rougher Recovery Test Hugo North 963 Fan Composite |
|
81. |
|
AAJV MTR065 Variability Tests Hugo North Extension |
|
82. |
|
AAJV MTR053 Variability Batch Tests Hugo South Years 0-5 |
|
83. |
|
AAJV MTR070 Metallurgical Algorithms for IDP |
|
84. |
|
Amelunxen Mineral Processing Ltd., April 2005. Interpretation of Oyu Tolgoi Flotation
Kinetics and Circuit Design |
|
85. |
|
AMMTEC Ltd., April 2005. Metallurgical Testwork for the Oyu Tolgoi Copper Gold Project
Conducted for Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia. Report No. A9141 |
|
86. |
|
A.R. MacPherson Consultants Ltd., August 13, 2004. Circuit Design Calculations for Oyu
Tolgoi. ARM Memo to Mike Grundy, Jim Cardno |
|
87. |
|
Ciba Specialty Chemicals, March 2005. Oyu Tolgoi Project, Flocculant Screening and Coagulant
Testwork, March 2006 |
|
88. |
|
Contract Support Services, Inc., July 2003. Drop Weight Test Report on Seven Composite
Samples from Ivanhoe Oyu Tolgoi tested at A.R. MacPherson Consultants Ltd./Lakefield Research.
CSS Job No. 200301 |
|
89. |
|
Contract Support Services, Inc., February 14, 2005. Report to Ivanhoe Mines Results of
JKSimMet Simulations Generated for Oyu Tolgoi Grinding Circuit Meeting |
|
90. |
|
Dorr-Oliver Eimco USA Inc., April 2005. Report on Testing of Oyu Tolgoi Concentrate Applying
Thickening for Ivanhoe Mines |
|
91. |
|
G&T Metallurgical Services Ltd., July 5, 2005. Modal Analysis: Pilot Plant and Flotation
Test Products, A Program of Modal Studies. KM1646 |
|
92. |
|
G&T Metallurgical Services Ltd., April 21, 2005. Hugo North Flotation Pilot Plant Rougher
Concentrate. KM 1642 |
|
93. |
|
G&T Metallurgical Services Ltd., March 7, 2005. Analysis of Pilot Plant Concentrates. KM
1623 |
|
94. |
|
G&T Metallurgical Services Ltd., Modal Assessment of Laboratory Test Products. KM 1586 |
|
95. |
|
G&T Metallurgical Services Ltd., Modal Analysis of Ore Composites by Production Period. KM
1551 |
|
96. |
|
GL&V Australia, April 2005. Report of Investigation into the Bench Scale Thickening
Evaluation of Oyu Tolgoi Tailings |
|
97. |
|
Golder Associates Pty Ltd., June 3, 2005. Geotechnical Testing Oyu Tolgoi Tailings, Oyu
Tolgoi Project Mongolia. Job No. 05-1362-126 |
|
98. |
|
Golder Paste Technology Ltd., June 29, 2005, Report on Oyu Tolgoi Tailings Facility
Laboratory Evaluation of Mine Tailings for Thickened Tailings Disposal Options. Report No.
05-1900-012 |
|
99. |
|
JKTech, October to December 2004. Drop-Weight Test Report on Twenty Six Samples from Oyu
Tolgoi Deposit, Tested at AMMTEC Pty Limited, Perth, Western Australia for Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.
JKTech Job No. 04001 |
|
100. |
|
Larox Inc., May 5, 2005. Test Filtration Report 10887T2 |
|
101. |
|
Metso Minerals Industries, Inc., April 8, 2005. Copper Concentrate (South West Rougher
Concentrate) Jar Mill Test. Test Plant Report No. 65045 |
|
102. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., October 2002. Preliminary Grinding Circuit Design for the Oyu
Tolgoi Project, Mongolia |
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1 October 2005
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Page 21-3
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
103. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., September 26, 2003. Review of Grinding Design for Oyu Tolgoi and
Indicative CEET Assessment |
|
104. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., March 2004. Assessment of grinding circuit throughput for
suggested mill sizings supplied by Ivanhoe Mines for Oyu Tolgoi project (South-West ore zone)
as part of the conceptual design. Rev.2 |
|
105. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., July 2004. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., Oyu Tolgoi Project, Grinding
Circuit Evaluation Interim Report |
|
106. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., September 10, 2004. Grinding Laboratory Test Results |
|
107. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., February 14, 2005. Summary of Oyu Tolgoi CEET runs conducted in
Vancouver, Jan. 31 Feb. 4, 2005 Final Report |
|
108. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., February, 2005. Ivanhoe Mines, Oyu Tolgoi Project, MFT Testwork
and Fleet Study, Revision 0 |
|
109. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., April 20, 2005. Oyu Tolgoi Drill Core Samples, Grade
Correlations with SPI |
|
110. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., April 2005. Column Flotation Pilot Plant on Oyu Tolgoi South
West Ore Conducted at SGS Lakefield |
|
111. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., May 25, 2005. MFT testwork and fleet study Report No.2, Revision
1 |
|
112. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., June 10, 2005. MFT testwork and fleet study Report No.3,
Revision 0 |
|
113. |
|
MinnovEX Technologies Inc., June 2, 2005, Comminution Evaluation Programme, Rev.2 |
|
114. |
|
Pollard and Taylor Geological Services, March 2005. Distribution, mineralogical
associations, sites and characteristics of gold within selected samples from the Hugo Dummett
North Cu-Au deposit, Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
|
115. |
|
Scott Mine Consulting Services Pty Ltd., November 15, 2004. Blasting requirements for the
Oyu Tolgoi Open Pits |
|
116. |
|
South Oyu Oxide Samples. LR10336-006 Progress Report No.10 |
|
117. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, December 19, 2003. An investigation into The Recovery of
Copper and Gold from the Oyu Tolgoi Project, Hugo Deposit. LR10336-004 Progress Report No.9 |
|
118. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, December 19, 2003. An Investigation into The Recovery of
Copper and Gold from Oyu Tolgoi Project, Central Oyu Pre-Feasibility Program. LR10336-005
PR#8 |
|
119. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, October 2, 2003. An Investigation into The Recovery of
Copper and Gold from Oyu Tolgoi Project, Southwest Oyu Pre-Feasibility Program. LR10336-005
Progress Report No.7 |
|
120. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, July 15, 2003. An Investigation into The Recovery of Copper
and Gold from Oyu Tolgoi Project, Far North Oyu (south part). LR10336-004 Progress Report No
6 |
|
121. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, May 6, 2003. Investigation into The Amenability to Bacterial
Leaching for the Recovery of Copper from Oyu Tolgoi Project, Covellite Samples. LR10336-007
Progress Report No. 5 |
|
122. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, February 28, 2003. An investigation into The Recovery of
Copper and Gold from the Oyu Tolgoi Project, Southwest Oyu and Central Oyu. LR10336-003
Progress Report No.4 |
|
123. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, February 17, 2003. Investigation into The Recovery of
Copper and Gold from Oyu Tolgoi Project Samples, LR10336-001 Progress Report No. 3 |
|
124. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, October 16, 2002. An investigation into The Recovery of
Copper by Column Leaching from Oyu Tolgoi Project Samples. LR10336-002 Progress Report No.2 |
|
125. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, July 14, 2003. Proposed Grinding System based on
Small-Scale Data, Progress Report 1 ARM-0556/LR10044-070 |
|
126. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, December 12, 2001. An Investigation into The Recovery of
Copper and Gold from Oyu Tolgoi Project Samples by Flotation. LR10336-001 Progress Report
No 1 |
|
127. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research & AR MacPherson Consultants Ltd, June 1, 2005. A Pilot Plant
Investigation into the Grindability Characteristics of a Sample from the Oyu Tolgoi Deposit.
LR10044-127Report No. 1 |
|
128. |
|
SGS Lakefield Research Limited, June 1, 2005. An Investigation into the Reprocessing of Oyu
Tolgoi Southwest Deposit Concentrate. LR10995-001 Report 1 (note: Printed copy only no
electronic version) |
|
129. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, June 2005. Oyu Tolgoi, Mineralogy Work Synopsis 2002 2005.
TMS Mineralogical Report |
|
130. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, March 26, 2005. Mineralogical Examination of Copper
Concentrate Samples Generated from Oyu Tolgoi Southwest Deposit Ore. TMS Mineralogical
Report, Project OT Southwest Copper Concentrates 04DEC-001 |
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1 October 2005
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Page 21-4
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
131. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, March 13, 2005. Mineralogical Examination of One Concentrate
and Tails Samples Generated From Oyu Tolgoi Central Deposit Ore, TMS Mineralogical Report,
Project OT Central Metallurgical Products 04DEC-002 |
|
132. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, November 30, 2003. Oyu Tolgoi, Mineralogy Work Synopsis 2002
2003. TMS Mineralogical Report |
|
133. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, October 30, 2003. Mineralogical Evaluation of Fluorine
Carriers in One Copper Concentrate Sample from S1 Ore Type, Southwest Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia.
TMS Mineralogical Report, Project Oyu Tolgoi OT Southwest Fluorine 03SEP-005 |
|
134. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, June 17, 2003. Fluorine-bearing Minerals in Far North Copper
Concentrates from Chalcopyrite/Bornite Ore, TMS Memo to Malcolm Lake et al, OT-Met. Program
Fluorine Determination 03APR-002 |
|
135. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, June 6, 2003. Fluorine-bearing Minerals in Far North Copper
Concentrate, TMS Memo to Malcolm Lake et al, OT-Met. Program Fluorine Determination
03APR-002 |
|
136. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, June 4, 2003. Determination of Arsenic Carriers and Arsenic
Distribution in Copper Concentrates from Far North Ore, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia, TMS
Mineralogical Report, OT-Metallurgy Program Arsenic Carriers and Distribution 03APR-004 |
|
137. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, May 12, 2003. Determination of Arsenic Carriers and Arsenic
Distribution in One Copper Concentrate from Chalcocite/Bornite Ore from the Far North Zone,
Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia, TMS Mineralogical Report, OTMetallurgy Program Arsenic
Carriers and Distribution 03APR-004 |
|
138. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, May 8, 2003. Mineralogical Examination of Incremental Copper
Rougher Concentrate Test Samples from the Oyu Tolgoi Samples 2, 4, 5 and 6, TMS Mineralogical
Report, OTMetallurgy Program Incremental Copper Rougher Concentrates 03APR-001 |
|
139. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, April 9, 2003. Mineralogical Examination of Drill Core from
the Far North Zone of the Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia Part II, TMS Mineralogical Report,
Oyu Tolgoi Ore Characterization Far North II 03JAN-001 |
|
140. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, March 4, 2003. Mineralogical Examination of F30 and F32 Locked
Cycle Tests Samples from Far North Ore, Oyu Tolgoi Project, TMS Mineralogical Report, OT
Metallurgy Program Far North LCT-F30-32 03FEB-003, (included in the Lakefield
LR10336-004 Progress Report No 5, July 4, 2003 (Draft)) |
|
141. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, December 19, 2002. Mineralogical Examination of Drill Core
Samples from the Central Zone of the Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia, TMS Mineralogical Report,
Oyu Tolgoi Ore Characterization Central 02AUG-003/2 |
|
142. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, December 10, 2002. Mineralogical Examination of Drill Core
from the Southwest Zone of the Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia, TMS Mineralogical Report, Oyu
Tolgoi Ore Characterization Southwest 02AUG-003/1 |
|
143. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, December 2, 2002. Gold-bearing Minerals in Drill Core Samples
from the South West Zone Oyu Tolgoi, TMS Memo to Malcolm Lake et al |
|
144. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, December 1, 2002. Mineralogical Examination of Drill Core
Samples from the Far North Zone of the Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia, TMS Mineralogical Report,
Oyu Tolgoi Ore Characterization Far North 02AUG-003/3 |
|
145. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, November 16, 2002. Backscatter Scans (BSE) OT-LCT49, TMS
Memo to Maurice Tagami, (included in the Lakefield Progress Report No 4, February 28, 2003) |
|
146. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, October 4, 2002. Examination (of) Locked Cycle Test Products,
TMS Memo to Maurice Tagami, (included in the Lakefield Progress Report No 4, February 28,
2003) |
|
147. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, August 22, 2002. Memo to M Lake, Ore Bodies Sampling for
Predictive Metallurgy |
|
148. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, April 10, 2003. Memo to M Lake, M Tagami, C Forster,
Metallurgical Indices, Oyu Tolgoi Far North. Project: OT Far North-Met-Index; 03JAN-001 |
|
149. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, April 25, 2003. Memo to M Tagami, Note Concerning Sample S5.
Project: Head Sample 5 03APR-003 |
|
150. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, May 5, 2003. Memo to M Tagami, M Lake, C Forster,
Fluorine-bearing Minerals in Far North Drill Core Samples. Project: Fluorine Drill Core
Samples 03APR-002 |
|
151. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, May 28, 2003. Mineralogical Examination of Column Leach
Feed Material, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia. Project: OT-Metallurgy Program-Column Leach Feed
Material 4 8 03FEB-001 |
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1 October 2005
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Page 21-5
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
152. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, July 20, 2003. Memo to M Lake, P Clare, Oyu Tolgoi Camp Visit
July 03 Trip Summary. Project: Oyu Tolgoi IVANHOE Mines |
|
153. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, July 23, 2003. Memo to M Lake, Mineralogical Examination of
Metallurgical Test Products from FNE Test F64. Project: OT-Metallurgy FAR NORTH EXTENSION
(OT-MET#16) |
|
154. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, July 25, 2003. Memo to M Lake, Mineralogical Examination of
Metallurgical Test Products from FNE Test F61. Project: OT-Metallurgy FAR NORTH EXTENSION
(OT-MET#16) |
|
155. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, July 28, 2003 (edited September 30, 203). Mineralogical
Examination of Oyu Tolgoi Ore Sample 8 (S8) Oxide Ore. Project: OT-Metallurgy Program Ore
Characterization S8-Oxides 03MAR-004 |
|
156. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, July 30, 2003. Memo to M Lake, Mineralogical Examination of
Metallurgical Test Products from FNE Test F63 and F72. Project: OT-Metallurgy FAR NORTH
EXTENSION (OT-MET#16) |
|
157. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, September 2, 2003. Memo to M Lake, Mineralogical Examination
of Rougher Tails from Far North Transition, and Far North Extension. Project: OT-Metallurgy
Rougher Tails FAR NORTH 03AUG-002 |
|
158. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, October 30, 2003. Mineralogical Examination of Drill
Core Samples from the Far North Extension Zone (HUGO NORTH) of the Oyu Tolgoi Project,
Mongolia Part III. Project: Oyu Tolgoi Ore Characterization Far North Extension
(FNE)-III-03AUG-004 |
|
159. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, October 30, 2003. Mineralogical Examination of Drill
Core Samples from the Hugo North of the Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia. Project: Oyu Tolgoi
Ore Characterization Hugo North -03AUG-004 |
|
160. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, November 4, 2003. Memo to M Lake, C Forster, B Hogg,
Metallurgical Indices, Oyu Tolgoi Far North Extension Hugo North. Project: OT-Far North
Extension Hugo North Met-Index; 03AUG-004 |
|
161. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, November 11, 2003. Memo to M Lake, T Newton, Comparison of
Copper carriers-Head Sample Leach Residue. Project: OT-Sample S5- Leach Residue
03SEP-004 |
|
162. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, December 21, 2003. Oyu Tolgoi, Mineralogy Field
Laboratory Implementation and Support |
|
163. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, February 24, 2004. Evaluation of Gold in Copper Cleaner
Scavenger Tails from Ore Type S2, Southwest Deposit, Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia. Project: Ivanhoe
Mines Cu Cleaner Scavenger Tails Gold 03NOV-001 |
|
164. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, March 31, 2004. Mineralogical Examination of Column
Leach Residues, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia. Project: OT-Metallurgy Program-Column Leach
Residues Ore types 4 8 04JAN-003 |
|
165. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, April 21, 2004. Synopsis Oyu Tolgoi Copper
Concentrates from Scoping and Pre-feasibility Metallurgical Tests. Project: OT Scoping and
Pre-feasibility Metallurgy Program, Synopsis Copper concentrates |
|
166. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, May 7, 2004. Memo to M Lake, M Tagami, C Forster,
Metallurgical Indices, Oyu Tolgoi Southwest Zone. Project: OT-Oyu Tolgoi Ore
characterization Central 02AUG-003/2 |
|
167. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, May 9, 2004. Memo to B Hogg, P Chare, S Hodgson, Updates and
planning Oyu Tolgoi Mineralogy Work, Trip to OT Site and Perth Ivanhoe Office. Project: OT
Mineralogy Work 04APR-002 |
|
168. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, June 14, 2004. Ore Characterization of Head Composite
Samples from Southwest Deposit Ore Types S1, S2 and S3, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia.
Project: OT-Metallurgy Program-Head Samples Southwest S1, S2 and S3 |
|
169. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, September 12, 2004. Microprobe Analyses of Muscovite
and Sericite in Drill Core Samples From the Oyu Tolgoi Central, and Hugo North Deposits,
Mongolia. Project: OT-Microprobe analyses of Fluorine in White Micas 04JUL-002 |
|
170. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, September 28, 2004. Synopsis of Oyu Tolgoi Oxide Ore
from OT South and Southwest Deposits |
|
171. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, October 12, 2004. Memo to P Chare, B Hogg, S Brindley, Oyu
Tolgoi Central Deposit Met Index Block Model Final. Project: OT-Central-Predictive
Metallurgy Mapping |
|
172. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, October 16, 2004. Memo to P Chare, B Hogg, C Forster, Oyu
Tolgoi Mineralogy Laboratory Review October 2004. Project: OT Mineralogy Field Laboratory
-04SEP-002 |
|
173. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, November 4, 2004. Mineralogical Examination of Drill
Core Samples from the Transition Zone Between Hugo South and Hugo North (Previously Far North
Transition Zone) of the Oyu |
|
|
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|
|
1 October 2005
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Page 21-6
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Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
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Tolgoi Project, Mongolia. Project: Oyu Tolgoi Ore
Characterization transition Hugo South Hugo North (previously Far North Transition
FNT)-03SEP-006 |
|
174. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, November 14, 2004. Mineralogical Determination of
Selenium Carriers in Ore Material from the Southwest Deposit, Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia. Project:
OT-Selenium Carriers Southwest Deposit 04JUL-001 |
|
175. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, November 30, 2004. Mineralogical Examination of Drill
Core Samples from the North Boundary of Hugo South (Previously Far North North) of the Oyu
Tolgoi Project, Mongolia. Project: Oyu Tolgoi Ore Characterization North boundary Hugo
South (previously Far North North-FNN) 03OCT-002 |
|
176. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, December 8, 2004. Mineralogical Examination of Drill
Core Samples from OTD455B & OTD514, Hugo North Deposit (Far North Extension Zone), Oyu Tolgoi
Project, Mongolia. Project: Oyu Tolgoi Ore Characterization and Gold Examination Hugo
North DDH (Far North Extension) 04JAN-002 |
|
177. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services Report, June 9, 2005. Mineralogical Examination of Residue
Samples for Column Leach Tests, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia. Project: OT-Residue Column
Leach Tests 05FEB-002 |
|
178. |
|
Terra Mineralogical Services, June 16, 2005. Memo to P Chare, B Hogg, C Leggett, S Brindley,
Oyu Tolgoi Southwest Deposit Met Index Block Model FINAL June 2004. Project: OT-Southwest
Predictive Metallurgy Mapping |
|
179. |
|
GRD Minproc Limited. Open Pit Cost and Production Data Phase 1b and Phase 2 |
|
180. |
|
SRK Consulting, April 2005. Feasibility Study, Geotechnical Evaluation, South West and
Central Open Pits |
|
181. |
|
Engineering Design Criteria |
|
182. |
|
Engineering Technical Decision Memoranda |
|
183. |
|
Knight Piésold Report PE601-0001/14, December 2004. Feasibility Study Tailings Storage
Facility |
|
184. |
|
Golder Associates, June 2005. Final Report on Review of Feasibility Study Design Tailings
Storage Facility, Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia |
|
185. |
|
Golder Associates, June 3, 2005. Technical Memo, Alternative Tailings Facility Design
Options, Oyu Tolgoi Tailings Storage Facility, Job #05-1362-126/3000 |
|
186. |
|
Knight Piésold Report PE601-0001/16, December 2004. Site Water Management |
|
187. |
|
EGI Report 8550/589, May 2003. Acid Rock Damage (ARD) Assessment of the Turquoise Hill (Oyu
Tolgoi) Gold and Copper Project |
|
188. |
|
EGI Report 8550/633, June 2004. Manual for Turquoise Hill Waste Rock Leach Columns Operated
by Ivanhoe mines Mongolia |
|
189. |
|
EGI Report 8550/638, June 2004. Preliminary Cover Design Investigations for Control of ARD
at Turquoise Hill |
|
190. |
|
EGI Report 8550/641, October 2004. Assessment of Geochemical Data for the Turquoise Hill
Project |
|
191. |
|
EGI Report 8550/677, June 2005. Geochemical Assessment of Pilot Plant and Bench Test
Tailings for the Oyu Tolgoi (Turquoise Hill) Project |
|
192. |
|
EGI E-mail, 16 June 2005. Oyu Tolgoi Waste Rock Column Update |
|
193. |
|
EGI Appendix A Assessment of Acid Forming Characteristics |
|
194. |
|
Mongolian Ministry of Infrastructure Development Coal Quality Report 97-1571 |
|
195. |
|
Knight Piésold PE601-00001/18, May 18, 2005. Feasibility Study, Umdai River Diversion,
Revision 1 |
|
196. |
|
Knight Piésold Report PE601-00001/17, May 2005. Airstrip Design |
|
197. |
|
Aquaterra Review of Knight Piésold Report, April 20, 2005. Feasibility Study for Umdai River
Diversion |
|
198. |
|
Teshmont Consultants LP, November 2004. Power Supply and Transmission System Study for the
Oyu Tolgoi Project Phase II |
|
199. |
|
Teshmont Consultants LP, April 16, 2004. Power Supply and Transmission System Study for the
Oyu Tolgoi Project, Phase II, Rev 3 |
|
200. |
|
IMMI Financial Model for IPP/Utility Electricity Cost |
|
201. |
|
AMEC Power System Performance Criteria |
|
202. |
|
Fluor, June 22, 2005. Feasibility Study Report, 3 x 65 MW Coal Fired Power Plant Tavan
Tolgoi, Mongolia |
|
203. |
|
Aquaterra Report, 15 June 2005. Oyu Tolgoi Integrated Development Plan, Water Supply and
Dewatering Sections |
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
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|
|
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|
Page 21-7
|
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|
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|
Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
204. |
|
Aquaterra Report, September 2004. Oyu Tolgoi Camp and Construction Water Supply |
|
205. |
|
Aquaterra Report, October 2004. Feasibility Study, Oyu Tolgoi Dewatering Investigation
Open Pit and Block Cave Mining |
|
206. |
|
Aquaterra Report, November 2004. Groundwater Conditions at the Hugo Shaft |
|
207. |
|
Aquaterra Memo, July 12, 2004. Open Pit and Underground Mine Dewatering Predictions: Options
1 and 2 |
|
208. |
|
Aquaterra Memo, April 21, 2005. Dewatering of South West Pit Using Vertical Bores |
|
209. |
|
Golder Associates, May 2005. Review of Water Supply Feasibility Study, Oyu Tolgoi Project,
Mongolia |
|
210. |
|
Pipeline Systems Incorporated, October 15, 2004. Oyu Tolgoi Copper Concentrate Pipeline
Routes Study, Conceptual Design & Order of Magnitude Cost Estimates, PSI Document No.
1130-G-G-001 |
|
211. |
|
Knight Piésold Report PE601-00001/12, November 2004. Feasibility Study, Regional Roads,
Pipeline and Powerlines, Geotechnical Investigation and Preliminary Design |
|
212. |
|
Knight Piésold Report PE601-00001/09, September 2004. Feasibility Study Geotechnical
Investigation of Mining Licence Area |
|
213. |
|
(a) AAJV Bare Cost Summary Report, Oyu Tolgoi Project, IDP Phase 1a. (b) AAJV Cost Report,
Oyu Tolgoi Project, IDP Phase 1a |
|
214. |
|
Initial and Future Capital Expenditure Report |
|
215. |
|
Sustaining Capital Expenditure Report |
|
216. |
|
AMEC, May 11, 2005. Foreign Exchange Rates for the Oyu Tolgoi Project |
|
217. |
|
2004 Rates Analysis |
|
218. |
|
Expatriate and Mongolian Labour Rates |
|
219. |
|
Base Case (Phase 1a) Process and G&A Operating Costs Summary (details in xls file) |
|
220. |
|
Expanded Case (Phase 2) Process and G&A Operating Costs Summary (details in xls file) |
|
221. |
|
Oyu Tolgoi Personnel Organization and Staffing Summary |
|
222. |
|
Discussion of Chinese Design Institutes (CDIs) |
|
223. |
|
Chinese Design Institutes (CDIs) Summary Oyu Tolgoi, May 2005 |
|
224. |
|
Chinese and Mongolian Design Institutes Hourly Labour Rates (US$) |
|
225. |
|
List of Equipment Sourced from International Suppliers |
|
226. |
|
Sustainability Report, January 10, 2005. Training System Development Report |
|
227. |
|
Oyu Tolgoi Manning Schedules |
|
228. |
|
Chinese Contractor Rates and Cost Data |
|
229. |
|
McIntosh Engineering, June 25, 2005. Updated Preliminary Assessment for Underground Mining
of Hugo Dummett North Zone (Volumes I, II and III) |
|
230. |
|
SRK Consulting, June 2005. Summary of Hugo North Cave Mining Geotechnical Prefeasibility
Study |
|
231. |
|
SRK Consulting, June 2005. Hugo North Cave Mining Geotechnical Prefeasibility Study |
|
232. |
|
(a) AAJV Bare Cost Summary Report, Oyu Tolgoi Project, IDP Phase 1b. (b) AAJV Cost Report,
OyTolgoi Project, IDP Phase 1b |
|
233. |
|
McIntosh Capital and Operating Costs Case A (Phase 1b) |
|
234. |
|
(a) AAJV Bare Cost Summary Report, Oyu Tolgoi Project, IDP Phase 1c. (b) AAJV Cos Report,
Oyu Tolgoi Project, IDP Phase 1c |
|
235. |
|
AAJV Cost Report Integrated Development Plan Phase 2 |
|
236. |
|
Initial and Future Capital Expenditure Report Expanded Case (Phase 2) |
|
237. |
|
Sustaining Capital Expenditure Report Expanded Case (Phase 2) |
|
238. |
|
Knight Piésold Phase 2 Water Balance |
|
239. |
|
McIntosh Capital and Operating Costs Case B (Phase 2) |
|
240. |
|
Eco-Trade Ltd., October 2002. Environmental Baseline Study |
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
|
|
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|
Page 21-8
|
|
|
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|
Integrated Development Plan
Technical Report
Oyu Tolgoi, Mongolia |
241. |
|
(a) NUM School of Economics Report (b) SES, NUM Economics Department Research Team, April
5, 2004. Socio Economic Impacts of Oyu Tolgoi Mine on Mongolia |
|
242. |
|
Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia Inc., Draft, May 2004. Socio Economic Impact Assessment Report of Oyu
Tolgoi Project |
|
243. |
|
The Centre for Spartial Economics, March 2004. The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the Oyu
Tolgoi Project on Mongolia |
|
244. |
|
Eco-Trade Co., April 2003. Preliminary Community Consultation Report for the Oyu Tolgoi
Project |
|
245. |
|
Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia Inc., August 2004. Herder Relocation Report, Oyu Tolgoi Project |
|
246. |
|
IMMI Community Department Report for the Board of Directors |
|
247. |
|
The Mongolian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology, 2002. The Report for the
Archaeological Excavation Conducted on the Licensed Field of the Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia INCII |
|
248. |
|
The Mongolian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology, 2003. A Summary Report of the
Archaeological Excavation Works Conducted through Roads from Oyu Tolgoi, an Exploitation Site
of Ivanhoe Mines Mongolia Inc. Company, To Gashuun Sukhait Frontier Crossing Point in the
Territory of Khanborg Soum, South Gobi Aimak |
|
249. |
|
Mongolian National Standards Required for Oyu Tolgoi Project |
|
250. |
|
Met Data 2002 to 2004 |
|
251. |
|
AMEC Americas Ltd., April 2005. QA/QC of Air Quality Baseline Data and Information for the
Oyu Tolgoi Project Mongolia |
|
252. |
|
Eco-Trade Ltd. Environmental Consultants, Mongolia, 2004. Oyu Tolgoi Project Environmental
Impact Assessment, Volume 1, Report of Oyu Tolgoi to Gashuun Sukhait Road and Infrastructure
Corridor, Environmental Protection Plan and Environmental Monitoring Plan |
|
253. |
|
Ephemeral wetlands and salt-marshes within Galbyn Gobi |
|
254. |
|
(a) EIA Framework (b) OT General EIA Guidelines |
|
255. |
|
Risk Analysis and Definitions for the Oyu Tolgoi Development |
|
256. |
|
(a) CCME Overview Soil Quality Guidelines (b) CCME Environmental Quality Guidelines
Development Process |
|
257. |
|
AMEC, July 2005. Preliminary Mine Closure and Reclamation Plan Draft Report |
|
258. |
|
Detailed Cost Estimates per Socioeconomic and Environmental Component |
|
259. |
|
The Centre for Spatial Economics, Toronto, Canada, August 2005. The Economic and Fiscal
Impacts of the Oyu Tolgoi Project on Mongolia Phase 2 |
|
260. |
|
Financial Model Base Case |
|
261. |
|
Financial Model Expanded Case |
|
|
|
|
|
1 October 2005
|
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Page 21-9