Buenaventura Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results

01.03.2013  |  Business Wire

Compañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. ('Buenaventura? or 'the
Company?) (NYSE: BVN; Lima Stock Exchange: BUE.LM), Peru′s largest,
publicly-traded precious metals mining company, announced today results
for the fourth quarter 2012. All figures have been prepared in
accordance with IFRS and are stated in U.S. dollars (US$).

Comments from the Chief Executive Officer:

Mr. Roque Benavides, Buenaventura′s Chief Executive Officer, stated:

'Net income in the fourth quarter was US$139.1 million, 39% lower than
the figure reported in 4Q11 (US$227.9 million). EBITDA from
Buenaventura′s Direct Operations was US$130.2 million, 32% lower than
the figure reported in 4Q11 (US$192.1 million), while EBITDA including
Affiliates decreased 33%, from US$421.7 million in 4Q11 to US$281.5
million in 4Q12.

These results were mainly explained by lower volume of gold sold, higher
operating costs, exploration efforts and decreased contributions from
affiliates.

(*) As of December 31, 2012, Buenaventura had 254,232,571 shares
outstanding.

Within this release, Buenaventura presents financial measures in
accordance with IFRS, as well as on a non-GAAP basis.

Operating Revenues

During 4Q12, net sales were US$411.6 million, a 7% increase compared to
the US$385.0 million reported in 4Q11. This was explained by higher
sales content of all metals, except gold.

Royalty income decreased 28% to US$12.6 million in 4Q12 from the US$17.4
million reported in 4Q11 due to lower revenues at Yanacocha.

Accumulated net sales in 2012 were US$1,496.3 million, in-line with the
figure reported in 2011, while royalty income was US$67.2 million, a 7%
increase compared to the US$62.7 million reported in 2011.

Production and Operating Costs

Buenaventura′s equity production¹ in 4Q12 was 108,489 ounces
of gold, 13% lower than the 124,504 ounces reported in 4Q11 mainly due
to a decrease in Orcopampa production. Silver production, including
affiliates, in 4Q12 was 4.6 million ounces, a 12% increase when compared
to the figure reported in 4Q11 (4.1 million oz.).

Equity production¹ in 2012 was 446,443 ounces of gold and
18.3 million ounces of silver. This represented a 6% decrease in gold
production (475,770 oz. in 2011), and a 12% increase in silver
production compared to 2011 (16.2 million oz.).

Orcopampa′s(100% owned by Buenaventura) total gold
production in 4Q12 was 59,779 ounces, 16% lower than the 71,296 ounces
reported in 4Q11. Production from the Chipmo mine during 4Q12 was 55,652
ounces, 15% lower compared to the 65,788 ounces reported in 4Q11 due to
a 9-day strike in October (See Appendix 2). The old tailings treatment
produced 4,128 ounces of gold (compared to 5,508 oz. in 4Q11).
Accumulated total gold production in 2012 was 260,378 ounces, a 9%
decrease when compared to 2011 (285,201 oz.).

Cash operating cost in 4Q12 was US$714/oz., 51% higher when compared to
4Q11 (US$472/oz.). This was mainly explained by lower gold production
and higher contractor expenses due to greater exploration efforts. Cash
cost during 2012 was US$559/oz.

At Uchucchacua(100% owned by Buenaventura), total silver
production in 4Q12 was 3.01 million ounces, 8% higher when compared to
2.79 million ounces in 4Q11 due to a 5% increase in the recovery rate
(See Appendix 2). Zinc production in 4Q12 was 2,931 MT, 43% higher than
the figure reported in 4Q11 (2,047 MT), while lead production increased
25% (2,556 MT in 4Q12 vs. 2,051 MT in 4Q11). During 2012, silver
production was 11.3 million ounces; zinc production was 9,820 MT, while
lead production was 8,742 MT vs. 10.1 million ounces, 6,668 MT and 7,546
MT, respectively, in 2011.

Cash operating cost in 4Q12 was US$16.57/oz., in-line with the figure
reported in 4Q11 (US$16.35/oz.). Cash cost during 2012 was US$16.97/oz.
(US$16.27/oz. in 2011).

At Julcani (100% owned by Buenaventura), total production in 4Q12
was 615,712 ounces of silver, 1% higher compared to 4Q11 (611,711
ounces). During 2012, silver production was 2.4 million ounces, similar
to the figure reported in 2011.

Silver cash operating cost in 4Q12 was US$14.38/oz., 15% higher than
4Q11 (US$12.52/oz.), mainly due to an increase in energy supply
expenses. Cash cost during 2012 was US$13.5/oz.

Breapampa (100% owned by Buenaventura) commenced operations in
November. Total production in 4Q12 was 8,817 ounces of gold.

La Zanja (53.06% owned by Buenaventura) total production in 4Q12
was 28,670 ounces of gold, a 13% decrease when compared to 4Q11 (32,857
oz.). Accumulated gold production in 2012 was 112,387 ounces, 16% lower
than 2011 (134,190 oz.), but in-line with La Zanja′s mining plan.

Cash operating cost in 4Q12 was US$753/oz., 63% higher than 4Q11
(US$463/oz.) due to an increase in supply costs (mainly explained by an
increase of reagent consumption and prices). Cash cost during 2012 was
US$622/oz.

Tantahuatay (40.04% owned by Buenaventura) total production in
4Q12 was 35,340 ounces of gold (14,150 oz. attributable to
Buenaventura). During 2012, gold production was 141,268 ounces (56,564
oz. attributable to Buenaventura). Cash operating cost in 4Q12 was
US$393/oz and US$402/oz for 2012.

At El Brocal(53.76% owned by Buenaventura), total plant
capacity was devoted to treat copper ores during 4Q12.

Copper production was 13,166 MT, 68% higher than the 7,852 MT reported
in 4Q11. For 2012, copper production increased 2% (24,218 MT in 4Q12
versus 23,796 MT in 4Q11). Copper cash cost was US$5,198/MT, 26% higher
than 4Q11 (US$4,135/MT).

Silver production decreased 56% from 420,329 ounces in 4Q11 to 185,231
ounces in 4Q12.

During 2012, total zinc production was 34,949 MT, a 48% increase when
compared to the 23,675 MT reported in 2011. In the case of silver, total
production increased 5%, from 2.9 million ounces in 2011 to 3.1 million
ounces in 2012. Lead production was 12,329 MT in 2012, 30% higher than
2011 (9,504 MT).

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses in 4Q12 were US$21.6 million, 32%
higher than the figure reported in 4Q11 (US$16.3 million). This figure
included US$6.0 million in metallurgical research studies. For 2012,
general and administrative expenses were US$99.3 million versus US$75.2
million in 2012 (an increase of 32%).

Operating Income

Operating income in 4Q12 was US$86.7 million, a 47% decrease compared to
the US$164.0 million reported in 4Q11. This decrease was mainly due to a
53% increase in operating costs and exploration expenses, while revenues
increased 5%. It is important to mention that during 4Q12, El Brocal
purchased US$18.0 million in copper concentrates to blend with
Marcapunta copper concentrates, which negatively impacted operational
costs and margins.

For 2012, operating income was US$418.2 million versus US$704.4 million
in 2012 (a decrease of 41%).

Share in Associated Companies

During 4Q12, Buenaventura′s share in associated companies was US$89.9
million, 28% lower than the US$124.5 million reported in 4Q11.
Yanacocha′s contribution to these results decreased 63%, from US$86.8
million in 4Q11 to US$32.4 million in 4Q12, while Cerro Verde′s
contribution decreased 28% from US$40.0 million in 4Q11 to US$28.6
million in 4Q12. Coimolache (Tantahuatay mine) results partially offset
this decrease with a 44% higher contribution (US$8.8 million in 4Q12 vs.
US$6.1 million in 4Q11).

For 2012, Buenaventura′s share in associated companies was US$464.2
million, in-line with the figure reported in 2012.

YANACOCHA

At Yanacocha (43.65% owned by Buenaventura), 4Q12 gold production was
235,875 ounces of gold, 30% lower than 4Q11 production (334,833 oz.).
Accumulated gold production in 2012 was 1,345,992 ounces, 4% higher than
2012 (1,293,123 oz.).

Costs applicable to sales (CAS) at Yanacocha in 4Q12 were US$635/oz.,
19% higher than the figure reported in 4Q11 (US$533/oz.) due to lower
production. Net income at Yanacocha in 4Q12 was US$75.7 million, 62%
lower compared to 4Q11 (US$199.2 million). Accumulated net income in
2012 was US$626.5 million, 2% lower than 2011 (US$642.4 million).

During 4Q12, EBITDA totaled US$186.0 million, a 49% decrease compared to
4Q11 (US$362.0 million). This decrease was mainly due to a 29% decrease
in sales. Accumulated EBITDA in 2012 was US$1,241.8 million, 6% higher
than 2012 (US$1,167.4 million).

Capital expenditures at Yanacocha were US$172.5 million in 4Q12 and
US$995.0 in 2012.

CERRO VERDE

At Cerro Verde (19.58% owned by Buenaventura), 4Q12 copper production
was 68,874 MT, a 4% increase compared to 4Q11 (65,958 MT). Accumulated
total copper production in 2012 was 269,649 MT, 8% lower than 293,581 MT
in 2012.

During 4Q12, Cerro Verde reported net income of US$146.2 million, a 28%
decrease compared to US$202.6 million in 4Q11. This was mainly due to an
11% decrease in sales revenues (US$501.0 million in 4Q12 versus US$565.0
million in 4Q11). Accumulated net income in 2012 was US$772.1 million,
28% lower than US$1,078.4 million in 2012.

Capital expenditures at Cerro Verde in 4Q12 totaled US$200.0 million and
US$600.8 in 2012.

COIMOLACHE (Tantahuatay operation)

At Coimolache (40.04% owned by Buenaventura), attributable contribution
was US$8.8 million (US$6.1 million in 4Q11). For 2012, attributable
contribution was US$40.2 million (US$9.6 million in 2012).

CANTERAS DEL HALLAZGO (Chucapaca project)

At the Chucapaca Project (49% owned by Buenaventura), a
value-engineering phase was initiated to improve the project′s economic
returns of after the completion of a Feasibility Study. Additional
studies will be directed towards evaluating potential options, including
underground and combined open-pit and underground mining scenarios, a
review of capital costs and capital efficiencies, along with
re-commencement of an exploration phase at the Chucapaca Area of
Interest (AOI).

In 2012, Buenaventura′s total disbursement at the Chucapaca project was
US$32.4 million.

Net Income

Buenaventura′s 4Q12 net income was US$139.1 million (US$0.54 per share),
a 39% decrease compared to the US$227.9 million (US$0.90 per share)
reported in 4Q11. Accumulated net income in 2012 was US$684.7 million
(US$2.69 per share), 20% lower compared to 2012 (US$858.9 million).

Project Development

LA ZANJA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

• The Pampa Verde Project will allow the development of a new
  open pit, an expansion of the current leach pad and improvements to
  the operation′s road access. Construction began in 2Q11. The project′s
  total investment is US$74.2 million. Completion is expected in 3Q13.
  
• 
  Engineering for slope stability was developed during 4Q12.
  

RIO SECO MANGANESE SULFATE PLANT

• 
  Buenaventura continued with the construction of the manganese sulfate
  plant. The project′s total budget is US$ 90.0 million.
  
• 
  The project includes an acid leaching facility, a sulfuric acid
  production plant and a manganese sulfate crystallization plant.
  
• 
  The Company has started the commissioning process for the project′s
  main equipment.
  

HUANZA HYDROELECTRICAL PLANT

• 
  Construction progress at the Huanza Project included:
  

Other Information

At the Board of Directors meeting held February 28, 2013, the following
resolutions were passed:

To call for the Annual Shareholders Meeting to be held March 26, 2013 to:

? Approve the financial statements as of December 31, 2012

? Approve the 2012 Annual Report

? Approve a cash dividend of US$0.30 per share or ADS to be paid in U.S.
currency.

? Approve a simplification of corporate structure by absorbing
wholly-owned subsidiaries CEDIMIN SAC and Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.

Company Description

Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. is Peru′s largest, publicly
traded, Precious Metals Company and a major holder of mining rights in
Peru. The Company is engaged in the mining, processing, development and
exploration of gold and silver and other metals via wholly owned mines
as well as through its participation in joint exploration projects.

Buenaventura currently operates several mines in Peru (Orcopampa*,
Poracota*, Uchucchacua*, Breapampa*, Mallay*, Antapite*, Julcani*,
Recuperada*, El Brocal, La Zanja, Coimolache and CEDIMIN*).

The Company owns 43.65% of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L (a partnership with
Newmont Mining Corporation), an important precious metal producer;
19.58% of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, an important Peruvian copper
producer, and 49% of Canteras del Hallazgo S.A, owner the Chucapaca
project.

For a printed version of the Company′s 2011 Form 20-F, please contact
the persons indicated above, or download a PDF format file from the
Company′s web site.

(*) Operations wholly owned by Buenaventura

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information (as defined
in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that
involve risks and uncertainties, including those concerning the
Company′s, Yanacocha′s and Cerro Verde′s costs and expenses, results of
exploration, the continued improving efficiency of operations,
prevailing market prices of gold, silver, copper and other metals mined,
the success of joint ventures, estimates of future explorations,
development and production, subsidiaries′ plans for capital
expenditures, estimates of reserves and Peruvian political, economical,
social and legal developments. These forward-looking statements reflect
the Company′s view with respect to the Company′s, Yanacocha′s and Cerro
Verde′s future financial performance. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a
result of a variety of factors discussed elsewhere in this Press Release.

**Tables to follow**

APPENDIX 1

(*)Consolidates

(**) Equity Accounting

APPENDIX 2

APPENDIX 3: EBITDA RECONCILIATION (in thousand US$)

Note:

EBITDA (Buenaventura Direct Operations) consists of earnings before net
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, share in associated
companies, net, loss on currency exchange difference, other, net,
provision for workers′ profit sharing and provision for long-term
officers′ compensation.

EBITDA (including Affiliates) consists of EBITDA (Buenaventura Direct
Operations), plus (1) Buenaventura′s equity share of EBITDA (Yanacocha)
(2) Buenaventura′s equity share of EBITDA (Cerro Verde), plus (3)
Buenaventura′s equity share of EBITDA (Coimolache). All EBITDA mentioned
were similarly calculated using financial information provided to
Buenaventura by the affiliated companies.

Buenaventura presents EBITDA (Buenaventura Direct Operations) and EBITDA
(including affiliates) to provide further information with respect to
its operating performance and the operating performance of its equity
investees, the affiliates. EBITDA (Buenaventura Direct Operations) and
EBITDA (including affiliates) are not a measure of financial performance
under IFRS, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of
other companies. You should not consider EBITDA (Buenaventura Direct
Operations) and EBITDA (including affiliates) as alternatives to
operating income or net income determined in accordance with IFRS, as an
indicator of Buenaventura′s, affiliates operating performance, or as an
alternative to cash flows from operating activities, determined in
accordance with IFRS, as an indicator of cash flows or as a measure of
liquidity.

APPENDIX 4: PROVEN AND PROBABLE RESERVES