Q4 2020 MD&A (table amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except per share amounts and where otherwise noted)
Industry is expected to propose significant amendments to the Minerals Laws. It is not possible to determine when, if ever, these amendments would be adopted and in what form.
If the Investment Law, State Minerals Policy, 2015 Amendment, 2017 Amendments, Restated Version of the Corporate Income Tax Law, Decree No. 302, Law on Amendments to the Minerals Law of 2006, Legal Entities Registration Law, Implementation Law, constitutional amendments or proposed amendments aimed at regulating the minerals sector and use of natural resources are implemented or interpreted in a manner that is not favourable to foreign investment or Entrée’s interests; or if new tax laws or amendments to tax laws are adopted that are not favourable to foreign investment or Entrée’s interests, it could have an adverse effect on Entrée’s operations in Mongolia and future cash flow, earnings, results of operations and financial condition as well as the Company’s share price.
While the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV is operating under the terms of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JVA, which came into effect in 2008, the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JVA has not been formally executed by the parties. There can be no assurance that OTLLC or its shareholders will not attempt to renegotiate some or all of the material terms governing the joint venture relationship in a manner which could have an adverse effect on Entrée’s future cash flow, earnings, results of operations and financial condition as well as the Company’s share price.
OTLLC has earned either a 70% or 80% interest in mineralization extracted from the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property, depending on the depth at which minerals are extracted, and has effective control of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV. Rio Tinto, which beneficially owns 17.1% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares, exerts a significant degree of control over the business and affairs of Turquoise Hill and OTLLC. Pursuant to various agreements among Turquoise Hill, OTLLC and Rio Tinto, Rio Tinto is responsible for the management of the building and operation of the Oyu Tolgoi project (which includes the Heruga and Hugo North Extension deposits on the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property); is responsible for all exploration operations on behalf of OTLLC, including exploration on the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property; and prepares all programs and budgets for approval by the OTLLC board. In addition, the Government of Mongolia owns a significant stake in OTLLC. The interest of Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill, the Government of Mongolia and OTLLC are not necessarily aligned with each other or with the interests of the Company’s other shareholders and there can be no assurance that Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill, the Government of Mongolia or OTLLC will exercise its rights or act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the Company or its other shareholders.
Entrée is and will be subject to the risks normally associated with the conduct of joint ventures, which include disagreements as to how to develop, operate and finance a project, inequality of bargaining power, incompatible strategic and economic objectives and possible litigation between the participants regarding joint venture matters. These matters may have an adverse effect on Entrée’s ability to realize the full economic benefits of its interest in the property that is the subject of a joint venture, which could affect its results of operations and financial condition as well as the Company’s share price.
In the course of its business, Entrée may from time to time become involved in various claims, arbitration and other legal proceedings, with and without merit. The nature and results of any such proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Any potential future claims and proceedings are likely to be of a material nature. In addition, such claims, arbitration and other legal proceedings can be lengthy and involve the incurrence of substantial costs and resources by Entrée, and the outcome, and Entrée’s ability to enforce any ruling(s) obtained pursuant to such proceedings, are subject to inherent risk and uncertainty. The initiation, pursuit and/or outcome of any particular claim, arbitration or legal proceeding could have a material adverse effect on Entrée’s financial position and results of operations, and on Entrée’s business, assets and prospects. In addition, if Entrée is unable to resolve any existing or future potential disputes and proceedings favourably, or obtain enforcement of any favourable ruling, if any, that may be obtained pursuant to such proceedings, it is likely to have a material adverse impact on Entrée’s business, financial condition and results of operations and Entrée’s assets and prospects as well as the Company’s share price.
On February 27, 2013, the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia (“MRPAM”) delivered notice to Entrée advising that any transfer, sale or lease of the Shivee Tolgoi and Javhlant mining licences is temporarily restricted. While Entrée was subsequently advised that the temporary transfer restriction on the joint venture mining licences would be lifted, it did not receive official notification of the lifting of the restriction. Any future action by the Government of Mongolia to suspend, revoke, withdraw or cancel the Shivee Tolgoi and Javhlant mining licences, whether legitimate or not, would have an adverse effect on the business, assets and financial condition of Entrée as well as the Company’s share price.
The Earn-In Agreement requires OTLLC to enter into the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JVA, which bestows upon it certain powers and duties as manager of the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV, including the duty to cure title defects, the duty to prosecute and defend all litigation or administrative proceedings arising out of operations, and the duty to do all acts reasonably necessary to maintain the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi JV Property assets, including the mining licences. Pursuant to the
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