EX-99.1 2 a17-4614_1ex99d1.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 



 

 

Stock Symbol:

 

AEM (NYSE and TSX)

 

 

 

For further information:

 

Investor Relations

 

 

(416) 947-1212

 

(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars (“$” or “US$”) unless otherwise noted)

 

AGNICO EAGLE REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2016 RESULTS —MELIADINE AND AMARUQ PROJECTS APPROVED FOR DEVELOPMENT; ANNUAL GOLD PRODUCTION EXPECTED TO GROW TO 2.0 MILLION OUNCES IN 2020

 

Toronto (February 15, 2017) — Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM, TSX:AEM) (“Agnico Eagle” or the “Company”) today reported quarterly net income of $62.7 million, or net income of $0.28 per share for the fourth quarter of 2016.  This result includes impairment reversals of the Meadowbank mine and Meliadine project, net of tax, of $81.2 million ($0.36 per share), a non-cash foreign currency translation loss on deferred tax liabilities of $12.9 million ($0.06 per share), various mark-to-market adjustment losses of $9.4 million ($0.04 per share), non-recurring losses of $2.4 million ($0.01 per share) and non-cash foreign currency translation gains of $1.7 million ($0.01 per share).  Excluding these items would result in adjusted net income1 of $4.5 million ($0.02 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2016.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company reported a net loss of $15.5 million or $0.07 per share.

 

Not included in the fourth quarter of 2016 adjusted net income above are lower sales volume relative to total ounces produced, net of tax (approximately 30,620 ounces fewer), representing $13.1 million ($0.06 per share), lower realized gold and silver prices compared to average spot prices both 2% lower than the quarterly average, $5.7 million ($0.03 per share) and non-cash stock option expense of $4.2 million ($0.02 per share).

 

Fourth quarter 2016 cash provided by operating activities was $120.6 million ($120.3 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).  This compares to cash provided by operating activities of $140.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 ($112.6 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).  The increase in cash provided by operating activities before changes in non-cash components of working capital during the current period was largely due a tax adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2015.

 


1 Adjusted net income is a Non-GAAP measure.  For a discussion regarding the Company’s use of non-GAAP measures, please see “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

 

1



 

“Continued strong operating results in the fourth quarter of 2016 allowed us to exceed our production forecast and beat our cost guidance for the fifth consecutive year and positions us to complete the development of our growth projects over the next two years”, said Sean Boyd, Agnico Eagle’s Chief Executive Officer.  “Our primary focus will be on developing and expanding our business in Nunavut as we complete the construction of a new mine at Meliadine and develop the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank.  These new operations, along with optimizations at existing mines, are expected to result in production growth from current levels to approximately 2.0 million ounces in 2020, along with a decline in unit costs”, added Mr. Boyd.

 

Fourth quarter and full year 2016 highlights include:

 

·                  Continued Strong operational performance — Payable production2 in 2016 was 1,662,888 ounces of gold on production costs per ounce of gold of $621, with total cash costs per ounce3 of $573, compared to guidance of 1,600,000 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $600.  All-in sustaining costs per ounce4 (“AISC”) for 2016 were $824, compared to guidance of $860 per ounce

 

·                  2016 gold reserves increased by 5.0% to 19.9 million ounces (268.4 million tonnes grading 2.31 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold) — Measured and indicated mineral resources increased by 9%, while inferred mineral resources decreased by 4% (largely due to conversion to higher confidence categories).  The average gold reserve grade in 2016 was essentially unchanged from the previous year

 

·                  Amaruq and Meliadine approved for development — Given favourable project economics and the expected potential for extensions to the currently forecasted mine plans, the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank and the Meliadine project have been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.  Both operations are expected to start production in third quarter of 2019;  As such, production at Meliadine is now forecast to begin approximately one year earlier than previously anticipated

 

·                  New four year guidance; gold production expected to increase from current levels to 2.0 million ounces in 2020 with unit costs expected to decline — The production forecasts for 2017 and 2018 are unchanged from previous guidance of

 


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.

 

3 Total cash costs per ounce is a Non-GAAP measure and unless otherwise specified is reported on a by-product basis.  For a reconciliation to production costs and for total cash costs on a co-product basis, see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” below.  See also “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

 

4 All-in-sustaining costs per ounce is a Non-GAAP measure and unless otherwise specified is reported on a by-product basis.  For a reconciliation to production costs and for all-in sustaining costs on a co-product basis, see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” below.  See also “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

 

2



 

approximately 1.55 and 1.50 million ounces, respectively.  Production in 2019 is forecast to be approximately 1.60 million ounces, while production in 2020 is expected to be approximately 2.0 million ounces.  The Company is evaluating additional opportunities to increase production in 2018 and beyond

 

·                  Cost guidance for 2017 essentially unchanged from prior year’s guidance — In 2017, total cash costs per ounce are forecast to be between $595 and $625 and AISC for 2017 are forecast to be between $850 and $900 per ounce.  Total cash costs per ounce and AISC are expected to decline as production grows through 2020

 

·                  Exploration Continues to Add Value

 

·                  Conversion drilling on the western portion of LaRonde 3 (the portion of the LaRonde mine at a depth below 3.1 kilometres) has encountered higher-grade mineralization - Recent intersections include 28.1 g/t gold over 9.3 metres and 13.8 g/t gold over 8.1 metres. These new high-grade intersections are now interpreted as being a distinct lens of massive sulphide mineralization from the main LaRonde 3 horizon.  In 2016, the first mineral reserves were declared in the eastern portion of LaRonde 3, and additional inferred mineral resources were declared in the western portion of LaRonde 3.  Studies are ongoing to evaluate the potential to mine below the currently planned 3.1 kilometre depth at LaRonde

 

·                  Initial inferred mineral resources declared at Odyssey and Barsele - At the Odyssey property (50% owned), which adjoins the Canadian Malartic mine, inferred mineral resources are estimated to be 0.7 million ounces (10.3 million tonnes grading 2.15 g/t gold), while at the Barsele project in Sweden (55% owned), inferred mineral resources are estimated to be 0.7 million ounces (11.9 million tonnes grading 1.72 g/t gold).  Both deposits appear to have bulk tonnage and underground potential, similar to Goldex and are being evaluated as potential future production opportunities.  Further mineral resource growth is expected in 2017

 

·                  Improved financial flexibility — In 2016, net debt5 was reduced by $346 million, further strengthening the Company’s investment grade balance sheet in preparation for the next phase of growth.  At year-end 2016, Agnico Eagle had strong liquidity with $548 million in cash and cash equivalents and short term investments and $1.2 billion in undrawn credit lines

 

·                  A quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share declared

 


5 Net debt is a Non-GAAP measure.  For a reconciliation of net debt to the nearest IFRS equivalent, please see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” below.  See also “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

 

3



 

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016 Financial and Production Highlights

 

In the fourth quarter of 2016, strong operational performance continued at the Company’s mines.  Payable production in the fourth quarter of 2016 was 426,433 ounces of gold, compared to 422,328 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2015.  A detailed description of the production performance of each mine is set out below.

 

Production costs per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2016 were $598, which was higher than the $544 in the 2015 period.  Total cash costs per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2016 were $552, which was essentially unchanged from the $547 per ounce for the fourth quarter of 2015.  A detailed description of the cost performance of each mine is set out below.

 

For the full year 2016, the Company recorded net income of $158.8 million, or $0.71 per share.  In 2015, the Company recorded net income of $24.6 million, or $0.11 per share.  The increase was primarily due to higher realized gold and silver prices (up 8% and 11%, respectively).

 

For the full year 2016, cash provided by operating activities was $778.6 million ($714.2 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).  This represents a increase over 2015, when cash provided by operating activities totalled $616.2 million ($660.0 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).  The increase was primarily due to the reason described above.

 

For the fifth consecutive year, Agnico Eagle has reported annual gold production in excess of annual guidance.  The Company’s payable production for the full year 2016 was 1,662,888 ounces of gold, compared to guidance of 1,600,000 ounces.  In 2015, full year production was 1,671,340 ounces.  A detailed description of the production performance of each mine is set out below.

 

Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 were $621, which was higher than the $596 in 2015.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 were $573, below guidance of between $580 and $620.  In 2015, total cash costs per ounce were $567.  A detailed description of the cost performance of each mine is set out below.

 

AISC for 2016 was $824 per ounce, below guidance of between $840 and $880.  The lower AISC is primarily due to lower than forecast total cash costs per ounce in 2016 and higher production than forecast.

 

4



 

Capital Spending and Liquidity - Existing Cash and Credit Facility Provide Flexibility

 

Cash and cash equivalents and short term investments decreased to $548.4 million at December 31, 2016, from the September 30, 2016 balance of $627.4 million.

 

The outstanding balance on the Company’s credit facility remained nil at December 31, 2016.  This results in available credit lines of approximately $1.2 billion, not including the uncommitted $300 million accordion feature.

 

Total capital expenditures for the full year 2016 were $535 million, compared to guidance of $491 million.  The increase from guidance was primarily due to additional spending at Meliadine, including the purchase of long lead time equipment and material for the Meliadine project to prepare for the upcoming barge season.  The additional spending and work at the Meliadine site in 2016 has positioned the project for an expected start date of 2019, one year ahead of the previous schedule.

 

Capital Expenditures

(In thousands of US dollars)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

 December 31, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustaining Capital

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

$

18,896

 

$

64,288

 

Canadian Malartic mine

 

15,284

 

58,174

 

Meadowbank mine

 

3,286

 

38,248

 

Kittila mine

 

15,943

 

62,008

 

Goldex mine

 

7,996

 

22,030

 

Lapa mine

 

 

 

Pinos Altos

 

19,170

 

47,410

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

3,485

 

9,287

 

La India mine

 

2,340

 

10,021

 

Meliadine project

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Development Capital

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

$

 

$

 

Canadian Malartic mine

 

395

 

2,260

 

Meadowbank mine

 

503

 

503

 

Kittila mine

 

4,814

 

13,896

 

Goldex mine

 

15,224

 

59,237

 

Lapa mine

 

 

 

Pinos Altos

 

1,748

 

12,162

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

 

 

La India mine

 

486

 

486

 

Meliadine project

 

45,755

 

130,942

 

Other

 

1,048

 

4,361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Capital Expenditures

 

$

156,373

 

$

535,313

 

 

5



 

Quarterly Dividend Declared

 

Agnico Eagle’s Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share, payable on March 15, 2017 to shareholders of record as of March 1, 2017.  Agnico Eagle has now declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

 

Expected Dividend Record and Payment Dates for 2017

 

Record Date

 

Payment Date

March 1*

 

March 15*

June 1

 

June 15

September 1

 

September 15

December 1

 

December 15

 


*Declared

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Please follow the link below for information on the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan.  Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Conference Call Tomorrow

 

The Company’s senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM (E.S.T.) to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter and full-year financial and operating results.

 

Via Webcast:

 

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website www.agnicoeagle.com.

 

Via Telephone:

 

For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191.  To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

 

Replay Archive:

 

Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 50879928.  The conference call replay will expire on Thursday, March 16, 2017.

 

The webcast along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the Company’s website www.agnicoeagle.com.

 

6



 

New Four Year Guidance Plan — Amaruq and Meliadine Projects Expected to Begin Production in 2019; Production Forecast to Increase to Approximately 2.0 Mozs in 2020

 

The Company is announcing its detailed production and cost guidance for 2017, mine by mine production forecasts for 2018 and 2019 and a consolidated production forecast for 2020.  Partly due to advancing the spending at Meliadine in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company expects average annual production of approximately 1.55 million ounces of gold over the next three years with costs stable or lower than currently.  However, the production forecast has the potential to increase in 2019 depending on timing of the Amaruq permits and progress of development at the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank and the Meliadine project.  Production in 2020 is forecast to be approximately 2.0 million ounces of gold.

 

In 2020, the Company expects to have four cornerstone production assets (the LaRonde Complex, Canadian Malartic, Meliadine and the Meadowbank Complex which includes the Amaruq satellite deposit) each with annual production of approximately 250,000 to 400,000 ounces of gold.  Beyond 2020, the Company anticipates the Meadowbank Complex production levels to increase as gold grades mined are expected to rise at the Amaruq satellite deposit.  In addition, the Kittila deposit in Finland can also become a significant gold producer as a meaningful increase in production is possible as the mining rate is expected to grow as new sources of ore are developed underground.

 

Highlights from the new production and cost guidance for 2017 through 2020 include:

 

·                  In 2017 and 2018, payable gold production is expected to be approximately 1.55 and 1.50 million ounces of gold, respectively.  These forecasts are unchanged from the previous guidance announced in the February 2016 forecast.  The Company is evaluating additional opportunities to increase production in 2018 and beyond

 

·                  Total cash costs per ounce in 2017 are expected to be between $595 and $625 using a US$/C$ foreign exchange rate assumption of 1.28.  AISC for 2017 are expected to be between $850 and $900 per ounce.  In succeeding years, the Company expects total cash costs per ounce and AISC to be below the 2017 ranges

 

·                  Given favorable project economics and the expected potential for additional extensions to the currently forecast mine plans, the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank and the Meliadine project have both been approved for development.  Amaruq is expected to start up in the third quarter of 2019 (subject to receipt of final permits), and production at Meliadine is now forecast to begin a year earlier than previously expected (also in the third quarter of 2019).  With the potential start of production at the two Nunavut projects in 2019, full year guidance for 2019 is now expected to be approximately 1.60 million ounces of gold

 

7



 

·                  In 2020, consolidated production is forecast to be approximately 2.0 million ounces of gold

 

Following a brief two-year period of increased development capital spending, largely due to the one-year advancement of the Meliadine project, the Company is forecasting a return to free cash generation in 2019.  At current foreign exchange rate assumptions (1.28 US$/C$, 1.10 EUR/US$, 18.00 US$/MXP) total capital expenditures are forecast to be approximately $850 million in 2017, approximately $950 million in 2018 and approximately $500 million in 2019.  Annual sustaining capital expenditures (included in the above) for 2017 and beyond are expected to remain stable at approximately $300 million.

 

Funding for the development of the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank and the Meliadine project is expected to come from existing cash balances, internally generated cash and if needed, drawings on the Company’s lines of credit.  The Company has significant debt capacity, as reflected by its investment grade credit rating.

 

Additional Near-Term Production Potential (2018 to 2020)

 

The Company is evaluating several potential opportunities (none of which have yet been approved for construction) at a number of existing operations to build further value and enhance the production profile in 2018 through 2020.  These opportunities are summarized in the table below.

 

Minesite/Region

 

Opportunity

LaRonde Complex

 

Potential to mine additional ounces from LaRonde Zone 5 (previously referred to as Bousquet Zone 5)

Goldex

 

Potential for increased throughput from Deep Zone 1 and potential for advanced development of Deep Zone 2. Also potential for increased production from Akasaba West once permitting complete

Canadian Malartic (50%)

 

Potential production from near pit zones and/or Odyssey South underground

Meadowbank/Amaruq

 

Potential to accelerate development schedule and drilling to expand known open pit deposit and evaluate the underground potential at the Amaruq deposit

Meliadine

 

Potential to accelerate construction schedule and testing the depth and lateral extensions of the Wesmeg, Normeg and Tiriganiaq zones

Kittila

 

Potential expansion to 2.0 million tonnes per annum, including optimization of the Rimpi and Sisar zones

Mexico

 

Evaluation of satellite zones at Pinos Altos/Creston Mascota and La India

 

Development Pipeline Expected to Provide Further Production Growth in 2021 and Beyond

 

Agnico Eagle has a strong pipeline of development projects that could provide further production growth in 2021 and beyond.  These opportunities are typically at an earlier stage than those outlined above.  A summary of the longer term opportunities are presented in the following table.

 

8



 

Minesite/Region

 

Opportunity

LaRonde Complex

 

Potential development of LaRonde 3 (located below a depth of 3.1 kilometres) where recent drilling has encountered high grade gold intersections

Goldex

 

Evaluation of the South Zone, G Zone and Deep 3 Zone and the neighboring Joubi Mine École properties

Canadian Malartic (50%)

 

Evaluation of the potential for production from Odyssey North underground

Kittila

 

Further optimization of underground mine and development of the lower mine with shaft access

Meadowbank

 

Evaluation of the potential to carry out underground mining at the Amaruq deposit and the potential to expand the higher grade V Zone

Meliadine

 

Further drill testing of known zones and gold occurrences on the 80-kilometre-long greenstone belt

Barsele

 

Testing additional mineralized zones and evaluation of production potential

El Barqueno

 

Evaluation of several potential production scenarios

Hammond Reef (50%)

 

Potential for production in a higher margin environment

Kirkland Lake (50%)

 

Potential production scenario at Upper Beaver and potential synergies from development of other properties in the region

 

Four-Year Guidance Plan Outlines a Growing Production Profile with Stable Costs

 

Mine by mine production and cost guidance for 2017, mine by mine production forecasts for 2018 and 2019 and a consolidated production forecast for 2020 are presented below.  Opportunities to improve these forecasts are ongoing.

 

Estimated Payable Gold Production

 

 

 

2016
Actual

 

2017
Forecast

 

2018
Forecast

 

2019
Forecast

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

305,788

 

315,000

 

360,000

 

365,000

 

LaRonde Zone 5

 

 

 

20,000

 

35,000

 

Canadian Malartic (50%)

 

292,514

 

300,000

 

325,000

 

320,000

 

Lapa

 

73,930

 

15,000

 

 

 

Goldex

 

120,704

 

105,000

 

115,000

 

120,000

 

Kittila

 

202,508

 

190,000

 

200,000

 

210,000

 

Meadowbank

 

312,214

 

320,000

 

165,000

 

 

Amaruq Deposit

 

 

 

 

135,000

 

Meliadine

 

 

 

 

125,000

 

 

 

1,307,658

 

1,245,000

 

1,185,000

 

1,310,000

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos

 

192,772

 

170,000

 

175,000

 

175,000

 

Creston Mascota

 

47,296

 

40,000

 

30,000

 

5,000

 

La India

 

115,162

 

100,000

 

110,000

 

110,000

 

 

 

355,230

 

310,000

 

315,000

 

290,000

 

Total Gold Production

 

1,662,888

 

1,555,000

 

1,500,000

 

1,600,000

 

 

9



 

Total cash costs per ounce on a by-product basis of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

 

 

2016

 

2017

 

 

 

Actual

 

Forecast

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

$

501

 

$

510

 

Canadian Malartic (50%)

 

606

 

578

 

Lapa

 

732

 

1,002

 

Goldex

 

532

 

667

 

Kittila

 

699

 

728

 

Meadowbank

 

715

 

683

 

 

 

$

622

 

$

623

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos

 

356

 

474

 

Creston Mascota

 

516

 

812

 

La India

 

395

 

583

 

 

 

$

390

 

$

553

 

Total

 

$

573

 

$

609

 

 

Currency and commodity assumptions used for 2017 cost estimates and sensitivities are presented in the table below:

 

2017 commodity and currency price
assumptions

 

 

 

Approximate impact on total cash costs per
ounce basis

 

 

 

Silver ($/oz)

 

16.00

 

$

1 / oz change in silver price

 

$

3

 

Copper ($/mt)

 

5,500

 

10% change in copper price

 

$

2

 

Zinc ($/mt)

 

2,425

 

10% change in zinc price

 

$

1

 

Diesel (C$/ltr)

 

0.80

 

10% change in diesel price

 

$

3

 

US$/C$

 

1.28

 

1.0% change in US$/C$

 

$

4

 

EURO$/US$

 

1.10

 

1.0% change in Euro$/US$

 

$

1

 

US$/MXP

 

18.00

 

10% change in US$/MXP

 

$

5

 

 

The estimated production level in 2018 is currently forecast to be approximately 1.50 million ounces of gold, which is unchanged from the 1.50 million ounces in the February 2016 forecast.  The Company is currently evaluating potential opportunities to further optimize and improve production levels in 2018 and beyond (see discussion below for additional details).

 

With the start of production at the two Nunavut projects in 2019, full year guidance for 2019 is now expected to be approximately 1.60 million ounces of gold.

 

In 2020, consolidated production is forecast to be approximately 2.0 million ounces of gold.  In 2018 through 2020, the Company expects total cash costs per ounce and AISC to be below the 2017 ranges based on the currency and commodity assumptions used for 2017 as described above.

 

10



 

Depreciation Guidance

 

Agnico Eagle expects its 2017 depreciation and amortization expense to be between $580 and $610 million.

 

General & Administrative Cost Guidance

 

Agnico Eagle expects 2017 general and administration expense to be between $70 and $80 million, excluding share based compensation.  In 2017, share based compensation is expected to be between $25 and $35 million (including non-cash stock option expense of between $15 and $20 million), which is consistent with previous years.

 

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

 

Tax Guidance for 2017

 

For 2017, the effective tax rates are expected to be:

 

Canada - 40% to 50%

Mexico - 35% to 40%

Finland - 20%

 

The Company’s overall tax rate is expected to be between 40% and 45%.

 

Updated Three Year Guidance Plan; Incorporating Initial Production from Meliadine and the Amaruq Satellite Deposit at Meadowbank

 

Since the prior three-year production guidance of February 10, 2016 (“Previous Guidance”), there have been several operating developments resulting in changes to the overall three-year production profile.  Descriptions of these changes are set out below.

 

Northern Business

 

ABITIBI REGION, QUEBEC

 

LaRonde Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

275,000

 

320,000

 

375,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

305,788 (actual)

 

315,000

 

360,000

 

365,000

 

 

11



 

LaRonde
Forecast
2017

 

Ore
Milled
(‘000
tonnes)

 

Gold
(g/t)

 

Gold Mill
Recovery
(%)

 

Silver
(g/t)

 

Silver Mill
Recovery
(%)

 

Zinc
(%)

 

Zinc Mill
Recovery
(%)

 

Copper
(%)

 

Copper
Mill
Recovery
(%)

 

Minesite
Costs
per
Tonne
6

 

 

 

2,150

 

4.77

 

95.6

%

20.03

 

77.5

%

0.51

%

66.9

%

0.25

%

82.0

%

C$

115

 

 

At LaRonde, the slightly lower production guidance for 2017 and 2018 (as compared to Previous Guidance) is primarily due to changes in the mining sequence.  In 2017, approximately 87% of the ore is expected to come from the higher grade lower mine area (below the 248 level) compared to 89% in the Previous Guidance.  The year-over-year production forecasts through 2019 largely reflect an increase in grade closer to that of the average mineral reserves.

 

LaRonde Zone 5 Forecast

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

N.A.

 

20,000

 

35,000

 

 

In 2003, the Company acquired the Bousquet gold property from Barrick Gold Corporation.  The property adjoins the LaRonde mining complex to the east and hosts the Bousquet Zone 5, which previous operators had partly exploited by open pit.  Given its proximity to the LaRonde complex, the Company has renamed the property LaRonde Zone 5.

 

LaRonde Zone 5 has been approved for development (subject to permitting approval).  Permits are expected to be received by mid-2018, with mining expected to commence shortly thereafter.  Please see below for additional details on LaRonde Zone 5.

 

Canadian Malartic Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

280,000

 

295,000

 

305,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

292,514 (actual)

 

300,000

 

325,000

 

320,000

 

 

Canadian Malartic Forecast 2017

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold Mill
Recovery (%)

 

Minesite
Costs per
Tonne

 

 

 

9,425

 

1.11

 

89.3

%

C$

24

 

 

At Canadian Malartic (in which Agnico Eagle has 50% ownership) guidance for 2017 and 2018 has been slightly increased due to a change in the life-of-mine plan.  The updated plan provides for earlier access to higher grade zones that are located deeper in the Canadian Malartic pit.

 


6Minesite costs per tonne is a non-GAAP measure.  For a reconciliation of this measure to production costs as reported in the financial statements, see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” below.  See also “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

 

12



 

Lapa Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

60,000

 

 

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

73,930 (actual)

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

Lapa Forecast 2017

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold Mill
Recovery (%)

 

Minesite
Costs
per
Tonne

 

 

 

140

 

4.04

 

82.5

%

C$

134

 

 

Under the current life of mine plan, Lapa is expected to operate until the end of the first quarter of 2017, with production coming from Zone Deep East and Zone 7 Deep.  The Company is evaluating opportunities to continue production into the second quarter of 2017.

 

Goldex Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

105,000

 

105,000

 

130,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

120,704 (actual)

 

105,000

 

115,000

 

120,000

 

 

Goldex Forecast 2017

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold Mill
Recovery (%)

 

Minesite
Costs per
Tonne

 

 

 

2,360

 

1.51

 

92.0

%

C$

38

 

 

At Goldex, production guidance in 2017 is in line with Previous Guidance.  Production guidance in 2018 has been lowered to reflect the transition from mining the M and E satellite zones and the start of production from the Deep 1 Zone.  Commissioning of the Deep 1 project remains on budget and schedule for early 2018.

 

Agnico Eagle acquired the Akasaba West gold-copper deposit in January 2014.  Located less than 30 kilometres from Goldex, the Akasaba West deposit could create flexibility and synergies for the Company’s operations in the Abitibi region by utilizing extra milling capacity at both Goldex and LaRonde, while reducing overall costs.  The permitting process is ongoing and the Company expects to begin sourcing open pit ore from Akasaba West in 2019.

 

13



 

NUNAVUT REGION

 

Meadowbank Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

305,000

 

320,000

 

155,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

312,214 (actual)

 

320,000

 

165,000

 

 

 

Meadowbank Forecast 2017

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold Mill
Recovery
(%)

 

Minesite
Costs per
Tonne

 

 

 

3,881

 

2.85

 

90.0

%

C$

73

 

 

At Meadowbank, production guidance for 2018 has increased slightly over Previous Guidance due to a slight increase in mineral reserves at year-end 2016, and the mining of additional higher grade ore in the Portage pit.  At the Vault deposit, opportunities are being investigated to potentially extend production through year-end 2018.

 

Amaruq Forecast

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

135,000

 

 

In 2016, the Company completed an internal technical study on the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank.  Based on this study, the Company has approved the project for development pending the receipt of the required permits, which are currently expected to be received by the second quarter of 2018.  Production is currently forecast to begin in the third quarter of 2019 (approximately 4 to 5 months of production in 2019).  Additional details on the project (including operational parameters) are described below.

 

Meliadine Forecast

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

N.A.

 

N.A.

 

125,000

 

 

In 2016, internal studies were carried out to optimize the previous Meliadine mine plan that had been outlined in an updated National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) technical report dated February 11, 2015 (see Agnico Eagle news release of March 12, 2015).  These internal studies evaluated various opportunities to improve the project economics and the after-tax internal rate of return.

 

Based on the results of these internal studies, the Company’s Board of Directors has approved the construction of the Meliadine project.  The mine is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2019 (approximately 4 months of production in 2019), which is approximately one year ahead of the previous schedule.  Additional details on the project (including operational parameters) are described below.

 

14



 

FINLAND

 

Kittila Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

200,000

 

190,000

 

200,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

202,508 (actual)

 

190,000

 

200,000

 

210,000

 

 

Kittila Forecast 2017

 

Ore Milled
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold Mill
Recovery
(%)

 

Minesite
Costs per
Tonne

 

 

 

1,600

 

4.30

 

86.0

%

78.00

 

 

At Kittila, production guidance for 2017 and 2018 is unchanged from the Previous Guidance.  The increased production in 2019 is due to higher grades in the mine sequence.  The Company is carrying out studies to evaluate the economics of increasing throughput rates to 2.0 million tonnes per annum from the current rate of 1.6 million tonnes.  This increased rate could also be further supported by the development of the Rimpi and Sisar zones.

 

Southern Business

 

Pinos Altos Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

175,000

 

175,000

 

180,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

192,772 (actual)

 

170,000

 

175,000

 

175,000

 

 

Pinos Altos Forecast 2017

 

Total Ore
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold
Recovery
(%)

 

Silver (g/t)

 

Silver Mill
Recovery
(%)

 

Minesite
Costs
per
Tonne

 

 

 

2,210

 

2.52

 

95.0

%

71.02

 

52.9

%

$

55

 

 

At Pinos Altos, production guidance for 2017 and 2018 is slightly below Previous Guidance, primarily due to changes in the mining sequence.  In 2016, exploration at the Cerro Colorado Zone outlined additional mineralization on the boundaries of the zone.  Further drilling will be carried out in 2017 to evaluate this potential.

 

15



 

Creston Mascota Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

45,000

 

40,000

 

40,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

47,296 (actual)

 

40,000

 

30,000

 

5,000

 

 

Creston Mascota Forecast 2017

 

Total Ore
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold
Recovery
(%)

 

Silver (g/t)

 

Silver
Recovery
(%)

 

Minesite
Costs
per
Tonne

 

 

 

2,000

 

1.01

 

61.8

%

11.54

 

13.8

%

$

17

 

 

At Creston Mascota, production guidance in 2018 is below Previous Guidance due to the winding down of mining activities under the current life-of-mine plan.  Recent exploration at Bravo and Madrono has yielded positive results and further drilling is planned for 2017.  This work could lead to the delineation of additional mineral reserves and mineral resources, which could extend the mine life at Creston Mascota.

 

La India Forecast

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

Previous Guidance (oz)

 

100,000

 

105,000

 

115,000

 

N.A.

 

Current Guidance (oz)

 

115,162 (actual)

 

100,000

 

110,000

 

110,000

 

 

La India Forecast 2017

 

Total Ore
(‘000 tonnes)

 

Gold (g/t)

 

Gold
Recovery
(%)

 

Silver (g/t)

 

Silver
Recovery
(%)

 

Minesite
Costs
per
Tonne

 

 

 

5,300

 

0.89

 

66.0

%

2.10

 

11.0

%

$

11

 

 

At La India, production guidance in 2017 and 2018 is slightly below Previous Guidance reflecting changes in the grade and mining sequence.  The 2016 exploration program resulted in a 18% increase in mineral reserves year-over-year and a 5% increase in measured and indicated mineral resources.  Step out drilling in 2016 at the nearby El Realito project also yielded encouraging results, and additional work is planned for 2017.

 

Amaruq Satellite Deposit — Gold Resources Continues to Expand, Road Construction in Progress

 

Agnico Eagle has a 100% interest in the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank, which sits on a large 114,761 hectare property, approximately 50 kilometres northwest of the Meadowbank mine.  A significant gold discovery was made on the property in 2013, and activities since that time have focused on the development of satellite mineralization to feed the existing Meadowbank mill.

 

At December 31, 2016, the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank contained an open pit indicated mineral resource of 2.1 million ounces (16.9 million tonnes grading 3.88 g/t gold); an open pit inferred mineral resource of 763,000 ounces (4.9 million tonnes grading 4.81 g/t gold); and an underground inferred mineral resource of 1.4 million ounces (6.8 million tonnes grading 6.22 g/t gold).  Further details on the mineral

 

16



 

resources are presented in the mineral reserve and mineral resource section of this news release.

 

The indicated mineral resource grade declined from the previous inferred resource grade estimate primarily due to the inclusion of a dilution factor in the calculation of the indicated mineral resources, and the impact of a slightly lower cut-off grade (based on parameters from the internal technical study).  Deeper portions of the open pit deposit show higher mineral grades.  The underground inferred mineral resource grade has also slightly declined from the previous estimate given that it is now constrained by preliminary stope blocks.

 

All of the of the indicated mineral resources are contained in the Whale Tail open pit, while approximately 64% (490,000 ounces) of the open pit inferred mineral resources (2.9 million tonnes grading 5.23 g/t gold) are located in the V Zone.  The Whale Tail and V Zone deposits extend to depths of approximately 250 metres and 150 metres, respectively, and both pits are open for expansion.

 

The underground inferred mineral resources are located in the Whale Tail and V Zone deposits.  Mineralization in the Whale Tail deposit has been extended by drilling in two directions; along the east-plunging ore shoot to a depth of approximately 500 metres and locally as deep as 600 metres in the central portion of Whale Tail.  The V Zone has been traced to 542 metres below surface and remains open at depth.

 

In 2016, the Company completed an internal technical study on the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank.  Based on this study, the Company has approved the project for development pending the receipt of the required permits, which are currently expected to be received by the second quarter of 2018.

 

In the study, a conventional open pit mining operation is forecast to begin on the Whale Tail deposit in the third quarter of 2019.  This mining operation will utilize the existing infrastructure at the Meadowbank mine (mining equipment, mill, tailings, camp and airstrip).  Minimal infrastructure will be built at the Amaruq site (truck shop/warehouse, fuel storage and a small camp facility).  In addition, a new truck fleet will be required for hauling ore to the Meadowbank mill.

 

The project will be accessed by a 64 kilometre road from the Meadowbank site.  This road is expected to be completed as an exploration road by the fourth quarter of 2017, and the expectation is to expand it to a production road once all of the necessary permits are received.  The ore will be hauled to the Meadowbank mill using off-road type trucks and the mill is expected to operate at 9,000 tonnes per day (“tpd”).  The mill will require minor modifications, specifically the addition of a continuous gravity and regrind circuit.

 

The initial plan calls for the production of approximately 2.0 million ounces of gold between 2019 and 2024, with pre-mining activities starting in 2018 at the Whale Tail deposit.  This represents less than 50 percent of the currently known mineral resource base.  All licenses and permits for Phase I (Whale Tail pit) are expected to be received by the third quarter of 2018.

 

17



 

Metallurgical recoveries are estimated to average approximately 93%, resulting in average annual gold production of approximately 369,000 ounces in years two through six.  The life of mine average total cash costs per ounce from the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank are expected to be approximately $770.  The life of mine average AISC is expected to be approximately $850 per ounce.  Detailed operating parameters for the project are set out in the table below.

 

Initial capital costs are estimated to be approximately $330 million, while total sustaining capital costs are estimated to be approximately $25 million per year.  Mine closure costs are estimated to be approximately $16 million.

 

The Amaruq satellite deposit extends the Meadowbank mine life which will allow additional time for the Company to develop and implement an exploration strategy to expand the Amaruq deposit and to evaluate additional opportunities on the property.

 

Summary of the Amaruq Project Key Facts and Parameters

 

Indicated Mineral Resource (Open Pit)

 

16.9 million tonnes of ore grading 3.88 g/t gold (2.1 million oz)

Inferred Mineral Resource (Open Pit)

 

4.9 million tonnes of ore grading 4.81 g/t gold (763,000 oz)

Inferred Mineral Resource (Underground)

 

6.8 million tonnes of ore grading 6.22 g/t gold (1.4 million oz)

 

 

 

Ounces Produced

 

1,980,000 (Resources)

Average metallurgical recovery

 

Approximately 93%

Average Annual gold production

 

Approximately 135,000 ounces based on 4 to 5 months of production (year 1)

 

 

Approximately 255,000 ounces (year 2)

 

 

Approximately 300,000 ounces (year 3)

 

 

Approximately 430,000 ounces (years 4 — 6)

 

 

 

Average Annual Mill throughput

 

Approximately 1,279,000 tonnes based on 4 to 5 months of production (year 1)

 

 

Approximately 2,987,000 tonnes (year 2)

 

 

Approximately 3,265,000 tonnes (year 3)

 

 

Approximately 3,285,000 tonnes (years 4 - 6)

 

 

 

Minesite costs per tonne

 

Approximately C$110 per tonne milled (Life of Mine)

 

 

 

Average total cash costs on a by-product basis

 

Approximately $770 per ounce of gold produced (Life of Mine)

Average all-in sustaining costs per ounce

 

Approximately $850 per ounce of gold produced (Life of Mine)

 

 

 

Mine life

 

Approximately 6 years

Initial capital costs to the first ounce produced

 

Approximately $330 million

Sustaining capital costs

 

Approximately $25 million per year

Reclamation costs

 

Approximately $16 million

 

 

 

 

 

Economic Analysis:

 

 

US$1,200 per ounce gold

 

 

US$/C$ exchange rate of $1.25

 

 

Statutory income tax rate: Approximately 26%

 

2016 Amaruq Work Program — Focus on Conversion and Exploration Drilling

 

In the fourth quarter of 2016, 12 holes (3,452 metres) were drilled at the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank.  This brought the full year total to 526 holes totaling 127,751 metres.  All of this drilling was included in the December 31, 2016 mineral resource estimates outlined above.

 

18



 

The 2016 drill program focused primarily on the conversion of mineral resources at Whale Tail and expansion of the IVR Zone.  Work at the IVR Zone successfully delineated a second source of open pit ore, now referred to as the V Zone.

 

At year-end 2016, construction on the 64 kilometre all-weather exploration road reached kilometre 27.5 as planned.  The permit for the Amaruq exploration ramp and bulk sample collection was received on December 1, 2016, approximately two months ahead of schedule.

 

2017 Amaruq Activities - Focus On Infill Drilling The V Zone And Finding Additional Near Surface Deposits

 

Of the initial $330 million capital cost estimate, approximately $73 million will be spent in 2017, and primarily includes completion of the all-weather exploration road, additional technical studies and the procurement of materials and equipment for the 2018 construction season.  This spending is included in the Meadowbank capital cost estimate for 2017.

 

The first phase of a planned 75,000-metre drill program (costing approximately $22 million) commenced in early February 2017.  The goals of this program are to:

 

·                  Infill and expand the known mineral resource at the V Zone

·                  Test for westerly extensions of the Whale Tail deposit

·                  Further evaluate the underground potential of the Whale Tail deposit

·                  Test other favourable targets to potentially outline additional sources of open pit ore

 

The Company is working closely with the Nunavut Impact Review Board (“NIRB”) and the Nunavut Water Board (“NWB”) on the Whale Tail pit joint permitting process, which is progressing along the schedule and process outlined by NIRB in November 2016.  On January 27, 2017, NIRB and NWB announced the start of the project technical review, which will lead to public hearings taking place at the end of third quarter of 2017.  Approval for the project certificate and water license are expected in the third quarter of 2018.

 

The estimated capital budget for the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank in 2018 is approximately $160 million.  Work will be focused on site development (primarily dykes, and surface infrastructure) and pre-stripping activities ahead of the proposed commencement of mining in 2019.

 

19



 

Meliadine Project - First Production Forecast to Commence in the Third Quarter of 2019, One Year Ahead of Previous Forecast

 

Located near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, the Meliadine project was acquired in July 2010, and is Agnico Eagle’s largest gold deposits in terms of mineral resources.  The Company owns 100% of the 111,757 hectare property.

 

At December 31, 2016, the Meliadine property was estimated to hold proven and probable mineral reserves of 3.4 million ounces (14.5 million tonnes grading 7.32 g/t gold), indicated mineral resources of 3.3 million ounces (20.8 million tonnes grading 4.95 g/t gold) and inferred mineral resources of 3.6 million ounces (14.7 million tonnes grading 7.51 g/t gold).  Further details on the Meliadine mineral resources are presented in the mineral reserve and mineral resource section of this news release.  In addition, there are numerous other known gold occurrences along the 80-kilometre-long greenstone belt that require further evaluation.

 

In 2016, internal studies were carried out to optimize the previous Meliadine mine plan that had been outlined in an updated NI 43-101 technical report dated February 11, 2015 (see Agnico Eagle news release of March 12, 2015).

 

These internal studies evaluated various opportunities to improve the project economics and the after-tax internal rate of return.  The studies looked at:

 

·                  The potential to extract and advance additional ounces of gold into the mine plan from the Tiriganiaq and Wesmeg/Normeg deposits, which could extend the mine life and increase annual production

·                  Optimization of the mine plan (accelerated access to higher grade areas)

·                  Improvements to operating costs and capital costs (rationalization of Phase 1 infrastructure)

·                  Improvement to procurement, logistical and construction schedules (to shorten the project construction timeline)

 

Based on the results of these internal studies, the Company’s Board of Directors has approved the construction of the Meliadine project.  The mine is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2019, which is approximately one year ahead of the previous schedule.  The current mine plan will be focused on the Tiriganiaq and nearby Wesmeg mineralized zones that will be accessed from the Tiriganiaq underground infrastructure.

 

Over an estimated 14 year mine life, it is expected that approximately 5.3 million ounces of gold will be produced at Meliadine.  This represents approximately half of the currently known mineral reserve and mineral resource base.

 

The current mine plan outlines a phased approach to the development of the Meliadine operations.  The Phase 1 mill capacity is expected to be approximately 3,750 tpd, with ore being sourced entirely from underground in years one to four.  The mill capacity in

 

20



 

Phase 2 is expected to increase to approximately 6,000 tpd, with ore being sourced from both the underground and open pits starting in year 5.

 

The ore zones will be mined using both transverse (approximately 60%) and longitudinal (approximately 40%) stoping methods.  The primary stopes will be filled with paste backfill, while secondary stopes will be back filled with cemented waste rock.  The mill will employ conventional carbon-in-leach processing technology.

 

Metallurgical recoveries are estimated to average approximately 96%, resulting in average annual gold production of approximately 400,000 ounces in years two through fourteen.  The life of mine average total cash costs per ounce at Meliadine are expected to be approximately $590.  The life of mine average AISC is expected to be approximately $720 per ounce.  Detailed operating parameters for the project are set out in the table below.

 

Initial capital costs are estimated at approximately $900 million, and consist of approximately $550 million for surface construction and approximately $350 million for underground construction and development, owners costs and drilling.  Sustaining capital costs are forecast to total approximately $48 million per year over the life of mine.  Mine closure costs are estimated to be approximately $49 million.

 

21



 

Summary of the Meliadine Project Key Facts and Parameters

 

Proven & Probable Mineral Reserves

 

14.5 million tonnes of ore grading 7.32 g/t gold (3.4 million oz)

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources

 

20.8 million tonnes grading 4.95 g/t gold (3.3 million oz)

Inferred Mineral Resource

 

14.7 million tonnes grading 7.51 g/t gold (3.6 million oz)

 

 

 

Ounces produced

 

5,315,000 (Reserves and Resources)

 

 

 

Average metallurgical recovery

 

Approximately 96%

Average annual gold production

 

Approximately 125,000 ounces based on 4 months of production (year 1)*

 

 

Approximately 375,000 ounces (year 2)

 

 

Approximately 360,000 ounces (year 3)

 

 

Approximately 405,000 ounces (years 4 – 14)

 

 

 

Average annual Mill throughput

 

Approximately 377,000 tonnes based on 4 months of production (year 1)

 

 

Approximately 1,182,000 tonnes (year 2)

 

 

Approximately 1,307,000 tonnes (year 3)

 

 

Approximately 2,049,000 tonnes (years 4 – 14)

 

 

 

Minesite costs per tonne

 

Approximately C$185 per tonne milled (years 1-3)

 

 

Approximately C$150 per tonne milled (year 4 - 14)

 

 

 

Average total cash costs on a by-product basis

 

Approximately $590 per ounce of gold produced (Life of Mine)

Average all-in sustaining costs per ounce

 

Approximately $720 per ounce of gold produced (Life of Mine)

 

 

 

Mine life

 

Approximately 14 years

Initial capital costs to the first ounce produced

 

Approximately $900 million

Sustaining capital costs

 

Approximately $48 million per year

Reclamation costs

 

Approximately $49 million

 

 

 

 

 

Economic Analysis:

 

 

US$1,200 per ounce gold

 

 

US$/C$ exchange rate of $1.25

 

 

Statutory income tax rate: Approximately 26%

 

 

The Meliadine project is subject to a net profits royalty payable in accordance with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Mining Regulations. The royalties are calculated using a graduated rate to a maximum of 13%

 

 

 


 

 

*Includes approximately 60,000 pre-production ounces

 

2016 Meliadine Work Program — Laying the Groundwork for Future Production

 

In 2016, capital expenditures at Meliadine were approximately $131 million.  Work in 2016 included:

 

·                  Approximately 3,800 metres of underground development (approximately 25% more than scheduled).  This work included initial access to ore horizons on the 200 and 400 metre levels

·                  Approximately 6,900 metres of delineation drilling (about 30% of the stopes are fully delineated for 2019, and the grade and tonnage of these stopes has been confirmed)

·                  Mobilization of materials to facilitate the start of construction activities.  Piling installation and camp construction began in August, while dyke construction and installation of a semi-mobile batch plant commenced in November

 

At year-end 2016, approximately 55% of the engineering work was completed.  The target is to complete approximately 80% of the engineering work by the end of August 2017.

 

22



 

2017 Meliadine Work Program and Additional Opportunities to Create Value

 

The estimated capital budget for 2017 is approximately $360 million.  Key elements of this program include:

 

·                  5,600 metres of underground development (including the start of a second ramp system from underground)

·                  Approximately 12,500 metres of conversion drilling and 14,000 metres of underground delineation drilling

·                  Completion of the camp complex in the second quarter of 2017

·                  Installation of underground ventilation and heating by the fourth quarter of 2017

·                  Completion of the fuel farm in Rankin Inlet and onsite in the fourth quarter of 2017

·                  Closing in of the process and power plant buildings by the end of 2017

·                  Construction of second ramp portal in the second to fourth quarters of 2017

 

The estimated capital budget for Meliadine in 2018 is approximately $380 million.

 

The Company believes that there are numerous opportunities to create additional value, both at the mine and on the large land package.  These include:

 

·                  Optimization of the current mine plan (advance Phase 2 pit implementation)

·                  Potential to optimize labour costs once the mine is in operation (via improved use of telecommunications)

·                  Minesite exploration upside through mineral resource conversion and expansion of known ore zones (most zones are open below a vertical depth of 450 metres)

·                  Potential for the discovery of new deposits along the 80 kilometer-long greenstone belt.  Regional exploration programs are expected to restart in 2017 and to recommence in earnest once the mine starts production in 2019

 

LaRonde Zone 5 Project Approved For Mining

 

Following the completion of a positive internal technical study, LaRonde Zone 5 (formerly referred to as Bousquet Zone 5) has been approved for development (subject to permitting approval).  Permits are expected to be received by mid-2018 with mining expected to commence shortly thereafter.

 

The project will be mined from underground access using a longhole open stoping method with paste backfill.  All of the ore will be trucked to the surface before being trucked to the nearby LaRonde mill complex.  The ore will be treated at the Lapa circuit at the LaRonde mill, which will become available after the 2017 Lapa mine closure.

 

At December 31, 2016, LaRonde Zone 5 was estimated to contain mineral reserves of 423,000 ounces (6.3 million tonnes grading 2.10 g/t gold).  Indicated mineral resources were 712,000 ounces (8.9 million tonnes grading 2.49 g/t gold) and inferred mineral resources were 488,000 ounces (2.9 million tonnes grading 5.28 g/t gold).

 

23



 

Underground development began in 2016, and production is expected to commence in mid-2018, and continue through 2026 (approximately an 8 year mine life).  The daily mining rate will start at approximately 1,900 tpd and average approximately 2,000 tpd starting in 2021.  Average annual production is expected to be approximately 45,000 ounces per year at full capacity.

 

LaRonde Zone 5 gold recovery is estimated at 92% and the average minesite cost per tonne is estimated at approximately C$65.  The life of mine average total cash costs per ounce at LaRonde Zone 5 are expected to be approximately $784.  The life of mine average AISC is expected to be approximately $850 per ounce.

 

The total capital cost for the project is approximately $80 million, which is comprised of four phases; $14 million for a bulk sample (underway), $46 million for initial capital, $14 million in sustaining capital and $6 million in closure costs.

 

LaRonde Zone 5 permitting activities fall under the certificate of approval previously obtained for the production of a bulk sample.  The application for the LaRonde Zone 5 paste plant certificate of approval is currently under review by the Quebec Department of Sustainable Development, Environment and Fight against Climate Change and approval is expected in the second quarter of 2017.  The application for the certificate of approval for production at LaRonde Zone 5 is expected to be submitted in the coming months.

 

The current mining plan is based on the extraction of the current mineral reserves.  The Company is evaluating additional opportunities to create value.  These include:

 

·                  LaRonde Zone 5 is open at depth.  Material at depth could potentially be mined with additional trucks

·                  Additional material may be able to be treated at the LaRonde mill.  This would reduce the current mine life at LaRonde Zone 5, but increase the value of the project

 

Capital Expenditures Expected to Decline Significantly After Startup of Nunavut Operations in 2019; Sustaining Capital Costs Stable through 2020

 

Based on the Company’s budget assumptions, the Company expects to fund this year’s capital expenditures, which are estimated to total approximately $859 million, from operating cash flow and existing cash balances.

 

The estimated capital expenditures for 2017 include approximately $284 million of sustaining capital at the Company’s operating mines and $553 million on development projects, as set out in the table below.  Additionally, approximately $22 million is estimated to be spent on capitalized exploration and approximately $103 million on expensed exploration and project evaluation.

 

24



 

Estimated 2017 Capital Expenditures
(In thousands of US dollars)

 

 

 

Sustaining
Capital

 

Development
Capital

 

Capitalized
Exploration

 

LaRonde mine

 

$

67,700

 

$

 

$

1,700

 

LaRonde zone 5

 

 

35,000

 

400

 

Canadian Malartic mine

 

65,900

 

1,700

 

2,300

 

Meadowbank mine

 

20,300

 

 

 

Amaruq

 

 

73,100

 

5,100

 

Kittila mine

 

52,700

 

24,100

 

3,200

 

Goldex mine

 

17,000

 

55,800

 

3,800

 

Lapa mine

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos

 

48,400

 

5,800

 

500

 

Creston Mascota deposit Pinos Altos

 

5,500

 

 

 

La India mine

 

6,900

 

 

800

 

Meliadine project

 

 

355,800

 

3,900

 

Other

 

 

2,000

 

 

Total Capital Expenditures

 

$

284,400

 

$

553,300

 

$

21,700

 

 

2017 Exploration Program and Budget — Main Focus on Amaruq, New Zone at LaRonde 3, Barsele, the Sisar Zone at Kittila, Satellite Targets at Pinos Altos and La India, and El Barqueno

 

A large component of the 2017 exploration program will be focused on the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank in Nunavut, the LaRonde 3 deep deposit, the Barsele project in Sweden, the Sisar Zone at the Kittila mine in Finland, satellite targets at the Pinos Altos and La India mines in Mexico and the El Barqueno project in Jalisco State, Mexico.  The goal of these exploration programs is to delineate mineral reserves and mineral resources that can supplement the Company’s existing production profile.

 

At the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank,the first phase of a planned 75,000-metre drill program (costing approximately $21.9 million) commenced in early February 2017.  The goals of this program are to:

 

·                  Infill and expand the known mineral resource at the V Zone

·                  Test for westerly extensions of the Whale Tail deposit

·                  Further evaluate the underground potential of the Whale Tail deposit

·                  Test other favourable targets to potentially outline additional sources of open pit ore

 

At the LaRonde 3 deposit, approximately 28,000 metres of drilling is expected for both conversion and exploration drilling.  Exploration expenditures in 2017 are expected to total approximately $3.6 million.

 

25



 

At Barsele, approximately 18,200 metres of drilling (at a budget of $8.8 million) will be carried out with a focus to expand the mineral resources along strike and at depth, and test the gap between the Central and Avan zones.

 

At Kittila, approximately $7.9 million will be spent on further deep drilling at Kittila (which includes the Sisar Zone).  The goal of this program is to expand the mineral resources in the Northern part of the property and demonstrate the economic potential of the Sisar Zone as a new mining horizon at Kittila.

 

Approximately 45,000 metres of additional drilling is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 at the El Barqueno project, principally at the Socorro, Mortero, Carmen, Tierra Blanca, Cuauhtémoc, Peña de Oro, Peña Blanca, San Diego, El Rayo, El Camino, and Cebollas prospects and in the Tecolote-Tortuga areas within the south area of the El Barqueno project.  Exploration expenditures in 2017 are expected to total approximately $16.8 million.

 

2017 Global Exploration program and budget including expenditures and metres of drilling

 

 

 

Expensed exploration

 

Capitalized exploration

 

Location/operation

 

US$ millions

 

000 metres

 

US$ millions

 

000 metres

 

Nunavut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amaruq

 

$

21.9

 

75.0

 

$

0.9

 

5.0

 

Amaruq ramp

 

 

 

 

 

$

4.3

 

 

 

Meliadine

 

$

0.8

 

5.0

 

$

3.9

 

25.9

 

Others

 

$

4.5

 

15.0

 

 

 

Nunavut subtotal

 

$

27.3

 

95.0

 

$

9.2

 

30.9

 

Quebec

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

$

1.9

 

12.9

 

$

1.7

 

15.2

 

LaRonde Zone 5

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.4

 

5.2

 

Goldex

 

$

0.2

 

3.0

 

$

3.8

 

51.5

 

Others

 

$

2.0

 

18.5

 

 

 

 

 

Quebec subtotal

 

$

4.2

 

34.4

 

$

5.9

 

71.9

 

Canadian Malartic*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Malartic mine

 

$

3.2

 

46.0

 

$

2.3

 

53.7

 

Kirkland Lake projects, (including Upper Beaver)

 

$

2.9

 

25.8

 

 

 

Others

 

$

1.2

 

12.0

 

 

 

Canadian Malartic subtotal

 

$

7.3

 

83.8

 

$

2.3

 

53.7

 

Europe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kittila

 

$

7.7

 

30.6

 

$

3.2

 

22.4

 

Barsele

 

$

4.9

 

18.1

 

 

 

Others incl. Kuotko

 

$

1.2

 

8.0

 

 

 

 

 

Europe subtotal

 

$

13.8

 

56.7

 

$

3.2

 

22.4

 

USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USA subtotal

 

$

2.8

 

 

 

 

Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos, Creston Mascota

 

$

6.1

 

34.0

 

$

0.5

 

2.0

 

La India

 

$

6.9

 

31.0

 

$

0.8

 

5.0

 

El Barqueno

 

$

9.7

 

39.5

 

 

 

Soltoro

 

$

1.4

 

6.0

 

 

 

Others

 

$

2.7

 

8.5

 

 

 

Mexico subtotal

 

$

26.8

 

119.0

 

$

1.3

 

7.0

 

G&A, land fees, etc.

 

$

21.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totals

 

$

103.2

 

388.9

 

$

21.7

 

185.9

 

 

26



 

Numbers in table have been rounded and therefore totals may differ slightly from the addition of the numbers.

 


*For the Canadian Malartic operations, in which Agnico Eagle holds a 50% indirect interest, the expenses in this table represent 50% of the total expenses, but the metres represent 100% of the metres of drilling.

 

Gold Reserves Increase by 0.9M Ounces to Approximately 19.9M Ounces, Successful Conversion at Key Operations and Development Projects

 

At year-end 2016, the Company’s proven and probable mineral reserves (net of 2016 production) totaled 268 million tonnes of ore grading 2.31 g/t gold, containing approximately 19.9 million ounces of gold.  This is an increase of approximately 0.9 million ounces of gold (5%) compared with a year earlier.  The increase in the Company’s mineral reserves is largely the result of new internal economic studies at several operations, the successful conversion of measured and indicated mineral resources to mineral reserves at several operations and development projects, partially offset by the 1,662,888 ounces of payable gold production in 2016 (1,874,000 ounces of in-situ gold mined).  The Company’s overall mineral reserve gold grade is essentially unchanged at 2.31 g/t from 2.37 g/t, despite slightly lower cut-off grades at each operation which was the result of reduced costs at several operations and a small increase in the assumed gold price as well as changes to foreign exchange rate assumptions used for the estimates.  Agnico Eagle has one of the highest mineral reserve grades among its North American peers.

 

Highlights from the December 31, 2016 Mineral Reserve Statement include:

 

·                  At LaRonde Zone 5, mineral reserves of 423,000 ounces of gold based on a internal study; at LaRonde, 200,000 ounces of gold in mineral reserves declared below Level 311

 

·                  At Kittila, conversion drilling in Sisar and Rimpi zones added 338,000 ounces of gold in mineral reserves, before Kittila production of 202,508 ounces of gold

 

27



 

·                  At Goldex, mineral reserves increased by 33% (218,000 ounces of gold) in addition to production of 120,704 ounces, as a result of conversion drilling in Deep 1 Zone

 

·                  At La India, mineral reserves increased by 18% (153,000 ounces of gold) in addition to production of 115,162 ounces of gold, due to successful conversion in the Main Zone extension

 

·                  Initial mineral reserves at Upper Beaver containing 698,000 ounces of gold converted from indicated mineral resources (reflecting Agnico Eagle’s 50% portion) based on an internal technical study

 

The Company’s year-end 2016 gold reserves are set out below:

 

Gold Mineral Reserves

 

Proven & Probable
Mineral Reserve
(000s gold ounces)

 

Average Gold Mineral
Reserve Grade
(g/t)

 

By Mine

 

2016

 

2015

 

Change

 

2016

 

2015

 

Change

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

3,053

 

3,109

 

-56

 

5.40

 

5.31

 

0.09

 

LaRonde Zone 5

 

423

 

0

 

423

 

2.10

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Malartic (50%)

 

3,548

 

3,863

 

-314

 

1.08

 

1.08

 

0.00

 

Goldex

 

886

 

668

 

218

 

1.64

 

1.61

 

0.03

 

Akasaba West

 

142

 

141

 

1

 

0.89

 

0.92

 

-0.03

 

Lapa

 

38

 

78

 

-40

 

4.58

 

5.49

 

-0.91

 

Meadowbank

 

711

 

943

 

-232

 

2.69

 

2.72

 

-0.03

 

Meliadine

 

3,417

 

3,417

 

0

 

7.32

 

7.32

 

-0.00

 

Upper Beaver (50%)

 

698

 

0

 

698

 

5.43

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

Kittila

 

4,479

 

4,353

 

126

 

4.64

 

4.80

 

-0.16

 

Subtotal/Average

 

17,396

 

16,572

 

824

 

2.65

 

2.57

 

0.08

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos

 

1,424

 

1,459

 

-35

 

2.55

 

2.88

 

-0.33

 

Creston Mascota

 

102

 

176

 

-74

 

1.28

 

1.30

 

-0.02

 

La India

 

1,020

 

867

 

153

 

0.72

 

0.90

 

-0.18

 

Subtotal/Average

 

2,547

 

2,502

 

44

 

1.24

 

1.56

 

-0.32

 

Total Mineral Reserves

 

19,943

 

19,075

 

868

 

2.31

 

2.37

 

-0.06

 

 

Amounts presented in the table and in this news release have been rounded to the nearest thousand.  See “Detailed Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Data (as at December 31, 2016)” set out at the end of this news release for more details, including the economic parameters used in generating the December 2016 mineral reserve estimates.

 

In prior years, economic parameters used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources for all properties were calculated using historic three-year average metals prices and foreign exchange rates in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) guidelines.  These guidelines require the use of prices that reflect current economic conditions at the time of mineral reserve estimation, which the SEC has interpreted to mean historic three-year average prices.  Given the current

 

28



 

commodity price environment, Agnico Eagle has decided to continue to use more conservative gold and silver prices.

 

Assumptions  used for the December 2016 mineral reserves estimate at all mines and advanced projects reported by the Company

 

 

 

Metal prices

 

Exchange rates

 

 

 

Gold
(US$/oz)

 

Silver
(US$/oz)

 

Copper
(US$/lb)

 

Zinc
(US$/lb)

 

C$ per
US$1.00

 

Mexican
peso per
US$1.00

 

US$ per
€1.00

 

Long-life operations and projects — LaRonde, Goldex, Akasaba West, Kittila, Pinos Altos, La India

 

$1,150

 

$16.50

 

$2.15

 

$0.95

 

C$1.20

 

MP16.00

 

US$1.15

 

Short-life operations — Lapa, Meadowbank, Santos Nino pit and Creston Mascota satellite operation at Pinos Altos

 

 

C$1.30

 

MP16.00

 

Not applicable

 

Meliadine project

 

$1,100

 

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

 

C$1.16

 

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

 

Canadian Malartic mine* and Upper Beaver project**

 

$1,200

 

Not applicable

 

2.75

 

Not applicable

 

C$1.25

 

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

 

 


*The Canadian Malartic mine uses a cut-off grade between 0.33 g/t and 0.37 g/t gold (depending on the deposit)

**The Upper Beaver project has a C$125/tonne net smelter return (NSR)

 

The above metal price assumptions are below the three-year historic gold and silver price averages (from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016) of approximately $1,225 per ounce and $17.53 per ounce, respectively.  The mineral resources at all properties are estimated using 75% of the cut-off grades used to estimate the mineral reserves.

 

The increase in the Company’s mineral reserves is largely the result of new internal economic studies at several operations, the successful conversion of measured and indicated mineral resources to mineral reserves at several operations and development projects.  The Upper Beaver project in the Kirkland Lake area of Ontario (all numbers shown for Upper Beaver reflect Agnico Eagle’s 50% ownership in the project.) declared initial probable mineral reserves of 698,000 ounces (4.0 million tonnes grading 5.43 g/t gold and 0.25% copper).  At the LaRonde Zone 5, mineral reserves of 423,000 ounces (6.3 million tonnes grading 2.10 g/t gold) have been converted from indicated mineral resources.  A small decline of 56,000 ounces of gold in mineral reserves was experienced at the LaRonde mine, mainly due to gold production of 305,788 ounces (320,000 ounces of in-situ gold mined), largely offset by the results of conversion drilling on the mineral resources below Level 311 where 200,000 ounces of gold was added in mineral reserves in three levels (a total of 90 metres) below this depth (3,110 metres depth).  These are the first mineral reserves declared below Level 311 at LaRonde.

 

Conversion drilling was also successful in increasing mineral reserves, notably at three operating mines where conversion more than offset the gold that was mined during 2016.

 

29



 

At the Goldex mine, 336,000 ounces of gold were converted to mineral reserves in the Deep 1 Zone, while gold production from the M and E satellite zones totalled 120,704 ounces of gold (131,000 ounces in-situ gold mined).  The result was a 33% increase in mineral reserves at the Goldex mine.  Conversion drilling mainly in the Sisar Zone, as well as the Rimpi Zone, at the Kittila mine added 338,000 ounces of gold in mineral reserves, while production totalled 202,508 ounces of gold (236,000 ounces in-situ gold mined).  These are the initial mineral reserves in the Sisar Zone, where initial inferred mineral resources were declared one year ago.  At the La India mine, conversion drilling in the Main Zone extension resulted in an additional 193,400 ounces of gold in mineral reserves while gold production amounted to 115,162 ounces (152,000 ounces in-situ gold mined).  The mineral reserves increased by 18% (153,000 ounces gold) as a result.

 

A reduction in the cut-off grade because of changing estimation parameters was the third factor that resulted in increased mineral reserves, which had a particularly positive impact on the minerals reserves at the Kittila and La India mines.

 

The Canadian Malartic mine (all numbers shown for Canadian Malartic reflect Agnico Eagle’s 50% ownership in the mine) experienced a decline in mineral reserves that essentially corresponds to the gold mined in 2016.  The mineral reserves decreased by 314,000 ounces of gold, explained by 2016 gold production of 292,514 ounces (328,000 ounces of in-situ gold mined).  The decrease in the mineral reserves at the Meadowbank mine by gold production of 312,214 ounces (340,000 ounces in-situ gold mined) in 2016 was partially offset by the addition of 67,000 ounces of gold in mineral reserves from a new study into an extension of the Portage and Vault pits.  Similarly, at the Lapa mine, gold production of 73,930 ounces (88,000 ounces in-situ gold mined) was partially offset by a new economic study that added mineral reserves of 38,000 ounces of gold, which is expected to extend the mine life into the first quarter of 2017.

 

The gold reserves at the Pinos Altos mine and its satellite Creston Mascota operation declined due to gold production of 192,772 ounces and 47,296 ounces, respectively (202,000 ounces and 76,000 ounces, respectively, of in-situ gold mined).  The Pinos Altos mine depletion was largely offset by an addition of mineral reserves due to conversion drilling in the Cerro Colorado and Santo Nino underground mineral resources as well as the reduced cut-off grade, balanced by a reduction in mineral reserves due to new modelling parameters that affected the Santo Nino pit design.

 

It is the Company’s goal to maintain its global mineral reserves at approximately 10 to 15 times its annual gold production rate.  The current mineral reserves are within this range when compared to the Company’s projected annual 2017 production guidance.

 

In addition to gold, Agnico Eagle’s proven and probable mineral reserves include by-product metals of approximately 54 million ounces of silver at the Pinos Altos, LaRonde, La India and Creston Mascota mines (81.5 million tonnes grading an average of 20.5 g/t silver), plus 153,000 tonnes of zinc and 42,000 tonnes of copper at the LaRonde mine (17.6 million tonnes grading 0.87% zinc and 0.24% copper), 25,000 tonnes of copper at the Akasaba West project (4.9 million tonnes grading 0.50% copper) and 10,000 tonnes of copper at the Upper Beaver project (4.0 million tonnes grading 0.25% copper).

 

30



 

At a gold price of $1,250 per ounce (leaving all other assumptions unchanged), there would be an approximate 5.3% increase in the gold contained in proven and probable mineral reserves.  Conversely, using a gold price of $1,050 (leaving all other assumptions unchanged), there would be an estimated 5.0% decrease in the gold contained in proven and probable mineral reserves.  For the Meliadine project, the sensitivity was calculated using a $100 variation in the assumed price of $1,100 per ounce gold; for the Canadian Malartic mine only, the sensitivity was calculated using a 10% variation in the assumed price of $1,200 per ounce gold.

 

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources Increase by 1.3M Ounces Gold and Inferred Mineral Resources Decrease by 0.7M Ounces Gold Due to Conversion

 

Highlights from the December 31, 2016 Mineral Resource Statement include:

 

·                  At the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank, initial indicated mineral resources of 2.1 million ounces of gold at open pit depths, resulting in a decrease in inferred mineral resources to 2.1 million ounces of gold mainly at depth

·                  At the Odyssey property, initial inferred mineral resources of 714,000 ounces of gold (reflecting Agnico Eagle’s 50% interest)

·                  At the Barsele project in Sweden, initial inferred mineral resources of 661,000 ounces of gold (reflecting Agnico Eagle’s 55% interest)

·                  At the El Barqueno project in Mexico, initial indicated mineral resources of 301,000 ounces of gold and 1.2 million ounces of silver, while inferred mineral resources decreased to 362,000 ounces of gold and 1.0 million ounces of silver; which includes initial inferred mineral resources at Olmeca mineral deposit

 

The Company’s measured and indicated mineral resources now total approximately 333 million tonnes grading 1.53 g/t gold, or 16.4 million ounces of gold.  This represents approximately a 9% increase in ounces of gold (1.3 million ounces), an 8% increase in tonnage (24 million tonnes) and essentially no change in grade compared with the December 2015 measured and indicated mineral resource (see the February 10, 2016 news release for comparison).

 

Most of the additions in the measured and indicated mineral resources were reported from the Company’s development and advanced exploration projects.  At the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank, initial indicated mineral resources of 2.1 million ounces (16.9 million tonnes grading 3.88 g/t gold) were reported at open pit depths, almost all in the Whale Tail deposit.  Conversion drilling led to an initial indicated mineral resource estimate of 301,000 ounces of gold and 1.2 million ounces of silver (8.5 million tonnes grading 1.11 g/t gold and 4.35 g/t silver) at the El Barqueno project.  Different options are being studied for optimizing the potential processing costs and gold recovery.  Studies at the Kirkland Lake properties allowed for the validation of estimates by previous owners: the Anoki/McBean project (all numbers shown for Anoki/McBean reflect Agnico Eagle’s 50% ownership in the project) has a new indicated mineral resource estimate of 160,000 ounces (0.9 million tonnes grading 5.33 g/t gold).

 

31



 

Successful conversion to mineral reserves resulted in decreases in measured and indicated mineral resources, particularly at LaRonde Zone 5, the LaRonde mine below Level 311 and the Goldex mine’s Deep 1 Zone.

 

At the Meadowbank mine, the measured and indicated mineral resources decreased by 475,000 ounces due to a combination of successful conversion of 67,000 ounces of gold to mineral reserves in the Portage and Vault pit extensions, as well as the removal of former underground indicated mineral resources in the Goose mineral deposit.

 

The Company’s inferred mineral resources now total 221 million tonnes grading 2.23 g/t, or approximately 15.9 million ounces of gold.  This represents an approximate 4% decrease in ounces of gold (0.7 million ounces), a 4% decrease in tonnage (8.5 million tonnes) and essentially no change in grade compared with the December 2015 inferred mineral resources (see the Company’s February 10, 2016 news release for comparison).

 

Recent work by the Company on newly acquired properties to validate mineral resource estimates by previous owners had a large positive impact on the inferred mineral resources.  The Barsele project (all numbers shown for Barsele reflect Agnico Eagle’s 55% interest in the project) reported initial inferred mineral resources of 661,000 ounces (11.9 million tonnes grading 1.72 g/t gold), mostly at depth.  The North and South Odyssey zones declared initial inferred mineral resources of 714,000 ounces (10.3 million tonnes grading 2.15 g/t gold) at depth, the result of exploration drilling in 2016.  Studies at the Anoki/McBean project near Kirkland Lake have resulted in new inferred mineral resources of 191,000 ounces (1.3 million tonnes grading 4.70 g/t gold).  These numbers reflect Agnico Eagle’s 50% ownership of the Odyssey property and the Kirkland Lake properties.

 

While successful exploration drilling increased the inferred mineral reserves at some properties, that was more than offset, overall, by the successful conversion of those mineral resources to indicated mineral resources.  An example is the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank, where the inferred mineral resources decreased by approximately 1.2 million ounces to 2.1 million ounces (11.7 million tonnes grading 5.63 g/t gold), mainly at depth in the Whale Tail deposit (38%) and IVR Zone (26%), and the rest at open pit depths in the Whale Tail deposit (13%) and the IVR Zone (23%).  A decrease of 209,000 ounces of gold at the El Barqueno project was due to the successful conversion to indicated mineral resources offset by exploration drilling success, leaving inferred mineral resources of 362,000 ounces of gold and 1.0 million ounces of silver (7.2 million tonnes grading 1.56 g/t gold and 4.50 g/t silver); this includes initial inferred mineral resources of 135,000 ounces of gold at the Olmeca mineral deposit.  Successful exploration drilling at the LaRonde mine below Level 311 added inferred mineral resources of 463,000 ounces of gold to the inferred mineral resources below Level 311; the mine’s inferred mineral resources now total 1.7 million ounces (7.7 million tonnes grading 6.68 g/t gold, 14.48 g/t silver, 0.25% copper and 0.60% zinc).

 

New modelling parameters have resulted in a 327,000 ounce of gold decrease in inferred mineral resources at the Meadowbank mine to 115,000 ounces (1.1 million tonnes

 

32



 

 grading 3.13 g/t gold) due to the removal of inferred mineral resources in the underground portion of the Goose deposit.

 

The distribution of mineral resources by property is set out in the following table.  For full details including tonnage and grade, see the “Detailed Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Data (as at December 31, 2016)” below.

 

December 31, 2016 Mineral Resources

 

 

 

Measured & Indicated

 

Inferred

 

 

 

Mineral Resources

 

Mineral Resources

 

 

 

(000 oz gold)

 

(000 oz gold)

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde

 

598

 

1,655

 

LaRonde Zone 5

 

712

 

488

 

Ellison

 

68

 

257

 

Canadian Malartic (50%)

 

644

 

216

 

Odyssey (50%)

 

 

714

 

Goldex

 

1,777

 

1,129

 

Akasaba West

 

53

 

 

Lapa

 

105

 

158

 

Zulapa

 

 

39

 

Meadowbank

 

246

 

115

 

Amaruq

 

2,109

 

2,125

 

Meliadine

 

3,306

 

3,552

 

Hammond Reef (50%)

 

2,251

 

6

 

Upper Beaver (Kirkland Lake) (50%)

 

202

 

708

 

Amalgamated Kirkland (Kirkland Lake) (50%)

 

133

 

203

 

Anoki/McBean (Kirkland Lake) (50%)

 

160

 

191

 

Kittila

 

1,946

 

1,442

 

Barsele (55%)

 

 

661

 

Other (Swanson, Kylmäkangas, Kuotko)

 

31

 

287

 

Subtotal

 

14.340

 

13,945

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos

 

730

 

380

 

Creston Mascota

 

139

 

31

 

La India

 

869

 

1,132

 

El Barqueno

 

301

 

362

 

Subtotal

 

2,038

 

1,905

 

Total Mineral Resources

 

16,378

 

15,850

 

 

33



 

NORTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

 

ABITIBI REGION, QUEBEC

 

Agnico Eagle is currently Quebec’s largest gold producer with a 100% interest in three mines (LaRonde, Goldex and Lapa) and a 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine.  These mines are located within 50 kilometres of each other, which provide operating synergies and allows for the sharing of technical expertise.

 

LaRonde Mine — Higher Grades From Lower Mine Drive Record Quarterly Production; Drilling Indicates Potential Higher Gold Grades at LaRonde 3

 

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

 

LaRonde Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

572

 

563

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

6,220

 

6,128

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

4.75

 

4.22

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

83,508

 

73,161

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

100

 

$

88

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

99

 

$

94

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

528

 

$

438

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

405

 

$

510

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher underground and mill maintenance costs and the timing of unsold concentrate inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher underground and mill maintenance costs.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher gold production from the lower mine and higher by-product metal revenues.

 

LaRonde Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

2,240

 

2,241

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

6,121

 

6,141

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

4.44

 

3.91

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

305,788

 

267,921

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

106

 

$

98

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

106

 

$

99

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

587

 

$

643

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

501

 

$

590

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to increased underground and mill maintenance costs and timing of

 

34



 

unsold concentrate inventory.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased due to higher gold production from the lower mine.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher underground and mill maintenance costs.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher gold production from the higher grade lower mine and higher by-product metal revenues.  In 2016, the LaRonde mine produced approximately 4,687 tonnes of zinc (34% more than in 2015), 1.0 million ounces of silver (8% more than in 2015) and 4,416 tonnes of copper (11% less than in 2015).

 

At the LaRonde 3 project, studies are continuing to assess the potential to extend the mineral reserve base and carry out mining activities between the 311 level (a depth of 3.1 kilometres) and the 371 level (a depth of 3.7 kilometres).

 

In 2016, infill drilling successfully upgraded portions of the LaRonde 3 mineral resource base.  In the eastern portion of the deposit, mineral reserves of approximately 200,000 ounces (1.2 million tonnes grading 5.15 g/t gold) have been delineated to the 320 level.  Indicated mineral resources have been outlined to the 340 level, while inferred mineral resources extend to the 370 level.  The western portion of the deposit is entirely inferred mineral resources that extend to the 370 level.

 

An infill drill program is continuing from the 311 to the 371 levels, with a focus on the western portion of the deposit where recent drilling has encountered higher-grade mineralization between the 311 and 340 levels.  Highlights include: 28.1 g/t gold over 9.3 metres in hole LR-290-056A and 13.8 g/t gold over 8.1 metres in hole LR-290-061.

 

These new high-grade intersections are now interpreted as being a distinct lens of massive sulphide mineralization from the main LaRonde 3 horizon.  In 2016, the first mineral reserves were declared in the eastern portion of LaRonde 3 and additional inferred mineral resources were declared in the western portion of LaRonde 3.  Further drilling is being carried out to assess this new potential and the vertical extent of the mineralization.  Studies are ongoing to evaluate the potential to mine below the currently planned 3.1 kilometres at LaRonde

 

Selected recent drill results and the collar coordinates are set out in the table below.  Pierce points for all of these holes are shown on the LaRonde Composite Longitudinal Section.  All intercepts reported for the LaRonde mine show capped grades over estimated true widths.

 

35



 

Recent exploration and infill drill results from LaRonde 3 (below Level 311)

 

Drill hole

 

From
(metres)

 

To
(metres)

 

Depth of
midpoint
below
surface
(metres)

 

Estimated
true width
(metres)

 

Gold grade
(g/t)
(uncapped)

 

Gold grade
(g/t)
(capped)

 

Silver
grade
(g/t)
(uncapped)

 

Copper
grade (%)

 

Zinc
grade (%)

 

LR-290-036A

 

451.3

 

459.8

 

3,205

 

6.8

 

12.4

 

12.4

 

21.3

 

0.48

 

0.01

 

LR-290-053

 

427.2

 

442.2

 

3,167

 

9.4

 

15.7

 

11.6

 

51.6

 

0.78

 

1.39

 

LR-290-054

 

542.1

 

554.4

 

3,304

 

7.0

 

6.0

 

6.0

 

15.6

 

0.21

 

0.02

 

LR-290-054A

 

492.0

 

506.1

 

3,248

 

8.8

 

22.8

 

20.4

 

29.1

 

0.29

 

0.07

 

LR-290-056

 

639.4

 

660.9

 

3,409

 

9.5

 

18.0

 

15.0

 

16.7

 

0.20

 

0.02

 

LR-290-056A

 

560.0

 

576.5

 

3,320

 

9.3

 

28.7

 

28.1

 

25.4

 

0.46

 

0.08

 

LR-290-058A

 

459.2

 

463.2

 

3,207

 

2.8

 

2.4

 

2.4

 

3.7

 

0.25

 

0.00

 

LR-290-058B

 

578.4

 

590.4

 

3,327

 

5.4

 

9.7

 

8.7

 

8.4

 

0.29

 

0.00

 

LR-290-060

 

510.7

 

527.0

 

3,255

 

8.9

 

7.8

 

7.8

 

29.9

 

0.29

 

0.48

 

LR-290-061

 

484.2

 

498.8

 

3,206

 

8.1

 

13.8

 

13.8

 

79.4

 

1.31

 

2.89

 

LR-293-016

 

333.0

 

347.7

 

3,104

 

12.1

 

10.3

 

10.3

 

18.9

 

0.33

 

0.05

 

 


* Holes at LaRonde 3 use a capping factor of 80 g/t gold and 1,000 g/t silver.  None of the silver values in this table were capped

 

LaRonde 3 exploration drill collar coordinates

 

 

 

Drill collar coordinates*

 

Drill hole ID

 

UTM North

 

UTM East

 

Elevation (metres
above sea level)

 

Azimuth
(degrees)

 

Dip
(degrees)

 

Length
(metres)

 

LR-290-036A

 

689537

 

5346891

 

-2,536

 

185

 

-61

 

506

 

LR-290-053

 

689537

 

5346891

 

-2,536

 

203

 

-54

 

490

 

LR-290-054

 

689537

 

5346891

 

-2,536

 

196

 

-61

 

595

 

LR-290-054A

 

689537

 

5346891

 

-2,536

 

196

 

-61

 

532

 

LR-290-056

 

689508

 

5346892

 

-2,536

 

192

 

-64

 

711

 

LR-290-056A

 

689508

 

5346892

 

-2,536

 

192

 

-64

 

645

 

LR-290-058A

 

689670

 

5346890

 

-2,532

 

195

 

-63

 

501

 

LR-290-058B

 

689670

 

5346890

 

-2,532

 

195

 

-63

 

644

 

LR-290-060

 

689508

 

5346892

 

-2,536

 

206

 

-56

 

578

 

LR-290-061

 

689508

 

5346892

 

-2,536

 

212

 

-50

 

521

 

LR-293-016

 

689576

 

5346881

 

-2,556

 

186

 

-54

 

370

 

 


* Coordinate System UTM Nad 83 Zone 17

 

36



 

[Laronde Mine Composite Longitudinal Section]

 

 

Canadian Malartic Mine — Record Annual Production and Mill Throughput

 

In June 2014, Agnico Eagle and Yamana Gold Inc. (“Yamana”) acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Osisko Mining Corporation and created the Canadian Malartic General Partnership (the “Partnership”).  The Partnership owns and operates the Canadian Malartic mine in northwestern Quebec through a joint management committee.  Each of Agnico Eagle and Yamana has an indirect 50% ownership interest in the Partnership.  All volume numbers in this section reflect the Company’s 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine except as noted.

 

Canadian Malartic Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)(100%)

 

4,865

 

4,856

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day (100%)

 

52,881

 

52,780

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

1.01

 

1.06

 

Gold production (ounces)(50%)

 

69,971

 

72,872

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

27

 

$

25

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

25

 

$

25

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

671

 

$

633

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

634

 

$

606

 

 

37



 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the use of additional contractors to maximize stripping activities in the north part of the pit to access higher grades.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production.

 

Canadian Malartic Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)(100%)

 

19,641

 

19,090

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day (100%)

 

53,665

 

52,300

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

1.04

 

1.05

 

Gold production (ounces)(50%)

 

292,514

 

285,809

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

25

 

$

23

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

25

 

$

23

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

628

 

$

600

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

606

 

$

596

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to unplanned maintenance on the leach tank, ball mill and crusher components in the process plant and additional stripping costs.  In addition, extra contractors were employed to maximize stripping activities in the north part of the pit to access higher grades.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput levels and unplanned maintenance on the leach tank, ball mill and crusher components in the process plant.  In addition, extra contractors were employed to maximize stripping activities in the north part of the pit to access higher grades and increased royalty costs as a result of the higher production levels.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

 

At the Canadian Malartic mine, exploration programs are ongoing to evaluate a number of near pit/underground targets.  In addition, the Partnership continues to explore the Odyssey property, which is located to the east of the Canadian Malartic open pit.  Both of these opportunities have the potential to provide new sources of ore for the Canadian Malartic mill.

 

Following the Quebec Bureau des Audiences Publiques sur l’Environnement (“BAPE”) public hearings in June and July 2016, permitting of the Canadian Malartic extension project and Highway 117 deviation reached an important milestone with the issue of the BAPE report on October 5, 2016.  The BAPE report concluded that the project is

 

38



 

acceptable and provides several recommendations intended to enhance social acceptability.

 

Since the spring of 2015, the Partnership has been working collaboratively with the community of Malartic and its citizens to develop a “Good Neighbour Guide” that addresses impacts caused by the activities at the Canadian Malartic mine.  Implementation of the recommendations in the Good Neighbour Guide began on September 1, 2016.  As of November 30, 2016, which was the end of the claim period for citizens of Malartic to request compensation for the period from June 2013 through June 2016, approximately 94% of Malartic citizens had registered for the program.

 

The next step in the permitting process is for the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change to review the report and present his decision to Cabinet for approval.  No date for the approval has been set, but the Company anticipates that this may occur in the first half of 2017.  Production activities at Barnat are currently forecast to begin in late 2018 , depending on the timing of the start of construction of the road deviation.

 

Initial Mineral Resource declared at Odyssey

 

The Odyssey property lies on the east side of the Canadian Malartic property, approximately 1.5 kilometres east of the current limit of the Canadian Malartic open pit.

 

The Odyssey property is composed of multiple mineralized bodies spatially associated with a porphyritic intrusion close to the contact of the Pontiac Group sediments and the Piché Group of volcanic rocks.  They are grouped into two elongated zones, the Odyssey North and Odyssey South zones, that strike east-southeast and dip steeply south.  Odyssey North has been traced from a depth of 600 to 1,300 metres below surface along a strike length of approximately 1.5 kilometres.  Odyssey South currently has a strike length of 0.5 kilometres and has been located between approximately 200 and 550 metres below surface.

 

During 2016, a total of 155 holes (119,396 metres) were completed at the Odyssey property.  The 2016 results have been incorporated with previous work to estimate an initial mineral resource for the Odyssey property (inclusive of the North and South zones).  Inferred mineral resources (on a 100% basis) are estimated at 1.43 million ounces (20.7 million tonnes grading 2.15 g/t gold).  Further details on mineral resources at the Odyssey property are presented in the mineral reserve and mineral resource section of this news release.

 

The inferred mineral resource does not include drill results from internal zones that extend from the Odyssey North Zone.  Drilling carried out to date suggests that these internal zones could increase mineral resources and enhance the economics of the project by adding higher grade ounces that would require minimal additional infrastructure to access.

 

39



 

Recent drilling on the internal zones returned several significant intersections including: 3.10 g/t gold over 91.5 metres in hole ODY11-5055, 4.24 g/t gold over 12.5 metres in hole ODY16-5099 and 3.23 g/t gold over 10.5 metres in hole ODY16-5105.  Selected recent drill results and the collar coordinates are set out in the table below.  All intercepts reported for the Odyssey property show capped grades over core lengths.  In the first half of 2017, drilling activities at the Odyssey property will focus on further defining these internal zones and expanding the mineral resources in Odyssey North and South.

 

Recent exploration drill results from the Internal Lode at Odyssey

 

Drill hole

 

Location

 

From
(metres)

 

To
(metres)

 

Depth of
midpoint
below
surface
(metres)

 

Core
length
(metres)**

 

Gold grade
(g/t)
(uncapped)

 

Gold
grade (g/t)
(capped)*

 

ODY11-2404B

 

Internal Lode

 

930.0

 

937.3

 

831

 

7.3

 

23.59

 

7.04

 

ODY14-2492

 

Internal Lode

 

827.6

 

929.5

 

734

 

101.9

 

3.78

 

3.47

 

including

 

 

 

850.3

 

863.2

 

 

 

12.9

 

12.53

 

10.06

 

ODY16-5033

 

Internal Lode

 

1,038.5

 

1,052.0

 

903

 

13.5

 

2.24

 

2.24

 

ODY16-5055

 

Internal Lode

 

1,035.5

 

1,127.0

 

917

 

91.5

 

4.03

 

3.10

 

including

 

 

 

1,063.7

 

1,078.0

 

 

 

14.3

 

14.90

 

9.36

 

ODY16-5064

 

Internal Lode

 

978.5

 

1,019.5

 

814

 

41.0

 

1.89

 

1.89

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

1,107.1

 

1,120.2

 

586

 

13.1

 

5.00

 

5.00

 

ODY16-5075

 

Internal Lode

 

1,074.5

 

1,102.5

 

904

 

28.0

 

1.92

 

1.92

 

including

 

 

 

1,080.5

 

1,085.0

 

 

 

4.5

 

6.11

 

6.11

 

ODY16-5078

 

ND

 

1,000.0

 

1,027.5

 

866

 

27.5

 

1.97

 

1.97

 

ODY16-5087

 

ND

 

759.0

 

767.2

 

697

 

8.2

 

3.17

 

3.17

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

940.5

 

948.0

 

552

 

7.5

 

2.84

 

2.84

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

971.5

 

985.5

 

582

 

14.0

 

2.33

 

2.33

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

1,011.0

 

1,049.0

 

628

 

38.0

 

1.59

 

1.59

 

including

 

 

 

1,029.6

 

1,034.0

 

 

 

4.4

 

6.92

 

6.92

 

ODY16-5087A

 

Internal Lode

 

952.0

 

962.5

 

867

 

10.5

 

2.26

 

2.26

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

1,038.5

 

1,046.0

 

634

 

7.5

 

1.81

 

1.81

 

ODY16-5099

 

Internal Lode

 

723.5

 

731.5

 

682

 

8.0

 

7.24

 

5.99

 

including

 

 

 

727.7

 

731.5

 

 

 

3.8

 

13.11

 

10.48

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

780.5

 

793.0

 

431

 

12.5

 

4.24

 

4.24

 

ODY16-5105

 

Internal Lode

 

647.0

 

653.5

 

562

 

6.5

 

11.23

 

8.63

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

895.0

 

930.5

 

469

 

35.5

 

2.76

 

2.00

 

and

 

Internal Lode

 

1,107.5

 

1,118.0

 

630

 

10.5

 

3.23

 

3.23

 

 


* Holes at the Odyssey prospect use a capping factor of 20 g/t gold.

** True thickness not determined; these values are core length.

 

40



 

Odyssey prospect exploration drill collar coordinates of selected holes

 

 

 

Drill collar coordinates*

 

Drill hole ID

 

UTM
North

 

UTM East

 

Elevation
(metres above
sea level)

 

Azimuth

 

Dip
(degrees)

 

Length
(metres)

 

ODY11-2404B

 

5333934

 

717976

 

311

 

022

 

-63

 

1,473

 

ODY14-2492

 

5333880

 

718295

 

312

 

014

 

-61

 

1,323

 

ODY16-5033

 

5333962

 

718400

 

311

 

012

 

-65

 

1,256

 

ODY16-5055

 

5333874

 

718294

 

314

 

012

 

-63

 

1,326

 

ODY16-5064

 

5333767

 

718276

 

315

 

002

 

-61

 

1,344

 

ODY16-5075

 

5333766

 

718277

 

315

 

004

 

-62

 

1,378

 

ODY16-5078

 

5333984

 

718168

 

312

 

012

 

-66

 

1,140

 

ODY16-5087

 

5334297

 

718706

 

308

 

283

 

-67

 

1,185

 

ODY16-5087A

 

5334297

 

718706

 

308

 

283

 

-67

 

1,305

 

ODY16-5099

 

5334643

 

718500

 

307

 

202

 

-70

 

1,014

 

ODY16-5105

 

5333955

 

718501

 

311

 

003

 

-62

 

1,194

 

 


* Coordinate System UTM Nad 83 zone 17

 

41



 

[Odyssey Prospect — Local Geology Map]

 

 

Canadian Malartic Corporation

 

In addition to the Partnership, each of Agnico Eagle and Yamana have an indirect 50% interest in Canadian Malartic Corporation (“CMC”),, which holds a portfolio of exploration properties that includes properties in the Kirkland Lake area of Ontario and the Pandora property in the Abitibi region of Quebec.

 

At the Pandora property, 23 diamond drill holes (15,767 metres) were completed in 2016, with a focus on the western portion of the property.  A supplemental program consisting of three holes (3,000 metres) is underway.  Additional exploration work at the Pandora property will depend on the results from the 2017 supplemental program.

 

At Kirkland Lake, an internal technical study was completed in 2016, which allowed a total of 1.4 million ounces of gold and 10,000 tonnes of copper to be classified as mineral reserves (8.0 million tonnes grading 5.43 g/t gold and 0.25% copper) (on a 100% basis).  Mineral resources were also expanded at the Anoki and McBean deposits.

 

42



 

The 2017 exploration program will consist of 25,750 metres of drilling at an estimated cost of C$7.3 million (on a 100% basis).  Drilling activities will be focused on regional targets around the Upper Beaver project and elsewhere in the camp and depth extensions of the Amalgamated Kirkland mineral resource.

 

Lapa — Strong 2016 Performance, Additional Production Forecast in 2017

 

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

 

Lapa Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

130

 

136

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

1,410

 

1,478

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

3.90

 

5.45

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

14,065

 

19,929

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

133

 

$

123

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

135

 

$

111

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

941

 

$

635

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

935

 

$

620

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs associated with development work in the new zones that had been previously excluded from the mine plan and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs associated with development work in the new zones that had been previously excluded from the mine plan.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

Lapa Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

593

 

560

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

1,619

 

1,534

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

4.64

 

5.83

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

73,930

 

90,967

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

118

 

$

119

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

121

 

$

117

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

717

 

$

578

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

732

 

$

590

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput levels and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased due to lower production and higher costs associated with development work in the new zones that had been previously excluded from the mine plan and the timing of unsold inventory.

 

43



 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput levels and the processing of surface stockpiles.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and higher costs associated with development work in the new zones that had been previously excluded from the mine plan.

 

Under the current life of mine plan, Lapa is only expected to operate until the end of the first quarter of 2017 with production coming from the Zone Deep East and Zone 7 Deep areas.  The Company is evaluating opportunities to continue production into the second quarter of 2017.

 

Goldex — Continued Strong Operating Performance; Deep 1 Construction Remains on Schedule and Budget

 

The 100% owned Goldex mine in northwestern Quebec began operation from the M and E satellite zones in September 2013.

 

Goldex Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

580

 

572

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

6,304

 

6,213

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

1.39

 

1.60

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

24,170

 

27,646

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

35

 

$

31

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

37

 

$

31

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

632

 

$

484

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

657

 

$

513

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher development costs from the acceleration of mining in the M and E satellite zones and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and lower flexibility from mining smaller stopes and the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher development costs from the acceleration of mining in the M and E satellite zones.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

44



 

Goldex Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

2,545

 

2,313

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

6,954

 

6,336

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

1.60

 

1.66

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

120,704

 

115,426

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

33

 

$

34

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

33

 

$

33

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

525

 

$

531

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

532

 

$

538

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput levels and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased due to higher production and timing of unsold inventory.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

 

Commissioning of the Deep 1 project remains on budget and schedule for early 2018.  Approximately 92% of the underground excavation for the Rail-Veyor has been completed and installation is progressing as planned.  Underground development of the sublevels needed for mining is continuing.  The surface power infrastructure has been upgraded and a new booster fan has been installed and commissioning is underway.

 

Studies are ongoing to evaluate the potential to increase throughput from the Deep 1 Zone and the potential to mine a portion of the Deep 2 Zone, both of which could enhance production levels or extend the current mine life at Goldex and reduce operating costs.

 

Agnico Eagle acquired the Akasaba West gold-copper deposit in January 2014.  Located less than 30 kilometres from Goldex, the Akasaba West deposit could create flexibility and synergies for the Company’s operations in the Abitibi region by utilizing extra milling capacity at both Goldex and LaRonde, while reducing overall costs.  The BAPE process has commenced at Akasaba and permitting activities are expected to continue until 2018.  The Company expects to begin sourcing open pit ore from Akasaba West in 2019.

 

The Quebec BAPE is currently holding public hearings on the Akasaba project.  The first part of the hearings was held at the end of January 2017 and the second part is scheduled for the end of February 2017.  The project is also under review by Environment Canada (“EC”).  Responses to the third series of questions received from EC in January 2017, will be submitted by the end of February 2017.  Both processes are expected to be completed in the second half of 2017.

 

45



 

NUNAVUT REGION

 

Agnico Eagle has identified Nunavut as a politically attractive and stable jurisdiction with enormous geological potential.  With the Company’s largest producing mine (Meadowbank) and two significant development assets (Meliadine and the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank) and other exploration projects, Nunavut has the potential to be a strategic operating platform with the ability to generate strong production and cash flows over several decades.

 

Meadowbank — Evaluating Options to Extend Production through year-end 2018

 

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

 

Meadowbank Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

1,015

 

1,028

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

11,029

 

11,168

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

3.14

 

3.31

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

94,770

 

102,580

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

66

 

$

63

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

72

 

$

62

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

551

 

$

479

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

579

 

$

526

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reason described above.

 

Meadowbank Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

3,915

 

4,033

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

10,697

 

11,049

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

2.70

 

3.16

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

312,214

 

381,804

 

Production costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

73

 

$

71

 

Minesite costs per tonne (C$)

 

$

74

 

$

70

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

701

 

$

604

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

715

 

$

613

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput, a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized

 

46



 

and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput and a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

At Meadowbank, opportunities are being investigated to potentially extend production at the Vault pit through year-end 2018.

 

Acquisition of New Properties in Nunavut

 

Agnico Eagle is currently studying options and alternatives in Nunavut to capitalize on the large and growing mineral resource in the region.  As part of this initiative, the Company has staked or optioned approximately 440,000 hectares of mineral claims covering three major geological belts between Meadowbank and Meliadine.

 

The new properties appear to be geologically similar to the Meadowbank and Meliadine projects where the Company’s exploration team has demonstrated the effectiveness of a systematic exploration approach and the strong mineral potential of this part of Nunavut.  Assembling and analyzing the data collected in 2016 covering the Amaruq and Meadowbank region will assist in preparing a drill program for 2017 to further investigate the higher potential areas on the new properties.

 

FINLAND AND SWEDEN

 

Agnico Eagle’s Kittila mine in Finland is the largest primary gold producer in Europe and hosts the Company’s largest mineral reserves.  Exploration activities continue to expand the mineral resources and studies are underway to evaluate the potential to cost-effectively increase production.

 

Kittila — Record Annual Production and Mill Throughput

 

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

 

Kittila Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

401

 

377

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

4,355

 

4,100

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

4.84

 

4.28

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

53,337

 

44,279

 

Production costs per tonne (EUR)

 

$

80

 

$

77

 

Minesite costs per tonne (EUR)

 

$

83

 

$

80

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

644

 

$

727

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

664

 

$

747

 

 

47



 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher contractor and mill maintenance costs and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production and timing of unsold inventory.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due higher contractor and mill maintenance costs.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

 

Kittila Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

1,667

 

1,464

 

Tonnes of ore milled per day

 

4,554

 

4,011

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

4.41

 

4.44

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

202,508

 

177,374

 

Production costs per tonne (EUR)

 

$

77

 

$

77

 

Minesite costs per tonne (EUR)

 

$

77

 

$

76

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

701

 

$

711

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

699

 

$

709

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production and timing of unsold inventory.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher contractor and mill maintenance costs.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

 

The Company is carrying out studies to evaluate the economics of increasing throughput rates at Kittila to 2.0 million tonnes per annum.  This increased mining rate scenario could be supported by the development of the Rimpi and Sisar zones.  Drilling is ongoing to further evaluate the Sisar Zone, where mineralization has now been outlined to a depth of 2.0 kilometres below surface.

 

Barsele Project — Resources Update & Drilling Extends Central, Avan & Skiråsen Zones

 

On June 11, 2015, Agnico Eagle acquired a 55% interest in the Barsele project in Sweden.  The Company can earn an additional 15% interest in the project through the completion of a pre-feasibility study.  The Barsele property is known to contain intrusive-hosted gold mineralization (the Central, Avan and Skiråsen zones), which appears to be similar to the Goldex deposit.  The property also hosts gold-rich polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide mineralization (the Norra Zone).

 

48



 

In 2016, a total of 85 diamond drill holes were completed for 33,477 metres.  Drilling focused on expanding the mineral resources on the Central, Avan and Skiråsen zones that are now interpreted to be part of the same mineralized system extending over 2.6 kilometres of strike length.  These zones occur within a granodiorite that ranges in width from 200 to 500 metres over a strike length of more than eight kilometres.  Gold is generally associated with arsenopyrite and low base metal content, but also occurs as native metal locally.

 

In 2016, Agnico Eagle completed an initial mineral resource estimate for the Barsele project that outlined total inferred mineral resources (on a 100% basis) of 1.2 million ounces (21.7 million tonnes grading 1.72 g/t gold).  The mineral resource can be subdivided into open pit inferred mineral resources of 242,000 ounces (7.4 million tonnes grading 1.02 g/t gold) and an underground inferred mineral resource of 960,000 ounces (14.3 million tonnes grading 2.08 g/t gold).

 

Recent drill results indicate that the gap between the Central and Avan zones may be mineralized.

 

In 2017, approximately 18,200 metres of drilling (at a budget of $8.8 million) will be carried out with a focus to expand the mineral resources along strike and at depth, and test the gap between the Central and Avan zones.

 

SOUTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

 

Agnico Eagle’s Southern Business operations are focused in Mexico.  These operations have been the source of growing precious metals production (gold and silver), stable operating costs and strong free cash flow since 2009.  In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Mexican operations established a new quarterly record for silver production of approximately 829,000 ounces.

 

Pinos Altos — Strong Performance Driven by Record Annual Silver Production

 

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

 

Pinos Altos Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

556

 

600

 

Tonnes of ore processed per day

 

6,050

 

6,529

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

2.70

 

2.53

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

46,685

 

44,496

 

Production costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

48

 

$

41

 

Minesite costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

51

 

$

44

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

567

 

$

547

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

390

 

$

417

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput, higher consumable costs (energy), variations

 

49



 

in the proportion of heap leach ore to milled ore and open pit ore to underground ore, routine fluctuations in the waste to ore stripping ratio in the open pit mines and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput, higher consumable costs (energy), variations in the proportion of heap leach ore to milled ore and open pit ore to underground ore and routine fluctuations in the waste to ore stripping ratio in the open pit mines.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher gold and silver production and favourable foreign exchange rates.

 

Pinos Altos Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

2,260

 

2,378

 

Tonnes of ore processed per day

 

6,175

 

6,516

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

2.78

 

2.68

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

192,772

 

192,974

 

Production costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

51

 

$

44

 

Minesite costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

49

 

$

45

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

594

 

$

545

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

356

 

$

387

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput, higher consumable costs (energy), variations in the proportion of heap leach ore to milled ore and open pit ore to underground ore, routine fluctuations in the waste to ore stripping ratio in the open pit mines and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput, a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized, higher consumable costs (energy), variations in the proportion of heap leach ore to milled ore and open pit ore to underground ore and routine fluctuations in the waste to ore stripping ratio in the open pit mines.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher gold and silver production and favourable foreign exchange rates.

 

Top soil recovery and earth moving work has commenced on the Phase III heap leach pad.  This work is expected to be finished by the end of the first quarter of 2017.  Plans are being evaluated to divide the pad into two individual cells to facilitate faster stacking.

 

In 2016, drilling at Pinos Altos successfully replaced the mineral reserves that were mined.  Exploration at the Cerro Colorado Zone outlined additional mineralization on the boundaries of the zone, and further drilling will be carried out in 2017 to evaluate this potential.

 

50



 

Creston Mascota — Exploration at Neighbouring Bravo and Madrono Zones Could Extend Mine Life

 

The Creston Mascota heap leach has been operating as a satellite operation to the Pinos Altos mine since late 2010.

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

524

 

529

 

Tonnes of ore processed per day

 

5,694

 

5,750

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

1.18

 

1.23

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

11,213

 

13,933

 

Production costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

15

 

$

13

 

Minesite costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

15

 

$

13

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

707

 

$

507

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

649

 

$

445

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed, higher re-handling costs and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed and higher re-handling costs.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to reasons described above.

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

Twelve Months Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

2,119

 

2,099

 

Tonnes of ore processed per day

 

5,790

 

5,750

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

1.12

 

1.34

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

47,296

 

54,703

 

Production costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

13

 

$

13

 

Minesite costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

13

 

$

12

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

578

 

$

480

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

516

 

$

430

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and timing of unsold inventory.

 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher re-handling costs.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2016, work on the Phase IV leach pad was completed with stacking of material expected to begin in the first quarter of 2017.

 

51



 

Exploration drilling in 2016 yielded favorable results from the Bravo and Madrono zones, which are both located close to the Creston Mascota open pit.  Highlights from recent drilling at the Bravo Zone include: 6.1 metres grading 8.8 g/t gold and 106 g/t silver in hole BRV-16-086; 9.8 metres grading 4.5 g/t gold and 75 g/t silver in hole BRV-16-120; and 11.1 metres grading 7.9 g/t gold and 282 g/t silver in hole BRV-16-133.

 

Highlights from recent drilling at the Madrono Zone include: 19.2 metres grading 2.2 g/t gold and 17 g/t silver in hole MAD-16-035; and 5.1 metres grading 2.0 g/t gold and 4.7 g/t silver in hole MAD-16-034.

 

Selected recent drill results from the Bravo and Madrono zones and the collar coordinates are set out in the table below.  Hole locations are also shown on the Creston Mascota Plan map.  All intercepts reported for the Bravo and Madrono zones show uncapped grades over estimated true widths.

 

Recent exploration drill results Bravo and Madrono zones

 

Drill hole

 

Zone

 

From 
(metres)

 

To 
(metres)

 

Depth of 
midpoint
 below 
surface 
(metres)

 

Estimated 
true 
width 
(metres)

 

Gold
 grade (g/t)
 (uncapped)

 

Silver 
grade (g/t)
 (uncapped)

 

BRV-16-077

 

Bravo

 

63.7

 

81.8

 

85

 

13.9

 

7.3

 

166.0

 

BRV-16-078

 

Bravo

 

68.3

 

80.8

 

83

 

9.6

 

4.5

 

166.1

 

BRV-16-086

 

Bravo

 

84.2

 

92.1

 

109

 

6.1

 

8.8

 

105.7

 

BRV-16-104

 

Bravo

 

24.5

 

31.5

 

38

 

5.4

 

1.5

 

27.0

 

and

 

 

 

67.5

 

81.1

 

95

 

10.5

 

2.2

 

29.9

 

BRV-16-120

 

Bravo

 

65.3

 

78.2

 

83

 

9.8

 

4.5

 

74.8

 

BRV-16-122

 

Bravo

 

66.9

 

78.5

 

87

 

8.9

 

11.9

 

149.4

 

BRV-16-133

 

Bravo

 

59.3

 

64.0

 

70

 

3.6

 

0.7

 

1.8

 

and

 

 

 

69.1

 

83.6

 

79

 

11.1

 

7.9

 

282.2

 

including

 

 

 

79.0

 

83.6

 

86

 

3.5

 

19.6

 

642.8

 

MAD-16-034

 

Madroño

 

63.2

 

70.0

 

70

 

4.8

 

0.7

 

11.6

 

and

 

 

 

79.5

 

85.5

 

92

 

4.2

 

0.4

 

3.5

 

and

 

 

 

212.3

 

219.5

 

211

 

5.1

 

2.0

 

4.7

 

MAD-16-035

 

Madroño

 

80.9

 

108.0

 

100

 

19.2

 

2.2

 

17.1

 

and

 

 

 

146.4

 

150.9

 

120

 

3.2

 

0.3

 

1.7

 

and

 

 

 

223.2

 

237.3

 

235

 

9.9

 

9.9

 

8.8

 

 

Cut-off value 0.30 g/t gold, maximum 3.0-m internal dilution

 

 

52



 

Bravo and Madrono prospect drill collar coordinates

 

 

 

Drill collar coordinates*

 

Drill hole ID

 

UTM North

 

UTM East

 

Elevation 
(metres 
above sea
 level)

 

Azimuth 
(degrees)

 

Dip 
(degrees)

 

Length 
(metres)

 

BRV-16-077

 

3135203

 

760174

 

1,629

 

090

 

-43

 

111

 

BRV-16-078

 

3135151

 

760165

 

1,616

 

088

 

-48

 

129

 

BRV-16-086

 

3135292

 

760194

 

1,651

 

091

 

-45

 

111

 

BRV-16-104

 

3135278

 

760218

 

1,667

 

089

 

-45

 

144

 

BRV-16-120

 

3135181

 

760175

 

1,625

 

088

 

-44

 

117

 

BRV-16-122

 

3135124

 

760172

 

1,611

 

089

 

-45

 

123

 

BRV-16-133

 

3135152

 

760137

 

1,599

 

090

 

-45

 

123

 

MAD-16-034

 

3134992

 

761464

 

2,014

 

359

 

-43

 

243

 

MAD-16-035

 

3134975

 

761498

 

2,045

 

003

 

-47

 

265

 

 


*Coordinate System UTM Nad 27 Zone

 

[Creston Mascota — Local Geology Map]

 

 

53



 

The Company believes that these two zones could potentially extend the life of the Creston Mascota heap leach facility.  In addition, the Company believes that the Bravo, Madrono and Cubiro zones may have higher grade areas that could potentially provide additional feed to the Pinos Altos mill.  Additional drilling is planned for 2017.

 

La India — Increased Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources at Year-End 2016

 

The La India mine in Sonora, Mexico, located approximately 70 kilometres from the Company’s Pinos Altos mine, achieved commercial production in February 2014.

 

La India Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2016

 

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

1,540

 

1,439

 

Tonnes of ore processed per day

 

16,744

 

15,647

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

0.87

 

0.84

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

28,714

 

23,432

 

Production costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

10

 

$

9

 

Minesite costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

9

 

$

8

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

510

 

$

549

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

437

 

$

485

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher chemical reagent costs and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

 

Minesite costs per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher chemical reagent costs.  Total cash costs per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher gold and silver production.

 

La India Mine - Operating Statistics

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2016

 

Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2015

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

5,837

 

5,371

 

Tonnes of ore processed per day

 

15,949

 

14,716

 

Gold grade (g/t)

 

0.81

 

0.95

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

115,162

 

104,362

 

Production costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

9

 

$

9

 

Minesite costs per tonne (USD)

 

$

9

 

$

9

 

Production costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

432

 

$

475

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced ($ per ounce):

 

$

395

 

$

436

 

 

Production costs per tonne for the full year 2016 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production and timing of unsold inventory.

 

54



 

Minesite costs per tonne for the full year 2016 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce for the full year 2016 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher gold and silver production.

 

Additional drilling was carried out at La India in 2016, with a focus on extending mineralization in the Main Zone and the La India Zone and conversion of sulfide mineralization into mineral reserves and mineral resources.  The 2016 exploration program resulted in a 18% increase in mineral reserves and a 5% increase in measured and indicated mineral resources.  Further details on the La India mineral reserves and mineral resources are presented in the mineral reserve and mineral resource section of this news release.

 

Step out drilling in 2016 at the nearby El Realito project also yielded encouraging results.  Additional exploration work is planned at El Realito and the Cerro de Oro areas in 2017.  Geological work is continuing at Los Tubos to also define drill targets for 2017.  With the increased mineral reserves and mineral resources, and potential for future additions at other satellite zones, studies are underway to look at potential expansion options at La India.

 

El Barqueno — 2016 Program Focused on Infill Drilling and Testing New Targets

 

Agnico Eagle acquired its 100% interest in the El Barqueno project in November 2014 with the acquisition of Cayden Resources Inc.  The 32,840-hectare property is in the Guachinango gold-silver mining district of Jalisco State in west-central, Mexico, approximately 150 kilometres west of the state capital of Guadalajara.

 

The El Barqueno project contains a number of known mineralized zones and several prospects.  In 2016, a total of 325 diamond drill holes (74,503 metres) were completed.  Drilling in 2016 was primarily focused on:

 

·                  Infill drilling on the Azteca-Zapoteca and Pena de Oro zones that allowed the conversion of 301,000 ounces of gold (8.5 million tonnes grading 1.11 g/t gold) into indicated mineral resource category

·                  Testing the recently discovered Socorro Vein, at Olmeca  on an 80 metre by 80 metre drill pattern to produce an initial inferred mineral resource estimate of 135,300 ounces (1.5 million tonnes grading 2.73 g/t gold)

 

El Barqueno contains a total of 362,000 ounces of gold in inferred mineral resources (7.2 million tonnes grading 1.56 g/t gold), including an initial inferred mineral resource at Olmeca. The significant increase in average grade is due to new Socorro resources and the utilization of a higher cut-off grade, reflecting more conservative assumptions for heap leach recoveries than previously used.  Additional metallurgical test work is ongoing.

 

55



 

[El Barqueno Project — Local Geology Map]

 

 

Gold and silver grades of recent intercepts from the recently discovered Socorro and Mortero zones in the Olmeca area are set out in the table below and the drill collars are located in the accompanying table as well as on the project geology map.  All intercepts reported for the El Barqueno project show capped or uncapped grades (depending on the zone) over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

 

Selected recent exploration drill results from the El Barqueno project

 

Drill Hole

 

Zone

 

From
(metres)

 

To
(metres)

 

Depth of
midpoint
below surface
(metres)

 

Estimated
true width
(metres)

 

Gold grade
(g/t)
(uncapped)

 

Gold
grade
(g/t)
(capped)*

 

Silver grade
(g/t)
(uncapped)**

 

OLM-16-022

 

MORTERO

 

87.3

 

133.0

 

80

 

39.6

 

NSV

 

NA

 

50.8

 

OLM-16-026

 

MORTERO

 

16.0

 

66.0

 

39

 

41.0

 

NSV

 

NA

 

73.2

 

including

 

MORTERO

 

22.0

 

25.0

 

23

 

2.5

 

NSV

 

NA

 

382.5

 

OLM-16-066

 

MORTERO

 

169.5

 

189.5

 

124

 

16.4

 

NSV

 

NA

 

1,111.1

 

including

 

MORTERO

 

179.3

 

188.0

 

127

 

7.1

 

NSV

 

NA

 

2,469.0

 

including

 

MORTERO

 

179.3

 

183.5

 

125

 

3.4

 

NSV

 

NA

 

4,194.8

 

OLM-16-003

 

SOCORRO

 

123.0

 

129.0

 

69

 

5.2

 

19.09

 

11.86

 

14.1

 

including

 

SOCORRO

 

126.0

 

128.0

 

70

 

1.7

 

47.95

 

26.25

 

33.7

 

OLM-16-008

 

SOCORRO

 

160.0

 

165.0

 

96

 

4.3

 

2.83

 

 

 

4.8

 

OLM-16-010

 

SOCORRO

 

131.0

 

145.0

 

84

 

12.1

 

6.97

 

6.52

 

4.7

 

including

 

SOCORRO

 

132.0

 

133.1

 

81

 

1.0

 

40.70

 

35.00

 

18.5

 

including

 

SOCORRO

 

137.0

 

138.0

 

84

 

0.9

 

31.00

 

31.00

 

7.2

 

OLM-16-013

 

SOCORRO

 

167.5

 

179.5

 

155

 

6.9

 

7.29

 

6.51

 

13.2

 

including

 

SOCORRO

 

167.5

 

173.0

 

152

 

3.2

 

15.28

 

13.59

 

16.9

 

OLM-16-020

 

SOCORRO

 

65.0

 

69.0

 

74

 

3.3

 

0.84

 

0.84

 

22.4

 

OLM-16-023

 

SOCORRO

 

44.1

 

48.6

 

31

 

3.9

 

4.12

 

4.12

 

9.2

 

OLM-16-051

 

SOCORRO

 

20.4

 

24.3

 

15

 

3.2

 

3.14

 

3.14

 

8.7

 

OLM-16-054

 

SOCORRO

 

40.9

 

46.0

 

43

 

4.2

 

1.00

 

1.00

 

0.4

 

 

56



 


* Holes at the Socorro vein use a capping factor of 35 g/t gold. Holes at the Mortero vein do not use a capping factor.

 

** Holes at the Socorro vein use a capping factor of 90 g/t silver, but all reported grades were below this level. Holes at the Mortero vein do not use a capping factor.

 

El Barqueno project exploration drill hole collar coordinates

 

 

 

Drill Hole Collar Coordinates*

 

Drill Hole ID

 

UTM North

 

UTM East

 

Elevation
(metres above
sea level)

 

Azimuth
(degrees)

 

Dip
(degrees)

 

Length
(metres)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLM-16-003

 

560,672

 

2,280,468

 

1,384

 

155

 

-50.0

 

488.0

 

OLM-16-008

 

561,195

 

2,280,600

 

1,392

 

155

 

-50.0

 

323.3

 

OLM-16-010

 

561,386

 

2,280,658

 

1,402

 

155

 

-50.0

 

286.7

 

OLM-16-013

 

560,672

 

2,280,469

 

1,383

 

155

 

-75.0

 

396.5

 

OLM-16-020

 

560,838

 

2,280,406

 

1,352

 

155

 

-55.0

 

183.0

 

OLM-16-022

 

558,359

 

2,279,716

 

1,585

 

0

 

-50.0

 

146.4

 

OLM-16-023

 

561,325

 

2,280,560

 

1,372

 

155

 

-50.0

 

164.7

 

OLM-16-026

 

558,407

 

2,279,757

 

1,549

 

0

 

-55.0

 

454.5

 

OLM-16-051

 

561,386

 

2,280,554

 

1,374

 

155

 

-55.0

 

175.4

 

OLM-16-054

 

561,787

 

2,280,744

 

1,403

 

155

 

-55.0

 

160.1

 

OLM-16-066

 

558,310

 

2,279,660

 

1,635

 

0

 

-55.0

 

364.5

 

 


* Coordinate System UTM WGS84 13N Zone

 

Olmeca Area

 

In 2016, a total of 40 drill holes (10,653 metres) were completed mainly on Socorro and Mortero veins in the Olmeca area. There are currently two drills on the Olmeca prospect with a third drill expected to be added later in February 2017.

 

57



 

The Socorro Vein has been defined as a 1,600-metre long, east-northeast-striking, and steeply north-dipping, gold-bearing structure that includes high-grade gold values. Initial intercepts from the Socorro Vein were reported by the Company in 2016. The Socorro Vein remains open to the east, to the west and at depth.  Additional drilling is planned in the first half of 2017 to test for extensions to this structure and to test for additional subparallel structures.

 

The Mortero Vein, located some 2.0 kilometres west of the Socorro Vein, has been delineated over a 300-metre strike length and to a depth of approximately 300 metres. High grade silver values have been found such as in hole OLM16-066 that intersected 1,111 g/t silver over 16.4 metres at 124 metres depth, including 4,195 g/t silver over 3.4 metres at 125 metres depth.  Gold values have generally been low in this part of the system and additional drilling is required at depth to test for a potentially higher grade gold zone. The Mortero Vein is open in all directions with drilling continuing at depth and along strike both to the east and west.

 

It is unclear whether the Socorro and Mortero veins form part of the same mineralized structure.  The Company believes there is strong potential for additional structures.

 

Five additional subparallel gold-bearing structures with extensive alteration zones have been located within the Olmeca area through prospecting, and geological mapping as well as soil, rock, and hyperspectral surveys.  Drilling commenced on both the Tierra Blanca and Carmen targets in late 2016 and will continue into the first quarter of 2017.

 

Cuauhtémoc Area

 

Drilling will begin in this area shortly, initially with two drills tracing thesouthwest  extent of the Azteca-Zapoteca Zone. A gold-bearing structure has been defined over a length of approximately 2,000 metres from surface mapping.

 

Additional Target Areas

 

Approximately 45,000 metres of additional drilling is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 at the El Barqueno project, principally at the Socorro, Mortero, Tierra Blanca, Cuauhtémoc, Peña de Oro, Peña Blanca, San Diego, and El Rayoprospects and in the Tecolote-Tortuga areas, within the south area of the El Barqueno project.  Exploration expenditures in 2017 are expected to total approximately $16.8 million.

 

While it is too early to estimate the full extent of the mineral resources and the number of deposits with economic potential at El Barqueno, the Company has the experience of developing cost-efficient mining operations in Mexico and increasing their size through successful exploration as well as metallurgical innovation.  This experience will be applied as El Barqueno continues to be explored and studied.

 

Agnico Eagle believes that El Barqueno ultimately has the potential to be developed into a series of open pits utilizing heap leach and/or mill processing, similar to the Pinos Altos

 

58



 

mine.  Conceptual design studies and additional metallurgical testing are ongoing at El Barqueno.

 

Senior Management Changes

 

Tim Haldane, Senior Vice-President Operations - USA & Latin America retired in early February this year.  Tim was instrumental in the acquisition and development of the Company’s Mexican mining operations and greatly contributed to the Company’s excellent operating performance.  He will continue to serve the Company as an advisor to senior management.

 

Additional changes to Agnico Eagle’s senior management team include:

 

Marc Legault has moved into a new role as Senior Vice-President Operations -USA, Mexico & Latin America.  In this role Marc will manage Agnico Eagle’s Southern Business operations.

 

Alain Blackburn, Senior Vice-President, Exploration, will now manage the Company’s project evaluation team and work closely with the corporate development team while continuing to be responsible for the exploration group.

 

Annual General Meeting

 

Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11:00 am (E.D.T.)
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Grand Ballroom)

123 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2M9

 

About Agnico Eagle

 

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957.  Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden.  The Company and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales.  Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

 

Further Information

 

For further information regarding Agnico Eagle, contact Investor Relations at info@agnicoeagle.com or call (416) 947-1212.

 

59



 

Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance

 

This news release discloses certain measures, including “total cash costs per ounce”, “all-in sustaining costs per ounce”, “minesite costs per tonne”, “net debt” and “adjusted net income” that are not standardized measures under IFRS.  These data may not be comparable to data reported by other issuers.  For a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial information reported in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, other than adjusted net income, see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures” below.  The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is reported on both a by-product basis (deducting by-product metal revenues from production costs) and co-product basis (before by-product metal revenues).  The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis is calculated by adjusting production costs as recorded in the consolidated statements of income for by-product revenues, unsold concentrate inventory production costs, smelting, refining and marketing charges and other adjustments, and then dividing by the number of ounces of gold produced.  The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis is calculated in the same manner as the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis except that no adjustment is made for by-product metal revenues.  Accordingly, the calculation of total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis does not reflect a reduction in production costs or smelting, refining and marketing charges associated with the production and sale of by-product metals.  The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is intended to provide information about the cash-generating capabilities of the Company’s mining operations.  Management also uses these measures to monitor the performance of the Company’s mining operations.  As market prices for gold are quoted on a per ounce basis, using the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis measure allows management to assess a mine’s cash-generating capabilities at various gold prices.

 

The Company calculates all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis as the aggregate of total cash costs per ounce on a by-product basis, sustaining capital expenditures (including capitalized exploration), general and administrative expenses (including stock options) and reclamation expenses, and then dividing by the number of ounces of gold produced.  The all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis is calculated in the same manner as the all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis, except that the total cash costs per ounce on a co-product basis are used, meaning no adjustment is made for by-product metal revenues.  All-in sustaining costs per ounce is used to show the full cost of gold production from current operations.  Management is aware that these per ounce measures of performance can be affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and, in the case of total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis, by-product metal prices.  Management compensates for these inherent limitations by using these measures in conjunction with minesite costs per tonne (discussed below) as well as other data prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

Minesite costs per tonne are calculated by adjusting production costs as recorded in the consolidated statements of income for unsold concentrate inventory production costs, and then dividing by tonnes of ore processed.  As the total cash costs per ounce of gold

 

60



 

produced can be affected by fluctuations in by-product metal prices and foreign exchange rates, management believes that minesite costs per tonne provides additional information regarding the performance of mining operations, eliminating the impact of 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 of performance can be impacted by fluctuations in processing levels and compensates for this inherent limitation by using this measure in conjunction with production costs prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

Net debt is calculated by adjusting the total of the current portion of long-term debt and non-current long-term debt as recorded on the consolidated balance sheet for deferred financing costs, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.  Management uses net debt to determine the overall debt position and to evaluate future debt capacity of the Company.

 

Adjusted net income is calculated by adjusting the basic net income per share as recorded in the consolidated statements of income for foreign currency translation gains and losses, mark-to-market adjustments, non-recurring gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments.  Management uses adjusted net income to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company and to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results.  Management believes that adjusted net income is a useful measure of performance because foreign currency translation gains and losses, mark-to-market adjustments, non-recurring gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments do not reflect the underlying operating performance of the Company and may not be indicative of future operating results.

 

Management also performs sensitivity analyses in order to quantify the effects of fluctuating foreign exchange rates and metal prices.  This news release also contains information as to estimated future total cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce and minesite costs per tonne.  The estimates are based upon the total cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce and minesite costs per tonne that the Company expects to incur to mine gold at its mines and projects and, consistent with the reconciliation of these actual costs referred to above, do not include production costs attributable to accretion expense and other asset retirement costs, which will vary over time as each project is developed and mined.  It is therefore not practicable to reconcile these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure.

 

61



 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The information in this news release has been prepared as at February 15, 2017.  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 news release, the words “anticipate”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “future”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “will” 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, metal production, life of mine estimates, total cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce, minesite costs per tonne, other expenses and cash flows; the estimated timing and conclusions of technical reports and other studies; the methods by which ore will be extracted or processed; statements concerning the Company’s plans to build operations at Meliadine, Amaruq and LaRonde Zone 5, including the timing and funding thereof; statements concerning other expansion projects, recovery rates, mill throughput, optimization and projected exploration expenditures, including costs and other estimates upon which such projections are based; statements regarding timing and amounts of capital expenditures and other assumptions; estimates of future mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral production, optimization efforts and sales; estimates of mine life; estimates of future capital expenditures and other cash needs, and expectations as to the funding thereof; statements as to the projected development of certain ore deposits, including estimates of exploration, development and production and other capital costs and estimates of the timing of such exploration, development and production or decisions with respect to such exploration, development and production; estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources; statements regarding the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary permits and authorizations in connection with its exploration, development and mining operations and the anticipated timing thereof; statements regarding anticipated future exploration; the anticipated timing of events with respect to the Company’s mine sites and statements regarding the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources and other statements 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, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  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 significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  The material factors and assumptions used in the preparation of the forward looking statements contained herein, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the assumptions set forth herein and in management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) and the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”) for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with Canadian securities regulators and that are included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2015 (“Form 40-F”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as well as: that there are no significant disruptions affecting operations; that production, permitting, development and expansion at each of

 

62



 

Agnico Eagle’s properties proceeds on a basis consistent with current expectations and plans; that the relevant metal prices, foreign exchange rates and prices for key mining and construction supplies will be consistent with Agnico Eagle’s 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 mineral recovery estimates; uncertainty of future production, project development, capital expenditures and other costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; financing of additional capital requirements; cost of exploration and development programs; mining risks; community protests; risks associated with foreign operations; the unfavorable outcome of litigation involving the Partnership; governmental and environmental regulation; the volatility of the Company’s stock price; and risks associated with the Company’s currency, fuel and by-product metal derivative strategies.  For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that may affect the Company’s ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, see the AIF and MD&A filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and included in the Form 40-F filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Canadian securities regulators and the SEC.  Other than as required by law, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

 

Notes to Investors Regarding the Use of Mineral Resources

 

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources

 

This news release uses the terms “measured mineral resources” and “indicated mineral resources”.  Investors are advised that while those terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves.

 

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources

 

This news release also uses the term “inferred mineral resources”.  Investors are advised that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it.  “Inferred mineral resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility.  It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.  Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

 

63



 

Scientific and Technical Data

 

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release relating to Quebec operations has been approved by Christian Provencher, Eng., Vice-President, Canada; relating to Nunavut operations has been approved by Dominique Girard, Eng., Vice-President, Nunavut Operations; relating to the Finland operations has been approved by Francis Brunet, Eng., Corporate Director Mining; relating to Southern Business operations has been approved by Carol Plummer, Eng., Vice-President, Project Development, Southern Business; and relating to exploration has been approved by Alain Blackburn, Eng., Senior Vice-President, Exploration and Guy Gosselin, Eng. and P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration.  Each of them is a “Qualified Person” for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

The scientific and technical information relating to Agnico Eagle’s mineral reserves and mineral resources contained herein (other than the Canadian Malartic mine) has been approved by Daniel Doucet, Eng., Senior Corporate Director, Reserve Development; and relating to mineral reserves and mineral resources at the Canadian Malartic mine contained herein has been approved by Donald Gervais, P.Geo., Director of Technical Services at CMC.  Each of them is a “Qualified Person” for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

AGNICO EAGLE MINES LIMITED DETAILED MINERAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES DATA

As of December 31, 2016

 

OPERATIONS

 

MINERAL RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROVEN

 

PROBABLE

 

PROVEN & PROBABLE

 

GOLD

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Au

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Au

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Au

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

5,833

 

4.91

 

921

 

11,758

 

5.64

 

2,132

 

17,591

 

5.40

 

3,053

 

LaRonde Zone 5 (underground)

 

100

%

2,836

 

2.12

 

194

 

3,429

 

2.08

 

230

 

6,265

 

2.10

 

423

 

Canadian Malartic (open pit)

 

50

%

25,560

 

0.95

 

785

 

76,274

 

1.13

 

2,764

 

101,834

 

1.08

 

3,548

 

Goldex (underground)

 

100

%

294

 

1.47

 

14

 

16,507

 

1.64

 

872

 

16,801

 

1.64

 

886

 

Akasaba West (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

4,942

 

0.89

 

142

 

4,942

 

0.89

 

142

 

Lapa (underground)

 

100

%

259

 

4.58

 

38

 

 

 

 

259

 

4.58

 

38

 

Meadowbank (open pit)

 

100

%

1,704

 

1.75

 

96

 

6,515

 

2.94

 

615

 

8,219

 

2.69

 

711

 

Meliadine (open pit)

 

 

 

34

 

7.31

 

8

 

4,001

 

5.00

 

644

 

4,035

 

5.02

 

652

 

Meliadine (underground)

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,494

 

8.20

 

2,766

 

10,494

 

8.20

 

2,766

 

Meliadine Total

 

100

%

34

 

7.31

 

8

 

14,495

 

7.32

 

3,410

 

14,529

 

7.32

 

3,417

 

Upper Beaver (underground)

 

50

%

 

 

 

3,996

 

5.43

 

698

 

3,996

 

5.43

 

698

 

Kittila (underground)

 

100

%

1,148

 

4.19

 

155

 

28,907

 

4.65

 

4,325

 

30,055

 

4.64

 

4,479

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

 

 

180

 

0.85

 

5

 

2,525

 

2.07

 

168

 

2,705

 

1.99

 

173

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

 

 

3,331

 

2.79

 

299

 

11,364

 

2.61

 

953

 

14,696

 

2.65

 

1,251

 

Pinos Altos Total

 

100

%

3,512

 

2.69

 

304

 

13,889

 

2.51

 

1,120

 

17,401

 

2.55

 

1,424

 

Creston Mascota (open pit)

 

100

%

65

 

0.94

 

2

 

2,426

 

1.29

 

100

 

2,491

 

1.28

 

102

 

La India (open pit)

 

100

%

213

 

0.61

 

4

 

43,756

 

0.72

 

1,016

 

43,969

 

0.72

 

1,020

 

Total

 

 

 

41,458

 

1.89

 

2,520

 

226,895

 

2.39

 

17,423

 

268,353

 

2.31

 

19,943

 

 

SILVER

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Ag

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Ag

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Ag

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

5,833

 

18.31

 

3,434

 

11,758

 

19.56

 

7,393

 

17,591

 

19.14

 

10,827

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

 

 

180

 

67.77

 

393

 

2,525

 

59.81

 

4,856

 

2,705

 

60.34

 

5,249

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

 

 

3,331

 

75.26

 

8,061

 

11,364

 

67.92

 

24,817

 

14,696

 

69.59

 

32,878

 

Pinos Altos Total

 

100

%

3,512

 

74.88

 

8,454

 

13,889

 

66.45

 

29,673

 

17,401

 

68.15

 

38,127

 

Creston Mascota (open pit)

 

100

%

65

 

8.07

 

17

 

2,426

 

11.44

 

892

 

2,491

 

11.35

 

909

 

La India (open pit)

 

100

%

213

 

14.67

 

100

 

43,756

 

2.57

 

3,615

 

43,969

 

2.63

 

3,716

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

12,006

 

 

 

41,573

 

 

 

53,579

 

 

COPPER

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Cu

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Cu

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Cu

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

5,833

 

0.24

 

13,736

 

11,758

 

0.24

 

28,589

 

17,591

 

0.24

 

42,325

 

Akasaba West (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

4,942

 

0.50

 

24,851

 

4,942

 

0.50

 

24,851

 

Upper Beaver (underground)

 

50

%

 

 

 

3,996

 

0.25

 

9,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

13,736

 

 

 

63,430

 

 

 

77,166

 

 

ZINC

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Zn

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Zn

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Zn

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

5,833

 

0.41

 

23,706

 

11,758

 

1.10

 

128,864

 

17,591

 

0.87

 

152,569

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

23,706

 

 

 

128,864

 

 

 

152,569

 

 

64



 

OPERATIONS

 

MINERAL RESOURCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEASURED

 

INDICATED

 

MEASURED AND INDICATED

 

INFERRED

 

GOLD

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Au

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Au

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Au

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Au

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

5,688

 

3.27

 

598

 

5,688

 

3.27

 

598

 

7,701

 

6.68

 

1,655

 

LaRonde Zone 5 (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

8,897

 

2.49

 

712

 

8,897

 

2.49

 

712

 

2,873

 

5.28

 

488

 

Ellison (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

653

 

3.25

 

68

 

653

 

3.25

 

68

 

2,346

 

3.41

 

257

 

Canadian Malartic (open pit)

 

50

%

2,001

 

1.34

 

86

 

11,121

 

1.56

 

559

 

13,122

 

1.53

 

644

 

4,599

 

1.46

 

216

 

Odyssey (underground)

 

50

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,343

 

2.15

 

714

 

Goldex (underground)

 

100

%

12,360

 

1.86

 

739

 

17,949

 

1.80

 

1,038

 

30,309

 

1.82

 

1,777

 

21,882

 

1.60

 

1,129

 

Akasaba West (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

2,484

 

0.66

 

53

 

2,484

 

0.66

 

53

 

 

 

 

Lapa (underground)

 

100

%

85

 

5.29

 

14

 

693

 

4.09

 

91

 

778

 

4.22

 

105

 

652

 

7.55

 

158

 

Zulapa (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

391

 

3.14

 

39

 

Swanson (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

504

 

1.93

 

31

 

504

 

1.93

 

31

 

 

 

 

Meadowbank (open pit)

 

100

%

587

 

1.00

 

19

 

3,099

 

2.28

 

227

 

3,686

 

2.07

 

246

 

1,142

 

3.13

 

115

 

Amaruq (open pit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,925

 

3.88

 

2,109

 

16,925

 

3.88

 

2,109

 

4,931

 

4.81

 

763

 

Amaruq (underground)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,814

 

6.22

 

1,362

 

Amaruq Total

 

100

%

 

 

 

16,925

 

3.88

 

2,109

 

16,925

 

3.88

 

2,109

 

11,745

 

5.63

 

2,125

 

Meliadine (open pit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,867

 

4.24

 

1,072

 

7,867

 

4.24

 

1,072

 

1,054

 

5.35

 

181

 

Meliadine (underground)

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,911

 

5.38

 

2,234

 

12,911

 

5.38

 

2,234

 

13,656

 

7.68

 

3,371

 

Meliadine Total

 

100

%

 

 

 

20,778

 

4.95

 

3,306

 

20,778

 

4.95

 

3,306

 

14,710

 

7.51

 

3,552

 

Hammond Reef (open pit)

 

50

%

82,831

 

0.70

 

1,862

 

21,377

 

0.57

 

389

 

104,208

 

0.67

 

2,251

 

251

 

0.74

 

6

 

Upper Beaver (underground)

 

50

%

 

 

 

1,818

 

3.45

 

202

 

1,818

 

3.45

 

202

 

4,344

 

5.07

 

708

 

AK (underground)

 

50

%

 

 

 

634

 

6.51

 

133

 

634

 

6.51

 

133

 

1,187

 

5.32

 

203

 

Anoki/McBean (underground)

 

50

%

 

 

 

934

 

5.33

 

160

 

934

 

5.33

 

160

 

1,263

 

4.70

 

191

 

Kittila (open pit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

229

 

3.41

 

25

 

229

 

3.41

 

25

 

373

 

3.89

 

47

 

Kittila (underground)

 

 

 

1,607

 

2.45

 

127

 

18,885

 

2.95

 

1,794

 

20,492

 

2.91

 

1,920

 

10,686

 

4.06

 

1,395

 

Kittila Total

 

100

%

1,607

 

2.45

 

127

 

19,114

 

2.96

 

1,819

 

20,721

 

2.92

 

1,946

 

11,059

 

4.05

 

1,442

 

Kuotko, Finland (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

396

 

2.88

 

37

 

Kylmäkangas, Finland (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,896

 

4.11

 

250

 

Barsele, Sweden (open pit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,057

 

1.02

 

133

 

Barsele, Sweden (underground)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,887

 

2.08

 

528

 

Barsele Total

 

55

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,944

 

1.72

 

661

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

236

 

1.07

 

8

 

236

 

1.07

 

8

 

5,984

 

0.61

 

117

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,751

 

1.63

 

721

 

13,751

 

1.63

 

721

 

3,241

 

2.52

 

262

 

Pinos Altos Total

 

100

%

 

 

 

13,988

 

1.62

 

730

 

13,988

 

1.62

 

730

 

9,225

 

1.28

 

380

 

Creston Mascota (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

4,292

 

1.01

 

139

 

4,292

 

1.01

 

139

 

1,332

 

0.72

 

31

 

La India (open pit)

 

100

%

11,127

 

0.24

 

85

 

63,081

 

0.39

 

783

 

74,208

 

0.36

 

869

 

92,631

 

0.38

 

1,132

 

El Barqueno (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

8,469

 

1.11

 

301

 

8,469

 

1.11

 

301

 

7,210

 

1.56

 

362

 

Total

 

 

 

110,598

 

0.82

 

2,933

 

222,497

 

1.88

 

13,446

 

333,095

 

1.53

 

16,378

 

221,119

 

2.23

 

15,850

 

 

SILVER

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Ag

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Ag

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Ag

 

000 tonnes

 

g/t

 

000 oz Ag

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

5,688

 

20.51

 

3,751

 

5,688

 

20.51

 

3,751

 

7,701

 

14.48

 

3,584

 

Kylmäkangas, Finland (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,896

 

31.11

 

1,896

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

236

 

20.40

 

155

 

236

 

20.40

 

155

 

5,984

 

20.94

 

4,029

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,751

 

40.57

 

17,935

 

13,751

 

40.57

 

17,935

 

3,241

 

41.87

 

4,363

 

Pinos Altos Total

 

100

%

 

 

 

13,988

 

40.22

 

18,090

 

13,988

 

40.22

 

18,090

 

9,225

 

28.30

 

8,392

 

Creston Mascota (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

4,292

 

16.98

 

2,343

 

4,292

 

16.98

 

2,343

 

1,332

 

11.54

 

494

 

La India (open pit)

 

100

%

11,127

 

2.37

 

847

 

63,081

 

0.70

 

1,421

 

74,208

 

0.95

 

2,267

 

92,631

 

0.39

 

1,153

 

El Barqueno (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

8,469

 

4.35

 

1,183

 

8,469

 

4.35

 

1,183

 

7,210

 

4.50

 

1,043

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

847

 

 

 

26,787

 

 

 

27,634

 

 

 

16,561

 

 

COPPER

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Cu

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Cu

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Cu

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Cu

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

5,688

 

0.21

 

11,676

 

5,688

 

0.21

 

11,676

 

7,701

 

0.25

 

19,589

 

Akasaba West (open pit)

 

100

%

 

 

 

2,484

 

0.40

 

9,941

 

2,484

 

0.40

 

9,941

 

 

 

 

Upper Beaver (underground)

 

50

%

 

 

 

1,818

 

0.14

 

2,567

 

1,818

 

0.14

 

2,567

 

4,344

 

0.20

 

8,642

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,184

 

 

 

24,184

 

 

 

28,231

 

 

ZINC

 

OWNERSHIP

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Zn

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Zn

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Zn

 

000 tonnes

 

%

 

tonnes Zn

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

100

%

 

 

 

5,688

 

0.93

 

52,850

 

5,688

 

0.93

 

52,850

 

7,701

 

0.60

 

46,358

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,850

 

 

 

52,850

 

 

 

46,358

 

 

Mineral reserves are not a subset of mineral resources. Tonnage amounts and contained metal amounts presented in this table have been rounded to the nearest thousand, so aggregate amounts may differ from column totals.

 

Cautionary Note To U.S. Investors - The SEC permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce.  Agnico Eagle reports mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Best Practice Guidelines for Exploration and Best Practice Guidelines for Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, in accordance with NI 43-101.  These standards are similar to those used by the SEC’s Industry Guide No. 7, as interpreted by Staff at the SEC (“Guide 7”).  However, the definitions in NI 43-101 differ in certain respects from those under Guide 7.  Accordingly, mineral reserve information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies.  Under the requirements of the SEC, mineralization may not be classified as a “reserve” unless the determination has been made that the mineralization

 

65



 

could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made.  A “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to meet the requirements to designate mineral reserves under Industry Guide 7.  Agnico Eagle uses certain terms in this news release, such as “measured”, “indicated”, “inferred” and “resources” that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC.

 

In prior periods, mineral reserves for all properties were typically estimated using historic three-year average metals prices and foreign exchange rates in accordance with the SEC guidelines.  These guidelines require the use of prices that reflect current economic conditions at the time of mineral reserve determination, which the Staff of the SEC has interpreted to mean historic three-year average prices.  Given the current commodity price environment, Agnico Eagle has decided to use price assumptions that are below the three-year averages.

 

The assumptions used for the December 2016 mineral reserves estimate at all longer life mines and advanced projects reported by the Company (other than the Meliadine project, the Canadian Malartic mine and the Upper Beaver project) were $1,150 per ounce gold, $16.50 per ounce silver, $0.95 per pound zinc, $2.15 per pound copper and foreign exchange rates of C$1.20 per $1.00, 16.00 Mexican pesos per $1.00 and $1.15 per €1.00 for all mines and projects other than the Lapa and Meadowbank mines in Canada, and the Creston Mascota mine and Santo Niño pit at the Pinos Altos mine in Mexico; due to the shorter remaining mine life for the Lapa and Meadowbank mines in Canada, and the Creston Mascota mine and Santo Niño pit at the Pinos Altos mine in Mexico, the foreign exchange rates used were C$1.30 per $1.00 and 16.00 Mexican pesos per $1.00 (other assumptions unchanged).  At the Meliadine project, the same assumptions at December 2015 were used to estimate the December 2016 mineral reserves, which were $1,100 per ounce gold and an foreign exchange rate of C$1.16 per $1.00.

 

The Canadian Malartic General Partnership (the “Partnership”), owned by Agnico Eagle (50%) and Yamana Gold Inc. (“Yamana”) (50%), which owns and operates the Canadian Malartic mine, and the Canadian Malartic Corporation (“CMC”), owned by Agnico Eagle (50%) and Yamana (50%), which owns and manages the Upper Beaver project in Kirkland Lake, have estimated the December 2016 mineral reserves of the Canadian Malartic mine and the Upper Beaver project using the following assumptions: $1,200 per ounce gold; a cut-off grade at the Canadian Malartic mine between 0.33 g/t and 0.37 g/t gold (depending on the deposit); a C$125/tonne net smelter return (NSR) for the Upper Beaver project; and an foreign exchange rate of C$1.25 per $1.00.

 

NI 43-101 requires mining companies to disclose mineral reserves and mineral resources using the subcategories of “proven mineral reserves”, “probable mineral reserves”, “measured mineral resources”, “indicated mineral resources” and “inferred mineral resources”.  Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

 

A mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured and/or indicated mineral resource.  It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at pre-feasibility

 

66



 

or feasibility level as appropriate that include application of modifying factors.  Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified.  The mineral reserves presented in this news release are separate from and not a portion of the mineral resources.

 

Modifying factors are considerations used to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves.  These include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.

 

A proven mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource.  A proven mineral reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the modifying factors.  A probable mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some circumstances, a measured mineral resource.  The confidence in the modifying factors applying to a probable mineral reserve is lower than that applying to a proven mineral reserve.

 

A mineral resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.  The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.

 

A measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of modifying factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.  Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.  An indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.  Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.  An inferred mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling.  Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.

 

Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

 

A feasibility study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of applicable modifying factors, together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate, at the time of

 

67



 

reporting, that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable).  The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project.  The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a pre-feasibility study.

 

Additional Information

 

Additional information about each of the mineral projects that is required by NI 43-101, sections 3.2 and 3.3 and paragraphs 3.4(a), (c) and (d) can be found in Technical Reports, which may be found at www.sedar.com.  Other important operating information can be found in the Company’s AIF, MD&A and Form 40-F.

 

Property/Project name
and location

 

Date of most recent
Technical Report (NI
43-101) filed on
SEDAR

LaRonde, Bousquet &

 

March 23, 2005

Ellison, Quebec, Canada

 

 

Canadian Malartic, Quebec, Canada

 

June 16, 2014

Kittila, Kuotko and

 

March 4, 2010

Kylmakangas, Finland

 

 

Meadowbank, Nunavut, Canada

 

February 15, 2012

Goldex, Quebec, Canada

 

October 14, 2012

Lapa, Quebec, Canada

 

June 8, 2006

Meliadine, Nunavut, Canada

 

February 11, 2015

Hammond Reef, Ontario, Canada

 

July 2, 2013

Upper Beaver (Kirkland Lake property), Ontario, Canada

 

November 5, 2012

Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota, Mexico

 

March 25, 2009

La India, Mexico

 

August 31, 2012

 

68



 

AGNICO EAGLE MINES LIMITED

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

(thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating margin(i) by mine:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

$

44,058

 

$

50,667

 

$

208,684

 

$

145,924

 

Lapa mine

 

3,762

 

12,363

 

39,186

 

52,214

 

Goldex mine

 

13,506

 

17,108

 

86,420

 

72,567

 

Meadowbank mine

 

50,807

 

64,664

 

165,060

 

216,334

 

Canadian Malartic mine(ii)

 

40,430

 

38,059

 

188,285

 

161,807

 

Kittila mine

 

27,596

 

15,174

 

110,475

 

80,262

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

34,909

 

29,327

 

179,820

 

145,734

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

6,470

 

9,919

 

35,626

 

40,194

 

La India mine

 

22,560

 

15,832

 

92,784

 

75,101

 

Total operating margin(i)

 

244,098

 

253,113

 

1,106,340

 

990,137

 

Gain on impairment reversal

 

(120,161

)

 

(120,161

)

 

Amortization of property, plant and mine development

 

151,399

 

157,129

 

613,160

 

608,609

 

Exploration, corporate and other

 

97,447

 

76,963

 

344,880

 

298,900

 

Income before income and mining taxes

 

115,413

 

19,021

 

268,461

 

82,628

 

Income and mining taxes

 

52,759

 

34,558

 

109,637

 

58,045

 

Net income (loss) for the period

 

$

62,654

 

$

(15,537

)

$

158,824

 

$

24,583

 

Net income (loss) per share — basic (US$)

 

$

0.28

 

$

(0.07

)

$

0.71

 

$

0.11

 

Net income (loss) per share — diluted (US$)

 

$

0.28

 

$

(0.07

)

$

0.70

 

$

0.11

 

Cash flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

120,601

 

$

140,747

 

$

778,617

 

$

616,238

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

$

(180,543

)

$

(115,786

)

$

(553,490

)

$

(374,519

)

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

$

(19,360

)

$

(100,460

)

$

190,386

 

$

(280,760

)

Realized prices (US$):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold (per ounce)

 

$

1,196

 

$

1,094

 

$

1,249

 

$

1,156

 

Silver (per ounce)

 

$

16.76

 

$

14.56

 

$

17.28

 

$

15.63

 

Zinc (per tonne)

 

$

2,346

 

$

1,602

 

$

2,047

 

$

1,875

 

Copper (per tonne)

 

$

5,578

 

$

4,568

 

$

4,827

 

$

5,023

 

Payable production(iii):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold (ounces):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

83,508

 

73,161

 

305,788

 

267,921

 

Lapa mine

 

14,065

 

19,929

 

73,930

 

90,967

 

Goldex mine

 

24,170

 

27,646

 

120,704

 

115,426

 

Meadowbank mine

 

94,770

 

102,580

 

312,214

 

381,804

 

Canadian Malartic mine(ii)

 

69,971

 

72,872

 

292,514

 

285,809

 

Kittila mine

 

53,337

 

44,279

 

202,508

 

177,374

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

46,685

 

44,496

 

192,772

 

192,974

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

11,213

 

13,933

 

47,296

 

54,703

 

La India mine

 

28,714

 

23,432

 

115,162

 

104,362

 

Total gold (ounces)

 

426,433

 

422,328

 

1,662,888

 

1,671,340

 

Silver (thousands of ounces):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

272

 

296

 

988

 

916

 

Lapa mine

 

1

 

1

 

5

 

4

 

Goldex mine

 

 

 

1

 

 

Meadowbank mine

 

54

 

29

 

221

 

221

 

Canadian Malartic mine(ii)

 

80

 

83

 

340

 

300

 

Kittila mine

 

3

 

4

 

12

 

11

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

642

 

640

 

2,505

 

2,384

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

49

 

50

 

201

 

159

 

La India mine

 

138

 

55

 

486

 

263

 

Total silver (thousands of ounces)

 

1,239

 

1,158

 

4,759

 

4,258

 

Zinc (tonnes)

 

1,745

 

999

 

4,687

 

3,501

 

Copper (tonnes)

 

944

 

1,335

 

4,416

 

4,941

 

 

69



 

Payable metal sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold (ounces):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

67,803

 

65,067

 

293,161

 

254,529

 

Lapa mine

 

14,621

 

23,278

 

74,219

 

90,877

 

Goldex mine

 

24,059

 

27,875

 

119,894

 

116,092

 

Meadowbank mine

 

85,318

 

103,667

 

305,638

 

385,757

 

Canadian Malartic mine(ii)(iv)

 

67,900

 

71,982

 

278,194

 

271,416

 

Kittila mine

 

51,687

 

43,499

 

202,702

 

178,936

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

43,410

 

41,418

 

199,462

 

186,580

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

11,695

 

14,997

 

48,312

 

55,844

 

La India mine

 

29,320

 

25,366

 

109,283

 

105,050

 

Total gold (ounces)

 

395,813

 

417,149

 

1,630,865

 

1,645,081

 

Silver (thousands of ounces):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

257

 

308

 

981

 

958

 

Lapa mine

 

1

 

 

2

 

 

Goldex mine

 

 

 

1

 

 

Meadowbank mine

 

59

 

32

 

222

 

225

 

Canadian Malartic mine(ii)(iv)

 

76

 

98

 

312

 

285

 

Kittila mine

 

3

 

3

 

11

 

10

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

598

 

607

 

2,587

 

2,289

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

59

 

49

 

193

 

156

 

La India mine

 

151

 

56

 

452

 

261

 

Total silver (thousands of ounces)

 

1,204

 

1,153

 

4,761

 

4,184

 

Zinc (tonnes)

 

902

 

949

 

3,554

 

3,596

 

Copper (tonnes)

 

1,001

 

1,354

 

4,522

 

4,947

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced - co-product basis (US$)(v):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

$

589

 

$

668

 

$

668

 

$

760

 

Lapa mine

 

935

 

622

 

732

 

591

 

Goldex mine

 

657

 

513

 

532

 

538

 

Meadowbank mine

 

589

 

530

 

727

 

623

 

Canadian Malartic mine(ii)

 

655

 

623

 

626

 

613

 

Kittila mine

 

665

 

748

 

700

 

710

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

616

 

623

 

585

 

578

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

708

 

496

 

588

 

474

 

La India mine

 

515

 

518

 

468

 

475

 

Weighted average total cash costs per ounce of gold produced

 

$

626

 

$

604

 

$

643

 

$

626

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced - by-product basis (US$)(v):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

$

405

 

$

510

 

$

501

 

$

590

 

Lapa mine

 

935

 

620

 

732

 

590

 

Goldex mine

 

657

 

513

 

532

 

538

 

Meadowbank mine

 

579

 

526

 

715

 

613

 

Canadian Malartic mine(ii)

 

634

 

606

 

606

 

596

 

Kittila mine

 

664

 

747

 

699

 

709

 

Southern Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

390

 

417

 

356

 

387

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

649

 

445

 

516

 

430

 

La India mine

 

437

 

485

 

395

 

436

 

Weighted average total cash costs per ounce of gold produced

 

$

552

 

$

547

 

$

573

 

$

567

 

 


Notes:

 

(i)             Operating margin is calculated as revenues from mining operations less production costs.

 

(ii)          On June 16, 2014, Agnico Eagle and Yamana jointly acquired 100.0% of Osisko by way of a statutory plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”). As a result of the Arrangement, Agnico Eagle and Yamana each indirectly own 50.0% of CMC and the Partnership, which now holds the Canadian Malartic mine. The information set out in this table reflects the Company’s 50.0% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine.

 

70



 

(iii)       Payable production (a non-GAAP non-financial performance measure) is the quantity of mineral produced during a period contained in products that are or will be sold by the Company, whether such products are sold during the period or held as inventories at the end of the period.

 

(iv)      The Canadian Malartic mine’s payable metal sold excludes the 5.0% net smelter royalty transferred to Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd., pursuant to the Arrangement.

 

(v)         Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is not a recognized measure under IFRS and this data may not be comparable to data reported by other gold producers. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is reported on both a by-product basis (deducting by-product metal revenues from production costs) and co-product basis (before by-product metal revenues). Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis is calculated by adjusting production costs as recorded in theconsolidated statements of income (loss) for by-product metal revenues, unsold concentrate inventory production costs, smelting, refining and marketing charges and other adjustments, and then dividing by the number of ounces of gold produced. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis is calculated in the same manner as total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis except that no adjustment for by-product metal revenues is made. The calculation of total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis does not reflect a reduction in production costs or smelting, refining and marketing charges associated with the production and sale of by-product metals. The Company believes that these generally accepted industry measures provide a realistic indication of operating performance and provide useful comparison points between periods. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is intended to provide information about the cash generating capabilities of the Company’s mining operations. Management also uses these measures to monitor the performance of the Company’s mining operations. As market prices for gold are quoted on a per ounce basis, using the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis measure allows management to assess a mine’s cash generating capabilities at various gold prices. Management is aware that these per ounce measures of performance can be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the case of total cash costs of gold produced on a by-product basis, by-product metal prices. Management compensates for these inherent limitations by using these measures in conjunction with minesite costs per tonne as well as other data prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management also performs sensitivity analyses in order to quantify the effects of fluctuating metal prices and exchange rates.

 

71



 

AGNICO EAGLE MINES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts, IFRS basis)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

As at December 31,
2016

 

As at December 31,
2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

539,974

 

$

124,150

 

Short-term investments

 

8,424

 

7,444

 

Restricted cash

 

398

 

685

 

Trade receivables

 

8,185

 

7,714

 

Inventories

 

443,714

 

461,976

 

Income taxes recoverable

 

 

817

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

92,310

 

31,863

 

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

 

364

 

87

 

Other current assets

 

136,810

 

194,689

 

Total current assets

 

1,230,179

 

829,425

 

Non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

764

 

741

 

Goodwill

 

696,809

 

696,809

 

Property, plant and mine development

 

5,106,036

 

5,088,967

 

Other assets

 

74,163

 

67,238

 

Total assets

 

$

7,107,951

 

$

6,683,180

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

228,566

 

$

243,786

 

Reclamation provision

 

9,193

 

6,245

 

Interest payable

 

14,242

 

14,526

 

Income taxes payable

 

35,070

 

14,852

 

Finance lease obligations

 

5,535

 

9,589

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

129,896

 

14,451

 

Fair value of derivative financial instruments

 

1,120

 

8,073

 

Total current liabilities

 

423,622

 

311,522

 

Non-current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,072,790

 

1,118,187

 

Reclamation provision

 

265,308

 

276,299

 

Deferred income and mining tax liabilities

 

819,562

 

802,114

 

Other liabilities

 

34,195

 

34,038

 

Total liabilities

 

2,615,477

 

2,542,160

 

EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding — 225,465,654 common shares issued, less 500,514 shares held in trust

 

4,987,694

 

4,707,940

 

Stock options

 

179,852

 

216,232

 

Contributed surplus

 

37,254

 

37,254

 

Deficit

 

(744,453

)

(823,734

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

32,127

 

3,328

 

Total equity

 

4,492,474

 

4,141,020

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

7,107,951

 

$

6,683,180

 

 

72



 

AGNICO EAGLE MINES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(thousands of United States dollars, IFRS basis, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from mining operations

 

$

499,210

 

$

482,932

 

$

2,138,232

 

$

1,985,432

 

COSTS, EXPENSES AND OTHER INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Productional(i)

 

255,112

 

229,819

 

1,031,892

 

995,295

 

Exploration and corporate development

 

35,846

 

26,001

 

146,978

 

110,353

 

Amortization of property, plant and mine development

 

151,399

 

157,129

 

613,160

 

608,609

 

General and administrative

 

32,147

 

22,505

 

102,781

 

96,973

 

Impairment loss on available-for-sale securities

 

 

3,929

 

 

12,035

 

Finance costs

 

19,795

 

17,887

 

74,641

 

75,228

 

(Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments

 

(9

)

3,318

 

(9,468

)

19,608

 

Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities

 

 

(1

)

(3,500

)

(24,600

)

Environmental remediation

 

(1,597

)

1,666

 

4,058

 

2,003

 

Gain on impairment reversal

 

(120,161

)

 

(120,161

)

 

Foreign currency translation (gain) loss

 

(1,661

)

1,281

 

13,157

 

(4,728

)

Other expenses

 

12,926

 

377

 

16,233

 

12,028

 

Income before income and mining taxes

 

115,413

 

19,021

 

268,461

 

82,628

 

Income and mining taxes expense

 

52,759

 

34,558

 

109,637

 

58,045

 

Net income (loss) for the period

 

$

62,654

 

$

(15,537

)

$

158,824

 

$

24,583

 

Net income (loss) per share -basic

 

$

0.28

 

$

(0.07

)

$

0.71

 

$

0.11

 

Net income (loss) per share - diluted

 

$

0.28

 

$

(0.07

)

$

0.70

 

$

0.11

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

224,785

 

217,484

 

222,737

 

216,168

 

Diluted

 

227,444

 

217,484

 

225,754

 

217,101

 

 


Note:

(i) Exclusive of amortization, which is shown separately.

 

73



 

AGNICO EAGLE MINES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(thousands of United States dollars, IFRS basis)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31.

 

Year Ended
December 31,

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

 

2016

 

2015

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for the period

 

$

 62,654

 

$

 (15,537

)

$

 158,824

 

$

 24,583

 

Add (deduct) items not affecting cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of property, plant and mine development

 

151,399

 

157,129

 

613,160

 

608,609

 

Deferred income and mining taxes

 

9,678

 

(36,853

)

7,609

 

6,550

 

Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities

 

 

(1

)

(3,500

)

(24,600

)

Stock-based compensation

 

8,731

 

7,045

 

33,804

 

35,822

 

Impairment loss on available-for-sale securities

 

 

3,929

 

 

12,035

 

Gain on impairment reversal

 

(120,161

)

 

(120,161

)

 

Foreign currency translation (gain) loss

 

(1,661

)

1,281

 

13,157

 

(4,728

)

Other

 

10,413

 

(3,862

)

14,012

 

3,145

 

Adjustment for settlement of reclamation provision

 

(788

)

(533

)

(2,719

)

(1385

)

Changes in non-cash working capital balances:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

(286

)

(1,815

)

(471

)

52,019

 

Income taxes

 

26,433

 

64,315

 

28,082

 

(2,333

)

Inventories

 

(12

)

8,928

 

20,355

 

(40,547

)

Other current assets

 

32,583

 

(25,322

)

53,009

 

(74,106

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(46,950

)

(11,348

)

(35,408

)

20,464

 

Interest payable

 

(11,432

)

(6,609

)

(1,136

)

710

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

120,601

 

140,747

 

778,617

 

616,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and mine development

 

(166,567

)

(132,958

)

(516,050

)

(449,758

)

Acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

 

 

 

(12,434

)

(12,983

)

Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments

 

378

 

(1,300

)

(980

)

(2,823

)

Net proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities and other investments

 

 

40

 

9,461

 

61,075

 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities and other investments

 

(14,408

)

(382

)

(33,774

)

(19,815

)

Decrease in restricted cash

 

54

 

18,814

 

287

 

49,785

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

(180,543

)

(115,786

)

(553,490

)

(374,519

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(20,281

)

(14,940

)

(71,375

)

(59,512

)

Repayment of finance lease obligations

 

(2,375

)

(6,122

)

(10,004

)

(23,657

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

111,000

 

125,000

 

436,000

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

 

(196,000

)

(405,374

)

(697,086

)

Notes issuance

 

 

 

350,000

 

50,000

 

Long-term debt financing

 

(920

)

(196

)

(3,415

)

(1,689

)

Repurchase of common shares for stock-based compensation plans

 

(34

)

 

(15,576

)

(11,899

)

Proceeds on exercise of stock options

 

1,552

 

3,662

 

192,103

 

17,672

 

Common shares issued

 

2,698

 

2,136

 

29,027

 

9,411

 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(19,360

)

(100,460

)

190,386

 

(280,760

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

715

 

(2,315

)

311

 

(14,346

)

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

 

(78,587

)

(77,814

)

415,824

 

(53,387

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

618,561

 

201,964

 

124,150

 

177,537

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

 539,974

 

$

 124,150

 

$

 539,974

 

$

 124,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

 31,353

 

$

 23,158

 

$

 71,401

 

$

 69,414

 

Income and mining taxes paid

 

$

 20,681

 

$

33,756

 

$

 105,184

 

$

 81,112

 

 

74



 

AGNICO EAGLE MINES LIMITED
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES

(thousands of United States dollars, except where noted)
(Unaudited)

 

Total Production Costs by Mine

(thousands of United States dollars)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaRonde mine

 

$

44,056

 

$

32,041

 

$

179,496

 

$

172,283

 

Lapa mine

 

13,233

 

12,652

 

52,974

 

52,571

 

Goldex mine

 

15,284

 

13,378

 

63,310

 

61,278

 

Meadowbank mine

 

52,246

 

49,177

 

218,963

 

230,564

 

Canadian Malartic mine(i)

 

46,930

 

46,093

 

183,635

 

171,473

 

Kittila mine

 

34,352

 

32,203

 

141,871

 

126,095

 

Pinos Altos mine

 

26,450

 

24,351

 

114,557

 

105,175

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

7,923

 

7,070

 

27,341

 

26,278

 

La India mine

 

14,638

 

12,854

 

49,745

 

49,578

 

Production costs per the consolidated statements of income (loss)

 

$

255,112

 

$

229,819

 

$

1,031,892

 

$

995,295

 

 

Reconciliation of Production Costs to Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii) by Mine and Reconciliation of Production Costs to Per Tonne Metrics(iii) by Mine

(thousands of United States dollars, except as noted)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

LaRonde Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

83,508

 

 

 

73,161

 

 

 

305,788

 

 

 

267,921

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

44,056

 

$

528

 

$

32,041

 

$

438

 

$

179,496

 

$

587

 

$

172,283

 

$

643

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

5,171

 

61

 

16,847

 

230

 

24,914

 

81

 

31,417

 

117

 

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

49,227

 

$

589

 

$

48,888

 

$

668

 

$

204,410

 

$

668

 

$

203,700

 

$

760

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(15,403

)

(184

)

(11,553

)

(158

)

(51,136

)

(167

)

(45,678

)

(170

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

33,824

 

$

405

 

$

37,335

 

$

510

 

$

153,274

 

$

501

 

$

158,022

 

$

590

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

LaRonde Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

572

 

 

 

563

 

 

 

2,240

 

 

 

2,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

44,056

 

$

77

 

$

32,041

 

$

57

 

$

179,496

 

$

80

 

$

172,283

 

$

77

 

Production costs (C$)

 

C$

57,302

 

C$

100

 

C$

49,807

 

C$

88

 

C$

237,934

 

C$

106

 

C$

218,649

 

C$

98

 

Inventory and other adjustments (C$)(v )

 

(517

)

(1

)

3,312

 

6

 

(1,447

)

 

4,150

 

1

 

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

C$

56,785

 

C$

99

 

C$

53,119

 

C$

94

 

C$

236,487

 

C$

106

 

C$

222,799

 

C$

99

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Lapa Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

14,065

 

 

 

19,929

 

 

 

73,930

 

 

 

90,967

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

13,233

 

$

941

 

$

12,652

 

$

635

 

$

52,974

 

$

717

 

$

52,571

 

$

578

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

(82

)

(6

)

(247

)

(13

)

1,173

 

15

 

1,161

 

13

 

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

13,151

 

$

935

 

$

12,405

 

$

622

 

$

54,147

 

$

732

 

$

53,732

 

$

591

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(6

)

 

(42

)

(2

)

(28

)

 

(62

)

(1

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

13,145

 

$

935

 

$

12,363

 

$

620

 

$

54,119

 

$

732

 

$

53,670

 

$

590

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Lapa Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

130

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

593

 

 

 

560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

13,233

 

$

102

 

$

12,652

 

$

93

 

$

52,974

 

$

89

 

$

52,571

 

$

94

 

Production costs (C$)

 

C$

17,335

 

C$

133

 

C$

16,707

 

C$

123

 

C$

69,941

 

C$

118

 

C$

66,396

 

C$

119

 

Inventory and other adjustments (C$)(v )

 

 

198

 

 

2

 

 

(1,631

)

 

(12

)

 

1,580

 

 

3

 

 

(710

)

 

(2

)

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

C$

17,533

 

C$

135

 

C$

15,076

 

C$

111

 

C$

71,521

 

C$

121

 

C$

65,686

 

C$

117

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Goldex Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

24,170

 

 

 

27,646

 

 

 

120,704

 

 

 

115,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

15,284

 

$

632

 

$

13,378

 

$

484

 

$

63,310

 

$

525

 

$

61,278

 

$

531

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

598

 

25

 

812

 

29

 

912

 

7

 

878

 

7

 

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

15,882

 

$

657

 

$

14,190

 

$

513

 

$

64,222

 

$

532

 

$

62,156

 

$

538

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(5

)

 

(8

)

 

(26

)

 

(23

)

 

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

15,877

 

$

657

 

$

14,182

 

$

513

 

$

64,196

 

$

532

 

$

62,133

 

$

538

 

 

75



 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Goldex Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

580

 

 

 

572

 

 

 

2,545

 

 

 

2,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

15,284

 

$

26

 

$

13,378

 

$

23

 

$

63,310

 

$

25

 

$

61,278

 

$

26

 

Production costs (C$)

 

C$

20,379

 

C$

35

 

C$

17,802

 

C$

31

 

C$

83,835

 

C$

33

 

C$

77,589

 

C$

34

 

Inventory and other adjustments (C$)(v )

 

 

896

 

 

2

 

 

(197

)

 

 

 

1,231

 

 

 

 

(1,181

)

 

(1

)

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

C$

21,275

 

C$

37

 

C$

17,605

 

C$

31

 

C$

85,066

 

C$

33

 

C$

76,408

 

C$

33

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Meadowbank Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

94,770

 

 

 

102,580

 

 

 

312,214

 

 

 

381,804

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

52,246

 

$

551

 

$

49,177

 

$

479

 

$

218,963

 

$

701

 

$

230,564

 

$

604

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

3,608

 

38

 

5,194

 

51

 

8,105

 

26

 

7,282

 

19

 

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

55,854

 

$

589

 

$

54,371

 

$

530

 

$

227,068

 

$

727

 

$

237,846

 

$

623

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(1,021

)

(10

)

(455

)

(4

)

(3,837

)

(12

)

(3,665

)

(10

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

54,833

 

$

579

 

$

53,916

 

$

526

 

$

223,231

 

$

715

 

$

234,181

 

$

613

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Meadowbank Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

1,015

 

 

 

1,028

 

 

 

3,915

 

 

 

4,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

52,246

 

$

51

 

$

49,177

 

$

48

 

$

218,963

 

$

56

 

$

230,564

 

$

57

 

Production costs (C$)

 

C$

67,309

 

C$

66

 

C$

64,289

 

C$

63

 

C$

284,748

 

C$

73

 

C$

285,023

 

C$

71

 

Inventory and other adjustments (C$)(v )

 

5,371

 

6

 

 

(775

)

 

(1

)

 

5,681

 

 

1

 

 

(4,073

)

 

(1

)

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

C$

72,680

 

C$

72

 

C$

63,514

 

C$

62

 

C$

290,429

 

C$

74

 

C$

280,950

 

C$

70

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Canadian Malartic Mine(i)

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

69,971

 

 

 

72,872

 

 

 

292,514

 

 

 

285,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

46,930

 

$

671

 

$

46,093

 

$

633

 

$

183,635

 

$

628

 

$

171,473

 

$

600

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

(1,116

)

(16

)

(705

)

(10

)

(553

)

(2

)

3,630

 

13

 

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

45,814

 

$

655

 

$

45,388

 

$

623

 

$

183,082

 

$

626

 

$

175,103

 

$

613

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(1,468

)

(21

)

(1,236

)

(17

)

(5,821

)

(20

)

(4,689

)

(17

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

44,346

 

$

634

 

$

44,152

 

$

606

 

$

177,261

 

$

606

 

$

170,414

 

$

596

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Canadian Malartic Mine(i)

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

2,433

 

 

 

2,428

 

 

 

9,821

 

 

 

9,545

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

46,930

 

$

19

 

$

46,093

 

$

19

 

$

183,635

 

$

19

 

$

171,473

 

$

18

 

Production costs (C$)

 

C$

66,395

 

C$

27

 

C$

61,602

 

C$

25

 

C$

244,333

 

C$

25

 

C$

219,346

 

C$

23

 

Inventory and other adjustments (C$)(v )

 

 

(5,747

)

 

(2

)

 

(2,024

)

 

 

 

(3,399

)

 

 

 

368

 

 

 

Minesite operating costs (C$)

 

C$

60,648

 

C$

25

 

C$

59,578

 

C$

25

 

C$

240,934

 

C$

25

 

C$

219,714

 

C$

23

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Kittila Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

53,337

 

 

 

44,279

 

 

 

202,508

 

 

 

177,374

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

34,352

 

$

644

 

$

32,203

 

$

727

 

$

141,871

 

$

701

 

$

126,095

 

$

711

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

1,101

 

21

 

901

 

21

 

(26

)

(1

)

(187

)

(1

)

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

35,453

 

$

665

 

$

33,104

 

$

748

 

$

141,845

 

$

700

 

$

125,908

 

$

710

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(59

)

(1

)

(39

)

(1

)

(200

)

(1

)

(155

)

(1

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

35,394

 

$

664

 

$

33,065

 

$

747

 

$

141,645

 

$

699

 

$

125,753

 

$

709

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Kittila Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore milled (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

401

 

 

 

377

 

 

 

1,667

 

 

 

1,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

34,352

 

$

86

 

$

32,203

 

$

85

 

$

141,871

 

$

85

 

$

126,095

 

$

86

 

Production costs (€)

 

32,221

 

80

 

29,176

 

77

 

128,599

 

77

 

112,285

 

77

 

Inventory and other adjustments (€)(v )

 

1,011

 

3

 

984

 

3

 

(505

)

 

(956

)

(1

)

Minesite operating costs (€)

 

33,232

 

83

 

30,160

 

80

 

128,094

 

77

 

111,329

 

76

 

 

76



 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Pinos Altos Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

46,685

 

 

 

44,496

 

 

 

192,772

 

 

 

192,974

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

26,450

 

$

567

 

$

24,351

 

$

547

 

$

114,557

 

$

594

 

$

105,175

 

$

545

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

2,285

 

49

 

3,374

 

76

 

(1,840

)

(9

)

6,458

 

33

 

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

28,735

 

$

616

 

$

27,725

 

$

623

 

$

112,717

 

$

585

 

$

111,633

 

$

578

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(10,532

)

(226

)

(9,188

)

(206

)

(44,118

)

(229

)

(37,030

)

(191

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

18,203

 

$

390

 

$

18,537

 

$

417

 

$

68,599

 

$

356

 

$

74,603

 

$

387

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Pinos Altos Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

556

 

 

 

600

 

 

 

2,260

 

 

 

2,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

26,450

 

$

48

 

$

24,351

 

$

41

 

$

114,557

 

$

51

 

$

105,175

 

$

44

 

Inventory and other adjustments(v )

 

1,728

 

3

 

2,031

 

3

 

(3,698

)

(2

)

2,481

 

1

 

Minesite operating costs

 

$

28,178

 

$

51

 

$

26,382

 

$

44

 

$

110,859

 

$

49

 

$

107,656

 

$

45

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

11,213

 

 

 

13,933

 

 

 

47,296

 

 

 

54,703

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

7,923

 

$

707

 

$

7,070

 

$

507

 

$

27,341

 

$

578

 

$

26,278

 

$

480

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

15

 

1

 

(156

)

(11

)

472

 

10

 

(328

)

(6

)

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

7,938

 

$

708

 

$

6,914

 

$

496

 

$

27,813

 

$

588

 

$

25,950

 

$

474

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(657

)

(59

)

(720

)

(51

)

(3,426

)

(72

)

(2,412

)

(44

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

7,281

 

$

649

 

$

6,194

 

$

445

 

$

24,387

 

$

516

 

$

23,538

 

$

430

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Creston Mascota deposit at Pinos Altos

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

524

 

 

 

529

 

 

 

2,119

 

 

 

2,099

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

7,923

 

$

15

 

$

7,070

 

$

13

 

$

27,341

 

$

13

 

$

26,278

 

$

13

 

Inventory and other adjustments(v )

 

(191

)

 

(328

)

 

(77

)

 

(757

)

(1

)

Minesite operating costs

 

$

7,732

 

$

15

 

$

6,742

 

$

13

 

$

27,264

 

$

13

 

$

25,521

 

$

12

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

La India Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Ounce of Gold Produced Metrics(ii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per ounce )

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

 

 

28,714

 

 

 

23,432

 

 

 

115,162

 

 

 

104,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

14,638

 

$

510

 

$

12,854

 

$

549

 

$

49,745

 

$

432

 

$

49,578

 

$

475

 

Inventory and other adjustments(iv )

 

142

 

5

 

(725

)

(31

)

4,189

 

36

 

(28

)

 

Cash operating costs (co-product basis)

 

$

14,780

 

$

515

 

$

12,129

 

$

518

 

$

53,934

 

$

468

 

$

49,550

 

$

475

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(2,224

)

(78

)

(772

)

(33

)

(8,453

)

(73

)

(4,058

)

(39

)

Cash operating costs (by-product basis)

 

$

12,556

 

$

437

 

$

11,357

 

$

485

 

$

45,481

 

$

395

 

$

45,492

 

$

436

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

La India Mine

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Per Tonne Metrics(iii)

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

(thousands)

 

($ per tonne )

 

Tonnes of ore processed (thousands of tonnes)

 

 

 

1,540

 

 

 

1,439

 

 

 

5,837

 

 

 

5,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs

 

$

14,638

 

$

10

 

$

12,854

 

$

9

 

$

49,745

 

$

9

 

$

49,578

 

$

9

 

Inventory and other adjustments(v )

 

(231

)

(1

)

(859

)

(1

)

2,909

 

 

(657

)

 

Minesite operating costs

 

$

14,407

 

$

9

 

$

11,995

 

$

8

 

$

52,654

 

$

9

 

$

48,921

 

$

9

 

 


Notes:

(i)             On June 16, 2014, Agnico Eagle and Yamana jointly acquired 100.0% of Osisko by way of the Arrangement. As a result of the Arrangement, Agnico Eagle and Yamana each indirectly own 50.0% of CMC and the Partnership, which now holds the Canadian Malartic mine. The information set out in this table reflects the Company’s 50.0% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine.

 

(ii)          Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is not a recognized measure under IFRS and this data may not be comparable to data reported by other gold producers. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is reported on both a by-product basis (deducting by-product metal revenues from production costs) and co-product basis (before by-product metal revenues). Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis is calculated by adjusting production costs as recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) for by-product metal revenues, unsold concentrate inventory production costs, smelting, refining and marketing charges and other adjustments, and then dividing by the number of ounces of gold produced. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis is calculated in the same manner as total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis except that no adjustment for by-product metal revenues is made. The calculation of total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis does not reflect a reduction in production costs or smelting, refining and marketing charges associated with the production and sale of by-product metals. The Company believes that these generally accepted industry measures provide a realistic indication of operating performance and

 

77



 

provide useful comparison points between periods. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is intended to provide information about the cash generating capabilities of the Company’s mining operations. Management also uses these measures to monitor the performance of the Company’s mining operations. As market prices for gold are quoted on a per ounce basis, using the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis measure allows management to assess a mine’s cash generating capabilities at various gold prices. Management is aware that these per ounce measures of performance can be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the case of total cash costs of gold produced on a by-product basis, by-product metal prices. Management compensates for these inherent limitations by using these measures in conjunction with minesite costs per tonne (discussed below) as well as other data prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management also performs sensitivity analyses in order to quantify the effects of fluctuating metal prices and exchange rates.

 

(iii)       Minesite costs per tonne is not a recognized measure under IFRS and this data may not be comparable to data reported by other gold producers. This measure is calculated by adjusting production costs as shown in the consolidated statements of income (loss) for unsold concentrate inventory production costs, and then dividing by tonnes of ore milled. As the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced measure can be affected by fluctuations in by-product metal prices and exchange rates, management believes that the minesite costs per tonne measure provides additional information regarding the performance of mining operations, eliminating the impact of 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 of performance can be impacted by fluctuations in processing levels and compensates for this inherent limitation by using this measure in conjunction with production costs prepared in accordance with IFRS.

 

(iv)      Under the Company’s revenue recognition policy, revenue is recognized on concentrates when legal title and risk is transferred. As total cash costs per ounce of gold produced are calculated on a production basis, an inventory adjustment is made to reflect the sales margin on the portion of concentrate production not yet recognized as revenue. Other adjustments include the addition of smelting, refining and marketing charges to production costs.

 

(v)         This inventory and other adjustment reflects production costs associated with unsold concentrates.

Reconciliation of Production Costs to All-in Sustaining Costs per Ounce of Gold Produced

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Year Ended

 

Year Ended

 

(United States dollars per ounce of gold produced, except where noted)

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Production costs per the consolidated statements of income (loss) (thousands of United States dollars)

 

$

255,112

 

$

229,819

 

$

1,031,892

 

$

995,295

 

Gold production (ounces)

 

426,433

 

422,328

 

1,662,888

 

1,671,340

 

Production costs per ounce of gold production

 

$

598

 

$

544

 

$

621

 

$

596

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory and other adjustments(i)

 

28

 

60

 

22

 

30

 

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced (co-product basis)(ii)

 

$

626

 

$

604

 

$

643

 

$

626

 

By-product metal revenues

 

(74

)

(57

)

(70

)

(59

)

Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced (by-product basis)(ii)

 

$

552

 

$

547

 

$

573

 

$

567

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustaining capital expenditures (including capitalized exploration)

 

203

 

214

 

187

 

183

 

General and administrative expenses (including stock options)

 

75

 

53

 

62

 

58

 

Non-cash reclamation provision and other

 

2

 

3

 

2

 

2

 

All-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced (by-product basis)

 

$

832

 

$

817

 

$

824

 

$

810

 

By-product metal revenues

 

74

 

57

 

70

 

59

 

All-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced (co-product basis)

 

$

906

 

$

874

 

$

894

 

$

869

 

 


Notes:

(i)                                     Under the Company’s revenue recognition policy, revenue is recognized on concentrates when legal title and risk is transferred. As total cash costs per ounce of gold produced are calculated on a production basis, this inventory adjustment reflects the sales margin on the portion of concentrate production not yet recognized as revenue.

 

(ii)                                  Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is not a recognized measure under IFRS and this data may not be comparable to data reported by other gold producers. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is reported on both a by-product basis (deducting by-product metal revenues from production costs) and co-product basis (before by-product metal revenues). Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis is calculated by adjusting production costs as recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) for by-product metal revenues, unsold concentrate inventory production costs, smelting, refining and marketing charges and other adjustments, and then dividing by the number of ounces of gold produced. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis is calculated in the same manner as total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis except that no adjustment for by-product metal revenues is made. Accordingly, the calculation of total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis does not reflect a reduction in production costs or smelting, refining and marketing charges associated with the production and sale of by-product metals.  The Company believes that these generally accepted industry measures provide a realistic indication of operating performance and provide useful comparison points between periods. Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is intended to provide information about the cash generating capabilities of the Company’s mining operations. Management also uses these measures to monitor the performance of the Company’s mining operations. As market prices for gold are quoted on a per ounce basis, using the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis measure allows management to assess a mine’s cash generating capabilities at various gold prices. Management is aware that these per ounce measures of performance can be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the case of total cash costs of gold produced on a by-product basis, by-product metal prices. Management compensates for these inherent limitations by using these measures in conjunction with minesite costs per tonne as well as other data prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management also performs sensitivity analyses in order to quantify the effects of fluctuating metal prices and exchange rates.

 

78



 

RECONCILIATION OF LONG-TERM DEBT TO NET DEBT

(thousands of United States dollars)

 

As at December
31, 2016

 

As at December
31, 2015

 

Current portion of long-term debt per the consolidated balance sheets

 

$

129,896

 

$

14,451

 

Non-Current portion of long-term debt

 

1,072,790

 

1,118,187

 

Long-term debt

 

$

1,202,686

 

$

1,132,638

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred financing costs

 

$

12,210

 

$

11,264

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

(539,974

)

(124,150

)

Short-term investments

 

(8,424

)

(7,444

)

Net Debt

 

$

666,498

 

$

1,012,308

 

 

79