April 11, 2007
Kinross provides 2007 guidance and reserves including
recently acquired Bema assets
Toronto –
Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX-K; NYSE-KGC) ("Kinross" or the "Company")
completed the acquisition of Bema Gold Corporation (“Bema”) on February 27,
2007. The Company is pleased to provide an update to its previously released 2007
guidance to include the assets acquired in the transaction. Kinross now expects to
produce approximately 1.65 million gold equivalent ounces at a cost of sales in the
range of $330 - $340 per ounce in 2007 compared to the previously disclosed 1.5
million ounces of gold equivalent at cost of sales of $320 - $330 per ounce. Kinross
gold reserves are now 45.3 million ounces compared with the December 31, 2006
gold reserves reported previously of 27.9 million ounces. Also, silver reserves are now
69.5 million ounces and copper reserves are 2.8 billion pounds up from the previously
reported 27.8 million ounces of silver and no copper.
Capital expenditures for 2007 have not changed from previously released guidance
with respect to Kinross projects and the Company is currently undertaking a detailed
review of forecasted total capital costs for the Kupol project and expects to provide
an update in the second quarter.
General & administrative expense is expected to be approximately $56 million,
compared to $48 million previously disclosed, and exploration and business
development is expected to be approximately $55 million compared to $44 million
previously disclosed.
The Company expects that existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and
existing credit facilities will be sufficient to fund the exploration, capital and
reclamation programs budgeted for 2007.
Looking forward beyond 2007, Kinross’ gold equivalent production is expected to
grow to between 2.1 and 2.2 million gold equivalent ounces in 2008 and 2.6 to 2.7
million gold equivalent ounces in 2009 as the Paracatu expansion, and Kupol and
Buckhorn projects are completed and come into full production.
“Kinross has one of the largest reserve bases in the world as well as the best
production growth profile among the major gold producers,” said Tye Burt, President
and CEO of Kinross. “We believe Kinross occupies the sweet spot in the gold
industry.”