Toronto, Ontario, July 8, 2009 -- Unionized employees at Compañía Minera Mantos de Oro in Chile, a subsidiary of Kinross, have initiated strike action at the La Coipa mine following unsuccessful collective agreement negotiations. The strike affects production of approximately 300 gold equivalent ounces per day from the La Coipa operation. The company is seeking a resolution that is fair and equitable to employees and returns the mine to full production as soon as possible.