UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

¨REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)
 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
OR
xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
OR
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
OR
¨SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from            to

Commission file number 001-14370

COMPAÑÍA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
BUENAVENTURA MINING COMPANY INC.
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
REPUBLIC OF PERU
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
CARLOS VILLARAN 790
SANTA CATALINA, LIMA 13, PERU
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Carlos E. Gálvez, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (511) 419-2540
Facsimile: (511) 471-7349
Address: Carlos Villaran 790, Santa Cataline, Lima 13, Peru
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common shares, nominal (par) value of ten
Peruvian Nuevos Soles per share
New York Stock Exchange Inc.٭
Lima Stock Exchange
American Depositary Shares (ADSs)
representing one Common share each
 
New York Stock Exchange Inc.٭
Lima Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange Inc.
 

٭  Not for trading but only in connection with the registration of ADSs pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Commission

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:  None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
 
Common shares nominal (par) value of S/.10.00 per share  274,889,924*
Investment shares nominal (par) value of S/.10.00 per share  744,640 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes x      No ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Yes ¨      No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes x      No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes ¨      No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x     Accelerated filer ¨     Non-accelerated filer ¨

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
U.S. GAAP  ¨
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨
Other x
 
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
 
Item 17 ¨      Item 18 x

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨      No x
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 Page
  
INTRODUCTION13
   
ITEM 1.Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers3
   
ITEM 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable3
   
ITEM 3.Key Information3
   
ITEM 4.Information on the Company2423
   
ITEM 4A.Unresolved Staff Comments10095
   
ITEM 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects10195
   
ITEM 6.Directors, Senior Management and Employees149146
   
ITEM 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions156153
   
ITEM 8.Financial Information158154
   
ITEM 9.The Offer and Listing161157
   
ITEM 10.Additional Information164160
   
ITEM 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk175170
   
ITEM 12.Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities176172
   
PART II 
ITEM 13.Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies176173
   
ITEM 14.Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds176173
   
ITEM 15.Controls and Procedures177173
   
ITEM 16A.Audit Committee Financial Expert178175
   
ITEM 16B.Code of Ethics179175
   
ITEM 16C.Principal Accountant Fees and Services179176
   
ITEM 16D.Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees180176
   
ITEM 16E.Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers180176
   
ITEM 16F.Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant180176
   
ITEM 16G.Corporate Governance180177

PART III 
ITEM 17.Financial Statements180177
   
ITEM 18.Financial Statements181177
   
ITEM 19.Exhibits182178



INTRODUCTION
 
Presentation of Financial Information
 
As used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, or Annual Report, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” “BVN” or “Buenaventura” mean Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, references to “$”, “US$”, “Dollars” and “U.S. Dollars” are to United States Dollars, and references to “S/.”, “Nuevo Sol” or “Nuevos Soles” are to Peruvian Nuevos Soles, the legal currency of the Republic of Peru, or Peru.
 
Until December 31, 2005, we and our subsidiaries maintained our financial books and records in Nuevos Soles, the functional and reporting currency until such date.  Effective January 1, 2006, we changed our functional and reporting currency from Nuevos Soles to U.S. Dollars.  See Note 2.1(f) to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, or the Financial Statements, for an explanation of the main reasons supporting this change.  We present our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Peru, which we refer to as Peruvian GAAP.  See Note 33 to the Financial Statements for a description of the significant differences between the accounting principles we follow under Peruvian GAAP and the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which we refer to as U.S. GAAP, and Note 34 to the Financial Statements for a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and shareholders’ equity for the periods covered.  Pursuant to the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Commission,SEC, this Annual Report includes certain separate financial statements and other financial information of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L., or Yanacocha, and Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A., or Cerro Verde.  Yanacocha and Cerro Verde maintain their financial books and records in U.S. Dollars and present their financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Peruvian GAAP, reconciled to U.S. GAAP, respectively.
 
We record our investments in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde in accordance with the equity method as described in “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—The Company—General” and Note 2.1(e)2.2(g) to the Financial Statements.  Our partnership interest in Yanacocha has beenwas calculated at 43.65 percent for the years ended December 31, 20072008 and 2008.2009.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007,2009, our equity interest in Cerro Verde was 19.05 and 18.5019.26 percent, respectively.
 
Exchange Rates
Effective January 1, 2006, our functional and reporting currency changed from the Nuevo Sol to the Dollar.  This change resulted from an evaluation of the currency denominations of our cash flows in recent years and, in particular, reflects the increasing significance of dividends from affiliates denominated in Dollars to our financial position, results of operation and cash flows.  Profit and loss accounts for year ended December 31, 2005 were translated into Dollars using the average exchange rate of US$1.00 to S/.3.305.
The translation of amounts expressed in nominal or constant Nuevos Soles with purchasing power as of a specified date by the then-prevailing exchange rate may result in presentation of Dollar amounts that differ from the Dollar amounts that would have been obtained by translating nominal or constant Nuevos Soles with purchasing power as of another specified date by the prevailing exchange rate on that specified date.  See “Item 3.  Key Information—Exchange Rates” for information regarding the average rates of exchange between the Nuevo Sol and the Dollar for the periods specified therein.
1

Certain amounts and percentages have been rounded for presentation purposes and may not sum exactly.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report 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 our and Yanacocha’s costs and expenses, results of exploration, the continued improving efficiency of operations, prevailing market prices of gold, silver and other metals mined, the success of joint ventures, estimates of future exploration, production, subsidiaries’ plans for capital expenditures, estimates of reserves and Peruvian political, economic and legal developments.  Additional forward-looking statements related to Cerro Verde contained in this Annual Report include those concerning costs and expenses, the continued improving efficiency of operations, prevailing market prices of copper and molybdenum, production and Peruvian political, economic and legal developments.  These forward-looking statements reflect our view with respect to our, 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 Annual Report, including but not limited to those discussed under “Item 3.  Key Information—Risk Factors.”
2

PART I
ITEM 1.Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
ITEM 3.Key Information
Selected Financial Data
Selected Financial Information and Operating Data
The following information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Financial Statements including the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The selected financial information as of December 31, 2007 and 2008, and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, is derived from the Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The selected financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 has been derived from consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto which are not included in this Annual Report.  The report of Medina, Zaldivar, Paredes & Asociados (a member firm of Ernst & Young Global) on our 2007 and 2008 Financial Statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Peruvian GAAP, which differ in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.  Note 33 to the Financial Statements provides a description of the principal differences between Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as such differences relate to us, and Note 34 to the Financial Statements provides a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of our net income for the years ended 2006, 2007 and 2008, and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008.  The operating data presented below is derived from our records and has not been subject to audit.  The financial information and operating data presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—The Company,” the Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.
3

  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2004(2)
  
2005(2)
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
Income statement data:               
Peruvian GAAP               
Net sales of goods and services  266,405   283,387   548,072   747,021   766,603 
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts  20,187   28,064   50,325   5,393   - 
Royalty income  37,797   46,094   48,475   34,014   48,760 
Total income  324,389   357,545   646,872   786,428   815,363 
                     
Operating costs:                    
Cost of sales, without considering depreciation and amortization  (99,911)  (103,881)  (149,309)  (182,007)  (251,804)
Exploration in units in operation  (36,668)  (40,506)  (38,264)  (37,828)  (57,003)
Depreciation and amortization  (22,426)  (34,300)  (38,844)  (49,550)  (62,993)
Total operating costs  (159,005)  (178,687)  (226,417)  (269,385)  (371,800)
Gross income  165,384   178,858   420,455   517,043   443,563 
                     
Operating expenses:                    
General and administrative expenses  (22,833)  (34,350)  (36,639)  (59,205)  (34,907)
Exploration in non-operational areas  (25,877)  (27,812)  (36,190)  (46,407)  (55,231)
Royalties  (9,254)  (12,209)  (24,420)  (33,978)  (35,694)
Provision for impairment of long lived assets  -   -   -   -   (18,610)
Selling expenses  (5,231)  (4,800)  (5,928)  (10,818)  (15,386)
Total operating expenses  (63,195)  (79,171)  (103,177)  (150,408)  (159,828)
Operating income before unusual item  102,189   99,687   317,278   366,635   283,735 
Net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts  -   -   -   (185,922)  (415,135)
Operating income (loss) after unusual item  102,189   99,687   317,278   180,713   (131,400)
                     
Other income (expenses), net:                    
Share in affiliated companies, net  177,423   263,994   313,168   249,555   340,929 
Interest income  3,558   3,523   7,949   11,772   17,851 
Gain (loss) on currency exchange difference  (3,706)  448   (308)  5,190   (12,198)
Gain (loss) on change in the fair value of gold certificates  -   -   (4,861)  5,126   - 
Loss from change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments  (17,360)  (26,588)  (13,268)  -   - 
Interest expense  (4,273)  (4,060)  (5,948)  (8,614)  (33,934)
Loss from exposure to inflation  (2,888)  -   -   -   - 
Other, net  (4,811)  (3,227)  (19,502)  (8,686)  (9,290)
Total other income, net  147,943   234,090   277,230   254,343   303,358 
Income before workers’ profit sharing, income tax and minority interest  250,132   333,777   594,508   435,056   171,958 
Provision for workers’ profit sharing, net  (5,383)  (2,593)  (14,271)  (19,931)  4,725 
Provision for income tax, net  (29,911)  (22,816)  (64,033)  (43,975)  26,645 
Net income  214,838   308,368   516,204   371,150   203,328 
Net income attributable to minority interest  (8,261)  (19,971)  (88,147)  (96,389)  (50,045)
Net income attributable to Buenaventura  206,577   288,397   428,057   274,761   153,283 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share(3) (4)
  0.81   1.13   1.68   1.08   0.60 
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS(3)(4)
  0.81   1.13   1.68   1.08   0.60 
Dividends per share  0.16   0.18   0.24   0.28   0.20 
                     
Average number of shares outstanding  254,459,688   254,459,688   254,442,328   254,442,328   254,442,328 
4

  As of and for the year ended December 31, 
  
2004(2)
  
2005(2)
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
    
U.S. GAAP               
Operating income (loss)  96,961   97,225   302,277   345,618   (122,667)
Net income – restated(5)
  206,685   288,488   424,697   225,458   160,170 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share – restated(3)(4)
  0.81   1.14   1.67   0.89   0.63 
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS– restated(3)(4)(5)
  0.81   1.14   1.67   0.89   0.63 
                     
Balance sheet data:                    
Peruvian GAAP                    
Total assets  973,184   1,251,122   1,735,771   1,981,469   2,268,298 
Total debt  18,803   8,517   10,606   84,119   327,295 
Shareholders’ equity  587,023   862,959   1,300,506   1,580,216   1,728,992 
                     
U.S. GAAP                    
Total assets – restated(5)
  972,712   1,250,741   1,732,030   1,972,207   2,222,985 
Shareholders’ equity – restated(5)
  574,649   839,162   1,205,328   1,360,984   1,486,288 
                     
Operating data (unaudited):                    
Production(6)
                    
Gold (oz.)  357,562   388,042   405,383   403,955   425,257 
Silver (oz.)  15,095,562   16,429,816   22,179,552   19,430,511   18,606,478 
Proven and probable reserves(7)
                    
Gold (oz.)  931,924   1,036,543   1,032,063   1,315,925   1,080,506 
Silver (oz.)  95,862,405   116,452,462   117,808,602   102,195,344   128,431,875 

(1)Except per share, per ADS, outstanding shares and operating data.
(2)Until December 31, 2005, our financial books and records were maintained in Nuevos Soles, the functional and reporting currency as of such date.  Effective January 1, 2006, we changed the functional and reporting currency from Nuevos Soles to U.S. Dollars.  See Note 2.1(f) to the Financial Statements.  For comparative purposes, all prior years are presented assuming that U.S. Dollars were used as the reporting currency.
(3)
Income per share has been calculated for each year as net income divided by average number of shares outstanding during the year.    As of December 31, 2004 and 2005, the total number of Common Shares outstanding was 137,444,962, including 10,585,130 treasury shares, and the total number of Investment Shares outstanding was 372,320, including 15,933 treasury shares.  During 2005, we acquired 15,055 Investment Shares that are held as treasury shares.  On July 23, 2008, we conducted a two-for-one stock split of our outstanding Common Shares, Investment Shares and ADSs.  As a result, we had 274,889,924 outstanding Common Shares, including 21,130,260 treasury shares, and 744,640 outstanding Investment Shares, including 61,976 treasury shares, as of December 31, 2008.  In accordance with our accounting policy related to basic and diluted earnings per share, the net income per basic and diluted share has been adjusted retroactively for all periods reported to reflect the stock split.  See Note 2.1(x) to the Financial Statements.
(4)We have no outstanding options, warrants or convertible securities that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. As a result, there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share or ADS.
(5)Net income, total assets and shareholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2004 have been adjusted retroactively to comply with APB Opinion No. 18 – The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, due to the change in the accounting treatment of Cerro Verde’s investment during 2005.
(6)The amounts in this table reflect the total production of all of our consolidated subsidiaries, including El Brocal, in which we owned a 35.78% controlling equity interest as of December 31, 2008.  The production data in this table reflects 100% of El Brocal’s production.  For the years ended December 31, 2004 to 2008, El Brocal produced 3.4, 4.4, 10.3, 7.1 and 4.6 million ounces of silver, respectively, of which our equity share was 1.1, 1.5, 3.5, 2.4 and 1.7 million ounces of silver.
(7)Proven and probable reserves for our wholly-owned mines as of December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were audited by an independent consultant, Algon Investment S.R.L.  Proven and probable reserves for El Brocal’s mines as of December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were audited by an independent consultant, AMEC plc.
5

Yanacocha Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Yanacocha at the dates and for each of the periods indicated.  This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Yanacocha’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, or the Yanacocha Financial Statements, which Dongo-Soria Gaveglio y Asociados (a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers) audited.  The report of Dongo-Soria Gaveglio y Asociados on the Yanacocha Financial Statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The selected information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 has been derived from financial statements and related notes thereto which are not included in this Annual Report.  The Yanacocha Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which differ in certain respects from Peruvian GAAP.  The significant differences between U.S. GAAP and Peruvian GAAP applicable to Yanacocha have been quantified in determining Yanacocha’s reported Peruvian GAAP selected financial data.  The operating data presented below, which is based on 100 percent of Yanacocha’s production and reserves, is derived from Yanacocha’s records and has not been subject to audit.  The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha,” the Yanacocha Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.
6

  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
                
Income statement data:               
U.S. GAAP               
                
Revenues  1,249,882   1,490,402   1,543,212   1,093,347   1,612,618 
                     
Costs and expenses:                    
Costs applicable to sales  (450,825)  (507,806)  (468,027)  (506,261)  (659,867)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization  (179,441)  (193,587)  (171,730)  (159,148)  (169,131)
Exploration costs  (35,236)  (32,884)  (32,254)  (28,234)  (28,151)
General and administrative costs  (4,986)  (5,453)  (5,589)  (2,928)  (3,168)
Other expenses  (6,135)  6,669   (108,646)  (80,941)  (83,424)
Total operating expenses  (676,623)  (733,061)  (786,246)  (777,512)  (943,741)
Operating income  573,259   757,341   756,966   315,835   668,877 
Interest expense and other  (1,392)  3,540   6,825   12,698   3,642 
Pre-tax income  571,867   760,881   763,791   328,533   672,519 
Income tax provision  (181,563)  (235,407)  (238,343)  (107,044)  (196,057)
Net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles  390,304   525,474   525,448   221,489   476,462 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net  -   -   -   -   - 
Net income and comprehensive income  390,304   525,474   525,448   221,489   476,462 
                     
Peruvian GAAP                    
Revenues(2)
  1,266,550   1,527,609   1,636,009   1,148,546   1,641,301 
Operating income  605,019   675,293   886,373   379,541   709,234 
Net income  427,975   535,476   567,659   244,192   463,814 
                     
Balance sheet data:                    
U.S. GAAP                    
Total assets  1,207,748   1,549,583   1,824,853   1,895,884   1,891,963 
Total debt  37,316   3,160   200,000   218,111   205,618 
Partners’ equity  811,174   1,156,648   1,196,409   1,326,325   1,212,787 
Peruvian GAAP                    
Total assets  1,091,571   1,473,255   1,823,480   1,925,125   1,911,583 
Total debt  36,553   2,850   200,000   218,111   205,618 
Partners’ equity  735,203   1,090,679   1,200,562   1,353,180   1,226,994 
                     
Operating data (unaudited):                    
Gold produced (oz.)  3,017,303   3,333,088   2,612,199   1,563,669   1,810,338 
Gold proven and probable reserves (thousands of oz.)  32,257   32,620   29,327   27,594   24,850 

(1)Except operating data.
(2)Under U.S. GAAP, Yanacocha recognizes revenues when the price is determinable and upon delivery and transfer of title of gold to the customer.  In addition, revenues from silver sales are credited to costs applicable to sales as a by-product credit.  Under Peruvian GAAP, revenues, including gold and silver sales, are recognized when doré is delivered to the shipper.
7

Cerro Verde Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Cerro Verde at the dates and for each of the periods indicated.  This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Cerro Verde’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, or the Cerro Verde Financial Statements.  Medina, Zaldívar, Paredes & Asociados (a member firm of Ernst & Young Global) audited the Cerro Verde Financial Statements for 2007 and 2008 and the report of Medina, Zaldívar, Paredes & Asociados on Cerro Verde’s financial statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The Cerro Verde Financial Statements for years prior to 2006 were audited by Dongo-Soria Gaveglio y Asociados (a member firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers). The selected information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 has been derived from financial statements and related notes thereto which are not included in this Annual Report.  The Cerro Verde Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Peruvian GAAP, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.  Note 26 to the Cerro Verde Financial Statements provides a description of the principal differences between Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as such differences relate to Cerro Verde, and Note 27 to the Cerro Verde Financial Statements provides a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of Cerro Verde’s net income for the years ended 2006, 2007 and 2008 and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2007 and 2008.  The operating data presented below, which is based on 100 percent of Cerro Verde’s production and reserves, is derived from Cerro Verde’s records and has not been subject to audit.  The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde,” the Cerro Verde Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.
8

  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
Income statement data:               
Peruvian GAAP               
Net sales of goods  260,782   358,928   667,671   1,794,559   1,835,911 
Total revenues  260,782   358,928   667,671   1,794,559   1,835,911 
Costs of sales                    
Total costs of sales  (119,482)  (133,715)  (140,423)  (418,108)  (596,741)
Gross margin  141,300   225,213   527,248   1,376,451   1,239,170 
Operating expenses                    
Selling expenses  (1,089)  (1,295)  (3,538)  (54,405)  (78,190)
Negotiated payment (Voluntary contribution)  -   -   -   (48,674)  (29,496)
Other operating expenses  -   -   (48,100)  (2,432)  (29,956)
Total operating expenses  (1,089)  (1,295)  (51,638)  (105,511)  (137,642)
Operating income  140,211   223,918   475,610   1,270,940   1,101,528 
Other income (expenses), net                    
Financial expense  (1,975)  (14)  (2,984)  (23,346)  (7,853)
Financial income  1,148   7,063   10,899   33,168   20,278 
Other, net  (31)  169   (550)  (426)  (2,366)
Total other income (expenses), net  (858)  7,218   7,365   9,396   10,059 
Profit before workers’ profit sharing and income tax  139,353   231,136   482,975   1,280,336   1,111,587 
Workers’ profit sharing  (11,502)  (18,578)  (42,805)  (106,846)  (88,349)
Income tax  (40,188)  22,105   4,451   (368,805)  (304,805)
Net income  87,663   234,663   444,621   804,685   718,433 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share  0.386   0.785   1.270   2.300   2.052 
Dividends per share  0.066   0.492   -   1.77   2.399 
                     
Average number of shares outstanding  227,309,099   298,911,465   350,056,012   350,056,012   350,056,012 
                     
U.S. GAAP                    
Operating income (loss)  141,967   224,715   476,432   1,284,612   1,101,528 
Net income  88,794   235,460   445,443   573,726   718,433 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share  0.391   0.788   1.272   1.640   2.05 
                     
Balance sheet data:                    
Peruvian GAAP                    
Total assets  364,043   908,800   1,651,256   2,035,576   1,983,572 
Total debt  -   1,906   183,667   73,764   - 
Shareholders’ equity  265,611   816,436   1,261,057   1,445,742   1,324,175 
                     
U.S. GAAP                    
Total assets  347,857   893,851   1,637,584   2,035,576   1,983,572 
Shareholders’ equity  255,187   806,809   1,252,252   1,205,978   1,084,411 
                     
Operating data (unaudited):                    
Production:                    
Copper (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  195,108   206,245   221,726   594,227   694,486 
Proven and probable reserves                    
Copper (in thousands of metric tons)  1,646,742   1,594,184   1,741,432   1,765,634   3,022,581 
(1) Except per share and operating data
9

Exchange Rates
The following table sets forth the high and low month-end rates and the average and end-of-period offered rates for the sale of Nuevos Soles in U.S. Dollars for the period indicated, as published by the Superintendencia de Bancos y Seguros (Superintendent of Bank and Insurance, or the SBS).  The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Nuevos Soles.
Exchange Rates
Effective January 1, 2006, our functional and reporting currency changed from the Nuevo Sol to the Dollar.  This change resulted from an evaluation of the currency denominations of our cash flows in recent years and, in particular, reflects the increasing significance of dividends from affiliates denominated in Dollars to our financial position, results of operation and cash flows.  Profit and loss accounts for year ended December 31, 2005 were translated into Dollars using the average exchange rate of US$1.00 to S/.3.305.
The translation of amounts expressed in nominal or constant Nuevos Soles with purchasing power as of a specified date by the then-prevailing exchange rate may result in presentation of Dollar amounts that differ from the Dollar amounts that would have been obtained by translating nominal or constant Nuevos Soles with purchasing power as of another specified date by the prevailing exchange rate on that specified date.  See “Item 3.  Key Information—Exchange Rates” for information regarding the average rates of exchange between the Nuevo Sol and the Dollar for the periods specified therein.
Certain amounts and percentages have been rounded for presentation purposes and may not sum exactly.

1


Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report 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 our and Yanacocha’s costs and expenses, results of exploration, the continued improving efficiency of operations, prevailing market prices of gold, silver and other metals mined, the success of joint ventures, estimates of future exploration, production, subsidiaries’ plans for capital expenditures, estimates of reserves and Peruvian political, economic and legal developments.  Additional forward-looking statements related to Cerro Verde contained in this Annual Report include those concerning costs and expenses, the continued improving efficiency of operations, prevailing market prices of copper and molybdenum, production and Peruvian political, economic and legal developments.  These forward-looking statements reflect our view with respect to our, 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 Annual Report, including but not limited to those discussed under “Item 3.  Key Information—Risk Factors.”

2


PART I
ITEM 1.              Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.              Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
ITEM 3.              Key Information
Selected Financial Data
Selected Financial Information and Operating Data
The following information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Financial Statements including the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The selected financial information as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, is derived from the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income, respectively, included in the Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The selected financial information as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 has been derived from consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income, respectively, which are not included in this Annual Report.  The report of Medina, Zaldivar, Paredes & Asociados (a member firm of Ernst & Young Global) on our 2008 and 2009 Financial Statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Peruvian GAAP, which differ in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.  Note 33 to the Financial Statements provides a description of the principal differences between Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as such differences relate to us, and Note 34 to the Financial Statements provides a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of our net income for the years ended 2007, 2008 and 2009, and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  The operating data presented below is derived from our records and has not been subject to audit.  The financial information and operating data presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—The Company,” the Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.

3


  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2005(2)
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
Income statement data:               
Peruvian GAAP               
Net sales of goods and services  283,387   548,072   747,021   766,603   819,357 
Royalty income  46,094   48,475   34,014   48,760   62,150 
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts  28,064   50,325   5,393   -   - 
Total income  357,545   646,872   786,428   815,363   881,507 
                     
Operating costs:                    
Cost of sales, without considering depreciation and amortization  (103,881)  (149,309)  (182,007)  (251,804)  (280,342)
Depreciation and amortization  (34,300)  (38,844)  (49,550)  (62,993)  (73,536)
Exploration in units in operation  (40,506)  (38,264)  (37,828)  (57,003)  (68,649)
Total operating costs  (178,687)  (226,417)  (269,385)  (371,800)  (422,527)
Gross income  178,858   420,455   517,043   443,563   458,980 
                     
Operating expenses:                    
General and administrative expenses  (34,350)  (36,639)  (59,205)  (34,907)  (88,760)
Royalties  (12,209)  (24,420)  (33,978)  (35,694)  (39,646)
Exploration in non-operational areas  (27,812)  (36,190)  (46,407)  (55,231)  (30,005)
Selling expenses  (4,800)  (5,928)  (10,818)  (15,386)  (10,047)
Provision for impairment of long lived assets  -   -   -   (18,610)  (3,325)
Total operating expenses  (79,171)  (103,177)  (150,408)  (159,828)  (171,783)
Operating income before unusual item  99,687   317,278   366,635   283,735   287,197 
Net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts  -   -   (185,922)  (415,135)  - 
Operating income (loss) after unusual item  99,687   317,278   180,713   (131,400)  287,197 
                     
Other income (expenses), net:                    
Share in affiliated companies, net  263,994   313,168   249,555   340,929   451,306 
Interest income  3,523   7,949   11,772   17,851   6,117 
Gain (loss) on currency exchange difference  448   (308)  5,190   (12,198)  1,457 
Gain (loss) on change in the fair value of gold certificates  -   (4,861)  5,126   -   - 
Loss from change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments  (26,588)  (13,268)  -   -   - 
Interest expense  (4,060)  (5,948)  (8,614)  (33,934)  (15,090)
Other, net  (3,227)  (19,502)  (8,686)  (9,290)  2,553 
Total other income, net  234,090   277,230   254,343   303,358   446,343 
Income before workers’ profit sharing, income tax and minority interest  333,777   594,508   435,056   171,958   733,540 
Provision for workers’ profit sharing, net  (2,593)  (14,271)  (19,931)  4,725   (12,592)
Provision for income tax, net  (22,816)  (64,033)  (43,975)  26,645   (64,340)
Net income  308,368   516,204   371,150   203,328   656,608 
Net income attributable to minority interest  (19,971)  (88,147)  (96,389)  (50,045)  (63,047)
Net income attributable to Buenaventura  288,397   428,057   274,761   153,283   593,561 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share(3) (4)
  1.13   1.68   1.08   0.60   2.33 
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS(3)(4)
  1.13   1.68   1.08   0.60   2.33 
Dividends per share  0.18   0.24   0.28   0.20   0.16 

4

  As of and for the year ended December 31, 
  
2005(2)
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
                
Average number of shares outstanding  254,459,688   254,442,328   254,442,328   254,442,328   254,442,328 
                     
U.S. GAAP                    
Operating income (loss)  97,225   302,277   345,618   (122,667)  274,695 
Net income  288,488   424,697   225,458   160,170   587,472 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share(3)(4)
  1.14   1.67   0.89   0.63   2.31 
Basic and diluted earnings per ADS(3)(4)
  1.14   1.67   0.89   0.63   2.31 
                     
Balance sheet data:                    
Peruvian GAAP                    
Total assets  1,251,122   1,735,771   1,981,469   2,268,298   2,786,559 
Total debt  8,517   10,606   84,119   327,295   230,007 
Shareholders’ equity  862,959   1,300,506   1,580,216   1,728,992   2,263,320 
                     
U.S. GAAP                    
Total assets  1,250,741   1,732,030   1,972,207   2,222,985   2,773,996 
Shareholders’ equity  839,162   1,205,328   1,360,984   1,486,288   2,011,072 
                     
Operating data (unaudited):                    
Production(5)
                    
Gold (oz.)  388,042   405,383   403,955   425,257   426,515 
Silver (oz.)  16,429,816   22,179,552   19,430,511   18,606,478   16,824,191 
Proven and probable reserves(6)
                    
Gold (oz.)  1,036,543   1,032,063   1,315,925   1,080,506   2,276,166 
Silver (oz.)  116,452,462   117,808,602   102,195,344   128,431,875   160,163,971 


(1)Except per share, per ADS, outstanding shares and operating data.
(2)Until December 31, 2005, our financial books and records were maintained in Nuevos Soles, the functional and reporting currency as of such date.  Effective January 1, 2006, we changed the functional and reporting currency from Nuevos Soles to U.S. Dollars.  For comparative purposes, all prior years are presented assuming that U.S. Dollars were used as the reporting currency.
(3)
Income per share has been calculated for each year as net income divided by average number of shares outstanding during the year.    As of December 31, 2005, the total number of Common Shares outstanding was 137,444,962, including 10,585,130 treasury shares, and the total number of Investment Shares outstanding was 372,320, including 15,933 treasury shares.  During 2005, we acquired 15,055 Investment Shares that are held as treasury shares.  On July 23, 2008, we conducted a two-for-one stock split of our outstanding Common Shares, Investment Shares and ADSs.  As a result, we had 274,889,924 outstanding Common Shares, including 21,130,260 treasury shares, and 744,640 outstanding Investment Shares, including 61,976 treasury shares, as of December 31, 2009.  In accordance with our accounting policy related to basic and diluted earnings per share, the net income per basic and diluted share has been adjusted retroactively for all periods reported to reflect the stock split.  See Note 2.2(t) to the Financial Statements.
(4)We have no outstanding options, warrants or convertible securities that would have a dilutive effect on earnings per share.  As a result, there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share or ADS.
(5)The amounts in this table reflect the total production of all of our consolidated subsidiaries, including El Brocal (as defined further below), in which we owned a 45.97% controlling equity interest as of December 31, 2009.  The production data in this table reflects 100% of El Brocal’s production.  For the years ended December 31, 2005 to 2009, El Brocal produced 4.4 million, 10.3 million, 7.1 million, 4.6 million and 3.7 million ounces of silver, respectively, of which our equity share was 1.5 million, 3.5 million, 2.4 million, 1.7 million and 1.7 million ounces of silver.
(6)Proven and probable reserves for our wholly-owned mines as of December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were audited by an independent consultant, Algon Investment S.R.L.  Proven and probable reserves for El Brocal’s mines as of December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were audited by an independent consultant, AMEC plc.

5


Yanacocha Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Yanacocha at the dates and for each of the periods indicated.  This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Yanacocha’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, or the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements, which Dongo-Soria Gaveglio y Asociados (a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers) audited.  The report of Dongo-Soria Gaveglio y Asociados on the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The selected financial information as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 has been derived from balance sheets and statements of income, respectively, which are not included in this Annual Report.  The Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which differ in certain respects from Peruvian GAAP.  The significant differences between U.S. GAAP and Peruvian GAAP applicable to Yanacocha have been quantified in determining Yanacocha’s reported Peruvian GAAP selected financial data.  The operating data presented below, which is based on 100 percent of Yanacocha’s production and reserves, is derived from Yanacocha’s records and has not been subject to audit.  The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha,” the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.

6

  As of and for the year ended December 31, 
  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
                
Income statement data:               
U.S. GAAP               
                
Revenues  1,490,402   1,543,212   1,093,347   1,612,618   2,013,228 
                     
Costs and expenses:                    
Costs applicable to sales  (507,806)  (468,027)  (506,261)  (659,867)  (671,507)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization  (193,587)  (171,730)  (159,148)  (169,131)  (166,053)
Exploration costs  (32,884)  (32,254)  (28,234)  (28,151)  (22,968)
General and administrative costs  (5,453)  (5,589)  (2,928)  (3,168)  (3,602)
Other expenses  6,669   (108,646)  (80,941)  (83,424)  (86,469)
Total operating expenses  (733,061)  (786,246)  (777,512)  (943,741)  (950,599)
Operating income  757,341   756,966   315,835   668,877   1,062,629 
Interest expense and other  3,540   6,825   12,698   3,642   (712)
Pre-tax income  760,881   763,791   328,533   672,519   1,061,917 
Income tax provision  (235,407)  (238,343)  (107,044)  (196,057)  (334,841)
Net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principles  525,474   525,448   221,489   476,462   727,076 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net  -   -   -   -   - 
Net income and comprehensive income  525,474   525,448   221,489   476,462   727,076 
                     
Peruvian GAAP                    
Revenues(2)
  1,527,609   1,636,009   1,148,546   1,641,301   2,089,119 
Operating income  675,293   886,373   379,541   709,234   1,130,271 
Net income  535,476   567,659   244,192   463,814   712,818 
                     
Balance sheet data:                    
U.S. GAAP                    
Total assets  1,549,583   1,824,853   1,895,884   1,891,963   2,456,235 
Total debt  3,160   200,000   218,111   205,618   178,336 
Partners’ equity  1,156,648   1,196,409   1,326,325   1,212,787   1,711,102 
Peruvian GAAP                    
Total assets  1,473,255   1,823,480   1,925,125   1,911,583   2,466,500 
Total debt  2,850   200,000   218,111   205,618   178,336 
Partners’ equity  1,090,679   1,200,562   1,353,180   1,226,994   1,711,051 
                     
Operating data (unaudited):                    
Gold produced (oz.)  3,333,088   2,612,199   1,563,669   1,810,338   2,058,180 
Gold proven and probable reserves (thousands of oz.)  32,620   29,327   27,594   24,850   22,362 

(1)Except operating data.
(2)Under U.S. GAAP, Yanacocha recognizes revenues when the price is determinable and upon delivery and transfer of title of gold to the customer.  In addition, revenues from silver sales are credited to costs applicable to sales as a by-product credit.  Under Peruvian GAAP, revenues, including gold and silver sales, are recognized when doré is delivered to the shipper.

7


Cerro Verde Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Cerro Verde at the dates and for each of the periods indicated.  This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Cerro Verde’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, or the Cerro Verde Financial Statements.  Medina, Zaldívar, Paredes & Asociados (a member firm of Ernst & Young Global) audited the Cerro Verde Financial Statements and the report of Medina, Zaldívar, Paredes & Asociados on Cerro Verde’s financial statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The selected financial information as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 has been derived from balance sheets and statements of income, respectively, which are not included in this Annual Report.  The Cerro Verde Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Peruvian GAAP, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.  Note 24 to the Cerro Verde Financial Statements provides a description of the principal differences between Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP as such differences relate to Cerro Verde, and Note 25 to the Cerro Verde Financial Statements provides a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of Cerro Verde’s net income for the years ended 2007, 2008 and 2009 and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2008 and 2009.  The operating data presented below, which is based on 100 percent of Cerro Verde’s production and reserves, is derived from Cerro Verde’s records and has not been subject to audit.  The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde,” the Cerro Verde Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.

8



  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
  
(In thousands of US$)(1)
 
Income statement data:               
Peruvian GAAP               
Net sales of goods  358,928   667,671   1,794,559   1,835,911   1,757,510 
Total revenues  358,928   667,671   1,794,559   1,835,911   1,757,510 
Costs of sales                    
Total costs of sales  (133,715)  (140,423)  (418,108)  (596,741)  (528,047)
Gross margin  225,213   527,248   1,376,451   1,239,170   1,229,463 
Operating expenses                    
Selling expenses  (1,295)  (3,538)  (54,405)  (78,190)  (67,877)
Negotiated payment (Voluntary contribution)  -   -   (48,674)  (29,496)  (27,608)
Other operating expenses  -   (48,100)  (2,432)  (29,956)  (9,718)
Total operating expenses  (1,295)  (51,638)  (105,511)  (137,642)  (105,203)
Operating income  223,918   475,610   1,270,940   1,101,528   1,124,260 
Other income (expenses), net                    
Financial expense  (14)  (2,984)  (23,346)  (7,853)  - 
Financial income  7,063   10,899   33,168   20,278   1,665 
Other, net  169   (550)  (426)  (2,366)  (3,796)
Total other income (expenses), net  7,218   7,365   9,396   10,059   (2,131)
Profit before workers’ profit sharing and income tax  231,136   482,975   1,280,336   1,111,587   1,122,129 
Workers’ profit sharing  (18,578)  (42,805)  (106,846)  (88,349)  (92,945)
Income tax  22,105   4,451   (368,805)  (304,805)  (320,656)
Net income  234,663   444,621   804,685   718,433   708,528 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share  0.785   1.270   2.300   2.052   2.024 
Dividends per share  0.492   -   1.77   2.399   1.286 
                     
Average number of shares outstanding  298,911,465   350,056,012   350,056,012   350,056,012   350,056,012 
                     
U.S. GAAP                    
Operating income (loss)  224,715   476,432   1,284,612   1,101,528   1,124,260 
Net income  235,460   445,443   573,726   718,433   708,528 
                     
Basic and diluted earnings per share  0.788   1.272   1.640   2.05   2.024 
                     
Balance sheet data:                    
Peruvian GAAP                    
Total assets  908,800   1,651,256   2,035,576   1,977,901   1,913,164 
Total debt  1,906   183,667   73,764   -   - 
Shareholders’ equity  816,436   1,261,057   1,445,742   1,324,175   1,446,093 
                     
U.S. GAAP                    
Total assets  893,851   1,637,584   2,035,576   1,977,901   1,913,164 
Shareholders’ equity  806,809   1,252,252   1,205,978   1,084,411   1,206,329 
                     
Operating data (unaudited):                    
Production:                    
Copper (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  206,245   221,726   594,227   694,486   661,626 
Proven and probable reserves                    
Copper (in thousands of metric tons)  1,594,184   1,741,432   1,765,634   3,022,581   3,052,865 
(1) Except per share and operating data
9


Exchange Rates
The following table sets forth the high and low month-end rates and the average and end-of-period offered rates for the sale of Nuevos Soles in U.S. Dollars for the period indicated, as published by the Superintendencia de Bancos y Seguros (Superintendent of Bank and Insurance, or the SBS).  The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Nuevos Soles.
Exchange Rates
(Nuevos Soles per US$)(1)
Year 
High(2)
  
Low(2)
  
Average(3)
  
Period end(4)
 
             
2004  3.499   3.277   3.413   3.277 
2005  3.427   3.253   3.303   3.427 
2006  3.355   3.194   3.264   3.194 
2007  3.201   2.967   3.123   2.995 
2008  3.141   2.690   2.922   3.139 
 
  
High(5)
  
Low(5)
  
Average(6)
  
Period end(7)
 
2008                
December  3.140   3.075   3.113   3.139 
                 
2009                
January  3.174   3.130   3.1504   3.174 
February  3.251   3.193   3.235   3.248 
March  3.258   3.107   3.173   3.159 
April  3.146   2.989   3.083   2.989 
May  3.038   2.954   2.992   2.992 

Year 
High(2)
  
Low(2)
  
Average(3)
  
Period end(4)
 
             
2005  3.427   3.253   3.303   3.427 
2006  3.355   3.194   3.264   3.194 
2007  3.201   2.967   3.123   2.995 
2008  3.141   2.690   2.922   3.139 
2009  3.259   2.853   3.012   2.891 
                 
2009 
High(5)
  
Low(5)
  
Average(6)
  
Period end(7)
 
December  2.891   2.869   2.878   2.891 
                 
2010                
January  2.885   2.847   2.857   2.857 
February  2.873   2.849   2.855   2.849 
March  2.846   2.837   2.840   2.842 
April  2.849   2.835   2.841   2.849 
May  2.853   2.838   2.846   2.845 

(1)Expressed in nominal (not inflation adjusted) Nuevos Soles.
(2)Highest and lowest of the twelve month-end exchange rates for each year based on the offered rate.
(3)Average of month-end exchange rates based on the offered rate.
(4)End of period exchange rates based on the offered rate.
(5)Highest and lowest of the exchange notes based on the offered rate on the last day of each month.
(6)Average of the exchange rates based on the offered rate on the last date of each day in the relevant month.
(7)The exchange rate based on the offered rate on the last day of each relevant month.
Source:  SBS
 
On June 2, 2009,9, 2010, the offered rate for Dollars as published by the SBS was S/2.967=.2.846 = US$1.00.
 
Capitalization and Indebtedness
 
Not applicable.
 
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
 
Not applicable.

10


Risk Factors
 
Factors Relating to the Company
 
Dependence on Mining Exploration Agreements
 
An integral part of our operations is the participation in mining exploration projects with experienced mining companies.  Such projects benefit us by providing a source of outside funds for exploration of mining rights, giving us access to the holdings of outside parties without the risks and costs of outright acquisition.  They also enable us to expand the scope of knowledge and experience of our senior management, geologists and engineers through increased contact with their counterparts from other organizations.  We can be highly dependent upon our partners, co-venturers or other shareholders in a joint mining exploration project carrying out their obligations under the applicable joint mining exploration agreement or mining operating agreement.  Such partners, co-venturers and other shareholders in a joint mining exploration venture may contribute capital to cover the expenses of the joint venture project or provide critical technological expertise and/or management and organizational expertise.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Overview” for a description of how we and Newmont Mining Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or Newmont Mining, have joined together to participate in Yanacocha and how Yanacocha is dependent upon Newmont Peru Limited, Peruvian Branch, or Newmont Peru, to provide management and other expertise to the Yanacocha project.  If, however, a partner, a co-venturer or in certain cases another shareholder does not carry out its obligations under the applicable joint venture agreement, joint mining operating agreement, by-laws or shareholders agreement, the value of our investment in the joint mining exploration project could be adversely affected and we could incur significant expense in enforcing our rights or pursuing remedies.  There can be no assurance that our current or future partners will fulfill their obligations under such agreements.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha” and “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Exploration.”
 
Investment in International Operations
 
Foreign operations are subject to certain risks inherent in conducting business abroad, including, among others, exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, devaluations or supply restrictions, exchange control regulations, government policies, price and wage controls, taxation, intervention, social instability and other political, economic or diplomatic developments beyond our control.  There can be no assurance that our foreign exploration activities will not be adversely affected in the future.
 
Prices of Gold, Silver and Copper
 
Because our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of ore concentrates containing gold and silver, Yanacocha’s revenues are derived primarily from the sale of gold and silver and Cerro Verde’s revenues are derived primarily from copper sales, the prices we, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde obtain for gold, silver, copper and ore concentrates containing such metals, and our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s earnings, are directly related to world market prices for such metals.  Such prices have historically fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including the overall demand for and worldwide supply of gold, silver, copper and other metals; the availability and price of competing commodities, international economic trends, currency exchange fluctuations, expectations of inflation, actions of commodity markets participants, consumption and demand patterns and political events in major producing countries.  We have in the past engaged in hedging activities, such as forward sales and option contracts, to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in the prices of gold, silver and other metals.  Due to actions taken in 2007 and early 2008 to release our gold hedge book from specified fixed prices, we are now completely unhedged as to the price at which our gold and silver will be sold.  As a result, we are fully exposed to the effects of changes in prevailing market prices of gold and silver. See “Risk Factors—Factors Relating to the Company—Hedging,” “Item 11.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 29 to the Financial Statements.  For information on gold and silver prices for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2008, see “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Sales of Metal Concentrates.”  On December 31, 20082009 and May 29, 2009,31, 2010, the morning fixing price for gold on the London Bullion Market was US$8651,104 per ounce and US$9721,214 per ounce, respectively.  On December 31, 20082009 and May 29, 2009,31, 2010, the afternoon fixing spot price of silver on the London market, or London Spot, was US$10.7916.99 per ounce and US$15.5218.33 per ounce, respectively.  On December 31, 20082009 and May 29, 2009,31, 2010, the London Metal Exchange Settlement price for copper was US$2,9027,346 per metric ton and US$4,7766,926 per metric ton, respectively.

11


The world market prices of gold, silver and copper have historically fluctuated widely and there is no assurance that the prices for these metals will continue to maintain their current high historical levels.  We cannot predict whether metal prices will rise or fall in the future.  A decline in the market price of one or more of these metals could adversely impact our revenues, net income and cash flows and adversely affect our ability to repay our debt and meet our other financial obligations.
 
In addition, sustained low gold, silver or copper prices could:could reduce revenues further through production declines due to cessation of the mining of deposits, or portions of deposits, that have become uneconomic at the then-prevailing market price; reduce or eliminate the profit that we currently expect from reserves; halt or delay the development of new projects;  reduce funds available for exploration; and reduce existing reserves by removing ores from reserves that can no longer be economically processed at prevailing prices.  Such declines in price and/or reductions in operations could also cause significant volatility in our financial performance and adversely affect the trading prices of our Common Shares and ADSs.
 
Impact of Government Regulation
 
Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s activities in Peru depend on mining concessions for exploration, which we refer to as mining concessions, being obtained from the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines, or MEM, in our case, and through the assignment of concessions granted to a related entity by the Peruvian government, in the case of Yanacocha.  In addition, our and Yanacocha’s activities in Peru depend on provisional permits, obtained from the MEM, for exploration rights of the area of the claim, which we refer to as provisional permits, and together with mining concessions, referred to as mining rights, and/or processing concessions, obtained from the MEM, for treatment of mining ores, or processing concessions, as well as compliance by us and Yanacocha with certain agreements entered into with the Peruvian government.  Under Peru’s current legal and regulatory regime, our mining rights have an indefinite term and Yanacocha’s assigned mining rights have a term of 20 years, contingent upon payment of the annual concession fee for each mining right, with an option to renew for an additional term of 20 years.  The mining rights are maintained by meeting a minimum annual level of production or investment and by the annual payment of a concession fee.  A fine is payable for the years in which minimum production or investment requirements are not met.  In addition if, in any year, the concession fee is not paid, payment may be made the following year within the term provided for making such payment.  Any payment made will be applied to the prior year if such prior year payment was not paid.  Failure to pay such concession fees or fines for two consecutive years could result in the loss of one or more of the mining rights.  However, mining and processing concessions will not lapse if the administrative authority failed to issue a resolution declaring the termination of the concession within the first five years following the date on which such payment failure occurred.  Our and Yanacocha’s processing concessions enjoy the same duration and tenure as the mining rights, subject to payment of a fee based on nominal capacity for the processing plant.  Failure to pay such processing fees or fines for two consecutive years could result in the loss of the processing concessions.  We are, and Yanacocha has informed us that Yanacocha is, current in the payment of all amounts due in respect to its mining and processing concessions.

12


On June 24, 2004, the Peruvian Congress approved Law No. 28258 – Mining Royalties Law.  This law established a mining royalty that owners of mining concessions must pay to the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  The mining royalties are calculated on a sliding scale with rates ranging from 1 to 3 percent over the value of mineral concentrates based on international market prices.  As provided by Law No. 28969, effective since January 26, 2007, government tax agencies are responsible for the collection of mining royalties.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Mining Royalties.”  We made our first payment of the mining royalty pursuant to Law No. 28258 in 2004.  Yanacocha and Cerro Verde were exempt from this payment pursuant to its Mining Law Stabilization Agreements under the General Mining Law with the Peruvian government.  There can be no assurance that the Peruvian government will not impose additional mining royalties on us, Yanacocha or Cerro Verde in the future or that such mining royalties will not have an adverse effect on our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s results of operations or financial condition.  In December 2008, Cerro Verde was notified by Peruvian tax authorities of their intent to assess mining royalties related to mineral processed by the Cerro Verde concentrator. In August 2009, Cerro Verde received a formal assessment in the amount of approximately US$50 million in connection with its alleged obligations for mining royalties and fines for the period from October 2006 to December 2007.  Cerro Verde is challenging this assessment as it believes that royalty obligations with respect to all minerals extracted are governed by its existing stability agreement, regardless of the processing method applied after extraction, and believes that it owes no royalties with respect to minerals processed through its concentrator.  Cerro Verde is working cooperatively with the Peruvian authorities to resolve this matter.
 
In addition, during 2006 Peruvian mining companies, represented by the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía, agreed to a mining payment equivalent to 3.75 percent of income after taxes.  The payment was negotiated with the Peruvian government and is intended to support government efforts to alleviate poverty.  On December 21, 2006, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree No. 071-2006-EM, which approved the form of agreement to be entered by mining companies and the Peruvian government and authorized the Minister of Economy and Finance and the Minister of Energy and Mines to sign such agreements.  The form of agreement contains the conditions under which the negotiated payment will be paid by Peruvian mining companies.  The payment amounts to 3.75 percent of Peruvian income after income tax, including 2.75 percent to be paid to a local mining fund and 1 percent to be paid to a regional mining fund.  This payment is payable from 2006 through 2010, contingent on the price of gold.  Payments shall be made on or before April 30 of each year, after the income tax sworn declaration is submitted to the Peruvian tax authority.  Pursuant to the Supreme Decree 033-2007-EM, mining companies can make the payments to the local and regional funds after such deadline, provided the prior approval of the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Economy and Finance is obtained.  Fulfillment of the payment obligations will be reviewed by an audit entity by performing certain agreed-upon procedures to verify the validity of the payment amounts recorded as such with the Comisión Nacional Supervisora de Empresas y Valores (National Supervisory Commission of Business and Securities, or CONASEV) to be agreed between the mining company, the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

 
13


In 2007, Cerro Verde negotiated an agreement with the Peruvian government that allowed a credit against contributions to the local mining fund for Cerro Verde’s work in constructing water and sewage treatment facilities in the Arequipa region in 2006.  However, during the third quarter of 2007, Cerro Verde’s agreement with the government was modified to exclude this credit.  Cerro Verde recorded an expense of US$48.7 million in 2007, of which US$16.7 million was related to contributions for 2006 and US$32.0 million was related to contributions for 2007.  Cerro Verde recorded an expense of US$29.5 million in 2008.  As of December 31, 2008, Cerro Verde’s liability associated with the local mining fund contributions totaled US$27.9 million.  In 2009, Cerro Verde recorded an expense of US$27.6 million.  As of December 31, 2009, Cerro Verde´s liability associated with the local mining fund contributions totaled US$27.6 million.  As of December 31, 2009, based on the Basic Engineering report on the Feasibility Study of the Water Treatment Plants, Cerro Verde estimates a total cost of approximately US$173.0 million, an amount that will be incurred in the next three years.  Cerro Verde will be responsible for 50% of the total cost. The net present value of this obligation as of December 31, 2009 is approximately US$73.6 million, US$40.0 million of which was recognized as part of other operating expenses in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2006, US$25.8 million of which was recognized in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2008 and US$7.8 million of which was recognized in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009.  As part of the obligations assumed with the Committee and as a way to guarantee the construction of the Water Plant, Cerro Verde established a guaranteed deposit in a local bank for an amount of S/.150 million (equivalent to approximately US$50 million as of the deposit date), which was replaced in April 2009 by a deposit in US dollars. The guaranteed deposit amount is equivalent to US$49.5 million as of December 31, 2009 (US$48.8 million as of December 31, 2008).
 
13

Environmental and other Regulatory Matters
 
Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s exploration, mining and milling activities, as well our and Yanacocha’s smelting and refining activities, are subject to a number of Peruvian laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations.
Additional matters subject to regulation include, but are not limited to, concession fees, transportation, production, water use and discharges, power use and generation, use and storage of explosives, surface rights, housing and other facilities for workers, reclamation, taxation, labor standards, mine safety and occupational health.
 
We anticipate additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters.  The development of more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru could impose constraints and additional costs on our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s operations and require us, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde to make significant capital expenditures in the future.  Although we believe we are substantially in compliance, and Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have advised us that Yanacocha and Cerro Verde are substantially in compliance, with all applicable environmental regulations, there can be no assurance that future legislative or regulatory developments will not have an adverse effect on our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s business or results of operations.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Environmental Matters” and “—Permits” and “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Regulation, Permit and Environmental Matters.”
 
Hedging
 
SinceBetween 2003 and 2008, we have been modifyingmodified the terms of certain derivative instruments in order to qualify them as normal sales contracts.  On January 15, 2007, we modified the schedule of commitments for gold with two of our clients.  As a consequence of this modification, we transferred 208,000contracts and 108,000 gold ounces that had been committed for sale in 2007 and 2008, respectively, and committed them for sale in 2012 instead, without any cash disbursement.  In March and May 2007, we negotiated with several counterparties to eliminate the fixed or maximum price component on determined commitments for a total of 971,000 gold ounces scheduled for delivery from 2008 to 2012, which required us to make aggregate payments of US$315.69 million.  Additionally, in January and February 2008, we negotiated with several counterparties to eliminateeliminated the fixed or maximum price component on all of our outstanding gold commitments, representing 922,000 gold ounces, whichcommitments.  These modifications required us to make aggregate payments of US$517.15 million.832.84 million during 2007 and 2008.  As a result of these transactions, we are fully exposednow completely unhedged as to the effects of changes in prevailing market prices ofprice at which our gold and silver and copper.will be sold.  See “—Factors Relating to the Company—Prices of Gold, Silver and Copper.”

 
14


At El Brocal, we implemented a base metal hedging policy for a maximum of 25 percent of El Brocal’s total payable metal contained per year, for up to three years.  As of March 31, 20092010 all transactions entered have been forward pricing operations through non-delivery (Asian) swaps.swaps and average price options through non-delivery zero cost (Asian) option collars.  Outstanding hedging commitments for 20092010 to 2011 amount to 1013 percent of payable metal and are as follows: (i) 5,2008,775 metric tons of copper at an average price range of US$8,1475,667 to US$7,378 per metric ton, (ii) 14,3006,800 metric tons of lead at an average price of US$2,3022,454 per metric ton and (iii) 12,0003,900 metric tons of zinc at an average price of US$2,6372,520 per metric ton. See “Item 11.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 28 to the Financial Statements.
 
Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have not engaged in, and are currently not engaged in, gold or copper price hedging activities, such as forward sales or option contracts, to minimize its exposure to fluctuations in the price of gold or copper.  No assurance can be given, however, that Yanacocha or Cerro Verde will not enter into hedging transactions in the future or that such transactions, if entered into, will have the desired effect.
14

 
Speculative Nature of Metals Exploration
 
Precious metals exploration, particularly gold exploration, is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and frequently is unsuccessful.  There can be no assurance that our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s metals exploration efforts will be successful.  Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling before production is possible, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change.  Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable ore reserves through drilling, to determine metallurgical processes to extract the metals from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities.  As a result of these uncertainties, no assurance can be given that our or Yanacocha’s exploration programs will result in the expansion or replacement of current production with new proven and probable ore reserves.
 
Advanced exploration projects have no operating history upon which to base estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs.  Such estimates are, to a large extent, based upon the interpretation of geologic data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques, and feasibility studies which derive estimates of cash operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body, expected recovery rates of the mineral from the ore, comparable facility and equipment operating costs, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors.  As a result, it is possible that actual cash operating costs and economic returns based upon proven and probable ore reserves may differ significantly from those originally estimated.  Moreover, significant decreases in actual over expected prices may mean reserves, once found, will be uneconomical to produce.  It is not unusual in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the start up phase.  Yanacocha and Cerro Verde used US$725800 per ounce of gold and US$1.60 per pound of copper to calculate their gold and copper reserves, respectively, as of December 31, 2008;2009; we use a fixed price of US$725800 per ounce of gold and a three-year average historic price of US$13.0014.00 per ounce of silver to calculate our proven and probable ore reserves.reserves as of December 31, 2009.
 
Increased Costs Could Affect Profitability
 
Costs at any particular mining location frequently are subject to variation due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, changing metallurgy and revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body.  In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities, such as fuel, electricity and labor.  Commodity costs are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable.  Reported costs may be affected by changes in accounting standards.  A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability.
Indebtedness
We incurred significant indebtedness during 2007 and 2008 in connection with the unwinding of our gold hedge book.  The agreements governing our indebtedness contain covenants that restrict our ability to:
§incur additional indebtedness;
§engage in transactions with affiliates;
§create liens on our assets;
§make certain investments;

15

§sell assets, subject to certain exceptions;
§acquire other companies or dissolve, liquidate or merge with or into other companies;
§enter into unrelated businesses;
§make guarantees;
§enter into burdensome agreements; and
§enter into certain hedging transactions other than in the ordinary course of business.
In addition, we are required to maintain certain financial ratios and operating metrics.
Any failure to comply with the restrictions under any agreement governing our other indebtedness may result in an event of default. Such default may allow the creditors to accelerate the related debt, which may trigger cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions in other debt agreements. Our assets and cash flow may not be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our debt instruments that are accelerated upon an event of default.
If we are unable to repay, refinance or restructure our indebtedness under, or amend the covenants contained in, our loan or credit agreements at maturity or in the event of a default, the lenders could declare all borrowings outstanding (together with accrued interest and other fees) immediately due and payable and institute foreclosure proceedings against the security. Any such actions could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Capital Intensive Nature of Precious Metals Exploration
 
Precious metals exploration requires substantial capital expenditures for the exploration, extraction, production and processing stages and for machinery, equipment and experienced personnel.  There can be no assurance that we or Yanacocha will generate sufficient cash flow and/or that we will have access to sufficient external sources of funds in the form of outside investment or loans to continue exploration activities at the same or higher levels than in the past.
 
Reserves Estimates
 
The proven and probable ore reserve figures presented in this Annual Report are our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s estimates, and there can be no assurance that the level of recovery of gold, silver, copper and certain other metals will be realized.  Reserve estimates may require revision based on actual production experience.  Market price fluctuations of gold, silver and other metals, as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, may render proven and probable ore reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and may ultimately result in a restatement of proven and probable ore reserves.  Moreover, short-term operating factors relating to the reserves, such as the processing of different types of ore or ore grades, could adversely affect our or Yanacocha’s profitability in any particular accounting period.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Property, Plants and Equipment—Our Property—Reserves” and “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties—Reserves.”
 
16

Replacement of Reserves
 
As we produce gold, silver, zinc and other metals, we deplete our ore reserves for such metals.  To maintain production levels, we must replace depleted reserves by exploiting known ore bodies and locating new deposits.  Success in exploration for gold, silver and the other metals we produce is very uncertain and there is a risk that our depletion of reserves will not be offset by new discoveries.
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves (excluding Conga’s proven and probable reserves) were estimated to be 13.010.5 million ounces of gold, representing a 17.419 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2007,2008, which were estimated to be 15.813.0 million ounces of gold.  The decrease in reserves of gold was mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.62.7 million ounces, as well as a decreaseounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.10.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, transfer of reserves tostockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization due to social issuesreserves and leach pad capacity limitations, partially offset by metal price increases, an increase in the expected recoverable ounces in leach pads and the improvement of pit design.limitations.
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, our proven and probable reserves were estimated to be 1.12.3 million ounces of gold, which represented a 15% decrease111% increase from an estimated 1.31.1 million ounces of gold reserves as toof December 31, 2007.2008.  The decreaseincrease in reserves of gold was mainly due to depletionthe inclusion of reserves in our Antapitefrom the La Zanja and Porcota mines.Tantahuatay projects.

 
16


Industry Risks
 
The business of mining, smelting and refining gold, silver, copper and other metals is generally subject to a number of risks and hazards, including industrial accidents, labor disputes, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, changes in the regulatory environment, environmental hazards and weather and other natural phenomena such as earthquakes.  Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mining properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability.  We, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde each maintain insurance against risks that are typical in the mining industry in Peru and in amounts that we and Yanacocha believe to be adequate but which may not provide adequate coverage in certain circumstances.  Insurance against certain risks (including certain liabilities for environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production) is not generally available to us or Yanacocha or to other companies within the industry.
 
Increased Equipment Costs and Shortages; Increase Production Costs
 
In recent years there has been a significant increase in mining activity worldwide in response to increased demand and significant increases in prices of natural resources. The opening of new mines and expansion of existing mines has led to increased demand for, and increased costs and shortages of, equipment, supplies and experienced personnel. These cost increases have significantly increased overall operating and capital budgets of companies like ours, and continuing shortages could affect the timing and feasibility of expansion projects.
 
Energy represents a significant portion of our production costs. Our principal energy sources are electricity, purchased petroleum products, natural gas and coal. An inability to procure sufficient energy at reasonable prices could adversely affect our profits, cash flow and growth opportunities. Our production costs are also affected by the prices of commodities we consume or use in our operations, such as sulfuric acid, grinding media, steel, reagents, liners, explosives and diluents. The prices of such commodities are influenced by supply and demand trends affecting the mining industry in general and other factors outside our control and such prices are at times subject to volatile movements. Increases in the cost of these commodities could make our operations less profitable, even in an environment of relatively high copper prices. Increases in the costs of commodities that we consume or use may also significantly affect the capital costs of new projects.
 
17

Labor Matters
 
Between 2002 and early 2007, we did not experience any strikes.  OnDuring the five years prior to April 30, 2007, we had not experienced a five-day labor stoppageany strikes.  Between April 2007 and June 2008, we were affected by five strikes, each lasting three to seven days, at the Uchucchacua mine, which coincided with a strike called by the National Mining and Metallurgical Union.  In November 2007, unionized workers at Uchucchaccua engaged in a three-day strike called by the National Mining and Metallurgical Union.
On February 27, 2008, the unionized workers of our Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Ishihuinca and Antapite mines went onmines.  On October 19, 2009, the National Mining Federation held a two-day strike for three days, demanding an increase in the amount of their statutorily-required 8 percent share of our annual pre-tax profits.  On June 5, 2008,at our Uchucchacua laborers went on a four-day strike to support their negotiating position in the collective bargaining process.  On June 30, 2008, the union of contractor workers ofmine.  In 2010, we experienced two simultaneous strikes, each lasting approximately seven days, affecting operations at our Orcopampa, Uchucchacua mining unit commenced a 7-day strike promoted by the National Federation of Mining Unions, which was declared illegal by the Peruvian Work Ministry.and Antapite mines.
��
There can be no assurance that we will not experience strikes or other labor-related work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and/or operating results in the future.
 
In February 2004, Yanacocha entered into its first collective bargaining agreement with Workers’ Union of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L., or the Union, which was created and registered before the Peruvian Labor Ministry on December 9, 2003.  This collective bargaining agreement expired in February 2007.  In May 2007, Yanacocha completed negotiations with the Union’s members and entered into a new collective bargaining agreement, which is applicable only to the Union’s members and effective from March 2007 to February 2010.  In March 2010, Yanacocha completed negotiations with the Union on a new collective bargaining agreement, which is effective from March 2010 to February 2013.  Yanacocha has informed us that it considers its relations with its employees to be good.good and does not expect any material adverse effects on its operations from labor matters.  However, a small percentage of Union members engaged in a two-day strike in November 2007, called by the National Mining and Metallurgical Union.  The strike did not have any material impact on Yanacocha’s operations; nevertheless there can be no assurance that Yanacocha will not experience other strikes or labor-related work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on its operations or its operating results.  See “Item 6.  Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Employees” and “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Employees.”

 
17


On June 10, 2008, the Sindicato Unico de Trabajadores of Sociedad Minera de Cerro Verde S.A.A. commenced an 11-day strike at Cerro Verde.  The strike, which was declared illegal by the Peruvian Work Ministry, ended on June 21, 2008 and did not negatively impact Cerro Verde’s operations.  On November 15, 2008 Cerro Verde and the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores signed a union agreement that is retrospectively applicable from September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2011.
 
Political and Social Perception
 
Our and Yanacocha’s exploration and production activities are potentially subject to political and social risks.  Over the past several years, we and Yanacocha have been the target of local political protests, including community protests at our La Zanja project, a roadblock in protest of drilling activities at Yanacocha’s Cerro Quilish mine and a roadblock carried out by members of the Combayo community.  In September 2004, due to the incidents at Cerro Quilish, Yanacocha suspended all drilling activities at this mine.  In December 2004, Yanacocha removed the Cerro Quilish gold deposit from its proven and probable reserves.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Greenfield Exploration Projects—La Zanja” and “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Legal Proceedings.”  There can be no assurance that these incidents will not continue, or that similar incidents will not occur, or that the continuation or intensification of community protests would not adversely affect our or Yanacocha’s exploration and production activities or our or Yanacocha’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
18

Investment Company Act
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, we owned a 43.65 percent partnership interest in Yanacocha and a 19.0519.26 percent equity interest in Cerro Verde.  These interests may constitute “investment securities” for purposes of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act.
 
Under the Investment Company Act, an investment company is defined in relevant part to include (i) any company that is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and (ii) any company that owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40 percent of such company’s total assets (exclusive of certain items) on an unconsolidated basis.  Issuers that are investment companies within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, and which do not qualify for an exemption from the provisions of such act, are required to register with the CommissionSEC and are subject to substantial regulations with respect to capital structure, operations, transactions with affiliates and other matters.  If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not qualify for an exemption from the provisions of the Investment Company Act, we would be required to register with the CommissionSEC and would be subject to such regulations, which would be unduly burdensome and costly for us and possibly adversely impact us.
 
We received an order from the CommissionSEC on April 19, 1996 declaring us to be primarily engaged in a business other than that of an investment company and, therefore, not an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.  We intend to conduct our operations and maintain our investments in a manner, and will take appropriate actions as necessary, to ensure we will not be deemed to be an investment company in the future.  The Commission,SEC, however, upon its motion or upon application, may find that the circumstances that gave rise to the issuance of the order no longer exist, and as a result may revoke such order.  There can be no assurance that such order will not be revoked.

 
18


Factors Relating to Peru
 
Exposure to Peruvian Political Risk
 
All of our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s operations are conducted in Peru.  Accordingly, our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be affected by changes in economic or other policies of the Peruvian government or other political, regulatory or economic developments in Peru.
 
During the past several decades, Peru has had a history of political instability that has included military coups and a succession of regimes with differing policies and programs.  Past governments have frequently played an interventionist role in the nation’s economy and social structure.  Among other things, past governments have imposed controls on prices, exchange rates and local and foreign investment as well as limitations on imports, restricted the ability of companies to dismiss employees, expropriated private sector assets (including mining companies) and prohibited the remittance of profits to foreign investors.
19

 
During the 1980s, government policies restricted our ability, among other things, to repatriate funds and import products from abroad.  In addition, currency exchange rates were strictly controlled, and all export sales were required to be deposited in Peru’s Banco Central de Reserva, or Central Bank, where they were exchanged from U.S. Dollars to Peruvian currency at less-than-favorable rates of exchange.  These policies generally affected our results of operations.  Controls on repatriation of funds limited the ability of our shareholders to receive dividends outside of Peru, but did not limit the ability of our shareholders to receive distributions of earnings in Peru.  See “Item 10.  Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”
 
In July 1990, Alberto Fujimori was elected president of Peru, and his administration implemented a broad-based reform of Peru’s political system, economy and social conditions, aimed at stabilizing the economy, restructuring the national government by reducing bureaucracy, privatizing state-owned companies, promoting private investment, developing and strengthening free markets, institutionalizing democratic representation and enacting programs for the strengthening of basic services related to education, health, housing and infrastructure.  However, after Fujimori’s reelection to his third five-year term of office on May 29, 2000, Fujimori resigned from his post amid increasing social pressure.  The Peruvian Congress appointed Valentin Paniagua as interim President.  New elections were subsequently held on April 8, 2001 and a run-off election was held on June 3, 2001, in which Alejandro Toledo was elected President.  President Toledo’s government largely retained the economic policies of the previous government, focusing on promoting private investment, privatizing state-owned companies in various sectors including energy, mining and public services.
 
At the elections held on April 9, 2006, no presidential candidate received the required 50 percent or more of the votes.  As a result, a second round election between the top two presidential candidates, Ollanta Humala Tasso from the Partido Union por el Peru, or the UPP, and Alan García Pérez of the Partido Alianza Popular Revolucionaria, or APRA, was held on June 4, 2006.  Alan García Pérez was elected, but he has no majority in Congress.  The new government has continued the economic policies of its predecessor.

 
19


During 1980s and early 1990s the Sendero Luminoso, or SL, and the Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru, or MRTA, terrorist organizations were particularly active in Peru. Although SL and MRTA were almost de-activated in 1992 and 1997 respectively, we cannot guarantee that acts by these or other terrorist organizations will not adversely affect our operations in the future.
Regional elections in Peru will take place in October 2010.  In addition, Peru will be electing a new President for the next 5 years in the first half of 2011. Although the current government has generally taken positions promoting private investment, we cannot predict future government positions on mining concessions, land tenure, environmental regulation or taxation or assure you that future governments will maintain a generally favorable business climate and economic policies.
 
Risks of Inflation, Reduced Economic Growth and Currency Devaluation
 
Over the past several decades, Peru has experienced periods of high inflation, slow or negative economic growth and substantial currency devaluation.  The inflation rate in Peru, as measured by the Indice de Precios al Consumidor, or IPC, and published by Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática, or INEI, has fallen from a high of 7,649.7 percent in 1990 to 3.5 percent in 2004, 1.5 percent in 2005, 1.1 percent in 2006, 3.93 percent in 2007, and 6.7 percent in 2008.2008 and 0.25 percent in 2009.  The Peruvian currency has been devalued numerous times during the last 20 years.  The devaluation rate has decreased from a high of 4,019.3 percent in 1990 to revaluation of 5.5 percent in 2004, a devaluation of 4.5 percent in 2005, a revaluation of 6.4 percent in 2006, a revaluation of 7.0 percent in 2007, and a devaluation of 5.4 percent in 2008.2008 and a revaluation of 7.6% in 2009.  Our revenues and operating expenses are primarily denominated in U.S. Dollars.  If inflation in Peru were to increase without a corresponding devaluation of the Nuevo Sol relative to the U.S. Dollar, our financial position and results of operations, and the market price of our Common Shares and American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, could be affected.  Although the Peruvian government’s stabilization plan has significantly reduced inflation, and the Peruvian economy has experienced strong growth in recent years, there can be no assurance that inflation will not increase from its current level or that such growth will continue in the future at similar rates or at all.
 
20

Among the economic circumstances that could lead to a devaluation would be the decline of Peruvian foreign reserves to inadequate levels.  Peru’s foreign reserves at December 31, 20082009 were US$31.233.1 billion as compared to US$27.731.2 billion at December 31, 2007.2008.  Although actual foreign reserves must be maintained at levels that will allow the succeeding government the ability to manage the Peruvian economy and to assure monetary stability in the near future, there can be no assurance that Peru will be able to maintain adequate foreign reserves to meet its foreign currency denominated obligations, or that Peru will not devalue its currency should its foreign reserves decline.  See “Item 3.  Key Information—Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates.”
 
Peru’s current account deficit is being funded partially by foreign direct investment.  There can be no assurance that foreign direct investment will continue at current levels, particularly if adverse political or economic developments in Peru arise, a development that may also contribute to devaluation pressure.
 
Deterioration in Economic and Market Conditions in Latin America and Other Emerging Market Countries
 
The market for securities issued by Peruvian companies is influenced by economic and market conditions in Peru and, to varying degrees, market conditions in other Latin American and emerging market countries.  Although economic conditions are different in each country, the reaction of investors to developments in one country is likely to cause the capital markets in other countries to fluctuate.  For example, political and economic events, such as the crises in Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina, have influenced investors’ perceptions of risk with regard to Peru.  The negative investor reaction to developments in our neighboring countries may adversely affect the market for securities issued by countries in the region, cause foreign investors to decrease the flow of capital into Latin America and introduce uncertainty about plans for further integration of regional economies.

 
20


Exchange and Investment Controls
 
Peruvian law currently imposes no restrictions on the ability of companies operating in Peru to transfer foreign currency from Peru to other countries, to convert Peruvian currency into foreign currency or foreign currency into Peruvian currency or to remit dividends abroad or on the ability of foreign investors to liquidate their investment and repatriate their capital.  Prior to 1991, Peru had restrictive exchange controls and exchange rates.  During the latter part of the 1980s, exchange restrictions prevented payment of dividends to our shareholders in the United States in U.S. Dollars.  Accordingly, should such or similar controls be instituted, dividends paid to holders of Common Shares and, consequently, holders of American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, could be affected.  There can be no assurance that the Peruvian government will continue to permit such transfers, remittances or conversion without restriction.  See “Item 10.  Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”
 
Corporate Disclosure and Accounting Standards
 
We prepare our financial statements using Peruvian GAAP, which differs in certain material respects from U.S. GAAP.  Thus, the presentation of Peruvian financial statements and reported earnings may not be comparable to those companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  See Note 33 to the Financial Statements for a description of the significant differences between Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as such differences relate to us, and Note 34 for a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of our net income and shareholders’ equity for the period included therein.  In addition, as a foreign private issuer in the United States, we have less intensive reporting requirements and information regarding us may not be as readily disseminated into the market.
 
21

Enforceability of Civil Liabilities
 
We are organized under the laws of Peru.  A significant majority of our directors and officers reside outside the United States (principally in Peru).  All or a substantial portion of our assets or the assets of such persons are located outside the United States.  As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or upon such persons or to enforce against them in federal or state courts in the United States judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States.  We have been advised by our Peruvian counsel, that there is uncertainty as to the enforceability, in original actions in Peruvian courts, of liabilities predicated solely under the United States federal securities laws and as to the enforceability in Peruvian courts of judgments of United States courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws.

 
21


Factors Relating to the Common Shares and ADSs
 
Voting Rights; Effective Control by Principal Shareholders
 
The aggregate percentage of the economic interest of our outstanding share capital held by Alberto Benavides de la Quintana, our Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer, and certain members of his immediate and extended family and their spouses, or the Benavides Family, as of April 30, 2009,2010, was 26.97 percent.  Because of the significant ownership interest the Benavides Family holds in common shares and because the Investment Shares held by others do not have voting rights, the Benavides Family has the power to elect a significant number of the outstanding directors and has a significant influence over the outcome of substantially all matters to be decided by a vote of shareholders.  In addition, under the terms of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated May 3, 2002, as further amended and restated as of November 12, 2003, among us, The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as depositary, or the Depositary, and the owners and beneficial owners of ADSs, or the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, relating to our ADSs, if holders of ADSs do not provide the Depositary with timely instructions for the voting of Common Shares represented by such ADRs, the Depositary will be deemed to be instructed to give a person designated by us, which will likely be Alberto Benavides de la Quintana, a discretionary proxy to vote such shares, unless we inform the Depositary that we do not wish such proxy to be given.
 
Fewer and Less Well-Defined Shareholders’ Rights
 
Our shareholders have fewer and less well-defined rights under applicable Peruvian law than they might have as shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the United States or certain other countries.
 
Shares Eligible for Future Sale
 
Sales of a substantial number of our shares by Alberto Benavides de la Quintana and certain other members of the Benavides Family could materially and adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Shares and ADSs.  There is no contractual restriction on the disposition of shares of our share capital by our shareholders, including the Benavides Family.  Furthermore, under the Ley General de Sociedades Peruana, or Peruvian Companies Law, any restriction on the free sale of shares in a sociedad anónima abierta (open stock company) such as we are, is null and void.
22

 
Possible Inability of ADS Holders to Exercise Preemptive Rights
 
Holders of the ADSs are, under Peruvian law, entitled to exercise preemptive rights and accretion rights on the Common Shares underlying the ADSs in the event of any future capital increase by us unless (x) the increase is approved, expressly stating that the shareholders have no preemptive rights to subscribe and pay for the Shares to be issued in such increase, by holders of Common Shares, holding at least 40 percent of the Common Shares, at a properly called meeting with a proper quorum and (y) the increase is not designed to improve directly or indirectly the shareholding of any shareholder.  However, United States holders of ADSs may not be able to exercise through the Depositary for the ADSs the preemptive rights and accretion rights for Common Shares underlying their ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, is effective with respect to such rights or an exemption from the registration requirement thereunder is available.  Any such rights offering would have a dilutive effect upon shareholders who are unable or unwilling to exercise their rights.  We intend to evaluate, at the time of any rights offering, the costs and potential liabilities associated with any registration statement as well as the benefits to it of enabling the holders of ADSs to exercise such rights and will then make a decision as to whether to file such a registration statement.  Therefore, no assurance can be given that any such registration statement would be filed.  To the extent that holders of ADSs are unable to exercise such rights because a registration statement has not been filed and no exemption from such registration statement under the Securities Act is available, the Depositary will, to the extent practicable, sell such holders’ preemptive rights or accretion rights and distribute the net proceeds thereof, if any, to the holders of ADSs and such holders’ equity interest in us would be diluted proportionately.  The Depositary has discretion to make rights available to holders of ADSs or to dispose of such rights and to make any net proceeds available to such holders.  If, by the terms of any rights offering or for any other reason, the Depositary is not able to make such rights or such net proceeds available to any holder of ADSs, the Depositary may allow the rights to lapse.
 
2322

 
ITEM 4.          Information on the Company
 
THE COMPANY
 
History and Development
 
Overview
 
We are Peru’s largest publicly-traded precious metals company and are engaged in the exploration, mining and processing of gold, silver and, to a lesser extent, other metals, in Peru.  We currently operate the Julcani, Recuperada, Orcopampa, Poracota, Uchucchacua, Antapite and Ishihuinca mines and have controlling interests in two other mining companies which operate the Colquijirca, Marcapunta and Shila-Paula mines. We also own an electric power transmission company and an engineering services consulting company and have minority interests in several other mining companies, including a significant ownership interest in Yanacocha, a Peruvian partnership that operates South America’s largest gold mine, and Cerro Verde, a Peruvian company that operates a copper mine located in the south of Peru.  For the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, our consolidated net sales were US$766.6819.4 million and our consolidated net income was US$153.3593.6 million.  The tables below summarize the total production and our equity share of production for the Julcani, Recuperada, Orcopampa, Poracota, Uchucchacua, Antapite and Ishihuinca, Shila-Paula, Colquijirca, Marcapunta, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde mines for the year ended December 31, 2008:2009:
 
 TOTAL PRODUCTION  TOTAL EQUITY PRODUCTION 
 TOTAL PRODUCTION  BUENAVENTURA’S EQUITY SHARE OF PRODUCTION                                  
UNIT 
Silver
Oz
  
Gold
Oz
  
Lead
DST
  
Zinc
DST
  
Copper
DST
  
BVN
SHARE
(%)
  
Silver
Oz
  
Gold
Oz
  
Lead
DST
  
Zinc
DST
  
Copper
DST
  
BVN%
PARTI
CIPAT
ION
  
Silver
Oz
  
Gold
Oz
  
Lead
DST
  
Zinc
DST
  
Copper
DST
  
Silver
Oz
  
Gold
Oz
  
Lead
DST
  
Zinc
DST
  
Cooper
DST
 
 (in thousands)  (in thousands, except percentages)                                  
Orcopampa  111   285   -   -   -  100.00   111   285   -   -   -   100%  91,525   315,277   -   -   -   91,525   315,277   0   0   0 
Poracota  25   46   -   -   -  100.00   25   46   -   -   -   100%  30,395   51,516   -   -   -   30,395   51,516   0   0   0 
Uchucchacua  11,417   -   12   12   -  100.00   11,417   -   12   12   -   100%  10,555,566   -   9,423   9,049   -   10,555,566   0   9,423   9,049   0 
Julcani  1,594   -   2   -   -  100.00   1,594   -   2   -   -   100%  1,819,375   799   1,744   -   0   1,819,375   799   1,744   0   0 
Recuperada  637   -   2   3   -  100.00   637   -   2   3   -   100%  370,500   -   1,505   1,800   -   370,500   0   1,505   1,800   0 
Antapite  80   43   -   -   -  100.00   80   43   -   -   -   100%  50,100   31,004   -   -   -   50,100   31,004   0   0   0 
Ishihuinca  -   8   -   -   -  100.00   -   8   -   -   -   100%  -   638   -   -   9   0   638   0   0   0 
Shila-Paula  101   39   -   -   -  100.00   101   39   -   -   -   100%  85,994   24,072   -   -   -   85,994   24,072   0   0   0 
Colquijirca and Marcapunta  4,642   4   28   90   8  35.78   1,661   1   10   32   3 
El Brocal  45.97%  3,820,736   3,209   22,195   74,615   9,131   1,756,392   1,475   10,203   34,300   4,198 
Yanacocha  3,539   1,810   -   -   -  43.65   1,545   790   -   -   -   43.65%  4,367,258   2,058,181   -   -   -   1,906,308   898,396   0   0   0 
Cerro Verde  1,717   -   -   -   347   19.05   327   -   -   -   66   19.26%  1,547,905   -   -   -   330,810   298,127   0   0   0   63,714 
TOTAL  23,862   2,236   44   106   356       17,497   1,213   27   48   69 
                                            
TOTAL CONTENTTOTAL CONTENT   22,739,354   2,484,696   34,867   85,464   339,950   16,964,282   1,323,177   22,875   45,149   67,912 
 
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., a sociedad anónima abierta (open stock company) under the laws of Peru, was originally established in 1953 as a sociedad anónima (company) under the laws of Peru, and currently operates under the laws of Peru.  Our registered office is located at Carlos Villarán 790, Santa Catalina, Lima 13, Perú, telephone no. 5-11-419-2538.5-11-419-2500.  Our Internet Website address is http://www.buenaventura.com.  The information on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this document.
 

 
History
 
During our first 25 years, our efforts focused on the exploration of silver mines.  During this period, we built up our principal mines in Peru, commencing with the acquisition of the Julcani mine in 1953.  We commenced exploration of the Orcopampa mine in 1962 and operations in 1965.  We began exploring the Uchucchacua mine site in 1960 and, after operating a pilot project in the area in the early 1970s with successful results, built an ore processing plant at the mine site, which began operations in 1975.
 
Because of political uncertainties in Peru in the mid-1970s, we explored mining possibilities in other countries in South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia and Argentina.  Exploration began on a small scale at the Toachi mine near Quito, Ecuador, but this project was discontinued in 1981 due to border disputes between Peru and Ecuador.  At that time, we also decided to discontinue our exploration outside Peru and to intensify efforts in Peru.
 
Following a sharp increase in silver prices, which peaked in 1980, we initiated a program to explore for gold and, to a lesser extent, other metals in Peru to reduce our dependence on silver, since we believed the high price of silver could not be sustained.  Faced with declining silver prices throughout the 1980s, we expanded silver output to reduce cash flow while at the same time continuing our exploration efforts for other metals.  Exploration of gold anomalies in the Yanacocha district began in 1983 and an expansion of the Orcopampa mine, which had operated since 1967 as a silver-producing mine, to enable us to explore newly-discovered gold veins began in 1984 and was concluded in 1999.  In 2002, after an intense exploration program of the Orcopampa mine, gold production was commenced in the Chipmo area.  New gold mining operations commenced at the Ishihuinca mine in the early 1980s and at the Antapite mine in 2001.
 
Since the late 1980s, we have continued our efforts to decrease our exposure to silver price fluctuations and have pursued a plan to increase overall precious metals production and production efficiency.  We have continued to expand our mineral reserves through the implementation of property acquisition and intensive exploration programs designed to increase reserves and production of gold.  As part of this strategy, we acquired an equity interest in Yanacocha and conducted exploration leading to the discovery of gold mineralization and subsequent production of gold at the Orcopampa, Shila, Ishihuinca and Antapite mines.  In addition, we acquired an equity interest in Cerro Verde, which operates an open-pit copper mine in Peru.  These initiatives have transformed us from primarily a silver producer into primarily a gold producer, based on allocated revenue.  In 2008,2009, gold, copper, silver and other metals accounted for 5763 percent, 1918 percent, 1311 percent and 118 percent, respectively, of our equity share of production valuerevenues in our consolidated subsidiaries, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde.
 
On January 14, 1992, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Compañía Minera Condesa S.A., or Condesa, together with Newmont Second Capital Corporation, or Newmont Second, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmont Mining, and Société d’Etudes, de Recherches et d’Exploitations Miniéres, or Serem, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minières, or BRGM, the geological and mining bureau of the French government, formed Yanacocha to continue exploration of the deposits at a mining site in the Cajamarca area.  At that time, Yanacocha was 38 percent owned by Newmont Second, 24.7 percent owned by Serem, 32.3 percent owned by Condesa and 5 percent owned by The International Finance Corporation, or IFC, the branch of the World Bank that promotes private investments.  As of May 31, 2009,2010, our participation in Yanacocha was 43.65 percent, and Newmont Second’s was 51.35 percent, with IFC continuing to own 5 percent.
 


In October 2000, we and Newmont Mining agreed to consolidate our properties in Cajamarca, northern Peru, in Yanacocha.  Under the consolidation plan and according to agreements signed in December 2000, we sold several assets to Yanacocha, including the Minas Conga project, the China Linda lime plant, mining rights, aerial land and other machinery and equipment and inventories.  See “—Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties—Operating Properties.”  We received approximately US$9 million in connection with this sale.  We also entered into an administration agreement with Yanacocha, setting forth that we would manage the China Linda lime plant until December 18, 2010, for a monthly fee of US$10,000 plus reimbursement of all incurred costs.  However, in December 2001, Yanacocha terminated the agreement and we ceased to manage the China Linda plant.  As a result of the termination, we received a payment of US$1.8 million from Yanacocha.
 
On June 1, 2005, Cerro Verde conducted a capital increase whereby we subscribed 42,925,975 shares for US$154.9 million, increasing our interest in Cerro Verde from 9.17 percent to 18.21 percent.  Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. maintains a majority interest in Cerro Verde.  See “—Intermediate Holding Companies, Subsidiaries and Equity Participations—Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.”  As of March 31, 2009,2010, Cerro Verde was 53.56 percent owned by Cyprus Climax Metals Company, a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc., 21.00 percent owned by SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V. and 19.2119.26 percent owned by us.
 
Redesignation of our Shares and ADSs; Share Split
 
At our shareholder meeting held on April 30, 2002, following special meetings of our Series A shareholders and Series B shareholders on the same date, or the Special Meetings, amendments to our estatutos, or By-laws, were approved pursuant to the Special Meetings to effect the redesignation of each outstanding Series B Share as one Series A Share and the immediate redesignation thereafter of each Series A Share as one Common Share, or the Redesignation.  The Redesignation was effective May 3, 2002.  At that date, we had Common Shares with a nominal par value of S/.4.00 per share and Investment Shares also with a nominal par value of S/.4.00 per share.  The Common Shares represent 100 percent of our outstanding share capital.   The Investment Shares have no voting rights and are not, under Peruvian law and accounting rules, characterized as share capital.
 
Our ADSs have traded on the New York Stock Exchange Inc., or the New York Stock Exchange, since May 15, 1996.  Prior to the Redesignation, each of our ADSs represented two Series B Shares.  In connection with the Redesignation, we submitted a technical original listing application to the New York Stock Exchange dated April 25, 2002, or the Application, for the redesignation of our ADSs representing non-voting Class B Shares to ADSs representing voting Common Shares and the reservation of additional ADSs issuable upon redesignation of Class B Shares as Class A Shares and immediate redesignation thereafter of Class A Shares as Common Shares.  The New York Stock Exchange approved the Application prior to the date of Redesignation and on May 3, 2002, each of our ADSs represented two Common Shares.    Since that date, we have had Common Shares with a nominal par value of S/.4.00 per share.  On November 3, 2003, we submitted a supplemental listing application to the New York Stock Exchange to modify the ratio of our ADSs, and on November 12, 2003, our ratio of Common Shares per ADSs was modified from two Common Shares per ADS to one Common Share per ADS.
 
In March 2008, our shareholders approved an increase in the nominal par value of our Common Shares and Investment Shares from S/.4.00 per Common Share or Investment Share to S/.20.00 per Common Share or Investment Share, as well as a subsequent two-for-one stock split of our Common Shares and Investment Shares.  In July 2008, we conducted a two-for-one stock split of our outstanding Common Shares, Investment Shares and ADSs.  As a result, we had 274,889,924 outstanding Common Shares, including 21,130,260 treasury shares, and 744,640 outstanding Investment Shares,, including 61,976 treasury shares, as of December 31, 2008.2009.  In connection with the stock split, our bylaws were amended to decrease the nominal par value of our Common Shares and Investment Shares from S.20.00 to S/.10.00 per Common Share or Investment Share. 
 

 
 Business Strategy
 
Our strategy is to strengthen our position as one of Peru’s leading gold and silver mining companies by expanding our reserves and production.  We are currently engaged in an active exploration and mine development program and participate in several mining exploration projects with Newmont Mining, Sumitomo Metal Mining Peru S.A., or Sumitomo, Minera Gold Fields Peru S.A., or Gold Fields, Southern Copper Corporation, or SCC, Freeport and Teck Cominco Perú S.A., or Teck Cominco.  Further, we seek to increase the efficiency and capacity of our mining operations.  We are aware of our social and environmental responsibilities and aim to excel in the prevention, mitigation and rehabilitation of mining-related disturbances.
 
Maintaining an Active Exploration Program
 
We view an active exploration program as our primary means to obtain new reserves.  As of March 31, 2009,April 30, 2010, we held, either directly or in conjunction with exploration partners, 495,067406,266 hectares of mining rights, excluding an additional 234,939231,790 hectares in mining properties which are consolidated in our production units, making us a major holder of mining rights in Peru.
 
During 20082009 we spent approximately US$27.1230.0 million on “greenfield” and US$18.6968.6 million inon “brownfield” exploration-related investments in Peru.  Our “greenfield” investments focused on the following exploration projects: El Faique, La Zanja (only the Castrejón prospect), Tantahuatay, Hualgayoc, Ccalla Arma, El Milagro, Titiminas, Huañacancha, Luishaja,Terciopelo, Breapampa, Trapiche, Chucapaca and Argentina.  The 20082009 exploration program was financed by internal funds as well as a US$6.7 million contribution by Newmont Peru S.R.L., Southern Copper Corporation, Gold Fields La Cima S.A., Minera Gold Fields Peru S.A. and Sumitomo Metal Mining Peru S.A.funds.  Our “brownfield” investments focused on the following exploration projects in 2008:2009: Mallay, Anamaray,Anamaray-Jancapata, Huamani Huayta Oeste, Orcopampa, Estela-Pampa Castilla, Ayamarca and Shila-Paula.  In 2009,2010, we intend to invest between US$16.8855.0 million US$65.0 million in the Mallay, Anamaray,Anamaray-Jancapata, Huamani Huayta Oeste, Estela-Pampa Castilla, Ayamarca, Orcopampa and Shila-Paula brownfield exploration projects.  We expect to invest between US$20.0 and US$25.030.0 million in the following greenfield exploration projects during 2009:2010: Trapiche, Chucapaca, Breapampa, Hualgayoc, Ccalla ArmaTerciopelo, Colquemayo, Chaje and El Faique.
 
Participation in Mining Exploration Agreements
 
In addition to managing and operating precious metals mines, we participate in mining exploration agreements with mining partners to reduce risks, gain exposure to new technologies and diversify revenues to include other metals.  See “—Business Overview—Exploration.”  We believe that maintaining our focus on mining operations complements our partnership strategy because the engineering and geological expertise gained from such operations enhances our ability to participate in and contribute to those projects.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
Our capital expenditures in the past three years have related principally to the acquisition of new mining properties, construction of new facilities and renewal of plant and equipment.  Capital expenditures relating to exploration are not included herein and are discussed separately in “—Business Overview—Exploration.”  Set forth below is information concerning capital expenditures incurred by us in respect of each of our principal operating mines (not including capital expenditures for administrative purposes or other non-mining subsidiaries) and by category of expenditure:
 

 
  Year Ended December 31, 
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
 
     
(in thousands)
    
Julcani US$802  US$ 1,089  US$ 1,150 
Uchucchacua(a)
  13,560   5,458   15,187 
Orcopampa(b)
  13,649   12,977   14,744 
Recuperada  939   1,563   2,525 
Ishihuinca  154   142   97 
Shila-Paula  1,385   442   1,661 
Colquijirca and Marcapunta  15,362   6,346   8,391 
Antapite  5,440   7,527   652 
Conenhua  537   3,846   1,776 
Total US$ 
51,828
  US$ 
39,390
  US$ 
46,183
 
 
  Year Ended December 31, 
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
 
     
(in thousands)
    
Machinery and equipment US$2,634  US$5,768  US$3,639 
Infrastructure  20,998   23,362   23,981 
Mining  5,856   6,153   3,777 
Milling  17,594   1,316   9,594 
Transportation  999   938   397 
Communications  205   65   133 
Environmental  20   174   36 
Other  3,522   1,614   4,626 
Total US$51,828  US$39,390  US$46,183 

(a)Amounts do not include the following expenditures for mining concessions: US$21,987 in 2009, US$9,967 in 2008 and US$23,906 in 2007. 
(b)For 2008, includes US$7.5 million for the construction of the Orcopampa  old tailings treatment plant.
(b)(c)For 2008, includes US$4.7 million for the plant expansion project in order to increase its capacity to 3,000 MT per day.
(d)For 2009, includes US$47.6 million for the expansion of the treatment plant from 6,000 MT per day to 18,000 MT per day.

We financed our capital expenditures in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 with internally-generated funds.
 
We have budgeted approximately US$110.0196.0 million for capital expenditures in each of 2009 andfor 2010.  Exploration expenses in non-operating units are expected to be between US$30.025 million and US$35 million in 20092010 and 2010.2011. To fund our planned capital expenditures program, we plan to use internally-generated funds. See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—The Company—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
In Uchucchacua, our ongoing projects for this year include (i) the deepening of the master shaft in the Carmen mine from level 3,990 to level 3,990 and (ii) the construction of ramp 626 and the deepening of the Luz Shaft in the Socorro mine to reach level 3,990 from level 4,060. In Orcopampa, our ongoing projects include (i) the deepening of the Nazareno shaft from level 3,290 to level 3,170 and (ii) the deepening of the Prometida Shaft to reach level 3,290. In Colquijirca, 2009 and 2010 projects include the expansion of the concentrator plant to 18,000 metric tons, or MT, per day.
 
We continuously evaluate opportunities to expand our business within Peru, as well as in other countries as opportunities arise, and expect to continue to do so in the future.  We may in the future decide to acquire part or all of the equity of, or undertake other transactions with, other companies involved in the same business as us or in other related other businesses.  However, there can be no assurance that we will decide to pursue any such new activity or transaction.
 

 
Business Overview
 
Production

We principally produce refined gold and silver, either as dore bars or concentrates, and other metals such as lead, zinc and copper as concentrates that we distribute and sell locally and internationally.  The following table sets forth the production of the Antapite, Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Recuperada, Ishihuinca, Colquijirca, Marcapunta and Shila-Paula mines by type of product for the last three years, calculated in each case on the basis of 100 percent of the applicable mine’s production.  Production from Cerro Verde and Yanacocha are not included in these production figures.
 
 
Year Ended December 31, (1)
  
Year Ended December 31, (1)
 
 
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Gold (oz.)(2)
  405,383   403,955   425,257   403,955   425,257   426,465 
Silver (oz.)  22,179,552   19,403,507   18,606,478   19,403,507   18,606,478   16,824,190 
Zinc (ST)(3)
  80,686   108,110   105,755   108,110   105,755   85,464 
Lead (ST)  44,436   48,521   44,299   48,521   44,299   34,867 
Copper (ST)  141   1,578   8,453   1,578   8,453   9,140 
 

(1)The amounts in this table reflect the total production of all of our consolidated subsidiaries, including El Brocal, in which we owned a 35.78%45.97% controlling equity interest as of December 31, 2008.2009.  The production data in this table reflects 100% of El Brocal’s production.  For the years ended December 31, 20042007 to 2008,2009, El Brocal produced 3.4, 4.4, 10.3, 7.1, 4.6 and 4.63.8 million ounces of silver, respectively, of which our equity share was 1.1, 1.5, 3.5, 2.4, 1.7 and 1.7 million ounces of silver.
(2)Throughout this Annual Report, “oz” refers to troy ounces of a fineness of 999.9 parts per 1,000, equal to 31.0135 grams.
(3)
Throughout this Annual Report, “ST” refers to short tons, each weighing 2,000 avoirdupois pounds.
 
Exploration
 
We view exploration as our primary means of generating growth value for shareholders and typically maintain a portfolio of active exploration projects at various stages of exploration for mineral resources in Peru.  We currently hold, either directly or in conjunction with exploration partners, 495,067406,266 hectares of mining rights as part of our exploration program.  We hold an additional 234,930231,790 hectares in mining properties which are consolidated in our production units.  We invested approximately US$27.1216.2 million in exploration for Mineralized Material not in Reserve, or NRM, during 2008,2009, including 28,65326,779 meters of exploratory diamond drilling and 193 meters of exploratory underground workings in the El Faique, Hualgayoc, Mallay,Chucapaca, Breapampa, Trapiche, Anamaray-Jancapata, Terciopelo, Ccalla Arma El Milagro, Titiminas, Huañacancha, Luishaja, Breapampa, Trapiche, Layo, Shila-Paula, Chucapaca and ArgentinaLa Zanja (Castrejon prospect) projects.  In addition, our exploration partners invested US$6.729.24 million in the Chucapaca, Tantahuatay, La Zanja, Hualgayoc and Ccalla Arma projects.
 
In 2009,2010, we expect to invest a minimum of approximately US$44.0018.9 million in greenfield exploration and brownfield exploration activities.  Exploration programs at our principal operating mines are not included in our exploration budget and are accounted for as part of the operating costs for each mine.  Exploration expenditures in greenfield and brownfield projects include all of the costs associated with manpower and activities such as geologists, contractors, engineering, drilling equipment, metallurgical testing and environmental, social, engineering and economic feasibility studies.  Management of the exploration team prepares programs and budgets for individual projects each year and we allocate, subject to board approval, the proper amount to finance each particular exploration activity considered worthwhile.  In light of the nature of mining exploration and in order to maintain flexibility to take advantage of opportunities, we allocate budgeted amounts by property or project only in the case of high geological expectation as decided by management. We also allocate non-budgeted amounts over the course of the year to new projects based on factual results, our needs and our geologists’ periodic evaluations and opinions regarding the progress of each opportunity and its potential for further exploration of minerals.
 

2928


An integral part of our exploration program is the participation in mining exploration agreements with affiliates of experienced mining companies, including Newmont Peru S.R.L., SCC,Southern Copper Corporation, Gold Fields La Cima, Minera Gold Fields Peru S.A. and Sumitomo Metal Mining Peru S.A.  The benefits of these joint exploration projects include greater investment in the exploration of our mining rights from the funds contributed by the partners, access to the assets of the partners without the costs and risks of outright acquisition, increased exposure to new exploration technologies and expansion of knowledge and sharing of experiences of management, geologists and engineers.  In these mining exploration agreements, we may be the designated operator, an equity participant, the manager or a combination of these and other functions.
 
We do not generally conduct significant research and development activities other than investments in geological research and exploration as described herein.
 
The following table lists our current greenfield exploration projects, our effective participation in each project, our partners with respect to each project, the total hectares as of April 30, 2009,2010, observed mineralization of each project and the total exploration expenditures during 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008.2009.
 
3029


Exploration
Projects(1)(2)
 
Company’s
Effective
Participation
 
Principal
Partners
 
Property
Hectares
 
Observed
Mineralization
 
Total Exploration
Expenditures During 
2007
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2008
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2009
 
  
at April 30, 2010
   
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
 
      (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions) 
Joint Venture Projects:                       
                           
Ccalla Arma  60.00%   Sumitomo  19,200 Gold & copper  0.00   0.00   0.34   0.20   0.46   0.28 
Chucapaca  49.00%Gold Fields  12,700 Gold & copper  0.00   0.00   1.86   1.86   7.01   0.74 
Hualgayoc  50.00%Gold Fields  12,698 Silver, zinc & lead  1.41   0.70   1.15   0.57   1.01   0.51 
La Zanja  53.06%Newmont  32,070 Gold & copper  1.90   1.01   8.45   4.48   1.29   0.68 
Tantahuatay  40.00%SCC, Espro  17,722 Gold & copper  5.99   3.34   4.62   2.57   3.59   2.01 
                                   
Company’s Projects:                                  
                                   
Argentina  100.00%None  32,960 Gold & silver  1.23   1.23   2.24   2.24   0.85   0.85 
Breapampa  100.00%None  90,000 Gold & silver  5.01   5.01   3.25   3.25   3.24   3.24 
El Faique  100.00%None  35,541 Copper, zinc & gold  0.75   0.75   0.42   0.42   0.39   0.39 
El Milagro(3)
  100.00%Castrovirreyna  900 Zinc, silver, lead  6.75   6.75   3.04   3.04   0.18   0.18 
Huancavelica  100.00%None  0 Lead, silver & zinc  0.11   0.11   0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00 
Huañacancha  0.00%None  0 Copper & gold  0.14   0.14   0.86   0.86   0.03   0.03 
Los Pircos(4)
  0.00%Troy  0 Gold & silver  1.05   1.05   0.30   0.30   0.12   0.12 
Terciopelo  100.00%None  10,315 Gold & copper  0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00   0.58   0.58 
Trapiche  100.00%None  26,414 Copper & molybdenum  3.00   3.00   2.87   2.87   3.16   3.16 
Others(5)
  100.00%None  145,013 Gold and polymetallic  1.46   1.46   3.34   3.34   3.44   3.44 
        495,067    31.31   27.06   33.86   27.12   25.38   16.24 
Exploration
Projects(1)(2)
 
Company’s
Effective
Participation
 
Principal Partners
 
Property
Hectares
 
Observed
Mineralization
 
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2006
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2007
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2008
 
  
at April 30, 2009
   
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
 
              
      (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions) 
Joint Venture Projects:                       
                        
Breapampa  0.00%Newmont  90,000 Gold & silver  0.00   0.00   5.01   5.01   3.25   3.25 
Ccalla Arma  60.00%Sumitomo  19,200 Gold & copper  0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00   0.34   0.20 
Chucapaca  100.00%Gold Fields  12,400 Gold & copper  0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00   1.86   1.86 
Hualgayoc  50.00%Gold Fields  12,698 Silver, zinc & lead  0.88   0.17   1.41   0.70   1.15   0.57 
La Zanja  53.06%Newmont  32,070 Gold & copper  3.65   1.94   1.90   1.01   8.45   4.48 
Minasnioc(3)
  0.00%ABX  0 Gold & silver  0.43   0.43   0.06   0.06   0.00   0.00 
Hueso Sur(3)
  0.00%ABX  0 Gold & silver  0.36   0.36   0.36   0.36   0.00   0.00 
Puquio  0.00%Gold Fields  0 Gold & silver  0.11   0.11   0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00 
Santa Marina  0.00%Rio Narcea  0 Gold & copper  0.10   0.10   0.30   0.30   0.00   0.00 
Tantahuatay  40.00%SCC, Espro  17,722 Gold & copper  3.96   2.21   5.99   3.34   4.62   2.57 
                                   
Company’s Projects:                                  
                                   
Argentina  100.00%None  68,009 Gold & silver  0.00   0.00   1.23   1.23   2.24   2.24 
Altiplano Peru  0.00%None  0 Gold & silver  0.07   0.07   0.08   0.08   0.07   0.07 
Cordillera Oriental  100.00%None  4,200 Gold & silver  0.18   0.18   0.01   0.01   0.00   0.00 
El Faique  100.00%None  51,541 Copper, zinc & gold  0.75   0.75   0.75   0.75   0.42   0.42 
El Milagro  100.00%None  11,900 Zinc, silver, lead  2.06   2.06   6.75   6.75   3.04   3.04 
Huancavelica  100.00%None  0 Lead, silver & zinc  0.64   0.64   0.11   0.11   0.00   0.00 
Huañacancha  0.00%None  0 Copper & gold  0.00   0.00   0.14   0.14   0.86   0.86 
Llillinta  0.00%None  0 Gold & silver  0.00   0.00   0.83   0.83   0.03   0.03 
Los Pircos(4)
  100.00%Troy  0 Gold & silver  3.48   3.48   1.05   1.05   0.30   0.30 
Luishaja  0.00%None  3,900 Silver, lead, zinc  0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00   0.31   0.31 
Pampa Andino(4)
  0.00%Troy  0 Gold & silver  0.99   0.99   0.48   0.48   0.27   0.27 
Tinyaclla(5)
  0.00%Milpo  0 Copper, zinc, gold  4.47   4.47   0.11   0.11   0.01   0.01 
Titiminas  0.00%None  0 Zinc, silver, lead  0.00   0.00   0.28   0.28   0.47   0.47 
Trapiche  100.00%None  26,414 Copper & molybdenum  1.92   1.92   3.00   3.00   2.87   2.87 
Oyotun  0.00%None  0 Zinc, copper & silver  0.03   0.03   0.00   0.00   0.00   0.00 
Others(6)
  100.00%None  145,013 Gold and polymetallic  0.65   0.65   1.46   1.46   3.34   3.34 
        495,067    24.73   20.56   31.31   27.06   33.86   27.12 
 

(1)This table does not include projects abandoned by us, consolidated mining units or those placed on hold prior to 2006.2007.
(2)In addition to these projects, we continue to conduct exploration at all of our operating mines and our subsidiaries.
(3)These properties have been returnedIn October 2009, this property was sold to ABX.Minera Castrovirreyna S.A. 
(4)In January 2008, these propertiesthis property were transferred to Inversiones Troy S.A.
(5)In February 2008, this property was sold to Compañía Minera Milpo S.A.A.
(6)Includes generative exploration in new areas.

3130


The following table lists our current brownfield exploration projects, our effective participation in each project, the total hectares as of April 30, 2009,2010, observed mineralization of each project and the total exploration expenditures during 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008.2009.

Exploration
Projects
 
Company’s
Effective
Participation
 
Principal Partners
 
Property
Hectares
 
Observed
Mineralization
 
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2006
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2007
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2008
  
Company’s
Effective
Participation
 
Principal
Partners
 
Property
Hectares
 
Observed
Mineralization
 
Total Exploration
Expenditures During 
2007
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2008
  
Total Exploration
Expenditures During
2009
 
 
at April 30, 2009
   
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
  
at April 30, 2010
   
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
  
Total
  
BVN’S
 
                  (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions) 
     (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions)  (US$ in millions) 
Brownfield Projects:                                        
Pozo Rico 100.00%None  3,377 Silver, lead & zinc 2.86  2.86  0.89  0.89  -    
Anamaray 100.00%None  6,952 Zinc, lead & silver 0.34  0.34  0.96  0.96  1.01  1.01 
Mallay 100.00%None  2,250 Silver, lead & zinc 1.92  1.92  4.69  4.69  8.52  8.52 
Pozo Rico(1)
 100.00%   None  3,377 Silver, lead & zinc 0.89  0.89  -  -  -  - 
Anamaray(2)
 100.00%None  6,952 Zinc, lead & silver 0.96  0.96  1.01  1.01  1.00  1.00 
Mallay(3)
 100.00%None  2,250 Silver, lead & zinc 4.69  4.69  8.52  8.52  6.12  6.12 
Julcani(4)
 100.00%None  1,800 Silver 0.20  0.20  0.40  0.40  2.01  2.01  100.00%None  1,800 Silver 0.40  0.40  2.01  2.01  2.47  2.47 
Antapite(2)
 100.00%None  22,075 Gold & silver 2.40  2.40  1.27  1.27  2.75  2.75 
Poracota(1)
 100.00%None  6,674 Gold 7.87  7.87  11.60  11.60  1.10  1.10 
Antapite(5)
 100.00%None  22,075 Gold & silver 1.27  1.27  2.75  2.75  1.61  1.61 
Poracota(6)
 100.00%None  6,674 Gold 11.60  11.60  1.10  1.10  1.24  1.24 
Soras 100.00%None  22,523 Gold, silver & copper 0.77  0.77  0.86  0.86  0.24  0.24  100.00%None  22,523 Gold, silver & copper 0.86  0.86  0.24  0.24  -  - 
Layo 100.00%None  737 Gold, silver & copper 5.17  5.17  1.62  1.62  0.33  0.33  100.00%None  737 Gold, silver & copper 1.62  1.62  0.33  0.33  -  - 
Orcopampa(3)
 100.00%None  12,000 Gold & silver 0.23  0.23  0.34  0.34  0.96  0.96 
Orcopampa(7)
 100.00%None  12,000 Gold & silver 0.34  0.34  0.96  0.96  0.97  0.97 
Shila-Paula 100.00%None  41,152 Gold & silver  1.72   1.72   0.86   0.86   1.77   1.77  100.00%None  41,152 Gold & silver  0.86   0.86   1.77   1.77   0.58   0.58 
       119,540    23.48   23.48   23.49   23.49   18.69   18.69        119,540    23.49   23.49   18.69   18.69   13.99   13.99 
 

(1)IncludesIn 2008, Poracota Oeste (Huamani Huayta Oeste) operation costs.Pozo Rico commenced mining operations and ceased to be an exploration project.  Pozo Rico’s results are consolidated with Uchucchacua’s operating results.
(2)Includes 2008 Hatun Orco2009 Jancapata, San Francisco, Cuello Volcánico, Yumpag and AyamarcaAtalaya exploration costs.
(3)Includes 2008 Manto N, Quello-Quello (Sausa), Mulañan, Pariguanas2009 Tinta, Condorsenja, Area Chancas and Chipmo SuperficieIsguiz exploration costs.
(4)Incluyes 2008 Pampa Castilla &Includes 2009 Estela Area (Julcani) and  Prospecto Hallazgo (Recuperada) exploration costs.
(5)Includes 2009 Carmencita and Ayamarca exploration costs.
(6)Includes 2009 Poracota Oeste (Huamani Huayta Oeste) exploration costs.
(7)Includes 2009 Pucay, Mulañan, Pariguanas and Chipmo Superficie exploration costs.
 
3231


The following is a brief summary of current greenfield and brownfield exploration activities conducted by us directly and through joint exploration agreements that are believed to represent the best prospects for the discovery of new reserves.  There can be no assurance, however, that any of our current exploration projects will result in viable mineral production or that any of the mineralization identified to date will ultimately result in an increase in our ore reserves.  Non-reserve mineralization has been included in our 20082009 Annual Report from the La Zanja, Tantahuatay, Breapampa, Mallay and Trapiche exploration and mine development projects. Set forth below is a map of all our exploration activities in Peru as of December 31, 2008:2009:
 
3332

 
Greenfield Exploration Projects
 
La Zanja.  Minera La Zanja S.R.L., or La Zanja, controls 32,070 hectares of mineralized ground in the La Zanja project, which is located 35 kilometers north-west of Cajamarca city.  Originally, the La Zanja project was part of the Northern Peru joint mining exploration project, which was 35 percent owned by us and 65 percent owned by Newmont Peru.  We currently own 53 percent of La Zanja, with the remainder owned by Newmont Peru.  In 2006, we invested US$3.6 million on a 2,942 meter drilling campaign at the deep copper-gold sulfide deposit at the Cerro La Zanja prospect, a 2,064 meter drilling campaign at the gold oxide deposit at the Cerro La Zanja prospect and a 7,679 meter drilling campaign at the superficial oxide gold Turmalina prospect, an extension of San Pedro Sur.  We have increased the geological resources in oxides at the Turmalina prospect, an extension of San Pedro Sur, where 11.8 million metric tons with an average grade of 0.72 grams per ton of gold have been indicated by systematic diamond drilling.  In 2007, we and Newmont Peru invested US$1.9 million in total to maintain the property and conduct an environmental impact study, or EIAEnvironmental Impact Study (Estudio de Impacto Ambiental)., or EIS.  In 2008, we and Newmont Peru invested US$8.5 million in total to present the EIAEIS and obtain the necessary permits to start construction of the project.  In July 2008, a public hearing was held in order to provide stakeholders an opportunity to voice their opinions about the development of the project.  In April 2009, we obtained the EIAEIS approval. We expect to commenceIn July 2009, we commenced construction of the mine infrastructure during 2009 in order to start production during the third quartersecond half of 2010.  In 2009, we discovered a new mineralized area in the Castrejon prospect located in the southern portion of the La Zanja claim block.  Castrejon is a copper-moly prospect.  During 2009, we and Newmont Peru invested US$1.3 million in total to conduct 3,154 meters of diamond drilling.  The preliminary resource estimation shows 48 million tons in sulfides with an average grade of 0.33 percent of copper and 0.13 percent of moly. Additionally, the Castrejon prospect has an inferred resource of 0.99 million tons in oxides with an average grade of 1.55 grams per ton of gold.  In 2010, we plan to conduct an infill drilling campaign in Castrejon to delineate the copper-moly resource.
 
Tantahuatay.  The Tantahuatay project, a gold-copper project, is wholly-owned by Compañía Minera Coimolache S.A., or Coimolache, an entity that is 40.140.0 percent owned by us, 44.2 percent owned by SCC, and 15.7 percent owned by ESPRO S.A.C., a Peruvian-based holding company.  Two of the five outcropping gold anomalies have NRM.reserves.  Tantahuatay 2 and Ciénaga Norte were infill-drilled in 2002 and 2006, respectively; together they contain NRMreserves of 826,000 ounces of gold and 7.9 million ounces of silver.  The studies have been focused in the oxide zone only.  Cyanidation column tests have been completed with encouraging results, which indicate rapid extractions in the order of 80 to 90 percent, by low-concentration cyanide leaching.  The Tantahuatay 2 prospect was the subject of Feasibility and Environmental Impact Studies conducted during 2007 and 2008.  Infill-drilling hasand metallurgical studies have been completed in the Ciénaga deposit, and after the metallurgical studies are completed a feasibility study will behas been finalized to address the viability of a 15,000-ton per day open-pit/heap leach operation.  We are focusing our efforts on resolving community issues and obtaining permits to continue our exploration and enhance support of our infill drilling and feasibility studies for both oxide and sulfide targets.  During 2005, Coimolache invested US$1.55 million in the Tantahuatay project.  In 2006 we obtained permits for a diamond drilling campaign in the Ciénaga Norte area, 3 km southwest from the Tantahuatay 2 area.  Beginning in the third quarter of 2006, we drilled 3,179 meters in 27 holes, which required an investment of US$2.2 million.  Best hole C-57 intercepted 120 meters with 2.06 grams per ton of gold.  In 2007, Coimolache invested US$6.0 million in 5,665 meters of diamond drilling and 1,684 meters of reverse circulation drilling for exploration, sterilization and engineering in Tantahuatay 2, Mirador Norte and Cienaga Norte.  Total reserves for Tantahuatay 2 and Cienaga Norte have been calculated to be 25 million metric tons of oxides with an average grade of 0.81 grams per ton of gold and 9.66 grams per ton of silver, and an additional NRM on Mirador Norte of oxides of 10.7 million metric tons with an average grade of 0.47 grams per ton of gold.  In 2008, Coimolache invested US$4.6 million to conduct a feasibility study, which included analysis of basic engineering on the processing plant, detailed engineering on operating facilities (e.g., leach pad, waste dump and main roads) and definitive studies on a haul road and a mining plan.  We presented an EIS of Tantahuatay – Tantahuatay 2.  We expect to obtainobtained approval of the EIS in May 2009 at which point we can startand will commence construction of the future mine.mine in the second half of 2010.  In 2009,2010-2011, we plan to invest a minimum of US$4.567.8 million to complete basic engineering and commence construction of mine infrastructure and to complete an EIS of Cienaga Norte.  We expect to start mining operations at the Tantahuatay site by mid 2011.
 

 
Breapampa.  The Breapampa project iswas a joint venture with Newmont Peru S.R.L.  and is operated by us.In December 2009, we executed an option in our joint venture agreement with Newmont to acquire 100 percent of the mining rights at Breapampa.  The Breapampa project was leased to us by Newmont Peru S.R.L. and encompasses 90,000 hectares located in the southern portion of Ayacucho region.  It consists of gold and silver mineralization emplaced in epithermal high-sulfidation breccias in Tertiary volcanic rocks over the Parccaorcco hill and the Senccata area.  During 2007, we invested US$5.01 million in this project to conduct a 10,268-meter diamond drilling campaign, which included infill drilling sterilization, geomechanic and hydrogeologic drilling.  We estimated NRM of 5,128,000 metric tons with an average grade of 1.5 grams per ton of gold and 25.6 grams per ton of silver.  During 2008, we invested US$3.25 million to conduct 5,452 meters of diamond drilling.  After analyzing new field data, we reduced our estimate of NRM to 3,886,000 metric tons with an average grade of 1.48 grams per ton of gold and 23.35 grams per ton of silver.  During 2008, we also acquired 300 hectares of land for future exploration.  In 2009, we plan to investinvested US$2.03.2 million to test gold mineralization in otherthe Parccaorcco hill, Senccata and Brecha Norte prospects inside the claim boundaryboundary. We also conducted 9,908 meters of diamond drilling. The recalculated inventory of NRM is 4,838,740 metric tons with an average grade of 1.26 grams per ton of gold and to further develop21.06 grams per ton of silver in Parccaorcco hill; 2,453,000 metric tons with an average grade of 0.63 grams per ton of gold and 4.30 grams per ton of silver in the Senccata prospect; and 3,995,000 metric tons with an average grade of 0.53 grams per ton of gold and 4.50 grams per ton of silver in the Brecha Norte prospect. In 2009, we purchased surface rights and started the corresponding Environmental Impact Study, or EIS.EIS in anticipation of future operation in Parccaorcco hill.  In 2010, we plan to obtain the approval of the EIS and continue exploration of the Andrea, Ccaccapaqui and Ccolccesorpo prospects, all located within Breapampa’s boundaries.
 
Chucapaca.  The Chucapaca project is a gold-copper project wholly-owned by Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary.  We entered into a lease and option agreement withor CDH, which is owned 51 percent by Gold Fields for the Chucapaca project in March 2008.and 49 percent by us.  The project encompasses a total of 13,20012,700 hectares of mining properties that define the area of interest and is located in the Moquegua region in southern Peru.  In March 2008, we entered into a lease and option agreement with Gold Fields for the Chucapaca project.  As of April 30, 2009, we had completed 8,000 meters of diamond drilling for a total investment of US$2.67 million. Under the termsmillion as part of stages 1 and conditions2 of the joint venture,lease and option agreement. In February 2010, Gold Fields can claw back a 51% equity interest in Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C. afterresumed control of the operation of the Chucapaca project by investing approximately US$8.0 million, which represents three times the exploration expenditure invested by us in this project.project, and taking a 51% equity interest in CDH.  Gold Fields completed a total of 2,5092,511 meters of reverse circulation drilling in 2004 over the Chucapaca prospect associated with potential epithermal high sulfidation mineralization within Tacaza Group volcanic rock formations. Our preliminary exploration identified base metal targets on the Chucapaca project referred to as the Canahuire and Katrina prospects.  Our exploration program in 2008 resulted in the discovery of the Canahuire gold mineralization with encouraging results returned from the diamond drilling program. The program included the completion of 94 kilometers of geophysical magnetic and induced polarization surveys and 6,300 meters of diamond drilling on the Katrina and Canahuire prospects.  We have completed drillingdrilled approximately 7,800 meters on the Canahuire prospect and have defined the continuity of a gold dominated breccia hosted mineralization over 800 meters strike.  In 2009, Gold Fields invested US$6.3 million to conduct 16,153 meters of diamond drilling over the Canahuire and Katrina prospects. The best holes in the Canahuire breccia body include hole CCP09-60, which intercepted 193 meters with an average grade of 5.97 grams per ton of gold and 14.79 grams per ton or silver; hole CCP09-52, which intercepted 72 meters with an average grade of 6.93 grams per ton of gold and 2.04 grams per ton of silver; hole CCP09-63, which intercepted 137.3 meters with an average grade of 2.95 grams per ton of gold and 2.65 grams per ton of silver; and hole CCP09-36, which intercepted 53 meters with an average grade of 5.26 grams per ton of gold and 15.94 grams per ton of silver.  Mineralization remains open to the west, north and at depth.  Future exploration willWe are in the process of estimating potential resources in these areas.  In 2010, CDH plans to focus on completing 88,000 meters of diamond drilling in a 100m x 100m grid drilling of the Canahuire prospect along strike with drill testingtest drilling at a number of other targets within the Chucapaca project.project, including additional drilling in the Katrina prospects.

 
Trapiche.  The Trapiche project is wholly-owned by us and encompasses 26,414 hectares of porphyry and skarn mineralization in the Apurimac region.  The Apurimac region is part of a mineralized belt known as the Abancay Batholith where several iron, copper and gold deposits have been identified.  In 2006, we invested US$1.9 million to conduct 4,338 meters of diamond drilling in both Millucucho and Cerro Trapiche porphyry to contour and expand previously identified disseminated copper and molybdenum mineralization.  In 2007, we invested US$3.0 million in 9,998 meters of diamond drilling and 21 kilometers of geophysical IP/mag lines on Cerro Trapiche.  Based on 46 holes drilled with 100 meter spacing, AMEC estimates inferred resources of 315 million tons with an average grade of 0.49 percent of copper and 0.02 percent of molybdenum with a cutoff of 0.20 percent of copper using the geostatistical block model method completed in December 2007.  Metallurgical tests show recoveries of 91 percent of copper and 51 percent of moly by flotation methods on three composite samples for enriched, mixed and primary ores and recovery of 72.8 percent of copper in enriched mineral over 143 days by acid column leach method.  We had planned to invest US$12.0 million inIn 2008, to conduct an additional 36,000 meters of diamond drilling, metallurgical tests and an engineering/economic scoping study, but community permits delayed the beginning of our drilling campaign.  We stopped field work from August 2007 to September 2008 to negotiate a long-term agreement with the Mollebamba community relating to the possible future operation of the mine.  We eventuallywe invested US$2.9 million in 2008 and conductedto conduct 5,484 meters of diamond drilling on the Trapiche Este, Millucucho and Cerro Colorado prospects.  We also conducted an additional 18.2 kilometers of magnetic and induced polarization surveys over Trapiche Este.  The best intercepts in the Trapiche Este porphyry include hole TR-57, with 298 meters thickness and an average grade of 0.56 percent of copper and 0.01 percent of moly, and hole TR-81, with 283 meters thickness and an average grade of 0.4 percent of copper and 0.004 percent of moly.  TheOne of the best intercepts in the Breccia Pipe prospect includeis hole TR-74, with 342 meters thickness and an average grade of 0.53 percent of copper and 0.01 percent of moly, including 72 meters with 0.97 percent of copper.  The adjusted calculation ofBased on the drilling and surveys that we conducted, we recalculated NRM isto be 492 million tons with an average grade of 0.48 percent copper and 0.016 percent moly with a cutoff of 0.20 percent copper.  In 2009, we invested US$3.2 million to conduct 5,282 meters of diamond drilling on the Trapiche porphyry and Millucucho skarn. As a result of the drilling, we recalculated NRM to be 490.2 million metric tons with an average grade of 0.47 percent of copper and 0.015 percent of moly with a cutoff of 0.2 percent of copper.  In April 2009, we stopped field work to continue negotiations with the Mollebamba community on a long term agreement focused on the future operation of the mine.  In 2010, we plan to invest a minimum of US$2.0 millioncontinue our efforts to obtainget the definitive community permitspermit to explore, develop and to conduct additional diamond drilling, metallurgical tests, geomechanical tests and quality assurance controls.construct the Trapiche copper-moly mine project.

 
Hualgayoc.  Hualgayoc is a silver, zinc and lead exploration project, with copper (moly-gold) potential, owned by Consolidada de Hualgayoc S.A., or Consolidada, which is owned 50 percent by Compañía Minera Colquirrumi S.A., or Colquirrumi, our 99.99%-owned subsidiary, or Colquirrumi, and 50 percent by Goldfields La Cima S.A., the operator of the project and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gold Fields.  Consisting of 11,72812,698 hectares, the project is located in the Hualgayoc district, Cajamarca region, and commenced operations in March 2005 with exploration for copper, gold, zinc and lead ore.  On February 24, 2005, Colquirrumi signed an agreement with Gold Fields to explore the Hualgayoc district, including certain areas within the Colquirrumi project.  During 2005, Gold Fields invested US$0.65 million to drill 2,474 meters in eight holes.  Low grade copper-gold mineralization of porphyry style was found in the Cerro Jesús, Lola and Quijote areas.  In 2006, Gold Fields invested US$0.71 million to drill 1,941 meters in the San José and Lola areas.  In 2007, Consolidada invested US$1.4 million in 2,754 meters of diamond drilling from underground workings to generate silver, lead and zinc reserves and resources.  Colquirrumi was focused on underground workings in the Cerro Jesus area, and Gold Fields was focused on surface exploration efforts centered on porphyry copper-gold targets in the Cuadratura and Titán Arabe areas.  During 2008, Consolidada invested US$1.11.15 million in 2,122 meters of diamond drilling in the Quijote prospect identified by Minera ABX Exploraciones S.A in 1996 for a potential of polymetallic mineralization surrounding the intrusive porphyry with potassic alteration.  The drilling campaign failed to define extension of the mineralization.  Hole 08CHQD-13 intercepts Manto I with 1.7 meter thickness and an average grade of 1.02 grams per ton of gold, 35.3 grams per ton of silver, and 1.0 percent of lead.lead and 5.0 percent of zinc.  Consolidada also focused on efforts to negotiate access to the Titan-Arabe target.  In 2009, Consolidada plansinvested US$1.01 million to invest US$1.2 million in 4,200 meters ofstart a diamond drilling campaign in the Titán-Árabe prospect.  The project was abandoned in September 2009 after an outburst of violence amongst the local community due to internal conflicts.

 
Ccalla Arma. The Ccalla Arma project is a joint mining exploration project with Sumitomo, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation of Japan.  We signed a consortium agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining Peru S.A. in December 2008, pursuant to which we have a 60 percent interest in the consortium and are responsible for its operation.  The project encompasses 19,200 hectares of claims located in the Huancavelica region. During 2008, we conducted detailed mapping, sampling and geophysics. We and Sumitomo invested a total of US$0.34 million.  In 2009, we and Sumitomo plan to investinvested US$0.790.46 million to conduct a 2,000-meter1,200 meter drilling campaign on the Yanaorcco prospect located in the northern portion of the project.  The Yanaorcco prospect iswas a target for a concealed porphyry copper-gold type deposit.deposit, but the results of the diamond drilling campaign were negative.  We also explored the remaining areas within the consortium boundaries with no results.  In 2010, we do not plan to conduct any further field work in this area, and our consortium agreement with Sumitomo will terminate.  However, we are currently negotiating a new joint venture agreement with Sumitomo in an area located southeast from Ccalla Arma.
 
El Faique.  The El Faique project, previously known as El Papayo, is wholly-owned and operated by us.  The project encompasses 51,54135,541 hectares and is located in the Sechura desert of northern Peru in the Piura region.  This project includes 3,200 hectares sold to us by Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C., or Cedimin, on April 4, 2006.  During 2005, we invested US$1.6 million to consolidate this project by acquiring property from third parties and by claiming new areas.  The El Faique project consists of a deep massive sulfide deposit evidenced by diamond drilling 400 to 700 meters below the surface in the B5 gravimetric anomaly.  This deposit contains a higher-grade mineralization of 7.91 million tons with 2.3 percent copper and significant traces of zinc and gold.  In 2006, we invested US$747,790 in gravimetric reinterpretation and hydrogeologic studies to determine ground water resources and in a community public relations campaign to address social and environmental issues related to the project.  We obtained permits to conduct a drilling program in 2007 over geophysical anomaly A22, 52 km southeast of the B5 anomaly, which was detected after gravimetric reinterpretation.  In 2007, we drilled 753 meters in two holes in the A22 anomaly with disappointing results.  We invested US$0.8 million in 2007, mainly to obtain surface permits.  In 2008, we invested US$0.40.42 million to get access to the surface above the B5, A7 and A9 anomalies.  WeIn 2009, we invested US$0.39 in social infrastructure for the purpose of obtaining surface permits and properties. These efforts include hydrogeological studies for groundwater supply and also abandoned 35,800 hectares of claims during 2008.medical outreach to the communities involved.  In 2009,2010, we plan to invest an additional $0.4US$0.66 million to continue our efforts to obtain surface permits and properties.this effort, which may include drilling water wells for various purposes, including agriculture.
 

Terciopelo. The Terciopelo project is located in the Huancavelica region, 20 kilometers south from Huancavelica city.  The project encompasses 10,315 hectares of claims leased by Cedimin to us and has a total budget of US$1.12 million.  In 2009, we invested US$0.58 million to conduct 1,154 meters of diamond drilling and 29 kilometers of geophysical survey on Terciopelo hill, a copper-gold porphyry and epithermal target.  In 2010, we plan to continue the diamond drilling campaign.
 
El Milagro.  TheIn October 2009 the El Milagro project was sold to Minera Castrovirreyna S.A., or Castrovirreyna, a mine operator in central Peru.  The project is wholly-owned and operated by us.  Consisting of 11,900 hectares located in the Ayacucho and Huancavelica regions the projectand includes four prospective areas named El Milagro, Yuraccasa, Vizcachayoc and Titiminas.  The project consists of polymetallic zinc, lead and silver-rich breccias and replacement bodies in the Jurassic limestones of the Pucara Formation.  We havehad a mining lease &and option agreementsagreement with Complejo Minero Industrial S.R.L. and Sociedad Minera de Responsabilidad Limitada Tambo del Condor, owners of certain critical properties.  We initiated negotiations with third parties in October 2008 to sell them our mining properties in the El Milagro project. All exploratory surface workings have been remediated.  We returned theThe termination of our agreement with Consorcio Minero Industrial SRL for 900 hectares of claims leased for Consorcio Minero Industrial SRL andby them is still pending. These mining rights were not included in the 600 hectaresportion of claims leased for Sociedad Minera de Responsabilidad Limitada Tambo del Condor at the end of 2008.  We do not have plans to conduct any further work at this site in 2009 and plan to sell the property to third parties.
Llillinta.  The Llillinta project was wholly-owned and operated by us.  Consisting of 4,400 hectares, the project is located in the Huancavelica region northeast of El Milagro property.  It consists of gold-enriched breccia bodies along the contact between Jurassic limestone of the Pucara Formation and Tertiary subvolcanic intrusive rocks.  During 2007, we invested US$0.8 million in the Titiccasa and Yaurillas areas, including 2,580 meters of diamond drilling.  After disappointing first-pass drilling results, wesold to Castrovirreyna.  We do not plan to conduct any further exploration effortswork in thisthe area of El Milagro project.
 
Titiminas.  The Titiminas project is the southern extension of El Milagro property and was wholly-owned and operated by us.  Consisting of 600 hectares leased by SMRL Tambo del Condor, a local mining company, the project was located in the Ayacucho region and was previously exploited by informal miners.  The project covers several narrow polymetallic veins, including Juanita and Zoila located within the red beds of the Casapalca Formation.  We initiated first pass exploration in 2006.  In 2007, we invested US$0.3 million in trenching and mapping with the purpose of defining vein continuity.  In 2008, we invested US$0.5 million in 1,352 meters of diamond drilling in 10 holes to delineate the outcropping Juanita ore shoot, which measures 230 meters long by 1.6 meters wide and contains an average of 7.6 percent zinc, 3.0 percent lead and 1.5 ounces per ton of silver.  We tested the lack of mineralization continuity at depth and decided to withdraw from this project.  The claims were returned to the original owners in 2008.  We do not plant to conduct further work on this project.
 
36


Huañacancha.  The Huañacancha project is wholly-owned and operated by us.  It consisted of 1,000 hectares in the southern portion of the Huancavelica region. The Antapite 59 claim (located 100 kilometers northwest of the Antapite gold mine) was occupied by informal local miners who dug several small adits over copper-enriched tourmaline breccia bodies and over a skarn layer along the contact between intrusive rocks of the Cretaceous Coastal Batholith and sedimentary rocks of the Yura Formation.  We initiated exploration efforts at the end of 2007, spending US$0.14 million to stop informal mining.  In 2008, we invested US$0.86 million in 3,320 meters of diamond drilling.drilling and ascertained a small and isolated but high grade potential resource of 200,000 metric tons with an average grade of 3.0 percent of copper.  We decided to transfer this mining property to the local mining company of Santo Domingo de Capillas that occupied and mined the claim prior to our exploration effort.  The property was transferred in March 2009 and we do not plan to conduct any further field work in this project.

Luishaja. The Luishaja project is located in the Huancavelica region and was wholly-owned and operated by us. Consisting of 3,900 hectares, the project encompasses several polymetallic veins emplaced in a Tertiary volcanic terrain of Sacsaquero Formation. Trenches and channel sampling at surface over the veins show values up to 76 ounces per ton of silver, 7.0 percent of zinc, 10.2 percent of lead and also 5.3 grams per ton of gold. We conducted a preliminary geophysical survey with 12.8 kilometers across the vein system. During 2008 we invested a total of US$0.3 million on exploration. We decided not conduct any further field work in this project in 2009.
 
Los Pircos.  The Los Pircos project was originally a joint mining exploration project with Meridian Gold Company, or MDG.  It consisted of 36,776 hectares, theThe project is located east of Chiclayo in the Western Cordillera of Cajamarca, approximately 690 kilometers northwest of the city of Lima.  We discontinued exploration activities at this project during 2006.  In May 2008, the property was transferred to Inversiones Troy S.A., a small mining and exploration company, which was the high bidder for this asset.  We are conducting theconducted remediation of the site, including waste dumps and other surface and underground workings created during exploration, in accordance with environmental permits granted by the Peruvian government.  We plan to finishcompleted remediation works in mid 2009.2009.
 
Huancavelica.  The Huancavelica project was wholly-owned and operated by us.  Consisting originally of 42,223 hectares, the project covered several prospects of the Huancavelica region.  During 2003, the Pampa Andino prospect was separated from the Huancavelica project.  In 2004, we invested US$473,000 to evaluate several prospective areas, including the CofradíCforadía, Yuracjasa, Dorita Sur and Llipina prospects.  At the end of 2004, the CofradíCforadía prospect was separated from the Huancavelica project, and at the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006, the El Milagro and Tinyaclla projects were separated from the Huancavelica project.  During 2007, we discontinued the Huancavelica project as a budgeted exploration project but evaluated several prospective areas in the region including Ccalla Arma, Llillinta and Titiminas projects.  In 2008, we continued to evaluate new areas in the Huancavelica region, such as Luishaja and Huañacancha, which are separately described above, to identify potentially economic polymetallic mineralization.  Each of the Luishaja and Huañacancha projects will be described in this section.  We abandoned several positions in this claim block and consolidated the remainder of this project into our generative exploration budget in 2008.  The Terciopelo and Arcopunco prospects were included in the Huancavelica project until 2007, and since then, have been part of theour generative exploration budget.
 
Tinyaclla.  The Tinyaclla project was wholly-owned and operated by us and consisted of 2,576 hectares located northwest of Huancavelica city.  We acquired the property from Inca Pacific S.A., or Inca Pacific, for US$3.6 million in late 2005.  The property was previously explored intensively for skarn mineralization by Inca Pacific and Rio Tinto Minera Peru Limitada S.A.C., or RTZ, which conducted a 6,341-meter diamond drilling campaign.  We initiated exploration efforts in 1998 around the Rumimaqui area in the northern portion of the property to identify base-metal skarns.  During 2006 we conducted a geophysical survey with 218 km of magnetic lines and 38 km of induced polarization electrical lines pursuant to which we conducted a 2,705-meter diamond drilling program over the Lucía and Talia breccia bodies.  Exploration results were negative.  We invested US$4.47 million for this project in 2006, including the acquisition price for the property and 2,705 meters of diamond drilling.  In 2007, we completed remediation work according to environmental permits granted by the government.  In February 2008, the property was sold to Compañía Minera Milpo S.A.A., a mid-sized Peruvian metal base producer, for US$1.8 million and the project is now known as Pucajaja.  We do not maintain any interest in this property.
38

Pampa Andino.  In May 2005, we acquired mining rights for the Pampa Andino project for US$1.9 million.  The Pampa Andino project consists of 9,000 consolidated hectares located 175 kilometers southeast of Lima, located on the border between the Ica and Huancavelica regions.  The Pampa Andino project is a low-sulfidation epithermal vein system and is the outcome of a regional exploration program designed to focus on gold exploration in Huancavelica.  During 2006, we invested US$1.0 million and continued diamond drilling and extended underground workings by approximately 500 meters, with disappointing results.  In 2007, we finished underground drilling to test continuity of Rosita vein at depth, with poor results.  In January 2008, the property was leased to Inversiones Troy S.A., a small Peruvian mining and exploration company, which took control of the property in March 2008. During 2008, in accordance with environmental permits given by the Peruvian government we conducted environmental remediation of the site, including waste dumps generated during previous underground workings.  We completed this work in December 2008 after investing US$0.3 million.
Altiplano Peru.  The Franja Sur project, renamed the Altiplano Peru project in 2004, is wholly-owned and operated by us.  This generative project is located in the Apurimac, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno regions of volcanic rocks and carbonate terrains of south-eastern Peru.  From 2006 to 2008, we continued our exploration activities in the periphery of the Trapiche project in the Apurimac region as well as in the Cusco, Puno and Arequipa regions, with a renewed effort to evaluate third-party properties that are structurally and geochemically anomalous.  During 2009, conducted minor exploration activities in the Apurimac region.
Hueso Sur Project.  The Hueso Sur project was a joint venture with ABX and was operated by us.    The Hueso Sur project is located in the Huancavelica region, adjacent to the Minasnioc project and 25 km east of the Antapite mine.  It consists of epithermal high sulfidation breccias and structures in volcaniclastic rocks of the Castrovirreyna formation.  During 2006, we invested US$0.36 million in this project to conduct a diamond drilling campaign, which returned negative results.  We did not conduct additional exploration activities in this project in 2007 or 2008.  In June 2008, we returned this property to ABX free of encumbrances and devoid of environmental liabilities.
Puquio.  The Puquio generative project was a joint exploration project with Gold Fields that originally encompassed 18,073 hectares of hydrothermally altered and mineralized volcanic terrain in the Ayacucho region, 500 kilometers southeast of Lima.  The project was operated by Gold Fields, which had a 60 percent effective participation.  The joint exploration agreement was terminated in February 2006 and no further work has been completed on this project since then.  Most of the land claimed has been abandoned.   
Oyotún.  The Oyotún project was wholly-owned and was operated by us until 2005.  Consisting of 7,200 hectares, the project is located on a prospective area for exploration of massive sulfide and iron oxide deposits in the coastal zone of Piura, Lambayeque and La Libertad regions in northern Peru.  In 2005, we invested US$236,237 in geophysical surveys at the Sicán prospect, where we conducted a drilling campaign of 270 meters.  Due to the lack of mineralization at this prospect, we do not intend to conduct additional field work.  All claims elapsed in 2007 after two consecutive years without payment of tenure.
Cordillera Oriental.  The Cordillera Oriental project was wholly-owned and operated by us.  Consisting of 4,200 hectares, the project was located on three prospective areas in the eastern cordillera of Central Peru in the Pasco and Junín regions.  These areas were identified after a regional stream sediment campaign was conducted by Instituto Geológico, Minero y Metalúrgico, or INGEMMET, in early 2004.  In 2005, we invested US$121,555 in the Cordillera Oriental project and identified and claimed mining properties over three mineralized areas.  In 2006, we continued field work over the claimed prospects to define mineralization, however our explorations indicated uneconomic polymetallic deposits in all three areas.  We have not conducted additional field work since 2006.  We are evaluating properties owned by third parties for exploration in this region and will divest our properties. We do not have plans to conduct any further work at this site in 2009.
39

Brownfield Exploration Projects
 
Uchucchacua.  The Uchucchacua brownfield exploration project is located in 12,579 hectares of our mining and exploration properties and was established in late 2004 and began operations in 2005.  We are currently focusing our exploration efforts on two prospects, Pozo RicoAnamaray-Jancapata and Mallay.  The Pozo Rico prospect is a silver-rich breccia pipe deposit with manganese, lead and zinc skarn.  Ore reserves as of December 31, 2008 were 103,240 dry short tons, or DST, with an average grade of 16.4 ounces per ton of silver, 0.7 percent lead and 1.0 percent zinc.  In 2006, we invested US$2.86 million in 2,652 meters of underground development workings and 4,998 meters of diamond drilling.  In 2007, we invested US$0.89 million in additional underground development workings and diamond drilling on the Mercedes breccia pipe.  In early 2008, the Pozo Rico mine advanced from the brownfields exploration stage to the production stage and commenced production in June 2008.  From June to December 2008, Pozo Rico produced 48,767 DST of ore, with 14.1 ounces per ton of silver, 1.15 percent lead  and 0.93 percent  zinc, which was included in the production data for Uchucchacua  for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
The Anamaray-Jancapata prospect is another silver, lead and zinc-bearing set of breccias and veins in limestone.  During 2006, we invested US$0.34 million in 2,073 meters of diamond drilling and intercepted several ore-grade structures. In 2007, we invested US$0.96 million in underground works and diamond drilling and recognized NRM of 185,823 DST atwith 2.54 ounces per ton of silver, 5.64 percent lead and 8.95 percent zinc.  During 2008, we invested US$1.01 million in 1,282 meters of underground exploration works and 616.0 meters of diamond drilling.  During 2009, we invested US$1.00 million in 2,310 meters of underground exploration works and 12,937 meters of diamond drilling and recognized NRM of 356,087 DST with 6.26 ounces per ton of silver, 2.78 percent lead and 6.30 percent zinc.  In 2009, exploration efforts will be focused in areas near Pozo Rico.  Estimated investment for 2009 in2010, we plan to invest approximately US$1.00 million to explore the Anamaray-Jancapata prospect is US$0.21 million.prospect.
 
37


The Mallay prospect consists of 2,250 hectares leased for 20 years and optioned for four years.  On August 8, 2007, we exercised this option and on September 20, 2007 Minera Los Rios S.R.L. transferred all of the mining rights for the Mallay prospect to us by public deed.  We have paid US$1.05 million of thedeed for US$1.25 million, total transaction price and will pay the remaining US$0.2 millionfinal payment for which was made in January 2010.  Exploration activities during 20062007 included about 36,000 meters of geophysical surveys, 1,863 meters of diamond drilling and 1,839 meters of underground workings for an aggregate investment of US$1.92 million.  We estimate NRM of 317,090  DST at an average grade of 7.6 percent zinc, 4.9 percent lead and 5.6 ounces per ton silver in massive sulfide and skarn deposits.  In 2007, underground exploration works that were primarily focused in the Manto Isguiz and Jumasha limestone.  We haveinvested US$4.7 million and had estimated NRM of 475,755 DST, with 6.2 ounces per ton of silver, 4.3 percent lead and 7.2 percent zinc and invested US$4.7 million.zinc.  During 2008, we invested US$8.188.52 million in 4,339 meters of underground exploration workings, 9,220 meters of diamond drilling and environmental permits.  We havepermits and had estimated NRM of 540,000 DST, with 6.13 ounces per ton of silver, 0.022 ounces per ton of gold, 4.22 percent lead and 6.74 percent zinc.  Gold was discovered in the Pierina vein inside the Jumasha limestone.  InDuring 2009, we are planning to increase undergroundinvested US$6.12 million mainly on exploration inof the Manto Isguiz and Jumasha limestone veins whichand also conducted a geological review of other prospective areas around Mallay.  In addition, we intendincreased NRM to complementa total of 673,565 DST with diamond drilling.6.67 ounces per ton of silver, 4.44 percent lead and 6.79 percent zinc.  In 2009,2010, we are planningplan to increaseinvest US$7.50 million to continue exploration of the Mallay prospect area, including underground exploration and diamond drilling in the Manto Isguiz and Jumasha limestone veins, which we are going to complement with diamond drilling. Estimated investment for 2009 in the Mallay prospect is US$6.43 million.as well as other prospective areas such as Chancas and Tinta.
 
Orcopampa.  Brownfield exploration at the Layo deposit was encouraging during 2005.  Diamond drill tests carried out in the northern sector intercepted three mineralized structures:  the first with a 0.8 meter thickness and 12.5 ounces per DST of gold, 0.7 ounces per DST of silver and traces of copper; the second with a 0.5 meter thickness with 0.03 ounces per DST of gold, 18.3 ounces per DST of silver and 4.5 percent copper; and the third with a 0.8 meter thickness with 0.6 ounces per DST of gold, 21.7 ounces per DST of silver and 3.4 percent copper.  New reserves found during initial workings in 2005 were 20,875 DST with 0.3 ounces per DST of gold, 2.5 ounces per DST of silver and 0.3 percent copper.  Metallurgical tests of diamond drill cores suggest that the Layo mineralization is apt for gravity and flotation treatment.  Bulk samples were sent for metallurgical assaying obtaining concentrates with a high grade of silver, gold and copper with recoveries ranging between 80 percent and 90 percent.  Metallurgical research will continue to establish optimum operational parameters for the flotation circuit at Orcopampa’s concentration plant which is currently available for use and rated to treat up to 1,200 DST per day, although the crushing and the milling processes require adaptation.  In 2005, we invested US$2.2 million in the Layo prospect.  During 2006 we invested an additional US$5.17 million in 2,542 meters of underground exploration workings and 1,545 meters of diamond drilling.  In 2007, we invested an additional US$1.6 million in underground exploration workings and diamond drilling in the Layo Norte prospect, but decided to stop exploration activities because of poor results.  Our expenditures in 2007 included costs associated with closing the Layo Norte prospect.
40

In addition, during 2007 we invested US$0.34 million in surface geological exploration of the Manto Norte, Chipmo Sureste and Umachulco prospects.  During 2008, we invested US$1.540.96 million in the Orcopampa brownfields area to conduct geophysical surveys, geological mapping, trenching and geochemical sampling in Mulañan-Calera NE, Pucay, Jechalle, Pucaylla, Pariguanas and Mamahuasi.  InDuring 2009, we willinvested US$0.97 million to conduct a diamond drilling program in prospective areas based on geological and geophysical surveys carried out during 2008.  Estimated investment for 2009 isIn 2010, we plan to invest US$3.57 million.1.00 million on exploration, focusing on the Pucay, Pariguanas and Chipmo surfaces.
 
Julcani–Recuperada.   In view of the encouraging results obtained at Julcani from the exploration work conducted on the Acchilla dome veins, we plan to explore other structures in the Condoray and Taype domes, as well as in the area between these two domes and Acchilla.  For most of 2007, we concentrated our exploration efforts on the Tablapampa prospect area, drilling diamond holes and searching for zinc-lead-silver ore bodies in Pucará limestone, with poor results.  In December 2007, we began exploring an area between Acchilla and the old Mimosa mine.  We had positive results, with indications that silver mineralized veins extend across Acchilla to the Mimosa mine.  During 2007, we invested US$0.40 million on exploration of the Estela mine area in veins related to the Magdalena and Maria Jesús veins and located some vein lengths with high grade silver-gold mineralization.  During 2008, we invested US$1.73 million in the Estela area, mainly in underground workings and diamond drilling.  We havedrilling, and had estimated ore reserves of 49,030 DST, with 20.9 ounces per ton of silver, 0.118 ounces per ton of gold, 0.8 percent lead, 0.20 percent zinc and 1.21 percent copper.  In addition, we have continued to conduct geological mapping in Pampa Castilla.  In 2009, we willinvested US$1.66 million to continue exploration through underground works inof the Estela mine area through underground works and diamond drilling at depth in both Pampa Catilla and had estimated ore reserves of 79,160 DST, with 19.9 ounces per ton of silver, 0.147 ounces per ton of gold and 1.46 percent copper.  In 2010, we are planning to invest US$1.5 million to continue exploration around the Julcani area, including the Apolo, Flor, Mimosa Sur, Estela area.  Estimated investment for 2009 in the Julcani-Recuperada area is US$2.02 million.Oeste, Magdalena and Maria Jesús veins.
 
ExplorationBrownfield exploration activities in the Recuperada region focused on the EsperanzaHallazgo area, to search for new reserves to justify resuming mining operations.  As of December 31, 2005, we calculated 143,190 DST of mineralization out of reserves with 10.4 ounces per DST of silver, 2.8 percent lead and 5.0 percent zinc.  Additionally, we estimated 94,905 DST with 6.2 ounces per DST of silver, 6.8 percent lead and 4.9 percent zinc in other areas, totaling 238,095 DST with 8.7 ounces per DST silver, 4.4 percent lead and 4.9 percent zinc.  Mineralization located in areas currently inaccessible in the lower sections of the Teresita mine was estimated in the order of 605,185 DST, with 2.8 ounces per DST of silver, 5.9 percent lead and 8.2 percent zinc.  From these, 190,835 DST is proven and probable ore reserves and 414,350 DST is NRM indicated by drill holes.  In the Hallazgo area,where we are exploring a group of veins with silver, lead and zinc mineralization.  Remnants of old mine workings in the areas of Carhuancho, together with information on the mining activity of this particular area in colonial times, appear to make Recuperada’s brownfield exploration a target worth studying and exploring.  During 2006, we invested US$0.20 million in 523 meters of diamond drilling in the Hallazgo area and other exploration activities.  In 2007, we invested US$0.19 million on underground explorations and diamond drilling with poor results.  Hallazgo exploration activities were stopped until we received environmental permits in August 2008.  We invested US$0.28 million in 278 meters of underground workings, 85 meters of diamond drilling and environmental studies in 2008.  In 2009, we willhad total exploration expenditures of US$0.81 million and conducted 918 meters of underground works.  In 2010, we plan to invest US$0.85 million and continue exploration works at the 620 level, to intercept the Gianina vein.including underground works and diamond drilling.
 
4138


Shila-Paula.  The Shila-Paula brownfield exploration is focused on several areas surrounding actual operating units such as Ampato, Paula Brownfield, Puncuhuayco-Ticlla, Tocracancha and other projects.  In 2005, we invested US$0.77 million to conduct trenching and diamond drilling in the Ampato and Tocracancha prospects.  The Ampato prospect is located northwest of the Shila-Paula mine.  The Angela vein in the Ampato prospect shows gold and silver values up to 130 grams per ton and 128 grams per ton respectively.  In the Puncuhuayco-Ticlla prospect, the Teresa vein shows gold and silver values up to 18.8 grams per ton and 706 grams per ton, respectively, as well as base metal contents.  In Paula Brownfield, we are conducting a 1,050 meter diamond drilling campaign.  In Tocracancha, we conducted 1,607 meters of diamond drilling with poor results, and accordingly, this prospect was discarded because of irregular continuity of metal content in the veins.  In 2006, we invested US$1.72 million in complementary surface workings in the Ampato prospect and diamond drilling near the Paula mine.  In 2007, we invested US$0.86 million, mainly in surface geological mapping on 41,185 hectares of the Escribano, Tocracancha, Desamparados–Ampato, Paque, Llavenayoc, Sihuincha, Rio Colca, Choco and Tuyumina prospects.  During 2008, we invested US$1.77 million on 1,369 meters of underground workings and 1,508 meters of diamond drilling in the Ampato prospect.  We have also completed geological surveys and diamond drilling in the Escribano prospect, which has yet to provide any promising leads on potential ore deposits.  Estimated investment forDuring 2009, iswe invested US$0.58 million to conduct geological exploration of the structural alignment of the Paula- Madrigal, Tuyumina, Tuti and Escribano prospects.  In 2010, we expect to invest US$0.80 million in the Paula- Madrigal, Tuyuminaunderground works and Escribano prospects. diamond drilling in Tuyumina. 
 
Poracota.  The Poracota mining exploration project, in which we acquired a 100 percent interest, is currently operated by the Orcopampa team.  The Poracota project encompasses 6,674 hectares owned by Minas Poracota S.A., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and is located 20 kilometers west of the Orcopampa mine in southern Peru.  The epithermal high sulfidation system is comprised of two main areas, Huamanihuayta and Perseverancia.  During 2003 and 2004, the drilling campaign in the Huamanihuayta area confirmed vertical ore shoots in two sub-horizontal structures, Manto Dorado and Manto Aguila, with an average thickness of 5 to 6 meters each.  The Manto Dorado structures included NRM of 693,785 metric tons at 10.6 grams per ton of gold with an average thickness of 6.0 meters and the Manto Aguila structure included NRM of 801,687 metric tons at 10.0 grams per ton of gold with an average thickness of 5.2 meters.  In 2004, we invested US$2.45 million in 967 meters of underground workings and a 5,250-meter diamond drilling campaign.  In addition, we invested US$2.95 million for the construction of a 30.5-kilometer gravel road to connect the Poracota project to the Orcopampa mine. In 2005, we advanced our exploration efforts with 1,688 meters of underground workings and 6,369 meters of diamond drilling, in addition to conducting metallurgical tests.  We are preparing scoping studies based on an updated ore reserve calculation.  Currently, the Poracota project is centered on mine development at depth, bulk flotation tests at the Orcopampa mine and permitting to begin mine production.  In 2007, we invested US$11.6 million to conduct underground exploration and geological surveys.  We have estimated ore reserves of 542,806 DST at 11.2 grams per ton of gold and mineral out of reserves of 333,104 DST at 6.9 grams per ton of gold.  During 2008, we invested US$1.10 million in brownfield exploration, mainly in diamond drilling at Poracota Oeste (West Huamanihuayta and Perseverancia projects).  The drill cores show some lengths with strong silicification of rocks and crossed veinlets filled of pyrite and vuggy silica with low grades of gold and silver, which suggests probable mineralization activity at depth.  InDuring 2009, we will continue theinvested US$1.24 million to conduct diamond drilling exploration program at depth in the Huamanihuayta Oeste and Perseverancia area with an estimated investmentGraben Huamanihuayta and drilled a total of 3,204 meters.  In 2010, we plan to invest US$1.2 million.1.00 million in underground works and diamond drilling to define gold mineralization at depth.
 
Soras.  The Soras project is wholly-owned by us and located adjacent to the Poracota project.  The Soras project encompasses 22,32322,523 hectares of hydrothermally altered and mineralized volcanic terrain in the Arequipa region.  In 2004 and 2005, we identified two main mineralized structures, the Soraya and Soraya 1 veins, with surface ore grades of up to 26 grams per ton of gold.  First-pass drilling identified two narrow veins with grades of 16 and 36 grams per ton of gold with an average of 5.9 ounces of silver and 3.8 percent copper.  In 2006, we initiated underground workings and additional drilling to contour mineralization and generate new ore reserves.  The Soraya vein system has been intercepted in the 4,720 crosscut with narrow, high grade, northeast-trending pyritic enargite veins.  Both theThe Soras surface and Poracota mining exploration projects have been transferred to the OrcopampaPoracota operation, which will manage future mine development and exploration.
42

Hatun Orcco.  Prior to 2005, the Hatun Orcco project was wholly-owned and operated by us.  Consisting of 20,700 hectares of mining properties, the project is located 20 kilometers north of the Antapite mine in the headwaters of the Ica valley.  The Hatun Orcco project is the outcome of a regional exploration program designed to focus on gold exploration in Huancavelica.  Epithermal veins, located in the Hatun Orcco Norte, Hatun Orcco Sur and Karla prospects, have sporadic high-grade gold and silver geochemical anomalies.  During 2003, our exploration efforts included a US$1.1 million investment in an underground exploration program of 1,276 meters to test for grade continuity along the Mercedes and Capicúa veins in the Hatun Orcco Sur prospect.   The results confirmed NRM of 16,330 metric tons at 16.9 grams per ton of gold and 6.6 ounces per ton of silver with an average width of 1.1 meters.  In 2004, we continued our exploration efforts, investing US$1.2 million in 1,703 meters of tunneling and 1,710 meters of diamond drilling in the Hatun Orcco Sur prospect.  In March 2005, we decided to lease the land and mineral rights of the Hatun Orcco project to Inminsur, which will operate this as a brownfield project going forward due to the proximity to the Antapite mine and mill area.  We do not intend to continue any exploration work on this project.
 
Ayamarca. The Ayamarca project is wholly owned and operated by us, consisting of 1,600 hectares on the Antapite 11 and Antapite 12  claims. Locatedclaims, and is located between 2 to 5 kilometers southwest from the Zorro Rojo gold vein, the main mineralized structure of the Antapite mine. Exploration works discovered several  interesting outcrops  of  mineralized  structures  in  eocene-oligocene volcanoclastic rocks. During 2008, we conducted surface explorations, geological mapping, sampling  and  diamond drilling for an investment of US$0.65 million.  InDuring 2009, we will conductinvested US$1.61 million in 818 meters of underground works and 4,600 meters of diamond drilling on the Rebeca and Rocio Consuelo and other veins, as well as continue an intense diamond drilling plan. Estimated investment for 2009 isveins.  In 2010, we expect to invest US$2.65 million.1.50 million to explore the Pucarumi area located southeast of Antapite.
 
Competition
 
We believe that competition in the metals market is based primarily upon cost.  We compete with other mining companies and private individuals for the acquisition of mining concessions and leases in Peru and for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees.
 
39

Sales of Metal Concentrates

All of our metal production is sold to smelters, traders and banks, either in concentrate or metal form, such as gold-silver concentrate, silver-lead concentrate, zinc concentrate, lead-gold-copper concentrate and gold and silver bullion.  Our concentrates sales are made under one to three-year, U.S. Dollar-denominated contracts, pursuant to which the selling price is based on world metal prices as follows: generally, in the case of gold and silver-based concentrates, the London Spot settlement prices for gold, less certain allowances, and the London Spot or the United States Commodities Exchange settlement price for silver, less certain allowances; and, in the case of base-metal concentrates, such as zinc, lead and copper, the London Metals Exchange, or LME, settlement prices for the specific metal, less certain allowances.  Sales prices vary according to formulas that take into account agreed contractual average prices for a quotational period, generally being the month of, the month prior to, or the month following the scheduled month of shipment or delivery according to the terms of the contracts.

 
The historical average annual prices for gold and silver per ounce and our average annual gold and silver prices per ounce for each of the last five years are set forth below:
 
 
Gold
  
Silver
  
Gold
  
Silver
 
 
Average Annual
Market Price
  
Our Average
Annual Price(1)
  
Average Annual
Market Price
  
Our Average
Annual Price(1)
  
Average Annual
Market Price
  
Our Average
Annual Price(1)
  
Average Annual
Market Price
  
Our Average
Annual Price(1)
 
 
US$/oz. (2)
  US$/oz.  
US$/oz.(3)
  US$/oz.  
US$/oz. (2)
  US$/oz.  
US$/oz.(3)
  US$/oz. 
2004  409.21   373.78   6.65   6.51 
2005  444.88   359.75   7.31   7.38   444.88   359.75   7.31   7.38 
2006  604.34   354.98   11.57   11.92   604.34   354.98   11.57   11.92 
2007  696.66   684.59   13.39   13.37   696.66   684.59   13.39   13.37 
2008  871.71   872.21   15.02   14.26   871.71   872.21   15.02   14.26 
2009 (through March 31, 2009)  908.71   916.57   12.61   12.64 
2009  972.98   988.32   14.65   15.52 
2010 (through May 31, 2010)  1,134.82   1,145.60   17.44   17.59 
 

(1)Our average annual price includes only the consolidated average annual price from the Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Antapite, Recuperada, Colquijirca, Marcapunta, Ishihuinca and Shila mines.
(2)Average annual gold prices are based on the London PM fix as provided by Metals Week.
(3)Average annual silver prices are based on London Spot prices.

Most of the sales contracts we enter into with our customers state a specific amount of metal or concentrate the customer will purchase.  We have sales commitments from various parties for virtually all of our estimated 20092010 production; however, concentrates not sold under any of our contracts may be sold on a spot sale basis to merchants and consumers.
 
Sales and Markets
 
The following table sets forth our total revenues from the sale of gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper in the past three fiscal years:
 
 
Year ended December 31(1)
  
Year ended December 31(1)
 
Product 
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
 (In thousands of US$)  (In thousands of US$) 
Gold 147,420  286,841  361,689  286,841  361,689  414,324 
Silver 228,987  223,760  235,554  223,760  235,554  235,971 
Lead 48,268  114,650  70,353  114,650  70,353  58,204 
Zinc 202,735  242,896  148,353  242,896  148,353  112,807 
Copper 692  4,431  44,801  4,431  44,801  43,304 
 

(1) Does not include refinery charges and penalties incurred in 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 of US$97,355, US$133,502 US$136,820 and US$105,549,136,820, respectively.

We sold our concentrates to 2217 customers in 2008.2009.  Approximately 4653 percent, 53 percent and 5354 percent of our concentrate sales in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, respectively, were sold outside Peru.  Set forth below is a table that shows the percentage of sales of concentrate from our mines and gold bullion that were sold to our various customers from 20062007 to 2008.2009.
 

 
 
Percentage of Concentrates and Gold Bullion Sales
  
Percentage of Concentrates and Gold Bullion Sales
 
 
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Export Sales:                  
Johnson Matthey Limited  1.99%  21.52%  11.68%  21.52%  11.68%  44.91%
Glencore International AG  11.58   4.78   0.91   4.78   0.91   1.96 
Trafigura Beheer BV     3.65   0.95   3.65   0.95   - 
N.V. Umicore SA  3.09   2.84   0.04   2.84   0.04   1.82 
Transamine Trading SA  2.33   0.91   0.94   0.91   0.94   0.51 
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank  3.97   5.12   15.15   5.12   15.15   2.09 
Macquarie Bank Limited  4.47               0.75 
Mitsui & Co. Precious Metals Inc.  11.38   5.08   2.48   5.08   2.48   - 
J Aron & Company  5.23   3.41   8.83   3.41   8.83   - 
BHL Resources Limited INC  1.82               1.19 
Lois Dreyfus Commodities Metal Suisse SA     0.92   2.09   0.92   2.09   0.34 
Nyrstar Belgium SA/NV     0.64      0.64      - 
Euromin SA     0.87   0.52   0.87   0.52   - 
Met-Mex Peñoles SA de CV     1.42   0.74   1.42   0.74   - 
Barclays Bank PLC     1.39   5.86   1.39   5.86   - 
Traxxys North America LLC        1.27      1.27   - 
Korea Zinc Company Ltd.        1.02      1.02   0.07 
Mintrade Ltd.        0.29      0.29   - 
Total Export Sales
  45.86%  52.55%  52.77%  52.55%  52.77%  53.64%
                        
Domestic Sales:                        
Doe Run Perú SRL  14.15   13.44   15.00   13.44   15.00   1.90 
Consorcio Minero SA  17.13   10.11   12.37   10.11   12.37   14.56 
BHL Peru SAC  14.29   6.89   0.26   6.89   0.26   - 
Votorantim Metais – Cajamarquilla SA  5.10   4.79   3.24   4.79   3.24   4.40 
Sudamericana Trading SRL  0.98   1.95   2.54   1.95   2.54   1.31 
Ays SA  2.49   9.06   10.00   9.06   10.00   16.46 
MK Metal Trading Perú SAC     1.21   3.82   1.21   3.82   - 
Louis Dreyfus Peru SAC  -   -   6.48 
Traxxys Peru SAC  1.21   3.82   0.75 
Total Domestic Sales
  54.14%  47.45%  47.23%  47.45%  47.23%  46.36%
Total Sales  100%  100%  100%  100%  100%  100%


The following table sets forth the key terms ofshows our committed sales contracts for the deliveryvolumes of silver-lead, gold-silver and zinc concentrates from 20082010 to 2011:2012:
 
  
Wet metric
tons
  
Wet metric
tons
  
Wet metric
tons
 
Concentrate 2010  2011  2012 
Recuperada’s Silver-Lead  3,500   -   - 
Recuperada’s Zinc  3,000   -   - 
Uchucchacua’s Silver-Lead  29,000   27,500   17,500 
Uchucchacua’s Zinc  40,600   -   - 
Poracota’s Gold-Silver  16,600   -   - 
Julcani’s Silver-Lead  3,000   1,500   - 
Wet metricDelivery period
BuyerConcentrateDatedTonsFromTo
AYS S.A.Recuperada's Silver-LeadFebruary 20084,000February 2008December 2008
AYS S.A.Recuperada's Silver-LeadApril 20091,350April 2009December 2009
AYS S.A.Recuperada's ZincFebruary 20086,000February 2008December 2008
AYS S.A.Recuperada's ZincMarch 20093,000March 2009December 2009
AYS S.A.Uchucchacua's Silver-LeadJanuary 200742,000January 2007December 2009
AYS S.A.Uchucchacua's ZincFebruary 200815,000February 2008December 2010
AYS S.A.Uchucchacua's ZincFebruary 200910,000February 2009December 2010
BrocalPoracota's Gold-SilverMarch 200910,000March 2009December 2009
Consorcio Minero S.A.Caraveli's Copper-GoldJanuary 2008800January 2008December 2008
Consorcio Minero S.A.Julcani's Silver-LeadFebruary 20083,000February 2008December 2009
Consorcio Minero S.A.Poracota's Gold-SilverMarch 20097,000March 2009December 2009
Consorcio Minero S.A.Uchucchacua's Lead-MAugust 20081,600August 2008November 2008
Consorcio Minero S.A.Uchucchacua's Silver-LeadFebruary 200810,000February 2008December 2009
Consorcio Minero S.A.Uchucchacua's ZincJanuary 200830,000January 2008December 2009
Consorcio Minero S.A.Uchucchacua's ZincApril 200815,000April 2008December 2009
Consorcio Minero S.A.Uchucchacua's ZincNovember 200813,000November 2008December 2009
Doe Run S.R.LJulcani's Silver-LeadFebruary 20085,000February 2008December 2009
Doe Run S.R.LUchucchacua's Silver-LeadJanuary 200836,000January 2008December 2009
MK Metal Trading AGPoracota's Gold-SilverJanuary 200815,500January 2008December 2008
MK Metal Trading AGPoracota's Gold-SilverApril 200912,000April 2009December 2009
MRI Trading AGPoracota's Gold-SilverApril 20092,900April 2009December 2009
Transamine Trading S.A.Poracota's Gold-SilverMay 20086,000May 2008April 2009
N.V. UMICORE SAUchucchacua's Silver-LeadApril 20093,000April 2009May 2009

Note: The price of the concentrate supplied under the contract is based on specified market quotations minus deductions.

41

 
We also sell refined gold, which is derived from our operations at Orcopampa, Shila-Paula, Antapite and Ishihuinca and processed at a local smelter in Lima, to Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company, or Johnson Matthey, which further refines the gold.  Under the terms of the Johnson Matthey sales contract, we supplied Johnson Matthey, at our option, with gold assaying in excess of 75 percent gold and approximately 20 percent silver, monthly from January 1, 20082009 to December 31, 2008.2009.  The price of the gold supplied under the contract is determined based on, for the gold content, the quotation for gold at the London Gold Market PM fixing in U.S. Dollars, and for the silver content, the quotation for silver at the London Silver Market spot fixing in U.S. Dollars or at spot prices, minus, in each case, certain minimum charges, as well as charges for customs clearance and treatment of the gold (which varies depending on its gold and silver content).  The contract also provides that we may elect to have our material toll refined at Johnson Matthey’s Brampton, Canada works and returned to our account for sale to third parties.  Under the terms of the contract, we are responsible for delivering the gold to Johnson Matthey’s designated flight at the Lima airport.
 
In February 2008, BHL Peru S.A., or BHL, an international trader that had been our client for more than 10 years, entered into default due to the imbalance produced between BHL’s buying and selling contracts due to increases in lead and zinc treatment charges, and the cancellation of deliveries from their counterparties in China.  In order to settle this difference, we had to assume a loss of US$5.4 million.
46

Hedging/Normal Sales Contracts
 
In October 2004, our Board of Directors issued a mandate not to enter into new hedging transactions.  At December 31, 2005, we were engaged in gold price hedging activities, such as forward salesBetween 2003 and put/call options, from derivative contracts executed prior to 1999.  Since 2003,2008, we modified the terms of certain derivative instruments in order to qualify them as normal sales contracts.  In March 2006, we closed out all our outstanding gold derivative contracts as of December 31, 2005 and replaced them with normal sales contracts.  On January 15, 2007, we modified the schedule of commitments for gold with two of our clients.  As a consequence of this modification, we transferred 208,000 and 108,000 gold ounces that had been committed for sale in 2007 and 2008, respectively, and committed them for sale in 2012 instead, without any cash disbursement.  In March and May 2007, we negotiated with several counterparties to eliminate the fixed or maximum price component on determined commitments for a total of 971,000 gold ounces scheduled for delivery from 2008 to 2012, which required us to make aggregate payments of US$315.69 million.  Additionally, in January and February 2008, we negotiated with several counterparties to eliminateeliminated the fixed or maximum price component on all of our outstanding gold commitments, representing a total of 922,000 gold ounces, whichcommitments.  These modifications required us to make aggregate payments of US$517.15 million.832.84 million during 2007 and 2008.  As a result of these transactions, we are now completely unhedged and we are fully exposedas to the effects of changes in prevailing market prices ofprice at which our gold and silver and copper.will be sold.  See “Item 3.  Key Information—Risk Factors—Factors Relating to the Company—Prices of Gold, Silver and Copper.Copper” and “—Hedging.
At El Brocal, we implemented a base metal hedging policy for a maximum of 25 percent of El Brocal’s total payable metal contained per year, for up to three years.  As of March 31, 2010 all transactions entered have been forward pricing operations through non-delivery (Asian) swaps and average price options through non-delivery zero cost (Asian) option collars.  Outstanding hedging commitments for 2010 to 2011 amount to 13 percent of payable metal and are as follows: (i) 8,775 metric tons of copper at an average price range of US$5,667 to US$7,378 per metric ton, (ii) 6,800 metric tons of lead at an average price of US$2,454 per metric ton and (iii) 3,900 metric tons of zinc at an average price of US$2,520 per metric ton.
 
Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have not engaged in, and are currently not engaged in, gold or copper price hedging activities, such as forward sales or option contracts, to minimize their respective exposures to fluctuations in the price of gold and copper.
 
Regulatory Framework
 
Mining and Processing Concessions
 
In Peru, as in many other countries, the government retains ownership of all subsurface land and mineral resources.  The surface land, however, is owned by individual landowners.  Our right to explore, extract, process and/or produce silver, gold and other metals is granted by the Peruvian government in the form of mining and processing concessions.  The rights and obligations of holders of mining concessions, provisional permits and processing concessions are currently set forth in the General Mining Law (Single Unified Text approved by Supreme Decree 014-92-EM), which is administered by the MEM.
 
42


PriorPursuant to the General Mining Law (Single Unified Text approved by Supreme Decreee 014-92-EM), in 1991 in order to obtain a mining concession, a prospective claimant filed a mining claim with the MEM and obtained from it a provisional permit to explore the area of the claim.  Thereafter, the MEM would issue a technical and legal report on the claimed area and the mining concession would be granted.  In 1991, however, a new system was established for granting new mining concessions, based on Universal Transversal Mercator Coordinates, or UTM Coordinates, to map the mining concessions and provisional permits on Peru’s land area.  Under the newthis system, no provisional permits are granted, and therefore filers of mining claims filed after 1991 must obtain a mining concession before they may explore the areas claimed.  The application filed is known as petitorio.  A holder of a provisional permit, granted with respect to claims over an area claimed before 1991 who follows proper procedures to comply with the new 1991 system, however, is permitted to continue to explore the area claimed.claimed, subject to compliance with the legal requirements to develop exploration activities.  Effective December 21, 2007, applications for mining concessions must be filed with INGEMMET.
Following implementationthe regional mining directors of the new system in 1991, there was a period of transition during which pre-1991 provisional permitseach regional government and mining concessions could be brought into compliance with the new grid coordinate system by following certain specified procedures.  Some conflicts developed regarding recognizing new mining concessions, identifying the exact location of old mining claims and placing old mining claims into the established UTM Coordinates, which slowed down the period of transition.  To address such conflicts, the Mining Properties Mapping Law was enacted in May 1996.  The Mining Properties Mapping Law established a new mapping system to identify the land area of mining claims and to set forth a procedure to resolve such conflicts and to recognize the rights held by holders of mining concessions and provisional permits claimed from colonial times until 1991.  Under this law, to establish mining concessions claimed from colonial times to 1991, the MEM publishes provisional UTM Coordinates with respect to such mining concessions in El Peruano, the official gazette of Peru, and requests that any objections to such provisional UTM Coordinates be made to the MEM within 90 days of such publication.  A similar procedure has been established for provisional permits claimed from colonial times to 1991; however, an owner of such provisional permit must establish the area subject to such provisional permit in UTM Coordinates and, once such land area is established, INGEMMET publishes such provisional UTM Coordinates in El Peruano, requesting that any objections to such provisional permit be made to the INGEMMET within 120 days of such publication and before the granting of the mining concession.  Mining concessions applied for after 1991 under the UTM Coordinates system have been placed into the new mapping system and do not have to follow the procedure described above.INGEMMET.
 
Mining concessions granted since October 11, 2008 have an indefinite term, subject to (a) payment of an annual concession fee of US$3 per hectare claimed and (b) since 2009, as provided in Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054, achieving a minimum annual production of one Tax Unit (Unidad Impositiva Tributaria), or approximately US$1,140,1,263, per hectare with respect to metallic resources, and ten percent of one Tax Unit, or approximately US$114126, with respect to non-metallic resources.  In case such minimum annual production is not achieved beforein the first six months after the expiration of the tenth year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted, holders of mining concessions shall pay an annual fine amounting to 10% of the minimum annual production per hectare, payable starting in the eleventh year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted until the year in which such minimum annual production is achieved.
 
If failure to achieve minimum production continues until the end of the fifteenth year since the title of the concession was granted, the concession will be cancelled.  The penalty shall be paid in addition to the annual concession fee and is payable when such annual concession fee is due.  However, such fifteen-year term can be extended for up to five additional years if the failure is due to force majeure, acts of God events or any reason not imputable to the concessionaire, duly demonstrated and approved by the relevant authority.  The cancellation may also be avoided by paying the penalty and demonstrating investments in the mining rights during the previous year of amounts more than ten times greater than the fine to be paid.  Such investments can be made in mining activities, infrastructure for the public use or in any of the matters listed in Article 4 of Supreme Decree No. 054-2008-EM.  If the failure to achieve minimum production remains after the twentieth year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted, the concession will be cancelled.
 
In order to calculate the production of and investment in each mining right, the titleholder may create an operating unit, or Unidad Económica Administrativa, provided the mining rights are all within a radius of five kilometers.  If, in any year, the concession fee is not paid, payment may be made the following year within the term provided for making such payment.  Any payment made will be applied to the prior year if such prior year was not paid.  Failure to pay such concession fees or fines for two years, whether consecutive or not, could result in the loss of one or more of the mining rights.  However, mining and processing concessions will not lapse if the administrative authority failed to issue a resolution declaring the termination of the concession within the first five years following the date on which such payment failure occurred.  Processing concessions have an indefinite term, subject to payment of a fee based on nominal capacity for the processing plant.  No other payments or royalties are required by the Peruvian government for us to maintain mining and exploration property rights in full force and effect.  As of 2002, the annual concession fee and the annual fine will be calculated pursuant to the provisions ofof: (1) the General Mining Law and of(2)(a) Supreme Decree No. 010-2002-EM, effective since March 10, 2002.2002, in the case of the annual fee and (b) Legislative Decree 1054, in force since January 1, 2009, in the case of the annual fine.  Provisions related to the procedure for cancelling a mining concession due to failure to pay concession fees or fines have been amended by Supreme Decree No. 045-2007-EM and No. 046-2008-EM.  We paid approximately US$3.23.5 million, US$3.53.2 million and US$3.23.1 million in fees for mining rights and approximately US$7,190,8,550, US$8,5507,832 and US$7,83218,400 in fees for processing concessions for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, respectively, and are current in the payment of all amounts due in respect of our mining rights and processing concessions.
 
 
However, pursuant to the provisions of Supreme Decree No. 054-2008-EM, in the case of mining concessions that had already been granted on October 10, 2008, when the Supreme Decree was published, the terms to achieve the minimum annual production above mentioned shall be counted since the first business day of 2009. Until such terms counted since the first business day of 2009 do not expire, the provisions in force prior to the date where Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054 became effective, that is, the provisions applicable on December 31, 2008, related to terms and conditions to start production, determination of the amount to be paid as penalty, when the holder of a concession has incurred in an event in which a concession can be cancelled, and any related matter, will continue being applied.  That is, the annual fine if a minimum annual production of US$100 per hectare, with respect to metallic resources, is not achieved before the expiration of the sixth year of tenure, counted from the year in which the title of the concession was granted, amounting to US$6 per hectare, will be payable starting in the seventh year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted until the year in which such minimum annual production is achieved. failureFailure to comply with the minimum annual production after the eleventh year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted would result in a US$20 per hectare penalty starting in the twelfth year counted since the year in which the title of the concession was granted until fifteenth year since the title of the concession was granted.  Likewise, until the terms contemplated in Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054 countedexpire (counted since the first business day of 2009, do not expire,2009), the minimum annual production will continue being US$100 per hectare with respect to metallic resources.
 
As of May 31, 2009,2010, we owned and administered, directly andor indirectly, through subsidiaries or in conjunction with joint venture partners, approximately 892,678 hectares devoted to mineral exploration and mining operations.  Mining rights and processing concessions are in full force and effect under applicable Peruvian laws.  We believe that we are in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to the mining rights and processing concessions and that we are not subject to any condition, occurrence or event that would cause the revocation, cancellation, lapse, expiration or termination thereof, except that we may, from time to time, allow to lapse, revoke, cancel or terminate mining rights and processing concessions that are not material to the conduct of our business.  The principal mining rights and processing concessions are (i) with respect to our mines, new applications (petitorios) filed for mining concessions at Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Colquijirca, Ishihuinca, Antapite, Recuperada and Shila-Paula; and (ii) with respect to our current exploration projects, new applications filed for mining concessions, the provisional pre-1991 permits and the mining concessions for the Tantahuatay, El Milagro, Trapiche, Breapampa and El Faique projects.  The principal processing concessions are the processing concessions of the concentrators at Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Colquijirca, Ishihuinca, Antapite, Recuperada and Shila-Paula.
 
Both mining concessions and provisional permits claimed before 1991 conferred on their holders the right to mine underground ore reserves, and it is often the case that the titleholders of these mining rights are not the owners of the land surface.  Since October 1996, pursuant to Peruvian regulations, all operators of new mining areas in Peru are required to have an agreement with the owners of the land surface above the mining rights to establish an easement upon such surface for mining purposes pursuant to General Mining Law.  However,Supreme Decree 020-2008-EM, effective since April 12, 2008, provides that such agreement is required prior to starting exploration activities.  In 2008, Legislative Decree No. 1064 went into effect and abrogated Law No. 26505 has been abrogated byand the associated regulations contained in Supreme Decree No. 011-97-AG.  However, in 2009 Law No. 29376 went into effect, abrogating Legislative Decree No. 1064 and therefore, Law No. 26570 and the regulations to Article 7 ofreinstating Law No. 26505 contained in Supreme Decree 017-96-AG, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 015-2003-AG, have also been abrogated.and its associated regulations.  The now-abrogated Legislative Decree No. 1064 complicateshad complicated negotiations between mining operators deal and owners of the surface land becauseby requiring any agreement between the parties shallto be negotiated under general contracting rules and notas opposed to under the special rules that were abrogatedcontemplated by Legislative DecreeLaw No. 1064.26505 and its associated regulations and Law No. 26570.  We have been actively seeking to acquire land surface, or obtain easements to land containing prospective geological exploration target sites, deposits that can be exploited in the future orand areas that would be considered forsuitable as plant or facility sites.
 
 
On December 19, 1998, Special Law No. 27015, the Law Regulating Mining Concessions in Urban Areas and Urban Expansion Areas, was released.  Law No. 27015 was amended by Law No. 27560, effective as of November 25, 2001 (Law No. 27015 as amended by Law No. 27560, the Urban Mining Concessions Law).Law.  Regulations pursuant to the Urban Mining Concessions Law were set forth in Supreme Decree No. 007-99-EM, published on March 22, 1999, which was abrogated and replaced by Supreme Decree No. 008-2002-EM, effective since February 22, 2002, or the Regulations, which in turn wasas amended by Supreme Decree No. 041-2007-EM, effective as of July 26, 2007.  Under the Urban Mining Concessions Law, metallic or non-metallic mining concessions will be granted in areas that have been or are designated as urban areas by municipal ordinances issued by the provincial municipality pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Regulations for the Territorial Conditioning, Urban Development and Environment approved by Supreme Decree No. 007-85-VC, unless the grant of such title or concession is expressly authorized by a special law.  This Supreme Decree was abrogated by Article 2 of Supreme Decree No. 027-2003-Vivienda, published on October 6, 2003.  Article 1 of the same Supreme Decree approved the new Regulations for the Territorial Conditioning, Urban Development and Environment currently in effect.
 
The granting of titles to metallic and non-metallic mining concessions in an area designated as an urban expansion area by means of municipal ordinances in force as of the date of filing of an application for a mining concession requires authorization through a Ministerial Resolution of the Ministry of Energy and Mines.  The issuance of a Ministerial Resolution requires the receipt of a resolution of the Council of the applicable provincial municipality, whichmunicipality.   The decision of whether or not to issue a Ministerial Resolution  will be issuedmade within a periodsixty days of sixty days.receipt of such provincial municipality resolution.  If the opinion is negative or if no opinion is issued, the application for the mining concession will be rejected.  Any change from a metallic concession to a non-metallic concession and vice versa will be subject to these same requirements.
 
Applications for concessions in urban expansion areas will be presented on the basis of increments of 10 to 100 hectares under the UTM Coordinates system.  A mining concession in an urban expansion area, whether metallic or non-metallic, will be granted for a term of 10 years, renewable for like terms under the procedures set forth above for the grant of the initial concession.  In both urban areas or urban expansion areas the only legally valid easements for mining purposes are those which are entered into directly with the owner of the surface area.
 
Law No. 28964, which became effective on January 25, 2007, abrogated Law No. 27474, the purpose of which was to ensure that mining, power and hydrocarbon obligations are audited by auditing companies duly registered with the MEM.  Law No. 28964 created the Organismo Supervisor de la Inversión en Energía y Minería (OSINERGMIN) as the government agency in charge of regulating and auditing the electricity, hydrocarbon and mining activities of companies.  Law No. 28964 provides that overview and audit of activities related to the environment, mining safety and health regulations may be performed by companies duly certified and approved by OSINERGMIN.
 
Environmental Matters
 
On September 8, 1990,In 2005, Peru enacted the nation’s first environmental regulation, codified in Legislative Decree 613.  On June 2, 1992, new environmental laws, codified in Title 15 of the General Mining Law, relating to the mining industry were enacted.  These laws and the related regulations significantly increased the level of environmental regulation previously in effect in Peru and established standards as well as guidelines with respect to discharges into bodies of water and the atmosphere, explorations activities and tailings management, among other requirements.  As of 1998, environmental quality standards enforceable for all economic activities have to be in line with the provisions set forth by Supreme Decree No. 044-98-PCM, which was abrogated and replaced by Supreme Decree No. 033-2007-PCM, effective as of March 6, 2007.  In 2005, the General Environmental Law (Law No. 28611) was passed,, revoking Legislative Decree 613, which contained the environmental law that previously governed Peru.  Law No. 28611 establishes the main guidelines and incorporatingprinciples to ensure a clean environment and incorporates a number of environmental management guidelines relating mainly to emissions standards.  Pursuant to Law No. 28817, the National Environmental Authority has until July 22, 2008 to approve the environmental emission standards and the maximum permissible levels of emission following the procedure contemplated in Supreme Decree No. 033-2007-PCM.
 
Under
45

Before the legal framework of Legislative Decree 613,General Environmental Law was passed, the Peruvian government issued (a) Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM approving the Regulations of Title FifteenthFifteen of the General Mining Law, Regulations for Environmental Protection of the Mining and Metallurgical Activities, as amended and supplemented by Supreme Decrees Nos. 059-93-EM, 029-99-EM, 022-2002-EM, 03-2009-EM and 022-2002-EM,078-2009-EM and (b) Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM containing the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 018-2003-EM and Supreme Decree No. 046-2005-EM.  On April 2, 2008 Supreme Decree No. 020-2008-EM, approving new Environmental Regulations for Mining Exploration Activities, became effective, abrogating Supreme Decree No. 038-98-EM and Supreme Decree No. 014-2007-EM.effective.  Holders of mining concessions, whether or not in urban areas or urban expansion areas, that want to develop mining exploration activities must comply with the provisions of such new regulations as well as those applicable provisions set forth in Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM, as amended and supplemented by Supreme Decrees Nos. 059-93-EM, 029-99-EM, 022-2002-EM, 03-2009-EM and 022-2002-EM,078-2009-EM, as well as the provisions contained in the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities set forth in Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM published on July 26, 2001, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 018-2003-EM effective May 31, 2003 and Supreme Decree No. 046-2005-EM, effective as of October 30, 2005.046-2005-EM.  Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM and the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities set forth in Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM as amended are also applicable to exploitation activities.  Failure to comply with the provisions of the aforementioned regulations may be punished with a fine or by the temporary suspension of mining activities.  In the event of continuing non-compliance, the mining concession may be revoked.
 
The MEM approves environmental studies and sets specific environmental standards.  In particular, the MEM has established standards for emissions or discharges of liquid and gas effluents.  Supervision of environmental commitments compliance is performed by OSINERGMIN, the body in charge of overseeing investment in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors.  However, pursuant to Supreme Decree 001-2010MINAM, OSINERGMIN hasmust transfer its environmental supervision functions to the Environmental Evaluation and Oversight Agency, or OEFA.  Starting in August 2010, OEFA will have the authority to carry out unexpected audits and fine companies if they fail to comply with prescribed environmental standards.
 
The MEM has issued regulations that establish maximum permissible levels of (i) emissions of liquid effluents and (ii) elements and compounds present in gaseous emissions resulting from the mining activities approved by Ministerial Resolution No. 011/96-EM/VMM and Ministerial Resolution No. 315-96-EM-VMM, respectively.
 
Generally, holders of mining rights and processing plants that were in operation prior to May 2, 1993 have a maximum of 10 years to comply with the maximum permissible levels; in the meantime, they must prepare their Programas de Adecuación y Manejo Ambiental (Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs, or PAMAs) to comply with more stringent maximum permissible levels.  Under Peruvian environmental regulations passed in 1993, a company that initiated operations prior to May 2, 1993, as is the case for us and most of our affiliated companies, was required to file with the Peruvian government an Evaluación Ambiental Preliminar (Preliminary Environmental Evaluation, or EVAP) for each of its mining units to disclose any pollution problems in its operations and, thereafter, to submit a follow-up PAMA aimed at implementing measures in order to solve problems identified in the EVAP.  Companies must correct the pollution problems relating to their mining activities within five years, while smelters must comply within ten years.  These companies must allocate no less than one percent of their annual sales to redress the problems identified in their EVAPs and contemplated in their PAMAs.  Mining and processing activities that began after May 2, 1993 or had at that time a specific environmental program will be required to file and obtain approval for an EIS before being authorized to operate.  Mining and plant processing activities that began after May 2, 1993 are required to comply with the more stringent maximum permissible levels for liquid effluents from the initiation of their operations.
 
Many of our mining rights and processing plants were in operation prior to May 2, 1993, and we are in substantial compliance with the maximum permissible levels.  EVAPs for Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Recuperada, Ishihuinca and Shila were all accepted between August and September 1995.  Between November 2002 and April 2003, the MEM approved and verified the PAMAs for all these entities, issuing and approving resolution for each respective mining unit.  The EISs for Paula, Antapite, Esperanza, Poracota and Pozo Rico were approved in 2001, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
 

EISs for capacity expansion at the Orcopampa, Uchucchacua and Antapite mines were approved in 2004, 2006 and 2008, respectively.
 
The MEM approved the EISs for the Huancarama-Chipmo-Poracota and La Zanja transmission lines and their substations in 2006 and 2008, respectively.  This connection to the national grid should result in lower energy costs.
 
In 2008,2009, the Company presentedMEM approved the EISs for the La Zanga,Zanja, Mallay, Tantahuatay Esperanza and Angélica Rublo projects and the EIS of Esperanza to the MEM for its approval.  To date, these studies are still being evaluated by the MEM.Chico projects.
 
Before 1998, thereThere were no regulations for mining explorations before 1998.prior to DS No 038-98-EM-VMM, Reglamento de Exploración Minera (Law that regulates the Mining Explorations), which was published in 1998, establishing the obligation to have an exploration permit. This law classified explorations into 3 categories: A, B and C. Only categories B (Sworn Declaration or SD) and C (Environmental Assessment or EA) required approval by the MEM.1998.  In 2008, DS No 038-98-EM-VMM was modifiedabrogated and replaced by DS 020-2008-EM, which governs exploration mining activities, the permits and environmental documents required for such activities, the contents of such documents, the competent authorities to approve them and other related matters.  Under DS 020-2008-EM.  Since then, the SD became the020-2008-EM, exploration activities are divided into 2 categories, Category I and Category II.  Category I exploration activities are those involving no more than 20 drilling platforms and environmentally affecting no more than 10 hectares, while Category II exploration activities are those involving more than 20 drilling platforms and environmentally affecting more than 10 hectares.  For exploration activites under Category I, an Environmental Impact Declaration, (EID)or EID, is required, and the EA became thefor exploration activities under Category II, a Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study, (EISsd),or EISsd, is required, which incorporates technical, environmental and social matters.  Exploration activities must start within the twelve months following the date that the EID or the EISsd is approved.  The commitments assumed by mining companies in their EID, EISsd and EIS are mandatory; if therethey are not fulfilled, OSINERGMIN has the authority to fine these companies.
 
In May 2008, MEM enacted DS 028-2008, which establishes the right of every person to participate in the process of making decisions related to the sustainable development of mining activities on government territory. The EID, EIS and EISsd require local communities to have an opportunity to actively participate in this process.
 
52

The EA for Mallay was approved in August 2005.  In 2006, the EAs for Hallazgo and Breapampa were approved and the ones for Angelica Rublo, El Milagro, Trapiche, AnamarayAnamaray-Jancapata and Ampato were approved in 2007. The EID for Chucapaca was approved in 2008, and the ones for Mulanan and Pariguanas were approved in 2009.
 
In May 2008, the Environmental Ministry of Peru was established by legislative decree. The principal functions of the Environmental Ministry include formulating and implementing policies and regulations relating to environmental matters and controlling pollution through supervision and education.  For example, the Environmental Ministry is responsible for approving Environmental Quality Standards for water and air.  In the case of water quality standards, all the Peruvian mining companies must present updated environmental management plans by December 19, 2010.  Also, the Environmental Ministry has to be in continuous communication with several institutions (INRENA, DIGESA, IMARPE, DGAA, among others) and develop a decentralized system to manage natural resources and protect the environment.  Some of the main regulations are the approval of Environmental Quality Standards for water and air.  In the case of water, all the Peruvian mining companies must present their updated environmental management plans before December 19, 2010.
 
47


Except as described above, there are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against us with respect to any environmental matters.
 
Law No. 28090, Ley que Regula el Cierre de Minas (Law that Regulates the Closing of Mines), was published on October 14, 2003, establishing the obligations and procedures that mining companies must follow to prepare, submit and execute plans for the closing of mines, or Closure Plans, and the granting of environmental guarantees to secure compliance with Closure Plans.  Pursuant to Law No. 28090, as amended by Law No. 28507, published on May 8, 2005 and the Mine Closure Regulations approved by Supreme Decree 033-2005-EM, published on August 15, 2005, as amended by Supreme Decrees No. 035-2006-EM, No. 045-2006-EM and No. 054-2008-EM, we are required to (i) submit a Closure Plan for “New Projects” to the MEM within one year following approval of the EIS or PAMA, or in the case of “Existing Projects”, one year after August 15, 2005; (ii) submit a modification to the Closure Plan to the MEM within nine months after August 15, 2005; (iii) inform the MEM semi-annually of any progress on the conditions established in the Closure Plan; (iv) perform the Closure Plan consistent with the schedule approved by the MEM during the life of the concession; and (v) grant an environmental guarantee that covers the estimated amount of the Closure Plan.  The guarantee may be in the form of cash, trusts, and any other guarantee contemplated in the Banking Law.  Supreme Decree No. 045-2006-EM, dated August 14, 2006, amended Articles 8 and 51 of the Mine Closure Regulations relating to companies obliged to submit a duly approved Closure Plan.  Article 51 refers to the method of calculating the guarantee.  On November 24, 2003, Ministerial ResolutionSupreme Decree No. 627-2003-MEM/DM was published to create016-2005-EM governs the operation of the Registro de Entidades Autorizadas a Elaborar Planes de Cierre de Mina y de Plantas de Beneficio (Registry for Authorized Entities to Elaborate the Closing of Mines and the Beneficial Plants)Mines).  Only the entities recorded in such registry are allowed to prepare the Closure Plan.  The Mine Closure Regulations, Supreme Decree No. 033-2005-EM, deals with the effects on health, safety, property and the environment at the end of the productive life of mining-related facilities.
 
We have presented Closure Plans to the MEM for all our mines and advanced explorations.  To date, the MEM has approved our Closure Plans for Ishihuinca, ShillaJulcani, Recuperada, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Antapite, Caravelí, Shila, Esperanza, Pozo Rico, Mallay, Trapiche, Angélica Rublo Chico and Mallay.Anamaray-Jancapata.
 
On November 9, 2009 Supreme Decree No. 078-2009-EM became effective, creating additional environmental obligations for the holders of mining concessions.  Under this provision, holders of mining concessions that have performed mining activities, including mining exploration, exploitation and processing activities or related activities, without having an Environmental Certification will be required to prepare and perform an Environmental Remediation Plan to cure the environmental impact in the areas in which such activities have been conducted.  The Environmental Remediation Plan will contain a detailed description of all the mining items and activities performed without the correspondant Environmental Certification, including maps and related information, a detailed description of the environmental impacts created by such activities, a detailed description of the remediation actions, a detailed description of the compensation that is proposed to be made, a budget and schedule of the remediation activities, including their costs, a bond in favor of MEM for the cost of the execution of the measures contained in the Environmental Remediation Plan and other specific information contained in Article 4 of Supreme Decree No. 078-2009-EM.
48


Law No. 28271, Ley que Regula los Pasivos Ambientales de la Actividad Minera (Law that Regulates the Mining Liabilities of the Mining Activities), became effective on July 7, 2004 to regulate the identification of liabilities in mining activity and financial responsibility for remediation, in each case to mitigate any negative impact mining may have with respect to the health of the population, environment and property.  Pursuant to Law No. 28271, as amended by Law No. 28526, published on May 25, 2005, Legislative Decree No. 143,1042, published on June 26, 2008, and the Mining Environmental Liabilities Regulations approved by Supreme Decree No. 059-2005-EM, published on December 8, 2005, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 003-2009-EM, the technical branch of the MEM will identify environmental liabilities, mining companies responsible for abandoned mining facilities, mining works and residue deposits that may be linked to such environmental liabilities and holders of inactive mining concessions with mining liabilities.  Holders of inactive mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities will be required to submit a Closure Plan within one year of the date in which Supreme Decree No. 059-2005-EM became effective.  The Peruvian government will only assume the environmental mining liabilities of unidentified holders.  In addition, holders will enter into environmental remediation agreements with the MEM, acting through the General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs, to perform any studies and work necessary to control and mitigate the risk and effects of any contamination, which will be financed by the Fondo Nacional del Ambiente – FONAM.  A Closure Plan must be submitted one year after the approval of the EIS by the General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs.  On March 30, 2010 Ministerial Resolution No. 136-2010-MEM/DM, approving the forms of agreements for the voluntary remediation of mining liabilities, became effective.
53

 
We have presented Closure Plans to the MEM for all our mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities.  To date, the MEM has approved the mining liabilities for Hualchocopa, Lircay, Bella Unión-Pucaray and Chaquelle.
 
We anticipate additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters.  The development of more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru could impose constraints and additional costs on our operations, and we would be required to make significant additional capital expenditures in the future.  Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations of which we are now aware, there is no assurance that future legislation or regulatory developments will not have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
 
Permits
 
We believe that our mines and facilities have all necessary material permits.  All future exploration projects will require a variety of permits.  Although we believe the permits for these projects can be obtained in a timely fashion, permitting procedures are complex, time-consuming and subject to potential regulatory delay.  We cannot predict whether we will be able to renew our existing permits or whether material changes in existing permitting conditions will be imposed.  Non-renewal of existing permits or the imposition of additional conditions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Insurance
 
We maintain a comprehensive insurance program designed to address specific risks associated with our operations, in addition to covering the insured risks common to major mining companies.  Our insurance program is provided through the local Peruvian insurance market and includes employers’ liability, comprehensive third party general liability, comprehensive automobile liability, all risk property on a replacement basis, including transit risks, business interruption insurance and mining equipment.
 
49


Mining Royalties
 
Article 20 of Law No. 26821, Ley Orgánica para el Aprovechamiento Sostenible de los Recursos Naturales, establishes that private companies must pay compensation to the Peruvian government for the economic use of natural resources.  Law No. 28258, published on June 24, 2004 and amended by Law No. 29323,28323, created a mining royalty (regalia minera) that holders of mining concessions must pay on a monthly basis to the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  The royalty, which is the compensation referred to in Article 20 of Law No. 26821, Ley Orgánica para el Aprovechamiento Sostenible de los Recursos Naturales, is not considered a tax.  However, it will be included in the scope of the Mining Law Stabilization Agreements and mining companies that are taxpayers and are party to such Stabilization Agreements will not have to pay this compensation or royalty during the life of their Stabilization Agreements.  Although we are not party to a Stabilization Agreement, Yanacocha has entered into Mining Law Stabilization Agreements under the General Mining Law with the Peruvian government.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha—Operating Results.”  Law No. 28969, effective since January 26, 2007, provides that government tax agencies are responsible for the collection of mining royalties and establishes rules relating to the calculation of royalties, valuation methods and penalties.
54

 
The royalty is calculated on revenue from sales of product (based on the international market price) less certain refining and transportation expenses.  The mining royalty to be paid for ore concentrates with a value (i) up to US$60 million per year, is 1 percent of such value, (ii) between US$60 million and US$120 million per year, is 2 percent of such value and (ii) in excess of US$120 million per year, is 3 percent of such value.  The MEM will publish the international market price of minerals and in the event that a mineral does not have an international market price, the mining royalty will be 1 percent of the mining component.
 
Negotiated Payment (voluntary contribution)
 
During 2006 Peruvian mining companies, represented by the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía, agreed to a voluntary mining payment equivalent to 3.75 percent of net income after taxes.  The payment was negotiated with the Peruvian government and is intended to support government efforts to alleviate poverty.  On December 21, 2006, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree No. 071-2006-EM, which approved the form of agreement to be entered into by mining companies and the Peruvian government.  The form of agreement contains the conditions under which the negotiated payment will be paid.  The payment amounts to 3.75 percent of Peruvian net income after income tax, including 2.75 percent to be paid to a local mining fund and 1 percent to be paid to a regional mining fund.  This payment is payable from 2006 through 2010, contingent on the price of gold.  Payments shallare required to be made on or before April 30th of each year, after the income tax sworn declaration is submitted to the Peruvian tax authority.  Pursuant to Supreme Decree 033-2007-EM, mining companies can make payments to the local and to the regional funds after such deadline provided that the prior approval of the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Economy and Finance is obtained.  Fulfillment of the payment obligations will be controlled by an audit entity recorded as such with CONASEV to be agreed betweenupon among the mining company, the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.  We and Yanacocha paid a total of US$1.71.53 million and US$18.518.1 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.
 
In February 2007, under the framework of this agreement executed with the Peruvian government (D.S. No. 071-2006-EM), we formed a trust in the Banco de Credito del Peru to serve two funds: the Buenaventura Local Mining Fund and the Buenaventura Regional Mining Fund.  Proceeds from these funds were used to provide school furniture, teacher training and healthcare equipment.
 
50


On November 8, 2007, Cerro Verde executed an agreement with the Peruvian government in accordance with the terms outlined above, resulting in a contribution of US$16.7 million and US$32.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, which was paid in the first half of 2008.  An expense of US$29.5 million was recorded in 2008.  These2008 and was paid in the first half of 2009.  An expense of US$27.6 million was recorded in 2009.  Each of these amounts areis recorded as a negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) in the Cerro Verde Financial Statements.
 
Organizational Structure
 
As of May 31, 2009,2010, we conducted our mining operations directly and through various majority-owned subsidiaries, controlled companies and other affiliated companies as described in the following organizational chart.
 
5551

 

 
5652

 
Intermediate Holding Companies, Subsidiaries and Equity Participations
 
Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.
 
Condesa, which is wholly-owned by us, is a mining and facilities holding company with direct and indirect ownership participation in two mining-related entities, Cedimin and Yanacocha, and in exploration projects conducted by Minas Conga and Conenhua.Conenhua (as defined below).  See “—Business Overview—Exploration.”  As a partner in Yanacocha, Condesa shares responsibility for the investments made in the Yanacocha mine.  In addition, on August 15, 2007, Cedimin transferred its equity interest in Chaupiloma to Condesa, and, as a result, Condesa now receives a portion of the royalty revenues paid by Yanacocha to Chaupiloma equal to such ownership interest.  See “—S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca” below.  Condesa also holds a 7.707.68 percent interest in us.
 
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C.
 
Cedimin, wholly-owned by us, is a mining and facilities holding company.  At December 31, 2005, Cedimin held a 40 percent participation in Minas Conga and a 40 percent interest in S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca.  See “—The Company—History and Development” and “—S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca” below.  See “—The Company—History and Development” for a description of the legal proceedings in the Peruvian courts concerning the ownership of certain shares of Cedimin originally held by BRGM.  On August 15, 2007, Cedimin transferred its equity interest in Chaupiloma to Condesa.
 
As of January 2, 2003, Minera Shila S.A.C. merged with and into Cedimin.  As a result of the merger, our interest in Cedimin increased from 0.0009 percent before the merger to 44.83 percent after the merger, and Condesa’s interest in Cedimin decreased from 99.9991 percent before the merger to 55.17 percent after the merger.  In addition, on October 22, 2004, Cedimin acquired a 100 percent equity interest in Inversiones Mineras Aureas S.A.C., or Mineras Aureas, which had a 49 percent interest in Minera Paula 49 S.A.C., or Minera Paula.  As a result of this acquisition, Minera Paula became wholly-owned by us.  As of December 31, 2004, Mineras Aureas and Minera Paula merged with and into Cedimin and are no longer separate legal entities.
 
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca
 
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca, or Chaupiloma, is a Peruvian limited liability company that holds all of the mining rights for the areas mined by Yanacocha and Minas Conga.  Chaupiloma receives a royalty that is calculated as a percentage of the total revenues of Yanacocha.  We, Condesa and Newmont Peru own a 20 percent interest, a 40 percent interest and a 40 percent interest, respectively, in Chaupiloma.  We own, directly and indirectly, through our interest in Condesa, a 60 percent interest in Chaupiloma.
 
Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A.
 
Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A., or Conenhua, is an electrical transmission company that provides a significant portion of our electrical needs through its transmission facilities.  We own 100 percent of Conenhua and manage its operations.  Conenhua obtained the concession for power transmission in the Huancavelica area in 1983, enabling us to buy energy from Electro Perú and to transmit electric power to our mining facilities through our own facilities.  The provinces of Huancavelica, Angaraes, Acobamba and Castrovirreyna are now connected to the system.  Conenhua also provides electric power to other mining companies in the area.  In 2008,2009, Conenhua sold 45.3746.85 million kilowatt hours, or kWh, in Huancavelica.  Revenues generated by Conenhua benefit us in the form of operational costs savings at the rate of US$0.11 per kWh regardingfor thermoelectric generation costs.generation.  Conenhua has become the operator of Paragsha II-Uchucchacua, the power line which provides electricity to the Uchucchacua mine and two other mines and, in 2008,2009, Conenhua provided 160.1499.83 million kWh to those mines.  Conenhua also operates the Callalli-Ares power line, which in 20082009 provided 77.3291.15 million kWh to the Orcopampa, Poracota and Shila-Paula mines.  In addition, Conenhua provides the Antapite mine (which was operated by Inminsur (as defined below) until 2006) with electricity, including electrical power service and maintenance and, in 2008,2009, Conenhua provided 14.7713.84 million kWh to this mine.  In 2008,2009, Conenhua provided 576.44711.73 million kWh to Yanacocha, a 49.8423.5 percent increase compared to 2007.2008. Conenhua’s revenues in 20082009 amounted to US$17.9318.3 million.

 
5753

 
 
In order to ensure the availability of electricitysecure a reliable energy supply from a clean and renewable source for future miningour nearest operations and projects Conenhua purchased Hidroelectrica Marañon andat competitive prices, CONENHUA, through its subsidiary Empresa de Generacion Huanza, each of which ownswas commissioned to construct a 90.6 MW capacity hydroelectric project to be developedpower plant in the short term by Energívalley of Santa Eulalia. This US$145 million project commenced in March 2010 and should be completed within a Transandina SRL,33-month period.  Approximately 80% of the total investment will be financed with a company createdlease obtained from Banco de Credito del Peru.  In order to be a holding company of both projects, and created Egehuaurawholly control this project, we had to develop minorconvey our rights over the project for the Marañón hydroelectric projects.power plant.
 
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.
 
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A., or BISA, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, has provided mining sector geological, engineering, design and construction consulting services to the mining sector for over 30 years.  During this time, BISA has consulted in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador on a range of projects, operations and expansions.  In 1995, BISA created an environmental services group.  In 2007, BISA inaugurated its Mineralogical Characterization Laboratory for the analysis of rocks and minerals.  BISA owns a 99.95 percent interest in Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A., an insurance brokerage company that provides insurance brokerage and related services to us and our affiliates.  In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, BISA participated in 183, 231, 210 and 210249 projects, respectively, for domestic and international mining industry customers in Latin America, including the preparation of Environmental Impact Studies and Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs.  In 2008,2009, BISA’s revenues amounted to US$19.024 million.
 
Sociedad Minera Coshuro S.A.
 
Sociedad Minera Coshuro S.A., or Coshuro, which began operations in December 1995, was created jointly by us and Newmont Peru to conduct gold mining exploration in the Yanacocha volcanic belt.  Coshuro was 35 percent owned by us until December 20, 2000, on which date Newmont Peru transferred 10.9 percent of its interest in the Coshuro to us.  As a result, we currently hold a 45.9 percent interest in Coshuro.  On August 13, 2002, Sociedad Minera Coshuro S.A. authorized the separation and transfer to us of all of the mining concessions granted to Coshuro pursuant to a Separation Agreement dated September 25, 2000.  The mining concessions were transferred to Minera La Zanja S.R.L., in which we hold a 53.06 percent equity interest.
 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. / Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.
 
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A., or El Brocal, owns the Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte mines.  El Brocal was formed in 1956 and is engaged in the extraction, concentration and sale of concentrates of polymetallic minerals, mainly zinc, lead and silver.  As of December 31, 2008, we held a 61.42 percent interest in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A., which in turn held a 51.06 percent interest in El Brocal, and a 4.41 percent direct interest in El Brocal’s mining properties.  Our total equity interest in El Brocal was 35.77 percent as of December 31, 2008. On March 11, 2009, we purchased Teck Cominco’s equity stake in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. for US$35.0 million, increasing our equity interest in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. to 81.22 percent and our overall equity interest in El Brocal to 45.97 percent.

 
5854

 

Minera La Zanja S.R.L. 
 
Minera La Zanja S.R.L., or La Zanja, controls 32,070 hectares of mineralized ground in the La Zanja project, which is located 35 kilometers north-west of Cajamarca city.  Originally, the La Zanja project was part of the Northern Peru joint mining exploration project, which was 35 percent owned by us and 65 percent owned by Newmont Peru.  La Zanja, which is currently 53 percent owned by us and 47 percent owned by Newmont Peru, is expected to commence production in the second half of 2010 as an open-pit mine producing gold and silver.
 
Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C
 
Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, holds mining rights to the Chucapaca project.  Under the terms and conditions of this joint venture, Gold Fields can claw backholds a 51% equity interest in this company after investing approximately US$8.0 million, which represents three times the exploration expenditure invested by us in this project.company.
 
Ferrovías Central Andino S.A.
 
We hold 10 percent of Ferrovías Central Andino S.A., or Ferrovías, a railroad company, pursuant to a concession granted to a consortium of several companies in April 2000.  Among the other companies holding interests in the share capital of Ferrovías are Railroad Development Corporation, Cemento Andino S.A., Commonwealth Development Corporation and others.  Ferrovías will provideprovides transportation for concentrates from El Brocal’s mining operations at a lower cost.operations.
 
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
 
We currently hold a 19.2119.26 percent interest in Cerro Verde, which owns the Cerro Verde copper deposit located approximately 1,100 kilometers southeast of Lima.  The Peruvian government previously owned and operated the mine.  In November 1993, the Cerro Verde operation was privatized.  Cyprus Climax Metals Company (now a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc.) bought 91.65 percent and, pursuant to Peruvian privatization laws, the employees of Cerro Verde purchased approximately 8.35 percent of the shares of Cerro Verde.  Cyprus Climax Metals Company paid US$33.9 million for its equity interest in Cerro Verde and made a US$485 million capital commitment to finance the construction of the facilities.  Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. is currently the operator and senior partner of Cerro Verde.
 
On June 1, 2005, Cerro Verde completed a capital increase.  As a result of the capital increase, SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V. acquired a 21 percent equity interest in Cerro Verde.  In addition, we increased our equity interest in Cerro Verde from 9.17 percent to 18.21 percent.  The remaining minority shareholders own 7.23 percent of Cerro Verde through shares publicly traded on the Lima Stock Exchange.  As a result of the transaction, Cerro Verde received US$441.7 million in cash, net of US$1.0 million in expenses, and Phelps Dodge’s interest in Cerro Verde was reduced to 53.56 percent from 82.48 percent.  In March 2007, Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. acquired Phelps Dodge.  Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. maintains a majority interest in Cerro Verde.  Since June 1, 2005, we have purchased additional common shares in Cerro Verde on the Lima Stock Exchange, increasing our interest to 19.2119.26 percent as of MarchDecember 31, 2009.
59

 
Presented in the table below is certain financial and operating data regarding Cerro Verde for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008:2009:
 
55

  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Income statement data(1)
         
Total revenues (US$ in thousands)  1,794,559   1,835,911   1,757,510 
Net income (US$ in thousands)  804,685   718,433   708,528 
Proven and Probable Reserves(2)
            
Leachable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  309,402   287,751   243,780 
Millable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  1,456,232   2,734,830   2,809,085 
Average copper grade of leachable ore reserves (%)  0.44   0.46   0.43 
Average copper grade of millable ore reserves (%)  0.44   0.37   0.43 
Production(3)
            
Cathodes (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  203,595   194,531   206,514 
Concentrates (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  390,632   499,955   455,112 
Price (US$ per metric ton)  7,126   6,952   5,164 
  As of and for the year ended December 31, 
  2006  2007  2008 
Income statement data(1)
         
Total revenues (US$ in thousands)  667,671   1,794,559   1,835,911 
Net income (US$ in thousands)  444,621   804,685   718,433 
Proven and Probable Reserves(2)
            
Leachable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  334,296   309,402   287,751 
Millable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  1,407,136   1,456,232   2,734,830 
Average copper grade of leachable ore reserves (%)  0.46   0.44   0.46 
Average copper grade of millable ore reserves (%)  0.47   0.44   0.37 
Production(3)
            
Cathodes (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  212,781   203,595   194,531 
Concentrates (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  8,945   390,632   499,955 
Price (US$ per metric ton)  6,731   7,126   6,952 
____________________
(1)Derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements filed with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
(2)Reserve calculations are derived from the audited financial statements filed by Cerro Verde with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The calculation or estimation of proven and probable ore reserves for Cerro Verde may differ in some respects to the calculations of proven and probable reserves for us and Yanacocha located elsewhere in this Annual Report.  According to Cerro Verde, ore estimates for Cerro Verde are based upon engineering evaluations of assay values derived from samplings of drill holes and other openings.  Cerro Verde’s ore estimates includes assessments or the resource, mining and metallurgy, as well as consideration of economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors, including projected long-term prices for copper and molybdenum and Cerro Verde’s estimate of future cost trends.
(3)Derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements filed with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
 


YANACOCHA
 
Overview
 
Founded in Peru in 1992, Yanacocha is the largest gold producer in South America.  Yanacocha produced 1,810,3382,058,181 ounces of gold in 2008,2009, its fifteenthsixteenth full year of operations.  Yanacocha’s operations are located in the Andes Mountains in Northern Peru in the area of Cajamarca, located approximately 900 kilometers north of Lima and north of the City of Cajamarca at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level.  The Yanacocha property consists of six open-pit mines: Carachugo, Chaquicocha, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, the Chaquicocha, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mines were in operation.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves (excluding Conga’s proven and probable reserves) were estimated to be 13.010.5 million ounces of gold, representing a 17.419 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2007,2008, which were estimated to be 15.813.0 million ounces of gold.  The decrease in reserves of gold was mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.62.7 million ounces, as well as a decreaseounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.10.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to increases in metal prices, unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, transfer of reserves tostockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization due to social issuesreserves and leach pad capacity limitations, partially offset by metal price increases, an increase in the expected recoverable ounces in leach pads and the improvement of pit design.limitations. As of December 31, 2008,2009, Conga’s proven and probable reserves were estimated to be 11.8 million ounces of gold and 3.2 billion pounds of copper, representing no change from estimated 20072008 gold and copper reserves.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves (including Conga) were estimated to be 24.922.4 million ounces of gold, representing a 9.910 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2007,2008, which were estimated to be 27.624.9 million ounces of gold. Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves of copper were 3.2 billion pounds as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008.
 
Proven and probable reserves are based on extensive drilling, sampling, mine modeling and metallurgical testing from which economic feasibility has been determined.  Under the Management Contract (as defined below), Newmont Mining, in conjunction with Yanacocha, calculates Yanacocha’s reserves by methods generally applied within the mining industry and in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7.  Reserves represent estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that, under present and anticipated conditions, may be economically mined and processed.  Newmont Mining has not quoted silver reserves at Yanacocha for the last year due to recovery issues.
 
Yanacocha’s explorationmining activities encompass 288,730288,047 hectares covered by 421422 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma holds the mining rights with respect to these hectares and has assigned the mining rights related to 108,569106,670 hectares to Yanacocha, which are covered by 163159 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma has assigned these mining concessions to Yanacocha pursuant to several assignments of mining rights.  Chaupiloma is in the process of assigning one mining concession to Yanacocha, and five mining concessions granted to Yanacocha are in process of being transferred back to Chaupiloma.
 
In 1994, its first full year of production, Yanacocha produced 304,552 ounces of gold.  Yanacocha produced 3,017,303 ounces of gold in 2004, 3,333,088 ounces in 2005, 2,612,199 ounces in 2006, 1,563,669 ounces in 2007, and 1,810,338 ounces in 2008.2008 and 2,058,180 ounces in 2009.  Yanacocha expects production to increasedecrease by approximately 6.727 percent from the 20082009 production level to 1,931,0641,499,094 ounces in 2009,2010, mainly as a result of operations at its new gold mill facility.lower volume of ore placed and lower ore grade.  Yanacocha believes that it was one of the world’s lowest cost gold producers in 2008,2009, with a cost per ounce of gold sold of US$358.325.  Yanacocha’s cost per ounce of gold sold was US$358 in 2008, US$324 in 2007, US$201 in 2006 and US$153 in 2005 and US$148 in 2004.2005.

 
6157

 

The increase in gold production in 20082009 as compared to 20072008 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and mill tons placed, 92.6which was 129.3 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2008 as2009 compared to 89.792.6 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2007,2008, and a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 0.34 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 1.11 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2007.2008.
 
Yanacocha expects production of silver to increase by approximately 7533 percent from the 20082009 production level to 6,179,0445,808,533 ounces in 2009,2010, mainly as a result of higher ore grade recovery due toproduction at the operation of the new gold mill facility.  Yanacocha reduces the cost of gold sold with sales of silver, which is considered a by-product.mill. Silver production was 24,467 ounces in 1993, Yanacocha’s first full year of production, 3,479,436 ounces in 2004, 4,342,292 ounces in 2005, 3,441,401 ounces in 2006, 2,318,696 ounces in 2007, and 3,539,008 ounces in 2008.
2008 and 4,367,258 ounces in 2009.  The increase in silver production in 20082009 as compared to 20072008 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and mill tons placed, 92.6which was 129.3 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 20082009 as compared to 89.7 million92.6 dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2007,2008, and a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 0.34 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 1.11 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2007.2008.
 
Yanacocha is owned 51.35 percent by Newmont Mining, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Newmont Second, 43.65 percent by us through our wholly-owned subsidiary Condesa and 5 percent by IFC.  Yanacocha is managed by Newmont Peru.  See “—Management of Yanacocha—General Manager/Management Agreement.”  Since 1992, aggregate capital contributions of US$2.3 million have been made by Condesa, Newmont Second and IFC to Yanacocha.  Although Yanacocha did not pay dividends during its development years, 1992 through 1994, cash dividends were distributed from 1995 to 2000.  In 2001, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$10 million in dividends in respect of 2000 earnings and elected to reinvest US$80 million from 2001 profits based on a new reinvestment program for the years 2001 to 2004.  In December 2001, the MEM approved the 1998 reinvestment program (increased in 1999) for US$206.5 million.  As a result, an additional US$13.5 million was capitalized.  In 2002, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$50.7 million in dividends in respect of 2001 earnings and elected to reinvest US$80 million from 2002 profits.  In 2003, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$300 million in dividends in respect of 2002 earnings and elected to reinvest US$29.6 million from 2003 profits.  In 2004, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$280 million in dividends in respect of 2003 earnings and completed all investments under its reinvestment program from 2000-2004.  See the Statements of Changes in Partners Equity in the Yanacocha Financial Statements on page F-56 and “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha—Operating Results.”  In 2005, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$180 million in dividends in respect of 2004 earnings.  Although Yanacocha has no fixed dividend policy, there is an understanding among the partners that the net income not required for sustaining capital expenditures or future development projects should be distributed after agreement between the two major shareholders, Newmont Mining and us.
 
Undistributed earnings associated with the reinvestment program, amounting to US$189.6 million, were presented as restricted earnings as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006.  On December 26, 2006, Yanacocha received the resolution from the MEM approving the reinvestment program for the periods 2001 to 2004.  In compliance with Peruvian laws, Yanacocha capitalized this amount through public deed dated December 20, 2007 and shallwill not declare dividends from partners’ contributions during the following four fiscal years.
 
On October 31, 1999, pursuant to a public deed, Yanacocha changed its legal structure from a corporation to a partnership, changing its name from “Minera Yanacocha S.A.” to “Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.”  As a result, Yanacocha (i) cannot have more than 20 partners; (ii) its capital stock is represented in participations; (iii) is not required to maintain a legal reserve (see Note 16 to Yanacocha Financial Statements); and (iv) will not receive a different income tax treatment under Peruvian law than it did as a corporation.

 
6258

 

Capital Expenditures
 
Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its formation in 1992 through 20082009 have related principally to the construction of the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations, the construction of two plants at Carachugo and Yanacocha, each of which includes a leach solution processing facility and a smelter at each plant, the construction of four carbon column plants at Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua, the acquisition of both new and used mining equipment, the construction of two dams, the construction of one agglomeration plant at La Quinua, the construction of a gold mill facility at Yanacocha and several expansions of the leach pads located at the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations.  Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its formation through December 31, 20082009 totaled approximately US$2,660.92,807.4 million, including capital expenditures of US$269.4 million in 2006, US$278.1 million in 2007, and US$248.3 million in 2008.2008 and US$146.5 million in 2009.  In 2009, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$29.5 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$27.4 million for the Conga project, US$21.7 million for mine development at the Chaquicocha and El Tapado Oeste deposits, US$15.1 million for the construction of an acid water treatment plant, US$11.9 million for leach pad expansions at La Quinua (Stage 7), US$7.2 million for the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at Pampa Larga, US$5.5 million for expansions to the water pumping system to extract excess water at the La Quinua and Yanacocha pits and US$3.2 million for the construction of gold mill tailings pipelines.  In 2008, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$34.9 million for the Yanacocha gold mill facility, US$29.3 million for the Conga project, US$26.7 million for engineering at the east acid water treatment plant, US$20.7 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar, Encajón-Collotán and La Shacsha communities, US$14.1 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$12.9 million for the purchase of high altitude mining trucks, US$13.0 million for the foundation of the San Jose Reservoir trust, US$6.5 million for the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at Pampa Larga, and US$27.2 million, US$13.7 million and US$6.7 million for the leach pad expansions at La Quinua (stage 7), Carachugo (stage 11) and Yanacocha (stage 6), respectively.  In 2007, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$138.9 million for a gold mill facility, US$28.5 million for high altitude mining trucks, US$18.5 million and US$11.5 million for leach pad expansions of Carachugo (stages 10 and 11) and Yanacocha, respectively, US$7.6 million for construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$2.8 million for land acquisitions, US$8.7 million for the Conga project, US$5.2 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar and Encajón communities and US$5.5 million for project development.  Capital expenditures in 2006 included an investment of US$157.8 million for mine and leach pad expansions of Carachugo (stage 10) and La Quinua (stage 6), US$9.3 million for environmental site and regional water management projects, US$11.9 million for mining equipment, US$44.8 million for the Yanacocha gold mill facility, US$11.1 million for the Conga project and US$32.7 million for work related to other ongoing expansions.  See “—The Company—History and Development.”
 
Yanacocha anticipates that its capital expenditures for 20092010 will be approximately US$147.9328.3 million, which it plans to use primarily in connection with the completioncontinuation of the Minas Conga project, continuation of mine development at the El Tapado Oeste, Chaquicocha, La Quinua Sur and Maqui Maqui deposits, acquisition of high altitude mining trucks, leach pad expansions at Carachugo (stage 11) and La Quinua (stage 7)(Stage 7B) and Carachugo (Stage 10C), additional engineering at the east acid water treatment plant, the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at the carbon column processing plant at Pampa Larga continuation ofand the Minas Conga project, development of the Chaquicocha deposit, construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, and the acquisition of real property, heavy mining equipment and other miscellaneous mining equipment.a central warehouse at La Quinua.
 
Yanacocha expects that it will meet its working capital, capital expenditure and exploration requirements for the next several years from internally-generated funds, cash on hand and financing from banks and financial institutions. There can be no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to Yanacocha from internal or external sources to finance future working capital, capital expenditures and exploration and construction requirements, or that external funding will be available for such purposes on terms or at prices favorable to Yanacocha.  A very significant decline in the price of gold would be reasonably likely to affect the availability of such sources of liquidity.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha—Exploration Costs; Capital Expenditures.”

 
6359

 

Description of Yanacocha’s Operations
 
The Yanacocha property consists of the following open-pit mines: Carachugo, Chaquicocha, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, the Chaquicocha, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mines were in operation.  The Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining areas began operations in August 1993, October 1994, January 1996, the last quarter of 1997 and October 2001, respectively.  The Maqui Maqui open-pit mine temporarily ceased mining operations in 2000.  The San José open-pit mine ceased operations in 2002, but temporarily reopened and closed again during 2006.  San José has increased reserves as a result of an increase in the base price for proven and probable reserve estimates, from US$575 in 2007 to US$725 in 2008.  The Carachugo open-pit mine has temporarily ceased mining operations, although one ore processing facility remains in operation.
 
Leach pads are located at Carachugo (410 million ton-capacity), Maqui Maqui (70 million ton-capacity), Cerro Yanacocha (470 million ton-capacity) and La Quinua (540 million ton-capacity).  Each of these leach pads includes at least two leach solution storage ponds and storm water ponds located down gradient from each leach pad.��  The Cerro Yanacocha site has two additional solution ponds attached to Stagesstages 6 and 7 for the segregation of solution generated from the treatment of transition ores.  A raw water pond is used both for storm containment and to store excess solution during the wet season.  La Quinua has an additional solution pond attached to stage 4.
 
Yanacocha has three processing facilities, which are located at Pampa Larga, Yanacocha Norte and La Quinua.  The processing facilities can be used to process gold-bearing solutions from any of the leach pads through a network of solution pumping facilities located adjacent to the solution storage ponds.  The Pampa Larga facility includes Merrill-Crowe and carbon column gold recovery plants, and two four-stage water plants to allow treatment of excess process solutions accumulated during the rainy season.  The Pampa Larga facility also includes the original gold refinery installation, which is maintained for emergency standby purposes only.  The Yanacocha Norte facility includes Merrill-Crowe and carbon column gold recovery plants, three four-stage water treatment plants, and a reverse osmosis water plant to allow treatment of excess process solutions accumulated during the rainy season.  This facility also contains primary refining and mercury retorting operations and an acid water treatment plant to allow neutralization of acid waters emanating from its mining operation and waste dumps prior to release into the environment.  In addition, a slaking plant to provide lime for ensuring an alkaline pH on the pads and for water treatment purposes is located in close proximity to the facility.  The La Quinua facility includes a carbon column gold recovery plant, an acid water treatment plant to allow neutralization of acid waters emanating from its mining operations and waste dumps prior to release into the environment, and a slaking plant to provide lime for ensuring an alkaline pH on the pads and for water treatment purposes.
 
Mining consists of a sequence of drilling, blasting, loading and hauling.  Ore containing gold is transported from each mine to the nearest active leach pad while waste is taken to specially designed storage facilities.  Unlike Yanacocha’s other mines, the ore in the La Quinua mine contains clays and fine grain material which can inhibit the heap leaching process if not handled properly.  Initially, the La Quinua mine utilized an ore crushing and agglomeration process to improve the permeability of the ore prior to stacking ore on the leach pad.  In May 2004, this process was replaced with a more inexpensive method whereby the ore is re-excavated using hydraulic shovels to a depth of four meters to improve permeability.  Improved ore control to ensure proper blending of fine and coarse grained ore is an integral part of this process.
 

 
6460

 

Ore is leached by introducing diluted solutions of cyanide through an irrigation system placed on top of the ore.  This solution percolates through the ore, dissolving gold and silver as AuCN and AgCN complexes respectively, and results in a “pregnant” solution which drains to solution storage ponds to be transferred to the nearest recovery facility.  Carbon column gold recovery plants typically treat lower grade solutions to produce a highly upgraded metal-bearing solution which in turn is routed to the Merrill-Crowe plants.  Solution from the carbon column gold recovery plants or high grade solutions from the leach pads are sent to the Merrill-Crowe plants for gold extraction by a zinc precipitation process.  The resulting gold precipitate is distilled by retorts (700°C) to remove mercury, and then smelted, producing doré bars currently assaying approximately 52 percent gold and 45 percent silver.  The doré bars are transported from the processing plant by an outside security firm and refined outside of Peru.  See “—Transportation and Refining.”  The solution from which the gold is removed (barren solution) is recycled to the leach pads for further heap-leaching after having been reconstituted with cyanide.  The leaching process is generally a closed system.  However, during periods of high rainfall, excess water must be treated at the facilities located at Yanacocha Norte and Pampa Larga, which have been designed to meet or exceed standards for drinking water and for agriculture and livestock as set out by the Peruvian Ministry of Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Nevada Regulations and World Bank guidelines.  See “—Regulation, Permit and Environmental Matters.”
 
Electric power for Yanacocha’s operations is currently provided by local power companies via two separate networks.  Yanacocha also maintains diesel generation capacity for emergency requirements which have an aggregate power generation capacity of 16 megawatts, or MW.  In addition, Yanacocha has been connected to the Peruvian national electricity grid since the end of 1997.  Yanacocha currently receives its supply of electric power through a 220 kilovolt, or kV, power line originating in Trujillo, which is owned by Buenaventura and has the capacity to provide up to 150 MW to Yanacocha (although current contracted demand is limited to 42 MW).  In addition, a 60 kV power line routed through Cajamarca permits Yanacocha to receive up to 15 MW.  This power line is used only in emergencies.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
 
Water for Yanacocha’s operations is collected from rainfall and wells.  All excess water used by Yanacocha undergoes treatment at the treatment facilities described above.
 
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data, for the years shown for each of Yanacocha’s mining operations that were then in operation:

  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
Mining Operations:               
Ore mined (DST):               
Cerro Yanacocha  64,582,674   59,944,475   56,696,685   62,079,577   74,309,421 
Carachugo     950,355   7,563,243   6,037,340   5,895,215 
Maqui Maqui               
La Quinua  80,889,028   414,559   35,283,067   34,850,397   66,806,796 
San José     54,485,222          
Total ore mined (DST)  145,471,702   115,794,610   99,542,995   102,967,314   147,011,432 
Average gold grade of ore mined (oz./DST):                    
Cerro Yanacocha  0.034   0.030   0.012   0.023   0.022 
Carachugo     0.039   0.047   0.031   0.022 
Maqui Maqui               
San José     0.028          
La Quinua  0.023   0.021   0.022   0.016   0.023 
Total average gold grade of ore
 mined (oz./DST)
  0.028   0.026   0.019   0.021   0.022 
Gold Production (oz.):                    
Cerro Yanacocha  1,198,160   1,035,794   566,006   701,063   1,087,028 
Carachugo  421,967   308,600   307,867   400,452   453,374 
Maqui Maqui  38,631   21,747   21,460   32,550   18,555 
San José               
La Quinua  1,674,329   1,246,058   668,336   676,273   499,223 
Total gold (oz.)  3,333,088   2,612,199   1,563,669   1,810,338   2,058,180 
 
6561

 
 
  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
Mining Operations:               
Ore mined (DST):               
Cerro Yanacocha  73,551,712   64,582,674   59,944,475   56,696,685   62,079,577 
Carachugo        950,355   7,563,243   6,037,340 
Maqui Maqui               
La Quinua  63,714,676   80,889,028   414,559   35,283,067   34,850,397 
San José        54,485,222       
Total ore mined (DST)  137,266,389   145,471,702   115,794,610   99,542,995   102,967,314 
Average gold grade of ore mined (oz./DST):
                    
Cerro Yanacocha  0.022   0.034   0.030   0.012   0.023 
Carachugo        0.039   0.047   0.031 
Maqui Maqui               
San José        0.028       
La Quinua  0.029   0.023   0.021   0.022   0.016 
Total average gold grade of ore
  mined (oz./DST)
  0.025   0.028   0.026   0.019   0.021 
Gold Production (oz.):                    
Cerro Yanacocha  740,087   1,198,160   1,035,794   566,006   701,063 
Carachugo  701,491   421,967   308,600   307,867   400,452 
Maqui Maqui  45,612   38,631   21,747   21,460   32,550 
San José               
La Quinua  1,530,112   1,674,329   1,246,058   668,336   676,273 
Total gold (oz.)  3,017,302   3,333,088   2,612,199   1,563,669   1,810,338 
Exploration
 
Yanacocha’s explorationmining activities encompass 288,730288,047 hectares covered by 421422 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma holds the mining rights with respect to these hectares and has assigned the mining rights related to 108,569106,670 hectares to Yanacocha, which are covered by 163159 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma has assigned these mining concessions to Yanacocha pursuant to several assignments of mining rights.  Chaupiloma is in the process of assigning one mining concession to Yanacocha, and 5 mining concessions granted to Yanacocha are in process of getting transferred back to Chaupiloma.
 
Yanacocha has fourthree processing concessions from the MEM for its processing plants: Cerro Yanacocha (Cerro(Gold Mill, Cerro Negro, La Quinua and Yanacocha), Yanacocha (Carachugo and Pampalarga), the Yanacocha gold mill and China Linda.  The processing concessions have indefinite terms, subject to the payment of aan annual fee based on nominal capacity for the processing plant.
 
Exploration expenditures amounted to approximately US$32.328.2 million, US$28.2 million and US$28.223.0 million in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, respectively.  These expenditures have resulted in the identification of several deposits, which have been advanced to reserves, including Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua (which includes Cerro Negro), Chaquicocha, El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio, Quecher and Minas Conga (Perol, Chailhuagón and Amaro).  Exploration expenditures have also been used to identify deep sulfide mineralization beneath the oxide deposits at El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio, Maqui Maqui, Yanacocha and Chaquicocha.  In 2009,2010, exploration efforts will focus on the development of the Yanacocha Verde project, which relates to thegold-copper sulfide mineralized portion beneath the Yanacocha oxide deposit, as well as early stage explorationtargets in the Minas Conga and Yanacocha district.regions.
 
Yanacocha’s exploration expenditures include all of the costs associated with exploration activities such as drilling, geological and metallurgical testing.  In addition, exploration costs cover engineering and project development costs on advanced stage projects.  Yanacocha prepares a budget for each year and allocates an amount for exploration activities based on specific projects or regions.

66

 
Yanacocha intends to continue to develop the Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua and Chaquicocha gold deposit projects and the Minas Conga gold-copper deposit project over the next several years, while continuing to explore the remainder of the Yanacocha district along with the adjacent Minas Conga and Solitario mineral holdings.  Minas Conga currently consists of two gold-copper porphyry deposits located northeast of Yanacocha’s operating area in the provinces of Celendin, Cajamarca and Hualgayoc.  This project, incorporated to reserves beginning in 2004 and 2005, reported 11.8 million ounces of gold reserves and 3.2 billion pounds of copper reserves in 2008 and 2007.as of December 31, 2009.
 
For 2009, Yanacocha’s estimated2010, Yanacocha estimates expenditures will beof US$18.012.7 million for exploration, which will be expensed, and an additional US$2.511.2 million forrelated to delineation, characterization and sterilization activities for ore bodies that are currently classified as reserves, which will be capitalized.  Both expenditure estimates are exclusive of significant development engineering charges.  This budgeted amount will be expended mainly on the Cerro Yanacocha,Minas Conga, La Quinua and Minas CongaSan Jose deposits along with an extensive exploration program in Yanacocha’s properties.district and regional properties that Yanacocha controls.
 
62


In 2001 and 2002, activities resulted in the identification of a continuous, high-grade zone at Corimayo, which can be traced for at least 600 meters in a north-south direction and contains a significant volume of oxide material with grades of 5 to 20 grams per metric ton common through this zone.  At the end of 2003, Corimayo, Antonio and Quecher contained 3.00 million, 0.11 million and 0.04 million ounces of reserves, respectively.  In 2004, exploration efforts focused on the exploration of near-surface oxide deposits at Cerro Quilish, including Cerro Negro, and Chaquicocha, and the expansion of the Antonio deposit and the Giuliana prospect, located north of the Yanacocha Norte pit.  Exploration of gold-dominant sulfide mineralization continues beneath known oxide deposits at Yanacocha Sur, Chaquicocha, El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio and Maqui Maqui.  In 2004, infill drilling at Minas Conga added 8.7 million ounces of gold and 2.23 billion pounds of copper from the Perol and Chailhuagón deposits.  In 2005, additional infill drilling at Chaihuagón and Perol added 3.1 million ounces of gold and 0.99 billion pounds of copper reserves.  Several early stage target sites were tested by drilling, including Gentiles at the Minas Conga deposit and San Cirilo at the Solitario Regional Sector. In 2006, 400,000 ounces of gold were added to reserves from Chaquicocha.  In addition, early stage drilling continues at San Cirilo, Deborah corridor, Minas Conga and Yanacocha.  In 2007, Yanacocha added 1.27 million ounces of gold to its reserves; however, this was offset by losses of 0.84 million ounces of gold mainly due mainly to cost increases in some marginal pits.  The net gain to reserves was 0.44 million ounces derived mainly from development work at Maqui Maqui, La Quinua and Cerro Yanacocha deposits.  In 2008, Yanacocha’s gold reserves decreased mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.6 million ounces, as well as a decrease of 0.1 million ounces due to unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, transfer of reserves to non-reserve mineralization due to social issues and leach pad capacity limitations, partially offset by increases in metal price increases,prices, an increase in the expected recoverable ounces in leach pads and the improvement of pit design.  In 2009, the decrease in Yanacocha’s gold reserves was mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.7 million ounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to increases in metal prices, unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, stockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization to reserves and leach pad capacity limitations.
 
TransportationMining and RefiningProcessing Concessions
 
In Peru, as in many other countries, the government retains ownership of all subsurface land and mineral resources.  The doré bars producedsurface land, however, is owned by Yanacocha are transportedindividual landowners.  Our right to refineries outside of Peru and, accordingly, Yanacocha has entered into pre-established transportation contracts.  Yanacocha has engaged Hermes Transportes Blindados S.A., explore, extract, process and/or Hermes, to service its local transportation requirements.  Under the terms of Yanacocha’s agreement with Hermes, the risk of loss with respect to the doré bars is assumed in its entirety by Hermes during the transportation of the doré bars from the mines to Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima.  Thereafter, the responsibility for the doré bars shifts to the refiner, which has entered into a contract with an outside security firm to provide offshore transportation.  The doré bars are melted, weighed and sampled in refineries abroad, which store the doré bars in strong-room vaults and assume responsibility there for the doré bars.  Yanacocha pays a predetermined fee for the refining service.  The final output from refineries, known as London Good Deliveryproduce silver, gold and silver,other metals is credited to Yanacocha’s London bullion accounts until transferred to purchasers.granted by the Peruvian government in the form of mining and processing concessions.  The rights and obligations of holders of mining concessions, provisional permits and processing concessions are currently set forth in the General Mining Law (Single Unified Text approved by Supreme Decree 014-92-EM), which is administered by the MEM.
 

 
6742


Pursuant to the General Mining Law (Single Unified Text approved by Supreme Decreee 014-92-EM), in 1991 a system was established for granting new mining concessions, based on Universal Transversal Mercator Coordinates, or UTM Coordinates, to map the mining concessions and provisional permits on Peru’s land area.  Under this system, filers of mining claims filed after 1991 must obtain a mining concession before they may explore the areas claimed.  The application filed is known as petitorio.  A holder of a provisional permit, granted with respect to claims over an area claimed before 1991 who follows proper procedures to comply with the 1991 system, however, is permitted to continue to explore the area claimed, subject to compliance with the legal requirements to develop exploration activities.  Effective December 21, 2007, applications for mining concessions must be filed with the regional mining directors of each regional government and with INGEMMET.
Mining concessions granted since October 11, 2008 have an indefinite term, subject to (a) payment of an annual concession fee of US$3 per hectare claimed and (b) since 2009, as provided in Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054, achieving a minimum annual production of one Tax Unit (Unidad Impositiva Tributaria), or approximately US$1,263, per hectare with respect to metallic resources, and ten percent of one Tax Unit, or approximately US$126, with respect to non-metallic resources.  In case such minimum annual production is not achieved in the first six months after the expiration of the tenth year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted, holders of mining concessions shall pay an annual fine amounting to 10% of the minimum annual production per hectare, payable starting in the eleventh year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted until the year in which such minimum annual production is achieved.
If failure to achieve minimum production continues until the end of the fifteenth year since the title of the concession was granted, the concession will be cancelled.  The penalty shall be paid in addition to the annual concession fee and is payable when such annual concession fee is due.  However, such fifteen-year term can be extended for up to five additional years if the failure is due to force majeure, acts of God events or any reason not imputable to the concessionaire, duly demonstrated and approved by the relevant authority.  The cancellation may also be avoided by paying the penalty and demonstrating investments in the mining rights during the previous year of amounts more than ten times greater than the fine to be paid.  Such investments can be made in mining activities, infrastructure for the public use or in any of the matters listed in Article 4 of Supreme Decree No. 054-2008-EM.  If the failure to achieve minimum production remains after the twentieth year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted, the concession will be cancelled.
In order to calculate the production of and investment in each mining right, the titleholder may create an operating unit, or Unidad Económica Administrativa, provided the mining rights are all within a radius of five kilometers.  If, in any year, the concession fee is not paid, payment may be made the following year within the term provided for making such payment.  Any payment made will be applied to the prior year if such prior year was not paid.  Failure to pay such concession fees or fines for two years, whether consecutive or not, could result in the loss of one or more of the mining rights.  However, mining and processing concessions will not lapse if the administrative authority failed to issue a resolution declaring the termination of the concession within the first five years following the date on which such payment failure occurred.  Processing concessions have an indefinite term, subject to payment of a fee based on nominal capacity for the processing plant.  No other payments or royalties are required by the Peruvian government for us to maintain mining and exploration property rights in full force and effect.  As of 2002, the annual concession fee and the annual fine will be calculated pursuant to the provisions of: (1) the General Mining Law and (2)(a) Supreme Decree No. 010-2002-EM, effective since March 10, 2002, in the case of the annual fee and (b) Legislative Decree 1054, in force since January 1, 2009, in the case of the annual fine.  Provisions related to the procedure for cancelling a mining concession due to failure to pay concession fees or fines have been amended by Supreme Decree No. 045-2007-EM and No. 046-2008-EM.  We paid approximately US$3.5 million, US$3.2 million and US$3.1 million in fees for mining rights and approximately US$8,550, US$7,832 and US$18,400 in fees for processing concessions for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and are current in the payment of all amounts due in respect of our mining rights and processing concessions.

 
Sales of Gold
Yanacocha’s gold sales are made through a monthly open-bidding process in which Yanacocha auctions its production, corresponding to the next four to five weeks.  This bidding process is set up by Yanacocha with approximately 10 financial institutions and trading firms prior to each month.  Yanacocha collects bids and confirms sales.  The gold is typically sold on the date of departure from Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima.  If a portion of gold remains unsold, it is sold on the spot market within a few days.  Silver is sold on the spot market approximately once a month to financial institutions or trading firms.  The cash from such sales is received into a collection account in London against orders to the London bullion bank for deliveries of the gold and silver to the purchasers.
Delivery is made once a week and payments are collected the day of confirmation.  The payment price for the gold consists of either (i) the market price at the confirmation of the sale, or (ii) the average London PM Fixing price over the tendered period plus a small premium establishedHowever, pursuant to the bidding process.  Since 1994, Yanacochaprovisions of Supreme Decree No. 054-2008-EM, in the case of mining concessions that had already been granted on October 10, 2008, when the Supreme Decree was published, the terms to achieve the minimum annual production above mentioned shall be counted since the first business day of 2009. Until such terms counted since the first business day of 2009 do not expire, the provisions in force prior to the date where Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054 became effective, that is, the provisions applicable on December 31, 2008, related to terms and conditions to start production, determination of the amount to be paid as penalty, when the holder of a concession has consistently soldincurred in an event in which a concession can be cancelled, and any related matter, will continue being applied.  That is, the annual fine if a minimum annual production of US$100 per hectare, with respect to five or six financial institutionsmetallic resources, is not achieved before the expiration of the sixth year of tenure, counted from the year in which the title of the concession was granted, amounting to US$6 per hectare, will be payable starting in the seventh year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted until the year in which such minimum annual production is achieved. Failure to comply with the minimum annual production after the eleventh year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted would result in a US$20 per hectare penalty starting in the twelfth year counted since the year in which the title of the concession was granted until fifteenth year since the title of the concession was granted.  Likewise, until the terms contemplated in Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and trading firms at each auction.  Such buyers are market makers and active participants in precious metal markets.
Employees1054 expire (counted since the first business day of 2009), the minimum annual production will continue being US$100 per hectare with respect to metallic resources.
 
As of DecemberMay 31, 2008, Yanacocha had 3,134 employees. Compensation received by Yanacocha’s employees includes base salary2010, we owned and other non-cash benefits such as a health programadministered, directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries or in conjunction with joint venture partners, approximately 892,678 hectares devoted to mineral exploration and term life insurance.  In addition, pursuantmining operations.  Mining rights and processing concessions are in full force and effect under applicable Peruvian laws.  We believe that we are in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to the profit sharing plan mandated by Peruvian labor legislation, employeesmining rights and processing concessions and that we are not subject to any condition, occurrence or event that would cause the revocation, cancellation, lapse, expiration or termination thereof, except that we may, from time to time, allow to lapse, revoke, cancel or terminate mining rights and processing concessions that are not material to the conduct of our business.  The principal mining rights and processing concessions are (i) with respect to our mines, new applications (petitorios) filed for mining concessions at Yanacocha are entitledJulcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Colquijirca, Ishihuinca, Antapite, Recuperada and Shila-Paula; and (ii) with respect to receive eight percent of Yanacocha’s annual pre-tax profits, orour current exploration projects, new applications filed for mining concessions, the Employee Profit Sharing Amount, with fifty percent of such profits to be distributed based on the number of days each employee worked during the preceding yearprovisional pre-1991 permits and the remaining fifty percentmining concessions for the Tantahuatay, El Milagro, Trapiche, Breapampa and El Faique projects.  The principal processing concessions are the processing concessions of such profits to be distributed among the employees based on the aggregate annual salary of each employee.  Effective January 1, 1997, the annual payment to each employee under the profit sharing plan cannot exceed 18 times such employee’s monthly salary,concentrators at Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Colquijirca, Ishihuinca, Antapite, Recuperada and any difference between the Employee Profit Sharing Amount and the aggregate amount paid to employees must be contributed by Yanacocha to the Fondo Nacional de Capacitación Laboral y Promoción del Empleo, or FONDO-EMPLEO, a public fund established to promote employment and employee training.  Since 2005, if the amount contributed by Yanacocha exceeds 2,200 Unidades Impositivas Tributarias, or Tax Units, the excess should be dedicated exclusively to the financing of road infrastructure works and managed by the regional government.Shila-Paula.
 
In 1998,Both mining concessions and provisional permits claimed before 1991 conferred on their holders the Peruvian government issued additional regulations regardingright to mine underground ore reserves, and it is often the calculationcase that the titleholders of these mining rights are not the owners of the workers’ participation, which limitedland surface.  Since October 1996, pursuant to 18 monthly salariesPeruvian regulations, all operators of new mining areas in Peru are required to have an agreement with the total amountowners of the land surface above the mining rights to which each employeeestablish an easement upon such surface for mining purposes pursuant to General Mining Law.  Supreme Decree 020-2008-EM, effective since April 12, 2008, provides that such agreement is entitled.required prior to starting exploration activities.  In 2008, Legislative Decree No. 1064 went into effect and abrogated Law No. 26505 and the associated regulations contained in Supreme Decree No. 011-97-AG.  However, there is a differencein 2009 Law No. 29376 went into effect, abrogating Legislative Decree No. 1064 and reinstating Law No. 26505 and its associated regulations.  The now-abrogated Legislative Decree No. 1064 had complicated negotiations between mining operators and owners of the surface land by requiring any agreement between the parties to be negotiated under general contracting rules as opposed to under the special rules contemplated by Law No. 26505 and its associated regulations and Law No. 26570.  We have been actively seeking to acquire land surface, easements to land containing prospective geological exploration target sites, deposits that can be exploited in the criteria for the calculation between the lawfuture and its regulations.  Yanacocha followed the criteria established by the law in determining the amount to be paid to its employees since 1998.  In December 2006, Yanacocha accrued US$14.9 millionareas suitable as a liability for the possible workers’ profit participation contingency.  In addition, Yanacocha booked and wrote off a receivable amounting to US$11.6 million.  In September 2007, Yanacocha paid the balance of US$21.8 million (including interest) owed to employees, which exceeded the original amount accrued of US$6.9 million.  The additional amount mostly relates to interest paid by Yanacocha to employees.  As of December 31, 2008, Yanacocha had recovered US$2.3 million from FONDO-EMPLEO.plant or facility sites.
 

 
6844

 
 
PursuantOn December 19, 1998, Special Law No. 27015, the Law Regulating Mining Concessions in Urban Areas and Urban Expansion Areas, was released.  Law No. 27015 was amended by Law No. 27560, the Urban Mining Concessions Law.  Regulations pursuant to the Peruvian labor laws enactedUrban Mining Concessions Law were set forth in 1991, Yanacocha deposits funds for severance paymentsSupreme Decree No. 007-99-EM, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 041-2007-EM, effective as of July 26, 2007.  Under the Urban Mining Concessions Law, metallic or non-metallic mining concessions will be granted in a bank account selectedareas that have been or are designated as urban areas by each employee andmunicipal ordinances issued by the provincial municipality pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Regulations for the benefitTerritorial Conditioning, Urban Development and Environment approved by Supreme Decree No. 027-2003-Vivienda, published on October 6, 2003.
The granting of titles to metallic and non-metallic mining concessions in an area designated as an urban expansion area by means of municipal ordinances in force as of the date of filing of an application for a mining concession requires authorization through a Ministerial Resolution of the Ministry of Energy and Mines.  The issuance of a Ministerial Resolution requires the receipt of a resolution of the Council of the applicable provincial municipality.   The decision of whether or not to issue a Ministerial Resolution  will be made within sixty days of receipt of such employee,provincial municipality resolution.  If the opinion is negative or if no opinion is issued, the application for the mining concession will be rejected.  Any change from a metallic concession to a non-metallic concession and vice versa will be subject to these same requirements.
Applications for concessions in urban expansion areas will be presented on the basis of increments of 10 to 100 hectares under the UTM Coordinates system.  A mining concession in an urban expansion area, whether metallic or non-metallic, will be granted for a term of 10 years, renewable for like terms under the procedures set forth above for the grant of the initial concession.  In both May and Novemberurban areas or urban expansion areas the only legally valid easements for mining purposes are those which are entered into directly with the owner of each year.the surface area.
 
Yanacocha’s employees receiveLaw No. 28964, which became effective on January 25, 2007, created the benefitOrganismo Supervisor de la Inversión en Energía y Minería (OSINERGMIN) as the government agency in charge of oneregulating and auditing the electricity, hydrocarbon and mining activities of two typescompanies.  Law No. 28964 provides that overview and audit of pension arrangements.  All workers can choose to enroll in the system of the Oficina de Normalización Previsional (the Public Pension System, or ONP), or in a privately-managed system of individual contribution pension funds managed by the Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones, or AFPs.  Yanacocha is required to withhold 13 percent from the salary of each employee enrolled in the ONP system and pay such amountactivities related to the ONP system,environment, mining safety and withhold between 12.37 percenthealth regulations may be performed by companies duly certified and 12.96 percent from the salary of each employee enrolled in the AFP system and pay such amount to the respective AFP.  Yanacocha has no liability for the performance of these pension plans.approved by OSINERGMIN.
Environmental Matters
 
In addition, Yanacocha pays approximately 92005, Peru enacted the General Environmental Law (Law No. 28611), revoking Legislative Decree 613, which contained the environmental law that previously governed Peru.  Law No. 28611 establishes the main guidelines and principles to ensure a clean environment and incorporates a number of environmental management guidelines relating mainly to emissions standards.  Pursuant to Law No. 28817, the National Environmental Authority has until July 22, 2008 to approve the environmental emission standards and the maximum permissible levels of emission following the procedure contemplated in Supreme Decree No. 033-2007-PCM.
45

Before the General Environmental Law was passed, the Peruvian government issued (a) Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM approving the Regulations of Title Fifteen of the General Mining Law, Regulations for Environmental Protection of the Mining and Metallurgical Activities, as amended and supplemented by Supreme Decrees Nos. 059-93-EM, 029-99-EM, 022-2002-EM, 03-2009-EM and 078-2009-EM and (b) Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM containing the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 018-2003-EM and Supreme Decree No. 046-2005-EM.  On April 2, 2008 Supreme Decree No. 020-2008-EM, approving new Environmental Regulations for Mining Exploration Activities, became effective.  Holders of mining concessions, whether or not in urban areas or urban expansion areas, that want to develop mining exploration activities must comply with the provisions of such new regulations as well as those applicable provisions set forth in Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM, as amended and supplemented by Supreme Decrees Nos. 059-93-EM, 029-99-EM, 022-2002-EM, 03-2009-EM and 078-2009-EM, as well as the provisions contained in the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities set forth in Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM published on July 26, 2001, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 018-2003-EM and Supreme Decree No. 046-2005-EM.  Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM and the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities set forth in Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM as amended are also applicable to exploitation activities.  Failure to comply with the provisions of the aforementioned regulations may be punished with a fine or by the temporary suspension of mining activities.  In the event of continuing non-compliance, the mining concession may be revoked.
The MEM approves environmental studies and sets specific environmental standards.  In particular, the MEM has established standards for emissions or discharges of liquid and gas effluents.  Supervision of environmental commitments compliance is performed by OSINERGMIN, the body in charge of overseeing investment in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors.  However, pursuant to Supreme Decree 001-2010MINAM, OSINERGMIN must transfer its environmental supervision functions to the Environmental Evaluation and Oversight Agency, or OEFA.  Starting in August 2010, OEFA will have the authority to carry out unexpected audits and fine companies if they fail to comply with prescribed environmental standards.
The MEM has issued regulations that establish maximum permissible levels of (i) emissions of liquid effluents and (ii) elements and compounds present in gaseous emissions resulting from the mining activities approved by Ministerial Resolution No. 011/96-EM/VMM and Ministerial Resolution No. 315-96-EM-VMM, respectively.
Generally, holders of mining rights and processing plants that were in operation prior to May 2, 1993 have a maximum of 10 years to comply with the maximum permissible levels; in the meantime, they must prepare their Programas de Adecuación y Manejo Ambiental (Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs, or PAMAs) to comply with more stringent maximum permissible levels.  Under Peruvian environmental regulations passed in 1993, a company that initiated operations prior to May 2, 1993, as is the case for us and most of our affiliated companies, was required to file with the Peruvian government an Evaluación Ambiental Preliminar (Preliminary Environmental Evaluation, or EVAP) for each of its mining units to disclose any pollution problems in its operations and, thereafter, to submit a follow-up PAMA aimed at implementing measures in order to solve problems identified in the EVAP.  Companies must correct the pollution problems relating to their mining activities within five years, while smelters must comply within ten years.  These companies must allocate no less than one percent of its total payrolltheir annual sales to ES-SALUD,redress the problems identified in their EVAPs and contemplated in their PAMAs.  Mining and processing activities that began after May 2, 1993 or had at that time a specific environmental program will be required to file and obtain approval for an EIS before being authorized to operate.  Mining and plant processing activities that began after May 2, 1993 are required to comply with the more stringent maximum permissible levels for liquid effluents from the initiation of their operations.
Many of our mining rights and processing plants were in operation prior to May 2, 1993, and we are in substantial compliance with the maximum permissible levels.  EVAPs for Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Recuperada, Ishihuinca and Shila were all accepted between August and September 1995.  Between November 2002 and April 2003, the MEM approved and verified the PAMAs for all these entities, issuing and approving resolution for each respective mining unit.  The EISs for Paula, Antapite, Esperanza, Poracota and Pozo Rico were approved in 2001, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
46


EISs for capacity expansion at the Orcopampa, Uchucchacua and Antapite mines were approved in 2004, 2006 and 2008, respectively.
The MEM approved the EISs for the Huancarama-Chipmo-Poracota and La Zanja transmission lines and their substations in 2006 and 2008, respectively.  This connection to the national grid should result in lower energy costs.
In 2009, the MEM approved the EISs for the La Zanja, Mallay, Tantahuatay Esperanza and Angélica Rublo Chico projects.
There were no regulations for mining explorations prior to DS No 038-98-EM-VMM, Reglamento de Exploración Minera (Law that regulates the Mining Explorations), which was published in 1998.  In 2008, DS No 038-98-EM-VMM was abrogated and replaced by DS 020-2008-EM, which governs exploration mining activities, the permits and environmental documents required for such activities, the contents of such documents, the competent authorities to approve them and other related matters.  Under DS 020-2008-EM, exploration activities are divided into 2 categories, Category I and Category II.  Category I exploration activities are those involving no more than 20 drilling platforms and environmentally affecting no more than 10 hectares, while Category II exploration activities are those involving more than 20 drilling platforms and environmentally affecting more than 10 hectares.  For exploration activites under Category I, an Environmental Impact Declaration, or EID, is required, and for exploration activities under Category II, a Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study, or EISsd, is required, which incorporates technical, environmental and social matters.  Exploration activities must start within the twelve months following the date that the EID or the EISsd is approved.  The commitments assumed by mining companies in their EID, EISsd and EIS are mandatory; if they are not fulfilled, OSINERGMIN has the authority to fine these companies.
In May 2008, MEM enacted DS 028-2008, which establishes the right of every person to participate in the process of making decisions related to the sustainable development of mining activities on government territory. The EID, EIS and EISsd require local communities to have an opportunity to actively participate in this process.
The EA for Mallay was approved in August 2005.  In 2006, the EAs for Hallazgo and Breapampa were approved and the ones for Angelica Rublo, El Milagro, Trapiche, Anamaray-Jancapata and Ampato were approved in 2007. The EID for Chucapaca was approved in 2008, and the ones for Mulanan and Pariguanas were approved in 2009.
In May 2008, the Environmental Ministry of Peru was established by legislative decree. The principal functions of the Environmental Ministry include formulating and implementing policies and regulations relating to environmental matters and controlling pollution through supervision and education.  For example, the Environmental Ministry is responsible for approving Environmental Quality Standards for water and air.  In the case of water quality standards, all the Peruvian social security agency, for general health services for all employees.  Law No. 26790 also requires Yanacochamining companies must present updated environmental management plans by December 19, 2010.  Also, the Environmental Ministry has to provide private insurance representing an average payment equalbe in continuous communication with several institutions (INRENA, DIGESA, IMARPE, DGAA, among others) and develop a decentralized system to 1.48 percentmanage natural resources and protect the environment.  Some of the payrollmain regulations are the approval of covered employeesEnvironmental Quality Standards for employment-related incapacitywater and death for blue collar employees and other employees exposed to mining-related hazards.
Yanacocha has entered into arrangements with independent contractors that are responsible forair.  In the security services and staffing for several operational and administrative areas.  Ascase of water, all the Peruvian mining companies must present their updated environmental management plans before December 31, 2008, independent contractors employed 5,765 persons who worked at Yanacocha’s operations.  In 2004, Yanacocha entered into its first collective bargaining agreement with Workers’ Union of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L., or the Union, which was created on December 9, 2003.  Because the Union’s 605 members as of December 31, 2006 represented a minority of Yanacocha’s employees, the collective bargaining agreement applied only to the Union’s members and expired on February 28, 2007.  In May 2007, Yanacocha completed negotiations with the Union’s members and entered into a new collective bargaining agreement, which is applicable only to the Union’s members and effective from March 2007 to February19, 2010.
 
In November 2007, a small percentage
47


Except as described above, there are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against us with respect to any environmental matters.
Law No. 28090, Ley que Regula el Cierre de Minas (Law that Regulates the Closing of Union members engaged in a two-day strike notwithstandingMines), was published on October 14, 2003, establishing the recent collective bargaining agreement reached between Yanacochaobligations and procedures that mining companies must follow to prepare, submit and execute plans for the closing of mines, or Closure Plans, and the Union.granting of environmental guarantees to secure compliance with Closure Plans.  Pursuant to Law No. 28090, as amended by Law No. 28507, published on May 8, 2005 and the Mine Closure Regulations approved by Supreme Decree 033-2005-EM, published on August 15, 2005, as amended by Supreme Decrees No. 035-2006-EM, No. 045-2006-EM and No. 054-2008-EM, we are required to (i) submit a Closure Plan for “New Projects” to the MEM within one year following approval of the EIS or PAMA, or in the case of “Existing Projects”, one year after August 15, 2005; (ii) submit a modification to the Closure Plan to the MEM within nine months after August 15, 2005; (iii) inform the MEM semi-annually of any progress on the conditions established in the Closure Plan; (iv) perform the Closure Plan consistent with the schedule approved by the MEM during the life of the concession; and (v) grant an environmental guarantee that covers the estimated amount of the Closure Plan.  The strike did notguarantee may be in the form of cash, trusts, and any other guarantee contemplated in the Banking Law.  Supreme Decree No. 045-2006-EM, dated August 14, 2006, amended Articles 8 and 51 of the Mine Closure Regulations relating to companies obliged to submit a duly approved Closure Plan.  Article 51 refers to the method of calculating the guarantee.  Supreme Decree No. 016-2005-EM governs the operation of the Registro de Entidades Autorizadas a Elaborar Planes de Cierre de Mina (Registry for Authorized Entities to Elaborate the Closing of Mines).  Only the entities recorded in such registry are allowed to prepare the Closure Plan.  The Mine Closure Regulations, Supreme Decree No. 033-2005-EM, deals with the effects on health, safety, property and the environment at the end of the productive life of mining-related facilities.
We have presented Closure Plans to the MEM for all our mines and advanced explorations.  To date, the MEM has approved our Closure Plans for Julcani, Recuperada, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Antapite, Caravelí, Shila, Esperanza, Pozo Rico, Mallay, Trapiche, Angélica Rublo Chico and Anamaray-Jancapata.
On November 9, 2009 Supreme Decree No. 078-2009-EM became effective, creating additional environmental obligations for the holders of mining concessions.  Under this provision, holders of mining concessions that have performed mining activities, including mining exploration, exploitation and processing activities or related activities, without having an Environmental Certification will be required to prepare and perform an Environmental Remediation Plan to cure the environmental impact in the areas in which such activities have been conducted.  The Environmental Remediation Plan will contain a detailed description of all the mining items and activities performed without the correspondant Environmental Certification, including maps and related information, a detailed description of the environmental impacts created by such activities, a detailed description of the remediation actions, a detailed description of the compensation that is proposed to be made, a budget and schedule of the remediation activities, including their costs, a bond in favor of MEM for the cost of the execution of the measures contained in the Environmental Remediation Plan and other specific information contained in Article 4 of Supreme Decree No. 078-2009-EM.
48


Law No. 28271, Ley que Regula los Pasivos Ambientales de la Actividad Minera (Law that Regulates the Mining Liabilities of the Mining Activities), became effective on July 7, 2004 to regulate the identification of liabilities in mining activity and financial responsibility for remediation, in each case to mitigate any materialnegative impact mining may have with respect to the health of the population, environment and property.  Pursuant to Law No. 28271, as amended by Law No. 28526, published on Yanacocha’s operations; neverthelessMay 25, 2005, Legislative Decree No. 1042, published on June 26, 2008, and the Mining Environmental Liabilities Regulations approved by Supreme Decree No. 059-2005-EM, published on December 8, 2005, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 003-2009-EM, the technical branch of the MEM will identify environmental liabilities, mining companies responsible for abandoned mining facilities, mining works and residue deposits that may be linked to such environmental liabilities and holders of inactive mining concessions with mining liabilities.  Holders of inactive mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities will be required to submit a Closure Plan within one year of the date in which Supreme Decree No. 059-2005-EM became effective.  The Peruvian government will only assume the environmental mining liabilities of unidentified holders.  In addition, holders will enter into environmental remediation agreements with the MEM, acting through the General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs, to perform any studies and work necessary to control and mitigate the risk and effects of any contamination, which will be financed by the Fondo Nacional del Ambiente – FONAM.  A Closure Plan must be submitted one year after the approval of the EIS by the General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs.  On March 30, 2010 Ministerial Resolution No. 136-2010-MEM/DM, approving the forms of agreements for the voluntary remediation of mining liabilities, became effective.
We have presented Closure Plans to the MEM for all our mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities.  To date, the MEM has approved the mining liabilities for Hualchocopa, Lircay, Bella Unión-Pucaray and Chaquelle.
We anticipate additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters.  The development of more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru could impose constraints and additional costs on our operations, and we would be required to make significant additional capital expenditures in the future.  Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations of which we are now aware, there can beis no assurance that Yanacochafuture legislation or regulatory developments will not experience other strikeshave an adverse effect on our business or labor-related work stoppagesresults of operations.
Permits
We believe that our mines and facilities have all necessary material permits.  All future exploration projects will require a variety of permits.  Although we believe the permits for these projects can be obtained in a timely fashion, permitting procedures are complex, time-consuming and subject to potential regulatory delay.  We cannot predict whether we will be able to renew our existing permits or whether material changes in existing permitting conditions will be imposed.  Non-renewal of existing permits or the imposition of additional conditions could have a material adverse effect on its operationsour financial condition or its operating results.results of operations.
 
Since commencement of operations, Yanacocha’s rate of turnover has been less than ten percent per year.  Yanacocha has informed us that it considers its relations with its employees to be good.  Yanacocha annually evaluates employee relations using an anonymous employee opinion survey to measure employee opinions of its benefits and policies.  Approximately 80 percent of payroll employees participate in this survey each year.Insurance
 
Social DevelopmentWe maintain a comprehensive insurance program designed to address specific risks associated with our operations, in addition to covering the insured risks common to major mining companies.  Our insurance program is provided through the local Peruvian insurance market and includes employers’ liability, comprehensive third party general liability, comprehensive automobile liability, all risk property on a replacement basis, including transit risks, business interruption insurance and mining equipment.
 
Since its formation, Yanacocha has been attentive to its relationship with the community in the fields of social relations and development.

 
6949

 

Mining Royalties
Article 20 of Law No. 26821, Ley Orgánica para el Aprovechamiento Sostenible de los Recursos Naturales, establishes that private companies must pay compensation to the Peruvian government for the economic use of natural resources.  Law No. 28258, published on June 24, 2004 and amended by Law No. 28323, created a mining royalty (regalia minera) that holders of mining concessions must pay on a monthly basis to the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  The royalty, which is the compensation referred to in Article 20 of Law No. 26821, Ley Orgánica para el Aprovechamiento Sostenible de los Recursos Naturales, is not considered a tax.  However, it will be included in the scope of the Mining Law Stabilization Agreements and mining companies that are taxpayers and are party to such Stabilization Agreements will not have to pay this compensation or royalty during the life of their Stabilization Agreements.  Although we are not party to a Stabilization Agreement, Yanacocha has entered into Mining Law Stabilization Agreements under the General Mining Law with the Peruvian government.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha—Operating Results.”  Law No. 28969, effective since January 26, 2007, provides that government tax agencies are responsible for the collection of mining royalties and establishes rules relating to the calculation of royalties, valuation methods and penalties.
The royalty is calculated on revenue from sales of product (based on the international market price) less certain refining and transportation expenses.  The mining royalty to be paid for ore concentrates with a value (i) up to US$60 million per year, is 1 percent of such value, (ii) between US$60 million and US$120 million per year, is 2 percent of such value and (ii) in excess of US$120 million per year, is 3 percent of such value.  The MEM will publish the international market price of minerals and in the event that a mineral does not have an international market price, the mining royalty will be 1 percent of the mining component.
Negotiated Payment (voluntary contribution)
During 2006 Peruvian mining companies, represented by the External Affairs Management, an internal department within Yanacocha, through its Community RelationsSociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía, agreed to a voluntary mining payment equivalent to 3.75 percent of net income after taxes.  The payment was negotiated with the Peruvian government and Rural Development Departments, established social development programs that address 122 rural communitiesis intended to support government efforts to alleviate poverty.  On December 21, 2006, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree No. 071-2006-EM, which approved the form of agreement to be entered into by mining companies and the cityPeruvian government.  The form of Cajamarca.  To implement these programs, Yanacocha developed active relationships with domesticagreement contains the conditions under which the negotiated payment will be paid.  The payment amounts to 3.75 percent of Peruvian net income after income tax, including 2.75 percent to be paid to a local mining fund and foreign institutions1 percent to be paid to a regional mining fund.  This payment is payable from 2006 through 2010, contingent on the price of gold.  Payments are required to be made on or before April 30th of each year, after the income tax sworn declaration is submitted to the Peruvian tax authority.  Pursuant to Supreme Decree 033-2007-EM, mining companies can make payments to the local and organizations, includingto the regional funds after such deadline provided that the prior approval of the Ministry of Health,Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Education,Economy and Finance is obtained.  Fulfillment of the payment obligations will be controlled by an audit entity recorded as such with CONASEV to be agreed upon among the mining company, the Ministry of Agriculture,Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Foreign TradeEconomy and Tourism,Finance.  We and Yanacocha paid a total of US$1.53 million and US$18.1 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2009.
In February 2007, under the framework of this agreement executed with the Peruvian government (D.S. No. 071-2006-EM), we formed a trust in the Banco de Credito del Peru to serve two funds: the Buenaventura Local Mining Fund and the Buenaventura Regional Mining Fund.  Proceeds from these funds were used to provide school furniture, teacher training and healthcare equipment.
50


On November 8, 2007, Cerro Verde executed an agreement with the Peruvian government in accordance with the terms outlined above, resulting in a contribution of US$16.7 million and US$32.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, which was paid in the first half of 2008.  An expense of US$29.5 million was recorded in 2008 and was paid in the first half of 2009.  An expense of US$27.6 million was recorded in 2009.  Each of these amounts is recorded as a negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) in the Cerro Verde Financial Statements.
Organizational Structure
As of May 31, 2010, we conducted our mining operations directly and through various majority-owned subsidiaries, controlled companies and other affiliated companies as described in the following organizational chart.
51

52

Intermediate Holding Companies, Subsidiaries and Equity Participations
Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.
Condesa, which is wholly-owned by us, is a mining and facilities holding company with direct and indirect ownership participation in two mining-related entities, Cedimin and Yanacocha, and in exploration projects conducted by Minas Conga and Conenhua (as defined below).  See “—Business Overview—Exploration.”  As a partner in Yanacocha, Condesa shares responsibility for the investments made in the Yanacocha mine.  In addition, on August 15, 2007, Cedimin transferred its equity interest in Chaupiloma to Condesa, and, as a result, Condesa now receives a portion of the royalty revenues paid by Yanacocha to Chaupiloma equal to such ownership interest.  See “—S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca” below.  Condesa also holds a 7.68 percent interest in us.
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C.
Cedimin, wholly-owned by us, is a mining and facilities holding company.  At December 31, 2005, Cedimin held a 40 percent participation in Minas Conga and a 40 percent interest in S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca.  See “—The Company—History and Development” and “—S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca” below.  See “—The Company—History and Development” for a description of the legal proceedings in the Peruvian courts concerning the ownership of certain shares of Cedimin originally held by BRGM.  On August 15, 2007, Cedimin transferred its equity interest in Chaupiloma to Condesa.
As of January 2, 2003, Minera Shila S.A.C. merged with and into Cedimin.  As a result of the merger, our interest in Cedimin increased from 0.0009 percent before the merger to 44.83 percent after the merger, and Condesa’s interest in Cedimin decreased from 99.9991 percent before the merger to 55.17 percent after the merger.  In addition, on October 22, 2004, Cedimin acquired a 100 percent equity interest in Inversiones Mineras Aureas S.A.C., or Mineras Aureas, which had a 49 percent interest in Minera Paula 49 S.A.C., or Minera Paula.  As a result of this acquisition, Minera Paula became wholly-owned by us.  As of December 31, 2004, Mineras Aureas and Minera Paula merged with and into Cedimin and are no longer separate legal entities.
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca local governments, International Finance Corporation, CITE Koriwasi, Cooperative Housing Foundation or CHF, Asociacion para el Desarrollo Rural
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca, or ASPADERUC, Asociacion para el Desarrollo ForestalChaupiloma, is a Peruvian limited liability company that holds all of the mining rights for the areas mined by Yanacocha and Minas Conga.  Chaupiloma receives a royalty that is calculated as a percentage of the total revenues of Yanacocha.  We, Condesa and Newmont Peru own a 20 percent interest, a 40 percent interest and a 40 percent interest, respectively, in Chaupiloma.  We own, directly and indirectly, through our interest in Condesa, a 60 percent interest in Chaupiloma.
Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A.
Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A., or ADEFOR, Camara Regional de TurismoConenhua, is an electrical transmission company that provides a significant portion of our electrical needs through its transmission facilities.  We own 100 percent of Conenhua and manage its operations.  Conenhua obtained the concession for power transmission in the Huancavelica area in 1983, enabling us to buy energy from Electro Perú and to transmit electric power to our mining facilities through our own facilities.  The provinces of Huancavelica, Angaraes, Acobamba and Castrovirreyna are now connected to the system.  Conenhua also provides electric power to other mining companies in the area.  In 2009, Conenhua sold 46.85 million kilowatt hours, or CARETUR, FONDO-EMPLEO, Antares, Asociacion para el Desarrollo Local or ASODEL, Foncreagro, Cenfotur and Aprec, among others.  In 2006, Yanacocha invested up to US$24 millionkWh, in its social development programs, includingHuancavelica.  Revenues generated by Conenhua benefit us in the Conga project. In 2007, Yanacocha invested US$4.9 million in educational infrastructureform of operational costs savings at the Davey schoolrate of US$0.11 per kWh for thermoelectric generation.  Conenhua has become the operator of Paragsha II-Uchucchacua, the power line which provides electricity to the Uchucchacua mine and US$7.6two other mines and, in 2009, Conenhua provided 99.83 million for road improvements.  YanacochakWh to those mines.  Conenhua also invested US$6.9operates the Callalli-Ares power line, which in 2009 provided 91.15 million in development projects for rural areas, including community capacity building, agriculture, health, educationkWh to the Orcopampa, Poracota and other projects.Shila-Paula mines.  In addition, Conenhua provides the Antapite mine (which was operated by Inminsur (as defined below) until 2006) with electricity, including electrical power service and maintenance and, in 2009, Conenhua provided 13.84 million kWh to this mine.  In 2009, Conenhua provided 711.73 million kWh to Yanacocha, investeda 23.5 percent increase compared to 2008. Conenhua’s revenues in 2009 amounted to US$5.2 million in mitigation programs in areas such as Tual, La Quinua, La Shacsha, La Ramada, Lagamarca and Granja Porcón.18.3 million.
 
During 2008, Yanacocha invested a total of US$55.5 million in social issues, including US$4.3 million for social development, US$16.8 million related to completing pending commitments and US$34.4 million for social impact mitigation related to the La Quinua Central project, including the costs of the San José Reservoir operation system.  The social investment projects are focused on water management, local economic development, education, health and institutional strengthening.
53

 
In order to secure a reliable energy supply from a clean and renewable source for our nearest operations and projects at competitive prices, CONENHUA, through its subsidiary Empresa de Generacion Huanza, was commissioned to construct a 90.6 MW capacity hydroelectric power plant in the valley of Santa Eulalia. This US$145 million project commenced in March 2010 and should be completed within a 33-month period.  Approximately 80% of the total investment will be financed with a lease obtained from Banco de Credito del Peru.  In order to wholly control this project, we had to convey our rights over the project for the Marañón hydroelectric power plant.
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A., or BISA, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, has provided geological, engineering, design and construction consulting services to the mining sector for over 30 years.  During this time, BISA has consulted in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador on a range of projects, operations and expansions.  In 1995, BISA created an environmental services group.  In 2007, BISA inaugurated its Mineralogical Characterization Laboratory for the analysis of rocks and minerals.  BISA owns a 99.95 percent interest in Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A., an insurance brokerage company that provides insurance brokerage and related services to us and our affiliates.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, BISA participated in 231, 210 and 249 projects, respectively, for domestic and international mining industry customers in Latin America, including the preparation of Environmental Impact Studies and Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs.  In 2009, BISA’s revenues amounted to US$24 million.
Sociedad Minera Coshuro S.A.
Sociedad Minera Coshuro S.A., or Coshuro, which began operations in December 1995, was created jointly by us and Newmont Peru to conduct gold mining exploration in the Yanacocha volcanic belt.  Coshuro was 35 percent owned by us until December 20, 2000, on which date Newmont Peru transferred 10.9 percent of its interest in Coshuro to us.  As a result, we currently hold a 45.9 percent interest in Coshuro.  On August 13, 2002, Coshuro authorized the separation and transfer to us of all of the mining concessions granted to Coshuro pursuant to a Separation Agreement dated September 25, 2000.  The mining concessions were transferred to Minera La Zanja S.R.L., in which we hold a 53.06 percent equity interest.
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. / Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A., or El Brocal, owns the Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte mines.  El Brocal was formed in 1956 and is engaged in the extraction, concentration and sale of concentrates of polymetallic minerals, mainly zinc, lead and silver.  As of December 31, 2008, we held a 61.42 percent interest in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A., which in turn held a 51.06 percent interest in El Brocal, and a 4.41 percent direct interest in El Brocal’s mining properties.  Our total equity interest in El Brocal was 35.77 percent as of December 31, 2008. On March 11, 2009, we purchased Teck Cominco’s equity stake in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. for US$35.0 million, increasing our equity interest in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. to 81.22 percent and our overall equity interest in El Brocal to 45.97 percent.
54


Minera La Zanja S.R.L. 
Minera La Zanja S.R.L., or La Zanja, controls 32,070 hectares of mineralized ground in the La Zanja project, which is located 35 kilometers north-west of Cajamarca city.  Originally, the La Zanja project was part of the Northern Peru joint mining exploration project, which was 35 percent owned by us and 65 percent owned by Newmont Peru.  La Zanja, which is currently 53 percent owned by us and 47 percent owned by Newmont Peru, is expected to commence production in the second half of 2010 as an open-pit mine producing gold and silver.
Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C
Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C. holds mining rights to the Chucapaca project.  Gold Fields holds a 51% equity interest in this company.
Ferrovías Central Andino S.A.
We hold 10 percent of Ferrovías Central Andino S.A., or Ferrovías, a railroad company, pursuant to a concession granted to a consortium of several companies in April 2000.  Among the other companies holding interests in the share capital of Ferrovías are Railroad Development Corporation, Cemento Andino S.A., Commonwealth Development Corporation and others.  Ferrovías provides transportation for concentrates from El Brocal’s mining operations.
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
We currently hold a 19.26 percent interest in Cerro Verde, which owns the Cerro Verde copper deposit located approximately 1,100 kilometers southeast of Lima.  The Peruvian government previously owned and operated the mine.  In November 1993, the Cerro Verde operation was privatized.  Cyprus Climax Metals Company (now a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc.) bought 91.65 percent and, pursuant to Peruvian privatization laws, the employees of Cerro Verde purchased approximately 8.35 percent of the shares of Cerro Verde.  Cyprus Climax Metals Company paid US$33.9 million for its equity interest in Cerro Verde and made a US$485 million capital commitment to finance the construction of the facilities.  Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. is currently the operator and senior partner of Cerro Verde.
On June 1, 2005, Cerro Verde completed a capital increase.  As a result of the capital increase, SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V. acquired a 21 percent equity interest in Cerro Verde.  In addition, Yanacocha madewe increased our equity interest in Cerro Verde from 9.17 percent to 18.21 percent.  The remaining minority shareholders own 7.23 percent of Cerro Verde through shares publicly traded on the Lima Stock Exchange.  As a result of the transaction, Cerro Verde received US$1.5441.7 million in contributions for social investment throughcash, net of US$1.0 million in expenses, and Phelps Dodge’s interest in Cerro Verde was reduced to 53.56 percent from 82.48 percent.  In March 2007, Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. acquired Phelps Dodge.  Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. maintains a majority interest in Cerro Verde.  Since June 1, 2005, we have purchased additional common shares in Cerro Verde on the Asociación Los Andes de Cajamarca, US$2.1 million through the FONCREAGO and US$16.4 million through the Fondo de Solidaridad.Lima Stock Exchange, increasing our interest to 19.26 percent as of December 31, 2009.
 
Since 1993, Yanacocha has invested nearly US$172 millionPresented in social development programs including education, health, social infrastructure (schoolsthe table below is certain financial and medical posts), productive infrastructure projects, rural electrification, roads, transformation plants, business promotion programs, local tourist programs, livestockoperating data regarding Cerro Verde for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and agricultural assistance programs.2009:
 
Security
55

  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Income statement data(1)
         
Total revenues (US$ in thousands)  1,794,559   1,835,911   1,757,510 
Net income (US$ in thousands)  804,685   718,433   708,528 
Proven and Probable Reserves(2)
            
Leachable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  309,402   287,751   243,780 
Millable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  1,456,232   2,734,830   2,809,085 
Average copper grade of leachable ore reserves (%)  0.44   0.46   0.43 
Average copper grade of millable ore reserves (%)  0.44   0.37   0.43 
Production(3)
            
Cathodes (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  203,595   194,531   206,514 
Concentrates (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  390,632   499,955   455,112 
Price (US$ per metric ton)  7,126   6,952   5,164 

(1)Derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements filed with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
(2)Reserve calculations are derived from the audited financial statements filed by Cerro Verde with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The calculation or estimation of proven and probable ore reserves for Cerro Verde may differ in some respects to the calculations of proven and probable reserves for us and Yanacocha located elsewhere in this Annual Report.  According to Cerro Verde, ore estimates for Cerro Verde are based upon engineering evaluations of assay values derived from samplings of drill holes and other openings.  Cerro Verde’s ore estimates includes assessments or the resource, mining and metallurgy, as well as consideration of economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors, including projected long-term prices for copper and molybdenum and Cerro Verde’s estimate of future cost trends.
(3)Derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements filed with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
56


YANACOCHA
Overview
Founded in Peru in 1992, Yanacocha is the largest gold producer in South America.  Yanacocha produced 2,058,181 ounces of gold in 2009, its sixteenth full year of operations.  Yanacocha’s operations are located in the Andes Mountains in Northern Peru in the area of Cajamarca, located approximately 900 kilometers north of Lima and north of the City of Cajamarca at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level.  The Yanacocha property consists of six open-pit mines: Carachugo, Chaquicocha, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua.  As of December 31, 2009, the Chaquicocha, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mines were in operation.  As of December 31, 2009, Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves (excluding Conga’s proven and probable reserves) were estimated to be 10.5 million ounces of gold, representing a 19 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2008, which were estimated to be 13.0 million ounces of gold.  The decrease in reserves of gold was mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.7 million ounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to increases in metal prices, unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, stockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization to reserves and leach pad capacity limitations. As of December 31, 2009, Conga’s proven and probable reserves were estimated to be 11.8 million ounces of gold and 3.2 billion pounds of copper, representing no change from estimated 2008 gold and copper reserves.  As of December 31, 2009, Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves (including Conga) were estimated to be 22.4 million ounces of gold, representing a 10 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2008, which were estimated to be 24.9 million ounces of gold. Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves of copper were 3.2 billion pounds as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Proven and probable reserves are based on extensive drilling, sampling, mine modeling and metallurgical testing from which economic feasibility has been determined.  Under the Management Contract (as defined below), Newmont Mining, in conjunction with Yanacocha, calculates Yanacocha’s reserves by methods generally applied within the mining industry and in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7.  Reserves represent estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that, under present and anticipated conditions, may be economically mined and processed.  Newmont Mining has not quoted silver reserves at Yanacocha for the last year due to recovery issues.
Yanacocha’s mining activities encompass 288,047 hectares covered by 422 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma holds the mining rights with respect to these hectares and has assigned the mining rights related to 106,670 hectares to Yanacocha, which are covered by 159 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma has assigned these mining concessions to Yanacocha pursuant to several assignments of mining rights.  Chaupiloma is in the process of assigning one mining concession to Yanacocha, and five mining concessions granted to Yanacocha are in process of being transferred back to Chaupiloma.
In 1994, its first full year of production, Yanacocha produced 304,552 ounces of gold.  Yanacocha produced 3,333,088 ounces in 2005, 2,612,199 ounces in 2006, 1,563,669 ounces in 2007, 1,810,338 ounces in 2008 and 2,058,180 ounces in 2009.  Yanacocha expects production to decrease by approximately 27 percent from the 2009 production level to 1,499,094 ounces in 2010, mainly as a result of lower volume of ore placed and lower ore grade.  Yanacocha believes that it was one of the world’s lowest cost gold producers in 2009, with a cost per ounce of gold sold of US$325.  Yanacocha’s cost per ounce of gold sold was US$358 in 2008, US$324 in 2007, US$201 in 2006 and US$153 in 2005.
57


The increase in gold production in 2009 as compared to 2008 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and mill tons placed, which was 129.3 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 92.6 million dry metric tons for year ended December 31, 2008, and a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 0.34 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Yanacocha expects production of silver to increase by approximately 33 percent from the 2009 production level to 5,808,533 ounces in 2010, mainly as a result of higher production at the mill. Silver production was 24,467 ounces in 1993, Yanacocha’s first full year of production, 4,342,292 ounces in 2005, 3,441,401 ounces in 2006, 2,318,696 ounces in 2007, 3,539,008 ounces in 2008 and 4,367,258 ounces in 2009.  The increase in silver production in 2009 as compared to 2008 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and mill tons placed, which was 129.3 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 92.6 dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2008, and a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 0.34 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Yanacocha is owned 51.35 percent by Newmont Mining, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Newmont Second, 43.65 percent by us through our wholly-owned subsidiary Condesa and 5 percent by IFC.  Yanacocha is managed by Newmont Peru.  See “—Management of Yanacocha—General Manager/Management Agreement.”  Since 1992, aggregate capital contributions of US$2.3 million have been made by Condesa, Newmont Second and IFC to Yanacocha.  Although Yanacocha did not pay dividends during its development years, 1992 through 1994, cash dividends were distributed from 1995 to 2000.  In 2001, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$10 million in dividends in respect of 2000 earnings and elected to reinvest US$80 million from 2001 profits based on a new reinvestment program for the years 2001 to 2004.  In December 2001, the MEM approved the 1998 reinvestment program (increased in 1999) for US$206.5 million.  As a result, an additional US$13.5 million was capitalized.  In 2002, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$50.7 million in dividends in respect of 2001 earnings and elected to reinvest US$80 million from 2002 profits.  In 2003, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$300 million in dividends in respect of 2002 earnings and elected to reinvest US$29.6 million from 2003 profits.  In 2004, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$280 million in dividends in respect of 2003 earnings and completed all investments under its reinvestment program from 2000-2004.  In 2005, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$180 million in dividends in respect of 2004 earnings.  Although Yanacocha has 54 security employees on its payroll.  In addition,no fixed dividend policy, there is an understanding among the partners that the net income not required for sustaining capital expenditures or future development projects should be distributed after agreement between the two major shareholders, Newmont Mining and us.
Undistributed earnings associated with the reinvestment program, amounting to US$189.6 million, were presented as restricted earnings as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006.  On December 26, 2006, Yanacocha received the resolution from the MEM approving the reinvestment program for the periods 2001 to 2004.  In compliance with Peruvian laws, Yanacocha capitalized this amount through public deed dated December 20, 2007 and will not declare dividends from partners’ contributions during the following four fiscal years.
On October 31, 1999, pursuant to a contracted security forcepublic deed, Yanacocha changed its legal structure from a corporation to a partnership, changing its name from “Minera Yanacocha S.A.” to “Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.”  As a result, Yanacocha (i) cannot have more than 20 partners; (ii) its capital stock is represented in participations; (iii) is not required to maintain a legal reserve (see Note 16 to Yanacocha Financial Statements); and (iv) will not receive a different income tax treatment under Peruvian law than it did as a corporation.
58


Capital Expenditures
Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its formation in 1992 through 2009 have related principally to the construction of over 267 persons assigned to rotating shiftsthe Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations, the construction of two plants at Carachugo and Yanacocha, each of which includes a leach solution processing facility and a smelter at each plant, the construction of four carbon column plants at Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua, the acquisition of both new and used mining equipment, the construction of two dams, the construction of one agglomeration plant at La Quinua, the construction of a gold mill facility at Yanacocha and several expansions of the leach pads located at the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations.  Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its mines, its Lima offices, Cajamarca cityformation through December 31, 2009 totaled approximately US$2,807.4 million, including capital expenditures of US$278.1 million in 2007, US$248.3 million in 2008 and checkpoints alongUS$146.5 million in 2009.  In 2009, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$29.5 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru.  DistributionPeru, US$27.4 million for the Conga project, US$21.7 million for mine development at the Chaquicocha and El Tapado Oeste deposits, US$15.1 million for the construction of payroll security personnel includes five persons with respectan acid water treatment plant, US$11.9 million for leach pad expansions at La Quinua (Stage 7), US$7.2 million for the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at Pampa Larga, US$5.5 million for expansions to the processing plants, one person with respectwater pumping system to its headquarters in Limaextract excess water at the La Quinua and one person with respect toYanacocha pits and US$3.2 million for the construction of gold mill tailings pipelines.  In 2008, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$34.9 million for the Yanacocha gold mill facility, US$29.3 million for the Conga project, US$26.7 million for engineering at the east acid water treatment plant, US$20.7 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar, Encajón-Collotán and La Shacsha communities, US$14.1 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast and Cajamarca city, which currently are covered in a rotational manner among four people from regional security. The distributionof Peru, US$12.9 million for the purchase of high altitude mining trucks, US$13.0 million for the foundation of the contracted security force is throughoutSan Jose Reservoir trust, US$6.5 million for the site,construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at access points, officesPampa Larga, and residential areas in CajamarcaUS$27.2 million, US$13.7 million and US$6.7 million for the leach pad expansions at check points ZeroLa Quinua (stage 7), Carachugo (stage 11) and Guitarrero on theYanacocha (stage 6), respectively.  In 2007, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$138.9 million for a gold mill facility, US$28.5 million for high altitude mining trucks, US$18.5 million and US$11.5 million for leach pad expansions of Carachugo (stages 10 and 11) and Yanacocha, respectively, US$7.6 million for construction of an alternate road to the coast.coast of Peru, US$2.8 million for land acquisitions, US$8.7 million for the Conga project, US$5.2 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar and Encajón communities and US$5.5 million for project development.
Yanacocha anticipates that its capital expenditures for 2010 will be approximately US$328.3 million, in connection with the continuation of the Minas Conga project, continuation of mine development at the El Tapado Oeste, Chaquicocha, La Quinua Sur and Maqui Maqui deposits, acquisition of high altitude mining trucks, leach pad expansions at La Quinua (Stage 7B) and Carachugo (Stage 10C), construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at the carbon column processing plant at Pampa Larga and the construction of a central warehouse at La Quinua.
Yanacocha expects that it will meet its working capital, capital expenditure and exploration requirements for the next several years from internally-generated funds, cash on hand and financing from banks and financial institutions. There can be no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to Yanacocha from internal or external sources to finance future working capital, capital expenditures and exploration and construction requirements, or that external funding will be available for such purposes on terms or at prices favorable to Yanacocha.  A very significant decline in the price of gold would be reasonably likely to affect the availability of such sources of liquidity.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha—Exploration Costs; Capital Expenditures.”
59


Description of Yanacocha’s Operations
The Yanacocha property consists of the following open-pit mines: Carachugo, Chaquicocha, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua.  As of December 31, 2009, the Chaquicocha, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mines were in operation.  The Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining areas began operations in August 1993, October 1994, January 1996, the last quarter of 1997 and October 2001, respectively.  The Maqui Maqui open-pit mine temporarily ceased mining operations in 2000.  The San José open-pit mine ceased operations in 2002, but temporarily reopened and closed again during 2006.  The Carachugo open-pit mine has temporarily ceased mining operations, although one ore processing facility remains in operation.
Leach pads are located at Carachugo (410 million ton-capacity), Maqui Maqui (70 million ton-capacity), Cerro Yanacocha (470 million ton-capacity) and La Quinua (540 million ton-capacity).  Each of these leach pads includes at least two leach solution storage ponds and storm water ponds located down gradient from each leach pad.  The Cerro Yanacocha site has two additional solution ponds attached to stages 6 and 7 for the segregation of solution generated from the treatment of transition ores.  A raw water pond is used both for storm containment and to store excess solution during the wet season.  La Quinua has an additional solution pond attached to stage 4.
Yanacocha has three processing facilities, which are located at Pampa Larga, Yanacocha Norte and La Quinua.  The processing facilities can be used to process gold-bearing solutions from any of the leach pads through a network of solution pumping facilities located adjacent to the solution storage ponds.  The Pampa Larga facility includes Merrill-Crowe and carbon column gold recovery plants, and two four-stage water plants to allow treatment of excess process solutions accumulated during the rainy season.  The Pampa Larga facility also includes the original gold refinery installation, which is maintained for emergency standby purposes only.  The Yanacocha Norte facility includes Merrill-Crowe and carbon column gold recovery plants, three four-stage water treatment plants, and a reverse osmosis water plant to allow treatment of excess process solutions accumulated during the rainy season.  This facility also contains primary refining and mercury retorting operations and an acid water treatment plant to allow neutralization of acid waters emanating from its mining operation and waste dumps prior to release into the environment.  In addition, a slaking plant to provide lime for ensuring an alkaline pH on the pads and for water treatment purposes is located in close proximity to the standing posts, there isfacility.  The La Quinua facility includes a rapid response forcecarbon column gold recovery plant, an acid water treatment plant to allow neutralization of 22 persons per shift.  There are four shifts, three at the mine sites and one at the other locations.  No terrorist incidents have been recorded against Yanacocha’s personnel or property atacid waters emanating from its mining operations and waste dumps prior to release into the environment, and a slaking plant to provide lime for ensuring an alkaline pH on the pads and for water treatment purposes.
Mining consists of a sequence of drilling, blasting, loading and hauling.  Ore containing gold is transported from each mine to the nearest active leach pad while waste is taken to specially designed storage facilities.  Unlike Yanacocha’s other mines, the ore in the La Quinua mine contains clays and fine grain material which can inhibit the heap leaching process if not handled properly.  Initially, the La Quinua mine utilized an ore crushing and agglomeration process to improve the permeability of the ore prior to stacking ore on the leach pad.  In May 2004, this process was replaced with a more inexpensive method whereby the ore is re-excavated using hydraulic shovels to a depth of four meters to improve permeability.  Improved ore control to ensure proper blending of fine and coarse grained ore is an integral part of this process.
60


Ore is leached by introducing diluted solutions of cyanide through an irrigation system placed on top of the ore.  This solution percolates through the ore, dissolving gold and silver as AuCN and AgCN complexes respectively, and results in a “pregnant” solution which drains to solution storage ponds to be transferred to the nearest recovery facility.  Carbon column gold recovery plants typically treat lower grade solutions to produce a highly upgraded metal-bearing solution which in turn is routed to the Merrill-Crowe plants.  Solution from the carbon column gold recovery plants or high grade solutions from the leach pads are sent to the Merrill-Crowe plants for gold extraction by a zinc precipitation process.  The resulting gold precipitate is distilled by retorts (700°C) to remove mercury, and then smelted, producing doré bars currently assaying approximately 52 percent gold and 45 percent silver.  The doré bars are transported from the processing plant by an outside security firm and refined outside of Peru.  See “—Transportation and Refining.”  The solution from which the gold is removed (barren solution) is recycled to the leach pads for further heap-leaching after having been reconstituted with cyanide.  The leaching process is generally a closed system.  However, during periods of high rainfall, excess water must be treated at the facilities located at Yanacocha Norte and Pampa Larga, which have been designed to meet or exceed standards for drinking water and for agriculture and livestock as set out by the Peruvian Ministry of Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Nevada Regulations and World Bank guidelines.  See “—Regulation, Permit and Environmental Matters.”
Electric power for Yanacocha’s operations is currently provided by local power companies via two separate networks.  Yanacocha also maintains diesel generation capacity for emergency requirements which have an aggregate power generation capacity of 16 megawatts, or MW.  In addition, Yanacocha has been connected to the Peruvian national electricity grid since the end of 1997.  Yanacocha currently receives its headquarterssupply of electric power through a 220 kilovolt, or kV, power line originating in Lima.Trujillo, which is owned by Buenaventura and has the capacity to provide up to 150 MW to Yanacocha (although current contracted demand is limited to 42 MW).  In addition, a 60 kV power line routed through Cajamarca permits Yanacocha to receive up to 15 MW.  This power line is used only in emergencies.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
Water for Yanacocha’s operations is collected from rainfall and wells.  All excess water used by Yanacocha undergoes treatment at the treatment facilities described above.
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data, for the years shown for each of Yanacocha’s mining operations that were then in operation:
  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
Mining Operations:               
Ore mined (DST):               
Cerro Yanacocha  64,582,674   59,944,475   56,696,685   62,079,577   74,309,421 
Carachugo     950,355   7,563,243   6,037,340   5,895,215 
Maqui Maqui               
La Quinua  80,889,028   414,559   35,283,067   34,850,397   66,806,796 
San José     54,485,222          
Total ore mined (DST)  145,471,702   115,794,610   99,542,995   102,967,314   147,011,432 
Average gold grade of ore mined (oz./DST):                    
Cerro Yanacocha  0.034   0.030   0.012   0.023   0.022 
Carachugo     0.039   0.047   0.031   0.022 
Maqui Maqui               
San José     0.028          
La Quinua  0.023   0.021   0.022   0.016   0.023 
Total average gold grade of ore
 mined (oz./DST)
  0.028   0.026   0.019   0.021   0.022 
Gold Production (oz.):                    
Cerro Yanacocha  1,198,160   1,035,794   566,006   701,063   1,087,028 
Carachugo  421,967   308,600   307,867   400,452   453,374 
Maqui Maqui  38,631   21,747   21,460   32,550   18,555 
San José               
La Quinua  1,674,329   1,246,058   668,336   676,273   499,223 
Total gold (oz.)  3,333,088   2,612,199   1,563,669   1,810,338   2,058,180 
61

Exploration
Yanacocha’s mining activities encompass 288,047 hectares covered by 422 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma holds the mining rights with respect to these hectares and has assigned the mining rights related to 106,670 hectares to Yanacocha, which are covered by 159 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma has assigned these mining concessions to Yanacocha pursuant to several assignments of mining rights.  Chaupiloma is in the process of assigning one mining concession to Yanacocha, and 5 mining concessions granted to Yanacocha are in process of getting transferred back to Chaupiloma.
Yanacocha has three processing concessions from the MEM for its processing plants: Cerro Yanacocha (Gold Mill, Cerro Negro, La Quinua and Yanacocha), Yanacocha (Carachugo and Pampalarga) and China Linda.  The processing concessions have indefinite terms, subject to the payment of an annual fee based on nominal capacity for the processing plant.
Exploration expenditures amounted to approximately US$28.2 million, US$28.2 million and US$23.0 million in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.  These expenditures have resulted in the identification of several deposits, which have been advanced to reserves, including Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua (which includes Cerro Negro), Chaquicocha, El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio, Quecher and Minas Conga (Perol, Chailhuagón and Amaro).  Exploration expenditures have also been used to identify deep sulfide mineralization beneath the oxide deposits at El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio, Maqui Maqui, Yanacocha and Chaquicocha.  In 2010, exploration efforts will focus on gold-copper sulfide targets in the Minas Conga and Yanacocha regions.
Yanacocha’s exploration expenditures include all of the costs associated with exploration activities such as drilling, geological and metallurgical testing.  In addition, exploration costs cover engineering and project development costs on advanced stage projects.  Yanacocha prepares a budget for each year and allocates an amount for exploration activities based on specific projects or regions.
Yanacocha intends to continue to develop the Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua and Chaquicocha gold deposit projects and the Minas Conga gold-copper deposit project over the next several years, while continuing to explore the remainder of the Yanacocha district along with the adjacent Minas Conga and Solitario mineral holdings.  Minas Conga currently consists of two gold-copper porphyry deposits located northeast of Yanacocha’s operating area in the provinces of Celendin, Cajamarca and Hualgayoc.  This project, incorporated to reserves beginning in 2004 and 2005, reported 11.8 million ounces of gold reserves and 3.2 billion pounds of copper reserves as of December 31, 2009.
For 2010, Yanacocha estimates expenditures of US$12.7 million for exploration, which will be expensed, and an additional US$11.2 million related to delineation, characterization and sterilization activities for ore bodies that are currently classified as reserves, which will be capitalized.  Both expenditure estimates are exclusive of significant development engineering charges.  This budgeted amount will be expended mainly on the Minas Conga, La Quinua and San Jose deposits along with an extensive exploration program in district and regional properties that Yanacocha controls.
 
62


In 2001 and 2002, activities resulted in the identification of a continuous, high-grade zone at Corimayo, which can be traced for at least 600 meters in a north-south direction and contains a significant volume of oxide material with grades of 5 to 20 grams per metric ton common through this zone.  At the end of 2003, Corimayo, Antonio and Quecher contained 3.00 million, 0.11 million and 0.04 million ounces of reserves, respectively.  In 2004, exploration efforts focused on the exploration of near-surface oxide deposits at Cerro Quilish, including Cerro Negro, and Chaquicocha, and the expansion of the Antonio deposit and the Giuliana prospect, located north of the Yanacocha Norte pit.  Exploration of gold-dominant sulfide mineralization continues beneath known oxide deposits at Yanacocha Sur, Chaquicocha, El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio and Maqui Maqui.  In 2004, infill drilling at Minas Conga added 8.7 million ounces of gold and 2.23 billion pounds of copper from the Perol and Chailhuagón deposits.  In 2005, additional infill drilling at Chaihuagón and Perol added 3.1 million ounces of gold and 0.99 billion pounds of copper reserves.  Several early stage target sites were tested by drilling, including Gentiles at the Minas Conga deposit and San Cirilo at the Solitario Regional Sector. In 2006, 400,000 ounces of gold were added to reserves from Chaquicocha.  In addition, early stage drilling continues at San Cirilo, Deborah corridor, Minas Conga and Yanacocha.  In 2007, Yanacocha added 1.27 million ounces of gold to its reserves; however, this was offset by losses of 0.84 million ounces of gold mainly due to cost increases in some marginal pits.  The net gain to reserves was 0.44 million ounces derived mainly from development work at Maqui Maqui, La Quinua and Cerro Yanacocha deposits.  In 2008, Yanacocha’s gold reserves decreased mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.6 million ounces, as well as a decrease of 0.1 million ounces due to unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, transfer of reserves to non-reserve mineralization due to social issues and leach pad capacity limitations, partially offset by increases in metal prices, an increase in the expected recoverable ounces in leach pads and the improvement of pit design.  In 2009, the decrease in Yanacocha’s gold reserves was mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.7 million ounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to increases in metal prices, unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, stockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization to reserves and leach pad capacity limitations.
Mining and Processing Concessions
 
Yanacocha’sIn Peru, as in many other countries, the government retains ownership of all subsurface land and mineral resources.  The surface land, however, is owned by individual landowners.  Our right to explore, extract, process and/or produce silver, gold and other metals is granted by the Peruvian government in the form of mining and processing concessions.  The rights and obligations of holders of mining concessions, provisional permits and processing concessions are currently set forth in the General Mining Law (Single Unified Text approved by Supreme Decree 014-92-EM), which is administered by the MEM.
42


Pursuant to the General Mining Law (Single Unified Text approved by Supreme Decreee 014-92-EM), in 1991 a system was established for granting new mining concessions, based on Universal Transversal Mercator Coordinates, or UTM Coordinates, to map the mining concessions and provisional permits on Peru’s land area.  Under this system, filers of mining claims filed after 1991 must obtain a mining concession before they may explore the areas claimed.  The application filed is known as petitorio.  A holder of a provisional permit, granted with respect to claims over an area claimed before 1991 who follows proper procedures to comply with the 1991 system, however, is permitted to continue to explore the area claimed, subject to compliance with the legal requirements to develop exploration activities.  Effective December 21, 2007, applications for mining concessions must be filed with the regional mining directors of each regional government and with INGEMMET.
Mining concessions granted since October 11, 2008 have an indefinite term, subject to (a) payment of an annual concession fee of US$3 per hectare claimed and (b) since 2009, as provided in Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054, achieving a minimum annual production of one Tax Unit (Unidad Impositiva Tributaria), or approximately US$1,263, per hectare with respect to metallic resources, and ten percent of one Tax Unit, or approximately US$126, with respect to non-metallic resources.  In case such minimum annual production is not achieved in the first six months after the expiration of the tenth year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted, holders of mining concessions shall pay an annual fine amounting to 10% of the minimum annual production per hectare, payable starting in the eleventh year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted until the year in which such minimum annual production is achieved.
If failure to achieve minimum production continues until the end of the fifteenth year since the title of the concession was granted, the concession will be cancelled.  The penalty shall be paid in addition to the annual concession fee and is payable when such annual concession fee is due.  However, such fifteen-year term can be extended for up to five additional years if the failure is due to force majeure, acts of God events or any reason not imputable to the concessionaire, duly demonstrated and approved by the relevant authority.  The cancellation may also be avoided by paying the penalty and demonstrating investments in the mining rights during the previous year of amounts more than ten times greater than the fine to be paid.  Such investments can be made in mining activities, infrastructure for the public use or in any of the matters listed in Article 4 of Supreme Decree No. 054-2008-EM.  If the failure to achieve minimum production remains after the twentieth year counted from the year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted, the concession will be cancelled.
In order to calculate the production of and investment in each mining right, the titleholder may create an operating unit, or Unidad Económica Administrativa, provided the mining rights are all within a radius of five kilometers.  If, in any year, the concession fee is not paid, payment may be made the following year within the term provided for making such payment.  Any payment made will be applied to the prior year if such prior year was not paid.  Failure to pay such concession fees or fines for two years, whether consecutive or not, could result in the loss of one or more of the mining rights.  However, mining and processing concessions will not lapse if the administrative authority failed to issue a resolution declaring the termination of the concession within the first five years following the date on which such payment failure occurred.  Processing concessions have an indefinite term, subject to payment of a fee based on nominal capacity for the processing plant.  No other payments or royalties are required by the Peruvian government for us to maintain mining and exploration property rights in full force and effect.  As of 2002, the annual concession fee and the annual fine will be calculated pursuant to the provisions of: (1) the General Mining Law and (2)(a) Supreme Decree No. 010-2002-EM, effective since March 10, 2002, in the case of the annual fee and (b) Legislative Decree 1054, in force since January 1, 2009, in the case of the annual fine.  Provisions related to the procedure for cancelling a mining concession due to failure to pay concession fees or fines have been amended by Supreme Decree No. 045-2007-EM and No. 046-2008-EM.  We paid approximately US$3.5 million, US$3.2 million and US$3.1 million in fees for mining rights and approximately US$8,550, US$7,832 and US$18,400 in fees for processing concessions for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and are current in the payment of all amounts due in respect of our mining rights and processing concessions.

However, pursuant to the provisions of Supreme Decree No. 054-2008-EM, in the case of mining concessions that had already been granted on October 10, 2008, when the Supreme Decree was published, the terms to achieve the minimum annual production above mentioned shall be counted since the first business day of 2009. Until such terms counted since the first business day of 2009 do not expire, the provisions in force prior to the date where Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054 became effective, that is, the provisions applicable on December 31, 2008, related to terms and conditions to start production, determination of the amount to be paid as penalty, when the holder of a concession has incurred in an event in which a concession can be cancelled, and any related matter, will continue being applied.  That is, the annual fine if a minimum annual production of US$100 per hectare, with respect to metallic resources, is not achieved before the expiration of the sixth year of tenure, counted from the year in which the title of the concession was granted, amounting to US$6 per hectare, will be payable starting in the seventh year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted until the year in which such minimum annual production is achieved. Failure to comply with the minimum annual production after the eleventh year following the year in which the title of the concession was granted would result in a US$20 per hectare penalty starting in the twelfth year counted since the year in which the title of the concession was granted until fifteenth year since the title of the concession was granted.  Likewise, until the terms contemplated in Legislative Decrees Nos. 1010 and 1054 expire (counted since the first business day of 2009), the minimum annual production will continue being US$100 per hectare with respect to metallic resources.
As of May 31, 2010, we owned and administered, directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries or in conjunction with joint venture partners, approximately 892,678 hectares devoted to mineral exploration and mining operations.  Mining rights and processing concessions are in full force and effect under applicable Peruvian laws.  We believe that we are in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to the mining rights and processing concessions and that we are not subject to any condition, occurrence or event that would cause the revocation, cancellation, lapse, expiration or termination thereof, except that we may, from time to time, allow to lapse, revoke, cancel or terminate mining rights and processing concessions that are not material to the conduct of our business.  The principal mining rights and processing concessions are (i) with respect to our mines, new applications (petitorios) filed for mining concessions at Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Colquijirca, Ishihuinca, Antapite, Recuperada and Shila-Paula; and (ii) with respect to our current exploration projects, new applications filed for mining concessions, the provisional pre-1991 permits and the mining concessions for the Tantahuatay, El Milagro, Trapiche, Breapampa and El Faique projects.  The principal processing concessions are the processing concessions of the concentrators at Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Colquijirca, Ishihuinca, Antapite, Recuperada and Shila-Paula.
Both mining concessions and provisional permits claimed before 1991 conferred on their holders the right to mine underground ore reserves, and it is often the case that the titleholders of these mining rights are not the owners of the land surface.  Since October 1996, pursuant to Peruvian regulations, all operators of new mining areas in Peru are required to have an agreement with the owners of the land surface above the mining rights to establish an easement upon such surface for mining purposes pursuant to General Mining Law.  Supreme Decree 020-2008-EM, effective since April 12, 2008, provides that such agreement is required prior to starting exploration activities.  In 2008, Legislative Decree No. 1064 went into effect and abrogated Law No. 26505 and the associated regulations contained in Supreme Decree No. 011-97-AG.  However, in 2009 Law No. 29376 went into effect, abrogating Legislative Decree No. 1064 and reinstating Law No. 26505 and its associated regulations.  The now-abrogated Legislative Decree No. 1064 had complicated negotiations between mining operators and owners of the surface land by requiring any agreement between the parties to be negotiated under general contracting rules as opposed to under the special rules contemplated by Law No. 26505 and its associated regulations and Law No. 26570.  We have been actively seeking to acquire land surface, easements to land containing prospective geological exploration target sites, deposits that can be exploited in the future and areas suitable as plant or facility sites.

On December 19, 1998, Special Law No. 27015, the Law Regulating Mining Concessions in Urban Areas and Urban Expansion Areas, was released.  Law No. 27015 was amended by Law No. 27560, the Urban Mining Concessions Law.  Regulations pursuant to the Urban Mining Concessions Law were set forth in Supreme Decree No. 007-99-EM, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 041-2007-EM, effective as of July 26, 2007.  Under the Urban Mining Concessions Law, metallic or non-metallic mining concessions will be granted in areas that have been or are designated as urban areas by municipal ordinances issued by the provincial municipality pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Regulations for the Territorial Conditioning, Urban Development and Environment approved by Supreme Decree No. 027-2003-Vivienda, published on October 6, 2003.
The granting of titles to metallic and non-metallic mining concessions in an area designated as an urban expansion area by means of municipal ordinances in force as of the date of filing of an application for a mining concession requires authorization through a Ministerial Resolution of the Ministry of Energy and Mines.  The issuance of a Ministerial Resolution requires the receipt of a resolution of the Council of the applicable provincial municipality.   The decision of whether or not to issue a Ministerial Resolution  will be made within sixty days of receipt of such provincial municipality resolution.  If the opinion is negative or if no opinion is issued, the application for the mining concession will be rejected.  Any change from a metallic concession to a non-metallic concession and vice versa will be subject to these same requirements.
Applications for concessions in urban expansion areas will be presented on the basis of increments of 10 to 100 hectares under the UTM Coordinates system.  A mining concession in an urban expansion area, whether metallic or non-metallic, will be granted for a term of 10 years, renewable for like terms under the procedures set forth above for the grant of the initial concession.  In both urban areas or urban expansion areas the only legally valid easements for mining purposes are those which are entered into directly with the owner of the surface area.
Law No. 28964, which became effective on January 25, 2007, created the Organismo Supervisor de la Inversión en Energía y Minería (OSINERGMIN) as the government agency in charge of regulating and auditing the electricity, hydrocarbon and mining activities of companies.  Law No. 28964 provides that overview and audit of activities related to the environment, mining safety and health regulations may be performed by companies duly certified and approved by OSINERGMIN.
Environmental Matters
In 2005, Peru enacted the General Environmental Law (Law No. 28611), revoking Legislative Decree 613, which contained the environmental law that previously governed Peru.  Law No. 28611 establishes the main guidelines and principles to ensure a clean environment and incorporates a number of environmental management guidelines relating mainly to emissions standards.  Pursuant to Law No. 28817, the National Environmental Authority has until July 22, 2008 to approve the environmental emission standards and the maximum permissible levels of emission following the procedure contemplated in Supreme Decree No. 033-2007-PCM.

Before the General Environmental Law was passed, the Peruvian government issued (a) Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM approving the Regulations of Title Fifteen of the General Mining Law, Regulations for Environmental Protection of the Mining and Metallurgical Activities, as amended and supplemented by Supreme Decrees Nos. 059-93-EM, 029-99-EM, 022-2002-EM, 03-2009-EM and 078-2009-EM and (b) Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM containing the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 018-2003-EM and Supreme Decree No. 046-2005-EM.  On April 2, 2008 Supreme Decree No. 020-2008-EM, approving new Environmental Regulations for Mining Exploration Activities, became effective.  Holders of mining concessions, whether or not in urban areas or urban expansion areas, that want to develop mining exploration activities must comply with the provisions of such new regulations as well as those applicable provisions set forth in Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM, as amended and supplemented by Supreme Decrees Nos. 059-93-EM, 029-99-EM, 022-2002-EM, 03-2009-EM and 078-2009-EM, as well as the provisions contained in the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities set forth in Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM published on July 26, 2001, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 018-2003-EM and Supreme Decree No. 046-2005-EM.  Supreme Decree No. 016-93-EM and the Safety and Hygienic Regulations for Mining Activities set forth in Supreme Decree No. 046-2001-EM as amended are also applicable to exploitation activities.  Failure to comply with the provisions of the aforementioned regulations may be punished with a fine or by the temporary suspension of mining activities.  In the event of continuing non-compliance, the mining concession may be revoked.
The MEM approves environmental studies and sets specific environmental standards.  In particular, the MEM has established standards for emissions or discharges of liquid and gas effluents.  Supervision of environmental commitments compliance is performed by OSINERGMIN, the body in charge of overseeing investment in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors.  However, pursuant to Supreme Decree 001-2010MINAM, OSINERGMIN must transfer its environmental supervision functions to the Environmental Evaluation and Oversight Agency, or OEFA.  Starting in August 2010, OEFA will have the authority to carry out unexpected audits and fine companies if they fail to comply with prescribed environmental standards.
The MEM has issued regulations that establish maximum permissible levels of (i) emissions of liquid effluents and (ii) elements and compounds present in gaseous emissions resulting from the mining activities approved by Ministerial Resolution No. 011/96-EM/VMM and Ministerial Resolution No. 315-96-EM-VMM, respectively.
Generally, holders of mining rights and processing plants that were in operation prior to May 2, 1993 have a maximum of 10 years to comply with the maximum permissible levels; in the meantime, they must prepare their Programas de Adecuación y Manejo Ambiental (Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs, or PAMAs) to comply with more stringent maximum permissible levels.  Under Peruvian environmental regulations passed in 1993, a company that initiated operations prior to May 2, 1993, as is the case for us and most of our affiliated companies, was required to file with the Peruvian government an Evaluación Ambiental Preliminar (Preliminary Environmental Evaluation, or EVAP) for each of its mining units to disclose any pollution problems in its operations and, thereafter, to submit a follow-up PAMA aimed at implementing measures in order to solve problems identified in the EVAP.  Companies must correct the pollution problems relating to their mining activities within five years, while smelters must comply within ten years.  These companies must allocate no less than one percent of their annual sales to redress the problems identified in their EVAPs and contemplated in their PAMAs.  Mining and processing activities that began after May 2, 1993 or had at that time a specific environmental program will be required to file and obtain approval for an EIS before being authorized to operate.  Mining and plant processing activities that began after May 2, 1993 are required to comply with the more stringent maximum permissible levels for liquid effluents from the initiation of their operations.
Many of our mining rights and processing plants were in operation prior to May 2, 1993, and we are in substantial compliance with the maximum permissible levels.  EVAPs for Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Recuperada, Ishihuinca and Shila were all accepted between August and September 1995.  Between November 2002 and April 2003, the MEM approved and verified the PAMAs for all these entities, issuing and approving resolution for each respective mining unit.  The EISs for Paula, Antapite, Esperanza, Poracota and Pozo Rico were approved in 2001, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.


EISs for capacity expansion at the Orcopampa, Uchucchacua and Antapite mines were approved in 2004, 2006 and 2008, respectively.
The MEM approved the EISs for the Huancarama-Chipmo-Poracota and La Zanja transmission lines and their substations in 2006 and 2008, respectively.  This connection to the national grid should result in lower energy costs.
In 2009, the MEM approved the EISs for the La Zanja, Mallay, Tantahuatay Esperanza and Angélica Rublo Chico projects.
There were no regulations for mining explorations prior to DS No 038-98-EM-VMM, Reglamento de Exploración Minera (Law that regulates the Mining Explorations), which was published in 1998.  In 2008, DS No 038-98-EM-VMM was abrogated and replaced by DS 020-2008-EM, which governs exploration mining activities, the permits and environmental documents required for such activities, the contents of such documents, the competent authorities to approve them and other related matters.  Under DS 020-2008-EM, exploration activities are divided into 2 categories, Category I and Category II.  Category I exploration activities are those involving no more than 20 drilling platforms and environmentally affecting no more than 10 hectares, while Category II exploration activities are those involving more than 20 drilling platforms and environmentally affecting more than 10 hectares.  For exploration activites under Category I, an Environmental Impact Declaration, or EID, is required, and for exploration activities under Category II, a Semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study, or EISsd, is required, which incorporates technical, environmental and social matters.  Exploration activities must start within the twelve months following the date that the EID or the EISsd is approved.  The commitments assumed by mining companies in their EID, EISsd and EIS are mandatory; if they are not fulfilled, OSINERGMIN has the authority to fine these companies.
In May 2008, MEM enacted DS 028-2008, which establishes the right of every person to participate in the process of making decisions related to the sustainable development of mining activities on government territory. The EID, EIS and EISsd require local communities to have an opportunity to actively participate in this process.
The EA for Mallay was approved in August 2005.  In 2006, the EAs for Hallazgo and Breapampa were approved and the ones for Angelica Rublo, El Milagro, Trapiche, Anamaray-Jancapata and Ampato were approved in 2007. The EID for Chucapaca was approved in 2008, and the ones for Mulanan and Pariguanas were approved in 2009.
In May 2008, the Environmental Ministry of Peru was established by legislative decree. The principal functions of the Environmental Ministry include formulating and implementing policies and regulations relating to environmental matters and controlling pollution through supervision and education.  For example, the Environmental Ministry is responsible for approving Environmental Quality Standards for water and air.  In the case of water quality standards, all the Peruvian mining companies must present updated environmental management plans by December 19, 2010.  Also, the Environmental Ministry has to be in continuous communication with several institutions (INRENA, DIGESA, IMARPE, DGAA, among others) and develop a decentralized system to manage natural resources and protect the environment.  Some of the main regulations are the approval of Environmental Quality Standards for water and air.  In the case of water, all the Peruvian mining companies must present their updated environmental management plans before December 19, 2010.
47


Except as described above, there are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending against us with respect to any environmental matters.
Law No. 28090, Ley que Regula el Cierre de Minas (Law that Regulates the Closing of Mines), was published on October 14, 2003, establishing the obligations and procedures that mining companies must follow to prepare, submit and execute plans for the closing of mines, or Closure Plans, and the granting of environmental guarantees to secure compliance with Closure Plans.  Pursuant to Law No. 28090, as amended by Law No. 28507, published on May 8, 2005 and the Mine Closure Regulations approved by Supreme Decree 033-2005-EM, published on August 15, 2005, as amended by Supreme Decrees No. 035-2006-EM, No. 045-2006-EM and No. 054-2008-EM, we are required to (i) submit a Closure Plan for “New Projects” to the MEM within one year following approval of the EIS or PAMA, or in the case of “Existing Projects”, one year after August 15, 2005; (ii) submit a modification to the Closure Plan to the MEM within nine months after August 15, 2005; (iii) inform the MEM semi-annually of any progress on the conditions established in the Closure Plan; (iv) perform the Closure Plan consistent with the schedule approved by the MEM during the life of the concession; and (v) grant an environmental guarantee that covers the estimated amount of the Closure Plan.  The guarantee may be in the form of cash, trusts, and any other guarantee contemplated in the Banking Law.  Supreme Decree No. 045-2006-EM, dated August 14, 2006, amended Articles 8 and 51 of the Mine Closure Regulations relating to companies obliged to submit a duly approved Closure Plan.  Article 51 refers to the method of calculating the guarantee.  Supreme Decree No. 016-2005-EM governs the operation of the Registro de Entidades Autorizadas a Elaborar Planes de Cierre de Mina (Registry for Authorized Entities to Elaborate the Closing of Mines).  Only the entities recorded in such registry are allowed to prepare the Closure Plan.  The Mine Closure Regulations, Supreme Decree No. 033-2005-EM, deals with the effects on health, safety, property and the environment at the end of the productive life of mining-related facilities.
We have presented Closure Plans to the MEM for all our mines and advanced explorations.  To date, the MEM has approved our Closure Plans for Julcani, Recuperada, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Antapite, Caravelí, Shila, Esperanza, Pozo Rico, Mallay, Trapiche, Angélica Rublo Chico and Anamaray-Jancapata.
On November 9, 2009 Supreme Decree No. 078-2009-EM became effective, creating additional environmental obligations for the holders of mining concessions.  Under this provision, holders of mining concessions that have performed mining activities, including mining exploration, exploitation and processing activities or related activities, without having an Environmental Certification will be required to prepare and perform an Environmental Remediation Plan to cure the environmental impact in the areas in which such activities have been conducted.  The Environmental Remediation Plan will contain a detailed description of all the mining items and activities performed without the correspondant Environmental Certification, including maps and related information, a detailed description of the environmental impacts created by such activities, a detailed description of the remediation actions, a detailed description of the compensation that is proposed to be made, a budget and schedule of the remediation activities, including their costs, a bond in favor of MEM for the cost of the execution of the measures contained in the Environmental Remediation Plan and other specific information contained in Article 4 of Supreme Decree No. 078-2009-EM.
48


Law No. 28271, Ley que Regula los Pasivos Ambientales de la Actividad Minera (Law that Regulates the Mining Liabilities of the Mining Activities), became effective on July 7, 2004 to regulate the identification of liabilities in mining activity and financial responsibility for remediation, in each case to mitigate any negative impact mining may have with respect to the health of the population, environment and property.  Pursuant to Law No. 28271, as amended by Law No. 28526, published on May 25, 2005, Legislative Decree No. 1042, published on June 26, 2008, and the Mining Environmental Liabilities Regulations approved by Supreme Decree No. 059-2005-EM, published on December 8, 2005, as amended by Supreme Decree No. 003-2009-EM, the technical branch of the MEM will identify environmental liabilities, mining companies responsible for abandoned mining facilities, mining works and residue deposits that may be linked to such environmental liabilities and holders of inactive mining concessions with mining liabilities.  Holders of inactive mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities will be required to submit a Closure Plan within one year of the date in which Supreme Decree No. 059-2005-EM became effective.  The Peruvian government will only assume the environmental mining liabilities of unidentified holders.  In addition, holders will enter into environmental remediation agreements with the MEM, acting through the General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs, to perform any studies and work necessary to control and mitigate the risk and effects of any contamination, which will be financed by the Fondo Nacional del Ambiente – FONAM.  A Closure Plan must be submitted one year after the approval of the EIS by the General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs.  On March 30, 2010 Ministerial Resolution No. 136-2010-MEM/DM, approving the forms of agreements for the voluntary remediation of mining liabilities, became effective.
We have presented Closure Plans to the MEM for all our mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities.  To date, the MEM has approved the mining liabilities for Hualchocopa, Lircay, Bella Unión-Pucaray and Chaquelle.
We anticipate additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters.  The development of more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru could impose constraints and additional costs on our operations, and we would be required to make significant additional capital expenditures in the future.  Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations of which we are now aware, there is no assurance that future legislation or regulatory developments will not have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
Permits
We believe that our mines and facilities have all necessary material permits.  All future exploration projects will require a variety of permits.  Although we believe the permits for these projects can be obtained in a timely fashion, permitting procedures are complex, time-consuming and subject to potential regulatory delay.  We cannot predict whether we will be able to renew our existing permits or whether material changes in existing permitting conditions will be imposed.  Non-renewal of existing permits or the imposition of additional conditions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Insurance
We maintain a comprehensive insurance program designed to address specific risks associated with our operations, in addition to covering the insured risks common to major mining companies.  Our insurance program is provided through the local Peruvian insurance market and includes employers’ liability, comprehensive third party general liability, comprehensive automobile liability, all risk property on a replacement basis, including transit risks, business interruption insurance and mining equipment.
49


Mining Royalties
Article 20 of Law No. 26821, Ley Orgánica para el Aprovechamiento Sostenible de los Recursos Naturales, establishes that private companies must pay compensation to the Peruvian government for the economic use of natural resources.  Law No. 28258, published on June 24, 2004 and amended by Law No. 28323, created a mining royalty (regalia minera) that holders of mining concessions must pay on a monthly basis to the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  The royalty, which is the compensation referred to in Article 20 of Law No. 26821, Ley Orgánica para el Aprovechamiento Sostenible de los Recursos Naturales, is not considered a tax.  However, it will be included in the scope of the Mining Law Stabilization Agreements and mining companies that are taxpayers and are party to such Stabilization Agreements will not have to pay this compensation or royalty during the life of their Stabilization Agreements.  Although we are not party to a Stabilization Agreement, Yanacocha has entered into Mining Law Stabilization Agreements under the General Mining Law with the Peruvian government.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha—Operating Results.”  Law No. 28969, effective since January 26, 2007, provides that government tax agencies are responsible for the collection of mining royalties and establishes rules relating to the calculation of royalties, valuation methods and penalties.
The royalty is calculated on revenue from sales of product (based on the international market price) less certain refining and transportation expenses.  The mining royalty to be paid for ore concentrates with a value (i) up to US$60 million per year, is 1 percent of such value, (ii) between US$60 million and US$120 million per year, is 2 percent of such value and (ii) in excess of US$120 million per year, is 3 percent of such value.  The MEM will publish the international market price of minerals and in the event that a mineral does not have an international market price, the mining royalty will be 1 percent of the mining component.
Negotiated Payment (voluntary contribution)
During 2006 Peruvian mining companies, represented by the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía, agreed to a voluntary mining payment equivalent to 3.75 percent of net income after taxes.  The payment was negotiated with the Peruvian government and is intended to support government efforts to alleviate poverty.  On December 21, 2006, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree No. 071-2006-EM, which approved the form of agreement to be entered into by mining companies and the Peruvian government.  The form of agreement contains the conditions under which the negotiated payment will be paid.  The payment amounts to 3.75 percent of Peruvian net income after income tax, including 2.75 percent to be paid to a local mining fund and 1 percent to be paid to a regional mining fund.  This payment is payable from 2006 through 2010, contingent on the price of gold.  Payments are required to be made on or before April 30th of each year, after the income tax sworn declaration is submitted to the Peruvian tax authority.  Pursuant to Supreme Decree 033-2007-EM, mining companies can make payments to the local and to the regional funds after such deadline provided that the prior approval of the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Economy and Finance is obtained.  Fulfillment of the payment obligations will be controlled by an audit entity recorded as such with CONASEV to be agreed upon among the mining company, the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.  We and Yanacocha paid a total of US$1.53 million and US$18.1 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2009.
In February 2007, under the framework of this agreement executed with the Peruvian government (D.S. No. 071-2006-EM), we formed a trust in the Banco de Credito del Peru to serve two funds: the Buenaventura Local Mining Fund and the Buenaventura Regional Mining Fund.  Proceeds from these funds were used to provide school furniture, teacher training and healthcare equipment.
50


On November 8, 2007, Cerro Verde executed an agreement with the Peruvian government in accordance with the terms outlined above, resulting in a contribution of US$16.7 million and US$32.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, which was paid in the first half of 2008.  An expense of US$29.5 million was recorded in 2008 and was paid in the first half of 2009.  An expense of US$27.6 million was recorded in 2009.  Each of these amounts is recorded as a negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) in the Cerro Verde Financial Statements.
Organizational Structure
As of May 31, 2010, we conducted our mining operations directly and through various majority-owned subsidiaries, controlled companies and other affiliated companies as described in the following organizational chart.
51

52

Intermediate Holding Companies, Subsidiaries and Equity Participations
Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.
Condesa, which is wholly-owned by us, is a mining and facilities holding company with direct and indirect ownership participation in two mining-related entities, Cedimin and Yanacocha, and in exploration projects conducted by Minas Conga and Conenhua (as defined below).  See “—Business Overview—Exploration.”  As a partner in Yanacocha, Condesa shares responsibility for the investments made in the Yanacocha mine.  In addition, on August 15, 2007, Cedimin transferred its equity interest in Chaupiloma to Condesa, and, as a result, Condesa now receives a portion of the royalty revenues paid by Yanacocha to Chaupiloma equal to such ownership interest.  See “—S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca” below.  Condesa also holds a 7.68 percent interest in us.
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C.
Cedimin, wholly-owned by us, is a mining and facilities holding company.  At December 31, 2005, Cedimin held a 40 percent participation in Minas Conga and a 40 percent interest in S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca.  See “—The Company—History and Development” and “—S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca” below.  See “—The Company—History and Development” for a description of the legal proceedings in the Peruvian courts concerning the ownership of certain shares of Cedimin originally held by BRGM.  On August 15, 2007, Cedimin transferred its equity interest in Chaupiloma to Condesa.
As of January 2, 2003, Minera Shila S.A.C. merged with and into Cedimin.  As a result of the merger, our interest in Cedimin increased from 0.0009 percent before the merger to 44.83 percent after the merger, and Condesa’s interest in Cedimin decreased from 99.9991 percent before the merger to 55.17 percent after the merger.  In addition, on October 22, 2004, Cedimin acquired a 100 percent equity interest in Inversiones Mineras Aureas S.A.C., or Mineras Aureas, which had a 49 percent interest in Minera Paula 49 S.A.C., or Minera Paula.  As a result of this acquisition, Minera Paula became wholly-owned by us.  As of December 31, 2004, Mineras Aureas and Minera Paula merged with and into Cedimin and are no longer separate legal entities.
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca, or Chaupiloma, is a Peruvian limited liability company that holds all of the mining rights for the areas mined by Yanacocha and Minas Conga.  Chaupiloma receives a royalty that is calculated as a percentage of the total revenues of Yanacocha.  We, Condesa and Newmont Peru own a 20 percent interest, a 40 percent interest and a 40 percent interest, respectively, in Chaupiloma.  We own, directly and indirectly, through our interest in Condesa, a 60 percent interest in Chaupiloma.
Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A.
Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A., or Conenhua, is an electrical transmission company that provides a significant portion of our electrical needs through its transmission facilities.  We own 100 percent of Conenhua and manage its operations.  Conenhua obtained the concession for power transmission in the Huancavelica area in 1983, enabling us to buy energy from Electro Perú and to transmit electric power to our mining facilities through our own facilities.  The provinces of Huancavelica, Angaraes, Acobamba and Castrovirreyna are now connected to the system.  Conenhua also provides electric power to other mining companies in the area.  In 2009, Conenhua sold 46.85 million kilowatt hours, or kWh, in Huancavelica.  Revenues generated by Conenhua benefit us in the form of operational costs savings at the rate of US$0.11 per kWh for thermoelectric generation.  Conenhua has become the operator of Paragsha II-Uchucchacua, the power line which provides electricity to the Uchucchacua mine and two other mines and, in 2009, Conenhua provided 99.83 million kWh to those mines.  Conenhua also operates the Callalli-Ares power line, which in 2009 provided 91.15 million kWh to the Orcopampa, Poracota and Shila-Paula mines.  In addition, Conenhua provides the Antapite mine (which was operated by Inminsur (as defined below) until 2006) with electricity, including electrical power service and maintenance and, in 2009, Conenhua provided 13.84 million kWh to this mine.  In 2009, Conenhua provided 711.73 million kWh to Yanacocha, a 23.5 percent increase compared to 2008. Conenhua’s revenues in 2009 amounted to US$18.3 million.
53

In order to secure a reliable energy supply from a clean and renewable source for our nearest operations and projects at competitive prices, CONENHUA, through its subsidiary Empresa de Generacion Huanza, was commissioned to construct a 90.6 MW capacity hydroelectric power plant in the valley of Santa Eulalia. This US$145 million project commenced in March 2010 and should be completed within a 33-month period.  Approximately 80% of the total investment will be financed with a lease obtained from Banco de Credito del Peru.  In order to wholly control this project, we had to convey our rights over the project for the Marañón hydroelectric power plant.
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A., or BISA, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, has provided geological, engineering, design and construction consulting services to the mining sector for over 30 years.  During this time, BISA has consulted in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador on a range of projects, operations and expansions.  In 1995, BISA created an environmental services group.  In 2007, BISA inaugurated its Mineralogical Characterization Laboratory for the analysis of rocks and minerals.  BISA owns a 99.95 percent interest in Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A., an insurance brokerage company that provides insurance brokerage and related services to us and our affiliates.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, BISA participated in 231, 210 and 249 projects, respectively, for domestic and international mining industry customers in Latin America, including the preparation of Environmental Impact Studies and Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs.  In 2009, BISA’s revenues amounted to US$24 million.
Sociedad Minera Coshuro S.A.
Sociedad Minera Coshuro S.A., or Coshuro, which began operations in December 1995, was created jointly by us and Newmont Peru to conduct gold mining exploration in the Yanacocha volcanic belt.  Coshuro was 35 percent owned by us until December 20, 2000, on which date Newmont Peru transferred 10.9 percent of its interest in Coshuro to us.  As a result, we currently hold a 45.9 percent interest in Coshuro.  On August 13, 2002, Coshuro authorized the separation and transfer to us of all of the mining concessions granted to Coshuro pursuant to a Separation Agreement dated September 25, 2000.  The mining concessions were transferred to Minera La Zanja S.R.L., in which we hold a 53.06 percent equity interest.
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. / Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A., or El Brocal, owns the Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte mines.  El Brocal was formed in 1956 and is engaged in the extraction, concentration and sale of concentrates of polymetallic minerals, mainly zinc, lead and silver.  As of December 31, 2008, we held a 61.42 percent interest in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A., which in turn held a 51.06 percent interest in El Brocal, and a 4.41 percent direct interest in El Brocal’s mining properties.  Our total equity interest in El Brocal was 35.77 percent as of December 31, 2008. On March 11, 2009, we purchased Teck Cominco’s equity stake in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. for US$35.0 million, increasing our equity interest in Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. to 81.22 percent and our overall equity interest in El Brocal to 45.97 percent.
54


Minera La Zanja S.R.L. 
Minera La Zanja S.R.L., or La Zanja, controls 32,070 hectares of mineralized ground in the La Zanja project, which is located 35 kilometers north-west of Cajamarca city.  Originally, the La Zanja project was part of the Northern Peru joint mining exploration project, which was 35 percent owned by us and 65 percent owned by Newmont Peru.  La Zanja, which is currently 53 percent owned by us and 47 percent owned by Newmont Peru, is expected to commence production in the second half of 2010 as an open-pit mine producing gold and silver.
Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C
Canteras del Hallazgo S.A.C. holds mining rights to the Chucapaca project.  Gold Fields holds a 51% equity interest in this company.
Ferrovías Central Andino S.A.
We hold 10 percent of Ferrovías Central Andino S.A., or Ferrovías, a railroad company, pursuant to a concession granted to a consortium of several companies in April 2000.  Among the other companies holding interests in the share capital of Ferrovías are Railroad Development Corporation, Cemento Andino S.A., Commonwealth Development Corporation and others.  Ferrovías provides transportation for concentrates from El Brocal’s mining operations.
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
We currently hold a 19.26 percent interest in Cerro Verde, which owns the Cerro Verde copper deposit located approximately 1,100 kilometers southeast of Lima.  The Peruvian government previously owned and operated the mine.  In November 1993, the Cerro Verde operation was privatized.  Cyprus Climax Metals Company (now a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc.) bought 91.65 percent and, pursuant to Peruvian privatization laws, the employees of Cerro Verde purchased approximately 8.35 percent of the shares of Cerro Verde.  Cyprus Climax Metals Company paid US$33.9 million for its equity interest in Cerro Verde and made a US$485 million capital commitment to finance the construction of the facilities.  Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. is currently the operator and senior partner of Cerro Verde.
On June 1, 2005, Cerro Verde completed a capital increase.  As a result of the capital increase, SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V. acquired a 21 percent equity interest in Cerro Verde.  In addition, we increased our equity interest in Cerro Verde from 9.17 percent to 18.21 percent.  The remaining minority shareholders own 7.23 percent of Cerro Verde through shares publicly traded on the Lima Stock Exchange.  As a result of the transaction, Cerro Verde received US$441.7 million in cash, net of US$1.0 million in expenses, and Phelps Dodge’s interest in Cerro Verde was reduced to 53.56 percent from 82.48 percent.  In March 2007, Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. acquired Phelps Dodge.  Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc. maintains a majority interest in Cerro Verde.  Since June 1, 2005, we have purchased additional common shares in Cerro Verde on the Lima Stock Exchange, increasing our interest to 19.26 percent as of December 31, 2009.
Presented in the table below is certain financial and operating data regarding Cerro Verde for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009:
55

  
As of and for the year ended December 31,
 
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Income statement data(1)
         
Total revenues (US$ in thousands)  1,794,559   1,835,911   1,757,510 
Net income (US$ in thousands)  804,685   718,433   708,528 
Proven and Probable Reserves(2)
            
Leachable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  309,402   287,751   243,780 
Millable ore reserves (metric tons in thousands)  1,456,232   2,734,830   2,809,085 
Average copper grade of leachable ore reserves (%)  0.44   0.46   0.43 
Average copper grade of millable ore reserves (%)  0.44   0.37   0.43 
Production(3)
            
Cathodes (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  203,595   194,531   206,514 
Concentrates (in thousands of recoverable pounds)  390,632   499,955   455,112 
Price (US$ per metric ton)  7,126   6,952   5,164 

(1)Derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements filed with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
(2)Reserve calculations are derived from the audited financial statements filed by Cerro Verde with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The calculation or estimation of proven and probable ore reserves for Cerro Verde may differ in some respects to the calculations of proven and probable reserves for us and Yanacocha located elsewhere in this Annual Report.  According to Cerro Verde, ore estimates for Cerro Verde are based upon engineering evaluations of assay values derived from samplings of drill holes and other openings.  Cerro Verde’s ore estimates includes assessments or the resource, mining and metallurgy, as well as consideration of economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors, including projected long-term prices for copper and molybdenum and Cerro Verde’s estimate of future cost trends.
(3)Derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements filed with CONASEV.  See the Cerro Verde Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
56


YANACOCHA
Overview
Founded in Peru in 1992, Yanacocha is the largest gold producer in South America.  Yanacocha produced 2,058,181 ounces of gold in 2009, its sixteenth full year of operations.  Yanacocha’s operations are located in the Andes Mountains in Northern Peru in the area of Cajamarca, located approximately 900 kilometers north of Lima and north of the City of Cajamarca at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level.  The Yanacocha property consists of six open-pit mines: Carachugo, Chaquicocha, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua.  As of December 31, 2009, the Chaquicocha, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mines were in operation.  As of December 31, 2009, Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves (excluding Conga’s proven and probable reserves) were estimated to be 10.5 million ounces of gold, representing a 19 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2008, which were estimated to be 13.0 million ounces of gold.  The decrease in reserves of gold was mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.7 million ounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to increases in metal prices, unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, stockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization to reserves and leach pad capacity limitations. As of December 31, 2009, Conga’s proven and probable reserves were estimated to be 11.8 million ounces of gold and 3.2 billion pounds of copper, representing no change from estimated 2008 gold and copper reserves.  As of December 31, 2009, Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves (including Conga) were estimated to be 22.4 million ounces of gold, representing a 10 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2008, which were estimated to be 24.9 million ounces of gold. Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves of copper were 3.2 billion pounds as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
Proven and probable reserves are based on extensive drilling, sampling, mine modeling and metallurgical testing from which economic feasibility has been determined.  Under the Management Contract (as defined below), Newmont Mining, in conjunction with Yanacocha, calculates Yanacocha’s reserves by methods generally applied within the mining industry and in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7.  Reserves represent estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that, under present and anticipated conditions, may be economically mined and processed.  Newmont Mining has not quoted silver reserves at Yanacocha for the last year due to recovery issues.
Yanacocha’s mining activities encompass 288,730288,047 hectares covered by 421422 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma holds the mining rights with respect to these hectares and has assigned the mining rights related to 108,569106,670 hectares to Yanacocha, which are covered by 163159 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma has assigned these mining concessions to Yanacocha pursuant to several assignments of mining rights.  Chaupiloma is in the process of assigning one mining concession to Yanacocha, and five mining concessions granted to Yanacocha are in process of being transferred back to Chaupiloma.
In 1994, its first full year of production, Yanacocha produced 304,552 ounces of gold.  Yanacocha produced 3,333,088 ounces in 2005, 2,612,199 ounces in 2006, 1,563,669 ounces in 2007, 1,810,338 ounces in 2008 and 2,058,180 ounces in 2009.  Yanacocha expects production to decrease by approximately 27 percent from the 2009 production level to 1,499,094 ounces in 2010, mainly as a result of lower volume of ore placed and lower ore grade.  Yanacocha believes that it was one of the world’s lowest cost gold producers in 2009, with a cost per ounce of gold sold of US$325.  Yanacocha’s cost per ounce of gold sold was US$358 in 2008, US$324 in 2007, US$201 in 2006 and US$153 in 2005.
57


The increase in gold production in 2009 as compared to 2008 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and mill tons placed, which was 129.3 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 92.6 million dry metric tons for year ended December 31, 2008, and a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 0.34 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Yanacocha expects production of silver to increase by approximately 33 percent from the 2009 production level to 5,808,533 ounces in 2010, mainly as a result of higher production at the mill. Silver production was 24,467 ounces in 1993, Yanacocha’s first full year of production, 4,342,292 ounces in 2005, 3,441,401 ounces in 2006, 2,318,696 ounces in 2007, 3,539,008 ounces in 2008 and 4,367,258 ounces in 2009.  The increase in silver production in 2009 as compared to 2008 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and mill tons placed, which was 129.3 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 92.6 dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2008, and a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 0.34 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Yanacocha is owned 51.35 percent by Newmont Mining, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Newmont Second, 43.65 percent by us through our wholly-owned subsidiary Condesa and 5 percent by IFC.  Yanacocha is managed by Newmont Peru.  See “—Management of Yanacocha—General Manager/Management Agreement.”  Since 1992, aggregate capital contributions of US$2.3 million have been made by Condesa, Newmont Second and IFC to Yanacocha.  Although Yanacocha did not pay dividends during its development years, 1992 through 1994, cash dividends were distributed from 1995 to 2000.  In 2001, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$10 million in dividends in respect of 2000 earnings and elected to reinvest US$80 million from 2001 profits based on a new reinvestment program for the years 2001 to 2004.  In December 2001, the MEM approved the 1998 reinvestment program (increased in 1999) for US$206.5 million.  As a result, an additional US$13.5 million was capitalized.  In 2002, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$50.7 million in dividends in respect of 2001 earnings and elected to reinvest US$80 million from 2002 profits.  In 2003, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$300 million in dividends in respect of 2002 earnings and elected to reinvest US$29.6 million from 2003 profits.  In 2004, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$280 million in dividends in respect of 2003 earnings and completed all investments under its reinvestment program from 2000-2004.  In 2005, Yanacocha paid an aggregated amount of US$180 million in dividends in respect of 2004 earnings.  Although Yanacocha has no fixed dividend policy, there is an understanding among the partners that the net income not required for sustaining capital expenditures or future development projects should be distributed after agreement between the two major shareholders, Newmont Mining and us.
Undistributed earnings associated with the reinvestment program, amounting to US$189.6 million, were presented as restricted earnings as of December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006.  On December 26, 2006, Yanacocha received the resolution from the MEM approving the reinvestment program for the periods 2001 to 2004.  In compliance with Peruvian laws, Yanacocha capitalized this amount through public deed dated December 20, 2007 and will not declare dividends from partners’ contributions during the following four fiscal years.
On October 31, 1999, pursuant to a public deed, Yanacocha changed its legal structure from a corporation to a partnership, changing its name from “Minera Yanacocha S.A.” to “Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.”  As a result, Yanacocha (i) cannot have more than 20 partners; (ii) its capital stock is represented in participations; (iii) is not required to maintain a legal reserve (see Note 16 to Yanacocha Financial Statements); and (iv) will not receive a different income tax treatment under Peruvian law than it did as a corporation.
58


Capital Expenditures
Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its formation in 1992 through 2009 have related principally to the construction of the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations, the construction of two plants at Carachugo and Yanacocha, each of which includes a leach solution processing facility and a smelter at each plant, the construction of four carbon column plants at Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua, the acquisition of both new and used mining equipment, the construction of two dams, the construction of one agglomeration plant at La Quinua, the construction of a gold mill facility at Yanacocha and several expansions of the leach pads located at the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations.  Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its formation through December 31, 2009 totaled approximately US$2,807.4 million, including capital expenditures of US$278.1 million in 2007, US$248.3 million in 2008 and US$146.5 million in 2009.  In 2009, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$29.5 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$27.4 million for the Conga project, US$21.7 million for mine development at the Chaquicocha and El Tapado Oeste deposits, US$15.1 million for the construction of an acid water treatment plant, US$11.9 million for leach pad expansions at La Quinua (Stage 7), US$7.2 million for the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at Pampa Larga, US$5.5 million for expansions to the water pumping system to extract excess water at the La Quinua and Yanacocha pits and US$3.2 million for the construction of gold mill tailings pipelines.  In 2008, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$34.9 million for the Yanacocha gold mill facility, US$29.3 million for the Conga project, US$26.7 million for engineering at the east acid water treatment plant, US$20.7 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar, Encajón-Collotán and La Shacsha communities, US$14.1 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$12.9 million for the purchase of high altitude mining trucks, US$13.0 million for the foundation of the San Jose Reservoir trust, US$6.5 million for the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at Pampa Larga, and US$27.2 million, US$13.7 million and US$6.7 million for the leach pad expansions at La Quinua (stage 7), Carachugo (stage 11) and Yanacocha (stage 6), respectively.  In 2007, Yanacocha’s principal capital expenditures included US$138.9 million for a gold mill facility, US$28.5 million for high altitude mining trucks, US$18.5 million and US$11.5 million for leach pad expansions of Carachugo (stages 10 and 11) and Yanacocha, respectively, US$7.6 million for construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$2.8 million for land acquisitions, US$8.7 million for the Conga project, US$5.2 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar and Encajón communities and US$5.5 million for project development.
Yanacocha anticipates that its capital expenditures for 2010 will be approximately US$328.3 million, in connection with the continuation of the Minas Conga project, continuation of mine development at the El Tapado Oeste, Chaquicocha, La Quinua Sur and Maqui Maqui deposits, acquisition of high altitude mining trucks, leach pad expansions at La Quinua (Stage 7B) and Carachugo (Stage 10C), construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at the carbon column processing plant at Pampa Larga and the construction of a central warehouse at La Quinua.
Yanacocha expects that it will meet its working capital, capital expenditure and exploration requirements for the next several years from internally-generated funds, cash on hand and financing from banks and financial institutions. There can be no assurance that sufficient funding will be available to Yanacocha from internal or external sources to finance future working capital, capital expenditures and exploration and construction requirements, or that external funding will be available for such purposes on terms or at prices favorable to Yanacocha.  A very significant decline in the price of gold would be reasonably likely to affect the availability of such sources of liquidity.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha—Exploration Costs; Capital Expenditures.”
59


Description of Yanacocha’s Operations
The Yanacocha property consists of the following open-pit mines: Carachugo, Chaquicocha, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua.  As of December 31, 2009, the Chaquicocha, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mines were in operation.  The Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining areas began operations in August 1993, October 1994, January 1996, the last quarter of 1997 and October 2001, respectively.  The Maqui Maqui open-pit mine temporarily ceased mining operations in 2000.  The San José open-pit mine ceased operations in 2002, but temporarily reopened and closed again during 2006.  The Carachugo open-pit mine has temporarily ceased mining operations, although one ore processing facility remains in operation.
Leach pads are located at Carachugo (410 million ton-capacity), Maqui Maqui (70 million ton-capacity), Cerro Yanacocha (470 million ton-capacity) and La Quinua (540 million ton-capacity).  Each of these leach pads includes at least two leach solution storage ponds and storm water ponds located down gradient from each leach pad.  The Cerro Yanacocha site has two additional solution ponds attached to stages 6 and 7 for the segregation of solution generated from the treatment of transition ores.  A raw water pond is used both for storm containment and to store excess solution during the wet season.  La Quinua has an additional solution pond attached to stage 4.
Yanacocha has three processing facilities, which are located at Pampa Larga, Yanacocha Norte and La Quinua.  The processing facilities can be used to process gold-bearing solutions from any of the leach pads through a network of solution pumping facilities located adjacent to the solution storage ponds.  The Pampa Larga facility includes Merrill-Crowe and carbon column gold recovery plants, and two four-stage water plants to allow treatment of excess process solutions accumulated during the rainy season.  The Pampa Larga facility also includes the original gold refinery installation, which is maintained for emergency standby purposes only.  The Yanacocha Norte facility includes Merrill-Crowe and carbon column gold recovery plants, three four-stage water treatment plants, and a reverse osmosis water plant to allow treatment of excess process solutions accumulated during the rainy season.  This facility also contains primary refining and mercury retorting operations and an acid water treatment plant to allow neutralization of acid waters emanating from its mining operation and waste dumps prior to release into the environment.  In addition, a slaking plant to provide lime for ensuring an alkaline pH on the pads and for water treatment purposes is located in close proximity to the facility.  The La Quinua facility includes a carbon column gold recovery plant, an acid water treatment plant to allow neutralization of acid waters emanating from its mining operations and waste dumps prior to release into the environment, and a slaking plant to provide lime for ensuring an alkaline pH on the pads and for water treatment purposes.
Mining consists of a sequence of drilling, blasting, loading and hauling.  Ore containing gold is transported from each mine to the nearest active leach pad while waste is taken to specially designed storage facilities.  Unlike Yanacocha’s other mines, the ore in the La Quinua mine contains clays and fine grain material which can inhibit the heap leaching process if not handled properly.  Initially, the La Quinua mine utilized an ore crushing and agglomeration process to improve the permeability of the ore prior to stacking ore on the leach pad.  In May 2004, this process was replaced with a more inexpensive method whereby the ore is re-excavated using hydraulic shovels to a depth of four meters to improve permeability.  Improved ore control to ensure proper blending of fine and coarse grained ore is an integral part of this process.
60


Ore is leached by introducing diluted solutions of cyanide through an irrigation system placed on top of the ore.  This solution percolates through the ore, dissolving gold and silver as AuCN and AgCN complexes respectively, and results in a “pregnant” solution which drains to solution storage ponds to be transferred to the nearest recovery facility.  Carbon column gold recovery plants typically treat lower grade solutions to produce a highly upgraded metal-bearing solution which in turn is routed to the Merrill-Crowe plants.  Solution from the carbon column gold recovery plants or high grade solutions from the leach pads are sent to the Merrill-Crowe plants for gold extraction by a zinc precipitation process.  The resulting gold precipitate is distilled by retorts (700°C) to remove mercury, and then smelted, producing doré bars currently assaying approximately 52 percent gold and 45 percent silver.  The doré bars are transported from the processing plant by an outside security firm and refined outside of Peru.  See “—Transportation and Refining.”  The solution from which the gold is removed (barren solution) is recycled to the leach pads for further heap-leaching after having been reconstituted with cyanide.  The leaching process is generally a closed system.  However, during periods of high rainfall, excess water must be treated at the facilities located at Yanacocha Norte and Pampa Larga, which have been designed to meet or exceed standards for drinking water and for agriculture and livestock as set out by the Peruvian Ministry of Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Nevada Regulations and World Bank guidelines.  See “—Regulation, Permit and Environmental Matters.”
Electric power for Yanacocha’s operations is currently provided by local power companies via two separate networks.  Yanacocha also maintains diesel generation capacity for emergency requirements which have an aggregate power generation capacity of 16 megawatts, or MW.  In addition, Yanacocha has been connected to the Peruvian national electricity grid since the end of 1997.  Yanacocha currently receives its supply of electric power through a 220 kilovolt, or kV, power line originating in Trujillo, which is owned by Buenaventura and has the capacity to provide up to 150 MW to Yanacocha (although current contracted demand is limited to 42 MW).  In addition, a 60 kV power line routed through Cajamarca permits Yanacocha to receive up to 15 MW.  This power line is used only in emergencies.  See “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
Water for Yanacocha’s operations is collected from rainfall and wells.  All excess water used by Yanacocha undergoes treatment at the treatment facilities described above.
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data, for the years shown for each of Yanacocha’s mining operations that were then in operation:
  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009 
Mining Operations:               
Ore mined (DST):               
Cerro Yanacocha  64,582,674   59,944,475   56,696,685   62,079,577   74,309,421 
Carachugo     950,355   7,563,243   6,037,340   5,895,215 
Maqui Maqui               
La Quinua  80,889,028   414,559   35,283,067   34,850,397   66,806,796 
San José     54,485,222          
Total ore mined (DST)  145,471,702   115,794,610   99,542,995   102,967,314   147,011,432 
Average gold grade of ore mined (oz./DST):                    
Cerro Yanacocha  0.034   0.030   0.012   0.023   0.022 
Carachugo     0.039   0.047   0.031   0.022 
Maqui Maqui               
San José     0.028          
La Quinua  0.023   0.021   0.022   0.016   0.023 
Total average gold grade of ore
 mined (oz./DST)
  0.028   0.026   0.019   0.021   0.022 
Gold Production (oz.):                    
Cerro Yanacocha  1,198,160   1,035,794   566,006   701,063   1,087,028 
Carachugo  421,967   308,600   307,867   400,452   453,374 
Maqui Maqui  38,631   21,747   21,460   32,550   18,555 
San José               
La Quinua  1,674,329   1,246,058   668,336   676,273   499,223 
Total gold (oz.)  3,333,088   2,612,199   1,563,669   1,810,338   2,058,180 
61

Exploration
Yanacocha’s mining activities encompass 288,047 hectares covered by 422 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma holds the mining rights with respect to these hectares and has assigned the mining rights related to 106,670 hectares to Yanacocha, which are covered by 159 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma has assigned these mining concessions to Yanacocha pursuant to several assignments of mining rights.  Chaupiloma is in the process of assigning one mining concession to Yanacocha, and 5 mining concessions granted to Yanacocha are in process of getting transferred back to Chaupiloma.
Yanacocha has three processing concessions from the MEM for its processing plants: Cerro Yanacocha (Gold Mill, Cerro Negro, La Quinua and Yanacocha), Yanacocha (Carachugo and Pampalarga) and China Linda.  The processing concessions have indefinite terms, subject to the payment of an annual fee based on nominal capacity for the processing plant.
Exploration expenditures amounted to approximately US$28.2 million, US$28.2 million and US$23.0 million in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.  These expenditures have resulted in the identification of several deposits, which have been advanced to reserves, including Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua (which includes Cerro Negro), Chaquicocha, El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio, Quecher and Minas Conga (Perol, Chailhuagón and Amaro).  Exploration expenditures have also been used to identify deep sulfide mineralization beneath the oxide deposits at El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio, Maqui Maqui, Yanacocha and Chaquicocha.  In 2010, exploration efforts will focus on gold-copper sulfide targets in the Minas Conga and Yanacocha regions.
Yanacocha’s exploration expenditures include all of the costs associated with exploration activities such as drilling, geological and metallurgical testing.  In addition, exploration costs cover engineering and project development costs on advanced stage projects.  Yanacocha prepares a budget for each year and allocates an amount for exploration activities based on specific projects or regions.
Yanacocha intends to continue to develop the Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua and Chaquicocha gold deposit projects and the Minas Conga gold-copper deposit project over the next several years, while continuing to explore the remainder of the Yanacocha district along with the adjacent Minas Conga and Solitario mineral holdings.  Minas Conga currently consists of two gold-copper porphyry deposits located northeast of Yanacocha’s operating area in the provinces of Celendin, Cajamarca and Hualgayoc.  This project, incorporated to reserves beginning in 2004 and 2005, reported 11.8 million ounces of gold reserves and 3.2 billion pounds of copper reserves as of December 31, 2009.
For 2010, Yanacocha estimates expenditures of US$12.7 million for exploration, which will be expensed, and an additional US$11.2 million related to delineation, characterization and sterilization activities for ore bodies that are currently classified as reserves, which will be capitalized.  Both expenditure estimates are exclusive of significant development engineering charges.  This budgeted amount will be expended mainly on the Minas Conga, La Quinua and San Jose deposits along with an extensive exploration program in district and regional properties that Yanacocha controls.
62


In 2001 and 2002, activities resulted in the identification of a continuous, high-grade zone at Corimayo, which can be traced for at least 600 meters in a north-south direction and contains a significant volume of oxide material with grades of 5 to 20 grams per metric ton common through this zone.  At the end of 2003, Corimayo, Antonio and Quecher contained 3.00 million, 0.11 million and 0.04 million ounces of reserves, respectively.  In 2004, exploration efforts focused on the exploration of near-surface oxide deposits at Cerro Quilish, including Cerro Negro, and Chaquicocha, and the expansion of the Antonio deposit and the Giuliana prospect, located north of the Yanacocha Norte pit.  Exploration of gold-dominant sulfide mineralization continues beneath known oxide deposits at Yanacocha Sur, Chaquicocha, El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste (Corimayo), Antonio and Maqui Maqui.  In 2004, infill drilling at Minas Conga added 8.7 million ounces of gold and 2.23 billion pounds of copper from the Perol and Chailhuagón deposits.  In 2005, additional infill drilling at Chaihuagón and Perol added 3.1 million ounces of gold and 0.99 billion pounds of copper reserves.  Several early stage target sites were tested by drilling, including Gentiles at the Minas Conga deposit and San Cirilo at the Solitario Regional Sector. In 2006, 400,000 ounces of gold were added to reserves from Chaquicocha.  In addition, early stage drilling continues at San Cirilo, Deborah corridor, Minas Conga and Yanacocha.  In 2007, Yanacocha added 1.27 million ounces of gold to its reserves; however, this was offset by losses of 0.84 million ounces of gold mainly due to cost increases in some marginal pits.  The net gain to reserves was 0.44 million ounces derived mainly from development work at Maqui Maqui, La Quinua and Cerro Yanacocha deposits.  In 2008, Yanacocha’s gold reserves decreased mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.6 million ounces, as well as a decrease of 0.1 million ounces due to unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, transfer of reserves to non-reserve mineralization due to social issues and leach pad capacity limitations, partially offset by increases in metal prices, an increase in the expected recoverable ounces in leach pads and the improvement of pit design.  In 2009, the decrease in Yanacocha’s gold reserves was mainly due to a mining depletion of 2.7 million ounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to increases in metal prices, unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, stockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization to reserves and leach pad capacity limitations.
Transportation and Refining
The doré bars produced by Yanacocha are transported to refineries outside of Peru and, accordingly, Yanacocha has entered into pre-established transportation contracts.  Yanacocha has engaged Hermes Transportes Blindados S.A., or Hermes, to service its local transportation requirements.  Under the terms of Yanacocha’s agreement with Hermes, the risk of loss with respect to the doré bars is assumed in its entirety by Hermes during the transportation of the doré bars from the mines to Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima.  Thereafter, the responsibility for the doré bars shifts to the refiner, which has entered into a contract with an outside security firm to provide offshore transportation.  The doré bars are melted, weighed and sampled in refineries abroad, which store the doré bars in strong-room vaults and assume responsibility there for the doré bars.  Yanacocha pays a predetermined fee for the refining service.  The final output from refineries, known as London Good Delivery gold and silver, is credited to Yanacocha’s London bullion accounts until transferred to purchasers.
Sales of Gold
Yanacocha’s gold sales are made through a monthly open-bidding process in which Yanacocha auctions its production corresponding to the next four to five weeks.  This bidding process is set up by Yanacocha with approximately 10 financial institutions and trading firms prior to each month.  Yanacocha collects bids and confirms sales.  The gold is typically sold on the date of departure from Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima.  If a portion of gold remains unsold, it is sold on the spot market within a few days.  Silver is sold on the spot market approximately once a month to financial institutions or trading firms.  The cash from such sales is received into a collection account in London against orders to the London bullion bank for deliveries of the gold and silver to the purchasers.
Delivery is made once a week and payments are collected the day of confirmation.  The payment price for the gold consists of either (i) the market price at the confirmation of the sale, or (ii) the average London PM Fixing price over the tendered period plus a small premium established pursuant to the bidding process.  Since 1994, Yanacocha has consistently sold to five or six financial institutions and trading firms at each auction.  Such buyers are market makers and active participants in precious metal markets.
63


Employees
As of December 31, 2009, Yanacocha had 2,964 employees. Compensation received by Yanacocha’s employees includes base salary and other non-cash benefits such as a health program and term life insurance.  In addition, pursuant to the profit sharing plan mandated by Peruvian labor legislation, employees at Yanacocha are entitled to receive eight percent of Yanacocha’s annual pre-tax profits, or the Employee Profit Sharing Amount, with fifty percent of such profits to be distributed based on the number of days each employee worked during the preceding year and the remaining fifty percent of such profits to be distributed among the employees based on the aggregate annual salary of each employee.  Effective January 1, 1997, the annual payment to each employee under the profit sharing plan cannot exceed 18 times such employee’s monthly salary, and any difference between the Employee Profit Sharing Amount and the aggregate amount paid to employees must be contributed by Yanacocha to the Fondo Nacional de Capacitación Laboral y Promoción del Empleo, or FONDO-EMPLEO, a public fund established to promote employment and employee training.  Since 2005, if the amount contributed by Yanacocha exceeds 2,200 Unidades Impositivas Tributarias, or Tax Units, the excess should be dedicated exclusively to the financing of road infrastructure works and managed by the regional government.
In 1998, the Peruvian government issued additional regulations regarding the calculation of the workers’ participation. Such regulations utilized different criteria for determining employee profit sharing than those detailed under the law.  Yanacocha followed the criteria established by the law in determining the amount to be paid to its employees since 1998.  In December 2006, Yanacocha accrued US$14.9 million as a liability for the possible workers’ profit participation contingency.  In addition, Yanacocha booked and wrote off a receivable amounting to US$11.6 million.  In September 2007, Yanacocha paid the balance of US$21.8 million (including interest) owed to employees, which exceeded the original amount accrued of US$6.9 million.  The additional amount mostly relates to interest paid by Yanacocha to employees.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, Yanacocha had recovered US$1.7 million and US$2.3 million, respectively, from FONDO-EMPLEO.
Pursuant to the Peruvian labor laws enacted in 1991, Yanacocha deposits funds for severance payments in a bank account selected by each employee and for the benefit of such employee, in both May and November of each year.
Yanacocha’s employees receive the benefit of one of two types of pension arrangements.  All workers can choose to enroll in the system of the Oficina de Normalización Previsional (the Public Pension System, or ONP), or in a privately-managed system of individual contribution pension funds managed by the Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones, or AFPs.  Yanacocha is required to withhold 13 percent from the salary of each employee enrolled in the ONP system and pay such amount to the ONP system, and withhold between 12.37 percent and 12.96 percent from the salary of each employee enrolled in the AFP system and pay such amount to the respective AFP.  Yanacocha has no liability for the performance of these pension plans.
In addition, Yanacocha pays approximately 9 percent of its total payroll to ES-SALUD, the Peruvian social security agency, for general health services for all employees.  Law No. 26790 also requires Yanacocha to provide private insurance representing an average payment equal to 1.48 percent of the payroll of covered employees for employment-related incapacity and death for blue collar employees and other employees exposed to mining-related hazards.
64


Yanacocha has entered into arrangements with independent contractors that are responsible for the security services and staffing for several operational and administrative areas.  As of December 31, 2009, independent contractors employed 4,683 persons who worked at Yanacocha’s operations.  In 2004, Yanacocha entered into its first collective bargaining agreement with the Union, which was created on December 9, 2003.  Because the Union’s 605 members as of December 31, 2006 represented a minority of Yanacocha’s employees, the collective bargaining agreement applied only to the Union’s members and expired on February 28, 2007.  In May 2007, Yanacocha completed negotiations with the Union’s members and entered into a new collective bargaining agreement, which was applicable only to the Union’s members and effective from March 2007 to February 2010.  In March 2010, Yanacocha completed negotiations with the Union on a new collective bargaining agreement, which is effective from March 2010 to February 2013.
In November 2007, a small percentage of Union members engaged in a two-day strike notwithstanding the collective bargaining agreement that had been reached between Yanacocha and the Union.  The strike did not have any material impact on Yanacocha’s operations; nevertheless there can be no assurance that Yanacocha will not experience other strikes or labor-related work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on its operations or its operating results.
Since commencement of operations, Yanacocha’s rate of turnover has been less than ten percent per year.  Yanacocha has informed us that it considers its relations with its employees to be good.  Yanacocha annually evaluates employee relations using an anonymous employee opinion survey to measure employee opinions of its benefits and policies.  Approximately 80 percent of payroll employees participate in this survey each year.
Social Development
Since its formation, Yanacocha has been attentive to its relationship with the community in the fields of social relations and development.
During 2006, the External Affairs Management, an internal department within Yanacocha, through its Community Relations and Rural Development Departments, established social development programs that address 122 rural communities and the city of Cajamarca.  To implement these programs, Yanacocha developed active relationships with domestic and foreign institutions and organizations, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Cajamarca local governments, International Finance Corporation, CITE Koriwasi, Cooperative Housing Foundation or CHF, Asociacion para el Desarrollo Rural de Cajamarca or ASPADERUC, Asociacion para el Desarrollo Forestal or ADEFOR, Camara Regional de Turismo or CARETUR, FONDO-EMPLEO, Antares, Asociacion para el Desarrollo Local or ASODEL, Foncreagro, Cenfotur and Aprec, among others.  In 2006, Yanacocha invested up to US$24 million in its social development programs, including the Conga project. In 2007, Yanacocha invested US$4.9 million in educational infrastructure at the Davey school and US$7.6 million for road improvements.  Yanacocha also invested US$6.9 million in development projects for rural areas, including community capacity building, agriculture, health, education and other projects.  In addition, Yanacocha invested US$5.2 million in mitigation programs in areas such as Tual, La Quinua, La Shacsha, La Ramada, Lagamarca and Granja Porcón.
During 2009, Yanacocha invested a total of US$46.0 million in social issues, including US$4.9 million for social development at various projects including the Conga project, US$8.1 million for the completion of pending commitments, US$3.5 million for social impact mitigation related to social and livestock development projects, the construction of irrigation infrastructure and the development of a former landowner families program and US$29.5 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru.  The social investment projects are focused on water management, local economic development, education, health and institutional strengthening.
65


In addition, Yanacocha made US$1.3 million in contributions for social investment through the Asociación Los Andes de Cajamarca and US$20.0 million through the Fondo de Solidaridad.
Since 1993, Yanacocha has invested nearly US$256 million in social development programs including education, health, social infrastructure (schools and medical posts), productive infrastructure projects, rural electrification, roads, transformation plants, business promotion programs, local tourist programs, livestock and agricultural assistance programs.
Security
Yanacocha has 54 security employees on its payroll, including six employees responsible for the security of the region as a whole.  In addition, there is a contracted security force of over 267 persons assigned to rotating shifts at its mine, its Lima offices, Cajamarca city and checkpoints along the road to the coast of Peru.  Payroll security personnel are distributed such that five persons are assigned to the processing plants, one person is assigned to Yanacocha’s headquarters in Lima and one person each is assigned to the road running to the coast and Cajamarca city, respectively.  The contracted security force is stationed throughout the region, at access points, offices and residential areas in Cajamarca and at check points Zero and Guitarrero on the road to the coast.  In addition to the standing posts, there are 42 security personnel who patrol the mine perimeter and monitor the security CCTV and alarm systems.  There are four shifts, three at the mine site and one at the other locations.  No terrorist incidents have been recorded against Yanacocha’s personnel or property at its mining operations or at its headquarters in Lima.
Mining and Processing Concessions
Yanacocha’s mining activities encompass 288,047 hectares covered by 422 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma holds the mining rights with respect to these hectares and has assigned the mining rights related to 106,670 hectares to Yanacocha, which are covered by 159 mining concessions.  Chaupiloma has assigned these mining concessions to Yanacocha pursuant to several assignments of mining rights, each with an initial term of 20 years (with the exception of one contract that has an initial term of 30 years) and expiring in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2035, that are renewable at Yanacocha’s request for an additional 20-year term.  Chaupiloma is in the process of assigning one mining concession to Yanacocha, and 5 mining concessions granted to Yanacocha are in process of being transferred back to Chaupiloma.  Chaupiloma has not yet assigned 100 hectares covered by one mining concession to Yanacocha.  Approximately 2224 percent of the mining concessions that have been assigned by Chaupiloma to Yanacocha were claimed prior to 1991.  Chaupiloma is owned 40 percent by Newmont Peru and 60 percent by Minera Condesa and Cedimin.

70

 
Currently, 1720 of the mining concessions assigned to Yanacocha are being utilized for mining operations.  They are Chaupiloma Uno, Chaupiloma Dos, Chaupiloma Tres, Chaupiloma Cuatro, Chaupiloma Cinco, Chaupiloma Seis, Chaupiloma Once, Chaupiloma Doce, Chaupiloma Trece, Chaupiloma Catorce, Chaupiloma Dieciseis, Chaupiloma Diecisiete, Chaupiloma Dieciocho, Chaupiloma Veintiuno, Chaupiloma Veintiuno A2, Chaupiloma Cuarentaidos, Chaupiloma Cuarentaiseis, Chaupiloma Cincuentaicuatro, El Sol No. 4, La Providencia, Mirtha III and Claudina Ocho (non-metallic operation).  During 2009, metallic minerals were extracted from Chaupiloma Dos, Chaupiloma Tres, Chaupiloma Cuatro and Chaupiloma Once and non-metallic minerals were processed in Claudina Ocho.
 
66


The Carachugo, Chaquicocha and San José mining facilities are located on the mining concessions of Chaupiloma Tres, Chaupiloma Cuatro and Chaupiloma Cinco; the Maqui Maqui mining facility is located on the mining concessions of Chaupiloma Seis and Chaupiloma Doce; the Cerro Yanacocha mining operation is located on the Chaupiloma Uno, Chaupiloma Dos and Chaupiloma Tres mining concessions; the La Quinua mining facility is located on the Chaupiloma Dos, Chaupiloma Once, Chaupiloma Veintiuno, Chaupiloma Cuarentidos, Chaupiloma Cincuenticuatro, Mirtha III, La Providencia, Chaupiloma Trece and Chaupiloma Veintiuno A2 and El Sol No. 4 mining concessions; and the Calera China Linda mining operation is located on the Claudina Ocho mining concession.  Yanacocha currently conducts mining activities at Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua, Chaquicocha and Calera China Linda.
 
Yanacocha pays a royalty fee to Chaupiloma of 3 percent of the net sale value of all ore extracted from these mining concessions after deducting refinery and transport costs for the right to mine five of the mining concessions.  For 2008,2009, Yanacocha paid royalties of US$48.662.3 million to Chaupiloma.  The mining concession not yet assigned to Yanacocha will be assigned to Yanacocha by Chaupiloma on comparable terms.
 
According to Peruvian mining law, the assignee in an assignment of mining concessions assumes all the duties and rights of the holder of the concession.  Management of Yanacocha believes that the mining concessions assigned to Yanacocha are in full force and effect under applicable Peruvian laws and that Yanacocha is in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to the mining concessions and is not experiencing any condition, occurrence or event known to it that would cause the revocation, cancellation, lapse, expiration or termination thereof, except that Yanacocha and Chaupiloma may, from time to time, remake, cancel, terminate or allow to lapse mining concessions assigned to Yanacocha that are not material to the conduct of Yanacocha’s business.
 
Yanacocha has been actively pursuing the acquisition of the land surface rights or obtaining easements relating to land positions containing prospective geological exploration target sites, deposits that can be developed in the future or areas that would be considered for plant or facility sites.  To date, Yanacocha has acquired all the surface rights with respect to 13,927 hectares of the surface land covering its Carachugo, Chaquicocha, Maqui Maqui, Haussing, Laboratorio, Línea de Alta Tensión, Presas, Museo, Sorpresa Mishacocha, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua (which includes the Cerro Negro deposit) mining operations, and a majority of the Cerro Quilish deposit and Calera China Linda.
 
In addition, as of December 31, 2008,2009, Yanacocha had acquired 27,195852.92 hectares, including 8,476228.16 hectares of surface rights with respect to the Minas Conga deposit, 3,625319.42 hectares for the San Cirilo and Las Lagunas prospects at Solitario, and 421La Quinua, 185.35 hectares for future land swaps.Carachugo, 70.30 hectares for Maqui Maqui and 49.76 hectares for Cerro Yanacocha.  See “—The Company—History and Development.”
 
PROJECT 
Hectares as
of December
31, 2008
  Exchanges  
Hectares
acquired in
2009
  
Hectares as of
December 31,
2009
 
Carachugo - San José - Chaquicocha  3,497      185.35   3,682.35 
Cerro Quilish - Cerro Negro  2,929.77          
Calera China Linda  473.29          
Haussing  10.89          
La Quinua  2,863.41      319.42   3,182.83 
Laboratorio  0.10          
Las Lagunas  1,674.78          
Línea de Alta Tensión  0.01          
Maqui Maqui  1,957.23      70.30   2027.53 
Minas Conga  8,475.93      228.16   8704.09 
Presas  196.72          
San Cirilo  1,950.42          
Terrenos para canjes  421.09          
Cerro Yanacocha  2,138.16      49.76   2187.92 
Museo  8.56          
Sorpresa Mishacocha  597.83          
TOTAL  27,195.19      852.98   28,048.17 
7167

PROJECT 
Hectares as
of December
31, 2007
  Exchanges  
Hectares
acquired in
2008
  
Hectares as of
December 31,
 2008
 
Carachugo - San José - Chaquicocha  3,497.00         3,497 
Cerro Quilish - Cerro Negro  2,834.10      95.67   2,929.77 
Calera China Linda  408.21      65.08   473.29 
Haussing  10.89         10.89 
La Quinua  2,817.58      45.83   2,863.41 
Laboratorio  0.10         0.10 
Las Lagunas  1,674.78         1,674.78 
Línea de Alta Tensión  0.01         0.01 
Maqui Maqui  1,957.23         1,957.23 
Minas Conga  7,847.41      628.52   8,475.93 
Presas  196.72         196.72 
San Cirilo  1,906.31      44.11   1,950.42 
Terrenos para canjes  421.09         421.09 
Cerro Yanacocha  2,138.16         2,138.16 
Museo  8.56         8.56 
Sorpresa Mishacocha  597.83         597.83 
TOTAL  26,315.98      879.21   27,195.19 

Regulation, Permit and Environmental Matters
 
Yanacocha is subject to a full range of governmental regulation and supervision generally applicable to companies engaged in business in Peru, including mining laws, labor laws, social security laws, public health, consumer protection laws, environmental laws, securities laws and antitrust laws.  See “—The Company—Regulatory Framework—Mining and Processing Concessions” and “—The Company—Regulatory Framework—Environmental Matters” for a general description of Peruvian regulations of mining companies and environmental obligations.  See “—Mining and Processing Concessions” above for a discussion of Peruvian regulations relating to the mining and processing concessions utilized by Yanacocha in its mining operations.
 
Yanacocha is required to submit certain documentation with respect to its plans and operations for the review and approval of various Peruvian government entities, including the MEM, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Water National Authority, and the Ministry of Health.  Yanacocha is required to file and obtain approval of an EIS with a Benefit Concession Permit for each of its mining operations before being authorized to operate such mine.  EISs for the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua (including Cerro Negro) mining operations and China Linda lime plant have been approved.  Pursuant to current Peruvian regulations, Yanacocha also submits supplemental EISs each time a project’s production rate or disturbed area used is expanded by more than 50 percent.  In 2006, Yanacocha filed an EIS to expand its operations at the Yanacocha and La Quinua areas.  After an EIS isand the Benefit Concession Permit are approved and construction activities are initiated, a governmental-accredited environmental auditing firm is required to audit the operation three times per year.  Each of the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua (including Cerro Negro) mining operations and China Linda lime plant has been and continues to be audited as required with no significant pollution problems identified.
 
Yanacocha’s corporate policy is to operate in compliance with all material applicable laws and regulations and adopt and adhere to standards that are protective of both human health and the environment at the facilities it builds and operates.  Additionally, Yanacocha has agreed to several environmental covenants in loans with the IFC that require Yanacocha to comply with relevant World Bank environmental guidelines and World Bank occupational health and safety guidelines, and such covenants are monitored annually by IFC.  See “—Trust Certificates and IFC Loan Documents.”guidelines.  In addition, in 2005 Yanacocha became a signatory of the International Cyanide Code, which provides specific and strict standards on how to manage cyanide.  Yanacocha completed the audit process in September 2007 and was certified under the International Cyanide Code during April 2008.

72

  In December 2009 Yanacocha engaged an outside firm to conduct an audit assessing the implementation and maintenance of the International Cyanide Code principles.
 
In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” effective January 1, 2003, which established a uniform methodology for accounting for estimated reclamation and abandonment costs.  Accordingly, on January 1, 2003, Yanacocha recorded the estimated present value of reclamation liabilities, or asset retirement obligation or ARO, and increased the carrying amount of the related asset to be retired in the future. Yanacocha allocates the carrying amount of the related asset to expense over the life of the related assets, adjusting for changes resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or amount of the original present value estimate.  At January 1, 2003, Yanacocha recorded approximately US$50 million for the carrying amount of the related asset, net, an increase of approximately US$72.1 million to ARO, an increase of US$7.9 million to deferred tax liabilities, and an increase of US$2.3 million to deferred profit sharing liabilities.
Prior to the adoption of SFASASC 410 (SFAS No. 143,143), estimated future reclamation costs were based principally on legal and regulatory requirements.  Such costs for active mines were accrued and charged over the expected operating lives of the mines using the unit of production method based on proven and probable reserves.  Future remediation costs for inactive mines were accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the undiscounted costs expected to be incurred at a site.  Such cost estimates included, where applicable, ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs.  Changes in estimates were reflected in earnings in the period an estimate was revised.
 
68


Yanacocha has informed us that its management believes that its operations are conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.  All future exploration and construction projects require or will require a variety of permits.  Although procedures for permit applications and approvals are customarily faster in Peru than in the United States, permitting procedures are still complex, time-consuming and subject to potential regulatory delay.
 
Yanacocha has informed us that as a result of the enactment of the new Water Resources Law and the new Rule for Exploration Activities, new environmental quality standards for water and air maywill require the adoption of new technologies and the purchase of new equipment.equipment for water treatment.
 
Yanacocha has informed us that its management believes that it is in compliance with all applicable regulations and international standards concerning safety.
 
During 2008, Peruvian regulatory authorities approved the “Modification of the Western Expansion of Yanacocha” project, enabling Yanacocha to complete the mining activities in the western area of the La Quinua pit. In February 2008, theJanuary 2009, Yanacocha’s mine closure plan was approved.  In 2008,During 2009, Yanacocha obtainedhad two follow-up audits and maintained the ISO 14001 Certification. During 2009,Certification it obtained in 2008.  In addition, Yanacocha expects to finish thefinished social negotiations to startand started mining activities atin the 700-square meter area of the 700 meters located at the Encajón and Quishuar water canals surrounding the La Quinua pit.
 
In 2009, Yanacocha will submitsubmitted to and received approval from the MEM for (i) a modification of the exploration permit to perform drilling activities to confirm reserves for new projects, (ii) a modification to the Carachugo EIS in order to increase the mine production of the east zone by 38%, which shall bewas approved in JulyAugust and will includeincludes the restoration of mining activities at the Maqui Maqui Sur pit, the continuation of mining actitivites in the Chaquicocha pit and the commencement of mining activities in two new pits in the San Jose pit and two small pits in the zonevicinity of the Carachugo mine, and (iii) an EIS for the Conga project, whose mining operations will last until 2029.2031.  In 2010, Yanacocha will submit the second“Modification of the EIS of Cerro Negro” to permit mining at the Cerro Negro West Pit and construction of the La Quinua 8A leach pad so that it can receive all the mining material from the western oxides projects located in La Quinua.  Yanacocha will also start with the approval process for the Second “Modification of the Western Expansion of Yanacocha” project to permit mining activities at the La Quinua Sur Project, located to the south of the La Quinua pit.
73

 
Insurance
 
Yanacocha maintains a comprehensive insurance program designed to address the specific risks associated with its operations, in addition to covering the normal insured risks encountered by major mining companies.
 
Yanacocha’s insurance program consists of a “Primary Program” and an “Umbrella/Excess Program.”  Coverage under the Primary Program is provided through the local Peruvian insurance market and includes employers’ liability, comprehensive third party general liability, comprehensive automobile liability, all risk property on a replacement basis, including transit risks, business interruption insurance and mining equipment.  Coverage under the Umbrella/Excess Program is provided through Newmont Mining’s master worldwide insurance program and addresses claims that the Primary Program cannot, or will not, cover.  During 2005 and 2004, Yanacocha received US$1.1 million and US$1.0 million, respectively, from its insurance program in connection with a mercury spill and expects to receive further insurance payments to cover most of the remediation expenses it incurred as a result of the accident.
 
69


Financing Activities
 
On July 27, 2006, Yanacocha issued US$100 million in bonds in the Peruvian capital markets under a US$200 million bond program approved by the Peruvian securities regulatory authority.  The bonds are held by various Peruvian entities, including pension funds, mutual funds, government funds and insurance companies.�� The issuance was comprised of US$42 million in floating rate notes bearing interest at LIBOR plus 1.4375% and US$58 million in fixed rate notes bearing interest at 7.0%.  The bonds have a four-year grace period and amortize quarterly over six years.  The bonds are unsecured and are non-recourse to both Newmont and us.  Funds generated from the issuance will be used by Yanacocha primarily for capital expenditures.
 
On May 19, 2006, Yanacocha entered into a US$100 million bank facility with a syndicate of Peruvian commercial banks, comprised of Banco de Crédito del Perú, BBVA Banco Continental and Banco Wiese Sudameris (now Scotiabank Perú).  Quarterly repayments began in May 2007 with final maturity in May 2014.  Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.875%.  The loan is non-recourse to both Newmont and us.  During 2008,2009, Yanacocha repaid an aggregate of US$13.8 million outstanding under the credit facility in four quarterly installments.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, US$75.962.1 remained outstanding under the credit facility.
 
In September 2007, Yanacocha entered into a leasing contract with Banco de Crédito del Perú related to the acquisition of nine high altitude mining trucks, which were delivered in 2007, for an aggregate of US$24.5 million, with a purchase option.  The lease is for three years and bears an annual interest rate of 6.10%.  Monthly payments began in January 2008.
 
In December 2007, Yanacocha entered into a leasing contract with Scotiabank related to the acquisition of six high altitude mining trucks for an aggregate of US$16.3 million, with a purchase option.  The lease is for three years and bears interest at the rate of 6.00% per annum.  One truck was delivered in 2007 and the remaining five trucks were delivered in 2008.  Monthly payments began in May 2008.

74

 
By-Laws of Yanacocha
 
Yanacocha is governed by the Peruvian Companies Law and the estatutos (the combined articles of incorporation and by-laws) of Yanacocha, or the Yanacocha By-Laws.
 
Control Over Major Corporate Events
 
Pursuant to the Peruvian Companies Law and the Yanacocha By-Laws (including applicable quorum requirements), without the affirmative vote of the partners of Yanacocha representing at least 51 percent of the voting shares, none of the following may occur: (i) an increase or decrease in Yanacocha’s capital, (ii) the issuance of any debentures, (iii) any sale of an asset whose book value is at least 50 percent of the paid in capital relating to such asset, (iv) any amendment to the Yanacocha By-Laws in order to change its business form, (v) the merger, consolidation, dissolution or liquidation of Yanacocha or (vi) any other amendment of the Yanacocha By-Laws.
 
70


Pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement among Newmont Second, Condesa, Compagnie Miniére Internationale Or S.A. and IFC, dated as of August 16, 1993, as amended by a General Amendment Letter, dated August 17, 1994, any member of the Executive Committee of Yanacocha who wishes to propose that Yanacocha’s Executive Committee authorize Yanacocha to take a Significant Action (as defined below) must (i) give written notice to each partner of such proposal prior to consideration thereof at a meeting of the Executive Committee and (ii) refrain from voting to approve such Significant Action until (x) the Executive Committee has received the consent of 80 percent of the partners of Yanacocha (a partner is deemed to have consented if no objection is received from such partner within 30 days after being notified) or (y) the Executive Committee has received the consent of at least 51 percent of the partners of Yanacocha and 45 days have elapsed since the member of the Executive Committee who proposed the Significant Action has responded in writing to objections received from objecting partners.  “Significant Action” means (i) a disposal or sale of more than 20 percent by value of Yanacocha’s fixed assets, (ii) any planned shutdown or cessation of Yanacocha’s mining activities that is planned to last for more than one year, (iii) any capital expenditure by Yanacocha exceeding US$20 million, (iv) any disposal or sale by Yanacocha of the mining rights covered by certain concessions or (v) the approval of the construction of a project in the area owned by Yanacocha (other than the Carachugo mine and processing facilities).
 
Preemptive Rights
 
The Peruvian Companies Law and the Yanacocha By-Laws provide preemptive rights to all partners of Yanacocha.  In the event of a capital increase, any partner has a preemptive right to pay its pro rata share of such increase in order to maintain such partner’s existing participation in Yanacocha.
 
In the event of a proposed transfer, exchange or sale, either voluntary or involuntary, of participation, collectively referred to as the Offered Participation, of one or more partners, any partner has a right to acquire the Offered Participation in proportion to its holdings of partners’ capital.  In the event that not all of the partners wish to exercise this right or some indicate their decision to acquire a smaller share than that to which they are entitled, the other partners will be entitled to an increase, and consequently, the remaining participation will be distributed among them in proportion to such partners’ capital participation and within the maximum limit of the participation they have stated their intention to acquire.  Finally, any Offered Participation remaining unsubscribed by the partners must first be offered to Yanacocha before they may be offered to third parties.

 
75



Legal Proceedings
 
Choropampa.  In June 2000, a transport contractor of Yanacocha spilled approximately 151 kilograms of elemental mercury near the town of Choropampa, Peru, which is located 53 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of the Yanacocha mine.  Elemental mercury is not used in Yanacocha’s operations but is a by-product of gold mining and was sold to a Lima firm for use in medical instruments and industrial applications.  A comprehensive health and environmental remediation program was undertaken by Yanacocha in response to the incident.  In August 2000, Yanacocha paid under protest a fine of S/.1.7 million Nuevos Soles (approximately US$0.5 million) to the Peruvian government.  Yanacocha entered into settlement agreements with a number of individuals impacted by the incident.  As compensation for the disruption and inconvenience caused by the incident, Yanacocha entered into agreements with and provided a variety of public works in the three communities impacted by this incident.  Yanacocha cannot predict the likelihood of additional expenditures related to this matter.  Yanacocha and other defendants have been named in lawsuits filed by approximately 1,100 Peruvian citizens in the Denver District Court.  These actions seek compensatory damages based on claims associated with the elemental mercury spill incident.  The parties in these cases agreed to submit these matters to binding arbitration.  In October 2007, the parties to the arbitration entered a court-approved settlement agreement, resolving most of these lawsuits.
 
Additional lawsuits relating to the Choropampa incident were filed against Yanacocha in the local courts of Cajamarca, Peru in May 2002 by approximatelyover 900 Peruvian citizens.  A significant number of the plaintiffs in these lawsuits had previously entered into settlement agreements with Yanacocha.  In April 2008, the Peruvian Supreme Court upheld the validity of these settlement agreements, which should result in the dismissal of all claims brought by plaintiffs that had settled prior to filing these lawsuits.  Yanacocha also has entered into settlement agreements with approximately 350 additional plaintiffs.  Claims asserted by approximately 200 plaintiffs remain unresolved.  Yanacocha cannot reasonably predict the final outcome of any of the above-described lawsuits.  The maximum additional expense related to these judicial claims is estimated at US$1.5 million.

 
Conga.  Yanacocha is involved in a dispute with the Provincial Municipality of Celendín regarding the authority of that governmental body to regulate the development of the Conga project.  In 2004, the Municipality of Celendín enacted an ordinance declaring the area around Conga to be a mining-free reserve and a protected nature area.  Yanacocha has challenged this ordinance by means of two legal actions, one filed by Yanacocha (as the lease holder of the Conga mining concessions) and one filed by Minera Chaupiloma (as the titleholder of the Conga mining concessions).  In August 2007, a Peruvian Court of First Instance upheld Chaupiloma’s claim, stating that the Municipality of Celendín lacks the authority to create protected nature areas.  The Municipality of Celendín has not appealed the ruling.  Based on legal precedent established by Peru's Constitutional Court and the foregoing resolution of Chaupiloma’s claim, it is reasonable to believe that Yanacocha’s mining rights will be upheld.
71

 
Hacienda Los Negritos.  On October 21, 2002, Yanacocha was sued by Grimaldina Malpica Rojas, seeking: (i) the repossession of the “Los Negritos” property, which is currently held and utilized by Yanacocha, and (ii) a payment for damages of up to US$65 million.  In July 2008, the court dismissed this claim and the ruling was not appealed by the plaintiff.

Baños del Inca.  In September 2006, the Municipality of Baños del Inca issued a declaration designating an area that includes the Carachugo Expansion and San Jose Projects as reserved and protected areas.  Based on previous experience and actions taken by the Peruvian Constitutional Court, which is Peru’s highest court for constitutional issues, in respect of Cerro Quilish, in which it was ruled that such declaration did not affect Yanacocha’s mining rights, Yanacocha believes that Baños del Inca’s declaration should not impact Yanacocha’s legal rights to exploit these concessions.  In March 2008, Lima’s Court of First Instance rejected Baños del Inca’s challenge relating to the court’s jurisdiction.  The legal proceeding is currently pending resolution.resolution in Lima’s Court of First Instance.
 
76


San Pablo.  In February 2007, the Municipality of San Pablo issued an ordinance designating an area that includes Las Lagunas and Pozo Seco as reserved and protected areas, where Yanacocha has mining rights.  Based on previous experience and actions taken by the Peruvian Constitutional Court in respect of Cerro Quilish, in which it was ruled that such declaration did not affect Yanacocha’s mining rights, Yanacocha believes that San Pablo’s declaration should not impact Yanacocha’s legal rights to exploit these concessions.  Yanacocha has challenged this ordinance on the grounds that, under Peruvian law, local governments lack the authority to create such areas, denying the rights granted by Yanacocha’s mining concessions.  Lima’s Court of First Instance rejected the complaint based on formal grounds.  The resolution of the court was appealed and in November 2008 Lima’s Court of Second Instance confirmed this ruling.  Yanacocha submitted a constitutional complaint to the Peruvian Constitutional Court, which is currently pending resolution.
 
Clinica Internacional, Addeco, SDC Security.  The employees of three of Yanacocha’s contractor companies (Clínica Internacional, Adecco and SGC Security) have initiated judicial proceedings through which they demand their incorporation into Yanacocha’s payroll. These contract employees claim that they are direct employees of Yanacocha and entitled to the corresponding rights afforded to Yanacocha’s direct employees, arguing that they receive direct orders from Yanacocha and that most of the equipment they use is provided for by Yanacocha.  All these proceedings, which involve a total of 97 workers, are pending resolution in Lima’s Court of First Instance.
Other than the legal proceedings described above, Yanacocha is involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business, none of which individually or in the aggregate is material to Yanacocha or its operations.  For information regarding the legal proceedings relating to the ownership of Yanacocha’s equity, see “—The Company—History and Development.”
 
Management of Yanacocha
 
Executive Committee
 
Pursuant to the Yanacocha By-Laws, Yanacocha’s Executive Committee consists of six members, all of whom are appointed by the partners of Yanacocha.  Richard T. O’Brien, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmont Mining Corporation has been appointed Chairman of Yanacocha’s Executive Committee and Alberto Benavides de la Quintana, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of Yanacocha’s Executive Committee. The Vice Chairman has the power to preside over the meetings of Yanacocha’s Executive Committee in the Chairman’s absence.  The members of the Executive Committee are elected for a three-year term but may continue in their positions until the next election takes place and the newly elected members accept their positions.  Alternate members are elected in the same manner as members and can act in the place of members with all of their authority when a member is unavailable, except that an alternate member may not act as either Chairman or Vice Chairman of Yanacocha’s Executive Committee.  The Chairman has the right to cast the deciding vote in the event of a deadlock among Yanacocha’s Executive Committee.

 
72


General Manager/Management Agreement
 
The Yanacocha By-Laws provide that the Yanacocha Partners’ Meeting has the power to appoint and remove the Manager of Yanacocha; the Executive Committee has the power to appoint and remove other officers of Yanacocha, determine their duties and compensation and grant and revoke powers of attorney.  Newmont Peru was named as Yanacocha’s Manager according to a publicly filed deed, and it continues to hold that position.  Newmont Peru’s duties as Manager are defined in the Management Contract dated February 28, 1992, as amended, between Yanacocha and Newmont Peru.  Pursuant to the Management Contract, Newmont Peru is responsible for managing, conducting and controlling the day-to-day operations of Yanacocha and keeping Yanacocha’s Executive Committee informed of all operations through the delivery of various written reports.  The Management Contract was amended as of December 19, 2000.  The amendment extends the term of the Management Contract for a period of 20 years starting at the date of amendment and provides that it may be extended for additional terms of 20 years upon request by Newmont Peru.  Newmont Peru, however, may cancel the Management Contract by giving six months’ prior notice to Yanacocha.  The Management Contract will be deemed terminated if, due to reasons attributable to the bad management of Yanacocha, except for reasons beyond its control, Newmont Peru is unable to substantially complete the agreed work programs.  In exchange for its services as Manager, Newmont Peru receives remuneration of US$2 per ounce of gold production and its equivalent for copper production paid on a quarterly basis, which amount is expected to cover the overhead and administrative expenses for the management of the operations.  Also, Newmont Peru may charge Yanacocha for the salaries of employees of Newmont Peru or its affiliates who are directly involved in the operation of Yanacocha.  In 2008,2009, Yanacocha accrued fees of US$3.74.1 million owed to Newmont Peru and its affiliates under the Management Contract.
 
77


Control Over Major Corporate Events
 
See “—By-Laws of Yanacocha” above for a description of certain provisions of Peruvian law and of the Yanacocha By-Laws relating to control over major corporate events.
 
Preemptive Rights and Rights of First Refusal
 
See “—By-Laws of Yanacocha” above for a description of certain provisions of Peruvian law and of the Yanacocha By-Laws relating to preemptive rights and rights of first refusal.

 
7873

 

Property, Plants and Equipment
 
Our Property
 
Introduction
 
We operate seven mines: Julcani, Recuperada, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Antapite and Ishihuinca.  We also have controlling interests in two mining companies which operate the Shila-Paula, Colquijirca and Marcapunta mines.  We also own an electric power transmission company, an engineering services consulting company and have minority interests in several other mining companies, including a significant ownership interest in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde.  See “—The Company—Organizational Structure” and “—Intermediate Holding Companies, Subsidiaries and Equity Participations.”  Set forth below is a map of our principal mining operations as of April 31, 2009.30, 2010.
 

 
7974

 

Operating Properties
 
Orcopampa
 
The Orcopampa mine is wholly-owned and operated by us.  We lease the rights to the mining concessions of Orcopampa from a group of private investors.  This lease, which was renewed in September 2003 and expires in 2043, stipulates a payment from us equal to 10 percent of production value, subject to certain conditions.  Operations started in the Orcopampa mine in 1965.  In 2008,2009, we made lease payments of US$20.221.1 million.  We operated Orcopampa as a silver mine until the late 1990s, when we also began to mine gold-bearing veins.  In December 1996, Orcopampa S.A., then owner and operator of the Orcopampa mine, merged into us.  As a result of the merger, Orcopampa S.A. assigned, and we assumed, the right to the mining concessions of Orcopampa.  At December 31, 2008,2009, the net total fixed assets of Orcopampa were approximately US$48.939.3 million.
 
The Orcopampa mine is located in the province of Castilla in the department of Arequipa, approximately 1,350 kilometers southeast of the city of Lima at an altitude of between 3,800 and 4,500 meters above sea level.  Access is by a 192-kilometer unpaved public road, which connects to the Pan American highway, and by airstrip.
 
The Orcopampa mining property consists of an epithermal gold telluride deposit hosted by early Miocene to Holocene calc-alkaline to high potassium calc-alkaline lava flows and domes of the Sarpane Complex, which forms part of the tertiary metallogenic (Au-Ag) belt of Southern Peru.
 
Mining at Orcopampa is conducted underground using the mechanized cut-and-fill method.  Ore is processed at a mill located at Orcopampa.  Until February 2004, the mill had a rated capacity of 1,200 DST per day and utilized both bulk flotation and gravity concentration processes.  In 2008, a new semi autogenous mill was installed as a primary mill, which allowed us to increase the mill’s rated capacity to 1,450 short tons per day, or stpd, and to replace the two existing rod and ball mills and the existing ball mill.  These three mills are currently being used to treat the ore from the Poracota mine at a rate of 720 stpd.
 
Until February 2004, flotation concentrates were exported to different smelters around the world, while gravity concentrates continued to be treated at Los Volcanes, a small cyanidation plant located next to the Orcopampa mill whichthat has been in operation since 1989. Until the end of 2001, Los Volcanes produced gold/silver electrolytic precipitates which were smelted and refined in Lima and then sold to Johnson Matthey.  During the second half of 2001, we installed a Merrill-Crowe circuit and a smelter which began operations in December of that year, allowing us to produce doré bars from the gold and silver precipitate produced in the cyanidation plant of Los Volcanes.
 
Positive results offrom exploration conducted in the Nazareno and Prometida veins, changes in the characteristics of the ore and results from metallurgical tests performed in 2002 have suggested the replacement ofinfluenced our decision to replace the flotation process with the direct cyanidation of the ore.  In January 2003, we initiated construction of a cyanidation circuit, which commenced operations on a continuous basis in March 2004 and therefore eliminated the production of flotation concentrates.  The cyanidation circuit includes a 70 foot thickener from which a gold rich solution is obtained and sent to the Merrill-Crowe unit for gold precipitation, six agitator tanks to which cyanide and activated carbon are added (Carbon in Leach process), and a carbon desorption circuit whichthat includes an electrolytic cell for the recovery of gold and silver as precipitate.  The Electrolytic and Merrill-Crowe precipitates are smelted into doré bars prior to shipment.

75

 
In June 2006, we engaged a metallurgical consultant to evaluate the possibility of installing a pressure leach circuit for the pre-treatment of gold ore from Poracota prior to cyanidation next to the Orcopampa plant.  After a careful evaluation and review of all of the data available, we decided to continue with the project and engaged Aker Kvaerner Metals, Inc., or Aker Kvaerner, an engineering firm, to perform an engineering study.  In July 2007, Aker Kvaerner issued a preliminary report which showed that the installation of an autoclave was not feasible after taking into account current Poracota ore reserves and metal prices.  As a result, the Poracota ore will continue to be treated by flotation.
 
80


Electric power is generated and supplied by a 3,900 kw hydroelectric plant that is owned by us and a power line, which was connected to the Peruvian national electricity grid on September 12, 2002, owned by us and, when water is scarce, it can be provided by a 3,976 kw diesel generator.2002.  Water for operations at Orcopampa is obtained from a lake and three rivers.  When water is scarce, electric power for the Orcopampa mine can be provided by a 3,976 kw diesel generator.
 
In 2006 we continued exploration activities in the Nazareno vein, and 43 drill holes explored in the western and eastern section of the vein confirm that economically viable mineralization extends over that area.  Another 13 drill holes explored in the eastern part of the Prometida vein indicate good ore shoots in both the Prometida and Nazareno veins.  In addition, the exploration of the Prometida and Nazareno veins has led to the discovery of new mineral reserves and, in 2005, mineral reserves increased 16.6 percent in gold content reaching 1,137,215 DST of mineral with a minimum grade of 0.68 ounces of gold per short ton and 0.27 percent ounces of silver per short ton with a metallic content of 773,306 ounces of gold.  To facilitate ventilation and access to the eastern region of Prometida, where ongoing reserve measurement and estimation efforts are being carried out, we finished construction of the “Mario” ramp.  In addition, we have commenced construction of three additional ramps to facilitate access to ore reserves and resources at the 3,590 and 3,990 levels.  During 2007, we continued underground exploration works on the Nazareno, Prometida and Esperanza veins, including diamond drilling at depth principally in the Nazareno vein, with positive results. During 2008, we completed 8,492 meters of underground exploration works and 21,636 meters of diamond drilling, focusing on the Esperanza, Fabiola, Raluca, Prometida Ramal and Nazareno veins.  Ore reserves at December 31, 2008 were 1,391,600 DST at 0.608 ounces per ton of gold, 0.20 ounces per ton of silver and metallic content of  802,317 ounces of gold and 263,929 ounces of silver.  Estimated NRM werewas 1,006,865 DST, at 0.213 ounces per ton of gold.  InDuring 2009, we will conductcompleted  9,039 meters of underground exploration works and  26,290 meters of diamond drilling, mainly at depth in the Chipmo mineNazareno, Esperanza and Prometida veins. In addition, we are exploring the 3540 level of the Nazareno vein west extension through the Natividad area, the preliminary results of which were positive and merit further exploration.  Ore reserves at December 31, 2009 were 1,060,970 DST at 0.613 ounces per ton of gold and 0.30 ounces per ton of silver.  Estimated NRM was 1,162,985 DST at 0.584 ounces per ton of gold and 0.40 ounces per ton of silver.  In 2010, we are planning to explore the Nazareno, Prometida and Esperanza veins through underground works and diamond drill holes at depth. We will also define gold mineralization in Natividad and other veins.
 
In 2007, metallurgical tests indicated that most of the gold contained in the number 3 tailings dam, which is an old flotation tailings dam which assays over 2.0 grams per ton of gold, could be obtained throughrecovered by cyanidation. During 2008, a cyanidation circuit was installed as part of the main circuit to treat the flotation tails stored in the number 3 tailings dam. The tails are transported by truck to a storage bin and then fed through a rotating drum where the solids are diluted with barren solution. Leaching through cyanidationCyanidation leaching is performed in five agitator tanks containing activated carbon used to absorb the gold solution.  The dissolved gold is absorbed by the carbon, which is later treated at Los Volcanes to recover the gold as dore bars.  The cyanidation residue is pumped to the number 4 tailings dam. During 2008, a total of 11,448 ounces of gold and 4,255 ounces of silver were recovered from the number 3 tailings dam.  In 2009, a total of 36,132 ounces of gold and 32,032 ounces of silver were recovered after treating the number 3 tailings dam.
 
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the periods shown for Orcopampa, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
  
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008(2)
  
2009(2)
 
Mining Operations:               
Ore mined (ST)  461,091   467,953   478,669   483,376   484,621 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.530   0.564   0.581   0.587   0.602 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  0.30   0.24   0.26   0.320   0.21 
Production:                    
Gold (oz.)  233,182   254,631   267,935   284,512   315,277 
Silver (oz.)  86,080   81,005   77,666   111,055   91,525 
Recovery rate (gold) (%)(3)
  95.4   96.0   96.3   95.5   95.7 

76



  
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
  
2004
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
  
2008(2)
 
Mining Operations:            
Ore mined (ST)  431,241  461,091  467,953  478,669   483,376 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.518  0.530  0.564  0.581   0.587 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  0.34  0.30  0.24  0.26   0.320 
Production:                 
Gold (oz.)  211,388  233,182  254,631  267,935   284,512 
Silver (oz.)  97,359  86,080  81,005  77,666   111,055 
Recovery rate (gold) (%)(3)
  93.7  95.4  96.0  96.3   95.5 
Recovery rate (silver) (%)  64.9  63.1  64.1  62.4   64.6 
Costs:                 
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  128  135  145  164   244 
Employees(4):
                 
Buenaventura employees  371  370  400  466   449 
Contractor employees  774  822  790  1,240   1,074 
  
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008(2)
  
2009(2)
 
Recovery rate (silver) (%)(3)
  63.1   64.1   62.4   64.6   57.8 
Costs:                    
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  135   145   164   244   290 
Employees(4):
                    
Buenaventura employees  370   400   466   449   483 
Contractor employees  822   790   1,240   1,074   991 
________
(1)Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
(2)Incorporates gold and silver production from final tail treatment.  During 2009, 36,132 ounces of gold and 32,032 ounces of silver were recovered.
(3)Only reflects recovery rate of gold and silver from Chipmo ore.
(4)Data for 2007 also includes employees at Poracota.

81

The increase in 2003 gold production was mainly due to our exploration activities in the Nazareno vein and the exploration of the Prometida, Prosperidad and Lucy Piso veins.  In 2004, the increase in gold production is primarily due to a considerable increase in the recovery of gold.  The slight increase in gold production in 2006 compared to the previous year was due to an increase in total run of mine ore treated at the plant, a slightly higher grade of gold in the feed and an increase in the recovery of gold.  In 2007, the increase of gold production was mainly due to an increase in the volume of ore treated and a slight increase in the average grade of gold in the ore.  In 2008, the increase of gold production was due to an increase in the average gold grade and the volume of ore treated.  In addition, Orcopampa’s total production of gold and silver includes 1,246 ounces of gold and 3,085 ounces of silver in 2007 and 2,042 ounces of gold and 9,456 ounces of silver in 2008 that were obtained from activated carbon columns installed in the barren solution stream and treatment of slag material received from Procesadora Sudamericana S.A., a precious metals refinery located in Lima.  The increase in gold production in 2009 compared to 2008 was mainly due to the treatment of the number 3 tailings dam.
 
Poracota
 
Poracota is an underground mine, which is wholly-owned by us and currently operated by the Orcopampa team.  Poracota encompasses 6,674 hectares, which are owned by us, located 20 kilometers west of the Orcopampa mine in southern Peru.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, we estimated ore reserves of 356,255234,649 DST at 0.3440.377 ounces per ton of gold and metallic content of 122,55288,463 ounces of gold and 58,49735,197 ounces of silver.  TotalThe NRM for sulphides and oxides were 305,516232,268 DST at 0.2130.186 ounces per ton of gold.gold and 1,975,968 DST at 0.049 ounces per ton of gold, respectively. In 2009,2010, we will concentrate our exploration efforts to develop the main levels 4600, 4660, 4720 and 4785.
At December 31, 2008,2009, the net total fixed assets of Poracota were approximately US$2.75.4 million.
 
The Poracota mine is located in the province of Condesuyos in the department of Arequipa, at an altitude of between 4,500 and 5,000 meters above sea level.  Access is by a 33-kilometer unpaved road which connects to the Orcopampa mine.
 
Gold mineralization at Poracota has been classified as an epithermal high sulfidation system, which is formed by two main areas, Huamanihuayta and Perseverancia. The more important veins are María Fé, Silvana and Rocio, which are hosted by the tertiary rocks of the Huamanihuayta volcano.

 
8277

 

Operations started in February 2007.  Ore from the Poracota mine is treated by flotation at the Orcopampa concentrator plant.  The following table shows the production obtained for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2008:2009:
 
 Year Ending December 31,  Year Ending December 31, 
 
2007
  
2008
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Mining Operations:               
Ore mined (ST)  61,867   184,188   61,867   184,188   244,450 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.318   0.300   0.318   0.300   0.261 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  0.11   0.16   0.11   0.16   0.16 
Production:                    
Gold (oz.)  16,679   46,126   16,679   46,126   51,516 
Silver (oz.)  5,499   24,505   5,499   24,505   30,395 
Recovery rate (gold) (%)  84.8   83.5   84.8   83.5   80.8 
Recovery rate (silver) (%)  80.1   81.5   80.1   81.5   79.1 
Costs:                    
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  277   623   277   623   812 
Employees(1):
                    
Buenaventura employees  -   54   -   54   49 
Contractor employees  -   559   -   559   681 
________
(1)For 2007, employees at Poracota are included in data for our Orcopampa mine.

During 2008 we achieved full operating capacity, resulting in a significant increase in silver and gold production compared to 2007.  The increase in the production of gold and silver is mainly due to an increase in tonnage treated at the mill, which currently averages 720 stpd.
 
Uchucchacua
 
The Uchucchacua mine is wholly-owned and operated by us.  Operations started in 1975, and Uchucchacua is currently our largest producer of silver.  Uchucchacua encompasses 12,579 hectares, which are owned by us.In 2009 we conducted 22,253 meters of geological explorations with underground works and 56,721 meters of explorations with diamond drilling in the Socorro, Carmen and Huantajalla mines.  At December 31, 2008,2009, total estimated reserves were 3,065,2754,583,860 DST at 17.313.65 ounces of silver, 1.61.83 percent lead and 2.142.48 percent zinc.  Metallic content was 52,973,58062,566,375 ounces of silver, 50,57383,783 DST of lead and 65,481113,677 DST of zinc.  Total NRM were 1,914,480was 3,040,447 DST, at 17.013.57 ounces per ton of silver, 1.72.33 percent lead and 2.353.45 percent zinc.  In 2009,2010, our target is to increase the silver ore reserves with exploration works in the Socorro, Carmen and Huantajalla mines, and we are focusingwill focus exploration works on high-grade silver mineralization areas.  At December 31, 2008,2009, the net total fixed assets of Uchucchacua were approximately US$42.741.7 million.
 
Uchucchacua is located in the province of Oyón in the department of Lima, approximately 265 kilometers northeast of the city of Lima at an altitude of between 4,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level.  Access is by an unpaved road, 145 kilometers in length, which connects to the Pan American highway.
 
Uchucchacua’s mineralization is hosted by Mesozoic limestone of the Jumasha Formation and is classified  as a  mesothermal polymetallic of silver-lead-zinc with important contents of  manganese. The main mineralized structures are veins and ore bodies with high silver mineralization.
 
Mining at Uchucchacua is conducted underground utilizing cut-and-fill stopping, shrinkage stopping, and sublevel stopping methods.  Ore is processed at a mill located at Uchucchacua.  The mill, which has had a rated capacity of 2,500 DST per day since October 2006 and which had a 94.0898.4 percent utilization rate in 2007,2009, utilizes differential flotation to obtain a lead-silver concentrate and a zinc concentrate.

 
8378

 

Electric power is generated by a 3,400 kw hydroelectric plant that we own and by a 3,025 kw diesel generator.  We utilize a power line connecting Uchucchacua to the Peruvian national electricity grid and hashave electrical distribution facilities within the Uchucchacua mine.  Water for operations at Uchucchacua is obtained from three lakes.
 
In 2001, we started construction to deepen the Luz shaft for the purposeWe constructed a cyanidation plant capable of improving the extraction and transportation infrastructure of the mine.  Construction continued in 2002 and we commenced operation of the Luz shaft in July 2003. During 2003, we completed the construction of a new 1.7 kilometer drainage tunnel, the Patón tunnel, which measures 4.5 kilometers from a point close to Lake Patón up to the main shaft and serves to explore the veins of the Plomopampa and Casualidad zones.  On December 6, 2003, the Patón tunnel was connected to the Carmen mine.  In addition to facilitating drainage, the Patón tunnel also improves ventilation and the output of hydroelectric power, reducing electric energy purchased from the national grid for pumping and ventilation by 7.2 MWH, electric energy generation by 1.6 MWH and decreasing the use of fuel-driven generator sets at peak hours.  The implementation of the tunnel results in an annual savings of US$1 million.
At the end of 2003, we commenced evaluating the possibility of recovering the silver values still contained in the final tails produced in the concentrator plants.  Metallurgical investigations indicated that an additional five to eight percent of the silver value could be recovered by a cyanide leach of a silver bearing pyrite concentrate previously obtained by flotation of the final tails.  Further metallurgical evaluations performed during 2004 indicated that cyanide leaching is very effective when applied to a bulk zinc-silver concentrate obtained by flotation of the lead-silver final tails flotation circuit.  After cyanidation, a zinc concentrate may still be produced from the cyanidation residue.  Due to encouraging results in the last quarter of 2004, we commenced engineering studies and the construction of aprocessing 300 metric tons per day, cyanidation circuit, which is designed to treat both pyrite and bulk zinc-silver concentrates.
The new cyanidation plant commenced operations on a trial basis in June 2006 and became fully operational by September 2006.  From June to December 2006, the cyanidation plant produced 181,482 ounces of silver.  Due to an increasing amount of ore coming from the Socorro mine, the feed to the cyanidation plant came from a silver bearing pyrite concentrate obtained by flotation of the final tails.
 
During the third quarter of 2005, samples of an oxide ore located in the upper levels of the mine were tested for cyanidation and indicated that the silver contained in this ore can be successfully leached by cyanidation.  Based on these results, we have decided to install a crushing and grinding circuit for the comminution of the oxide ore and new leaching tanks and filters.  The oxide circuit commenced operations in October 2006.  Total silver production in the oxide circuit was 36,590 ounces for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the periods shown for Uchucchacua, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
During 2007 and after performing some improvements in the cyanidation circuit, a total of 914,912 ounces of silver were produced as silver bars.  Out of this total, 659,984 ounces were obtained from silver bearing pyrite concentrates and 254,928 ounces were produced from oxide ore.  During 2008, a total of 914,943 ounces of silver were produced as silver bars.  However, due to the fall in silver prices and the increase of mining and mill costs, the cyanidation circuit was shut down in November 2008.  We partiallyIn March 2009, we resumed operations at the cyanidation circuit.  In 2009, a total of this circuit during432,500 ounces of silver were produced in silver bars. In 2010 we plan to produce over 600,000 ounces of silver in the first quarter of 2009 after the construction of a new cyanidation tailings dam that should allow us to reduce operating costs.circuit.
 
Due to a continuous increase in the reserves of high-grade lead-zinc ores and low-grade silver ores, we decided to install a 500 ST per daystpd circuit.  This lead-zinc sulphide circuit can also treat silver sulphide ores if necessary. With the addition of this new circuit in August 2008, the mill has a rated capacity of 3,000 DST per day.  In 2009, the circuit treated 92,533 short tons, or ST, of ore from the Uchucchacua and Pozo Rico mines.
 
84


Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the periods shown for Uchucchacua, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
  
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
 2004  2005  2006  2007  
2008(2)
  2005  2006  2007  
2008(2)
  
2009(3)
 
Mining Operations:                               
Ore mined (ST)  795,036   813,220   810,280   850,463   950,430   813,220   810,280   850,463   950,430   1,017,117 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  16.79   16.93   16.04   16.02   16.00   16.93   16.04   16.02   16.00   13.98 
Average zinc grade (%)  1.48   1.39   1.24   1.90   2.03   1.39   1.24   1.90   2.03   1.56 
Average lead grade (%)  1.13   1.12   1.06   1.31   1.44   1.12   1.06   1.31   1.44   1.10 
Production:                                        
Silver (oz.)  9,832,393   10,213,794   9,692,300   9,873,772   11,417,199   10,213,794   9,692,300   9,873,772   11,417,199   10,555,566 
Zinc (ST)  7,477   6,553   5,225   8,657   12,456   6,553   5,225   8,657   12,456   9,049 
Lead (ST)  8,042   8,067   7,718   9,708   12,237   8,067   7,718   9,708   12,237   9,423 
Recovery rate (silver) (%)  73.67   74.20   74.50   72.50   75.7   74.20   74.50   72.50   75.7   74.0 
Costs:                                        
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  2.93   3.23   4.50   4.60   6.54 
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of silver)  3.23   4.50   4.60   6.54   9.75 
Employees:                                        
Buenaventura employees  421   420   462   528   566   420   462   528   566   594 
Contractor employees  593   727   931   1,036   1,381   727   931   1,036   1,381   1,264 

79

________
(1)Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
(2)Incorporates total Pozo Rico mine production.  Ore mined, metal grades and metal production include Pb/Zn ore and oxide ore treated.
(3)Includes 7 Buenaventura employees and 126 contractor employees at the Pozo Rico mine.

In 2007 a total of 31,053 ST of oxide ore was also mined and treated directly in the cyanidation plant, together with 18,057 ST of a silver bearing pyrite concentrate that was produced and stored since 2000.  The increase in silver production was mainly due to the silver bars produced at the cyanidation circuit. During 2008, a total of 11,417,199 ounces of silver were produced, of which 10,500,548 ounces were produced by flotation and 916,651 ounces were produced as silver bars.  The increase in silver produced was mainly due to an increase in the volume of ore treated during the year.  In 2009, total silver, lead and zinc production decreased mainly because of a sharp decrease in the grade of silver, lead and zinc in the ore treated and, to a lesser extent, a slight decrease in the total silver recovery.
 
Julcani
 
Julcani is an underground mine that is wholly-owned and operated by us.  We acquired Julcani in 1953 as our first operating mine.  Julcani consists of 1,800 hectares, which are owned by us.  In November 1999, due to the depletion of gold and silver reserves, we were forced to suspend production in Julcani and carry out exploration activities only.  In 2000, we started to carry out the actions required by the Environmental Shutdown Plan, or Plan de Cierre Ambiental, and undertook only limited efforts primarily in the Herminia zone in 2001.  As a result, ore mined in the Herminia zone was primarily milled to produce copper and lead concentrates until 2003.  In 2003, we initiated an exploration program in the Acchilla area.  In 2004, we continued the exploration and initiated exploitation of ore with positive results.  During 2009, we explored the Jesús, Acchilla 2, Manto and Ramal Jesús 3 veins on the 560 level of the Acchilla mine and the María Jesús and Magdalena veins in the Estela mine.  We completed 9,869 meters of underground exploration works and 4,521 meters of diamond drilling.  At December 31, 2008,2009, total estimated ore reserves were 288,090312,755 DST at 21.619.75 ounces per ton of silver, 0.0220.037 ounces per ton of gold, 1.71.4 percent of lead and 0.20.54 percent of zinc.copper. The gold grades in total ore reserves of Julcani are derived from new ore reserves discovered in the Estela mine area. In 2009,2010, we will conduct intense underground exploration works in the Acchilla mineand Estela mines and we will continue undergroundbegin exploration works atin the 490Condoray and 420 levels of the Estela mine area.Mimosa Sur areas.  At December 31, 2008,2009, the net total fixed assets of Julcani were approximately US$2.53.0 million.
 
85


Julcani is located in the province of Angaraes in the department of Huancavelica, approximately 500 kilometers southeast of Lima at an altitude of between 4,200 and 5,000 meters above sea level.  Access is by a 195 kilometer unpaved public road, which connects to a paved public road and an airstrip.
 
Julcani is a large polymetallic deposit in Central Peru, which principally produces silver that occurs mainly as tetrahedrite in a multitude of mineralogically complex veins hosted by dacite domes, surge deposits and other tertiary volcanic rocks.
 
Run of mine ore is processed in a concentrator plant located 50 meters from the mine entrance.  The ore is crushed and ground, and bulk flotation is used thereafter to obtain a silver-gold-lead concentrate.  The plant has a rated capacity of 350 DST per day and had a 80.2787.7 percent utilization rate in 2008.2009.  Until 2008, most of the ore treated in the mill came from the Acchilla mine.  In 2009, the mill started to treat ore coming from the Estela mine.  During 2009, the mill treated 13,350 ST of Estela ore, having treated 2,000 ST during December 2009 alone.  In 2010, we plan to mill 2,000 ST per month and 8,000 ST per month from the Estela and Achilla mines, respectively.

80

 
Electric power is generated by three Conenhua hydroelectric plants.  Power generation capacity from these plants is 800 kw (Huapa), 1,200 kw (Tucsipampa) and 760 kw (Ingenio), respectively.  We also rely on the Peruvian national electricity grid through Electro Perú, Peru’s national electric utility, for its remaining electrical power.  Water for operations of Julcani is obtained from a creek, two springs and a lake.
 
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the periods shown for Julcani, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
  
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
 
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008(2)
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008(2)
  
2009
 
Mining Operations:                              
Ore mined (ST)  58,900   73,700   80,450   89,100   95,700   73,700   80,450   89,100   95,700   112,000 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.002   0.002   0.001   0.001   0.003   0.002   0.001   0.001   0.003   0.010 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  18.50   18.80   18.80   17.6   17.88   18.80   18.80   17.6   17.88��  17.61 
Average lead grade  1.68   2.02   2.10   2.11   2.49   2.02   2.10   2.11   2.49   1.73 
Average copper grade (%)  0.17   0.13   0.14   0.14   0.14   0.13   0.14   0.14   0.14    
Production:                                        
Gold (oz.)  59   40   26.14   26.88   187   40   26.14   26.88   187   799 
Silver (oz.)  1,019,743   1,302,596   1,417,666   1,483,428   1,593,606   1,302,596   1,417,666   1,483,428   1,593,606   1,819,375 
Lead (ST)  854   1,308   1,529   1,725   2,162   1,308   1,529   1,725   2,162   1,744 
Copper (ST)  83   82   100   98   120   82   100   98   120    
Recovery rate (gold) (%)  50.7   35.8   25.2   30.3   67.2   35.8   25.2   30.3   67.2   75.0 
Recovery rate (silver) (%)  93.7   94.0   93.8   94.6   93.1   94.0   93.8   94.6   93.1   92.2 
Costs:                                        
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  6.12   5.18   6.55   7.00   8.22 
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of silver)  5.18   6.55   7.00   8.22   8.78 
Employees:                                        
Buenaventura employees  93   92   102   122   158   92   102   122   158   155 
Contractor employees  323   386   549   413   548   386   549   413   548   573 
________
(1)Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
(2)Incorporates Estela area mine production.

The significant increase in silver production in 2008 was mainly due to a 7.41 percent increase in run of mine ore treated in the plant.  The increase in gold production during 2008 was due to ore production in the Estela mine area.  In 2009, there was a considerable increase in the production of silver mainly due to an increase in the volume of ore treated in the mill. The increased production of gold in 2009 was mainly due to the treatment of ore from the Estela mine, which has a higher gold grade in the feed than the ore from the Acchilla mine.
 
86


Recuperada
 
The Recuperada mine is wholly-owned and operated by us. Effective March 2001, we temporarily suspended operations and discontinued exploration efforts at the Recuperada mine.  In April 2004, we elected to resume exploration efforts at the Esperanza vein of the Recuperada mine due to an increase in ore reserves as well as the rising price of metals.  In February 2006 we initiated mining operations.  At December 31, 2008,2009, total estimated ore reserves were 127,390468,555 DST, with 11.55.30 ounces per ton of silver, 5.65.0 percent lead and 4.76.8 percent zinc.  Total estimated NRM were 683,690556,325 DST, with 3.33.80  ounces per ton of silver, 5.45.30 percent lead and 7.97.90 percent zinc.  In 2009,2010, we will continue to conduct intense underground exploration works mainly in the Teresita mine, as well as in the Esperanza, Camucha and Veta 2 depositsveins, in search of ore reserves.  At December 31, 2008, the net total fixed assets of Recuperada were approximately US$4.4 million.

81

 
The Recuperada mining district principally contains polymetallic zinc and lead veins (including the Teresita, Esperanza and Angelica deposits), as well as some silver-rich veins (including the María Luz, Nancy Luz and Rico Antimonio deposits).  The stratigraphic column shows a layer of Mesozoic rocks beneath Cenozoic volcanic rocks and late dacitic-rhyolitic intrusive rocks penetrating previous rocks.
 
Recuperada is located in the province of Huancavelica, in the department of Huancavelica, approximately 540 kilometers southeast of Lima at an altitude of between 4,300 and 4,800 meters above sea level.  Access is by a 242-kilometer unpaved public road, which connects to the Pan American highway.  Electricity is supplied by access to the Peruvian national electricity grid via a 50-kilometer power line, which has a capacity of 22 kilovolts and 4,000 kilowatts.
 
 Mining at Recuperada is conducted underground using the conventional cut and fill method.  Mine ore is processed at a concentrator plant on site, the processing capacity of which was expanded from 400 metric tons per day to 600 metric tons per day in October 2008.  Due to low zinc and lead prices, the concentrator plant is not currently operating at full capacity.
Mining operations at Recuperada are currently focused on  In 2009, the Teresita mine, an old lead-zinc mine that ceased operating between 2001 and 2006 duerated capacity of the concentrator plant was increased from 400 stpd to low metal prices.  Mineable resources are estimated to be located between levels 3850 and 4100.  We are currently upgrading infrastructure at the Teresita mine, including extracting systems, drifting equipment, ventilation systems and water pumping equipment.  In October 2007, we commenced construction of shaft number 3, which will be used to access levels 3850 through 4370.  During 2008, we completed three bore holes, two of which will be used for ventilation and one of which will be used as a pilot for the construction of shaft number 3 between levels 4150 and 4370.  We are also developing the main pumping station for shaft number 3 at level 4150.600 stpd.
 
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the periods shown for Recuperada, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
 Year Ending December 31,  Year Ending December 31, 
 
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Mining Operations:                              
Ore mined (ST)  -   -   72,200   98,970   103,000   -   72,200   98,970   103,000   57,620 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  -   -   7.32   7.45   6.52   -   7.32   7.45   6.52   6.79 
Average lead grade (%)  -   -   2.72   2.38   2.49   -   2.72   2.38   2.49   2.87 
Average zinc grade (%)  -   -   4.75   3.78   3.72   -   4.75   3.78   3.72   3.69 
Production:                                        
Silver (oz.)  -   -   478,129   695,970   636,532   -   478,129   695,970   636,532   370,500 
Lead (ST)  -   -   1,781   2,164   2,383   -   1,781   2,164   2,383   1,504 
Zinc (ST)  -   -   3,039   3,313   3,317   -   3,039   3,313   3,317   1,801 
Costs:                                        
Cash cost (US$ per MT of gold)  -   -   18,440   623   1,485 
Cash cost (US$ per MT of zinc)  -   18,440   623   1,485   1,562 
Employees:                                        
Buenaventura employees  -   -   31   84   111   -   31   84   111   94 
Contractor employees  -   -   494   542   266   -   494   542   266   260 

87


The significantOre production at Recuperada decreased by 44% from 103,000 ST to 57,620 ST as a result of lower reserves and zinc prices.  Silver production decreased by 42% despite a 4% increase in the production of silver lead and zinc during 2007 was mainly due to a 37.1 percent increase in the volume of ore mined compared to 2006.  The decrease in silver production during 2008 was due to decreased silver grades in ore mined.grade.
 
Ishihuinca
 
In 1985, we purchased 51.0 percent of Inversiones Mineras del Sur S.A., or Inminsur, the owner and operator of the Ishihuinca mine.  As a result of subsequent purchases of shares of Inminsur, we currently own 100 percent of Inminsur.  Inminsur has leased the rights to the mining concessions of Ishihuinca from a third party.  The lease agreement, which expires in 2015, stipulates payment by Inminsur to the lessor of a royalty of 7 percent of the price of the concentrates sold.  In 2008,2009, Ishihuinca paid US$0.60.061 million in royalties.  At December 31, 2008,2009, the net total fixed assets of Ishihuinca were approximately US$0.70.4 million.

82

 
The Ishihuinca mine is located in the province of Caravelí in the department of Arequipa, approximately 780 kilometers southeast of the city of Lima at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level.  Access is by the Pan American highway.
 
Mining is conducted underground utilizing the conventional cut-and-fill stopping method.  Ore is processed at a mill located at Ishihuinca.  The mill, which has a rated capacity of 220 DST per day, and which had a 72.38 percent utilization rate in 2008, utilizes bulk flotation and gravity concentration processes. The bulk flotation process produces a copper/gold concentrate, which is sold to a local mineral broker, and a gold bearing pyrite concentrate which is leached with cyanide in agitator tanks.  The gravity concentrates, from the gravity concentration processes, are treated by cyanidation in vats.  The dissolved gold obtained from the cyanidation of the gold bearing pyrite concentrate and gravity concentrate is precipitated on zinc dust (Merrill-Crowe process) and the resulting precipitate is refined in Lima and then sold to Johnson Matthey.  The mill at the Ishihuinca mine was last modernized and expanded to operate at its current capacity in 1993.
 
Electric power is generated by three electric generators, with a capacity of 709 kw, 804 kw and 800 kw, respectively.  Water for operations at Ishihuinca is obtained from nearby wells.
 
In 2004, we identified the Prolongación Córdova vein in the Cordova area with underground workings of 2,110 meters and an estimated 5,765 metric tons at 14.56 grams per ton of gold with an average thickness of 0.85 meters.  In 2005, we continued exploration of the Prolongación Córdova vein in the Cordova area with underground workings of 2,158 meters and an estimated 20,015 metric tons at 13.49 grams per ton of gold with an average thickness of 0.90 meters.  During 2006, we continued exploration efforts in the Córdova area, primarily on the Prolongación Córdova vein and an estimated 16,465 metric tons at 17.60 grams per ton of gold.  During 2007, we conducted 1,574 meters of diamond drilling, primarily in the Córdova area and other mineralized structures, with negative results.  Ore reserves as ofat December 31, 20082009 were 3,62019,103 DST, at 0.4120.375 ounces per ton of gold.  In 2009,2010, we will conductfocus underground exploration works at the 1840 level in the Prolongación Córdova and Prolongación Córdova veins under the 1890 level, to explore cut ore points with diamond drill holes in the Honda vein (holes number 153, 155 and 156), as well as a diamond drilling campaign in the Bella Union area.veins.
 
88


Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the periods shown for Ishihuinca, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
  
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
 
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Mining Operations:                              
Ore mined (ST)  60,213   65,435   66,705   54,740   30,349   65,435   66,705   54,740   30,349   3,055 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.474   0.436   0.377   0.322   0.318   0.436   0.377   0.322   0.318   0.265 
Average copper grade (%)  0.345   0.40   0.33   0.437   0.30   0.40   0.33   0.437   0.30   0.45 
Production:                                        
Gold (oz.)  24,505   23,911   21,020   14,814   8,141   23,911   21,020   14,814   8,141   638 
Copper (ST)  169   198   141   185   70   198   141   185   70   9 
Zinc (ST)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Lead (ST)  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Recovery rate (gold)(%)  85.80   83.7   83.3   83.97   84.3   83.7   83.3   83.97   84.3   81.90 
Recovery rate (copper)(%)  -   -   -   76.90   76.50   -   -   76.90   76.50   66.80 
Costs:                                        
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  335   338   430   541   817   338   430   541   817   1,646 
Employees:                                        
Buenaventura employees  89   82   87   85   75   82   87   85   75   64 
Contractor employees  400   326   338   346   80   326   338   346   80   27 
________
 (1)Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
 
There was a 45.0 percentThe significant decrease in the production of gold and copper in 2008 compared to the previous year,2009 was mainly due to a decrease in the volumedepletion of ore mined.reserves.  Considerable efforts are being made to find new ore reserves and resume operations at prior levels.

83

 
Antapite
 
Antapite is an underground mine that is wholly-owned and operated by us. At December 31, 2008,2009, the net total fixed assets of Antapite were approximately US$8.110.0 million.
 
Antapite is located in the province of Huaytará, in the department of Huancavelica, approximately 434 kilometers southeast of the city of Lima at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.  The mine is accessed primarily by the Pan American Highway and local roads.  The Antapite mine consists of 20,800 hectares, which are owned by us.  Inminsur has identified epithermal vein gold deposits containing an estimated ore reserves of 400,000 tons of gold ore,DST, with average grades of 0.5 ounces per ton.ton of gold.  The Zorro Rojo and Reyna veins are the main source of ore reserves and mining efforts are focused on these veins.  Inminsur has initiated exploration of the Pampeñita and Antapite veins, which run parallel and close to the Zorro Rojo vein, and is also conducting exploration to confirm the presence of important drill intersections in the Reyna vein located two kilometers from the Zorro Rojo vein.
 
Antapite is a gold mineralization deposit that has been classified as an epithermal low sulfidation in veins hosted by Eocene–Miocene calc-alkaline volcanic rocks.
 
In 2006, exploration efforts were centered on the Zorro Rojo and Reyna areas and consisted mainly of underground workings and diamond drill holes.  Total calculated ore reserves as of December 31, 2006 were 466,135 DST with 0.343 ounces of gold.  During 2007, we conducted 13,994 meters of underground exploration works and 18,517 meters of diamond drill holes in Zorro Rojo, Zorro Rojo´sRojo’s branch, Antapite, Reyna, Reyna’s branch and the Liliana and Emperatriz.  Ore reserves as of December 31, 2007 were 261,122 DST at 0.285 ounces per ton of gold and 0.47 ounces per ton of silver.Emperatriz veins.  During 2008, we conducted intense exploration works primarily in the Juana Solitaria, Soledad OlvidadOlvidada and Zorro Rojo veins.  We completed 17,480 meters of underground exploration works and 31,212 meters of diamond drilling.  Total ore reserves as ofat December 31, 20082009 were 96,62025,950 DST with 0.2440.309 ounces per ton of gold and 0.630.44 ounces per ton of silver.  In 2009,2010, we will continue exploration efforts on many levels ofveins in the Zorro Rojo mine area, mainly in the Soledad Olvidada, Juana Solitaria, Eliana, Susan, Mery and CarolinaZorro Rojo Norte veins to search for new ore reserves.
 
89


Mining is conducted underground utilizing the conventional cut-and-fill stopping method.  Ore is processed at a cyanidation plant located at Antapite.  The plant, which was completed in June 2001 with capacity for 272 DST per day, has increased its capacity to 650 DST per day since May 2003.  The plant had a 81.2481.6 percent utilization rate in 2008.2009.
 
The Antapite mine obtains approximately 98.5 percent of its electric power through the Peruvian national electricity grid and the remaining power through Electrical Supplier Machine Sultzer.grid.  Water for operations at Antapite is obtained from an underground drainage system.
 
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the periods shown for Antapite, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
  
Year Ending December 31,(1)(2)
 
 
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Mining Operations:                              
Ore mined (ST)  179,785   179,873   179,820   178,969   207,014   179,873   179,820   178,969   207,014   142,760 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.57   0.60   0.60   0.420   0.220   0.60   0.60   0.420   0.220   0.228 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  0.74   0.81   0.65   0.73   0.57   0.81   0.65   0.73   0.57   0.46 
Production:                                        
Gold (oz.)  97,137   103,931   103,370   72,171   43,320   103,931   103,370   72,171   43,320   31,004 
Silver (oz.)  86,162   102,222   83,258   90,368   80,363   102,222   83,258   90,368   80,363   50,100 
Recovery rate (gold) (%)  94.4   95.9   96.6   96.0   94.2   95.9   96.6   96.0   94.2   95.2 
Recovery rate (silver) (%)  64.5   70.4   71.2   69.2   66.6   70.4   71.2   69.2   66.6   76.3 
Costs:                                        
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  174   209   246   383   637   209   246   383   637   784 
Employees:                                        
Buenaventura employees  188   155   195   335   318   155   195   335   318   279 
Contractor employees  862   1,087   1,241   733   745   1,087   1,241   733   745   684 

84

________
(1)Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
(2)For 2005, reflects the consolidation of the operating data for the Paula and Shila mines. For 2006 to 2009, data reflects only mining operations at the Paula mine.  The Shila mine is currently not operating due to a lack of reserves.
 
There was a 40.0 percent decrease in the production of gold in 2008 compared to the previous year, mainly due to a lower gold feed grade and lower gold recovery rate.  Gold production in 2009 decreased by 28 percent compared to 2008, mainly due to a 30 percent decrease in total ore treated.
 
Shila-Paula
 
Shila and Paula are underground mines that are wholly-owned and operated by Cedimin, our wholly-owned subsidiary.  Shila and Paula encompass an aggregate of 41,152 hectares, which are owned by Cedimin.  At December 31, 2008,2009, the net total fixed assets of the Shila and Paula mining operations were approximately US$7.46.4 million.
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, we have estimated ore reserves of 48,54337,147 DST, with 0.6160.644 ounces per ton of gold and 2.101.7 ounces per ton of silver.  As of December 31, 2008,silver and the NRM were 16,899was 23,525 DST, with 0.9550.931 ounces per ton of gold and 1.401.5 ounces per ton of silver.  All ore reserves and NRM are in the Paula mine.  In 2009,2010, we intend to continue exploration works on levels 4,9304,830, 4,880 and 4,880,4,930 as well as diamond drilling at and below the 4,8804,830 level.
 
The Shila mine is located in the province of Castilla in the department of Arequipa, approximately 1,350 kilometers southeast of Lima and 25 kilometers south of the Orcopampa mining operation at an altitude of between 4,650 and 5,400 meters above sea level.  Access is by a 250-kilometer unpaved road.  The Shila mine is currently not operating due to a lack of ore reserves.
 
90


The Paula mine is located in the province of Castilla in the department of Arequipa, approximately 1,400 kilometers southeast of the city of Lima and 140 kilometers south of the Orcopampa mining operation, at an altitude of between 5,000 and 5,400 meters above sea level.  Access is by a 300 kilometer highway from Arequipa.
 
Gold mineralization deposits in the Shila and PaulPaula mines have been classified as epithermal low sulfidation of the Quartz-Adularia-Sericite type. The veins are hosted by tertiary volcanic rocks  associated with the Chinchón and Huayta calderas.
 
Due to the high cost of transportation and smelting of the concentrates, we installed a small cyanidation plant at the Shila mine, which entered into operation in August of 2001 with a net capacity of 3,200 metric tons per year.
 
Mining operations are currently conducted only in the Paula mine.  Mining is conducted underground using the conventional cut-and-fill stopping method. Ore is processed at a mill located at the Shila mine with a rated capacity of 227 DST per day.  The mill had a 96.694.5 percent utilization rate in 2008.2009. The mill utilizes bulk flotation and gravity concentration processes.  Gravity concentrates and flotation concentrates are later treated together by cyanidation leaching.  The extracted gold and silver values are precipitated using the Merrill-Crowe process and the gold/silver precipitate produced is sent to the smelter located next to the mill.  We send the dore silver/gold bars to a refinery in Lima and the refined products are later sold overseas.

85

 
Electric power for Shila is provided by four diesel generators, two with a capacity of 650 kw, one with a capacity of 1,135 kw and one with a capacity of 1,600 kw, and a power line, which was connected to the Peruvian national electricity grid in April 2003.  In January 2005, Paula was connected to the Peruvian national electricity grid and ceased operations at its two diesel generators, each with a 65 kw installed capacity.  The water for operations at Paula is obtained from runoff from a snowpeak.
 
Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for Shila-Paula, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of both mines’ combined production.
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)(2)
  
Year Ending December 31,(1)(2)
 
 
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
Mining Operations:                              
Ore mined (ST)  57,982   64,050   67,888   68,858   74,722   64,050   67,888   68,858   74,722   65,526 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.46   0.45   0.418   0.491   0.549   0.45   0.418   0.491   0.549   0.386 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  13.83   5.9   3.0   2.1   1.9   5.9   3.0   2.1   1.9   1.75 
Production:                                        
Gold (oz.)  24,473   26,978   26,336   32,261   39,162   26,978   26,336   32,261   39,162   24,072 
Silver (oz.)  660,775   330,184   157,683   104,711   101,327   330,184   157,683   104,711   101,327   85,994 
Recovery rate (gold) (%)  91.4   93   92.8   95.4   95.5   93   92.8   95.4   95.5   95.2 
Recovery rate (silver) (%)  83.5   83   78.6   72.4   72.0   83   78.6   72.4   72.0   74.8 
Costs:                                        
Cash cost (US$ per oz. of gold)  229   283   325   322   415   283   325   322   415   778 
Employees:                                        
Buenaventura employees  154   148   153   205   249   148   153   205   249   220 
Contractor employees  434   522   537   571   685   522   537   571   685   676 
________
 (1)Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
 (2)
For 2004 and 2005, reflects the consolidation of the operating data for the Paula and Shila mines. For 2006 to 2008,2009, data reflects only mining operations at the Paula mine.  The Shila mine is currently not operating due to a lack of reserves.


91


During 2008, there was a 21.4 percent increase in the production of gold ounces mainly due to increases in the volume of ore mined, an increase in the gold feed grade and, to a lesser extent, an increase in the recovery rate of gold. By contrast, silver production decreased slightly by 3.34 percent, principally due to a decrease of the silver grade in the feed.  In 2009, the total production of gold and silver ounces decreased 38.5 and 15.1 percent, respectively, mainly due to a decrease in gold and silver grades in the ore fed to the mill.
 
Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte
 
The Colquijirca (also known as Tajo Norte) and Marcapunta Norte mines are wholly-owned by El Brocal.  El Brocal was formed in 1956 and is engaged in the extraction, concentration and sale of concentrates of polymetallic minerals, mainly zinc, lead and silver.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, we held a 61.4281.22 percent interest in Inversiones Colquijirca, which in turn held a 51.0641.47 percent interest in El Brocal,  and a 4.414.50 percent direct interest in El Brocal’s mining properties.  Our total equity interest in El Brocal was 35.7745.97 percent as of December 31, 2008.2009.  On March 11, 2009, we purchased Teck Cominco’s equity stake in Inversiones Colquijirca, increasing our equity interest in Colquijirca to 81.22 percent and our overall equity interest in El Brocal to 45.97 percent.
 
Total reserves of Colquijirca, as of December 31, 2008,2009, were 48.947.028 million DST with a silver content of 1.301.24 ounces per DST, 2.722.6 percent of zinc and 0.900.86 percent of lead.  Total reserves of Marcapunta Norte, as of December 31, 20082009 were 8.37.936 million DST at 0.48 ounces of silver per DST, 0.410.013 ounces of gold per DST, and 2.572.55 percent of copper.  At December 31, 20082009 the net total fixed assets of Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte were approximately US$35.654.4 million.

86

 
The Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte mines are adjacent and are located 285 kilometers east of the city of Lima and 10 kilometers south of the city of Cerro de Pasco.  El Brocal produces zinc and lead/silver concentrates from the Colquijirca mine and copper concentrates from the Marcapunta Norte mine.  The Colquijirca mine consists of three important polymetallic deposits: the Tajo Norte deposit, which contains zinc, silver and lead ore; the Marcapunta deposit, which contains an auriferous mineralization in breccia oxides, a non-arsenic copper chalcosite mineralization, and an arsenic copper enargite mineralization as a continuation of the mineralized mantles of the Marcapunta Norte Mine; and the San Gregorio deposit, which contains zinc.
 
Mining at Colquijirca is conducted through the open-pit method from which zinc and lead concentrates are produced.  El Brocal’s zinc concentrate typically contains 50 percent zinc, while its lead concentrate typically contains 55 percent lead.  The concentrates are sold locally and also exported to Europe and Asia (primarily Korea and China) for refining.  Mining at Marcapunta Norte is conducted through the room and pillars method from which copper concentrates are produced. El Brocal’s copper concentrates typically contains 20 percent copper and 5 percent arsenic.  The concentrates are sold locally or exported to Africa for refining.  El Brocal’s mineral production greatly increased significantly from 2002 to 2008,2009, achieving an ore throughput of 2,388,6392,324,529 DST representing a 12.4 percent increase from 2007.for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
The Huaraucaca concentrator plant processes ore from both mines. The capacity of the concentrator plant has been increased tois 7,150 short tons per daystpd and it processed 2.42,324,505 million ST of ore during 2008.2009.  The mill had a 9593 percent utilization rate in 2008.2009. The Colquijirca mine primarily relies on a power line, which was connected to the Peruvian national electricity grid in November 2002, for its electrical power.
 
In 2001, El Brocal initiated an intensive exploration program, financed by a capital increase in 2002 at the Marcapunta deposit, to confirm mineralization and find possible extensions.  In 2002, exploration revealed gold-bearing arsenic copper resources in the Marcapunta deposit. El Brocal’s production greatly increased from 2002 to 2006.  In 2008 El Brocal undertook an extensive exploration effort, drilling over 51,000 meters in an effort to increase and better delineate its reserves at the Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte mines, as well as at the overall Marcapunta deposit.
 
92


In August 2008, we approved an expansion project requiring an estimated US$160 million investment.  In February 2010, the budgeted amount was revised upwards to US$196.5 million.  The project contemplates: expanding the Tajo Norte open pit mine to 15,000 MT per day; expanding the Marcapunta Norte underground mine to 3,000 MT per day; expanding and modernizing the Huaraucaca concentration plant to increase the capacity of the lead-zinc-silver circuit from 50005,500 MT per day to 15,000 MT per day in order to treat ore from the Tajo Norte-La Llave mine, as well as to increase the capacity of the copper circuit for the treatment of ore from the Marcapunta mine from 1,000 MT per day to 3,000 MT per day; and building the Huachuacaja tailings facility and upgrading existing infrastructure to adjust to the new production capacity of 18,000 MT per day.
 
Total operating costs for 2009 amounted to US$33.62 per short ton of ore treated, while cash cost was US$29.66 per short ton or 36% higher than the preceding year.  The increase was mainly due to preparation and development activities at the open pit and underground mine as part of the expansion of the project to 18,000 dry metric tons, or DMT.  The main outlay involved the movement of barren material from the pit where 16.7 million tons were extracted.

87

Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the Colquijirca mine calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
 
2004
  
2005
  
2006
  
2007
  
2008
                
Mining Operations:                              
Ore mined (ST)  1,492,569   1,513,964   1,631,668   2,055,485   2,028,588   1,513,964   1,631,668   2,055,485   2,028,588   1,940,119 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  3.23   4.03   8.17   4.97   3.38   4.03   8.17   4.97   3.38   2.92 
Average zinc grade (%)  5.82   5.95   5.90   6.08   6.10   5.95   5.90   6.08   6.10   5.33 
Average lead grade (%)  2.89   2.92   3.31   2.66   2.38   2.92   3.31   2.66   2.38   1.90 
Production:                                        
Silver (oz.)  3,399,130   4,394,940   10,269,511   7,076,377   4,487,906   4,394,940   10,269,511   7,076,377   4,487,906   3,651,041 
Zinc (ST)  63,448   62,997   72,422   93,505   89,949   62,997   72,422   93,505   89,949   74,615 
Lead (ST)  27,069   26,244   33,408   34,867   27,525   26,244   33,408   34,867   27,525   22,195 
Recovery rate (silver) in zinc (%)  26.07   24.88   23.61   25.92   28.47   24.88   23.61   25.92   28.47   27.0 
Recovery rate (zinc) (%)  73.0   69.9   75.18   74.82   72.69   69.9   75.18   74.82   72.69   72.2 
Recovery rate (silver) in lead (%)  44.46   48.0   53.39   43.33   36.91   48.0   53.39   43.33   36.91   37.0 
Recovery rate (lead) (%)  62.82   60.0   61.88   63.77   57.01   60.0   61.88   63.77   57.01   60.2 
Costs:                                        
Cash cost (US$ per MT of gold)  644   616   233   126   384 
Cash cost (US$ per MT of zinc)  616   233   126   384   690 
Employees (2):
                                        
Buenaventura employees  274   281   306   345   351 
El Brocal employees  281   306   345   351   358 
Contractor employees  456   486   906   1,056   1,041   486   906   1,056   1,041   1,956 
___________
(1)  Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
(2)  Includes employees from the Marcapunta Norte mine.

 
In 2009, ore grades for ore mined at Colquijirca dropped significantly.  In order for the mining operations at Colquijirca to remain economically viable, we approved the expansion of operations as described above.  Nevertheless, recovery rates remained stable with respect to 2008 results. The stripping ratio was 10.55, representing an increase of 88% over the previous year.  This is a consequence of the high tonnage of barren material removed from the pit, which was 95% higher.
93

 

Set forth below are certain unaudited operating data for the Marcapunta Norte mine calculated on the basis of 100 percent of the mine’s production.
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
 
 
Year Ending December 31,(1)
  
2007
  
2008
  
2009
 
 
2007
  
2008
          
Mining Operations:               
Ore mined (ST)   69,845   354,993   69,845   354,993   384,410 
Average silver grade (oz./ST)  0.52   0.54   0.52   0.54   0.61 
Average gold grade (oz./ST)  0.016   0.018   0.016   0.018   0.016 
Production:                    
Silver (oz.)   27,048   147,863   27,048   147,863   169,694 
Gold (ST)   617   3,810 
Gold (oz.)  617   3,810   3,215 
Recovery rate (silver) in copper (%)  74.89   77.82   74.89   77.82   72.4 
Recovery rate (gold) in copper (%)  54.12   60.82   54.12   60.82   52.8 
___________
 
(1)     
  (1)Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.

88

During 2009, we continued the exploitation of Marcapunta Norte using the room and pillar method.  We conducted additional preparation, training and development work to increase production from 1,000 MT per day to 4,000 MT per day.  We will apply the sub-level stopping method as production is expanded.
 
Reserves
 
We calculate our ore reserves by methods generally applied within the mining industry and in accordance with Commission Industry Guide 7.  All mineral reserves are estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that under present conditions may be economically mined and processed.
 
The proven and probable ore reserve figures presented in this Annual Report are our and Yanacocha’s estimates, and no assurance can be given that the level of recovery of gold, silver and certain other metals will be realized.  See “Item 3.  Key Information—Risk Factors—Factors Relating to the Company—Reserves Estimates.”
 
The term “reserves” refers to mineral deposits that could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of reserve determination.  The term “proven reserves” means ore reserves for which (a) quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, workings or drill holes, and grade and/or quality are computed from the results of detailed sampling, and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are well established.  The term “probable reserves” means ore reserves for which quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to that used for proven reserves, but the sites for inspection, sampling and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced.  The degree of assurance, although lower than that for proven reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between points of observation.
 
The following table lists the proven and probable ore reserves at December 31, 20082009 for each mining operation in which we have at least a 50 percent interest as well as the average grade of such ore, calculated on the basis of 100 percent of each mine’s reserves and US$725800.00 per ounce of gold and US$13.0014.00 per ounce of silver.

 
9489

 

Proven and Probable Ore Reserves at December 31, 20082009(1)(2)(3)(4)
 
 
Julcani(5)
  
Uchucchacua(6)
(7)
  
Orcopampa(8)
  
Recuperada(9)
  
Colquijirca
(10) (11)
  
Marcapunta
(10) (12)
  
Ishihuinca
  
Antapite(13)
  
Shila-
Paula(14) (15)
  
Poracota(16)
  
Total/Average
  
Julcani(4)
  
Uchucchacua(5)
  
Orcopampa(6)
  
Recuperada(7)
  
Colquijirca(8) (9)
  
Marcapunta(8) (10)
  
Ishihuinca
  
Antapite(8)
  
Shila-
Paula(12)
  
Poracota(13)
  
Total/Average
 
Ore Reserves (ST)  288,090   3,065,275   1,319,600   127,390   48,946,973   7,944,000   3,620   96,620   48,543   356,255   62,196,492   312,755   4,583,860   1,060,970   468,555   47,028,104   7,935,803   19,103   25,950   37,147   234,649   61,706,896 
Grade:                                                                             
Gold (oz./ST)  0.022   -   0.608   -       0.012   0.412   0.244   0.616   0.344   0.108   0.037      0.613         0.0128   0.375   0.309   0.644   0.377   0.014 
Silver (oz./ST)  21.6   17.3   0.2   11.5   1.30   0.46   -   0.63   2.1   0.16   2.10   19.75   13.65   0.30   5.30   1.24   0.48      0.44   1.70   0.15   2.17 
Copper (%)  -   -   -   -       2.46   -   -   -   -   2.46   0.54               2.55               0.33 
Zinc (%)  0.20   2.24   -   4.7   2.72   2.34   -   -   -   -   2.26      2.48      6.80   2.60                  2.22 
Lead (%)  1.7   1.6   -   5.6   0.90   0.77   -   -   -   -   0.81   1.40   1.83      5.00   0.86                  0.84 
Content:                                                                             
Gold (oz.)  6,338   -   802,317   -   -   95,330   1,491   23,575   29,902   122,552   1,080,505   11,637      650,375         101,578   7,160   8,030   23,923   88,463   891,166 
Silver (oz.)  6,222,744   52,973,580   263,920   1,464,985   63,631,064   3,654,240   -   60,871   101,940   58,497   128,431,841   6,177,106   62,566,375   318,291   2,483,342   58,448,623   3,815,534      11,353   63,150   35,197   133,918,971 
Copper (ST)  -   -   -   -       195,426   -   -   -   -   195,426   1,693               202,363               203,526 
Zinc (ST)  576   65,481   -   5,987   1,331,357   -   -   -   -   -   1,403,401      113,677      31,862   1,222,730                  1,368,269 
Lead (ST)  4,898   50,573   -   7,134   440,522   -   -   -   -   -   503,127   4,363   83,783      23,428   404,442                  516,016 
______________
 
(1)
Proven and probable reserves for our wholly-owned mines as of December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were audited by an independent consultant, Algon Investment S.R.L.  Proven and probable reserves for El Brocal’s mines as of December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were audited by an independent consultant, AMEC plc.  Reserves as stated are diluted and mineable.  Incorporates losses for mining dilution and recovery.
(2)The metallurgical recovery factors used to calculate the reserves for each of our mines include ore quality, gradation of ore (which impacts the effectiveness of reagents in releasing valuable particles), quality of water used to treat ore (recycled water contains impurities that can interfere with the chemical reaction of the reagents), quality of reagent used to treat ore, the condition and maintenance of equipment used to extract the ore and staff operational capabilities.
(3)
For the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, reserves for our wholly-owned operated mines (which include all of the mines listed in the table above other than Colquijirca and Marcapunta) were calculated using the following prices: US$725800.00 per ounce of gold, US$1314.00 per ounce of silver, US$1,5432,032.13 per metric ton of zinc, US$9921,921.15 per metric ton of lead and US$1.203,527.40 per poundmetric ton of copper.
(4)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Julcani as of December 31, 20082009 were whether the silver grade was lower than 7.0 ounces per metric ton, whether the ore contained iron sulfide (Pirita) higher than 8% and the quality of the water.
(5)The Pozo Rico mine advanced from the brownfield exploration stage to the production stage and commenced production in June 2008.  Pozo Rico produced 48,767 DST of ore, with 14.1 ounces per ton of silver, 1.15 percent lead  and 0.93 percent  zinc, which was included in the production data for Uchucchacua  for the year ended December 31, 2008.
(6)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Uchucchacua as of December 31, 20082009 were the complexity of the ore, the variation of ore grade and whether the ore contained oxide mineral.
(7)(6)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Orcopampa as of December 31, 20082009 were water quality (recycled water contains impurities that can interfere with the chemical reaction of the reagents) and lower than estimated or expected ore grade.
(8)(7)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Recuperada as of December 31, 20082009 were the high volatility in ore grade and the quality of water.
(9)(8)
El Brocal, in which we owned a 35.78%45.97% controlling equity interest as of December 31, 2008,2009, owns the Colquijirca and Marcapunta mines.  The reserves shown for Colquijirca and Marcapunta are the total reserves of the Colquijirca and Marcapunta mines and do not indicate our equity share.  They were calculated using the following prices: US$11.00 per ounce of silver, US$1,543.00 per metric ton of zinc and US$1,102.00 per metric ton of lead.
(10)(9)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Colquijirca as of December 31, 20082009 were the high content of clay and soluble salts in the ore.
(11)(10)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Marcapunta as of December 31, 20082009 were the high content of arsenic in the ore and the hardness of the host rocks.
(12)(11)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Antapite as of December 31, 20082009 were the high volatility in ore grade and the quality of water.
(13)Reflects the consolidation as of January 1, 2005 of the operating data of the Paula mine into Shila’s operating data.

95


(14) (12)The metallurgical recovery factor that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Shila-Paula as of December 31, 20082009 was the high volatility in ore grade.
(15) (13)The metallurgical recovery factors that impacted proven and probable reserve estimates for Poracota as of December 31, 20082009 were the high volatility of the ore grade and the presence of coal content in the ore.

 
90


Nine underground mines and one open pit mine, Colquijirca, comprise our mining operations.  Since establishing a significant amount of reserves in underground mines requires costly and extensive exploration programs, we have, in order to control costs, traditionally pursued an exploration and development program in our mines designed to establish an amount of reserves sufficient to permit the steady production of minerals over an extended period of time.  The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of production of ore, gold and silver and the average grade of gold and silver for each of our ten mines for the ten-year period ended December 31, 2008,2009, calculated in each case on the basis of 100 percent of the relevant mine’s production.
 
 
Julcani
 
Uchucchacua
 
Orcopampa
 
Recuperada
 
Colquijirca(2)
   
Marcapunta(2)
   
Ishihuinca
 
Antapite
 
Shila-Paula(1)
  
Poracota
  
Total
  
Julcani
  
Uchucchacua
  
Orcopampa(1)
  
Recuperada
  
Colquijirca(2)
  
Marcapunta(2)
  
Ishihuinca
  
Antapite
  
Shila-Paula
  
Poracota
  
Total
 
                                                          
Ore mined (ST)  95,700  950,430  483,376  103,000  2,028,588  354,993  30,349  207,014  74,772   184,188   4,512,410   652,800   8,197,491   4,155,810   418,220   15,643,798   739,403   435,194   1,405,054   639,560   490,505   32,777,835 
Gold produced (oz.)  187  -  284,512  -  -  3,809  8,141  43,320  39,162   46,126   425,257   2,855      2,150,370   544      7,024   155,387   642,281   285,803   114,321   3,358,585 
Average Gold Grade(oz./ST)  0.003  -  0.587  -  -  0.018  0.318  0.220  0.549   0.300   0.098 
Average Gold Grade (oz./ST)  0.007      0.536   0.003      0.017   0.418   0.481   0.470   0.283   0.108 
Silver produced (oz.)  1,593,606  11,417,199  111,055  636,532  4,493,191  148,700  -  80,363  101,327   24,505   18,606,478   10,806,704   99,038,403   1,085,789   2,690,415   43,909,903   318,394      737,389   3,392,669   60,399   162,040,065 
Average silver Grade (oz./ST)
  17.88  16.00  0.32  6.52  3.39  0.54  -  0.570  1.88   0.16   5.56   17.82   16.25   0.36   6.93   4.02   0.58      0.79   6.35   0.15   6.64 
____________
 
 (1)Reflects the consolidation asIncorporates 47,581 ounces of January 1, 2005gold and 36,288 ounces of the operating data of Paula into Shila’s operating data.silver from final tail treatment.
 (2)
El Brocal, in which we owned a 35.78%45.97% controlling equity interest as of December 31, 2008,2009, owns the Colquijirca and Marcapunta mines.  The reservesproduction data shown for Colquijirca and Marcapunta are the total reservesproduction data of the Colquijirca and Marcapunta mines and do not indicate our equity share.

 
9691

 

Yanacocha’s Properties
 
Operating Properties
 
For operating data (including ore mined, average gold grade of ore mined and gold production) for each of Yanacocha’s operating properties and a description of how ore is processed and the source of electricity and water for each of Yanacocha’s operating properties, see “—Yanacocha—Overview” and “—Description of Yanacocha’s Operations.”
 
Carachugo - - Chaquicocha
Chaquicocha Sur is an 85-hectare gold deposit (ultimate pit) which lies in the east-central part of the Yanacocha District, approximately 1 kilometer southeast of the mined out Carachugo deposit and 300 meters south of the Chaquicocha Norte pit.
 
Carachugo is a 90-hectare gold deposit with a leach pad that covers approximately 306 hectares.  Carachugo, Yanacocha’s first mine, commenced operations in August 1993.  Mining is conducted by the open-pit method.  Carachugo has one Merril-Crowe-type ore processing facility.
 
Maqui Maqui
 
Maqui Maqui is a 75-hectare gold deposit with a leach pad covering 67 hectares, located five kilometers northeast of the Carachugo pit.  Mining operations at Maqui Maqui began in October 1994 and used the open-pit mining method.  Although mining operations at Maqui Maqui ceased in September 2000, gold recovery from the leach pad continues.  The Maqui Maqui East expansion is scheduled to commence operations in 2011.
 
San José
 
San José is a 100-hectare gold deposit, located 1.5 kilometers southwest of the Carachugo pit, that shares the leach pad located at Carachugo.  Mining operations at San José began in January 1996 using the open-pit mining method.  Mining operations at San José temporarily ceased during the fourth quarter of 2002 and reopened in 2005 to complete San José East.  San José West is scheduled to commencestarted operations in early 2010.
 
Cerro Yanacocha
 
Cerro Yanacocha is a 247-hectare gold deposit (ultimate pit) with a leach pad covering approximately 284310 hectares.  The Cerro Yanacocha pit is located two kilometers northwest of the Carachugo pit.  Operations began in the fourth quarter of 1997 using the open-pit mining method.  Cerro Yanacocha includes a carbon column gold recovery plant and a Merrill-Crowe-type ore processing facility.
 
La Quinua
 
La Quinua is a 376-hectare450-hectare gold deposit (ultimate pit) with a leach pad covering 381426 hectares.  The La Quinua, pit isEl Tapado and El Tapado Oeste pits are located three kilometers southwest of the Cerro Yanacocha pit.  Operations began in the fourth quarter of 2001 using the open-pit mining method.  All solution processing occurs at the Cerro Yanacocha plant following treatment at the La Quinua leach pad and carbon column facility.

92

 
The La Quinua mining operation included Cerro Negro, a 15-hectare gold deposit (ultimate pit) which is located six kilometers southwest of the La Quinua pit.  Cerro Negro utilized the La Quinua leach pad.  Operations began in April 2004 using the open-pit mining method and all solution processing occurred at the Cerro Yanacocha plant following treatment at the La Quinua leach pad and carbon column facility.  Mining operations at Cerro Negro ceased in March 2005.

 
China Linda
 
In October 1999, we commenced lime production at the China Linda plant, which is located 12 kilometers to the northeast of the Yanacocha installations, in Cajamarca.  Access to the plant from Yanacocha is by a ten kilometer private, unpaved road.  We had 100 percent ownership of China Linda until December 19, 2000, at which date the plant became Yanacocha’s property pursuant to the unitization of our and Newmont Mining’s properties in Northern Peru.  In January 2002, Yanacocha took over the operation of the China Linda plant.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—History and Development.”  Lime is used in the gold and silver mining process to regulate the alkalinity of the cyanide solutions in the leaching process and for pH control in water treatment applications.  Currently, the plant has a production capacity of 83,000 tons of lime per year.  Additionally, construction gravel is obtained as a sub-product.
 
Reserves
 
Proven and probable reserves are based on extensive drilling, sampling, mine modeling and metallurgical testing from which economic feasibility is determined.  Under the Management Contract, Newmont Mining, in conjunction with Yanacocha, calculates Yanacocha’s reserves by methods generally applied within the mining industry and in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7.  Reserves represent estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that under present and anticipated conditions may be economically mined and processed.
 
The following table lists Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves and the average grade of ore as of December 31, 20042005 through December 31, 2008.2009.  The table also includes proven and probable reserves for the districts of Yanacocha and Conga, along with average grade of ore.  Calculations with respect to the estimates of proven and probable reserves are based on a gold price of US$800 per ounce as of December 31, 2009, US$725 per ounce as of December 31, 2008, US$575 per ounce as of December 31, 2007, US$500 per ounce as of December 31, 2006 and US$400 per ounce as of December 31, 2005 and US$350 per ounce as of December 31, 2004.2005.  Calculations with respect to Conga’s copper reserves were calculated at a price of US$2.00 per pound as of December 31, 2009, US$2.00 per pound as of December 31, 2008, US$1.75 per pound as of December 31, 2007 and US$1.00 per pound as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and US$0.90 per pound as of December 31, 2004.2005.  The districts of Yanacocha’s and Conga’s proven and probable reserves represent the total quantity of ore to be extracted from the deposits, allowing for mining efficiencies and ore dilution.  Ounces of gold and pounds of copper in the districts of Yanacocha’s and Conga’s proven and probable reserves are calculated prior to any losses during metallurgical treatment.

 
9893

 
 
 
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2008
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2007
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2006
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2009
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2008
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2007
 
 
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
 
 
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
  
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
  
(thousands
of DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
  
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
  
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
  
(thousands
of DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
 
Maqui Maqui 9,411  0.029  275  7,206  0.031  225  7,731  0.026  198  9,037  0.030  271  9,411  0.029  275  7,206  0.031  225 
Quecher -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  - 
Antonio -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  - 
Cerro Quilish -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  - 
Cerro Negro -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -  - 
Carachugo 85,288  0.033  2,780  83,782  0.035  2,931  91,592  0.035  3,231  78,906  0.035  2,737  85,288  0.033  2,780  83,782  0.035  2,931 
San José 10,420  0.017  178  9,684  0.017  166  9,067  0.018  160  10,194  0.017  175  10,420  0.017  178  9,684  0.017  166 
Giuliana -  -  -  256  0.024  6  1,560  0.023  36  -  -  -  -  -  -  256  0.024  6 
Cerro Yanacocha 110,123  0.027  3,007  165,376  0.029  4,781  198,275  0.026  5,103  43,999  0.039  1,720  110,123  0.027  3,007  165,376  0.029  4,781 
La Quinua 73,920  0.015  1,112  88,824  0.018  1,609  92,513  0.018  1,670  21,431  0.015  320  73,920  0.015  1,112  88,824  0.018  1,609 
Tapado 52,991  0.038  2,021  70,212  0.033  2,351  73,681  0.036  2,661  38,931  0.035  1,371  52,991  0.038  2,021  70,212  0.033  2,351 
Corimayo 58,867  0.041  2,405  69,970  0.035  2,470  63,053  0.048  3,019  47,711  0.048  2,313  58,867  0.041  2,405  69,970  0.035  2,470 
In process  43,671   0.028   1,236   42,908   0.028   1,219   50,181   0.028   1,413   57,074   0.028   1,619   43,671   0.028   1,236   42,908   0.028   1,219 
Subtotal Yanacocha/avg 444,691  0.029  13,014  538,218  0.029  15,758  587,652  0.030  17,491  307,282  0.034  10,526  444,691  0.029  13,014  538,218  0.029  15,758 
Subtotal Minas Conga/avg.*  617,786   0.019   11,836   617,786   0.019   11,836   617,786   0.019   11,836 
Subtotal Minas Conga/avg*  617,786   0.019   11,836   617,786   0.019   11,836   617,786   0.019   11,836 
Total/average 1,062,477  0.023  24,850  1,156,004  0.024  27,594  1,205,438  0.024  29,327  925,068  0.024  22,362  1,062,477  0.023  24,850  1,156,004  0.024  27,594 
 
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2005
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2004
 
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
 
  
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
  
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
 
Maqui Maqui  7,889   0.026   203   5,694   0.025   141 
Quecher  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Antonio  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Cerro Quilish  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Cerro Negro  7   -   -   253   0.031   8 
Carachugo  69,016   0.040   2,763   66,405   0.042   2,777 
San José  7,334   0.021   153   10,818   0.020   213 
Cerro Yanacocha  208,178   0.033   6,807   257,363   0.032   8,328 
La Quinua  214,643   0.027   5,812   275,157   0.027   7,388 
Corimayo  62,755   0.049   3,074   58,425   0.051   3,006 
In process  71,108   0.028   1,968   60,860   0.028   1,685 
Subtotal Yanacocha/avg  640,922   0.032   20,780   734,974   0.032   23,547 
Subtotal Minas Conga/avg*  617,786   0.019   11,836   371,110   0.023   8,711 
Total/average  1,258,708   0.026   32,615   1,106,084   0.029   32,257 
____________________
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2006
  
Proven and Probable
Reserves at
December 31, 2005
 
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
  
Tonnage
  
Average
Gold Grade
  
Ounces
Contained
 
  
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
  
(thousands of
DST)
  (oz./DST)  
(thousands of
ounces)
 
Maqui Maqui  7,731   0.026   198   7,889   0.026   203 
Carachugo  91,592   0.035   3,231   69,016   0.040   2,763 
San José  9,067   0.018   160   7,334   0.021   153 
Giuliana  1,560   0.023   36   -   -   - 
Cerro Yanacocha  198,275   0.026   5,103   208,178   0.033   6,807 
La Quinua  92,513   0.018   1,670   214,643   0.027   5,812 
Tapado  73,681   0.036   2,661   -   -   - 
Corimayo  63,053   0.048   3,019   62,755   0.049   3,074 
In process  50,181   0.028   1,413   71,108   0.028   1,968 
Subtotal Yanacocha/avg  587,652   0.030   17,491   640,922   0.032   20,780 
Subtotal Minas Conga/avg  617,786   0.019   11,836   617,786   0.019   11,836 
Total/average  1,205,438   0.024   29,327   1,258,708   0.026   32,615 
* Minas Conga’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 20082009 include 3.2 billion pounds of 0.261 percent grade copper.

 
9994

 

As of December 31, 2008,2009, the Yanacocha District’s proven and probable reserves (excluding Conga’s proven and probable reserves) were estimated to be 13.010.5 million ounces of gold, a 17.419 percent decrease from the Yanacocha District’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2007,2008, which were estimated to be 15.813.0 million ounces of gold.  The decrease in reserves of gold was mainly due to thea mining depletion of 2.62.7 million ounces, as well as a decreaseounces; partially offset by an increase of 0.10.2 million ounces of gold reserves due to increases in metal prices, unit cost increases, additional drilling, updated block models, revised pit designs, leach pad inventory adjustments, transfer of reserves tostockpile additions, conversion from non-reserve mineralization due to social issuesreserves and leach pad capacity limitations, partially offset by metal price increases, an increase in the expected recoverable ounces of leach pads and the improvement of pit design.limitations.
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, Conga’s proven and probable reserves were estimated to be 11.8 million ounces of gold and 3.2 billion pounds of copper, representing no change from the 20072008 gold reserves and 20072008 copper reserves, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves (including Conga) were estimated to be 24.922.4 million ounces of gold, representing a 9.910 percent decrease over Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2007,2008, which were estimated to be 27.624.9 million ounces of gold.  Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves of copper were 3.2 billion pounds as of December 31, 2008,2009, representing no change from Yanacocha’s total proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2007.2008.  Newmont Mining did not quote silver reserves at Yanacocha for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.
 
Based on the current recovery rate and estimated gold production levels in 2008,2009, Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 20082009 will be depleted by 2015 unless Yanacocha continues to add to its reserves.  Yanacocha’s management believes that its prospective land positions and mining concessions provide it with potential for future exploration and additions to its reserves.
 
ITEM 4A.    Unresolved Staff Comments
ITEM 4A.Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
100

ITEM 5.       Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
ITEM 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
 
THE COMPANY
 
Introduction
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Peruvian GAAP, which differ in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.  Note 33 to the Financial Statements provides a description of the principal differences between Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as such differences relate to us, and Note 34 to the Financial Statements provides a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of our net income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008.2009.  We present our financial statements in U.S. Dollars.

 
95

Operating Results
 
General
 
Overview.  We were established in 1953 and are one of Peru’s leading producers of gold, silver and other metals.  Our consolidated financial statements comprise all of our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, which include: (i) the Julcani, Recuperada, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Antapite and Ishihuinca mining units; (ii) the Colquijirca, Marcapunta and Shila-Paula mines, which are owned through consolidated subsidiaries; (iii) Chaupiloma, which receives a royalty payment from Yanacocha; (iv) Condesa, which is mainly a holding company for investments in us, Yanacocha and other affiliated mining companies; (v) Conenhua, which is mainly engaged in the transmission of electric power to Yanacocha and other mining companies; (vi) Cerro Verde, which is an equity investee engaged in the exploitation and commercialization of copper; and (vii) other minor subsidiaries.  During 2010, the construction of four major projects will take place through our subsidiaries: Minera La Zanja (construction of leach pads, tailings dam and treatment plant), Cia Minera Coimolache (Tantahuatay mine and mine infrastructure project), Empresa de Generacion Huanza (Huanza hydroelectrical plant) and El Brocal (expansion of the El Brocal treatment plant).
 
Yanacocha.  A substantial part of our net income before income tax was derived from our equity interest in Yanacocha.  We have a 43.65 percent equity participation in Yanacocha, which is held through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Condesa.  Our interest in Yanacocha’s partnership’s equity is accounted for under the equity method and is included under the caption “Investment in shares” on our consolidated balance sheets.  Although Yanacocha has no fixed dividend policy, there is an understanding among the partners that the net income not required for sustaining capital expenditures or future development projects should be distributed after agreement between the two major shareholders, Newmont Mining and us.
 
Cerro Verde.  As of December 31, 20082009 we had a 19.0519.26 percent equity participation in Cerro Verde, which allows us to exercise significant influence over this company.  As a result, we account for our investment in Cerro Verde using the equity method.  Although Cerro Verde has no fixed dividend policy, there is an understanding that earnings not required for capital expenditures or future development projects are expected to be distributed.
 
Results of operations. The primary factors affecting our results of operations are (i) the amount of gold, silver, zinc and copper produced and sold by us; (ii) prevailing world market prices for gold, silver, zinc and copper; (iii) commercial terms with respect to the sale of ore concentrates; and (iv) our operating expenses.

 
101


Gold and silver price hedging.  Our revenues and earnings are strongly influenced by world market prices for gold, silver, zinc and copper that fluctuate widely and over which we have no control.  Depending upon the metal markets and other conditions, we may from time to time hedge our gold and silver sales in order to decrease our exposure to fluctuations in the prices of these metals.  Between 1998 and 2004, our hedging strategy was focused on long-term position-taking on the price of precious metals.  In October 2004, our Board of Directors issued a mandate not to enter into new hedging transactions.  Due to actions taken in 2007 and early 2008 to release our gold hedge book from specified fixed prices, we are now completely unhedged as to the price at which our gold and silver will be sold.  As a result, we are fully exposed to the effects of changes in prevailing market prices of gold and silver.
 
AtDuring 2008, our indirect subsidiary, El Brocal, we implemented a base metal hedging policyentered into price-hedging contracts (Asian swaps) to protect its future cash flows derived from sales.  During 2009, El Brocal also entered into three price-hedging option contracts at zero cost to protect future cash flows derived from sales.  See “—Critical Accounting Policies—Fair value of derivative financial instruments – outstanding derivative contracts” for a maximum of 25 percent of El Brocal’s total payable metal contained per year, for up to three years.  As of March 31, 2009 all transactions entered have been forward pricing operations through non-delivery (Asian) swaps.  Outstanding hedging commitments for 2009 to 2011 amount to 10 percent of payable metal and are as follows: (i) 5,200 metric tons of copper at an average price of US$8,147 per metric ton, (ii) 14,300 metric tons of lead at an average price of US$2,302 per metric ton and (iii) 12,000 metric tons of zinc at an average price of US$2,637 per metric ton.additional information.

96

 
Operating costs and expenses.  Operating costs and expenses consist of (i) operating costs, which are direct production costs, the major component of operating expenses; (ii) exploration costs in operational mining sites; (iii) depreciation and amortization expenses; (iv) exploration costs in non-operational mining areas; (v) general and administrative expenses, which principally consist of personnel expenses; (vi) royalties, which consist of payments to third parties and the Peruvian government to operate leased mining rights; and (vii) selling expenses, which principally consist of freight expenses.
 
Reserves.  We utilize geological mapping, projection of ore-bearing structures, diamond drilling, core logging and chemical assaying, in addition to drifting along previously indicated mineralization, to replace and grow reserves.  In addition, we use metallurgical test-work of core and bulk samples as a follow-up activity to prove the amenability of any previously indicated mineralization to certain methods available on site.  We continuously analyze this information with respect to tonnage, precious-metals average grades, metallurgical recoveries and economic value and allocate funds preferentially to those projects that have the best potential to sustain or enhance profitable mine production in the near-term.  Our mining operations are primarily conducted underground and consist of deposits that are difficult to explore and measure in advance of mining and in which the value or prospects for ore based on geologic evidence exceeds the value based on proved reserves throughout most of the life of mines supported by them, or extramensurate deposits.
 
In addition, underground mine infrastructure, such as declines, shafts and/or dewatering/ore haulage crosscuts, that facilitate access to ore reserves are constructed and categorized as mine development.  We consider such underground mine infrastructure vital to assure sustainable mine production and reserve production.  The design, construction and implementation of our underground mine infrastructure are presented and supervised by our Operations Manager with the Board of Directors’ approval.  We capitalize mine development and mineral land costs incurred after we have identified proven and probable reserves.  Upon commencement of production, we amortize these costs over the expected life of the mining area, based on proven and probable reserves and other factors.
 
We believe that our replacement measures have been effective to increase reserves.  Reserves at our Orcopampa mine, our principal gold mining operation, have increased steadily over the past five years.  Gold reserves at the Orcopampa and Poracota mines increased from 0.66have remained stable between 0.7 and 0.8 million ounces forbetween the year ended December 31, 2004 to 0.92 million ounces for2005 and the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.  Silver reserves at the Uchucchacua mine, our principal silver mining operation, have decreased over the past five years, from 67.484.9 million ounces for the year ended December 31, 20042005 to 51.362.2 million ounces for the year ended December 31, 2008.

102

2009.
 
Our other mining operations are smaller and have variable fluctuations in production and reserves due to complexities of the ore located in certain mining operations (such as the Colquijirca mine); the sale of certain mining operations (such as the Huallanca mine); partial and temporary closures of mining operations (such as the Shila-Paula and Recuperada mines); and the production of silver only as by-product of gold (such as the Orcopampa, Antapite and Shila-Paula mines).
 
Net income and net distributable income.  Under Peruvian law, each company is required to establish a legal reserve of at least 20 percent of its paid-in capital on an unconsolidated basis.  An annual contribution of at least 10 percent of net income must be made until such legal reserve equals 20 percent of paid-in capital.  The legal reserve may offset losses or be capitalized.  However, following any instance in which the reserve is used, Peruvian law calls for mandatory replenishment of the reserve.

97

 
Royalties.  Royalty expenses consist mainly of payments made by us pursuant to lease agreements relating to mining rights for the Orcopampa and Ishihuinca mines.  Specifically, we pay the applicable lessor a royalty of 10 percent of the value of the concentrates produced in the Orcopampa mine and 7 percent of the value of the concentrates produced in the Ishihuinca mine.
 
In addition, on June 24, 2004, the Peruvian Congress approved Law 28258 - Mining Royalties Law.  This law established a mining royalty that owners of mining concessions must pay to the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  The mining royalties are calculated on a sliding scale with rates ranging from one to three percent of the value of mineral concentrates based on international market prices.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Mining Royalties.”
 
Environmental protection laws and related regulations.  Our business is subject to Peruvian laws and regulations relating to the exploration and mining of mineral properties, as well as the possible effects of such activities on the environment.  We conduct our operations substantially in accordance with such laws and regulations.
 
According to environmental regulations set forth by the MEM, we submitted EVAPs for our operating mines in 1995.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business OverviewRegulatory Framework—Environmental Matters.”  Based on the results of the EVAPs, PAMAs were prepared and submitted to the MEM in 1996 and approved by the MEM in 1997.
 
Pursuant to the environmental regulations, mines were given a five or ten-year period to comply with the agreements reflected in each PAMA.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Environmental Matters.”  Upon completion of the project and agreement with regard to the financial investment, a final report of execution was submitted to the MEM and the MEM designated a group of independent companies, registered with the MEM, to conduct an audit of each PAMA.  Thereafter, the MEM issued a resolution recognizing compliance with the relevant mine’s PAMA and completion of the adjustment process.  Resolutions for each of our mines were issued between November 2002 and April 2003 and thereafter there have been inspection audits each semester.  As of December 31, 2005, the activities defined in the PAMAs for the Uchucchacua, Julcani, Orcopampa, Colquijirca and Ishihuinca mining units had been completed.

103

Throughout this process, we have been in substantial compliance with applicable maximum effluent levels and other legal requirements.  In addition, Law No. 28090, which regulation mine closure procedures, was published on October 14, 2003.  The corresponding ruling was approved on August 15, 2005.  In May and August 2006, we submitted a feasibility-level Closure Plan to the MEM for our mining units and exploration projects.  See “Item 4.  Information on the CompanyThe CompanyBusiness OverviewRegulatory FrameworkEnvironmental Matters.”
 
On July 6, 2004, the Peruvian Congress enacted Law No. 28271 - Ley que Regula los Pasivos Ambientales de la Actividad Minera (Law that Regulates the Environmental Liabilities for the Mining Activity).  This law regulates identification of potential environmental liabilities for mining activities and the means to remediate the affected areas.  In order to comply with Law No. 28271, we are performing reviews in areas currently abandoned or inactive in which we previously carried out exploitation activities, in order to determine which remediation activities, if any, are necessary.  In August 2006, we conducted and delivered an environmental liabilities inventory to the MEM for liabilities related to our former exploration activities.  Subsequently, in December 2006 we presented the Environmental Liabilities Closure Plans for the MEM’s evaluation.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Environmental Matters.”
 
In May 2008, the Environmental Ministry of Peru was established by legislative decree.  The principal functions of the Ministry include formulating and implementing policies and regulations relating to environmental matters and controlling pollution through supervision and education. Also, the Ministry has to be in continuous communication with several institutions (INRENA, DIGESA, IMARPE, DGAA, among others) and develop a decentralized system to manage natural resources and protect the environment.

 
98


In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, we spent approximately US$2.35.7 million, US$2.667.18 million and US$4.799.0 million, respectively, in connection with environmental protection measures.  We estimate that capital expenditures needed to comply with environmental regulations will be approximately US$6.310.0 million and US$8.3512.0 million in 20092010 and 2010,2011, respectively.  This amount will be used on items such as environmental monitoring, effluents treatment and environmental remediation.  There are currently no legal or administrative proceedings against us for violation of environmental protection laws or other environmental regulations in Peru that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
During 2009, the Ministry of Energy and Mines approved our mine closure plans related to: (i) the following mining units: Julcani, Recuperada, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Antapite and Ishihuinca; (ii) the following mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities: Hualchocopa, Lircay, Bella Unión-Pucaray and Chaquelle; and (iii) the following mining projects: Mallay, Angelica, Pozo Rico and Ancoyo.  We have provided letters of credit for US$12.2 million to secure mine closure plans for the above-mentioned units.
 
Change of functional and reporting currency.  Effective January 1, 2006, our functional and reporting currency changed from the Nuevo Sol to the Dollar.  This change resulted from an evaluation of the currency denominations of our cash flows in recent years and, in particular, reflects the increasing significance to our financial position of dividends from affiliates denominated in Dollars to our financial position, results of operation and cash flows.  Profit and loss accounts for the year ended December 31, 2005 have been translated into Dollars using the average exchange rate of US$1.00 to S/.3.305.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements following is a discussion of our application of critical accounting policies that requirePeruvian GAAP requires our management, or Management, to make certain estimates and assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made, and where different estimates that Management reasonably could have used in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, would have a material impact on our financial statements.  Management has identified the following accounting estimates as critical:

 
104

§Mineral reserves;
 
 §Impairment of long-lived assets;
 
 §Useful life of property, plant and equipment;
 
 §Amortization of capitalized mining costs;
 
 §Deferred income tax asset;
 
 §Accrual for mine closing costs;
 
 §Fair value of derivative instruments;
 
 §Fair value of embedded derivative for concentrates sales;
 
 §Fair value of the liability related to long-term officer compensation; and
 
 §Contingencies.
 
99

We also have certain accounting policies that we consider to be important, such as our policies for investments carried at fair value, revenue recognition and exploration costs, that do not meet the definition of critical accounting estimates as they do not require Management to make estimates or judgments that are subjective or highly uncertain.
 
Management has discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Mineral reserves
Recoverable proven and probable reserves are the part of a mineral deposit that can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the reserve determination. The determination of reserves involves numerous uncertainties with respect to the ultimate geology of the ore bodies, including quantities, grades and recovery rates. Estimating the quantity and grade of reserves requires us to determine the size, shape and depth of our ore bodies by analyzing geological data, such as samplings of drill holes, tunnels and other underground workings.  In addition to the geology of our mines, assumptions are required to determine the economic feasibility of mining these reserves, including estimates of future commodity prices and demand, the mining methods we use and the related costs incurred to develop and mine our reserves.  Our estimates of recoverable proven and probable reserves are the responsibility of our employees and are audited by independent experts in mining, geology and reserve determination, such as Algon Investment S.R.L. for Buenaventura’s mining units and AMEC plc for El Brocal’s mining units.
Changes in estimated reserves could affect the depreciation of fixed assets related directly to mining activity, the provision for mine closure, the assessment of the deferred asset’s recoverability and the amortization period for development costs.
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
We review and evaluate the impairment of our long-lived assets if an event occurs that indicates that the book value of such assets may not be recoverable.  An impairment loss represents the amount by which the book value of an asset exceeds the higher of its net selling price or value in use.  The value in-use of an asset is generally calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to be earned from continual use of the asset and from its disposal at the end of its useful life.  An impairment loss recognized in a previous year may be adjusted if there is any indication that the estimates used when the impairment loss was recognized should be adjusted to reflect a more favorable cash flow scenario.  Future cash flow assumptions include, but are not limited to, estimates of recoverable ounces and tons of ore and metal, prices (which include current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), production levels and capital costs, all based on mine plans.  Such future cash flow assumptions are valid when estimated but may change significantly when new information becomes available.  Any difference between assumptions and actual market conditions could have an important effect on our financial condition and results of the operations.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, we concluded that the current economic environment and the significant declines in the metal prices represented significant adverse changes in our business, and therefore, evaluated our long-lived assets for impairment as of December 31, 2008,2008.

100

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we updated our assessment of the recoverability of the book value of our long-term assets under the procedures established by IAS 36 – “Impairment of Assets” for five of our mining units (Recuperada, Poracota, Antapite, Julcani and Ishihuinca). and concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, there had not been significant changes in determining the amount recoverable compared with the book value of the cash-generating units. The estimated cash flows used to assess recoverability of our long-lived assets and measure the carrying value of our mining operations were derived from current business plans using near-term price forecasts reflective of the current environment and Management’s projections for long-term average metal prices and operating costs.

105

 
Our asset impairment evaluations required us to make several assumptions in the discounted cash flow valuation of (i) our individual mining operations, including near and long-term metal price assumptions, production volumes, estimates of commodity-based and other input costs and (ii) proven and probable reserve estimates, including any costs to develop the reserves and the timing of producing the reserves, as well as the appropriate discount rate. Our December 31, 2008 and 2009, impairment evaluation was based on price assumptions reflecting prevailing metals prices for the following threefour years.
 
Our evaluation of long-lived assets resulted in the recognition of asset impairment charges of US$18.618.60 million and US$3.3 million for 2008 and 2009 (recognized as operating expense)., respectively. These impairment charges had no impact on our operating cash flows.
 
We believe events that could result in additional impairment of our long-lived assets include, but are not limited to, (i) decreases in future metal prices, (ii) decreases in estimated recoverable proven and probable reserves and (iii) any event that might otherwise have a material effect on mine site production levels or costs.
 
Useful life of property, plant and equipment
 
Depreciation is calculated under the straight-line method of accounting.  The table set forth below reflects the estimated years of useful life for property, plant and equipment, based on current production levels and market prices:
 
Property, Plant and Equipment Estimated Years of Useful Life
   
Buildings, constructions and other 6 to 20
Machinery and equipment 4 to 10

Certain of our depreciable assets, primarily buildings and constructions, have a useful life in excess of the current productive life of the mines because such assets may be transferred to another mine or converted to another use when production at the mine where it is currently used ceases.  In addition, the expected productive life of the mine is normally higher than the current life derived from the proven and probable reserves at year-end.  Rather than exploring long-term reserves, we focus on sustaining current reserves.
 
Amortization of capitalized mining costs
 
We capitalize mine infrastructure and mineral land costs incurred after Management has identified proven and probable reserves.  Upon commencement of production, we amortize these costs over their expected lives, based on proven and probable reserves and other factors.
 
The process of estimating quantities of reserves is complex, requiring subjective decisions in the evaluation of all available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data.  The data for a given ore body may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors, including, but not limited to, additional exploration and construction activity, evolving production history and the continual reassessment of the viability of production under various economic conditions.

101

 
A material revision to existing reserve estimates could occur because of, among other things: revisions to geological data or assumptions; changes in assumed prices; and results of drilling and exploration activities.  We make every effort to ensure that reported reserve estimates represent the most accurate assessment possible.  However, because of the subjective decisions Management has to make, as well as variances in available data for each ore body, these estimates are generally uncertain.

 
106


Changes in reserve quantities, including changes resulting from gold, silver, zinc, lead and copper price assumptions, would cause corresponding changes in amortization expense in periods subsequent to the revision, and could result in impairment of the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and capitalized mining costs.
 
We estimate reserves for our direct operations assuming a US$725.00800.00 per ounce gold price, a US$13.0014.00 per ounce silver price aand US$1,5432,032.13 per metric ton zinc price and a US$992.00 per metric ton lead price and US$1.20 per pound copper price.
 
The mines where amortization charges would be most significantly affected by changes in reserve estimates are Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Colquijirca, Poracota and Antapite.  These mines generally have the largest amounts of property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation and the highest per ounce amortization charges.
 
Deferred income tax asset
 
Effective Income Tax Rate – 2009 and 2008
Our income tax expense was US$44.0 million in 2007 compared to a benefit of US$26.6 million in 2008.  The difference was mainly due to the following:
(a) Decreased pre-tax income.  A US$238.4 million decrease in pre-tax income, from US$415.1 million in 2007 to US$176.7 million in 2008, mainly due to a US$229.2 million increase in the net loss as a result of the release of commitments in commercial contracts, from US$185.9 million in 2007 to US$415.1 million in 2008, which is presented as an unusual item in the statement of income.
 (b) Non-taxable income. According to current tax regulations, equity participation in affiliates, including the receipt of dividends, is not taxable in Peru. In 2008, our equity participation in affiliated companies increased from US$249.6 million in 2007 to US$340.9 million in 2008, which reduced our income tax expense by US$121.4 million in 2008, compared to a US$88.9 million reduction in income tax expense due to this non-taxable income in 2007. In addition, the gain on change in the fair value of gold certificates is not taxable. We recorded a gain on change in the fair value of gold certificates of US$5.1 million in 2007, which decreased our income tax expense by US$1.8 million. No similar gain decreasing our income tax expense was recorded in 2008.
Effective Income Tax Rate – 2007
Our income tax expense decreased to US$44.0 million in 2007 from US$64.0 million in 2006, mainly as a result of the following:
(a) Decreased pre-tax income from US$580.2 million in 2006 to US$415.1 million in 2007, mainly due to the net loss as a result of the release of commitments in commercial contracts amounting to US$185.9 million, which is presented as an unusual item in the statement of income.

107

(b) Non-taxable income.  According to current tax regulations, equity participation in affiliates, including the receipt of dividends, is not taxable in Peru.  In 2007, the equity participation in affiliated companies decreased from US$313.2 million in 2006 to US$249.6 million in 2007, which reduced our income tax expense by US$88.9 million in 2007, compared to a US$111.5 million reduction in income tax expense due to this non-taxable income in 2006.  In addition, the gain on change in the fair value of gold certificates is not taxable.  We incurred a loss on change in the fair value of gold certificates of US$4.9 million in 2006 compared to a gain of US$5.1 million in 2007, which increased our income tax expense by US$1.8 million.
(c) Non-deductible expenses.  Pursuant to current tax regulations, the loss (negative fair value) on derivative instruments entered into with investment banks is not deductible to the extent it is generated abroad.  In 2007, there was no income tax effect related to losses on derivatives instruments, while in 2006 we obtained a loss of US$13.3 million on derivative instruments resulting in an income tax effect of US$3.7 million.  In addition, the fair values of normal sales contracts of US$77.4 million decreased our income tax expense by US$21.4 million in 2006.
 
In preparing our annual consolidated financial statements, we estimate the actual amount of taxes currently payable or receivable as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the tax and book bases of assets and liabilities.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates applicable to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates and laws is recognized in income in the period in which such changes are enacted.
 
A valuation allowance is provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related benefits will not be realized. In determining the amount of the valuation allowance, we consider estimated future taxable income. If we determine that we will not realize all or a portion of our tax assets, we will increase our valuation allowance with a charge to income tax expense.  Conversely, if we determine that we will ultimately be able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced with a credit to income tax expense.
 
At December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 our valuation allowance totaled US$1.533.6 million and US$2.172.9 million, respectively.
 
Accrual for mine closing costs
 
We record a provision for mine closure when a legally enforceable obligation arises, which is independent of the full depletion of the mine reserves.  Once such an obligation has been appropriately measured, it is recorded by creating a liability equal to the amount of the obligation and recording a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset (mine development cost and property, plant and equipment).  Over time, the amount of the obligation changes, impacting recording and accretion expenses.  Additionally, the capitalized cost is depreciated and/or amortized based on the useful lives of the related assets.

102

 
Any difference in the settlement of the liability will be recorded in the results of the period in which such settlement occurs.  The changes in the fair value of an obligation or the useful life of the related assets that occur from the revision of the initial estimates should be recorded as an increase or decrease in the book value of the obligation and related asset.
 
Following our accounting treatment, we have recorded an accrual for mine closure costs of US$83.584.4 million as of December 31, 20082009 in order to comply with governmental requirements for environmental remediation.  

108

 
Fair value of derivative financial instruments
 
(a)         Outstanding derivative contracts
 
We recognize derivative instruments as assets or liabilities, measured at their fair value, in our consolidated balance sheets pursuant to IAS 39, “Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement.”
 
Subsidiary derivative contracts.  During 2008, our indirect subsidiary, El Brocal, entered into price-hedging transaction contracts to cover future cash flows derived from its sales.  Derivative contracts are recognized as assets and liabilities at fair value in the consolidated financial statements.  El Brocal applies hedge accounting for those transactions that meet the specific criteria applicable in accordance with IAS-39. The key terms of these hedge agreements were negotiated to coincide with the negotiated terms of the commercial contracts to which they are related.  The hedge of cash flow from future sales was assessed by El Brocal’s management as highly effective. The effectiveness of hedging transactions has been measured by means of the cumulative cash flow change offset method, which El Brocal management believes best reflects the objective of managing price risk. In 2009, El Brocal entered into three price-hedging option contracts at zero cost to protect future cash flows derived from sales.
The critical terms of hedging transactions have been negotiated with the brokers so as to agree with the terms negotiated in the related commercial contracts. These hedging options establish a maximum and a minimum price. When the average price for the quotation period is above the maximum price established, the purchase option in favor of the counterparty is activated, generating a payment to El Brocal of the difference between the two prices. On the other hand, when the average price for the quotation period is below the minimum price established, the sale option in favor of El Brocal is activated, resulting in receipt of the difference between the two prices.
 
Our derivative contracts.  During 2007, we held gold put option contracts, which grant us the right to sell 17,500 ounces of gold at an average price of US$345 per ounce, depending on certain market conditions.  These contracts were cancelled during April 2008 against a total payment in our favor of US$500.00.
 
During the first quarter of 2006, our management completed modifications to the terms of all derivative contracts maintained as of December 31, 2005 in order to qualify them as normal sales contracts.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2009 we did not hold gold derivative contracts.
(b)         Normal sale contracts
To minimize future fluctuations in consolidated results of operations, during 2003, 2005 and 2006 we modified the terms of certain derivative contracts in order to qualify them as normal sale contracts.  These contracts were modified to require physical delivery of gold over future periods that do not extend beyond December 2012.  Under the terms of the contracts, we will realize fixed or capped prices ranging up to US$451 per ounce of gold.
During 2007 and 2008, we concluded agreements with all of our customers to release commitments to commercial contracts to sell 1,893,000 gold ounces at fixed prices, varying between US$345 and US$451 per ounce of gold.  As a result, we will now sell the gold at the market price applicable on the date of the physical delivery of the gold committed.
As of December 31, 2008, we have been released from commitments (related to quantity, date and price) on all the sales contracts entered into for the sale of ounces of gold.  Refer to Note 17(a) to the Financial Statements for further discussion.

 
109103

 

(c)(b)         Embedded derivative due to changes of the prices in commercial contracts
 
Substantially all of our concentrate sales contracts provide final copper pricing in a specified period (generally one to four months from the shipment date) based on quoted LME prices.  We ultimately receive market prices based on prices in the specified future period; however, the accounting rules applied to these sales result in changes recorded to revenue until the specified future period.  We record revenues and invoice customers at the time of shipment based on the current LME prices, which result in an embedded derivative on our provisional priced concentrate sales that are adjusted to fair value through earnings of each period until the date of final pricing.  To the extent final prices are higher or lower than what was recorded on a provisional basis, an increase or decrease to revenues is recorded each reporting period until the date of final pricing.  See NoteNotes 17 and 28 to the Financial Statements.
 
Fair value of the liability related to long-term officer compensation
 
Our senior executive officers are granted share appreciation rights, which can only be settled in cash, if the executive is working for us at each program’s settlement date. These programs are mainly structured in a ten-year term, allocated in several programs with progressive maturities. The average price of the granted share appreciation rights is assigned based on last quarter market quotation of the shares before the grant date and the settlement price is determined based on the variation of the market prices at the maturity date as compared to the price at the date of the grant.
 
We used the Turnbull & Wakeman Method to estimate the fair value of this liability and the income used comprises the historical volatility, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield, period covered by the program and market value of the shares at closing. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements.
 
Contingencies
 
Contingent liabilities, when identified, are assessed as either remote, possible or probable.  Contingent liabilities are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when it is probable that future events will confirm them and when their amount can be reasonably estimated.  Contingent liabilities deemed as possible are only disclosed, together with a possible debit range, when determinable, in notes to the Financial Statements.
 
Contingent assets are not recognized in the financial statements; however, they may be disclosed in notes to the financial statements if it is probable that such contingent assets will be realized.  See Note 31 to the Financial Statements.
 
Revenues
 
According to our accounting policies, revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to us.  Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts and other sales taxes or duty.
 
Revenues from sales of concentrates, gold and silver are recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred, which is considered to occur when title passes to the customer. This generally occurs when product is physically transferred to the buyer.

 
110104

 

Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
Net sales.  Net sales increased by 6.89 percent, from US$766.6 million in 2008 to US$819.4 million in 2009, principally due to an increase in the average realized price of gold, silver and lead in 2009, partially offset by a decrease in the volume of zinc, lead and silver sold during 2009, which was mainly due to lower production of zinc in Colquijirca as result of the combined effect of lower ore grades.  The following tables reflect the average realized price and volume sold of gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009:

Average Realized Price Year ended December 31,    
  2008  2009  Variation 
          
Gold (US$/oz.) US$872.21  US$988.32   13%
Silver (US$/oz.)  14.26   15.52   9%
Lead (US$/MT)  1,858.59   1,926.41   4%
Zinc (US$/MT)  1,798.20   1,757.17   -2%
Copper (US$/MT)  5,771.34   5,640.54   -2%

Volume Sold Year ended December 31,    
  2008  2009  Variation 
          
Gold (oz.)  414,682   419,222   1%
Silver (oz.)  16,514,171   15,208,726   -8%
Lead (MT)  37,853   30,214   -20%
Zinc (MT)  82,501   64,198   -22%
Copper (MT)  7,763   7,677   -1%

(a)         Gold sales.  The average sales price for gold increased from US$872.21 per ounce in 2008 to US$988.32 per ounce in 2009.  Gold sales volume increased from 414,682 ounces in 2008 to 419,222  ounces in 2009.  These changes resulted in a US$52.6 million increase in income from sales of gold in 2009 compared to 2008.
(b)         Silver sales.  Average realized silver prices increased from US$14.26 per ounce in 2008 to US$15.52 per ounce in 2009.  The volume of silver sales decreased from 16,514,171 ounces in 2008 to 15,208,726 ounces in 2009.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$0.4 million increase in income from sales of silver in 2009 compared to 2008.
(c)         Lead sales.  Average realized lead prices increased from US$1,858.59 per metric ton in 2008 to US$1,926.41 per metric ton in 2009.  Additionally, the volume of lead sold decreased from 37,853 metric tons in 2008 to 30,214 metric tons in 2009.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$12.1 million decrease in income from sales of lead in 2009 compared to 2008.  This decrease was largely due to decreased lead production at our Colquijirca and Uchucchacua mines.
(d)         Zinc sales.  Average realized zinc prices decreased from US$1,798.20 per metric ton in 2008 to US$1,757.17 per metric ton in 2009. The volume of zinc sold decreased from 82,501 metric tons in 2008 to 64,198 metric tons in 2009. These changes resulted in a US$35.5 million decrease in income from sales of zinc in 2009 compared to 2008.  This decrease was largely due to decreased zinc production at our Colquijirca mine.
(e)         Copper sales.  Average copper prices decreased from US$5,771.34 per metric ton in 2008 to US$5,640.54 per metric ton in 2009.  The volume of copper sold decreased from 7,763 metric tons in 2008 to 7,677 metric tons in 2009.  These changes resulted in a US$1.5 million decrease in income from sales of copper in 2009 compared to 2008.  This decrease was largely due to decreased copper production at our Colquijirca mine.

105

The revenues from gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper mentioned above do not include refinery charges and penalties incurred, which amounted to US$97.4 million in 2009, compared to US$133.5 million in 2008.  This decrease was principally due to the lower volume of concentrates sold in 2009 compared to 2008.
Royalty income.  In 2009, royalty income received by Chaupiloma amounted to US$62.1 million, representing a 27.3 percent increase from the US$48.8 million of royalty income received in 2008.  This increase is attributed to increased sales by Yanacocha in 2009, which resulted from an increase in gold production and the average realized price. See Note 32 to the Financial Statements.
Total operating costs.  Total operating costs increased by 13.6 percent, from US$371.8 million in 2008 to US$422.5 million in 2009, due to the following:
(a) Cost of sales, without considering depreciation and amortization, increased by 11.3 percent, from US$251.8 million in 2008 to US$280.3 million in 2009, mainly due a US$25.4 million increase as a result of an increase in services provided by third parties and a decrease in other production expenses.  The increased expense due to services provided by third parties and other production expenses was mainly due to higher contractor expenses resulting from: (i) an increase in the cost of services rendered in our Uchucchacua mining unit of US$10.4 million mainly due to an increase in exploration activities and diamond drilling works in order to maintain our ore reserves level, (ii) an increase in the cost of services of US$8.6 million related to the re-treatment of old tailings at our Orcopampa mining unit, and (iii) an increase in the cost of services rendered in our Poracota mining unit of US$7.9 million mainly due to the increase in operating works relating to the increase in ore production during 2009.
(b) Exploration in units in operation increased by 20.5 percent, from US$57.0 million in 2008 to US$68.7 million in 2009.  These increased costs were principally due to an increase in exploration projects at our Orcopampa, Poracota and Uchucchaccua mines. See Note 19 to the Financial Statements.
(c) Depreciation and amortization costs increased by 16.7 percent, from US$63.0 million in 2008 to US$73.5 million in 2009, mainly due to higher charges for amortization of development costs related to our Orcopampa and Uchucchaccua mines, and the depreciation of assets put into operation during 2009.
Total operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased by 7.5 percent, from US$159.8 million in 2008 to US$171.8 million in 2009, due to changes in the following components:
(a) Exploration in non-operational areas decreased by 45.7 percent, from US$55.2 million in 2008 to US$30.0 million in 2009 due to lower expenditures in exploration areas, primarily in the Marcapunta, El Milagro, La Zanja, La Llave, Soras Poracota and Hatun Orco projects.  See Note 21 to the Financial Statements.
(b) General and administrative expenses increased by 154.4 percent, from US$34.9 million in 2008 to US$88.8 million in 2009, mainly due to increased expenses relating to long-term officers’ compensation (stock appreciation rights). See Note 20 to the Financial Statements.

106


(c) Royalty expenses to third parties and the Peruvian government increased by 10.9 percent, from US$35.7 million in 2008 to US$39.6 million in 2009. Royalties paid to third parties amounted to US$18.8 million and US$21.1 million in 2008 and 2009, respectively.  Royalties paid to the Peruvian government amounted to US$16.9 million and US$18.5 million in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The increase in royalties paid to third parties was mainly due to increased sales of gold produced at our Orcopampa mine. The increase in royalties paid to the Peruvian government was mainly due to the increase in sales of ore concentrates.  Peruvian legislation requires owners of mining concessions to pay the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  Mining royalties are calculated with rates ranging from 1 to 3 percent of the value of mineral concentrates or equivalent, according to the quoted market price published by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
(d) Selling expenses decreased by 35.1 percent, from US$15.4 million in 2008 to US$10.0 million in 2009, mainly due to the decreased volume of minerals sold during 2009.
(e) Impairment of long-lived assets resulted in a loss of US$3.3 million being recorded in 2009.   We evaluated our long-lived assets for impairment as of December 31, 2009, which resulted in a reduction in the carrying amount of mining concessions, property, plant and equipment and development costs to their recoverable amount. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements.
Operating income before unusual item.  As a result of the foregoing, operating income before unusual items increased by 1.2 percent, from US$283.7 million in 2008 to US$287.2 million in 2009.
Net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts. In January and February of 2008, we revised sales contracts with some customers, releasing the commitments on sales contracts to be able to sell the committed gold ounces at market prices in force between 2010 and 2012, in accordance with our gold availability. As a consequence, we were released from the obligation to sell 922,000 ounces of gold at fixed prices, varying between US$345 and US$451 per ounce of gold, and will instead sell the gold at the market price in force on the date of the physical delivery of the gold committed.  For these transactions, we made a payment of US$517.1 million (US$82.6 million in January 2008 and US$434.6 million in February 2008, respectively) and recorded a decrease in the liability corresponding to the executory gold delivery contracts liability amounting to US$102.0 million with credit to income of the period.  The resulting net loss of US$415.1 million is presented in the Net loss from release of commitments in sales contracts caption in the consolidated statements of income for the period ended December 31, 2008.
Share in affiliated companies, net. Income from equity investments in affiliated companies increased by 32.4 percent, from US$340.9 million in 2008 to US$451.3 million in 2009, principally due to the increase in income from our equity investments in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde.
Income from our interest in Yanacocha increased by 53.6 percent, from US$206.5 million in 2008 to US$317.2 million in 2009. This increase is attributed to increased sales by Yanacocha in 2009, which resulted from an increase in gold production and an increase in the average realized price of gold.
Interest income. Interest income decreased by 65.9 percent, from US$17.9 million in 2008 to US$6.1 million in 2009, mainly due to a decrease in time deposit interest rates.  We maintained US$508.4 million in time deposits as of December 31, 2008 compared to US$663.6 million as of December 31, 2009.
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased by 55.8 percent, from US$33.9 million in 2008 to US$15.0 million in 2009, mainly due to a decrease in our indebtedness from US$327.3 million as of December 31, 2008 to US$230.0  million as of December 31, 2009.  See Notes 14 and 23 to the Financial Statements.

107

Other, net.  Other, net increased from an expense of US$9.3 million in 2008 to an income of US$2.6 million in 2009.  This change was principally due to a decrease in the provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects
Gain (loss) on currency exchange difference.  In 2008, we recorded a loss on currency exchange difference of US$12.2 million, compared to a gain on currency exchange difference of US$1.5 million in 2009.  This difference was mainly due to a loss on currency exchange difference generated by higher time deposits maintained in Nuevos Soles by our subsidiary El Brocal (S/.123.1 million in 2008 compared to S/.41.4 million in 2009).
Provision for workers’ profit sharing, net.  Workers’ profit sharing income was US$4.7 million in 2008, compared to expense from  workers’ profit sharing of US$12.6 million as a result of an increase in our taxable income. Provision for workers’ profit sharing is calculated by applying a percentage to our taxable income.
Provision for income tax, net.  Provision for income tax changed from income of US$26.6 million in 2008 to expense of US$64.3 million in 2009, principally due to:
(a) Increase in pre-tax income.  A US$561.6 million increase in pre-tax income, from US$171.9 million in 2008 to US$733.5 million in 2009, mainly due to a US$415.1 million decrease in the net loss as a result of the release of commitments in commercial contracts.  We recorded a net loss of US$415.1 million in 2008, which is presented as an unusual item in the statement of income. No similar transaction was recorded in 2009.
(b) Non-taxable income. According to current tax regulations, equity participation in affiliates, including the receipt of dividends, is not taxable in Peru.  In 2009, our equity participation in affiliated companies increased from US$340.9 million in 2008 to US$451.3 million in 2009, which reduced our income tax expense by US$160.7 million in 2009, compared to a US$121.4 million reduction in income tax expense due to this non-taxable income in 2008.
Minority interest.  Minority interest expense increased by 26.0 percent, from US$50.0 million in 2008 to US$63.0 million in 2009, mainly due to an increased contribution of profits from El Brocal.
Net income.  As a result of the foregoing, net income increased by 287.2 percent, from US$153.3 million in 2008 to US$593.6 million in 2009.  As a percentage of net sales, net income was 72.4 percent in 2009 as compared to 20.0 percent in 2008.
Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
 
Net sales.  Net sales increased by 2.62 percent, from US$747.0 million in 2007 to US$766.6 million in 2008, principally due to an increase in the average realized price of gold and silver in 2008 and an increase in the volume of copper concentrates sold due to production of copper at Colquijirca, which commenced copper concentrate production during the last quarter of 2007, partially offset by a decrease in the volume of gold and silver sold during 2008, decreases in the average realized price and volume of lead sold during 2008 and a significant decrease in the average realized price of zinc during 2008.  The following tables reflect the average realized price and volume sold of gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008:
 
108

Average Realized Price Year ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,    
 2007  2008  Variation  2007  2008  Variation 
                  
Gold (US$/oz.)US $684.59 US $872.21   27.4% US$684.59  US$872.21   27.4%
Silver (US$/oz.)  13.37   14.26   6.7%  13.37   14.26   6.7%
Lead (US$/MT)  2,760.30   1,858.59   -32.7%  2,760.30   1,858.59   -32.7%
Zinc (US$/MT)  3,069.26   1,798.20   -41.4%  3,069.26   1,798.20   -41.4%
Copper (US$/MT)  7,285.46   5,771.34   -20.8%  7,285.46   5,771.34   -20.8%
 
Volume Sold Year ended December 31,    
  2007  2008  Variation 
          
Gold (oz.)  418,999   414,682   -1.0%
Silver (oz.)  16,734,876   16,514,171   -1.3%
Lead (MT)  41,535   37,853   -8.9%
Zinc (MT)  79,139   82,501   4.2%
Copper (MT)  608   7,763   1,176.8%

(a)         Gold sales.  The average sales price for gold increased from US$684.59 per ounce in 2007 to US$872.21 per ounce in 2008.  Gold sales volume decreased from 418,999 ounces in 2007 to 414,682  ounces in 2008.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$74.8 million increase in income from sales of gold in 2008 compared to 2007.
 
(b)         Silver sales.  Average realized silver prices increased from US$13.37 per ounce in 2007 to US$14.26 per ounce in 2008.  The volume of silver sales decreased from 16,734,876 ounces in 2007 to 16,514,171 ounces in 2008.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$11.8 million increase in income from sales of silver in 2008 compared to 2007.
 
(c)         Lead sales.  Average realized lead prices decreased from US$2,760.30 per metric ton in 2007 to US$1,858.59 per metric ton in 2008.  Additionally, the volume of lead sold decreased from 41,535 metric tons in 2007 to 37,853 metric tons in 2008, largely due to decreased lead production at our Colquijirca mine.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$44.3 million decrease in income from sales of lead in 2008 compared to 2007.
 
(d)         Zinc sales.  Average realized zinc prices decreased from US$3,069.26 per metric ton in 2007 to US$1,798.20 per metric ton in 2008. The volume of zinc sold increased from 79,139 metric tons in 2007 to 82,501 metric tons in 2008. The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$94.5 million decrease in income from sales of zinc in 2008 compared to 2007.  This decrease was largely due to the decrease in averaged realized price which had a negative effect in the sales of our Colquijirca mine.

 
111


(e)         Copper sales.  Average copper prices decreased from US$7,285.46 per metric ton in 2007 to US$5,771.34 per metric ton in 2008.  The volume of copper sold increased from 608 metric tons in 2007 to 7,763 metric tons in 2008.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$40.4 million increase in income from sales of copper in 2008 compared to 2007.  The increase in the volume of copper concentrates sold was due to production of copper at Colquijirca, which commenced copper concentrate production during the last quarter of 2007.
 
The revenues from gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper mentioned above do not include refinery charges and penalties incurred, which amounted to US$133.5 million in 2008, compared to US$136.8 million in 2007.  This decrease was principally due to the lower volume and price of concentrates sold in 2008 compared to 2007, which are used as the basis to calculate refinery charges and penalties.

109

 
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts.  To minimize future fluctuations in our consolidated results of operations, we modified the terms of certain derivative contracts in order to qualify them as normal sales contracts.  During 2005 and 2006 our outstanding derivative contracts were modified to require physical delivery of gold over future periods that do not extend beyond 2012.  Under the terms of these modified contracts, our revenue will be capped at between US$332 to US$451 per ounce of gold.  The fair values of the modified contracts were US$50.6 million and US$77.4 million in 2005 and 2006, respectively, and were calculated immediately prior to the modification of these contracts and recorded as deferred revenue in each year.
 
In March and May 2007, we agreed with six of our customers to sell 971,000 ounces of gold at market prices instead of fixed prices.  During the period between January and February 2007 we delivered 40,000 gold ounces and we recognized revenues of US$5.4 million in 2007.  Since March 2007 we have not had any obligation related to these contracts and as a consequence no gain was recognized during 2008.
 
Royalty income.  In 2008, royalty income received by Chaupiloma amounted to US$48.8 million, representing a 43.53 percent increase from the US$34.0 million of royalty income received in 2007.  This increase is attributed to increased sales from Yanacocha in 2008, as a result of increases in gold production and the average realized price of gold. See Note 32 to the Financial Statements.
 
Total operating costs.  Total operating costs increased by 38.0 percent, from US$269.4 million in 2007 to US$371.8 million in 2008, due to the following:
 
(a) Cost of sales, without considering depreciation and amortization increased by 38.4 percent, from US$182.0 million in 2007 to US$251.8 million in 2008, mainly due to (i) an increase of US$21.0 million due to increased services rendered by our contractors, including increased exploration activities and diamond drilling works, which were used in order to maintain our ore reserves level, (ii) an increase of US$11.3 million due to the effect of a full year of operating costs during 2008 at our Poracota mining unit, which started operations in June 2007, (iii) an increase of US$10.6 million due to higher consumption of supplies, mainly as a consequence of higher reagent consumption related to the new plant to treat old tailings at our Orcopampa mining unit, (iv) an increase of US$8.7 million at our Colquijirca mining unit, mainly due to higher mining costs related to a substantial increase in copper production, from 471 MT of copper in 2007 compared to 7,793 MT in 2008, (v) an increase of US$7.3 million in direct labor costs, as result of an increase in employee wages at our Orcopampa, Uchucchacua, Recuperada and Julcani mining units, (vi) an increase in energy costs of US$4.0 million, mainly as a consequence of certain of the foregoing factors, including the full year of Poracota operations in 2008, increased copper production at Colquijirca, re-treatment of old tailings at Orcopampa and increased services rendered by contractors, (vii) an increase of US$3.8 million in mine support supplies, which were affected by international steel prices and (viii) the appreciation of Nuevo Sol against the U.S. Dollar.
 


(b) Exploration in units in operation increased by 50.8 percent, from US$37.8 million in 2007 to US$57.0 million in 2008.  These increased costs were principally due to an increase in exploration projects at our Orcopampa, Antapite, Shila-Paula and Uchucchaccua mines. See Note 19 to the Financial Statements.
 
(c) Depreciation and amortization costs increased by 27.0 percent, from US$49.6 million in 2007 to US$63.0 million in 2008, mainly due to higher charges for amortization of development costs related to our Orcopampa, Uchucchaccua and Poracota mines, and depreciation of assets put into operation during 2008.

110

 
Total operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased by 6.3 percent, from US$150.4 million in 2007 to US$159.8 million in 2008, due to changes in the following components:

(a) Exploration in non-operational areas increased by 19.0 percent, from US$46.4 million in 2007 to US$55.2 million in 2008 due to higher expenditures in exploration areas, primarily in the La Zanja, Mallay, Soras, San Francisco, Chucapaca and Marcapunta projects.
 
(b) General and administrative expenses decreased by 41.0 percent, from US$59.2 million in 2007 to US$34.9 million in 2008, mainly due to a US$36.3 million decrease in long-term officers’  compensation (stock appreciation rights). See Note 20 to the Financial Statements.
 
(c) Royalty expenses to third parties and the Peruvian government increased by 5.0 percent, from US$34.0 million in 2007 to US$35.7 million in 2008. Royalties paid to third parties amounted to US$16.4 million and US$18.8 million in 2007 and 2008, respectively.  Royalties paid to the Peruvian government amounted to US$17.6 million and US$16.9 million in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The increase in royalties paid to third parties was mainly due to increased sales of gold ounces produced in our Orcopampa mine. The decrease in royalties paid to the Peruvian government was mainly due to a decrease in sales of ore concentrates.  Peruvian legislation requires owners of mining concessions to pay the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  Mining royalties are calculated with rates ranging from 1 to 3 percent of the value of mineral concentrates or equivalent, according to the quoted market price published by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
 
(d) Selling expenses increased by 42.6 percent, from US$10.8 million in 2007 to US$15.4 million in 2008, mainly due mainly to higher freight costs and other services related to sales.
 
(e) Impairment of long-lived assets resulted in a loss of US$18.6 million being recorded in 2008.   We evaluated our long-lived assets for impairment as of December 31, 2008, which resulted in a reduction in the carrying amount of mining concessions, property, plant and equipment and development costs to their recoverable amount. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements.
 
Operating income before unusual item.  As a result of the foregoing, operating income before unusual item decreased by 22.6 percent, from US$366.6 million in 2007 to US$283.7 million in 2008.
 
113

Net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts. In January and February of 2008, we revised sales contracts with some customers, releasing the commitments on sales contracts to be able to sell the committed gold ounces at market prices in force between the years 2010 – 2012, in accordance with our gold availability. As a consequence of the aforementioned, we were released from the obligation to sell 922,000 ounces of gold at fixed prices, varying between US$345 and US$451 per ouncesounce of gold, and will instead sell the gold at the market price in force on the date of the physical delivery of the gold committed.  For these transactions, we have made a payment of US$517.1 million (US$82.6 million in January 2008 and US$434.6 million in February 2008, respectively) and recorded a decrease in the liability corresponding to the executory gold delivery contracts liability amounting to US$102.0 million with credit to income of the period.  The resulting net loss of US$415.1 million is presented in the Net loss from release of commitments in sales contracts caption in the consolidated statements of income for the period ended December 31, 2008.
 
During 2007, we revised sales contracts with other customers and we have made a payment of US$315.7 million and recorded a US$129.8 million decrease in the liability corresponding to the executory gold delivery contracts.

111

 
Share in affiliated companies, net. Income from equity investments in affiliated companies increased by 36.6 percent, from US$249.6 million in 2007 to US$340.9 million in 2008, principally due to the net effect of an increase in income from our equity interest in Yanacocha, partially offset by a decrease in income from our equity interest in Cerro Verde.
 
Income from our interest in Yanacocha increased by 112.5 percent, from US$97.2 million in 2007 to US$206.5 million in 2008. This increase is attributed to increased sales from Yanacocha in 2008, which resulted from an increase in gold production and an increase in the average realized price of gold.
 
Income from our interest in Cerro Verde decreased by 9.4 percent, from US$148.5 million in 2007 to US$134.5 million in 2008, due to lower net income generated by Cerro Verde.
 
Interest income. Interest income increased by 51.7 percent, from US$11.8 million in 2007 to US$17.9 million in 2008, mainly due to a US$154.9 million increase in time deposits.  We maintained US$353.5 million in time deposits as of December 31, 2007 compared to US$508.4 million as of December 31, 2008.
 
Interest expense. Interest expense increased by 294.2 percent, from US$8.6 million in 2007 to US$33.9 million in 2008, mainly due mainly to an increase in our indebtedness from US$84.1 million as of December 31, 2007 to US$327.3 million as of December 31, 2008.  See Notes 14 and 23 to the Financial Statements.
 
Gain (loss) on change in the fair value of gold certificates.  In March 2007, we sold all of our Gold Exchange Traded Fund, or Gold ETF, participations and recognized a gain of US$5.1 million, which was separately presented in our consolidated statement of income. There was no comparable gain recognized in 2008.
 
Other, net.  Other, net increased by 6.95 percent, from an expense of US$8.7 million in 2007 to US$9.3 million in 2008.  This increase was principally due to a US$5.0 million increase in other expenses, mainly due to an increase in the provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects, partially offset by a US$4.4 million increase in other income, mainly due to increased sales of supplies and spare parts to third parties and affiliates.
 
Gain (loss) on currency exchange difference.  In 2007, we recorded a gain on currency exchange difference of US$5.2 million, compared to a loss on currency exchange difference of US$12.2 million in 2008. This difference was mainly due to the loss on currency exchange difference reported by El Brocal as a consequence of its net asset position in Nuevos Soles in 2008.
 


Provision for workers’ profit sharing, net.  Workers’ profit sharing expense was US$19.9 million in 2007, compared to income from  workers’ profit sharing of US$4.7 million as a result of a decrease in our taxable income. Provision for workers’ profit sharing is calculated by applying a percentage to our taxable income.
 
Provision for income tax, net.  Provision for income tax changed from an expense of US$44.0 million in 2007 to income of US$26.6 million in 2008, principally due to:
(a) Decreased pre-tax income.  A US$238.4 million decrease in pre-tax income, from US$415.1 million in 2007 to US$176.7 million in 2008, mainly due to a decreaseUS$229.2 million increase in net loss as a result of the release of commitments in commercial contracts, from US$185.9 million in 2007 to US$415.1 million in 2008, which is presented as an unusual item in the statement of income.

112

(b) Non-taxable income.  According to current tax regulations, equity participation in affiliates, including the receipt of dividends, is not taxable in Peru.  In 2008, our taxable income. See “—Critical Accounting Estimates—Income Tax”.equity participation in affiliated companies increased from US$249.6 million in 2007 to US$340.9 million in 2008, which reduced our income tax expense by US$121.4 million in 2008, compared to a US$88.9 million reduction in income tax expense due to this non-taxable income in 2007.  In addition, the gain on change in the fair value of gold certificates is not taxable.  We recorded a gain on change in the fair value of gold certificates of US$5.1 million in 2007, which decreased our income tax expense by US$1.8 million.  No similar gain decreasing our income tax expense was recorded in 2008.
 
Minority interest.  Minority interest expense decreased by 48.1 percent, from US$96.4 million in 2007 to US$50.0 million in 2008, mainly due to the lower contribution of profits from El Brocal.
 
Net income.  As a result of the foregoing, net income decreased by 44.2 percent, from US$274.8 million in 2007 to US$153.3 million in 2008.  As a percentage of net sales, net income was 20.0 percent in 2008 as compared to 36.8 percent in 2007.
 
Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
Net sales.  Net sales increased by 36.3 percent, from US$548.1 million in 2006 to US$747.0 million in 2007, principally due to increases in the price and volume sold of gold and lead during 2007.  The following tables reflect the average realized price and volume sold of gold, silver, lead and zinc during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007:
Average Realized Price Year ended December 31,    
  2006  2007  Variation 
          
Gold (US$/oz.) US$354.98 US $684.59   92.9%
Silver (US$/oz.)  11.92   13.37   12.2%
Lead (US$/MT)  1,319.89   2,760.30   109.1%
Zinc (US$/MT)  3,407.98   3,069.26   -9.9%
Copper (US$/MT)  7,037.74   7,285.46   3.5%
Volume Sold Year ended December 31,    
  2006  2007  Variation 
          
Gold (oz.)  415,288   418,999   0.9%
Silver (oz.)  19,207,066   16,734,876   -12.9%
Lead (MT)  36,570   41,535   13.6%
Zinc (MT)  59,489   79,139   33.0%
Copper (MT)  98   608   520.4%
(a)           Gold sales.  The average sales price for gold increased from US$354.98 per ounce in 2006 to US$684.59 per ounce in 2007.  Additionally, gold sales volume increased from 415,288 ounces in 2006 to 418,999 ounces in 2007.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$139.4 million increase in income from sales of gold in 2007 compared to 2006.  This increase was largely due to the increase in the average realized price.
(b)           Silver sales.  Average silver prices increased from US$11.92 per ounce in 2006 to US$13.37 per ounce in 2007.  The volume of silver sales decreased from 19,207,066 ounces in 2006 to 16,734,876 ounces in 2007.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$5.2 million decrease in income from sales of silver in 2007 compared to 2006.  This decrease was due to decreased silver production at our Colquijirca mine.


(c)           Lead sales.  Average lead prices increased from US$1,319.89 per metric ton in 2006 to US$2,760.30 per metric ton in 2007.  Additionally, the volume of lead sold increased from 36,570 metric tons in 2006 to 41,535 metric tons in 2007.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$66.4 million increase in income from sales of lead in 2007 compared to 2006.  This increase was due to increased lead production at our Colquijirca mine.
(d)           Zinc sales.  Average zinc prices decreased from US$3,407.98 per metric ton in 2006 to US$3,069.26 per metric ton in 2007.  The volume of zinc sold increased from 59,489 metric tons in 2006 to 79,139 metric tons in 2007.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$40.2 million increase in income from sales of zinc in 2007 compared to 2006.  This increase was due to increased zinc production at our Colquijirca mine.
(e)           Copper sales.  Average copper prices increased from US$7,037.74 per metric ton in 2006 to US$7,285.46 per metric ton in 2007.  The volume of copper sold increased from 98 metric tons in 2006 to 608 metric tons in 2007.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$3.7 million increase in income from sales of copper in 2007 compared to 2006.  This increase was due to increased copper production at our Colquijirca mine.
The revenues from gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper mentioned above do not include refinery charges and penalties incurred, which amounted to US$136.8 million in 2007, compared to US$105.5 million in 2006.  This increase was principally due to the higher volume of concentrates sold in 2007 compared to 2006.
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts.  To minimize future fluctuations in the consolidated results of operations, we modified the terms of certain derivative contracts in order to qualify them as normal sales contracts.  During 2005 and 2006 our outstanding derivative contracts were modified to require physical delivery of gold over future periods that do not extend beyond 2012.  Under the terms of these modified contracts, our revenue will be capped at between US$332 to US$451 per ounce of gold.  The fair values of the modified contracts were US$50.6 million and US$77.4 million in 2005 and 2006, respectively, and were calculated immediately prior to the modification of these contracts and recorded as deferred revenue in each year.
In 2007 we delivered 40,000 gold ounces compared to 388,000 gold ounces delivered in 2006, as a result of agreements reached with certain of our customers to release the fixed price commitments in their commercial contracts and to modify the schedule of gold commitments.  As a result, we recognized revenues of US$5.4 million in 2007 compared to US$50.3 million in 2006.  On January 24 and February 6, 2008, we reached agreements with customers to eliminate the fixed price commitments in all of our remaining commercial contracts and to sell gold at market prices between 2010 and 2012.  See Note 17 to the Financial Statements.
Royalty income.  In 2007, royalty income received by Chaupiloma amounted to US$34.0 million, representing a 29.9 percent decrease from the US$48.5 million of royalty income received in 2006.  This decrease is attributed to decreased sales from Yanacocha in 2007, which resulted from a decrease in the volume of gold sold during 2007.
Total operating costs.  Total operating costs increased by 18.9 percent, from US$226.4 million in 2006 to US$269.4 million in 2007, due to the following:

116


(a) Cost of sales, without considering depreciation and amortization increased by 21.9 percent, from US$149.3 million in 2006 to US$182.0 million in 2007, mainly due to (i) an increase in reagent consumption caused by operations at our new cyanidation plant; (ii) an increase in ore treated, a reduction in silver grade and a lower recovery rate caused by higher clay and manganese from the Socorro mine and oxide ore from the Huantajalla mine; (iii) increased expenses for support supplies and (iv) lower silver production in the second quarter due to the impact of a 10-day strike in May 2007.
(b) Exploration in units in operation decreased by 1.3 percent, from US$38.3 million in 2006 to US$37.8 million in 2007.
(c) Depreciation and amortization costs increased by 27.5 percent, from US$38.9 million in 2006 to US$49.6 million in 2007, mainly due to a US$2.5 million increase in amortization of mining concessions, from US$5.9 million in 2006 to US$8.4 million in 2007, principally as a result of the amortization of mining concessions held by our subsidiaries, Inminsur and Inversiones Colquijirca, and depreciation recorded by our subsidiary, El Brocal, relating to the capitalization of tailings pond No. 5 in December 2006, amounting US$1.5 million, which was fully depreciated in 2007, and as a result of a US$10.7 million adjustment of the provision for mine closing recorded in 2006, which generated a higher depreciation of US$1.8 million in 2007.
Total operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased by 45.7 percent, from US$103.2 million in 2006 to US$150.4 million in 2007, due to changes in the following components:
(a) Exploration costs in non-operational areas increased by 28.2 percent, from US$36.2 million in 2006 to US$46.4 million in 2007 due to higher expenditures in exploration areas, primarily in the El Milagro, Breapampa, Mallay, Marcapunta and Trapiche projects.
(b) General and administrative expenses increased by 61.7 percent, from US$36.6 million in 2006 to US$59.2 million in 2007, mainly due to a US$25.0 million increase in long-term officers’ compensation (stock appreciation rights) as a result of the increase in our stock price from US$28.06 as of December 31, 2006 to US$56.60 as of December 31, 2007.
(c) Royalty expenses to third parties and the Peruvian government increased by 39.3 percent, from US$24.4 million in 2006 to US$34.0 million in 2007.  Royalties paid to third parties amounted to US$13.2 million and US$16.4 million in 2006 and 2007, respectively.  Royalties paid to the Peruvian government amounted to US$11.3 million and US$17.6 million in 2006 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in royalties paid to third parties was mainly due to increased sales.  The increase in royalties paid to the Peruvian government was mainly due to the increase of net income before profit sharing and income tax.
Peruvian legislation requires owners of mining concessions to pay to the Peruvian government for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources.  Mining royalties are calculated with rates ranging from 1 percent to 3 percent of the value of mineral concentrates or equivalent, according to the quoted market price published by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
(d) Selling expenses increased by 83.1 percent, from US$5.9 million in 2006 to US$10.8 million in 2007, due mainly to higher freight payments required to transport concentrates and related services, both required as a result of the increased volume of sales.
Operating income before unusual item.  As a result of the foregoing, operating income before unusual item increased by 15.6 percent, from US$317.3 million in 2006 to US$366.6 million in 2007.

117

Net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts.  As of December 31, 2006, we had committed to sell 1,933,000 ounces of gold at previously-agreed prices that ranged from US$345 to US$451 per ounce of gold between 2007 and 2012.  In March and May 2007, we agreed with six of our customers to sell 971,000 ounces of gold at market prices instead of fixed prices.  This agreement to release the commitments in our commercial contracts required us to pay these customers US$315.7 million, which resulted in an expense of US$185.9 million in 2007 and a decrease to liabilities of US$129.8 million at the date of the release of the commitments in commercial contracts.
Share in affiliated companies, net.  Income from equity investments in affiliated companies decreased by 20.3 percent, from US$313.2 million in 2006 to US$249.6 million in 2007, principally due to the net effect of a decrease in the equity income of Yanacocha, partially offset by an increase in the equity income of Cerro Verde.
Income from our interest in Yanacocha decreased by 57.8 percent, from US$229.8 million in 2006 to US$97.2 million in 2007, due mainly to the net effect of a decrease in volume of gold sold, from 2.6 million ounces in 2006 to 1.6 million ounces in 2007, and an increase in the cost of production per ounce of gold, from US$268.26 per ounce in 2006 to US$458.36 per ounce in 2007, partially offset by an increase in the realized price per ounce of gold sold from US$599.94 per ounce in 2006 to US$698.80 in 2007.
Income from our interest in Cerro Verde increased by 85.2 percent, from US$80.2 million in 2006 to US$148.5 million in 2007, mainly as a result of an increase in Cerro Verde’s net income, from US$445.4 million in 2006 to US$813.6 million in 2007, which was primarily due to increased copper production, from 221.7 million pounds in 2006 to 594.2 million pounds in 2007, due to an expansion of its mine in December 2006.
Loss on change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments.  In accordance with IAS 39 (“Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement”), our derivative instruments have been measured at their fair value.  Our silver derivative contracts expired in August 2006, resulting in a US$13.3 million loss during 2006.  No similar loss was recorded during 2007.
Interest income.  Interest income increased by 49.4 percent, from US$7.9 million in 2006 to US$11.8 million in 2007, due to a US$171.6 million increase in total time deposits (with original maturity greater than or equal to 90 days).  We maintained US$181.9 million in time deposits as of December 31, 2006 compared to US$353.5 million as of December 31, 2007.  Additionally, we recorded a gain of US$1.2 million due to the change in the fair value of investment funds.
Interest expense.  Interest expense increased by 44.8 percent, from US$5.9 million in 2006 to US$8.6 million in 2007, due mainly to an increase in our indebtedness from US$10.6 million in 2006 to US$84.1 million in 2007, including (i) a new US$75 million bank loan obtained by us and (ii) a new US$9 million loan obtained by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.  See Notes 14 and 23 to the Financial Statements.
Gain (loss) on change in the fair value of gold certificates.  In May 2006, we acquired one million participations of an Exchange Traded Fund, or Gold ETF, endorsed by the World Gold Council, equivalent to 100,000 gold ounces, at a cost of US$68.07 per unit.  This Gold ETF was accounted for as a financial asset at fair value through profit or loss, in accordance with the intention of our management at the time of the acquisition.  As of December 31, 2006, the fair value of the Gold ETF was US$63.2 million and, consequently, we recognized a loss of US$4.9 million, which was separately presented in our consolidated statements of income.
118

In January 2007, we made additional acquisitions equivalent to 110,000 gold ounces, at a cost of US$60.77 per unit.  In March 2007, we sold all of our Gold ETF participations.  On the date of sale, the fair value of our Gold ETF position was US$64.38 million and, consequently, we recognized a gain of US$5.1 million, which was separately presented in our consolidated statement of income.
Other, net.  Other, net decreased from an expense of US$19.5 million in 2006 to an expense of US$8.7 million in 2007, mainly due to a net effect of a decrease of the adjustment of provision for closure of mining unit and exploration projects, from US$9.4 million in 2006 to US$3.7 million in 2007, and an increase of insurance proceeds received from US$0.2 million in 2006 to US$2.1 million in 2007.
Gain (loss) on currency exchange difference.  The gain on currency exchange difference increased 1,585.1 percent from a loss of US$0.3 million in 2006 to a gain of US$5.2 million in 2007 due mainly to the revaluation of the Peruvian Nuevo Sol against the U.S. Dollar of 6.6 percent in 2007, compared to a revaluation of 6.9 percent in 2006.  We held a net asset position in Nuevos Soles in 2007 and net liability position in Nuevos Soles in 2006.
Provision for workers’ profit sharing, net.  Workers’ profit sharing expense increased by 39.2 percent from US$14.3 million in 2006 to US$19.9 million in 2007, due to an increase in our taxable income.  This amount is calculated by applying a percentage to the taxable income.
Provision for income tax, net.  Income tax expense decreased by 31.3 percent, from US$64.0 million in 2006 to US$44.0 million in 2007.  This increase was mainly due to decreased pre-tax income as a result of the release of commitments in commercial contracts and decreased non-deductible expenses, partially offset by a decrease in non-taxable income.  See “—Critical Accounting Estimates—Income Tax.”
Minority interest.  Minority interest expense increased by 9.4 percent, from US$88.1 million in 2006 to US$96.4 million in 2007, mainly due to greater allocations of profits from Colquijirca S.A. and Chaupiloma.
Net income.  As a result of the foregoing, net income decreased by 35.8 percent, from US$428.1 million in 2006 to US$274.8 million in 2007.  As a percentage of net sales, net income was 36.8 percent in 2007 as compared to 78.1 percent in 2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of US$532.0714.5 million, compared to US$302.9532.0 million at December 31, 2007.2008.
 
119

Cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities were US$521.4 million in 2009 compared to US$150.5 million in 2008.  The increase in net cash flow provided by operating activities was mainly attributable to: a payment of US$517.1 million related to the release of commitments in commercial contracts during 2008; decreased payments to suppliers and third parties, from US$270.2 million in 2008 to US$247.7 million in 2009; decreased payments to employees, from US$111.1 million in 2008 to US$94.9 million in 2009, mainly due to the workers’ profit sharing between our subsidiary, El Brocal, and us; decreased expenses related to exploration activities, from US$105.4 million in 2008 to US$92.5 million in 2009; decreased payments of royalties, from US$41.4 million in 2008 to US$39.4 million in 2009, as a result of decreased royalty payments to third parties and decreased payments to the Peruvian government; decreased interest payments, from US$26.6 million in 2008 to US$10.96 million in 2009, as a result of decreased indebtedness in 2009; decreased proceeds from sales, from US$781.1 million in 2008 to US$738.5 million in 2009; decreased dividends received from Yanacocha and Cerro Verde, from US$413.6 million in 2008 to US$213.8 million in 2009; and decreased income tax payments from US$41.4 million in 2008 to US$37.1 million in 2009. These increases were partially offset by the following: the value added tax (IGV) recovered of US$32.4 million.
 
Cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities were US$150.5 million in 2008 compared to US$203.0 million in 2007.  The decrease in net cash flow provided by operating activities was mainly attributable to: a payment of US$517.1 million related to the release of commitments in commercial contracts during 2008; increased payments to suppliers and third parties, from US$202.1 million in 2007 to US$270.2 million in 2008, as a result of a corresponding increase in the operating activities of our mining units; increased payments to employees, from US$78.9 million in 2007 to US$111.1 million in 2008, mainly due mainly to the workers’ profit sharing between our subsidiary, El Brocal, and us; increased expenses related to exploration activities, from US$75.1 million in 2007 to US$105.4 million in 2008; increased payments of royalties, from US$33.0 million in 2007 to US$41.4 million in 2008, as a result of increased royalty payments to the third parties, partially offset by a decrease in payments to the Peruvian government; and increased interest payments from US$5.8 million in 2007 to US$26.6 million in 2008, as a result of increased indebtedness incurred in 2008. These decreases were partially offset by the following: increased proceeds from sales, from US$722.9 million in 2007 to US$781.1 million in 2008; increased dividends received from Yanacocha and Cerro Verde, from US$159.0 million in 2007 to US$413.6 million in 2008; and decreased income tax payments from US$91.4 million in 2007 to US$41.4 million in 2008.

113

 
Cash provided by operatingused in investment activities for the years ended December 31, 20072009 and 2006. 2008.  Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operatingused in investing activities were US$203.076.4 million in 20072008 compared to US$358.8173.3 million in 2006.2009.  The decreasechange in net cash flow provided by operatingused in investing activities in 20072009 compared with 20062008 was mainly attributable to: a payment ofincreased additions to mining concessions and property, plant and equipment from US$315.771.3 million in 2008 to US$152.2 million in 2009; and increased expenditures related to investment shares from US$29.5 million in 2008 to US$37.9 million in 2009, mainly related to the releaseacquisition of commitmentsadditional equity in commercial contracts during 2007; decreased dividends received from YanacochaEl Brocal and Cerro Verde, from US$209.5 million in 2006 to US$159.0 million in 2007; decreased collection of royalties from Chaupiloma, owner of the mining concessions exploited by Yanacocha, from US$48.5 million in 2006 to US$34.0 million in 2007, due mainly to the decrease of the Yanacocha’s gold production; increased payments to suppliers and third parties, from US$160.4 million in 2006 to US$202.1 million in 2007, as a result of a correspondingVerde.  The increase in the operatingcash used in investment activities of our mining units; increased income tax paid, from US$53.3 millionwas partially offset by a lower decrease in 2006 to US$91.4 million in 2007, as a result of increased earningstime deposits, which decreased by Colquijirca and Chaupiloma; increased payments to employees, from US$49.3 million in 2006 to US$78.9 million in 2007, due mainly to the workers’ profit sharing between our subsidiary, Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A., and us and the revaluation of the Peruvian Nuevo Sol against the U.S. dollar; increased payments of royalties, from US$22.7 million in 20062009 as compared to US$33.056.0 million in 2007, as a result of increased royalty payments to the Peruvian government and to the third parties; and increased interest payments from US$2.4 million in 2006 to US$5.8 million in 2007, as a result of the bank loans obtained by Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A. and us.  These decreases were partially offset by the following: increased proceeds from sales, from US$497.9 million in 2006 to US$722.9 million in 2007; and the sale of our investment in Gold ETF participations for US$135.2 million in 2007.2008.
 
Cash used in investment activities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities were US$54.1 million in 2007 compared to US$76.4 million in 2008.  The increase in net cash flow used in investing activities in 2008 compared with 2007 was mainly attributable to: increased disbursements for development activitiesmining concessions and property, plant and equipment acquired in connection with the El Brocal expansion project from US$31.761.6 million in 2007 to US$42.071.3 million in 2008; and increased expenditures related to investment shares from US$1.6 million in 2007 to US$29.5 million in 2008, mainly related to the acquisition of additional equity in El Brocal and Cerro Verde. These decreases were partially offset by decreased time deposits; in 2007 wedeposits, which increased our time deposits by US$15.8 million while in 2008 we2007 and decreased time deposits by US$56.0 million.million in 2008.
120

 
Cash used in investmentprovided by (used in) financing activities for the years ended December 31, 20072009 and 20062008.  Net cash and cash equivalents used in investingfinancing activities were US$54.1165.8 million in 20072009 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of US$202.3155.0 million in 2006.2008.  The decrease in net cash flow used in investingprovided by financing activities in 20072009 compared with 20062008 was mainly attributable to: decreased payments in connection with time deposits deposited at banks from US$62.9450 million in 2006long-term debt incurred by us during 2008, a decrease in the payment of dividends to shareholders, from US$15.850.9 million in 2007; collection of2008 to US$55.7 million related to the settlement of available-for-sale financial assets (including structured notes, fixed investment funds and variable investment funds), while in 2006 we had disbursements of US$40.3 million (including US$40.0 million related to acquisitions of structured notes, US$12.0 million related to acquisitions fixed investment funds, off-set by the settlement of variable investment funds by US$11.3 million); decreased expenditures related to investments shares from US$22.840.7 million in 2006, mainly related2009, and a decrease in payments of dividends to the acquisition of a minority interest shareholders, from US$37.3 million in Inversiones Mineras del Sur S.A.,2008 to US$1.627.8 million in 2007.  These decreases were partially offset by the following: increased expenditures on the purchase of property, plant and equipment from US$50.1 million in 2006 to US$61.6 million in 2007, mainly related to the construction of the fourth stage of the Antapite tailings deposit for US$9.2 million, the capacity increase in the Orcopampa No. 4 tailing deposit for US$5.6 million and the construction of a transmission line in Huacarama (Orcopampa) for US$3.9 million; and increased disbursements for development activities from US$24.1 million in 2006 to US$31.7 million in 2007, mainly related to increased exploration activities at our Orcopampa, Poracota and Uchucchacua mines.2009.
 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Net cash and cash equivalents provided by financing activities were US$155.0 million in 2008 compared to net cash used in financing activities of US$22.7 million in 2007.  The increasechange in net cash flow provided by financing activities in 2008 compared with 2007 was mainly attributable to: US$450 million in long-term debt incurred by us during 2008 and a decrease in the payment of dividends to shareholders from US$70.0 million in 2007 to US$50.9 million in 2008. This increase was partially offset by an increase in payments of dividends to minority interest shareholders, from US$26.2 million in 2007 to US$37.3 million in 2008, and payments to reduce our long-term debt of US$206.8 million in 2008, compared to US$1.5 million in 2007.
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities were US$22.7 million in 2007 compared to US$76.8 million in 2006.  The decrease in net cash flow used in financing activities in 2007 compared with 2006 was mainly attributable to: US$85.0 million in long-term debt incurred during 2007, including a US$10.0 million bank loan obtained by Consorcio Energetico de Huancavelica S.A. and a US$75.0 million bank loan obtained by us; decreased bank loans from a net borrowing of US$2.3 million loan in 2006 to a net payment of US$10 million in 2007 (composed of proceeds from bank loans of US$55.2 million and payments of bank loans of US$65.2 million); increased payment of dividends to shareholders from US$59.8 million in 2006 to US$70.0 million in 2007; increased payment of dividends to minority interest shareholders from US$19.1 million in 2006 to US$26.2 million in 2007.

 
121114

 

Long-Term Debt
 
On February 20, 2008, we borrowed US$450.0 million pursuant to a syndicated Bridge Loan Credit Agreement, led by Banco de Credito del Peru, in order to finance the unwinding of our gold hedge book.
 
On May 21, 2008, in order to repay the US$450.0 million syndicated bridge loan, we borrowed US$450 million, referred to as the Syndicated Term Loan, under a new Term Loan Agreement, among us, as borrower, Condesa, as guarantor, Banco de Credito del Peru, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto.  Borrowings under the Syndicated Term Loan bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 2.25%.  Interest and installments of principal equal to 1/20th of the aggregate principal amount borrowed are payable quarterly until maturity in May 2013 (on which date all amounts outstanding shallwill be payable). Obligations under the Syndicated Term Loan are guaranteed by Condesa, our wholly-owned subsidiary.  The term loan agreement governing the Syndicated Term Loan contains certain customary covenants and events of default.  See “Item 10. Additional Information—Material Contracts.”
In August, September and November 2008, we prepaid US$49.5 million, US$38.5 million and US$60.0 million, respectively, of the outstanding Syndicated Term Loan, in each case without prepayment penalties or charges.  As of December 31, 2008, approximately US$264.0 million remained outstanding under the Syndicated Term Loan.
 
The Syndicated Term Loan was initially secured by a pledge of our Common Shares held by Condesa.  On January 23, 2009, we and the lenders party to the Syndicated Term Loan executed a consent and amendment to release the pledged collateral.
 
As of December 31, 2009, approximately US$205.33 million remained outstanding under the Syndicated Term Loan.  On March 1, 2010, we repaid the full amount outstanding under the Syndicated Term Loan together with a prepayment fee of US$0.6 million.
Exploration Costs; Capital Expenditures
 
Total capital expenditures and exploration costs for 20092010 and 20102011 (excluding exploration costs at our principal mines, which are included as part of their cost of production) are estimated to be between approximately US$110.0 million and US$110.0200.0 million respectively.  At Uchucchacua, our ongoing projects for this yearper year.  These budgeted expenditures include (i) the deepening of the master shaft in the Carmen mine from level 3,990 to level 3,990 and (ii)following projects: the construction of ramp 626La Zanja and the deepening of the Luz Shaft in the Socorro mine to reach level 3,990 from level 4,060.  At Orcopampa, our ongoingTantahuatay projects, include (i) the deepening of the Nazareno shaft from level 3,290 to level 3,170 and (ii) the deepening of the Prometida Shaft to reach level 3,290. At Colquijirca, 2009 and 2010 projects include the expansion of the concentratortreatment plant to 18,000 metric tons, or MT, per day.in El Brocal and the construction of the Huanza hydroelectrical plant.
 
During 20082009 we spent approximately US$27.1230.0 million on “greenfield” and US$18.69 in68.6 million on “brownfield” exploration-related investments in Peru.  Our “greenfield” investments focused on the following exploration projects: El Faique, La Zanja (only the Castrejón prospect), Tantahuatay, Hualgayoc, Ccalla Arma, El Milagro, Titiminas, Huañacancha, Luishaja,Terciopelo, Breapampa, Trapiche, Chucapaca and Argentina.  The 20082009 exploration program was financed by internal funds as well as a US$6.7 million contribution by Newmont Peru S.R.L., Southern Copper Corporation, Gold Fields La Cima S.A., Minera Gold Fields Peru S.A. and Sumitomo Metal Mining Peru S.A.funds.  Our “brownfield” investments focused on the following exploration projects in 2008:2009: Mallay, Anamaray,Anamaray-Jancapata, Huamani Huayta Oeste, Orcopampa, Estela-Pampa Castilla, Ayamarca and Shila-Paula.  In 2009,2010, we intend to invest between US$16.8855.0 million and US$65.0 million in the Mallay, Anamaray,Anamaray-Jancapata, Huamani Huayta Oeste, Estela-Pampa Castilla, Ayamarca, Orcopampa and Shila-Paula brownfield exploration projects.  We expect to invest between US$20.0 million and US$25.030.0 million in the following greenfield exploration projects during 2009:2010: Trapiche, Chucapaca, Breapampa, Hualgayoc, Ccalla ArmaTerciopelo, Colquemayo, Chaje and El Faique.

 
122115

 

We expect that we will meet our working capital, capital expenditure and exploration expense requirements for the next several years from internally generated funds, cash on hand and dividends received from our investments in non-consolidated mining operations, including Yanacocha.  Additional financing, if necessary for the construction of any project, is expected to be obtained from borrowings under bank loans and the issuance of debt securities.  There can be no assurance, however, that sufficient funding will be available to us from the internal or external sources to finance any future capital expenditure program, or that external funding will be available to us for such purpose on terms or at prices favorable to us.  A very significant decline in the prices of gold and silver would be reasonably likely to affect the availability of such sources of liquidity.  In addition, if we fund future capital expenditures from internal cash flow, there may be less funds available for the payment of dividends.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Peruvian GAAP
We prepare and present the Financial Statements in accordance with Peruvian GAAP, which is based on International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as adopted by the Peruvian Accounting Standards Board (the Consejo Normativo de Contabilidad, or CNC).  As of May 31, 2010, there were no new accounting pronouncements under Peruvian GAAP approved by CNC that were applicable to us. The following IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee, or IFRIC, updates were issued internationally as of December 31, 2009 and could affect us, but have not yet been approved by the CNC, for which reason they have not yet been implemented by us:
IFRS 2 “Share-based Payments: vesting conditions and cancellation” (revised 2008), effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009.
IFRS 2 “Share-based Payments: group cash-settled share-based payment transactions” (revised 2009), effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
Revisions of IAS 1, IAS 23, IAS 27, IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 1, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009.
Revisions of IAS 1, IAS 27, IAS 32, IAS 39, IFRS 1, IFRS 2, IFRS 3, IFRIC 16 and IFRIC 9, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
Revisions of IAS 1, IAS 39 and IFRS 1, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
Revisions of IAS 32, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after February 1, 2010.
Revisions of IAS 1, IAS 27, IAS 32, IAS 39, IFRS 1, and IFRS 3, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
IFRS 9 “Financial instruments,” which modifies the treatment and classification of financial assets established in IAS 39 “Financial instruments: Measurement and Valuation,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
IFRIC 9 “Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives” and IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after June 30, 2009.
IFRIC 15 “Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009.
IFRIC 16 “Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009.

116

IFRIC 17 “Distribution of Non-cash Assets to Owners,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
IFRIC 18 “Transfer of Assets from Customers,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
Improvements to the IFRS. In May 2008 and April 2009, the IASB published and approved modifications to several different international standards covering a large number of accounting matters.  These changes are divided into two categories: 1) changes related to presentation, recognition and measurement that have accounting implications and 2) changes related to the terms and number of the international standards, which are expected to have a minimal effect, if any, on accounting.  The primary objective of these amendments is to eliminate inconsistencies and clarify texts.  The adoption of these modifications would result in changes to our accounting policies.
Our management is currently analyzing the impact that those standards and interpretations will have on our operations when such standards are approved by the CNC for application in Peru.
 
U.S. GAAP
 
Fair Value MeasurementsThe Accounting Standards Codification. In February 2008, FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years.
Business Combinations.  In December 2007,June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (FASB) issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R) which amends SFAS No. 141, and provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non controlling interest inor FASB, established the acquiree. It also provides disclosure requirements to enable usersFASB Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, as the single source of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is January 1, 2009 or later and isU.S. GAAP to be applied prospectively. Early adoptionby nongovernmental entities. The ASC is prohibited.a new structure which took existing accounting pronouncements and organized them by accounting topic. Relevant authoritative literature issued by the SEC, and select SEC staff interpretations and administrative literature was also included in the ASC.  All other accounting guidance not included in the ASC is non-authoritative. The ASC was effective for interim quarterly periods beginning July 1, 2009. The adoption of FAS 141R will have on impact on the Company´s financial statements depending on whether the Company enters into business combination transactionASC did not result in the future.a change in our accounting principles.

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No.FAS 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment ofto ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160) ’ which establishes51 (subsequently codified within ASC 810 Consolidation), was issued in order to  establish accounting and reporting standards pertaining to ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of net income attributable to the parent and to the no controlling interest,noncontrolling interests, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of any retained no controllingnoncontrolling equity investment when a subsidiary is deconsolidated.  SFAS No. 160ASC 810 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the no controllingnoncontrolling owners.  SFAS No. 160ASC 810 is effective for the Company’sour fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009 with early adoption prohibited.  This statement is required to be adopted prospectively, except for the following provisions, which are expected to be applied retrospectively: (i) the reclassification of noncontrolling interests to equity in the consolidated balance sheets and (ii) the adjustment to consolidated net income to include net income attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests.  We have complied with such requirements.

We adopted the updated guidance on January 1, 2009. Except for presentation changes related to noncontrolling interest classified as a component of equity, the adoption had no impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations or cash flows.

Business Combinations. In December 2007, FAS 141 (R) “Business Combination” (subsequently codified within ASC 805) was issued in order to provide revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed and any non controlling interest in the acquiree.  It also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  ASC 805 is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is January 1, 2009 or later and is to be applied prospectively.  Early adoption is prohibited.  The adoption of FAS 160ASC 805 will have onan impact on the Company´sour financial statements depending on wheter the Company enterswhether we enter into such transactionbusiness combination transactions in the future.
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. In March 2008, FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS No. 161 amends the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities contained in SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Under SFAS No. 161, entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and related interpretations and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. SFAS No. 161 encourages, but does not require disclosure for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 will not affect significantly the Company’s accounting for derivative financial instruments; however, the Company is currently evaluating the impact on its related disclosures.
123

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, which provides enhanced guidance on an fair value disclosures . FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 requires that an entity shall disclose in the body or in the accompanying notes of its summarized financial information for interim reporting periods and in its financial statements for annual reporting periods the fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether recognized or not recognized in the statement of financial position, as required by Statement 107.  Fair value information disclosed in the notes shall be presented together with the related carrying amount in a form that makes it clear whether the fair value and carrying amount represent assets or liabilities and how the carrying amount relates to what is reported in the statement of financial position.  This rule is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  The adoption of FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 will not have a material impact on the Company´s 2008 financial reporting and disclosures .
Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and EITF 99-20-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments”, which provides enhanced guidance on recognition and presentation. FSP No. FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and EITF 99-20-2 requires to determine whether the holder of an investment in a debt or equity security for which changes in fair value are not regularly recognized in earnings (such as securities classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale) should recognize a loss in earnings when the investment is impaired. An investment is impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost basis.
In addition, an entity shall disclose information for interim and annual periods that enables users of its financial statements to understand the types of available-for-sale and held-tomaturity debt and equity securities held, including information about investments in an unrealized loss position for which an other-than-temporary impairment has or has not been recognized. In addition, for interim and annual periods, an entity shall disclose information that enables users of financial statements to understand the reasons that a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security was not recognized in earnings and the methodology and significant inputs used to calculate the portion of the total other-than-temporary impairment that was recognized in earnings. This rule is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  The adoption of FSP No. FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and EITF 99-20-2 will not have a material impact on the Company´s 2008 financial reporting and disclosures but could affect the Company in the future.
Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly. On April 9, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP 157-4 or the FSP). FSP 157-4 amends FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (Statement 157 or the Statement) to provide additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability. The FSP also provides additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.  This rule is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. The adoption of FSP No. FAS 157-4 will likely not have a material impact on the Company´s  2008 financial reporting and disclosures but will impact the Company in the future.

 
124117


Equity Method Investments. In November 2008, EITF 08-6 (subsequently codified within ASC 323), the guidance for equity method and joint venture investments, was updated to clarify the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments. The intent is to provide guidance on: (i) determining the initial measurement of an equity method investment, (ii) recognizing other-than-temporary impairments of an equity method investment and (iii) accounting for an equity method investee’s issuance of shares.  The updated guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009 and should be applied prospectively.  The adoption had no impact on the our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Subsequent Events. In May 2009, the guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish accounting and reporting standards for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The update sets forth: (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements. This ASC guidance is effective for the interim period beginning June 30, 2009. The adoption had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Fair Value Measurements and Accounting. In January 2010, Accounting Standards Update 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820), Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements ASU 2010-06, was issued, which amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to require a number of additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements, including the amount of transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the reasons for transfers in or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and activity for recurring Level 3 measures. In addition, the amendments clarify certain existing disclosure requirements related to the level at which fair value disclosures should be disaggregated and the requirement to provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of assets or liabilities classified as Levels 2 or 3.   The updated guidance is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010, with the exception of Level 3 disagregation, which is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted.

118

 

Peruvian GAAP
There were several International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee, or IFRIC, issued internationally and approved by the Peruvian Accounting Standards Board (the Consejo Normativo de Contabilidad, or CNC) to be applied in Peru starting from January 1, 2009. The standards that could affect us are the following:
IAS 32 “Financial Instruments – Presentation” (revised 2006), effective internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2007.  Requires certain puttable financial instruments and obligations arising from liquidation to be classified as equity if certain criteria are met.
IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments – Disclosures”, effective internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2007. The objective of this IFRS is to provide disclosures in the financial statements that enable users to evaluate the significance of financial instruments for the entity’s financial position and performance, to understand the nature and extent of the risks arising from financial instruments to which the entity is exposed and how the entity manages those risks.
IFRS 8 “Operating Segments”, effective internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This IFRS replaces IAS 14, “Segment Reporting” and establishes that reporting by segments must be done in accordance with "Management’s focus", meaning using the internal reporting formats used by Management for decision-making purposes.
We do not expect these changes to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
The following standards, issued internationally as of December 31, 2008, could affect us, but have not yet been approved by the CNC:
IFRS 1 “First-time Adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards” and IAS 27 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements” (revised), effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This change in IFRS 1 allows an entity to determine the cost of investment insubsidiaries, jointly -controlled entities, and associates in its first financial statements under the IFRS as of the date of transition to IFRS, using the cost determined in accordance with IAS 27,  or considering the previous GAAP carrying amount  as cost at the date of the transition to IFRS, or at the fair value in accordance with IAS 39.   These changes have no effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
IAS 23 “Borrowing Costs” (revised) applies to borrowing costs incurred on qualifying assets for which the commencement date for capitalization is on or  after January 1, 2009. This standard removes the option of expensing all borrowing  and requires capitalization of the borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualified assets.

125


IFRS 3 “Business Combinations (Revised)” and IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (Revised)," become effective for financial years beginning on or after July 1, 2009.  IFRS 3 as revised introduces a number of changes in the accounting for businesses combinations occurring after this date that will impact the amount of goodwill recognised, the reported results in the period that an acquisition occurs, and future reported results. IAS 27 as revised requires that a change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary (without loss of control) is accounted for as an equity transaction. Therefore, such transactions will no longer give rise to goodwill, nor wil it give rise to a gain or loss. Furthermore the amended standar changes the accounting for losses incurred by the subsidiary as well as the loss of control o a subsidiary. Other consequential amendments were made to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows, IAS 12 Income Taxes, IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates, IAS 28 Investment in Associates and IAS 31 Interest on Joint Ventures. The changes by IFRS 3 (Revised) and IAS 27 (Revised) will affect future acquisitions or loss of control and transactions with minority interests.
IFRS 2 “Share-based Payments (Revised),” effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This standard clarifies the definition of vesting conditions and cancellations.
IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised),” effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  When this standard is first applied, the disclosures must be made for all comparative periods presented.  This standard requires the grouping of information in the financial statements based on common characteristics and the presentation of a comprehensive income statement.  This standard allows presentation of the income and expense captions, as also comprehensive other income in a comprehensive income statement or, alternatively, presenting two separate statements (a statement of income and a comprehensive income statement).  The names of some financial statements have been changed to clarify their purpose.
IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation (Amendments),” effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This amendment establishes a series of changes with respect to the classification of certain financial instruments as equity or liability, and increase the disclosure requirements for these instruments. In addition, it requires additional disclosures for negotiable instruments classified as equity.
IAS 39 “Financial instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Eligible Hedged Items (Amendment),” effective for periods that begin on or after July 1, 2009.  This amendment addresses only the designation of a one-sided risk in a hedged item, and the designation of inflation as a hedged risk or portion in particular situations. This standard clarifies that an entity may designate�� the changes in fair value or  cash flows  related to a one-sided risk as the hedged item in an effective relationship.   The standard further clarifies that an inflationary element can be designated as a separable risk, if it is a contractually specified  cash flow.
Our management is currently analyzing the impact that those standards and interpretations not yet approved by the CNC will have on our operations when such standards are approved for application in Peru.

126

YANACOCHA
 
Introduction
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Yanacocha Financial Statements as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009 and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The Yanacocha Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in U.S. Dollars.
 
Operating Results
 
Overview
 
Yanacocha, the largest gold producer in South America, was established in Peru in January 1992, and commenced production activities in August 1993.  Yanacocha’s operations are located in the Andes mountains in Northern Peru, in the area of Cajamarca which is located approximately 900 kilometers north of Lima and north of the City of Cajamarca, at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level.  Yanacocha is 51.35 percent owned by Newmont Mining, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Newmont Second, 43.65 percent by us through our wholly-owned subsidiary Condesa, and 5 percent by IFC. Yanacocha is managed by Newmont Peru S.R.L.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Management of Yanacocha—General Manager/Management Agreement.”  On October 31, 1999, pursuant to a public deed, Yanacocha changed its legal structure from a corporation to a partnership, changing its name from “Minera Yanacocha S.A.” to “Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.”  As a result, Yanacocha (i) cannot have more than 20 partners; (ii) has its capital stock is represented in participations; (iii) is not required to maintain a legal reserve (see Note 16 to the Yanacocha Financial Statements); and (iv) will not receive a different income tax treatment under Peruvian law than it did as a corporation.
 
The table below highlights Yanacocha’s key financial and operating results:
 
Summary of Financial and Operating Performance
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
  
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2008
  
2007
  
2006
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Gold Sales (in thousands of US$)  1,612,618   1,093,347   1,543,212   2,013,228   1,612,618   1,093,347 
Gold sold (oz.)  1,842,599   1,564,614   2,572,298   2,068,205   1,842,599   1,564,614 
Average gold price received (US$/oz.)  875   699   600   973   875   699 
            
Costs applicable to sales (US$/oz.)  358   324   201   325   358   324 
            
Other expenses(in thousands of US$)  83,424   80,941   60,790   86,469   83,424   80,941 
Net income (in thousands of US$)  476,462   221,489   525,448   727,076   476,462   221,489 
Dividends paid (in thousands of US$)  590,000   100,000   480,000   230,000   590,000   100,000 
119


Gold sales. Gold sales increased by 47.525 percent, or US$519.3400.6 million, from 20072008 to 2008,2009, due principally to an 18a 12 percent increase in the volume of gold sold, aswhich is a consequence of the higher level of gold produced, and to the higher realized average price, which increased from US$699 per ounce in 2007 to US$875 per ounce in 2008.2008 to US$973 per ounce in 2009.  Yanacocha has not engaged in gold price hedging activities, such as forward sales or option contracts, to minimize its exposure to fluctuations in the price of gold.
 

127


Costs applicable to sales.  Costs applicable to sales increased by 30.32 percent from 20072008 to 20082009 due primarily to higher operatingworkers’ participation and royalty costs mainly attributed to: (i) higher diesel expense, (ii) higher emulsion and nitrate consumption due to higher presence of water in blasting areas, (iii) increased electricity used in blasting and milling, (iv) higher grinding balls consumption due to the commencement of operations at the Yanacocha gold mill facility, (v) higher labor expenses for salary and bonus increases (vi) increased capitalized costs in leach pad and precious metal inventories, (vii) higher royalties and (viii) increased workers’ profit participation expenses as a consequence of higher gold sales revenues; partially offset by higher by-product credit sales due to increased silver sales as a result of higher silver production andgold prices, partially offset by higher average realized price.by-product.  Costs applicable to sales include: (i) operating costs, consisting primarily of direct production costs such as mining and treatment of the ore, which are the most significant components of costs applicable to sales, (ii) employee profit sharing of 8 percent of pre-tax profits calculated in accordance with Peruvian GAAP, (iii) royalties of 3 percent of the quarterly net sale value of all gold and silver extracted from the mining concessions payable to Chaupiloma after deducting refinery and transportation costs, (iv) management fees payable to Newmont Peru, the operator of Yanacocha, (v) selling expenses, (vi) accretion costscredit from by-product sales, mainly related to asset retirement obligationssilver sales and (vii) other costs.
 
Other expenses.  Other expenses increased by 3.14 percent, or US$2.53.0 million, from 20072008 to 2008,2009, mainly related withdue to a higher voluntary contribution of US$8.8 million and highernegotiated payment to the Peruvian government, partially offset by lower expenses related to community development and external affairs of US$11.4 million due to new projects to improve Yanacocha’s relationship with the communities of Cajamarca; partially offset by the reimbursement of US$14.4 million by insurance companies related to related legal fees and expenses arising from the Choropampa mercury spill litigation.affairs.
 
Income tax. Yanacocha’s financial and operating results were impacted by a tax expense of US$196334.8 million in 2009, as compared to US$196.1 million in 2008, as compared to US$107.0 million in 2007, which reflects itsYanacocha’s increased profitability mainly due to higher gold sales revenuesrevenue as a consequence of an increase in gold production and higher realized average price.
 
Dividends.  During the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, Yanacocha paid cumulative dividends of US$590230 million to partners and did not reserve any money related to reinvestment programs.
 
Forward-looking statements.  Certain key factors will affect Yanacocha’s future financial and operating results.  These include, but are not limited to fluctuations in the price of gold.  Yanacocha expects 20092010 gold sales to be 1.91.5 million ounces at costs applicable to sales of approximately US$315393 per ounce.  Sales from 20102011 through 20132014 are expected to average approximately 1.441.4 million ounces at costs applicable to sales of approximately US$437428 per ounce, with actual gold sales and costs being determined by, among other factors, further mine plan optimization efforts and the discovery and development of additional oxide deposits, and the development of Conga, which is currently deferred.deposits.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Yanacocha has furnished us with a discussion of its critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of its financial statements.  Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and could potentially impact results under different assumptions and conditions.  Note 2 to the Yanacocha Financial Statements includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Yanacocha Financial Statements.  The following is a brief discussion of the identified critical accounting policies and the estimates and judgments made by Yanacocha.
 
The Accounting Standards Codification

In June 2009, FASB established the ASC as the single source of U.S. GAAP to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  The ASC is a new structure which took existing accounting pronouncements and organized them by accounting topic. Relevant authoritative literature issued by the SEC and select SEC staff interpretations and administrative literature were also included in the ASC. All other accounting guidance not included in the ASC is non-authoritative. The ASC was effective for Yanacocha’s annual period ended December 31, 2009. The adoption of the ASC did not have an impact on Yanacocha’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 
128120

 

Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L and the San José Reservoir Trust (“Trust”). In November 2008, Yanacocha funded the Trust to ensure continuous operation for the San José Reservoir after 2018.  Yanacocha transferred $13 million to the Trust in 2008.  No withdrawals are allowed until 2018 and Yanacocha is committed to a $23 million fund as of such date.  This Trust is irrevocable and is a separate legal entity.  The grantor is Yanacocha, the trustee is the Banco de Crédito del Perú and the beneficiary is Yanacocha.  As a result, Yanacocha consolidates the Trust in its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates
Yanacocha’s Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  The preparation of the Yanacocha’s Consolidated Financial Statements requires Yanacocha to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to (i) mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates utilized in impairment calculations and units-of-production amortization calculations; (ii) environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; (iiii) estimates of recoverable gold and other minerals in stockpile and leach pad inventories; (iv) write-downs of inventory to net realizable value; (v) employee benefit liabilities; (vi) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; (vii) workers’ profit participation; (viii) reserves for contingencies and litigation; and (ix) the fair value and accounting treatment of financial instruments.  Yanacocha bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Currency
The Consolidated Financial Statements are stated in U.S. dollars, Yanacocha’s functional currency, as most of its transactions are traded, collected and paid in such currency.  All amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) unless otherwise stated.  Transactions in other currencies are recorded in U.S. dollars based on exchange rates prevailing at the time of such transactions.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are translated into the U.S. dollar at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet dates, and any resulting gains or losses are reflected in current earnings.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and deposits in banks with an original maturity of three months or less.  Because of the short maturity of these balances, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value.

121


Investments

Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each reporting date.  Yanacocha accounts for its equity security investments as available for sale securities in accordance with ASC guidance on accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities. Yanacocha periodically evaluates whether declines in fair values of its investments below Yanacocha’s carrying value are other-than-temporary in accordance with guidance for the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to certain investments.  Yanacocha’s policy is to generally treat a decline in the investment’s quoted market value that has lasted continuously for more than six months as an other-than-temporary decline in value.  Yanacocha also monitors its investments for events or changes in circumstances that have occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment and evaluates qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the severity and duration of the unrealized loss and Yanacocha’s ability to hold the investment until a forecasted recovery occurs to determine if the decline in value of an investment is other-than-temporary.  Declines in fair value below Yanacocha’s carrying value deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings.
Stockpiles, Ore on Leach Pads and Inventories.Inventories
 
As described below, costs that are incurred in or benefit the productive process are accumulated as stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories.  Stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on current and long-term metals prices, less the estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale.  Write-downs of stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories resulting from net realizable value impairments are reported as a component of costsCosts applicable to sales.  The current portion of stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories is determined based on the expected amounts to be processed within the next twelve months.  Stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories not expected to be processed within the next twelve months are classified as long-term.  The major classifications are as follows:

Stockpiles.
StockpilesStockpiles represent ore that has been mined and is available for further processing.  Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tons added and removed from the stockpile, the number of contained ounces (based on assay data) and the estimated metallurgical recovery rates (based on the expected processing method).  Stockpile ore tonnages are verified by periodic surveys.  Costs are allocated to a stockpile based on relative values of material stockpiled and processed using current mining costs incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore, including applicable overhead depreciation, depletion and amortization relating to mining operations, and removed at each stockpile’sthe average cost per recoverable unit.
 
Ore on Leach Pads.
PadsThe recovery of gold from certain gold oxide ores is achieved through the heap leaching.leaching process.  Under this method, ore is placed on leach pads where it is treated with a chemical solution, which dissolves the gold contained in the ore.  The resulting “pregnant”gold-bearing solution is further processed in a plant where the gold is recovered.  Costs are added to ore on leach pads based on current mining costs, including applicable depreciation, depletionoverhead and amortization relating to mining operations.  Costs are removed from ore on leach pads as ounces are recovered based on the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pad.
 
The estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pads are calculated from the quantities of ore placed on the pads (measured tons added to the leach pads), the grade of ore placed on the leach pads (based on assay data) and a recovery percentage (based on ore type).  In general, the leach pads recover approximately 50 percent to 95 percent of the ultimate recoverable ounces in the first year of leaching, declining each year thereafter until the leaching process is complete.

 
122


Although the quantities of recoverable gold placed on the leach pads are reconciled by comparing the grades of ore placed on the pads to the quantities of gold actually recovered (metallurgical balancing), the nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels.  As a result, the metallurgical balancing process is constantly monitored and estimates are refined based on actual results over time.  Historically, Yanacocha’s operating results have not been materially impacted by variations between the estimated and actual recoverable quantities of gold on its leach pads.  As of December 31, 2008, the weighted-average cost per recoverable ounce of gold on leach pads was US$370 per ounce (unaudited).  Variations between actual and estimated quantities resulting from changes in assumptions and estimates that do not result in write-downs to net realizable value are accounted for on a prospective basis. 

129

The ultimate recovery of gold from a leach pad will not be known until the leaching process is concluded.  Based on current mine plans excluding any Minas Conga production, Yanacocha expects to place the last ton of ore on its leach pads in 2015.  Including the estimated time required for residual leaching, rinsing and reclamation activities, Yanacocha expects that its leaching operations will terminate within approximately six years following the date that the last ton of ore is placed on the leach pad.
The current portion of leach pads is determined based on estimates of the quantities of gold at the balance sheet date that is expected to be recovered during the next twelve months.
In-process Inventory.
InventoryIn-process inventories represent materials that are currently in the process of being converted to a saleable product.  Yanacocha’s conversion process is leachprocesses vary depending on the nature of the ore and the specific processing facility and include mill in-circuit and millleach in-circuit.  In-process material is measured based on assays of the material fed into the process and the projected recoveries of the respective plants.  In-process inventories are valued at the average cost of the material fed into the process attributable to the source material coming from the mines, stockpiles and/or leach pads plus the in-process conversion costs, including applicable depreciationamortization relating to the process facilities incurred to that point in the process.
 
Precious Metals Inventory.  Precious metals include gold doré and/or gold bullion.  Precious metals that result from Yanacocha’s mining, processing and refining activities are valued at the average cost of the respective in-process inventory.
Materials and Supplies
Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Cost includes applicable taxes and freight.
Property, Plant and Mine Development
Facilities and Equipment.  Expenditures for new facilities or equipment and expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities or equipment are capitalized and recorded at cost.  The facilities and equipment are amortized using the straight-line method at rates sufficient to amortize such costs over the estimated productive lives, which do not exceed the related estimated mine lives, of such facilities based on proven and probable reserves.

Mine Development.  Mine development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling and other related costs to delineate an ore body and the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface mines.  Costs incurred before mineralization are expensed and classified as exploration costs, whereas costs in connection with proven and probable reserves are declared costs incurred and expensed and classified as advanced projects.  Capitalization of mine development project costs, which meet the definition of an asset, begins once mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves.

Drilling and related costs are capitalized for an ore body where proven and probable reserves exist, the activities are directed at obtaining additional information on the ore body or converting non-reserve mineralization to proven and probable reserves and the benefit is expected to be realized over a period beyond one year.  All other drilling and related costs are expensed as incurred.  Drilling costs incurred during the production phase for operational ore control are allocated to inventory costs and then included as a component of Costs applicable to sales.

123


The cost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open pit mine prior to the production phase is referred to as “pre-stripping costs”.  Pre-stripping costs are capitalized during the development of an open pit mine.  Where multiple open pits exist at a mining complex utilizing common processing facilities, pre-stripping costs are capitalized at each pit.  The removal and production of de minimis saleable materials may occur during development and are recorded as Other income, net of incremental mining and processing costs.

The production phase of an open pit mine commences when saleable minerals, beyond a de minimis amount, are produced.  Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that are included as a component of inventory to be recognized in Costs applicable to sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory.

Yanacocha’s definition of a mine and the mine’s production phase may differ from that of other companies in the mining industry resulting in incomparable allocations of stripping costs to deferred mine development and production costs.  Other mining companies may expense pre-stripping costs associated with subsequent pits within a mining complex.

Mine development costs are amortized using the units-of production (“UOP”) method based on estimated recoverable ounces in proven and probable reserves.  To the extent that these costs benefit an entire ore body, they are amortized over the estimated life of the ore body.  Costs incurred to access specific ore blocks or areas that only provide benefit over the life of that area are amortized over the estimated life of that specific ore block or area.

Interest cost allocable to the cost of developing mining properties and to constructing new facilities is capitalized until assets are ready for their intended use.
Mineral Interests
Mineral interests include acquired interests in production, development and exploration stage properties.  The mineral interests are capitalized at their fair value at the acquisition date, either as an individual asset purchase or as part of a business combination.

The value of such assets is primarily driven by the nature and amount of mineralized material believed to be contained in such properties.  Production stage mineral interests represent interests in operating properties that contain proven and probable reserves.  Development stage mineral interests represent interests in properties under development that contain proven and probable reserves.  Exploration stage mineral interests represent interests in properties that are believed to potentially contain mineralized material consisting of (i) mineralized material such as inferred material within pits;  measured, indicated and inferred material with insufficient drill spacing to qualify as proven and probable reserves; and inferred material in close proximity to proven and probable reserves; (ii) around-mine exploration potential such as inferred material not immediately adjacent to existing reserves and mineralization, but located within the immediate mine area; (iii) other mine-related exploration potential that is not part of measured, indicated or inferred material and is comprised mainly of material outside of the immediate mine area; (iv) greenfields exploration potential that is not associated with any other production, development or exploration stage property, as described above; or (v) any acquired right to explore or extract a potential mineral deposit.  Yanacocha’s mineral rights generally are enforceable regardless of whether proven and probable reserves have been established.  Yanacocha has the ability and intent to renew mineral interests where the existing term is not sufficient to recover all identified and valued proven and probable reserves and/or undeveloped mineralized material.

124


Asset Impairment
Yanacocha reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  Impairment is considered to exist if the total of the assets’ estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets.  An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows.  Future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable minerals, expected gold and other commodity prices (considering current and historical prices, trends and related factors), production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and reclamation costs, all based on life-of-mine plans.  Existing proven and probable reserves and value beyond proven and probable reserves, including mineralization that is not part of the measured, indicated or inferred resource base, are included when determining the fair value of mine site reporting units at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired.  The term “recoverable minerals” refers to the estimated amount of gold or other commodities that will be obtained after taking into account losses during ore processing and treatment. Estimates of recoverable minerals from such exploration stage mineral interests are risk adjusted based on management’s relative confidence in such materials. In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level of which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups.  Yanacocha’s estimates of future cash flows are based on numerous assumptions and it is possible that actual future cash flows will be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, gold and other commodity prices, production levels and operating costs of production and capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized from a sale when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is determinable, the product has been delivered, the title has been transferred to the customer and collection of the sales price is reasonably assured.  Revenues from silver and copper sales are credited to Costs applicable to sales as a by-product credit.

Income Tax and Profit Sharing
Yanacocha accounts for income tax and legally required profit sharing using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of Yanacocha’s liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets.  This method generates a net deferred income tax liability and profit sharing liability or net deferred income tax asset and profit sharing asset for Yanacocha, as measured by the statutory tax and profit sharing rates in effect as enacted.  Yanacocha derives its deferred income tax charge or benefit and profit sharing charge or benefit by recording the change in the net deferred income tax liability and profit sharing liability or net deferred income tax asset and profit sharing asset balance for the year, based on Peruvian income tax and profit sharing rates.

Yanacocha’s deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits.  Yanacocha records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.

125


Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Costs and Obligations)
Asset retirement obligations are recognized when incurred and recorded as liabilities at fair value. The liability is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings. In addition, the asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the asset’s carrying value and amortized over the life of the related asset. Reclamation costs are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and abandonment costs.  The asset retirement obligation is based on when spending for an existing environmental disturbance will occur.  Yanacocha reviews, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the asset retirement obligation at each mine site in accordance with accounting for asset retirement obligations.

Future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the costs expected to be incurred at a site.  Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs.  Changes in estimates at inactive mines are reflected in earnings in the period an estimate is revised.

Recently Adopted Pronouncements
Subsequent Events.  In May 2009, the ASC guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish accounting and reporting standards for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The update sets forth: (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet in its financial statements and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements. Yanacocha adopted the updated guidance for the annual period ended December 31, 2009. The adoption had no impact on Yanacocha’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Yanacocha has evaluated all subsequent events until the financial statements are issued.
Fair Value Accounting

In September 2006, the ASC guidance for fair value measurements and disclosure was updated to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value and expand disclosures about fair value measurements. Yanacocha adopted the updated guidance for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis on January 1, 2008. In February 2008, the FASB staff issued an update to the guidance which delayed the effective date for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. Yanacocha adopted the updated guidance for Yanacocha’s nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis on January 1, 2009.
In February 2007, ASC guidance was updated for the fair value option for financial assets and financial liabilities. The updated guidance permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with the objective of improving financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The updated provisions were effective for Yanacocha’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008. The adoption had no impact on Yanacocha’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Refer to Note 20 in Yanacocha’s Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding Yanacocha’s assets measured at fair value.

126


Income Taxes

On January 1, 2007, Yanacocha adopted updated ASC guidance which clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in the application of the income tax laws to our operations. The interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax provisions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The cumulative effects of applying this interpretation were recorded as an increase in retained earnings of $8.4 million, an increase in net deferred tax assets of $1.8 million, an increase of $0.9 million in deferred income tax expense, offset, in part, by a decrease of $5.7 million in the net liability for unrecognized income tax benefits.  Refer to Note 5 in Yanacocha’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Amortization of Property, Plant and Mine Development.
 
Amortization charges for mine development costs are calculated using the units of production method and are based on Yanacocha’s current gold production as a percentage of total expected gold production over the life of Yanacocha’s mines.  The life of the mines is estimated by Yanacocha’s geology department using interpretations of mineral reserves, as determined in accordance with the SEC’s Industry Guide 7.  The estimate of the total expected future life of Yanacocha’s mines could be materially different from the actual amount of gold mined in the future and the actual life of the mines due to changes in the factors used in determining Yanacocha’s mineral reserves, such as the gold price and operating costs.  Any change in management’s estimate of the total expected future life of Yanacocha’s mines would impact the amortization charge recorded in Yanacocha’s financial statements.
 
Asset Impairment.Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
Sales
Sales increased by 25 percent from US$1,612.6 million in 2008 to US$2,013.2 million in 2009, due primarily to a 12 percent increase in the volume of gold sold, as a consequence of the higher level of gold production, and a higher average realized price, which increased from US$875 per ounce in 2008 to US$973 per ounce in 2009. Production by mine was as follows:
Mine
 
2009
  
2008
 
  (ounces) 
Cerro Yanacocha  1,087,028   701,063 
Carachugo  453,374   400,452 
Maqui Maqui  18,555   32,550 
La Quinua  499,223   676,273 
Total  2,058,180   1,810,338 
 
Yanacocha reviewsThe increase in gold produced in 2009 as compared to 2008 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and evaluates its long-lived assetsmill tons placed, 129.3 million dry metric tons for impairment when events or changesthe year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 92.6 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2008, a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 0.34 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008, and a higher placed ore grade, which was 0.78 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to 0.71 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Costs applicable to sales
Costs applicable to sales increased by 2 percent from US$659.9 million in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  An impairment is considered2008 to exist if the total estimated future cash flowsUS$671.5 million in 2009 due primarily to higher workers’ participation and royalty costs as a result of the assets on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of those assets.  An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows.  Future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable minerals, expectedhigher gold and other commodity prices, (considering current and historical prices, price trends and related factors), production levels and operating costs of production and capital, all based on life-of-mine plans.  Existing proven and probable reserves and value beyond proven and probable reserves, including mineralization other than proven and probable and other material that is not part of the measured, indicated or inferred resource base, are included when determining the fair value of mine site reporting units at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired.  The term “recoverable minerals” referspartially offset by higher by-product.  Costs applicable to the estimated amountsales per ounce of gold decreased by 9 percent from US$358 in 2008 to US$325 in 2009, primarily as a result of a lower operating cost per ounce of US$297 in 2009 as compared to US$323 in 2008,  lower inventory variation credit per ounce of US$25 in 2009 as compared to US$4 in 2008 and other minerals that will be obtained after taking into account losses during ore processinghigher by-product credit silver sales per ounce of US$31 as compared to US$27 in 2008.  These costs were partially offset by a higher royalty expense per ounce of US$30 in 2009 as compared to US$26 in 2008 and treatment.  In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independenta higher workers’ profit participation expense per ounce of cash flows from other asset groups.  Yanacocha’s estimates of future cash flows are based on numerous assumptions and it is possible that actual future cash flows will be significantly different than the estimates,US$47 in 2009 as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, gold and other commodity prices, production levels and operating costs of production and capital are each subjectcompared to significant risks and uncertainties.US$34 in 2008.

 
130127

 

ReclamationOperating costs increased by 3 percent from US$595.4 million in 2008 to US$613.7 million in 2009.  Operating costs consist primarily of drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Obligations).milling costs, which increased in 2009 primarily as a result of (i) higher lime and cyanide costs and consumption related to higher ore tons placed in leach pads, (ii) higher maintenance costs related to reapairs of haul trucks fleet due to premature failures, (iii) increased electricity used in water treatment and milling, (iv) higher grinding balls consumption due to a full year operation of the gold mill facility and (v) higher labor expenses for salary and bonus increases; partially offset by (i) lower diesel expense due to lower price, and (ii) increased capitalized costs in leach pad and precious metal inventories.
 
ReclamationRoyalty expense was US$62.3 million in 2009 as compared to US$48.6 million in 2008.  The increase in the royalty expense paid to Chaupiloma, which equals 3 percent of Yanacocha’s net sales, was directly related to the increase in Yanacocha’s sales revenues.
Workers’ profit participation increased by 49 percent, from US$61.0 million in 2008 to US$90.7 million in 2009.  The increase in workers’ profit participation expense is directly related to the increase in Yanacocha’s taxable net income.  Workers’ profit participation expense is calculated based on taxable net income and in accordance with Peruvian labor legislation.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Employees.”
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased by 2 percent from US$169.1 million in 2008 to US$166.1 million in 2009.  This decrease was attributable principally to lower depreciation from inventory variation expense, partially offset by higher amortization related to higher tons mined in 2009 as compared to 2008.
Exploration Expenses
Exploration costs are allocateddecreased by 18 percent from US$28.2 million in 2008 to expense overUS$23.0 million in 2009.  This decrease was attributable principally to lower perforation works at the lifeMinas Conga and El Solitario projects; partially offset by advanced projects related to oxide/sulfide development programs and the Grande Basin project.
Other expenses
Other expenses increased by 4 percent, or US$3.0 million, from 2008 to 2009, mainly due to a higher negotiated payment to the government; partially offset by lower expenses related to community development and external affairs.
Peruvian mining companies, represented by the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía, agreed to a mining payment equivalent to 3.75 percent of net income after taxes.  On December 21, 2006, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree No. 071-2006-EM, which regulates the conditions under which the negotiated payment will be paid by Peruvian mining companies.  The payment amounts to 3.75 percent of Peruvian net income after income tax, including 2.75 percent to be paid to a local mining fund and 1 percent to be paid to a regional mining fund.  This payment is payable from 2006 through 2010, contingent on the price of gold.

128


Yanacocha will be released from paying the negotiated payment if Yanacocha has to undertake major obligations arising from new taxes or from the modification of existing taxes, and in particular taxes related to mining activities.  Yanacocha also will be released if the gold price decreases below the average price for the prior year set by the London Bullion Market Association.  The negotiated payment will recommence if gold prices subsequently rise above the reference price.
In 1998, the Peruvian government issued additional regulations regarding the calculation of the workers participation, which limited to 18 monthly salaries the total amount to which each employee is entitled.  However, there is a difference between the law and the regulations with regard to the criteria for the calculation.  Yanacocha followed the criteria established by the law in determining the amount to be paid to its employees since 1998.  As of December 31, 2006, Yanacocha recorded a charge of US$14.9 million to cover any payment derived from the different criteria established to make these payments in accordance with both the law and the regulations. In August 2007, the court reached an arbitration decision confirming that Yanacocha had overpaid FONDO-EMPLEO and the regional government.  Although this is a final decision and cannot be appealed, it is not binding on the regional government.  Yanacocha’s legal department, based on its best estimate, believes that it can recover a maximum of US$3.9 million of the US$5.3 million paid in excess to FONDO-EMPLEO.  The remaining balance was charged to “Other expense, net.” As of December 31, 2009, Yanacocha had recovered US$4.0 million from FONDO-EMPLEO.  In September 2007, Yanacocha paid the balance of US$21.8 million (including interest) owed to employees, which exceeded the original amount accrued of US$6.9 million.  The additional amount mostly relates to interest paid by Yanacocha to employees.
Income tax provision
The increase in income tax provision was directly related assetsto Yanachocha’s increase in taxable income.  The net effective tax rate was 31.5 percent in 2009 compared to 29.2 percent in 2008.  The statutory rate for both years was a weighted average of 30 percent.  The factors that most significantly impacted Yanacocha’s net effective tax rate were related to higher non-deductible expenses.
The uniform income tax rate in Peru was 27 percent of taxable income in 2003.  Effective January 1, 2004, the income tax rate in Peru is 30 percent of taxable income (Yanacocha, as explained below, has a stabilized corporate tax rate of 30 percent, excluding income from the La Quinua mine which had a tax rate of 27 percent until December 31, 2003 and are periodically adjusted29 percent since January 1, 2004) and for financial statement purposes is calculated for Yanacocha in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Pursuant to reflect the changesSupreme Decree No. 027-98-EF, mining companies can obtain a tax benefit in the estimated present value resulting from the passageform of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation or abandonment costs.  The asset retirement obligationan investment credit, by effectively reinvesting non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase Yanacocha’s productivity.  This investment credit is based on when80 percent of amounts reinvested and is obtained by application to and approval by the spending for an existing environmental disturbanceMEM.
Yanacocha has entered into Mining Law Stabilization Agreements under the General Mining Law with the Peruvian government.  A Mining Law Stabilization Agreement is a standardized agreement prepared by the MEM, the Ministry of Economy and activityFinance, the Central Bank and other Peruvian governmental ministries.  Such agreements (i) provide stabilized corporate tax rates, (ii) grant the ability to date will occur.obtain VAT credit, (iii) provide full access to foreign currency and guarantee treatment in all foreign exchange matters as is given to Peruvian nationals, (iv) protect against foreign exchange controls and (v) grant the right to freely dispose of and export mineral products.  Yanacocha reviews, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary,has entered into such agreements with regard to the asset retirement obligation at eachfollowing mines: Carachugo/San Jose, Maqui Maqui, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua. Pursuant to these agreements, the income tax rate in Peru is 30 percent of taxable income, excluding income from the La Quinua mine sitewhich had a tax rate of 27 percent until December 31, 2003 and 29 percent since January 1, 2004.

129


Net Income
As a consequence of the foregoing, net income increased by 53 percent, or US$250.6 million, from US$476.5 million in accordance with FAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.”2008 to US$727.1 million in 2009.  As a percentage of sales, net income increased from 30 percent in 2008 to 36 percent in 2009.
 
Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
 
Sales
 
Sales increased by 47.5 percent from US$1,093.3 million in 2007 to US$1,612.6 million in 2008, due primarily to an 18 percent increase in the volume of gold sold, as a consequence of the higher level of gold production, and a higher average realized price, which increased from US$699 per ounce in 2007 to US$875 per ounce in 2008. Production by mine was as follows:
 
Mine
 
2008
  
2007
 
  (ounces) 
Cerro Yanacocha  701,063   566,006 
Carachugo  400,452   307,867 
Maqui Maqui  32,550   21,460 
La Quinua  676,273   668,336 
Total  1,810,338   1,563,669 
 
The increase of gold produced in 2008 as compared to 2007 was mainly attributable to an increase in the volume of leach and mill tons placed, 92.6 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 89.7 million dry metric tons for the year ended December 31, 2007, a lower waste to ore ratio, which was 1.05 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 1.11 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2007, and higher placed ore grade, which was 0.71 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 0.65 grams per ton for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Costs applicable to sales
 
Costs applicable to sales increased by 30.3 percent from US$506.3 million in 2007 to US$659.9 million in 2008 due primarily to higher operating costs, mainly attributed to: (i) higher diesel expense, (ii) higher emulsion and nitrate consumption due to the higher presence of water in blasting areas, (iii) increased electricity used in blasting and milling, (iv) higher grinding balls consumption due to the commencement of operations at the Yanacocha gold mill facility, (v) higher labor expenses due to salary and bonus increases, (vi) increased capitalized costs in leach pad and precious metal inventories and (vii) higher royalties and increased workers’ profit participation expenses as a consequence of higher gold sales revenues; partially offset by higher by-product metal sales credit due to increased silver sales as a result of higher silver production and higher average realized price.  Costs applicable to sales per ounce of gold increased by 10.5 percent from US$324 in 2007 to US$358 in 2008, primarily as a result of a higher operating cost per ounce of US$323 in 2008 as compared to US$308 in 2007, a higher royalty expense per ounce of US$26 in 2008 as compared to US$22 in 2007 and a higher workers’ profit participation expense per ounce of US$34 in 2008 as compared to US$20 in 2007.  These costs were partially offset by a higher by-product metal sales credit per ounce of US$27 in 2008 as compared to US$22 in 2007, due to an increase in the volume of silver sold and the higher average realized price of silver.

 
131130

 

Operating costs increased by 23.6 percent from US$481.5 million in 2007 to US$595.4 million in 2008.  Operating costs consist primarily of drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and milling costs, which increased in 2008 primarily as a result of an increase in fuel price from an average of US$2.76 per gallon in 2007 to US$3.13 per gallon in 2008.  Additional increases in operating costs resulted from the greater consumption of critical items such as drills, nitrate, tires, electricity, grinding balls, cyanide and lime (from increased tonnage mined and treated), higher personnel costs as a result of hiring new employees (as part of the self performance program) and greater expenses on donations and charitable contributions as a part of the social responsibility plan.
 
Royalty expense was US$48.6 million in 2008 as compared to US$34.0 million in 2007.  The increase in the royalty expense paid to Chaupiloma, which equals 3 percent of Yanacocha’s net sales, was directly related to the increase in Yanacocha’s sales revenues.
 
Workers’ profit participation increased by 82 percent, from US$33.6 million in 2007 to US$61.0 million in 2008.  The increase in workers’ profit participation expense is directly related to the increase of Yanacocha’s taxable net income. Workers’ profit participation expense is calculated based on taxable net income and in accordance with Peruvian labor legislation.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Employees.”
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased by 6.3 percent from US$159.1 million in 2007 to US$169.1 million in 2008.  This increase was attributable principally to the depreciation of the Yanacocha gold mill facility, partially offset by lower depreciation of some of Yanacocha’s older assets (e.g., leach pads, machinery, etc.) that were already fully depreciated.
 
Exploration Expenses
 
Exploration costs decreased slightly by 0.3 percent from US$28.2 million in 2007 to US$28.2 million in 2008.  This decrease was attributable principally to lower advanced projects related to the Chaquicocha Sulfides project and lower perforation works in the Yanacocha district; partially offset by higher expenses related to a sulfide development program.
 
Other expenses
 
Other expenses increased by 3.1 percent, or US$2.5 million, from 2007 to 2008, mainly related withto a higher voluntary contributionnegotiated payment of US$8.8 million and higher expenses related to community development and external affairs of US$11.4 million due to new projects to improve Yanacocha’s relationship with the communities of Cajamarca; partially offset by the reimbursement of US$14.4 million by insurance companies related to related legal fees and expenses arising from the Choropampa mercury spill litigation.

 
132


Peruvian mining companies, represented by the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía, agreed to a mining payment equivalent to 3.75 percent of net income after taxes.  On December 21, 2006, the Peruvian government issued Supreme Decree No. 071-2006-EM, which regulates the conditions under which the negotiated payment will be paid by Peruvian mining companies.  The payment amounts to 3.75 percent of Peruvian net income after income tax, including 2.75 percent to be paid to a local mining fund and 1 percent to be paid to a regional mining fund.  This payment is payable from 2006 through 2010, contingent on the price of gold.

 
131


Yanacocha will be released from paying the negotiated payment if Yanacocha has to undertake major obligations arising from new taxes or from the modification of existing taxes, and in particular taxes related to mining activities.  Yanacocha also will be released if the gold price decreases below the average price for the prior year set by the London Bullion Market Association.  The negotiated payment will recommence if gold prices subsequently rise above the reference price.
 
In 1998, the Peruvian government issued additional regulations regarding the calculation of the workers participation, which limited to 18 monthly salaries the total amount to which each employee is entitled.  However, there is a difference between the law and the regulations with regard to the criteria for the calculation.  Yanacocha followed the criteria established by the law in determining the amount to be paid to its employees since 1998.  As of December 31, 2006, Yanacocha recorded a charge of US$14.9 million to cover any payment derived from the different criteria established to make these payments in accordance with both the law and the regulations. In August 2007, the court reached an arbitration decision confirming that Yanacocha had overpaid FONDO-EMPLEO and the regional government.  Although this is a final decision and cannot be appealed, it is not binding on the regional government.  Yanacocha’s legal department, based on its best estimate, believes that it can recover a maximum of US$3.9 million of the US$5.3 million paid in excess to FONDO-EMPLEO.  The remaining balance was charged to “Other expense, net.” As of December 31, 2008, Yanacocha had recovered US$2.3 million from FONDO-EMPLEO.  In September 2007, Yanacocha paid the balance of US$21.8 million (including interest) owed to employees, which exceeded the original amount accrued of US$6.9 million.  The additional amount mostly relates to interest paid by Yanacocha to employees.
 
Interest expense and other income
 
Interest expense and other income decreased by 71.3 percent from US$12.7 million in 2007 to US$3.6 million in 2008.  This decrease was attributable principally to lower capitalized interest resulting from the capitalization of projects, especially the Yanacocha gold mill facility, and lower interest income related to lower interest rates for bank accounts.
 
Income tax provision
 
The increase in income tax provision was directly related to Yanacocha’s increase in taxable income.  The net effective tax rate was 29.2 percent in 2008 compared to 32.6 percent in 2007.  The statutory rate for both years was a weighted average of 30 percent.  The factors that most significantly impacted Yanacocha’s net effective tax rate were related to non-deductible expenses and penalties.
 
The uniform income tax rate in Peru was 27 percent of taxable income in 2003.  Effective January 1, 2004, the income tax rate in Peru is 30 percent of taxable income (Yanacocha, as explained below, has a stabilized corporate tax rate of 30 percent, excluding income from the La Quinua mine which had a tax rate of 27 percent until December 31, 2003 and 29 percent since January 1, 2004) and for financial statement purposes is calculated for Yanacocha in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Pursuant to Supreme Decree No. 027-98-EF, mining companies can obtain a tax benefit in the form of an investment credit, by effectively reinvesting non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase Yanacocha’s productivity.  This investment credit is based on 80 percent of amounts reinvested and is obtained by application to and approval by the MEM.

 
133132

 

Yanacocha has entered into Mining Law Stabilization Agreements under the General Mining Law with the Peruvian government.  A Mining Law Stabilization Agreement is a standardized agreement prepared by the MEM, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Central Bank and other Peruvian governmental ministries.  Such agreements (i) provide stabilized corporate tax rates, (ii) grant the ability to obtain VAT credit, (iii) provide full access to foreign currency and guarantee treatment in all foreign exchange matters as is given to Peruvian nationals, (iv) protect against foreign exchange controls and (v) grant the right to freely dispose of and export mineral products.  Yanacocha has entered into such agreements with regard to the following mines: Carachugo/San Jose, Maqui Maqui, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua. Pursuant to these agreements, the income tax rate in Peru is 30 percent of taxable income, excluding income from the La Quinua mine which had a tax rate of 27 percent until December 31, 2003 and 29 percent since January 1, 2004.
 
Net Income
 
As a consequence of the foregoing, net income increased by 115.1 percent, or US$255.0 million, from US$221.5 million in 2007 to US$476.5 million in 2008.  As a percentage of sales, net income increased from 20 percent in 2007 to 30 percent in 2008.
 
Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
Sales
Sales decreased by 29 percent from US$1,543.2 million in 2006 to US$1,093.3 million in 2007, due primarily to a 39 percent decrease in gold sold, partially offset by a higher realized average price, US$699 per ounce in 2007 compared to US$600 per ounce in 2006.  Production by mine was as follows:
Mine
 
2007
  
2006
 
  (ounces)  (ounces) 
Yanacocha  566,006   1,035,794 
La Quinua  668,336   1,246,058 
Carachugo  307,867   308,600 
Maqui Maqui  21,460   21,747 
   1,563,669   2,612,199 
The decrease in ounces of gold produced in 2007 as compared to 2006 was mainly attributed to lower leach tons placed, 89.7 million dry metric tons and 108.5 million dry metric tons for the periods ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, a higher waste to ore ratio, 1.11 grams per ton and 0.82 grams per ton for the periods ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and lower placed ore grade, 0.65 grams per ton and 0.88 grams per ton for the periods ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Costs applicable to sales
Costs applicable to sales decreased by 2 percent from US$515.9 million in 2006 to US$506.3 million in 2007 due primarily to higher operating costs, mainly attributed to: (i) higher diesel expense, (ii) higher emulsion and nitrate consumption due to the higher presence of water in blasting areas, (iii) increased electricity used in blasting, (iv) higher labor expenses due to salary and bonus increases and (v) increased capitalized costs in leach pad and precious metal inventories; and due to a US$12.8 million net realizable value adjustment recorded in June 2007; partially offset by lower royalties and decreased workers’ profit participation expenses as a consequence of lower gold sales revenues.  Costs applicable to sales per ounce of gold increased by 61 percent from US$201 in 2006 to US$324 in 2007, primarily as a result of a higher operating cost per ounce of US$308 in 2007 as compared to US$189 in 2006, a higher royalty expense per ounce of US$22 in 2007 as compared to US$19 in 2006 and a higher accretion cost per ounce of US$6 in 2007 as compared to US$3 in 2006.  These costs were partially offset by lower employee profit-sharing costs per ounce of US$21 in 2007 as compared to US$30 in 2006 and a higher by-product metal sales credit per ounce of US$22 as compared to US$16 in 2006, due to an increase in the price of silver.

134

Operating costs increased by 8 percent from US$485.2 million in 2006 to US$523.6 million in 2007.  Operating costs consist primarily of drilling, blasting, loading and hauling costs, which increased in 2007 primarily as a result of an increase in fuel price from an average of US$2.71 per gallon in 2006 to US$2.76 per gallon in 2007.  Additional increases in operating costs resulted from the greater consumption of critical items such as drills, nitrate, tires, electricity, cyanide and lime (from increased tonnage mined and treated), higher personnel costs as a result of hiring new employees (as part of the self performance program) and greater expenses on donations and charitable contributions as a part of the social responsibility plan.
The decrease in the royalty expense paid to Chaupiloma (equivalent to 3 percent of net sales) was directly related to the decrease in sales revenues.  Royalty expense was US$34.0 million in 2007 as compared to US$48.5 million in 2006.  Workers’ profit participation expense is calculated based on taxable net income and in accordance with Peruvian labor legislation.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Employees.”  The decrease in workers’ profit participation expense is directly related to the decrease of taxable net income.  Workers’ profit participation was US$33.6 million in 2007 and US$76.0 million in 2006.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased by 7 percent from US$171.7 million in 2006 to US$159.1 million in 2007.  This decrease was attributable principally to the fact that some of Yanacocha’s older assets (e.g., leach pads, machinery, etc.) were already fully depreciated.  This decrease was partially offset by higher mine development amortization.
Exploration Expenses
Exploration costs decreased by 12 percent from US$32.3 million in 2006 to US$28.2 million in 2007.  This decrease was attributable principally to delays in perforation works and the Maqui Maqui drilling project caused by a lack of environmental permits and issues with the local community.
Other expenses
Other expenses decreased by 26 percent from US$108.7 million in 2006 to US$80.9 million in 2007, due mainly to less accruals related with: (i) negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) of US$12.2 million, as a consequence of lower gold sales revenues, (ii) 1997-2005 workers’ profit participation of US$13.3 million and (iii) La Quinua leach pad failure repair of US$8.9 million; partially offset by US$2.0 million recorded in 2007 related to a contractor bankruptcy.
Interest expense and other income
Interest expense and other income increased by 86.8 percent from US$6.8 million in 2006 to US$12.7 million in 2007.  This increase was attributable principally to higher capitalized interest resulting from a full year of capitalized interest expense in 2007 as compared to a partial year in 2006.
135

Income tax provision
The increase in income tax provision was directly related to Yanacocha’s increase in taxable income.  The net effective tax rate was 32.6 percent in 2005 compared to 31.2 percent in 2006.  The statutory rate for both years was a blend of 30 percent.  The factors that most significantly impacted Yanacocha’s net effective tax rate were related to non-deductible expenses and penalties.
Net Income
As a consequence of the foregoing, net income decreased by 58 percent, or US$304.0 million, from US$525.4 million in 2006 to US$221.5 million in 2007.  As a percentage of sales, net income decreased from 34 percent in 2006 to 20 percent in 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, Yanacocha had cash and cash equivalents of US$157.5732.6 million, substantially all of which were held in U.S. Dollars, as compared to US$288.4157.5 million as of December 31, 2007.2008.
 
Cash provided by operating activities
 
Yanacocha’s operations generated a net cash flow of US$981.4 in 2009, US$744.5 million in 2008 and US$269.0 million in 20072007.  The increase in net cash flow provided by operating activities in 2009 was mainly due to higher sales revenues due to an increase in the volume of gold sold and US$637.2 million in 2006.higher average realized price during 2009, higher working capital related to higher VAT refunded and lower prepaids and higher by-product silver sales due to higher ounces sold and higher average realized price, partially offset by higher accrual of liabilities mainly related to income tax, workers’ participation expense and voluntary contribution.  The increase in net cash flow provided by operating activities in 2008 was mainly due to higher sales revenues due to an increase in the volume of gold sold and higher average realized price during 2008, lower payments to vendors, higher VAT refunded and higher accrual of other liabilities, including income tax, workers’ participation expense and voluntary contribution. The decrease in net cash flow provided by operating activities in 2007 was mainly due to lower gold sales revenues due to a decrease in the volumes of gold sold during 2007, lower depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses and lower tax pre-payments.
 
Cash used in investing activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities was US$148.9 in 2009, US$251.3 million in 2008 and US$250.2 million in 20072007.  In 2009, Yanacocha’s investing activities consisted primarily of US$29.5 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$27.4 million for the Conga project, US$21.7 million for mine development at the Chaquicocha and El Tapado Oeste deposits, US$268.415.1 million in 2006.for the construction of an acid water treatment plant, US$11.9 million for leach pad expansions at La Quinua (Stage 7), US$7.2 million for the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at Pampa Larga, US$5.5 million for dewatering systems expansions at the La Quinua and Yanacocha pits and US$3.2 million for the construction of gold mill tailings pipelines.  In 2008, Yanacocha’s investing activities consisted primarily of US$34.9 million for the Yanacocha gold mill facility, US$29.3 million for the Conga project, US$26.7 million for engineering the east acid water treatment plant, US$20.7 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar, Encajón-Collotán and La Shacsha communities, US$14.1 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$12.9 million for the purchase of high altitude mining trucks, US$13.0 million for the foundation of the San Jose Reservoir trust, US$6.5 million for the construction of the reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment at Pampa Larga, and US$27.2 million, US$13.7 million and US$6.7 million for the leach pad expansions at La Quinua (stage 7), Carachugo (stage 11) and Yanacocha (stage 6), respectively.  In 2007, Yanacocha’s investing activities consisted primarily of US$139.3 million for the Yanacocha gold mill facility, US$12.4 million for the Conga project, US$26.4 million for the purchase of high altitude mining trucks, US$7.6 million for the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru, US$5.2 million for waterways and irrigation channels acquired from the Quishuar and Encajón communities, US$11.5 million for the Yanacocha 5A leach pad expansion and US$18.6 million for the Carachugo (stages 10 and 11) leach pad expansion.  Investing activities in 2006 consisted primarily of US$157.8 million for mine and leach pad expansions of Carachugo (stage 10) and La Quinua (stage 6), US$9.3 million for environmental site and regional water management projects, US$11.9 million for mining equipment, US$44.8 million for the Yanacocha Gold Mill Facility, US$11.1 million for the Conga Project and US$32.7 million for work related to other ongoing expansions.

 
136133

 

Cash used in financing activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities was US$257.3 million in 2009, US$624.0 million in 2008 and US$110.4 million in 20072007.  In 2009, financing activities consisted principally of US$230 million of dividends distributed to partners and US$284.427.3 million in 2006.of debt repayments.  In 2008, financing activities consisted principally of US$590 million of dividends distributed to partners and US$24.9 million of debt payments.  In 2007, financing activities consisted principally of US$100 million of dividends distributed to partners and US$10.3 million of debt repayments.  Financing activities in 2006 consisted primarily of dividends of US$480 million distributed to partners, partially offset by proceeds received from debt of US$200 million.
 
Exploration Costs; Capital Expenditures
 
Exploration
 
Yanacocha’s basic and advanced exploration costs during the period from 1992 through 20082009 were financed with a combination of internally generated funds, advances from partners, loans from DEG and IFC and proceeds from Yanacocha’s Receivables Securitization.  See Note 11 to the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements.  During 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, Yanacocha incurred US$32.328.2 million, US$28.2 million and US$28.123.0 million, respectively, in exploration costs.  During 2009,2010, Yanacocha plans to spend approximately US$18.012.7 million on exploration, which will be expensed, and an additional US$2.511.2 million forrelated to delineation, characterization and sterilization activities for ore bodies that are currently classified as reserves, which will be capitalized.  Both expenditure estimates are exclusive of significant development engineering charges.  This budgeted amount will be expended mainly on the Cerro Yanacocha,Minas Conga, La Quinua and Minas CongaSan Jose deposits along with an extensive exploration program in Yanacocha’s properties.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Exploration.”district and regional properties that Yanacocha controls.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its formation in 1992 through 20082009 were financed with a combination of internally generated funds, advances from partners, loans from DEG and IFC and proceeds from Yanacocha’s Receivables Securitization (see Note 11 to the Yanacocha Financial Statements).  Such capital expenditures have related principally to the construction of the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, San José, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations, the construction of the two plants at Carachugo and Yanacocha that include a leach solution processing facility and a smelter at each plant, the construction of four carbon column plants at Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua, the acquisition of both new and used mining equipment, the construction of two dams, the construction of one agglomeration plant at La Quinua, the construction of a gold mill facility at Yanacocha and the expansion of the leach pads located at the Carachugo, Maqui Maqui, Cerro Yanacocha and La Quinua mining operations.  Yanacocha’s capital expenditures from its formation through December 31, 20082009 totaled approximately US$2,660.92,807.4 million.  Yanacocha anticipates that its capital expenditures for 20092010 will be approximately US$147.9328.3 million, in connection with the completioncontinuation of the Minas Conga project, continuation of mine development at the El Tapado Oeste, Chaquicocha, La Quinua Sur and Maqui Maqui deposits, acquisition of high altitude mining trucks, leach pad expansionexpansions at Carachugo (stage 11) and La Quinua (stage 7)(Stage 7B) and Carachugo (Stage 10C), additional engineering at the east acid water treatment plant, the construction of a reverse osmosis plant for excess water treatment and the carbon column processing plant at Pampa Larga the continuation of the Minas Conga project, the development of the Chaquicocha deposit,and the construction of an alternate road to the coast of Peru and the acquisition of real property, heavy mining equipment and other miscellaneous mining equipment.  

137

a central warehouse at La Quinua.
 
Research and Development
 
Yanacocha is a mining exploration and production company and does not engage in research and development activities.

 
138134

 

CERRO VERDE
 
Introduction
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Cerro Verde Financial Statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report.  The Cerro Verde Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Peruvian GAAP.
 
Operating Results
 
Overview
 
We hold a 19.0519.26 percent interest in Cerro Verde, which operates an open-pit and molybdenum mining complex located 20 miles southwest of Arequipa, Peru.  The site is accessible by paved highway.  The Cerro Verde mine has been in operation since 1976.  The Cerro Verde mine is a porphyry copper deposit that has leachable oxide and secondary sulfide mineralization, and millable primary sulfide mineralization.  The predominant copper minerals are brochantite, chrysocolla, malachite and copper “pitch”.  Chalcocite and covellite are the most important secondary copper sulfide minerals.  Chalcopyrite and molybdenite are the dominant prymary sulfides.
 
Cerro Verde’s current operations consist of an open-pit copper mine and SX/EW leaching facilities.  Leach-copper production is derived from a 39,000 metric ton-per-day crushed leach facility and a ROM leach system.  This leaching operation has a capacity of approximately 200 million pounds of copper per year.  A new 108,000 metric ton-per-day concentrator was completed in late 2006, and processing of sulfide ore began in the fourth quarter of 2006.  Annual production between 20092010 and 20112012 is expected to range from 551579 to 680654 million pounds of copper per year, of which 105112 to 130126 million pounds would be our equity share of production, and onefour to sixseven million pounds of molybdenum per year.
 
Cerro Verde has sufficient equipment to move an average of 295,000380,000 metric tonestons of material per day using a fleet of 2628 180-metric ton and 230-metric ton haul trucks loaded by six shovels with bucket sizes ranging in size from 21 to 4653 cubic meters.  Copper cathodes and concentrate production are transported approximately 70 miles by truck and rail to the Pacific Port of Matarani for shipment to international markets.
Cerro Verde receives electrical power under long-term contracts with Electroperu and Empresa de Generación Eléctrica de Arequipa. Water for Cerro Verde’s processing operations comes from renewable sources through a series of storage reservoirs on the Rio Chili watershed that collect water primarily from seasonal precipitation. Cerro Verde’s participation in the Pillones Reservoir Project has secured water rights that Cerro Verde believes will be sufficient to support its currently planned operations. With the completion of the Bamputañe dam during 2009, an additional 40 million cubic meters of water storage was added to the system.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Cerro Verde has furnished us with a discussion of its critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of its financial statements.  Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and could potentially impact results under different assumptions and conditions.  Note 2 to the Cerro Verde Financial Statements includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Cerro Verde Financial Statements.  The following is a brief discussion of the identified critical accounting policies and the estimates and judgments made by Cerro Verde.

 
135


Mineral Reserve and depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
 
Cerro Verde depreciates the life-of-mine mining and milling assets using the unit-of-production method based on the estimated recoverable proven and probable copper reserves.  Cerro Verde has other assets that they depreciate on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.  The estimates of recoverable proven and probable copper reserves and the useful lives of the straight-line assets impact the depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.

139

 
Accounting for depreciation represents a critical accounting estimate because the determination of reserves involves uncertainties with respect to the ultimate geology of the reserves and the assumptions used in determining the economic feasibility of mining those reserves, including estimated copper prices and costs of conducting future mining activities.  Additionally, changes in estimated recoverable proven and probable reserves and useful asset lives can have a material impact on net income.  Cerro Verde performs annual assessments of the existing assets, including a review of asset costs and depreciable lives, in connection with the review of mine operating and development plans.  When Cerro Verde determines that assigned asset lives do not reflect the expected remaining period of benefit, it makemakes prospective changes to those depreciable lives.
 
There are a number of uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves, including many factors beyond the control of Cerro Verde’s management.  Ore reserve estimates are based upon engineering evaluations of samplings of drill holes.  The estimates of recoverable proven and probable reserves are prepared by the employees of Cerro Verde, and a majority of these estimates are reviewed and verified by independent experts in mining, geology and reserve determination.  At December 31, 2008,2009, recoverable reserves included 2124 billion pounds of copper.  These estimates involve assumptions regarding future copper prices, the geology of Cerro Verde mine, the mining methods that Cerro Verde uses and the related costs it incurs to develop and mine the reserves.  Changes in these assumptions could result in a material adjustment to Cerro Verde’s reserve estimates, which could result in changes to depreciation, depletion and amortization expense in future periods, with corresponding adjustments to net income.
 
Cerro Verde reviews and evaluates the long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in economic circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Changes to the estimates of recoverable proven and probable reserves could have an impact on the assessment of asset impairment.  Revisions to the estimates of recoverable proven and probable copper reserves could give rise to an impairment of the assets.
 
Recoverable Copper
 
Cerro Verde records, as inventory, applicable costs for copper contained in mill and leach stockpiles that are expected to be processed in the future based on proven processing technologies.  Mill and leach stockpiles are evaluated periodically to ensure that they are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Accounting for recoverable copper from mill and leach stockpiles represents a critical accounting estimate because (i) it is generally impracticable to determine copper contained in mill and leach stockpiles by physical count, and therefore, requires management to employ reasonable estimation methods and (ii) recovery rates from leach stockpiles can vary significantly.  The quantity of material delivered to mill and leach stockpiles is based on surveyed volumes of mined material and daily production records.  Sampling and assaying of blast hole cutting determine the estimated copper grade contained in the material delivered to the mill and leach stockpiles.

 
136


Expected copper recovery rates for mill stockpiles are determined by metallurgical testing.  The recoverable copper in mill stockpiles, once entered into the production process, can be extracted into copper concentrate almost immediately.
 
Processes and recovery rates are monitored continuously, and recovery rate estimates are adjusted periodically as additional information becomes available and as related technology changes.

140

 
Reclamation and Closure Cost
 
Reclamation is an ongoing activity that occurs throughout the life of a mine.  In accordance with IAS 37 “Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets”, Cerro Verde records the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligations, (AROs)or AROs, associated with tangible long-lived assets in the period incurred.  Fair value is measured as the present value of cash flow estimates after considering inflation and then applying a market risk premium.  The cost estimates are reflected on a third-party cost basis and comply with the legal obligation to retire tangible, long-lived assets as defined by IAS 37.  These cost estimates may differ from financial assurance cost estimates for reclamation activities because of a variety of factors, including obtaining updated cost estimates for reclamation activities, the timing of reclamation activities, changes in scope and the exclusion of certain costs not accounted for under IAS 37.
 
Generally, ARO activities are specified by regulations or in permits issued by the relevant governing authority, and management judgment is required to estimate the extent and timing of expenditures based on life-of-mine planning.  Accounting for reclamation and closure costs represents an estimate because (i) Cerro Verde will not incur most of these costs for a number of years, requiring us to make estimates over a long period, (ii) reclamation and closure laws and regulations could change in the future and/or circumstances affecting the operations could change, either orof which could result in significant changes to the current plans, (iii) calculating the fair value or the AROs in accordance with IAS 37 requires management to estimates projected cash flows, make long-term assumptions about inflation rates, determine the credit-risk adjusted rate and determine market risk premiums that are appropriate for the operations and (iv) given the magnitude of the estimated reclamation and closure costs, changes in any or all of these estimates could have a significant impact on net income.
 
Environmental obligations
 
Accounting for environmental obligations represents a critical accounting estimate because changes to environmental laws and regulations and/or circumstances affecting the operations could result in significant changes to the estimates, which could have a significant impact in theon net income.  As management judgment and estimates are required to comply with applicable Peruvian GAAP guidance, on an annual basis, Cerro Verde reviews changes in facts and circumstances associated with the environmental obligations.  Judgments and estimates are based upon available fact, existing technology, presently enacted law and regulations, remediation experience, whether or not Cerro Verde is a Potentially Responsible Party, or PRP, and the ability of other PRPs to pay their allocated portions, and taketaking into consideration reasonably possible outcomes.  The estimates can change substantially as additional information becomes available regarding the nature or extend of the contamination, required remediation methods and actions by or against governmental agencies or private parties.
 
Deferred Taxes
 
In preparing the annual financial statements, Cerro Verde estimates the actual amount of taxes currently payable or receivable as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered onor settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate and laws is recognized in income in the period in which such changes are enacted.

 
141137

 

A valuation allowance is provided for those deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related benefits will not be realized.  In determining the amount of the valuation allowance, Cerro Verde considers estimated future taxable income as well as feasible tax planning strategies in each jurisdiction.  If Cerro Verde determines that it will not realize all or a portion of our deferred tax assets, it will increase its valuation allowance with a change to income tax expense.  Conversely, if Cerro Verde determines that it will ultimately be able to realize all or a portion of the related benefits for which a valuation allowance has been provided, all or a portion of the related valuation allowance will be reduced with a credit to income tax expense.
 
Inpairment of long-lived assets

Cerro Verde evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. During the fourth quarter of 2008, Cerro Verde concluded that the current economic environment and the significant declines in copper prices represented significant adverse changes in its business, which required Cerro Verde to evaluate its long-lived assets for impairment as of December 31, 2008, under the procedures established by IAS 36 – “Impairment of Assets.”

Cerro Verde’s asset impairment evaluations required it to make several assumptions in determining estimates of future cash flows to determine fair value of its individual mining operations, including near and long-term metal price assumptions, estimates of commodity-based and other input costsm,costs, proven and probable reserves estimates, including any costs to develop the reserves and the timing of producing the reserves, and use of the appropriate discount rate. Cerro Verde’s December 31, 2008 impairment evaluation was based on price assumptions reflecting prevailing metals prices for three years.  As a result of the evaluation of the value in use of our long-lived assets, Cerro Verde determined that it was not required to record a loss due to the impairment of its long-lived assets.

Cerro Verde believes events that could result in additional impairment of its long-lived assets include, but are not limited to, (i) decreases in future metal prices, (ii) decrease in estimated recoverable proven and probable reserves and (iii) any event that might otherwise have a material effect on mine site production levels or costs. Refer to Note 11 to the Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
Net sales.  Net sales, including market to market adjustments for pounds of copper pending settlement, decreased by 4.3% percent, from US$1,835.9 million in 2008 to US$1,757.5 million in 2009, principally due to a decrease in metric tons sold during 2009, partially offset by an increase in the average realized price of copper.  The following tables reflect the average realized price and volume sold of copper (both cathode and concentrate) during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009:

  Year ended December 31,    
  
2008
  
2009
  
Variation
 
Average price         
Copper (US$/MT) US$5,557  US$5,806   4.5%
             
Volume sold            
Copper (MT)  322,908   302,683   -6.3%

138


Average realized copper prices per metric ton increased from US$5,557 in 2008 to US$5,806 in 2009.  The volume of copper sold decreased from 322,908 metric tons in 2008 to 302,683 metric tons in 2009, mainly due to a decrease in the volume of copper concentrates sold.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$78.4 million decrease in income from sales of copper in 2009 compared to 2008.
Total costs of sales.  Total costs of sales decreased by 11.51 percent, from US$596.7 million in 2008 to US$528.0 million in 2009, due to the following:
(a) Material and supplies consumption costs decreased by 5.23 percent from US$262.1 million in 2008 to US$248.4 million in 2009, primarily related to a decrease in the utilization of materials, supplies and spare parts and a decrease in maintenance costs for Cerro Verde’s concentrator plant.
(b) Depreciation and amortization costs decreased by 3.47 percent from US$80.7 million in 2008 to US$77.9 million in 2009, due principally to the adjustment of the cost value related to intangible assets and a decreased depreciation charge in 2009.
(c) Energy costs decreased by 5.41 percent from US$51.8 million in 2008 to US$49.0 million in 2009, mainly due to lower energy consumption in the milling and molybdenum processes and a reduction in the price of electricity.
(d) Labor costs decreased by 6.17 percent from US$68.1 million in 2008 to US$63.9 million in 2009, mainly due to a slight decrease in personnel in 2009, partially offset by the payment of a bonus in accordance with the union agreement negotiated with the Sindicato Unico de Trabajadores de Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde in September 2008.
Total operating expenses.  Operating expenses decreased by 23.55 percent from US$137.6 million in 2008 to US$105.2 million in 2009, due to changes in the following components:
(a) Selling expenses decreased by 13.06 percent from US$78.1 million in 2008 to US$67.9 million in 2009, mainly due to the decreased volume of copper sold during 2009;
(b) Other operating expenses decreased by 67.6 percent from US$29.9 million in 2008 to US$9.7 million in 2009 principally due to decreased expenses under a provision related to the construction of a water treatment plant in Arequipa, which totaled US$7.8 million in 2009 as compared to US$25.8 million in 2008; and
(c) Negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) expense decreased by 6.44 percent from US$29.5 million in 2008 to US$27.6 million in 2009.
Operating income.  As a result of the foregoing, operating income increased by 2.06 percent, from US$1,101.5 million in 2008 to US$1,124.2 million in 2009.
Financial income.  Financial income decreased by 91.63 percent from US$20.3 million in 2008 to US$1.7 million in 2009, primarily related to decreased interest earned by Cerro Verde in marketable securities due to lower interest rates in the market during 2009.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, these investments amounted to US$199.9 million and US$460.1 million, respectively.

139

Financial expense.  Financial expense decreased by 100 percent from US$7.9 million in 2008, mainly due to the prepayment of all of Cerro Verde’s outstanding corporate bonds in September 2008.  As of December 31, 2009, Cerro Verde had no outstanding indebtedness.
Workers’ profit sharing.  Workers’ profit sharing expense, including current and deferred expenses, increased by 5.1 percent from US$88.4 million in 2008 to US$92.9 million in 2009.  Current workers’ profit sharing expense decreased from US$100.6 million in 2008 to US$57.7 million in 2009 due to a reduction in taxable net income during 2009.  Deferred workers’ profit sharing expense increased from a benefit of US$12.2 million in 2008 to an expense of US$35.2 million in 2009.  The US$47.4 increase in deferred workers’ profit sharing expense is primarily related to provisional sales adjustments.
Income tax.  Income tax expense, including current and deferred expenses, increased by 5.2 percent from an expense of US$304.8 million in 2008 to an expense of US$320.7 million in 2009.  Current income tax expense decreased from US$346.9 million in 2008 to US$199.2 million in 2009 due to a reduction in taxable net income during 2009.  Deferred income tax expense increased from a benefit of US$42.1 in 2008 to an expense of US$121.5 in 2009, primarily related to provisional sales adjustments.
On February 13, 1998, Cerro Verde signed an Agreement of Guarantees and Measures to Promote Investment with the Government of Peru, under the Peruvian General Mining Law.  Upon the approval of the agreement, Cerro Verde is subject to the tax in force at May 6, 1996.  Cerro Verde has tax stability for a period of fifteen years counted from January 1, 1999.  Pursuant to Supreme Decree No. 07-94-EF, mining companies can obtain a tax benefit in the form of an investment credit, by effectively reinvesting non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase Cerro Verde’s productivity.  This investment credit is based on 80 percent of amounts reinvested and is obtained by application to and approval by the MEM.  Under the terms of this reinvestment program, Cerro Verde reinvested an aggregate of approximately US$800 million of its earnings during 2005, 2006 and 2007.  On October 30, 2009 through Resolution No. 213-2009/MEM-DGM, the MEM approved the implementation of the reinvestment program for an amount of US$800 million.  At the General Shareholders’ Meeting on December 2, 2009, Cerro Verde’s shareholders approved the capitalization of retained earnings to comply with the legal status due to which Cerro Verde retains its right to the reinvestment mechanism established in article 72(b) of the General Mining Law.  As a result of this agreement Cerro Verde’s new capital stock increased to US$991 million, and the nominal value of the each share was increased to US$2.83.
Net income.  As a result of the foregoing, net income decreased by 1.38 percent from US$718.4 million in 2008 to US$708.4 million in 2009.  As a percentage of net sales, net income was 40.3 percent in 2009, compared with 39.1 percent in 2008.
Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
 
Net sales.  Net sales increased by 2.3% percent, from US$1,794.6 million in 2007 to US$1,835.9 million in 2008, principally due to an increase in the volume of copper and molybdenum sold, partially offset by a decrease in the average realized price of copper.  The following tables reflect the average realized price and volume sold of copper (both cathode and concentrate) during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008:

 
140

  
Year ended December 31,
    
  
2007
  
2008
  
Variation
 
Average price
         
Copper (US$/MT) US$6,743  US$5,557   -21.3%
             
Volume sold
            
Copper (MT)  266,132   322,908   17.6%
  Year ended December 31,    
  2007  2008  Variation 
Average realized price         
Copper (US$/MT) US$6,743  US$5,557   -17.6%
             
Volume sold            
Copper (MT)  266,132   322,908   21.3%

Average realized copper prices per metric ton decreased from US$6,743 in 2007 to US$5,557 in 2008.  The volume of copper sold increased from 266,132 metric ton in 2007 to 322,908 metric ton in 2008, mainly due to the increase in the volume of copper concentrates sold.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$41.3 million decreaseincrease in income from sales of copper in 2008 compared to 2007.

142

 
Total costs of sales.  Total costs of sales increased by 42.7 percent, from US$418.1 million in 2007 to US$596.7 million in 2008, due to the following:
 
(a) Material and supplies consumption costs increased by 50.5 percent from US$174.1 million in 2007 to US$262.1 million in 2008, primarily related to an increase in the utilization of materials, supplies and spare parts and higher maintenance costs for Cerro Verde’s concentrator plant.
 
(b) Depreciation and amortization costs decreased by 10.73 percent from US$90.4 million in 2007 to US$80.7 million in 2008, due principally to the US$13 million write-off of mine development costs in 2007, partially offset by major depreciation and amortization charges in 2008.
 
(c) Energy costs increased by 14.3 percent from US$45.3 million in 2007 to US$51.8 million in 2008, mainly due to increased electricity consumed in the crushing process and increases in the price of electricity during 2008.
 
(d) Labor costs increased by 68.98 percent from US$40.3 million in 2007 to US$68.1 million in 2008, mainly due mainly to an increase in the number of employees at Cerro Verde and the payment of a bonus in accordance with the union agreement negotiated with the Sindicato Unico de Trabadores de Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde in September 2008.
 
Total operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased by 30.4 percent from US$105.5 million in 2007 to US$137.6 million in 2008, due to changes in the following components:
 
(a) Selling expenses increased by 43.6 percent from US$54.4 million in 2007 to US$78.1 million in 2007, mainly due mainly to increased ocean freight expenses incurred as a result of the increased volume of copper concentrate sold during 2008; and
 
(b) Other operating expenses increased by 1,145.8 percent from US$2.4 million in 2007 to US$29.9 million in 2008 principally due to a provision related to the construction of a water treatment plant in Arequipa for US$25.8 million during 2008; partially offset by
 
(c) Negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) expense decreased by 39.4 percent from US$48.7 million in 2007 to US$29.5 million in 2008.  In 2007 Cerro Verde recorded a total contribution of US$48.7 million, which included US$16.7 million for 2006 and US$32.0 million for 2007, respectively.  Cerro Verde recorded an expense of US$29.5 million related to voluntary contribution for 2008.

 
141


Operating income.  As a result of the foregoing, operating income decreased by 13.3 percent, from US$1,270.9 million in 2007 to US$1,101.5 million in 2008.
 
Financial income.  Financial income decreased by 38.9 percent from US$33.2 million in 2007 to US$20.3 million in 2008, primarily related to decreased investment of excess cash from operations in marketable securities.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, these investments amounted to US$460.1 million and US$627.3 million, respectively.
 
Financial expense.  Financial expense decreased by 66.1 percent from US$23.3 million in 2007 to US$7.9 million in 2008, mainly due to the prepayment of all of Cerro Verde’s outstanding corporate bonds in September 2008.  As of December 31, 2008 Cerro Verde had no outstanding indebtedness.  

143

 
Workers’ profit sharing.  Workers’ profit sharing expense decreased by 17.22 percent from US$106.8 million in 2007 to US$88.4 million in 2008.  The decrease in workers’ profit sharing was due to Cerro Verde’s decrease in net income.
 
Income tax.  Income tax expense decreased by 17.4 percent from an expense of US$368.8 million in 2007 to an expense of US$304.8 million in 2008.
 
In 2004, Cerro Verde signed an Agreement of Guarantees and Measures to Promote Investment with the Government of Peru, under the Peruvian General Mining Law.  Upon the approval of the agreement, Cerro Verde is subject to the tax in force at May 6, 1996.  Cerro Verde has tax stability for a period of fifteen years counted from January 1, 1999.  Pursuant to Supreme Decree No. 07-94-EF, mining companies can obtain a tax benefit in the form of an investment credit, by effectively reinvesting non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase Cerro Verde’s productivity.  This investment credit is based on 80 percent of amounts reinvested and is obtained by application to and approval by the MEM.  Under the terms of this reinvestment program, Cerro Verde reinvested an aggregate of approximately US$800 million of its earnings during 2005, 2006 and 2007.  To date, the information presented to the Ministry of Energy and Mines is currently under evaluation and Cerro Verde’s management expects it to be approved during 2009, after which in accordance with Peruvian law, the restricted earnings will be capitalized.
 
Net income.  As a result of the foregoing, net income decreased by 10.7 percent from US$804.6 million in 2007 to US$718.4 million in 2008.  As a percentage of net sales, net income was 39.1 percent in 2008, compared with 44.9 percent in 2007.
 
Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
Net sales.  Net sales increased by 168.8 percent, from US$667.7 million in 2006 to US$1,794.6 million in 2007, principally due to the increase in the volume of copper concentrate sold during 2007, while the volume of copper cathode sold remained constant.  Cerro Verde also sold small quantities of molybdenum during 2007.  The following tables reflect the average realized price and volume sold of copper (both cathode and concentrate) during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007:
  Year ended December 31,    
  
2006
  
2007
  
Variation
 
Average price         
Copper (US$/MT) US$6,874  US$6,743   1.9%
             
Volume sold            
Copper (MT)  97,127   266,132   174.0%
Average realized copper prices per metric ton decreased from US$6,874 in 2006 to US$6,743 in 2007.  The volume of copper sold increased from 97,127 metric ton in 2006 to 266,132 metric ton in 2007, mainly due to production at Cerro Verde’s new copper concentrate plant, which reached design capacity production in June 2007.  The combined effect of these changes resulted in a US$1,126.9 million increase in income from sales of copper in 2007 compared to 2006.
Total costs of sales.  Total costs of sales increased by 197.8 percent, from US$140.4 million in 2006 to US$418.1 million in 2007, due to the following:
(a) Material and supplies consumption costs increased by 137.8 percent from US$73.2 million in 2006 to US$174.1 million in 2007, primarily related to the increase in the utilization of new and more expensive materials, supplies and spare parts resulting from the operation of Cerro Verde’s new copper concentrate plant, which became operational in December 2006.

144

(b) Depreciation and amortization costs increased by 236.1 percent from US$26.9 million in 2006 to US$90.4 million in 2007, due principally to depreciation of US$57.0 million recorded in 2007 related to Cerro Verde’s new copper concentrate plant.
(c) Energy costs increased by 190.4 percent from US$15.6 million in 2006 to US$45.3 million in 2007, mainly due to increased consumption of electricity as a result of the operation of Cerro Verde’s new copper concentrate plant, which reached design capacity production in June 2007.
(d) Labor costs increased by 78.3 percent from US$22.6 million in 2006 to US$40.3 million in 2007, due mainly to the operation of Cerro Verde’s new copper concentrate plant.  In addition, maintenance and other costs increased by 338.5 percent from US$24.7 million in 2006 to US$108.3 million in 2007, mainly due to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance performed at Cerro Verde’s new copper concentrate plant as a consequence of some operational issues that were resolved during 2007.
Total operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased by 104.5 percent from US$51.6 million in 2006 to US$105.5 million in 2007, due to changes in the following components:
(a) Selling expenses increased by 1,454.3 percent from US$3.5 million in 2006 to US$54.4 million in 2007, due mainly to increased ocean freight expenses incurred as a consequence of the increased volume of copper concentrate sold during 2007.
(b) Negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) amounted to US$48.7 million in 2007.  In order to support to the Peruvian government’s efforts to eradicate poverty in Peru and generate a favorable economic environment, on November 8, 2007 Cerro Verde signed an agreement with the Peruvian government to pay a negotiated payment (voluntary contribution) of 3.75 percent of net income, which resulted in a total contribution of US$48.7 million for the years 2007 and 2006.
(c) Other operating expenses decreased by 1,904.2 percent from US$48.1 million in 2006 to US$2.4 million in 2007 principally due to a contribution made to local communities to finance and implement the construction of a drinking water plant amounting to US$40.0 million and other minor contributions to Arequipa’s Municipalities and Regional Government amounting to US$8.1 million, recorded in 2006.
Operating income.  As a result of the foregoing, operating income increased by 167.2 percent, from US$475.6 million in 2006 to US$1,270.9 million in 2007.
Financial income.  Financial income increased by 204.6 percent from US$10.9 million in 2006 to US$33.2 million in 2007, primarily related to increased investment of excess cash from operations in marketable securities.  As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, these investments amounted to US$627.3 million and US$340.2 million, respectively.
Financial expense.  Financial expense increased by 676.7 percent from US$3.0 million in 2006 to US$23.3 million in 2007, mainly due to interest expenses and debt issuance costs related to debt issued to finance the construction of Cerro Verde’s copper concentrate plant, which were capitalized during the construction period.  During 2007, such expenses and costs were recognized as a financial expense.
Workers’ profit sharing.  Workers’ profit sharing expense increased by 149.5 percent from US$42.8 million in 2006 to US$106.8 million in 2007.  The increase in workers’ profit sharing was directly related to the Cerro Verde´s increase in taxable income.  Workers’ profit sharing is calculated as a percentage of the taxable income.

145

Income tax.�� Income tax expense increased by 8,095.6 percent from a benefit of US$4.5 million in 2006 to an expense of US$368.8 million in 2007.
In 2004, Cerro Verde signed an Agreement of Guarantees and Measures to Promote Investment with the Government of Peru, under the Peruvian General Mining Law.  Upon the approval of the agreement, Cerro Verde is subject to the tax in force at May 6, 1996.  Cerro Verde has tax stability for a period of fifteen years counted from January 1, 1999.  Pursuant to Supreme Decree No. 07-94-EF, mining companies can obtain a tax benefit in the form of an investment credit, by effectively reinvesting non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase Cerro Verde productivity.  This investment credit is based on 80 percent of amounts reinvested and is obtained by application to and approval by the MEM.  Under the terms of this program, Cerro Verde invested the sum of US$334.2 million during 2007 and US$317.1 million in 2006 corresponding to the profit obtained in those years, which resulted in a reduced income tax of US$100.2 million in 2007 and US$95.1 million in 2006.
Net income.  As a result of the foregoing, net income increased by 81.0 percent from US$444.6 million in 2006 to US$804.6 million in 2007.  As a percentage of net sales, net income was 44.9 percent in 2007, compared with 66.6 percent in 2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As of December 31, 2008,2009, Cerro Verde had cash and cash equivalents of US$481.7203.3 million, compared to US$630.4481.7 million at December 31, 2007.2008.
Cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities were US$399.6 million in 2009 and US$903.9 million in 2008.  The decrease in net cash flow provided by operating activities in 2009 compared with 2008 was mainly attributable to the following factors: decreased collections from customers, from US$1,797.4 million in 2008 to US$1,302.2 million in 2009; decreased payments to suppliers and third parties, from US$608.5 million in 2008 to US$516.4 million in 2009; decreased payments to personnel, from US$162.4 million in 2008 to US$114.7 million in 2009; decreased payments of other expenses due to contributions in favor of local government from US$97.4 million in 2008 to US$28 million in 2009; and decreased payments of income tax, from US$393.1 million in 2008 to US$215.4 million in 2009.

142

 
Cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities were US$903.9 million in 2008 and US$1,118.6 million in 2007.  The decrease in net cash flow provided by operating activities in 2008 compared with 2007 was mainly attributable to the following factors: increased collections from customers, from US$1,647.7 million in 2007 to US$1,797.4 million in 2008; offset by increased payments to suppliers and third parties, from US$374 million in 2007 to US$608.5 million in 2008; increased payments to personnel, from US$82.2 million in 2007 to US$162.4 million in 2008; increased payments of other expenses due to contributions in favor of local government from US$2.4 million in 2007 to US$97.4 million in 2008; and increased payments of income tax, from US$138.9 million in 2007 to US$393.1 million in 2008 due to final tax payments of 2007 realized in 2008 for approximately US$129.6 million.
 
Cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities were US$1,118.6 million in 2007 and US$467.5 million in 2006.  The increase in net cash flow provided by operating activities in 2007 compared with 2006 was mainly attributable to the following factors: increased collection from customers, from US$647.8 million in 2006 to US$1,647.7 million in 2007; increased payments to suppliers and third parties, from US$62 million in 2006 to US$374 million in 2007; increased payments to personnel, from US$41.7 million in 2006 to US$82.2 million in 2007; decreased payments of other expenses due to contributions in favor of local government, from US$8.1 million in 2006 to US$2.4 million in 2007; and increased payments of income tax, from US$65.1 million in 2006 to US$138.9 million in 2007, due to greater taxable income in 2007 compared to 2006.

146

Cash used in investing activities.  Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities were US$133.791.3 million in 2009, US$133.8 million in 2008 and US$99.8 million in 2007.
Cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Net cash used in investing activities decreased from US$559.9133.8 million in 2006.2008 to US$91.3 million in 2009, mainly due to decreased purchases of property, plant and equipment.
 
Cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  Net cash used in investing activities increased from US$99.9 million in 2007 to US$133.8  million in 2008, mainly due to increased purchases of property, plant and equipment, as well as to the extension of drainage, filtering and development systems for leachpad numernumber one.
Cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  Net cash used in investing activities decreased in 2007 compared to 2006, mainly due to a US$460.1 million decrease in purchases of property, plant and equipment, from US$560 million in 2006 to US$99.9 million in 2007, mainly as a result of the completion of the construction of Cerro Verde’s copper concentrate plant in December 2006.
 
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities.  Net cash and cash equivalents used by financing activities were US$586.6 in 2009, US$918.8 million in 2008 and net cash and cash equivalents provided by financing activities were US$743.2 million in 20072007.
Cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The decrease in net cash flow provided by financing activities in 2009 compared with 2008 was mainly attributable to a US$182468.4 million decrease in 2006.dividend payments, partially offset by a US$215 million payment of premium capital in 2009.
 
Cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  The increase in net cash flow provided by financing activities in 2008 compared with 2007 was mainly attributable to a US$220 million increase in dividend payments, partially offset by US$44.5 million on payments of financial obligations.
 
Cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.  The decrease in net cash flow provided by financing activities in 2007 compared with 2006 was mainly attributable to a US$620.0 million increase in dividend payments and US$123.2 million on payments on long-term debt.  During 2006, Cerro Verde received proceeds from debt issuance amounting to US$182.0 million.
Long-term Debt
 
In February 2005, the board of directors of Cerro Verde approved an approximately US$850 million expansion and financing of the Cerro Verde mine.  On September 30, 2005, Cerro Verde obtained, debt-financing facilities in an overall amount of US$450 million, including US$90 million through an offering of corporate bonds.  The cash invested by us, and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. and, Ltd. and Sumitomo Corporation in connection with the capital increase financed approximately US$420 million of the expansion for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Effective on January 17, 2007 Cerro Verde terminated its commitments with each lender under its credit facilities. In addition, Cerro Verde redeemed all of its outstanding bonds for US$74.6 million, including principal and interest, during 2008.  As of MayDecember 31, 2009, Cerro Verde had no debt outstanding.

 
143


Trend Information
 
The Company’s Trend Information
 
Other than as disclosed in this Annual Report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events which are reasonably likely to have a material effect upon our net sales or revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial condition.

147

 
For our exploration activities, there is no production, sales or inventory in a conventional sense.  Our financial success is dependent upon the extent to which we are capable of discovering mineralization and the economic viability of exploration properties.  The construction and operation of such properties may take years to complete and the resulting income, if any, cannot be determined with certainty.  Further, the sales value of mineralization discovered by us is largely dependent upon factors beyond our control, including the market value at any given time of the metals produced.
 
Yanacocha’s Trend Information
 
Other than as disclosed in this Annual Report, Yanacocha has informed us that it is not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events which are reasonably likely to have a material effect upon Yanacocha’s net sales or revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information to not necessarily be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.
 
Cerro Verde’s Trend Information
 
Other than as disclosed in this Annual Report, Cerro Verde has informed us that it is not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events which are reasonably likely to have a material effect upon Cerro Verde’s net sales or revenues, income from continuing operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported financial information to not necessarily be indicative of future operating results or financial condition.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Our Off-Balance Sheet Information
 
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
 
Yanacocha’s Off-Balance Sheet Information
 
Yanacocha has informed us that there are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on Yanacocha’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.

 
144


Cerro Verde’s Off-Balance Sheet Information
 
Cerro Verde has informed us that there are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on Cerro Verde’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.  

148

 
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
 
Our Contractual Obligations
 
The following table shows our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008:2009:
 
    Payments due by Period (US$ in millions)     Payments due by Period (US$ in millions) 
    
Less than
or equal to
   1-3   4-5  After 5     
Less than
or equal to
  1-3  4-5  After 5 
 
Total
  
1 year
  
years
  
years
  
years
  
Total
  
1 year
  
years
  
years
  
years
 
Long-Term Debt(1)  327.3   98.2   140.2   88.9   -   162.1   21.8  89.4  50.9    
Provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects  83.4   12.9   33.8   13.0   23.7 
Capital Lease Obligations  16.3   14.9  1.4      
Reclamation and Remediation Liability  187.7   6.6  13.5  19.7   147.9 
Open Purchase Orders  140.8   140.8        
Other Long-Term Obligations (*)             
                  
Total Contractual Cash Obligations  410.7   111.1   174.0   101.9   23.7   506.9   184.1  104.3  70.6   147.9 

(1)  Long-Term Debt as of December 31, 2009 included US$205.33 million outstanding under the Syndicated Term Loan, which was repaid in full in March 2010.

As of December 31, 2008,2009, we had no other commercial commitments.

Yanacocha’s Contractual Obligations
 
The following table shows Yanacocha’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008:2009:
 
    Payments due by Period (US$ in millions)     Payments due by Period (US$ in millions) 
    
Less than
or equal to
   1-3   4-5  After 5     
Less than
or equal to
  1-3  4-5  
After 5
 
 Total  year  years  years  years  Total  year  years  years  years 
Long-Term Debt  175.9   13.8   51.6   59.6   50.9   162.1   21.8  89.4  38.9   12.0 
Capital Lease Obligations  29.7   13.5   16.2         16.3   14.3  2.0      
Reclamation and Remediation Liability  181.1   7.1   9.5   14.1   150.4   191.4   3.7  20.7  14.8   152.2 
Open Purchase Orders  140.8   140.8                       
Other Long-Term Obligations (*)  2.1   2.1                       
                                      
Total Contractual Cash Obligations  529.6   177.3   77.3   73.7   201.3   369.8   39.8  112.1  53.7   164.2 
 

(*)      Other long-term contracts include deferred workers compensation obligations, power and fuel supply contract commitments and fuel and inventory obligations.


145

Cerro Verde’s Contractual Obligations
 
The following table shows Cerro Verde´sVerde’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008:2009:
 
     Payments due by Period (US$ in millions) 
     
Less than
or equal to
  1-3  4-5  After 5 
  
Total
  
1 year
  
years
  
years
  
years
 
Provision for remediation and mine closure  18.6            18.6 
                     
Total Contractual Cash Obligations  18.6            18.6 
     Payments due by Period (US$ in millions) 
     
Less than
or equal to
   1-3   4-5  After 5 
  
Total
  
1 year
  
years
  
years
  
years
 
Provision for remediation and mine closure  16.9   -   -   -   16.9 
                     
 Total Contractual Cash Obligations  16.9   -   -   -   16.9 
 
ITEM 6.         
ITEM 6.Directors, Senior Management and Employees
 
Board of Directors and Senior Management
 

149

 
Our current directors and executive officers are as follows:
 
Name Age Position 
Date First 
Appointed
 
Current 
Term Ends
 Age Position 
Date First 
Appointed
 
Current 
Term Ends
Directors                
Alberto Benavides(1)
 88 Chairman of the Board 1980 March 2011 89 Chairman of the Board 1980 March 2011
Norman Anderson 78 Director 1994 March 2011 79 Director 1994 March 2011
Luis Coleridge 72 Director 2000 March 2011 73 Director 2000 March 2011
Aubrey Laurence Paverd 70 Director 2002 March 2011 71 Director 2002 March 2011
Felipe Ortiz-de-Zevallos 61 Director 2003 March 2011 62 Director 2003 March 2011
Roque Benavides(2)
 54 Director 2004 March 2011 55 Director 2004 March 2011
Germán Suárez(3)
 67 Director 2005 March 2011 68 Director 2005 March 2011
                
Executive Officers                
Roque Benavides(1)
 54 President and Chief Executive Officer 2001   55 President and Chief Executive Officer 2001  
Carlos E. Gálvez 56 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 2001   57 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 2001  
Raúl Benavides(1)
 53 Business Development Vice President 1997   54 Business Development Vice President 1997  
Alejandro Hermoza 47 Vice President Community Relations 2008   48 Vice President Community Relations 2008  
Francois Muths 57 Operations Vice President 2007   58 Operations Vice President 2007  
César E. Vidal 54 Explorations Vice President 1996   55 Explorations Vice President 1996  
José Miguel Morales(1)
 63 General Counsel 1970   64 General Counsel 1970  
Alejandro Hermoza 47 Vice President Community Relations 2008  
Carlos Humberto Rodríguez 64 Comptroller 1984    65  Comptroller  1984   
 

(1)Alberto Benavides de la Quintana is the father of Roque Benavides Ganoza and Raúl Benavides Ganoza and the father-in-law of José Miguel Morales Dasso and the brother of Jorge Benavides de la Quintana.Dasso.
(2)Roque Benavides Ganoza replaced Jorge Benavides de la Quintana, who was a Director until July 2004
(3)Germán Suárez replaced Carlos Plenge Washburn, who was a Director until March 2005.

146

Set forth below is biographical information concerning members of our management:
 
Alberto Benavides, Founder, Chairman and member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Alberto Benavides served as our Chief Executive Officer from 1953 to April 1964, when he joined Cerro de Pasco Corporation as its President and CEO.  In 1971 he resigned from Cerro and became head of the Mining Engineering School at the Catholic University of Peru.  In 1976 he rejoined Buenaventura as Chairman of the Board and CEO until 2001, when he resigned as CEO but continued as Chairman of the Board, a position which he still holds.  He has been Vice Chairman of Yanacocha’s Executive Committee since 1992.  He also has served as a director of numerous other mining and mining-related companies that are our subsidiaries.  He spent a total of 17 years (1944-1952 and 1964-1971) with Cerro de Pasco Corporation, a Delaware corporation engaged in the mining business, where he was in various management and executive positions involved in the exploration and geology of mines in Peru.  He served as President of the Privatization Committee for Centromín from 1992 to 1994 and as director of the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú (the Central Reserve Bank of Peru) from 1992 to 2000.  He received a B.S. degree in Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (National University of Engineering, or UNI) in Peru in 1941 and an M.S. in Geology from Harvard University in 1944 and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School in 1971.

150

 
Norman Anderson, Director and member of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Anderson has been a director since 1994.  He is currently President of Anderson & Associates, a Canadian consulting firm.  In 1991, he was elected Chairman of the Board of International Corona Corporation, a Canadian gold mining company that has since merged with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Homestake Company, a U.S. mining company.  From 1978 to 1986, he was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Cominco.  He was President and CEO of Fording Coal from 1973 to 1977 and was employed from 1970 to 1973 by AMAX Inc., a company that has since merged with Cyprus Minerals Company to create Cyprus Amax, and from 1953 to 1970 by Cominco.  He is currently a Chairman of HudBay Minerals Corporation and is or has been a director or officer of other smaller mining companies and a consultant since leaving Cominco.  Mr. Anderson graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.S. in Geological Engineering in 1953.
 
Luis Coleridge, Director, Financial Expert, Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Coleridge was elected a Board Member on March 29, 2000.  He is presently an independent business consultant.  A retired partner of Arthur Andersen, Mr. Coleridge’s career as a public accountant spanned 33 years, in which he rose to the position of Managing Partner of Arthur Andersen’s Peruvian operations and retired in 1997.  He was also professor of accounting and auditing at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, or UNMSM, and other Peruvian universities and colleges.  Mr. Coleridge graduated from UNMSM with a B.S. degree in 1962 and completed post-graduate studies in Economics in 1964.

Aubrey Laurence Paverd, Director and member of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.  Dr. Paverd is currently a private consultant based in Melbourne, Australia.  He has been a director since 2002.  From 1994 to 2000, he held the position of Group Executive Exploration with North Ltd., a diversified mining company with gold and base metal mines in Australia, Europe, North and South America.  His career with Newmont Mining Corporation spanned 21 years.  He began as Chief Geologist of South Africa in 1973, rising through the positions of Chief Geologist at Tsumeb Corporation Ltd., Namibia, a subsidiary of Newmont, to assistant to the Vice President of Exploration in New York in 1979, Director of Foreign Exploration in 1981 and ultimately Vice President of Exploration when he left Newmont in 1994.  Mr. Paverd was also a lecturer in geology at Rhodes University during 1972 and 1973 and worked as a field and mining geologist in Australia and Zambia during the period from 1962 to 1969.  He received B.S. (Hons) and M.S. degrees from Rhodes University in 1961 and 1966 respectively and a Ph.D. from the University of James Cook North Queensland in 1972.  Mr. Paverd is currently also a director of Randgold Resources Ltd., a London listed West African gold mining company.
 
147

Felipe Ortiz-de-Zevallos, Director and member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Ortiz-de-Zevallos has been a director since August 2003.  He was President of the Universidad del Pacifico de Lima from 2004 to 2006 and is the founder and chairman of the Board of Groupo APOYO since 1977.  Mr. Ortiz-de-Zevallos received a degree in Industrial Engineering from The National University of Engineering in 1968, received an M.S. in Administration and System Analysis from the University of Rochester in 1970 and completed the Owner/President Management program at Harvard Business School in 1996.  He was the Peruvian ambassador to the United States of America from 2006 to March 2009.

 
151


Roque Benavides, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer and member of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Benavides has been a director since July 2004 and was our Chief Financial Officer from 1985 to February 2001, when he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer.  Prior to that time, he served as Assistant to our Chairman of the Board from 1980 to 1985 and as a Project Engineer from 1977 to 1979.  Mr. Benavides also has been an alternate member of the Executive Committee of Yanacocha since 1992.  In addition, he is an alternate board member of Cerro Verde and was the General Manager of Recuperada S.A., formerly one of our majority-owned subsidiaries that has since merged into us, from 1981 to 1996.  He currently is serving as an executive officer and as a director of several of our related companies.  He also has served as a director of the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía (National Association of Minerals, Petroleum and Energy) since 1988, serving as Chairman of the Board from 1993 to 1995.  Mr. Benavides served as chairman of the Confederación Nacional de Instituciones Empresariales Privadas (National Confederation of Private Companies, or CONFIEP) from 1999 to March 2001.  In 2001, Mr. Benavides was appointed Vice Chairman of the World Gold Council and Vice Chairman of the Silver Institute in 2007.  Mr. Benavides received a B.S. in Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Pontifical Catholic University of Peru) in Lima, Peru in 1977 and an M.B.A. from Henley, The Management College of Brunnel University in 1980, completed the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School in 1985 and the Advanced Management Program at Templeton College of Oxford University in 1997.  He is a board member of Banco de Credito and Cementos Lima, both Peruvian companies.
 
German Suárez, Director and member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.  Mr. Suárez has been a director since March 2005.  Mr. Suárez is an economist who was employed by the Central Bank from 1964 to 1990.  From 1979 to 1980, he worked at the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, representing Peru, and from 1981 to 1990 he was in charge of different posts at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.  Mr. Suárez served as Chairman of Banco de la Nacion from 1990 to 1992 and Chairman of the Central Bank of Peru from 1992 to 2001.  He was a member of the board of directors at Bladex, Extebandes and Arlabank, Latin American Reserves Fund, Credicorp Ltd. and Banco de Credito del Peru.  From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Suárez served as Governor of the IMF and Alternate Governor of the Inter-American Development.  For the period from 2000 to 2001, Mr. Suárez was elected Chairman of the G-24 (IMF-World Bank).  Mr. Suárez graduated from UNMSM with a B.S. in Economics in 1965 and received an M.A. in Economics from Columbia University in 1969.
148

 
Carlos E. Gálvez, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Gálvez was the Deputy Manager, Finance and Information Systems, from 1985 to February 2001, when he was appointed Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  He served as Deputy Manager of our Treasury from 1980 to 1985, and as Treasurer from 1978 to 1980.  Mr. Gálvez has also served as director of Colquirrumi, our subsidiary, and was appointed director of Conenhua in 2000, director of El Brocal in 2002, director of Contacto S.A. in 2005.  He has served as an alternate member of the Executive Committee of Yanacocha since 2005 and an alternate board member of Cerro Verde since 2005. He also has served as director of the Sociedad de Minería, Petróleo y Energía del Perú (Mining, Petroleum and Energy Society of Peru) since 2000.  Prior to joining us, Mr. Gálvez served as Managerial Adjunct for Finance and Credit from 1971 to 1978 at Banco Minero del Perú (Mining Bank of Peru).  He has also served as a board member of the Comité de Operación Económica del Sistema Eléctrico Nacional (Committee of Economic Operation of the National Electric System).  Mr. Gálvez received his B.A. in Economics from the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal in 1976, his M.B.A. from the Universidad del Pacifico de Lima in 1980 and completed the Program for Management Development, in 1997, and the Advanced Management Program, in 2005, at The Harvard Business School.

152

 
Raúl Benavides Ganoza, Vice President Business Development.  Mr Benavides has been Vice President of Business Development since 1992.  He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Yanacocha and board member of Cerro Verde and several of our related companies. From 1984 to 1996 he was General Manager (CEO) of Compañía de Minas Orcopampa. Prior to that time, Mr Benavides was Manager of Operations from 1983 to 1984 and Mine Manager from 1980 to 1983 at Colquirrumi. Since 1995, he has been a professor of mining administration at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.  Mr. Benavides also has served as President of the Instituto de Ingenieros de Minas (Institute of Mining Engineering), was also the Founder and President of the Instituto de Seguridad Minera del Perú (Mining Safety Institute of Peru) from 1996 to 2000. Mr. Benavides received a B.S. in Mining Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1980, an M.S. in Mineral Engineering-Management from Pennsylvania State University in 1984 and completed the Advanced Management Program at The Harvard Business School in 2001.
 
Alejandro Hermoza Maraví, Vice President Community Relations. A Mechanical Engineer graduated from the University of Maryland, Mr. Hermoza also holds an MSc in Engineering from the same University and an MBA from the Universidad de Ciencia Aplicadas – UPC. He worked as Development Manager for the Confederación Nacional de Instituciones Empresariales Privadas – CONFIEP, and later joined us in 2003, where he began as Deputy Manager for Administration and Human Resources.
 
Francois Muths, Vice President of Operations.  Mr. Muths was appointed Vice President of Operations in February 2007.  Prior to that time, Mr. Muths served as a director and general manager of Inversiones Mineras del Sur S.A., our wholly-owned subsidiary from 2005 to 2006, general manager from 1985 to 2005 and general superintendent of the Uchucchacua mine from 1981 to 1983.  He received a B.S. in engineering from the National Engineering University of Peru and a M.S. in Mining Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.  In 2005, Mr. Muths completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.
 
César E. Vidal, Explorations Vice President.  Mr. Vidal has been our Explorations Vice President since the beginning of 1996.  Mr. Vidal also currently serves as director of El Brocal and Coimolache and as an alternate member of the Executive Committee of Yanacocha.  From 1981 to 1987, he served as a geologist for BISA.  Prior to joining us, from 1991 to 1995, he served as an independent economic geologist consultant to several mining companies, including us.  From 1987 to 1991, he served as the chief geologist for Perubar S.A., a Peruvian zinc mining company.  Mr. Vidal received his B.S. in Geology from UNI in 1977, a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Liverpool in 1980 and certification as an engineering geologist in Peru from UNI in 1984.  He also was a post-doctoral research fellow at the Universität Heidelberg (the University of Heidelberg) from 1985 to 1986.  He completed the Advanced Management Program at Templeton College of Oxford University in 2005.
 
149

José Miguel Morales, General Counsel.  Mr. Morales has been our General Counsel since 1973.  From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Morales served as an alternate member of the Executive Committee of Yanacocha.  Mr. Morales has also served as a member of the Executive Committee of Yanacocha since 1995.  Mr. Morales currently serves as a director of seven of our nineteen mining and mining-related subsidiaries or affiliates.  In addition, he has served as a director of the Instituto Nacional de Derecho de Minería y Petróleo (National Institute of Mining and Petroleum Law), serving as its President from 1989 to 1990 and as a director of the Sociedad de Minería y Petróleo del Perú (Mining and Petroleum Society of Peru) since 1998, serving as its vice chairman since 2000.  He has been a director of the following non-mining related companies:  Almacenera del Perú S.A. from 1992, Inversiones Cosepa S.A. from 1979, Hotel Costa del Pacífico S.A. from 1994 and El Pacífico—Peruana Suiza Compañía de Seguros from 1979.  Since 1973, he also has been a partner of Estudio Aurelio García Sayán—Abogados, a Lima law firm.  In February 2003, Mr. Morales was elected president of the Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía (National Association of Minerals, Petroleum and Energy).  On January 31, 2005, Mr. Morales ended his tenure as President of Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Petróleo y Energía and was elected on March 16, 2005 President of Confederación Nacional de Instituciones Empresariales Privadas (National Confederation of Private Companies, or CONFIEP) until 2007.  Mr. Morales received his law degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in 1968 and completed the Sloan Program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business in 1976.  

153

 
Carlos Humberto Rodríguez, Comptroller.  Mr. Rodríguez has served as our Comptroller since 1984 and as Secretary of our Audit Committee.  In February 2003, Mr. Rodríguez was elected our Compliance and Ethics Officer.  He also served as Comptroller at Cyanamid Peruana S.A., a Peruvian chemical and pharmaceutical company, from 1965 to 1975, and as General Accountant at Petrolera Amotape S.A., a Peruvian oil company devoted to exploration and development of oil, from 1963 to 1964.  Mr. Rodríguez received his B.S. in Economic and Commercial Sciences and Accounting from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in 1972.  In 1988, Mr. Rodríguez obtained a degree in Management from Universidad de Piura.
 
Compensation
 
During the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, the aggregate amount of compensation that we paid to all directors and executive officers was approximately S/.47.7US$5.0 million, including director’s fees accrued in 20072008 and paid in 2008.2009.  We do not disclose to our shareholders or otherwise make available public information as to the compensation of our individual directors or executive officers.
 
We have a long-term stock appreciation program, with a term of ten years once initiated, that allows certain executives to receive a cash remuneration equivalent to any excess of the market value at a future date over a stated price of a stated number of our ADSs.  This program is in effect as long as the executives are employed by us at the settlement date of the program.  See Note 1313(c) to the Financial Statements.
 
Board Practices
 
The Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors as defined in Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange’s Listed Company Manual, is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in the appointment of independent auditors, upon delegation of such responsibility by the shareholders at the general meeting of shareholders, or the General Meeting, and reviewing the scope of internal and external audits.  The Audit Committee also reviews compliance with internal control systems, reviews our annual and quarterly financial statements, reviews financial statements before their presentation to the Comisión Nacional Supervisora de Empresas y Valores (National Supervisory Commission of Business and Securities, or CONASEV), the Bolsa de Valores de Lima (Lima Stock Exchange) and the CommissionSEC and maintains the integrity of the preparation of audits.  The members of the Audit Committee are currently Messrs. Coleridge, Ortiz-de-Zevallos and Suárez.
150

 
The Compensation Committee
 
The Compensation Committee is responsible for evaluating executive performance and approving executive compensation, including compensation of the chief executive officer and any stock option compensation plans.  The members of the Compensation Committee are currently Messrs. Benavides-de-la-Quintana, Ortiz-de-Zevallos and Suárez.

154

 
Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee
 
The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for preparing the proposals for the general meetings in respect of the composition of the Board of Directors along with the director remuneration to be approved by the shareholders, and monitoring issues and practices related to corporate governance and to propose necessary actions in respect thereof.  The members of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee are currently Messrs.  Anderson, Coleridge, Paverd, Ortiz-de-Zevallos, Benavides-Ganoza and Suárez.
 
Employees
 
At December 31, 2008,2009, we and our subsidiaries had 2,3142,408 employees, of which 2,0672,093 were on our payroll.  In addition, we have entered into arrangements with independent contractors, which employed 3,7716,145 persons who worked at our operations.  We have sought to strengthen our workforce by implementing a qualifications-based hiring policy and, with respect to employees working in the mines, reducing the average age of the workforce.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, the average tenure of our permanent laborers at the Julcani, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Recuperada, Ishihuinca and Antapite mines (the only mines for which we have long-term historical records) was approximately 14 years. 
 
Of our 2,0671,486 permanent employees, approximately 39.7758 percent are members of nine different labor unions (including three unions and one labor union committee for clerical workers and five unions for laborers), which represent all clerical workers and laborers in collective bargaining negotiations with us.  TwoThere are also three new unions for workers employed by independent contractors that were formed in 2008 oneand 2009, in our mines at Uchucchacua, Antapite and the other at our Ishihuinca mine.Orcopampa.
 
Each of the labor unions is a company-based union with an affiliation to a national union.  Administrative personnel are not represented by unions.  Labor relations for unionized and non-unionized employees in our production facilities, including compensation and benefits, are governed by collective bargaining agreements, the terms and length of which are negotiated throughout the year as the various collective bargaining agreements come up for renewal.  These collective bargaining agreements are typically one year in length and set wages for the applicable period, and includeincluding increases as negotiated and certain other employee benefits, such as overtime, bonuses and family benefits.  
151

 
Compensation received by our employees includes salary, other cash payments (such as overtime, vacation pay and bonuses including, but not limited to, high altitude and underground mining bonuses) and non-cashnon-­cash benefits.  Non-cashNon­-cash benefits include medical insurance, life insurance and training programs for workers and administrative staff.  For mine and processing plant workers, benefits also include transportation services, meals or food allowances, education for children of our employees and housing, hospitals and a full range of social services for our permanent employees and their families at townsites near our mines in compliance with mining regulations.  We voluntarily provide power, water and sewage services for the camp and houses of the workers as well as for certain towns nearby.  In addition, pursuant to a profit-sharingprofit­-sharing plan mandated by Peruvian labor legislation, employees of mining companies in Peru are entitled to receive the Employee Profit Sharing Amount equivalent to eight percent of the annual pre-tax profits of their employer, fifty percent of such profits to be distributed based on the number of days each employee worked during the preceding year and the remaining fifty percent of such profits to be distributed based on the aggregate annual salary of each employee.  Effective January 1, 1997, the annual payment to each employee under the profit sharing plan cannot exceed 18 times such employee’s monthly salary, and any difference between the Employee Profit Sharing Amount and the aggregate amount paid to employees must be contributed by us to the FONDO-EMPLEO, a fund established to promote employment and employee training.

155

 
Under Peruvian law, we may dismiss workers for cause by following certain formal procedures.  We may dismiss a worker without cause, provided that we pay such worker a layoff indemnification in an amount equal to one and a half month’s salary for each full year worked plus the pro rata portion for any uncompleted year, not to exceed in the aggregate 12 months’ salary.  Several decisions adopted by the Peruvian Constitutional Court, holding that an employee is entitled for reinstatement if no cause for dismissal is expressed by the employer or for failure to present evidence supporting the employer’s grounds, have limited our ability to dismiss a worker without cause.  However, all employees are entitled to a severance payment upon termination of their employment, regardless of the reason for such termination, equal to approximately one month’s salary for each full year worked plus the pro rata portion for any uncompleted year.  Pursuant to the Peruvian labor laws enacted in 1991, we deposit funds for severance payments in a bank account selected by each employee and for the benefit of such employee, in both May and November of each year.
 
Our permanent employees receive the benefit of one of two types of pension arrangements.  All workers can choose to enroll in the ONP or in AFPs.  We are required to withhold from each of the salaries of the employees enrolled in the ONP system approximately 13 percent of such employee’s salary, and pay such amount to the ONP system and withhold from the salary of each employee enrolled in the AFP system approximately 13 percent of such employee’s salary, and pay such amounts to the respective AFP (exact amount varies from one AFP to another).  Additionally, for workers involved in mining and metallurgical processes, an additional 2 percent is withheld from their salaries, and we contribute an additional 2 percent to increase their pension funds.  We have no liability for the performance of these pension plans.  In addition, our independent contractors are responsible for covering severance and pension payments with respect to their employees. 
 
In addition, we pay ES-SALUD nine percent of our total payroll for general health services for all permanent employees.  Prior to May 1997, we were required to pay to ES-SALUD one percent of our payroll of blue collar employees for employment related­related illness and accidents, or the Workers Compensation Fund Payment.  In addition, Law No. 26790 also requires us to provide private insurance representing an average payment equal to 1.30 percent of the payroll of covered employees for employment-related incapacity and death for blue collar employees and other employees exposed to mining-related hazards. 
 
           Prior to April 30, 2007, we had not experienced any strikes during the past five years.  On April 30, 2007, we experienced a five-day labor stoppage at the Uchucchacua mine, which coincided with a strike called by the National Mining and Metallurgical Union.  In November 2007, unionized workers at Uchucchaccua engaged in a three-day strike called by the National Mining and Metallurgical Union.  On February 27, 2008, the unionized workers of our Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Ishihuinca and Antapite mines went on strike for three days, demanding an increase in the amount of their Peruvian regulation-required 8 percent share of our annual pre-tax profits.  On June 5, 2008, our Uchucchacua laborers went on a four-day strike to support their negotiating position in the collective bargaining process.  On June 30, 2008, the contractor workers of our Uchucchacua mining unit commenced a 7–day strike promoted by the National Federation of Mining Unions, which was declared illegal by the Peruvian Work Ministry.
Share Ownership
 
AtAs of April 30, 2009,2010, our directors and executive officers, as a group, owned 51,184,99451,181,384 Common Shares, representing 20.1220.18 percent of all the 254,442,238253,729,664 common shares outstanding.  Our directors and executive officers do not own any Investment Shares.
 
ITEM 7.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
152

ITEM 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
 
Major Shareholders
 
As of April 30, 2009,2010, we had 274,889,924 Common Shares, including 21,160,26021,130,260 treasury shares, and 744,640 Investment Shares, including 61,976 treasury shares.  The Common Shares are voting securities.  The table below sets forth certain information concerning ownership of (i) the Common Shares and Investment Shares and (ii) the aggregate Common Shares and Investment Shares, as of April 30, 20092010 with respect to each shareholder known to us to own more than 2.5 percent of the outstanding Common Shares and with respect to all directors and executive officers as a group.

 
156


Control of the Company
 
Shareholder
 
Number of
Common Shares
  
Percentage
Beneficial
Ownership of
Common
Shares(2)
  
Number of
Investment
Shares
  
Percentage
Beneficial
Ownership of
Investment
Shares
  
Number of Common
Shares
and Investment Shares
  
Percentage Beneficial
Ownership of
Common Shares and
Investment Shares
  
Number of 
Common Shares
  
Percentage
Beneficial
Ownership of
Common
Shares(2)
  
Number of
Investment
Shares
  
Percentage
Beneficial
Ownership of
Investment
Shares
  
Number of Common
Shares 
and Investment Shares
  
Percentage Beneficial
Ownership of 
Common Shares and
Investment Shares
 
                                    
Benavides Family(1)
 74,123,891  26.97   191,978  25.79  74,315,869  26.96   73,710,843   26.82  211,000  28.33   73,921,843   26.82 
Blackrock Investment Management (UK) Ltd. 29,663,002  10.79        29,663,002  10.77  29,102,980  10.59         29,102,980   10.56 
Cia Minera Condesa S.A. 21,160,260  7.70   61,976   8.33  21,222,236  7.70  21,160,260  7.70   61,976   8.32   21,222,236   7.70 
Blackrock Global Funds-World Gold Fund. 13,000,000  4.73        13,000,000  4.72 
Blackrock Global Funds-World Mining Fund 12,400,000  4.51        12,400,000  4.50  12,450,000  4.53         12,450,000   4.52 
Integra, AFP.  10,462,232  3.81        10,462,232  3.80 
Fidelity Management & Research. 7,832,189  2.85        7,832,189  2.84 
Blackrock Global Funds-World Gold Fund 12,350,000  4.49         12,350,000   4.48 
Blackrock Global Investors 9,287,782  3.38         9,287,782   3.37 
Integra, AFP 10,640,152  3.87         10,640,152   3.86 
Prima, AFP  7,805,328  2.84        7,805,328  2.83  10,589,472  3.85         10,589,472   3.84 
Horizonte, AFP.  7,268,740  2.64        7,268,740  2.63 
Fidelity Management & Research 8,594,479  3.13         8,594,479   3.12 
Horizonte, AFP 7,427,952  2.70         7,427,952   2.70 
Profuturo, AFP 5,267,371  1.92         5,267,371   1.91 
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
 51,184,994  18.62        51,184,994  18.57  51,181,384  18.62         51,184,384   18.57 
___________

(1)Includes Common Shares directly or indirectly owned by Alberto Benavides de la Quintana and certain members of his immediate and extended family and their spouses.
 
(2)The beneficial ownership of Common Shares adds up to more than 100 percent due to participation by certain members of the Benavides Family as Directors and/or Executive Officers.
 
As of April 30, 2009,2010, we estimate that 136,905,321140,404,017 ADSs were held in the United States, which represented approximately 49.8151.08 percent of Common Shares outstanding.  The number of institutional record holders of our Common Shares (or of ADSs representing our Common Shares) in the United States was 5254 institutions.
 
Related Party Transactions
 
Except as otherwise disclosed herein, no director, senior officer, principal shareholder or any associate or affiliate thereof had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of our last financial year that has materially affected us, or in any proposed transaction that would materially affect us.  Except as otherwise disclosed herein, we have entered into no transactions with parties that are not “related parties” but who would be able to negotiate terms not available on an arm’s-length basis.  From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we enter into management, exploration, mine construction, engineering and employment contracts with joint venture companies in which one or more of our direct or indirect subsidiaries holds equity or partnership interests.
 
153

Chaupiloma is the legal owner of the mineral rights operated by Yanacocha and receives a 3 percent royalty based on quarterly sales, after deducting refinery and transportation costs.  Royalties amounted to US$48.534.0 million, US$34.048.8 million and US$48.862.3 million in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, respectively, and are presented as royalty income in our consolidated statements of income.

157

 
Condesa received cash dividends from Yanacocha of approximately US$209.543.7 million, US$43.7257.5 million and US$257.5100.4 million in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2008,2009, respectively.
 
Cash dividends received from Cerro Verde amounted to approximately US$114.7 million in 2007, and US$156.1 million in 2008.  No cash dividends were received from Cerro Verde2008 and US$128.1 million in 2006.2009.
 
In March 2002, Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A. signed a technical service agreement with Yanacocha to perform a number of specialized activities and services.  Pursuant to the agreement, the services performed relate to the construction of mining projects and include completion of analysis and studies, work plan design, and functions related to planning, monitoring and administrating the infrastructure projects required by Yanacocha in its operations.  This contract expired on December 31, 2004 and was renewed in January 2005 under the same terms.2005.  The revenues related to this service contract amounted to approximately US$0.72 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, US$1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 and US$4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and US$5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.2007.
 
In November 2000, Conenhua signed an agreement with Yanacocha for the construction and operation of a 220 kw transmission line between Trujillo and Cajamarca, a 60 kw transmission line between Cajamarca and La Pajuela, and the Cajamarca Norte substation; this agreement also encompassed activities necessary to enlarge the Trujillo substation.  Pursuant to this contract, the construction work was completed in October 2001. Concurrently, we and Yanacocha signed a 10-year agreement covering electric energy transmission and infrastructure operation beginning in November 2001.  In exchange for us operating and managing the transmission project, Yanacocha pays an annual fee of US$3.7 million.  The revenues for these services amounted to approximately US$4.8 million, US$4.44.8 million and US$3.94.4 million in 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007 respectively.
 
Interests of Experts and Counsel
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 8.    Financial Information
ITEM 8.Financial Information
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
See “Item 19.  Exhibits” for a list of financial statements filed under Item 18.
 
Other Financial Information
 
Legal Proceedings
 
Other than the legal proceedings relating to Yanacocha described in “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Yanacocha—Legal Proceedings,” we and Yanacocha are each parties to certain other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, is material.

158154


Dividends and Dividends Policy
 
We can distribute three kinds of dividends: (i) cash dividends, which are paid out of our net distributable income for each year, (ii) stock dividends that are akin to stock splits rather than distributions of earnings, which are issued for the purpose of adjusting the book value per share of our stock, and (iii) stock dividends for the purpose of capitalizing profits, in each case as described in more detail below.  All shares outstanding and fully paid are entitled to share equally in any dividend declared based on the portion of our capital represented by such share.  Shares of capital stock, which are only partially paid participate in a dividend or distribution in the same proportion that such shares have been paid at the time of the dividend or distribution.  No cash dividend may be declared in respect of a given year unless we have earned net distributable income in respect of such year.  However, we may declare dividends during the year.  We may make interim provisional payments to shareholders in respect of net distributable income for the current fiscal year, which are referred to as “provisional dividends,” as explained below.
 
The Board of Directors, following the end of each fiscal year, makes a recommendation to the annual obligatory shareholders’ meeting regarding the amount and timing of payments, if any, to be made as dividends on our Common Shares and Investment Shares.
 
The dividend policy establishes that dividends will be not less than 20 percent of our net profits.  In principle there are two kinds of dividend payments: the interim dividends, which are approved by the Board and are generally paid during the fourth quarter of the year, and the final dividend payment, which will be paid in accordance with the general shareholders’ meeting resolutions.  However, the amount and timing of such payments is subject to the final approval at such annual obligatory shareholders’ meeting and Board meeting, as well as to the availability of earnings to distribute.  According to the Peruvian Companies Law, shareholders can request a dividend of 50 percent or less of the previous year’s after-tax profits, net amounts allocated to the legal reserve, if there is an exception that permitsaffirmative vote among holders of at least 20 percent of the total Common Shares outstanding, require that not less than 50 percent of our after-tax profits during the previous year and legal reserve allocation be paid out in the form of dividends.outstanding.
 
Available earnings are subject to the following priorities.  First, the mandatory employee profit sharing of eight percent of pre-tax profits (which may differ from pre-taxpre­-tax profits determined under Peruvian GAAP due to different depreciation treatment and different adjustments of non-taxable income and/or non-deductible expenses) is paid.  Next, remaining earnings are taxed at the standard corporate income tax rate, which has been 30 percent since January 1, 2004.  Not less than ten percent of such after-tax net profits must then be allocated to a legal reserve, which is not available thereafter except to cover future losses or for use in future capitalizations.  Amounts reserved are nevertheless included in taxable income.  The obligation to fund this reserve continues until the reserve constitutes 20 percent of the paid-in share capital.  In addition, the holders of Common Shares can agree to allocate any portion of the net profits to any special reserve.  The remainder of the net profits is available for distribution to shareholders.  Any dividend approved by a shareholders’ meeting after December 31, 2002 is subject to an additional withholding tax at the rate of 4.1 percent of the total amount of dividends distributed to the shareholders who either are (i) individuals, whether domiciled or non-domiciled in Peru, or (ii) a non-domiciled company or entity.  Dividends paid to domiciled companies or entities are not subject to such withholding tax.  If any tax or other governmental charge will become payable by Scotiabank Peru, as custodian, the Depositary or us with respect to any ADR or any deposited securities represented by the ADSs evidenced by such ADR, such tax or other governmental charge will be payable by the owner or beneficial owner of such ADR to the Depositary.
 
155

Dividends on issued and outstanding Common Shares and Investment Shares are distributed in accordance with the proportion of the total capital represented by such respective shares.  Dividends are distributed pro rata in accordance with the number of Common Shares or Investment Shares.  Accordingly, any dividend declared would be apportioned 99.73 percent to the holders of Common Shares and 0.27 percent to the holders of Investment Shares.  This proportion will not change in the future except and to the extent holders of Common Shares and Investment Shares exercise their preemptive rights disproportionately in any future issuance of Common Shares and Investment Shares, or we issue Common Shares without preemptive rights in accordance with Article 259 of the Peruvian Companies Law.

159

 
Holders of Common Shares and Investment Shares are not entitled to interest on dividend payments.
 
Holders of ADRs are entitled to receive dividends with respect to the Common Shares underlying the ADSs evidenced by such ADRs, subject to the terms of the related Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, to the same extent as owners of Common Shares.
 
To the extent that we declare and pay dividends on the Common Shares, owners of the ADSs on the relevant record date are entitled to receive the dividends payable in respect of the Common Shares underlying the ADSs, subject to the terms of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement.  Cash dividends are paid to the Depositary in Nuevos Soles and, except as otherwise described under the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, are converted by the Depositary into U.S. Dollars and paid to owners of ADRs net of currency conversion expenses.  Under the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may, and will if we so request, distribute stock dividends in the form of additional ADRs evidencing whole ADSs resulting from a dividend or free distribution of Common Shares by us received by the Depositary.  Cash dividends paid with respect to the Common Shares and amounts distributed with respect to ADSs are currently subject to a Peruvian withholding income tax of 4.1 percent.  See “Item 10.  Additional Information—Taxation—Peruvian Tax Considerations.”
 
We issue stock dividends for value per share of our stock.  The book value of our share capital is based on the nominal (par) value of each share but is adjusted to account for inflation; thus, in inflationary periods, our book value will increase while the nominal value will remain constant.  In order to adjust the book value of each share to equal or approximate the nominal value, we periodically issue new shares that are distributed as stock dividends to each existing shareholder in proportion to such shareholder’s existing holdings, unless it increases the nominal value of the existing shares.  These stock dividends (which under the Peruvian income tax law are not considered dividends) do not change a stockholder’s percentage of interest in us.  In addition, we may from time to time capitalize profits and, in such case, we have to distribute stock dividends representing the profits capitalized.
 
Dividends not collected within ten years will be retained by us, increasing our legal reserve, and the right to collect such dividends will expire.
 
Under Peruvian law, each company may make formal cash distributions only out of net distributable income (calculated on an individual, unconsolidated basis and demonstrated by a balance sheet at any given time).  We, however, may pay provisional dividends.  Payment of provisional dividends will be approved on the basis of financial statements which show the existence of net distributable income obtained during the current fiscal year.  In the event that, following such an interim provisional payment, we suffer a loss or if we finish the fiscal year with a net income that is lower than the amount of provisional dividends paid during such fiscal year, we could legally require all shareholders (including holders of ADRs) to return such payment to us with interest.  However, it has been and continues to be our policy not to require shareholders to return such payment of provisional dividends, but rather to cover such contingency through a “dividends paid in advance” account to be offset by future net distributable income.
 
156

The following table sets forth the amounts of interim and final cash dividends and the aggregate of cash dividends paid with respect to the years 20042005 to 2008.  Prior to May 3, 2003, cash dividends with respect to were paid per Series A Share, Series B Share and ADS.  Effective on May 3, 2002, we redesignated our Series B Shares and Series A Shares as Common Shares and each of our ADSs, which previously represented two Series B Shares, represented two Common Shares.  Effective November 12, 2003, we modified the ratio of our ADSs from two Common Shares per ADS to one Common Share per ADS.2009.  Dividends with respect to the years 20042005 to 20082009 were paid per Common Share and ADS.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—History and Development—History—Redesignation of Our Shares and ADSs; Share Split.”

160

 
Year ended
December 31,
 
Per
Common Share
  
Per
ADSs
  
Per
Investment Share
 
  Interim  Final  Total  Interim  Final  Total  Interim  Final  Total 
2004(1)
  0.5312   0.585   1.1162   0.5312   0.585   1.1162   0.5312   0.585   1.1162 
2005(2)
  0.6102   0.7216   1.3318   0.6102   0.7216   1.3318   0.6102   0.7216   1.3318 
2006(3)
  0.25   0.37   0.62   0.25   0.37   0.62   0.25   0.37   0.62 
2007(3)
  0.18   0.22   0.40   0.18   0.22   0.40   0.18   0.22   0.40 
2008(3)
  0.09   0.02   0.11   0.09   0.02   0.11   0.09   0.02   0.11 
________________
Year ended
December 31,
 
Per
Common Share
  
Per
ADSs
  
Per
Investment Share
 
  
Interim
  
Final
  
Total
  
Interim
  
Final
  
Total
  
Interim
  
Final
  
Total
 
2005(1)
  0.6102   0.7216   1.3318   0.6102   0.7216   1.3318   0.6102   0.7216   1.3318 
2006(2)
  0.25   0.37   0.62   0.25   0.37   0.62   0.25   0.37   0.62 
2007(2)
  0.18   0.22   0.40   0.18   0.22   0.40   0.18   0.22   0.40 
2008(2)
  0.09   0.02   0.11   0.09   0.02   0.11   0.09   0.02   0.11 
2009(2)
  0.02   0.14   0.16   0.02   0.14   0.16   0.02   0.14   0.16 
 

 (1)Interim and final dividend amounts are expressed in nominal Nuevos Soles as of December 31, 2004.
(2)Interim and final dividend amounts are expressed in nominal Nuevos Soles as of December 31, 2005.
 (3)(2) Interim and final dividend amounts are expressed in U.S. Dollars.

Minority Shareholders
 
Law No. 28370, published on October 30, 2004, included in the Peruvian Companies Law certain provisions for the protection of the minority shareholders that were formerly contained in Law No. 26985, which had been abrogated.  Legislative Decree No. 1061, effective since June 29, 2008, has amended certain of these provisions.  Pursuant to Article 262-A of the Peruvian Companies Law, we will issue a notice within sixty days after the Annual Obligatory Shareholders Meeting, or after the expiration of the three-month period after the end of the prior fiscal year in which such Annual Obligatory Meeting is required to be held, the total number and value of any shares not claimed by shareholders, the name of such shareholders, the share quote in the securities market for such shares; the total amount of uncollected dividends; and where shares and dividends pending claim are available for the minority shareholders.  The publication must be made in the official gazette “El Peruano”, on our website and on CONASEV’s website.  Article 262-B describes the procedure to request share certificates and/or dividends.  Pursuant to Article 262-C, we are required to submit to CONASEV within 60 days after having posted the notice on our website and on CONASEV’s website, the list of shareholders that have and have not picked-uppicked up their share certificates and/or have or have not collected their dividends and evidence that such notice was made.  Article 262-D provides that CONASEV, upon the review of appropriate documentation submitted by us, will issue a certificate stating that we have complied with the rules for the protection of the minority shareholders.  Article 262-F describes the procedure for handling any claim that the minority shareholders may file, such claims to be solved by CONASEV.
 
Significant Changes
 
No significant change in our financial affairs has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this Annual Report.
 
ITEM 9.    The Offer and Listing
ITEM 9.The Offer and Listing
 
Offer and Listing Details
 
Not applicable.
 
Plan of Distribution
 
Not applicable.

161157

 
Trading Markets
 
Effective on May 3, 2002, we redesignated our Series B Shares and Series A Shares as Common Shares.  From such date, each of our ADSs, which previously represented two Series B Shares, represented two Common Shares.  Effective November 12, 2003, we modified the ratio of our ADSs from two Common Shares per ADS to one Common Share per ADS.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—History and Development—History—Redesignation of Our Shares and ADSs; Share Split.”  Accordingly, since May 3, 2002, the Common Shares and ADSs representing the Common Shares (each ADS representing two Common Shares) have been listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BVN.”  In addition, the Common Shares are listed and traded on the Lima Stock Exchange.  The Investment Shares have been listed and traded on the Lima Stock Exchange since 1979.
 
As of April 30, 2009,2010, the share capital with respect to the Common Shares was S/.2,748,899,240 represented by 274,889,924 shares and the share capital with respect to the Investment Shares was S/.7,446,400 represented by 744,640 shares.  The Common Shares represent 100 percent of our outstanding share capital.  The Investment Shares have no voting rights and are not, under Peruvian law and accounting rules, characterized as share capital.  As of April 30, 2009,2010, there were 1,3511,320 owners of record of the Common Shares and 983959 owners of record of the Investment Shares.
 
Historical Information
 
The Series B Shares and the ADSs which represented the Series B Shares (each ADS represented two Series B Shares) were listed, and the ADSs were traded, on the New York Stock Exchange from May 31, 1996 until May 2, 2002, under the symbol “BVN.”  In addition, the Series B Shares were listed and traded on the Lima Stock Exchange from May 15, 1996 until May 2, 2002.  The ADSs which represented the Series B Shares were issued under the terms of a Deposit Agreement dated May 20, 1996, among ourselves, The Bank of New York, as depositary,the Depositary and the owners and beneficial owners of ADSs.  The Series A Shares were listed and traded on the Lima Stock Exchange since 1971.
 
The creation of the Series B Shares was authorized at an extraordinary meeting of shareholders held on March 20, 1996.  At that meeting, outstanding common shares were renamed as Series A Shares, and a capital increase of a new class of common shares, designated Series B Shares, was approved.  On May 31, 1996, the Series B Shares began trading on the Lima Stock Exchange and on May 15, 1996, the ADSs began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.  On November 26, 1997, we consummated the Series A Exchange Offer, pursuant to which we exchanged 32,472,952 Series A Shares for an equal number of Series B Shares.  Immediately prior to the Series A Exchange Offer, there were 98,995,000 Series A Shares and 19,154,617 Series B Shares.  Upon consummation of the exchange, there were 66,522,048 Series A Shares and 51,627,569 Series B Shares.
 
On December 10, 1998, we consummated an exchange offer pursuant to which we exchanged 18,666,198 Labor Shares (now known as Investment Shares) for 18,666,198 Series B Shares.  On December 3, 1999, we commenced an exchange offer, pursuant to which we offered to exchange on a one-for-one basis, all outstanding Series A Shares and Investment Shares for our Series B Shares, or the Redemption and Exchange Offer.  The Redemption and Exchange Offer terminated, in accordance with its terms, on January 13, 2000.  As a result of the Redemption and Exchange Offer, 23,433,294 Series A Shares and 629,147 Investment Shares were tendered for redemption and/or exchange and accepted by us and were exchanged for equal numbers of Series B Shares.  At December 31, 1999 (prior to the consummation of the Redemption and Exchange Offer), the share capital with respect to the Series A Shares was S/.66,522,048 represented by 66,522,048 shares; the share capital with respect to the Series B Shares was S/.70,293,767 represented by 70,293,767 shares; and the share capital with respect to the Investment Shares was S/.1,011,467 represented by 1,001,467 shares.  Following the consummation of the Redemption and Exchange Offer, the share capital with respect to the Series A Shares was S/.43,088,754 represented by 43,088,754 shares; the share capital with respect to the Series B Shares was S/.94,356,208 represented by 94,356,208 shares and the share capital with respect to the Investment Shares was S/.372,320 represented by 372,320 shares.

162158

 
In March 2008, our shareholders approved an increase in the nominal par value of our Common Shares and Investment Shares from S/.4.00 per Common Share or Investment Share to S/.20.00 per Common Share or Investment Share, as well as a subsequent two-for-one stock split of our Common Shares and Investment Shares.  In July 2008, we conducted a two-for-one stock split of our outstanding Common Shares, Investment Shares and ADSs.  As a result, the Company had 274,889,924 Common Shares and 744,640 Investment Shares outstanding as of July 24, 2008. In connection with the stock split, our bylaws were amended to decrease the nominal par value of our Common Shares and Investment Shares from S/.20.00 to S/.10.00 per Common Share or Investment Share.
 
Trading Information
 
The table below sets forth the trading volume and the high and low closing prices of the Common Shares and Investment Shares in Nuevos Soles.  The table also includes the trading volume and the high and low closing prices of the ADSs representing the Common Shares in U.S. Dollars for the same periods.  See “Item 4.  Information on the Company—The Company—History and Development—History—Redesignation of Our Shares and ADSs; Share Split.”
 
   
Common Shares(1)
  
ADSs(2)
  
Investment Shares(1)
 
   
Trading
Volume
  
High(3)
  
Low(3)
  
Trading
Volume
  
High(3)
  
Low(3)
  
Trading
Volume
  
High(3)
  
Low(3)
 
   
(in
millions)
  
(in nominal
S/. per share)
  
(in
millions)
  
(in US$ per
ADS)
  
(in
millions)
  
(in nominal
S/. per share)
 
Annual highs and lows                           
                             
 2005  3.03   109.00   65.06   106.57   32.54   19.93   0.09   80.70   51.00 
 2006  2.33   106.50   77.12   173.71   32.49   22.81   0.04   88.00   73.00 
 2007  1.53   186.00   82.50   137.20   61.00   25.39   0.02   126.50   82.00 
 2008  1.63   118.75   33.00   274.92   42.89   9.00   0.02   90.00   40.00 
 2009  2.53   122.00   45.05   345.53   42.69   14.00   0.61   90.00   40.00 
                                      
Quarterly highs and lows                                    
                                      
2008                                     
 1st quarter  0.20   118.75   94.08   52.20   42.89   27.91   0.01   77.50   65.05 
 2nd quarter  0.15   100.50   85.21   42.99   37.51   29.21   0.01   90.00   75.00 
 3rd quarter  0.49   97.50   50.05   84.21   35.67   15.87   0.01   87.50   57.99 
 4th quarter  0.80   72.55   33.00   95.53   24.82   9.00   0.01   58.00   40.00 
                                      
2009                                     
 1st quarter  0.81   76.50   45.05   96.05   25.11   14.00   0.59   76.50   40.00 
 2nd quarter  0.92   85.50   63.20   76.49   29.93   19.09   0.01   45.94   44.25 
 3rd quarter  0.26   101.00   66.00   78.24   35.35   20.81   0.01   55.00   47.00 
 4th quarter  0.56   122.00   89.00   94.78   42.69   30.85   0.01   90.00   50.00 
                                      
Monthly highs and lows                                    
2009                                     
 November  0.20   120.50   100.00   27.19   42.43   33.06   0.01   76.50   72.00 
 December  0.15   122.00   89.00   32.27   42.69   30.85   0.01   90.00   78.00 
2010                                     
 January  0.14   112.00   92.20   23.26   38.84   31.22   0.01   86.00   83.00 
 February  0.02   96.00   83.00   22.90   34.87   28.59   0.01   80.00   78.00 
 March  0.12   98.30   87.00   26.73   35.31   29.48   0.01   82.50   81.00 
 April  0.04   99.00   87.90   24.92   35.44   29.84   0.01   82.00   80.00 
159

  
Common Shares(1)
  
ADSs(2)
  
Investment Shares(1)
 
    
Trading
Volume
  
High(3)
  
Low(3)
  
Trading
Volume
  
High(3)
  
Low(3)
  
Trading
Volume
  
High(3)
  
Low(3)
 
    
(in
millions)
  
(in nominal
S/. per share)
  
(in
millions)
  
(in US$ per
ADS)
  
(in
millions)
  
(in nominal
S/. per share)
 
Annual highs and lows                           
                              
  2004  2.21   105.00   66.80   109.38   30.49   18.46   0.18   70.20   48.00 
  2005  3.03   109.00   65.06   106.57   32.54   19.93   0.09   80.70   51.00 
  2006  2.33   106.50   77.12   173.71   32.49   22.81   0.04   88.00   73.00 
  2007  1.53   186.00   82.50   137.20   61.00   25.39   0.02   126.50   82.00 
  2008  1.63   118.75   33.00   274.92   42.89   9.00   0.02   90.00   40.00 
                                       
Quarterly highs and lows                                    
                                       
2007                                    
  1st quarter  0.33   96.00   82.50   30.68   30.24   25.39   0.0086   85.00   82.00 
  2nd quarter  0.39   116.90   95.00   29.97   37.46   30.38   0.0049   84.01   83.00 
  3rd quarter  0.45   154.00   102.00   39.48   50.24   33.57   0.0101   109.00   99.00 
  4th quarter  0.36   186.00   141.76   37.06   61.00   46.44   0.0003   126.50   110.00 
2008                                    
  1st quarter  0.20   118.75   94.08   52.20   42.89   27.91   0.01   77.50   65.05 
  2nd quarter  0.15   100.50   85.21   42.99   37.51   29.21   0.01   90.00   75.00 
  3rd quarter  0.49   97.50   50.05   84.21   35.67   15.87   0.01   87.50   57.99 
  4th quarter  0.80   72.55   33.00   95.53   24.82   9.00   0.01   58.00   40.00 
                                       
Monthly highs and lows                                    
2008                                    
  November  0.17   52.00   35.91   28.63   18.09   11.09   0.00   43.00   41.00 
  December  0.23   66.70   46.00   29.05   21.68   13.94   0.01   43.00   40.00 
2009                                    
  January  0.14   63.99   45.05   29.95   20.87   14.00   0.57   43.50   42.50 
  February  0.31   70.45   55.90   31.93   22.71   17.41   0.02   42.50   40.00 
  March  0.36   76.50   55.10   34.17   25.11   17.00   0.01   46.00   40.00 
  April  0.28   78.60   63.20   23.75   25.01   19.09   0.00   45.94   45.94 
  May  0.46   
84.30
   
71.90
   
25.39
   
29.44
   
20.78
   
0.00
   
45.94
   
45.94
 
ITEM 10.Additional Information

164160

 
The Board of Directors meets when called by the Chairman of the Board, who is appointed by the Board.  The Board of Directors is validly convened when all Directors are present and unanimously agree to carry out the meeting for the purpose of transacting the business that has been proposed.  Pursuant to article 177 of the Peruvian Companies Law, Directors may be jointly and severally liable to us, the shareholders and third parties for their actions if they act with willful misconduct, gross negligence or abuse their powers.
 
Our By-laws do not contain any provisions related to a director’s power to vote on matters in which the director is materially interested.  However, Article 180 of the Peruvian Companies Law requires a director with an interest that conflicts with an interest of ours on a specific matter to disclose such interest to us and abstain from participating in the deliberation and decision of the said matter.  A director that contravenes such requirement is liable for the damages suffered by us and can be removed by the Board of Directors or a shareholders’ meeting upon the request of any shareholder or any member of the Board.
 
Our By-laws also do not contain any provisions with respect to the power of the Directors to vote upon matters relating to their own compensation.  Nevertheless, Article 30 of the By-laws requires that the Board of Directors receive compensation of no more than 4 percent of the profits of each fiscal year after making deductions for workers’ profit sharing, taxes, reinvestment of profits for tax benefits and legal reserves.  This amount will be submitted for ratification by the General Meeting during the annual obligatory meeting, at which time it approves the balance sheet, taxes, reinvestment of profits for tax benefits and legal reserves.
 
Our By-laws contain no provision relating to the directors’ power to borrow from us.  However, Article 179 of the Peruvian Companies Law provides that directors of a company may enter into an agreement with such company only in the event that the agreement relates to operations the company performs in the regular course of business and in an arms-length transaction.  Further, a company may provide a loan to a director or grant securities in his favor only in connection with operations that the company usually performs with third parties.  Agreements, credits, loans or guarantees that do not meet the requirements set forth above require prior approval from at least two thirds of the members of the company’s Board of Directors.  Directors are jointly liable to the company and the company’s creditors for contracts, credit, loans or securities executed or granted without complying with Article 179 of the Peruvian Companies Law.
 
Neither our By-laws nor the Peruvian Companies Law contain age limit requirements for the retirement or non-retirement of directors.
 
Shares and Voting Rights
 
We have two classes of shares, the Common Shares and the Investment Shares.  The Common Shares represent 100 percent of our outstanding share capital.   The Investment Shares have no voting rights and are not, under Peruvian law and accounting rules, characterized as share capital.  The Common Shares and the Investment Shares may be either physical share certificates in registered form or book-entry securities in the CAVALI ICLV S.A. book-entry settlement system, also in registered form.

165161


 
Our share capital may be increased by holders of Common Shares at a shareholder meeting.  Capital reductions may be voluntary or mandatory and must be approved by holders of Common Shares at a shareholder meeting.  Capital reductions are mandatory when accumulated losses exceed 50 percent of capital to the extent such accumulated losses are not offset by accumulated earnings and capital increases within the following fiscal year.  Capital increases and reductions must be communicated to CONASEV, the Lima Stock Exchange and the Superintendencia Nacional de Administración Tributaria (SUNAT) and published in the official gazette El Peruano and in a widely circulated newspaper in the city in which we are located.
 
The Investment Shares do not represent our stock obligations.  Holders of Investment Shares are neither entitled to exercise voting rights nor to participate in shareholder meetings.  However, Investment Shares confer upon the holders thereof the right to participate in the dividends distributed according to their nominal value, in the same manner as Common Shares.
 
Changes in the Rights of Shareholders
 
Our By-laws do not contain special provisions relating to actions necessary to change the rights of holders of the classes of shares.  However, Article 88 of the Peruvian Companies Law establishes that all shares of a same class must have the same rights and obligations, and that in the event that we decide to establish different rights and obligations we must create a different class of shares, which creation will be agreed upon by the General Meeting in accordance with the requirements for modification of the By-laws.  The Common Shares are the only class of shares representing 100 percent of our share capital, and, therefore, each Common Share has the same rights and obligations of each other Common Share.  These requirements are described under “—Shares and Voting Rights” above.
 
The rights of any class of shares may not be reduced except in accordance with the Peruvian Companies Law.

 
166


Shareholders’ Meetings
 
Pursuant to Peruvian law and our By-Laws, the Annual Obligatory Meeting must be held during the three-month period after the end of each fiscal year.  Additional General Meetings may be held during the year.  Because we are a sociedad anónima abierta, we are subject to the special control of CONASEV, as provided in Article 253 of the Peruvian Companies Law.  If we do not hold the Annual Obligatory Meeting during the three-month period after the end of each fiscal year or any other shareholder meeting required by the Peruvian Companies Law or our By-Laws, CONASEV will directly, or at the request of at least one shareholder of the Common Shares, call for such a meeting, which will take place in a reasonable period of time.  Other shareholder meetings are convened by the Board of Directors when deemed convenient for us or when it is requested by the holders of at least five percent of the Common Shares, provided that such Common Shares do not have their voting rights suspended.  If, at the request of holders of five percent of the Common Shares, the shareholder meeting is not convened by the Board of Directors within 15 business days of the receipt of such request, or we expressly refuse to convene the shareholder meeting, CONASEV will call for such meeting.  If CONASEV calls for a shareholders meeting, CONASEV will indicate the place, time and hour of the meeting, the agenda and the person who will preside.  If it is a meeting other than the Annual Obligatory Meeting or a shareholder meeting required by the Peruvian Companies Law or the By-Laws, the agenda will contain those matters requested by the shareholders who requested the meeting.  Resolución CONASEV No. 111-2003-EF-94.10, as amended by Resolución CONASEV No. 016-2004-EF/94.10 and Resolución CONASEV No. 015-2005-EF/94.10, approved provisions related to the right of the minority shareholders to obtain information regarding a sociedad anónima abierta such as us and to request CONASEV to call a shareholders meeting if it is not called by the sociedad anónima abierta upon request, for which purpose Resolución CONASEV No. 007-2006-EF/94.10 shallwill apply.  Notwithstanding the notice requirements as described in the preceding two sentences, any shareholder meeting will be deemed called and legally installed, provided that the shareholders representing all of the voting shares are present, and provided that every present shareholder, whether or not such shareholder has paid the full price of such shareholder’s shares, agrees to hold the shareholder meeting and accepts the business to be discussed therein.  Holders of Investment Shares have no right to request the Board to convene shareholder meetings.
162

 
Since we are a sociedad anónima abierta, notice of shareholders’ meetings must be given by publication of a notice, with the publication occurring at least 25 days prior to any shareholders’ meeting, in El Peruano and in a widely circulated newspaper in the city in which we are located.  The notice requirement may be waived at the shareholder meeting by holders of 100 percent of the outstanding Common Shares.  According to Article 25 of the By-Laws and Article 257 of the Peruvian Companies Law, shareholder meetings called for the purpose of considering a capital increase or decrease, the issuance of obligations, a change in the By-Laws, the sale in a single act of assets with an accounting value that exceeds 50 percent of our capital stock, a merger, division, reorganization, transformation or dissolution, are subject to a first, second and third quorum call, each of the second and third quorum to occur upon the failure of the preceding one.  A quorum for the first call requires the presence of shareholders holding 50 percent of our total voting shares.  For the second call, the presence of shareholders holding at least 25 percent of our total voting shares constitutes a quorum, and for the third call there is no quorum requirement.  These decisions require the approval of the majority of the voting shares represented at the shareholder meeting.  General Meetings convened to consider all other matters are subject to a first and second quorum call, the second quorum call to occur upon the failure of the first quorum.
 
In the case of shareholder meetings called for the purpose of considering the removal of members of the Board of Directors, at least 75 percent and 70 percent of the total number of Common Shares outstanding are required to be represented at the shareholder meeting on the first quorum call and second quorum call respectively.  Provided such quorum is attained, the affirmative vote of no less than two thirds of the total number of Common Shares outstanding is required to effect the removal of members of the Board of Directors.  The special quorum and voting requirements described above cannot be modified at a shareholder meeting called for the purpose of considering the removal of members of the Board of Directors.
 
Under our By-Laws, the following actions are to be taken at the annual obligatory shareholders’ meetings: approval of our balance sheets, profit and loss statements and annual reports; approval of management performance; allocation of profits; election of external auditors; election of the members of the Board of Directors; and any other matters submitted by the Board of Directors.  The following actions are to be taken at the same annual shareholders’ meetings if the quorum and majority requirements are met or at any other shareholders’ meeting: any amendment of the By-Laws; any decision to increase or reduce capital; any decision to issue debt; initiating investigations or requesting auditor’s reports; liquidating, spinning-off, merging, consolidating, dissolving, or changing our business form or structure.

167163

 
In accordance with Article 21 of the By-laws, only those holders of Common Shares whose names are inscribed in the Share Register not less than 10 days in advance of a meeting will be entitled to attend shareholder meetings and to exercise their rights.
 
Limitations on the Rights of Nonresident or Foreign Shareholders
 
There are no limitations in our By-laws or the Peruvian Companies Law on the rights of nonresident or foreign shareholders to own securities or exercise voting rights on our securities.
 
Change in Control
 
There are no provisions in our By-laws that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control.
 
Disclosure of Share Holdings
 
There are no provisions in our By-laws governing the ownership threshold above which share ownership must be disclosed.  However, according to Regulation No. 009-2006-EF.94.10 of the CONASEV, which became effective on May 3, 2006, as amended by Regulation No. 020-2006-EF.94.10 and Regulation No. 05-2009-EF-94.01.1 of CONASEV, when an individual or financial group acquires, in one act or various successive acts, a significant percentage (more than 25 percent) of the voting shares of a company, as well as upon any person or group increasing its ownership above the 50 percent and 60 percent thresholds, a procedure known as Oferta Pública de Adquisición, or Takeover Bid, must be followed.  This has the effect of alerting other shareholders and the market that an individual or financial group has acquired a significant percentage of a company’s voting shares, and gives other shareholders the opportunity to sell their shares at the price offered by the purchaser.  The purchaser is obliged to launch a Takeover Bid unless it is exempt pursuant to Regulation No. 009-2006-EF.94.10 of the CONASEV as amended.  The purchase of ADRs is exempted from the Takeover Bid unless the holders: (i)  exercises the voting rights of the Common Shares underlying the ADSs evidenced by such ADRs, or (ii) requests the delivery of such underlying Common Shares.  In addition, CONASEV and the Lima Stock Exchange must be notified of any transfer of more than 5 percent of our paid-in-capital.
 
Changes in the Capital
 
Our By-laws do not establish special conditions for increases or reductions of capital that are more stringent than is required by the Peruvian Companies Law.  Furthermore, the Peruvian Companies Law forbids sociedades anónimas abiertas, such as us, from including in their by-laws stipulations limiting the transfer of their shares or restraining their trading in other ways.  We cannot recognize a shareholders’ agreement that contemplates limitations, restrictions or preferential rights on the transfer of shares, even if such agreement is recorded in our Share Register (matrícula de acciones) or in CAVALI.
 
Material Contracts
 

168164

 
The Term Loan Agreement governing the Syndicated Term Loan contains certain customary covenants, including covenants that restrict our ability to: incur additional indebtedness; engage in transactions with affiliates; create liens on our assets; make certain investments; sell assets, subject to certain exceptions; acquire other companies or dissolve, liquidate or merge with or into other companies; enter into unrelated businesses; make guarantees; enter into burdensome agreements; and enter into certain hedging transactions other than in the ordinary course of business.  In addition, we are required to meet certain financial tests, including a Debt Ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) of 3.5 to 1.0, and certain operational metrics, including obligations requiring us to maintain the economic value of reserves and the average service life of mining units at specified levels.
 
The Syndicated Term Loan is also subject to certain customary events of default, including defaults related to non-payment, violation of certain covenants, cross-defaults, insolvency, judgments, invalidity of loan documents or security interests, government intervention or termination of certain concession contracts.
In August, September and November 2008, we prepaid US$49.5 million, US$38.5 million and US$60.0 million, respectively, of the outstanding Syndicated Term Loan, in each case without prepayment penalties or charges.  As of December 31, 2008, approximately US$264.0 million remained outstanding under the Syndicated Term Loan.
The Syndicated Term Loan was initially secured by a pledge of our Common Shares held by Condesa.  On January 23, 2009, we and lenders party to the Syndicated Term Loan executed a consent and amendment to release the pledged collateral.
 
In August, September and November 2008, we prepaid US$49.5 million, US$38.5 million and US$60.0 million, respectively, of the outstanding Syndicated Term Loan, in each case without prepayment penalties or charges.  As of December 31, 2009, approximately US$205.3 million remained outstanding under the Syndicated Term Loan.  On March 1, 2010, we repaid the full amount outstanding under the Syndicated Term Loan together with a prepayment fee of US$0.6 million.
Exchange Controls
 
Since August August��1990, there have been no exchange controls in Peru and all foreign exchange transactions are based on free market exchange rates.  Prior to August 1990, the Peruvian foreign exchange market consisted of several alternative exchange rates.  Additionally, during the 1990s, the Peruvian currency has experienced a significant number of large devaluations, and Peru has consequently adopted, and operated under, various exchange rate control practices and exchange rate determination policies, ranging from strict control over exchange rates to market determination of rates.  Current Peruvian regulations on foreign investment allow the foreign holders of equity shares of Peruvian companies to receive and repatriate 100 percent of the cash dividends distributed by such companies.  Such investors are allowed to purchase foreign exchange at free market currency rates through any member of the Peruvian banking system and transfer such foreign currency outside Peru without restriction.
 
Taxation
 

169165

 
As used herein, “Peruvian holder” means an owner of ADSs or Common Shares that is (i) an individual domiciled in Peru, (ii) a business entity created under the laws of Peru, or (iii) a Peruvian branch, agency or permanent establishment of a non-Peruvian individual or entity. “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of ADSs or Common Shares that is (i) a United States citizen or resident, (ii) a domestic corporation or partnership, (iii) a trust subject to the control of a U.S. fiduciary and the primary supervision of a U.S. court or (iv) estate the income of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its source.
 
Peruvian Tax Considerations
 
Cash Dividends and Other Distributions
 
Cash dividends paid with respect to the Common Shares and amounts distributed with respect to ADSs are currently subject to Peruvian withholding income tax, at a rate of 4.1 percent of the dividend paid, when the dividend is paid to shareholders that are: (i) individuals, whether domiciled or non-domiciled in Peru or (ii) non-domiciled companies or entities.  Distributions of additional Common Shares representing profits, distribution of shares which are not distribution of earnings or profits, as well as distribution of preemptive rights with respect to Common Shares that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all shareholders generally will not be subject to Peruvian income or withholding taxes.
 
Capital Gains
 
Pursuant to Article 19, paragraph l, item 1, of the Peruvian Income Tax Law, as amended by Legislative Decree 945 effective since January 1, 2004, and by Legislative Decree 970 effective since January 1, 2007, and by Legislative Decree 972, as amended by Law 29308, effective since January 1, 2009, capital gains resulting from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares are exempted from Peruvian income tax if (i) in the case of individuals, the transaction is effected on or before December 31, 2009; and (ii) in the case of shareholders other than individuals, the transaction is effected on a Peruvian stock exchange (floor session) on or before December 31, 2009. Therefore, capital gains resulting from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares are exempted from Peruvian income tax if the seller is an individual and the transaction is effected on or before December 31, 2009 or, if the seller is not an individual, the transaction is effected on a Peruvian stock exchange (floor session) on or before December 31, 2009.  There is no assurance that this exemption will be extended beyond December 31, 2009.  
An entity organized in Peru will be subject to Peruvian tax on capital gains from any sale on or before December 31, 2009 not effected on a Peruvian stock exchange.  The amount of any taxable capital gain will be the excess of the sale price of the Common Shares over the price of Common Shares when acquired by the holder.

170


Sales effected after December 31, 2009
Legislative Decree 972, published on March 10, 2007, as amended by Law 29308, published on December 31, 2008 and effective since January 1, 2009, amended the Peruvian Income Tax Law.  According to the amendments, capital gains resulting from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares effective after December 31, 2009 shall be subject to Peruvian income tax, either if the transferor is an individual or a legal entity, domiciled or not domiciled in Peru, if the sale is effected on a Peruvian stock exchange or not, or if the sale is effected in Peru or outside Peru.  Article 2 of the Peruvian Income Tax Law, as amended by Legislative Decree 945 defines: (i) capital gains as any revenue coming from the sale of capital assets; and (ii) capital assets as those assets whose purpose is not to be traded in the regular course of business of the owner of the assets.  Article 2 of the Peruvian Income Tax Law also provides that the sale of shares and similar securities is an operation which produces capital gains.
 
An entityPursuant to the Peruvian Income Tax Law, regardless of whether or not the transferor is domiciled in Peru, will be subject to Peruvian tax on capital gains from any sale effected after December 31, 2009, whether effected on a Peruvian stock exchange or not, at the regular 30 percent corporate income tax rate.  The amount of any taxable capital gain willshall be the excess of the sale price of the Common Sharescapital assets over the price of Common Shares when acquired by the holder.taxable cost.
 
An entity not domiciled in Peru will be subjectEffective up to Peruvian tax on capital gains from any sale effected after December 31, 2009, either effected on a Peruvian stock exchange or not, at a reduced 5 percent income tax rate, if the sale is effected in Peru.  When the sale is effected outside Peru, the regular 30 percent income tax rate is applicable on capital gain.  The amount of any capital gain will be the excess of the sale price of the Common Shares over the price of Common Shares when acquired by the holder.
An individual holder will be subject to 30 percent income tax rate on capital gains from the sale or other disposition of Common Shares after December 31, 2009, if such individual (i) in the case of an individual domiciled in Peru, “habitually transacts in shares or other securities” or (ii) in the case of an individual not domiciled in Peru, “habitually transacts in shares issued by Peruvian companies.”  For this purpose, an individual “habitually transacts in shares or other securities” if such person makes at least ten purchases and at least ten sales of shares or other securities during the taxable year, being “habitual” upon the eleventh sale. The amount of any capital gain will be the excess of the sale price of the Common Shares over the price of Common Shares when acquired by the holder.
If the individual holder is domiciled in Peru, any capital gain resulting from the first ten sales of shares or other securities issued by Peruvian companies effected during the taxable year, after December 31, 2009, shall be subject to the reduced effective 5 percent income tax rate (6.25 percent nominal income tax rate on the net capital gain, that is 80 percent of the gross capital gain) and any taxable capital gain resulting from the eleventh sale and from further sales during the taxable year, shall be subject to the corporate 30 percent income tax rate, being meaningless if the sale is effected in Peru or outside Peru.
If the individual holder is not domiciled in Peru, any capital gain resulting from the first ten sales of shares or other securities issued by Peruvian companies effected during the taxable year, after December 31, 2009, shall be subject to the reduced effective 5 percent income tax rate if the sale is effected in Peru.  Any capital gain resulting from the first ten sales of shares issued by Peruvian company during the taxable year if effected outside Peru shall be subject to the corporate 30 percent income tax rate.

171

The transferor is required to calculate the capital gain resulting from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares, registeredissued by legal entities incorporated in Peru, were exempted from Peruvian income tax if (i) in the Public Registrycase of non-habitual individuals (i.e., individuals who do not frequently trade securities), the Stock Markettransaction was effected on or before December 31, 2009; and traded(ii) in the case of shareholders other than individuals, the transaction was effected on a Peruvian stock exchange.  For shares acquiredexchange (floor session) on or before January 1, 2009, the acquisition price shall be established by the Reference Table based on the Peruvian stock exchange prices that will be published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.December 31, 2009.
 
IfEffective January 1, 2010, capital gains resulting from the transferor is an individual either domiciledsale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares issued by legal entities incorporated in Peru or domiciled outside Peru or ifare subject to Peruvian income tax.  If the transferor is a legal entity not domiciled in Peru, the gross capital gain will be subject to a 5% Peruvian income tax if the transaction is effected on a Peruvian stock exchange (floor session) and to a 30% Peruvian income tax if the transaction is effected elsewhere.  If the transferor is an individual not domiciled in Peru, the gross capital gain, in excess of a non taxable income of approximately US$6,300 per fiscal year, will be subject to a 5% Peruvian income tax if the transaction is effected on a Peruvian stock exchange (floor session) and to a 30% income tax if the transaction is effected elsewhere.
166

If the transferor is a legal entity domiciled in Peru, the capital gain will be treated as any other taxable income subject to the regular 30% annual income tax rate.  If the transferor is an individual domiciled in Peru, net capital gains in excess of a non taxable income of approximately US$6,300 per fiscal year will be subject to a 6.25% annual income tax rate whether the transaction is effected on a Peruvian stock exchange or not and independent of how many transactions are effected by such individual.  In this case, the 6.25% income tax rate will be applicable on the annual net capital gain, which is calculated by deducting from the annual gross capital gain the following (in the order listed): (i) the non taxable income of approximately the first US$6,300; (ii) 20 percent of the annual gross capital gain; and (iii) annual losses resulting from the sale or other disposition of shares during the same fiscal year.
If the transferor, either an individual or a legal entity, whether or not it is domiciled in Peru, acquired the ADSs or Common Shares that were exempt before January 1, 2010, as per a special provision of the Income Tax Law, the taxable cost will be the higher of either (i) the acquisition cost; (ii) the face or nominal value of the shares; or (iii) the stock market value at closing on December 31, 2009.
If the transferor, whether domiciled or not in Peru, acquires the ADSs or Common Shares on or after January 1, 2010, the taxable cost will be: (i) in the case of shares that were purchased by the transferor, the acquisition price paid for the shares; (ii) in the case of shares received by the transferor as a result of a capital stock increase because of a capitalization of net profits, the face or nominal value of such shares; and, (iii) in the case of other shares received free of any payment, the stock market value of such shares if listed on a Peruvian stock exchange or, if not, the face or nominal value of such shares. The taxable cost will be established in accordance with these same rules if the ADSs or Common Shares were acquired before January 1, 2010 and, as of December 31, 2009, the acquired shares were exempt, whether the transferor is an individual or a legal entity and regardless of whether or not it is domiciled in Peru. When the transferor has acquired or received the shares through any of the acquisition alternatives previously mentioned or through other opportunities, the taxable cost will be established by its weighted average cost.
If the transferor is not domiciled in Peru, the Peruvian income tax on capital gains will be paid within the first twelve working days of the month following the receipt of the sale price by the non-domiciled transferor if (i) the sale is effected on a Peruvian stock exchange, in which case the 5% Peruvian income tax rate is applicable; or (ii) if the sale is effected elsewhere, but the purchaser is not domiciled in Peru, in which case the 30% Peruvian income tax rate is applicable.  If the purchaser is domiciled in Peru and the sale is not peformed on a Peruvian stock exchange, the purchaser will act as withholding agent and will withhold the 30% Peruvian income tax rate from the purchase price and pay it directly to the Tax Authority.
If the transferor is domiciled in Peru, such transferor takes sole responsibility for its Peruvian income tax on capital gains resulting from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares, shall be withheld by the purchaser from the purchase price and paid directly to the Tax Authority.  It is expected that new provisions will be enacted to ensure the tax withholding responsibility when the transaction is effectiveregardless of whether such securities are listed on a Peruvian stock exchange.  However there is no assurance that the expected new provisions will not affect the saleexchange or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares traded on the Peruvian stock exchange.  If the transferor is a legal entity domiciled in Peru there is no withholding tax responsibility.elsewhere.
 
Other Considerations
 
No Peruvian estate or gift taxes are imposed on the gratuitous transfer of ADSs or Common Shares.  No stamp, transfer or similar tax applies to any transfer of Common Shares, except for commissions payable by seller and buyer to the Lima Stock Exchange (0.15 percent of value sold), fees payable to CONASEV (0.05 percent of value sold), brokers’ fees (about 0.05 percent to 1 percent of value sold) and added taxes (at the rate of 19 percent) on commissions and fees.  Any investor who sells its Common Shares on the Lima Stock Exchange will incur these fees and taxes upon purchase and sale of the Common Shares.
 
167

United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
 
Assuming the obligations contemplated by the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement are being performed in accordance with its terms, holders of ADSs (or ADRs evidencing ADSs) generally will be treated for United States federal income tax purposes as the owners of the Common Shares represented by those ADSs.
 
Cash Dividends and Other Distributions
 
Cash dividends paid with respect to Common Shares or Common Shares represented by ADSs generally are includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary income.  Dividends generally are treated as foreign source income.  Dividends paid to a U.S. Holder that is a corporation are not eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporations.  Under current law, a maximum 15 percent U.S. tax rate is imposed on the dividend income of an individual U.S. holder with respect to dividends paid by a domestic corporation or “qualified foreign corporation” if certain holding period requirements are met.  A qualified foreign corporation generally includes a foreign corporation if (i) its shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S. or (ii) it is eligible for benefits under a comprehensive U.S. income tax treaty.  Clause (i) will apply with respect to ADSs if such ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S.  The ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.  As a result, we believe that we should be treated as a qualified foreign corporation and, therefore, dividends paid to an individual U.S. holder with respect to ADSs for which the minimum holding period requirement is met should be taxed at a maximum rate of 15 percent.  The maximum 15 percent tax rate is effective with respect to dividends included in income during the period beginning on or after January 1, 2003, and ending December 31, 2010.  Dividends paid in Nuevos Soles are includible in a United States dollar amount based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt (which, in the case of ADSs, will be the date of receipt by the Depositary) whether or not the payment is converted into U.S. Dollars at that time.  Any gain or loss recognized upon a subsequent sale or conversion of the Nuevos Soles for a different amount of U.S. Dollars will be United States source ordinary income or loss.  Distributions to U.S. Holders of additional Common Shares or preemptive rights with respect to Common Shares that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax but in other circumstances may constitute a taxable dividend.

172

 
A U.S. Holder will be entitled to a foreign tax credit for Peruvian taxes imposed by withholding or otherwise, subject to generally applicable limitations and restrictions.  In the case of U.S. individuals for whom the reduced rate of tax on dividends applies, such limitations and restrictions will appropriately take into account the rate differential under rules similar to section 904(b)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex and U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their application to the particular circumstances of such holder.
 
A non-U.S. Holder generally is not subject to United States Federal income or withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to Common Shares or Common Shares represented by ADSs, unless such income is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business within the United States.
168

 
Capital Gains
 
U.S. Holders will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares (or preemptive rights with respect to such shares) held by the U.S. Holder or by the Depositary.  U.S. Holders will not recognize gain or loss on deposits or withdrawals of Common Shares in exchange for ADSs or on the exercise of preemptive rights.  Any gain recognized by a U.S. Holder generally will be treated as United States source income.  Consequently, in the case of a disposition of Common Shares or ADSs in a transaction subject to Peruvian tax, the U.S. Holder may not be able to claim the foreign tax credit for any Peruvian tax imposed on the gain unless it has sufficient foreign source income from other sources against which it can apply the credit.  Generally, gain or loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period for such Common Shares or ADSs exceeds one year.  Long-term capital gain for an individual U.S. Holder is generally subject to a reduced rate of tax.  With respect to sales occurring on or after May 6, 2003, but before January 1, 2011, the long-term capital gain tax rate for an individual U.S. Holder is 15 percent.  For sales occurring before May 6, 2003, or after December 31, 2010, under current law the long-term capital gain rate for an individual U.S. Holder is 20 percent.
 
A non-U.S. Holder of ADSs or Common Shares will not be subject to United States income or withholding tax on gain from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States or (ii) the non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for at least 183 days during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met.
 
Passive Foreign Investment Company
 

173

 
If we were a PFIC in any year during which a U.S. Holder owned ADSs or Common Shares, we would not be treated as a “qualified foreign corporation” for purposes of qualifying dividends paid to a U.S. Holder for the preferential 15 percent maximum U.S. tax rate noted above and the U.S. Holder would be subject to additional taxes on any excess distributions received from us and any gain realized from the sale or other disposition of ADSs or Common Shares (regardless of whether we continued to be a PFIC).  A U.S. Holder has an excess distribution to the extent that distributions on ADSs or Common Shares during a taxable year exceed 125 percent of the average amount received during the three preceding taxable years (or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs or Common Shares).  To compute the tax on an excess distribution or any gain, (i) the excess distribution or the gain is allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs or Common Shares, (ii) the amount allocated to the current taxable year is taxed as ordinary income and (iii) the amount allocated to other taxable years is taxed at the highest applicable marginal rate in effect for each year and an interest charge is imposed to recover the deemed benefit from the deferred payment of the tax attributable to each year.
 
If we were a PFIC, U.S. holders of interests in a holder of ADSs or Common Shares may be treated as indirect holders of their proportionate share of the ADSs or Common Shares and may be taxed on their proportionate share of any excess distribution or gain attributable to the ADSs or Common Shares.  An indirect holder also must treat an appropriate portion of its gain on the sale or disposition of its interest in the actual holder as gain on the sale of the ADSs or Common Shares.
 
169

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
 
Dividends in respect of the ADSs or Common Shares and the proceeds from the sale, exchange, or redemption of the ADSs or Common Shares may be reported to the United States Internal Revenue Service and a backup withholding tax may apply to such amounts unless the holder (i) is a domestic corporation (which may be required to establish its exemption by carrying its status on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9), (ii) in the case of a U.S. Holder other than a corporation, provides an accurate taxpayer identification number in the manner required by applicable law, (iii) in the case of a non-U.S. Holder, provides a properly executed U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN; or other successor Form, or (iv) otherwise establishes a basis for exemption.  The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder generally will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s United States Federal income tax liability.
 
Dividends and Paying Agents
 
Not applicable.
 
Statement by Experts
 
Not applicable.

 
174


Documents on Display
 
 
Subsidiary Information
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 11.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
The following discussion contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are out of our control.  Our primary market risks are related to fluctuations in the prices of gold, silver, zinc and lead.  To a lesser extent, we are subject to market risk related to fluctuations in US$/Nuevo Sol exchange rates and to market risk related to interest rate fluctuation on our cash balances.
 
170


Commodity Contracts
 
Gold, silver, lead and copper hedging and sensitivity to market price
 
Our revenues and expenses are to a great extent influenced by world market prices for gold, copper, silver, zinc and lead that fluctuate widely and over which we have no control.  Until 1998, we pursued a limited economic hedging and options strategy, locking in metals prices on a medium-term basis when we considered market prices attractive.  However, in 1998 we adopted a new hedging strategy, in order to focus on long-term position-taking on the price of precious metals.
 
In October 2004 our Board of Directors issued a mandate not to enter into new hedging transactions.  To avoid future fluctuations in the consolidated results of operations, sinceBetween 2003 and 2008, we have been modifyingmodified the terms of certain gold derivative instruments in order to qualify them as normal sales contracts.  In March 2006, we closed out all of our outstanding gold derivative contracts that were maintained as of December 31, 2005 and replaced them with sales contracts that require physical delivery of gold (normal sales) at fixed or maximum prices.  On January 15, 2007, we modified the schedule of commitments of gold with two of our clients.  As a consequence of this modification, we transferred 208,000 and 108,000 gold ounces that had been committed for 2007 and 2008, respectively, and committed them for sale in 2012 instead, without any cash disbursement.  In March and May 2007, we negotiated with several counterparties to eliminate the fixed or maximum price component on determined commitments for a total of 971,000 gold ounces scheduled for delivery from 2008 to 2012, which required us to make aggregate payments of US$315.69 million.  Additionally, from January to February 2008, we negotiated with several counterparties to eliminateeliminated the fixed or maximum price component on all of our outstanding gold commitments, representing a total of 922,000 gold ounces, whichcommitments.  These modifications required us to make aggregate payments of US$517.15 million.832.84 million during 2007 and 2008.  As a result of these transactions, we are fully exposednow completely unhedged as to the effects of changes in prevailing market prices ofprice at which our gold and silver and copper.will be sold.  See “Item 3.  Key Information—Risk Factors—Factors Relating to the Company—Prices of Gold, Silver and Copper.Copper” and “—Hedging.
 

 
175


At El Brocal, we implemented a base metal hedging policy for a maximum of 25 percent of El Brocal’s total payable metal contained per year, for up to three years.  As of March 31, 20092010 all transactions entered have been forward pricing operations through non-delivery (Asian) swaps.swaps and average price options through non-delivery zero cost (Asian) option collars.  Outstanding hedging commitments for 20092010 to 2011 amount to 1013 percent of payable metal and are as follows: (i) 5,2008,775 metric tons of copper at an average pricerange of US$8,1475,667 to US$7,378 per metric ton, (ii) 14,3006,800 metric tons of lead at an average price of US$2,3022,454 per metric ton and (iii) 12,0003,900 metric tons of zinc at an average price of US$2,6372,520 per metric ton.
 
Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have informed us that they have generally not engaged in, and are currently not engaged in, gold or copper price hedging activities, such as forward sales or option contracts, to minimize their exposure to fluctuations in the prices of gold or copper.
 
Normal Sales
 
We had no normal sales contracts with fixed or capped prices outstanding at April 30, 2009.May 31, 2010.
 
Foreign currency risk
 
We buy and sell our products and obtain capital facilities and investment in U.S. Dollars.  The assets and liabilities in different currencies from the U.S. dollar (Nuevos Soles) are not significant.  We estimate that the future exchange rate fluctuations of Peruvian currency versus the U.S. dollar will not significantly affect the results of our future operations.
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
We reduce our exposure to the risks due to variations in interest rates by engaging in financial obligations and capital leasing with fixed interest rates.  See Note 3029 to the Financial Statements.  Consequently, we do not use derivative instruments to manage this risk and we do not expect to incur significant losses based on interest risks.
Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:For:
US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agree­ment terminates
US$.02 (or less) per ADSAny cash distribution to ADS registered holders
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSsDistribution of securities distributed to holders of  deposited securities which are distributed by the depositary to ADS registered holders
US$.02 (or less) per ADSs per calendar yearDepositary services
Registration or transfer feesTransfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the Depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares
Expenses of the DepositaryCable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when  expressly provided in the deposit agreement)
Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
Taxes and other governmental charges the Depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxesAs necessary
Any charges incurred by the Depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securitiesAs necessary

 
176

ITEM 15.          Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.2009.  In making its assessment, management has utilized the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.  Our management concluded that based on its assessment, our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008. Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting.2009.
 
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.

We have audited Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2009, based on based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).  Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s report.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

177


A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

174


In our opinion, Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20082009 of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and subsidiaries and our report dated May 21, 2009,31, 2010, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/S/ MEDINA, ZALDIVAR, PAREDES & ASOCIADOS

Countersigned by:

/S/ MARCO ANTONIO ZALDIVAR
/S/ MARCO ANTONIO ZALDÍVAR

Marco Antonio Zaldivar
C.P.C.C.C.P.A. Register No. 12477

Lima, Peru
May 21, 200931, 2010
 
Changes in internal controls.Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during 20082009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 16A.ITEM 16A.       Audit Committee Financial Expert
 
The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Luis Coleridge Alcántara is the Audit Committee financial expert as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F.  The Board of Directors has also determined that Mr. Coleridge and each of the other members of the Audit Committee are “independent directors” as defined in Section 303A.02 of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual.

178

 
ITEM 16B.ITEM 16B.       Code of Ethics
 
We have adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller, or persons performing similar functions, as well as all other employees.  Our code of business conduct and ethics is posted on, and within five days following the date of any amendment or waiver we intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers from our code of business conduct and ethics on, our website which is located at http://www.buenaventura.com.www.buenaventura.com.  The information on our website is not a part of, nor incorporated into, this document.
ITEM 16C.
175

ITEM 16C.       Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 Year ended December 31,  Year ended December 31, 
 2007  2008  2008  2009 
Audit Fees US$580,759  US$656,695  US$656,695  US$775,013 
Audit-Related Fees      
Tax Fees US$131,092  US$154,264  US$154,264  US$205,545 
Total US$711,851  US$810,959  US$810,959  US$980,558 

 
179

ITEM 16D.       Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
 
ITEM 16D.Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit CommitteesNot applicable.
 
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E.ITEM 16E.        Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008,2009, neither we nor any person acting on our behalf made any purchase of our Common Shares.
 
ITEM 16F.ITEM 16F.        Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
 
ITEM 16G.
176

ITEM 16G.       Corporate Governance
ITEM 17.ITEM 17.          Financial Statements
 Not applicable.

180

 
ITEM 18.ITEM 18.          Financial Statements
 
 Please refer to Item 19.

 
181177

 
 
ITEM 19.ITEM 19.          Exhibits
 
 Page
(a) Index to Financial Statements and Schedules 
  
COMPAÑIA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-4F-3
Consolidated financial statements 
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009F-6F-4
Consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009F-7F-5
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
F-8
F-6
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
F-9
F-7
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-11
F-9
  
MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L. 
  
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-92
F-75
Consolidated financial statements 
Consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
F-93
F-76
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009
F-94
F-77
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
F-95
F-78
Consolidated statements of changes in partners’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
F-96
F-79
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-97
F-80
  
SOCIEDAD MINERA CERRO VERDE S.A.A. 
  
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-124F-102
Financial statements 
Balance sheets as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009
F-126
F-103
Statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009F-104
Statements of changes in Sharesholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009
F-125
F-105
Statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009F-106
 
F-128
Statements of changes in Partners’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008
F-127
Notes to the financial statementsF-108
 
F-130
(b) Index to Exhibits
 
(b) Index to Exhibits

1.1By-Laws (Estatutos) of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., as amended April 30, 2002 (incorporated by reference from Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on June 25, 2003).
  
1.2By-Laws (Estatutos) of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L., as amended October 18, 1999 (incorporated by reference from Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on June 25, 2003).

 
182178

 
 
4.1
Shareholders Agreement among SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, Summit Global Management B.V., CompañCompañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., Cyprus Climax Metals Company, Phelps Dodge Corporation and Sociedad Minera Cerno Verde S.A.A. dated June 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference from CompañCompañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed on June 6, 2006).
  
4.2
Term Loan Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2008, among CompañCompañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., as borrower, CompañCompañía de Minera Condesa S.A., as guarantor, Banco de Credito del Peru, as administrative agent, Banco de Credito del Peru, as collateral agent, and each lender party thereto (incorporated by reference from CompañCompañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on July 15, 2008).
  
4.3
Consent and Amendment, dated as of January 23, 2009 by and among CompañCompañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., as borrower, CompañCompañía de Minera Condesa S.A., as guarantor, Banco de Credito del Peru, as administrative agent, Banco de Credito del Peru, as collateral agent, and each lender party thereto. †thereto (incorporated by reference from Compañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on June 5, 2009).
  
11Code of Conduct and Ethics (incorporated by reference from Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on June 25, 2003).
  
12.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
  
12.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
  
13.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
  
13.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
 

† Filed herewith.

183179


SIGNATURE
 
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
 
COMPAÑÍA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A.
  
By:/S/ CARLOS E. GÁLVEZ PINILLOS
 Carlos E. Gálvez Pinillos
 Chief Financial Officer
Dated:  June 5, 200911, 2010

 
184180

 

Index to the Financial Statements
 
  Page
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and subsidiaries  
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-3
Consolidated financial statements  
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009 F-5F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 F-6F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 F-7F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007,  2008 and 20082009 F-8F-7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-10F-9
   
Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.  
   
Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-90F-75
Consolidated Financial Statements  
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 F-91F-76
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009 F-92F-77
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 F-93F-78
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007,  2008 and 20082009 F-94F-79
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-95F-80
   
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A  
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-121F-102
Financial statements
  
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20072008 and 20082009 F-122F-103
Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 F-123F-104
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 F-124F-105
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009 F-125F-106
Notes to the Financial Statements F-127F-108

 
F-1

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-3
  
Consolidated Financial Statements 
  
Consolidated Balance SheetsSheetF-5F-4
  
Consolidated StatementsStatement of IncomeF-6F-5
  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’Shareholders' EquityF-7F-6
  
Consolidated StatementsStatement of Cash FlowsF-8F-7
  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsF-10F-9

 
F-2

 
 
ERNST & YOUNGMedina, Zaldivar, Paredes
 & Asociados Sociedad Civil
 
ReportReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetssheet of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (a Peruvian corporation) and subsidiaries (together the "Company"“Company”) as of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008.2009, 2008 and 2007, as well was a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We have not audited the financial statements as of December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006 and for the three years then ended2007 of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L (an affiliateassociate in which the Company has a 43.65% interest through its subsidiary, Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.) and the financial statements as of December 31, 2006 and for the year then ended of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (an affiliate in which the Company has a 19.05% interest).  Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports were furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. and Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (for the year 2006), is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.  In the accompanyingconsolidated financial statements of the Company, the investment in Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. amounts to US$746.1 and US$528.3 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, (US$577.5 million as of December 31, 2007)respectively and the share in the net income of this entity amounts to US$208.33 million for the  2008 (US$98.3 million for the year 2007317.7, US$208.3 and US$232.4 million for  2006).  The investment in Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. amounts to US$231.698.3 million as of December 31, 20062009, 2008 and the share in the net income amounts to US$82.3 million for the year then ended.2007, respectively.



F-3

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (continued)
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.´s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008,2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 30, 2009May 31, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Lima, Peru,
May 21, 200931, 2010

Countersigned by:
 
/s/ MARCO ANTONIO ZALDÍ
/S/ MARCO ANTONIO ZALDÍVAR
Marco Antonio Zaldívar
C.C.P.A. Register No. 12477

F-3

Marco Antonio Zaldívar
C.P.C Register No. 12477
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008

  
Note
  
2009
  
2008
 
     US$(000)  US$(000) 
Assets         
Current assets         
Cash, banks and time deposits 4   714,454   554,752 
Trade accounts receivable, net 5   122,950   65,666 
Other accounts receivable, net     14,346   23,248 
Accounts receivable from associates 32   21,866   13,111 
Embedded derivatives for concentrates sales 28   4,838   - 
Current portion of derivative financial instruments 28   -   52,873 
Inventory, net 6   44,987   43,489 
Current portion of prepaid taxes and expenses 7   14,368   35,573 
Total current assets     937,809   788,712 
Other long-term accounts receivable     1,457   1,370 
Prepaid taxes and expenses 7   10,787   5,622 
Derivative financial instruments 28   -   21,464 
Investment in shares 8   1,126,167   882,947 
Mining concessions and property, plant and           
equipment, net 9   351,784   257,795 
Development costs, net 10   91,633   99,937 
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing asset 25   261,877   242,148 
Other assets     5,045   1,929 
Total assets     2,786,559   2,301,924 

  
Note
  
2009
  
2008
 
     US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity, net
         
Current liabilities         
Trade accounts payable 12   58,233   36,589 
Income tax payable     20,528   4,561 
Current portion of other liabilities 13   87,125   64,817 
Embedded derivatives for concentrates sales 28   292   9,953 
Derivative financial instruments liability 28   1,468   - 
Current portion of long-term debt 14   79,452   98,190 
Total current liabilities     247,098   214,110 
Other long-term liabilities 13   102,053   88,981 
Long-term debt 14   150,555   229,105 
Derivative financial instruments liability 28   5,375   - 
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing liability 25   18,158   32,981 
Total liabilities     523,239   565,177 
Shareholders’ equity, net
 15         
Capital stock, net of treasury shares for US$62,622,000 in 2009 and 2008     750,540   750,540 
Investment shares, net of treasury shares for US$142,000 in 2009 and 2008     2,019   2,019 
Additional paid-in capital     225,978   225,978 
Legal reserve     112,363   53,007 
Other reserves     269   269 
Retained earnings     1,011,077   517,583 
Cumulative translation loss     (34,075)  (34,075)
Unrealised gain (loss) on valuation of hedge derivative           
financial instruments, net     (4,591)  16,162 
Cumulative unrealised gain on other investments     675   118 
      2,064,255   1,531,601 
Minority interest     199,065   205,146 
Total shareholders’ equity, net
     2,263,320   1,736,747 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity, net
     2,786,559   2,301,924 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet.
 
F-4

 

Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.S.A.A and Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated Balance SheetsStatement of Income
As ofFor the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
 Note  2008  2007 
     US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Assets         
          
Current assets         
          
Cash, banks and time deposits  4   554,752   381,612 
             
Current portion of derivative financial instruments  28   52,873   2,929 
             
Trade accounts receivable, net  5   65,666   107,540 
             
Other accounts receivable, net      23,040   7,760 
             
Accounts receivable from affiliates  32   13,111   14,420 
             
Inventory, net  6   43,472   35,149 
             
Current portion of prepaid taxes and expenses  7   35,573   16,032 
           
Total current assets      788,487   565,442 
             
Other long-term accounts receivable      1,370   1,451 
             
Prepaid taxes and expenses  7   5,622   5,338 
             
Derivative financial instruments  28   21,464   5,035 
             
Investment in shares  8   882,947   932,420 
             
Mining concessions and property, plant and equipment, net
  9   247,298   244,992 
             
Development costs, net  10   110,014   84,187 
             
Deferred income tax and workers´profit sharing asset, net  25   209,167   141,118 
             
Other assets      1,929   1,486 
             
Total assets      2,268,298   1,981,469 
  
Note
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
     US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Operating income            
Net sales 17   819,357   766,603   747,021 
Royalty income 32   62,150   48,760   34,014 
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts     -   -   5,393 
Total income     881,507   815,363   786,428 
Operating costs               
Cost of sales, without considering depreciation and amortization 18   280,342   251,804   182,007 
Depreciation and amortization     73,536   62,993   49,550 
Exploration in units in operation 19   68,649   57,003   37,828 
Total operating costs     422,527   371,800   269,385 
Gross income     458,980   443,563   517,043 
Operating expenses               
General and administrative expenses 20   88,760   34,907   59,205 
Royalties 22   39,646   35,694   33,978 
Exploration in non-operating areas 21   30,005   55,231   46,407 
Selling     10,047   15,386   10,818 
Provision for impairment of long-term assets 11   3,325   18,610   - 
Total operating expenses     171,783   159,828   150,408 
Operating income before unusual item     287,197   283,735   366,635 
Net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts     17(a)   -   (415,135)  (185,922)
Operating income (loss) after unusual item     287,197   (131,400)  180,713 
Other income (expenses), net
               
Share in associated companies, net      8(b)   451,306   340,929   249,555 
Interest incomes 23   6,117   17,851   11,772 
Gain (loss) on currency exchange difference     1,457   (12,198)  5,190 
Gain on change in the fair value of gold certificates     -   -   5,126 
Interest expenses 23   (15,090)  (33,934)  (8,614)
Other, net 24   2,553   (9,290)  (8,686)
Total other income, net
     446,343   303,358   254,343 
Income before workers´ profit sharing, income tax and minority interest
     733,540   171,958   435,056 
Provision for workers´ profit sharing, net      25(b)   (12,592)  4,725   (19,931)
Provision for income tax, net      25(b)   (64,340)  26,645   (43,975)
Net income     656,608   203,328   371,150 
Net income attributable to minority interest     63,047   50,045   96,389 
Net income attributable to Buenaventura     593,561   153,283   274,761 
Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Buenaventura, stated in U.S. dollars
 26   2.33   0.60   1.08 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding considering stock split effect 26   254,442,328   254,442,328   254,442,328 
 
  Note  2008  2007 
     US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity, net         
          
Current liabilities         
          
Trade accounts payable  12   35,944   24,662 
Income tax payable      4,561   15,349 
Current portion of other current liabilities  13   64,817   96,823 
Embedded derivatives for concentrates sales  28   9,953   5,984 
Current portion of long-term debt  14   98,190   20,869 
           
Total current liabilities      213,465   163,687 
             
Other long-term liabilities  13   96,736   72,308 
Long-term debt  14   229,105   63,250 
Executory gold delivery contracts liability  17   -   102,008 
           
Total liabilities      539,306   401,253 
           
Shareholders’ equity, net  15         
Capital stock, net of treasury shares for US$62,622,000  in 2008 and US$14,463,000 in 2007      750,540   173,930 
Investment shares, net of treasury shares for US$142,000  in 2008 and US$37,000  in 2007      2,019   473 
Additional paid-in capital      225,978   177,713 
Legal reserve      53,007   37,679 
Other reserves      269   269 
Retained earnings      517,583   1,056,937 
Cumulative translation loss      (34,075)  (34,075)
Unrealized gain on valuation of derivative financial instruments, net      16,162   1,518 
Cumulative unrealized gain on investments held at fair value      118   158 
       1,531,601   1,414,602 
Minority interest      197,391   165,614 
           
Total shareholders’ equity, net      1,728,992   1,580,216 
             
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity, net      2,268,298   1,981,469 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet.
 
F-5

 

Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A and Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated StatementsStatement of IncomeChanges in Shareholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007

    
Capital stock, net of
treasury shares
                            
  
Number of
shares
outstanding
 
Common
shares
 
Investment
shares
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Legal
reserve
 
Other
reserves
 
Retained
earnings
  
Cumulative
translation
loss
  
Unrealised
gain (loss) on
valuation of
hedge
derivative
financial
instruments,
net
  
Cumulative
unrealised
gain on
other
investments
  
Total
  
Minority
interest
  Total Equity
 
    US$(000) US$(000) US$(000) US$(000) US$(000) US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)
                                 
Balance as of January 1, 2007  126,879,832  173,930  473  177,713  37,679  269  852,148   (34,075)  -   932   1,209,069   91,437   1,300,506 
Dividends declared and paid, note 15(d)  -  -  -  -  -  -  (69,972)  -   -   -   (69,972)  (26,199)  (96,171)
Net change in unrealised gain on available-for-sale financial assets  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   798   798   -   798 
Realization of accumulated gain on financial instruments available for sale  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   (1,633)  (1,633)  -   (1,633)
Net change in unrealised gain on hedge derivative financial instruments held by El Brocal, note 28  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   1,518   -   1,518   3,611   5,129 
Net change in unrealised gain on other investments  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   61   61   -   61 
Capitalization of debt to minority shareholder of Minasnioc  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   -   -   140   140 
Other  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   -   -   236   236 
Net income  -  -  -  -  -  -  274,761   -   -   -   274,761   96,389   371,150 
Balance as of December 31, 2007  126,879,832  173,930  473  177,713  37,679  269  1,056,937   (34,075)  1,518   158   1,414,602   165,614   1,580,216 
Dividends declared and paid, note 15(d)  -  -  -  -  -  -  (50,888)  -   -   -   (50,888)  (37,275)  (88,163)
Capitalization of retained earnings, note 15(e)  -  576,610  1,546  48,265  -  -  (626,421)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Shares issued as a result of stock split, note 15(f)  126,879,832  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Net change in unrealised gain on hedge derivative financial instruments held by El Brocal, note 28  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   14,644   -   14,644   28,100   42,744 
Net change in unrealised loss on other investments  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   (40)  (40)  -   (40)
Decrease of minority interest in El Brocal  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   -   -   (9,093)  (9,093)
Capitalization of debt to minority shareholder of La Zanja, note 15(g)  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   -   -   7,755   7,755 
Net income  -  -  -  -  -  -  153,283   -   -   -   153,283   50,045   203,328 
Transfer to legal reserve, note 15(c)  -  -  -  -  15,328  -  (15,328)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Balance as of December 31, 2008  253,759,664  750,540  2,019  225,978  53,007  269  517,583   (34,075)  16,162   118   1,531,601   205,146   1,736,747 
Dividends declared and paid, note 15(d)  -  -  -  -  -  -  (40,711)  -   -   -   (40,711)  (27,756)  (68,467)
Net change in unrealised gain on hedge derivative financial instruments held by El Brocal, note 28  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   (20,753)  -   (20,753)  (31,527)  (52,280)
Net change in unrealised gain on other investments  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   557   557   -   557 
Decrease of minority interest in El Brocal  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   -   -   (28,565)  (28,565)
Capitalization of debt to minority shareholder of La Zanja, note 15(g)  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   -   -   -   -   18,720   18,720 
Net income  -  -  -  -  -  -  593,561   -   -   -   593,561   63,047   656,608 
Transfer to legal reserve, note 15(c)  -  -  -  -  59,356  -  (59,356)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Balance as of December 31, 2009  253,759,664  750,540  2,019  225,978  112,363  269  1,011,077   (34,075)  (4,591)  675   2,064,255   199,065   2,263,320 
  Note  2008  2007  2006 
     US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
             
Operating income            
Net sales  17   766,603   747,021   548,072 
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts      -   5,393   50,325 
Royalty income  32   48,760   34,014   48,475 
              
Total income      815,363   786,428   646,872 
              
Operating costs                
Cost of sales, without considering depreciation and amortization  18   251,804   182,007   149,309 
Exploration in units in operation  19   57,003   37,828   38,264 
Depreciation and amortization      62,993   49,550   38,844 
              
Total operating costs      371,800   269,385   226,417 
              
Gross income      443,563   517,043   420,455 
              
Operating expenses                
General and administrative expenses  20   34,907   59,205   36,639 
Exploration in non-operating areas  21   55,231   46,407   36,190 
Royalties  22   35,694   33,978   24,420 
Provision for impairment of long-term assets  11   18,610   -   - 
Selling      15,386   10,818   5,928 
              
Total operating expenses      159,828   150,408   103,177 
              
Operating income before unusual item      283,735   366,635   317,278 
Net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts  17   (415,135)  (185,922)  - 
              
Operating income (loss) after unusual item      (131,400)  180,713   317,278 
              
Other income (expenses), net                
Share in affiliated companies, net  8(b)   340,929   249,555   313,168 
Interest income  23   17,851   11,772   7,949 
Gain (loss) on currency exchange difference      (12,198)  5,190   (308)
Gain (loss) on change in the fair value of gold certificates      -   5,126   (4,861)
Loss from change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments  28   -   -   (13,268)
Interest expense  23   (33,934)  (8,614)  (5,948)
Other, net  24   (9,290)  (8,686)  (19,502)
              
Total other income, net      303,358   254,343   277,230 
              
Income before workers´ profit sharing, income tax and minority interest      171,958   435,056   594,508 
                 
Provision for workers´profit sharing, net  25   4,725   (19,931)  (14,271)
Provision for income tax, net  25   26,645   (43,975)  (64,033)
              
Net income      203,328   371,150   516,204 
              
Net income attributable to minority interest      50,045   96,389   88,147 
                 
Net income attributable to Buenaventura      153,283   274,761   428,057 
              
Basic and diluted earning per share attributable to Buenaventura, stated in U.S. dollars  26   0.60   1.08   1.68 
              
Weighted average number of shares outstanding considering stock split effect  26   254,442,328   254,442,328   254,442,328 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of thesethe consolidated financial statements.balance sheet.

 
F-6

 

Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A and Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated StatementsStatement of Changes in Shareholders’ EquityCash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007

  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Operating activities         
Proceeds from sales  738,501   781,116   722,887 
Dividends received  213,845   413,602   159,037 
Royalties received  52,474   50,550   30,713 
Value Added Tax (IGV) recovered  32,387   -   13,235 
Interest received  6,698   18,461   10,841 
Payments to suppliers and third parties  (247,686)  (270,206)  (202,161)
Payments to employees  (94,906)  (111,110)  (78,852)
Payments for exploration activities  (92,479)  (105,367)  (75,084)
Payments of royalties  (39,416)  (41,401)  (33,033)
Income tax paid  (37,105)  (41,360)  (91,353)
Payments of interest  (10,876)  (26,622)  (5,841)
Settlement of gold certificates  -   -   135,189 
Acquisition of gold certificates  -   -   (66,853)
Release of commitments in commercial contracts  -   (517,143)  (315,726)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by  operating activities  521,437   150,520   202,999 
Investment activities            
Decrease (increase) in time deposits  22,725   56,023   (15,815)
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment  410   754   916 
Additions to mining concessions and property, plant and equipment  (152,177)  (71,252)  (61,649)
Disbursements for development activities  (10,969)  (31,873)  (31,681)
Payments for purchase of investment shares  (37,936)  (29,541)  (1,563)
Settlement in escrow account  -   177,811   - 
Increase in escrow account  -   (177,811)  - 
Settlement (acquisition) of available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   55,715 
Other investment activities  4,692   (481)  - 
Net cash and cash equivalents used in investment activities  (173,255)  (76,370)  (54,077)
Financing activities            
Payments of long-term debt  (97,288)  (206,824)  (1,487)
Dividends paid  (40,711)  (50,888)  (69,972)
Dividends paid to minority shareholders  (27,756)  (37,275)  (26,199)
Proceeds from bank loans  -   510,000   55,237 
Proceeds from long-term debt  -   450,000   85,000 
Payments of bank loans  -   (510,000)  (65,237)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities  (165,755)  155,013   (22,658)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year, net  182,427   229,163   126,264 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  532,027   302,864   176,600 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year, note 4  714,454   532,027   302,864 

F-7

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (continued)
  
Capital stock, net of treasury
shares
                                  
  
Number of
shares
outstanding
  
Common
shares
  
Investment
shares
  
Additional
paid-in
capital
  Legal reserve  
Other
reserves
  
Retained
earnings
  
Cumulative
translation
loss
  
Unrealized gain
on valuation of
derivative
financial
instruments,
net
  
Cumulative
unrealized gain
on investments
held at fair 
value
  Total  
Minority
interest
  Total Equity 
     US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                                        
Balance as of January 1, 2006  126,879,832   173,930   473   177,713   37,679   269   483,484   (34,075)  -   70   839,543   23,416   862,959 
                                                     
Dividends declared and paid, note 15(d)  -   -   -   -   -   -   (59,767)  -   -   -   (59,767)  (19,111)  (78,878)
Capitalization of debt to minority shareholder of Minera La Zanja S.R.L.  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   6,213   6,213 
Acquisition of minority interest in Inversiones Mineras del Sur S.A. and Minas Poracota S.A.  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (7,240)  (7,240)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   834   834   -   834 
Unrealized gain on investment shares held at fair value  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   28   28   -   28 
Other  -   -   -   -   -   -   374   -   -   -   374   12   386 
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   428,057   -   -   -   428,057   88,147   516,204 
Balance as of December 31, 2006  126,879,832   173,930   473   177,713   37,679   269   852,148   (34,075)  -   932   1,209,069   91,437   1,300,506 
Dividends declared and paid, note 15(d)  -   -   -   -   -   -   (69,972)  -   -   -   (69,972)  (26,199)  (96,171)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale financial assets  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   798   798   -   798 
Realization of accumulated gain on financial instruments available for sale  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (1,633)  (1,633)  -   (1,633)
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments held by El Brocal  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,518   -   1,518   3,611   5,129 
Unrealized gain on investment shares held at fair value  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   61   61   -   61 
Capitalization of debt to minority shareholder of Minasnioc  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   140   140 
Other  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   236   236 
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   274,761   -   -   -   274,761   96,389   371,150 
Balance as of December 31, 2007  126,879,832   173,930   473   177,713   37,679   269   1,056,937   (34,075)  1,518   158   1,414,602   165,614   1,580,216 
Dividends declared and paid, note 15(d)  -   -   -   -   -   -   (50,888)  -   -   -   (50,888)  (37,275)  (88,163)
Capitalization of retained earnings, note 15(e)  -   576,610   1,546   48,265   -   -   (626,421)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Shares issued as a result of stock split, note 15(f)  126,879,832   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Unrealized gain on derivate financial instruments held by El Brocal  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   14,644   -   14,644   28,100   42,744 
Unrealized loss from investment shares held at fair value  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (40)  (40)  -   (40)
Decrease of minority interest in El Brocal  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (9,093)  (9,093)
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   153,283   -   -   -   153,283   50,045   203,328 
Transfer to legal reserve, note 15 (c)  -   -   -   -   15,328   -   (15,328)  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Balance as of December 31, 2008  253,759,664   750,540   2,019   225,978   53,007   269   517,583   (34,075)  16,162   118   1,531,601   197,391   1,728,992 
  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Reconciliation of net income to cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities         
Net income  593,561   153,283   274,761 
Add (less)            
Share in associated companies, net of dividends received in cash  (237,461)  72,673   (90,518)
Minority interest  63,047   50,045   96,389 
Depreciation and amortization  73,536   62,993   49,550 
Income from release of commitments in commercial contracts  -   (102,008)  (129,804)
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing benefit  (5,653)  (91,565)  (32,506)
Provision (reversal) for long-term officers´ compensation  29,073   (7,678)  28,666 
Accretion expense of the provision for closure of mining units  4,839   6,265   2,456 
Provision for impairment of assets  3,325   18,610   - 
Loss (gain) on currency exchange difference  (1,457)  12,198   (5,190)
Provision for estimated fair value of embedded derivatives  (14,499)  3,969   5,984 
Allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable  18,594   5,372   - 
Net cost of plant and equipment retired and sold  462   2,534   923 
Provision (reversal) for slow moving and obsolescence supplies  414   684   (1,820)
Provision for closure of mining units  455   13,066   3,682 
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts  -   -   (5,393)
Other  (706)  7,326   4,193 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities accounts            
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -            
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss  (Gold certificates)  -   -   63,210 
Trade accounts receivable  (57,284)  41,874   (30,118)
Other accounts receivable  (16,193)  (4,328)  (3,206)
Accounts receivable from associates  (9,676)  1,790   (3,301)
Derivative financial instruments  -   (14,644)  - 
Inventory  (1,498)  (8,323)  (4,528)
Prepaid taxes and expenses  16,040   (19,824)  9,736 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -            
Trade accounts payable  21,644   11,282   (3,877)
Income tax payable  15,967   (10,788)  (31,780)
Other liabilities  24,907   (54,286)  5,490 
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities  521,437   150,520   202,999 
Transactions that did not affect cash flows:            
Increase in the book value of long-term assets  6,203   14,220   935 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of thesethe consolidated financial statements.balance sheet.
 


Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A and Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Operating activities         
Proceeds from sales  781,116   722,887   497,875 
Dividends received  413,602   159,037   209,520 
Royalties received  50,550   30,713   55,821 
Interest received  18,461   10,841   7,496 
Settlement of gold certificates  -   135,189   - 
Value Added Tax (IGV) recovered  -   13,235   16,322 
Acquisition of gold certificates  -   (66,853)  (68,071)
Release of commitments in commercial contracts  (517,143)  (315,726)  - 
Payments to suppliers and third parties  (270,206)  (202,161)  (160,365)
Payments to employees  (111,110)  (78,852)  (49,316)
Payments for exploration activities  (105,367)  (75,084)  (71,982)
Payments of royalties  (41,401)  (33,033)  (22,742)
Income tax paid  (41,360)  (91,353)  (53,296)
Payments of interest  (26,622)  (5,841)  (2,413)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities  150,520   202,999   358,849 
             
Investment activities            
Deposit in escrow account, note 4 (d)  177,811   -   - 
Decrease in escrow account, note 4 (d)  (177,811)  -   - 
Decrease (increase) in time deposits  56,023   (15,815)  (62,933)
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment  754   916   32 
Payments for derivative financial instruments settled, net  -   -   (2,050)
Settlement (acquisition) of available-for-sale financial assets  -   55,715   (40,292)
Additions to mining concessions and property, plant and equipment  (61,175)  (61,649)  (50,127)
Disbursements for development activities  (41,950)  (31,681)  (24,112)
Payments for purchase of investment shares  (29,541)  (1,563)  (22,829)
Change in accounts receivable from affiliates  (481)  -   - 
Net cash and cash equivalents used in investment activities  (76,370)  (54,077)  (202,311)
Financing activities            
Proceeds from bank loans  510,000   55,237   2,355 
Proceeds from long-term debt  450,000   85,000   - 
Payments of bank loans  (510,000)  (65,237)  - 
Payments of long-term debt  (206,824)  (1,487)  (266)
Dividends paid  (50,888)  (69,972)  (59,767)
Dividends paid to minority shareholders  (37,275)  (26,199)  (19,111)
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities  155,013   (22,658)  (76,789)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year, net  229,163   126,264   79,749 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  302,864   176,600   96,851 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year, note 4  532,027   302,864   176,600 

F-8


Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows ( continued)

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Reconciliation of net income to cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities         
Net income  153,283   274,761   428,057 
Add (less)            
Share in affiliated companies, net of dividends received in cash  72,673   (90,518)  (103,648)
Minority interest  50,045   96,389   88,147 
Depreciation and amortization  62,993   49,550   38,844 
Income from release of commitments in commercial contracts  (102,008)  (129,804)  - 
Deferred income tax and employee profit sharing benefit  (91,565)  (32,506)  (21,651)
Provision (reversal) for long-term officers´ compensation  (7,678)  28,666   3,634 
Accretion expense of the provision for closure of mining units  6,265   2,456   3,535 
Provision for impairment of assets  18,610   -   - 
Loss (gain) on currency exchange difference  12,198   (5,190)  308 
Provision for estimated fair value of embedded derivatives  3,969   5,984   - 
Allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable  5,372   -   - 
Net cost of plant and equipment retired and sold  2,534   923   998 
Provision (reversal) for slow moving and obsolescence supplies  684   (1,820)  (1,507)
Provision for closure of mining units  13,066   3,682   9,357 
             
Loss from change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments  -   -   13,268 
Loss from change in the fair value of gold certificates  -   -   4,861 
Revenue associated with performance on executory gold delivery contracts  -   (5,393)  (50,325)
Other  7,326   4,193   571 
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities accounts            
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -            
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss  (Gold Certificates)  -   63,210   (68,071)
Trade accounts receivable  41,874   (30,118)  (50,197)
Other accounts receivable  (4,328)  (3,206)  1,033 
Accounts receivable from affiliates  1,790   (3,301)  7,545 
Derivative financial instruments  (14,644)  -   - 
Inventory  (8,323)  (4,528)  348 
Prepaid taxes and expenses  (19,824)  9,736   (2,251)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -            
Trade accounts payable  11,282   (3,877)  13,066 
Income tax payable  (10,788)  (31,780)  23,614 
Other liabilities  (54,286)  5,490   19,313 
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities  150,520   202,999   358,849 
Transactions that did not affect cash flows:            
Increase in the book value of long-term assets  14,220   935   19,022 
Transfer of derivative financial instruments to executory gold delivery contracts liability  -   -   77,425 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9


Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007
 
1.Identification and Business Activity
(a)Identification -
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (hereinafter “Buenaventura” or “the Company”) is a publicly traded corporation formedincorporated in 1953.  Buenaventura’s stock is traded on the Lima and New York Stock Exchanges through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which represent the Company’sCompany shares deposited in the Bank of New York.  Buenaventura’s legal domicile is at Av. Carlos Villaran 790, Santa Catalina, Lima, Peru.

(b)Business Activity -
Buenaventura (individually and in conjunctionassociation with partnersthird parties) is engaged in the exploration, extraction, concentration, smelting and commercialization of polymetallic ores and metals.

Buenaventura directly operates seven mining units located in Peru:  Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Julcani, Recuperada, Antapite and Ishihuinca.  In addition, the Company has a controlling interest in Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A. (hereinafter “El Brocal”), which operates the Colquijirca mining unit, and in Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C. (hereinafter “Cedimin”), which operates the Shila and Paula mining units.  Also, the Company holds interests in a number of other mining companies including Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. ( hereinafter(hereinafter “Yanacocha”) and Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. ( hereinafter(hereinafter “Cerro Verde”).  The Company also owns an electric power distribution company, an electric power generation company and a mining engineering services company.  See note 1(d).

(c)Approval of consolidated financial statements - -
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been approved by Management and the Audit Committee on May 19, 2009.14, 2010.  The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20072008 were approved by Management and the Audit Committee on July 11, 2008.May 19, 2009.

 
F-10


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(d)The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the following subsidiaries:

  
Ownership Percentage as of
 
  
December 31, 2009
  
December 31, 2008
 
  Direct  Indirect  Direct  Indirect 
  %  %  %  % 
             
Investment and mining concessions held, exploration and exploitation of minerals            
             
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C. - CEDIMIN  44.83   55.17   44.83   55.17 
Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.  100.00   -   100.00   - 
Compañía Minera Colquirrumi S.A.  90.00   -   90.00   - 
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A. (*)  (f)  4.25   39.17   4.17   29.59 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. (**) (e)  81.30   -   61.42   - 
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca  20.00   40.00   20.00   40.00 
Minera La Zanja S.R.L.  53.06   -   53.06   - 
F-9


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
  Ownership Percentage as of 
  December 31, 2008  December 31, 2007 
  Direct  Indirect  Direct  Indirect 
  %  %  %  % 
             
Investment and mining concessions held, exploration and exploitation of minerals            
             
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C. - CEDIMIN  44.83   55.17   44.83   55.17 
Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.  100.00   -   100.00   - 
Compañía Minera Colquirrumi S.A.  90.00   -   90.00   - 
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A. (*)  4.17   29.59   2.76   29.59 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. (**)  61.42   -   61.42   - 
Minas Conga S.R.L. (f)  -   60.00   -   60.00 
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca  20.00   40.00   20.00   40.00 
Minera La Zanja S.R.L.  53.06   -   53.06   - 
Minera Minasnioc S.A.C. (e)  -   -   60.00   - 
                 
Electric power activity                
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.  100.00   -   100.00   - 
                 
Services rendered                
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.  100.00   -   100.00   - 
Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A.  -   100.00   -   100.00 
  
Ownership Percentage as of
 
  
December 31, 2009
  
December 31, 2008
 
  Direct  Indirect  Direct  Indirect 
  %  %  %  % 
             
Electric power activity            
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.  100.00   -   100.00   - 
Empresa de Generación Huanza S.A.  100.00   -   100.00   - 
                 
Services rendered                
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.  100.00   -   100.00   - 
Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A.  -   100.00   -   100.00 

(*)The equity share in capital stock (common shares with voting rights) wasis 46.02 and 35.78 and 34.29 percent as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively.

(**)Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. has a 51.06 percent interest in Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A..S.A.A.

 (e)On October 31, 2008, Buenaventura transferred allPurchase of its shares in Minera Minasnioc S.A.C. to Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C..Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. common shares-

On February 19, 2009, the Company agreed with Teck Cominco Metals Ltd. to purchase 19.80 percent of the Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. (hereinafter “Colquijirca”) common shares.  A price of US$35,000,000 was agreed upon for the shares which, as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet, had been fully paid in.  Colquijirca holds an investment of 51.06 percent of the Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A. common shares.
Buenaventura Management has computed the difference between the acquisition cost of US$35,000,000 for the additional interest in Colquijirca and the minority interest of US$28,565,000 acquired, having recorded the difference of US$6,435,000 in the caption Mining concessions and property, plant and equipment, net.
 (f)The liquidationProject for the expansion of Minas Conga S.R.L. was approved on December 30, 2008.El Brocal operations - -

On August 15, 2008, the Board of Directors of El Brocal approved a project to expand its operations in order to reach a treatment level of 18,000 MT per day of ore from its Tajo Norte and Marcapunta mines.  The project involves setting up the open pit, expanding the level of operations, modernizing the Huaraucaca concentrator plant and adapting those services required to support the new production capacity.  This project will allow El Brocal to process ore with a lower grade of lead – zinc from La Llave zone and copper from Marcapunta Norte.
As of December 2008 and 2007, El Brocal had executed the following works related to the project to expand operations the cost of which, based on the project economic feasibility study carried out by Management, has been capitalized:
  2009  2008 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Mine development costs:      
Expansion of Norte – Marcapunta Norte cut  15,801   15,036 
         
Mining concessions and property, plant and equipment, net:        
Expansion of refining plant capacity to 18,000 MTD  47,605   3,635 
Optimization of crushing plant and conveyor belt  2,741   760 
Feasibility study  2,082   1,429 
Expansion of power grid  1,510   66 
Construction of Huachuacaja tailings area  1,389   635 
Other minor activities  2,030   50 
   57,357   6,575 
         
   73,158   21,611 
 
F-11F-10

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

2.1.2.Significant accounting principles and practicespolicies
In the preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements, Management has followed International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted and effective in Peru as of December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, which differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  A description of these differences and their effects on net income and shareholders’ equity is set forth in Notes 33 and 34.  The consolidated financial statements deriveare derived from the statutory consolidated financial statement presentation and include certain additional disclosures in order to conform more closely to the form and content of financial statements required by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America (the “SEC”).

The principal accounting principles and practices used in accounting for the transactions and in preparing the consolidated financial statements are:

(a)2.1Basis of preparation and accounting changes - -
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Peru, which comprises International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) duly approved by the Peruvian Accounting Standards Board (Consejo Normativo de Contabilidad).  The IFRS incorporate the International Accounting Standards (IAS) and the respective pronouncements issued by the Standards Interpretations Committees (SIC) and the International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee ( IFRIC).  
The accounting principles and practices adopted by the Company are consistent with those used for the years 20072008 and 2006,2007, except for the adoption of the following IFRICstandards starting January 1, 2008:2009:

IFRIC 1 “Changes
-IAS 32 “Financial Instruments – Presentation” (revised 2006) – The objective of this standard is to provide principles for presenting financial instruments as liabilities and equity and for offsetting financial assets and liabilities.
-IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments – Disclosures”- The objective of this IFRS is to provide disclosures in the financial statements that enable users to evaluate the significance of financial instruments for the entity’s financial position and performance, to understand the nature and extent of the risks arising from financial instruments to which the entity is exposed and how the entity manages those risks.
-IFRS 8 “Operating Segments” - This IFRS replaces IAS 14, “Segment Reporting.”
-IFRIC 13 “Customer Loyalty Programs” - This interpretation requires that the benefits from customer loyalty programs be accounted for as a separate component of the sale transaction as and when granted.
-IFRIC 14  IAS 19 “The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction” – This standard provides guidance on employee defined benefit plans pursuant to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits.”
The Company has adopted these standards in Existing Decommissioning, Restoration and Similar Liabilities”
IFRIC 1 contains guidance on accounting for changes in decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities2009.  However, the only ones that have previously been recognized both as part of the cost ofhad an item of property, plant and equipment under IAS 16 and as a liability under IAS 37.  It further establishes that changes in the measurement of existing decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities derive from changes in the timing or amount of the estimated outflows of resources embodying economic benefits required to satisfy the obligation, or a change in the discount rate.  During the years 2008 and 2007 there were no changes in the measurement of the liabilities for closure of mines, for which reason the application of IFRIC 1 had no effect on the Company’spreparing its financial position.

IFRIC 8 “Scope ofstatements are IAS 32 “Financial Instruments – Presentation “(revised in 2006) and IFRS 2”
IFRIC 8 clarifies the applicable scope of IFRS 2, which deals with transactions in which an entity or an entity’s shareholders have transferred equity instruments or other assets for amounts that are based on the price (or value) of the entity’s shares.
Neither Buenaventura nor its subsidiaries have carried out this type of transaction, thus the application of IFRIC 8 had no effect on the Company’s financial position.

F-12


Notes7 Financial Instruments – Disclosures”, without making it necessary to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

IFRIC 9  "Reassessment of embedded derivatives"
IFRIC 9 requires the Company, when it first becomes a party to a hybrid contract, to assess whether any embedded derivatives contained in the contract are required to be separated from the host contract and accounted for as if they were stand-alone derivatives.  Subsequent reassessment is prohibited unless there is a change in the terms of the contract that significantly modifies the cash flows that otherwise would be required under the contract, in which case reassessment is required.  There were no significant effects on the adoption of this IFRIC during 2008.

IFRIC 10 “Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment of value”
IFRIC 10 provides guidance on certain conflicts between IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, the impairment of asset value under IAS 36 and financial instruments held for sale under IAS 39.  This interpretation establishes that an entity shall not reverse an impairment loss recognized in a previous interim period in respect of goodwill or an investment in either an equity instrument or a financial asset carried at cost.

Because neither Buenaventura nor its subsidiaries have reversed any impairment loss recognized in previous quarterly periods, the application of IFRIC 10 had no effect on the Company’s financial position.

IFRIC 11 " Group and Treasury Share Transactions "
IFRIC 11 provides guidance on applying IFRS 2 in three circumstances:
(a) share-based payment involving an entity's own equity instruments, (b) a parent grants rights to its equity instruments to employees of its subsidiary and (c) a subsidiary grants rights to equity instruments of its parent to its employees.

Because neither Buenaventura nor its subsidiaries carry out this type of transaction, the application of IFRIC 11 had no effect on the Company’s financial position.

To the date ofamend the consolidated financial statements for previous years.  See note 2.2, paragraphs (b) to (d), and notes 4, 5(c), 29 and 30 to the Peruvian Accounting Standards Board (CNC) has mandatedconsolidated financial statements.
Regarding the foregoing, as of the date of these financial statements, the CNC had authorized the application of IFRS 1 to 6,8, IAS 1 to 41, and Standards Interpretations Committee (SIC) pronouncements 7SIC 1 to 32 as well as International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretationsand IFRIC 1 to 12.14.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in terms of historical cost except for derivative financial instruments and the liabilities for executive compensation, which have been measured at fair value.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, the Company’s functional and presentation currency.  AllUnited States dollars; all figures have been rounded to thousands, unlessexcept when otherwise indicated.  See (f)note 2.2 (a).

(b)Use of estimates and assumptions - -


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements following generally accepted accounting principles in Peru requires Management to make certain estimates and assumptions in order to determine the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006.  Actual2007.  In Management’s opinion, these estimates have been made based on its best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances to the date of preparing the financial statements.  However, the final results couldmay differ from those estimates.the estimates included in the financial statements.  The Company’s Management does not expect that the changes, if any, would have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 
F-13


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The most significant estimates with regard to the accompanying consolidated financial statements refer to:  (i) the fair value of embedded derivatives, see (t), (ii) the useful life and recoverable value of mining rights and property, plant and equipment, , see (j), (iii) the determination of mineral reserves, see (m), (iv) an assessment of the recoverability of the deferred income tax and workers´ profit-sharingworkers’ profit sharing assets, see (v), (v) share-based payments, see (p),stock appreciation rights, (vi) the provision for impairment of long-term assets, see (n), (vii) the provision for closure of mining units, exploration projects and environmental liabilities,  see (q), (viii) the fair value of derivative financial instruments see (w) and (ix) the provision for contingencies, see (r).contingencies.  The criteria for making these estimates are described below.  Any subsequent difference between such estimates and the actual disbursements will be posted to results in the year in which it occurs.

2.2(c)PrinciplesSummary of consolidationsignificant accounting principles and practices -
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Buenaventura and the accounts of those subsidiaries in which it owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50 percent equity participation and/or exercises control.  All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.  The minority interest is presented separately in the consolidated balance sheets and in the consolidated statements of income.

See note 1(d) for a list of the companies included in the consolidated financial statements.

(d)Business combinations -
Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase accounting method.  This involves recognizing identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value on the date of the acquisition.  The excess of the cost of the business combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business acquired is recorded as mining rights.  See (k).

In the case of merger with entities under common control, the Company uses the pooling of interests method.  According to this method, the financial statements of the acquiring entity and the entity acquired are treated as if they were consolidated financial statements.  The comparative financial statements are amended to show the effects of the merger.

F-14


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(e)Investments in associates -
Investments in entities in which the Company’s ownership is greater than 20 percent or exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.  Under this method, the investment in the associate is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at cost plus cost acquisition changes in the Company’s share of net assets of the associate.  The amount paid in excess of the fair value of the share of net assets of the associate represents mining rights and is included in the carrying amount of the investment and is amortized using the units-of-production method based on proven and probable reserves.  The consolidated statements of income reflect the Company’s share of the results of operations of the associates.  Gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Company and the associates are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate.

The reporting dates of the associates and the Company are identical and the associates´ accounting policies are consistent with those used by the Company for like transactions and events in similar circumstances.  The functional and presentation currency of the affiliates Yanacocha and Cerro Verde is the U.S. dollar.

After the application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an additional impairment loss of the Company’s investment in associates.  The Company determines at each balance sheet date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in associate is impaired.  If this is the case, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as being the difference between the fair value of the associate and the acquisition cost and recognizes the amount in the consolidated statement of income.

(f)(a)Foreign currency translation -
Change of functional
Functional currency and presentationreporting currency -
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company’s functional and presentation currency is the US dollar (the Nuevo Sol until December 31, 2005).  In recent years, Company Management observed the evolution of the currency in which its income is generated and its payments are made, and noted certain conditions that made it necessary to change its functional currency from Nuevos Soles to U.S. dollars.  The main indicators that Management took into account to conclude about the change in functional currency were as follows: (i) the growing significance of the dividends received in U.S. dollars from affiliates in the financial position, of operations and cash flows of the Company; (ii) the gradual increase in costs denominated in U.S. dollars; (iii) the Company’s decision to pay dividends in U.S. dollars and (iv) the continuous cash increase in U.S. dollars with respect to the Company’s cash balance.

The Company will continue usinghas defined the United States dollar as its financial statements in Nuevos Soles for tax purposes.functional and reporting currency.

 
F-15


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Transactions and balances in foreign currency -
Transactions in foreign currency (any currency different tofrom the functional currency) are initially recorded at the functional currency rate in force at the date of the transaction.  The exchange rates issued by the Superintendencia de Banca y Seguros y AFP (SBS) are used in translating foreign currency.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency rate of exchange ruling at the consolidated balance sheet date.  Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as of the dates of the initial transactions.  Exchange differences resulting from the settlement of the transactions in foreign currencies and from the translation of the monetary assets and liabilities at the exchange rates at year-end are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.

(g)(b)Cash, banks and time depositsFinancial assets -
The cash
Initial recognition and banks caption presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet includes all cash on hand and deposited in banks, including time deposits whose maturities are three months or more.measurement

The cash and cash equivalents caption presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows includes cash on hand, time deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

(h)Investments and other financial instruments - -
Financial assets within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as either financial assets at fair value through profit andor loss, loans and receivables, and available for saleheld-to-maturity investments, available-for-sale financial assets, or as appropriate.derivatives designated as hedging instruments.  When financial assets are recognized initially, they are measured at fair value.  The Company determines the classification of its financial assets afterat initial recognition and, where allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this designation at each financial year end.

F-12

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time frame established by regulation or convention in the marketplace (conventional transactions) are recognized on the date of the transaction, that is to say, on the date on which the Company commits to sell the asset.
The Company’s financial assets include cash, banks and time deposits, trade accounts receivable, other accounts receivable, accounts receivable from associates and derivative financial instruments.
Subsequent measurement -
The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification, as detailed below:
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss -
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss includes financial assets held for trading and financial assets designated upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.  Derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments.  Assets within this category are classified as current assets if they are held for trading or it is expected to realizerealise them within the next twelve months counted as from the balance sheet date.  Gain or losses on investments held for trading are recognized in profit and loss.  As of December 31, 2009 or 2008, the Company did not hold financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Any embedded derivatives contained in commercial contracts are recorded as a separated derivative and posted at their fair value if the directly associated economic features and risks are not related to the commercial contract and the contract has not been classified as a negotiable financial asset or at fair value with a charge to results.  Any gains or losses from changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives are posted in the consolidated income statement.
Loans and receivables -
LoansThe Company has the following accounts:  cash, banks and receivablestime deposits, trade accounts receivable, other accounts receivable, accounts receivable from associates and derivative financial instruments in this category; they are stated at the transaction value, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts when applicable.
All such instruments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market.  After initial measurement loans and receivables are subsequently carried at amortizedamortised cost using the effective interest method less any allowanceprovision for impairment.

IfThe Company assesses whether as of the date of its consolidated financial statements, there is objective evidence of an impairment in the value of financial assets (such as the debtor’s probability of insolvency, or significant financial difficulties),difficulties, failure to pay principal or interest or any observable evidence indicating that the estimated future flows associated with the loans or accounts receivable have decreased.  The amount of the impairment is measured as the difference between the book value of the assets and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at an original effective interest rate or one applicable for similar transactions.rate.  The carrying amount of the receivable is reduced by means of an allowance account.  The amount of the loss must be recognized in the consolidated statement of income.  Impaired accounts receivable or loans are written off when they are considered uncollectible.
If the amount of the loss should decrease in a subsequent period, the amount ofCompany reverses it with a credit entry to the impairment loss decreases, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.consolidated income statement.

 
F-16F-13

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(i)The Company has transferred substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset or;
(ii)Not having transferred or retained substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset, it has transferred its control.
(c)Offsetting of financial instruments -

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Derivative instruments designated as cash-flow hedging instruments are classified in accordance with the classification of the underlying element hedged.  The derivative instrument is separated into a current and a non-current portion only if a reliable allocation can be made.
(d)Cash, banks and time deposits -
The cash and banks caption presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet includes all cash on hand and deposited in banks, including time deposits whose maturities are three months or more.
The cash and cash equivalents caption presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows includes cash on hand, time deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
(e)Principles of consolidation -
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Buenaventura and the accounts of those subsidiaries in which Buenaventura exercises control.  All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.  See note 1(d) for a list of the companies included in the consolidated financial statements.
The financial statements for subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting principles and policies.
The shareholders’ equity attributable to the minority interest is shown in the consolidated balance sheet.  Earnings attributable to the minority interest are shown separately in the consolidated statement of income.
Sales of minority interests result in gains or losses, which are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.  Purchases of minority interests generate an equity entry, resulting from the difference between the amount paid and the book value of the subsidiary’s net assets.  See (f).
(f)Business combinations -
Business combinations, in which the Company exercised control, are accounted for using entity concept method.  This method requires that the excess of the cost of the business combination over the acquirer’s identifiable assets and liabilities assumed in the business acquired is recorded as an equity transaction.

In the case of mergers with entities over which it exercises control, the Company uses the pooling of interests method.  According to this method, the financial statements of the acquiring entity and the entity acquired are treated as if they were consolidated financial statements.  The comparative financial statements are amended to show the effects of the merger.
(g)Investments in associates -

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
After the application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an additional impairment loss of the Company’s investment in associates.  The Company determines at each balance sheet date whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in associate is impaired.  If this is the case, the Company calculates the amount of impairment as being the difference between the fair value of the associate and the carrying amount and recognizes the amount in the consolidated statement of income.
(h)Interests in joint ventures –
Jointly controlled assets
A jointly controlled asset offers joint ownership, by the Company and other companies, of assets contributed or acquired for the corporate purpose of a joint venture, without giving rise to the establishment of a company, corporation or other entity.
When a company’s activities are conducted through jointly controlled assets, the Company recognizes its share of the jointly controlled assets, and liabilities that have been incurred, as well as its share of liabilities incurred jointly with other companies, related revenue and operating costs in the consolidated financial statements and a percentage of its production.
(i)Inventories -
Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is defined as the estimated sales price obtainable in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.  Cost is determined using the average method.

The accrual for obsolescence is based on an item-by-item analysis completed by the Company’s managementManagement and related amounts are charged to expense in the period in which the obsolescence is deemed to have occurred.

(j)Property, plant and equipment -
The mining“Mining rights and property, plant and equipment, netnet” caption is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment in value.  The initial cost of an asset comprises its purchase price or construction cost, including customs duties and non-reimbursable taxes, as well as any expense necessary to put such asset into operation, the initial estimates of any rehabilitation obligation and, in the case of qualifying assets, the cost of debt and any expense directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation.  Such cost includes the cost of replacing part of the plant and equipment when that cost is incurred, if the recognition criteria are met.  In addition, when each major inspection is performed, its cost is recognized in the carrying amount of the asset as a replacement if the recognition criteria are satisfied.  Other repair and maintenance costs are recognized as expenses as incurred.

Depreciation - -
Depreciation is calculated under the straight-line method of accounting considering the lower of estimated useful lives of the asset or estimated reserves of the mining unit.  The useful lives are the following:

 
F-17F-16

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 Years
  
Buildings, construction and otherBetween 6 and 20
Machinery and equipmentBetween 5 and 10
Transportation units5
Furniture and fixturesBetween 8 and 10
Computer equipment4

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognizedderecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal.  Any gain or loss arising from derecognizing an asset (calculated as the difference between the proceeds from the sale and the book value of the asset) is included in the consolidated statement of income in the year the asset is derecognized.derecognised.

The asset’s residual value, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each financial year end.

Major maintenance and repairs -
Expenses on major maintenance refits or repairs comprise the cost of replacement assets or parts of assets and overhaul costs.  The expense is capitalized when an asset or part of an asset that was depreciated separately is replaced and eliminated from the books and it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with such asset or part of an asset will flow to the Company during an additional period of useful life.
When the replaced part of the assets was not considered separately as a component, replacement value is used in order to estimate the book value of the assets replaced, which is immediately written off.
Production start date -
The Company assesses the stage of each mine under development to determine when a mine moves into the production stage.  The criteria used to assess the start date are determined based on the nature of each mining project, the complexity of a plant and its location.  The Company considers different relevant criteria for assessing when the mine is substantially complete and ready for its planned use.  Some of these criteria will include, but are not limited, to the following:
·The level of capital expenditure compared to development costs estimates.
·Completion of a reasonable testing period for the mine’s plant and equipment.
·Ability to produce metal in saleable form (within specifications).
·Ability to sustain ongoing production of metal.
When a mine development project moves into the production stage, the capitalization of certain costs ceases, and they are considered as inventory or expenses, except for costs that qualify for capitalization (mining assets additions or improvements), underground mine development or mineable reserve development.  It is also at this point that depreciation or amortization commences.
(k)Mining rights and concessions -

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Mining concessions correspond to exploration rights in areas of interest to the Company allocated as part of the cost of business combinations that took place in previous years.  Mining concessions are capitalized in the consolidated balance sheet and represent the Company’s ownership of mining properties of geologic interest.  Mining concessions are depreciated starting from the production phase following the units-of-production method based on proven and probable reserves.  In the event that the Company abandons these concessions, the costs associated are written off in the consolidated statement of income.

At the end of each year, the Company assesses each mining unit to see whether there is any indication that the value of its mining rights has been impaired.  If such indication exists, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the assets.  See (n).

 
F-18


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(l)Exploration and mine development costs -
Exploration costs are charged to expense as incurred.

These costs include mostly material and fuels used, costs of topographical surveys, drilling costs and payments made to contractors. When it is determined that a mineral property can be economically developed, meaning when the existence of provenproved and probable reserves is determined, the costs incurred to develop this property, the costs incurred to develop it, including the costs to further delineate the ore body and remove overburden to initially expose the ore body, are capitalized as mine development costs.capitalized. In addition, expenditures that increase significantly the economic reserves in the mining units under exploitation are capitalized. Mine development costs are amortizedamortised using the units-of-production method, based on proven and probable reserves.

On-going development expenditures to maintain production are charged to operations as incurred.

Deferred stripping costs - -
The costs to remove overburden and other waste material to gain access to the ore body (stripping costs) incurred by the Company before the operation of a mining project, are capitalized as part of the mine development cost, and are subsequently amortizedwill be amortised on the units-of-production basis, using proven and probable reserves.  The stripping costs for development of the Tajo Norte–La Llave mine are shown in the “Development Costs, net” caption in the consolidated balance sheet.  Striping cost incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable productions cost and it is included in the cost of inventory extracted during the period in which the stripping cost are incurred.

(m)Determination of mineral reserves and resources - -
The Company computes its reserves using methods generally applied by the mining industry in accordance with international guidelines.  All reserves computed, which are audited by an independent third party (Algon Investment S.R.L.), represent the estimated amounts of provenproved and probable ore that can be processed economically under the present conditions.

The process forof estimating the amount of reserves is complex and requires making subjective decisions at the time of assessingevaluating all the geologic, geophysical, engineering and economic datainformation that is available.  Revisions could be made of the current estimates of oreoccur in estimated reserves due to, among other factors:things, revisions of the geologic data or assumptions;assumptions, changes in estimated prices;assumed prices, production costs and the results of exploration activities.

Changes in the amount of oreestimated reserves could affect mainly affect the depreciation of fixed assets related directly related to the mining activity, provision for mine closure, assessment of the deferred asset’s recoverability and the amortization period for amortization of development costs.

(n)Impairment of non-financial assets -
The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired.  If any such indication exists, the Company makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount.  An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its use value and is determined for an individual asset (cash-generating unit) unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largelyclearly independent of those from other assets or groups of assets.

 
F-19F-18

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets, denominated a mining unit, that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are independent of the cash inflow generated by other assets or groups of assets.  In order to determine cash-generating units, the Company has determined whether there is an active market for the minerals and metals produced by a mining unit.

Where the carrying amount of an asset or of a cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.  In assessing use value, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.
Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of income in those expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.

A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized.  The increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years.  Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated statement of income.

(o)BorrowingsFinancial liabilities -
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities within the scope of IAS 39 are classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments, as relevant.
The Company determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition.  All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value, plus directly attributable transaction costs, except in the case of loans, and borrowingswhich are recognized initially recognized at the fair value of the cash received, less any costs directly attributable transaction costs.  Afterto the transaction.
The Company’s financial liabilities include trade accounts payable, other liabilities, long-term debt and derivative financial instruments.
Subsequent measurement
The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as detailed below:
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss -
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition interest bearingas at fair value through profit or loss.  This category includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the Company that are not designated as hedging instruments as defined in IAS 39.  Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as cash-flow hedging instruments.  Any gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.  The Company has not designated any financial liability at fair value through profit or loss.
Interest-bearing loans and borrowing -
After their initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortizedamortised cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) method.  Any profit or loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of income when the liability is terminated, as well as through the process of amortizing the effective interest rate.  Amortised costs are calculated taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the effective interest rate.  Amortization of the effective interest rate is included in financial cost in the consolidated statement of income.


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Derecognition of financial liabilities
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expired.  When an existing financial liability is replaced by another one from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms are substantially modified, such replacement or amendment is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amount is recognized in the consolidated income statement.
(p)Leasing -
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the agreement on its inception date.  It requires consideration as to whether the fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.  A reassessment is made after inception of the lease if one of the following applies:
(i)There is a change in the contractual terms, other than a renewal or extension of the arrangement.
(ii)A renewal option is exercised or extension granted, unless the term of the renewal or extension was initially included in the lease term.
(iii)There is a change in the determination of whether fulfillment is dependent on a specific asset; or
(iv)There is a substantial change to the asset.
Where a reassessment is made, lease accounting shall commence or cease starting from the date when the change of circumstances gives rise to reassessment for scenarios (i), (iii) or (iv), and at the date of the renewal or extension period for scenario (ii).
Financial leases that transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalized at the inception of the lease at fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments.  Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and the reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.  Financial charges are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
Capitalized leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.
A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all off the risk and rewards incidental to ownership.
Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense in the consolidated statement of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(q)Share-based payments -
Senior executives of the Company are granted share appreciation rights, which can only be settled in cash.  The liability for these transactions is measured at each reporting date until settlement.

Notes to the Company adoptedConsolidated Financial Statements (continued)
According to IFRS 2 “Share-Based Payments”.  According to this standard,, the cost of cash-settled transactions is measured initially at fair value at the grant date using a binomial model (see more details in note 13)13(c)).  This fair value is expensed over the period until the vesting date with recognition of a corresponding liability.  The liability is re-measured at each balance sheet date up to and including the settlement date with changes in fair value recognized in profit and loss.

 
F-20


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(q)(r)Provisions -
General - -
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are reviewed periodically and are adjusted to reflect the best estimate available as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the consolidated statement of income. ProvisionsWhen they are significant, provisions are discounted using a current rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a financial expense.

Provision for closure of mining units -
The Company recordsassesses its provision for closure of mining units annually.  It is necessary to make significant estimates and assumptions in determining this provision, because there are numerous factors that will affect the ultimate liability for this obligation.  These factors include estimating the scope and costs of closing activities, technological changes, changes in the regulations, increases in costs compared to inflation rates and changes in the discount rates.  Such estimates or assumptions may result in actual expenses in the future that differ from the amounts provisioned at the time of establishing the provision.
The Company posts a provision for mine closure when a legally enforceable obligation arises, independently of the full depletion of the reserves.  The nature of these restoration activities includes dismantling and removing structures, rehabilitating mines and tailing dams, dismantling operating facilities, closure of plant and waste sites, and restoration, reclamation and re-vegetation of affected areas.  Once suchmining units when it has a legal obligation.  On initially entering the liability for this obligation, has been appropriately measured, whichit is presentedposted at its fair value, it is recordedoffset by creating a liability equalgreater a book value for long-term assets related to the amount of the obligation and recording a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related long-lived assets (mine development costs and property, plantfixed assets.  The liability is subsequently increased in each period to reflect the cost of interest considered in the initial estimate of fair value and, equipment).  Subsequently,in addition, the capitalized cost is depreciated and/ or amortizedamortised based on the useful life of the related asset using straight-line method for fixed assets and units of production for development costs.  Over time, the discounted liability is increased for the change in present value based on the discount rates that reflect current market assessments and the risks specific to the liability.  The periodic unwinding of the discount is recognized in the income statement as a finance cost.  Additional disturbances or changes in rehabilitation costs will be recognized as additions or charges to the corresponding assets and rehabilitation liability when they occur.asset.  When settlingeliminating the liability, the Company will postposts any resulting gain or lossloss.  Changes in the fair value of the obligation or the useful life of the related asset that arise from review of the initial estimates are recognized as an increase or decrease in the book value of the obligation and the related assets in accordance with IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment.  Any reduction in a mine closure liability and, therefore, any reduction of the related asset, may not exceed the book value of such asset.  If so, any excess over book value is generated.immediately transferred to the consolidated statement of income.

If a change in estimate results in an increase in the closure liability and, therefore, an addition to the asset’s book value, the Company must consider whether or not this is an indication of impairment of the asset as a whole, and conduct impairment testing pursuant to IAS 36.  Furthermore, in the case of mature mines, if the revised mining assets net of the closure provisions exceed the recoverable value, such portion of the increase is charged directly to expense.  In the case of mines already closed, changes in estimated costs are recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of income.  Likewise, any closure liability that arises as a result of a mine’s production phase must be included in expenses as and when incurred.
(r)(s)Contingencies -
By their nature, contingencies will only be resolved when one or more future events do or do not occur.  Determining contingencies inherently involves the exercise of judgment and calculation of the estimated results of future events.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Loss contingencies are recorded in the financial statements when their occurrence is probable and they can be reasonably estimated.  In other cases, they are only disclosed in notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Contingent assets are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements; however, they are disclosed in notes to the consolidated financial statements if it is probable that such contingent assets will be realized.realised.

 
F-21


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(s)(t)Treasury shares -
The Company, through a subsidiary, has treasury shares (common and investment shares).  The nominal values of these shares are presented net of the capital stock and investment shares amounts.

The effect of the dividends income arising from the treasury shares held by the subsidiary are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

(t)(u)Revenue recognition -
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company.  Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding discounts and other sales taxes or duty.discounts.  The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized:

Sales of concentrates, gold and silver -
Revenues from sales of concentrates, gold and silver are recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred, which is considered to occur when title passes to the customer.  This generally occurs when product is physicallyare transferred to the buyer.
buyer, which takes place at the time the goods are delivered.

As far as the measurement of revenues from the sale of concentrate, the Company assigns a provisional value to these sales, since they are subject to a final price adjustment at the end of a contractually-set period, which normally ranges between 30 and 180 days after delivery of the concentrate to the customer.  Exposure to changes in metals price generates an embedded derivative that must be separated from the commercial contract.  At the close of each period, the sale price used initially is adjusted in accordance with the future price for the quotation period stipulated in the contract.  Adjustment of the provisional sale value is posted as an increase or decrease in net sales.

Interest incomereceived -
Revenues
Financial incomes are recognized as interest accrues.

Commercial sales contracts -
The
Initially, gains onoriginating from commercial sales contracts qualifyingwere recognized as normal sales are initially deferred income from sale of future production in the consolidated balance sheets as an “Executory gold delivery contracts liability”sheet, and thenhave been recognized as income in the years in which the Company makes the physical delivery of the committed ounces of gold and tons of mineral as a “Revenue associated with performance on executoryexecutor gold delivery contracts”, see note 17. caption when the Company delivers the ounces of gold committed.

(u)(v)Borrowing costcosts -
Borrowing costs that are directly attributablerelating to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized.capitalized, and added to the project’s cost until such time as the assets are considered substantially ready for their planned use, that is to say, when they are capable of generating commercial production.  Where funds are borrowed specifically to finance a project, the amount capitalized represents the actual borrowing costs incurred.  Where surplus funds are available for a short term out of money borrowed specifically to finance a project, the income generated from the temporary investment of such amounts is deducted from the total capitalised borrowing cost.  Where the funds used to finance a project form part of general borrowings, the amount capitalized is calculated using a weighted average of rates applicable to relevant general borrowings of the Company during the period.  All other borrowing costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the period in which they are incurred.

 
F-22

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 (v)(w)Income Tax and workers´workers’ profit sharing -
Current portion of the Income Tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing

Income Tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing for the current period are measured based on the unconsolidated financial statements at the amount expected to be paid to the taxationtax authorities and workers, respectively.  The rates and laws used to compute the amount are those in force as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet date.

Deferred portion of income tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing -
The income tax and workers’ profit sharing for future periods are recognized using the liability method, considering the temporary differences between the tax and accounting bases of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet.
Deferred income tax and employee profit sharing are provided using the liability method on temporary differences at the consolidated balance sheet date between the tax and book bases of assets and liabilities.

Deferred income tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.future and will not result in a taxable event.

All deductible temporary differences, carryforwards of unused tax credits and loss carryforwardsunused tax losses generate the recognition of deferred tax assets, to the extent that it is probable that they can be used in calculating taxable income in future years.  Deferred income tax and employee profit sharing assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards, to the extent that is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses can be utilized.  The carrying amount of the deferred income tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing assets is reviewed at each consolidated balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred asset to be utilized.  Unrecognized deferred assets are reassessed at each consolidated balance sheet date.

Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing liabilities are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards
Deferred assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceablelegal right exists to set them off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the taxes deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxationtax authority.
Recovery of deferred tax assets -
An assessment is required to determine whether deferred tax assets should be recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.  Deferred tax assets, including those resulting from unused tax losses, require Management to assess the probability that the Company would generate taxable earnings in future periods to apply the deferred tax assets.  Estimated future taxable income is based on projections of cash flows from operations and application of the tax law existing in each jurisdiction.  To the extent to which future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from those estimated, they could have an impact on the Company’s capability to realise the deferred tax assets posted as of the reporting date.
In addition, future changes in the tax law in jurisdictions where the Company operates could limit the Company’s capability to obtain tax deductions in future periods.

F-23


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 (w)(x)Derivative financial instruments -
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments -

 
F-23


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments -
The El Brocal subsidiary uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to changes in metals prices.  In order to manage suchspecial risks, El Brocal applies hedge accounting for those transactions that meet the specific criteria applicable in accordance with IAS 39.applicable.

At the beginning of the hedge relationship,relation, El Brocal formally documents the relationship between the item hedged and the hedging instrument, including the nature of the risk, the objective and the strategy to be taken to carry out the hedging, and the method to be used to estimate the effectiveness of the hedge relationship.relation.

A formal assessment is made upon beginning the hedge relation, to ensureassure that the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting the risk designated in the item hedged.  Hedges are formally assessed every semester.half a year.  A hedge is considered as highly effective if it is expected that the changes in cash flow attributed to the risk hedged during the period for which the hedge is designated are offset within a range from 80 to 125 percent.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, El Brocal holds onlysubsidiary had contracted derivative instruments on mineral pricesmetals quotes under the Asian swap and collar option modes that qualify as cash-flow hedging instruments, classified as cash flow hedges.  The effective portion of these derivatives’ changes in fair value is recognized in shareholders’ equity and results, respectively, and the gain or loss related to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the statement of income.  The amounts accumulated in shareholders’ equity for cash flow are transferred to the consolidated statement of income for the periods in which the item hedged affects gains and losses.instruments.

For those cash flow hedges that qualify as such, any gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedging instrument is initially recognized in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity in the “Unrealized“Unrealised gain in value(loss) on valuation of derivative financial instruments”instruments for hedging, net” caption.  Any gain or loss from the ineffective portion of the hedging instrument is initially recognized in the consolidated statement of income in the “Interest expense”expenses” caption.  When the cash flow hedged affects the consolidated statement of income, any gain or loss from the hedging instrument is posted in the “Net sales” caption of the consolidated statement of income.

 (x)(y)Basic and diluted earnings per share -
Basic and diluted earnings per share have been calculated based on the weighted average number of common and investment shares outstanding at the date of the consolidated balance sheets; treasury shares have been excluded from the calculation.  When the number of shares is modified as a result of capitalization of retained earnings, share splits or share grouping, the net income per basic and diluted shares is adjusted retroactively for all of the periods reported.  If the change occurs after the date of the consolidated financial statements, but before the financial statement are authorized tofor issue, the calculation of net income per basic and diluted sharesshare for all of the reported periods must be based on the new number of shares.

 (y)(z)Segments -
A business segment is a group of assets and operations engaged in providing products or services that are subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments.  A geographical segment is engaged in providing products or services within a particular economic environment that are subject to risks and return that are different from those of segments operating in other economic environments.  See note 27.

2.3New International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) not mandatory in Peru –

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The method for determining operating segments is commonly referred to as the “management approach”, this approach is based on “the way that management organizes the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance.”  The Company’s Board of Directors, as the parent company of each of the subsidiaries operating in each of the Company’s operating segments, is the chief operating decision maker.  The Company’s Board of Directors basically reviews financial information for the mining companies on an individual basis and as an operating group within Peru to evaluate the financial performance and to allocate resources as necessary.

(z)Comparative consolidated financial statements -
To improve the presentation of the consolidated financial statements, the Company has made some reclassifications for the period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 for the purpose of making them comparable to those for the similar period in 2008:

-The amortization of development costs of US$13,205,000 and US$11,270,000 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, have been reclassified from the “Exploration in units in operation” caption to the “Depreciation and amortization” caption in the consolidated statements of income.

(aa)Unusual items -
Unusual  items represent significant items in the consolidated statement of income due to their nature or the infrequency of the events that give rise to them.  They are presented separately in the consolidated statement of income for a better understanding of the Company’s financial performance by users of the financial statements, as well as to facilitate comparison with previous periods and allow a better assessment of trends in the financial results.

2.2.International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) those are not  yet mandatory in Peru  –
There are several IFRS and IFRIC issued internationally and approved by the local Accounting Standards Board (CNC) to be applied in Peru starting from January 1, 2009.  The standards that could affect the Company are the following:

-IAS 32 “Financial Instruments – Presentation" (revised 2006), effective internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2007.  Requires certain puttable financial instruments and obligations arising from liquidation to be classified as equity if certain criteria are met.

-IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments – Disclosures”, effective internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2007.  The objective of this IFRS is to provide disclosures in the financial statements that enable users to evaluate the significance of financial instruments for the entity’s financial position and performance, to understand the nature and extent of the risks arising from financial instruments to which the entity is exposed and how the entity manages those risks.

F-25

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
 -IFRS 8 “Operating Segments”,2 Revised 2008, Share-based Payments:  vesting conditions and cancellation, effective internationally for periods that beginbeginning on or after January 1, 2009.  This IFRS replaces IAS 14, ”Segment Reporting" and establishes that reporting by segments must be done in accordance with "Management’s focus", meaning using the internal reporting formats used by Management for decision-making purposes.

The Company does not expect these changes to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The following standards, issued internationally as of December 31, 2008, could affect the Company but have not yet been approved by the CNC:

-IFRS 1 "First-time Adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards" and IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements" (revised), effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This change in IFRS 1 allows an entity to determine the cost of investment in subsidiaries, jointly-controlled entities, and associates in its first financial statements under the IFRS as of the date of transition to IFRS, using the cost determined in accordance with IAS 27,  or considering the previous GAAP carrying amount  as cost at the date of the transition to IFRS, or at the fair value in accordance with IAS 39.  These changes have no effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

-IAS 23 "Borrowing Costs" (revised) applies to borrowing costs incurred on qualifying assets for which the commencement date for capitalization is on or  after January 1, 2009.  This standard removes the option of expensing all borrowing  and requires capitalization of the borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualified assets.

-IFRS 3 "Business Combinations (Revised)" and IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements" (Revised), become effective for financial years beginning on or after July 1, 2009.  IFRS 3 as revised introduces a number of changes in the accounting for businesses combinations occurring after this date that will impact the amount of goodwill recognised, the reported results in the period that an acquisition occurs, and future reported results.  IAS 27 as revised requires that a change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary (without loss of control) is accounted for as an equity transaction.  Therefore, such transactions will no longer give rise to goodwill, nor will it give rise to a gain or loss.  Furthermore the amended standard changes the accounting for losses incurred by the subsidiary as well as the loss of control o a subsidiary.  Other consequential amendments were made to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows, IAS 12 Income Taxes, IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates, IAS 28 Investment in Associates and IAS 31 Interest on Joint Ventures.  The changes by IFRS 3 (Revised) and IAS 27 (Revised) will affect future acquisitions or loss of control and transactions with minority interests.

 -IFRS 2 "Share-based Payments (Revised)”,Revised 2009, Share-based Payments: group cash-settled share-based payment transactions, effective internationally for periods that beginbeginning on or after January 1, 2009.  This standard clarifies the definition of vesting conditions and cancellations.2010.
 
F-26


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 -Revisions of IAS 1, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised)”,IAS 23, IAS 27, IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 1, effective internationally for periods that beginbeginning on or after January 1, 2009.  When this standard is first applied, the disclosures must be made for all comparative periods presented.  This standard requires the grouping of information in the financial statements based on common characteristics and the presentation of a comprehensive income statement.  This standard allows presentation of the income and expense captions, as also comprehensive other income in a comprehensive income statement or, alternatively, presenting two separate statements (a statement of income and a comprehensive income statement).  The names of some financial statements have been changed to clarify their purpose.

 -Revisions of IAS 1, IAS 27, IAS 32, “Financial Instruments: PresentationIAS 39, IFRS 1, IFRS 2, IFRS 3, IFRIC 16 and IFRIC 9, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
-Revisions of IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements – Puttable Financial InstrumentsIAS 39 and Obligations Arising on Liquidation (Amendments)”,IFRS 1, effective internationally for periods that beginbeginning on or after January 1, 2009.  This amendment establishes a series of changes with respect to the classification of certain financial instruments as equity or liability, and increase the disclosure requirements for these instruments.  In addition, it requires additional disclosures for negotiable instruments classified as equity.2010.

 -Revisions of IAS 32 effective internationally for periods beginning on or after February 1, 2010.
-Revisions of IAS 1, IAS 27, IAS 32, IAS 39, "FinancialIFRS 1 and IFRS 3, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
-IFRS 9 “Financial instruments” that modifies the treatment and classification of financial assets established in IAS 39 “Financial instruments: Measurement and Valuation,” mandatory internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
-IFRIC 9 Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives and IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Eligible Hedged Items (Amendment) ",measurement, effective internationally for periods that beginbeginning on or after June 30, 2009.
-IFRIC 15 “Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate”, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009.
-IFRIC 16 “Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation”, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009.
-IFRIC 17 “Distribution of Non-cash Assets to Owners”, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.  This amendment addresses only
-IFRIC 18 “Transfer of Assets from Customers”, effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.
-“Improvements to the designationIFRS” - Within the scope of the project to modify the IFRS, in May 2008 and April 2009 the IASB published and approved modifications to several different international standards, covering a one-sided risk in a hedged item, and the designationlarge number of inflation as a hedged risk or portion in particular situations.  This standard clarifies that an entity may designate  theaccounting matters.  These changes in fair value or  cash flowsare divided into two categories:  1) changes related to presentation, recognition and measurement that have accounting implications, and 2) changes related to the terms and reduction of the international standards, which are expected to have a one-sided risk asminimal effect, if any, on the hedged item in an effective relationship.  The standard further clarifies that an inflationary element canaccounting aspects.  These amendments have the primary objective of eliminating inconsistencies and clarifying texts.  Their adoption would be designated as a separable risk, if it is a contractually specified  cash flow.changes to accounting policies.

As of thisTo date, the Company’s managementManagement is analyzing the impact that those standards and interpretations not yet approved by the CNC will have on its operations when such standardsonce they are approved for application in Peru.

 
F-27


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

3.Transactions in Nuevos Soles

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
As of December 31, 2008,2009, the subsidiary El Brocal had time deposits ofsubsidiary has S/36,500,000 (S/123,133,000 (S/257,003,000 as of December 31, 2007).2008) in time deposits.  There are no significant additional significantmonetary assets andor liabilities denominated in Nuevos Soles as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008.

4.Cash, banks and time deposits
(a)The table below presents the components of this caption:

  
2009
  
2008
 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Cash  555   468 
Bank accounts  50,274   45,888 
Time deposits (4.b)  663,625   485,671 
Cash balances included in the consolidated statement of cash flows  714,454   532,027 
Time deposits with original maturity greater than 90 days (4.c)  -   22,725 
         
   714,454   554,752 
  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Cash  468   460 
Bank accounts  45,888   27,700 
Time deposits (b)  485,671   274,704 
Cash balances included in the consolidated statement of cash flows  532,027   302,864 
Time deposits with original maturity greater than 90 days (c)  22,725   78,748 
         
   554,752   381,612 

(b)The table below presents the components of time deposits as of December 31 2008:2009:
Currency
Original
maturities
Annual interest rate
%US$(000)
U.S. dollarsFrom 8 to 77 daysFrom 0.10 to 4.5453,211
Nuevos SolesFrom 30 to 90 daysFrom 6.75 to 7.2032,460
485,671
F-28

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The table below presents the components of time deposits as of December 31, 2007:
Currency
Original
maturities
Annual interest rate
%US$(000)
U.S. dollarsFrom 2 to 90 daysFrom 4.57 to 5.61237,500
Nuevos SolesFrom 62 to 90 daysFrom 5.20 to 5.4037,204
274,704
(c)As of December 31, 2008, it mainly corresponds to time deposits maintained by El Brocal:

Currency
Original
maturities
Annual interest rate   
    % US$(000) 
      
U.S. dollarsFrom 915 to 9190 daysFrom 6.100.3 to 6.101.00  16,000651,000 
Nuevos SolesFrom 9625 to 18275 daysFrom 5.901.05 to 6.701.35  6,72512,625 
       
     22,725663,625 

AsThe table below presents the components of time deposits as of December 31, 2007, it mainly corresponds to time deposits maintained by El Brocal:2008:

Currency
Original
maturities
Annual interest rate   
  % US$(000) 
      
U.S. dollarsFrom 918 to 27177 daysFrom 5.050.10 to 5.304.5  30,700453,211 
Nuevos SolesFrom 9130 to 22890 daysFrom 5.006.75 to 5.507.20  48,04832,460 
       
     78,748485,671 

 (d)(c)During 2008, in compliance with the Syndicated Loan Agreement, the Company established an escrow account in a local bank for US$177,811,000.  In accordance with the amendments made to the Syndicated Loan Agreement, see note 14(b), asAs of December 31, 2008, it was no longer necessarymainly corresponds to maintain this additional guarantee.  This deposit no longer secures the long-term debt and as of December 31, 2008 is shown as time deposit.deposits maintained by El Brocal:

CurrencyOriginal maturitiesAnnual interest rate    
  %  US$(000) 
       
U.S. dollars91 days6.10   16,000 
Nuevos SolesFrom 96 to 182 daysFrom 5.90 to 6.70   6,725 
         
       22,725 
 
 
F-29F-26

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

5.Trade accounts receivable, net
 (a)The table below presents the components of this caption:

 2008  2007  
2009
  
2008
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
            
Johnson Matthey Limited  22,593   22,522  42,110  22,593 
AYS S.A. 30,601  9,738 
Consorcio Minero S.A. – CORMIN  12,003   16,825  18,954  12,003 
AYS S.A.  9,738   16,558 
Doe Run Perú S.R.L.  7,994   11,324  16,814  7,994 
Glencore International A.G. 11,144  972 
BHL Perú S.A.C.  5,222   5,224  4,927  5,222 
Votarantim Metais Cajamarquilla S.A.  4,090   5,189 
Votorantim Metais Cajamarquilla S.A. 3,306  4,090 
MK Metal Trading Perú S.A.C.  1,590   1,554  2,525  1,590 
Sudamericana Trading S.R.L.  984   2,565  1,917  984 
Glencore International A.G.  972   1,752 
Trafigura A.G.  221   19,505  -  221 
Other  5,631   4,522   12,393   5,631 
  71,038   107,540  144,691  71,038 
Provision for doubtful accounts, (b)  (5,372)  - 
Allowance for doubtful accounts, (c)  (21,741)  (5,372)
  65,666   107,540         
  122,950   65,666 

The accounts receivable are denominated in United States dollars, have current maturities and do not accrue interest.  No specific guarantees have been granted for these obligations.
(b)In accordance with the analysis conducted by Management, an account receivable is deemed as impaired when it has been classified as an uncollectible account and, therefore, has been provisioned in the consolidated statement of income.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company’s Management believes that the Company has no bad debt in addition to the accounts receivable provisioned as doubtful accounts, since its main customers have recognized prestige in the international market and did not show financial problems at the period’s close.  Also, even though it holds some accounts receivable aged between 30 and 180 days, these are not considered as overdue since they are in the normal process of confirming the final grades of the concentrated sold, which process could take between one and six months starting from issuance of the provisional settlement.
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the aging of the trade accounts receivable balance was as follows:

  
2009
  
2008
 
  
Not
impaired
  Impaired  Total  
Not
impaired
  Impaired  Total 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                   
Not due -  122,595   -   122,595   65,059   -   65,059 
                         
Due -                        
From 1 to 30 days  111   -   111   -   -   - 
From 31 to 60 days  86   -   86   352   -   352 
From 61 to 120 days  158   -   158   100   -   100 
More than 120 days  -   21,741   21,741   155   5,372   5,527 
                         
   122,950   21,741   144,691   65,666   5,372   71,038 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
In Management’s opinion,the process of estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, is sufficient to cover bad debt risk at the dateCompany’s Management constantly evaluates market conditions, for which it uses analysis of the consolidated balance sheet.aging and risk-rating reports for commercial operations.

 (b)(c)The allowance for doubtful accounts had the following movement in 2009 and 2008:

2008
US$(000)
Opening balance-
Provision for the period , note 205,372
Closing balance5,372
  
2009
  
2008
 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Opening balance  5,372   - 
Provision for the period , note 20  16,814   5,372 
Decreases  (445)  - 
         
Closing balance  21,741   5,372 

In the opinion of the Company’s Management, the allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to cover the risk of non-performance as of the consolidated balance sheet date.
 
F-30


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

6.Inventory, net
 (a)The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Products in process  11,562   12,333 
Finished goods  9,529   7,875 
Spare parts and supplies  25,033   16,909 
   46,124   37,117 
Provision for impairment of value of spare parts and supplies (b)  (2,652)  (1,968)
         
   43,472   35,149 
  
2009
  
2008
 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Products in process, note 18  15,788   11,562 
Finished goods, note 18  7,581   9,529 
Spare parts and supplies  24,684   25,050 
   48,053   46,141 
Provision for impairment of value of inventory (b)  (3,066)  (2,652)
         
   44,987   43,489 

 (b)The provision for impairment of value of spare parts and suppliesinventory had the following movement during the years 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006:2007:

 2008  2007  2006  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Opening balance 1,968  3,788  5,295  2,652  1,968  3,788 
Provision for the period 810  15  138 
Provision for the period, note 18 809  810  15 
Reversal of provision, note 24 (16) (1,049) (1,389) (360) (16) (1,049)
Write-offs (35) (110) - 
Sale -  (786) (30)  -   -   (786)
Write-offs (110) -  - 
Loss from translation to U.S. dollars  -   -   (226)
                        
Closing balance  2,652   1,968   3,788   3,066   2,652   1,968 

In the opinion of Company Management, the provision for impairment of value of spare parts and suppliesIn the opinion of Company Management, the provision for impairment of value of inventory adequately covers this risk as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet.

 
F-31F-28

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

7.Prepaid taxes and expenses
(a)The table below presents the components of this caption:
  2009  2008 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Value added tax credit (7.b)  13,899   12,048 
Pre-paid insurance  6,981   3,188 
Income tax credit  2,612   21,268 
Prepaid royalties  1,255   577 
Temporary Tax on Net Assets credit  -   3,234 
Other deferred charges  408   880 
   25,155   41,195 
Less – Non current portion        
Value added tax credit (7.b)  10,787   5,622 
         
   14,368   35,573 

(b)As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, this includes the Value Added Tax (IGV), related mostly to exploration activities carried out by Minera La Zanja S.R.L.  In the opinion of Buenaventura’s Management, this tax credit will be applied against the IGV payable that will be generated when operating efforts begin in that Company’s mining concessions, which is estimated to be in August 2010.
8.Investments in shares
 (a)The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Income tax credit (c)  21,268   12,723 
Value added tax credit  12,048   5,481 
Temporary Tax on Net Assets credit  3,234   - 
Pre-paid insurance  3,188   1,604 
Deferred costs  577   802 
Other deferred charges  880   760 
   41,195   21,370 
Less – Non current portion        
Value added tax credit (b)  5,622   5,338 
         
   35,573   16,032 
  
Share in shareholders’
equity
  
Amount
 
  2009  2008  2009  2008 
  %  %  US$(000)  US$(000) 
             
Investments held under the equity method            
Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. (c)            
Equity share  43.65   43.65   746,128   528,330 
Payment in excess of the share in fair value of assets and liabilities, net          16,248   17,748 
           762,376   546,078 
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (c)                
Equity share  19.26   19.05   278,489   252,242 
Payment in excess of the share in fair value of assets and liabilities, net          84,694   81,089 
           363,183   333,331 
Investments held at fair value                
Other          608   3,538 
                 
           1,126,167   882,947 
               

(b)As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, it mainly includes the value added tax originated by the exploration activities of Minera La Zanja S.R.L..  In Management’s opinion, this credit will be offset with the future value added tax liability to be generated when the exploitation activities begin in the near future.

(c)This corresponds to income tax prepayments made during the years 2008 and 2007 that were not applied against the current tax due, because of the Buenaventura’s tax-loss carryforwards for those years.  Buenaventura will request the Tax Administration to refund the prepayments corresponding to the year 2007.
F-32


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

8.Investments in shares
(a)The table below presents the components of this caption:
  Share in shareholders’ equity Amount 
      
  2008  2007 2008 2007 
  %  % US$(000) US$(000) 
           
Investments held under the  equity method          
Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. (c)          
Equity share  43.65   43.65  528,330  577,537 
Payment in excess of the share in fair value of assets and liabilities, net         17,748  19,599 
          546,078  597,136 
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde  S.A.A. (c)              
Equity share  19.05   18.50  252,242  267,448 
Payment in excess of the share in fair value of assets and liabilities, net         81,089  57,960 
          333,331  325,408 
Investments held at fair value              
               
Other         3,538  9,876 
               
          882,947  932,420 
 (b)The table below presents the net share in affiliated companies:results of associates:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.  206,478   97,216   229,787  316,154  206,478  97,216 
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.  134,451   148,533   80,171  135,152  134,451  148,533 
Other  -   3,806   3,210   -   -   3,806 
                        
  340,929   249,555   313,168   451,306   340,929   249,555 
F-29


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 (c)The investments held in Yanacocha (a gold mine located in Cajamarca, Peru) and Cerro Verde (a copper mine located in Arequipa, Peru) represent the Company’s most significant investments.  The share in their results has been significant in relation to the Company’s net earnings in 2009, 2008 and 2007.

The share in their results has been significant in relation to the Company’s net earnings in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

F-33


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The table below presents the movement in the investments in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde:

 Yanacocha  Cerro Verde 
       
Yanacocha
  
Cerro Verde
 
 2008  2007  2008  2007  2009  2008  2009  2008 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                        
Opening balance 577,537  522,568  267,448  231,641  528,330  577,537  252,242  267,448 
Share in affiliated companies 208,329  98,327  136,854  150,501 
Share in results of associated companies 317,653  208,329  136,813  136,854 
Payments for acquisition of additional shares -  -  4,007  -  -  -  2,884  4,007 
Dividends received (257,536) (43,650) (156,067) (114,694) (100,395) (257,536) (113,450) (156,067)
Other  -   292   -   -   540   -   -   - 
                                
Ending balance  528,330   577,537   252,242   267,448   746,128   528,330   278,489   252,242 

The table below presents the movement in the payments in excess of the share in the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired from Yanacocha and Cerro Verde:

 Yanacocha  Cerro Verde 
       
Yanacocha
  
Cerro Verde
 
 2008  2007  2008  2007  2009  2008  2009  2008 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                        
Opening balance 19,599  20,710  57,960  59,928  17,748  19,599  81,089  57,960 
Amount paid in excess of the fair value of assets and liabilities -  -  25,532  -  -  -  5,266  25,532 
Amortization of excess amount paid  (1,851)  (1,111)  (2,403)  (1,968)  (1,500)  (1,851)  (1,661)  (2,403)
                                
Ending balance  17,748   19,599   81,089   57,960   16,248   17,748   84,694   81,089 

Reinvestment programs -
Mining companies can obtain a tax benefit (“Reinvestment Credit”) by applying retained earnings to investment programs oriented towards attaining increased production levels (“Reinvestment Programs”).  Reinvestment credits are obtained by means of an application approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, which must guarantee 80 percent of the amount reinvested by mining companies.reinvested.

Yanacocha restricted its earnings by US$189,600,000 in accordance with its reinvestment program for the 2002-2004 period.  Also, according to current tax regulations, Yanacocha capitalized this amount in 2007, which cannot be reduced in the four years following capitalization.

In addition, Cerro Verde restricted its earnings for US$800,000,000 in accordance with its reinvestment program for the 2004-2007 period.  According to current tax regulations, the restricted earnings of Cerro Verde were transferred to a restricted earnings equity account and will be transferred to the capital stock onceOn October 30, 2009, by Director’s Resolution No. 2132009/MEM-DGM, the Ministry of Energy and Mines approvesapproved execution of the investment.Cerro Verde reinvestment program with a charge in the amount of US$800,030,000 to undistributed earnings from the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 periods.  Following this, pursuant to the requirements of current law, Cerro Verde proceeded to capitalize this amount, which may not be reduced in the four years following capitalization.

 
F-34F-30

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Summary of financial information based on the financial statements of Yanacocha and Cerro Verde-
The table below presents the principal amounts in the financial statements of Yanacocha and Cerro Verde, adjusted to conform to Buenaventura’s accounting practices:

 Yanacocha  Cerro Verde 
       
Yanacocha
  
Cerro Verde
 
 2008  2007  2006  2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                                    
Balance Sheet                                    
Total assets  1,895,681   1,895,884   1,825,457   1,983,572   2,010,776   1,637,584  2,466,500  1,895,681  1,895,884  1,913,164  1,983,572  2,010,776 
Total liabilities  682,893   569,559   629,049   659,397   565,034   385,405  755,398  682,893  569,559  467,070  659,397  565,034 
Shareholders’ equity  1,212,788   1,326,325   1,196,408   1,324,175   1,445,742   1,252,179  1,711,102  1,212,788  1,326,325  1,446,094  1,324,175  1,445,742 
                                                
Results                                                
Total income  1,612,618   1,093,347   1,560,899   1,835,911   1,794,559   667,671  2,013,228  1,612,618  1,093,347  1,757,510  1,835,911  1,794,559 
Operating income  668,877   315,835   763,790   1,099,162   1,270,514   524,875  1,062,629  668,877  315,835  1,124,260  1,099,162  1,270,514 
Net income  476,462   229,915   531,485   718,433   813,554   445,370  727,076  476,462  229,915  708,529  718,433  813,554 
 
 
F-35F-31

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

9.Mining concessions and property, plant and equipment, net
 The table below presents(a)Below is presented the movement in cost, depreciation and amortization, as well as the provision for accumulated depreciationimpairment of long-term assets during the year 2008:2009:

 Opening balance  Additions  Retirements  Sales  Transfers  Closing balance  Opening balance  Additions  Retirements  Sales  Transfers  Closing balance 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                                    
Cost                                    
Land  2,501  -   -  -   30   2,531  2,531  129  -  (2) 10  2,668 
Mining land  7,215  -   -  -   -   7,215  7,215  -  -  -  -  7,215 
Mining concessions  106,927  9,967   -  -   -   116,894 
Mining concessions, note 31(c) -  15,000  -  -  -  15,000 
Mining concessions (b) 116,894  6,987  -  -  -  123,881 
Buildings, construction and other  146,239  232   (148) (86)  27,236   173,473  173,473  637  (497) -  10,416  184,029 
Machinery and equipment  186,130  24,201   (458) (742)  6,431   215,562  215,562  6,336  (3,768) (1,062) 4,150  221,218 
Transportation units  7,717  490   (49) (660)  756   8,254  8,254  414  (128) (456) (69) 8,015 
Furniture and mixtures  12,593  668   (3) (1)  589   13,846  13,846  156  (134) (10) 6  13,864 
Works in progress  34,154  22,801   (2,222) -   (35,042)  19,691 
Units in transit 420  10,816  (420) -  (833) 9,983 
Works in progress (c) 29,768  102,985  (43) -  (13,868) 118,842 
Mine closure costs  24,896   3,136   -   -   -   28,032   28,032   4,664   -   -   -   32,696 
  528,372   61,495   (2,880)  (1,489)  -   585,498 
                        595,995   148,124   (4,990)  (1,530)  (188)  737,411 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization                                                
Mining land  4,951  620   -  -   -   5,571  5,571  -  -  -  -  5,571 
Mining concessions  41,622  6,848   -  -   -   48,470 
Mining concessions (b) 48,470  6,429  -  -  -  54,899 
Buildings, construction and other  82,371  15,731   (111) (76)  (2)  97,913  97,913  21,440  (384) -  (622) 118,347 
Machinery and equipment  134,347  18,425   (380) (572)  2   151,822  151,822  19,037  (3,585) (863) -  166,411 
Transportation units  4,994  869   (49) (646)  -   5,168  5,168  905  (114) (435) 1  5,525 
Furniture and mixtures  1,945  886   -  -   -   2,831  2,831  996  (132) (7) 433  4,121 
Mine closure costs  13,150   2,224   -   -   -   15,374   15,374   2,816   -   -   -   18,190 
  283,380   45,603   (540)  (1,294)  -   327,149   327,149   51,623   (4,215)  (1,305)  (188)  373,064 
Provision for impairment of long-term assets, note 11                        
Mining concessions 2,387  418  -  -  -  2,805 
Property, plant and equipment  8,664   1,094   -   -   -   9,758 
                          11,051   1,512   -   -   -   12,563 
Provision for impairment of long-term assets                        
Mining concessions, note 11  -  2,387   -  -   -   2,387 
Property, plant and equipment, note 11  -   8,664   -   -   -   8,664 
  -   11,051   -   -   -   11,051                         
Net cost  244,992                   247,298   257,795                   351,784 
 
 
F-36F-32

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(b)
Mining concessions -
The table below presents the movement of the cost and accumulated amortization of the mining concessions by mining units:

 
Balance as of January
1,
2008
  Additions  
Balance as of
December 31,
2008
  
Balance as of 
January 1, 
2009
  
Additions
  
Balance as of 
December 
31,2009
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Cost                  
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C.- CEDIMIN  51,138   -   51,138  51,138  -  51,138 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.  36,286   -   36,286  36,286  6,817  43,103 
Inversiones Mineras del Sur S.A.  11,662   -   11,662  11,662  -  11,662 
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.  3,405   9,967   13,372  13,372  170  13,542 
Minas Poracota S.A.  2,864   -   2,864  2,864  -  2,864 
Minera Paula 49 S.A.C.  1,572   -   1,572   1,572   -   1,572 
  106,927   9,967   116,894   116,894   6,987   123,881 
            
Accumulated amortization                        
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C. – CEDIMIN  26,167   2,359   28,526  28,526  2,468  30,994 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.  10,806   1,025   11,831  11,831  1,211  13,042 
Inversiones Mineras del Sur S.A.  1,845   2,584   4,429  4,429  1,301  5,730 
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.  1,550   218   1,768  1,768  477  2,245 
Minas Poracota S.A.  125   431   556  556  849  1,405 
Minera Paula 49 S.A.C.  1,129   231   1,360   1,360   123   1,483 
  41,622   6,848   48,470   48,470   6,429   54,899 
Provision for impairment of mining concessions                        
Inversiones Mineras del Sur S.A., note 11  -   2,387   2,387   2,387   418   2,805 
  -   2,387   2,387 
            
  65,305       66,037 

 
(c)
Work in progress -
In 2008 the Company
As of December 31, 2009, Buenaventura had works in progress related mostlymainly to US$3,013,000 forthe construction of tailings deposits for US$4,566,000, US$2,864,000, and US$2,030,000 in the zinc-silver circuit, US$2,111,000 for construction of a mill inOrcopampa, Uchucchacua and US$3,988,000 for construction of a transmission line in Huancarama, in Orcopampa.Recuperada units, respectively.  El Brocal had works in progress related mostlymainly to US$1,540,000 for the expansion of tailings fields No. 6 and 7, and US$997,000 foran 18,000 MTD refining plant (See note 1(f)), optimization of the Río Blanco – Jupayragra Hydroelectric Power Station.Station for US$6,942,000, expansion of the Nos. 6 and 7 tailings yards for US$5,419,000 and implementation of a lead–copper separation circuit for US$3,561,000.  The Company’s Management expects these works in progress to be concludedcompleted during the year 2009.2010.

 
F-37


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

10.Mine development costs, net
The table below presents
Below is presented the movement in the cost, amortization and provision for accumulated amortizationdevaluation by mining units:unit:
  
Balance as of January 1,
2008
  Additions  
Balance as of
December 31,
 2008
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Cost         
Orcopampa  49,594   5,814   55,408 
Uchucchacua  35,650   3,032   38,682 
Poracota  24,002   5,759   29,761 
La Llave  515   24,598   25,113 
Antapite  18,917   79   18,996 
Recuperada  2,942   2,418   5,360 
Julcani  803   1,382   2,185 
Ishihuinca  1,027   -   1,027 
Shila y Paula  815   55   870 
Mine closure costs  12,841   13,613   26,454 
   147,106   56,750   203,856 
             
Accumulated amortization            
Orcopampa  16,548   9,873   26,421 
Uchucchacua  22,202   2,989   25,191 
Antapite  15,061   2,209   17,270 
Poracota  1,049   3,586   4,635 
Ishihuinca  994   27   1,021 
Shila y Paula  204   611   815 
Recuperada  318   294   612 
Mine closure costs  6,543   3,775   10,318 
   62,919   23,364   86,283 
             
Provision for impairment of mine development costs            
Poracota  -   1,085   1,085 
Antapite  -   1,726   1,726 
Recuperada  -   4,748   4,748 
   -   7,559   7,559 
             
Net cost  84,187       110,014 

 
F-38F-33

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)(continued)

Project for the expansion of El Brocal operations (La Llave) -
 
On August 15, 2008, the Board of Directors of El Brocal approved a project to expand its operations in order to reach a treatment level of 18,000 MT per day of ore from its Tajo Norte and Marcapunta mines.  The project involves setting up the open pit, expanding the level of operations, modernizing the Huaraucaca concentrator plant and adapting those services required to support the new production capacity.

As of December 2008 and 2007, El Brocal had executed the following works related to the project to expand operations:

  
Balance as of 
January 1, 2009
  Additions  
Balance as of 
December 31, 
2009
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Cost         
Orcopampa  55,408   3,474   58,882 
Uchucchacua  38,682   4,446   43,128 
Poracota  29,761   2,274   32,035 
La Llave, note 1(f)  15,036   765   15,801 
Antapite  18,996   3   18,999 
Recuperada  5,360   2,768   8,128 
Julcani  2,185   2,616   4,801 
Ishihuinca  1,027   -   1,027 
Shila – Paula  870   1,758   2,628 
Mine closure costs  26,454   1,654   28,108 
   193,779   19,758   213,537 
             
Accumulated amortization            
Orcopampa  26,421   9,273   35,694 
Uchucchacua  25,191   3,878   29,069 
Poracota  4,635   6,707   11,342 
Antapite  17,270   39   17,309 
Recuperada  612   821   1,433 
Julcani  -   622   622 
Ishihuinca  1,021   6   1,027 
Shila – Paula  815   -   815 
Mine closure costs  10,318   4,903   15,221 
   86,283   26,249   112,532 
Provision for impairment of mine development costs            
Poracota  1,085   -   1,085 
Antapite  1,726   -   1,726 
Recuperada  4,748   -   4,748 
Shila – Paula  -   1,813   1,813 
   7,559   1,813   9,372 
             
   99,937       91,633 
  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Mine development  14,988   - 
Concentrator plant  4,395   - 
Feasibility study  1,321   515 
Construction of Huachuacaja tailings area  635   - 
Other minor activities  272   - 
         
   21,611   515 

11.Provision for impairment of long-term assets and investments in associates
Mining rights, property, plant and equipment and development costs -
 
The table below presents the components of the loss from impairment of long-term assets recorded by Buenaventura and subsidiaries:
As of December 31, 2008:

Cash-generating unit 
Mining 
concessions and 
property, plant 
and equipment
  
Mine 
development 
costs
  
Total as of 
December 31,
2008
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Poracota  -   1,085   1,085 
Antapite  8,928   1,726   10,654 
Recuperada  2,123   4,748   6,871 
             
Total  11,051   7,559   18,610 
Cash-generating unit 
Mining concessions
and property, plant
and equipment
  
Mine development costs
  
 
Total
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Poracota  -   1,085   1,085 
Antapite  8,928   1,726   10,654 
Recuperada  2,123   4,748   6,871 
             
Total  11,051   7,559   18,610 

The book value of the items denominated mining rights and property, plant and equipment, and  development costs have been reduced to their estimated realizable value by recognizing an impairment loss of US$18,610,000 which is shown in the “Provision for impairment of long-term assets” caption in the consolidated statement of income.

 
F-39F-34

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

As part
Cash-generating unit 
Mining 
concessions and 
property, plant 
and equipment
  
Mine 
development 
costs
  
Total as of 
December 31,
2009
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Shila-Paula  1,094   1,813   2,907 
Poracota  -   1,085   1,085 
Antapite  9,346   1,726   11,072 
Recuperada  2,123   4,748   6,871 
             
Total  12,563   9,372   21,935 
During the year 2009, the Company’s Management updated assessment of  the process of assessing the recoverability of the book value of its long-term assets’ book value, the Company has identifiedassets and concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, there had not been significant changes in determining the estimated future income (mainly byamount recoverable compared with the reduction of ore reserves in some mining units and the decrease of base metal prices) for the Poracota, Antapite and Recuperada cash generating units, resulting in their book value exceeding their recoverable amount.of the cash-generating units.  The provision made in 2009 amounts to US$3,325,000.

Assessing the impairment of long-term assets involves comparing their respective book values with their recoverable values.  The recoverable value of assets is the greater of its fair value less the costs of sale or its value in use.

The recoverable value used in assessing the RecuperadaShila-Paula unit is the fair value of the assets located in this unit less the associated costs of sale.  To establish this value, an independent consulting firm specializing in asset appraisal was contracted.  According to the appraisal report, the market value of the assets, discounting costs of sale, amounts to US$3,500,000.

The recoverable value used in assessing the Poracota, Antapite and PoracotaRecuperada units is their value in use.  The Company estimates the use value in use of its long-term assets using a discounted cash-flow model.  Cash flow was projected for the useful life of the mining units based on Management’s expectations.  This period depends on variables, including the mineral reserves of each unit.

The following assumptions have been used for calculating the value in use:

 (i)Production volumes:  the production volumes of the Poracota, Antapite and AntapiteRecuperada units are substantiated by the reserves and resources audited as of December 31, 2008,2009, considering Management’s production plan for the coming years.  According to such reserves, the Poracota unit has a production horizon of four years, Antapite of one year and Recuperada of four years (the Poracota unit had a horizon of four years and Antapite of one year.year as of December 31, 2008).  Management believes that there will nonot be significant changes in estimated production volumes that would result in the present value of long-term assets exceeding their recoverable amount.value.

 (ii)Discount rates:  Future cash flows have been adjusted according to the specific risk assigned to this type of asset and discounted at a pre-tax rate of 8.32 percent.9.91 percent (8.32 percent as of December 31, 2008).  The discount rate used is the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).  Management believes that there will nonot be significant changes in the discount rate that could increase the impairment loss.

(iii)Metals prices:  The Company has used future metals prices (forward metal prices) obtained from the average of estimates made by foreign investment banks.
F-35


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 (iv)Operating costs:  The Company has projected its operating costs in relation to its cost structure as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet.  Management believes that there will nonot be significant changes in estimated operating costs considered that could increase the impairment loss.

In the opinion of the Company’s management,Management, the provision for impairment of long-term assets adequately covers the risk of impairment as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet.

 
Investments in associates -
F-40

 

NotesAs of December 31, 2009 and 2008, in the case of Yanacocha the Company’s Management concluded that there was no objective evidence of impairment as of the consolidated balance sheet date derived from internal and external indicators (rising trend in the international price of gold, constant level of reserves and an increase in the annual net profit reported).  In addition, in the case of associate Cerro Verde, the Company’s Management compared the investment’s fair value according to market capitalization with the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)investment’s book value, and determined that there was no impairment as of the consolidated balance sheet date.

12.Trade accounts payable
 
Trade accounts payable arise mainly from the acquisition of material, supplies and spare parts.  These obligations are mostly denominated in U.S. dollars, have current maturities and do not accrue interest.  No specific guarantees have been granted for these obligations.

13.Other liabilities
 
(a)The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2009  2008 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects (b)  84,361   83,485 
Stock appreciation rights (c)  41,131   14,024 
Workers’ profit sharing payable  14,862   8,421 
Taxes payable  9,635   5,366 
Remuneration and similar benefits payable  9,298   15,652 
Provision for environmental liabilities  6,210   7,013 
Provision for labor contingencies  4,454   4,198 
Royalties payable to third parties  3,124   1,535 
Royalties payable to the Peruvian State  2,307   1,712 
Voluntary mining contribution payable  1,437   1,556 
Dividends payable  781   919 
Interest payable  502   1,127 
Other liabilities  11,076   8,790 
   189,178   153,798 
Less - Long-term portion        
Provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects (b)  69,219   70,595 
Stock appreciation rights (c)  26,955   12,058 
Provision for environmental liabilities  5,834   6,328 
Other  45   - 
   102,053   88,981 
Current portion  87,125   64,817 
  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects  83,485   57,889 
Remuneration and similar benefits payable  15,652   16,841 
Stock appreciation rights  14,024   37,803 
Employee profit sharing payable  8,421   13,863 
Accounts payable to partner  7,755   2,982 
Provision for environmental liabilities  7,013   6,448 
Taxes payable  5,366   7,142 
Provision for labor contingencies  4,198   3,708 
Royalties payable to the Peruvian State  1,712   4,079 
Voluntary mining contribution payable  1,556   2,601 
Royalties payable to third parties  1,535   1,609 
Interest payable  1,127   - 
Dividends payable  919   972 
Provision payable to investor  -   3,983 
Other liabilities  8,790   9,211 
   161,553   169,131 
         
Less - Long-term portion        
Provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects  70,595   45,094 
Stock appreciation rights  12,058   22,229 
Accounts payable to partner (*)  7,755   2,982 
Provision for environmental liabilities  6,328   1,503 
Notes payable  -   500 
   96,736   72,308 
         
Current portion  64,817   96,823 
 

(*)This corresponds to accounts payable by the Minera La Zanja S.R.L. subsidiary to its partner, Newmont Peru S.R.L.,  as a result of works related to the pre-operating stage that are expected to be capitalized in the medium term.

 
F-41F-36

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(b)Provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects -
The table below presents the movement of the provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects:

  US$(000) 
    
Balance as of January 1, 20062008  26,922
Disbursements(4,549)
Additions and changes in estimates28,379
Accretion expense3,53557,889 
    
Balance as of January 1, 200754,287
Disbursements(3,471)
Additions and changes in estimates4,617
Accretion expense2,456
Balance as of December 31, 200757,889 
Disbursements  (8,186)
Additions as budgeted in new operating areas  27,517 
Accretion expense  6,265 
Balance as of December 31,200883,485
Disbursements(10,385)
Additions as budgeted in new operating areas6,422
Accretion expense4,839
     
Balance as of December 31, 20082009  83,48584,361 

The provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects represents the present value of the closure costs that are expected to be incurred between the years 20082010 and 2024.  Estimates of the costs for closure of mining units are based on studies prepared by independent advisers that meet the environmental regulations in effect.  The provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects corresponds mostly to activities that must be carried out for restoring the mining units and areas affected by operatingoperation and production activities.  The principal works to be performed correspond to earthworks, revegetationre-vegetation efforts and dismantling of the plants.  Closure budgets are reviewed regularly to take into account any significant change in the studies conducted.  Nevertheless, the closure costs of mining units will depend on the market prices for the closure works required, which willwould reflect future economic conditions.  Also, the time when the disbursements will be made depends on the useful life of the mine, which will be based on future metals prices.

As of December 31, 2008,2009, the future value of the provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects was US$119,758,000,126,232,000, which has been discounted using the adjustedannual risk-free rate of 6.29 per cent, resulting in an updated liability of US$84,361,000 (US$119,758,000, which was discounted using the annual risk-free rate of 8.32 percent,per cent, resulting in aan updated liability of US$83,485,000.83,485,000 as of December 31, 2008).  The Company believes that this liability is sufficient to comply withmeet the current environmental protection laws in effect approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
To date the Ministry of Energy and Mines has approved the following mine closure plans:

Project nameResolution NumberDate
Mallay projectR.D. N°208-2008-MEM-AAMSeptember 2, 2008
Ishihuinca mining unitR.D. N°303-2008-MEM-AAMDecember 5, 2008
Ancoyo accumulationR.D. N°309-2008-MEM-AAMDecember 12, 2008
Angélica projectR.D. N°058-2009-MEM-AAMMarch 12, 2009
Recuperada mining unitR.D. N°116-2009-MEM-AAMMay 14, 2009
Uchucchacua mining unitR.D. N°123-2009-MEM-AAMMay 21, 2009
Chaquelle mining unitR.D. N°177-2009-MEM-AAMJune 23, 2009
Julcani mining unitR.D. N°233-2009-MEM-AAMJuly 31, 2009
Esperanza 2001 mining unitR.D. N°291-2009-MEM-AAMSeptember 23, 2009
Pozo Rico projectR.D. N°381-2009-MEM-DGAAMNovember 26, 2009
Orcopampa mining unitR.D. N°398-2009-MEM-DGAAMDecember 2, 2009
Antapite mining unitR.D. N°418-2009-MEM-DGAAMDecember 18, 2009

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Company has constituted letters of credit for US$12,213,000 to secure mine closure plans for the above-mentioned units.
(c)
Stock Appreciation Rights -
Senior executives of the Company are granted share appreciation rights, which can only be settled in cash, if the executive is working for the Company at each program’s settlement date.  These programs are mainly structured in a ten-year term, allocated in several programs with progressive maturities.  The average price of the granted programs is assigned based on the last quarter market quotation of the shares before the grant date and the settlement is determined based on the variation of the market prices at the maturity date as compared to the price at the date of the grant.

In 2007, the Company changed the valuation method used to estimate the fair value of its liabilities for compensation to management from the Black-Scholes–Merton model to the Turnbull & Wakeman model.  Pursuant to IFRS 2 "Share-based Payments", the Company changed the valuation methodology after determining that the Turnbull & Wakeman method would produce a better estimate of the fair value of the liabilities by compensation to management considering the compensations structure adopted by the Company.  The effect of this change in estimating the year-2006 profit was not material.

The table below presents the principal assumptions used by the Company to estimate the fair value as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007:2008:

  2008  2007 
       
Historical volatility  48.25%  47.90%
Risk-free interest rate  0.39%  3.25%
Dividend yield  1.34%  1.44%
Period covered by the program 10 years  8 years 
Market value of the shares at closing:         
Before stock split (2007) $US19.92  $US54.65 
After stock split, note 15(f) $US19.92  $US27.33 
F-43


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
  2009  2008 
       
Historical volatility  51.24%  48.25%
Risk-free interest rate  0.00%  0.39%
Dividend yield  1.22%  1.34%
Period covered by the program 10 years  10 years 
Market value of the shares at closing US$33.47  US$19.92 

The table below presents the movement of the shares subject to the compensation program for the years 2009 and 2008 and 2007:

Before(considering the effect of the stock split effectexplained in note 15(f)):

  Number of shares 
  _______________________________ 
  2008  2007 
       
Opening balance  2,258,600   2,230,000 
Granted during the year  363,000   400,000 
Settled during the year  (398,800)  (371,400)
Expired during the year  (10,000)  - 
Final balance before stock split  2,212,800   2,258,600 
Effect of stock split, note 15(f)  2,212,800   - 
Final balance before stock split  4,425,600   2,258,600 

After stock split effect

 Number of shares 
 _______________________________  
Number of shares
 
 2008  2007  2009  2008 
            
Opening balance 4,517,200  4,460,000  4,425,600  4,517,200 
Granted during the year 726,000  800,000  785,000  726,000 
Settled during the year (797,600) (742,800) (364,600) (797,600)
Expired during the year  (20,000)  -   -   (20,000)
Final balance including stock split  4,425,600   4,517,200 
Ending balance  4,846,000   4,425,600 



F-44

respectively.

 
F-45F-38

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

14.Long-term debt
(a)The table below presents the detail of long-term debt as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007:2008:
 
  Original amount Guarantee Annual interest rate Maturities2009 2008
  US$ (000)      US$(000) US$(000)
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.           
Syndicated Loan Agreement (b) 450,000 None Three-month LIBOR plus 2.25% (2.56% as of December 31, 2009) Quarterly maturities of US$14,667,000 from August 2008 to May 2013.  Prepayments may be made on each quarterly due date205,333 264,000
Banco de Crédito del Perú (c) 75,000 Secured interest of US$13,748,000 Three-month LIBOR plus 0.85% (1.10% as of December 31, 2009) Quarterly maturities of US$9,375,000 from September 2008 to June 201018,750 56,250
            
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.           
BBVA Banco Continental 9,000 None Three-month LIBOR plus 1.25% (1.56% as of December 31, 2009) Quarterly maturities of US$500,000 from June 2009 to June 20125,000 7,000
Empresa de Generación Huanza S.A.           
Financial lease   (f) 119,000 Joint surety Three-month LIBOR plus 4.00% (4.31% as of December 31, 2009) Quarterly maturities to 10 years from capitalization865 -
Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A.           
Mitsui – Masa Leasing 57 None 8.71% Monthly maturities from March 2008 to February 201121 41
  38 None 7.14% Monthly maturities from May 2009 to May 201134 -
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.           
Banco de Crédito del Perú 376 Goods leased 5.34% -4 4
            
         230,007 327,295
            
Non-current portion        (150,555) (229,105)
            
Current portion         79,452 98,190
  Original amount Guarantee Annual interest rate  Maturities  2008  2007 
  US$ (000)         US$(000)  US$(000) 
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.                
Syndicated Loan Agreement (b)  450,000 None 
Three-month LIBOR plus 2.25% (4.47% as of December 31, 2008)
  
Quarterly maturities from February 2009 to May 2013
   264,000   - 
Banco de Crédito del Peru (d)  75,000 Secured interest of US$13,748,000 on machinery and equipment and surety bonds of US$14,000,000 
Three-month LIBOR plus 0.85% (3.07% as of December 31, 2008)
  
Quarterly maturities from March 2009 to June de 2010
   56,250   75,000 
                    
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.                   
BBVA Banco Continental  9,000 None 
Three-month LIBOR plus 1.25% (4.06% as of December 31, 2008)
  
Quarterly maturities from March 2009 to June 2012
   7,000   9,000 
                    
Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A.                   
Mitsui – Masa Leasing  57 None  8.71% 
Monthly maturities from March 2008 to February 2011
   41   - 
                     
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.                    
Banco de Crédito del Peru  376 Goods leased  5.34%  -   4   119 
                327,295   84,119 
                      
Non-current portion               (229,105)  (63,250)
                      
Current portion               98,190   20,869 

 
F-46F-39

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 (b)On February 20, 2008, Buenaventura signed a Syndicated Bridge Loan Agreement for the amountAs part of US$450,000,000 with a syndicate of banks led by Banco de Crédito del Perú (the agent bank) with an interest rate of 90 day Libor plus 2.25% nominal annual (4.47 per cent as of December 2008).  The loan proceeds was used to pay clients to release the commitments in sales contracts that Buenaventura held as of such date (see note 17(a)) and to pay its financial obligations assumed during 2008, prior to obtain the syndicated bridge loan which was repaid in May of 2008 with funds provided by a new loan.

On May 21, 2008 Buenaventura signed a Syndicated Loan Agreement for US$450,000,000.  The Banco de Crédito del Perú (BCP) was designated as Administrative Agent on behalf of the bank syndicate.  The main clauses provided in the syndicated agreement include the following:

(i)The loan is structured according to the source of funding as follows:agreement, Buenaventura committed to:
 
  US$(000)  % 
       
Local banks  200,000   44.45 
Foreign banks  250,000   55.55 
         
   450,000   100.00 

(ii)(i)The loan accrues a 90 day Libor plus 2.25% nominal (4.47 percent as of December 31, 2008).  The principal amount may only be prepaid on each of the programmed quarterly maturity dates.

(iii)The loan has been granted for a five-year period.  The amortization of the principal amount shall be made in 20 quarterly payments of US$22,500,000 starting August 27, 2008 and ending May 27, 2013.

(iv)Compañía Minera Condesa S.A. (hereinafter “Condesa”) signed the Syndicated Loan Agreement as guarantor for Buenaventura.  For such effect, Condesa granted the Agent bank a pledge over its ADS (Pledged Securities), which were held in the Bank of New York.  The pledge affects 21,130,260 ADS of Buenaventura, which should have a market value of at least 1.25 times the remaining balance of the principal of the loan.  If the market value of the pledge falls to levels below 1.25 times the remaining balance of the principal, the Company commits to grant additional pledges up to the value of at least 1.50 times the remaining balance of the principal.

In compliance with this clause of the agreement, during the year 2008 Buenaventura established an escrow account for US$177,811,000.  See note 4(d).  In December 2008, Condesa, Buenaventura and the lead bank signed an addendum to the Syndicated Loan Agreement denominated Consent and Amendment, which releases the entire lien on the ADS for pledged securities, consequently releasing the collateral cash deposit that had been kept in the escrow account to that date.

F-47


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(v)Buenaventura agrees to not enterNot entering into derivative contracts for speculativewith speculation purposes as defined in the International Financial Reporting Standards.

 (vi)(ii)Buenaventura agrees to maintainMaintaining a Debt Ratio financial index of less than 3.5 as of the end of each quarter.  This ratio is determined by dividing Buenaventura’s consolidated financial debt by the sum of the consolidated EBITDA and the collection of dividends for the twelve-month period following the calculation date.  As of December 31, 20082009 the Debt Ratio was 0.42.0.39 (0.42 as of December 31, 2008).

In the opinion of Buenaventura’s Management, as of the date of submitting the financial statements, the Company has duly complied with all of the obligations assumed under the Syndicated Loan Agreement.

 (c)In August, September and November 2008, Buenaventura prepaid US$49,500,000, US$38,475,000 and US$60,000,000, respectively, with no additional charges for penalties.  These prepayments caused the quarterly installments to be reprogrammed from US$22,500,000 to US$20,025,000 for the installment for August 2008, to US$18,000,000 for the installment for November 2008 and to  US$14,667,000 for the installments up to May 2013.

(d)In June 2007, Buenaventura obtained a loan from Banco de CréditoCredito del PerúPeru for the amount of US$75,000,000 in order to partially finance the payments in connection with the release of the fixed price component in the trade contracts entered into in 2007, as explained in note 17.  This loan carries a three month Libor interest rate plus 0.85 per cent.  Secured interests of US$13,748,000 have been granted on machinery and equipment, as well as US $14,000,000 in surety bonds.

 
F-48


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 (e)(d)The long-term debt held by Buenaventura and its subsidiaries matures as follows:

Period US$(000) 
Year 
As of December 31,
2009
  
As of December 31,
2008
 
 US$(000)  US$(000) 
         
2009 98,190    98,190 
2010 79,439  79,452  79,439 
2011 60,667  61,548  60,667 
2012 59,667  59,674  59,667 
2013  29,332   29,333   29,332 
 327,295  230,007  327,295 
    
Current portion  (98,190)  (79,452)  (98,190)
    
Non current portion  229,105   150,555   229,105 

 (f)(e)The interest expense (interest and prepayment  penalties related to the Syndicated Loan Agreement amounts to US$7,778,000 for the period ended December 31, 2009 (US$20,992,000 for the period ended December 31, 2008.2008).
(f)On December 2, 2009 Banco de Crédito, hereinafter “the Bank”, executed a financial lease agreement with Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A., Empresa de Generación Huanza S.A. and Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. for construction of a hydroelectric power station.  This financial lease for US$119,000,000 is in favor of Empresa de Generación Huanza S.A., hereinafter “the Lessee.”  This agreement stipulates that Buenaventura commits itself as a joint surety of the Lessee, guaranteeing fulfillment of the pecuniary obligations in favor of the bank.  To December 31, 2009, the total disbursement by the bank amounted to US$865,000.

 
F-49F-40

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
15.Shareholders’ equity, netEquity
 (a)Capital stock -
Common
The Company’s share capital is stated in Nuevos Soles (S/.) and consists of common shares with voting rights that represent 100 percent of the Company’s issued capital.  The table below presents the components of the capital stock as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007:2008:

 
2008
  
2007
  
2009
  
2008
 
 
Number 
of
shares
  
Nominal
value
  
Capital
stock
  
Capital
stock
  
Number 
of
shares
  
Nominal
value
  
Capital
stock
  
Capital
stock
  
Number of
shares
  
Nominal
(par)value
  Capital stock  Capital stock  
Number of
shares
  Par value  Capital stock  Capital stock 
    S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000)     S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000)     S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000)     S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000) 
                                                
Common shares  274,889,924   2,748,899   2,748,899   813,162  137,444,962  549,780  646,378  188,393   274,889,924   2,748,899   2,748,899   813,162   274,889,924   2,748,899   2,748,899   813,162 
Treasury shares  (21,130,260)  (211,303)  (211,303)  (62,622)  (10,565,130)  (42,261)  (49,623)  (14,463)  (21,130,260)  (211,303)  (211,303)  (62,622)  (21,130,260)  (211,303)  (211,303)  (62,622)
                                                                
  253,759,664   2,537,596   2,537,596   750,540   126,879,832   507,519   596,755   173,930   253,759,664   2,537,596   2,537,596   750,540   253,759,664   2,537,596   2,537,596   750,540 

The market value of common shares amounted to US$33.34 as of December 31, 2009 (US$20.22 as of December 31, 2008 (US$28.26 as of December 31, 2007)2008) and it presented a trading turnoverfrequency of 8095 per cent (84(80 per cent as of December 31, 2007)2008).

 (b)Investment shares -
Investment shares do not have voting rights or participate in shareholders’ meetings but do participate in the distribution of dividends.  The table below presents the components of investment shares as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007:2008:

 
2008
  
2007
  
2009
  
2008
 
 
Number
of
shares
  
Nominal
value
  
Investment 
shares
  
Investment 
shares
  
Number
of
shares
  
Nominal
value
  
Investment 
shares
  
Investment 
shares
  
Number of
shares
  
Nominal
(par) value
  
Investment
shares
  
Investment
shares
  
Number of
shares
  
Nominal
value
  
Investment
shares
  
Investment
shares
 
    S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000)     S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000)     S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000)     S/(000)  S/(000)  US$(000) 
                                                
Investment shares 744,640  7,446  7,446  2,161  372,320  1,489  1,749  510   744,640   7,446   7,446   2,161   744,640   7,446   7,446   2,161 
Treasury investment shares  (61,976)  (619)  (619)  (142)  (30,988)  (124)  (127)  (37)  (61,976)  (619)  (619)  (142)  (61,976)  (619)  (619)  (142)
                                                                
  682,664   6,827   6,827   2,019   341,332   1,365   1,622   473   682,664   6,827   6,827   2,019   682,664   6,827   6,827   2,019 

The market value of investment shares amounted to US$29.43 as of December 31, 2009 (US$13.69 as of December 31, 2008 (US$20.91 as of December 31, 2007)2008) and it presented a trading turnoverfrequency of 1930 per cent (21(19 per cent as of December 31, 2007)2008).

 
F-50F-41

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 (c)Legal reserve -
The Peruvian Corporations Law (Ley General de Sociedades) requires that a minimum of ten percent of the distributable earnings for each period, after deducting the income tax, be transferred to a legal reserve until the latter is equal to 20 percent of the capital stock.  This legal reserve can be used to offset losses or may be capitalized, with the obligation, in both cases, to replenish it.

For the year ending December 31, 2008,2009, Buenaventura increased its legal reserve by the amount of US$15,328,000,59,356,000, which has been set aside from the net profit corresponding to the 2008 period.2009 period (US$15,328,000 for the year ending December 31, 2008).

 (d)Dividends declared and paid -
The table below presents the dividends declared and paid in 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006:2007:

Meeting Date  
Dividends
declared
  
Dividend 
per share
 
    US$  US$ 
         
2008 Dividends        
Mandatory Annual Shareholders’ Meeting March 27  30,320,000   0.11 
Board of Directors’ Meeting October 30  24,806,000   0.09 
Less – dividends granted to Condesa    (4,238,000)    
     50,888,000     
2007 Dividends          
Mandatory Annual Shareholders’ Meeting March 28  50,992,000   0.37 
Board of Directors’ Meeting October 26  24,806,000   0.18 
Less – dividends granted to Condesa    (5,826,000)    
     69,972,000     
2006 Dividends          
Mandatory Annual Shareholders’ Meeting March 30  30,320,000   0.22 
Board of Directors’ Meeting October 30  34,454,000   0.25 
Less – dividends granted to Condesa    (5,007,000)    
     59,767,000     

F-51


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Meeting Date 
Dividends
Declared and paid
  
Dividend
per share
 
    US$  US$ 
         
2009 Dividends        
Mandatory Annual Shareholders’ Meeting March 27  5,513,000   0.02 
Board of Directors’ Meeting October 29  38,589,000   0.14 
Less – dividends related to treasury shares    (3,391,000)    
           
     40,711,000     
2008 Dividends          
Mandatory Annual Shareholders’ Meeting March 27  30,320,000   0.11 
Board of Directors’ Meeting October 30  24,806,000   0.09 
Less – dividends related to treasury shares    (4,238,000)    
           
     50,888,000     
2007 Dividends          
Mandatory Annual Shareholders’ Meeting March 28  50,992,000   0.37 
Board of Directors’ Meeting October 26  24,806,000   0.18 
Less – dividends related to treasury shares    (5,826,000)    
           
     69,972,000     

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the effect of declared and paid dividends by two subsidiaries to minority shareholders, is made up as follows:

  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.  23,338   17,055 
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca  13,937   9,144 
   37,275   26,199 
  
2009
  
2008
 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca  14,051   13,937 
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.  11,514   23,338 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.  2,191   - 
         
   27,756   37,275 

 (e)Capitalization of retained earnings -
The Mandatory annual Shareholders’ Meeting held March 27, 2008, agreed to increase the nominal (par) value of the common and investment shares from S/4.00 to S/20.00.20.00 each.  For this, the Meeting approved the following capitalizations:


F-42

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(i)Capitalization of results from exposure to inflation as of December 31, 2004 accumulated of capital stock and investment shares amounting to S/96,858,000.96,858,000 (US$28,230,000).  As of capitalization date, results from exposure to inflation was included as part of capital stock.  As a consequence, no additional movement was required in the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.

 (ii)Capitalization of retained earnings amounting to S/2,108,219,000.2,108,219,000 (US$626,421,000) increased the capital stock and investment shares accounts by US$576,610,000 (net of treasury stock for US$48,160,000) and US$1,546,000 (net of treasury stock for US$105,000), respectively.

As a result of the capitalizations, the nominal value of treasury shares (common and investment) increased from US$14,499,000 to US$62,764,000 (an increase of US$48,265,000).  In compliance with accounting standards, the Company shows the nominal value of treasury shares net of the capital stock.  See note 26 (b).stock, as a consequence the increase in the nominal value of the treasury shares was net off in the same value of capital stock increasing the additional capital account of consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.

 (f)Stock Split -
In the General Shareholders Meeting held March 27, 2008, shareholders agreed that once the capitalization of retained earnings described in paragraph (e) and registered in Peru’s public registries, these would be split by changing the nominal value of common and investment shares from S/20.00 to S/10.00.

 
F-52


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Board of Directors in its session of July 1, 2008 agreed on the schedule to carry out this splitting of Company shares.  According to this schedule, the date of registration of the operation was July 18, 2008.  As from July 21, 2008 the Lima Stock Exchange traded the new number of shares effective as of such date (254,442,328 shares made up by 253,759,664 common shares and 682,664 investment shares) and as from July 23, 2008 the New York Stock Exchange did the same.

(g)The Minera La Zanja S.R.L. shareholders made cash contributions during the pre-operating stage that will be capitalized when the La Zanja project is put into operation.  Consequently, the account payable of US$26,475,000 to Newmont Peru S.R.L. is presented increasing the “Minority interest” caption included in the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.
16.Tax Situation
 (a)The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to the Peruvian tax system.  As of December 31, 2008,2009, the income tax rate was 30 percent on taxable income.

Legal entities and individuals not domiciled in Peru are subject to an additional tax of 4.1 percent on the dividends received.

 (b)During the four years following the year of filing tax returns the tax authorities have the power to review and, as applicable, correct the income tax computed by the Company.  The Income Tax and Value Added Tax (IGV) returns for the following years are open to review by Tax Authorities:

Entity
Years open to review by Tax Authorities
  
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones
Mineras S.A.C. – CEDIMIN
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Compañía Minera Colquirrumi S.A.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Minas Conga S.R.L.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009
Minera La Zanja S.R.L.2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 20082009

F-43


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Due to the possible interpretations that the Tax Authorities may give to legislation in effect, it is not possible to determine whether or not any of the tax audits that will perform will result in increased liabilities for the Company.  For that reason any tax or surcharge that could arise from future tax audits would be applied to the income of the period in which it is determined.  However, in Management'sManagement’s opinion, any possible additional payment of taxes would not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
F-53


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Buenaventura - -
Buenaventura’s Income Tax Returns for the 2000 and 2003 periods have been audited by Tax Authorities.  As a result of the aforesaid, the Tax Administration has issued assessments denying recognition of Buenaventura’s tax-loss carryforwards reported as of December 31, 2000 and 20032003.  To date, the Tax Administration has issued a resolution on the claim petition filed by the Company in which it does not recognize the Company’s tax-loss carryforward amounting to S/177,822,000 (US$51,828,000)67,263,000 (equivalent to US$23,266,000) and S/49,652,000 (US$14,472,000),18,224,000 (equivalent to US$6,304,000) to December 31, 2000 and 2003, respectively.  The principal objection is against having considered certain non-taxable income – dividends and income originating from application of the equity accounting method – as taxable income for the purpose of determining tax-loss carryforwards.  In Management'sthe opinion of Management and its legal advisers, this interpretation has no legal basis, for which reason Buenaventura could obtain a favorable result in the tax claim procedure initiated against the above-mentioned assessments.

During the year 2007, the Tax Administration audited Buenaventura’s Income Tax Returns for the 2004 and 2005 periods were audited by the Tax Administration.periods.  As a consequence of the aforementioned, the Tax Administration issued assessments denying recognition of some deductions.  To date, the Tax Administration has issued tax assessment resolutions by which it does not recognize deductions of S/92,274,000 (US$31,450,000) for77,921,000 (equivalent to US$26,953,000) in 2004 and S/119,785,000 (US$40,827,000) for(equivalent to US$41,434,000) in 2005.  The principal objection was against the recognition the deferred income from the sale of future production as taxable income when Buenaventura delivered the ounces of gold committed.  In the opinion of Buenaventura’s Management and its legal advisers, this interpretation has no legal basis, for which reason Buenaventura would obtain a favorable result in the tax claim procedure initiated against the above-mentioned assessments.

Cedimin - -
Cedimin´s Income Tax Return for the 2002 period has been audited by the Tax Administration.  As a result, the Tax Administration has issued assessments modifying the tax-loss carryforward declared by Cedimin.  The principal objection is against having considered Cedimin´sCedimin’s loss of S/27,129,00027,130,000 (US$7,907,000) on the sale of Minera Huallanca S.A.C. and Minera Yanaquihua S.A shares as non-deductible.  In the opinion of Cedimin´s Management, this interpretation has no legal basis, for which reason Cedimin would obtain a favorable result in the tax claim procedure initiated against the above-indicated assessment.


F-44

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Condesa - -
Condesa´s
Condesa’s Income Tax Returns for the 2000, 2001 and 2003 periods have been audited by the Tax Administration.  As a result of the aforesaid, the Tax Administration has issued assessments reducing the tax-loss carryforwards from previous years, which Condesa had reported in those periods, by S/1,359,000 (US$396,000), S/16,087,000 (US$4,545,000) and S/ 13,892,000 (US$4,049,000) respectively.  In addition, with respect to the 2001 Income Tax Return, the Tax Administration has issued a resolution determining a tax omission of S/1,153,000 (US$336,000) and a resolution imposing a fine of S/573,000 (US$167,000), mainly as consequence of the reduction of the tax loss originating from 2000.  For these periods, the principal objection is against having considered non-taxable income (dividends) as taxable for purposes of determining the tax-loss carryforward.  In the opinion of Condesa´s Management, this interpretation has no legal basis, for which reason Condesa would obtain a favorable result in the tax claim procedure initiated against the above-mentioned assessments.

 
F-54


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A. -
TheIn 2006 the Tax Administration has audited the Income Tax Returns of Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A. (“El Brocal”) corresponding to(El Brocal) Income tax return for the 2000 and 2003 tax period, and issued Tax Assessments Resolutions amounting to S/ 2,112,000 anddetermining objections of S/2,292,000 respectively, due to their objection to certain expense deductions in both periods.net income for the period for under-reporting sales by the improper deduction of freight and insurance on mineral exports.  These objections were not accepted by El Brocal has not accepted the aforementioned tax assessments and therefore, filed tax claims against them.are currently being protested.  In the opinion of El Brocal´sBrocal’s Management, this interpretation has no merit, for which reason there would be a favorable result in the Tax Administration’s interpretation fails to have the necessary legal grounds and, consequently, the results of the tax claims are expected to be favorable to El Brocal.proceeding indicated.

 (c)
As of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the tax-loss carryforward determined by Buenaventura amounts to approximately S/1,694,130,0001,455,370,000 and S/486,168,000,1,695,299,000, respectively (equivalent to US$539,188,000503,414,000 and US$154,732,000)586,406,000), arising mainly from the release of the fixed prices in its commercial sales contracts.  This loss can be used to offset taxablenet income obtained in subsequent periods without expiration.periods.  As allowed by the Income Tax Law, Buenaventura has chosen a system for offsetting this loss with an annual cap equivalent to 50 percent of net future taxable income, until exhausting this amount.  The amount of the tax-loss carryforward is subject to the results of the audits mentioned in the previous paragraph (b).

Buenaventura has decided to recognize a deferred income tax asset insofar as there it is more likely than not that the tax-loss carryforward can be used to offset future net income.

 
(d)For purposes of determining the Income Tax and Value Added Tax (IGV), the transfer prices for transactions with related companies and companies domiciled in territories with little or no taxation must be substantiated with documentation and information on the valuation methods used and the criteria considered for their determination.  Based on analysis of the Company’s operations, the Company’s Management and its legal advisers believe that, as a result of the application of these standards, no material contingencies will arise for the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.
F-55


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

17.Net sales and sales commitments
The Company’s revenues are mostly from sales of gold and precious metals in the form of concentrates, including silver-lead, silver-gold, zinc and lead-gold-copper concentrates and ounces of gold.
The table below presents the net sales to customers by geographic region:region and product type:

  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Net sales by geographic region         
Peru  376,483   356,309   346,704 
America  344,065   173,898   219,220 
Europe  44,588   153,701   97,960 
Asia  30,627   41,197   66,540 
Oceania  9,806   7,725   279 
Africa  -   14,080   - 
   805,569   746,910   730,703 
Services rendered            
Peru  12,182   19,693   16,318 
Asia  1,606   -   - 
   819,357   766,603   747,021 
             
Net sales by product            
Gold  413,989   360,682   285,321 
Silver  235,023   238,679   224,455 
Zinc  107,155   152,850   243,375 
Lead  54,147   72,369   114,666 
Copper  41,824   52,503   4,442 
Coal  -   111   406 
   852,138   877,194   872,665 
Refinery charges and penalties  (93,590)  (132,205)  (133,330)
Prior-period settlements  4,517   (15,513)  (2,195)
   763,065   729,476   737,140 
Embedded derivatives from sale of concentrate  14,499   (3,969)  (5,984)
Hedging operations  28,005   21,403   (453)
   805,569   746,910   730,703 
Sale of services, powerand other minor items  13,788   19,693   16,318 
             
   819,357   766,603   747,021 
  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Net sales by geographic region         
Peru  356,309   346,704   294,375 
America  173,898   219,220   70,196 
Europe  153,701   97,960   86,919 
Asia  41,197   66,540   57,497 
Africa  14,080   -   - 
Oceania  7,725   279   23,459 
   746,910   730,703   532,446 
Services rendered            
Peru  19,693   16,318   15,626 
             
   766,603   747,021   548,072 
             
The table below presents the net sales to customers by product type:            
             
Net sales by product            
Gold  319,643   270,016   125,838 
Silver  18,547   14,471   5,157 
   338,190   284,487   130,995 
Concentrates:            
Gold  32,056   13,745   4,552 
Silver  139,577   114,445   186,819 
Zinc  112,353   174,980   169,215 
Copper  34,792   3,339   577 
Lead  89,942   139,707   40,288 
   408,720   446,216   401,451 
             
Services rendered            
Peru  19,693   16,318   15,626 
             
   766,603   747,021   548,072 

F-56F-45


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 (a)In March and May of 2007, Buenaventura agreed with six of its customers upon the release of commitments to commercial contracts to sell 971,000 ounces of gold at fixed prices.  This agreement to release the commitments in commercial contracts resulted in Buenaventura paying these customers US$315,726,000, with a charge to results for the period and reversing the liabilityprovision for executory gold contractsdeferred income from sale of future production held to these dates of US$129,804,000, with a credit to income of the period.  The net effect amounting to US$185,922,000 is presented in the consolidated statement of income.

In January and February of 2008, Buenaventura revised the sales contracts with other customers, to release the commitments on sales contracts to be able to sell the committed gold ounces at market prices in force between the years 2010 – 2012, in accordance with Buenaventura’s gold availability.

As consequence of the aforementioned, Buenaventura was released from the obligation to sell 922,000 ounces of gold at fixed prices, varying between US$345 and US$451 per ounces of gold; thus, they will be sold at the market price in force on the date of the physical delivery of the gold committed.

For these transactions, Buenaventura has made a payment of US$517,143,000 (US$82,592,000 in January 2008 and US$434,551,000 in February 2008, respectively) and recorded a decrease in the liability corresponding to the executory gold delivery contracts liability amounting to US$102,008,000 with credit to income of the period.  The resulting net loss of US$415,135,000 is presented in the Net loss from release of commitments in sales contractscontracts caption in the consolidated statements of income for the period ended December 31, 2008.

 (b)As of December 31, 2008,2009, Buenaventura has been released of commitments (related to quantity, date and price) on all the sales contracts entered into for the sale of ounces of gold.

F-46

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Embedded derivative -
The Company’s sales based on a provisional sales price contain an embedded derivative, which is required to be bifurcated from the host contract.  The host contract is the sale of the metals contained in the concentrates at the current spot LME price.  The embedded derivative, which does not qualify for hedge accounting, is marked-to-market through earnings each period.  At December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the Company had consolidated embedded derivatives based on forward prices for the expected settlement dates.  Final prices on these sales will be established over the next several months pursuant to terms of sales contracts.  The impact of fluctuations in the forward prices used for these derivatives through the settlement date is reflected as derivative gains and losses in revenues.
Concentrate sales include adjustments to the provisional sale value resulting from changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative.  These adjustments resulted in reducinghigher sales by US$14,499,000 and lower sales by US$3,969,000 in 2009 and US$5,984,000 in 2008, and 2007; respectively.  See note 17 and 28.

Concentration of sales –
In 2008,2009, the three most important customers represented 20%46%, 16% and 13% of total sales (14%, 12% and 15% of total sales (22%, 14% and 10% of total sales in 2007)2008).  As of December 31, 2008, 47%2009, 75% of the accounts receivable are related to these customers (47%(68% as of December 31, 2007)2008).  Some have sales contracts that guarantee supplying them the production from the Company’s mines at prices that are based on market quotations.

 
F-57


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

18.Costs of Sales, without considering depreciation and amortization
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Opening balance of products in process, note 6(a)  11,562   12,333   10,286 
Opening balance of finished goods, note 6(a)  9,529   7,875   6,862 
Services provided by third parties  98,939   48,622   29,450 
Consumption of materials and supplies  66,022   64,401   49,684 
Direct labor  53,926   48,264   35,853 
Transport  11,059   9,364   6,578 
Electricity and water  9,479   13,988   9,836 
Other production expenses  42,386   67,238   53,651 
Provision for inventory impairment, note 6(b)  809   810   15 
Final balance of products in process, note 6(a)  (15,788)  (11,562)  (12,333)
Final balance of finished goods, note 6(a)  (7,581)  (9,529)  (7,875)
             
   280,342   251,804   182,007 

19.Exploration in operating units
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Opening balance of products in process, note 6(a)  12,333   10,286   9,346 
Opening balance of finished goods, note 6(a)  7,875   6,862   16,279 
Consumption of materials and supplies  64,401   49,684   41,053 
Direct labor  48,264   35,853   28,154 
Services provided by third parties  48,622   29,450   27,996 
Transport  9,364   6,578   5,364 
Electricity and water  13,988   9,836   8,767 
Other production expenses  65,396   51,698   25,710 
Provision for inventory impairment,
   Note 6(b)
  2,652   1,968   3,788 
Final balance of products in process, note 6(a)  (11,562)  (12,333)  (10,286)
Final balance of finished goods, note 6(a)  (9,529)  (7,875)  (6,862)
             
   251,804   182,007   149,309 
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Exploration expenses         
Orcopampa  20,352   13,493   9,047 
Uchucchacua  14,958   11,518   8,913 
Poracota  13,267   5,892   3,217 
Antapite  7,437   9,684   6,017 
Shila - Paula  6,538   8,261   4,780 
Julcani  3,791   3,808   1,491 
Recuperada  1,979   2,963   2,756 
Ishihuinca  305   1,384   1,607 
Tajo Norte  22   -   - 
             
   68,649   57,003   37,828 

 
F-58F-47

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

19.20.General and administrative expenses
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Stock appreciation rights,  note 13(c)  29,073   (7,678)  28,666 
Personnel expense  20,587   18,117   12,820 
Allowance for doubtful accounts, note 5  16,814   5,372   - 
Miscellaneous expenses  9,165   8,647   6,619 
Professional fees  6,816   6,201   6,512 
Board of Directors’ participation  2,064   2,091   2,072 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  1,780   -   - 
Supplies  938   597   433 
Insurance  777   738   769 
Maintenance  298   303   589 
Amortization of other assets  261   261   261 
Rent  187   258   464 
             
   88,760   34,907   59,205 

21.Exploration in operating unitsnon-operating areas
The expenses incurred in 2009, 2008 and 2007 by exploration area are presented below:

  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Outside of mining units         
Mallay  7,305   8,002   4,279 
La Zanja  4,538   8,446   1,583 
Breapampa  3,238   3,259   4,256 
Trapiche  3,058   2,701   3,009 
Tantahuatay  1,796   2,109   2,597 
Anamaray  1,050   1,051   799 
Chucapaca  705   1,786   - 
Consolidado de Hualgayoc  602   -   838 
Argentina  600   428   942 
Terciopelo  528   -   - 
Colquemayo  487   -   - 
El Faique  374   401   748 
La Llave  276   2,591   - 
Jaguar  207   -   - 
Aguas Calientes  189   -   - 
El Milagro  164   2,936   6,804 
Soras Poracota  158   2,426   852 
Hatun Orco  131   2,109   1,272 
Los Pircos-Cirato  124   191   1,049 
Ccaccapaqui  87   -   - 
Pampa Andino  5   67   481 
San Francisco (Argentina)  -   1,495   369 
San Francisco  -   2,118   - 
Llillinta  -   27   827 
Tinyaclla  -   5   107 
Hueso Sur  -   3   360 
Sausa Layo-Norte  -   -   1,733 
Other minor projects  662   2,413   136 
   26,284   44,564   33,041 
In mining units            
Marcapunta  3,504   10,667   9,881 
Other  217   -   3,485 
             
   30,005   55,231   46,407 

F-48


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

22.Royalties
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Sindicato Minero de Orcopampa S.A., note 31(b)  21,133   18,275   15,670 
Peruvian State  18,452   16,883   17,601 
Minera El Futuro de Ica S.R.L., note 31(b)  61   536   707 
             
   39,646   35,694   33,978 

23.Interest incomes and expenses
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Interest incomes         
Interest on deposits  4,477   17,524   9,120 
Interests received on tax refunds  1,578   -   1,161 
Interest on loans  47   79   1,491 
Other  15   248   - 
             
   6,117   17,851   11,772 
             
Interest expenses            
Interest expenses related to third parties  (8,899)  (19,287)  (4,493)
Accretion expense, note 13(b)  (4,839)  (6,265)  (2,456)
Tax on financial transactions  (981)  (2,299)  (1,308)
Bank fees related to the Syndicated Loan Agreement  -   (3,771)  - 
Other  (371)  (2,312)  (357)
             
   (15,090)  (33,934)  (8,614)

F-49

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
24.Other, net
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Exploration expenses         
Orcopampa  13,493   9,047   10,853 
Uchucchacua  11,518   8,913   11,847 
Antapite  9,684   6,017   3,275 
Shila  8,261   4,780   4,908 
Poracota  5,892   3,217   - 
Julcani  3,808   1,491   1,881 
Recuperada  2,963   2,756   1,396 
Ishihuinca  1,384   1,607   4,104 
             
   57,003   37,828   38,264 

20.General and administrative expenses
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Stock appreciation rights, note 13  (7,678)  28,666   3,634 
Personnel expense  18,117   12,820   12,010 
Sundry expenses  8,647   6,619   6,201 
Professional fees  6,201   6,512   6,102 
Allowance for doubtful accounts, note 5  5,372   -   - 
Board of Directors’ participation  2,091   2,072   5,940 
Insurance  738   769   794 
Supplies  597   433   631 
Maintenance  303   589   585 
Amortization of other assets  261   261   261 
Rent  258   464   481 
             
   34,907   59,205   36,639 
  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Other income         
Sale of supplies and services to third parties  2,935   3,873   160 
Prior period reversals  1,922   1,887   1,943 
Sale of rights  1,005   1,720   - 
Reversal of the provision for impairment of inventory, note 6(b)  360   16   2,413 
Income from insurance proceeds  353   11   2,072 
Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment  332   971   237 
Recovery of Minera Yanaquihua S.R.L. doubtful account  -   1,320   - 
Other, net  878   -   - 
   7,785   9,798   6,825 
             
Other expenses            
Services provided by third parties  (2,109)  (320)  - 
Voluntary mining contribution  (1,530)  (1,700)  (2,637)
Provision for contingencies (labor, environmental and community)  (889)  (1,338)  (549)
Adjustment of provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects  (455)  (10,129)  (3,682)
Late and additional taxes  (249)  (711)  - 
Administrative services  -   (1,140)  - 
Accident in Colquijirca mining unit  -   -   (2,696)
Net loss from sale of obsolete supplies  -   -   (1,203)
Other, net  -   (3,750)  (4,744)
   (5,232)  (19,088)  (15,511)
             
Net  2,553   (9,290)  (8,686)

 
F-59F-50

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

21.Exploration in non-operating areas
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Outside of mining units         
La Zanja Project  8,446   1,583   4,449 
Mallay Project  8,002   4,279   1,802 
Breapampa Project  3,259   4,256   - 
El Milagro Project  2,936   6,804   1,946 
Trapiche Project  2,701   3,009   2,820 
la Llave Project  2,591   2,558   - 
Soras Poracota Project  2,426   852   771 
San Francisco Project  2,118   -   - 
Hatun Orco Project  2,109   1,272   2,546 
San Francisco (Argentina)  1,495   369   - 
Chucapaca Project  1,786   -   - 
Anamaray Project  1,051   799   324 
Argentina Project  428   942   167 
El Faique Project  401   748   721 
Los Pircos-Cirato Project  191   1,049   3,442 
Pampa Andino Project  67   481   933 
Llillinta Project  27   827   - 
Tinyaclla Project  5   107   4,450 
Hueso Sur Project  3   360   346 
Sausa Layo-Norte Project  -   1,733   3,386 
Consolidado de Hualgayoc Project  -   838   - 
Other minor projects  4,522   175   442 
   44,564   33,041   28,545 
In mining units            
Marcapunta  10,667   9,881   6,002 
Recuperada  -   -   268 
Other  -   3,485   1,375 
             
   55,231   46,407   36,190 

F-60


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

22.Royalties
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Sindicato Minero de Orcopampa S.A.  18,275   15,670   12,332 
Peruvian State  16,883   17,601   11,260 
Minera El Futuro de Ica S.R.L.  536   707   828 
             
   35,694   33,978   24,420 

23.Interest income and expense
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Interest income         
Interest on deposits  17,524   9,120   5,534 
Interest on loans  79   1,491   818 
Income from liquidation of investment funds  -   1,161   1,597 
Other  248   -   - 
             
   17,851   11,772   7,949 
             
Interest expense            
Interest expenses related to third parties  (19,287)  (4,493)  (1,167)
Accretion expense, note 13  (6,265)  (2,456)  (3,535)
Prepayment  penalties to early extinguishment of bank loan  (3,771)  -   - 
Tax on financial transactions  (2,299)  (1,308)  (1,045)
Other  (2,312)  (357)  (201)
             
   (33,934)  (8,614)  (5,948)

F-61


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

24.Other, net
The table below presents the components of this caption:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Other income         
Sale of supplies and services to third parties  5,308   160   846 
Prior period reversals  1,887   1,943   127 
Sale of rights  1,720   -   - 
Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment  971   237   24 
Reversal of the provision for impairment of inventory, note 6(b)  16   1,049   1,389 
Income from insurance proceeds  11   2,072   186 
   9,913   5,461   2,572 
             
Other expenses            
Adjustment of provision for closure of mining units and exploration projects  (10,129)  (3,682)  (9,357)
Voluntary mining contribution  (1,700)  (2,637)  (1,783)
Cost of supplies sold to third parties  (1,435)        
Provision for labor contingencies  (1,338)  (549)  (1,319)
Administrative services  (1,140)  -   - 
Late and additional taxes  (711)  -   - 
Services provided by third parties  (320)  -   - 
Accident in Colquijirca mining unit  -   (2,696)  - 
Net loss from sale of obsolete supplies  -   (1,203)  (3,173)
Depreciation  -   -   (211)
Other, net  (2,430)  (3,380)  (6,231)
   (19,203)  (14,147)  (22,074)
             
Net  (9,290)  (8,686)  (19,502)

F-62


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

25.Income tax and workers´workers’ profit sharing
 (a)The Company and its subsidiaries recognize the effects of timing differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis.  The table below presents the components of this caption, according to the items that give rise to them:

    
Credit (debit) to the consolidated
statement of income
        
Credit (debit) to the
consolidated statement of
income
     
Credit (debit) to the
consolidated statement of
income
    
 
As of
January 1,
2008
  
Income
tax
  
Workers´ profit
sharing
  
As of
December 31, 
2008
  
As of January 1,
2008
  
Income
tax
  
Workers’
profit sharing
  
As of January 1,
2009
  
Income
tax
  
Workers’
profit sharing
  
As of December 31,
2009
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
            
Deferred asset            
Deferred asset included in results                     
Tax - loss carryforward  58,116  106,091   30,751   194,958  58,116  106,091  30,751   194,958  (2,548) (738)  191,672 
Provision for closure of mining units, net  13,094  1,337   387   14,818  13,094  1,337  387   14,818  2,109  611   17,538 
Difference in depreciation and amortization rates  7,009  3,052   885   10,946  7,009  3,052  885   10,946  4,369  1,266   16,581 
Stock appreciation rights provision  13,458  (6,563)  (1,902)  4,993  13,458  (6,563) (1,902)  4,993  7,458  2,161   14,612 
Loss from translation into U.S. dollars 7,504  (4,951) (1,434)  1,119  3,722  1,079   5,920 
Impairment of property, plant, machinery and equipment, and development costs  -  3,499   1,014   4,513  -  3,499  1,014   4,513  979  284   5,776 
Embedded derivative from sale of concentrates  2,051  701   203   2,955  2,051  701  203   2,955  (2,291) (664)  - 
Deferred income from sale of future production 33,192  (25,733) (7,459)  -  -  -   - 
Environmental liability for Mina Santa Barbara  1,773  -   -   1,773  1,773  -  -   1,773  -  -   1,773 
Loss from translation into U.S. dollars  7,504  (4,951)  (1,434)  1,119 
Deferred income from sale of future production  33,192  (25,733)  (7,459)  - 
Other  9,115   (1,402)  (387)  7,326   10,991   (1,618)  (450)  8,923   166   47   9,136 
  145,312  76,031   22,058   243,401  147,188  75,815  21,995   244,998  13,964  4,046   263,008 
Less – Allowance for deferred asset recoverability  (2,166)  490   142   (1,534)  (3,761)  706   205   (2,850)  (557)  (159)  (3,566)
                 143,427  76,521  22,200   242,148  13,407  3,887   259,442 
Deferred asset  143,146   76,521   22,200   241,867 
                            
Deferred asset included in retained earnings                            
Derivative financial instruments  -   -   -   -   1,888   547   2,435 
                            
Deferred asset, net  143,427   76,521   22,200   242,148   15,295   4,434   261,877 
                            
Deferred liability included in results                            
Differences in amortization rates for development costs  1,332   (5,590)  (1,620)  (5,878)  (7,772)  (2,255)  (15,905)
Embedded derivative from sale of concentrates  -   -   -   -   (1,335)  (387)  (1,722)
Other  (806)  128   39   (639)  84   24   (531)
  526   (5,462)  (1,581)  (6,517)  (9,023)  (2,618)  (18,158)
Less deferred liability included in retained earnings                            
Derivative financial instruments  (2,835)  (18,319)  (5,310)  (26,464)  20,517   5,947   - 
                            
Deferred liability, net  (2,309)  (23,781)  (6,891)  (32,981)  11,494   3,329   (18,158)

 
F-63F-51

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
     
Credit (debit) to the consolidated
statement of income
    
  
As of
January 1,
2008
  
Income
tax
  
Workers´ profit
sharing
  
As of
December 31, 
2008
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
             
Deferred liability            
                 
Amortization of development costs  1,332   (5,590)  (1,620)  (5,878)
Other  (525)  128   39   (358)
                 
Deferred liability  807   (5,462)  (1,581)  (6,236)
                 
Less deferred liability recorded in equity                
                 
Derivative financial instruments  (2,835)  (18,319)  (5,310)  (26,464)
                 
Deferred asset, net  (*)  141,118   52,740   15,309   209,167 
(*)The total amount of the deferred asset, net, includes the portion for income tax and workers´s profit sharing recorded in equity by US$18,319,000 and US$5,310,000, respectively.

Buenaventura has not recognized deferred income tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing liabilities in relation to the excess of the accounting basis over the tax basis of investments in shares due to the following:

 -In the case of the Cerro Verde affiliate,associate, Buenaventura has not recognized a deferred income tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing liabilityasset for US$61,547,000 as of December 31, 2009 (US$47,922,000 as of December 31, 2008 (US$50,275,000 as of December 31, 2007)2008) given that Buenaventura Management, even though only exercising significant influence over this associate, has the intention and capacity to hold this investment until its copper reserves are depleted; in this sense, Management believes that the timing differences will be reversed by means of dividends to be received in the future that, according to the tax rules in effect in Peru, are not subject to the income tax paid by the Company.  There is no legal or contractual obligation that would require the Company’s Management to sell its investment in this associate (which event would result in a taxable capital gain based on current tax law).

 -In the case of the Yanacocha affiliate,associate, Buenaventura has not recognized a deferred income tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing liability for US$217,450,000 (US$144,381,000 (US$152,278,000, as of December 31, 2007)2008) given that Buenaventura Management, even though only exercising significant influence over this associate, has the intention and capacity to hold this investment until its gold and silver reserves are depleted.  Accordingly,depleted ; in this sense, Management believes that the timing differences will be reversed by means of dividends to be received in the future whichthat, according to the tax rules in effect in Peru, are not subject to the Income Taxincome tax paid by the Company.  There is no legal or contractual obligation that would require the Company’s Management to sell its investment in this associate (which event would result in a taxable capital gain based on current tax law).

 
F-64


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

In both cases, Buenaventura’s management has the ability of reversing the temporary difference, by other manners besides dividends distributions, without any tax effects.

According the Law 972 “Law on treatment of capital gains” (Decreto legislativo sobre tratamiento de las rentas de capital)  enacted in March 2007, any gain or losses originated by the sales of shares traded in the Lima Stock Exchange are not subject to income tax until January 1, 2009.  Later in 2008, the Law 29308 Law that defers the exonerations contained in the article 19° of the Law of Income tax and postpones the delivery in force of various articles and dispositions of the Law N° 972” (Ley que prorroga las exoneraciones contenidas en el articulo 19° de la Ley del Impuesto a la Renta y posterga la entrada en vigencia de varios artículos y disposiciones del Decreto Legislativo N° 972) was enacted as  of December 31, 2008 and postponed it until January 1, 2010.  Currently, the corresponding regulation which will provide implementation guidance has not been finalized nor approved.  The new tax regulations could impact the Company’s tax position and its ability to reverse the temporary difference without tax effects in the future.

F-65


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 (b)The table below presents the current and deferred portions of the provisions for Income Tax and employeeworkers’ profit sharing shown in the consolidated statement of income for the years 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006:2007:

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Income (expense) tax revenues         
Current         
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.  (23,548)  (54,350)  (48,752)
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  -   -   (15,375)
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca  (14,303)  (9,860)  (14,096)
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C - Cedimin S.A.C.  (3,933)  (2,508)  (1,288)
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.  (1,550)  (933)  (726)
Other  (1,022)  (1,525)  (582)
   (44,356)  (69,176)  (80,819)
             
Deferred            
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  74,252   21,409   13,904 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.  (3,234)  3,230   2,800 
Other  (17)  562   82 
   71,001   25,201   16,786 
             
Total  26,645   (43,975)  (64,033)
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Income (expense) for income tax purposes         
Current         
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.  (23,950)  (23,548)  (54,350)
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  (24,366)  -   - 
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca  (18,247)  (14,303)  (9,860)
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e Inversiones Mineras S.A.C - Cedimin S.A.C.  (37)  (3,933)  (2,508)
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A.  (932)  (1,550)  (933)
Other  (1,192)  (1,080)  (1,525)
   (68,724)  (44,414)  (69,176)
             
Deferred            
Minera La Zanja S.A.  9,169   -   - 
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  (4,338)  74,252   21,409 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A.  (1,138)  (3,234)  3,230 
Other  691   41   562 
   4,384   71,059   25,201 
             
Total  (64,340)  26,645   (43,975)

 
F-66F-52

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

 2008  2007  2006  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Employee profit sharing income (expense) (i)         
Workers’ profit sharing income (expense) (i)         
Current                  
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. (6,826) (15,753) (14,130) (6,943) (6,826) (15,753)
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. :                        
Current - legal -  -  (4,444) (6,497) -  - 
Current - without effect of unusual item (7,503) (10,322) -  -  (7,503) (10,322)
Compañía de Exploraciones, Desarrollo e
Inversiones Mineras S.A.C - Cedimin S.A.C.
 (1,143) (727) (374) (10) (1,143) (727)
Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A. (272) (164) (127) (238) (272) (164)
Other (95) (270) (61)  (173)  (150)  (270)
              (13,861)  (15,894)  (27,236)
  (15,839)  (27,236)  (19,136)            
            
Deferred                        
Minera La Zanja S.A. 2,658  -  - 
Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. 21,523  6,204  4,030  (1,258) 21,523  6,204 
Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. (937) 936  811  (330) (937) 936 
Other (22) 165  24   199   33   165 
              1,269   20,619   7,305 
  20,564   7,305   4,865             
            
Total  4,725   (19,931)  (14,271)  (12,592)  4,725   (19,931)

(i)According to Peruvian law, mining companies with more than 20 employees must have an employeea workers’ profit sharing plan equivalent to 8 percent of annual taxable income.  As of December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A. and Compañía Minera Condesa S.A. had less than 20 employees.  To December 31, 2008 and��2007, Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A. had less than 20 employees.

F-67

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(c)During the years 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, the provisions posted for employeeworkers’ profit sharing and Income Tax in the Statement of Income were determined as follows:

 2008  2007  2006  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Income before employee profit sharing and income tax  171,958   435,056   594,508 
Income before workers’ profit sharing and income tax 733,540  171,958  435,056 
Effect of share in associated companies  (451,306)  (340,929)  (249,555)
 282,234  (168,971) 185,501 
            
Combined legal rate  35.60%  35.60%  35.60%  35.60%  35.60%  35.60%
Employee profit sharing and income tax expense according to combined legal rate  61,217   154,880   211,645 
Current employee profit sharing – without effect of unusual item  7,503   10,322   - 
Workers’ profit sharing and income tax expense according to combined legal rate 100,475  (60,154) 66,038 
Currentworkers’ profit sharing – without effect of unusual item -  7,503  10,322 
                        
Permanent differences:                        
Effect of share in affiliated companies  (121,371)  (88,842)  (111,488)
Effect of translation to U.S dollars  6,186   -   - 
Recognition of deferred asset for Minera La Zanja S.R.L. tax - loss carryforward (11,826) -  - 
Effect oftranslation to U.S. dollars (10,244) 6,186  (3,874)
Financial income from tax-exempt interest  3,609   2,699   -  (828) 3,609  2,699 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes  3,062   -   -  2,120  3,062  - 
Gain (loss) on change in the fair value of gold certificates  -   (1,825)  1,731  -  -  (1,825)
Effect of the fair value of derivative contracts that were changed to commercial contracts  -   -   (27,563)
Effect of the fair value of derivative financial instruments  -   -   4,723 
Other permanent items  8,424   (13,328)  (744)  (2,765)  8,424   (9,454)
                        
Total  (31,370)  63,906   78,304   76,932   (31,370)  63,906 
            
Income (expense) for income tax purposes (64,340) 26,645  (43,975)
Income (expense) for workers’ profit sharing  (12,592)  4,725   (19,931)
            
Total  (76,932)  31,370   (63,906)

 
F-68F-53

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

26.Basic and diluted earnings per share
(a)The composition of shares effective as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, as well as the number of shares considered in the calculation of net income per basic and diluted share, are described in detail below:

  
 
Shares Outstanding
  
Number of shares
(denominator in calculation of net income per basic and
diluted share after stock split effect)
 
       
  Common  Investment  
Treasury shares
  Total  Common  Investment  Total 
        Common  Investment             
                         
Balance as of January 1, 2007  137,444,962   372,320   (10,565,130)  (30,988)  127,221,164   126,879,832   341,332   127,221,164 
                                 
Shares issued as a result of stock split (note 15(f))  -   -   -   -   -   126,879,832   341,332   127,221,164 
                                 
Balance as of December 31, 2007  137,444,962   372,320   (10,565,130)  (30,988)  127,221,164   253,759,664   682,664   254,442,328 
                                 
Shares issued as a result of stock split (note 15(f))  137,444,962   372,320   (10,565,130)  (30,988)  127,221,164   126,879,832   341,332   127,221,164 
                                 
Balance as of December 31, 2008  274,889,924   744,640   (21,130,260)  (61,976)  254,442,328   253,759,664   682,664   254,442,328 
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net earnings for the period by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year.
 
The table below presentsComputation of the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and 2006:is presented below:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
                  
Net income (numerator) – US$  153,283,000   274,761,000   428,057,000   593,561,000   153,283,000   274,761,000 
            
Common shares, note 15(a) 253,759,664  253,759,664  ��253,759,664 
Investment shares, note 15(b)  682,664   682,664   682,664 
Shares (denominator)  254,442,238   254,442,238   254,442,238   254,442,328   254,442,328   254,442,328 
                     
            
Basic and diluted earnings per share– US$  0.60   1.08   1.68 
Basic and diluted earnings per share – US$  2.33   0.60   1.08 

(b)The number of treasury shares considered in the calculation of net income per basic and diluted share, are as follow:

  Number of shares    
  Common  Investment  Total  Total 
           US$(000) 
             
Balance as of January 1, 2008 and, 2007 and 2006  10,565,130   30,988   10,596,118   14,462 
Increase in the per value of treasury shares  -   -   -   48,265 
Shares issued as a result of stock split (note 15 (f))  10,565,130   30,988   10,596,118   - 
             
Balance as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006  21,130,260   61,976   21,192,236   62,727 

F-69

Notes toBasic and diluted earnings per share is the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
same given that there is no dilution reducing earnings.
 
27.Disclosure of information on segments
International AccountingFinancial Reporting Standard (IAS) 14(IFRS) 8 – “Operating Segments” requires that corporations present financial information by line of business and by geographic area.  Corporations should take into account their organizational structure and internal reporting system to identify reportable segments.  A business segment is a component of a corporation that provides a single product or service or a group of related products and services and that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments.  A geographic segment is a component of a corporation that provides products and services within a particular economic environmentambit and that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of components operating in other economic environments.ambits.

The Company’s most important line of business is mining, which activities are carried out through eightthirteen companies.  Management believes that these companies can be combined into a single segment (mining) as they show similar financial performance and characteristics as regards the nature of its products, the nature of the production process, the type of customers and the legal framework.  The electricity, mining consultancy and insurance segments are not significantrelevant for purposes of assessing the course of the business; thus, Management believes that the Company’s only reportable segment is mining.

Sales to customers are broken down by geographic location, determined based on the location of the assets.assets (see note 17).

28.Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative contracts --Buenaventura
Buenaventura
In March 2006,As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, Buenaventura completed the conversion of thehad no gold derivative contracts to normal sales contracts.  A loss of US$13,268,000 was posted in 2006 with regard to theseconvertible put option contracts.

El Brocal
Metals-price hedging transactions -
-
El Brocal has a policy of carrying out transactions to hedge metals prices using any of the derivative instruments existing in the financial market for up to a term of 3 years, for a total of no more than 25% of the estimated metal content of its annual production each year.  The El Brocal Board of Directors meeting of February 23, 2007 named a Hedging Committee to be responsible for approving all hedging transactions, after their contracting and/or execution.  The CompanyEl Brocal maintains lines of credit without margin with brokers on the London Metals Exchange (LME) and.

F-54

Notes to the New York Commodities Exchange (COMEX) for carrying outConsolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Mineral quote hedging transactions, in order to guarantee the initial and variation margins required for this type of transaction.operations

Hedging contracts:  Asian swaps -
During 2008, El Brocal subscribed price-hedging transaction contracts (Asian swaps) to cover the future flows derived from its sales.  The critical terms of the hedging transactions has been negotiated with brokers so as to agree with the terms negotiated in the commercial contracts to which they are related.
Hedging contracts:  Collar options at zero cost -
During 2009, El Brocal subscribed three price-hedging option contracts at zero cost to insure future flows originating from its sales.  The critical terms of hedging transactions have been negotiated with the brokers so as to agree with the terms negotiated in the related commercial contracts.
These hedging options establish a maximum and a minimum price.  When the average price for the quotation period is above the maximum price established, the purchase option in favor of the cash flow fromcounterpart is activated, generating a payment to El Brocal of the difference between the two prices.  On the other hand, when the average price for the quotation period is below the minimum price established, the sale option in favor of El Brocal is activated, resulting in receipt of the difference between the two prices.
Cash-hedging operations as of December 31, 2009 were:

Metal 
Monthly
average 
amount
FMT
  
Total
Amount
FMT
  
Fixed average
price per FMT
 Period Fair value 
        US$   US$(000) 
              
Zero cost collar-option contracts (“Cashless collars”) 
Asset
(Liability)
 
              
Copper  50   150   5,500 – 7,063 January 2010 - March 2010  (78)
Copper  125   1,125   5,500 – 7,063 April 2010 - December 2010  (969)
Copper  150   1,800   5,500 – 7,063 January 2011 - December 2011  (1,808)
Copper  50   150   6,000 – 7,050 January 2010 - March 2010  (76)
Copper  125   1,125   6,000 – 7,050 April 2010 - December 2010  (847)
Copper  150   1,800   6,000 – 7,050 January 2011 - December 2011  (1,552)
Copper  50   150   5,500 – 8,020 January 2010 - March 2010  (25)
Copper  125   1,125   5,500 – 8,020 April 2010 - December 2010  (478)
Copper  150   1,800   5,500 – 8,020 January 2011 - December 2011  (1,145)
       
Fair value of options    (6,978)
       
Asian swap contracts      
                  
Zinc  675   3,375   2,621 February 2010 - June 2010  198 
Zinc  425   2,550   2,481 July 2010 - December 2010  (340)
Lead  625   3,125   2,145 January 2010 - June 2010  518 
Lead  625   3,750   2,568 July 2010 - December 2010  342 
Lead  300   1,800   2,145 January 2011 - June 2011  (583)
       
Fair value of swap contracts    135 
                  
Total fair value of hedging instruments    (6,843)
     
Less – non-current portion  (5,375)
     
Current portion  (1,468)

F-55


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The fair value of the derivative hedging instruments held as of December 31, 2008 was US$74,337,000 (asset), which is presented in the “Derivative financial instruments” caption of the consolidated balance sheet (with a US$52,873,000 and US$21,464,000 current and non-current composition, respectively).
The cash-flow hedges for sales to be made in coming years hashave been assessed by El Brocal Management as highly effective.  The effectiveness of hedging transactionsEffectiveness has been measured by means of the cumulative cash flow change offsetflow-compensation method, since El Brocal Management believesconsiders it as the method that this method best reflects the risk management objective with regard to hedging.coverage.
 
The table below presents the hedge instruments held by the El Brocal subsidiary as of December 31, 2008:
F-70

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
          Fair value (*) 
Metal
Monthly
average
amount
 
Total
Amount
  
Fixed
Price
 Period 
2008
  
2007
 
      US$   US$(000)  US$(000) 
               
Zinc675 MT  4,050   2,853 January 2009 - June 2009  5,815   2,031 
Zinc675 MT  4,050   2,679 July 2009 - December 2009  5,710   896 
Zinc675 MT  4,050   2,621 January 2010 - June 2010  5,305   733 
Zinc425 MT  2,550   2,481 July 2010 - December 2010  2,856   - 
Zinc500 MT  3,000   3,050 July 2008 - December 2008  -   2,018 
Lead675 MT  3,750   2,653 January 2009 - June 2009  5,372   562 
Lead675 MT  3,750   2,618 July 2009 - December 2009  6,118   383 
Lead675 MT  3,750   2,562 January 2010 - June 2010  5,824   425 
Lead675 MT  3,750   2,568 July 2010 - December 2010  5,550   - 
Lead300 MT  1,800   2,145 January 2011 - June 2011  1,929   - 
Lead250 MT  1,500   2,835 January 2008 – June 2008  -   428 
Lead250 MT  1,500   2,835 July 2008 - December 2008  -   488 
Copper350 MT  2,100   7,514 January 2009 - June 2009  7,165   - 
Copper875 MT  4,500   8,245 July 2009 - December 2009  22,693   - 
Total            74,337   7,964 
                   
          Less - current portion  52,873   2,929 
                  
 
             21,464   5,035 

(*) Fair value

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007,2009, El Brocal recognized gainsheld accounts receivable of US$21,403,000 and losses1,703,000 from London Metal Exchange brokers as a result of US$454,000, with regard tothe hedging transactions settled in those years.  These amounts are included in the “Net sales” caption of the consolidated statement of income.  Asas of December 31, 2009 (US$11,314,000 to December 31, 2008 El Brocal had US$11,314,000 in accounts receivable from brokers on the London Metals Exchange for transactions already settled,), which is presented in ”Otherthe “Miscellaneous accounts receivable, net”receivable” caption of the consolidated balance sheet.  US$4,167,000 of this amount was received in January 2009.

F-71

 
Notes toThe change in the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)“Unrealised gain (loss) on valuation of hedge derivative financial instruments, net” equity account is as follows:

        
Unrealised gain (loss) on
valuation of hedge derivative
financial instruments, net
 
  
Hedge
derivative
financial
instruments
  
Income tax
and workers’
profit sharing
  El Brocal  
Buenaventura
share
 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
             
Balance as of January1, 2008  7,964   (2,835)  5,129   1,518 
Gains from hedging transactions settled during theperiod  (21,403)  7,619   (13,784)  (4,654)
Unrealised gain on hedge derivative financial instruments  87,776   (31,248)  56,528   19,298 
Total change in derivative financial instruments for hedging  66,373   (23,629)  42,744   14,644 
                 
Balance as of December 31, 2008  74,337   (26,464)  47,873   16,162 
Gains from hedging transactions settled during theperiod  (28,005)  9,970   (18,035)  (7,831)
Unrealised losses on hedge derivative financial instruments  (53,275)  19,030   (34,245)  (14,897)
Other  -   -   -   1,975 
Total change in derivative financial instruments for hedging  (81,280)  29,000   (52,280)  (20,753)
                 
Balance as of December 31, 2009  (6,943)  2,536   (4,407)  (4,591)

Embedded derivativederivatives from changes of quotes in the provisional prices of commercial settlements - -
As of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the fair value of the embedded derivative content ofderivatives contained in commercial contracts isamounted to a gain of US$4,546,000 (a gain of US$4,838,000 posted by El Brocal and a loss of US$9,953,000(292,000 posted by Buenaventura) and a loss of US$9,953,000 (a loss of US$8,299,000 maintainedposted by El Brocal and a loss of US$1,654,000 maintainedposted by Buenaventura) and US$5,984,000 (loss of US$5,760,000 maintained by El Brocal and a loss of US$224,000 maintained by Buenaventura), respectively.  The related liability is shownliabilities are presented in the Embedded derivative for concentrate sales“Embedded derivatives from sale of concentrate” caption inof the consolidated balance sheet.


F-56

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Embedded derivative forderivatives from concentrate sales held by Buenaventura and El Brocal as of December 31, 2008:2009:

   
Quotations
   
MetalAmountMaturity 2010ProvisionalFuture 
Fair
value
 
   US$US$ US$(000) 
        
Gold6,114 OZ8,535 DMTDecember - January1,108.67 - 1,189.281,133.42 - 1,150.7069
Silver2,432,066 DMTSeptember - January15.90 - 19.0716.39 - 18.68(955)
Copper17,211 DMTJanuary - MachFebruaryBetween 5,216.00 - 6,982.007,399.00 - 7,389.003,195
Lead17,568 DMTSeptember - February1,900.00 - 2,329.002,204.55 - 2,505.50145
Zinc42,012 DMTNovember - February1,880.08 - 2,376.002,193.38 - 2,574.001,771
Gold40,375 OZJanuary1,105.50 - 1,192.501,134.50 - 1,138.34321
4,546

Embedded derivatives from concentrate sales held by Buenaventura and El Brocal as of December 31, 2008:

Quotations
MetalAmountMaturity 2009ProvisionalFutureFair value
US$US$US$(000)
Gold6,114 DMTJanuary - March730. 75 and- 831.10Between 759.36 and- 817.70  313 
Silver30,839 OZDMTJanuary - AprilBetween 9.28 and- 12.35Between 9.87 and- 10.62  (189)
Copper22,680 MTDMTJanuary - MarchBetween 137.27 and- 233.26Between 139.34 and- 168.60  (4,569)
Lead33,249 MTDMTJanuary - AprilBetween 951.70 and- 1,871.57Between 962.88 and- 1,291.10  (4,165)
Zinc 70,878 MTDMTJanuary - MarchBetween 1,096.45 and- 1,356.76Between 1,100.57 and- 1,239.75  (1,343)
         
(9,953)
Embedded derivative for concentrate sales held by Buenaventura and El Brocal as of December 31, 2007:

Quotations
MetalAmountMaturityProvisionalFuture
Fair
Value
US$US$US$(000)
Zinc85,784 MTJanuary - AprilBetween 2,241 and 3,830Between 2,353 and 2,975(6,655)
Lead35,030 MTJanuary - AprilBetween 1,915 and 3,729Between 2,549 and 3,720959
Copper2,586 MTJanuary - MayBetween 6,715 and 8,008Between 6,588 and 6,685(64)
    (5,760)
Embedded derivative held by Buenaventura(224)
(5,9849,953)

F-72

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the changes in the fair value of embedded derivatives yielded gains amounting to US$14,499,000 and losses ofto US$3,969,000, and US$3,724,000, respectively, and were present in the “Net sales” caption of the consolidated statement of income.  The futures quotes for the dates on which it is expected to settle the open positions as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are taken from publications of the London Metals Exchange.

29.Financial riskFinancial-risk management objectives and policies
The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: marketrisks.  The principal risks (including interest-ratethat could adversely affect the Company’s financial assets and liabilities and its future cash flows are exchange-rate risk, currency risk and the risk of changes in the prices of minerals), creditminerals, interest-rate risk, liquidity risk and liquiditycredit risk.  The Company’s risk-managementrisk management program seeks to reducedeals with minimizing the potential adverse effects on its financial performance.

CompanyThe Company’s Management is knowledgeableexpert as to the conditions prevailingexisting in the market and, based on its knowledge and experience, controls the currency, interest-rate, creditreviews and liquidity risks followingdecides on policies approved by the Board of Directors.  The most important aspects for Managementto manage each of these risks, are:which are described in the following paragraphs.  This also includes analyses seeking to reveal sensitivity in the Company’s financial instruments to changes in market variables and show the impact on the consolidated statement of income or equity, if necessary.  Financial instruments that are affected by market risks include accounts receivable, accounts payable, embedded derivatives and derivative financial instruments.
The Board of Directors reviews and approves policies to manage each of these risks, which are described below:

F-57

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 (a)CurrencyMarket risk -
Market risk is the risk that the fair value of the future cash flows from financial instruments should fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices.  The market risks that apply to the Company include three types of risk:  exchange-rate risk, risk of changes in the prices of minerals and interest-rate risk.  Financial instruments affected by market risks include loans, deposits and derivative financial instruments.
The sensitivity analysis in this section relates to the positions as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and has been prepared considering that the proportion of financial instruments in foreign currency remains constant.
(a.1) Exchange-rate risk
The Company purchases and sellsbills the sale of its products (locally and obtains financing for working capitalabroad) mostly in United States dollars.  Exchange-rate risk arises mainly from deposits and investments in U.S. dollars.  The El Brocal subsidiary holds assets and liabilities denominatedother accounts payable in Nuevos Soles; neverthelessSoles.  The Company mitigates the effect of exposure to exchange-rate risk by carrying out almost all of its transactions in its functional currency.  Management believes that future fluctuationsretains smaller amounts in Nuevos Soles in order to cover its needs (taxes and compensation) in this currency.
As of December 31, 2009, the Company had posted a net gain of US$1,457,000 from exchange differences (in the 2008 period, a net loss of US$12,198,000 from exchange differences) from the translation of balances in Nuevos Soles to the functional currency.
A table showing the effect on results of a reasonable change in foreign-currency exchange rates is presented below, with all other variables kept constant:

  
Exchange-rate increase /
decrease
  
Effect on earnings before
income tax and workers’
profit sharing
 
     US$(000) 
       
2009      
Exchange rate  +10%  3,683 
Exchange rate  -10%  (3,683)
         
2008        
Exchange rate  +10%  954 
Exchange rate  -10%  (954)

(a.2)        Risk of changes in the exchange rate for Peruvian currency against the US dollar will not significantly affectprices of minerals
The international price of minerals has an important impact on the results of the Company’s operations.  These prices are affected by changes in the global economy.  Minerals producers are generally incapable of directly influencing this price; however, the Company’s profitability is influenced by means of Management’s effective control over its costs and the efficiency of its operations.
Buenaventura - -
The Company does not have financial hedging instruments for managing this risk.
Embedded derivatives
The Company allocates a provisional sales value to the sales that are subject to future operations.settlement pursuant to the commercial contracts signed with its customers.  Exposure to changes in the price of metals generates an embedded derivative that must be separated from the commercial contract.  At each period’s closing, the value of provisional sales is adjusted in accordance with the estimated price for the quotation period stipulated in the contract.  Adjustment of the provisional sale value is posted as an increase or decrease in net sales.  See note 2.2. (u).

F-58

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The estimated change in the price for sales pending final settlement, which is disclosed within the net sales of embedded derivative to December 31, 2009, amounted to US$292,000 (Note 28).  The estimate corresponding to such settlements as closed in January 2010 were increased by 1 percent with respect to the actual value settled.  In the case of settlements that still maintain their provisional value, their estimate to January 2010 was reduced by 1 percent due to the drop in metals prices that took place starting from the second fortnight of January.
El Brocal -
In order to cover the risk resulting from a drop in the prices of metals to be marketed, El Brocal signed derivative contracts that qualify as cash-flow hedges.  See note 28.
In order to control and follow up on hedges, El Brocal approved a hedging policy “Policy for Hedging Metals Prices”, which is carried out and enforced together with the Policy for Management of Financial Risks.  Likewise, El Brocal has a Hedging Committee with the objective of mitigating the risks associated with the changes and volatility taking place in metals prices.
With respect to future prices as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the fair value as of those dates of the position in derivative financial instruments for hedging contracted by El Brocal, a sensitivity analysis of the position’s fair value is presented considering a change on the order of 10 per cent for the relevant prices, while all other variables remain constant:

Effect on unrealised gain (loss)
on hedge derivative financial
instruments, net
US$(000)
2009
Increase of 10 percent in future quotes
Hedges in effect for 2010(3,580)
Hedges in effect for 2011(2,201)
(5,781)
Decrease of 10 percent in future quotes
Hedges in effect for 20103,580
Hedges in effect for 20112,201
5,781
2008
Increase of 10 percent in future quotes
Hedges in effect for 20092,256
Hedges in effect for 20101,007
Hedges in effect for 2011113
3,376
Decrease of 10 percent in future quotes
Hedges in effect for 2009(2,256)
Hedges in effect for 2010(1,007)
Hedges in effect for 2011(113)
(3,376)

F-59

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(a.3)        Interest-rate risk
The Company has significant assets such as time deposits that are placed with leading financial institutions.  They accrue interest at rates in effect in the market; the Company’s income and operating cash flows are independent of changes in market interest rates.

If the interest rates to which the time deposits and long-term debt are subject would have fluctuated as described below for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, the effect on earnings before income tax and workers’ profit sharing would have been:

  
Increase / decrease in LIBOR
rate
  Effect on results 
  (percentage points)  US$(000) 
       
2009      
Interest rate  + 2.0   1,982 
         
2008        
Interest rate  + 0.5   (1,812)
Interest rate  -2.0   11,587 

 (b)Interest-rateCredit risk -
The Company’s exposure to thiscredit risk arises from changesthe inability of debtors to be able to fulfill their obligations, to the extent to which they are overdue.  Therefore, the Company deposits its excess funds in leading financial institutions, establishes conservative credit policies and constantly evaluates conditions of the interest ratesmarket in its financial instrumentswhich it is involved, for which it uses risk-rating reports for commercial and liabilities.  The Company holds financial instruments, mostly time deposits, subject to a fixed interest rate, and financial liabilities at a floating interest rate.  Nevertheless,credit transactions.  In the case of El Brocal, it conducts hedging transactions with London Metal Exchange brokers of recognized prestige.  Therefore, the Company does not expect to incur materialsignificant losses due to interest-ratefrom credit risk.
There is concentration-of-credit risk because its time deposits have short-term maturities andwhen there are monitored by the Management.  The Company is exposed to interest rate risk primarily as a result of exposure to movementschanges in the Libor.  It iseconomic, industrial or geographic factors that equally affect the counterparts related to the Company.  The Company’s gold and concentrate sales are made to investment banks and companies of recognized national and international prestige.  Transactions are executed with various counterparts with credit solvency, which mitigates any significant concentration of credit.
Trade accounts receivable are denominated in United States dollars; their due dates are the dates of emission on the proof of payment, which amounts becomes cash in days following their due dates.  The Company’s sales of the Company preferenceare made to borrow at floating rate of interest.

(c)Price risk -
Asdomestic and foreign customers; as of December 31, 2008, the Company is exposed to risk in the change of prices in the minerals markets.  Management assesses the advisability of periodically executing or renegotiating fixed-price contracts.  Commodity price risk is managed by maintaining a diversified portfolio of commodities.  Hedging may be entered into only limited circumstances.

F-73

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(d)Credit risk -
The Company conducts commercial operations only with2009 it had a portfolio of local and international9 customers (10 customers as of renowned credit and solvency.December 31, 2008).  See concentration of sales in note 17.  The Company’s policyCompany performs an assessment on those debts whose collection is that all customers that wishestimated as a variable to do business using credit are subjectdetermine the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Credit risk is limited to credit-verification procedures.  The Company’s greatest credit-risk exposure is the book value of itsthe financial assets as of the consolidated balance sheet date.  These assets consist mainly of cash, bankbanks and time deposits, trade accounts receivable, othermiscellaneous accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments.

With respectCollections in January 2010 amounted to US$981,00, which represents 91.1% percent of the balances receivable as of December 31, 2009, for which reason the credit risk arising from the Company’s other financial instruments (mainly the balances deposited in banks) the Company’s credit-risk exposure due to non-fulfillment by a counterpart would at most be the book value of those financial instruments.mitigated.

 (e)(c)Liquidity risk -
Liquidity
Prudent management of liquidity risk arising fromimplies maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents and the inabilitypossibility of committing or having financing committed through an adequate number of credit sources.  The Company maintains suitable levels of cash and cash equivalents; its shareholders also include companies with economic backing and it has sufficient credit capacity to obtainallow it to have access to lines of credit in leading financial entities.

F-60

Notes to the funds necessary to meetConsolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company continually monitors its liquidity reserves based on cash flow projections.
An analysis of the Company’s commitments associated withfinancial liabilities classified according to their aging is presented below, considering the financial instruments, includingperiod from their due date to the inability to quickly sell a financial asset at a price approximating its fair value.  The Company has sufficient funds to meet the commitments it has assumed; thus it believes that it has low liquidity risk.consolidated balance sheet date:

  
Less than
1 year
  
Between
1 and 2
years
  
Between
2 and 5
years
  
More than
5 years
  Total 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                
As of December 31, 2009               
Trade accounts payable  58,233   -   -   -   58,233 
Provision for executive compensation  14,175   7,521   16,928   2,506   41,130 
Provision for mine closure and exploration projects  15,142   18,911   27,334   22,974   84,361 
Other accounts payable  57,807   5,879   -   -   63,686 
Long-term debt (principal and interest)  84,380   64,532   90,787   -   239,699 
Embedded derivative from sale of concentrate  292   -   -   -   292 
Financial hedging instruments  1,468   5,375   -   -   6,843 
                     
Total  231,497   102,218   135,049   25,480   494,244 
  
Less than 1
year
  
Between 1
and 2 years
  
Between 2
and 5 years
  
Greater
than 5
years
  Total 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                
As of December 31, 2008               
Trade accounts payable  35,944   -   -   -   35,944 
Provision for executive compensation  1,966   3,272   5,947   2,839   14,024 
Provision for mine closure and exploration projects  12,890   12,829   28,246   29,520   83,485 
Other accounts payable  49,961   6,328   -   -   56,289 
Long-term debt (principal and interest)  108,186   84,367   154,430   -   346,983 
Embedded derivative from sale of concentrate  9,953   -   -   -   9,953 
                     
Total  218,900   106,796   188,623   32,359   546,678 

 (f)(d)Capital management -
The objective ofis to safeguard the Company’s capacity to continue as a going concern for the purpose of providing returns for shareholders, benefits for the stakeholders and maintaining an optimal structure that allows reducing the cost of capital.

F-61

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The Company manages its capital managementstructure and makes adjustments to confront changes in the market’s economic conditions. The Company’s policy is to investfinance all its short- and long-term projects with its own operating resources. In order to maintain or adapt the capital structure, the Company may amend the policy for dividend payments to shareholders, return capital to its shareholders or issue new shares. There were no changes in mining activitiesobjectives, policies or projects that contribute to maximizingprocedures during the shareholders’ equity value.  The management of the Company’s capital is monitored by the Board of Directors.  There are no externally imposed capital requirements.years ending December 31, 2009 and 2008.

30.Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value is defined as the amount at which the financial instruments couldassets would be exchanged inor liabilities settled between knowing and willing parties to an ordinary transaction, between parties interestedunder the assumption that the entity is a going concern.
When a financial instrument is traded in an arm’s lengtha liquid and active market, its price as set in a real market transaction rather than a liquidationoffers the best evidence of its fair value. When no price is set in the market or forced sale.  Information about the latter may not be indicative of the instrument’s fair value, the market value of another substantially similar instrument, the analysis of discounted flows or other applicable techniques may be used to determine this fair value, which is materially affected by the assumptions used. Although Management has used its best judgment in estimating the fair values of its financial instruments, any technique for making these estimates entails a certain level of inherent fragility. As a result, fair value may not be indicative of the net realizable or liquidation value of financial instruments.
The following methods and assumptions were used in order to estimate fair values:
Financial instruments whose fair value is presented below:similar to their book value –

CurrentFor financial assets and liabilities approximatesuch as cash, banks and time deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities that are liquid or have short-term maturities (less than three months), it is estimated that their book value is similar to their fair value due tovalue.
El Brocal carries out derivative financial instrument transactions with financial entities having investment grade credit ratings. These derivative financial instruments products are estimated using market valuation techniques; the short-term maturitiesmajority of these financial instruments.contracts are derivative instruments for hedging metals prices.

The valuation technique most frequently applied includes the projections of flows using models and the calculation of present value. These models incorporate numerous variables such as the counterpart entity’s credit-risk rating and future quotes for the prices of minerals.
Financial instruments at fixed and variable rates –
The fair value of long-term debt approximates its bookfinancial assets and liabilities at fixed and variable rates at amortised cost is determined by comparing the market interest rates at the time of their initial recognition to the current market rates with regard to similar financial instruments. The estimated fair value becauseof deposits that accrue interest is subject to a floatingdetermined by means of cash flows discounted using the prevailing market interest rate (Libor).

F-74

rates in the currency with similar maturities and credit risks.
 
Notes toBased on the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
foregoing, the book value of cash, banks and time deposits, trade accounts receivable, miscellaneous accounts receivable, accounts receivable from associates, trade accounts payable, other accounts payable and long-term debt approaches their fair market values.
 
31.Commitments and contingencies
(a)Environmental -
The Company’s exploration and exploitation activities are subject to environmental protection standards, in compliance with which the Company has filed preliminary environment assessments and Environmental Adjustment and Management Programs (PAMA) for its mining units.  The Ministry of Energy and Mines has approved the PAMA presented by the Company for its Uchucchacua, Julcani, Orcopampa and Huachocolpa mining units.  As of December 31, 2006, the PAMA for the Uchucchacua, Julcani and Orcopampa mining units had been completed.standards.

Law No. 28090, was promulgated on October 14, 2003 to ruleregulates the obligations and procedures that must be met by the holders of mining activities for the preparation, filing and implementation of Mine Closure Plans, as well as the establishment of the corresponding environmental guarantees to secure fulfillment of the investments that this includes, subject to the principles of protection, preservation and recovery of the environment.  On August 15, 2005 the Law’s regulations were approved.  According to their first transitory disposition, closure plans approved prior to enactment of the regulations must be adjusted
F-62

Notes to the new provisions within a term no greater than nine months starting from their publication.  During the year 2006, in compliance with this Law, the Company completed the Mine Closure Plan assessments for its mining units.  To the date of this report, these Mine Closure Plans are pending approval by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

In 2008, the Company made disbursements of US$8,186,000 (US$3,471,000 and US$4,549,000 during the years 2007 and 2006, respectively), related to activities included in the mine closure budgets.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company has recognized liabilities amounting to US$83,485,000 (US$57,889,000 as of December 31, 2007)  related to its obligations for the future closure of mining units, see note 13.

On July 2, 2004 the Congress of the Republic passed Law No. 28271 "Law that Regulates the Environmental Liabilities of Mining Activities".regulates environmental liabilities in mining activities. This Law has the objectives of ruling the identification of mining activity’s environmental liabilities and financing the remediation of the affected areas. According to this law, environmental liabilities refer to the impact caused to the environment by abandoned or inactive mining operations.  Company’s Management is currently conducting an inventory of
In compliance with the abandoned or inactive areas whereabove-mentioned laws, the Company has previously carried out somepresented preliminary environmental studies and Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs (EAMP) for mining works, in order to be able to determine the remediation and closure activities that must be performed.  On December 7, 2005, the corresponding regulations were approved, and mining companies were given one year to estimate the amount of their environmental liabilities and to file a mine closure plan.  According to these regulations, theunits. The Ministry of Energy and Mines had to prepare a preliminary inventory of environmental liabilities, identifying one responsible party for each remediation area.  This inventory was published by means of Ministerial Resolution No.290-2006 issued June 15, 2006 andhas approved the holders of the mining concessions were given sixty days to identify new liabilities and to make the corresponding objections.
The Company reconciled the areas identifiedEAMP presented by the MinistryCompany for its mining units and exploration projects. See detail of Energy and Mines to those identifiedplans approved in its own records and proceeded to estimate its liabilities, posting an operating expense of US$6,764,000 (US$4,980,000 related to the Santa Barbara unit and US$1,784,000 related to the Buenaventura operating units) as of December 31, 2006.  The mine closure plans were prepared by an independent expert authorized by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.  The Company expects to settle these liabilities over the next three years.
F-75

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
note 13(b).
 
The Company believes that the liabilities posted are sufficient to comply with the environmental regulations in effect in Peru. See detail in note 13(b).

(b)Leased concessions -
Sindicato Minero Orcopampa S.A. -
The Company pays 10 per cent on the valued production of mineral obtained from the concessions leased by Sindicato Minero Orcopampa S.A. This concession is in force until the year 2043. See note 22.

Minera El Futuro de Ica S.R.L. -
INMINSUR
Inminsur entered into a contract with Minera El Futuro de Ica S.R.L. to operate leased mining concessions in the department of Arequipa. The contractual terms establish that the lease is subject to payment of a royalty equivalent to seven percent of the monthly value of the sale of concentrates. TheAs part of the merger with Buenaventura, the contract will be in force until the year 2015.

The total expense for mining royalties, amounting to US$18,811,000 in 2008 (US$16,377,000 and US$13,160,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively), is shown as an operating expense in the consolidated statement of income, see See note 22.

(c)Purchase option contracts and joint ventures - -
During the ordinary course of business, the Company executes contracts to undertake exploration works in third-party concessions. Under the terms of these contracts, the Company generally has an option to acquire the concession or to invest in it in order to earn a share in the holding company. In order to exercise these options, the Company must fulfill certain obligations during the contract term. The Company’s failure to perform the obligations established therein is usually grounds for termination of these contracts.
The Company may terminate these contracts at any time during their terms, generally after having performed at least the minimum obligations established. Along this line, the Company constantly analyzes the advisability of whether or not to continue with such contractual relationships.
As set forth in note 2(h), the investments made in joint ventures during the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to US$4,308,000, US$5,286,000 and US$4,256,000, respectively, and are posted in the “Exploration in non-operative areas” caption. See note 21. There are no significant commitments with regard to these contracts for the following years.
(d)Legal and tax procedures -
Buenaventura’s legal procedures
Buenaventura is a party in legal procedures that have arisen in the normal course of its activities; nevertheless, in the opinion of Buenaventura’s Management, none of these procedures, individuallyin particular or as a whole, wouldcould result in material contingencies.
F-63


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Yanacocha’s judicial procedures
Mercury spill in Choropampa -
In June 2000, a transport contractor of Yanacocha spilled approximately 151 kilograms of elemental mercury near the town of Choropampa, Peru, which is located 85 kilometers53 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of the Yanacocha mine. Elemental mercury is not used in Yanacocha’s operations but is a by-product of gold mining and was sold to a Lima firm for use in medical instrumentinstruments and industrial applications. A comprehensive health and environmental remediation program was undertaken by Yanacocha in response to the incident. In August 2000, Yanacocha paid under protest a fine of S/1,740,000 Peruvian soles (approximately US$0.5$0.5 million) to the Peruvian government (Ministry of Energy and Mines).government. Yanacocha has entered into settlement agreements with a number of individuals impacted by the incident. As compensation for the disruption and inconvenience caused by the incident, Yanacocha entered into agreements with and provided a variety of public works in the three communities impacted by this incident. Yanacocha cannot predict the likelihood of additional expenditures related to this matter.
F-76

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
Yanacocha and other defendants have been named in lawsuits filed by approximately 1,100 Peruvian citizens in Denver District Court for the State of Colorado. These actions seek compensatory damages based on claims associated with the elemental mercury spill incident. The parties in these cases agreed to submit these matters to binding arbitration. In October 2007, the parties to the arbitration entered a court-aprrovedcourt-approved settlement agreement, resolving most of these cases.

Additional lawsuits relating to the Choropampa incident were filed against Yanacocha in the local courts of Cajamarca, Peru, in May 2002 by over 900 Peruvian citizens. A significant number of the plaintiffs in these lawsuits entered into settlement agreements with Yanacocha prior to filing such claims. In April 2008, the Peruvian Supreme Court upheld the validity of these settlement agreements, which should result in the dismissal of all claims brought by previously settled plaintiffs. Yanacocha hadhas also entered into settlement agreements with approximately 350 additional plaintiffs.

The claims asserted by approximately 200 plaintiffs remain. Yanacocha can not reasonably predict the final outcome or estimate the possible loss relating to such claims. It is estimated that theThe maximum amount of additional expense related to these demands would bejudicial claims is estimated at US$1,500,000.1.5 million.

Conga - -
Yanacocha
The Company is involved in a dispute with the Provincial Municipality of Celendin regarding the authority of that governmental body to regulate the development of the Conga project. In 2004, the Municipality of Celendin enacted an ordinance declaring the area around Conga to be a mining-free reserve and naturally protected area. YanacochaThe Company has challenged this ordinance by means of two legal actions, one filed by Yanacochathe Company (as the lease holder of the Conga mining concessions) and one filed by Minera Chaupiloma (as the titleholder of the Conga mining concessions). In August 2007, a Peruvian Court of first instance upheld Chaupiloma'sChaupiloma’s claim, stating that the Municipality of Celendin lacks the authority to create natural protected areas. The Municipality of Celendin has not appealed the ruling. Based on legal precedent established by Peru'sPeru’s Constitutional Tribunal and the foregoing resolution of the Chaupiloma claim, it is reasonable to believe that Yanacocha'sYanacocha’s mining rights will be upheld.

F-77

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
Hacienda Los Negritos-Negritos -
In October 2002, Yanacochathe Company was sued by Grimaldina Malpica Rojas (“the plaintiff”), seeking: (i) the repossession of the “Los Negritos” property, which is currently held and utilized by Yanacocha,the Company, and (ii) a payment for damages of up to US$65$65 million. In July 2008 the Court dismissed this claim and the ruling was not appealed by the plaintiff.
F-64


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Baños del Inca -
In September 2006 the Municipality of Baños del Inca issued a declaration designating an area that includes the Carachugo Expansion and San Jose Projects as reserved and protected areas. Based on previous experience and actions taken by the Constitutional Tribunal (Peru Court of Last instance for Constitutional issues) in respect of Cerro Quilish in which it was ruled that such declaration did not affect Yanacocha'sthe Company’s mining rights, Yanacochathe Company believes that Baños del Inca'sInca’s declaration, should not impact Yanacocha'sthe Company’s legal rights to exploit these concessions.

In March 2008, the Lima Court rejected a Baños del Inca Municipality request which did not recognized Lima'srecognize Lima’s Jurisdiction. The legal proceeding is currently pending resolution in Lima'sLima’s Court of First Instance.

San Pablo -
In February 2007 the Municipality of San Pablo issued an ordinance designating an area that includes Las Lagunas and Pozo Seco as reserved and protected areas, where Yanacochathe Company has mining rights. Based on previous experience and actions taken by the Constitutional Tribunal in respect of Cerro Quilish in which it was ruled that such declaration did not affect Yanacocha'sthe Company’s mining rights, Yanacochathe Company believes that San Pablo'sPablo’s declaration should not impact Yanacocha'sthe Company’s legal rights to exploit these concessions. YanacochaThe Company has challenged this ordinance on the grounds that, under Peruvian law, local governments lack the authority to create such areas, denying the rights granted by Yanacocha'sthe Company’s mining concessions. The Court in the first instanceFirst Instance rejected the complaint based on formal grounds. The resolution of the Court was appealed and such appeal is currently pending resolution in Lima'sLima’s Court of Second Instance.

In November 2008, Lima'sLima’s Court confirmed the ruling from the First Instance, rejecting the case based on formal ground. A constitution complaint has been submitted to the Constitutional Court and is currently pending resolution.
 
Clinica Internacional, Addeco, SDC Security -
Workers of three contractor companies (Clínica Internacional, Adecco and SGC Security) have initiated judicial proceedings through which they demand their incorporation into Minera Yanacocha’s payroll. The workers claim that they are direct employees of the Company and entitled to the corresponding rights afforded to direct employees, arguing that they receive direct orders from Minera Yanacocha and that most of the equipment they use is provided for by the Company. All these proceedings, which involve a total of 97 workers, are pending resolution in Lima’s Court of First Instance.
Tax proceduresprocesses -
As of December 31, 2008,2009, the Tax Authority had audited the tax returns from the period 2004 forward. As a result of these audits, the Tax Authority issued certain assessments, with which Yanacocha and its legal advisers do not agree. For 2004 and 2006, Yanacocha has paid US$11,500,000 and US$7,600,000, respectively, with the objective of preventing the accrual of interest and fines generated on the assessments proposed, which are of a timing nature. It should be mentioned that the assessments relate to the timing of certain deductible expenses. Yanacocha has posted a provision for financial purposes for an amount that represents Management’s best estimate of the income tax expense resulting from these tax audits. In the opinion of Yanacocha’s Management, resolution of the income tax controversy will not have a material effect on the financial statements or on Yanacocha’s liquidity.
 
F-78F-65


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
Other contingencies - Cerro Quilish -
Yanacocha has a dispute with the Provincial Municipality of Cajamarca with respect to that government body’s authority to rule the development of the Cerro Quilish gold deposit. Cerro Quilish is located on the same slope as the city of Cajamarca. The Municipality has promulgated a decree that declares Cerro Quilish and its slope as a protected area and natural reserve. Yanacocha has opposed this decree arguing that, under Peruvian law, local governments do not have the authority to create such areas. The Peruvian Constitutional Court heard the case in early 2003, and on April 7, 2003 decided that Yanacocha had the right to explore this area in accordance with its mining concessions. The Court demanded that Yanacocha complete an environmental impact assessment conducted by independent certified organizations or entities before initiating any work in Cerro Quilish, and that it adopt the mitigation measures necessary to protect the quality and amount of water supplied to the City of Cajamarca. In July 2004, Yanacocha received a drilling permit and began its exploration activities in the Cerro Quilish deposit. In September 2004, city of Cajamarca residents blocked the highway between the city of Cajamarca and the mine to protest against these exploration activities. Yanacocha suspended all drilling activities in Cerro Quilish and the blockade ended.
In November 2004, as an acknowledgement of community concerns, Yanacocha asked for and received a revocation of its drilling permit for Cerro Quilish. In this regard, Yanacocha continues to work to improve its relationship with the communities in the vicinity of Cajamarca.
32.Transactions with affiliatesassociated companies
The Company has carried out the following transactions with affiliatesits associates in the years 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006:2007:

S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca (“Chaupiloma”) -
This company is the owner of the mining claims operated by Yanacocha, in consideration for which it receives royalties of three percent of the sales made by Yanacocha. In 2008,2009, these royalties amounted to US$48,760,000(62,150,000 (US$48,760,000 and US$34,014,000 in 2008 and US$48,475,000 in 2007, and 2006, respectively) and is presented in the Royalty income“Royalty income” caption in the consolidated statement of income.
 
Compañía Minera Condesa S.A. (“Condesa”) -
In 2008,2009, Yanacocha granted approximately US$100,395,000 (US$257,536,000 (US$43,650,000 and US$209,520,00043,650,000 in 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively) in cash dividends to Condesa.

Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (“Cerro Verde”) -
In 2008,2009, Buenaventura received the amount of US$113,450,000 (US$156,067,000 (US$and US$114,694,000 in the year 2007)2008 and 2007, respectively) in cash dividends from Cerro Verde.

Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A. (“Bisa”) -
Starting from July 2007, Bisa participates in the bidding for the execution of specific work orders for Minera Yanacocha S.R.L..

The income related to these services amounted to approximately US$720,000 in 2009 (US$1,144,000 and US$4,002,284 in 2008 (US$4,002,284 and US$5,163,100 in 2007, and 2006, respectively). These amounts are presented in the Net sales “Net sales” caption in the consolidated statement of income.

Consorcio Energético de Huancavelica S.A. (“Conenhua”) -
In November 2001, Conenhua entered into a contract with Yanacocha for providing electrical energy transmission and works operation services for a term of ten years, for which an annual compensation of US$3.7 million was set. The income related to this service during the year 20082009 amounted to approximately US$4,788,000 (US$4,407,0004,788,000 and US$3,873,0004,407,000 in 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively) and is presented in the Net sales“Net sales” caption in the consolidated statement of income.

F-79

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
As a result of the transactions indicated above and other minor ones, the Company has the following accounts receivable from affiliates:associates:

F-66


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

  2009  2008 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.  21,794   12,118 
Other  72   993 
         
   21,866   13,111 
  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.  12,118   14,307 
Other  993   113 
         
   13,111   14,420 

33.Summary of significant differences between accounting principles followed by the Company and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles

Differences in preparation

The Company'sCompany’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Peruvian GAAP which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. The effects of these differences are reflected in Note 34 and are principally related to the items discussed in the following paragraphs:

Shares in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde
Peruvian GAAP – In the consolidated financial statements, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde are accounted for by the equity method. The consolidated results and shareholders’ equity include the participation in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde which are obtained from their financial statements prepared following Peruvian GAAP, modified to recognize the current accounting policies of Buenaventura.

U.S. GAAP – The consolidated results and shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP include the shares in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde obtained from those entities financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Deferred Income Tax
Peruvian GAAP – Under paragraph 70 of IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, deferred tax assets and liabilities are always classified as non-current assets or liabilities.

U.S.GAAP – Deferred income tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting purposes.

Under Peruvian GAAP, IAS 12 – Income Taxes, the Company must consider the effect on the deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing generated by maintaining book basis in U.S. dollars and a tax basis in Nuevos Soles (for tax purposes, the functional currency is Nuevos Soles). US GAAP, FASASC 740 Income Taxes (FAS 109 - Accounting for Income Taxes,Taxes), prohibits the recognition of a deferred tax liability or asset for differences related to non-monetary assets and liabilities that, under FASB 52 “ForeignASC 830 Foreign Currency Translation”Translation (FAS 52), are remeasured from the local currency into the functional currency using historical exchange rates and that result from changes in exchange rates. Therefore, the deferred income tax recorded under Peruvian GAAP has been included as a reconciliation item, see note 34.
 
F-80

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Workers’ profit sharing
 
Workers' profit sharing
Peruvian GAAP – Workers'Workers’ profit sharing expense (income) is separately presented in the consolidated statements of income in a similar way as income tax expense (income). Also, deferred workers'workers’ profit sharing asset (liability) is separately presented in the consolidated balance sheets in a similar way as deferred income tax assets (liabilities).

U.S. GAAP – The practice is to recognize the workers'workers’ profit sharing expense (income) as part of operating expense (income). Also, deferred workers'workers’ profit sharing assets (liabilities) shall be classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related assets or liability for financial reporting purposes.
F-67


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
See also discussion on recognition of deferred tax liability or asset arising from remeasurement from the local currency into the functional currency in the section Deferred Income Tax above.

Equity accounts translation

U.S. GAAP – Under U.S. GAAP, based on FAS 52 -ASC 830 Foreign Currency Translation (codified mainly from FAS 52), equity accounts should be translated into U.S. dollars using historical exchange rates. The cumulative translation loss amounts to US$19,323,000 (US GAAP) and US$34,075,000 (Peru GAAP) as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008. It has no effect on total equity as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007.

Acquisition of minority interests
Peruvian GAAP – Buenaventura acquired minority interests in its subsidiaries INMINSUR in 2006 and El Brocal in 2008.  IFRS 3, Business Combinations, states that the acquisition of a minority interest is not a business combination; therefore, Buenaventura has recorded the difference between the cost of acquisition and the book value of the minority interests acquired as Mining Rights (the “Parent entity extension method”).  This is an acceptable method of accounting for acquisition of minority interests.

US GAAP – Under SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, the acquisition of some or all of the non-controlling interests in a subsidiary is not a business combination.  However, paragraph 14 of this Statement specifies that such acquisition - whether acquired by the parent, the subsidiary itself, or another affiliate - shall be accounted for using the purchase method.  Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the fair value of the minority interest acquired was  recorded as Mining Rights.  The difference between the book value and the fair value of the net assets acquired in INMINSUR and El Brocal, are immaterial and are not presented as a reconciliation item between Peruvian GAAP and US GAAP.
F-81

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
Impairment of long-term assets
Peruvian GAAP – Under Peruvian GAAP, based on IAS 36 – Impairment loss is calculated by comparing the net carrying amount of the asset to its recoverable amount, which is the higher of its value in use or fair value less costs to sell. Under IAS 36 the provision amounted US$18,610,0003,325,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.2009.

U.S. GAAP – Under U.S. GAAP, FAS 144 –ASC 360 Accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets (FAS 144), Impairment is considered to exist if total estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset and an impairment loss is then measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. Once recognized, an impairment loss is not reversed. Under FAS 144ASC 360 the provision amounted US$15,843,0002,086,000 as of December 31, 2008.2009.

Presentation of minority interests
Under Peruvian GAAP, based on IAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements, minority interests should be presented within equity, but separate from the parent shareholders' equity.

Under U.S. GAAP, minority interests shall be presented outside equity, between liabilities and equity. Consequently, minority interest has been included as a reconciliation item, see note 34.

F-68


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Presentation of royalties and unusual item related to net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts

Peruvian GAAP – Royalties granted to the Peruvian State and third parties amounting to US$39,646,000, US$35,694,000 and US$33,978,000 in 2009, 2008 and US$24,420,000 in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, as well as the unusual item related to net loss from release of commitments in commercial contracts amounting to US$415,135,000 and US$185,922,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively, are presented as part of operating expenses.

US GAAP – The royalties above mentioned must be presented as part of operating costs, affecting the gross margin. The presentation of the loss on the derivative contracts as unusual item is not permitted.

 
F-82

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
34.Reconciliation between net income and shareholders'shareholders’ equity determined under Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP
Until December 31, 2005, the Company had designated Peruvian Nuevos Soles as its functional and reporting currency. Effective January 1, 2006, the functional and reporting currency of the Company is U.S. dollar for Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP purposes. The methodology of translation from Nuevos Soles into U.S. dollars and the reasons supporting this change are described in note 2(f)2.2 (a) of the consolidated financial statements.

The following is a summary of the adjustments to net income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and 2006 and to shareholders'shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 that would be required if U.S. GAAP had been applied instead of Peruvian GAAP in the consolidated financial statements:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Net Income under Peruvian GAAP 153,283  274,761  428,057  593,561  153,283  274,761 
Items increasing (decreasing) reported net income                        
Deferred Income tax and workers´ profit sharing arising from having a functional currency different from the currency used for tax purposes 6,385  (4,968) (3,381)
Share in investment in affiliate (1,301) (44,356) - 
Provision for impairment of long-term assets 2,767  -  -  1,239  2,767   
Other 32  32  32  32  32  32 
Share in investment in affiliate -  (1,301) (44,356)
Deferred Income tax and workers´ profit sharing arising from having a functional currency different from the currency used for tax purposes (4,801) 6,385  (4,968)
Accretion expense of the provision for closure of mining units (2,107)    
Deferred Income tax and workers’ profit sharing assets, net  (996)  (11)  (11)  (482)  (996)  (11)
Net adjustments  6,887   (49,303)  (3,360)  (6,119)  6,887   (49,303)
                        
Net income under U.S. GAAP  160,170   225,458   424,697 
Net income attributable to Buenaventura, under U.S. GAAP  587,442   160,170   225,458 
                        
Other comprehensive income (loss)                        
Investments in shares held at fair value (40) 61  28  557  (40) 61 
Financial Investments maintained at fair value -  798  834      798 
Realization of accumulated gain on financial instruments available-for-sale -  (1,633) -      (1,633)
Unrealized gain on derivate financial instruments held by subsidiary 14,644  1,518  - 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivate financial instruments held by subsidiary (20,753) 14,644  1,518 
Other  -   -   374          
                        
Total comprehensive income under U.S. GAAP  174,774   226,202   425,933   567,246   174,774   226,202 
            
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) under U.S. GAAP            
Investments in shares maintained at fair value 675  118  158 
Cumulative translation loss (34,075) (34,075) (34,075)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivate financial instruments held by subsidiary (4,591) 16,162  1,518 
Other  643   643   643 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss under U.S. GAAP  (37,348)  (17,152)  (31,756)
Basic and diluted income per share under U.S. GAAP  2.31   0.63   0.89 

 
F-83F-69

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) under U.S. GAAP         
Investments in shares maintained at fair value  118   158   98 
Financial Investments maintained at fair value  -   -   834 
Cumulative translation loss  (34,075)  (34,075)  (34,075)
Unrealized gain on derivate financial instruments held by subsidiary  16,162   1,518   - 
Other  643   643   643 
             
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss under U.S. GAAP  (17,152)  (31,756)  (32,500)
             
Basic and diluted income per share under U.S. GAAP  0.63   0.89   1.67 
  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Shareholders’ equity according to the financial statements under Peruvian GAAP  2,263,320   1,728,992   1,580,216 
Items increasing (decreasing) reported shareholder´s equity            
Minority interest presented within equity under Peruvian GAAP  (199,065)  (197,391)  (165,614)
Share in investment in affiliate  (45,657)  (45,657)  (44,356)
Deferred income tax and worker's profit sharing arising from having a functional currency different from the currency used for tax purposes  (5,920)  (1,119)  (8,923)
Accretion expense of the provision for closure of mining units  (2,107)      
Provision for impairment of long-term assets, net  306   1,287   (527)
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing assets, net  165   176   188 
             
Shareholders’ equity according to the financial statements under U.S. GAAP  2,011,042   1,486,288   1,360,984 

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Shareholders´ equity according to the financial statements under Peruvian GAAP  1,728,992   1,580,216   1,300,506 
Items increasing (decreasing) reported shareholder´s equity            
Minority interest presented within equity under Peruvian GAAP  (197,391)  (165,614)  (91,437)
Share in investment in affiliate  (45,657)  (44,356)  - 
Deferred income tax and worker's profit sharing arising from having a functional currency different from the currency used for tax purposes  (1,119)  (8,923)  (3,381)
Provision for impairment of long-term assets, net  (1,287)  (527)  (559)
Deferred income tax and workers' profit sharing assets, net  176   188   199 
             
Shareholders´ equity according to the financial statements under U.S. GAAP  1,486,288   1,360,984   1,205,328 

F-84

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
The following is a roll forward of the components of shareholders'shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP:

  US$(000) 
    
Shareholders´Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at January 1, 2006839,162
Net Income in accordance with U.S. GAAP424,697
Declared and paid dividends(59,767)
Other374
Financial Investments held at fair value834
Investments in shares held at fair value28
Shareholders´ equity under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 20062007  1,205,328 
Net Income in accordance with U.S. GAAP  225,458 
Declared and paid dividends  (69,972)
Financial Investments held at fair value  (835)
Investments in shares held at fair value  61 
Unrealized gain on derivate financial instruments held by subsidiary  1,518 
Other  (574)
     
Shareholders´
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2007  1,360,984 
Net Income in accordance with U.S. GAAP  160,170 
Declared and paid dividends  (50,888)
Investments in shares held at fair value  (40)
Unrealized gain on derivate financial instruments held by subsidiary  14,644 
Other  1,418 
     
Shareholders´
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2008  1,486,288 
Net Income in accordance with U.S. GAAP587,442
Declared and paid dividends(40,711)
Investments in shares held at fair value557
Unrealized loss on hedge derivate financial instruments held by subsidiary(20,753)
Other(1,781)
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 20092,011,042

F-70


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:
The Accounting Standards Codification -
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) established the FASB Interpretation N° 48, “AccountingAccounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the single source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be applied by nongovernmental entities. The ASC is a new structure which took existing accounting pronouncements and organized them by accounting topic. Relevant authoritative literature issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and select SEC staff interpretations and administrative literature was also included in the ASC. All other accounting guidance not included in the ASC is non-authoritative. The ASC was effective for Uncertaintyinterim quarterly periods beginning July 1, 2009. The adoption of the ASC did not result in Income Taxes” (FIN 48)a change in the Company’s accounting principles.
On January 1,
Noncontrolling Interests -
In December 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation N° 48, “Accountingguidance for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48) an interpretation of FASB Statement N° 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”.  FIN 48 clarifies thenoncontrolling interests was updated to establish accounting and reporting for uncertaintiesstandards pertaining to: (i) ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent (“noncontrolling interests”), (ii) the amount of net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interests, (iii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and (iv) the valuation of any retained noncontrolling equity investment when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. If a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the applicationformer subsidiary is measured at fair value and a gain or loss is recognized in net income based on such fair value. For presentation and disclosure purposes, the guidance requires noncontrolling interests to be classified as a separate component of the income tax laws toequity. The updated guidance is effective for the Company’s operation.fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009.
In January 2010, the guidance for noncontrolling interests was further updated to clarify the scope and to require additional disclosure when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

F-85

position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”
On January 1, 2008 the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); rather this statement establishes a common definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis effective.  The following table list the financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value and the valuation method used as of December 31, 2008:

CategoryValuation Method
Balance as of
December 31, 2008
asset  (liability)
Derivative financial instruments, note 28Quoted market pricesUS$74,337,000
Embedded derivatives, note 28Quoted market pricesUS$(9,953,000)

35. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurements -
In February 2008, FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years.

Business Combinations
-
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)FAS 141 (R) “Business Combination” (subsequently codified within ASC 805) was issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R) which amends SFAS No. 141, and providesin order to provide revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non controlling interest in the acquiree. It also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007)ASC 805 is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is January 1, 2009 or later and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is prohibited. The adoption of FAS 141RASC 805 will have on impact on the Company´sCompany’s financial statements depending on whether the Company enters into business combination transaction in the future.

F-86

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements -
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “NoncontrollingFAS 160: Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160) − which establishes51 (subsequently codified within ASC 810 Consolidation) was issued in order to establish accounting and reporting standards pertaining to ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of net income attributable to the parent and to the no controlling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of any retained no controlling equity investment when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160ASC 810 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the no controlling owners. SFAS No. 160ASC 810 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009 with early adoption prohibited. This statement is required to be adopted prospectively, except for the following provisions, which are expected to be applied retrospectively: (i) the reclassification of noncontrolling interests to equity in the consolidated balance sheets and (ii) the adjustment to consolidated net income to include net income attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests. The adoption of FAS 160ASC 810 will have on impact on the Company´sCompany’s financial statements depending on whether the Company enters into such transaction in the future.

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
F-71


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
Equity Method Investments -
In MarchNovember 2008, FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instrumentsthe guidance for equity method and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS No. 161 amendsjoint venture investments was updated to clarify the disclosure requirementsaccounting for derivative instrumentscertain transactions and hedging activities contained in SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Under SFAS No. 161, entities are requiredimpairment considerations involving equity method investments. The intent is to provide enhanced disclosures aboutguidance on: (i) how and whydetermining the initial measurement of an entity uses derivative instruments,equity method investment, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and related interpretationsrecognizing other-than-temporary impairments of an equity method investment and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affectaccounting for an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  SFAS No. 161equity method investee’s issuance of shares. The updated guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal yearsyear beginning January 1, 2009 and interim periods beginning after November 15,should be applied prospectively. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (formerly FAS 157 Fair Value Measurement)
On January 1, 2008 with early application encouraged.  SFAS No. 161 encourages, butthe Company adopted FAS 157 Fair Value Measurement (subsequently codified within ASC 820) which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. This ASC guidance does not require any new fair value measurements under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); rather this statement establishes a common definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements.
The Company adopted ASC 820 for earlierfinancial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis effective. The following table list the financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value and the valuation method used as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

Category Valuation
Method
 
Balance as of
December 31, 2009
asset (liability)
  
Balance as of
December 31, 2008
asset (liability)
 
           
Derivative financial instruments, note 28 Quoted market prices US$(6,843,000) US$74,337,000 
           
Embedded derivatives, note 28 Quoted market prices US$4,546,000  US$(9,953,000)
Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly - -
On 9 April 2009, FSP-FAS 157-4: Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (subsequently codified within ASC 820)  was issued in order to provide additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability.  The ASC 820 also provides additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.  This rule is effective for interim and annual reporting periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption.ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively.  The adoption of SFAS No. 161 willthe FSP had not affect significantlyimpacted on the Company’s accounting for derivative2009 financial instruments; however,reporting and disclosures.
F-72


Notes to the Company is currently evaluating the impact on its related disclosures.Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments -
In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim107 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”Instruments (subsequently codified within ASC 825 Financial Instruments) and APB 28-1 Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (subsequently codified within ASC 270 Interim Reporting), which provides enhanced guidance on an fair value disclosures. FSP No. FAS 107-1ASC 825 and APB 28-1 requiresASC 270 require that an entity shall disclose in the body or in the accompanying notes of its summarized financial information for interim reporting periods and in its financial statements for annual reporting periods the fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether recognized or not recognized in the statement of financial position, as required by Statement 107.ASC 825. Fair value information disclosed in the notes shall be presented together with the related carrying amount in a form that makes it clear whether the fair value and carrying amount represent assets or liabilities and how the carrying amount relates to what is reported in the statement of financial position. This rule is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The adoption of FSP No. FAS 107-1ASC 825 and APB 28-1 willASC 270 had not have a material impact on the Company´s 2008interim financial reporting and disclosures.

F-87

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
 
Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments -
In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and EITF 99-20-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments”, which provides (subsequently codified within ASC 320 Investments—Debt and Equity Securities) was issued in order to provide enhanced guidance on recognition and presentation. FSP No. FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and EITF 99-20-2ASC 320 requires to determine whether the holder of an investment in a debt or equity security for which changes in fair value are not regularly recognized in earnings (such as securities classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale) should recognize a loss in earnings when the investment is impaired. An investment is impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost basis.

In addition, an entity shall disclose information for interim and annual periods that enables users of its financial statements to understand the types of available-for-sale and held-to maturity debt and equity securities held, including information about investments in an unrealized loss position for which an other-than-temporary impairment has or has not been recognized. In addition, for interim and annual periods, an entity shall disclose information that enables users of financial statements to understand the reasons that a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security was not recognized in earnings and the methodology and significant inputs used to calculate the portion of the total other-than-temporary impairment that was recognized in earnings. This rule is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The adoption of FSP No. FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and EITF 99-20-2ASC 320 will not have a material impact on the Company´s 2008Company’s 2009 financial reporting and disclosures but could affect the Company in the future.

Determining Fair Value WhenSubsequent Events -
In May 2009, the Volumeguidance for subsequent events was updated to establish accounting and Levelreporting standards for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The update sets forth: (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of Activitya reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet in its financial statements, and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements. This ASC guidance is effective for the AssetCompany’s interim period beginning June 30, 2009. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly - -cash flows.
On 9 April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position No FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP 157-4 or the FSP).  FSP 157-4 amends FASB Statement No. 157,
35.Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurements (Statement 157 orand Accounting -
In January 2010, the Statement)guidance for fair value measurements and disclosure was updated to require additional disclosures related to: i) transfers in and out of level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and ii) enhanced detail in the level 3 reconciliation. The guidance was amended to provide additional guidance on estimatingclarity about: i) the level of disaggregation required for assets and liabilities and ii) the disclosures required for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value when the volumefor both recurring and nonrecurring measurements that fall in either level of activity for an asset2 or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability.level 3. The FSP also provides additionalupdated guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.  This rule is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively.the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2010, with the exception of the level 3 disaggregation which is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2011. The adoptionCompany is evaluating the potential impact of FSP No. FAS 157-4 will not have a material impactadopting this guidance on the Company´s 2008Company’s consolidated financial reportingposition, results of operations and disclosures but will impact the Company in the future.
cash flows.
 
F-88F-73


MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 20082009

CONTENTSPagesPage
  
Report of the Independent Registered and Certified Public Accounting FirmF-90F-75
Consolidated Statements of incomeIncome for each of the three years ended December 31, 20082009F-91F-76
Consolidated Balance sheets atSheets as of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008F-92F-77
Consolidated Statements of cash flowsCash Flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 20082009F-93F-78
Consolidated Statements of changesChanges in partners’ equityPartners’ Equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 20082009F-94
F-79
Notes to the consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial StatementsF-95F-80

US$  =   Dólares estadounidenses

 
F-89F-74

 

PricewaterhouseCoopersDongo-Soria, Gaveglio y Asociados
 Sociedad Civil
 Firma Miembro de PricewaterhouseCoopersResponsabilidad Limitada
Av.  Santo Toribio 143
Lima 27, Perú
Apartado 1434-2869
Telfs.:(51 1)211-6500 411-5800
Fax :  (51 1) 211-6560

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED AND CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

February 16, 200923, 2010

To the Partners and the Executive Committee of
Minera Yanacocha S.R.L.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in consolidated partners’ equity and consolidated cash flows, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. at December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20082009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company chargedchanged its method of accounting for uncertain tax positionpositions effective January 1, 2007, and charged its method of accounting for stripping costs incurred during the production phase effective January 1, 2006.2007.

Countersigned by

Counstersigned by
/s/S/ FERNANDO GAVEGLIO(partner)
Fernando Gaveglio
Peruvian Certified Public Accountant
Registration No.01-19847

 
F-90F-75

 

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  (dollars in thousands) 
Revenues $2,013,228  $1,612,618  $1,093,347 
Costs and expenses  671,507   659,867   506,261 
Costs applicable So sales (1)
            
Amortization  166,053   169,131   159,148 
Accretion  12,047   9,919   8,850 
Exploration and advanced projects  22,968   28,151   28,234 
Other expense, net (Note 3)  78,024   76,673   75,019 
   950,599   943,741   777,512 
Other income (expense)            
Other income, net (Note 4)  3,886   11,239   15,877 
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest of $4,212, $5,002 and $11,696, respectively  (4,598)  (7,597)  (3,179)
   (712)  3,642   12,698 
             
Income before income tax  1,061,917   672,519   328,533 
Income tax expense (Note 5)  (334,841)  (196,057)  (107,044)
Net income $727,076  $476,462  $221,489 
             
Other comprehensive income, net of tax  1,239       
Comprehensive income $728,315  $476,462  $221,489 

(1) Exclusive of Amortization and Accretion
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-76


MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEBALANCE SHEETS

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2008  2007  2006 
  (dollars in thousands) 
          
Revenues $1,612,618  $1,093,347  $1,543,212 
             
Costs and expenses            
Costs applicable to sales (exclusive of Amortization and Accretion shown separately below)  659,867   506,261   468,027 
Amortization  169,131   159,148   171,730 
Accretion expense  9,919   8,850   7,222 
Exploration and advanced projects  28,151   28,234   32,254 
Other expenses, net (Note 3)  76,673   75,019   107,013 
   943,741   777,512   786,246 
             
Other income (expense), net            
Other income, net (Note 4)  11,239   15,877   19,202 
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest of $5,002, $11,696 and $4,146, respectively  (7,597)  (3,179)  (12,377)
   3,642   12,698   6,825 
             
Income before income tax  672,519   328,533   763,791 
Income tax expense (Note 5)  (196,057)  (107,044)  (238,343)
Net income $476,462  $221,489  $525,448 
  
At December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
  (dollars in thousands) 
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents $732,635  $157,526 
Accounts receivable (Note 6)  32,669   45,554 
Due from related parties (Note 12)  4,180   2,126 
Inventories (Note 7)  46,077   75,328 
Stockpiles and ore on leach pads (Note 8)  172,447   126,191 
Deferred income tax assets (Note 5)  8,746   8,746 
Other current assets (Note 9)  18,176   19,531 
Current assets  1,014,930   435,002 
         
Property, plant and mine development, net (Note 10)  1,234,694   1,293,716 
Long-term ore on leach pads (Note 8)  197,554   147,998 
Other long-term assets (Note 9)  19,322   15,247 
Total assets $2,466,500  $1,891,963 
         
LIABILITIES        
Current portion of debt (Note 11) $36,101  $27,283 
Accounts payable  62,168   77,100 
Due to related parties (Note 12)  27,591   18,209 
Workers’ profit participation (Note 13)  57,551   32,839 
Income tax payable  68,704   24,804 
Other current liabilities (Note 14)  79,468   87,496 
Current liabilities  331,583   267,731 
         
Debt (Note 11)  142,235   178,335 
Reclamation and remediation liabilities (Note 15)  187,711   174,024 
Deferred workers’ profit participation (Note 13)  17,164   9,652 
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 5)  67,995   42,043 
Other long-term liabilities  8,710   7,391 
Total liabilities  755,398   679,176 
         
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)        
         
PARTNERS’ EQUITY        
Partners’ contributions  398,216   398,216 
Additional contributions  226   226 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  1,239    
Retained earnings  1,311,421   814,345 
Total partners’ equity (Note 16)  1,711,102   1,212,787 
Total liabilities and partners’ equity $2,466,500  $1,891,963 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
F-91F-77

 

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

  At December 31, 
  2008  2007 
  (dollars in thousands) 
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents $157,526  $288,376 
Accounts receivable (Note 6)  45,538   57,506 
Due from related parties (Note 12)  2,142   152 
Inventories (Note 7)  75,328   85,523 
Stockpiles and ore on leach pads (Note 8)  126,191   86,624 
Deferred income tax assets (Note 5)  8,746   8,746 
Other current assets (Note 9)  19,531   14,385 
Current assets  435,002   541,312 
         
Property, plant and mine development, net (Note 10)  1,293,716   1,182,774 
Long-term ore on leach pads (Note 8)  147,998   165,701 
Other long-term assets  15,247   6,097 
Total assets $1,891,963  $1,895,884 
         
LIABILITIES        
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 11) $27,283  $22,724 
Accounts payable  77,094   35,234 
Due to related parties (Note 12)  18,215   15,827 
Workers’ profit participation (Note 13)  32,839   24,530 
Income tax payable  24,804   4,777 
Other current liabilities (Note 14)  87,496   65,626 
Current liabilities  267,731   168,718 
         
Long-term debt (Note 11)  178,335   195,387 
Reclamation and remediation liabilities (Note 15)  174,024   146,367 
Deferred workers’ profit participation (Note 13)  9,652   9,355 
Deferred income tax liabilities (Note 5)  42,043   44,728 
Other long-term liabilities  7,391   5,004 
Total liabilities  679,176   569,559 
         
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)        
         
PARTNERS’ EQUITY        
Partners’ contributions  398,216   398,216 
Additional contributions  226   226 
Retained earnings  814,345   927,883 
Total partners’ equity (Note 16)  1,212,787   1,326,325 
Total liabilities and partners’ equity $1,891,963  $1,895,884 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-92

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
  (dollars in thousands) 
Operating activities:             
Net income $727,076  $476,462  $221,489 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:            
Amortization  166,053   169,131   159,148 
Deferred income tax  25,413   1,024   (6,173)
Deferred workers’ profit participation  7,513   297   (2,061)
Accretion of reclamation obligations      13,016   10,890 
Other operating adjustments  3,060   2,304   15,510 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:  (28,582)  (17,707)  (23,139)
Inventories, stockpiles and ore on leach pads Other assets  13,359   15,656   (25,499)
Increase (decrease) in operating Stabilities:            
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities  58,548   93,280   (72,271)
Reclamation liabilities  (4,091)  (6,800)  (7,701)
Net cash provided from operations  981,365   744,537   268,988 
Investing activities:            
Additions to property, plant and mine development  (150,262)  (239,336)  (252,725)
Funding of long-term investment (Note 1)     (13,000)   
Proceeds from sale of assets  1,345   991   2,556 
Net cash used in investing activities:  (148,917)  (251,345)  (250,169)
             
Financing activities:            
Change in restricted cash  (57)  (9,174)  (21)
Repayment of debt .  (27,282)  (24,868)  (10,345)
Distributions to partners  (230,000)  (590,000)  (100,000)
Net cash used in financing activities  (257,339)  (624,042)  (110,366)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  575,109   (130,850)  (91,547)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year  157,526   288,376   379,923 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $732,635  $157,526  $288,376 
  Years Ended December 31, 
  2008  2007  2006 
  (dollars in thousands) 
Operating activities:         
Net income $476,462  $221,489  $525,448 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities            
Amortization  169,131   159,148   171,730 
Deferred income tax  1,024   (6,173)  (15,263)
Deferred workers’ profit participation  297   (2,061)  (4,944)
Accretion of reclamation obligations  10,890   9,685   7,918 
Other operating adjustments  2,304   15,510   3,310 
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:            
Inventories, stockpiles and ore on leach pads  (17,707)  (23,139)  (73,261)
Other assets  15,656   (25,499)  (1,445)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:            
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities  93,280   (72,271)  31,821 
Reclamation liabilities  (6,800)  (7,701)  (8,133)
Net cash provided from operations  744,537   268,988   637,181 
             
Investing activities:            
Additions to property, plant and mine development  (239,336)  (252,725)  (269,293)
Funding of long-term investment  (13,000)  -   - 
Proceeds from sale of assets  991   2,556   935 
Net cash used in investing activities  (251,345)  (250,169)  (268,358)
             
Financing activities:            
Proceeds from debt, net  -   -   198,785 
Change in restricted cash  9,174   (21)  (36)
Repayments of debt  (24,868)  (10,345)  (3,160)
Distributions to partners  (590,000)  (100,000)  (480,000)
Net cash used in financing activities  (624,042)  (110,366)  (284,411)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (130,850)  (91,547)  84,412 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year  288,376   379,923   295,511 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $157,526  $288,376  $379,923 

See Note 17 for supplemental cash flow information.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
F-93F-78

 

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS’ EQUITY

 
Partners’
contributions
  
Additional
contributions
  
Restricted
earnings
  
Retained
earnings
  
Total
partners’
equity
  
Partners'
Contributions
  
Additional
Contributions
  
Restricted
Earnings
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  
Total
Partner's
Equity
 
 (dollars in thousands)  (dollars in thousands) 
Balance at January 1, 20060 $208,616  $226  $189,600  $758,206  $1,156,648 
Cumulative effect of adoption EITF 04-06 (Note 2)  -   -   -   (5,687)  (5,687)
Distributions of profits to the partners  -   -   -   (480,000)  (480,000)
Net income  -   -   -   525,448   525,448 
Balance at December 31, 2006 $208,616  $226  $189,600  $797,967  $1,196,409 
Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48 (Note2)  -   -   -   8,427   8,427 
Balance at January 1, 2006 $208,616  $226  $189,600  $797,967  $  $1,196,409 
Uncertain tax positions
(Note 2)
           8,427      8,427 
Capitalization of restricted earnings (Note 5)  189,600   -   (189,600)  -   -   189,600      (189,600)         
Distributions of profits to the partners  -   -   -   (100,000)  (100,000)           (100,000)     (100,000)
Net income  -   -   -   221,489   221,489            221,489       221,489 
Balance at December 31, 2007 $398,216  $226  $-  $927,883  $1,326,325  $398,216  $226  $  $927,883  $  $1,326,325 
Distributions of profits to the partners  -   -   -   (590,000)  (590,000)    __      (590,000)     (590,000)
Net income  -   -   -   476,462   476,462            476,462      476,462 
Balance at December 31, 2008 $398,216  $226  $-  $814,345  $1,212,787  $398,216  $226  $  $814,345  $  $1,212,787 
Distributions of profits to the partners           (230,000)     (230,000)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities              1,239   1,239 
Net income           727,076      727,076 
Balance at December 31, 2009 $398,216  $226  $  $1,311,421  $1,239  $1,711,102 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
F-94F-79


MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
1.BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

Minera Yanacocha S.R.L. (the “Company”), formerly Minera Yanacocha S.A., was incorporated in Peru on January 14, 1992 and commenced operations in 1993.  The Company is engaged in the production of and exploration for gold under the mining concessions it owns or that are owned by S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca (“Chaupiloma”).

The Company is owned 51.35% by Newmont Second Capital Corporation, a 100% indirectly owned subsidiary of Newmont Mining Corporation (“Newmont”), 43.65% owned by Compañía Minera Condesa S.A., which is 100% owned by Compañíaia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (“Buenaventura”) and 5% owned by the International Finance Corporation.

The majority Partners of the Company (or their affiliates) also own the majority interest in Chaupiloma.  InChaupiioma. in accordance with a mining lease, amended effective January 1, 1994, the Company pays ChaupilomaChaupiioma a 3% royalty based on quarterly production sold at current market prices, after deducting refinery and transportation costs.  The royalty agreement expires in 2012, but can be extended at the Company’s option.

Located in the Cajamarca province of Peru, the Company’s operation consists of three active open pit mines:  Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua and Chaquicocha.  Reclamation and/or backfilling activities at Carachugo, San JoséJose and Maqui Maqui are currently underway.  Gold-bearing ores are transported to one of four leach pads for gold recovery using conventional heap-leaching cyanidation or milling beginningthe mill, which began commercial production in Aprilthe second quarter of 2008, followed by Merrill-Crowe zinc precipitation and smelting where a final doré product is poured.  The doré is then shipped offsite for refining and is sold inon the worldwide gold markets.

Gold mining requires the use of specialized facilities and technology.  The Company relies heavily on such facilities and technology to maintain production levels.  Also, the cash flow and profitability of the Company’s operations are significantly affected by the market price of gold.  Gold prices can fluctuate widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control.  During 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, the Company sold 2.07 million, 1.84 million 1.56 million and 2.571.56 million ounces of gold, respectively.

The Conga project consists of two gold-copper porphyry deposits located northeast of the Yanacocha operating area in the provinces of Celendin, CajamarcaCajarnarca and Hualgayoc.  The Conga project has proven and probable reserves of 11.8 million (unaudited) ounces of gold and 3.2 billion (unaudited) pounds of copper at December 31, 20082009 and December 31, 2007.2008.

Total proven and probable reserves contained in the three active open pits, other pits to be developed, in the stockpiles, in process and the Conga project are approximately 24.822.3 million (unaudited) and 27.624.8 million (unaudited) ounces of gold at December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively and 3.2 billion (unaudited) pounds of copper at December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008.

2.SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Accounting Standards Codification
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the single source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  The ASC is a new structure which took existing accounting pronouncements and organized them by accounting topic.  Relevant authoritative literature issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and select SEC staff interpretations and administrative literature was also included in the ASC.  All other accounting guidance not included in the ASC is non-authoritative.  The ASC was effective for the Company’s annual period ended December 31, 2009.  The adoption of the ASC did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
F-95F-80

 

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)

Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L and the San Jose Reservoir Trust (“Trust”).  In November 2008, the companyCompany funded the San Jose Reservoir trust (“Trust”)Trust to ensure the continuous operation offor the San Jose Reservoir after 2018.  The Company transferred $13 million to the Trust in 2008.  No withdrawals are allowed until 2018 and the Company is committed to a $23 million fund as of such date.  This Trust is irrevocable and is a separate legal entity.  The grantor is the Company, the trustee is the Banco de Crédito del Perú and the beneficiary is the Company, therefore the Company consolidates the Trust in its consolidated financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements.

2SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The Company’s financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of the Company’s financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates and assumptions relate to mineral reserves that are the basis for future cash flow estimates utilized in impairment calculations and units-of-production amortization calculations; environmental, reclamation and closure obligations; estimates of recoverable gold and other minerals in stockpile and leach pad inventories; write-downs of inventory to net realizable value; employee benefit liabilities; valuation allowances for deferred tax assets; workers’ profit participation; and reserves for contingencies and litigation.litigation; and the fair value and accounting treatment of financial instruments.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Currency

The financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements are stated in U.S. dollars, the Company’s functional currency, as most of its transactions are traded, collected and paid in such currency.  All amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) unless otherwise stated.  Transactions in other currencies are recorded in U.S. dollars based on exchange rates prevailing at the time of such transactions.  Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are translated into the U.S. dollar at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet dates, and any resulting gains or losses are reflected in current earnings.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of all cash balances and deposits in banks with an original maturity of three months or less.  Because of the short maturity of these balances, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value.
 
Investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments in equity securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each reporting date.  The Company accounts for its equity security investments as available for sale securities in accordance with ASC guidance on accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities.  The Company periodically evaluates whether declines in fair values of its investments below the Company’s carrying value are other-than-temporary in accordance with guidance for the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to certain investments.  The Company’s policy is to generally treat a decline in the investment’s quoted market value that has lasted continuously for more than six months as an other-than-temporary decline in value.  The Company also monitors its investments for events or changes in circumstances that have occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment, and evaluates qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the severity and duration of the unrealized loss and the Company’s ability to hold the investment until a forecasted recovery occurs to determine if the decline in value of an investment is other-than-temporary.  Declines in fair value below the Company’s carrying value deemed to be other-than-temporary are charged to earnings.
F-96F-81


MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)

Stockpiles, Ore on Leach Pads and Inventories

As described below, costs that are incurred in or benefit the productive process are accumulated as stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories.  Stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value represents the estimated future sales price of the product based on current and long-term metals prices, less the estimated costs to complete production and bring the product to sale.  Write-downs of stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories resulting from net realizable value impairments are reported as a component of Costs applicable to salessales.  .  The current portion of stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories is determined based on the expected amounts to be processed within the next twelve months.  Stockpiles, ore on leach pads and inventories not expected to be processed within the next twelve months are classified as long-term.  The major classifications are as follows:

Stockpiles

Stockpiles represent ore that has been mined and is available for further processing.  Stockpiles are measured by estimating the number of tons added and removed from the stockpile, the number of contained ounces (based on assay data) and the estimated metallurgical recovery rates (based on the expected processing method).  Stockpile ore tonnages are verified by periodic surveys.  Costs are allocated to a stockpile based on relative values of material stockpiled and processed using current mining costs incurred up to the point of stockpiling the ore, including applicable overhead depreciation, depletion and amortization relating to mining operations, and removed at the average cost per recoverable unit.

Ore on Leach Pads

The recovery of gold from certain gold oxide ores is achieved through the heap leaching process.  Under this method, ore is placed on leach pads where it is treated with a chemical solution, which dissolves the gold contained in the ore.  The resulting gold-bearing solution is further processed in a plant where the gold is recovered.  Costs are added to ore on leach pads based on current mining costs, including applicable depreciation, depletionoverhead and amortization relating to mining operations.  Costs are removed from ore on leach pads as ounces are recovered based on the average cost per recoverable ounce of gold on the leach pad.

The estimates of recoverable gold on the leach pads are calculated from the quantities of ore placed on the pads (measured tons added to the leach pads), the grade of ore placed on the leach pads (based on assay data) and a recovery percentage (based on ore type).  In general, the leach pads recover approximately 50% to 95% of the ultimate recoverable ounces in the first year of leaching, declining each year thereafter until the leaching process is complete.

Although the quantities of recoverable gold placed on the leach pads are reconciled by comparing the grades of ore placed on the pads to the quantities of gold actually recovered (metallurgical balancing), the nature of the leaching process inherently limits the ability to precisely monitor inventory levels.  As a result, the metallurgical balancing process is constantly monitored and estimates are refined based on actual results over time.  Historically, the Company’s operating results have not been materially impacted by variations between the estimated and actual recoverable quantities of gold on its leach pads.  Variations between actual and estimated quantities resulting from changes in assumptions and estimates that do not result in write-downs to net realizable value are accounted for on a prospective basis.

 
F-97F-82

 

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
In-process Inventory

In-process inventories represent materials that are currently in the process of being converted to a saleable product.  The conversion processes vary depending on the nature of the ore and the specific processing facility, butand include mill in-circuit and leach in circuit.in-circuit.  In-process material is measured based on assays of the material fed into the process and the projected recoveries of the respective plants.  In-process inventories are valued at the average cost of the material fed into the process attributable to the source material coming from the mines, stockpiles and/or leach pads plus the in-process conversion costs, including applicable depreciationamortization relating to the process facilities incurred to that point in the process.

Precious Metals Inventory

Precious metals inventories include gold dorédore and/or gold bullion.  Precious metals that result from the Company’s mining, processing and processingrefining activities are valued at the average cost of the respective in-process inventory incurred prior to the refining process, plus applicable refining costs.inventory.

Materials and Supplies

Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.  Cost includes applicable taxes and freight.

Property, Plant and Mine Development

Facilities and Equipment

Expenditures for new facilities or equipment and expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities or equipment are capitalized and recorded at cost.  The facilities and equipment are depreciatedamortized using the straight-line method at rates sufficient to depreciateamortize such costs over the estimated productive lives, which do not exceed the related estimated mine lives, of such facilities based on proven and probable reserves.

Mine Development

Mine development costs include engineering and metallurgical studies, drilling and other related costs to delineate an ore body, and the removal of overburden to initially expose an ore body at open pit surface mines.  Costs incurred before mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves are expensed and classified as Exploration and Advanced projectsexpense.  Capitalization of mine development project costs that meet the definition of an asset begins once mineralization is classified as proven and probable reserves.

Drilling and related costs are capitalized for an ore body where proven and probable reserves exist andexist. the activities are directed at obtaining additional information on the ore body or converting non-reserve mineralization to proven and probable reserves and the benefit is expected to be realized over a period beyond one year.  AllAH other drilling and related costs are expensed as incurred.  Drilling costs incurred during the production phase for operational ore control are allocated to inventory costs and then included as a component of Costs relatedapplicable to salessales..

F-98

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
The costscost of removing overburden and waste materials to access the ore body at an open pit mine prior to the production phase are referred to as “pre-stripping costs”.  Pre-stripping costs are capitalized during the development of an open pit mine.  Where multiple open pits exist at a mining complex utilizing common processing facilities, pre-stripping costs are capitalized at each pit.  The removal and production of de minimis saleable materials may occur during development and are recorded as Other income, net of incremental mining and processing costs.

The production phase of an open pit mine commences when saleable minerals, beyond a de minimis amount, are produced.  Stripping costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that are included as a component of inventory to be recognized in Costs relatedapplicable to salesin the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory.
F-83


MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
The Company’s definition of a mine and the mine’s production phase may differ from that of other companies in the mining industry resulting in incomparable allocations of stripping costs to deferred mine development and production costs.  Other mining companies may expense pre-stripping costs associated with subsequent pits within a mining complex.

Mine development costs are amortized using the units-of production (“UOP”) method based on estimated recoverable ounces in proven and probable reserves.  To the extent that these costs benefit an entire ore body, they are amortized over the estimated life of the ore body.  Costs incurred to access specific ore blocks or areas that only provide benefit over the life of that area are amortized over the estimated life of that specific ore block or area.

Interest cost allocable to the cost of developing mining properties and to constructing new facilities is capitalized until assets are ready for their intended use.

Mineral Interests

Mineral interests include acquired interests in production, development and exploration stage properties.  The mineral interests are recordedcapitalized at their fair value at the timeacquisition date, either as an individual asset purchase or as part of acquisition, in Property, plant and mine development, net, and represent mineral use rights regardless of whether the Company owns the related surface rights (“mining concessions”).  a business combination.
The Company’s mineral interests represent mineral use rights related to production, development or exploration stage properties, and the value of such mineral interestsassets is primarily driven by the nature and amount of mineralized contentmaterial believed to be contained in such properties.  Production stage mineral interests represent interests in operating properties that contain proven and probable reserves.  Development stage mineral interests represent interests in properties under development that contain proven and probable reserves.  Exploration stage mineral interests represent interests in properties that are believed to potentially contain mineralized material consisting of (i) mineralized material such as inferred material within pits; measured, indicated and inferred material with insufficient drill spacing to qualify as proven and probable reserves; and inferred material in close proximity to proven and probable reserves; (ii) around-mine exploration potential such as inferred material not immediately adjacent to existing reserves and mineralization, but located within the immediate mine area; (iii) other mine-related exploration potential that is not part of measured, indicated or inferred material and is comprised mainly of material outside of the immediate mine area; or (iv) green fieldsgreenfields exploration potential that is not associated with any other production, development or exploration stage property, as described above; or (v) any acquired right to explore or extract a potential mineral deposit.  The Company’s mining concessionsmineral rights generally are enforceable regardless of whether proven and probable reserves have been established.  In addition, these mining concessions provide for both the right to explore and exploit.  However, the Company must first obtain the respective exploration and exploitation permits, which are generally granted in due course.  The Company may retain mining concessions indefinitely by paying annual feeshas the ability and during exploitation, complying with production obligations intent to renew mineral interests where the existing term is not sufficient to recover all identified-and valued proven and probable reserves and/or paying assessed fines.  Mining concessions are freely assignable or transferable.
F-99

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
undeveloped mineralized material.
 
Asset Impairment

The Company reviews and evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  An impairmentImpairment is considered to exist if the total of the assets estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amount of the assets.  An impairment loss is measured and recorded based on discounted estimated future cash flows.  Future cash flows are estimated based on quantities of recoverable minerals, expected gold and other commodity prices (considering current and historical prices, trends and related factors), production levels, operating costs, capital requirements and reclamation costs, all based on life-of-mine plans.  Existing proven and probable reserves and value beyond proven and probable reserves, including mineralization other than proven and probable and other material that is not part of the measured, indicated or inferred resource base, are included when determining the fair value of mine site reporting units at acquisition and, subsequently, in determining whether the assets are impaired.  The term “recoverable minerals” refers to the estimated amount of gold or other commodities that will be obtained after taking into account losses during ore processing and treatment.  Estimates of recoverable minerals from such exploration stage mineral interests are risk adjusted based on management’s relative confidence in such materials.  In estimating future cash flows, assets are grouped at the lowest level forof which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of future cash flows from other asset groups.  The Company’s estimates of future cash flows are based on numerous assumptions and it is possible that actual future cash flows will be significantly different than the estimates, as actual future quantities of recoverable minerals, gold and other commodity prices, production levels and operating costs of production and capital are each subject to significant risks and uncertainties.
F-84


MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized from a sale when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is determinable, the product has been delivered, the title has been transferred to the customer and collection of the sales price is reasonably assured.  Revenues from silver and copper sales are credited to CCosts osts applicable to salesas a by-product credit.

Reclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Costs and Obligations)

Reclamation costs are allocated to expense over the life of the related assets and are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the estimated present value resulting from the passage of time and revisions to the estimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation or abandonment costs.  The asset retirement obligation is based on when the spending for an existing environmental disturbance and activity to date will occur.  The Company reviews, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the asset retirement obligation at each mine site in accordance with FAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”.

F-100

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
Income Tax and Profit Sharing

The Company accounts for income tax and legally required profit sharing using the liability method, recognizing certain temporary differences between the financial reporting basis of the Company’s liabilities and assets and the related income tax basis for such liabilities and assets.  This method generates a net deferred income tax liability and profit sharing liability or net deferred income tax asset and profit sharing asset for the Company, as measured by the statutory tax and profit sharing rates in effect as enacted.  The Company derives its deferred income tax charge or benefit and profit sharing charge or benefit by recording the change in the net deferred income tax liability and profit sharing liability or net deferred income tax asset and profit sharing asset balance for the year, based on Peruvian income tax and profit sharing rates.

The Company’s deferred income tax assets include certain future tax benefits.  The Company records a valuation allowance against any portion of those deferred income tax assets when it believes, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.

StrippingReclamation and Remediation Costs (Asset Retirement Costs and Obligations)

StrippingAsset retirement obligations are recognized when incurred and recorded as liabilities at fair value.  The liability is accreted over time through periodic charges to earnings.  In addition, the asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the asset’s carrying value and amortized over the life of the related asset.  Reclamation costs incurred during the production phase of a mine are variable production costs that are included as a component of inventoryperiodically adjusted to be recognized in Costs applicable to salesreflect changes in the same period as the revenueestimated present value resulting from the salepassage of inventory.  Capitalization of post-production stripping costs is appropriate onlytime and revisions to the extent product inventory existsestimates of either the timing or amount of the reclamation and abandonment costs.  The asset retirement obligation is based on when spending for an existing environmental disturbance will occur.  The Company reviews, on an annual basis, unless otherwise deemed necessary, the asset retirement obligation at each mine site in accordance with accounting for asset retirement obligations.
Future remediation costs for inactive mines are accrued based on management’s best estimate at the end of each period of the costs expected to be incurred at a reporting period.

Reclassifications

Certain amountssite.  Such cost estimates include, where applicable, ongoing care, maintenance and monitoring costs.  Changes in prior years have been reclassified to conform to year 2008 presentation.  The Company reclassified accretion from costs applicable to sales to a separate accretion line item and administrative, community development and external affairs costs that were reclassified from Costs applicable to sales to Other Expense, net.  These changes wereestimates at inactive mines are reflected in Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented.earnings in the period an estimate is revised.

F-85

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Recently Adopted Pronouncements

Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting PrinciplesSubsequent Events

In May 2008,2009, the FASBASC guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish accounting and reporting standards for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued FASB Statement No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“FAS 162”) which identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principlesor are available to be usedissued.  The update sets forth:  (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the preparation of financial statements, of nongovernmental entities(ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet in its financial statements, and (iii) the disclosures that are presentedan entity should make about events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). FAS 162 was effective November 15, 2008, which was 60 days followingits financial statements.  The Company adopted the Security and Exchange Commission’s approval ofupdated guidance for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with GAAP.”annual period ended December 31, 2009.  The adoption of FAS 162 has had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

F-101

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
  The Company has evaluated all subsequent events until the financial statements are issued.
 
Fair Value Accounting

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 definesASC guidance for fair value establishesmeasurements and disclosure was updated to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expandsexpand disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of FAS 157 wereCompany adopted the updated guidance for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis on January 1, 2008. In February 2008, the FASB staff issued FSP No. 157-2 “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP FAS 157-2”). FSP FAS 157-2an update to the guidance which delayed the effective date of FAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually).nonrecurring basis.  The provisions of FSP FAS 157-2 are effectiveCompany adopted the updated guidance for the Company’s fiscal year beginningnonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis on January 1, 2009, and are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company.2009.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (“FSP FAS 157-3”), which clarifies the application of FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”) in an inactive market. The intent of this FSP is to provide guidance on how the fair value of a financial asset is to be determined when the market for that financial asset is inactive. FSP FAS 157-3 states that determining fair value in an inactive market depends on the facts and circumstances, requires the use of significant judgment and in some cases, observable inputs may require significant adjustment based on unobservable data. Regardless of the valuation technique used, an entity must include appropriate risk adjustments that market participants would make for nonperformance and liquidity risks when determining fair value of an asset in an inactive market. FSP FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance. The Company has incorporated the principles of FSP FAS 157-3 in determining the fair value of financial assets when the market for those assets is not active, specifically its marketable debt securities.

FAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FAS 157 are described below:

-Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
-Level 2 Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
-Level 3 Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

In February 2007, ASC guidance was updated for the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Optionfair value option for Financial Assetsfinancial assets and Financial Liabilities” (“FAS 159”). FAS 159financial liabilities.  The updated guidance permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, with the objective of improving financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  The updated provisions of FAS 159 were adoptedeffective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008.2008, The Company did not elect the Fair Value Option for any of its financial assets or liabilities, and therefore, the adoption of FAS 159 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

F-102

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
  Refer to Note 20 for further details regarding the Company’s assets measured at fair value.
 
Income Taxes

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No.48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”),updated ASC guidance which clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in the application of the income tax laws to our operations.  The interpretation prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax provisions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns.  The cumulative effects of applying this interpretation were recorded as an increase in retained earnings of $8.4 million, an increase in net deferred tax assets of $1.8 million, an increase of $0.9 million in deferred income tax expense, offset, in part, by a decrease of $5.7 million in the net liability for unrecognized income tax benefits.  Refer to Note 5.

Deferred Stripping CostsRecently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

OnFair Value Accounting
In January 2010, the ASC guidance for fair value measurements and disclosure was updated to require additional disclosures related to:  i) transfers in and out of level 1 and 2 fair value measurements and ii) enhanced detail in the level 3 reconciliation.  The guidance was amended to provide clarity about:  i) the level of disaggregation required for assets and liabilities and ii) the disclosures required for inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring measurements that fall in either level 2 or level 3. The updated guidance is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006,2010, with the exception of the level 3 disaggregation which is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2011.  The Company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-06 (“EITF 04-06”), “Accounting for Stripping Costs Incurred during Production inis evaluating the Mining Industry.” EITF 04-06 addresses the accounting for stripping costs incurred during the production phasepotential impact of a mine and refers to these costs as variable production costs that should be included as a component of inventory to be recognized in Costs applicable to sales in the same period as the revenue from the sale of inventory. As a result, capitalization of post-production stripping costs is appropriate only to the extent product inventory exists at the end of a reporting period. Theadopting this guidance required the recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption, with no charge to earnings in the period of adoption for prior periods. The cumulative effect adjustment reduced retained earnings by $5.7 million (net of tax and minority interests). Adoption of EITF 04-06 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash position or net cash from operations.flows.

F-86

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
3.OTHER EXPENSE, NET

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2008  2007  2006 
Community development and external affairs $39,251  $32,213  $31,136 
Negotiated payment  18,492   9,683   21,839 
Regional administration  14,223   9,816   9,498 
World Gold Council dues  3,168   2,928   5,589 
Non-producing accretion  971   835   696 
Write-down of long-lived assets  442   1,269   1,514 
Reclamation and remediation  284   1,916   1,741 
Contractor bankruptcy  -   1,956   - 
Workers’ profit participation (Note 13)  -   1,615   14,900 
La Quinua leach pad repair  -   1,000   9,911 
Tax contingencies  -   -   2,536 
Choropampa mercury spill (Note 19)  (5,941)  8,615   5,110 
Other  5,783   3,173   2,543 
  $76,673  $75,019  $107,013 

F-103

  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Negotiated payment $28,019  $18,492  $9,683 
Community development and external affairs  21,673   39,251   32,213 
Regional administration  18,477   14,223   9,816 
World Gold Council dues  3,602   3,168   2,928 
Write-down of long-lived assets  2,923   442   1,269 
Non-producing accretion  972   971   835 
Choropampa mercury spill (Note 19)  606   (5,941)  8,615 
Reclamation and remediation  (3)  284   1,916 
Contractor bankruptcy        1,956 
Workers’ profit participation (Note 13)        1,615 
La Quinua leach pad repair        1,000 
Other  1,755   5,783   3,173 
  $78,024  $76,673  $75,019 
 
MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
In 2008, the Company reclassified from Costs related to sales certain administrative, community development and external affairs costs not directly related to production.  This change represents a more appropriate presentation of Costs related to sales in the Company’s financial statements.  The change has resulted in a reclassification from Costs applicable to sales to Other expense net of $53.5 million, $42.0 million and $40.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The 2008 Choropampa mercury spill includes US$14.4$14.4 million reimbursed by insuresthe insurers for legal fees and expenses.

Negotiated Payment

During 2006 mining companies represented by the Sociedad Nacional de Minería,Minerla, Petróleo y EnergíaEnergia (SNMPE) agreed to a mining payment equivalent to 3.75% of Peruvian net income after taxes.  The funds will be managed by a trust fund or association designated by the Company, Whichwhich may be established by the Company.  Mining companies are contributing these funds to participate in the Governmentgovernment efforts to eradicate poverty in Peru in the current favorable economic environment.

OnIn December 21, 2006 the Peruvian Government issued a law (Supreme Decree N°071-2006-EM) that regulatesapproved legislation regulating the conditions in which the negotiated payment will be paid by Peruvian mining companies.  The payment amounts to 3.75% of Peruvian net income after income tax (2.75% to be paid to a Local Mining Fund and 1% to be paid to a Regional Mining Fund), payable for 2006 and the following four years if certain conditions are met.

The Company will be released from paying the negotiated payment if the Company has to undertake major obligations arising from new taxes or from the modification of those existing and specifically imposed taxes related to mining activities; or if the gold price decreases below the average price for the 15 years prior to 2005 (equivalent to $537 per ounce), according to the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).  The negotiated payment will recommence if prices subsequently rise above the reference price.

4.OTHER INCOME, NET

 Years Ended December 31,  
Years Ended December 31,
 
 2008  2007  2006  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Interest income $11,636  $14,054  $16,127  $3,832  $11,636  $14,054 
Gain (loss) on sale of assets  236   (184)  237  815  236  (184)
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain  (1,592)  807   206 
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) (2,490) (1,592) 807 
Other  959   1,200   2,632   1,729   959   1,200 
 $11,239  $15,877  $19,202  $3,886  $11,239  $15,877 
 
F-104F-87

 
MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
5.INCOME TAX

Tax Stabilization Agreements

The Company has entered into the following tax stability agreements, each with a term of 15 years:

Mine
 
Effective
 
Date of the Tax
Agreement
 
Tax regimes
MineEffectivetax agreementRegimes in force
Force
Carachugo/San José January 1, 1995 May 19, 1994 October 29, 1999
Maqui Maqui January 1, 1997 September 12 1994 May 6 1994
Cerro Yanacocha January 1 2000 September 16 1998 May 22 1997
La Quinua January 1, 2004 August 25,25.  2003 August 25, 2003


These agreements guarantee the Company’s use of the tax regimes shown in the table above and permit maintenance of its accounting records in U.S. dollars.

The Carachugo/San Jose tax stability agreement is no longer in effect beginning January 1, 2010, as 15 years has lapsed.
The Company has determined the taxable income according to its understanding, and that of its legal advisors, of the applicable tax legislation.  This legislation requires adding to and deducting from accounting income as determined in the consolidated financial statements, those items that the referred legislation recognizes as taxable and non-taxable, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 the income tax rate was 30% except for the La Quinua mine for which a 29% income tax rate applied.

Reinvestment of Earnings

Pursuant to Supreme Decree No.027-98-EF, miningMining companies are allowed to obtain a tax benefit by effectively reinvesting those non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase the Company’s productivity (“Reinvestment Program”). The tax benefit is based on earnings effectively obtained and up to the maximum amount of the Reinvestment Program applied to and approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (“MEM”), which amount that must be presented as Restricted earningsearnings..

On March 4,In 2003, the Company received a resolution from the MEM, dated February 28, 2003, in which it approved the Reinvestment Program for the years from 2001 to 2004 for an amount of $189.6 million.

The Company received a subsequent resolution from the MEM dated June 27, 2003, with the following rulings:  (a) amended the years to be included in the Reinvestment Program (from 2001 to 2004) and (b) confirmed that the investment that would be part of the program to be executed between 2001 and 2004 amounts to $189.6 million.

In 2004, the Company transferred $189.6 million from Retained earningsto Restricted earningsaccording withto the above Reinvestment Program in prior years.  The reinvestment tax benefit reduced income tax expense by $56.9 million.million

On December 26, 2006,In 2004, the Company received the resolution from the MEM approving the Reinvestment Program for the periods 2001 to 2004.  In compliance with article 8°took a benefit on only 80% of Supreme Decree No.027-98-EF, the Company capitalized this amount through public deed dated December 20, 2007 and shall not declare dividends from Partners’ contributions during the following four fiscal years.

F-105

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
According to article 4° of Supreme Decree N°027-98-EF, the Investment Credit taken by the Company was based on $151.7 million, which represents 80%an initial interpretation of the amount approved in the Reinvestment Program.law.  However, in 2008, based on an updated opinion of itsfrom the Company’s legal advisors, the Company could have taken the tax benefit based on 100% of the Investment Credit approved in the Reinvestment Program and not only the 80% already taken.Program.

Based on this new evaluation, the Company has recorded in 2008 a tax receivable of $11.4 million in Other current assetswith a corresponding reduction to Income tax expense,, related to the 20% remaining tax benefit from its 2001 - 2004 Reinvestment Program as final assessments are compute.were completed.

F-88

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Peruvian Income Tax and Workers’ Profit Participation

The current income tax and workers’ profit participation expense (Note 13) was determined as follows:
 
  Years Ended December 31, 
  2008  2007  2006 
Income before workers’ profit participation and income tax in accordance with Peruvian GAAP $728,940  $393,224  $893,027 
Plus:            
Non-deductible expenses  43,213   32,483   50,370 
Reclamation (environmental) reserve liability  22,159   22,558   19,823 
Contingencies and commitments’ accruals  10,309   1,360   24,577 
Capitalized interest amortization  4,761   2,928   3,615 
San Jose Reservoir amortization  3,102   -   - 
Accounts receivable write-off  2,753   1,472   357 
Provision for obsolescence of inventories  2,023   2,777   1,148 
Other  3,855   3,648   615 
   92,175   67,226   100,505 
Less:            
Depreciation of mine development and mineral interests  (30,722)  (9,593)  (30,980)
Kuntur Wasi road construction tax benefit  (13,038)  -   - 
Reclamation (environmental) reserve expense  (6,800)  (7,701)  (8,133)
Capitalized interest  (5,002)  (11,696)  (4,146)
Contingencies and commitments’ accruals  -   (9,161)  - 
Leasing benefit  (2,872)        
Other  -   (2,643)  - 
   (58,434)  (40,794)  (43,259)
Base to calculate workers’ profit participation  762,681   419,656   950,273 
Workers’ profit participation (8%)  (61,015)  (33,572)  (76,022)
Taxable income $701,666  $386,084  $874,251 
             
Income tax (30%) $210,500  $115,825  $262,275 
Credit for charitable donations  (976)  (1,406)  (1,553)
Adjustment due to income tax rate applicable to the La Quinua  (1,965)  (1,202)  (4,240)
Current income tax $207,559  $113,217  $256,482 

F-106

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
  
Year Ended December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Income before workers’ profit participation and income tax in accordance with Peruvian GAAP $1,130,731  $728,940  $393,224 
Plus:            
Non-deductible expenses  48,492   43,213   32,483 
Reclamation (environmental) reserve liability  25,429   22,159   22,558 
Capitalized interest amortization  4,850   4,761   2,928 
Contingencies and commitments’ accruals  682   10,309   1,360 
San Jose Reservoir amortization     3,102    
Accounts receivable write-off     2,753   1,472 
Provision for obsolescence of inventories     2,023   2,777 
Other  6,423   3,855   3,648 
   85,876   92,175   67,226 
Less:            
Depreciation of mine development and mineral interests  (1,867)  (30,722)  (9,593)
Tax depreciation rate adjustment  (37,410)      
Kuntur Wasi road construction tax benefit  (23,423)  (13,038)   
Reclamation (environmental) reserve expense  (4,091)  (6,800)  (7,701)
Capitalized interest  (4,212)  (5,002)  (11,696)
Contingencies and commitments’ accruals        (9,161)
Leasing benefit  (4,979)  (2,872)   
Other  (6,905)     (2,643)
   (82,887)  (58,434)  (40,794)
Base to calculate workers’ profit participation  1,133,720   762,681   419,656 
Workers’ profit participation (8%)  (90,698)  (61,015)  (33,572)
Taxable income $1,043,022  $701,666  $386,084 
             
Income tax (30%) $312,907  $210,500  $115,825 
Credit for charitable donations  (936)  (976)  (1,406)
Adjustment due to income tax rate applicable to La Quinua  (1,901)  (1,965)  (1,202)
Current income tax $310,070  $207,559  $113,217 
 
Income Tax - Reconciliation from Peru Tax Return to Income Tax Expense and Tax Balance Sheets

The Company’s income tax provision consisted of the following:

 Years Ended December 31,  
Years Ended December 31,
 
 2008  2007  2006  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Current Peru tax return $207,559  $113,217  $256,482  $310,070  $207,559  $113,217 
Income tax prior years adjustments  (12,526)  -   (2,876)
Income tax prior year adjustments  (642)  (12,526)   
Current  195,033   113,217   253,606  309,428  195,033  113,217 
Deferred  1,024   (6,173)  (15,263)  25,413   1,024   (6,173)
Income tax expense $196,057  $107,044  $238,343  $334,841  $196,057  $107,044 

Income tax prior year adjustments in 2008 are mainly related to the remaining tax benefit from the 2001-2004 Reinvestment Program.
F-89

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory Peruvian corporate income tax rate of 30% to pre-tax income as a result of the following:

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2008  2007  2006 
Income before tax provision $672,519  $328,533  $763,791 
Peruvian statutory rate  30  30  30
Income tax at statutory rate  201,756   98,560   229,137 
Income tax recognized through refilling of tax returns  (11,376)  -   - 
Adjustment due to income tax rate applicable to the La Quinua  (1,965)  (1,202)  (4,240)
Income tax from tax disputes  -   -   230 
Negotiated payment  5,548   2,905   6,551 
Donations  4,587   5,295   3,728 
Other (non-deductible expenses and tax credits)  (2,493  1,486   2,937 
Total income tax expense $196,057  $107,044  $238,343 

F-107

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
  
Years Ended December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Income before fax provision $1,061,917  $672,519  $328,533 
Peruvian statutory rate  30%  30%  30%
Income tax at statutory rate  318,575   201,756   98,560 
Income tax recognized through amendment of tax returns     (11,376)   
Adjustment due to income tax rate applicable to La Quinua  (1,901)  (1,965)  (1,202)
Negotiated payment  8,406   5,548   2,905 
Donations  5,270   4,587   5,295 
Other (non-deductible expenses and tax credits)  4,491   (2,493)  1,486 
Total income tax expense $334,841  $196,057  $107,044 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Components of deferred income tax liabilities and assets were as follows:

  
At December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:      
Reclamation and remediation costs $29,494  $22,354 
Accounts receivable     152 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  3,982   6,567 
Deferred workers’ profit participation  5,149   2,895 
Other  7,057   5,597 
   45,682   37,565 
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Property plant and mine development costs  (90,100)  (66,165)
Inventories  (14,097)  (3,970)
Accrued liabilities  (438)   
Debt issuance costs  (229)  (289)
Other  (505)   
   (104,931)  (70,862)
Net deferred tax liability $(59,249) $(33,297)
       
Current deferred tax assets $8,746  $8,746 
Less:      
Non-current deferred tax liabilities  (67,995)  (42,043)
Net deferred tax liability $(59,249) $(33,297)
  At December 31, 
  2008  2007 
       
Deferred tax assets:      
Reclamation and remediation costs $22,354  $34,138 
Accounts receivable  152   11,795 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  6,567   10,550 
Deferred workers’ profit participation  2,895   2,806 
Other  5,597   - 
   37,565   59,289 
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Property, plant and mine development costs  (66,165)  (77,463)
Inventories  (3,970)  (9,929)
Accrued liabilities  (483)  (2,870)
Debt issuance costs  (289)  (336)
Other  -   (2,825)
   (70,862)  (93,423)
Net deferred tax liability $(33,297) $(34,134)
         
Current deferred tax assets $8,746  $8,746 
Non-current deferred tax assets  -   1,848 
Less:        
Non-current deferred tax liabilities  (42,043)  (44,728)
Net deferred tax liability $(33,297) $(34,134)

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”updated ASC guidance on January 1, 2007.  FIN 482007 which clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in the application of the income tax laws to the Company’s operations.  The interpretationguidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns.  The Company is no longer subject to examinations by taxing authorities for years through 2005.

As of December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Company had $5.5, $5.5, and $1.8 million, respectively, of total gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the Company’s effective income tax rate.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $1.8 million.  In 2008, the ending balance of gross unrecognized tax benefitsis as of December 31, 2008 amounts to $5.5 million as result of the addition of prior year tax positions in the current year.

In addition, as is customary, the tax returns of the Company are subject to review by the various Peruvian taxing authorities.  At present, the income tax authorities have reviewed the Company’s tax filings up to year 2005.  In connection with this review, the tax authorities have identified certain adjustments with which the Company and its advisors do not agree.  In the third quarter of 2006 and the fourth quarter of 2004, payments of $7.6 million and $11.5 million, respectively, were made to the tax authorities principally to avoid the accruing of interest and penalties on the proposed adjustments that are related to the timing of the deductions.  The Company has accrued a liability for financial reporting purposes in an amount that represents the Company’s best estimate concerning the amount that is required to be included in its income tax expense as a result of the current tax review.  In the opinion of management, the resolution of the income tax controversy will not have a material impact on the financial condition or liquidity of the Company.follows:
 
F-108F-90

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
6.ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

  At December 31, 
  2008  2007 
Value added tax credit $39,027  $53,048 
Employee receivables  508   237 
Other  6,003   4,221 
  $45,538  $57,506 

7.INVENTORIES

  At December 31, 
  2008  2007 
Leach in-process $4,231  $17,592 
Mill in circuit  1,462   - 
Precious metals  6,668   16,170 
Materials and supplies  62,967   51,761 
  $75,328  $85,523 

8.STOCKPILES AND ORE ON LEACH PADS

  At December 31, 
  2008  2007 
Current:      
Stockpiles $9,768  $7,902 
Ore on leach pads  116,423   78,722 
  $126,191  $86,624 
Non-current:        
Ore on leach pads $147,998  $165,701 

F-109

 
MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)

9.OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

  At December 31, 
  2008  2007 
Income tax credit (Note 5) $11,041  $3,298 
Claims for tax refunds  4,038   2,821 
Prepayments to suppliers and contractors  824   245 
Restricted cash  168   2,036 
Prepaid expenses and other  3,460   5,985 
  $19,531  $14,385 

10.PROPERTY, PLANT AND MINE DEVELOPMENT, NET

  At December 31, 2008  At December 31, 2007 
  Cost  
Accumulated
Depreciation,
Depletion and
Amortization
  Net Book Value  Cost  
Accumulated
Depreciation,
Depletion and
Amortization
  
Net Book
Value
 
                   
Land  35,845   -   35,845   30,121   -   30,121 
Facilities and equipment  2,012,655   (1,232,509)  780,146   1,705,196   (1,097,628)  607,568 
Mine development  377,175   (153,527)  223,648   352,798   (137,413)  215,385 
Mineral interests  66,731   (6,726)  60,005   45,680   (5,917)  39,763 
Asset retirement cost  147,439   (85,100)  62,339   121,680   (73,830)  47,850 
Construction-in-progress  131,733   -   131,733   242,087   -   242,087 
   2,771,578   1,477,862   1,293,716   2,497,562   (1,314,788)  1,182,774 
                         
Leased assets included above in facilities and equipment  75,295   (35,549)  39,746   59,073   (30,770)  28,303 

The Yanacocha Mill Project was completed in April 2008 at a cost of $227 million.  The company reclassified $207.2 million from Construction in Progress to Facilities and Equipment.  The remaining balance pertains to an additional circuit which will come in line in 2009.

Additions to leased assets in 2008 correspond to the acquisition of six haul trucks for $17.5 million (Note 11).

F-110

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $5,566  $1,848  $1,848 
Additions for tax positions of prior years     5,566    
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities     (1,848)   
Total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits at end year $5,566  $5,566  $1,848 
The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of its income tax expense.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the total amount of accrued income-tax-related interest and penalties included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $3.1 and $1.8 million, respectively.  During 2009, 2008, and 2007 the Company accrued through the Statements of Consolidated income an additional $1.3, $1.8, and $0.4 million of interest and penalties, respectively, and released $1.8 million in 2008 as a result of statute of limitations and/or settlements of audit-related issues.
The Company files income tax returns with Peruvian taxing authorities.  The Company is no longer subject to income tax audits by taxing authorities for years before 2006.
6.ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
  
At December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
Value added tax credit $16,879  $39,027 
Trade accounts receivable  8,113     
Employee receivables  657   508 
Other  7,020   6,019 
  $32,669  $45,554 
7.INVENTORIES
  
At December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
Leach in-process $3,102  $4,231 
Mill in circuit  1,096   1,462 
Precious metals  1,915   6,668 
Materials and supplies  39,964   62,967 
  $46,077  $75,328 
8.STOCKPILES AND ORE ON LEACH PADS
  
At December 31,
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
Current:        
Stockpiles $33,433  $9,768 
Ore on leach pads  139,014   116,423 
Non-current: $172,447  $126,191 
Ore on leach pads $197,554  $147,998 
F-91

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
9.OTHER ASSETS
  
At December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
Other current assets:      
Prepayments to suppliers and contractors $5,284  $824 
Claims for tax refunds  4,038   4,038 
Restricted cash  226   168 
Income tax credit  11,041     
Prepaid expenses and other  8,628   3,460 
  $18,176   5 19,531 
Other long-term assets:        
San José Reservoir Trust assets $14,930   5 13,013 
Other receivables  3,588   1,271 
Other  804   963 
  $19,322  $15,247 
10.PROPERTY, PLANT AND MINE DEVELOPMENT, NET
  
At December 31, 2009
  
At December 31, 2008
 
  
Cost
  
Accumulated
Amortization
  
Net Book
Value
  
Cost
  
Accumulated
Amortization
  
Net Book
Value
 
Land
 $40,581  $  $40,581  $35,845  $  $35,845 
Facilities and equipment
  2,139,835   (1,368,284)  771,551   2,012,655   (1,232,509)  780,146 
Mine development
  431,614   (206,099)  225,515   377,175   (153,527)  223,648 
Mineral interests
  68,391   (7,375)  61,016   66,731   (6,726)  60,005 
Asset retirement cost
  148,851   (97,510)  51,341   147,439   (85,100)  62,339 
Construction-in- progress
  84,690      84,690   131,733      131,733 
  $2,913,962  $(1,679,268) $1,234,694  $2,771,578  $(1,477,862) $1,293,716 
Leased assets included above in facilities and equipment
 $75,295  $(40,195) $35,100  $75,295  $(35,549) $39,746 

Construction-in-progress for 2009 of $85 million primarily related to project infrastructure, a water treatment plant and a tailings pipeline.
Construction-in-progress for 2008 of $132 million primarily related to project infrastructure, a water treatment plant and leach pad expansions.
  
Estimated Useful Lives of
 
Years
Facilities and equipment
 
Facilities
 
12 to 25
  
Leach pads
 
5
  
Equipment
 
7 to 10.5
  
All remaining assets
 
5
Mine development
 
UOP based on ounces mined
 
8 to 21
Mineral interests
 
UOP for producing property
 
12
Asset retirement cost
Related asset
5 to 15
Lesser of asset5

 At December 31, 2008  At December 31, 2007  
At December 31, 2009
  
At December 31, 2008
 
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
  
Accumulated
Amortization
  
Net
Book
Value
  
Gross
Carrying
Value
  
Accumulated
Amortization
  
Net
Book
Value
  
Gross
Carrying
Value
  
Accumulated
Amortization
  
Net Book
Value
  
Gross
Carrying
Value
  
Accumulated
Amortization
  
Net Book
Value
 
                  
Mineral interests:                  
Minerai interests:
                  
Production stage $29,202  $(6,367) $22,835  $8,551  $(5,558) $2,993  $30,862  $(7,016) $23,846  $29,202  $(6,367) $22,835 
Development stage  20,298   (174)  20,124   20,298   (174)  20,124   20,298   (174)  20,124   20,298   (174)  20,124 
Exploration stage  17,231   (185)  17,046   16,831   (185)  16,646   17,231   (185)  17,046   17,231   (185)  17,046 
Total $66,731  $(6,726) $60,005  $45,680  $(5,917) $39,763 
 $68,391  $(7,375) $61,016  $66,731  $(6,726) $60,005 

F-92

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
During the fourth quarter ofIn 2008, the Company paid $20.7 million to three communities surrounding theLa Quinua leach pad (Quishuar, Encajón - Collotán and La Shacsha) in order to obtain the water rights of the irrigation channels crossing the La Quinua pit.  TheseIn 2009, the Company paid $1.7 million related to this matter.  AH payments have beenare recorded in Mineral interests - Production stageat December 31, 2009 and 2008.

11.LONG-TERM DEBT

 At December 31,  
At December 31,
 
 2008  2007  
2009
  
2008
 
Credit facility $75,862  $89,655  $62,069  $75,862 
Bonds:                
Floating rate  42,000   42,000   42,000   42,000 
Fixed rate  58,000   58,000   58,000   58,000 
Truck leases  29,756   28,456   16,267   29,756 
  205,618   218,111   178,336   205,618 
Less current portion  (27,283)  (22,724)  (36,101)  (27,283)
 $178,335  $195,387  $142,235  $178,335 

During 2009 and 2008, the Company made four quarterly installments payments ofon the credit facility for a total amount of $13,8 million.

F-111

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
$13.8 million each year. During 2009 and 2008, the Company made monthly payments on truck leases totaling $13.5 and $11.1 million, respectively.
 
Scheduled minimum debt repayments are $27.3$36.1 million in 2009, $36.1 in 2010, $31,7$31.7 million in 2011, $29.8$29,8 million in 2012, $29.8 million in 2013 and $50.9 million thereafter.between 2014 and 2016.

Credit Facility

During the year 2006, the Company entered into an uncollateralized $100 million bank financing with a syndicate of Peruvian commercial banks. Quarterly repayments of $3.4 million started in May 2007 with final maturity in May 2014. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.875%.

Bonds

During the year 2006, the Company issued $100 million of bonds into the Peruvian capital markets under a $200 million bond program.  The issuance is comprised of $42 million of floating interest rate bonds bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.4375% and $58 million of fixed rate bonds bearing an annual interest of 7.0%7,0%. Quarterly repayments of $4 million will begin in July 2010 for six years. The bonds are uncollateralized.

Leasing

Truck leasesLeases

Banco de CreditoCrédito del Peru -Perú

In September 2007, the Company entered into a leasing contract with Banco de CreditoCrédito del PeruPerú related to the acquisition of minenine haul trucks for a total of $24.5 million, with a purchase option, and were delivered in 2007. The lease period is three years bearing annual interest at a rate of 6.10%. Monthly repayments began in January 2008.

Scotiabank - -

In December 2007, the Company entered into a leasing contract with Scotiabank related to the acquisition of six haul trucks for a total of $16.3 million, with a purchase option. One truck was delivered in 2007, while the remaining five trucks were delivered in 2008. The lease period is three years bearing annual interest rate at a rate of 6.00%. Monthly repayments began in May 2008.

F-93

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Compliance with Covenants

The financing agreements oblige the Company to comply with certain financial covenants including debt coverage ratios. In addition, there are covenants addressing the extent to which, the Company can incur additional indebtedness and distributions of earnings to the Partners. At December 31, 20082009, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

F-112

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
12.DUE TO/FROM RELATED PARTIES

The Company has the following amounts due from end:and to related parties:

  At December 31, 
  2008  2007 
Due from related parties:      
Newmont Santa Fe Pacific Chile $1,620  $- 
Newmont Peru S.R.L.  506   12 
Empresa Minera Inti Raymi S.A.  16   140 
  $2,142  $152 
Due to related parties:        
S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca $10,028  $11,687 
Newmont Peru S.R.L.  2,825   2,437 
Newmont USA  2,775   683 
Newmont Technologies Limited  2,508   386 
Newmont Santa Fe Pacific Chile  73   19 
Empresa Minera Inti Raymi S.A.  6   - 
Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A.  -   323 
Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.  -   292 
  $18,215  $15,827 
  
At December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
Due from related parties:      
Newmont insurance Limited $4,000  $ 
Newmont Peru S.R.L  170   506 
Newmont Santa Fe Pacific Chile  10   1,620 
  $4,180  $2,125 

  
At December 31,
 
  
2009
  
2008
 
Due to related parties:      
S.M.R.L Chaupiioma Dos de Cajamarca $17,521  $10,028 
Newmont Peru S.R.L  5,307   2,825 
Newmont Technologies Limited  3,534   2,508 
Newmont USA  1,144   2,775 
Newmont Santa Fe Pacific Chile  85   73 
  $27,591  $18,209 
Management, exploration, mine development, engineering and employment services are provided pursuant to contracts with affiliates. The corresponding charges totaled $55.0 million, $51.3 million $46.5 million and $40.0546.5 million in 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, respectively.

As described in Note 1, the Company pays to ChaupilomaChaupiioma a 3% royalty based on quarterly production sold at current market prices, after deducting refinery and transportation costs. Royalty expense totaled $62.3 million, $48.6 million and $34.0 million in 2009, 2008 and $48.5 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively and is included in Costs applicable to salessales..

13.WORKERS’WORKERS' PROFIT PARTICIPATION

In accordance with Peruvian legislation, the Company maintains an employee profit sharing plan equal to 8% of annual taxable income. Distributions to employees under the plan are based 50% on the number of days that each employee worked during the preceding year and 50% on proportionate annual salary levels.

In 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, the current expense portion of workers’ profit participation amounted to $90.7 million, $61.0 million $33.6 million and $76.0$33.6 million, respectively, which was included in Costs applicable to salessales..
F-113

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
Peruvian law limits payments of annual profit sharing per employee to eighteen months salary but continues to base total profit sharing on 8% of taxable income, notwithstanding the per employee limitation. Supreme Decree N°009-98-TR, published on August 6, 1998, provides that the excess of total profit sharing for the year over aggregate profit sharing payable to all employees be paid to the Fondo Nacional de Capacitación Laboral y de Promoción del Empleo - FONDOEMPLEO.(“FONDOEMPLEO”). Law 28464 published in January 2005, which modified art.3 of Law Decree 892, provides that the excess of total profit sharing for the year over aggregate profit sharing payable to all employees be applied to training of employees and construction of public facilities. Supreme Decree N° 002-2005-TR,002-20Q5-TR, published in May 6, 2005, establishes a limit of 2,200 UIT (inflation measurement unit, equivalent to $2.5S2.7 million at December 31, 2008)2009) in the contributions to FONDOEMPLEO indicating that the difference goes to the Regional Government.

F-94

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
In 1998, the Peruvian Government issued additional regulations regarding the calculation of the workers’ profit participation, which limited to 18 monthly salaries the total amount each employee is entitled to. However, there is a difference between the Law and its regulations. The lawLaw establishes that the 18 months limit should be based upon 18 times the remuneration earned by the employee in December of the respective year. However the regulation established an average approach for the calculation, by means of which, the total of the compensation earned by the employee during the year divided by the number of months worked provides the monthly salary cap on which the limit of 18 salaries is then calculated (including any bonus paid).

The Company followed the criteria established by the Law in determining the amount to be paid to its employees since 1998.1998, At December 31, 2006, the Company recorded a charge of $14.9 million, included in Other expenses, net, to cover any payment derived from the different criteria established to make these payments by both the law and the regulation. A decision on the applicable criteria was requested to the Court.

In August 2007, the Court enacted an arbitration decision confirming that the Company had paid in excess to FONDOEMPLEO and the Regional Government. This decision is considered the last instance and it cannot be appealed, however it is not binding to the Regional Government. In this regard, the Company, based on its best estimate, believed that the highest amount to be recovered from FONDOEMPLEO was only $3.9 million of the $5.3 million paid in excess. The remaining balance was charged to Other expense, net. As ofAi December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company has recovered $1.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively, from FONDOEMPLEO.

In September 2007, the Company proceeded to paypaid the balance owed to the employees of $21.8 million (including interest), which exceeded the original amount accrued ofby $6.9 million. The additional amount mostly relatesprimarily related to interest paid by the Company to the employees.

F-114

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollarsemployees and has been included in thousands unless otherwise stated)Other expense
, net.
 
14.OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 At December 31,  
At December 31,
 
 2008  2007  
2009
  
2008
 
Negotiated payment (Note 3)
 $28,424  $18,492 
Operating costs $20,387  $13,273   11,729   20,387 
Negotiated payment (Note 3)  18,492   9,683 
Capital projects  14,610   18,045   10,814   14,610 
Guarantee fund retention
  8,371   4,472 
Payroll and other benefits
  6,831   6,659 
Reclamation and remediation (Note 15)
  3,724   7,074 
income tax withholding
  3,485   2,814 
Taxes other than income tax  8,183   2,097   2,603   8,183 
Reclamation and remediation (Note 15)  7,074   4,599 
Payroll and other benefits  6,659   6,159 
Guarantee fund retention  4,472   6,578 
Withholding income tax  2,814   2,210 
Deferred revenues  2,439   -   2,529   2,439 
Interest payable  1,556   2,081   818   1,556 
Other  810   901   140   810 
 $87,496  $65,626  $79,468  $87,496 

F-95

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
15.RECLAMATION AND REMEDIATION LIABILITIES (ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS)

The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to various laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. The Company conducts its operations so as to protect the public health and environment and believes its operations are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. The Company has made, and expects to make in the future, expenditures to comply with such laws and regulations, but cannot predict the amount of such future expenditures. Estimated future reclamation costs are based principally on legal and regulatory requirements.

The liability corresponds primarily to activities to be performed in the reclamation and remediation of mining activities once the gold extraction process has been finished. These activities include reclamation of the mine sites, operating water treatment plants, revegetation and earthworks.

The following is a reconciliation of the total liability for reclamation and remediation:

Balance at December 31, 2006 $140,832 
Additions, change in estimates and other, net  8,150 
Liabilities settled  (7,701)
Accretion  9,685 
Balance at December 31, 2007 $150,966 
Balance at December 31 2007 $150,966 
Additions, change in estimates and other, net  26,042  26,042 
Liabilities settled  (6,800) (6,800)
Accretion  10,890   10,890 
Balance at December 31, 2008 $181,098  $181,098 
Additions, change in estimates and other, net 1,412 
Liabilities settled (4,091)
Accretion  3,016 
Balance at December 31, 2009 $191,435 

The current portion of Reclamation and remediation liabilitiesof $7.1$3.7 million and $4.6$7.1 million at December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, respectively, are included in Other current liabilitiesliabilities..

F-115

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
 
Increases in the asset retirement obligation in 2009 relate primarily to the expanded mining operations at La Quinua and Maqui Maqui and in 2008 relate primarily to the expanded mining operations at Carachugo and the San Jose Reservoir at Carachugo (in 2007 relate primarily to the expanded mining operations and new facilities at Yanacocha), and the related projected reclamation and remediation costs for this expansion.José Reservoir.

16.PARTNERS’ EQUITY

Partners’Partners' Contributions

Partners’Partners' contributionsrepresent 1,278,451,304 common partnership interests with a par value of one Peruvian Nuevo sol each, fully subscribed and paid. Such partnership interest includes 720,407,310 that are owned by foreign investors.

Under current Peruvian regulations, there is no restriction on remittance of dividends or repatriation of foreign investment, except as discussed in sections below.

The legal structure of the Company is that of a Limited Liability Partnership. The main characteristics of such structure are: (i) the number of Partners cannot exceed 20, (ii) the capital is represented by partnership interests, and (iii) there is no obligation to create a legal reserve.

Restricted Earnings

As explained in Note 5, the Company capitalized $189.6 million as decided on the Partners’ meeting carried out on December 10, 2007, resulting in an increase of Partners’ contributions from $208.6 million to $398.2 million at December 31, 2007.

Retained Earnings

Effective January 1, 2003, distribution of earnings for Partners other than legal entities domiciled in Peru is subject to a withholding tax of 4.1%.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
During 2009, the Company recorded $1.2 million related to unrealized profit of the Trust signed with the Banco de Crédito del Perú in November 2008.
F-96

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
17.SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Net cash provided from operations includes the following cash payments:

 Years Ended December 31,  
Years Ended December 31,
 
 2008  2007  2006  
2009
  
2008
  
2007
 
Income tax paid $184,234  $139,213  $277,993  $242,845  $184,234  $139,213 
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest $7,963  $3,042  $9,873 
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $8,925  $7,963  $3,042 

Non-cash Investing Activities and Financing Activities

The Company entered into mining equipment lease agreementleases that resulted in non-cash increases to Property, plant and mine development, net and long-termLong-term debt of $17.5$17.5 million in 2008 (See Notes 10 and $28.5 million in 2007.

F-116

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)11).
 
18.MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND EXPORT SALES

The Company is not economically dependent on a limited number of customers for the salesate of its product because gold can be sold through various commodity market traders worldwide. In 2009, sales to one customer accounted for $1,489 million which represented 74% of total annual sales. In 2008, sales to one customer accounted for $1,210 million which represented 75% of total annual sales. In 2007, sales to one customer accounted for $700 million which represented 63% of total annual sales. In 2006, sales to one customer accounted for $1,290 million which represented 81% of total annual sales. All gold sales were made outside Peru.

19.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Tax Contingencies

Tax contingencies are provided for under FIN 48ASC guidance (see Notes 2 and 5).

Peruvian Mining Royalty

During the second quarter of 2004, the Peruvian Government enacted legislation to establish a sliding scale mining royalty of up to 3% based on the volume of mine production. The royalty is calculated on revenue from sales of product less certain refining and transportation expenses. While the Peruvian royalty became effective during the second quarter of 2004, it does not apply to those projects that had stabilization agreements prior to the adoption of the royalty law. The Company’s current production is derived from projects that were stabilized prior to the enactment of the royalty legislation. The Carachugo/San José tax stabilization agreement is no longer in effect beginning January 1, 2010. Future production from non-stabilized projects, including the Carachugo/San José are a could be burdened bysubject to this royalty.

Reinvestment Program

AtOn June 30, 2004, the Company completed all of its investments under the Reinvestment Program from 2001 to 2004. AtOn December 31, 2006, after completing the MEM’sMEM's audit, the Company received the resolutionnotice of approval. The amount of $189.6 million that had been booked as Restricted earningswas capitalized in December 2007, as stated by law. The Company shallmay not declare dividends from Partners’Partners' contributionsduring the following four fiscal years.

UnitizationUnification of Properties

In December 2000, as a result of the unitization plan carried out by the Partners, the Company signed several asset transfer and mining lease agreements with related entities. The main conditions are:

F-97

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
·The Company must pay to Chaupiloma, S.M.S.M, Coshuro R.L. and Buenaventura 3% of the quarterly net sales proceeds of mineral extracted from the transferred and leased concessions. These properties are currently under exploration, except for a lime concession.

The Company must pay to Los Tapados S.A. 3% on quarterly net sales proceeds of mineral extracted from the transferred and leased concessions of Los Tapados S.A.  The transferred and leased concessions of Los Tapados S.A. are also subject to a previously existing royalty on the minerals.  The properties are currently not being exploited by the Company.

F-117

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
·The Company must pay to Los Tapados S.A. 3% on quarterly net sales proceeds of mineral extracted from the transferred and leased concessions of Los Tapados S.A. The transferred and leased concessions of Los Tapados S.A. are also subject to a previously existing royalty on the minerals. The properties are currently not being exploited by the Company.
 
Legal Proceedings

Choropampa (mercury spill)

In June 2000, a transport contractor of Yanacocha spilled approximately 151 kilograms of elemental mercury near the town of Choropampa, Peru, which is located 53 miles (85 kilometers) southwest of the Yanacocha mine. Elemental mercury is not used in Yanacocha’s operations but is a by-product of gold mining and was sold to a Lima firm for use in medical instruments and industrial applications. A comprehensive health and environmental remediation program was undertaken by Yanacocha in response to the incident. In August 2000, Yanacocha paid under protest a fine of 1,740,000 Peruvian soles (approximately $0.5 million) to the Peruvian government. Yanacocha has entered into settlement agreements with a number of individuals impacted by the incident.incident As compensation for the disruption and inconvenience caused by the incident, Yanacocha entered into agreements with and provided a variety of public works in the three communities impacted by this incident. Yanacocha cannot predict the likelihood of additional expenditures related to this matter.

Yanacocha and other defendants have been named in lawsuits filed by approximately 1,100 Peruvian citizens in Denver District Court for the State of Colorado. These actions seek compensatory damages based on claims associated with the elemental mercury spill incident. The parties in these cases agreed to submit these matters to binding arbitration. In October 2007, the parties to the arbitration entered a court-approved settlement agreement, resolving most of these cases.

Additional lawsuits relating to the Choropampa incident were filed against Yanacocha in the local courts of Cajamarca, Peru, in May 2002 by over 900 Peruvian citizens. A significant number of the plaintiffs in these lawsuits entered into settlement agreements with Yanacocha prior to filing such claims. In April 2008, the Peruvian Supreme Court upheld the validity of these settlement agreements, which should result in the dismissal of all claims brought by previously settled plaintiffs. Yanacocha has also entered into settlement agreements with approximately 350 additional plaintiffs.

The claims asserted by approximately 200 plaintiffs remain. Yanacocha can not reasonably predict the final outcome or estimate the possible loss relating to such claims.

Conga

The Company is involved in a dispute with the Provincial Municipality of Celendin regarding the authority of that governmental body to regulate the development of the Conga project. In 2004, the Municipality of Celendin enacted an ordinance declaring the area around Conga to be a mining-free reserve and naturally protected area. The Company has challenged this ordinance by means of two legal actions, one filed by the Company (as the lease holder of the Conga mining concessions) and one filed by Minera Chaupiloma (as the titleholder of the Conga mining concessions). In August 2007, a Peruvian Court of first instance upheld Chaupiloma’s claim, stating that the Municipality of Celendin lacks the authority to create natural protected areas. The Municipality of Celendin has not appealed the ruling. Based on legal precedent established by Peru's Constitutional Tribunal and the foregoing resolution of the Chaupiloma claim, it is reasonable to believe that Yanacocha’s mining rights will be upheld.

F-118

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Hacienda Los Negritos

In October 2002, the Company was sued by Grimaldina Malpica Rojas (“the plaintiff”), seeking: (i) the repossession of the “Los Negritos” property, which is currently held and utilized by the Company, and (ii) a payment for damages of up to $65 million.  In July, 2008 the Court dismissed this claim and the ruling was not appealed by the plaintiff.

Baños del Inca

In September 2006 the Municipality of Baños del Inca issued a declaration designating an area that includes the Carachugo Expansion and San JoseJosé Projects as reserved and protected areas. Based on previous experience and actions taken by the Constitutional Tribunal (Peru Court of Last instance for Constitutional issues) in respect of Cerro Quilish in which it was ruled that such declaration did not affect the Company’s mining rights, the Company believes that Baños del Inca’sInca's declaration, should not impact the Company’s legal rights to exploit these concessions.

In March 2008, the Lima Court rejected a Baños del Inca Municipality request which did not recognizedrecognize Lima’s Jurisdiction. The legal proceeding is currently pending resolution in Lima’s Court of First Instance.

F-98

MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
San Pablo

In February 2007 the Municipality of San Pablo issued an ordinance designating an area that includes Las Lagunas and Pozo Seco as reserved and protected areas, where the companyCompany has mining rights. Based on previous experience and actions taken by the Constitutional Tribunal in respect of Cerro Quilish in which it was ruled that such declaration did not affect the Company’s mining rights, the Company believes that San Pablo’s declaration, should not impact the Company’s legal rights to exploit these concessions. The Company has challenged this ordinance on the grounds that, under Peruvian law, local governments lack the authority to create such areas, denying the rights granted by the Company’s mining concessions. The Court in the first instanceFirst Instance rejected the complaint based on formal grounds. The resolution of the Court was appealed and such appeal is currently pending resolution inbefore Lima’s Court of Second Instance.instance.

In November 2008, Lima’s Court confirmed the ruling from the First Instance, rejecting the case based on formal ground. A constitution complaint has been submitted to the Constitutional Court and is currently pending resolution.
Clinica Internacional, Addeco, SDC Security
Workers of three contractor companies (Clinica Internacional, Addeco and SDC Security) have initiated judicial proceeding through which they demand their incorporation into Minera Yanacocha’s payroll. The workers deem they are direct employees of the Company with all the rights, arguing that they receive direct orders from Minera Yanacocha and that most of the equipment they use is given by the Company. AH proceedings, which involve a total of 97 workers, are pending First Instance resolution.
20.FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING
Fair value accounting establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level 3Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).
The following table sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) by level within the fair value hierarchy. As required by accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
  
Fair Value at December 31, 2009
 
  
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
 
Assets:            
San José Reservoir Trust assets $14,930  $14,930  $  $ 
Trade receivable from provisional silver, gold and copper concentrate sales, net  8,113   8,113       
  $23,043  $23,043  $  $ 
The Company’s San José Reservoir Trust assets are made up of marketable equity securities and corporate debt securities and are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the marketable equity securities is calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable equity security multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.
 
F-119F-99


MINERA YANACOCHA S.R.L.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands unless otherwise stated)
The Company’s net trade receivable from provisional silver, gold, and copper concentrate sales is valued using quoted market prices based on the forward the COMEX Silver Index, the London Bullion Market Association P.M. fix (“London P.M. fix”) (gold), and the London Metal Exchange (“LME”) (copper), and, as such, is classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
F-100

Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
 
Financial Statements as of December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 together with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-121F-102
  
Financial Statements 
  
Balance SheetsF-122F-103
Statements of IncomeF-123F-104
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’Shareholders' EquityF-124F-105
Statements of Cash FlowsF-125F-106
Notes to the Financial StatementsF-127F-108

F-120F-101

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
ernst & youngMedina, Zaldivar, Paredes & Asociados
 Sociedad Civil
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and StockholdersShareholders of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 (a Peruvian company, subsidiary of Freeport - McMoRan Copper &and Gold Inc.), the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of  the two years  then ended.ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The financial statements of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. as of and  for the year ended December 31, 2006 were audited by other auditors whose report dated February 9, 2007 expressed on unqualified opinion on such financial statements.


In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. as of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years  then ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Peru, which differ in certain respects from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (see notes 2624 and 2725 to the financial statements).

Lima, Peru,
May 21,  200931, 2010

Countersigned by:
/s/ VICTOR BURGA

Víctor Burga
C.P.C. Register No.14859

/S/ MARCO ANTONIO ZALDÍVAR
Marco Antonio Zaldívar
C.P.C.C. Register No.12477
F-121F-102


Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
 
Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008
 
 Note  2008  2007  Note  2009  2008 
    US$(000)  US$(000)     US$(000)  US$(000) 
Assets                  
Current Assets                  
Cash and cash equivalents 4   481,744   630,360  4   203,391   481,744 
Trade accounts receivable from third parties      8,712   40,156      24,792   8,712 
Trade accounts receivable from affiliates 5   89,043   206,513  5   216,562   89,043 
Value added tax credit      11,614   5,855      4,228   11,614 
Embedded derivative related to price of copper 20   64,760   - 
Other accounts receivable      6,977   1,000      6,335   1,306 
Inventories, net 6   175,832   93,735  6   156,319   175,832 
Prepaid expenses      6,764   3,038      4,177   6,764 
Total current assets      780,686   980,657      680,564   775,015 
Other assets 18(d)   48,752   -  17(d)   49,535   48,752 
Long-term inventories 6   73,346   40,187  6   91,235   73,346 
Property, plant and equipment, net 7   1,068,499   1,014,732  7   1,082,051   1,068,499 
Intangible, net 18(c)   12,289   -  17(c)   9,779   12,289 
Total assets      1,983,572   2,035,576      1,913,164   1,977,901 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity, net                       
Current liabilities                       
Trade accounts payable 8   91,661   50,394  8   39,798   85,990 
Trade accounts payable to affiliates 19(d)   6,397   8,092  18(d)   2,719   6,397 
Embedded derivative related to price of copper 21   255,035   49,766  20   -   255,035 
Income tax payable      91,822   138,006      83,792   91,822 
Workers’ profit sharing payable      91,981   99,649      48,254   91,981 
Other accounts payable 9   45,521   98,529  9   76,516   45,521 
Current portion of financial obligations 10   -   11,250 
Total current liabilities      582,417   455,686      251,079   576,746 
            
Long-term financial obligations 10   -   62,514 
Provision for remediation and mine closure 18(a)   16,944   15,634  17(a)   18,642   16,944 
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing, net 11(a)   1,376   55,697  10(a)   158,040   1,376 
Other accounts payable, long-term 9   58,600   -  9   39,310   58,600 
Deferred income      60   303      -   60 
Total liabilities      659,397   589,834      467,071   653,726 
Shareholders’ equity, net 12          11         
Capital stock      189,030   189,030      990,658   189,030 
Additional paid-in capital      375,660   375,660      -   375,660 
Legal reserve      37,845   37,845      198,132   37,845 
Restricted earnings      800,030   800,030      -   800,030 
(Accumulated deficit )Retained earnings      (78,390)  43,177 
Retained earnings     257,303   (78,390)
Total shareholders’ equity, net      1,324,175   1,445,742      1,446,093   1,324,175 
            
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity, net      1,983,572   2,035,576      1,913,164   1,977,901 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the balance sheet.

F-122F-103


Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
 
Statements of Income
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007

  Note  2009  2008  2007 
     US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
             
Net sales 13   1,757,510   1,835,911   1,794,559 
Cost of sales 14   (528,047)  (596,741)  (418,108)
Gross revenue     1,229,463   1,239,170   1,376,451 
                
Operating Expenses               
Selling expenses 15   (67,877)  (78,190)  (54,405)
Voluntary contribution 17(b)   (27,608)  (29,496)  (48,674)
Other operating expenses 17(d)   (9,718)  (29,956)  (2,432)
Operating income     1,124,260   1,101,528   1,270,940 
                
Other income (expenses)               
Financial expenses 16   -   (7,853)  (23,346)
Financial income 16   1,665   20,278   33,168 
Other, net     (3,796)  (2,366)  (426)
Profit before workers’ profit sharing and income tax     1,122,129   1,111,587   1,280,336 
Workers’ profit sharing               
Current 12(b)   (57,740)  (100,556)  (105,851)
Deferred 10(a)   (35,205)  12,207   (995)
Income tax               
Current 12(b)   (199,197)  (346,919)  (267,138)
Deferred 10(a)   (121,459)  42,114   (101,667)
Net Income     708,528   718,433   804,685 
                
Basic and diluted earnings per share (stated in U.S dollars) 19   2.02   2.05   2.30 
                
Weighted average number of share outstanding 19   350,056,012   350,056,012   350,056,012 
  Note  2008  2007  2006 
     US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
             
Net sales  14   1,835,911   1,794,559   667,671 
Cost of sales  15   (596,741)  (418,108)  (140,423)
Gross revenue      1,239,170   1,376,451   527,248 
                 
Operating Expenses                
Selling expenses  16   (78,190)  (54,405)  (3,538)
Voluntary contribution  18(b)   (29,496)  (48,674)  - 
Other operating expenses  18(d)   (29,956)  (2,432)  (48,100)
Operating income      1,101,528   1,270,940   475,610 
                 
Other income (expenses):                
Financial expenses  17   (7,853)  (23,346)  (2,984)
Financial income  17   20,278   33,168   10,899 
Other, net      (2,366)  (426)  (550)
Profit before workers’ profit sharing and income tax      1,111,587   1,280,336   482,975 
                 
Workers’ profit sharing                
Current  13(b)   (100,556)  (105,851)  (41,825)
Deferred  11(a)   12,207   (995)  (980)
Income tax                
Current  13(b)   (346,919)  (267,138)  (49,381)
Deferred  11(a)   42,114   (101,667)  53,832 
                 
Net Income      718,433   804,685   444,621 
                 
Basic and diluted earnings per share (stated in U.S dollars)  20   2.05   2.30   1.27 
                 
Weighted average number of share outstanding  20   350,056,012   350,056,012   350,056,012 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

F-123F-104


 
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
 
StatementStatements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007

  
Capital
stock
  
Additional paid-
in capital
  
Legal
Reserve
  
Restricted
Earnings
  Retained Earnings  Total 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                   
Balances at January 1, 2006  189,030   375,660   17,822   152,911   81,013   816,436 
                         
Transfer to the legal reserve  -   -   20,023   -   (20,023)  - 
Net income  -   -   -   -   444,621   444,621 
Transfer to restricted earnings, note 12(d)  -   -   -   317,068   (317,068)  - 
Balances at December 31, 2006  189,030   375,660   37,845   469,979   188,543   1,261,057 
                         
Dividend distributions, note 12(f)  -   -   -   -   (620,000)  (620,000)
Net income  -   -   -   -   804,685   804,685 
Transfer to restricted earnings, note 12(d)  -   -   -   330,051   (330,051)  - 
Balances at December 31, 2007  189,030   375,660   37,845   800,030   43,177   1,445,742 
                         
Dividend distributions, note 12(f)  -   -   -   -   (840,000)  (840,000)
Net income  -   -   -   -   718,433   718,433 
                         
Balances at December 31, 2008  189,030   375,660   37,845   800,030   (78,390)  1,324,175 
  
Capital
stock
  
Additional
paid-in
capital
  
Legal
Reserve
  
Restricted
earnings
  
Retained
earnings
  Total 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                   
Balance as of January 1, 2007  189,030   375,660   37,845   469,979   188,543   1,261,057 
                         
Dividend distributions, note 11(f)  -   -   -   -   (620,000)  (620,000)
Net income  -   -   -   -   804,685   804,685 
Transfer to restricted earnings, note 11(d)  -   -   -   330,051   (330,051)  - 
                         
Balance as of December 31, 2007  189,030   375,660   37,845   800,030   43,177   1,445,742 
                         
Dividend distributions, note 11(f)  -   -   -   -   (840,000)  (840,000)
Net income  -   -   -   -   718,433   718,433 
Balance as of December 31, 2008  189,030   375,660   37,845   800,030   (78,390)  1,324,175 
                         
Premium capital distribution, note 11 (b)  -   (215,000)  -   -   -   (215,000)
Recovery of dividends paid in excess in 2008, note 11(f)  -   -   -   -   78,390   78,390 
Dividend distributions, note 11(f)  -   -   -   -   (450,000)  (450,000)
Capitalization of restricted earnings, note 11(d)  and 11 (b)  801,628   (1,598)  -   (800,030)  -   - 
Transfer to legal reserve, note 11(b)  -   (159,062)  160,287   -   (1,225)  - 
Net income  -   -   -   -   708,528   708,528 
                         
Balance as of December 31, 2009  990,658   -   198,132   -   257,303   1,446,093 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
F-124F-105


Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
 
StatementStatements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006
  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Operating Activities         
Net income  718,433   804,685   444,621 
Adjustments to net income that do not affect net cash flow from operating activities:            
Depreciation  79,035   76,696   25,627 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  4,986   13,347   2,819 
Amortization of intangible  1,711   -   - 
Accretion expense due to mine closure accrual  1,310   716   447 
Gain on sale of plant and equipment  -   (69)  (72)
Provision for obsolescence of materials and supplies  (71)  197   277 
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing  (54,321)  102,435   (52,852)
Amortization of mine development costs  -   13,672   1,277 
Amortization of deferred income  (243)  (244)  (242)
Net changes in assets and liabilities accounts:            
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:            
Trade accounts receivable from third parties  31,444   (40,156)  99 
Trade accounts receivable from affiliates  117,470   (156,410)  (19,959)
Value added tax credit  (5,759)  32,931   (10,643)
Other accounts receivable  (5,977)  865   1,369 
Inventories (current and long-term portion)  (115,185)  (36,993)  (29,500)
Prepaid expenses  (3,726)  1,291   5,558 
Other assets  (48,752)  -   - 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:            
Trade accounts payable  41,267   5,964   29,442 
Trade accounts payable to affiliates  (1,695)  7,353   (467)
Embedded derivative related to price of copper  205,269   46,006   (3,058)
Income tax payable  (46,184)  129,625   8,069 
Workers’ profit sharing payable  (7,668)  60,157   21,483 
Other accounts payable  (7,473)  56,528   43,239 
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities  903,871   1,118,596   467,534 
F-125


Statements of Cash Flows (continued)2007

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Investing activities         
Purchase of property, plant and equipment  (133,779)  (99,961)  (560,095)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment  42   113   148 
Net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by investing activities  (133,737)  (99,848)  (559,947)
             
Financing activities            
Proceeds from financial obligations  -   -   182,000 
Payments of financial obligations  (78,750)  (123,250)  - 
Payment of dividends  (840,000)  (620,000)  - 
Net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by financing activities  (918,750)  (743,250)  182,000 
             
(Net decrease) Net increase in cash and cash during the year  (148,616)  275,498   89,587 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  630,360   354,862   265,275 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at year-end  481,744   630,360   354,862 
             
Additional information:            
Income tax payments  267,849   138,900   32,735 
Payments of financial expenses  7,853   23,346   33,168 
  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Operating Activities         
Net income  708,528   718,433   804,685 
Adjustments to net income that do not affect net cash flow from operating activities            
Depreciation  77,971   79,035   76,696 
Amortization of debt issuance costs  -   4,986   13,347 
Amortization of intangible assets  (100)  1,711   - 
Accretion expense due to mine closure accrual  1,698   1,310   716 
Gain on sale of plant and equipment  -   -   (69)
Provision for obsolescence of materials and supplies  (14)  (71)  197 
Amortization of deferred income  -   (243)  (244)
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing  156,664   (54,321)  102,435 
Amortization of mine development costs  -   -   13,672 
Net changes in assets and liabilities accounts            
Net decrease (net increase) in operating assets            
Trade accounts receivable from third parties  (16,080)  31,444   (40,156)
Trade accounts receivable from affiliates  (127,519)  117,470   (156,410)
Value added tax credit  7,386   (5,759)  32,931 
Embedded derivative related to price of copper  (64,760)  -   - 
Other accounts receivable  (5,029)  (306)  865 
Inventories  1,638   (115,185)  (36,993)
Prepaid expenses  2,587   (3,726)  1,291 
Other assets  (783)  (48,752)  - 
Net Increase (net decrease) in operating liabilities            
Trade accounts payable  (46,192)  35,596   5,964 
Trade accounts payable to affiliates  (3,678)  (1,695)  7,353 
Embedded derivative related to price of copper  (255,035)  205,269   46,006 
Income tax payable  (8,030)  (46,184)  129,625 
Workers’ profit sharing payable  (43,727)  (7,668)  60,157 
Other accounts payable  14,064   (7,473)  56,528 
             
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities  399,589   903,871   1,118,596 
F-106

Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Investing activities         
Purchase of property, plant and equipment  (91,559)  (133,779)  (99,961)
Proceeds from sales of plant and equipment  227   42   113 
Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities  (91,332)  (133,737)  (99,848)
             
Financing activities            
Payment of dividends  (371,610)  (840,000)  (620,000)
Payment of premium capital  (215,000)  -   - 
Payments of financial obligations  -   (78,750)  (123,250)
Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities  (586,610)  (918,750)  (743,250)
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents during the year  (278,353)  (148,616)  275,498 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  481,744   630,360   354,862 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at year-end  203,391   481,744   630,360 
             
Additional information of the statement of cash flow:            
Income tax payments  207,227   267,849   138,900 
Payments of financial expenses  -   7,853   23,346 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statementsstatements.

F-126F-107


Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A.
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007

1.
Identification and business activity
(a)Identification -
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (hereinafter the Company) was incorporated in Peru on August 20, 1993 as a result of the privatization process carried out by the Peruvian state in that year. The Company has listed its shares on the Lima Stock Exchange since November 14, 2000.
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (hereinafter “the Company”) was incorporated in Peru on August 20, 1993 as a result of the privatization process carried out by the Peruvian state in that year. The Company has listed its shares on the Lima Stock Exchange since November 14, 2000.

On March 19, 2007, Freeport-McMoRanFreeport- McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. (“Freeport”) completed the acquisition process of Phelps Dodge Corporation (“Phelps Dodge”). Phelps Dodge,Freeport, through its subsidiary Cyprus Climax Metals Company, owns 53.56% of the voting shares of the Company. Additionally, SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V. (a subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining Company), Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and the minority stakeholders own 21%, 19.05%19.26% and 6.39%6.18% of the voting shares of the Company, respectively.

The Company’s legal address is Asiento Minero Cerro Verde S/N Uchumayo – Arequipa. The ore deposits are located southwest of the city of Arequipa.Arequipa city.

(b)Business activity -
The Company’s activities are regulated by the Peruvian General Mining Law and comprise the extraction, production and sale of copper cathodes and concentrates.

(c)Approval of financial statements -
The financial statements as of December 31, 2009 have been approved by Management on May 12, 2010. The financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were approved at the General Shareholders Meeting heldby Management on March 30,May 22, 2009.

F-127


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
2.Significant accounting principles and policies
In the preparation and presentation of the financial statements, Management has followed International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted and effective in Peru as of December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 2006,2007, which differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). A description of these differences and their effects on net income and shareholders’ equity is set forth in Notes 2624 and 27.25. The financial statements derive from the statutory financial statement presentation and include certain additional disclosures in order to conform more closely to the form and content of financial statements required by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America (the “SEC”).

The principal accounting principles and practices used in accounting for the transactions and in preparing the financial statement are:

(a)2.1.Basis of presentation -and accounting changes –
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally acceptedused in Peru. The accounting principles in Peru correspond to the International Financial Reporting Standards – IFRS approved by the Peruvian Accounting Interpretation Standards Board, andpreparation of these financial statements are consistent with the ones used in the previous year, except for the following International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC)standards and IFRICs adopted effectivein Peru starting January 1, 2008.

IFRIC 1, “Changes in Existing Decommissioning, Restoration and Similar Liabilities”
IFRIC 1 contains guidance on accounting for changes in decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities that have previously been recognized both as part of the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment under IAS 16 and as a  liability under IAS 37.  The interpretation addresses subsequent changes to the amount of the liability that may arise from (a) a revision in the timing or amount of the estimated decommissioning or restoration costs or from (b) a change in the current market-based discount rate.  The adoption of the IFRIC, during 2008, did not have a material effect on the Company’s Financial Statements.

IFRIC "Reassessment of embedded derivatives"
IFRIC 9 requires the Company, when it first becomes a party to a hybrid contract, to assess whether any embedded derivatives contained in the contract are required to be separated from the host contract and accounted for as if they were stand-alone derivatives.  Subsequent reassessment is prohibited unless there is a change in the terms of the contract that significantly modifies the cash flows that otherwise would be required under the contract, in which case reassessment is required.  The adoption of this interpretations did not result in a change to the 2008 financial statements.

As of December 31, 2008, the Peruvian Accounting Standards Board has approved the application of the IFRS 1 to 6, IAS 1 to 41,  SICs 7 to 32 and  IFRICs 1 to 12.2009:

(b)-UseIAS 32 “Financial instruments: Presentation” (revised 2006) – The objective of estimatesthis standard is to establish principles for presenting financial instruments as liabilities or equity and assumptions - -for offsetting financial assets and liabilities.

-IFRS 7 “Financial instruments: Disclosures” – The objective of this standard is to require entities to provide disclosures that enable users to evaluate the significance of financial instruments and the nature and extent of risk arising from financial instruments.

-IFRS 8 “Operating Segments” – This standard replaces IAS 14 “Segment reporting” effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2008.
F-108

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
-IFRIC 13 “Customer Loyalty Programmes” – This interpretation requires that benefits for customer loyalty programs are recorded as a separate component of sales in the time of grant.

-IFRIC 14 – IAS 19 “The Limit on a Defined benefit asset, minimum funding requirements and their interaction” – This information determines the limit placed on employee benefit plan according to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. This interpretation is not applicable to the Company´s operations.

The Company has adopted these standards for application in the record of its operations; however, the only ones that have an effect in the preparation of its financial statements are IAS 32 “Financial instruments: Presentation” (revised 2006) and IFRS 7 “Financial instruments: Disclosures”. See notes 2.2 from point (a) to (c), 4(c), 5(e), 31 and 22 to the financial statements.

Considering the above, to the date of these financial statements, the CNC has formalized the implementation of IFRS 1 to 8, IAS 1 to 41, SIC 1 to 32 and IFRICs 1 to 14. It is important to mention, that article 4 of CNC Resolution Nº 034-2005-EF/93.01 annulled IAS 15 “Information reflecting the effects of changing prices”, IAS 22 “Business Combinations” and IAS 35 “Discontinuing Operations”. Also article 5, of CNC Resolution Nº 040-2008-EF/93.01 annulled IAS14 “Segment Reporting”, IAS 30 “Disclosures in financial statements of banks and similar financial institutions” and IAS 32 “Financial instruments: Presentation and Disclosures (modified in 2003)”

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Peru requires managementManagement to make estimates and assumptions in order to determine the amounts of the assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the amounts of revenues and expenses to be reported forIn Management’s opinion, these estimates were made on the years ended December 31, 2008 ,2007basis of their better knowledge of the relevant facts and 2006circumstances at the date of preparation of financial statements; however, the final results could be different from the estimates included in the financial statements.
F-128

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

The most significant estimates considered in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements refers to:are: (i)the copper cathode and concentrate provisional sales prices which are initially recorded according to the terms of sales contracts, (embedded derivative), (ii)the expected copper recovery rates used to estimate copper contained in the in-process inventories, (iii)the provision for obsolescence of materials and supplies, (iv)the useful life and the recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment, (v)the determination of ore reserves and (vi) the provision for remediation and mine closure costs and estimation of contingencies.costs. Any difference between the estimated and actual amounts will beis recorded in the year of occurrence.

(c)2.2.Summary of significant accounting principles and policies -
(a)Foreign currency translation -
Functional and presentation currency -
Financial statements are presented in US dollars, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency.

Transactions and balances in foreign currency -
Transactions that are not originated in the functional currency are considered foreign currency transactions. Initially, transactions in foreign currency are recorded at the exchange rate in effect on the transaction dates. Later, at each balance sheet date: (a) monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate on that date, and (b) non-monetary items denominated in foreign currencies, that are measured in terms of historical cost are translated using the exchange rates in effect on the dates of the originalinitial transactions.

Exchange differences resulting from the settlement of monetary items or from the translation of monetary items at exchange rates different from those originally used are recognized as gains and losses of the current period.

F-109

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
(d)
(b)
Financial assets -
TheInitial recognition and measurement
According to IAS 39 “Financial instruments: Recognition and Measurement” the Company classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, held-to-maturity financial assetsinvestments and available-for-sale. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition and re-evaluates this classification at every balance sheet date.

All financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus directly attributable transaction cost, except for financial assets at fair value, in which transaction costs are recorded through profit or loss.

Subsequent measurement
The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their classification as follow:

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss-
This category has two sub-categories: held-for-trading financial assets and those designated at fair value through profit or loss at the time of acquisition. A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of its sale in the short term or if so designated by management.Management. Derivatives financial instruments also are classified as trading, unless they are designated as hedge. Assets in this category are classified as current assets if they are either held for trading or are expected to be traded within 12 months of the balance sheet date.date.The Company has classified within this category its investments in money market funds as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, which are shown as cash and cash equivalent in the balance sheet as of these dates. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with changes recognized in “Financial income” or “Financial expenses” in the statement of income

Derivatives embedded in host contracts are accounted for as separate derivatives and recorded at fair value if their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contracts and not held for trading or designated at fair value through profit or loss. These embedded derivatives are measured at fair value with changes recognized in the statement of income.
F-129

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Loans and receivables -
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. After initial measurement, loans and receivables are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method less any allowance for impairment.

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on assets has been incurred (such as the probability of insolvency or significant financial difficulties of the debtor), the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flow discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate or interest rate applicable to a similar transaction. The carrying amount of the loan or receivable is reduced through use of an allowance account. The amount of the loss is recognized in the statements of income. Impaired loans and receivables are expensed when they are assessed as uncollectible.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.  Impaired receivables are expensed when they are assessed as uncollectible.

Held-to-maturity investments-investments -
Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Company’s management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. The Company does not maintain any financial assets in this category as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008.

Available-for-sale financial assets -
Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available-for-sale or are not classified in any of the other categories.  After initial measurement, available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses being recognized directly in equity, net of tax.equity.  When the investment is disposed of, the cumulative gain or loss previously recorded in equity is recognized in the statements of income. The Company did not maintain any financial assets in this category as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007.2008.

F-110

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Derecognition
A financial asset is derecognized when:
(e)·The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired
·The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flow from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flow in full without material delay to a third party under a pass-through arrangement; and
·The Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset or, the Company has neither, transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
When the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, and has neither, transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the assets nor transferred control of the asset, the asset is recognized to the extent of the Company continuing involvement in the asset.
(c)Cash and cash equivalents -
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at banks and on hand. For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents also include short-termshort term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less. Restricted cash deposit is shown separatelydeposits are included in other assets in the balance sheet as other assets.

F-130

sheet.
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

(f) (d)Inventories -
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or the net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business, less estimated cost of production to complete the process and variable selling expenses. Cost of finished products and work in progress is determined by using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Cost of materials and supplies is determined by using the weighted average method and the cost of in-transit inventories is determined under the specific identification method.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business, less estimated cost of production to complete the process and variable selling expenses.

The accrual for materials and supplies obsolescence is based on an item-by-item analysis completed by the Company’s management, and the related amount is charged to expense in the period in which the obsolescence is deemed to have occurred.

(g)(e)Property, plant and equipment -
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. The cost comprises its purchase price, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management, and the initial estimation of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to the cost of production during the period in which they are incurredincurred.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on items of property, plant and equipment directly related to the useful life of the mine is calculated by using the units-of-production method, based on the proven and probable reserves. Other fixed assets are depreciated by using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:


F-111


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
 Years
  
Buildings and other constructionconstructionsBetween 1210 and 30
Machinery and equipmentBetween 53 and 1025
Transportation units37
Furniture and fixtures7
Other equipmentBetween 3 and 1215

F-131


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

The assets’ useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed at year-end, to ensure that they are consistent with the economic benefit of the property, plant and equipment items.

An item of property, plant and equipment is disposed of when no future economic benefits are expected from its later use. Any gain or loss arising on disposal of the asset is included in current profit or loss statement in the year in which the asset is disposal.

The assets’ useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed at year-end, to ensure that they are consistent with the economic benefit of the property, plant and equipment items.
(h)(f)Intangibles -
The intangible assets acquired are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. As indicated in note 1817 (c), the Company has recognized as an intangible asset the fair value of the future benefit related to the contractual rights to the purchaseacquisition of electrical energy at a fixed price. The related cost is amortized based on the life of the contract (9 years).

(i)(g)Impairment of non-financial assets -
The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the Company makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets.
When the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. The revised valuation cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the statements of income.

A previously recognized The impairment loss isfor goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets will not be reversed only if there has been a changefor an increase in the estimates used to determine the asset’stheir recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. If this is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to its recoverable amount. The increased amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the income statement unless the asset is carried at a revaluated amount, in which case the reversal is treated as a revaluation increase.

(j)(h)Borrowings -Financial liabilities –
Initial recognition and measurement
The financial liabilities include trade accounts payables, trade accounts payable to affiliates and other accounts payable. The Company determines the classification of its financial liabilities at initial recognition. All loans and borrowingsfinancial liabilities are recognized initially recognized at the fair value, of the cash received lessplus directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest bearing loans
Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and borrowingsfees or costs that are subsequently measured at amortized cost usingan integral part of the effective interest method.
rate. The amortization under this methodology is included in finance cost in the statement of income.

Derecognition of financial liabilities:
A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the statement of income.

 
F-132F-112

 


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

(k)(i)Offsetting of financial instruments –
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet if, and only if, there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
(j)Provisions -
General
A provision is recognized only when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that resources of the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and the related amount can be fairly estimated. Provisions are reviewed periodically and are adjusted to reflect the best estimate available of the date of the balance sheet. The expense relating to any provision is presented in the statements of income. Provisions are discounted using a current rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a financial expense.

MineProvision for remediation and mine closure costs
The Company records a provision for remediation and mine closure when a legally enforceable obligation arises, independently of the full depletion of the reserves.arises. The Company estimates the present value of its future obligations for remediation and mine closure (asset retirement obligation or “ARO”) and increases the carrying amount of the related asset (asset retirement cost or “ARC”) to be retired in the future, which is included in the property, plant and equipment account in the balance sheet. Subsequently, ARC is amortized to expense during the useful life of the related assets. The recognized provision is increased in each period to reflect the interest cost considered in the initial fair-value estimate. Any difference in the settlement of the liability will be recorded in the results of the period in which such settlement occurs. The changes in the fair value of the obligation or useful life of the related assets that occur from the revision of the initial estimates are recorded as an increase or decrease in the book value of the obligation and the related asset.

(l)(k)Contingencies -
Contingent liabilities areA contingency liability is recorded in the financial statements when occurrenceit is probable their occurrence and they can be reasonably estimated.  In other cases, they are only disclosed in notes to the financial statements.

Contingent assets are not recognized in the financial statements; however, they are disclosed in notes to the financial statements if it is probable that such contingent assets will be realized.

(m)(l)Revenue recognition -
Revenue comprises the fair value of the sale of goods, net of the related general salesvalue added tax.

The Company recognizes revenues when the amount can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Company and specific criteria have been met for each of the Company’s activities as described below. The amount of revenue is not considered reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved.

Sales of copper cathodes and copper concentrate -
LocalRevenue is recognized when all significant risk and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer and title and insurance risk has passed to the customer. For local sales, of copper cathodes are recognizedthis is typically when the Company has delivered the goods to the shipping company designated by the client. Foreigncustomer. For foreign sales, of copper cathodes and concentrates are recognizedthis is typically when the products are delivered togoods have passed over the shipping port.vessel´s rail at the port of loading.
 
F-133

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Regarding revenue measurement, copperCopper sales are recorded based on a provisional sales price in accordance with the terms specified in the relevant sales contracts. Sales based on a provisional sales price contain an embedded derivative which is required to be bifurcated from the host contract. The embedded derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting. Therefore, the embedded derivative on these provisional sales is adjusted to the fair value through the income statement in the net sales caption. At period end, the provisional sales are adjusted based on an estimated price for the quotation period agreed in the contract. The provisional sales adjustment is recorded as an increase or decrease of the net sales.

F-113


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Interest income -
Interest income is recognized as interest accrues using the effective interest rate.

(n)(m)Tax credits for reinvestment programs - -
The tax benefit from the reinvestment programs, note 13(c)12(c), iswas recognized in the year in which investments related to the reinvestment programs arewere made. Any temporary difference between the tax benefit applied in the year and the income tax payable iswas considered as a deferred income tax.

(o)(n)Income tax and workers’ profit sharing - -
Current income tax and workers’ profit sharing
Income tax and workers’ profit sharing for the current period are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities and workers, respectively. The Company calculates the income tax expense and liability, as explained in note 13.12. The current workers' profit sharing expense and liability is computed using a rate of 8 percent over the taxable income.

Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing are recorded using the liability method on temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards, to the extent that is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses can be utilized. The carrying amount of the deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date.

 
F-134


NotesDeferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the Financial Statements (continued)
same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

(p)(o)Borrowing costs -
Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying assets are capitalized during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. Other borrowing costs are recorded as expense when incurred.

(q)(p)Basic and diluted earnings per share - -
Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing basic earnings per share by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period, excluding treasury shares. The shares issued as a result of capitalization of profits are adjusted retrospectively.  As of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the Company did not maintain financial instruments with dilutivediluting effects; as a result, the basic and diluted earnings per share are the same for 20082009 and 2007.2008.

(r)(q)International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) not yet mandatory in Peru –New accounting pronouncements -
There are several IFRS and IFRICs which have been issued internationally and approved by the local Accounting Standards Board (CNC) to be applied in Peru effective from January 1, 2009. The standards that could affect the Company are the following:

-
IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments – Disclosures,” effective internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2007. The objective of this IFRS is to provide disclosures in the financial statements that enable users to evaluate the significance of financial instruments for the entity’s financial position and performance, to understand the nature and extent of the risks arising from financial instruments to which the entity is exposed and how the entity manages those risks.

-
IFRS 8 “Operating Segments,” effective internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This IFRS replaces International Accounting Standard (IAS) - 14, ”Segment Reporting" and establishes that reporting by segments must be done in accordance with "Management’s focus", meaning using the internal reporting formats used by Management for decision-making purposes.

The Company does not expect the adoption of this IFRS to have a material effect on the Company’s  financial statements.

The following standards are issued internationally as of December 31, 2008, could affect the Company2009, but they have not yet been approved by the CNC:

-
IFRS 1 "First-time Adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards" and IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements" (revised), effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This change in IFRS 1 allows an entity to determine the cost of investment in subsidiaries, jointly-controlled entities, and associates in its first financial statements under the IFRS as of the date of transition to IFRS, using the cost determined in accordance with IAS 27,  or considering the previous GAAP carrying amount  as cost at the date of the transition to IFRS, or at the fair value in accordance with IAS 39.   These changes will have no effect on the financial statements of the Company.
F-135

Notes toPeruvian Accounting Standards Board (CNC) and have not been applied by the Financial Statements (continued)Company:
 
-
IAS 23 "Borrowing Costs" (revised) applies to borrowing costs incurred on qualifying assets for which the commencement date for capitalization is on or  after January 1, 2009. This standard removes the option of expensing all borrowingIFRS 2 (revised 2008) “Share-based Payments; Vesting conditions and requires capitalization of the borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualified assets.

-
IFRS 3 "Business Combinations (Revised)" IFRS 3R and IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (Revised) – IAS 27R.  The revised standards were issued in January 2008 and become effective for financial years beginning on or after July 1, 2009. IFRS 3R introduces a number of changes in the accounting for business combinations occurring after this date that will impact the amount of goodwill recognized, the reported results in the period that an acquisition occurs, and future reported results. IAS 27R required that a change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary (without loss of control) be accounted for as an equity transaction. Therefore, such transactions will no longer give rise to goodwill, nor will it give rise to gain or loss. Furthermore, the amended standard changes the accounting for losses incurred by the subsidiary as well as the loss of control of a subsidiary. Other consequential amendments were made to IAS 27 Statement of Cash Flows, IAS 12 Income Taxes, IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchanges Rates, IAS 28 Investment in Associates and IAS 31 Interest in Joint Ventures. The changes in IFRS 3R and IAS 27R will affect future acquisitions or loss of control and transactions with minority interest.  The standards may be early adopted  in Perú.

-
IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised)”, effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  When this standard is first applied, the disclosures must be made for all comparative periods presented.  This standard requires the grouping of information in the financial statements based on common characteristics and the presentation of a comprehensive income statement.  This standard allows presentation of the income and expense captions, as also comprehensive other income in a comprehensive income statement or, alternatively, presenting two separate statements (a statement of income and a comprehensive income statement).  The names of some financial statements have been changed to clarify their purpose.

-
IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation (Amendments),cancellation,” effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.  This amendment establishes a series

F-114


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
-IFRS 2 (revised 2009) “Share-based Payments: Group of changes with respect to the classification of certain financial instruments as equitytransactions cash settled and share-based payment,” effective for periods that begin on or liability, and increase the disclosure requirements for these instruments. In addition, it requires additional disclosures for negotiable instruments classified as equity.after January 1, 2010.

-
Revision of IAS 1, IAS 23, IAS 27, IAS 32, IAS 39 "Financial instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Eligible Hedged Items (Amendment),,"IFRS1, effective for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009.

-Revision of IFRS 3 and IAS 27, effective for periods that begin on or after July 1, 2009.  This amendment addresses only the designation of a one-sided risk in a hedged item, and the designation of inflation as a hedged risk or portion in particular situations. This standard clarifies that an entity may designate  the changes in fair value or  cash flows  related to a one-sided risk as the hedged item in an effective relationship.   The standard further clarifies that an inflationary element can be designated as a separable risk, if it is a contractually specified  cash flow.

-IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments,” which modified the classification and measurement of financial assets established on IAS 39 “Financial instruments: Recognition and Measurement,” is mandatory internationally for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.

-IFRIC 9 “Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives” and IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement,” effective for periods beginning on or after June 30, 2009.

-IFRIC 15 “Agreements for the Construction of Real estate,” effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009.

F-136

-IFRIC 16 “Hedges of a net investment in a Foreign Operation,” effective for periods beginning on or after October 1, 2008.

-IFRIC 17 “Distributions of non cash-assets to owners,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.

-IFRIC 18 “Transfers of Assets from Customers,” effective internationally for periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009.

-“Improvements to IFRS” – Within in project scope to amend IFRS, in May 2008 and April 2009, the IAS adopted and published amendments to several international standards, covering a wide array of accounting issues.  The amendments fall into two categories: 1) amendments related to disclosure, recognition and measurement that have accounting implications, and 2) amendments related to the terms and reduction of international standards which are expected to have minimal effect, if any, in the accounting issues.  The amendments were aimed primary to eliminate inconsistencies, clarify the text and its adoption would result in changes to accounting policies.  The amended standards are: IFRS 2, 5, 7 and 8; IAS 1, 7, 8, 10, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 27, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 39 and 40; and IFRICs 9 and 16.

Most of these changes will be applicable internationally for periods that begin on or after January 1, 2009 with the possibility of being adopted beforehand, subject to the conditions provided for each modification and the transitory provisions related to the first-time adoption of the IFRS.
 
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
As of this date, the Company’s management is analyzing the impact thatof those standards and interpretations that have not been yet approved by the CNC but will have on its operations whenonce such standards are approved for application in Peru.

(s)Financial statements as of December 31 st, 2007 - -
In order to make comparable the figures of 2007 with the corresponding figures of 2008, the Company reclassified in the balance sheet US$49,766,000 from the “Trade account receivable” and “Trade account receivable to affiliates” captions to the “Embedded derivative related to the price of copper” caption.

3.Foreign currency transactions
Translations to foreign currency (Nuevos Soles) are completed using exchange rates published by the Superintendencia de Banca y Seguros y AFP. As of December 31, 2008,2009, the exchange rates published by this Institution were S/2.888 for buying and S/2.891 for selling U.S. dollars (S/3.137 for buying and S/3.142 for selling U.S. dollars (S/2.995 for buying and S/2.997 for selling as of December 31, 2007)2008) and have been applied to the respective assets and liabilities accounts.

As of December 31, 20082009 the Company hadprincipal asset in Nuevos soles corresponds to the deposit in guarantee amountingamounted to S/150,000,000 (equivalent(equals to US$48,752,000 as of December 31, 2008)to that date), see note 18(d)17(d). This deposit was replaced in April 2009 by a deposit in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007,2009, the Company doeshad not maintain additionalmaintained other significant assets or liabilities denominated in Nuevos Soles.nuevos soles.

F-115


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
4.Cash and Cashcash equivalents
(a)The cash and cash equivalents areThis item is made up asus follows:

 2008  2007  2009  2008 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
            
Cash and banks  21,571   3,013   3,536   21,571 
Cash equivalents (b)  460,173   627,347   199,855   460,173 
  481,744   630,360         
  203,391   481,744 

(b)As of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 this caption comprises a portfolio of investments in foreign money market fund  securities (primarily short term US governments obligations, T-bills, with less than 3 months maturity)time deposit and investments of a rating of “A” by Standard & Poor’s and Moody´s), which yield variable returns, and are classified as highly liquid current assets because they are highly liquid and since management plans to use them for its short-term cash needs.  TheBecause of the short maturity of these investments, less than 90 days, the carrying amount of these investments corresponds to their fair value at the date of the financial statements. Changes in the fair value of these investments are recognized as financial income in the statements of income, see note 17.16.
F-137

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

5.Trade accounts receivable from affiliate
(a)This item is made up as follows:

 2008  2007  2009  2008 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
            
Freeport – McMoRan Corporation (b) 59,952  94,097  98,615  59,952 
Sumitomo Metal Mining Company, Ltd. (c) 23,311  105,350  114,061  23,311 
Climax Molybdenum Marketing Corporation (d)  5,780   7,066   3,886   5,780 
  89,043   206,513   216,562   89,043 

Trade accounts receivable are denominated in U.S. dollars, have current maturity, do not bear interest and have no specific guarantees.  Sale to affiliate is at market prices.

(b)
On October 15,th, 2006, the Company signed a long-term contract with Phelps Dodge Corporation (now Freeport-McMoRanFreeport - McMoRan Corporation) through which it committed itself to sell 20% of the production of copper concentrate.  The contract has a one-year term and is renewable until one of the parties notifies the decision to terminate it.  In the year 2008,2009, the sales of concentrate copper to Freeport - McMoRan Corporation amounted to US$522,089,000 (US$554,262,000 (US$324,714,000 in 2007)2008).

Additionally, during 2008,2009, the Company sold copper cathodes to Freeport - McMoRan Corporation amounting toby US$4,757,000 (US$17,119,000 (US$536,816,000 in 2007)2008).

The sales were made based on to the availability of the copper cathodes andcathodes; the conditions were agreed upon forbased on market conditions at each shipment. The sales from related parties are made at normal market prices.shipment date (spot sales).

(c)On June 1, 2005, the Company signed ana long-term agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Ltd., by means of which it committedcommits to sell 50% of its annual copper concentrate production, at the market price prevailing at the date of the delivery, until December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2008,2009, the sales to Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Ltd. amounted to US$ 612,775,000 (US$520,866,000 (US$600,673,000 in 2007)2008).
F-116


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
(d)On October 1, 2006, the Company signed ana long-term agreement with Climax Molybdenum Marketing Corporation (a subsidiary of Freeport McMoRan Corporation) by means of which it committed to sell 100% of its annual molybdenum concentrate, at a price based on the market price prevailing at the date of the delivery.Metal Week Dealer Oxide (MLUDO) and under a delivery type known as CIF (cost, insurance and freight). This contract is valid for one year, and is renewable until one of the parties expresses its desire to terminate it. In 20082009 the sales to Climax Molybdenum Corporation amounted to US$15,319,000 (US$55,384,000 (US$22,142,000 in 2007)2008).

On January 27 2009, the Company announced that due to the current market conditions, molybdenum production will be curtailed beginning in the second quarter of 2009.  As a consequence of the improvement in international molybdenum price, the Company decided to restart the molybdenum production in September 2009.

(e)In 2007, the Company sold copper concentrate to its affiliate, Compañía Contractual Minera Candelaria, for US$53,390,000.An account receivable is considered impaired when it had been classified as uncollectible.  As of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the Company diddoes not maintain trade accounts receivable with this affiliate.have any uncollectible receivables and its major customers have prestige in the international market and appear to be financially stable at period end.
F-138

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

6.Inventories, net
(a)This item is made up as follows:

 2008  2007  2009  2008 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
            
Copper cathodes 5,532  1,846  3,767  5,532 
Copper concentrate 5,085  12,428  1,281  5,085 
Molybdenum concentrate 887  76  808  887 
Inventory in process 98,938  64,587  118,274  98,938 
Materials and supplies 135,668  47,672  124,683  135,668 
Inventories in transit  5,337   9,653   996   5,337 
 251,447  136,262  249,809  251,447 
Provision for obsolescence of materials and supplies (b)  (2,269)  (2,340)  (2,255)  (2,269)
 249,178  133,922  247,554  249,178 
Long-term inventory in process (c)  (73,346)  (40,187)  (91,235)  (73,346)
  175,832   93,735   156,319   175,832 

(b)In Management’s opinion, the provision for obsolescence of materials and supplies is sufficient to cover the risks of obsolescence as of the date of financial statements.

(c)This item corresponds principally to low grade sulfide material mined placed onin the stockpiles and ready to be processed in the concentrator.  According to the Company’s operational plans, this mineral will be used in concentrate production.  Additionally, it includes the copper pounds contained in leach pads, for which recovery is achieved through its exposure to acidic solutions and subsequent transfer to the electrowinning plant to produce copper cathodes.  The expected recovery of copper pounds contained in leachpadleach stockpiles is estimated based upon metallurgical assays performed on the material.

 
F-139F-117

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)(continued)
 
7.Property, plant and equipment, net
(a)The table below presents the movementchanges in cost and accumulated depreciation during year 2008:accounts as of December 31, 2009, are shown below:

 
Opening
balance
  Additions  Adjustments  Transfers  
Closing
balance
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  
Beginning
balance
  Additions  Adjustments  Transfers  
Ending
balance
 
                US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                              
Cost                              
Land 1,465  -  -  32  1,497  1,497  -  -  -  1,497 
Buildings and other constructions 77,495  -  (9) 8,001  85,487  85,487  -  -  14,628  100,115 
Machinery and equipment 1,151,112  -  (35) 54,772  1,205,849  1,205,849  -  (1,235) 135,730  1,340,344 
Transportation units 6,566  -  -  2,087  8,653  8,653  -  (453) 215  8,415 
Furniture and fixtures 692  -  -  94  786  786  -  -  -  786 
Other equipment 7,143  -  (42) 2,365  9,466  9,466  -  (541) 836  9,761 
Work in progress and transit units 43,903  133,658  (965) (67,351) 109,245  109,245  91,067  -  (151,409) 48,903 
Mine closure costs  12,468   121   -   -   12,589 
Remediation and mine closure costs  12,589   492   -   -   13,081 
  1,300,844   133,779   (1,051)  -   1,433,572   1,433,572   91,559   (2,229)  -   1,522,902 
                                        
Accumulated depreciation                                        
Buildings and other constructions 17,229  3,332  (13) -  20,548  20,548  2,759  -  -  23,307 
Machinery and equipment 256,504  73,752  (50) -  330,206  330,206  73,231  (1,256) -  402,181 
Transportation units 5,517  456  -  -  5,973  5,973  672  (432) -  6,213 
Furniture and fixtures 243  99  -  -  342  342  95  -  -  437 
Other equipment 4,956  884  (11) -  5,829  5,829  877  (505) -  6,201 
Mine closure costs  1,663   512   -   -   2,175 
Remediation and mine closure costs  2,175   337   -   -   2,512 
  286,112   79,035   (74)  -   365,073   365,073   77,971   (2,193)  -   440,851 
Net cost  1,014,732               1,068,499   1,068,499               1,082,051 

(b)Fully depreciated assets as of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 amount to US$40,163,00041,593,360 and US$39,140,00040,163,000 respectively. Currently, these assets are being used by the Company and are primarily machinery and equipment.

(c)As of December 31, 2008,2009, the work in progress and transit units correspond primarily to the purchase of haulage trucksincremental expansion project in concentrator plant, the PAD 4 Buttress project, and two electric shovels, as well asan infrastructure project related to the extensionconstruction of a fresh water plant in the drainage, filtering and development system of the leach pad number one.concentrator.

(d)The Company maintains insurance on its principal assets in accordance with Management´s policies.  As of December 31, 2008, under2009 the applicationCompany has taken insurance coverage of the IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets,” the Company’s Management performed an evaluation of the value of its fixed assets. The recoverable amount was based on value in use and was determined at the cash generating unit level.  In Management’s opinion, it is not required to record a loss due to impairment of the long-term assets.approximately US$2,300,000.
 
 
F-140F-118

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)(continued)

8.Trade accounts payable
Trade accounts payable are mainly purchasesoriginated by the acquisition of materials, supplies and spare parts for the mining activities of the Company.  These obligations are primarilymainly denominated in U.S. dollars, have current maturities and do not accrue interest.  No guarantees have been granted.

9.Other accounts payable
This item is made up of the following:

 2008  2007  2009  2008 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
            
Voluntary contribution, note 18(b) 27,991  48,674 
Water plant , note 18(d) 65,800  40,000 
Voluntary contribution, see note 17(b) 27,608  27,991 
Water plant , see note 17(d) 73,560  65,800 
Unearned revenue (a) 4,001  - 
Other accounts payable  10,330   9,855   10,657   10,330 
 104,121  98,529  115,826  104,121 
                
Unearned revenue, long – term portion (a)
 (3,060) - 
Water plant, long-term portion  (58,600)  -   (36,250)  (58,600)
Other accounts payable, long – term  (39,310)  (58,600)
                
  45,521   98,529 
Other accounts payable, short – term  76,516   45,521 

10.Financial obligations(a)It corresponds to an advance granted by Xstrata Tintaya S.A. for construction, engineering and installation of a 20,000 ton sulfuric acid tank, to be used by the Company to provide the download service, storage and release of acid for a period of 5 years.
This item is made up of the following:

  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
       
Corporate bonds  -   78,750 
Less – current portion  -   (11,250)
       67,500 
         
Debt issuance costs  -   (4,986)
         
Non-current portion  -   62,514 

During the year 2008, the Company executed the rights of redemption of bonds and pre-paid the total outstanding amount as of September 20, 2008 including capital and interest, totaling US$74,581,102.

The corporate bonds accrued annual interest payments calculated using the Libor rate plus 1.6%.

 
F-141F-119

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)(continued)

11.10.Deferred income tax and profit sharing
(a)The Companycompany recognizes the effect of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.  The composition of this item is made up as follows:

 
As of
01.01.07
  
Debit (credit) to the
statement of Income
  
As of
12.31.07
  
Debit (credit) to the
statement of Income
  
As of
12.31.08
  
As of
01.01.08
  
Debit (credit)
to the
statement of
Income
  
As of
12.31.08
  
Debit (credit)
to the
statement of
Income
  
As of
12.31.09
 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                              
Deferred income tax asset               
Income tax credit due to reinvestment benefit, note 13(c)  99,015   (99,015)  -   -   - 
                    
Deferred income tax and worker’s profit sharing liability, net                    
Deductible temporary differences                    
Price adjustment of copper cathodes and concentrates 2,215  15,382  17,597  73,196  90,793 
Provision for Bamputañe dam, net -  -  -  24,312  24,312 
Deferred income tax and worker’s profit sharing asset               
Provision for water plant, net  -   24,312   24,312   2,777   27,089 
Difference in valuation of inventories -  3,614  3,614  (3,387) 227   3,614   (3,387)  227   2,985   3,212 
Provision for remediation and mine closure 1,880  250  2,130  194  2,324   2,130   194   2,324   550   2,874 
Deferred stripping costs -  1,203  1,203  (121) 1,082   1,203   (121)  1,082   (88)  994 
Price adjustment of copper cathodes and concentrates  17,597   73,196   90,793   (90,793)  - 
Other provisions  949   (527)  422   1,187   1,609   422   1,187   1,609   562   2,171 
  5,044   19,922   24,966   95,381   120,347   24,966   95,381   120,347   (84,007)  36,340 
                                        
Taxable temporary differences                    
Deferred expense tax and worker’s profit sharing liability                    
Difference in depreciation method 45,444  35,219  80,663  41,060  121,723   80,663   41,060   121,723   49,603   171,326 
Asset in valuation method of inventories 543  (543) -  -  - 
Difference in valuation of inventories 7,784  (7,784) -  -  - 
Deferred stripping costs  3,550   (3,550)  -   -   - 
Price adjustment of copper cathodes and concentrates  -   -   -   23,054   23,054 
  57,321   23,342   80,663   41,060   121,723   80,663   41,060   121,723   72,657   194,380 
                                        
Deferred liabilities, net  52,277   3,420   55,697   (54,321)  1,376   55,697   (54,321)  1,376   156,664   158,040 
                                        
Total debit (credit) to the statement of income      102,435       (54,321)          (54,321)      156,664     

 
F-142F-120

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)(continued)

 (b)The reconciliation of the legal combined rate with the effective rate of income tax for the years 20082009 and 20072008 is shown below:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$  US$  US$  US$  US$  US$ 
                    
Income before workers’ profit sharing and Income tax 1,111,587  1,280,336  482,975  1,122,129   1,111,587   1,280,336 
Income tax rate  30%  30%  30%  30%  30%  30%
Expected income tax expense 333,476  384,101  144,893  336,639   333,476   384,101 
Workers’ profit sharing  (26,504)  (32,054)  (12,842)  (27,883)  (26,504)  (32,054)
 306,972  352,047  132,051  308,756   306,972   352,047 
            
Not-deductible expenses 7,669  16,173  15,627 
Voluntary contribution 9,828   7,669   16,173 
Provision for water plant (12,000) -  -  -   (12,000)  - 
Reinvestment of earnings -  (1,231) (152,334) -   -   (1,231)
Others  2,164   1,816   205   2,072   2,164   1,816 
                        
Current and deferred income tax expense (benefit)  304,805   368,805   (4,451)
Current and deferred income tax expense  320,656   304,805   368,805 

12.11.Shareholders’ equity, net
(a)Capital stock -
As of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 the authorized, subscribed and paid-up capital in accordance with the Company’s by-laws and its related modifications was 350,056,012 common shares.

According to the shareholders agreement of July 11, 2003, the nominal value of the shares was denominated in US dollars and amountsamount to US$0.54 each.
  As a consequence of the capitalization of restricted earnings associated with tax benefit (reinvestment credit), see point (d), as of December 2009, the nominal value of the share was increased to US$2.83.

As of December 31, 20082009 the quoted price of these sharesCompany’s capital stock structure is US$9.25 per share in active trading on the Lima Stock Exchange.as follows:

F-143


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)
Percentage of individual interest in capital 
Number of
shareholders
  
Total percentage
interest
 
         
Up to 1.00  3,876   6.18 
From 1.01 to 20.00  1   19.26 
From 20.01 to 30.00  1   21.00 
From 30.01 to 60.00  1   53.56 
   3,879   100.00 

As of December 31, 2008 the Company’s capital stock structure is as follows:

Percentage of individual interest in capital 
Number of
shareholders
  
Total percentage
interest
  
Number of
shareholders
  
Total percentage
interest
 
            
Up to 1.00 4,370   6.39  4,370   6.39 
From 1.01 to 20.00 1   19.05  1   19.05 
From 20.01 to 30.00 1   21.00  1   21.00 
From 30.01 to 60.00  1   53.56   1   53.56 
          4,373   100.00 
  4,373   100.00 

F-121


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 (b)Additional paid-in capital -
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 this account comprisescomprised the difference between the conversion of the par value equity shares into U.S. dollars, as well as the issue premium resulting from the capital increase on April 18, 2005 and approved in Director’s meeting on June 1, 2005.

In Director´s meeting held on October 22, 2009, it was agreed to pay US$215,000,000 from additional paid-in capital, which corresponds to the premium capital paid by shareholders in previous years.  This amount was paid to the shareholders on November 20, 2009.

Moreover, as a results of capitalized the restricted earnings associated with tax benefit (reinvestment credit) recorded by the Company (see point d), it decreased the additional paid-in capital account by US$1,598,000 originated by changes in the nominal value of the shares and the rounding generated by the conversion of the par value equity shares into U.S. dollars,

In December 2009, the Company transferred the remaining balance of the account additional paid-in capital amounting to US$159,062,000 to the legal reserve caption in order to cover part of the 20 percent of the paid capital as of December 31, 2009 (see point c).

 (c)Legal reserve -
In accordance with the Peruvian Companies Act, this reserve is created through the transfer of 10% of the earnings for the year up to a maximum of 20% of the paid-in capital. The legal reserve must be used to compensate for losses in the absence of non-distributed earnings or non-restricted reserves, and transfers made to compensate for losses must be replaced with future earnings. This reserve may also be used to increase capital stock but the balance must be restored from future earnings.

 (d)Restricted earnings -
Pursuant to Supreme Decree N°07-94-EM, mining companies may obtain a tax benefit (reinvestment credit) by effectively reinvesting non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase productivity, see Note 13(c)note 12(c).  According to such Supreme Decree, the restricted earnings of the Company were transferred to a restricted earnings equity account and will be transferred to the capital stock once the Ministry of Energy and Mines approves the investment.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 this balance includesincluded a cumulative amount of US$800,030,000.

On October 30, 2009, through Director Resolution No 213-2009/MEM-DGM, the Ministry of Energy and Mines informed the Company the approval of the reinvestment program execution under retained earnings of years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 amounting to US$800,030,000.  On December 2, 2009, the General Shareholders’ Meeting approved the capitalization of retained earnings to comply with the legal status due to which the Company retains its right to reinvestment mechanism established in article 72(b) of the General Mining Law.  As a result of this agreement the new capital stock increased to US$990,658,000.

(e)Retained earnings -
In accordance with the mining stability agreement entered into with the Peruvian Government, note 13(a)12(a), the Company is authorized to distribute, without any restrictions, all capital invested (except by the retained earnings capitalized in 2009, see point (d) above) and dividends, except for the restricted earnings resulting from the reinvestment of profits mentioned in paragraph (d) above.dividends.  In addition, dividends and any other form of capital distribution are tax exempt.

Since 2003, dividends on behalf of shareholders, other than domiciled legal entities, are subject to a 4.1% income tax which is withheld and paid by the Company.

F-144


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)

 (f)Dividend distribution -Distribution –
At the Directors´Directors’ meeting held on August 14, 2009, it was agreed to pay a special dividend of US$100,000,000 (US$0.286 per common share).  This dividend was paid in advance of 2009 profits and therefore, it was executed under the article 230° of the General Corporation Law and it was paid on September 11, 2009.  In relation to the agreed dividend, in the case of those shareholders of the Company who held that status at the record date (September 4, 2009) and that on September 30, 2009 received dividends in excess in 2008, the Company proceeded to offset the amount owned by the shareholders, amounting to US$78,390,000 against the amount that each shareholder received on that date.

F-122


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

At the Directors’ meeting held on November 18, 2009, it was agreed to pay a special dividend of US$350,000,000 (US$0.9998 per common share).  This dividend was paid in advance of 2009 profits and therefore, it was executed under the article 230° of the General Corporation Law and it was paid on December 18, 2009.  In relation to the agreed dividend, in the case of those shareholders of the Company who held that status at the record date (December 4, 2009) and that on September 30, 2009 received dividends in excess in 2008, the Company proceeded to offset the amount owned by the shareholders, amounting to US$78,390,000 against the amount that each shareholder received on that date.

At the Directors’ meeting held on May 28, 2008, it was agreed to pay a special dividend of US$380,000,000 (US$1.085 per common share). From this amount, US$43,177,000 corresponded to the accumulated retained earnings as of December 31, 2007 and US$336,823,000 corresponded to dividend advances of 2008.  Additionally, at the Directors´Directors’ meeting held on September 1, 2008, it was agreed to pay a special dividend of US$460,000,000 from the earnings of 2008 (US$1.314 per common share). The 2008 distributions have been executed under the requirements of the article 230° of the General BusinessCorporation Law.

The General Shareholders’ MeetingAs a result of the dividends paid in advance according to Board of Directors held on November 27, 2007 agreedSeptember 1, 2008, the distributionshareholders received excess dividends of a special dividendUS$78,390,193 from the year 2008. The annual shareholder meeting held on March 30, 2009 approved the application of a total of US$620,000,000 (US$1.771 per common share), an amount that was applied, at first instance,those dividends paid in advance against the retained earningsprofits of the future periods for those who continued to hold their shares. The Company aswill attempt to recover the overpayment from shareholders who sold their shares in the interim. On March 30, 2009 the Company reclassified the excess dividends amounting to US$78,390,193 to other accounts receivable in the balance sheet.  As of December 31, 2006.  The resulting differential was applied against2009 the retained earnings existing asbalance of September 30, 2007.  This dividend had the characteristic of a prepayment.  Subsequently, it has been distributed under the requirements of the article 230° from the General Business Law.this account amount to US$538,000.

13.12.Tax situation
 (a)On February 13, 1998, the Company signed an Agreement of Guarantees and Measures to Promote Investments with the Government of Peru, under the Peruvian General Mining Law. Upon approval of the agreement, the Company is subject to the tax regulations in force at May 6, 1996.  In addition, the Company has tax stability for a period of fifteen years beginning January 1, 1999.

 (b)The income tax rate applicable to the Company is 30%. In addition, the Company is subject to a minimum income tax equivalent to 2% of total assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. The tax charged against earnings is the higher of the income tax under the tax stability agreements and the minimum income tax. In years 20082009 and 2007,2008, income tax was calculated under the general tax rules using the 30% rate.

 
F-145F-123

 

Notes to the Financial Statements(continue) (continued)

For the year 20082009 and 20072008 the taxable income and the income tax calculations are as follow:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Profit before workers’ profit sharing and income tax 1,111,587  1,280,336   482,975  1,122,129  1,111,587  1,280,336 
Plus:            
Plus            
Adjustment of prices of copper cathodes and concentrate 255,035  49,428   3,761  -  255,035  49,428 
Water plant and voluntary contribution 57,789  51,106   50,004 
Water plant, Bamputañe dam and voluntary contribution 36,344  57,789  51,106 
Not – deductible expenses 3,825  2,099   10,083  3,849  3,825  2,099 
Amortization of others assets 1,361  14,426   934  1,268  1,361  14,426 
Adjustment of inventory in process and finished goods -  37,203   4,118  9,824  -  37,203 
Others additions  3,893   1,491   -   1,017   3,893   1,491 
 321,903  155,753   68,900  52,302  321,903  155,753 
Less:            
Less            
Price adjustment of copper cathodes and concentrates (64,760) -  - 
Depreciation at an annual rate of 20% (117,592) (109,671)  (15,328) (137,621) (117,592) (109,671)
Reversal of adjustment of prior year related to the prices of copper cathodes and concentrates (49,428) (4,727)  (13,735) (255,035) (49,428) (4,727)
Adjustment of inventory in process and finished goods  (9,515)  -   -   -   (9,515)  - 
 (176,535) (114,398) (29,063) (457,416) (176,535) (114,398)
Sub-total 1,256,955  1,321,691  522,812  717,015  1,256,955  1,321,691 
Workers’ profit sharing (8%)  (100,556)  (105,735)  (41,825)  (57,361)  (100,556)  (105,735)
 1,156,399  1,215,956  480,987  659,654  1,156,399  1,215,956 
Reinvestment earnings  -   (334,154)  (317,068)  -   -   (334,154)
Taxable income  1,156,399   881,802   163,919   659,654   1,156,399   881,802 
Income tax (30%) 346,919  264,541  49,176  (197,896) (346,919) (264,541)
Prior years workers’ profit sharing (379) -  (116)
Prior years income taxes  -   2,597   205   (1,301)  -   (2,597)
                        
Total charged to results  346,919   267,138   49,381 
Total income taxes charged to results  199,197   346,919   267,138 
Total workers’ profit sharing charged to results  57,740   100,556   105,851 

 (c)Pursuant to Supreme Decree No.07-94-EM, the Company can obtain a tax benefit (¨Investment Credit¨) by effectively reinvesting non-distributed earnings into capital expansion projects that increase the Company’s productivity. The investment program must be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

F-146


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)

On September 3 and October 25, 2004 the Company submitted for approval by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) a Reinvestment Program in the amount of US$800,030,000 related to the construction of a sulfide processing facility to be executed in the period between October 2004 and February 2007. On December 9, 2004 through the Ministerial Resolution No.510-2004-MEM/DM, the MEM approved the Company’s reinvestment program application.

Under the terms of the Reinvestment Program, the Company reinvested the earnings obtained in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, a total of US$800,000,000 approximately, which resulted in lower expenses for income tax of approximately US$240,000,000 during those years. According to the requirement of Article N°7 of the Supreme Decree N°07-94-EM, the Company has supported before the Ministry of Energy and Mines the execution of the Reinvestment Program. To date,

On October 30, 2009 through Resolution No 213-2009/MEM-DGM, the information presented to the MinistryMinister of Energy and Mines is currently under evaluationapproved the execution of the reinvestment program from non distributed earnings of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and the Company’s Management expects it to be approved during the first semester2007 for an amount of 2009,US$ 800,030,000, after which, in accordanceaccording to what isthat required by the laws in force,General Mining Law, the restricted earnings as of December 31, 2008 will be capitalized.Company capitalize on that amount (see note 11 (d)).

F-124


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 (d)Peruvian Tax Authorities have the right to examine, and, if necessary, amend the income tax as determined by the Company during the last four years, calculated from the year following that in which the tax returns are filed. The income tax filings for the years 2002 through 20082009 are open to examination by the tax authorities. For value added tax the period open for examination is from January 2004December 2005 to December 2008.  Tax authorities began the examination of income taxes and value added tax for the year 2003 in 2004 and both examinations were concluded in 2007.  During 2008,2009.  To date tax authorities beganhave finished the reviewfollowing reviews of income tax and valuevalued added tax obligations for the fiscaltax: (i) years of2002 and 2003, which is currently under administrative process and (ii) years 2004 and 2005.2005 which will be under a process of claim by the Company to the tax authority.

Due to the various possible interpretations of current legislation, it is not possible to determine whether or not future reviews will result in tax liabilities for the Company.  In the event that additional taxes are payable, including interest and surcharges, as a result of the Tax Authority reviews, they will be charged to expense in the period assessed and paid.  However, inIn Management’s and legal advisors’ opinion, any additional tax assessment would not be materialsignificant to the financial statements as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007.

F-147


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)2008.

14.13.Net sales
 (a)This item is made up of the following:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008 2007
 Pounds     Pounds     Pounds     Pounds     Pounds     Pounds    
  (000)  US$(000)   (000)  US$(000)   (000)  US$(000)  (000)  US$(000)  (000)  US$(000)     US$(000) 
                                       
Copper concentrates 517,359  1,175,739  376,541  1,085,735  5,184  13,083  458,757  1,215,050  517,359  1,175,739  376,541  1,085,735 
Copper cathodes 189,462  581,164  209,299  686,282  208,810  654,193  208,544  506,317  189,462  581,164  209,299  686,282 
Others  -   79,008   -   22,542   -   395   -   36,143   -   79,008   -   22,542 
                                                
      1,835,911       1,794,559       667,671       1,757,510       1,835,911       1,794,559 

Sales include negative provisional adjustments made to original invoicing which represent the changes in the fair value of the embedded derivative amounting to US$319,795,000, US$255,035,000 US$49,766,000 and US$3,761,00049,766,000 for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Sales to affiliates amounted to US$1,154,940,000 as of December 31, 2009, US$1,147,631,000 as of December 31, 2008 and 2006, respectively.US$1,537,735,000 as of December 31, 2007. See note 18 (b).

 (b)The following table shows net sales by geographic region:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Asia 1,071,574  1,071,478  13,083  998,454  1,071,574  1,071,478 
North America 174,661  559,095  530,673  343,190  174,661  559,095 
Europe 271,007  282,481  14,167 
Peru 296,085  149,819  123,915  144,859  296,085  149,819 
Europe 282,481  14,167  - 
South America  11,110   -   -   -   11,110   - 
                        
  1,835,911   1,794,559   667,671   1,757,510   1,835,911   1,794,559 

 
F-148F-125

 

Notes to the Financial Statements(continue) (continued)

15.14.Cost of sales
This item is made up of the following:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Opening balance of finished goods 14,350  10,135  3,314   11,504   14,350   10,135 
Add                        
Materials and supplies 262,129  174,090  73,197   248,447   262,129   174,090 
Depreciation and amortization 80,746  90,368  26,904   77,871   80,746   90,368 
Third parties services  66,907   105,843   28,267 
Labor  63,879   68,091   40,297 
Energy 51,773  45,269  15,610   49,061   51,773   45,269 
Labor 68,091  40,297  22,608 
Third parties services 105,843  28,267  8,761 
Other costs 59,664  46,116  14,293   35,570   59,664   46,116 
Less            
Variation of inventories in process (34,351) (2,084) (14,129)
Ending balance of finished goods  (11,504)  (14,350)  (10,135)
Change in work in process inventories  (19,336)  (34,351)  (2,084)
Less: ending balance of finished goods  (5,856)  (11,504)  (14,350)
                        
  596,741   418,108   140,423   528,047   596,741   418,108 

16.15.Selling Expenses
This item is made up of the following:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Freight 67,004  45,070  1,909  56,576  67,004  45,070 
Uploading/ handling 6,934  5,670  288 
Uploading / handling 6,479  6,934  5,670 
Commissions and other sale expenses 3,721  3,057  724  4,265  3,721  3,057 
Cathode’s freight  531   608   617 
Cathode freight  557   531   608 
                        
  78,190   54,405   3,538   67,877   78,190   54,405 

 
F-149F-126

 

Notes to the Financial Statements(continue) (continued)

17.16.Financial income and expense
This item is made up of the following:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Financial expenses                  
Amortization of debt issuance costs (4,986) (12,038) (2,819) -  (4,986) (12,038)
Interest on corporate bonds (2,685) (5,840) (4,301) -  (2,685) (5,840)
Interest on bank loans -  (5,242) (4,184) -  -  (5,242)
Capitalization of borrowing costs -  -  8,472 
Other financial expenses  (182)  (226)  (152)  -   (182)  (226)
  (7,853)  (23,346)  (2,984)  -   (7,853)  (23,346)
Financial income                        
Financial income on cash equivalents, note 4(b) 18,825  33,003  10,608 
Gain on fair value of cash equivalents, note 4(b) 1,637  18,825  33,003 
Other financial income  1,453   165   291   28   1,453   165 
  20,278   33,168   10,899             
  1,665   20,278   33,168 

18.17.Commitments and contingencies
 (a)Environmental matters -
The Company’s mining and exploration activities are subject to environmental protection standards.  In order to comply with these standards, the Company has obtained the approval for the Environment Adequacy Program (“PAMA”) and of the Environmental Impact Studies (EIA), required for the operation of Cerro Verde’s production unit.

On October 14, 2003 law N°28090 was enacted, which regulates the commitments and procedures that entities involved in mining activities must follow in order to prepare, file and implement a mine site closing plan, as well as the respective environmental guarantees that assure compliance with the plan in accordance with protection, conservation and restoration of the environment.  On August 15, 2005 the regulations regarding this law were approved.

During year 2006, in compliance with the mentioned law, the Company completed the closing plans for its mine site.  Up to the date of this report, the mine site closing plans are pending of approval byOn October 5, 2009 the Ministry of Energy and Mines.Mines Issued Resolution N°203-2009 MEM – AAA, approved the mine closure plan of the Company.

The estimate of remediation and mine closing costs is based on studies prepared by independent consultants, who comply with the current environmental regulations. This provision corresponds mainly to the activities to be performed in order to restore the areas affected by mining activities. The main tasks to be performed include ground removal, reforestationreforesting labor and dismantling of plant and equipment.

 
F-150F-127

 

Notes to the Financial Statements(continue) (continued)

The table below presents the movement of the provision for closure of mining unit:remediation and mine closing:

  US$(000) 
Balance as of January 1, 20064,730
Additions and changes in estimates9,741
Accretion expense447
    
Balance as of January 1, 2007  14,918 
Accretion expense  716 
Balance as of December 31, 20072008  15,634
 
Accretion expense  1,310
 
Balance as of December 31, 2008  16,944 
Accretion expense1,698
Balance as of December 31, 200918,642

The fair value of the provision for closure of mining unit was estimated based on projected cash flow which has been discounted using the adjusted annual risk free rate of 10 percent.  The Company considers that this provision is sufficient to comply with the environmental laws and regulations in force in Peru.

 (b)Voluntary contribution of 3.75% on profits -
In 2006 Peruvian mining companies, represented by the National Society of Mining, Oil and Energy (SNMPE), started a negotiation process with the Peruvian Government to define the terms and conditions for a voluntary contribution of 3.75% of net income, which would be deducted, when applicable from the payment of mining royalties. The objective of the mining companies is to contribute to the Peruvian Government’s efforts in eradicating poverty in Peru and generate a favorable economic environment.
In 2006 Peruvian mining companies, represented by the National Society of Mining, Oil and Energy (SNMPE), started a negotiation process with the Peruvian Government to define the terms and conditions for a voluntary contribution of 3.75% of net income, which would be deducted, when applicable from the payment of mining royalties. The objective of the mining companies is to contribute to the Peruvian Government’s efforts in eradicating poverty in Peru and generate a favorable economic environment.

On December 21, 2006 the Peruvian Government enactedreleased Supreme Decree 071-2006-EM regulating the terms and conditions under which the voluntary contribution would be paid by mining companies in Peru.  Under this regulation, the Peruvian government established the requirements for the agreements that would be negotiated individually by the mining companies.  This regulation establishes that the contribution:

(i)Will be equivalent to 3.75% of net income under Peruvian GAAP,

(ii)Will be paid for 2006 and the four subsequent years, dependent on the level of international metal prices, and

(iii)Will not be tax deductible.

F-151


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)

The rate of the voluntary contribution is broken down as follows:

-2.75% for the Local Mining Fund
-
1.00% for the Regional Mining Fund

On November 8, 2007 the Company signed with the Peruvian State the contract of voluntary contribution, complying with the requirements described previously. An expense of US$48,674,000 was recorded in the year 2007 (US$16,673,000 and US$32,001,000 corresponding to the contributions in the years 2006 and 2007, respectively). An expense of and US$29,496,000 was recorded in the year 2008.2008 and US$27,608,000 in the year 2009. These are recorded in the voluntary contribution caption in the statements of Income.income statement.  From these amounts, US$ 27,608,000, US$27,991,000 and US$48,674,00048,674,900 were payable as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, (Note9)see note 9(a).

F-128


Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 (c)Construction of Bamputañe Dam -
On December 29th, 2004 the Company signed a contract with “Empresa de Generación Eléctrica de Arequipa S.A.” (EGASA) to meet the needs of electricity supply of its mining operations. According to the contract, EGASA is committed to supply electricity for the period starting January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2015 and the Company is committed to construct the Bamputañe Dam, which will be located in the Santa Lucía district, in the province of Lampa, in the department of Puno. At that date the construction budget was estimated at US$5,000,000.  On June 11, 2008, EGASA and the Company signed an addendum to the contract for the construction of the Bamputañe Dam, in which the parties recognize and declare that the Bamputañe Dam construction budget is significantly higher than the one estimated initially.  According to the prior feasibility studies performed by the Company as of December 31, 2008, it was estimated that the new construction cost would amount tototal approximately US$ 14,000,000. Currently, theThe Company is negotiating the finalrecognized an intangible asset for this amount and accumulated amortization of US$1,711,000 (net cost of the construction with EGASA.US$12,289,000).  The contractcommitment signed by the Company will allow it to rely on the electrical energy at a fixed rate during a period of nine years.

On December 1, 2009 the Company formally transferred Bamputañe dam to EGASA. The Company recognized an intangible asset ascending tofinal cost totaled US$14,000,000.  The intangible asset is being amortized over the life11,390,000 (US$9,779,000 as of the contract (9 years)December 31, 2009, net of accumulated amortization of US$1,611,000).

 (d)Water treatment plant –
On August 2, 2006 the Company and the Committee for the Defense of the Interest of Arequipa (hereinafter, the Committee) signed an agreement by means of which the Company agreedengaged itself to finance and implement all the technical requirementsfiles required for the construction of a drinking water plant in Alto Cayma and a waste water treatment plant. In theThe agreement establishes that the costs to be incurred in the construction of the drinking water treatment plant will be assumed by the Company and those of the waste water treatment plant by the municipalities of the province of Arequipa, and if any difference arises between the costs required by both plants a compensation will be applied in order to grant that 50% of the total cost of both plants will be assumed by each party.

As of December 31, 2008,2009, based on the Basic Engineering report onin the Feasibility Study of the Water Treatment Plants, the Company estimates a total cost of approximately US$162,000,000,173,000,000, an amount that will be incurred inover the next four years, of which thethree years. The Company will be in charge ofresponsible for 50% of the total cost, ascending to US$81,000,000.cost.  The fair valuebest estimate of this amountobligation as of December 31, 20082009 is approximately US$65,800,00073,600,000 (US$40,000,000 werewas recognized as part of other operating expenses infrom the year 2006 andincome statement, US$25,800,000 in 2008)the year 2008 and US$7,800,000 in the year 2009).

F-152


Notes toOn September 18, 2009 the Financial Statements (continue)Company selected “Consorcio Alto Cayma” (comprised of the following companies: Befesa, Graña y Montero and Aguas de Sevilla) for the design, construction and commissioning of the water treatment plant.

As part of the obligations assumed with the Committee and as a way to guarantee the construction of the Water Plant, the Company established a guaranteed deposit in a local bank for an amount of S/150,000,000 (equivalent to approximately US$50,000,000$50,000,000 as of the deposit date)., this was replaced in April 2009 by a deposit in US dollars. This amount which is equivalent to US$49, 535,000 as of December 31, 2009 (US$48,752,000 as of December 31, 2008, has been deposited at this bank in advance to a trust agreement to be signed in 2009 and is presented as other non-current assets in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008.2008).

19.18.Transactions with affiliates
 (a)Nature of relationship
-The Company has transactions with its Shareholders – See(see note 1 to the financial statements
-
statements) and use the Management service of Minera Phelps Dodge del Perú S.A.C., a subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Corporation

 (b)During the years 2008 ,20072009 and 20062008, the Company engaged in the following transactions with its affiliates:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
                  
Revenues / (expenses)         
Revenues         
Copper cathode sales, note 5 17,119  536,816  530,674  4,757  17,119  536,816 
Copper concentrate sales, note 5 554,262  978,777  13,083  1,134,864  1,075,128  978,777 
Molybdenum sales, note 5 55,384  22,142  6,217  15,319  55,384  22,142 
Management services (c) 20,130  17,075  3,409 

F-129

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Management services (c)  17,565   20,130   17,075 

 (c)On June 1, 2005, the Company and Minera Phelps Dodge del Perú S.A.C. signed an agreement whereby Minera Phelps Dodge del Perú S.A.C. was appointed as the general manager (which includes the top management) of the Company.

(d)As a result of these transactions, the Company has trade accounts receivable from affiliates as described in Notenote 5 and has the following liabilities as of December 31, 20082009 and 2007:2008:

  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Accounts payable      
Minera Phelps Dodge del Perú S.A.C.  4,744   6,513 
Freeport McMoRan Sales Company [previously named Phelps Dodge Sales Company (PDSC)]  1,500   1,455 
Freeport McMoRan Corporation  153   39 
Sociedad Contractual Minera El Abra  -   45 
Phelps Dodge Mining Services, Inc.  -   40 
         
   6,397   8,092 

F-153


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)
  2009  2008 
  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Accounts payable      
Minera Phelps Dodge del Perú S.A.C.  1,386   4,744 
Freeport - McMoRan Sales Company [previously named Phelps Dodge Sales Company (PDSC)]  1,279   1,500 
Freeport - McMoRan Corporation  42   153 
Sociedad Contractual Minera Candelaria  12   - 
   2,719   6,397 

20.19. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per common share have been determined as follows:

 2008  2007  2006  2009  2008  2007 
                  
Net income US$718,433,000  US$ 804,685,000  US$ 444,621,000  US$708,528,000  US$718,433,000  US$804,685,000 
Weighted average number of share outstanding  350,056,012   350,056,012   350,056,012  350,056,012  350,056,012  350,056,012 
Basic and diluted earnings per share US$2.05  US$2.30  US$1.27  US$2.02  US$2.05  US$2.30 

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing earnings by the weighted-average number of outstanding shares as of the date of the financial statements.

21.20.Embedded derivative related to price of copper
As is indicated in the note 2(m)2(l), the exposureprice adjustment clauses related to the risk of changes in the market prices of copper and molybdenum, is considered as an embedded derivative and it is related to market contracts signed with the customers.

As of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the provisional estimated liquidations (in copper and molybdenum pounds) were as follow:

     As of December 31, 2008         As of December 31, 2009 
Metal 
Pounds
payable
(000)
 
Maturity
2009
 Provisional pricing  
Forward
pricing
  
Fair
value
  
Pounds
payable
(000)
 
Maturity
2010
 
Provisional
pricing
  
Forward
pricing
  
Fair
value
 
     US$  US$  US$(000)      US$  US$  US$(000) 
Copper                          
Concentrate 230,739 January to May Between 1.34 and 3.84  Between 1.38 and 1.40  247,590   141,112 January to May Between 2.83 to 3.17  Between 3.34 to 3.35   61,914 
Cathode 15,659 January 1.40  1.38  322   14,329 January 3.14  3.33   2,787 
Molybdenum  1,293 January to February Between 12.013 and 28.38  9.50   7,123   389 January 10.97  11.75   59 
               255,035              64,760 

 
F-154F-130

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)(continued)

     As of December 31, 2007         As of December 31, 2008 
Metal 
Pounds
payable
(000)
 
Maturity
2008
 Provisional pricing  
Forward
pricing
  
Fair 
value
  
Pounds
payable
(000)
 
Maturity
2009
 
Provisional
pricing
  
Forward
pricing
  
Fair
Value
 
     US$  US$  US$(000)      US$  US$  US$(000) 
Copper                          
Concentrate  202,593 January to April Between 3.01 and 3.63  Between 3.01 and 3.63   50,246   192,598 January to May Between 1.34 to 3.54  Between 1.38 to 1.40  (247,590)
Cathode  11,950 January 2.965  2.99   (480)  15,659 January 1.40  1.38  (322)
Molybdenum  1,293 January to February Between 12.013 and 28.38  9.50   (7,123)
               49,766              (255,035)

The final pricing that the Company estimated as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 waswere prices based on London Metal Exchange information.

22.21.FinancialObjectives and policies of financial risk management
The Company’s activities are exposed to different financial risks: market risk (including, foreign currency riskrisks, the main risks that could adversely affect the Company financial assets and liabilities or future cash flows are: the risk arising from changes in market prices of minerals),minerals, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit risk and liquiditycapital risk.  The Company’s financial risk management program focuses on mitigating potential adverse effects on its financial performance.

The Company’s Management understandknows the conditions prevailing in the market and based on its knowledge and experience, manages the risks which are summarizes as follow.  Moreover, the following note also includes a sensitivity analysis that is intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes in market variables on the Company’s financial statements and show the impact on profit or loss and shareholders’ equity, where applicable.  Financial instruments affected by market risk include cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and embedded derivative related to foreign currency, creditprice of copper.

The sensitivity has been prepared for years ended December 31, 2009 and liquidity.2008 using the amounts of debt and other financial assets and liabilities held as at those reporting dates.

It is the Company’s policy that no trading in derivatives for speculative purposes shall be undertaken.  The most important aspectsCompany does not currently apply any form of hedge accounting.

The Board of Directors reviews and agrees policies for the managementmanaging each of these risks which are summarized below:

 (a)Market risk -
Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices.  Market prices comprise two types of risk: the risk arising from changes in market prices of minerals and interest rate risk.  Financial instruments affected by market risk include loans and borrowings, deposits and derivative financial instruments.

The sensitivity analyses in the following section are related to the position as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The sensitivity analyses have been prepared on the basis that the amount of their financial instruments in foreign currency is all constant.

F-131

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Commodity price risk -
The international prices of copper and molybdenum have a material impact on the Company´s operating results.  These prices are affecting by economy global changes.  Generally, copper and molybdenum producers are unable to influence these prices directly, but the Company´s profitability is influenced through Management´s effective control on their cost and efficiency of their operations.

The Company manages this risk through the use of selling commitments with customers.  The Company has not hedged its exposure to price fluctuation.

Embedded derivative related to price of copper –
The Company assigned a provisional sales value to copper sales that are subject to future settlement agreement in accordance with the terms specified in the relevant sales contracts.  Exposure to changes in metal prices generates an embedded derivative which is required to be bifurcated from the host contract.  At period end, the provisional sales are adjusted based on an estimated price for the quotation period agreed in the contract. The provisional sales adjustment is recorded as an increase or decrease of the net sales.  See note 2(l).

The table below summarizes the effect on profit before income tax and workers’ profit sharing by changes in the price of trading on the fair value of derivative financial instruments. This analysis is based on the assumption that copper price has increased or decreased by 10% while all other variables are held constant.  For the scenario of 2009, were considered positives prices between US$/lb 3.67 to 3.69 (US$/lb 1.52 to 1.54 in the year 2008); whereas for the negative scenario were considered prices between US$/lb 3.00 to 3.02 (US$/lb 1.25 to 1.26 in the year 2008).

Effect on profit
before income tax
and workers´profit
sharing
US$(000)
2009
Increase in copper and molybdenum international quotes48,453
Decrease in copper and molybdenum international quotes(48,561)
2008
Increase in copper and molybdenum international quotes28,636
Decrease in copper and molybdenum international quotes(28,636)

Interest-rate risk -
The Company’s exposure to this risk arises from changes in the interest rates in its financial instruments and liabilities. The Company does not hold as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 financial instruments subject to a fixed interest rate.  Among financial assets, the Company has high-grade securities convertible in cash with variable rate, and which is not expected to incur in losses associated with interest risk rate.

(b)Liquidity risk -
Liquidity risk arises from situations in which cash might not be available to pay obligations at maturity date and at a reasonable cost. The Company maintains adequate liquidity by properly managing the maturities of assets and liabilities to satisfy unexpected liquidity requirements.

(b)Currency Risk -
Cerro Verde sells cathode and copper and molybdenum concentrate to recognized companies in the mining sector worldwide.  In addition, the Company currently has the possibility to obtain funds from financial institutions if it is required to meet its contractual obligations. The Company buys, sells its products, obtains working capital facilities and makes investments denominated in U.S. dollars.  Thefollowing table shows the maturities of assets and liabilities maintained in currencies different fromon the U.S. dollar (Nuevos Soles) are not significant.  Management estimates thatgeneral balance as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

F-132

Notes to the future exchange rate fluctuations of Peruvian currency versus the U.S dollar will not significantly affect the results of the Company’s future operations.Financial Statements (continued)
  
On
demand
  
Less tan 3
months
  
3 to 12
months
  
1 to 5
years
  Total 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
As of December 31, 2009               
Trade accounts payable  -   38,167   1,631   -   39,798 
Other accounts payable  -   10,532   68,703   57,952   137,187 
Total  -   48,699   70,334   57,952   176,985 
  
On
demand
  
Less tan 3
months
  
3 to 12
months
  
1 to 5
years
  Total 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
As of December 31, 2008               
Trade accounts payable (embedded derivative related to Price of copper is included)  -   333,905   3,006   -   336,911 
Other accounts payable  -   14,297   41,795   75,544   131,636 
Total  -   348,202   44,801   75,544   468,547 

     (c)Credit Risk -
The Company’s exposure to credit risk arises from counterparty’s inability to fully pay committed amounts at maturity. maturity and the failure of third parties in transactions of cash and cash equivalents, which is limited to the balance accounts in banks and financial institutions and trade accounts receivable at the date of the general balance. To manage this risk, the Company has a treasury policy set, which only allows the deposit of surplus funds in highly rated institutions, by establishing conservative credit policies and through a constant evaluation of market conditions.  Consequently, the Company expects to incur losses on accounts involving potential credit risks.

The financial assets of the Company that are exposed to potential credit risk mainly are comprised of balances deposited in banks, restricted cash for the water plant, marketable securities and trade accounts receivable. The balances of these items held as of December 31, 20082009 and 20072008 represent the maximum exposure to credit risk.

F-155


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)

 (d)Price Risk -The concentration of credit risk also exists when economic changes occur in industry or geographical, that affect in the same way to third parties, which adds a risk exposure to the Company.  In this sense, the Company´s customer portfolio is focused mainly on customer residing abroad, and as of December 31, 2009, the 3 major customers of the Company represent approximately 85 per cent of sales (3 customers accounted 73 per cent of sales in 2008).  Two of these clients are related to the Company and have a solid financial structure.

The Companycredit risk is exposedlimited to the riskbook value of changesfinancial assets on the general balance date, which consists primarily in the market prices of minerals.cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable from third parties and trade accounts receivable from affiliates.  The Company has decided to accept the risk of changes in the market prices of minerals, and has not hedged its exposure to price fluctuation.credit risk.

23.(d)Capital management -
The objective is to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for stakeholders and maintain an optimal structure that would reduce the cost of capital.

The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions.  To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new shares.  No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the years ending 31 December 2009 and 2008.

F-133

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
22.Fair value of financial instruments
CurrentFair value is defined as the amount for an asset could be exchanged or liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction, assuming an on – going enterprise.

When a financial instrument is traded in an active and liquid market, its quoted market price in an actual transaction provides the best evidence of its fair value.  When a quoted market price is not available, or may not be indicative of the fair value of the instrument, to determine such fair value, the current market value of another instrument that is substantially similar, discounted cash flow analysis or other estimation techniques may be used, all of which are significantly affected by assumptions used.  Although Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  As a result, the fair value may not be indicative of the net realizable or liquidation value.

The methodologies and assumptions used depend on the terms and feature risk of each financial instrument.  For assets and liabilities approximatewith a less than three months maturity, they have been considered as cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable from third parties, trade accounts from affiliate, trade accounts payable, trade accounts payable from affiliate and other accounts payable, their fair values are not significantly different from their carrying values.

Based on the criteria described above, no significant differences were identified, between the carrying value due to the short-term maturitiesand fair value of these financial instruments.  No additional long-term financial instruments were maintained by the Company.as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

24.23.Mineral reserves (unaudited)
As of December 31, 20082009 and 2007,2008, the Company’s proven mineral reserves are:

 MT (000)  Grade  MT (000)  Grade 
 2008  2007  2008  2007  2009  2008  2009  2008 
                        
Mineral for leaching 287,751  309,402  0.46  0.44  243,780  287,751  0.43  0.46 
Mineral for milling 2,734,830  1,456,232  0.37  0.44  2,809,085  2,734,830  0.40  0.37 

Production in thousands of poundsmetric tons was as follows:

 2008  2007  2009  2008 
            
Cathodes 194,531  203,595  206,514  194,531 
Concentrate 499,955  390,632  455,112  499,955 

Average London Metals Exchange price per metric ton:

  2008  2007 
  US$  US$ 
Copper  6,952   7,126 

F-156


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)
  2009  2008 
  US$  US$ 
       
Copper  5,164   6,952 

25.Subsequent event
On January 27, 2009, the Company announced that due to the current market conditions, molybdenum production will be curtailed beginning in the second quarter of 2009.

26.24.Summary of significant differences between accounting principles followed by the Company and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Peruvian GAAP which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.  The effects of these differences are reflected in Note 2725 and are principally related to the items discussed in the following paragraphs:

F-134

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
 (a)Accounting differences -
Income tax
Income tax
Peruvian GAAP – Under IAS I, Presentation of Financial Statements, deferred tax assets and liabilities are always classified as non-current assets or liabilities.
Peruvian GAAP – Under paragraph 70 of IAS I, Presentation of Financial Statements, deferred tax assets and liabilities are always classified as non-current assets or liabilities.

Additionally, under local GAAP, current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rate applicable to undistributed profits and thus the income tax consequences of dividends are recognized when a liability to pay the dividend is recognized.

U.S.GAAP – Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are classified in accordance with the classification of the underlying items which generated such assets and liabilities.
U.S.GAAP – Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are classified in accordance with the classification of the underlying items which generated such assets and liabilities.

The Company measures current and deferred tax assets and liabilities at the applicable tax rate. With respect to the income tax consequences of basis differences of undistributed earnings, the Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities at the applicable tax rate based on its tax planning strategies.  Due to the change in controlling shareholder in 2007, the Company reassessed certain of its tax planning strategies and, as a result, the Company recorded deferred income tax liabilities related to certain undistributed earnings.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASBS statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in the application of the income tax laws to the Company’s operation. The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Workers' profit sharing
Peruvian GAAP − Workers' profit sharing expense (income) is separately presented in the statements of income in a similar way as income tax expense (income). Also, deferred workers' profit sharing asset (liability) is separately presented in the balance sheets in a similar way as deferred income tax assets (liabilities).

F-157


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)

U.S. GAAP − In accordance with Peruvian law, workers’ profit sharing is limited to 18 times an employee’s monthly average salary.  The excess of calculated statutory workers’ profit sharing is paid to the Peruvian government and is treated as an additional tax.   The Company’s practice is to recognize the workers' profit sharing to employeesexpense (income) as part of operating cost and the excess profit sharing contributions, which are paid to the government, is recognized as part of current income tax. Also, deferred workers' profit sharing assets (liabilities) shall be classified as current or non−current based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting purposes.

Mine development cost
Peruvian GAAP − Stripping costs incurred in mine preparation through December 31, 1999 are included as mine development cost in the balance sheet and are amortized based on the mineral extracted until 2006.  The balance of these deferred costs was written off in 2007.  Stripping costs incurred in the operation phase as from 2000 are charged to the cost of production.

U.S. GAAP − Stripping costs incurred in the operation phase are charged to the cost of production as incurred.

 (b)Differences in presentation -
Presentation of voluntary contributions
Peruvian GAAP − Voluntary contribution amounting to US$48,674,00027,608 is presented as part of operating expenses.

U.S. GAAP − Voluntary contribution amounting to US$48,674,00027,608,000 must be presented as part of cost of sales in the income statement.

 
F-158F-135

 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)(continued)

Presentation of debt issuance costs
Peruvian GAAP − Debt issuance costs amounting to US$18,333,000 as of December 31, 2006 are shown net from related debt.

U.S. GAAP − Debt issuance costs amounting to US$18,333,000 as of December 31, 2006 are shown as part of the current assets.

27.25.Reconciliation between net income and shareholders'shareholders’ equity determined under Peruvian GAAP and U.S. GAAP
The following is a summary of the adjustments to net income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 2007 and 20062007 and to shareholders' equity as of December 31, 20072009, 2008 and 20062007 that would be required if U.S. GAAP had been applied instead of Peruvian GAAP in the financial statements:

 2008  2007  2006 
 US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000)  2009  2008  2007 
          US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Net income under Peruvian GAAP 718,433  804,685  444,621  708,528  718,433  804,685 
Items increasing (decreasing) reported net income                        
Deferred income tax -  (239,764) -  -  -  (239,764)
Amortization of mine development cost -  13,672  1,277  -  -  13,672 
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing  -   (4,867)  (455)  -   -   (4,867)
Net adjustments  -   (230,959)  822   -   -   (230,959)
Net income under U.S. GAAP  718,433   573,726   445,443   708,528   718,433   573,726 
Basic and diluted income per share under U.S. GAAP  2.05   1.64   1.27   2.02   2.05   1.64 

  2008  2007  2006 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
          
Shareholders’ equity according to the financial statements under Peruvian GAAP  1,324,175   1,445,742   1,261,057 
Items increasing (decreasing) reported shareholder’s equity            
Deferred income tax  (239,764)  (239,764)  - 
Amortization of mine development cost  -   -   (13,672)
Deferred income tax and workers’ profit sharing  -   -   4,867 
Shareholders’ equity according to the financial statements under U.S. GAAP  1,084,411   1,205,978   1,252,252 

F-159


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)
  2009  2008  2007 
  US$(000)  US$(000)  US$(000) 
Shareholders’ equity according to the financial statements under Peruvian GAAP  1,446,093   1,324,175   1,445,742 
Items increasing (decreasing) reported shareholder’s equity            
Deferred income tax  (239,764)  (239,764)  (239,764)
Shareholders’ equity according to the financial statements under U.S. GAAP  1,206,329   1,084,411   1,205,978 

The following is a roll forward of the components of shareholders’ equity under U.S.GAAP:

  US$(000) 
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at January 31, 2006806,809
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP445,443
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 200601, 2007  1,252,252 
Paid dividends  (620,000)
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP  573,726 
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2007  1,205,978 
Paid dividends  (840,000)
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP  718,433 
Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP at December 31, 2008  1,084,411 
Paid dividends(450,000)
Premium capital distribution(215,000)
Recovery of dividends paid in excess in 200878,390
Net income in accordance with US.GAAP708,528
1,206,329

F-136

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements:
The Accounting Standards Codification -
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) established the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the single source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be applied by nongovernmental entities. The ASC is a new structure which took existing accounting pronouncements and organized them by accounting topic. Relevant authoritative literature issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and select SEC staff interpretations and administrative literature was also included in the ASC. All other accounting guidance not included in the ASC is non-authoritative. The ASC was effective for interim quarterly periods beginning July 1, 2009. The adoption of the ASC did not result in a change in the Company´s accounting principles.

SFAS No.Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (formerly FAS 157 “FairFair Value MeasurementsMeasurement)
On January 1, 2008 the Company adopted SFAS No.FAS 157 “FairFair Value Measurements FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,”Measurement (subsequently codified within ASC 820) which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities.  SFAS No. 157This guidance does not require any new fair value measurements under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); rather this statement establishes a common definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 157ASC 820 for financial and non-financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis effective.  The following table list the financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value and the valuation method used and the balance as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:

CategoryValuation Method
Balance December 31, 2008
asset/(liability)
Money marked funds, see note 4(b)Quoted market pricesUS$ 460,173,000
Embedded derivatives, see note 21Quoted market pricesUS$ (255,035,000)

F-160


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)

28.Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurements-
In February 2008, FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years.  The Company does not expect the impact of this new pronouncement to be significant.

Business Combinations −
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R) which amends SFAS No. 141, and provides revised guidance for recognizing and measuring identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, liabilities assumed, and any no controlling interest in the acquire. It also provides disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  The adoption of SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is January 1, 2009 or later and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is prohibited.

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements − an amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS No. 160) − which establishes accounting and reporting standards pertaining to ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of net income attributable to the parent and to the no controlling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of any retained no controlling equity investment when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS No. 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the no controlling owners.  SFAS No. 160 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009 with early adoption prohibited. This statement is required to be adopted prospectively, except for the following provisions, which are expected to be applied retrospectively: (i) the reclassification of noncontrolling interests to equity in the consolidated balance sheets and (ii) the adjustment to consolidated net income to include net income attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests.

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities -
In March 2008, FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS No. 161 amends the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities contained in SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Under SFAS No. 161, entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and related interpretations and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. SFAS No. 161 encourages, but does not require disclosure for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 will not affect significantly the Company’s accounting for derivative financial instruments; however, the Company is currently evaluating the impact on its related disclosures.

F-161


Notes to the Financial Statements (continue)

Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments -
In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2, FAS 124-2 and EITF 99-20-2, “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments”, which provides enhanced guidance on recognition and presentation.  This FSP substantially changed accounting requirements for how to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary-impairment  (OTTI) and how to present impairment loss it in the statement of income and comprehensive income.  This FSP is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The Company has not  evaluated the impact, if any, of this new pronouncement.
Category Valuation Method 
Balance as of
December 31, 2009 
asset/(liability)
  
Balance as of
December 31, 2008 
asset/(liability)
 
         
Money market funds, see note 4(b) Quoted market prices US$199,855,000  US$460,173,000 
Embedded derivatives, see note 20 Quoted market prices US$64,760,000  US$(255,035,000)

Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly - -
On 9 April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, FSP-FAS 157-4: Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP 157-4 or the FSP). FSP 157-4 amends FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (Statement 157 or the Statement)(subsequently codified in ASC 820) was issued in order to provide additional guidance on estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability.   The FSPASC 820 also provides additional guidance on circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly.  This rule is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively.  The adoption of the FSP had not impacted on the Company´s 2009 financial reporting and disclosures.

Subsequent Events -
In May 2009, the guidance for subsequent events was updated to establish accounting and reporting standards for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The update sets forth: (i) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, (ii) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet in its financial statements, and (iii) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements. This guidance is effective for the Company’s interim period beginning June 30, 2009.  The Company has not evaluatedalso adopted the subsequent amendment issued as ASU 2010-09. The adoption had no impact if any,on the Company’s financial position, results of this new pronouncement.operations or cash flows.

F-137

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
26. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Fair Value Measurements and Accounting -
In January 2010, Accounting Standards Update 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820), Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements ASU 2010-06 amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to require a number of additional disclosures regarding fair value measurements, including the amount of transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the reasons for transfers in or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and activity for recurring Level 3 measures. In addition, the amendments clarify certain existing disclosure requirements related to the level at which fair value disclosures should be disaggregated and the requirement to provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of assets or liabilities classified as Levels 2 or 3. Effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after 15 December 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after 15 December 2010 and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.
 
F-162F-138


Exhibit Index

Exhibit No. Document Description
   
1.1 By-Laws (Estatutos) of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., as amended April 30, 2002 (incorporated by reference from Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on June 25, 2003).
   
1.2 By-Laws (Estatutos) of Minera Yanacocha S. R. L., as amended October 18, 1999 (incorporated by reference from Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on June 25, 2003).
4.1 
Shareholders Agreement among SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands B.V., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, Summit Global Management B.V., CompañCompañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., Cyprus Climax Metals Company, Phelps Dodge Corporation and Sociedad Minera Cerno Verde S.A.A. dated June 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference from CompañCompañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005, filed on June 6, 2006).
4.2 
Term Loan Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2008, among CompañCompañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., as borrower, CompañCompañía de Minera Condesa S.A., as guarantor, Banco de Credito del Peru, as administrative agent, Banco de Credito del Peru, as collateral agent, and each lender party thereto (incorporated by reference from CompañCompañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on July 15, 2008).
   
4.3 
Consent and Amendment, dated as of January 23, 2009 by and among CompañCompañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., as borrower, CompañCompañía de Minera Condesa S.A., as guarantor, Banco de Credito del Peru, as administrative agent, Banco de Credito del Peru, as collateral agent, and each lender party thereto. †thereto (incorporated by reference from Compañia de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on June 5, 2009).
   
11 Code of Conduct and Ethics (incorporated by reference from Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.  Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on June 25, 2003).
   
12.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
   
12.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
   
13.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
   
13.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. †
 

 
† Filed herewith.