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Kinross reports 2013 fourth-quarter and year-end results

February 12, 2014

Company achieves record full-year production with all-in sustaining cost below guidance

Toronto, Ontario - February 12, 2014 - Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year-ended December 31, 2013.

(This news release contains forward-looking information about expected future events and financial and operating performance of the Company. We refer to the risks and assumptions set out in our Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information located on page 11 of this release. All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. The comparative figures have been recast to exclude Fruta del Norte and Crixás.)

Highlights:

  • Production1: 646,234 gold equivalent ounces (Au eq. oz.), compared with 724,510 ounces in Q4 2012. Full-year production was within increased guidance, and exceeded original guidance, at 2,631,092 Au eq. oz., compared with 2,617,813 Au eq. oz. for full-year 2012.
  • Revenue: $877.1 million, compared with $1,186.9 million in Q4 2012. Full-year revenue was $3,779.5 million, compared with $4,307.3 million for full-year 2012.
  • Production cost of sales2: $765 per Au eq. oz., compared with $686 in Q4 2012. Full-year production cost of sales was at the lower end of guidance at $743 per Au eq. oz., compared with $705 per Au eq. oz. for full-year 2012.
  • All-in sustaining cost2: $1,169 per Au oz. sold, compared with $953 in Q4 2012. Full-year all-in sustaining cost was below guidance at $1,063 per Au oz., compared with $1,079 per Au oz. for full-year 2012.
  • Adjusted operating cash flow2: $222.8 million, or $0.19 per share, compared with $505.3 million, or $0.44 per share, in Q4 2012. Full-year adjusted operating cash flow was $1,149.6 million, or $1.01 per share, compared with $1,527.0 million, or $1.34 per share, for full-year 2012.
  • Adjusted net earnings (loss)2,3: a loss of $25.1 million, or $0.02 per share, in Q4 2013 compared with adjusted earnings of $280.5 million, or $0.25 per share, in Q4 2012. Full-year adjusted net earnings were $321.2 million, or $0.28 per share, compared with net earnings of $886.2 million, or $0.78 per share, for full-year 2012.
  • Reported net loss3: $740.0 million, or $0.65 per share, compared with net loss of $2,984.9 million, or $2.62 per share, in Q4 2012. The Q4 reported net loss includes an after-tax non-cash impairment charge of $544.8 million, primarily comprised of property, plant and equipment at Maricunga. Full-year reported net loss was $3,012.6 million, or $2.64 per share, compared with a net loss of $2,546.2 million, or $2.24 per share for full-year 2012. Reported net loss for the full year also includes an after-tax non-cash impairment charge of $2,289.3 million, previously reported on July 31, 2013.
  • Average realized gold price: $1,268 per Au oz., compared with $1,707 per Au oz. in Q4 2012. The average realized gold price per ounce was $1,402 for full-year 2013, compared with $1,643 per ounce for full-year 2012.
  • Capital expenditures: $1.26 billion, $140 million below the Company's updated guidance, and approximately $340 million below the original capital expenditure guidance provided on February 13, 2013.
  • Mineral reserves and resources: Proven and probable mineral reserve estimates at year-end 2013 were 39.7 million ounces of gold, compared with 59.6 million ounces at year-end 2012, reflecting divesture of Fruta del Norte (FDN), depletion, and the Company's adoption of a fully-loaded costing methodology for estimating year-end mineral reserves. This methodology has resulted in a 14% increase in overall gold grade in the Company's estimated mineral reserves, including increased grades at eight of nine operating mines, and an expected increase in near-term cash flow. The new methodology does not currently sterilize known mineralization.
  • Outlook: Kinross expects to produce approximately 2.5-2.7 million Au eq. oz. in 2014 at a production cost of sales per Au eq. oz. of $730-780. All-in sustaining cost of sales per Au eq. oz. is expected to be $950-1,050 for the year. Total capital expenditures are forecast to be approximately $675 million, a reduction of approximately $585 million compared with 2013 expenditures.
  • Tasiast feasibility study: The study remains on schedule for expected completion in Q1 2014 and the Company expects to provide highlights of the results in April.
  • Exploration: The Company's 2013 exploration program delivered encouraging drill results from targets at Tasiast, La Coipa, Chirano, Kupol and Dvoinoye.

CEO Commentary

J. Paul Rollinson, CEO, made the following comments in relation to 2013 year-end and fourth-quarter results:

"Operational excellence, combined with a focus on financial discipline and a strong balance sheet, underpinned Kinross's solid performance in 2013. The fourth quarter of 2013 marked our sixth consecutive quarter of strong operational results. As a result, we produced a record 2.63 million gold equivalent ounces in 2013, exceeding our original production guidance, and within our updated guidance. We also reduced our all-in sustaining cost to $1,063 per ounce, which not only beat guidance, but was below our all-in sustaining cost for 2012.

"Part of our 'quality over quantity' strategy in 2013 included a rigorous mine plan optimization program, which applied a fully-loaded costing methodology to all of our operating sites in preparing our year-end mineral reserves estimates. The result is a reduction in proven and probable mineral reserves, primarily at Paracatu, but an increase in the value of our reserves, with higher grades and greater near-term cash flow expected at operations across the Company.

"We are forecasting another solid year of production in 2014, with Dvoinoye, our new low cost, high-grade mine, coming fully on-stream. Our focus on cost control is expected to further reduce our all-in sustaining cost. Capital expenditures, which were $140 million below our revised guidance in 2013, are expected to be further reduced by more than $585 million this year. Backed by a strong balance sheet and healthy liquidity, we enter 2014 committed to maintaining our record of financial discipline and solid operational performance."


1 Unless otherwise stated, production figures in this news release are based on Kinross' 90% share of Chirano production. Prior year production figures have been adjusted to exclude Crixás due to its sale in Q2 2012.

2 These figures are non-GAAP financial measures and are defined and reconciled on pages 13 to 16 of this news release.

3 Net earnings (loss) figures in this release represent "net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders".

Please click here to download the full PDF of this release.

Please click here to download Appendix A (11 MB)

Please click here to download Appendix B (Excel File)

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release including, but not limited to, any information as to the future financial or operating performance of Kinross, constitute ‘‘forward-looking information’’ or ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the provisions for ‘‘safe harbour’’ under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include those under the headings Financial and operating highlights”, “CEO Commentary”, "Outlook”, “2013 Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources update”, “Exploration update”, and include, without limitation, statements with respect to: our guidance for production; production costs of sales, all-in sustaining cost and capital expenditures; expected savings pursuant to our cost review and reduction initiatives including, without limitation, the continuation of the Way Forward: modifications to projects and operations and our exploration budget, including but not limited to the Tasiast expansion project and our expectations regarding timelines for continued development, including, but not limitation, ramp up at Dvoinoye; as well as references to other possible events, the future price of gold and silver, the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the realization of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of projects and new deposits, success of exploration, development and mining activities, permitting timelines, currency fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. The words “anticipates”, ‘‘plans’’, ‘‘expects’’, “indicate”, “intend”, ‘‘scheduled’’, ‘‘estimates’’, ‘‘forecasts”, “focus”, “guidance”, “initiative”, "model", “methodology”,“outlook”, “potential”, “projected”, “pursue”, “strategy”, “study”, “targets”, or ‘‘believes’’, or variations of or similar such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘‘may’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘would’’, or ‘‘should’’, ‘‘might’’, or “way forward”, ‘‘will be taken’’, ‘‘will occur’’ or ‘‘will be achieved’’ and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kinross as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The estimates, models and assumptions of Kinross referenced, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in our most recently filed Annual Information Form and our full-year 2013 Management’s Discussion and Analysis as well as: (1) there being no significant disruptions affecting the operations of the Company or any entity in which it now or hereafter directly or indirectly holds an investment, whether due to labour disruptions, supply disruptions, power disruptions, damage to equipment or otherwise; (2) permitting, development, operations and expansion at Paracatu (including, without limitation, land acquisitions and permitting for the construction and operation of the new tailings facility) being consistent with our current expectations; (3) the cessation by the Company of further investment and development of the Fruta del Norte deposit and La Zarza mining concession (“FDN”) being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations including, without limitation, as to the reasonable cooperation of the Government of Ecuador in ensuring an orderly transition with respect to FDN (including, without limitation, any related transactions) that respects the interests of both parties; continuing recognition of the Company’s other remaining mining concessions and other assets, rights, titles and interests in Ecuador; the implementation of Ecuador’s mining and investment laws (and prospective amendment to these laws) and related regulations and policies; and compliance with, and the implementation and enforcement of, the Canada-Ecuador Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments; (4) political and legal developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company, or any entity in which it now or hereafter directly or indirectly holds an investment, operates being consistent with its current expectations including, without limitation, the transition period as we reduce our level of activity in Ecuador and any potential amendments to the Brazilian Mining Code, the Mauritanian Mining Code, the Mauritanian Customs Code, the Mauritanian VAT regime and water legislation or other water use restrictions in Chile, being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (5) the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar, Brazilian real, Chilean peso, Russian rouble, Mauritanian ouguiya, Ghanaian cedi and the U.S. dollar being approximately consistent with current levels; (6) certain price assumptions for gold and silver; (7) prices for diesel, natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and other key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (8) production and cost of sales forecasts for the Company, and entities in which it now or hereafter directly or indirectly holds an investment, meeting expectations; (9) the accuracy of the current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates of the Company (including but not limited to ore tonnage and ore grade estimates); (10) labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (11) the development of, operations at and production from the Company’s operations, including but not limited to ramp up at and production from Dvoinoye and permitting, development and expansion at Tasiast (including but not limited to, expansion optimization initiatives which may lead to changes in processing approach and maintenance, the timing of completion and results of the Tasiast feasibility study, and conversion of adjacent exploration licences to mining licences) being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (12) the terms and conditions of the legal and fiscal stability agreements for the Tasiast and Chirano operations being interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with their intent and Kinross’ expectations; (13) goodwill and/or asset impairment potential; and (14) access to capital markets, including but not limited to maintaining an investment grade debt rating and, as required, securing and maintaining partial project financing for Dvoinoye, Kupol and any expansion at Tasiast, being consistent with the Company’s current expectations. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully cease further investment in and development of FDN and, in cooperation with the Government of Ecuador, successfully complete an orderly transition with respect to FDN that is respectful of the interests of both parties and does not impose on the Company (and/or any of its directors, officers or employees) any unreasonable obligations or liabilities; litigation commenced, or other claims or actions brought, against the Company (and/or any of its directors, officers or employees) in respect of the cessation by the Company of further investment in and development of FDN, or any of the Company’s prior or continuing activities on or in respect thereof or otherwise in Ecuador; fluctuations in the currency markets; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodities (such as fuel and electricity); changes in the discount rates applied to calculate the present value of net future cash flows based on country-specific real weighted average cost of capital; changes in the market valuations of peer group gold producers and the Company, and the resulting impact on market price to net asset value multiples; changes in various market variables, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, gold or silver prices and lease rates, or global fuel prices, that could impact the mark-to-market value of outstanding derivative instruments and ongoing payments/receipts under any financial obligations; risks arising from holding derivative instruments (such as credit risk, market liquidity risk and mark-to-market risk); changes in national and local government legislation, taxation (including but not limited to income tax, advance income tax, stamp tax, withholding tax, capital tax, tariffs, value-added or sales tax, capital outflow tax, capital gains tax, windfall or windfall profits tax, royalty, excise tax, customs/import or export taxes/duties, asset taxes, asset transfer tax, property use or other real estate tax, together with any related fine, penalty, surcharge, or interest imposed in connection with such taxes), controls, policies and regulations; the security of personnel and assets; political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Chile, Brazil, Russia, Ecuador, Mauritania, Ghana, or other countries in which Kinross, or entities in which it now or hereafter directly or indirectly holds an interest, do business or may carry on business; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and complete divestitures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations; litigation against the Company including, but not limited to, securities class action litigation in Canada and/or the United States; the speculative nature of gold exploration and development including, but not limited to, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; adverse changes in our credit rating; and contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of gold exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, Kinross’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Kinross, including but not limited to resulting in an impairment charge on goodwill and/or assets. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators of Canada and the United States including, but not limited to, the cautionary statements made in the ‘‘Risk Factors’’ section of our most recently filed Annual Information Form and full-year 2013 Management Discussion and Analysis. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Kinross. Kinross disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.
Key Sensitivities
Approximately 60%-70% of the Company's costs are denominated in US dollars. A 10% change in foreign exchange could result in an approximate $12 impact in production cost of sales per ounce . A $10 per barrel change in the price of oil could result in an approximate $3 impact on production cost of sales per ounce. The impact on royalties of a $100 change in the gold price could result in an approximate $3 impact on cost of sales per ounce.
Other information
Where we say ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’, ‘‘our’’, the ‘‘Company’’, or ‘‘Kinross’’ in this news release, we mean Kinross Gold Corporation and/or one or more or all of its subsidiaries, as may be applicable. The technical information about the Company’s material mineral properties (other than exploration activities) contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of and verified by Mr. John Sims, an officer of the Company who is a “qualified person” within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI-43-101”). The technical information about the Company’s exploration activities contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of and verified by Dr. Glenton Masterman, an officer of the Company who is a “qualified person” within the meaning of NI 43‐101.

About Kinross

Kinross is a Canadian-based gold mining company with mines and projects in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ghana, Mauritania, Russia and the United States. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).

Media Contact

Steve Mitchell
Vice-President, Corporate Communications
phone:416-365-2726
steve.mitchell@kinross.com

Investor Relations Contact

Tom Elliott
Vice-President, Investor Relations
phone:416-365-3390
tom.elliott@kinross.com

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