Buenaventura Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results

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 (4Q15) and twelve month (“2015”) periods ended December 31, 2015. All figures have been prepared in accordance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) on a non GAAP basis and are stated in U.S. dollars (US$).

Fourth Quarter 2015 Highlights:

• In 4Q15, EBITDA from direct operations was US$16.0 million and adjusted EBITDA (including associated companies) was US$295.2 million.
• Total attributable production in 4Q15 was 182k gold ounces and 6.5 million silver ounces (compared to 245k gold ounces and 5.5 million silver ounces in 4Q14).
• Full year 2015 attributable production was 759k gold ounces and 22.3 million silver ounces (compared to 846k gold ounces and 19.7 million silver ounces in 2014).
• Gold production from direct operations will increase in 2017, once Tambomayo starts operating at full capacity (Tambomayo will add 150-170k gold ounces).
• The Tambomayo project is in line with budget. Civil works are at 30% of progress, exploration and development at 80%. Production ramping up is expected by 4Q16.
• Silver production in 2015 was in line with the guidance provided, despite one month strike at Uchucchacua mine.
• During 4Q15, El Brocal reached full production capacity level of 18K TPD.
• Cerro Verde’s plant expansion project (from 120k TPD to 360K TPD) was completed in 4Q15. Expected production for 2016 is 550k – 600k TM.
• Yanacocha will distribute dividends of US$300 million in March 2016 (BVN will receive its equity share of US$130 million).

Financial Highlights (in millions of US$, except EPS figures):

Operating Revenues

During 4Q15, net sales were US$227.5 million, a 14% decrease compared to the US$264.6 million reported in 4Q14. This was mainly explained by the decrease in metal prices as well as lower gold and copper volume sold.

Royalty income decreased 39%, to US$7.2 million in 4Q15 compared to the US$11.9 reported in 4Q14. This was due to lower revenues at Yanacocha (32% lower QoQ).

For 2015, net sales decreased 19%, from US$1,138.9 million in 2014 to US$919.5 million in 2015. Royalty income for 2015 was US$32.4 million (US$36.9 million in 2014).

Production and Operating Costs

In 4Q15, Buenaventura’s gold equity production from direct operations decreased 14%, from 104,166 ounces in 4Q14 to 90,034 ounces in 4Q15 due to the decline in production at Breapampa mine (no production in 4Q15 vs 13,178 gold ounces in 4Q14). Gold production including associated companies in 4Q15 was 182,247 ounces, 26% lower than the reported in the same period 2014, explained by a decrease in production from Yanacocha. Silver equity production from direct operations increased 14%, mainly due to higher production at Uchucchacua mine (13.9 million silver ounces in 2015 vs 12.1 million silver ounces in 2014).

¹ Direct Operation production includes 100% of Buenaventura’s operating units, 53.06% of La Zanja, 54.07% of El Brocal and 40.10% of Coimolache.

Orcopampa’s (100% owned by Buenaventura)

Gold production at Orcopampa decreased 11% in 4Q15 (compared to 4Q14) due to lower ore grade (Appendix 2). Cost Applicable to Sales (CAS) in 4Q15 was US$ 693/oz of gold, in line with the Cost Applicable to Sales (CAS) reported in 4Q14.

Gold production guidance for 2016 is 200k – 210k ounces.

Uchucchacua (100% owned by Buenaventura)

Silver production in 4Q15 increased 21% compared to 4Q14, due to higher ore treated and higher ore grade (Appendix 2). Cost Applicable to Sales (CAS) in 4Q15 decreased 13% compared to 4Q14, mainly explained by lower labor cost due to higher exchange rate, lower consumable costs (explosive materials), reagents costs and more silver ounces sold (4.1 million silver ounces in 4Q15 compared to 3.2 million silver ounces in 4Q14).

Silver production guidance for 2016 is 15.5 million – 16.5 million ounces.

Mallay (100% owned by Buenaventura)

Silver production in 4Q15 increased 16% compared to 4Q14, due to higher ore treated (Appendix 2). Cost Applicable to Sales (CAS) in 4Q15 was 8% higher compared to 4Q14 due to lower by-product contribution.

Silver production guidance for 2016 is 1.5 million – 1.9 million ounces.

Julcani (100% owned by Buenaventura)

Silver production in 4Q15 increased 11% compared to 4Q14 production, due to higher ore treated and higher ore grade (Appendix 2). Cost Applicable to Sales (CAS) in 4Q15 was 19% lower than 4Q14, mainly explained by lower labor cost expenses due to higher exchange rate and lower contractors costs due to fewer meters drifted (11% lower).

Silver production guidance for 2016 is 3.0 million – 3.4 million ounces.

La Zanja (53.06% owned by Buenaventura)

Gold production in 4Q15 increased 8% compared to 4Q14. CAS in 4Q15 increased 18% compared to 4Q14, mainly explained by higher ore treated and lower ore grade (0.88 Au g/MT in 4Q14 compared to 0.63 Au g/MT in 4Q15).

Gold production guidance for 2016 is 130k – 140k ounces.

Tantahuatay (40.10% owned by Buenaventura)

Gold production in 4Q15 increased 24% compared to the figure reported in 4Q14. CAS in 4Q15 decreased 18% compared to 4Q14 mainly due to higher ore grade (0.54 Au g/MT in 4Q14 compared to 0.66 Au g/MT in 4Q15) from Cienaga Norte mine.

Gold production guidance for 2016 is 140k – 150k ounces

El Brocal (54.07%* owned by Buenaventura)

During 4Q15, Copper production decreased 15% compared to 4Q14, due to a lower recovery rate. Moreover, in 4Q15 zinc production increased 85% due to higher ore treated, despite the lower grade.

(*) Since January 2016, the new ownership of El Brocal is 56.29%.

In 4Q15, Zinc CAS increased 9% compared to 4Q14 mainly due to higher selling expenses. Copper CAS in 4Q15 was in line with the CAS reported in 4Q14.

Zinc production guidance for 2016 is 60k – 70k MT, while copper production guidance for 2016 is 35k – 45k MT.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses in 4Q15 were US$25.8million, 9% lower compared to the US$28.4 million in 4Q14 figure. This is mainly due to lower third-party services. For 2015, the expense was US$86.5 million (US$101.1 million in 2014).

Exploration in Non-Operating Areas

Exploration in non-operating areas during 4Q15 was US$5.0 million compared with the US$17.6 million in 3Q14. During the period, Buenaventura’s main exploration efforts were focused on the Tambomayo project (US$3.5 million) and Marcapunta (US$0.6 million). For 2015, the expense was US$30.6 million (US$50.0 million in 2014).

Share in Associated Companies

During 4Q15, Buenaventura’s share in associated companies was negative US$235.0 million, compared to negative US$113.8 million reported in 4Q14, composed by:

YANACOCHA

At Yanacocha (43.65% owned by Buenaventura), during 4Q15, gold production was 211,256 ounces, 34% lower than 4Q14 production (322,309 ounces). For 2015, gold production was 917,690 ounces, 5% lower than 969,944 ounces in 2014.

Gold production guidance at Yanacocha for 2016 is 600k – 650k ounces.

In 4Q15, Yanacocha reported net loss of US$547.4 million compared to a net loss of US$380.3 million reported in 4Q14 (Includes deferred income tax of US$510 million). CAS in 4Q15 was US$747/oz, 75% higher than the US$426/oz reported in 4Q14 mainly due to: i) a higher inventory write-down (US$34.7 million in 4Q15 compared to US$11.1 million in 4Q14), and ii) lower volume sold (216,733 gold ounces in 4Q15 vs 327,278 gold ounces in 4Q14).

Capital expenditures at Yanacocha were US$37.3 million in 4Q15, while for 2015 was US$96.2 million.

Yanacocha still has a strong pipeline of growth projects: Quecher Main (prefeasibility), Chaquicocha Sulphides and Yanacocha Verde (scoping) and Maqui Maqui (exploration).

CERRO VERDE

At Cerro Verde (19.58% owned by Buenaventura), during 4Q15 copper production was 95,619 MT (18,722 MT attributable to Buenaventura), a 71% increase compared to 4Q14 (56,001 MT and 10,965 MT attributable to Buenaventura). For 2015, copper production was 246,973 MT (48,357 MT attributable to Buenaventura).

During 4Q15, Cerro Verde reported a net loss of US$13.2 million compared to net profit of US$55.9 million in 4Q14. This was mainly due to a higher depreciation (related to the new concentrate plant) and a higher net loss from currency exchange difference, despite of the 71% increase in volume sold. For 2015, net income was US$33.3 million (compared to US$377.6 million in 2014).

Capital expenditures at Cerro Verde were US$274.1 million in 4Q15, and US$1,595.6 million in 2015.

Cerro Verde’s plant expansion was completed, in-line with schedule and budget (US$4.6 billion). It became the largest concentration facility (360K TPD) in the world and full plant capacity is expected to be reached in 1Q16.

Copper production guidance at Cerro Verde for 2016 is 550k MT – 600k MT.

COIMOLACHE (Tantahuatay operation)

At Coimolache (40.10% owned by Buenaventura), attributable contribution to the net income in 4Q15 was US$6.5 million (US$5.0 million in 4Q14). For 2015, the contribution was US$16.6 million, compared to US$22.3 million reported in 2015.

Project Development and Exploration

The Tambomayo Project (100% ownership)

• Detail engineering currently at 100% of development
• Civil works are at 30% of progress (expected to be completed in 3Q16)
• 100% of mayor equipment has been purchased (80% arrived to site)
• CAPEX: US$ 340 M (Total disbursement as of 4Q15 US$158.3 M)
  • Exploration and mine development US$218 M (Disbursement as of 4Q15 S$64.4 M)
  • Civil works and Equipment US$122 M (Disbursement as of 4Q15 S$93.9 M)

The San Gabriel Project (100% ownership)

• The project has been rescheduled in order to preserve cash flow
• Feasibility studies were completed in 4Q15
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project´s construction is expected to be approved in 4Q16
• Objective for 1S16:
  • Continue the construction of a 450 meters exploration ramp
  • Drilling program: 7,000 meters in order to confirm resources and certainty

Buenaventura´s Cash and Debt Situation

• Currently BVN is in the process of raising US$ 270 million long-term syndicate loan.

Proceeds from this new debt will be used for the following:

a. Reprofiling of BVN´s current short term debt (US$ 232 million).

b. Partially finance the construction of the Tambomayo Project.

• Yanacocha will distribute a cash dividend of US$ 300 million

BVN received US$ 131 million on February 19, 2016.

• Cerro Verde - loan of US$ 125 million in 4Q15

In 4Q15, Cerro Verde received a loan of US$ 600 million from its shareholder in order to comply with the covenants of its syndicate loan ($1.8 billion).

• El Brocal - capital increase of US$ 19 million in 1Q16

This capital increase was needed in order to comply with the covenants of its loan.

Recent events

At the Board of Directors’ meeting held February 25, 2016, the following resolutions were passed:

To call for the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on March 29, 2016, the following items will be proposed for approval:

a. Approve the Annual Report as of December, 31, 2015.

b. Approve the Financial Statements as of December, 31, 2015.

c. Appoint Ernst and Young (Paredes, Zalvidar, Burga y Asociados) as External Auditors for fiscal year 2016.

* * *

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*, Uchucchacua*, Mallay*, Julcani*, El Brocal, La Zanja and Coimolache and is developing the Tambomayo and San Gabriel projects.

The Company owns 43.65% of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L (a partnership with Newmont Mining Corp.), an important precious metal producer; 19.58% of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, an important Peruvian copper producer.

For a printed version of the Company’s 2014 Form 20-F, please contact the investor relations contacts on page 1 of this report, or download the PDF format file from the Company’s web site at www.buenaventura.com.

(*) 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, economic, 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

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 associated companies) 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 associated 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

APPENDIX 5: COST APPLICABLE TO SALES RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation of Costs Applicable to Sales and Cost Applicable to Sales per Unit Sold

Cost applicable to sales consists of cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, plus Selling expenses. Cost applicable to sales per unit sold for each mine consists of cost applicable to sales for a particular metal produced at a given mine divided by the volume of such metal produced at such mine in the specified period. We note that cost applicable to sales is not directly comparable to the cash operating cost figures disclosed in previously furnished earnings releases.

Cost applicable to sales and Cost applicable to sales per unit of mineral sold are not measures of financial performance under IFRS, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. We consider Cost applicable to sales and Cost applicable to sales per unit of mineral sold to be key measures in managing and evaluating our operating performance. These measures are widely reported in the precious metals industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have standardized meanings. You should not consider Cost applicable to sales or Cost applicable to sales per unit of mineral sold as alternatives to cost of sales determined in accordance with IFRS, as indicators of our operating performance. Cost applicable to sales and Cost applicable to sales per unit of mineral sold are calculated without adjusting for by-product revenue amounts.

The tables below set forth (i) a reconciliation of consolidated Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization to consolidated Cost applicable to sales, (ii) reconciliations of the components of Cost applicable to sales (by mine and mineral) to the corresponding consolidated line items set forth on our consolidated statements of profit or loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2015, and (iii) reconciliations of Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization to Cost applicable to sales for each of our mining units. The amounts set forth in Cost applicable to sales and Cost applicable to sales per unit sold for each mine and mineral indicated in the tables below can be reconciled to the amounts set forth on our consolidated statements of profit or loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2015 by reference to the reconciliations of Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization (by mine and mineral), Selling Expenses (by mine and metal) expenses and Exploration in units in operations (by mine and mineral) to consolidated Cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization, consolidated Selling Expenses and consolidated Exploration in units in operations expenses, respectively, set forth below.