Core Points - Ivanhoe Mines and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance exploration, development, and mining of critical minerals [1][3] - The MoU follows QIA's strategic investment of US$500 million into Ivanhoe Mines announced on September 29, 2025 [1][2] Collaboration Framework - The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration to support Ivanhoe's efforts in sustainably supplying critical minerals essential for global energy transition and advanced technologies [3][4] - QIA will support Ivanhoe Mines' management in pursuing existing and new growth projects, including the Western Forelands exploration project in the DRC [5] Future Opportunities - Ivanhoe and QIA intend to collaborate in good faith to identify and explore future partnerships and opportunities in mining projects at all development phases [6] - Potential areas of collaboration include investment or financing for critical minerals projects, strategic mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure development, and downstream processing capabilities [7][8] Company Background - Ivanhoe Mines is focused on advancing its operations in Southern Africa, including the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex and the Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine in the DRC [9] - The company is also exploring for copper in its extensive exploration licenses in the Western Forelands and other regions such as Angola, Kazakhstan, and Zambia [10] QIA Overview - Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, established to manage state reserve funds and invest across various asset classes globally [11]