EX-1 2 a11-11215_1ex1.htm EX-1

Exhibit 1

 

 

Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE, TSX)

 

For further information:

 

 

Investor Relations (416) 947-1212

 

(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

AGNICO-EAGLE ANNOUNCES EXPANDED MINERALIZATION
AT KITTILA, GOLDEX AND MELIADINE

 

TORONTO (April 28, 2011) - Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited (“Agnico-Eagle” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on its 2011 exploration program to date, as well as the plans for its exploration activities for the rest of 2011.

 

The Company’s largest-ever exploration program of $145 million will include approximately 400 kilometres of drilling employing approximately 40 rigs.  This dollar amount includes a major exploration-related infrastructure program of $27 million at Meliadine.

 

During the first quarter of 2011, significant extensions of gold mineralization at Kittila, Goldex and Meliadine were discovered.  At Kittila, mineralization has been extended at depth and north of the Roura zone.  At Goldex, the latest deep drill holes indicate that D Zone mineralization extends well beyond the current resource envelope over large thicknesses, with grades similar to the current reserve grade. At Meliadine, drilling has continued to infill the Wesmeg zone and extended it westward.

 

This year’s exploration program is on track to achieve the 2011 goal of more than 22 million ounces of gold reserves, representing organic growth of at least 8%, net of production.

 

Highlights of the 2011 exploration program include:

 

·                  Deepest High-grade Mineralization Found to Date at Kittila - Hole ROU-10-037 returned 9.5 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold over 6.0 metres true width at 1,200 metres below surface approximately 150 metres below current reserve envelope

·                  Goldex’s D Zone Growing Significantly - Hole 76-014 intersected 192 metres (core length) grading 2.2 g/t gold approximately 150 metres below the current D Zone resources.  New exploration ramp for D Zone will accelerate delineation of this growing deposit

·                  Mineralized Envelope Grows at Meliadine’s Wesmeg Zone — North and South Trends of Wesmeg indicate satellite open pit potential.  Hole M-11-1014 yielded 8.2 g/t gold over 5.4 metres

·                  High-grade Intercepts at Depth and to the East of the Lapa Orebody — goal is to extend mine life

 

“These latest exploration results show that several of our gold deposits extend beyond the currently known mineral resource and demonstrate the potential of our newly built mines to

 



 

continue to grow” said Sean Boyd, Vice-Chairman and CEO. “These results also support the next phase of our program to build value at our mines through the acceleration of underground infrastructure so we can delineate of our growing gold deposits more quickly” added Mr. Boyd.

 

Kittila — Deep Extensions Revealed Beneath Roura Zone

 

The 100% owned Kittila mine in northern Finland achieved commercial production in May 2009.  Proven and probable gold reserves total approximately 4.9 million ounces from 32.7 million tonnes grading 4.6 g/t.

 

Since Agnico-Eagle purchased the Kittila property in 2005, the total gold in the reserve and resource envelope has increased significantly.  Approximately $16 million is budgeted to explore the property in 2011 with the goal of further expansion.

 

To the end of March, approximately 4,000 metres of conversion drilling and 10,500 metres of exploration drilling was done at the Kittila mine site during 2011.  The program will be accelerated by the addition of a 2,400-metre exploration ramp planned to be built over a three-year period from the Suuri zone to the Roura zone between 500 metres and 800 metres depth.  This ramp will improve access for deep drilling in the Suuri, Roura and Rimpi zones.  Construction began in early April and drilling from the ramp is expected to begin later this year.

 

Drilling continues to intersect the Roura zone mineralization between 850 metres and 1,250 metres depth.  Ongoing gold discoveries in the Roura zones (moving north to label “A” on the linked longitudinal section) and at depth (towards label “B”) reinforce the rationale behind the current feasibility study regarding a 50% expansion in throughput.  The study is expected to be reviewed in the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

 

The northward plunge and recent results from the Roura zone mineralization also suggest that the Roura and Rimpi lenses could be connected.

 

Selected drill-hole intercepts are shown in the table below and on the Kittila longitudinal section, indicating new gold mineralization outside the current reserves/resources envelope.

 

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Roura - Deep Drill Results

 

Drill Hole

 

Lens

 

Purpose

 

From
(metres)

 

To
(metres)

 

Estimated True
Width (metres)

 

Gold (g/t)
(uncut)

 

ROU-10-035

 

Roura

 

Exploration

 

919

 

928

 

3.8

 

4.78

 

ROU-10-036B

 

Roura

 

Exploration

 

1,149

 

1,162

 

5.9

 

5.97

 

ROU-10-036C

 

Roura

 

Exploration

 

948

 

961

 

6.8

 

4.10

 

and

 

Roura

 

Exploration

 

1,002

 

1,010

 

4.2

 

5.08

 

ROU-10-037

 

Roura

 

exploration

 

1,298

 

1,311

 

6.0

 

9.50

 

 

Drill hole ROU-10-037 intersected the deepest high-grade mineralization to date, 6.0 metres grading 9.5 g/t gold at about 1,200 metres below surface.  This intercept is approximately 150 metres beneath the current resources and demonstrates the strong potential to continue to expand gold mineralization at depth.

 

Holes Rou-10-035, ROU-10-036B and ROU-10-036C, which intersected the mineralization in the Roura zone between 850 and 1,065 metres below surface, returned more typical grades and thicknesses.  These drill holes have extended the mineralization approximately 50 metres further north of the current resource envelope.

 

To date, reserves and resources at Kittila have been identified near surface along a strike length of approximately five kilometres.  Additionally, at a depth of 1,000 metres below surface, reserves and resources have been identified along a strike length of approximately 1.5 kilometres.

 

During the remainder of 2011, the exploration program is planned to examine adjacent sections to the north of, and down plunge of the current results.  The exploration results from the first half of 2011 will be included in a feasibility study which is expected to be reviewed in the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Meliadine — Winter Drilling Program Confirms Wesmeg Deposit on Two Trends

 

In the six months following the July 2010 acquisition of Meliadine, the Company converted 2.6 million ounces of gold from resources to reserves, while growing the total contained gold ounces in reserves and resources by 34%.

 

In addition to the initial gold reserve, the Meliadine project contains indicated gold resource of 8.8 million tonnes grading 5.2 g/t (or 1.5 million ounces).  It also includes inferred gold resources of 11.8 million tonnes grading 6.9 g/t (or 2.6 million ounces).

 

The objectives of the Company’s $65 million exploration program at Meliadine in 2011 are to help advance the project to a production decision by the first quarter of 2013 and to test targets along the 80-kilometre-long property.  The 2011 exploration budget includes plans for 70,000 metres of exploration and definition drilling on the six known deposits on the property, 20,000 metres of regional exploration drilling on the rest of the property, and 5,000 metres of condemnation drilling to determine the optimal locations for infrastructure.

 

The initial focus in 2011 was on the recently discovered Wesmeg zone.  Its location, 400 metres south of the main Tiriganiaq zone, gives it potential to have a significant impact on

 

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the project as a satellite open pit mine.  The location of this zone is shown on the linked local geology map.

 

 

The initial Wesmeg resource contains 1.0 million tonnes grading 4.45 g/t (or 143,000 ounces of gold(1)) in the inferred category, as of December 31, 2010.

 

Drilling through March has confirmed the continuity of the Wesmeg zone and extended it to the west.  The deposit consists of a North Trend and a South Trend, each with mineralization more than a kilometre long, to date.  The Trends are sub-parallel and currently average approximately 150 metres apart but seem to be converging to the west.  Thicknesses of up to 25 metres have been encountered to date.

 

Currently, the entire resource at Wesmeg is contained in the North trend in approximately 500 metres of strike length.  Many of the recent drill results are in the South Trend, and an initial resource estimate will occur later this year.  Both Trends are open at depth and along strike.

 

Significant results at the end of March are shown in the table below, with the pierce points of drill holes shown on the longitudinal section.  This drilling is aimed at increasing the deposit’s inferred resources.

 


(1)  Please see the cautionary “Notes to Investors Regarding the Use of Resources”

 

4



 

 

Hole M-11-1010 yielded a 3.9-metre intercept grading 5.89 g/t gold at approximately 70 metres below surface.  Hole M-11-1013 had a 6.7-metre-long intercept grading 3.07 g/t gold at about 100 metres below surface.  Both of these holes are in the North Trend and demonstrate the continuity of the mineralization at Wesmeg.

 

Significant Wesmeg North trend 2011 drill results

 

Drill Hole

 

Zone

 

Purpose

 

From
(metres)

 

To
(metres)

 

Estimated
True Width*
(metres)

 

Gold
(g/t)
(cut)**

 

M-11-1010

 

Wesmeg North trend

 

exploration

 

21.0

 

25.0

 

4.0

 

3.07

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

115.0

 

118.9

 

3.9

 

5.89

 

M-11-1013

 

Wesmeg North trend

 

exploration

 

171.0

 

181.5

 

10.5

 

2.10

 

including

 

 

 

 

 

172.3

 

179.0

 

6.7

 

3.07

 

 


*Estimated true width; hole assumed to be orthogonal to lode / interval.

** Holes at Wesmeg deposit use a cutting factor of 23.0 g/t gold.

 

The following table presents holes returning significant gold mineralization in the South trend.  These holes are expected to contribute to expansion of the Wesmeg resources.  The strongest intercept was hole M-11-1014, which yielded 8.17 g/t over 5.4 metres.

 

Significant Wesmeg South trend 2011 drill results

 

Drill Hole

 

Zone

 

Purpose

 

From
(metres)

 

To
(metres)

 

Estimated
True Width*
(metres)

 

Gold
(g/t)
(cut)**

 

M-11-1004

 

Wesmeg South trend

 

exploration

 

37.5

 

51.0

 

13.5

 

4.78

 

including

 

 

 

 

 

44.0

 

50.0

 

6.0

 

6.54

 

M-11-1008

 

Wesmeg South trend

 

exploration

 

35.0

 

38.0

 

3.0

 

2.20

 

M-11-1014

 

Wesmeg South trend

 

exploration

 

132.6

 

138.0

 

5.4

 

8.17

 

M-11-1021

 

Wesmeg South trend

 

exploration

 

100.0

 

109.0

 

9.0

 

3.21

 

including

 

 

 

 

 

105.0

 

109.0

 

4.0

 

3.79

 

and

 

 

 

 

 

203.0

 

207.2

 

4.2

 

5.84

 

 


*Estimated true width; hole assumed to be orthogonal to lode / interval.

** Holes at Wesmeg deposit use a cutting factor of 23.0 g/t gold.

 

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It is expected that the results of the current drill program on Wesmeg and other deposits will contribute to an increase of the mineral reserves and resources estimate at the Meliadine project later this year.

 

Goldex — Deep Exploration Suggests Extension of Mine’s Life

 

The 100% owned Goldex mine in northwestern Quebec began operation in 2008.  Proven and probable gold reserves total 1.6 million ounces from 27.8 million tonnes grading 1.8 g/t.

 

Systematic exploration at Goldex in 2010 started to define the large, promising D Zone.  This zone is directly down-dip from the current mining operation extracting the GEZ orebody.  The initial resources at the D Zone, to a depth of approximately 1,200 metres below surface, are contained in 14.4 million tonnes grading 1.62 g/t gold in the inferred category (or 746,000 ounces of gold), as of December 31, 2010.

 

The main objective in 2011 for the $6-million exploration program (58,200 metres) is to expand the D Zone.  The results will be incorporated into a scoping study on the economics of mining this zone.  The study is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.

 

Select results to the middle of April 2011 are shown in the table below, with the pierce points of drill holes shown on the longitudinal section for the Goldex mine.

 

Significant Goldex 2011 drill results

 

Drill
Hole

 

Zone

 

Purpose

 

From
(metres)

 

To (metres)

 

Core
length*
(metres)

 

Gold
(g/t)

 

73-414

 

D

 

exploration

 

574.5

 

682.5

 

108.0

 

1.77

 

incl

 

 

 

 

 

574.5

 

628.5

 

54.0

 

2.00

 

76-011

 

D

 

exploration

 

480.0

 

645.0

 

165.0

 

1.64

 

incl

 

 

 

 

 

523.5

 

609.0

 

85.5

 

2.11

 

76-012

 

D

 

exploration

 

481.5

 

673.5

 

192.0

 

1.70

 

incl

 

 

 

 

 

492.0

 

592.5

 

100.5

 

2.03

 

76-013

 

D

 

exploration

 

511.5

 

751.5

 

240.0

 

2.47

 

incl

 

 

 

 

 

613.5

 

733.5

 

120.0

 

3.09

 

76-014

 

D

 

exploration

 

655.5

 

847.5

 

192.0

 

2.17

 

incl

 

 

 

 

 

655.5

 

753.0

 

97.5

 

3.07

 

 


*Cannot determine true width yet, as the geometry of the D zone not fully understood.

 

 

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Some of the deepest holes drilled to date on the property intersected grades higher than the average Goldex reserve grade over meaningful thicknesses.  At a depth of 1,225 metres, hole 76-013 returned 240 metres of core length grading 2.47 g/t gold, including a higher grade portion of 120 metres grading 3.09 g/t gold.  This is similar in thickness and higher grade than the orebody currently being mined.  At 1,350 metres depth, approximately 150 metres below the current resources, hole 76-014 yielded 192 metres of core length grading 2.17 g/t gold, including 98 metres grading 3.07 g/t gold.

 

The other holes reported in the table confirm the grades and thicknesses within the D zone resources. An example is hole 76-012, which yielded a core length of 192 metres grading 1.70 g/t gold, including a higher grade intercept of 100 metres grading 2.03 g/t gold.

 

Based on the positive results to date, the Company has made a decision to accelerate the D Zone exploration program, constructing a 300 metre exploration ramp into the zone and adding an additional 12,000 metres of exploration drilling from this ramp.  The additional cost over the original exploration budget at Goldex is expected to be a further $2.2 million in 2011.

 

Successfully adding reserves in the D Zone would extend the mine life at Goldex.

 

Lapa — Eastern Zones Showing Potential to Increase Mine’s Life

 

The 100% owned Lapa mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in May 2009.  Proven and probable gold reserves total approximately 0.7 million ounces from 2.8 million tonnes grading 7.4 g/t.

 

Agnico-Eagle has undertaken an aggressive exploration program that aims to define new reserves close to the current Lapa mine infrastructure in order to extend the mine life beyond 2015.  To that effect, two eastbound exploration drifts are being driven.  The longer of the two drifts, a one-kilometre tracked drift at Level 101, will serve as a platform for additional deep drilling east of the mine.  It will account for most of the 22,700 metres of exploration drilling planned at Lapa in 2011.  Drilling from the shorter, trackless, 400-metre-long drift at Level 98 will allow for 9,400 metres of planned conversion and exploration drilling, all expected to be completed in 2011.

 

Early results from this exploration program have been very encouraging and have led to a decision by Agnico-Eagle to target three resource-containing blocks (labels “C”,”D”, “E” on the attached longitudinal section) surrounding the Lapa reserve.  Continued drilling success in these areas is likely to extend the mine life at Lapa.  Select results to March are shown in the table below, with the pierce points of drill holes shown on the longitudinal section for the Lapa mine.

 

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Significant Lapa 2011 drill results

 

Drill Hole

 

Zone

 

Purpose

 

From
(metres)

 

To
(metres)

 

Estimated
true width
(metres)

 

Gold
(g/t)
(cut)*

 

Gold
(g/t)
(uncut)

 

LA-10-98-19

 

Contact

 

exploration

 

402.9

 

413.0

 

2.8

 

12.8

 

12.8

 

LA-10-98-23

 

Contact

 

conversion

 

154.4

 

158.0

 

2.8

 

23.5

 

27.4

 

LA11-98-40

 

Contact

 

exploration

 

205.2

 

211.0

 

2.8

 

13.5

 

13.5

 

LA11-98-28

 

Contact

 

exploration

 

135.5

 

138.3

 

2.8

 

8.9

 

8.9

 

LA11-98-25

 

Contact

 

conversion

 

130.0

 

133.1

 

2.8

 

15.5

 

15.5

 

 


*Holes at Lapa use a cutting factor of 135 g/t gold.

 

In area “E”, holes LA-10-98-19 and LA-11-98-40 both show strong gold grades below and to the east of current reserves. For example, hole LA-11-98-40 yielded 13.5 g/t gold over 2.8 metres, and indicates potential for meaningful growth of the orebody.

 

Pinos Altos — Several Satellite Zones Developing in 2011

 

The 100% owned Pinos Altos mine in northern Mexico achieved commercial production in November 2009.  Proven and probable reserves, including the stand-alone, heap leach, Creston Mascota mine, total 3.3 million ounces of gold and 92.0 million ounces of silver from 44.2 million tonnes grading 2.3 g/t gold and 64.8 g/t silver.

 

Exploration at Pinos Altos in 2011 is focusing on the underground portion of the Cerro Colorado zone (adjacent to the main Santo Nino zone, to the west), the satellite Creston Mascota, Cubiro and Bravo zones, and the Reyna de la Plata zone (parallel zone, north of Santo Nino).

 

Exploration drilling continues to indicate that the Creston Mascota deposit extends to the south towards the Bravo zone resource.  The Bravo zone is approximately 300 metres southwest from the anticipated Creston Mascota pit outline.   Drilling will investigate whether these zones are in fact connected.

 

The Company is considering an underground exploration program at the Cubiro zone, located southwest of Creston Mascota.  Rugged topography has made surface drilling difficult, to date.

 

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Reyna de la Plata, a parallel zone located approximately 1,000 metres north of the main Santo Nino deposit, could also be another satellite operation.  This north trend also hosts the Sinter deposit approximately 2,000 metres to the west.  Approximately $3.1 million is expected to be spent on exploring these zones in 2011.

 

Drill results of the exploration program at Pinos Altos will be available later this year.

 

About Agnico-Eagle

 

Agnico-Eagle is a long established, Canadian headquartered, gold producer with operations located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, and exploration and development activities in Canada, Finland, Mexico and the United States.  The Company has full exposure to higher gold prices consistent with its policy of no forward gold sales and maintains a corporate strategy based on increasing shareholders exposure to gold, on a per share basis.  It has paid a cash dividend for 29 consecutive years.  www.agnico-eagle.com

 

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Detailed Mineral Reserve and Resource Data (as at December 31, 2010)

 

Category and Operation

 

Au
(g/t)

 

Ag
(g/t)

 

Cu
(%)

 

Zn
(%)

 

Pb
(%)

 

Au
(000s
oz.)

 

Tonnes
(000s)

 

Proven Mineral Reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldex (underground)

 

1.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

890

 

14,804

 

Kittila (open pit)

 

4.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53

 

395

 

Kittila (underground)

 

6.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

8

 

Kittila total proven

 

4.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55

 

403

 

Lapa (underground)

 

7.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

261

 

1,122

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

2.36

 

55.17

 

0.26

 

2.78

 

0.32

 

366

 

4,838

 

Meadowbank (open pit)

 

3.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

85

 

839

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

0.89

 

13.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31

 

1,078

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

2.52

 

78.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

144

 

1,786

 

Pinos Altos total proven

 

1.90

 

54.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

175

 

2,864

 

Subtotal Proven Mineral Reserve

 

2.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,832

 

24,869

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Probable Mineral Reserve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldex (underground)

 

1.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

676

 

12,990

 

Kittila (open pit)

 

5.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

281

 

1,657

 

Kittila (underground)

 

4.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,544

 

30,672

 

Kittila total probable

 

4.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,826

 

32,329

 

Lapa (underground)

 

7.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

416

 

1,709

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

4.63

 

23.99

 

0.28

 

0.90

 

0.07

 

4,452

 

29,892

 

Meadowbank (open pit)

 

3.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,402

 

33,259

 

Meliadine (open pit)

 

6.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

953

 

4,287

 

Meliadine (underground)

 

9.89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,647

 

5,180

 

Meliadine total probable

 

8.54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,600

 

9,467

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

1.98

 

45.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,083

 

16,987

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

2.58

 

79.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,013

 

24,311

 

Pinos Altos total probable

 

2.33

 

65.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,096

 

41,298

 

Subtotal Probable Mineral Reserve

 

3.76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,467

 

160,944

 

Total Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves

 

3.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,299

 

185,813

 

 

Category and Operation

 

Au
(g/t)

 

Ag
(g/t)

 

Cu
(%)

 

Zn
(%)

 

Pb
(%)

 

Tonnes
(000s)

 

Indicated Mineral Resource

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bousquet (underground)

 

5.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,704

 

Ellison (underground)

 

5.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

415

 

Goldex (underground)

 

1.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,273

 

Kittila (underground)

 

2.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,348

 

Lapa (underground)

 

4.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,770

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

1.89

 

23.96

 

0.12

 

1.36

 

0.13

 

6,933

 

Meadowbank (open pit)

 

1.40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,441

 

Meadowbank (underground)

 

4.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,318

 

Meadowbank total indicated

 

1.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,759

 

Meliadine (open pit)

 

5.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,968

 

Meliadine (underground)

 

5.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,839

 

Meliadine total indicated

 

5.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,807

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

0.88

 

12.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,832

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

1.25

 

35.76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,789

 

Pinos Altos total indicated

 

1.02

 

21.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,621

 

Swanson (open pit)

 

1.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

504

 

Total Indicated Resource

 

2.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

95,135

 

 

10



 

Category and Operation

 

Au
(g/t)

 

Ag
(g/t)

 

Cu
(%)

 

Zn
(%)

 

Pb
(%)

 

Tonnes
(000s)

 

Inferred Mineral Resource

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bousquet (open pit)

 

1.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,798

 

Bousquet (underground)

 

7.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,667

 

Bousquet total inferred

 

2.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,464

 

Ellison (underground)

 

5.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

786

 

Goldex (underground)

 

1.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,813

 

Kittila (open pit)

 

3.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

362

 

Kittila (underground)

 

2.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,958

 

Kittila total inferred

 

2.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,320

 

Kuotko, Finland (open pit)

 

3.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,116

 

Kylmäkangas, Finland (underground)

 

4.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,924

 

Lapa (underground)

 

8.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

454

 

LaRonde (underground)

 

3.72

 

12.24

 

0.27

 

0.48

 

0.05

 

11,526

 

Meadowbank (open pit)

 

1.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,393

 

Meadowbank (underground)

 

5.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

824

 

Meadowbank total inferred

 

2.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,218

 

Meliadine (open pit)

 

4.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,388

 

Meliadine (underground)

 

7.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,446

 

Meliadine total inferred

 

6.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,834

 

Pinos Altos (open pit)

 

0.87

 

17.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,913

 

Pinos Altos (underground)

 

2.38

 

59.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,744

 

Pinos Altos total inferred

 

1.09

 

23.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,657

 

Total Inferred Resource

 

2.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

118,111

 

 

Tonnage amounts and contained metal amounts presented in this table have been rounded to the nearest thousand. Reserves are not a sub-set of resources. No measured resources were estimated.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The information in this news release has been prepared as at April 28, 2011. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward looking information” under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and are referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”. When used in this document, words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate,” “forecast,” “planned”, “will”, “likely”, “schedule” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

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Such statements include without limitation: the Company’s forward-looking production guidance, including estimated ore grades, project timelines, drilling results, orebody configurations, metal production, life of mine horizons, commencement of production estimates, the estimated timing of scoping and other studies, recovery rates, mill throughput, and projected exploration and capital expenditures, including costs and other estimates upon which such projections are based; the Company’s goal to increase its mineral reserves and resources; and other statements and information regarding anticipated trends with respect to the Company’s operations, exploration and the funding thereof. Such statements reflect the Company’s views as at the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico-Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The factors and assumptions of Agnico-Eagle contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the assumptions set forth herein and in management’s discussion and analysis and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 (“Form 20-F”) as well as: that there are no significant disruptions affecting operations, whether due to labour disruptions, supply disruptions, damage to equipment, natural occurrences, political changes, title issues or otherwise; that permitting, production and expansion at each of Agnico-Eagle’s mines and growth projects proceeds on a basis consistent with current expectations, and that Agnico-Eagle does not change its plans relating to such projects; that the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar, European Union euro, Mexican peso and the United  States dollar will be approximately consistent with current levels or as set out in this news release; that prices for gold, silver, zinc, copper and lead will be consistent with Agnico-Eagle’s expectations; that prices for key mining and construction supplies, including labour costs, remain consistent with Agnico-Eagle’s current expectations; that Agnico-Eagle’s current estimates of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral grades and metal recovery are accurate; that there are no material delays in the timing for completion of ongoing growth projects; that the Company’s current plans to optimize production are successful; and that there are no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environment.  Many factors, known and unknown, could cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to: the volatility of prices of gold and other metals; uncertainty of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral grades and metal recovery estimates; uncertainty of future production, capital expenditures, and other costs; currency fluctuations; financing of additional capital requirements; cost of exploration and development programs; mining risks; risks associated with foreign operations; governmental and environmental regulation; the volatility of the Company’s stock price; and risks associated with the Company’s byproduct metal derivative strategies. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, see the Form 20-F, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements and information, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Certain of the foregoing statements, primarily related to projects, are based on preliminary views of the Company with respect to, among other things, grade, tonnage, processing, recoveries, mining methods, capital costs, total

 

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cash costs, minesite costs, and location of surface infrastructure.  Actual results and final decisions may be materially different from those currently anticipated.

 

Notes to Investors Regarding the Use of Resources

 

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured and Indicated Resources

 

This news release uses the terms “measured resources” and “indicated resources”. We advise investors that while those terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.

 

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Resources

 

This press release also uses the term “inferred resources”.  We advise investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize it. “Inferred resources” have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility.  It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category.  Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.  Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

 

Scientific and Technical Data

 

Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited is reporting mineral resource and reserve estimates in accordance with the CIM guidelines for the estimation, classification and reporting of resources and reserves.

 

Cautionary Note To U.S. Investors - The SEC permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. Agnico-Eagle uses certain terms in this press release, such as “measured”, “indicated”, and “inferred”, and “resources” that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, which may be obtained from us, or from the SEC’s website at: http://sec.gov/edgar.shtml.  A “final” or “bankable” feasibility study is required to meet the requirements to designate reserves under Industry Guide 7.

 

Estimates for all properties were calculated using historic three-year average metals prices and foreign exchange rates in accordance with the SEC Industry Guide 7.  Industry Guide 7 requires the use of prices that reflect current economic conditions at the time of reserve determination, which the Staff of the SEC has interpreted to mean historic three-year average prices.  The assumptions used for the mineral reserves and resources estimates reported by the Company on February 16, 2011 were based on three-year average prices

 

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for the period ending December 31, 2010 of $1,024 per ounce gold, $16.62 per ounce silver, $0.86 per pound zinc, $2.97 per pound copper, $0.90 per pound lead and C$/US$, US$/Euro and MXP/US$ exchange rates of 1.08, 1.40 and 12.43, respectively.

 

The Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) requires mining companies to disclose reserves and resources using the subcategories of “proven” reserves, “probable” reserves, “measured” resources, “indicated” resources and “inferred” resources. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

 

A mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated resource demonstrated by at least a preliminary feasibility study. This study must include adequate information on mining, processing, metallurgical, economic and other relevant factors that demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that economic extraction can be justified. A mineral reserve includes diluting materials and allows for losses that may occur when the material is mined. A proven mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. A probable mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.

 

A mineral resource is a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid, inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth’s crust in such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. A measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. An indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. An inferred mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and grade

 

14



 

continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

 

Investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of an inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

 

A feasibility study is a comprehensive study of a mineral deposit in which all geological, engineering, legal, operating, economic, social, environmental and other relevant factors are considered in sufficient detail that it could reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a financial institution to finance the development of the deposit for mineral production.

 

The mineral reserves presented in this disclosure are separate from and not a portion of the mineral resources.

 

Property/Project name
and location

 

Qualified Person
responsible for the
current Mineral
Resource and
Reserve Estimate and
relationship to
Agnico-Eagle

 

Qualified Person
responsible for
Exploration and
relationship to
Agnico-Eagle

 

Date of most recent
Technical Report (NI
43-101) filed on
SEDAR

LaRonde, Bousquet & Ellison, Quebec, Canada

 

François Blanchet Ing., LaRonde Division Superintendent of geology

 

François Blanchet Ing., LaRonde Division Superintendent of geology

 

March 23, 2005

Kittila, Kuotko and Kylmakangas, Finland

 

Daniel Doucet, Ing., Corporate Director of Geology

 

Marc Legault P.Eng., VP Project Development

 

March 4, 2010

Pinos Altos, Chihuahua, Mexico. Swanson, Quebec, Canada

 

Dyane Duquette, P.Geo., Superintendent of geology, Technical Services Group

 

Mine site: Dyane Duquette, P.Geo.; Regional: Roger Doucet, P.Geo., Exploration manager for Mexico

 

March 25, 2009

Meadowbank, Nunavut, Canada

 

Bruno Perron, P.Eng., Meadowbank Superintendent of geology

 

Mine site: Bruno Perron, P.Eng., Meadowbank Division Superintendent of geology; Regional: Guy Gosselin Ing., Exploration manager for Canada

 

December 15, 2008

Goldex, Quebec, Canada

 

Richard Genest, Ing., Goldex Division Superintendent of geology

 

Richard Genest, Ing., Goldex Division Superintendent of geology

 

October 27, 2005

Lapa, Quebec, Canada

 

Normand Bédard, P.Geo., Lapa Division Superintendent of

 

Normand Bédard, P.Geo., Lapa Division Superintendent of

 

June 8, 2006

 

15



 

 

 

geology

 

geology

 

 

Meliadine, Nunavut, Canada

 

Dyane Duquette, P.Geo., Superintendent of geology, Technical Services Group

 

Denis Vaillancourt, P.Geo., Exploration manager for eastern Canada

 

March 8, 2011

 

The effective date for all of the Company’s mineral resource and reserve estimates in this press release is December 31, 2010. Additional information about each of the mineral projects that is required by NI 43-101, sections 3.2 and 3.3 and paragraphs 3.4 (a), (c) and (d) can be found in the Technical Reports referred to above, which may be found at www.sedar.com. Other important operating information can be found in the Company’s Form 20-F and its news releases dated December 15, 2010 and February 16, 2011.

 

The contents of this press release have been prepared under the supervision of, and reviewed by, Marc Legault P.Eng., Vice-President Project Development and a “Qualified Person” for the purposes of NI 43-101.

 

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