Record production of 2.71 million Au eq. oz. exceeds guidance; Approximately $1 billion in cash on balance sheet

Company not proceeding with Tasiast mill expansion at present time

Toronto, Ontario - February 10, 2015 - Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K, NYSE: KGC) today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year-end December 31, 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 30 of this release. All dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.)

2014 Q4 highlights:

• Production¹: 672,051 gold equivalent ounces (Au eq. oz.), compared with 646,234 ounces in Q4 2013.
• Revenue: $791.3 million, compared with $877.1 million in Q4 2013.
• Production cost of sales²: $714 per Au eq. oz., compared with $765 in Q4 2013.
• All-in sustaining cost²: $1,006 per Au eq. oz. sold, compared with $1,175 in Q4 2013. All-in sustaining cost per gold ounce (Au oz.) sold on a by-product basis was $1,001 in Q4 2014, compared with $1,169 in Q4 2013.
• Adjusted operating cash flow²: $197.6 million, or $0.17 per share, compared with $222.8 million, or $0.19 per share, in Q4 2013.
• Adjusted net loss^2,3: adjusted loss of $6.0 million, or $0.01 per share, compared with an adjusted loss of $25.1 million, or $0.02 per share, in Q4 2013.
• Reported net loss³: $1,473.5 million, or $1.29 per share, compared with a loss of $740.0 million, or $0.65 per share, in Q4 2013. The Q4 reported net loss includes an after-tax, non-cash impairment charge of $932.2 million and an inventory write down of $167.6 million. The impairment charge of $932.2 million relates to property, plant and equipment, and goodwill.

2014 full-year highlights: 

• Production¹: a record 2,710,390 Au eq. oz., compared with 2,631,092 ounces for full-year 2013.
• Revenue: $3,466.3 million, compared with $3,779.5 million for full-year 2013.
• Production cost of sales²: $720 per Au eq. oz., compared with $743 for full-year 2013.
• All-in sustaining cost²: $973 per Au eq. oz. sold, compared with $1,082 for full-year 2013. All-in sustaining cost per Au oz. sold on a by-product basis was $965 for full-year 2014, compared with $1,063 per Au oz. sold for full-year 2013.
• Adjusted operating cash flow²: $976.9 million, or $0.85 per share, compared with $1,149.6 million, or $1.01 per share for full-year 2013.
• Adjusted net earnings^2,3: $131.1 million, or $0.11 per share, compared with adjusted net earnings of $321.2 million, or $0.28 per share, for full-year 2013.
• Reported net loss³: $1,400.0 million, or $1.22 per share, compared with a loss of $3,012.6 million, or $2.64 per share, for full-year 2013.
• Capital expenditures: $631.8 million, compared with $1.26 billion for full-year 2013.
• Balance sheet: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $1,024.8 million at year end, compared with $793.5 million at December 31, 2013.

Outlook, Tasiast expansion and exploration update: 

• Outlook: Kinross expects to produce approximately 2.4 - 2.6 million Au eq. oz. at a production cost of sales per Au eq. oz. of $720 - $780 and an all-in sustaining cost per Au eq. oz. of $1,000 - $1,100. Total capital expenditures are forecast to be approximately $725 million in 2015.
• Tasiast mill expansion update: The Company has decided not to proceed with the Tasiast mill expansion at the present time, primarily as a result of the current gold price environment.
• Exploration: Exploration activities at Kupol, Chirano and Tasiast added 765,191 Au oz. to Kinross' measured and indicated mineral resource estimates and 62,749 Au oz. to its inferred mineral resource estimates.

CEO Commentary

J. Paul Rollinson, CEO, made the following comments in relation to 2014 fourth-quarter and year-end results:

"2014 marked another excellent year for Kinross operationally with record production of 2.71 million ounces, declining costs and strong cash flow generation, despite lower gold prices. With 10 consecutive quarters of having met or exceeded expectations, the Company continues to deliver on its commitment to operational excellence, financial discipline and balance sheet strength.

"These principles underpin Kinross' decision not to proceed with the Tasiast mill expansion at the present time. We continue to believe a mill expansion has the potential to offer a rare combination of large, low cost production; however, preserving balance sheet strength remains our priority, particularly given the current gold price environment. This decision preserves our cash position - which was approximately $1 billion at year-end - and our liquidity, while giving us the financial flexibility to capitalize on a possible future Tasiast expansion, or other opportunities, should they arise.

"In 2015, we are forecasting another solid year of operational results, balancing the importance of cost containment with disciplined capital investment in our assets. We have also taken a prudent approach to our cost assumptions, particularly in relation to currency exchange rates and the price of oil. With financial rigour and strong adherence to guidance targets, we will remain focused on delivering on our commitments."

Click here to download a PDF of the full news release.

^{(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 20 to 24 of this news release.}

^{(3) Net earnings/loss 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 “Outlook, Tasiast expansion and Exploration update”, “CEO Commentary”, “Outlook”, “Tasiast mill expansion update”, “La Coipa Phase 7 update”, “Liquidity”, “Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves”, “Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources”, “Inferred Mineral Resources”, “Exploration update” and include, without limitation, statements with respect to our guidance for production; production costs of sales, all-in sustaining cost and capital expenditures; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; exploration drill results; expected savings pursuant to our cost review and reduction initiatives including, without limitation, optimization of projects and operations, 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”, “believe”, “encouraging”, “estimates”, ‘‘expects’’, ‘‘explore’’, ‘‘forecasts”, “focus”, “guidance”, “on track”, “options”, “outlook”, “opportunity”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “priority”, “prospect”, “study”, “target”, or “view”, or variations of or similar such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should or ‘will be achieved, received or taken, or will occur or result 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) 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, or actions taken, by any government, and any potential amendments to the Brazilian Mining Code, the Mauritanian Customs Code, the Mauritanian Mining Code, the Mauritanian VAT regime and water legislation or other water use restrictions in Chile (including, but not limited to, the interpretation, implementation and application of any such amendments), being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (4) 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; (5) certain price assumptions for gold and silver; (6) prices for diesel, natural gas, fuel oil, electricity and other key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (7) 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; (8) 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); (9) labour and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (10) the development of, operations at and production from the Company’s operations, being consistent with Kinross’ current expectations; (11) 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; (12) goodwill and/or asset impairment potential; and (13) access to capital markets, including but not limited to maintaining an investment grade debt rating and, as required, maintaining partial project financing for Dvoinoye and Kupol 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, or other actions taken, 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; 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 investment in and development of FDN and its sale, or any of the Company’s prior 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 or other claims against, or regulatory investigations and/or any enforcement actions or sanctions in respect of the Company (and/or its directors, officers, or employees) including, but not limited to, securities class action litigation in Canada and/or the United States, or any investigations, enforcement actions and/or sanctions under any applicable anti-bribery, international sanctions and/or anti-money laundering laws and regulations in Canada, the United Stated or any other applicable jurisdiction; 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 currency exchange rates would be expected to result in an approximate $14 impact on production cost of sales per ounce . Specific to the Russian rouble, a 10% change in the exchange rate would be expected to result in an approximate $11 impact on Russian production cost of sales per ounce. A $10 per barrel change in the price of oil would be expected to result in an approximate $1 impact on production cost of sales per ounce. A $100 change in the price of gold would be expected to result in an approximate $3 impact on production cost of sales per ounce as a result of a change in royalties.

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 exploration activities) contained in this news release, including but not limited to mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, has been prepared under the supervision of Mr. John Sims, an officer of the Company who is a “qualified person” within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”). The technical information about the Company’s exploration activities contained in this news release, including but not limited to drill programs and results, has been prepared under the supervision of Mr. Sylvain Guerard, an officer of the Company who is a “qualified person” within the meaning of NI 43‐101.