BRIEF-Ivanhoe Mines releases independent preliminary assessment of its platreef platinum-group elements, nickel, copper and gold project in South Africa

March 26 (Reuters) - Ivanhoe Mines Ltd IVN.TO :

* Releases positive independent preliminary economic assessment of its platreef

platinum-group elements, nickel, copper and gold project in South Africa

* Says 3 run-of-mine production scenarios were examined - 4 million tonnes per

year (mtpa) in pea of platreef project

* Estimated pre-production capital requirement of about US$1.7 billion,

including US$381 million in contingencies for platreef project

* Says preliminary economic assessment includes development of mechanized,

underground mine through a phased approach at platreef project

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