Ivanhoe Australia Announces Board Changes

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Ivanhoe Mines Nominees Appointed: Reaffirms Support

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA -- (Marketwire - May 6, 2012) - Ivanhoe Australia Limited (TSX:IVA) (ASX:IVA) today announces changes to Ivanhoe Australia's board composition with the appointment of four new non-executive directors.

The four new directors, Peter McMahon, Stephen McIntosh, Stewart Beckman and Neville Henwood are nominees of Ivanhoe Mines, Ivanhoe Australia's majority shareholder. Peter McMahon has been appointed Chairman of the Ivanhoe Australia board.

"We welcome the new directors to the board," Ian Plimer, Lead Independent Director said. "They are all highly experienced and will bring added depth to the Ivanhoe Australia team."

Peter McMahon has been the Principal of an independent advisory business, McMahon Advisory Pty Ltd, since 2010. Prior to 2010, Mr McMahon spent 30 years with the Rio Tinto Group in senior commercial roles with emphasis on business and project development in Australia, UK, USA, and Europe.

Stephen McIntosh is Head of Exploration for Rio Tinto where he leads Rio Tinto's 550-strong global team of employees operating in some 18 countries. His career at Rio Tinto has spanned over 25 years where he has worked in more than 45 countries covering a broad range of commodities.

Stewart Beckman is Ivanhoe Mines' Senior Vice President Operations and Technical. Previously, he was Rio Tinto's Regional General Manager (Technology & Innovation) - Americas based in Utah. Mr Beckman has 22 years of experience in the mining and minerals processing industry, with the past 15 years working across a number of commodities in senior leadership roles at Rio Tinto Group companies, predominantly in operations and, more recently, the technology and innovation area.

Neville Henwood is Senior Vice President Legal at Ivanhoe Mines. Previously, he served as General Counsel - Copper, Rio Tinto and has been with the Rio Tinto Group for the past seven years in senior legal and compliance roles. Mr Henwood joined Rio Tinto from its majority-owned Energy Resources of Australian (ERA). Before ERA, he was with Darwin-based legal firm Cridlands Lawyers for 20 years.

"These highly experienced candidates who we have nominated bring a wide range of skills to the Ivanhoe Australia board," Kay Priestly, CEO of Ivanhoe Mines said.

Ivanhoe Mines has reaffirmed its support of Ivanhoe Australia's current business strategy, with the focus on increasing Osborne production, proving up new projects and progressing the strategic development partnership process.

"We believe the new board will be able to provide management with guidance and support, which should benefit all shareholders," Ms Priestly said.

Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN) (NYSE:IVN) (NASDAQ:IVN) is Ivanhoe Australia's largest shareholder.



Contact Information

Ivanhoe Australia Limited
Stephen Nossal, Senior VP Corporate & Markets
+61 3 9090 8800

Ivanhoe Australia Limited
Karen McRae, Manager Investor Relations
+61 3 9090 8800
www.ivanhoeaustralia.com