Entrée Resources Announces Third Quarter 2021 Results
ENTRÉE RESOURCES ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2021 RESULTS
Vancouver, B.C., November 15, 2021 – Entrée Resources Ltd. (TSX: ETG; OTCQB: ERLFF – the “Company”
or “Entrée”) has today filed its interim financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.
All numbers are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
Q3 2021 HIGHLIGHTS
Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property
On October 21, 2021, Entrée reported it had filed an amended Technical Report (“2021 Technical Report”)
for its interest in the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture property in Mongolia (“Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV
Property”). The 2021 Technical Report has an original effective date of May 17, 2021, and an amended
effective date of October 8, 2021.
Updated information provided by Entrée’s joint venture partner Oyu Tolgoi LLC (“OTLLC”) on the
concentrate tonnes and grade to be produced from the first lift ( “Lift 1”) of the Hugo North
Extension copper‐gold deposit resulted in changes to certain financial results and outputs for the
Hugo North Extension Lift 1 Feasibility Study (“2021 Reserve Case”).
2021 Reserve Case after‐tax NPV(8%) increased 15% from $114 million to $131 million as a result
of an increase in Hugo North Extension Lift 1 payable copper in concentrate. (1)(2)
There are no changes to the Preliminary Economic Assessment (“2021 PEA”) on a conceptual
second lift (“ Lift 2”) of the Hugo North Extension deposit or to the mineral resour ce or reserve
estimates based on the updated information provided by OTLLC.(2)
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Development Update
The Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia includes two separate land h oldings: the Oyu Tolgoi mining licence,
which is held by Entrée’s joint venture partner OTLLC and the E ntrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property, which is a
partnership between Entrée and OTLLC. On November 2, 2021, OTLL C’s 66% shareholder Turquoise Hill
Resources Ltd. (“ Turquoise Hill”) provided an update on underground development on the Oyu Tol goi
mining licence:
During the third quarter 2021, underground development progress continued to be significantly
impacted by COVID‐19 constraints on‐site and in Mongolia, inclu ding restrictions on movement
of both domestic and international expertise.
Mongolia continued to experience a significant number of COVID‐ 19 cases, which continued to
limit the ability of OTLLC to maintain normal roster changes for workers. Average workforce
numbers remained below 50% of planned requirements. OTLLC expect s a r e t u r n t o n o r m a l
workforce numbers by the end of 2021.
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All workers at the Oyu Tolgoi site have had two doses of vaccine, and a third dose program is well
advanced.
The scheduled mid‐2021 commencement of the undercut on the Oyu Tolgoi mining licence
remains delayed pending resolution of certain non‐technical undercut criteria. Turquoise Hill
continues to engage Rio Tinto and various Mongolian governmental bodies in an effort to resolve
outstanding issues. Turquoise Hill reported that together with Rio Tinto, it recently tabled a
proposal to the Government of Mongolia which Turquoise Hill bel ieves addresses all major
outstanding issues while ensuring that OTLLC will continue to deliver compelling value to all
partners.
Design optimization study work co ntinues on Panels 1 and 2. The Hugo North Extension deposit
is located at the northern porti on of Panel 1. To support these studies, additional data is being
collected from surface and underground drilling. This data is used to refine the structural and
geotechnical models, which form the basis of the mine design. A lthough drilling has been
hampered by COVID‐19 cases and restrictions on the movement of people, Turquoise Hill
reported that study work remains broadly on schedule, with the Panel 1 study scheduled for
completion in early 2023.
Progress on Shafts 3 and 4 has been impacted by quarantine requirements and international
travel restrictions related to COVID‐19. No significant development progress was made during the
third quarter 2021. Shafts 3 and 4 are required to provide ventilation to support production from
Panels 1 and 2 during ramp up to 95,000 tonnes per day. OTLLC has advised Turquoise Hill that a
9‐month delay on Shafts 3 and 4 is currently forecast. Commencement of Panel 1 is currently
forecast to occur approximately 11 months later than the Definitive Estimate. Efforts continue to
minimize the delays to Panels 1 and 2 due to ventilation constr aints ahead of commissioning of
Shafts 3 and 4. Sinking of Shaft 4 recommenced in mid‐October and preparatory work for Shaft 3
is continuing.
At the end of the third quarter 2021, cumulative underground development progress was 60,085
equivalent metres with cumulative c o n v e y o r t o s u r f a c e a d v a n c e m ent of 15,174 equivalent
metres. Turquoise Hill anticipates that development rates will continue to be impacted by COVID‐
19 restrictions and controls into the fourth quarter 2021.
In September 2021, the updated Resources and Reserves (“RR19”) was approved by the Minerals
Council of Mongolia. OTLLC expect s to submit the 2020 Oyu Tolgo i Feasibility Study (“ OTFS20”)
for assessment once the RR19 registration process progresses further.
Corporate
Q3 2021 operating loss was $0.5 million compared to an operating loss of $0.4 million in Q3 2020.
Q3 2021 operating cash outflow before working capital was $0.5 million compared to $0.3 million
in Q3 2020.
As at September 30, 2021, the cash balance was $6.7 million and the working capital balance was
$6.7 million.
The Company recognizes the unprecedented situation surrounding the ongoing COVID‐19
pandemic and is closely monitoring the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on its business and
operations and will continue to update the market on the impacts to the Company’s business and
operations in relation to these extraordinary circumstances.
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The 2021 Technical Report assumes first development production from Hugo North Extension Lift
1 in H2 2022. The Company continues to monitor the situation in Mongolia including with respect
to possible delays to commencement of Panel 1. The Company will assess the potential impact of
any delays as it becomes aware of them and will update the market accordingly.
(1) Long term metal prices used in the net present value economic a nalysis are: copper US$3.25/lb, gold US$1,591.00/oz and
silver US$21.08/oz.
(2) The 2021 Reserve Case and the 2021 PEA are based on information in OTLLC’s OTFS20 or otherwise provided by OTLLC.
Neither OTFS20 nor the results of the 2021 Reserve Case and 202 1 PEA reflect the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic or
potential delays pending the resolution by OTLLC of certain non‐technical issues, which are ongoing and continue to be
assessed by OTLLC.
OUTLOOK AND STRATEGY
The Company’s primary objective for the 2021 year is to work wit h o t h e r O y u T o l g o i s t a k e h o l d e r s t o
advance potential amendments to the joint venture agreement (the “Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JVA”) that
currently governs the relationship between Entrée and OTLLC and upon finalization, transfer the Shivee
Tolgoi and Javhlant mining licences to OTLLC as manager of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture (the
“Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV ”). The form of Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JVA was agreed between the p arties in 2004,
prior to the execution of the 2009 Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement among the Government of Mongolia,
OTLLC, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill and commencement of underground development. The Company
currently is registered in Mongolia as the 100% ultimate holder of the Shivee Tolgoi and Javhlant mining
licences.
The Company believes that amendments that align the interests of a l l s t a k e h o l d e r s a s t h e y a r e n o w
understood, would be in the best interests of all stakeholders, provided there is no net erosion of value
to Entrée. No agreements have been finalized and there are no a ssurances agreements may be finalized
in the future.
The Company’s interim financial statements and Management’s Dis cussion and Analysis (“ MD&A”) for
the third quarter ended Septem ber 30, 2021 are available on the Company’s website at
www.EntreeResourcesLtd.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
QUALIFIED PERSON
R o b e r t C i n i t s , P . G e o . , c o n s u l t a n t t o E n t r é e a n d t h e C o m p a n y ’ s former Vice President, Corporate
Development, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43‐101, has approved the technical information in
this release. For further information on the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property, see the 2021 Technical Report
titled “Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Project, Mongolia, NI 43‐101 Technical Report”, with an effective
date of October 8, 2021, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ABOUT ENTRÉE RESOURCES LTD.
Entrée Resources Ltd. is a Canadian mining company with a uniqu e carried joint venture interest on a
significant portion of one of the world’s largest copper‐gold projects – the Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia.
E n t r é e h a s a 2 0 % o r 3 0 % c a r r i e d p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t e r e s t i n t h e Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV, depending on the
depth of mineralization. Sandstorm Gold Ltd., Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill are major shareholders of
Entrée, holding approximately 25%, 9% and 8% of the shares of the Company, respectively. More
information about Entrée can be found at www.EntreeResourcesLtd.com.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
David Jan
Investor Relations
Entrée Resources Ltd.
Tel: 604‐687‐4777 | Toll Free: 1‐866‐368‐7330
E‐mail: [email protected]
This News Release contains forward‐looking statements within th e meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Re form Act of 1995
and forward‐looking information within the meaning of applicabl e Canadian securities laws with respect to corporate strategies and plans; the
value and potential value of assets and the ability of Entrée t o maximize returns to shareholders; timing and status of Oyu To lgoi underground
development; the expected timing of first development production from Lift 1 of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property; future commodity prices; the
estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the realization o f mineral reserve and resource estimates; projected mining and process recovery
rates; estimates of capital and operating costs, mill throughpu t, cash flows and mine life; anticipated business activities; and future financial
performance.
In certain cases, forward‐looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect",
"is expected", "budgeted", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts ", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate" or "belie ves" or variations of
such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, even ts or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken" , "occur" or "be
achieved". While the Company has based these forward‐looking statements on its expectations about future events as at the date that such
statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee of Entrée’s future performance and are based on numerous assumptions regarding
present and future business strategies; the correct interpretat ion of agreements, laws and regulations; local and global econo mic conditions and
negotiations and the environment in which Entrée will operate i n the future, including commodity prices, projected grades, pro jected dilution,
anticipated capital and operating costs, anticipated future pro duction and cash flows, and the anticipated location of certain infrastructure and
sequence of mining within and across panel boundaries; the cons truction and continued development of the Oyu Tolgoi undergroun d mine; and
the status of Entrée’s relationship and interaction with the Government of Mongolia, OTLLC, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill.
With respect to the construction and continued development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine, important risks, uncertainties and factors
which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward‐looking statements and
information include, amongst others, the timing and cost of the construction and expansion of mining and processing facilities ; the timing
and availability of a long term domestic power source for Oyu Tolgoi (or the availability of financing for OTLLC or the Government of
Mongolia to construct such a source); the willingness of third parties to extend existing power arrangements; the potential impact of COVID‐
19, including any restrictions imposed by health and government al authorities relating thereto; the implementation and success ful
execution of the funding plan that is the subject of a Heads of Agreement between Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill and the amount of any
additional future funding gap to complete the Oyu Tolgoi underground project and the amount and potential sources of additional funding
required therefor, all as contemplated by the Heads of Agreemen t, as well as potential delays in the ability of Turquoise Hill and OTLLC to
proceed with the funding elements contemplated by the Heads of Agreement as a result of delays in approving or non‐approval of additional
investment by the OTLLC board; the timing and ultimate resoluti on of certain non‐technical undercut criteria; the impact of ch anges in,
changes in interpretation to or changes in enforcement of, laws , regulations and government practices in Mongolia; delays, and the costs
which would result from delays, in the development of the underground mine; the status of the relationship and interactions and discussions
between OTLLC, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill with the Government of Mongolia on the continued operation and development of Oyu Tolgoi,
including with respect to the Definitive Estimate and the poten tial termination, amendment or replacement of the Oyu Tolgoi In vestment
Agreement or the 2015 Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Development a nd Financing Plan (“ Mine Plan”) as well as the willingness of the
Government of Mongolia to further engage in meaningful discussi ons with Turquoise Hill, Rio T into and OTLLC; the willingness a nd ability
of the parties to the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement and the Mine Plan to amend or replace either such agreement; the approval or non‐
approval by the OTLLC board of additional investment and the li kely consequences on the timing and overall economic value of t he Oyu
Tolgoi project, including significant delays to first sustainab le production from the Oyu Tolgoi mining licence; the nature an d quantum of
the current and projected economic benefits to Mongolia resulti ng from the continued operation of Oyu Tolgoi; the anticipated location of
certain infrastructure and sequence of mining within and across panel boundaries; projected commodity prices and their market demand;
and production estimates and the anticipated yearly production of copper, gold and silver at the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine.
The 2021 PEA is based on a conceptual mine plan that includes I nferred resources. Numerous assumptions were made in the prepar ation
of the 2021 PEA, including with respect to mineability, capital and operating costs, production schedules, the timing of const ruction and
expansion of mining and processing facilities, and recoveries, that may change materially once production commences at Hugo North
Extension Lift 1 and additional development and capital decisio ns are required. Any changes to the assumptions underlying the 2021 PEA
could cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward‐
looking statements and information relating to the 2021 PEA.
Other risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results, performance or achievements of Entrée to differ mater ially from future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by fo rward‐looking statements and information include, amongst other s,
unanticipated costs, expenses or liabilitie s; discrepancies bet ween actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and reso urces and
metallurgical recoveries; development plans for processing resources; matters relating to proposed exploration or expansion; mining operational
and development risks, including geotechnical risks and ground conditions; regulatory restrictions (including environmental regulatory restrictions
and liability); risks related to international operations, including legal and political risk in Mongolia; risks related to the potential impact of global
or national health concerns, including the COVID‐19 (coronaviru s) pandemic; risks associated with changes in the attitudes of governments to
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foreign investment; risks associated with the conduct of joint ventures; inability to upgrade Inferred mineral resources to In dicated or Measured
mineral resources; inability to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves; conclusions of economic evaluations; fluctuations in commodity
prices and demand; changing foreign exchange rates; the specula tive nature of mineral exploration; the global economic climate ; dilution; share
price volatility; activities, actions or assessments by Rio Tin to, Turquoise Hill or OTLLC and by government authorities including the Government
of Mongolia; the availability of funding on reasonable terms; the impact of changes in interpretation to or changes in enforcement of laws,
regulations and government practices, including laws, regulations and government practices with respect to mining, foreign investment, royalties
and taxation; the terms and timing of obtaining necessary environmental and other government approvals, consents and permits; the availability
and cost of necessary items such as water, skilled labor, transportation and appropriate smelting and refining arrangements; unanticipated
reclamation expenses; changes to assumptions as to the availability of electrical power, and the power rates used in operating cost estimates and
financial analyses; changes to assumptions as to salvage values ; ability to maintain the social license to operate; accidents, labor disputes and
other risks of the mining industry; global climate change; titl e disputes; limitations on insurance coverage; competition; los s of key employees;
cyber security incidents; misjudgments in the course of prepari ng forward‐looking statements; and those factors discussed in t he section entitled
“Critical Accounting Estimates, Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s most recently filed Management’s Discussion & Analys is and in the
section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Canadian Securities
Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual
actions, events or results to differ materially from those desc ribed in forward‐looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions,
events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intend ed. There can be no assurance that forward‐looking statements w ill prove to be
accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required under applicable
securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward‐looking statements.