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Kinross reports 2011 second quarter results

August 10, 2011

Record production, revenue and margins; adjusted operating cash flow up 46%; Adjusted net earnings more than double

Tasiast drill results increase resource size and confidence, suggest significant new opportunities

Toronto, Ontario - August 10, 2011 - Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) today announced its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2011.

(This news release contains forward-looking information that is subject to the risks and assumptions set out in our Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information located on page 11 of this news release. All dollar amounts in this news release are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.)

Highlights

  • Production(2) in the second quarter of 2011 was a record 676,245 gold equivalent ounces, a 26% increase over Q2 2010. The Company remains on track to produce 2.6 - 2.7 million attributable gold equivalent ounces in 2011.
  • Revenue for the quarter was $987.8 million, compared with $696.6 million in the second quarter of 2010, an increase of 42%, with an average realized gold price of $1,449 per ounce sold compared with $1,158 per ounce sold in Q2 2010.
  • Production cost of sales per gold equivalent ounce(3) was $576 for Q2, compared with $494 for Q2 2010. The full-year production cost of sales per ounce forecast is expected to be toward the lower end of the previously-stated guidance range of $565 - 610. Production cost of sales per gold ounce on a by-product basis was $513 in Q2, compared with $456 in Q2 2010.
  • Kinross' attributable margin per ounce sold(4) was $873 in Q2, compared with $664 in Q2 2010, an increase of 31%.
  • Adjusted operating cash flow(1,5) for Q2 was $413.1 million, a 46% increase over Q2 2010. Adjusted operating cash flow per share was $0.36 in Q2, versus $0.40 for Q2 2010.
  • Adjusted net earnings(1,5) more than doubled to $226.5 million, compared with $111.4 million in Q2 2010. Adjusted net earnings per share were $0.20 in Q2, versus $0.16 per share for Q2 2010. Reported net earnings1 were $247.4 million, or $0.22 per share in Q2, compared with $110.4 million, or $0.16 per share, for Q2 2010.
  • Drilling at Tasiast has upgraded 6.4 million gold ounces of inferred resource to measured and indicated mineral resource categories, and added approximately 2.9 million gold ounces to the total mineral resource inventory. Recent drill results from within the West Branch and Piment zones also indicate significant new opportunities beyond those incorporated in the initial project scoping study, including potential for supplemental heap leach production and a potential new zone of mineralization that, if fully delineated, may result in an expansion to the proposed pit.
  • The Company is extending its Tasiast feasibility study to analyze and incorporate this new drill data into the project scope, while exploring infrastructure development options to reduce project capital costs, which have been subject to industry-wide cost pressures. The feasibility study extension is not expected to impact the project's development schedule, which remains as previously disclosed, with construction expected to commence mid-2012 and production start-up targeted for early 2014.
  • Kinross' other growth projects remain on track. At Fruta del Norte (FDN), the underground exploration decline is advancing on schedule and negotiations with the Ecuadorian government for an exploitation contract continue. At Lobo-Marte, approximately 70% of the 20,000 metre drilling is now complete and the feasibility study remains on schedule. At Dvoinoye, development of the exploration decline and the construction of surface facilities are advancing as planned. At Paracatu, the third ball mill was successfully commissioned and construction of the fourth ball mill is proceeding as planned.
  • Recent exploration results have been highly encouraging, including positive results at Pompeya and Purén West at La Coipa; continued positive results at Valy (Lobo-Marte); and indications of deep mineralization beneath the Obra pit at Chirano.
  • Kinross has received binding commitments for a $200 million non-recourse loan further to the previously-announced financing in connection with increasing the Company's ownership of Kupol to 100%.
  • The Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.06 per share payable on September 30, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 23, 2011, a 20% increase from the previous dividend paid on March 31, 2011.

Click here to download the PDF for the full version of this release.

Click here to download the Second Quarter 2011 Report.

(1) "Net earnings" figures in this release represent "net earnings attributed to common shareholders".

(2) Unless otherwise stated, production figures in this release are based on Kinross' share of Kupol (75% up to April 27, 2011, 100% thereafter) and 90% of Chirano production.

(3) "Production cost of sales per gold equivalent ounce" is a non-GAAP measure defined as production costs per the financial statements divided by the attributable number of gold equivalent ounces sold, both reduced for Kupol sales attributable to a third-party shareholder (75% up to April 27, 2011) and Chirano sales to a 10% minority interest holder. Production cost is equivalent to total cost of sales (per the financial statements), less depreciation, depletion and amortization, and is generally consistent with cost of sales as reported under Canadian GAAP prior to the adaption of IFRS.

(4) "Attributable margin per ounce sold" is a non-GAAP measure and defined as "average realized gold price per ounce" less "attributable production cost of sales per gold equivalent ounce sold".

(5) Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is located on page 13 of this news release.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release, 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 include, without limitation, statements with respect to: 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 ‘‘plans’’, “proposes”, ‘‘expects’’ or ‘‘does not expect’’, ‘‘is expected’’, ‘‘budget’’, ‘‘scheduled’’, “envision”, ‘‘estimates’’, ‘‘forecasts”, “guidance”, “opportunity”, “potential”, “targets”, “models”, ‘‘intends’’, ‘‘anticipates’’, or ‘‘does not anticipate’’, or ‘‘believes’’, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘‘may’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘would’’, ‘‘should’’, ‘‘might’’, or ‘‘will be taken’’, ‘‘occur’’ or ‘‘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 most recently filed 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, expansion and acquisitions at Paracatu (including, without limitation, land acquisitions for and permitting and construction of the new tailings facility) being consistent with our current expectations; (3) development of and production from the Phase 7 pit expansion and heap leach project at Fort Knox continuing on a basis consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (4) the viability, permitting and development of the Fruta del Norte deposit being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (5) 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 implementation of Ecuador’s new mining and investment laws and related regulations and policies, and negotiation of an exploitation contract and an investment protection contract with the government, being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (6) permitting, construction, development and production at Cerro Casale being consistent with the Company’s current expectations; (7) the viability, permitting and development of the Lobo-Marte project, including, without limitation, the metallurgy and processing of its ore, being consistent with our current expectations; (8) 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; (9) certain price assumptions for gold and silver; (10) prices for natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and other key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (11) 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; (12) the accuracy of the current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates of the Company and any entity in which it now or hereafter directly or indirectly holds an investment; (13) labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (14) the development of the Dvoinoye and Vodorazdelnaya deposits being consistent with Kinross’ expectations; (15) the viability of the Tasiast and Chirano mines, and the permitting, development and expansion of the Tasiast and Chirano mines on a basis consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; and (16) access to capital markets, including but not limited to securing partial project financing for the Dvoinoye, Fruta del Norte and the Tasiast expansion projects, 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: fluctuations in the currency markets; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodities (such as diesel fuel and electricity); changes in interest rates or gold or silver lease rates that could impact the mark-to-market value of outstanding derivative instruments and ongoing payments/receipts under any interest rate swaps and variable rate debt 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, 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; 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. 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 Management Discussion and Analysis for the 2010 fiscal year. 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 $7 impact in cost of sales per ounce.
A $10 change in the price of oil could result in an approximate $3 impact on 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 drilling and other exploration activities) contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of Mr. Rob Henderson, an officer of the Company who is a “qualified person” within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.The technical information about the Company’s drilling and exploration activities contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of Mr. Glen Masterman, an officer with the Company who is a “qualified person” within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

About Kinross

Kinross is a Canadian-based gold mining company with mines and projects in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Ghana, Mauritania, Russia and the United States, employing approximately 7,500 people worldwide.

Kinross' strategic focus is to maximize net asset value and cash flow per share through a four-point plan built on: delivering mine and financial performance; attracting and retaining the best people in the industry; achieving operating excellence through the "Kinross Way"; and delivering future value through profitable growth opportunities.

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

Erwyn Naidoo
Vice-President, Investor Relations
phone: 416-365-2744
erwyn.naidoo@kinross.com

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