BEMA GOLD CORPORATION
BEMA SHAREHOLDERS VOTE 91% IN FAVOUR OF ACQUISITION BY
KINROSS
TORONTO, Ontario
and
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – January 30, 2007
–
Kinross Gold Corporation (“Kinross”) (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) and Bema Gold
Corporation (“Bema”) (TSX/NYSE: BGO, AIM: BAU) are pleased to announce the
overwhelming approval by Bema shareholders of a plan of arrangement and other
transactions pursuant to which, among other things, Kinross will acquire all of the
outstanding shares of Bema as described in the Bema Notice and Management
Information Circular dated December 22, 2006. At a meeting of Bema shareholders held
earlier today, the arrangement was approved by 91% of the votes cast representing
59% of Bema's outstanding shares. Under the terms of the arrangement, Bema
shareholders will receive 0.4447 of a Kinross share and $0.01 for each Bema share.
"Today is an historic day for Bema and Kinross shareholders; together we are creating a
new, stronger Kinross that is firmly planted in the 'sweet spot' of the global gold mining
industry," said Tye W. Burt, President and CEO of Kinross Gold. "Our organization, with
increased reserves, geographical synergies and a cohesive management team will be
focused on creating value for Bema and Kinross shareholders in the near- and long-
term."
"Today's overwhelming vote in favour of this arrangement demonstrates that our
shareholders support Bema joining forces with Kinross," said Clive Johnson, Chairman,
President and CEO of Bema. "The new Kinross, with the addition of Bema's projects,
will enjoy an industry-leading production growth profile."
Bema's application to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to obtain the final court order
approving the arrangement is scheduled for January 31, 2007.
Completion of the transaction remains subject to certain conditions set out in Bema's
Information Circular. Bema and Kinross are diligently working to complete the
transaction, which is expected to close within the next few weeks. Other regulatory
approvals, that are conditions of closing that have been obtained, include approval of
the transaction from the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service of the Russian Federation and
conditional listing approvals from both the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.