Reports are that Ivanhoe Mines may be looking to put up its shares or debt for sales, or indulge in a sale of a subsidiary or explore other options, as the company continues to develop its large- scale gold and copper mines in Mongolia. All details were confirmed by the firm on Wednesday.

Owner of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project in southern Mongolia, Ivanhoe has shared that it has hired the services of Citi investment bank and mining-sector specialist Hatch Corporate Finance to explore and investigate the options in more detail.

The company, however, has been quick to confirm that no specific transactions are being considered at this time.

"With the excellent progress that now is being made on moving the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold project toward production, and with the strong performance of our SouthGobi Energy coal subsidiary in Mongolia ... This is the right time to explore options", said Executive Chairman Robert Friedland.

Shares of the firm recorded a rise of 4.7% to C$17.50 in morning trade, as confirmed by the Toronto Stock Exchange.