EX-99.2 3 a12-5264_1ex99d2.htm EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

 

 

Stock Symbol:

 

AEM (NYSE and TSX)

 

For further information:

 

 

 

 

Investor Relations

 

 

 

 

(416) 947-1212

 

(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

AGNICO-EAGLE REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2011 RESULTS;
RECORD FULL YEAR OPERATING CASH FLOWS;

DIVIDEND INCREASED 25% - DECLARED FOR 30TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR;

PROVIDES THREE YEAR PRODUCTION GUIDANCE;

MEADOWBANK PARTIALLY WRITTEN DOWN — OPTIMIZED MINE PLAN

 

Toronto (February 15, 2012) — Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited (“Agnico-Eagle” or the “Company”) today reported a quarterly net loss of $601.4 million, or a loss of $3.53 per share for the fourth quarter of 2011.  This result includes a $644.9 million partial writedown of the Meadowbank mine ($3.79 per share), a non-cash foreign currency translation loss of $3.6 million ($0.02 per share), stock option expense of $8.1 million ($0.05 per share), non-recurring tax audit expenses of $11.1 million ($0.07 per share), and other non-recurring expense items of $10.0 million ($0.06 per share).  Excluding these items would result in normalized net income of $76.2 million ($0.45 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2011.  In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company reported net income of $88.0 million ($0.53 per share).

 

Fourth quarter 2011 cash provided by operating activities was $132.0 million ($171.6 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital) up from cash provided by operating activities of $90.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 ($179.4 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), due primarily to a smaller increase in working capital in 2011.

 

“While 2011 was a very difficult year for our company, we look forward to 2012 as we expect most of our mines to produce more gold.  We also anticipate further growth in gold output in 2013 and 2014 from our existing mines while we advance our development projects at La India and Meliadine”, said Sean Boyd, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “In 2012, Agnico-Eagle anticipates meeting its targets, increasing profitability and growing the shareholders’ exposure to gold on a per share basis” added Mr. Boyd.

 

Fourth quarter and full year 2011 highlights include:

 

·                  Record operating cash flows — cash provided by operating activities up 46%, year over year

 

·                  Record annual gold production at Pinos Altos — strong quarterly (52,574 ounces) and record full year gold production (204,380 ounces) at total cash costs(1) of $299 per ounce for the year

 


(1)  Total cash costs per ounce is a non-GAAP measure.  For a reconciliation to production costs, see Note 1 to the financial statements contained herein.  See also “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

 



 

·                  Record annual gold production at Kittila — record gold production in 2011 of 143,560 ounces at total cash costs of $739 per ounce

 

·                  LaRonde Extension — achieves commercial production in November 2011

 

·                  Quarterly dividend up 25% to $0.20 per share - Company has declared a dividend for 30 consecutive years

 

·                  Grayd Resources Acquired — advanced La India property and Tarachi exploration property in Mexico key assets

 

·                  Meadowbank partially written down, Goldex operations suspended — Meadowbank value reduced to approximately $762 million.  Goldex investigation and remediation underway

 

Agnico-Eagle is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share.  The next dividend will be paid on March 15, 2012 to shareholders of record as of March 1, 2012.  Agnico-Eagle has now declared a cash dividend to its shareholders for 30 consecutive years.

 

For the full year 2011, the Company recorded a net loss of $568.9 million, or a loss of $3.36 per share.  In 2010, Agnico-Eagle recorded net income of $332.1 million, or $2.05 per share.  Compared with the prior year, 2011 earnings were negatively impacted by the writedowns of the Goldex (mining operations suspended October 2011) and Meadowbank mines ($302.9 million and $907.7 million respectively, before taxes).

 

The Meadowbank mine previously had a property, plant and mine development book value of approximately $1.7 billion.  As a result of persistently high operating costs, the latest optimized mine plan for Meadowbank resulted in a shorter mine life and an associated reduction in the carrying value of the operation was necessary.  However, it is believed that the new life of mine (“LOM”) mine plan, while expected to produce a similar return, is a lower risk option as approximately 73 million tonnes, or 36%, of the previously budgeted ore and waste tonnes will not be mined under this plan.

 

For 2011, the Company realized a record amount of cash provided by operating activities of $663.5 million ($693.7 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).  This is significantly higher than 2010, when cash provided by operating activities totaled $483.5 million ($581.7 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).  The increase was primarily due to significant increases in realized prices for gold and silver in 2011 which more than offset lower realized prices for zinc and copper.

 

Payable gold production(2) in the fourth quarter of 2011 was 227,792 ounces (Goldex produced through October only) compared to 256,471 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2010.  A detailed description of the production and cost performance by mine may be found in the respective sections later in this document.

 

Total cash costs for the fourth quarter of 2011 were $671 per ounce (versus $462 per ounce for fourth quarter 2010).  The increase in total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2011 is mainly due to higher costs at LaRonde, Meadowbank and Lapa.  The October suspension of the low cost Goldex mine also negatively impacted total cash costs.

 


(2)  Payable production of a mineral means the quantity of mineral produced during a period contained in products that are sold by the Company whether such products are shipped during the period or held as inventory at the end of the period.

 

2



 

The Company’s payable gold production for the full year 2011 was 985,460 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $580.  The full year production is 13% below the bottom end of the range of guidance provided in December 2010.  The lower than anticipated gold production in the year is largely due to the October closure of Goldex and lower than expected grades at Meadowbank and LaRonde.  The 2011 production compares to the full year 2010 level of 987,609 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $451.  The higher total cash costs per ounce in 2011 were primarily due to the impact of Meadowbank, the loss of Goldex and general cost escalation in the industry.

 

Conference Call Tomorrow

 

The Company’s senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11:00 AM (E.S.T.) to discuss financial results and provide an update of the Company’s exploration and development activities.

 

Via Webcast:

 

A live audio webcast of the meeting will be available on the Company’s website homepage at www.agnico-eagle.com.

 

Via Telephone:

 

For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 416-644-3414 or Toll-free 800-814-4859.  To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

 

Replay archive:

 

Please dial 416-640-1917 or the Toll-free access number 877-289-8525, passcode 4507250#.

 

The conference call replay will expire on Friday, March 16, 2012.

 

The webcast along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the website.

 

Senior Management Changes

 

Agnico-Eagle’s Board of Directors has approved the following changes to its senior management structure.

 

After 26 years with Agnico-Eagle, President and Chief Operating Officer Eberhard Scherkus will be leaving the Company.  Under Ebe’s operating leadership, Agnico-Eagle has grown dramatically over the past several years.

 

“All of us at Agnico-Eagle want to thank Ebe for his friendship and leadership in helping to build, grow and transform the Company from a single asset producer into a multi-mine international gold company”, said President and CEO, Sean Boyd. “Ebe’s achievements have been widely recognized in the mining industry and Agnico-Eagle will continue to benefit from his extensive experience as he will act as a consultant to the Company” added Mr. Boyd.

 

Agnico-Eagle also announces that Paul—Henri Girard, Vice-President, Canada will be leaving the Company after 25 years of service.  Paul—Henri was instrumental in the development of the world-class LaRonde mine and in building the Company’s Canadian mining base.  He will also continue to serve the Company as an advisor to senior management.

 

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Several other additions and changes have been made to Agnico-Eagle’s senior management team.

 

Jean-Luk Pellerin, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources was added to the team in January 2012.  Mr. Pellerin brings a wealth of senior HR experience most recently with Transat A.T., Mercer Consulting and Bombardier.

 

Yvon Sylvestre has been appointed Senior Vice-President, Operations.  With more than 30 years of mining industry experience, Yvon has held several senior positions within Agnico-Eagle, including General Manager, Goldex Division and most recently Vice-President, Technical Services and Construction.

 

Daniel Racine will move into a new role as Senior Vice-President, Mining.  Daniel will work with the operating group and will focus on optimizing mining operations, engineering, maintenance and health and safety activities.  He will also continue to be responsible for the Information Technology function.

 

Marc Legault has been promoted to Senior Vice-President, Project Evaluations.  In this role Marc will continue to manage Agnico-Eagle’s project evaluation team.  He is leading an expanded effort in this area and he will work closely with the corporate development and exploration groups.

 

Mathew Cook has been promoted to Vice-President, Corporate Controller.  In this role, Mathew will continue to lead and oversee all aspects the Company’s corporate accounting function.  He has been with the Company since 2004 and has held several senior positions including Corporate Controller and Corporate Director, Financial Reporting.

 

The Company has also added three new Vice-Presidents within Agnico-Eagle’s operating team.  Pierre Bureau has been appointed Vice-President, Construction, Michel Leclerc has been appointed Vice-President, Project Evaluations and Christian Provencher has been appointed Vice-President, Canada.

 

In Pierre’s new role, he will be responsible for major project construction.  He has been with Agnico-Eagle since 1997 and has held several senior positions including General Manager of Construction for our Pinos Altos mine in Mexico.  Most recently, Pierre was Corporate Director, Construction.

 

In Michel’s new role, he will work closely with Marc Legault to expand the activities of the project evaluations team.  He has been with Agnico—Eagle since 2001 and has held several senior positions including Mine Manager at the LaRonde Mine.  Most recently Michel was Corporate Director, Technical Evaluations.

 

In Christian’s new role, he will be responsible for the management of Agnico-Eagle’s Canadian mining operations.  Christian has been with Agnico-Eagle since 2002 and has held many key positions including General Manager of the LaRonde mine.  Most recently he was Corporate Director, Mining and Performance Standards.

 

4



 

Cash Position Remains Strong

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased to $221.5 million at December 31, 2011, from the September 30, 2011 balance of $116.7 million, as the Company drew on its bank facilities during the quarter during the normal course of inter-Company fund flows.  The bank facilities were also used for the cash portion of the acquisition of Grayd Resource Corporation during the quarter.

 

Capital expenditures in the fourth quarter were $107.6 million including $25.1 million at LaRonde, $21.8 million at Meadowbank, $21.8 million at Kittila, $7.6 million at Pinos Altos and $4.6 million at Lapa.  For the full year 2011, capital expenditures totaled $482.8 million.

 

With its cash balances, anticipated cash flows and available bank lines, management believes that Agnico-Eagle remains fully funded for the development and exploration of its current pipeline of gold projects in Canada, Finland, Mexico and the USA.

 

Available credit lines as of December 31, 2011 were approximately $880 million.

 

Three Year Plan Outlines Further Production Growth

 

The Company is announcing its production and cost guidance for the three-year period of 2012 through 2014.

 

In 2012, payable gold production is expected to be in the range of 875,000 ounces to 950,000 ounces.  Total cash costs per ounce in 2012 are expected to be in the range of $690 to $750.

 

In 2013, Agnico-Eagle expects to have payable gold production of approximately 990,000 ounces, growing to 1,055,000 ounces in 2014.  Total cash costs per ounce are expected to be at similar levels to those now forecast for 2012.

 

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Estimated Payable
Gold Production and
Total Cash Costs per
Ounce

 

2011
Actual

 

2012 Estimated
Range - Low

 

2012 Estimated
Range - High

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable Gold Production

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

124,173

 

150,000

 

165,000

 

Goldex

 

135,478

 

 

 

Lapa

 

107,068

 

95,000

 

105,000

 

Kittila

 

143,560

 

150,000

 

160,000

 

Pinos Altos

 

204,380

 

200,000

 

210,000

 

Meadowbank

 

270,801

 

280,000

 

310,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

985,460

 

875,000

 

950,000

 

 

Total cash costs
per ounce

 

2011
Actual

 

2012 Estimated

 

LaRonde

 

$

77

 

$

570

 

Goldex

 

401

 

 

Lapa

 

650

 

750

 

Kittila

 

739

 

650

 

Pinos Altos

 

299

 

415

 

Meadowbank

 

1,000

 

1,040

 

 

 

$

580

 

$

720

 

 

At the forecast assumptions (see below), LaRonde’s byproduct revenue is expected to be approximately $80 million lower than that realized in 2011 (about two thirds of this is due to lower byproduct grades and approximately one third due to lower metals price assumptions).  This byproduct revenue is netted off against the cost of operating.  Hence, in spite of the higher value of the ore expected to be mined in 2012 (higher gold grades), the total cash costs per ounce at LaRonde are expected to rise, as set out above.  The loss of the low cost Goldex mine (total cash cost of $401 per ounce through October 2011)  also skews the Company average cost higher in 2012.

 

Total cash costs per ounce for 2012 were calculated using the following metals prices and exchange rates (royalties included where applicable):

 

Assumptions

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

Gold (US$/oz)

 

$

1,500

 

Silver (US$/oz)

 

$

30.00

 

Copper (US$/tonne)

 

$

7,000

 

Zinc (US$/tonne)

 

$

1,800

 

C$/US$

 

1.00

 

US$/Euro

 

1.35

 

 

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Changes in the assumptions would be expected to have the following effects on total cash costs per ounce.

 

Impact on Total Cash Costs per Ounce 

 

2012

 

 

 

 

 

$1/oz change in price of Silver

 

$

5

 

$100/dry metric tonne change in price of Copper

 

$

1

 

$100/ dry metric tonne change in price of Zinc

 

$

3

 

1% change in C$/US$

 

$

7

 

1% change in US$/Euro

 

$

1

 

 

Comparison With Prior Gold Production Guidance

 

There has been considerable change in the production forecast for 2012 through 2014 since the prior guidance of December 15, 2010.  Descriptions of the major factors that contributed to these changes are detailed below.

 

LaRonde Forecast

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Previous (oz)

 

212,800

 

280,100

 

333,100

 

Current (oz)

 

157,500

 

220,000

 

280,000

 

 

LaRonde
2012

 

Ore
Milled

(‘000
tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t),
Mill
Recovery

 

Silver (g/t),
Mill
Recovery

 

Zinc (%),
Mill
Recovery

 

Copper (%),
Mill
Recovery

 

Minesite
Cost

Per Tonne(3)

 

 

 

2,300

 

2.3, 91

%

31, 88

%

1.5, 86

%

0.25, 84

%

C$

90

 

 

At LaRonde, over the next three years new gold production guidance is down approximately 21% annually, on average, from the prior guidance.  This is partly due to a 21% higher gold price used in the current LOM plan versus the 2011 plan (a higher gold price results in lower cut off grades and lowers the expected grade of ore to the mill).  The lower production forecast is also due to a shift in planning practices and changes in stope sequencing (which resulted in lower grade stopes in this three year plan).  Additionally, as the mine is transitioning into the deeper LaRonde Extension over the next several years, a decision was made to be more conservative through this transition period.

 

Lapa Forecast

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Previous (oz)

 

118,700

 

107,500

 

125,100

 

Current (oz)

 

100,000

 

100,000

 

105,000

 

 

Lapa 2012

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Mill Recovery

 

Minesite Cost
Per Tonne

 

 

 

600

 

6.4

 

81

%

C$

124

 

 

At Lapa, over the next three years new gold production guidance is down approximately 13% annually, on average.  The new forecast considers the experience to date at the mine,

 


(3)  Minesite costs per tonne is a non-GAAP measure.  For reconciliation of this measure to production costs, as reported in the financial statements, see Note 1 to the financial statements at the end of this news release.

 

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and the location of the stopes expected to be mined over the next several years, and results in new estimates of overall ore dilution of 74% in the reserves as compared with the prior estimates of 54%.  This results in the forecast of lower grades to the mill.

 

Kittila Forecast

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Previous (oz)

 

178,200

 

176,500

 

168,200

 

Current (oz)

 

155,000

 

155,000

 

170,000

 

 

Kittila 2012

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t),

 

Mill Recovery

 

Minesite Cost
Per Tonne

 

 

 

1,045

 

5.5

 

84

%

71

 

 

At Kittila, over the next three years new guidance is down approximately 8% annually, on average.  This is largely due to the experience to date with the autoclave.  The reliability, and associated availability, to date has been less than expected with average overall mill availability of 84% in 2011 versus the budget of 89%.

 

Meadowbank Forecast

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Previous (oz)

 

369,500

 

415,300

 

470,300

 

Current (oz)

 

295,000

 

305,000

 

310,000

 

 

Meadowbank 2012

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t),

 

Mill Recovery

 

Minesite Cost
Per Tonne

 

 

 

3,150

 

3.2

 

92

%

C$

97

 

 

At Meadowbank, over the next three years, new guidance is down approximately 27% annually, on average.  The mine has experienced a number of issues during its startup over the past two years.  While the mill throughput is now exceeding the original design rate, the grades to the mill continue to be lower than expected (orebody geometry has been more complex making selective mining difficult and more costly).  This, combined with the unexpected rise in minesite costs (C$98/t in Q4, 2011 versus the  December 15, 2010 LOM forecast of $59/t) has resulted in a new mine plan which forecasts lower gold production over a shorter mine life.  The mine life now extends to 2017 rather than 2020.  Compared with the 2010 LOM plan, the new LOM grade is now forecast to be down approximately 1%, tonnes milled are down 28% and ounces are forecast to be reduced by 29%.

 

Pinos Altos Forecast

 

2012

 

2013

 

2014

 

Previous (oz)

 

236,900

 

227,500

 

223,500

 

Current (oz)

 

205,000

 

210,000

 

190,000

 

 

Pinos Altos
2012

 

Total Ore
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Recovery
(incl. heap leach)

 

Minesite Cost
Per Tonne

 

 

 

4,200

 

1.9

 

81

%

$

27

 

 

Over the next three years, new guidance at Pinos Altos is down approximately 12% annually, on average.  This is largely the result of a lower cut-off due to higher gold and silver prices and increased dilution estimates.

 

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Capex Fully-Funded — Free Cash Flow Expected To Increase

 

The Company’s balance sheet is well positioned to fund the Company’s growth initiatives.  The cash balance at December 31, 2011 was approximately $221 million.  Additionally, the Company had approximately $880 million available under its credit facilities and expects to generate significant cash flows from its operations in 2012 and beyond.  At current spot prices, Agnico-Eagle expects to generate free cash flow in 2012, after capital expenditures which are expected to total approximately $382 million in 2012.  It is a goal of the Company to increase its dividend to shareholders, over time, on a sustainable basis.

 

The forecast capital expenditures include approximately $257 million at the mines and $80 million on new projects, as broken out in the table below.  Additionally, approximately $45 million is expected to be spent on capitalized exploration.

 

Capital Expenditure Budget

 

($, millions)

 

Sustaining

 

New Projects

 

Capitalized Exploration

 

LaRonde

 

74.8

 

 

 

0.7

 

Lapa

 

10.2

 

 

 

0.3

 

Meadowbank

 

88.5

 

 

 

6.2

 

Kittila

 

51.9

 

 

 

12.2

 

Pinos Altos

 

31.5

 

11.4

 

4.4

 

La India

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

Meliadine

 

 

 

52.0

 

20.7

 

Other

 

0.5

 

13.5

 

 

 

Total

 

257.4

 

80.4

 

44.5

 

Grand Total Capital Expenditures

 

382.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several Projects Not Yet Considered in Production and Capital Investment Plan

 

The current three year plan shows annual gold production rising each year through 2014 to almost 1.1 million ounces.  However, these forecasts do not currently include the following expansion and development projects:

 

 

 

Project

 

Project Status

 

Next News

 

Potential
Production

 

La India

 

New Mine

 

Permitting, Feasibility

 

Construction Permit

 

2014

 

Kittila

 

25% Expansion

 

Feasibility Underway

 

Q4, 2012 Review

 

2015

 

Meliadine

 

New Mine

 

Permitting, Updated Feasibility

 

Road Permit

 

2017

 

 

La India — Next New Mine

 

The La India deposit, acquired in late 2011, is currently undergoing drilling with the goal of converting the current resources into reserves.  Additionally, the Company is advancing the engineering study and permitting process with the goal of initial production from a low cost open pit, heap leach mine with first production by late 2014.

 

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Kittila — 25% Expansion

 

By year end 2012, it is expected that a study on a 25% throughput expansion at Kittila will be completed.  Considering the rapid expansion of the Kittila orebody at depth, and particularly to the north, it is now believed that a smaller initial expansion followed by the possibility of a larger expansion at a later date would be prudent.  The initial expansion could be supported by the current reserve at Kittila and the higher throughput could be realized in 2015.

 

Meliadine — High Grade Project Continues To Grow

 

The Meliadine project, acquired in 2010, is currently one of Agnico-Eagle’s largest gold deposits in terms of reserves and resources.  It is currently in the permitting phase with first production expected in 2017.  With the expectation of mining multi-million ounces of gold, Meliadine is considered to be a long-term cornerstone asset for the Company.

 

As the main deposit at Tiriganiaq continues to develop at depth, the Company believes that more emphasis on underground extraction would be prudent to control dilution, reduce the impact of a harsh environment and optimize the value of this high grade deposit.

 

As announced in today’s separate exploration news release, the proven and probable gold reserves at Meliadine have grown.  The deposits remain wide open for further expansion.  The property covers 80 km of strike length and multiple favourable targets will be tested in the next two years.

 

First production is anticipated for 2017 with capital expenditures expected to be distributed over the 2012 to 2016 period.

 

Several Longer Term Projects Developing

 

Additionally, other advanced exploration and development projects may eventually contribute to expansion, or extensions of the lives of the mines.  The most significant are presented in the table below.

 

 

 

Project

 

Project Status

 

Next News

Kittila

 

Larger Expansion

 

Drilling

 

2012 Drill Results

Pinos Altos

 

Various Satellite Zones

 

Drilling

 

2012 Drill Results

Tarachi

 

Exploration

 

Drilling

 

2012 Drill Results

Goldex

 

M and D Zones

 

Drilling

 

2012 Drill Results

 

While the studies are not yet completed on any of these projects, and in some cases remain early stage, several have a currently defined resource.  A brief description of the larger, and most advanced, potential growth projects follows.

 

Kittila - Larger Expansion

 

Reflecting the continued growth of the Kittila orebody, a feasibility study is underway regarding an initial 25% expansion, as mentioned above.  However, the orebody appears to

 

10



 

be significantly richer and thicker beneath the Rimpi zone (as further discussed in today’s separate exploration news release).  This zone is approximately two kilometres north of the main Suuri deposit, which is currently being mined.

 

It is anticipated that the Kittila reserves will continue to grow as the deposit is drilled over the next several years (partly via more efficient underground drilling which is expected to begin in 2012).  With this expectation of a growing reserve, the Company is considering an even larger expansion.  This larger expansion could involve the sinking of a shaft and an appropriate increase in milling capacity, possibly in the form of a new separate mill.  A prefeasibility study on the larger expansion would be initiated, pending positive exploration results in the interim.

 

Pinos Altos — Bravo and Sinter Zones

 

The Bravo deposit is adjacent to, and southwest of the Creston Mascota mine.  In fact, it may be an extension of the same orebody and will be a focus of the exploration activity in 2012.

 

The Sinter deposit is located approximately two kilometres north of the main Santo Nino zone at Pinos Altos.  It is being examined as a possible source of open pit ore for the mill at Pinos Altos.  This would effectively extend the mine life of Pinos Altos.

 

Tarachi — New Zone Showing Large Scale Mineralization

 

This gold deposit is approximately 10 kilometres to the northwest of the La India deposit in Sonora State, Mexico.  Initial drilling and sampling suggest that the mineralized structure extends over several kilometres.  The property is expected to be a focus of exploration drilling in 2012 and an initial resource is likely to be announced in 2013.

 

Goldex — M and E Zones

 

Although the mining operations at Goldex were suspended indefinitely in October 2011, the Company continues to evaluate production options during the ongoing investigation and remediation phase.  While speculative at the moment, these projects are considered to be of interest due to the existing infrastructure and availability of a highly skilled workforce.

 

The M and E Zones have promise with the viability dependant on the results of the investigation into the stability of the crown pillar at Goldex.  Successful production from these zones may provide sufficient cash flow to help fund the exploration of the deeper, but promising D Zone.

 

Goldex - D Zone Growing

 

The Company is currently drilling the deeper mineralization at Goldex.  The D zone is located approximately 150 metres below the mine workings of the GEZ deposit.  Although not yet fully defined and recognizing that it would be a longer term project, the D zone is very similar in geology and style of mineralization as that of the GEZ.

 

To date, the D zone mineralization (currently in the indicated and inferred categories) has been traced over a length of almost 400 metres, with a vertical height of at least 400 metres

 

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and with an estimated thickness of up to 100 metres (which are similar dimensions to the GEZ deposit). The zone has been followed down to a depth of approximately 1300 metres below surface (where it remains open for expansion in all directions).

 

Operating Review

 

LaRonde Mine — Sequence Results In Lower Grades Than Expected

 

The 100% owned LaRonde mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in 1988.

 

The LaRonde mill processed an average of 6,767 tonnes per day (“tpd”) in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with an average of 6,918 tpd in the corresponding period of 2010.  Milling performance for the full year 2011 was approximately 6,592 tpd versus 7,102 tpd in 2010.  The lower throughput was largely due to issues with sequencing and dilution.  Additionally, due to a forecast reduction in the specific gravity of the ore in the LaRonde Extension, the tonnage processed through the mill will naturally decrease even though the gold grades are expected to increase as the mine progresses deeper.

 

Minesite costs per tonne were approximately C$79 in the fourth quarter of 2011.  These costs are the same as the C$79 per tonne experienced in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The cost control is in spite of the aforementioned issues with throughput, a higher proportion of ore from the lower levels (higher haulage costs) and the November declaration of commercial production at the LaRonde Extension that also meant that many costs began to be expensed.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2011 were approximately C$84, approximately 12% higher than in 2010 (C$75) mainly due to the lower throughput and cost increases as discussed above.

 

On a per ounce basis, net of byproduct credits, LaRonde’s total cash costs per ounce were $375 in the fourth quarter of 2011 on production of 30,686 ounces of gold.  This compares with the fourth quarter of 2010 when total cash costs per ounce were minus $250 on production of 38,405 ounces of gold.  The increase in total cash costs is largely due to lower ounce production from lower grade, lower byproduct revenue and lower throughput, as discussed above.

 

For the full year 2011, LaRonde’s total cash costs per ounce were $77 on gold production of 124,173 ounces.  This compares to total cash costs per ounce of minus $7 on gold production of 162,806 in 2010, as lower gold production in 2011 (lower grades and throughput, as mentioned above) was accompanied by weaker byproduct metals prices in 2011.

 

In 2011, the LaRonde mine also produced approximately 55,000 tonnes of zinc, 3.2 million ounces of silver and 3,200 tonnes of copper, as byproduct to the gold production.

 

12



 

Goldex Mine — Investigation and Remediation Ongoing

 

The 100% owned Goldex mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in 2008.  However, the mine operations were suspended on October 19, 2011.  All proven and probable reserves were transferred into mineral resources pending investigation and remediation of the issues as discussed in the news release of the same day.

 

Payable gold production in the fourth quarter of 2011 (October only) was 14,756 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $344.  This compares to fourth quarter 2010 gold production of 43,111 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $370.  The decrease in gold production is due to the closure of the mine.

 

For the full year 2011, Goldex’s payable gold production was 135,478 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $401.  This compares to full year 2010 production of 184,386 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $335.  The reduced performance is due to the suspension of mining activities at the mine.

 

In 2012, a budget of approximately $63 million is anticipated for monitoring, instrumentation, remediation and limited development work at the mine.  The majority of this expenditure is anticipated to be spent in the first quarter.  An update on this work is expected in the second quarter of 2012.

 

Kittila Mine — Record Annual Gold Production And Mill Recoveries

 

The 100% owned Kittila mine in northern Finland achieved commercial production in 2009.

 

The Kittila mill processed an average of 2,627 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with its 3,000 tonne per day design rate.  A planned two week maintenance shutdown in early October and several other unplanned shutdowns (totaling 10 days) were largely responsible for the lower than design throughput.  In the fourth quarter of 2010, the Kittila mill processed 2,619 tonnes per day.

 

Minesite costs per tonne at Kittila were approximately €80 in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to €79 in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The steady cost performance compared to the prior period is in spite of the three shutdowns.  The mine has, in fact, made improvements in the overall cost structure and is forecasting lower minesite costs for 2012.

 

For the full year 2011, the mill processed an average of 2,824 tpd as compared with 2010 when the mill processed an average of 2,631 tpd.  For the full year 2011, the minesite costs per tonne were €75, compared to €66 in 2010.  This increase is largely attributable to the start of commercial production in the underground mine in the fourth quarter of 2010 (costs stopped being capitalized).  Additionally, higher costs were realized in 2011 related to unbudgeted tonnes being mined during the remediation of a slip in the Suuri pit east wall and higher costs for energy and chemical reagents.

 

Fourth quarter 2011 gold production at Kittila was 34,508 ounces with a total cash cost per ounce of $751.  In the fourth quarter of 2010 the mine produced 29,721 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $832.  The higher production and lower total cash costs were largely the result of higher grades and mill recoveries during 2011, as these were only partly offset by the higher costs described above.

 

13



 

For the full year 2011, payable gold production from Kittila was a record 143,560 ounces at total cash costs of $739 per ounce.  In 2010, the mine produced 126,205 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $657 per ounce.  The higher production in 2011 was largely due to much better mill recoveries (12% higher in 2011) and higher mill throughput, somewhat offset by lower grade for the full year.  Total cash costs were higher largely due to the factors discussed above.

 

In 2011, the Kittila mill realized average mill recoveries of 84.5%, an annual record.

 

Lapa — Steady Performance During 2011

 

The 100% owned Lapa mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in May 2009.

 

The Lapa circuit, at the LaRonde mill, processed an average of 1,598 tpd in the fourth quarter of 2011.  This compares with an average of 1,517 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter of 2010 as Lapa continues to exceed its design rate of 1,500 tpd.  For the full year 2011, Lapa averaged 1,701 tpd compared with 1,512 tpd in 2010.

 

Minesite costs per tonne were C$117 in the fourth quarter of 2011, essentially unchanged from the C$115 realized in the fourth quarter of 2010.  Considering the general cost pressure in the industry and an incident with the shaft conveyance that resulted in five days without hoisting, this is viewed as a positive result.

 

Full-year minesite costs in 2011 were C$110 per tonne, slightly below the C$114 achieved in 2010.  The improved operating performance is attributable to realized efficiencies as the Company gained valuable experience with the orebody.

 

Payable production in the fourth quarter of 2011 was 23,721 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $723.  This compares with the fourth quarter of 2010, when production was 29,289 ounces of gold at total cash cost per ounce of $564.  During 2011, the mine struggled with grade as dilution remained the main issue underground.  For the year, ore dilution totaled approximately 72% as compared with the budget of 54%.  Budgeted dilution going forward will be 74%.

 

For the full year 2011, payable production was 107,068 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $650 per ounce.  The prior year production was 117,456 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $529 per ounce.  The primary driver of these differences was the aforementioned lower grades due to higher dilution.

 

Pinos Altos — Record Gold Production at Low Costs

 

The 100% owned Pinos Altos mine in northern Mexico achieved commercial production in November 2009.

 

The Pinos Altos mill processed an average of 4,924 tpd in the fourth quarter of 2011.  This compares favourably with 4,501 tonnes per day in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The mill is now routinely performing at process rates above the initial design capacity of 4,000 tpd.

 

14



 

Minesite costs per tonne were $24 in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to $35 in the fourth quarter of 2010.  In the fourth quarter of 2011, a greater proportion of lower cost heap leach tonnes were processed including the new operation at Creston Mascota.

 

For the full year 2011, minesite costs per tonne were $27 as compared with the fourth quarter of 2010 when minesite costs per tonne were $35.  The minesite costs at Pinos Altos for 2011 were lower than the prior year due to the greater proportion of lower cost heap leach tonnes processed, including the new operation at Creston Mascota .

 

Payable production in the fourth quarter of 2011 was 52,574 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $292.  This compares with production of 39,955 ounces at a total cash costs per ounce of $365 in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The higher production and lower costs in 2011 were largely due to the contribution of Creston Mascota and higher throughput in the Pinos Altos mill during the year.

 

Gold production from the satellite Creston Mascota mine was 12,471 ounces at total cash costs of $326 per ounce (included in the Pinos Altos total) in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The first gold production occurred at the satellite Creston Mascota project during the fourth quarter of 2010 with 666 ounces of payable gold production.  Commercial production at Creston Mascota was achieved in March 2011.

 

Full year 2011 production at Pinos Altos was 204,380 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $299, as compared to 2010 production of 131,097 ounces at total cash cost per ounce of gold of $425.

 

Additionally, the Company produced 1.86 million ounces of silver byproduct at Pinos Altos in 2011.

 

Meadowbank — New Mine Plan

 

The 100% owned Meadowbank mine project in Nunavut, northern Canada, achieved commercial production in March 2010.

 

The Meadowbank mill processed an average of 8,866 tpd in the fourth quarter of 2011.  This is significantly up from the 6,659 tpd achieved in the fourth quarter of 2010.  Since the June 2011 startup of the permanent secondary crusher, the design rate of 8,500 tpd has been consistently exceeded.

 

Minesite costs per tonne were C$98 in the fourth quarter and C$91 for the full year of 2011.  These costs were higher than the C$82 per tonne which was forecast for 2011.  In the fourth quarter of 2010, the minesite costs were C$91 per tonne and for the full year 2010 C$95 per tonne.  In spite of improved throughput, the minesite costs per tonne did not decrease significantly, as was expected.  Higher costs were realized in nearly all aspects of operating the mine in 2012, specifically, transportation, logistics, labour and maintenance.

 

Payable production in the fourth quarter of 2011 was 71,547 ounces of gold at total cash cost per ounce of gold of $1,088.  This compares with the fourth quarter of 2010 when 75,990 ounces were produced at total cash costs per ounce of $745.  The higher cost is 2011 was due to overall cost pressure as noted above.

 

15



 

Full year 2011 production was 270,801 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of gold of $1,000.  In 2010 the mine produced 265,659 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $693.  The higher cost in 2011 was due to overall cost pressure, as above.

 

Depreciation Guidance

 

Agnico-Eagle expects 2012 amortization on its income statement to amount to $280 to $300 per reserve ounce.  This amount was approximately $266 in 2011, $195 in 2010 and $151 in 2009.

 

Please see the supplemental financial data section of the Financial and Operating Database on the Company’s website for additional historical financial data.

 

Annual General Meeting

 

Friday April 27, 2012 at 11:00am

The Harbour Ballroom

Westin Harbour Castle

Toronto, ON M5J 1A6

 

Expected Dividend Record and Payment Dates for the Remainder of 2012

 

Record Date

 

Payment Date

March 1

 

March 15

June 1

 

June 15

September 4

 

September 17

December 3

 

December 17

 

Dividend Reinvestment Program

 

Please follow the link below for information on the Company’s dividend reinvestment program.

 

DividendReinvestmentPlan

 

About Agnico-Eagle

 

Agnico-Eagle is a long established, Canadian headquartered, gold producer with operations located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, and exploration and development activities in Canada, Finland, Mexico and the United States.  The Company has full exposure to higher gold prices consistent with its policy of no forward gold sales.  It has declared a cash dividend for 30 consecutive years.  www.agnico-eagle.com

 

16



 

AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

(thousands of United States dollars, except where noted, US GAAP basis)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended
December 31,

 

Year ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

Gross mine profit (exclusive of amortization shown below) (Note 1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

$

34,581

 

$

65,517

 

$

188,662

 

$

203,240

 

Goldex

 

24,677

 

50,122

 

160,723

 

163,529

 

Lapa

 

23,736

 

25,477

 

98,937

 

84,718

 

Kittila

 

33,619

 

17,467

 

115,135

 

72,400

 

Pinos Altos (Note 2)

 

67,111

 

34,998

 

232,715

 

85,344

 

Meadowbank

 

44,212

 

49,426

 

149,549

 

135,818

 

Total gross mine profit

 

227,936

 

243,007

 

945,721

 

745,049

 

Amortization

 

73,513

 

69,835

 

261,781

 

192,486

 

Loss on Goldex Mine

 

4,710

 

 

302,893

 

 

Impairment loss on Meadowbank Mine

 

907,681

 

 

907,681

 

 

Corporate

 

92,204

 

51,269

 

251,994

 

117,360

 

Income (loss) before income and mining taxes

 

(850,172

)

121,903

 

(778,628

)

435,203

 

Income and mining taxes

 

(248,742

)

33,940

 

(209,673

)

103,087

 

Net loss attributed to non-controlling interest

 

(60

)

 

(60

)

 

Net income (loss) attributed to common shareholders

 

$

(601,370

)

$

87,963

 

$

(568,895

)

$

332,116

 

Net income (loss) per share - basic

 

$

(3.53

)

$

0.53

 

$

(3.36

)

$

2.05

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

132,028

 

$

90,576

 

$

663,462

 

$

483,470

 

Realized price per sales volume (US$):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold (per ounce)

 

$

1,640

 

$

1,387

 

$

1,573

 

$

1,250

 

Silver (per ounce)

 

$

26.83

 

$

31.96

 

$

34.39

 

$

22.56

 

Zinc (per tonne)

 

$

2,188

 

$

2,391

 

$

1,892

 

$

2,165

 

Copper (per tonne)

 

$

8,510

 

$

10,311

 

$

7,162

 

$

8,182

 

Payable production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold (ounces)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

30,686

 

38,405

 

124,173

 

162,806

 

Goldex

 

14,756

 

43,111

 

135,478

 

184,386

 

Lapa

 

23,721

 

29,289

 

107,068

 

117,456

 

Kittila

 

34,508

 

29,721

 

143,560

 

126,205

 

Pinos Altos (Note 2)

 

52,574

 

39,955

 

204,380

 

131,097

 

Meadowbank

 

71,547

 

75,990

 

270,801

 

265,659

 

Total gold (ounces)

 

227,792

 

256,471

 

985,460

 

987,609

 

Silver (000s ounces)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

785

 

766

 

3,169

 

3,581

 

Pinos Altos (Note 2)

 

508

 

427

 

1,851

 

1,185

 

Meadowbank

 

18

 

14

 

60

 

46

 

Total silver (000s ounces)

 

1,311

 

1,207

 

5,080

 

4,812

 

Zinc (tonnes)

 

12,591

 

14,939

 

54,894

 

62,544

 

Copper (tonnes)

 

1,002

 

935

 

3,216

 

4,224

 

Payable metal sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold (ounces — LaRonde)

 

31,342

 

39,896

 

124,119

 

163,781

 

Gold (ounces — Goldex)

 

20,863

 

48,067

 

141,702

 

183,357

 

Gold (ounces — Lapa)

 

23,854

 

31,177

 

107,334

 

123,136

 

Gold (ounces — Kittila)

 

37,769

 

28,722

 

145,006

 

129,639

 

Gold (ounces — Pinos Altos) (Note 2)

 

55,611

 

39,156

 

204,239

 

122,514

 

Gold (ounces — Meadowbank)

 

78,579

 

79,849

 

273,690

 

250,629

 

Total gold (ounces)

 

248,018

 

266,867

 

996,090

 

973,056

 

Silver (000s ounces — LaRonde)

 

865

 

828

 

3,171

 

3,539

 

Silver (000s ounces — Pinos Altos) (Note 2)

 

546

 

406

 

1,858

 

1,137

 

Silver (000s ounces — Meadowbank)

 

18

 

14

 

60

 

46

 

Total silver (ounces)

 

1,429

 

1,248

 

5,089

 

4,722

 

Zinc (tonnes)

 

11,516

 

15,212

 

54,499

 

59,566

 

Copper (tonnes)

 

978

 

941

 

3,194

 

4,223

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold (US$) (Note 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

$

375

 

$

(250

)

$

77

 

$

(7

)

Goldex

 

$

344

 

$

370

 

$

401

 

$

335

 

Lapa

 

$

723

 

$

564

 

$

650

 

$

529

 

Kittila

 

$

751

 

$

832

 

$

739

 

$

657

 

Pinos Altos

 

$

292

 

$

365

 

$

299

 

$

425

 

Meadowbank

 

$

1,088

 

$

745

 

$

1,000

 

$

693

 

Weighted average total cash costs per ounce

 

$

671

 

$

462

 

$

580

 

$

451

 

 

17



 

Note 1

 

Gross mine profit is calculated as total revenues from all metals, by mine, minus total production costs, by mine.

 

Note 2

 

Creston Mascota achieved commercial production as of March 1, 2011. All payable production ounces are post commercial production as they were sold after March 1, 2011.

 

Note 3

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold is calculated net of silver, copper, zinc and other byproduct credits. The weighted average total cash cost per ounce is based on commercial production ounces.  Total cash costs per ounce is a non-GAAP measure.  See “reconciliation of production costs to total cash costs per ounce and minesite costs per tonne” contained herein for details.

 

18



 

AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(thousands of United States dollars, US GAAP basis)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

As at 
December 31,
2011

 

As at 
December 31,
2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

221,458

 

$

104,645

 

Trade receivables

 

75,899

 

112,949

 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Ore stockpiles

 

77,478

 

67,764

 

Concentrates

 

57,528

 

50,332

 

Supplies

 

182,389

 

149,647

 

Income Taxes Recoverable

 

371

 

 

 

Other current assets

 

255,780

 

188,885

 

Total current assets

 

870,903

 

674,222

 

Other assets

 

38,725

 

61,502

 

Goodwill

 

229,279

 

200,064

 

Property, plant and mine development

 

3,887,657

 

4,564,563

 

 

 

$

5,026,564

 

$

5,500,351

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

208,174

 

$

170,967

 

Environmental remediation liability

 

26,069

 

 

Dividends payable

 

 

108,009

 

Interest payable

 

9,356

 

9,743

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

14,450

 

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

 

4,404

 

142

 

Total current liabilities

 

248,003

 

303,311

 

Long term debt

 

920,095

 

650,000

 

Reclamation provision and other liabilities

 

144,731

 

145,536

 

Future income and mining tax liabilities

 

498,572

 

736,054

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized - unlimited

 

 

 

 

 

Issued - 170,859,604 (December 31, 2010 - 168,763,496)

 

3,181,381

 

3,078,217

 

Stock options

 

117,694

 

78,554

 

Warrants

 

24,858

 

24,858

 

Contributed surplus

 

15,166

 

15,166

 

Retained earnings (deficit)

 

(129,021

)

440,265

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(7,106

)

28,390

 

 

 

3,202,972

 

3,665,450

 

Non-controlling interest

 

12,191

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

3,215,163

 

3,665,450

 

 

 

$

5,026,564

 

$

5,500,351

 

 

19



 

AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(thousands of United States dollars except share and per share amounts, US GAAP basis)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended
December 31,

 

Year ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from mining operations

 

$

455,503

 

$

439,004

 

$

1,821,799

 

$

1,422,521

 

Interest and sundry income (expense)

 

(2,137

)

1,209

 

(1,505

)

75,392

 

Gain (loss) on sale and write-down of available-for-sale securities

 

(5,074

)

11,302

 

(3,662

)

19,487

 

 

 

448,292

 

451,515

 

1,816,632

 

1,517,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production

 

227,567

 

195,998

 

876,078

 

677,472

 

Impairment loss on Meadowbank Mine

 

907,681

 

 

907,681

 

 

Exploration and corporate development

 

31,844

 

15,008

 

75,721

 

54,958

 

Amortization

 

73,513

 

69,835

 

261,781

 

192,486

 

Loss on Goldex Mine

 

4,710

 

 

302,893

 

 

General and administrative

 

28,242

 

22,732

 

107,926

 

94,327

 

Provincial capital tax

 

9,223

 

704

 

9,223

 

(6,075

)

Interest

 

12,124

 

14,958

 

55,039

 

49,493

 

Foreign currency (gain) loss

 

3,560

 

10,377

 

(1,082

)

19,536

 

Income (loss) before income and mining taxes

 

(850,172

)

121,903

 

(778,628

)

435,203

 

Income and mining taxes

 

(248,742

)

33,940

 

(209,673

)

103,087

 

Net income (loss) for the period

 

$

(601,430

)

$

87,963

 

$

(568,955

)

$

332,116

 

Attributed to non-controlling interest

 

$

(60

)

$

 

$

(60

)

$

 

Attributed to common shareholders

 

$

(601,370

)

$

87,963

 

$

(568,895

)

$

332,116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - basic

 

$

(3.53

)

$

0.53

 

$

(3.36

)

$

2.05

 

Net income (loss) per share - diluted

 

$

(3.53

)

$

0.51

 

$

(3.36

)

$

2.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

170,276

 

168,342

 

169,353

 

162,386

 

Diluted

 

170,324

 

172,856

 

169,410

 

165,842

 

 

20



 

AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(thousands of United States dollars, US GAAP basis)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three months ended
December 31,

 

Year ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the period attributed to common shareholders

 

$

(601,370

)

$

87,963

 

$

(568,895

)

$

332,116

 

Add (deduct) items not affecting cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment loss on Meadowbank Mine

 

907,681

 

 

907,681

 

 

Amortization

 

73,513

 

69,835

 

261,781

 

192,486

 

Future income and mining taxes

 

(228,339

)

20,226

 

(275,773

)

66,928

 

Gain on available-for-sale securities and derivative financial instruments, net

 

(8,493

)

(10,425

)

(8,590

)

(20,007

)

Reversal of mark-to-market gain - Comaplex

 

 

 

 

(64,508

)

Loss on Goldex Mine

 

4,710

 

 

302,893

 

 

Environmental remediation

 

(7,616

)

 

(7,616

)

 

Amortization of deferred costs and other

 

31,479

 

11,814

 

82,252

 

74,706

 

Changes in non-cash working capital balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

7,196

 

(29,135

)

37,050

 

(19,378

)

Income taxes (payable) recoverable

 

(24,331

)

9,697

 

(29,867

)

9,949

 

Inventories

 

23,827

 

(19,394

)

(43,066

)

(91,306

)

Other current assets

 

(1,528

)

(2,765

)

(25,838

)

(28,729

)

Interest payable

 

(10,499

)

(9,838

)

(387

)

8,077

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(34,202

)

(37,402

)

31,837

 

23,136

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

132,028

 

90,576

 

663,462

 

483,470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property,plant and mine development

 

(107,577

)

(114,985

)

(482,831

)

(511,641

)

Acquisitions, investments and other

 

(163,239

)

(6,207

)

(244,727

)

(5,893

)

Cash used in investing activities

 

(270,816

)

(121,192

)

(727,558

)

(517,534

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(25,650

)

 

(98,354

)

(26,830

)

Repayment of capital lease and other

 

(3,289

)

(3,243

)

(13,092

)

(16,019

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

270,000

 

40,000

 

475,000

 

1,311,000

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

 

(105,000

)

(205,000

)

(1,376,000

)

Sale-leaseback financing

 

 

7,156

 

 

14,017

 

Credit facility financing costs

 

(51

)

(97

)

(2,545

)

(12,772

)

Proceeds from common shares issued

 

3,451

 

50,776

 

26,536

 

84,659

 

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

244,461

 

(10,408

)

182,545

 

(21,945

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(885

)

(2,447

)

(1,636

)

(2,939

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the period

 

104,788

 

(43,471

)

116,813

 

(58,948

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

116,670

 

148,116

 

104,645

 

163,593

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

221,458

 

$

104,645

 

$

221,458

 

$

104,645

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid during the period

 

$

21,360

 

$

24,465

 

$

52,833

 

$

41,429

 

Income, mining and capital taxes paid during the period

 

$

25,486

 

$

7,674

 

$

114,962

 

$

25,199

 

 

21



 

AGNICO-EAGLE MINES LIMITED

RECONCILIATION OF PRODUCTION COSTS TO

TOTAL CASH COSTS PER OUNCE AND MINESITE COSTS PER TONNE

(Unaudited)

 

Total Cash Costs per Ounce of Gold Produced
(thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)

 

 

 

Three months ended
December 31, 2011

 

Three months ended
December 31, 2010

 

Year ended
December 31, 2011

 

Year ended
December 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Production costs per Consolidated Statements of Income

 

$

227,567

 

$

195,998

 

$

876,078

 

$

677,472

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to LaRonde

 

52,480

 

49,739

 

209,947

 

189,146

 

Attributable to Goldex

 

7,679

 

16,774

 

56,939

 

61,561

 

Attributable to Lapa

 

16,834

 

17,692

 

68,599

 

66,199

 

Attributable to Kittila

 

28,602

 

22,235

 

110,477

 

87,740

 

Attributable to Pinos Altos

 

36,541

 

29,206

 

145,614

 

90,293

 

Attributable to Meadowbank

 

85,431

 

60,352

 

284,502

 

182,533

 

Total

 

$

227,567

 

$

195,998

 

$

876,078

 

$

677,472

 

 

LaRonde

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

52,480

 

$

49,739

 

$

209,947

 

$

189,146

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byproduct revenues

 

(34,299

)

(59,376

)

(194,000

)

(192,155

)

Inventory adjustment and other adjustments(i) 

 

(5,125

)

372

 

(2,309

)

3,287

 

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(1,546

)

(337

)

(4,062

)

(1,344

)

Cash operating costs

 

$

11,510

 

$

(9,602

)

$

9,576

 

$

(1,066

)

Gold production (ounces)

 

30,686

 

38,405

 

124,173

 

162,806

 

Total cash costs (per ounce)(iii)

 

$

375

 

$

(250

)

$

77

 

$

(7

)

 

Goldex

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

7,679

 

$

16,774

 

$

56,939

 

$

61,561

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byproduct revenues

 

269

 

748

 

395

 

727

 

Inventory adjustment and other adjustments(i) 

 

(2,836

)

(1,519

)

(2,778

)

(253

)

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(36

)

(54

)

(173

)

(216

)

Cash operating costs

 

$

5,076

 

$

15,949

 

$

54,383

 

$

61,819

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

14,756

 

43,110

 

135,478

 

184,386

 

Total cash costs (per ounce)(iii) 

 

$

344

 

$

370

 

$

401

 

$

335

 

 

22



 

Lapa

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

16,834

 

$

17,692

 

$

68,599

 

$

66,199

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byproduct revenues

 

349

 

682

 

663

 

644

 

Inventory adjustment and other adjustments(i) 

 

283

 

(1,830

)

631

 

(4,683

)

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(312

)

(14

)

(348

)

(57

)

Cash operating costs

 

$

17,154

 

$

16,530

 

$

69,545

 

$

62,103

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

23,721

 

29,288

 

107,068

 

117,456

 

Total cash costs (per ounce)(iii) 

 

$

723

 

$

564

 

$

650

 

$

529

 

 

Kittila

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

28,602

 

$

22,235

 

$

110,477

 

$

87,740

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byproduct revenues

 

38

 

332

 

152

 

252

 

Inventory adjustment and other adjustments(i) 

 

(2,648

)

2,252

 

(1,267

)

(4,774

)

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(66

)

(78

)

(206

)

(334

)

Stripping (capitalized vs expensed)(ii) 

 

 

 

(3,018

)

 

Cash operating costs

 

$

25,926

 

$

24,741

 

$

106,138

 

$

82,884

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

34,508

 

29,721

 

143,560

 

126,205

 

Total cash costs (per ounce)(iii) 

 

$

751

 

$

832

 

$

739

 

$

657

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos (includes Creston Mascota)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

36,541

 

$

29,206

 

$

145,614

 

$

90,293

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byproduct revenues

 

(13,559

)

(10,054

)

(60,653

)

(25,052

)

Inventory adjustment and other adjustments(i) 

 

(1,779

)

296

 

1,871

 

2,925

 

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(386

)

(214

)

(1,372

)

(858

)

Stripping (capitalized vs expensed)(ii) 

 

(5,472

)

(4,921

)

(24,260

)

(11,857

)

Cash operating costs

 

$

15,345

 

$

14,313

 

$

61,200

 

$

55,451

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

52,574

 

39,289

 

204,380

 

130,431

 

Total cash costs (per ounce)(iii) 

 

$

292

 

$

365

 

$

299

 

$

425

 

 

23



 

Meadowbank

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

85,431

 

$

60,352

 

$

284,502

 

$

182,533

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byproduct revenues

 

718

 

8

 

(546

)

(584

)

Inventory adjustment and other adjustments(i) 

 

(7,261

)

(2,432

)

(1,670

)

6,911

 

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(414

)

(437

)

(1,679

)

(1,315

)

Stripping (capitalized vs expensed)(ii)

 

(606

)

(842

)

(9,746

)

(4,321

)

Cash operating costs

 

$

77,868

 

$

56,649

 

$

270,861

 

$

183,224

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

71,547

 

75,990

 

270,801

 

264,576

 

Total cash costs (per ounce)(iii) 

 

$

1,088

 

$

745

 

$

1,000

 

$

693

 

 

24



 

Minesite Cost per Tonne
(thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)

 

LaRonde

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

52,480

 

$

49,739

 

$

209,947

 

$

189,146

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory adjustments(iv) 

 

(2,195

)

372

 

(22

)

3,287

 

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(1,546

)

(337

)

(4,062

)

(1,344

)

Minesite operating costs

 

$

48,739

 

$

49,774

 

$

205,863

 

$

191,089

 

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

$

49,372

 

$

50,416

 

$

202,957

 

$

194,993

 

Tonnes of ore milled (000s)

 

622

 

637

 

2,406

 

2,592

 

Minesite cost per tonne (C$)(v)

 

$

79

 

$

79

 

$

84

 

$

75

 

 

Goldex

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

7,679

 

$

16,774

 

$

56,939

 

$

61,561

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory adjustments(iv) 

 

(2,836

)

(1,519

)

(2,407

)

(253

)

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(36

)

(54

)

(173

)

(216

)

Minesite operating costs

 

$

4,807

 

$

15,201

 

$

54,359

 

$

61,092

 

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

$

4,903

 

$

15,397

 

$

53,208

 

$

62,545

 

Tonnes of ore milled (000s)

 

237

 

722

 

2,477

 

2,782

 

Minesite cost per tonne (C$)(v)

 

$

21

 

$

21

 

$

21

 

$

22

 

 

Lapa

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

16,834

 

$

17,692

 

$

68,599

 

$

66,199

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory adjustments(iv) 

 

394

 

(1,830

)

1,071

 

(4,683

)

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(312

)

(14

)

(348

)

(57

)

Minesite operating costs

 

$

16,916

 

$

15,848

 

$

69,322

 

$

61,459

 

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

$

17,152

 

$

16,053

 

$

68,403

 

$

62,771

 

Tonnes of ore milled (000s)

 

148

 

140

 

621

 

552

 

Minesite cost per tonne (C$)(v)

 

$

117

 

$

115

 

$

110

 

$

114

 

 

Kittila

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

28,602

 

$

22,235

 

$

110,477

 

$

87,740

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory adjustments(iv) 

 

(2,705

)

2,252

 

(1,324

)

(4,774

)

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(66

)

(78

)

(206

)

(334

)

Stripping (capitalized vs expensed)(ii)

 

 

 

(3,018

)

 

Minesite operating costs

 

$

25,831

 

$

24,409

 

$

105,929

 

$

82,632

 

Minesite operating costs (EUR)

 

19,383

 

19,035

 

76,817

 

63,464

 

Tonnes of ore milled (000s)

 

242

 

241

 

1,031

 

960

 

Minesite cost per tonne (EUR)(v)

 

80

 

79

 

75

 

66

 

 

25



 

Pinos Altos (includes Creston Mascota)

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

36,541

 

$

29,206

 

$

145,614

 

$

90,293

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory adjustments(iv)

 

(1,704

)

296

 

(169

)

2,925

 

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(386

)

(214

)

(1,372

)

(858

)

Stripping (capitalized vs expensed)(ii)

 

(5,472

)

(4,921

)

(24,260

)

(11,857

)

Minesite operating costs

 

$

28,979

 

$

24,367

 

$

119,813

 

$

80,503

 

Tonnes of ore milled (000s)

 

1,203

 

699

 

4,509

 

2,318

 

Minesite cost per tonne (US$)(v)

 

$

24

 

$

35

 

$

27

 

$

35

 

 

Meadowbank

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

Three months ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

December 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

Production costs

 

$

85,431

 

$

60,352

 

$

284,502

 

$

182,533

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory adjustments(iv)

 

(6,773

)

(2,432

)

253

 

6,911

 

Non-cash reclamation provision

 

(414

)

(437

)

(1,679

)

(1,315

)

Stripping (capitalized vs expensed)(ii)

 

(606

)

(842

)

(9,746

)

(4,321

)

Minesite operating costs

 

$

77,638

 

$

56,641

 

$

273,330

 

$

183,808

 

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

$

79,643

 

$

57,373

 

$

272,157

 

$

190,980

 

Tonnes of ore milled (000s)

 

816

 

631

 

2,978

 

2,001

 

Minesite cost per tonne (C$)(v)

 

$

98

 

$

91

 

$

91

 

$

95

 

 


(i)            Under the Company’s revenue recognition policy, revenue is recognized on concentrates when legal title passes. Since total cash costs are calculated on a production basis, this inventory adjustment reflects the sales margin on the portion of concentrate production for which revenue has not been recognized in the period.

 

(ii)         The Company has decided to report total cash costs using the more common industry practice of deferring certain stripping costs that can be attributed to future production.  The methodology is in line with the Gold Institute Production Cost Standard.  The purpose of adjusting for these stripping costs is to enhance the comparability of cash costs to the majority of the Company’s peers within the mining industry.

 

(iii)      Total cash cost per ounce is not a recognized measure under US GAAP and this data may not be comparable to data presented by other gold producers. The Company believes that this generally accepted industry measure is a realistic indication of operating performance and is useful in allowing year over year comparisons. As illustrated in the tables above, this measure is calculated by adjusting production costs as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for net byproduct revenues, royalties, inventory adjustments and asset retirement provisions. This measure is intended to provide investors with information about the cash generating capabilities of the Company’s mining operations. Management uses this measure to monitor the performance of the Company’s mining operations. Since market prices for gold are quoted on a per ounce basis, using this per ounce measure allows management to assess the mine’s cash generating capabilities at various gold prices. Management is aware that this per ounce measure of performance can be impacted by fluctuations in byproduct metal prices and exchange rates. Management compensates for the limitation inherent with this measure by using it in conjunction with the minesite costs per tonne measure (discussed below) as well as other data prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Management also performs sensitivity analyses in order to quantify the effects of fluctuating metal prices and exchange rates.

 

(iv)     This inventory adjustment reflects production costs associated with unsold concentrates.

 

(v)        Minesite costs per tonne is not a recognized measure under US GAAP and this data may not be comparable to data presented by other gold producers. As illustrated in the tables above, this measure is calculated by adjusting production costs as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for inventory, asset retirement provisions and deferred stripping costs, and then dividing by tonnes processed through the mill. Since total cash costs data can be affected by fluctuations in byproduct metal prices and exchange rates, management believes minesite costs per tonne provides additional information regarding the performance of mining operations and allows management to monitor operating costs on a more consistent basis as the per tonne measure eliminates the cost variability associated with varying production levels. Management also uses this measure to determine the economic viability of mining blocks. As each mining block is evaluated based on the net realizable value of each tonne mined, in order to be economically viable the estimated revenue on a per tonne basis must be in excess of the minesite costs per tonne. Management is aware that this per tonne measure is impacted by fluctuations in production levels and thus uses this evaluation tool in conjunction with production costs prepared in accordance with US GAAP. This measure supplements production cost information prepared in accordance with US GAAP and allows investors to distinguish between changes in production costs resulting from changes in production versus changes in operating performance.

 

26



 

Note Regarding Production Guidance

 

The gold production guidance is based on the Company’s mineral reserves but includes contingencies, assumes metal prices and foreign exchange rates that are different from those used in the reserve estimates. These factors and others mean that the gold production guidance presented in this disclosure does not reconcile exactly with the production models used to support these mineral reserves.

 

Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance

 

This news release presents measures including “total cash costs per ounce” and “minesite costs per tonne” that are not recognized measures under US GAAP. This data may not be comparable to data presented by other gold producers. The Company believes that these generally accepted industry measures are realistic indicators of operating performance and useful for year-over-year comparisons. However, both of these non-GAAP measures should be considered together with other data prepared in accordance with US GAAP. These measures, taken by themselves, are not necessarily indicative of operating costs or cash flow measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP. A reconciliation of the Company’s total cash costs per ounce and minesite costs per tonne to the most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with US GAAP for the Company’s historical results of operations is set out above.

 

The contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of, and reviewed by, Marc Legault P.Eng., Senior Vice-President, Project Evaluations and a “Qualified Person” for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The information in this news release has been prepared as at February 15, 2012. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward looking information” under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and are referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”. When used in this document, words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “planned”, “will”, “likely”, “schedule” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Such statements include without limitation: the Company’s forward-looking production guidance, including estimated ore grades, project timelines, drilling results, orebody configurations, metal production, life of mine trends, production estimates, cash flows, the estimated timing of scoping and other studies, the methods by which ore will be extracted or processed, recovery rates, mill throughput, and projected exploration and capital expenditures, including costs and other estimates upon which such projections are based; the Company’s goal to increase its mineral reserves and resources; the Company’s goal to increase its dividends; the Company’s goal to build a mine at La India and Meliadine; the Company’s ability to produce at Goldex; and other statements and information regarding anticipated trends with respect to the Company’s operations, exploration and the funding thereof. Such statements reflect the Company’s views as at the date of this news release and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico-Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to

 

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significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The factors and assumptions of Agnico-Eagle contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the assumptions set forth herein and in management’s discussion and analysis and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 (“Form 20-F”) as well as: that there are no significant disruptions affecting operations, whether due to labour disruptions, supply disruptions, damage to equipment, natural occurrences, equipment failures, accidents, political changes, title issues or otherwise; that permitting, production and expansion at each of Agnico-Eagle’s mines and growth projects proceeds on a basis consistent with current expectations, and that Agnico-Eagle does not change its plans relating to such projects; that the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar, European Union euro, Mexican peso and the United  States dollar will be approximately consistent with current levels or as set out in this news release; that prices for gold, silver, zinc, copper and lead will be consistent with Agnico-Eagle’s expectations; that prices for key mining and construction supplies, including labour costs, remain consistent with Agnico-Eagle’s current expectations; that Agnico-Eagle’s current estimates of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral grades and metal recovery are accurate; that there are no material delays in the timing for completion of ongoing growth projects; that the Company’s current plans to optimize production are successful; and that there are no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environment.  Many factors, known and unknown, could cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to: the volatility of prices of gold and other metals; uncertainty of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral grades and metal recovery estimates; uncertainty of future production, capital expenditures, and other costs; currency fluctuations; financing of additional capital requirements; cost of exploration and development programs; mining risks; risks associated with foreign operations; governmental and environmental regulation; the volatility of the Company’s stock price; and risks associated with the Company’s byproduct metal derivative strategies. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, see the Form 20-F, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements and information, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Certain of the foregoing statements, primarily related to projects, are based on preliminary views of the Company with respect to, among other things, grade, tonnage, processing, recoveries, mining methods, capital costs, total cash costs, minesite costs, and location of surface infrastructure.  Actual results and final decisions may be materially different from those currently anticipated.

 

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