Oyu Tolgoi announces 2016 Performance Update

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ On March 29, Oyu Tolgoi announced an update on its performance for the fourth quarter and full year 2016. Oyu Tolgoi operated at record levels in 2016. Productivity improvements in the concentrator implemented throughout the year led to throughput exceeding nameplate capacity by year end. Copper production of 201,300 tonnes for 2016 exceeded the Company’s guidance of 175,000 to 195,000 tonnes and annual gold production of 300,000 ounces exceeded 2016 guidance of 255,000 to 285,000 ounces. Compared to 2015 results, mined production for 2016 increased 5.6 per cent, concentrator throughput increased 10.5 per cent, copper production was similar and, as expected, gold production decreased 54.1 per cent. Decreased gold production for 2016 reflects the impact of declining grade from the completion of Phase 2 mining in the second half of the year. Oyu Tolgoi performed well during Q4’16 as open-pit operations focused mainly on Phases 4 and 6. Q4’16 concentrator throughput increased 7.4 per cent over Q3’16 resulting in an average daily rate of 106,700 tonnes for the quarter, which was a quarterly high. Copper production in Q4’16 was broadly consistent with Q3’16 while gold production increased 32.4 per cent over Q3’16 due to the final processing of Phase 2 ore. Copper grades in Q4’16 were as expected as operations focused mainly on Phase 6 of the open pit. Revenues in 2016 decreased 26.4 per cent to $1.2 billion against 2015 mainly reflecting lower copper prices and reduced gold sales, partially offset by higher gold prices. Concentrate sold in 2016 of 828,600 tonnes increased 1.1 per cent over 2015 reaching an annual high. Capital expenditure, on a cash basis, for 2016 was $326.3 million compared to $116.2 million in 2015, comprising amounts attributed to the underground project and open-pit activities of $226.8 million and $99.5 million, respectively. Open-pit capital expenditure includes deferred stripping of $30.9 million and tailings storage facility spending of $22.0 million.