N
EWS
R
ELEASE
KINROSS INCREASES LA COIPA MINE OWNERSHIP TO 100%
Transaction Includes Sale of Porcupine and Musselwhite Minority Interests
to Goldcorp and US$200 Million Cash Payment to Kinross
Toronto, Ontario, September 25, 2007
-- Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K; NYSE:
KGC) announced today that it has entered into an asset swap agreement with Goldcorp Inc.
that will substantially increase the Company’s ownership and operating control of its core
mines, while strengthening its strategic position in Chile.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kinross will sell to Goldcorp its 31.9% interest in the
Musselwhite Joint Venture, located in northwestern Ontario, and its 49% interest in the
Porcupine Joint Venture, located in Timmins, Ontario. Goldcorp is currently the operator of
both mines.
In exchange for these assets, Kinross will acquire Goldcorp’s 50% ownership position in
Compania Minera Mantos de Oro (MDO), thereby giving Kinross a 100% interest in MDO,
which owns and operates the La Coipa mine in northern Chile. In addition, Kinross will
receive from Goldcorp a cash payment of US$200 million.
“This transaction streamlines our operating interests, further focusing resources on core
assets where Kinross is the operator, and allows us to build upon our base of expertise and
experience in South America,” said Tye Burt, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Kinross.
Specifically, this transaction strengthens Kinross’ position in Chile, where the Company
currently operates the Maricunga mine. “This deal increases our strategic presence in the
Maricunga District, one of the world’s most important gold producing regions. It adds to the
excellent growth and development opportunities for Kinross in Chile, where we have a
strong management team in place with proven operating expertise and well-established
relations with local communities,” said Mr. Burt.
Mr. Burt said that the US$200 million in cash proceeds from the transaction will be used to
help finance Kinross’ development projects currently underway. The Company expects to
expand its gold production by approximately 60 per cent between 2007-2009 through a
major expansion project at Paracatu in Brazil, and new development projects at Kupol in the
Russian Federation, and Buckhorn Mountain in Washington State. These new projects are
expected to add approximately 1.1 million ounces of gold equivalent production annually
during the first five years following the commencement of production.
During the first six months of 2007 -- on the basis of Kinross’ share of total gold equivalent
production -- the Porcupine Joint Venture produced 75,322 ounces and had a cost of sales
per ounce of $433, the Musselwhite Joint Venture produced 35,231 ounces and had a cost
of sales per ounce of $481, and La Coipa produced 118,515 ounces and had a cost of sales
per ounce of $234 (all costs cited on a co-product accounting basis).
KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION