Erdene Closes Second Stage of Strategic Alliance with Mongolian Mining Corporation and Reports Q1 2023 Results
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ERDENE CLOSES SECOND STAGE OF STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
WITH MONGOLIAN MINING CORPORATION AND
REPORTS Q1 2023 RESULTS
Press Release
Halifax, Nova Scotia
2023.05.04
Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD; MSE:ERDN) ("Erdene" or the
"Company") is pleased to announce the close of the second stage of the Strategic
Alliance with Mongolian Mining Corporation (“MMC”), to provide an update on the Bayan
Khundii (“BK”) Gold Project development and exploration in the Khundii Minerals District
(“KMD”), and to report operating and financial results for the quarter ended March 31,
2023. This release should be rea d in conjunction with the Company’s Q1 2023
Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and MD&A, available on the
Company’s website and SEDAR.
Quotes from the Company:
“The first quarter of 2023 was another productive period for Erdene as we made
significant progress advancing our Bayan Khundii (“BK”) Gold Project towards
construction,” said Peter Akerley, Erdene’s President and CEO. “With the recent close of
the second stage of our MMC Strategic Alliance, we are launching early construction
works and expect to make a full construction decision in mid-2023.”
“In Q1 we also ramped up exploration in the KMD, with three rigs currently conducting
mineral exploration, hydrogeological reserve exploration, and geotechnical drilling,
including exploratory drilling at our Zuun Mod molybdenum-copper project,” continued Mr.
Akerley. “With robust molybdenum prices and a strong outlook for copper demand
supporting the green energy transition, we plan to continue to unlock the value of the
Zuun Mod. Following the completion of the first phase of work at Zuun Mod, expansion
and exploration drilling will test for high-grade gold, targeting resource extensions and
new prospects near the planned BK open pits.”
Q1-2023 Highlights and Significant Subsequent Events:
Bayan Khundii Gold Project
• Progressed construction readiness and engineering for the BK Gold Project
• Completed detailed design and engineering for 12 of 14 facilities
• Conducted construction, mine planning and gold processing optimization studies
with MMC
• Engaged with preferred vendors and received updated quotations for major
construction works and mining equipment, leveraging MMC relationships
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• Completed internal Feasibility Study (“FS”) update and advanced NI 43-101 FS update
• Worked with MMC and Glogex Consulting to update resource and mine plans, fleet
optimization, and capital & operating costs for the internal study
• Advanced hydrogeological, metallurgy and geotechnical work for NI 43-101 FS
update
• Updated NI 43-101 scheduled to be delivered in mid-2023
• Advanced regulatory approvals and secured key permits for mine development
• Obtained approval for 12 project facilities and received construction permits for
eight facilities
• Received regulatory approval of the Project’s 2023 operational plans
• Launched 2023 community engagement program
• Established Bayankhongor province branch office in early Q2
• Held community open house information sessions in advance of construction
Khundii Minerals District Exploration
• Commenced 4,000-metre drill program at ZM in April 2023
• 2,500-metre first phase will test areas adjacent current resource to assess
expansion potential
• Results expected to be announced in late Q2
• Carried out desktop and field orientation work in advance of a 11,000-metre gold
exploration program
• Program will prioritize the greater Dark Horse area
• Drilling will test high priority targets to expand resources and conduct infill drilling
to increase confidence in currently reported inferred resources
Corporate
• Entered Strategic Alliance with MMC and closed the first two tranches receiving US$10
million of funding
• MMC to invest US$40 million for a 50% equity interest in Erdene’s Mongolian
subsidiary that holds the Khundii and Altan Nar mining licenses and the Ula an
exploration license
• Erdene retains 50% of EM and a 5.0% NSR royalty on production from the Khundii,
Altan Nar and Ulaan licenses, as well as any properties acquired within 5
kilometres, beyond the first 400,000 ounces of gold recovered, as well as 100%
interest in ZM
• Closed the first stage of the Alliance in January 2023 and the second stage in early
May 2023
• Progressed BK Project Finance with EDC and other international financial institutions
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• EDC due diligence complete pending review of 2023 FS update, anticipated in mid-
2023 and key loan terms agreed
• Discussions are proceeding in parallel with Mongolian and International financiers
for the balance of capital
• Recorded a net loss of $1,138,937 for the three months ended March 31, 2023,
compared to a net loss of $1,231,156 for the three months ended March 31, 2022
• Exploration and evaluation expenditures, including capitalized expenditures,
totaled $1,437,182 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to
$2,904,572 for the comparative prior year period as reduced field activity and
design and engineering work, as well as the payment of a deposit on the elution
circuit in early 2022, and the timing of payments under the local cooperation
agreement more than offset current period expenditures to update the FS
• Corporate and administrative expenses totaled $580,111 for the three months
ended March 31, 2023, compared to $445,446 for the three months ended March
31, 2022, with the year on year increase primarily due to expenditures associated
with the negotiation and announcement of the MMC Strategic Alliance as well as
higher administrative salaries due to cost of living adjustments
Update on Strategic Alliance with MMC
In January 2023, the Company announced a Strategic Alliance with MMC to develop BK.
MMC is the largest, private producer and exporter of high-quality washed hard coking
coal in Mongolia. MMC owns and operates the Ukhaa Khudag and the Baruun Naran
open pit coking coal mines, both located in Umnugovi Aimag (South Gobi Province),
Mongolia. The shares of MMC are listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock
Exchange (HKEx: 975), and the company has a current market capitalization of
approximately US$400 million.
MMC’s largest beneficial shareholder is MCS Group, one of Mongolia’s leading
conglomerates. MCS has operated in Mongolia for 30 years, and has operations in
engineering, energy, communications, property, mining, consumer goods, health, and
hospitality. MCS employs approximately 10,000 staff in Mongolia and is one of the
Country’s largest private taxpayers.
Erdene’s exploration and pre-development capabilities, MMC’s mining and operational
expertise and the ability of MCS Group companies to provide complimentary
infrastructure and energy solutions creates the ideal platform to develop the KMD for the
benefit for all stakeholders.
Under the terms of the Strategic Alliance, MMC will invest US$40 million for a 50% interest
in Erdene’s Mongolian subsidiary, Erdene Mongol LLC (“EM”), which holds the Khundii
and Altan Nar mining licenses and the Ulaan exploration license through a three-stage
transaction. Erdene will retain a 50% equity interest in EM as well as a 5% Net Smelter
Return royalty on all production from the Khundii, Altan Nar and Ulaan licenses, as well
as any properties acquired within five kilometres of these licenses, after the first 400,000
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ounces of gold recovered. Erdene maintains a 100% interest in the Zuun Mod copper-
molybdenum project.
The first stage of the Strategic Alliance was completed in mid-January 2023, with MMC
advancing US$5 million by way of a convertible promissory note to finance an updated
Feasibility Study and Life of Mine Plan for the BK Gold Project. Since this time, Glogex
Consulting, a leading Mongolian geology and mining consulting firm, has assisted Erdene
and MMC in preparing an internal update of the BK Feasibility Study completed in mid
2020.
With the completion of the internal update study in late April, MMC advanced the second
tranche of US$5 million to EM on May 2, completing the second stage. These funds will
be used to complete the 2023 FS and to undertake early construction works and
exploration.
The third stage of the partnership will see MMC invest a further US$30 million once EM
has reached a construction decision, providing equity capital for the BK Gold Project,
expected in Q3 2023.
Qualified Person
Peter Dalton, P.Geo. (Nova Scotia), Senior Geologist for Erdene, is the Qualified Person
as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the
technical information contained in this news release.
About Erdene
Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on
the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metals in
underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in three
mining licenses and an exploration license in Southwest Mongolia, where exploration
success has led to the discovery and definition of the Khundii Gold District. Erdene
Resource Development Corp. is listed on the Toronto and the Mongolian stock exchanges.
Further information is available at www.erdene.com. Important information may be
disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this
information.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements
may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance, or
other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no
assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that
actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its
control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene
currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
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in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain required third party approvals,
market prices, exploitation, and exploration results, continued availability of capital and
financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking
statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The
information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after
that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these
forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE
CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE
Erdene Contact Information
Peter C. Akerley, President and CEO, or
Robert Jenkins, CFO
Phone: (902) 423-6419
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErdeneRes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErdeneResource
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/erdene-resource-development-corp-/
Bayan KhundiiMine Operations
Accommodation Village LocationAltan Nar Gold Deposit
(16km Northwest)
Dark Horse South
Mane Gold Deposit
Bayan KhundiiExploration & Pre-Construction
Accommodations and Offices;
North of Planned BK Open Pit
THE KHUNDII MINERALS DISTRICT (KMD):
Bayan Khundii Exploration and Pre-Construction Camp (April 2023)
MMC & ERD CEO’s Opening Representative Office in Province Centre (Bayankhongor) and
Hosting an Open House Event in Sub-Province Centre (Shinejinst) (April 2023)
ERD Discovery T eam Geologists Conduct Field Evaluations at
Bayan Khundii, Dark Horse and ZuunMod (April 2023)