All-in sustaining cost down compared with Q1 2014 and year over year; Company at high end of production guidance, low end of cost of sales guidance

Pre-feasibility study planned for potential La Coipa re-start

Toronto, Ontario - July 30, 2014 - Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) today announced its results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014.

(This news release contains forward-looking information about expected future events and financial and operating performance of the Company. We refer to the risks and assumptions set out in our Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information located on page six of this release. All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.)

Highlights:

• Production¹: 679,831 gold equivalent ounces (Au eq. oz.), compared with 655,381 ounces in Q2 2013.
• Revenue: $911.9 million, compared with $968.0 million in Q2 2013.
• Production cost of sales²: $742 per Au eq. oz., compared with $737 in Q2 2013.
• All-in sustaining cost²: $976 per Au eq. oz. sold, compared with $1,038 in Q2 2013.
• Adjusted operating cash flow²: $228.3 million, or $0.20 per share, compared with $256.7 million, or $0.22 per share, in Q2 2013.
• Adjusted net earnings^2,3: $32.9 million, or $0.03 per share, compared with adjusted earnings of $119.5 million, or $0.10 per share, in Q2 2013.
• Reported net earnings³: $46.0 million, or $0.04 per share, compared with a net loss of $2,481.9 million, or $2.17 per share, in Q2 2013.
• Average realized gold price: $1,285 per Au oz., compared with $1,394 per Au oz. in Q2 2013.
• Outlook: Kinross expects to be within its 2014 forecast guidance for production (2.5-2.7 million Au eq. oz.), production cost of sales ($730-780 per Au eq. oz. sold), all-in sustaining cost ($950-1,050 per Au eq. oz. sold), and total capital expenditures ($675 million).
• Corporate Responsibility (CR) Report: Kinross has published its 2013 CR report, available at http://2013corporateresponsibilityreport.kinross.com/

CEO Commentary

J. Paul Rollinson, CEO, made the following comments in relation to 2014 second-quarter results:

"Kinross' focus on financial discipline and operational excellence continues to deliver results, with another strong quarter that puts the Company at the high end of its 2014 guidance range on production, and the low end of its 2014 guidance range on costs at the half-year mark.

"All-in sustaining cost is down compared with the first quarter of 2014 and the same quarter last year, as we continue to focus on opportunities to reduce spending across the Company. The Russia region is outperforming on both costs and production, while our West Africa operations have reduced their operating costs in the first half of 2014 compared with the last six months of 2013. In the Americas, operational improvements at Maricunga in the first half of 2014 have increased production by 40% and reduced cost of sales per ounce, compared with the second half of 2013.

"With strong, consistent performance from our core assets, we are also advancing opportunities for new production. We continue to explore project financing options for a potential Tasiast expansion as we pursue opportunities to enhance project economics and reduce execution risk. In addition, with encouraging exploration results at La Coipa, we plan to launch a pre-feasibility study in the second half of 2014 to explore the possible re-start of operations."

Please click here to download the full PDF version of this release.

Please click here to download the Management's Discussion & Analysis for the period ended June 30, 2014.

Please click here to download the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended June 30, 2014.

¹ Unless otherwise stated, production figures in this news release are based on Kinross' 90% share of Chirano production.

² These figures are non-GAAP financial measures and are defined and reconciled on pages eight to 12 of this news release.

³ Net earnings figures in this release represent "net earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders".

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release including, 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 contained in this news release, include, but are not limited to, those under the headings “CEO Commentary”, “Tasiast expansion project update”, “La Coipa Phase 7 update”, “Liquidity”, "Outlook”, and include, without limitation, statements with respect to: our guidance for production; production costs of sales, all-in sustaining cost and capital expenditures; expected savings pursuant to our cost review and reduction initiatives including, without limitation, the continuation of the Way Forward: modifications to projects and operations and our exploration budget, as well as references to other 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 “anticipate”, “encouraging”, “estimates”, ‘‘expects’’, ‘‘explore’’, ‘‘forecasts”, “focus”, “guidance”, “initiative”, “on track”, “options”, “outlook”, “opportunity”, “plan”, “potential”, “proposed”, “pursue”, “study”, or “targets”, or variations of or similar such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘‘may’’, ‘‘could’’ or ‘‘will be taken’’, ‘‘will occur’’ or ‘‘will be achieved’’, and similar such 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 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 and expansion at Paracatu (including, without limitation, land acquisitions and permitting for the construction and operation of the new tailings facility) being consistent with our current expectations; (3) the cessation by the Company of further investment and development of the Fruta del Norte deposit and La Zarza mining concession (“FDN”) being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations including, without limitation, as to the reasonable cooperation of the Government of Ecuador in ensuring an orderly transition with respect to FDN (including, without limitation, any related transactions) that respects the interests of both parties; continuing recognition of the Company’s other remaining mining concessions and other assets, rights, titles and interests in Ecuador; the implementation of Ecuador’s mining and investment laws (and prospective amendment to these laws) and related regulations and policies; and compliance with, and the implementation and enforcement of, the Canada-Ecuador Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments; (4) 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 impact of escalating political tensions and uncertainty in the Russian Federation and Ukraine or any related sanctions and any other similar restrictions or penalties imposed by any government, the transition period as we reduce our level of activity in Ecuador and any potential amendments to the Brazilian Mining Code, the Mauritanian Customs Code, the Mauritanian VAT regime and water legislation or other water use restrictions in Chile, being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (5) 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; (6) certain price assumptions for gold and silver; (7) prices for diesel, natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and other key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (8) 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; (9) the accuracy of the current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates of the Company (including but not limited to ore tonnage and ore grade estimates); (10) labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (11) the development of, operations at and production from the Company’s operations, including but not limited to production from Dvoinoye and permitting, development and expansion at Tasiast (including but not limited to, opportunities to enhance project economics and reduce execution risk of the potential expansion, and any resulting optimization initiatives which may, among other things, lead to changes in processing approach and maintenance, and conversion of adjacent exploration licences to exploitation licences) being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (12) the terms and conditions of the legal and fiscal stability agreements for the Tasiast and Chirano operations being interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with their intent and Kinross’ expectations; (13) goodwill and/or asset impairment potential; and (14) access to capital markets, including but not limited to maintaining an investment grade debt rating and, as required, securing and maintaining partial project financing for Dvoinoye, Kupol and any expansion at Tasiast, 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: sanctions (any other similar restrictions or penalties) now or subsequently imposed by, against, in respect of or otherwise impacting any jurisdiction in which the Company is domiciled or operates (including but not limited to the Russian Federation, Canada, the European Union and the United States), or any government or citizens of, persons or companies domiciled in, or the Company’s business, operations or other activities in, any such jurisdiction; our ability to successfully cease further investment in and development of FDN and, in cooperation with the Government of Ecuador, successfully complete an orderly transition with respect to FDN that is respectful of the interests of both parties and does not impose on the Company (and/or any of its directors, officers or employees) any unreasonable obligations or liabilities; litigation commenced, or other claims or actions brought, against the Company (and/or any of its directors, officers or employees) in respect of the cessation by the Company of further investment in and development of FDN, or any of the Company’s prior or continuing activities on or in respect thereof or otherwise in Ecuador; fluctuations in the currency markets; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodities (such as fuel and electricity); changes in the discount rates applied to calculate the present value of net future cash flows based on country-specific real weighted average cost of capital; changes in the market valuations of peer group gold producers and the Company, and the resulting impact on market price to net asset value multiples; changes in various market variables, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, gold or silver prices and lease rates, or global fuel prices, that could impact the mark-to-market value of outstanding derivative instruments and ongoing payments/receipts under any financial 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 (including but not limited to income tax, advance income tax, stamp tax, withholding tax, capital tax, tariffs, value-added or sales tax, capital outflow tax, capital gains tax, windfall or windfall profits tax, royalty, excise tax, customs/import or export taxes/duties, asset taxes, asset transfer tax, property use or other real estate tax, together with any related fine, penalty, surcharge, or interest imposed in connection with such taxes), 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; litigation against the Company including, but not limited to, securities class action litigation in Canada and/or the United States; 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, including but not limited to resulting in an impairment charge on goodwill and/or assets. 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. 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 $12 impact on production cost of sales per ounce .
A $10 per barrel change in the price of oil could result in an approximate $3 impact on production 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 production 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 contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of and verified by Mr. John Sims, an officer of 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, Ghana, Mauritania, Russia and the United States. 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

Tom Elliott
Vice-President, Investor Relations
phone: 416-365-3390
tom.elliott@kinross.com