July 14 (Reuters) - Ivanhoe Mines Ltd
* Permanent sinking work has begun on shaft 1 at platreef platinum-group metals, nickel, copper and gold mine in South Africa
* Shaft 1 is expected to reach flatreef deposit, at a depth of 777 metres, during Q3 of 2017.
* Owns 64 pct of platreef project through its subsidiary, Ivanplats
* Expects subsequent main sinking phase will advance at average rate of 2.7 metres a day until it reaches depth at 1,025 metres below surface in 2018
* Shaft 1 to be funded from funds remaining in co's treasury from $280-million received in 2011 for sale of an 8 pct interest in platreef project Source text for Eikon: ID:nCCN8wbcs Further company coverage: IVN.TO