Agnico Eagle Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results; Production Guidance Increased for 2018 and 2019; Nunavut Development Projects Continue to Advance as Planned; Drilling Extends Amaruq Mineralization at Depth

 

Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

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

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2018 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM, TSX:AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today reported quarterly net income of $17.1 million, or $0.07 per share, for the third quarter of 2018.  This result includes non-cash foreign currency translation gains on deferred tax liabilities and non-recurring tax gains of $11.8 million ($0.05 per share) and non-cash foreign currency translation gains, mark-to-market adjustments and derivative gains on financial instruments of $4.1 million ($0.01 per share).  Excluding these items would result in adjusted net income¹ of $1.2 million or $0.01 per share for the third quarter of 2018.  In the third quarter of 2017, the Company reported net income of $72.5 million or $0.31 per share.

Included in the third quarter of 2018 net income, and not adjusted above, is non-cash stock option expense of $3.8 million ($0.02 per share).

In the first nine months of 2018, the Company reported net income of $67.0 million, or $0.29 per share.  This compares with the first nine months of 2017, when net income was $203.3 million, or $0.89 per share.

In the third quarter of 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $137.6 million ($155.0 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), as compared with the third quarter of 2017 when cash provided by operating activities was $194.1 million ($207.9 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).

In the first nine months of 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $465.4 million ($495.1 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), as compared with the first nine months of 2017 when cash provided by operating activities was $600.6 million ($629.9 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).

The decrease in net income and cash provided by operating activities during the current quarter compared to the prior year period was mainly due to lower gold sales volumes, lower realized gold prices, lower by-product revenue and expected higher costs at several operations, principally at LaRonde, Kittila and the Company's Mexican operations.  Lower gold sales were primarily as a result of the expected lower gold production in the period primarily due to reduced throughput levels at Meadowbank as the mine transitions through the last full year of mining at site.

The decrease in net income and cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the prior year period was mainly due to lower gold sales volumes, lower by-product revenue and expected higher costs at several operations, principally at Meadowbank, Kittila and the Company's Mexican operations, partially offset by higher realized gold prices.  Lower gold sales were primarily as a result of the expected lower gold production in the period primarily due to reduced throughput levels at Meadowbank as described above.

"On the back of another strong operational quarter, we have once again increased our 2018 production guidance.  We now expect to produce approximately 1.60 million ounces, up from our previous forecast of 1.58 million ounces that was announced last quarter. Total cash costs and AISC are expected to be at or slightly below the mid-point of our guidance range", said Sean Boyd, Agnico Eagle's Chief Executive Officer.  "Our Nunavut development projects are progressing well.  Drilling continues to generate positive exploration results from the Amaruq underground deposits and we see potential for a slightly earlier startup at Meliadine.  As a result, we now expect our 2019 gold production to exceed 1.70 million ounces, which was the mid-point of the previous 2019 guidance", added Mr. Boyd.

Third quarter 2018 highlights include:

• Strong quarterly production with stable cost performance continues - Payable gold production² in the third quarter of 2018 was 421,718 ounces at production costs per ounce of $657, total cash costs per ounce³ of $637 and all-in sustaining costs per ounce⁴ ("AISC") of $848
  
  
• Production guidance increased for 2018 and 2019 - Based on strong operational performance, 2018 production guidance is now forecast to be approximately 1.60 million ounces of gold, compared to previous guidance of 1.58 million ounces of gold. Total cash costs per ounce and AISC are expected to be at or slightly below the mid-point of the 2018 guidance range ($625 to $675 per ounce and $890 to $940 per ounce, respectively). Given the positive development progress in Nunavut, 2019 production guidance is now forecast to exceed the mid-point of the current guidance range (1.63 to 1.77 million ounces).  The Company will update its 2019 production guidance in February 2019
  
  
• Meliadine project on budget and slightly ahead of schedule - At the end of September, construction at Meliadine was 89% completed and underground development was proceeding as planned with the first production stope in the drilling phase. Commissioning of the process plant is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2019, followed by the expected commencement of commercial production in the second quarter of 2019
  
  
• Amaruq project continues to advance on schedule and on budget for 2018 - Expansion of the haulage road and exterior construction activities are scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018. The first ore is expected to be mined early in the second quarter of 2019. Initial production from the Whale Tail deposit is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019
  
  
• Drilling at Amaruq continues to expand known mineralized zones at depth, further highlighting the potential for underground mining - Recent drilling intersected 19.6 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold over 5.6 metres at 656 metres depth, expanding the V Zone westward at depth. A recent confirmation hole in the Whale Tail North deposit returned 19.5 g/t gold over 7.0 metres at 477 metres depth, which could expand the mineral resources outline. High-grade intercepts, such as 14.2 g/t gold over 5.1 metres at 698 metres depth, expands the deep potential of the Whale Tail deposit to the west. Underground ramp development is continuing at Amaruq, and the Company is evaluating potential underground mining scenarios
  
  
• A quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share was declared

 

Third Quarter Financial and Production Highlights

In the third quarter of 2018, strong operational performance continued at the Company's mines, which led to payable gold production of 421,718 ounces, compared to 454,362 ounces in the third quarter of 2017.  In the first nine months of 2018, payable gold production was 1,215,957 ounces, compared to 1,300,321 ounces in the prior-year period.

The lower level of production in the third quarter of 2018 and the first nine months of 2018, when compared with the prior-year periods, was primarily due to reduced throughput levels at Meadowbank as the mine transitions through the last full year of mining at site.  A detailed description of the production of each mine is set out below.

Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 were $657, compared to $578 in the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 were $637, compared to $546 per ounce in the prior-year period.

Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 were $720, compared to $596 in the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 were $647, compared with $547 in the prior-year period.

Production costs per ounce and total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 and the first nine months of 2018, when compared to the prior-year periods, were negatively affected by lower gold production levels at Meadowbank and higher costs at several mines, partially offset by the weakening of local currencies against the U.S. dollar.  In addition, total cash costs per ounce were negatively affected by lower by-product revenues.

AISC in the third quarter of 2018 were $848 per ounce, compared to $789 in the prior-year period.  The higher AISC when compared to the prior-year period is primarily due to the expected lower gold production and higher total cash costs per ounce compared to the third quarter of 2017.

AISC in the first nine months of 2018 were $885 per ounce, compared to $772 in the prior-year period.  The higher AISC when compared to the prior-year period is primarily due to the same reasons as described above.  A detailed description of the cost performance of each mine is set out below.

Cash Position Remains Strong

Cash and cash equivalents and short term investments decreased to $533.4 million at September 30, 2018, from the June 30, 2018 balance of $721.2 million as a result of the capital spending primarily at the Company's Nunavut projects.

The outstanding balance on the Company's credit facility remained nil at September 30, 2018.  This results in available credit lines of approximately $1.2 billion, not including the uncommitted $300 million accordion feature.

Approximately 54% of the Company's remaining 2018 Canadian dollar exposure is hedged at an average floor price of 1.28 C$/US$, of which approximately one third are designated for capital expenditures at Meliadine.  Approximately 49% of the Company's remaining 2018 Mexican peso exposure is hedged at an average floor price of 19.00 MXN/US$.  Approximately 14% of the Company's remaining 2018 Euro exposure is hedged at an average floor price of 1.20 US$/EUR.  The Company's full year 2018 cost guidance was based on assumed exchange rates of 1.25 C$/US$, 18.00 MXN/US$ and 1.20 US$/EUR.  Agnico Eagle anticipates adding to its operating currency hedges, subject to market conditions.

Diesel relating to the Nunavut operations that is expected to be consumed through to July 2019 was purchased during the 2018 sealift season.  As a result, any outstanding diesel hedges were settled in the third quarter of 2018.  Agnico Eagle anticipates opportunistically entering into hedging arrangements with respect to its diesel exposure for future consumption periods, subject to market conditions.

Capital Expenditures

Given the ongoing positive drill results from the deeper portions of the Whale Tail and V-Zone deposits (see the Amaruq section of this news release), and the potential to develop an underground mining scenario at Amaruq, in the third quarter of 2018 the Company began capitalizing underground ramp expenditures at Amaruq, which totalled $8.7 million in the period.  Capital costs for the ramp for the remainder of the year are estimated to be $7.9 million.  Capitalizing these costs is expected to reduce expensed exploration expenditures by $16.6 million for the full year 2018.

Total capital expenditures (including sustaining capital) in 2018 remain forecast to be approximately $1.08 billion.  The additional capital costs for the Amaruq underground ramp are expected to be offset by savings at other projects.  The following table sets out capital expenditures (including sustaining capital) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2018.

 

Revised Guidance for 2018 and 2019 – Production Increased

Based on strong operational performance in the first nine months of the year, 2018 production guidance is now forecast to be approximately 1.60 million ounces of gold, compared to previous guidance of 1.58 million ounces of gold.  Key drivers for the increase in 2018 production guidance includes the extension of production at Lapa to December 2018, higher grades at Meadowbank in the third quarter of 2018 and higher throughput and grades at Canadian Malartic in the first nine months of 2018.

Total cash costs per ounce and AISC are expected to be at or slightly below the mid-point of the 2018 guidance range ($625 to $675 per ounce and $890 to $940 per ounce, respectively).  Given the positive development progress in Nunavut, 2019 production guidance is now forecast to exceed the mid-point of the current guidance range (1.63 to 1.77 million ounces).  The Company will update its 2019 production guidance in February 2019.

2018 Tax Guidance

The Company anticipates the overall effective tax rate for 2018 to be at the previous guidance of approximately 45% for the full year 2018.

As previously outlined in the Company's news release dated February 14, 2018, the Company expects its effective tax rates by jurisdiction for the full year 2018 to be:

Canada - 40% to 50%
Mexico - 35% to 40%
Finland - 20%

Dividend Record and Payment Dates for the Fourth Quarter of 2018

Agnico Eagle's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per common share, payable on December 14, 2018, to shareholders of record as of November 30, 2018.  Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Please see the following link for information on the Company's dividend reinvestment plan: Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Third Quarter 2018 Results Conference Call and Webcast Tomorrow

The Company's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 11:00 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company's financial and operating results.

Via Webcast:

A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website www.agnicoeagle.com.

Via Telephone:

For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191.  To ensure your participation, please call approximately ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

Replay Archive:

Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 8096137.  The conference call replay will expire on November 25, 2018.  The webcast, along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.

NORTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

ABITIBI REGION, QUEBEC

Agnico Eagle is currently Quebec's largest gold producer with a 100% interest in the LaRonde, Goldex, Lapa and LaRonde Zone 5 mines and a 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine.  These mines are located within 50 kilometres of each other, which provides operating synergies and allows for the sharing of technical expertise.

LaRonde Mine – Implementing Technologies to Support Future Automated Mining Activities

The 100% owned LaRonde mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in 1988.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to slightly higher labour costs (due to an increase in the Company's employees versus contractors), higher underground costs, lower tonnage and the timing of unsold concentrate inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and lower production.

Minesite costs per tonne⁵ in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to slightly higher labour costs, higher underground costs and lower tonnage.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower production and lower by-product metal revenues.

Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnage and lower grades resulting from the mining sequence.

 

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to slightly higher labour costs, higher underground costs, lower tonnage and the timing of unsold concentrate inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to slightly higher labour costs, higher underground costs and lower tonnage.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production and by-product metal revenues.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher grades resulting from the mining sequence in the western pyramid in the lower part of the mine.

Drilling is ongoing at LaRonde 3 with a focus on mineral resource conversion to mineral reserves.  The Company continues to evaluate a phased approach to development between level 311 (a depth of 3.1 kilometres) and level 350 (a depth of 3.5 kilometres). The Company is also studying the best design approaches to LaRonde 3 and the current western pyramid with consideration of potential seismic risk in the deeper portion of the mine.

Following the successful deployment of the LTE network at LaRonde Zone 5, the Company is installing a similar network at the LaRonde mine.  Full coverage below level 269 is expected to be in place by the end of 2018, and the technology will be evaluated for use at LaRonde 3.

The Company is also evaluating the potential to develop Zone 11-3, which is at depth in the past producing Bousquet 2 mine.  This zone currently hosts an indicated mineral resource of approximately 126,000 ounces of gold (824,800 tonnes grading 4.76 g/t gold), and could provide additional production flexibility for the LaRonde complex.

LaRonde Zone 5 – New Production Fleet Commissioned; Operations Continue to Ramp Up

In 2003, the Company acquired the LaRonde Zone 5 project ("LZ5").  The property lies adjacent to and west of the LaRonde complex and previous operators exploited the deposit by open pit.  In February 2017, LZ5 was approved by Agnico Eagle's Board of Directors for development.  Commercial production was achieved on June 1, 2018.

In the third quarter of 2018, mining continued at LZ5 with ore processed in July and ore stockpiled at surface in August and September as the mill processed ore from Lapa.

                               

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 were $148.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 were $1,607.  Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 were C$85.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 were $897.  Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 was 3,823 ounces of gold.

                               

Production costs per tonne in the nine months of 2018 were $79.  Production costs per ounce in the nine months of 2018 were $791.  Minesite costs per tonne in the nine months of 2018 were C$85.  Total cash costs per ounce in the nine months of 2018 were $842.  Gold production in the nine months of 2018 was 8,424 ounces of gold.

Mining will continue at LZ5 over the balance of 2018, but in order to maximize production (tonnage and ounces), ore from LZ5 will be batch processed with ore from Lapa until the end of 2018.  Currently stockpiled ore from LZ5 is expected to be processed in October and November.

Productivity at LZ5 is slightly better than forecast.  Dilution and mining recovery are slightly better than anticipated while mill recovery is higher than forecast.

The LZ5 full production fleet was commissioned in the third quarter of 2018 (two trucks and one scoop tram).  Pilot testing of automated mining is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2018 for both trucks and the scoop tram.

Under the current LZ5 mine plan, a total of approximately 350,000 ounces of gold are expected to be mined through 2026.  The Company is evaluating the potential to extend operations at depth and along strike onto the Ellison property, which adjoins LZ5 to the west.  Ellison hosts an indicated mineral resource of 68,000 ounces (651,000 tonnes grading 3.25 g/t gold) as of December 31, 2017.

Canadian Malartic Mine – Strong Operational Performance Driven By Higher Grades

In June 2014, Agnico Eagle and Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") acquired Osisko Mining Corporation and created the Canadian Malartic General Partnership (the "Partnership").  The Partnership owns and operates the Canadian Malartic mine in northwestern Quebec through a joint management committee.  Each of Agnico Eagle and Yamana has an indirect 50% ownership interest in the Partnership.  All volume numbers in this section reflect the Company's 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine, except as noted.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs for contractors, fuel and tires, partially offset by higher throughput levels.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due higher production, partially offset by higher contractor and fuel costs.

Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput levels and higher grades, partially offset by slightly lower gold recoveries.

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs for contractors, fuel and tires, partially offset by higher throughput levels.  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 were the same when compared to the prior-year period as the increase in costs described above were offset by higher production.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput levels and higher grades, partially offset by slightly lower gold recoveries.

Work on the Barnat extension project is proceeding on budget and on schedule.  Work is primarily focused on the highway 117 road deviation, overburden stripping and tailings expansion.  Production activities at Barnat are scheduled to begin in late 2019.

As part of ongoing stakeholder engagement, Canadian Malartic is in discussions with four First Nations groups concerning a potential memorandum of understanding, which is expected to also include a financial component.  As with the Good Neighbour Guide and other community relations efforts at Canadian Malartic, the Company is working collaboratively with stakeholders to establish cooperative relationships that support the long-term potential of the mine.

Lapa – Operations Expected to Extend to December of 2018

The 100% owned Lapa mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in May 2009.

 

In the third quarter of 2018, the Lapa mill processed ore for 61 days as the mine approaches the end of operations, therefore, the operating statistics in the above table are not meaningfully comparable to the prior-year period.

 

In the first nine months of 2018, the Lapa mill processed ore for 134 days as the mine approaches the end of operations, therefore, the operating statistics in the above table are not meaningfully comparable to the prior-year period.

Mining operations at Lapa are forecast to continue to December with ore stockpiled in October and November expected to be processed in December.  As a result, gold production from Lapa for the full year 2018 is now forecast to exceed 30,000 ounces (previous guidance was 25,000 ounces).

Goldex – Extent of South Zone Greater than Expected; Potential for Increased Mining Throughput

The 100% owned Goldex mine in northwestern Quebec began production from the M and E satellite zones in September 2013.  Commercial production from the Deep 1 Zone commenced on July 1, 2017.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher maintenance costs and lower tonnage due to mining transitioning out of the M&E zones and the continuing ramp up of the Deep 1 sector.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher grades.  Throughput levels were lower in the third quarter of 2018 as a result of a 14-day scheduled shutdown at Goldex to update the hoist drive controls, which affected underground operations.  Concurrently, there was a seven-day scheduled shutdown to carry out mill maintenance.  Stockpiled ore was milled during one week of the underground shutdown.

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs relating to contractors, maintenance and consumables, partially offset by higher throughput levels (after deducting development ore tonnage from pre-commercial production at the Deep 1 Zone in the first nine months of 2017).  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production (after deducting pre-commercial ounces in the first nine months of 2017).

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period (after deducting pre-commercial ounces in the first nine months of 2017) due to higher throughput levels.  As stope development in the higher grade Deep 1 area matures through 2018, utilization of the Rail-Veyor system is expected to increase and lead to a reduction in unit costs.

Drilling and development is ongoing in the South Zone, which is accessible from the Deep 1 Zone infrastructure.  The South Zone consists of quartz veins that have higher grades than those in the primary mineralized zones at Goldex.  The Company is evaluating the potential for the South Zone to provide incremental ore feed to the Goldex mill.  Additional development continued at level 106 as a result of better than expected grades, which allows for the potential to increase mining throughput from the South Zone.  A test stope in the South Zone is expected to be mined in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Akasaba West

The Company acquired the Akasaba West gold-copper deposit in January 2014.  Located less than 30 kilometres from Goldex, the Akasaba West deposit could create flexibility and synergies for the Company's operations in the Abitibi region by using extra milling capacity at both Goldex and LaRonde, while reducing overall unit costs.

The Company continues to review the timeline for the integration of the Akasaba West project into the Goldex production profile.  Over a five-year mine life, total production is expected to be approximately 115,000 ounces of gold and 21,000 tonnes of copper at total cash costs per ounce of $550 to $600.

Kirkland Lake Project Update – 2018 Drilling Program Focused on Upper Beaver and Upper Canada

The Kirkland Lake project in northeastern Ontario covers approximately 27,312 hectares, and mineral reserves and mineral resources have been outlined on several properties.  The properties have been owned 100% by Agnico Eagle since March 28, 2018, when the Company completed the acquisition of Yamana's indirect 50% interest in the Canadian exploration assets of Canadian Malartic Corporation that it did not previously own.  Deposits in the Kirkland Lake project include: Upper Beaver, Upper Canada, Anoki and McBean, and Amalgamated Kirkland.

An initial $5.6 million exploration program is underway at Kirkland Lake and drilling commenced in July.  There are currently two rigs working on extending the Upper Beaver deposit at depth, and one rig testing for satellite targets around the Upper Canada deposit.  In the third quarter of 2018, 11,754 metres of drilling (22 holes) was completed.

In addition, the Company is completing a technical review of historical exploration data for the Upper Beaver and Upper Canada deposits, and updating the geological models.  Baseline studies continue at Upper Beaver as well as detailed engineering work and consulting.  The Company is evaluating potential synergies between the Upper Beaver and Upper Canada projects and its other Abitibi operations. 

NUNAVUT REGION

Agnico Eagle has identified Nunavut as a politically attractive and stable jurisdiction with enormous geological potential.  With the Company's Meadowbank mine, two significant development assets (Meliadine and the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank) and other exploration projects, Nunavut has the potential to be a strategic operating platform with the ability to generate strong production and cash flows over several decades.

Meadowbank – Strong Third Quarter Performance Driven By Better than Expected Grade and Throughput

The 100% owned Meadowbank mine in Nunavut, northern Canada, achieved commercial production in March 2010.  The mine produced its two millionth ounce of gold in 2015.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to lower open pit mining costs as a result of the reduced rate of open pit mining activity as the mine transitions through the last full year of mining at site, partially offset by higher re-handling costs.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period as expected due to lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to lower open pit mining costs as a result of the reduced rate of open pit mining activity as the mine transitions through the last full year of mining at site, partially offset by higher re-handling costs and lower throughput levels.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period as expected due to lower gold production.

Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period as expected due to anticipated lower grades and processing ore that was harder than previously anticipated from the Vault pit, which resulted in lower throughput levels.

However, gold production in the third quarter of 2018 was better than the second quarter of 2018 as a result of higher grades and increased tonnage.  During the quarter, mining activities were carried out at both the Vault and Portage deposits and in addition, ore was sourced from the marginal stockpile.  For all three sources of ore, grades were slightly better than expected.  Tonnage was better than expected due to the operation of the secondary crusher and a higher ratio of Portage ore (softer) to Vault ore processed.

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased re-handling costs and lower throughput levels, partially offset by lower open pit mining costs.  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period as expected due to the reasons described above and lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased re-handling costs and lower throughput levels,  partially offset by lower open pit mining costs.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period as expected due to the reasons described above and lower gold production.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period as expected due to anticipated lower grades and processing ore that was harder than previously anticipated from the Vault pit, which resulted in lower throughput levels.

Amaruq Project – Project Continues to Advance on Schedule and on Budget; Exploration Continues to Extend Whale Tail and V Zone Mineralization at Depth

Agnico Eagle has a 100% interest in the Amaruq project, approximately 50 kilometres northwest of the Meadowbank mine.  Amaruq is situated on a 99,878-hectare property, almost adjacent to the 68,735-hectare Meadowbank property.  Development of the Amaruq project was approved in February 2017 by the Company's Board of Directors as a satellite deposit to supply ore to the existing Meadowbank mill.

On July 11, 2018, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada) approved Agnico Eagle's Type A Water Licence for the Whale Tail pit, which had been issued by the Nunavut Water Board on May 30, 2018.  This approval authorized the Company to commence development activities on the Whale Tail pit.

In late July 2018, the Company began construction activities related to the Whale Tail dike and progressive overburden and waste stripping for Phase 1 of the Whale Tail Pit. Other work carried out in the third quarter of 2018 included processing plant modifications, expansion of the haulage road, construction of a permanent camp facility and a new mobile maintenance shop.  Expansion of the haulage road is scheduled to be completed in November 2018 and exterior construction activities are expected to be finished in December 2018.

During the third quarter of 2018, 392 metres of ramp development was carried out.  Year-to-date ramp development is now 870 metres, with a target of 1,210 metres of development for the full year.  The first ventilation raise is also underway.

Given the ongoing positive drill results from the deeper portions of the Whale Tail and V-Zone deposits, and the potential to develop an underground mining scenario at Amaruq, in the third quarter of 2018 the Company began capitalizing underground ramp expenditures at Amaruq, which totalled $8.7 million in the period.  Capital costs for the ramp for the remainder of the year are estimated to be $7.9 million.

The first open pit ore is expected to be mined early in the second quarter of 2019.  Initial production from the Whale Tail deposit is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019.  The Company is evaluating potential underground mining scenarios at Amaruq and an update will be provided with the Company's year-end results in February 2019.

The Whale Tail Expansion permitting process for open pit mining activities at the V Zone and underground commenced on October 15, 2018, with a submission of a Project Description to the Nunavut Planning Commission for screening.  The Company subsequently received a positive notice indicating that the proposal conforms to the Land Use Plan.  The Environmental Assessment addendum related to Whale Tail Expansion will be submitted to the Nunavut Impact Review Board in accordance with the permitting process.

The Amaruq project remains on budget with capital expenditures in 2018 forecast to be approximately $175 million (not including the underground ramp expenditures discussed above).

Exploration Drilling Continues to Expand Known Mineralized Zones at Amaruq

Exploration continues at depth in both the Whale Tail deposit and V Zone, as well as conversion drilling of underground mineral resources close to the planned Whale Tail pit bottom.  In the third quarter of 2018, the Company drilled 29,702 metres in 90 drill holes at the Amaruq project, part of the 67,000-metre exploration drill program in 2018.  The exploration program at the Amaruq project was last reported in the Company's news release dated July 16, 2018.

Selected recent intercepts from the Amaruq project are set out in the table below.  The drill hole collars are located on the Amaruq project local geology map; the pierce points are shown on the Amaruq project composite longitudinal section.  All intercepts reported for the Amaruq project show uncapped and capped grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that is being updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration and conversion drill results from the Whale Tail (WT) deposit and V Zone, Amaruq project

 

[Amaruq Project Local Geology Map]

[Amaruq Project Composite Longitudinal Section]

Whale Tail Deposit Conversion and Deep Exploration

The Whale Tail deposit has been defined over at least 2.3 kilometres of strike length and extends from surface to 915 metres depth.

The conversion drilling program in the third quarter targeted areas beneath the central and western side of the Whale Tail pit, aiming to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves.  The results continue to demonstrate the extension of high-grade mineralization below the proposed pit outline.  The intensive drill program is providing additional information that will be used to further refine the geological and structural models, confirming that there are multiple high-grade intervals.

One area of particular interest is the western part of the Whale Tail ore shoot.  This area has been investigated by two new holes, one drilled from the south and the other from the north, that have led to an update of the structural interpretation.  Hole AMQ18-1849 had four mineralized intercepts, including a significant result of 9.8 g/t gold over 10.2 metres at 257 metres depth, where it ran down-dip along the main folded zone, followed by an interval of 5.2 g/t gold over 8.1 metres at 327 metres depth.  The two intervals are interpreted as parts of the same mineralized lens folded into an S-shape (looking west).  This is expected to lead to a mineral resource with a more continuous outline and, locally, a steeper geometry, approximately 75 to 150 metres beneath the proposed Whale Tail pit.  The results of hole AMQ18-1829, with an intercept of 8.8 g/t gold over 7.8 metres at 257 metres depth in the same area, correspond with the interpretation of the folding of the zone.

Approximately 110 metres east of AMQ18-1849, hole AMQ18-1848 encountered significant gold grades, returning 10.4 g/t gold over 12.0 metres at 186 metres depth, some of which is outside the proposed pit limit.  These results support the interpretation of a thicker folded shape within Whale Tail's main zone in this area.

A series of conversion holes located approximately 50 to 125 metres below the indicated mineral resources centred beneath the proposed Whale Tail pit also demonstrated good continuity of mineralization.  Hole AMQ18-1836 intersected stronger mineralization than anticipated in the iron formation: 5.2 g/t gold over 5.6 metres at 394 metres depth.  Approximately 80 metres to the east, hole AMQ18-1840 had two intercepts: 10.7 g/t gold over 4.3 metres at 327 metres depth and 4.0 g/t gold over 11.3 metres at 349 metres depth.   Another 110 metres farther east, hole AMQ18-1847A also had two intercepts: 8.2 g/t gold over 5.0 metres at 315 metres depth and 7.2 g/t gold over 6.0 metres at 340 metres depth.

The level of confidence in the Whale Tail geological model continues to improve.  Recent drill results could potentially increase the mineral reserve and mineral resources estimate.

Deep exploration drilling continued on the Whale Tail deposit during the third quarter of 2018 using directional drilling.  The main objective was to confirm and extend mineralization beneath the western side of the planned pit at depths ranging from 550 to 700 metres.  Results include hole AMQ18-1830C that highlights the mineral potential toward the west at depth, intersecting 14.2 g/t gold over 5.1 metres at 698 metres depth, approximately 130 metres west of the current inferred mineral resources.  Hole AMQ18-1831 returned 4.2 g/t gold over 5.9 metres at 555 metres depth, while hole AMQ18-1831A returned 6.8 g/t gold over 4.7 metres at 580 metres depth.  These intercepts are approximately 80 and 10 metres, respectively, west of the current inferred mineral resources at this level.  Near the eastern limit of the inferred mineral resources, hole AMQ18-1834 returned 9.1 g/t gold over 5.9 metres at 653 metres depth, confirming significant grade and thickness in this area.

In the Whale Tail North deposit,drill hole AMQ18-1841A returned 19.5 g/t gold over 7.0 metres at 477 metres depth, which could expand the mineral resources outline and improve the grade and thickness locally, along the Whale Tail North structure.  This intercept is approximatively 100 metres north of and slightly above the most strongly mineralized area of Whale Tail's main zone at depth (described in the paragraph above).

The Whale Tail deposit remains open to the west at depth, and to the east along a shallow plunge corresponding to the main ore shoot.  The drill program for the remainder of 2018 will continue to test the Whale Tail deposit and the parallel structure to its north at depth, to expand the mineral resources and continue to convert inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources.

V Zone - Drilling Outlines a Potential New Ore Shoot at Depth

The V Zone consists of a series of parallel stacked mineralized structures striking northeast from near surface to as deep as 656 metres below surface; the dip of the structures is approximately 30 degrees near surface and steepens to 60 to 70 degrees at depth, where there are at least two parallel structures.

A mineralized corridor 100 to 150 metres wide plunging shallowly to the northeast has recently been interpreted as another V Zone ore shoot at depth.  It extends from approximately 350 metres to more than 650 metres depth.  The V Zone ore shoot follows the south limb of a fold in the contact between volcanic and sedimentary rock units, which is a favourable location for mineralization.  The ore shoot was first described in the Company's news release dated July 16, 2018.

In the third quarter of 2018, deep exploration drilling continued to return positive results, particularly along the interpreted V Zone ore shoot.

Two new holes are located within the current inferred mineral resources area, providing important information on the geometry and continuity of the mineralization, particularly within the ultramafic host rock.  They also improve drill spacing in an area where previous drilling has demonstrated the presence of high-grade mineralization associated with a series of stacked parallel quartz veins that tend to steepen at depth.  Hole AMQ18-1845 intersected two intervals: 18.6 g/t gold over 3.0 metres at 436 metres depth and 8.0 g/t gold over 2.9 metres at 451 metres depth.  In addition, hole AMQ18-1845A intersected a single long interval of mineralized quartz vein returning 7.2 g/t gold over 9.4 metres at 491 metres depth.

Hole AMQ18-1856, located between previous drill intercepts, returned two distinct intervals both hosted in sedimentary rock: 5.1 g/t gold over 6.1 metres at 643 metres depth and 19.6 g/t gold over 5.6 metres at 656 metres depth.  This is the deepest intercept released in the V Zone.  Results of drilling to date in this area have the potential to extend the mineral resources in the lowest V Zone structure as much as 100 metres to the west and downward.

The V Zone ore shoot remains open at depth and laterally down-plunge along the favourable folded contact between volcanic and sedimentary rocks.  Additional drilling could result in extension of the high-grade ore shoot to the east and west, as well as better definition of the geometry of these structures by the end of 2018.

Meliadine Project – Boat Sealift Completed, Construction Activities are Slightly Ahead of Schedule and on Budget; Potential to Accelerate Commencement of Production

Located near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, the Meliadine project was acquired in July 2010, and is Agnico Eagle's largest gold deposit in terms of mineral resources.  The Company owns 100% of the 111,358-hectare property.  In February 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved the construction of the Meliadine project.

Underground development and surface construction at Meliadine continued through the third quarter of 2018 and the project remains on budget and slightly ahead of schedule for the commencement of commercial production in the second quarter of 2019. The estimated capital budget for 2018 is unchanged at $398 million.

During the third quarter of 2018, the 2018 boat sealift was largely completed, as was the Rankin Inlet bypass road.  Hauling of materials to site can now proceed on a 24-hour basis.

Third Quarter 2018 Activities

Recent development/construction highlights include:

• At end of the third quarter of 2018, construction was 89% complete
• The filter press and reagents area were completed in the quarter and mechanical testing will be carried out in late October
• The crusher and oxygen plant buildings are enclosed and mechanical installation is underway. Construction of the ore bin silo and thickener are in progress. Crusher installation is expected to be completed by the end of January
• Erection of the paste plant structure is complete and all heavy mechanical equipment is in place
• The paste dump station concrete is complete with civil earthwork for the paste line 85% complete
• Commissioning of the power plant is planned for October
• Mechanical completion of the process plant is still expected in December 2018, with commissioning expected to begin in the first quarter of 2019
• The new hauling fleet added in August and additional bolters, jumbos and emulsion loaders added in September helped to maximize underground productivity. In the third quarter of 2018, approximately 1,860 metres of underground development was completed (6,121 metres completed year-to-date). The main development focus was on the lower levels and Ramp 3
• All fresh air raises have been completed ahead of schedule
• In the third quarter of 2018, approximately 3,372 metres of underground delineation drilling was completed (15,590 metres completed year-to-date), which is in line with budget. All of the stopes that will be mined in 2018 have been delineated, and stope delineation for 2019 is progressing as expected
• Results from the delineation drilling have generally been in line with the block model
• Production drilling for the first stope began on September 19, 2018, ahead of schedule by approximately two weeks. Four stopes are expected to be completed by year-end 2018
• In the second quarter of 2019, the process plant is expected to start up using a 150,000 to 200,000-tonne stockpile of development ore grading approximately 8.5 g/t gold
• Exploration drilling is ongoing to expand and convert mineral resources into mineral reserves in numerous areas of the mine. Additional details will be provided with the Company's year-end results in February 2019

FINLAND AND SWEDEN

Agnico Eagle's Kittila mine in Finland is the largest primary gold producer in Europe and hosts the Company's largest mineral reserves.  Exploration activities continue to expand the mineral reserves and mineral resources and the Company has approved an expansion to add an underground shaft and increase expected mill throughput by 25 percent to 2.0 million tonnes per annum ("mtpa").  In Sweden, the Company has a 55 percent interest in the Barsele exploration project.

Kittila – Record Quarterly Mill Throughput in the Third Quarter of 2018

The 100% owned Kittila mine in northern Finland achieved commercial production in 2009.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to higher throughput levels.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reason described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reason described above.

Despite record quarterly mill throughput, gold production in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower grades and recoveries.  The lower grade resulted from a delay in accessing higher grade stopes due to a re-prioritization of underground development.  Mining development is back on schedule; however, grades are expected to remain slightly below guidance for the remainder of 2018 primarily due to the mining sequence.  The lower grades are expected to be partially offset by higher throughput levels.

Recoveries were slightly below guidance in the third quarter of 2018 due to higher than expected thiocyanate concentrations in the reclaim water pond, higher amounts of active carbon in the ore and lower grade.  Thiocyanate levels have declined during the summer months and a new water treatment strategy is being developed to address this issue.

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput levels.  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the strengthening of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the strengthening of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower grades and recoveries, as described above.

An eight to ten-day scheduled autoclave shutdown is scheduled for late October.

In February 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved an expansion to increase throughput rates at Kittila to 2.0 mtpa from the current rate of 1.6 mtpa.  This expansion includes the construction of a 1,044-metre deep shaft, a processing plant expansion as well as other infrastructure and service upgrades over a period from 2018 to 2021.

The expansion project is expected to increase the efficiency of the mine and decrease or maintain current operating costs while providing access to the deeper mining horizons.  In addition, the shaft is expected to provide access to the mineral resources located below 1,150 metres depth, where recent exploration programs have shown promising results.

The Kittila shaft/mill expansion is progressing on schedule and on budget.  Major contracts are in place, mobilization is complete and permitting is underway.  Shaft raise boring for the first 325 metres was completed in August, and slashing is expected to start at the end of October.

Phase 1 of the mill expansion remains on schedule and on budget.  Engineering was finalized in the third quarter of 2018, and civil and structural work has begun.  The first mill tie-ins are expected to be completed during a scheduled mill shutdown in the spring of 2019.  Structural work continues on the Rimpi paste plant, and the underground paste line will be started in the fourth quarter of 2018.  The Rimpi paste plant is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

Capital expenditures for the expansion project in 2018 remain on budget at €21 million.

Drilling Continues to Infill and Expand the Roura Main Zone and Sisar Top and Central Areas

In the third quarter of 2018, exploration drilling at Kittila continued with 17 holes (5,896 metres) drilled in the Sisar Top, Sisar Central, Roura and Rimpi Deep zones.  Sisar is subparallel to and slightly east of the main Kittila mineralization.

Selected recent drill results are set out in the table below and drill-hole collar coordinates are set out in the Appendix of this news release.  Pierce points are shown on the Kittila Composite Longitudinal Section.  All intercepts reported for the Kittila mine show uncapped grades over estimated true widths, based on a current geological interpretation that is being updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Sisar and Roura zones at the Kittila mine

 

[Kittla Composite Longitudinal Section]

Drilling continues into the Roura area from the exploration ramp.  Recent intercepts have confirmed the Main Zone and the Sisar Top Zone mineral reserves and mineral resources in the northern part of the Roura area, between 885 and 1,125 metres depth.  Drilling targeted the Roura-Rimpi gap area in the Main and Sisar zones.

In the Main Zone, hole ROU18-603 returned 5.4 g/t gold over 3.7 metres at 1,009 metres depth and hole ROU18-604 returned 5.5 g/t gold over 3.1 metres at 1,042 metres depth; the same hole intersected another lens approximately 20 metres to the east grading 3.7 g/t gold over 10.5 metres at 1,061 metres depth.  These three intercepts confirm the Main Zone in the area.  Approximately 50 metres to the south, hole ROU18-616 intersected the Main Zone grading 5.1 g/t gold over 3.5 metres at 1,009 metres depth.

Three exploration holes drilled from the same platform on the exploration ramp intersected the Sisar Zone over a 240-metre range of depths.  Hole ROU18-606 returned 4.5 g/t gold over 5.7 metres at 886 metres depth, while hole ROU18-611 returned 4.4 g/t gold over 4.0 metres at 1,124 metres depth.  Approximately 100 metres to the south, hole ROU18-616 returned 4.6 g/t gold over 7.2 metres at 1,047 metres depth.  These three intercepts confirm the Sisar Zone mineral reserves and mineral resources in this area.

Drilling of the Roura area continues from the exploration ramp with two high-capacity drill rigs. The goal of this drilling is to convert mineral resources into mineral reserves in the Main and Sisar zones between 1,100 to 1,400 metres depth.

Approximately 250 metres to the south of the drill holes described above, hole ROD18-700 intersected 4.3 g/t gold over 3.8 metres at 1,094 metres depth at the Sisar Top Zone.

Another 250 metres southward, three holes have confirmed the Main Zone in this area.  Hole ROD13-002C intersected two lenses of the Roura Main Zone: 4.3 g/t gold over 3.1 metres at 1,053 metres depth and 4.5 g/t gold over 3.6 metres at 1,091 metres depth.  Hole ROD13-002D intersected 5.5 g/t gold over 6.9 metres at 1,070 metres depth, while hole ROD17-002E intersected 6.9 g/t gold over 5.2 metres at 1,106 metres depth.

The 2018 exploration program is budgeted at $9.2 million including 36,000 metres of drilling, focused on extending the Roura and Rimpi zones.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

Agnico Eagle's Southern Business operations are focused in Mexico.  These operations have been a solid source of precious metals production (gold and silver) with stable operating costs and strong free cash flow since 2009.

Pinos Altos – Sinter Underground Development Underway; Access to Mineralization Expected in Q4 2018

The 100% owned Pinos Altos mine in northern Mexico achieved commercial production in November 2009.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels, higher costs associated with underground mining and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and lower by-product revenues.

Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 was essentially unchanged when compared to the prior-year period.

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels, higher costs associated with underground mining and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production and lower by-product revenue.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels.

In 2018, Pinos Altos is transitioning into a predominantly underground mining operation, with associated higher costs.  The development of satellite deposits provides an opportunity to lower unit costs by filling available capacity at the processing and heap leaching facility.  Optimization opportunities are being studied to reduce unit costs.

The Sinter and Cubiro satellite deposits at Pinos Altos continued to advance in the third quarter of 2018.  The Sinter deposit, located approximately 2.0 kilometres northwest of the Pinos Altos mine, will be mined from underground and a small open pit.  At Sinter, underground development has begun; 400 metres of lateral development and ancillary drifts have been completed.  Initial production from Sinter is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2018.

At the Cubiro deposit, located approximately 9.2 kilometres northwest of the Pinos Altos mine, which could potentially supply high-grade ore to the Pinos Altos processing facilities, access road construction was completed in the third quarter of 2018.  Ramp development preparation began in September and 460 metres of underground development is planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2018.  Underground exploration and delineation drilling is expected to commence in 2019.

At Pinos Altos, the Company is currently installing an ore sorting pilot plant with the goal of improving feed grades to the processing facilities.  Testing is expected to begin in late October and continue for approximately six months.  Over this period, samples will be processed from all the ore bodies to determine the merits of implementing the technology in Mexico; similar ore sorting pilot testing is being considered in the Company's other operating regions.

Exploration in the Third Quarter of 2018 Focused on Reyna de Plata Deposit

The Reyna de Plata deposit is an opportunity for another satellite source of ore on the Pinos Altos property, approximately 1,200 metres north of the Oberon de Weber pit.  The Company is studying different mining options to advance the deposit into the Pinos Altos production schedule.  The current exploration program is part of the activities to increase the mineral resources at Reyna de Plata.

Exploration permits were received for the Reyna de Plata deposit in the fourth quarter of 2017, and a drill program commenced in mid-January 2018.  In the third quarter of 2018, exploration included 5,892 metres (48 holes) of step-out drilling to extend the mineral resources beyond the current pit model.  Total drilling in the first nine months of 2018 was 15,144 metres.  Drilling results for Reyna de Plata were last reported in the Company's news release dated July 25, 2018.

Selected recent drill results from the Reyna de Plata deposit are set out in the table below and drill hole coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  The collars are also located on the Pinos Altos Local Geology Map.  All intercepts reported for the Reyna de Plata Zone show uncapped and capped gold and silver grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Reyna de Plata Deposit at the Pinos Altos mine

 

[Pinos Altos Local Geology Map]

The Reyna de Plata deposit lies along the Reyna de Plata Fault, as does the Sinter Zone, approximately 1,740 metres to the northwest.  The Reyna de Plata deposit consists of low-sulphidation epithermal vein-style mineralization over a 2.5-kilometre strike length in an east-west direction, from surface to locally as deep as 250 metres.  The gold and silver mineralization is accompanied by green-clear-white quartz and calcite in veins, stockwork and breccia.

Recent deeper drilling has yielded significant intercepts below the current mineral resources, such as hole RP18-118 that intersected 3.3 g/t gold and 56 g/t silver over 7.3 metres at 193 metres depth.  Approximately 350 metres to the east, hole RP18-141 intersected 2.2 g/t gold and 23 g/t silver over 5.0 metres at 184 metres depth.  These are the deepest intercepts from the Reyna de Plata project to date.

Hole RP18-126 confirms previous drilling in the west side of the deposit, intersecting 1.6 g/t gold and 25 g/t silver over 12.6 metres at 42 metres depth and 3.0 g/t gold and 34 g/t silver over 9.7 metres at 83 metres depth.  Approximately 370 metres to the west, hole RP18-139 intersected 1.8 g/t gold and 30 g/t silver over 17.4 metres at 106 metres depth.

Approximately 1,300 metres east of the currently anticipated pit margin, along the same geological contact that hosts the Reyna de Plata deposit, hole RP18-159 intersected 2.9 g/t gold and 75 g/t silver over 13.9 metres at 40 metres depth, including 6.4 g/t gold and 105 g/t silver over 3.1 metres.  The latter is the highest grade intercept reported from the Reyna de Plata area to date.

The favourable lengths and grades of intercepts from this program appear to extend the mineralization to the west and at depth, while hole RP18-159 represents a new eastern area of potential for more mineral resources in the regional structure.  These results are expected to increase the mineral resources and allow for the conversion to indicated mineral resources at Reyna de Plata in the year-end mineral resources estimate.

Creston Mascota – Bravo Pit Now in Production; Expected to Provide Access to Higher Grade Ore

The Creston Mascota heap leach open pit mine has been operating as a satellite operation to the Pinos Altos mine since late 2010.  In the first nine months of 2018, the mine has been preparing to transition operations to the new Bravo pit and expanding the existing heap leach pad facility.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed and the timing of unsold inventory, and have also been affected by longer hauling distances.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production, lower by-product revenue and the reasons described above.

Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed at lower grades which was as a result of delays in accessing the main Bravo pit.  Mining at the main Bravo pit began in September.  The Company expects to increase production levels and gold grades by early in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed and the timing of unsold inventory, and have also been affected by longer hauling distances.  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the reasons described above.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the reasons described above.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed at lower grades which was as a result of delays in accessing the main Bravo pit as described above.

A new waste rock storage site has been located closer to the Bravo deposit, which is expected to reduce waste haulage costs.  Permits for this new waste dump are expected to be received by the end of 2018.

Work relating to the Phase V heap leach pad expansion was paused from mid-August to late September as a result of the rainy season.  The heap leach pad expansion is ongoing and proceeding on budget with completion now expected in the fourth quarter of 2018.

La India – Heap Leach Optimization Initiatives Completed; Improved Gold Production in the Third Quarter of 2018

The La India mine in Sonora, Mexico, located approximately 70 kilometres northwest of the Company's Pinos Altos mine, achieved commercial production in February 2014.

 

Production costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnage and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the timing of unsold inventory, partially offset by higher gold production .

Minesite costs per tonne in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to lower by-product revenue and the timing of unsold inventory, partially offset by higher gold production.

Gold production in the third quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher grades and plant optimizations.

Optimization work on the La India adsorption, desorption and recovery plant and commissioning of the carbon regeneration kiln were completed in the third quarter of 2018.  These modifications to the plant contributed to the higher gold production in the quarter.

 

Production costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased heap leach costs resulting in a higher consumption of reagents and general materials.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first nine months of 2018 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first nine months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased heap leach costs resulting in a higher consumption of reagents and general materials and lower by-product revenues.

Gold production in the first nine months of 2018 was essentially unchanged when compared to the prior-year period.

Detailed engineering regarding the heap leach expansion is in progress and is expected to be completed by late October, with construction to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018. Completion of the heap leach expansion is expected in the second quarter of 2019.

La India Exploration and Step-out Drilling Focused on El Realito and Chipriona Zones

Mine-site exploration at the La India property in the third quarter of 2018 included 7,400 metres (91 holes) at El Realito, 3,345 metres (36 holes) at Los Tubos, 1,683 metres (18 holes) at El Cochi and 1,571 metres (27 holes) at the Main Zone, totalling 13,999 metres (172 holes); the total mine-site drilling in the first nine months of 2018 was 25,819 metres, which forms a portion of the budget of 26,000 metres for 2018.  Drilling results for the La India property were last reported in the Company's news release dated July 25, 2018.

In addition, regional exploration at the La India property in the third quarter of 2018 included drilling, mapping, surface sampling and metallurgical testing at the Chipriona regional target.  In the third quarter of 2018, Chipriona drilling totalled 7,599 metres (25 holes).  To date, 8,650 metres has been drilled in 2018 (17,232 metres altogether since 2017) with the aim of better understanding the geometry of the mineralized veins along the Chipriona corridor.  Drilling results for the Chipriona target were last reported in the Company's news release dated April 26, 2018.

Nine kilometres northwest of the mine site is the Tarachi deposit where a bulk mineable type of mineralization was previously identified.  Tarachi has indicated mineral resources of 294,000 ounces gold (22.7 million tonnes grading 0.40 g/t gold) and inferred mineral resources of 68,000 ounces gold (6.5 million tonnes grading 0.33 g/t gold) as of December 31, 2017.  The mineral resources at Tarachi are separate from the mineral resources estimate for La India.  A 3,500-metre regional exploration diamond drill program began in early October, aimed at expanding the mineralized zones and testing new prospective areas within the deposit.

Selected recent drill results from the La India property are set out in the table below, and drill-hole collar coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  The collars are located on the La India Mine Local Geology Map.  The intercepts reported for the La India property show uncapped and capped gold and silver grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.  The gold and silver grades reported at the Chipriona Zone are uncapped.

Additional drilling is planned in the Chipriona and Tarachi areas over the remainder of 2018.

Recent exploration drill results from the La India property

 

[La India Local Geology Map]

El Realito Exploration Results

Exploration drilling is defining and extending the mineralization at the El Realito satellite project, which is approximately 1.5 kilometres east of the North and La India zones, to evaluate the potential to increase mineral resources in close proximity to the existing La India mining operations, with encouraging results.  Drilling results for El Realito were last reported in the Company's news release dated July 25, 2018.  The El Realito mineralization is found in northeast-striking subvertical parallel structural corridors of breccia that appear to have acted as conduits, bringing gold and silver mineralization into the favourable subhorizontal volcanic rock layers.

A step-out and exploration drill program at El Realito in the third quarter of 2018 was focused on drilling targets outside the current pit design.  Hole INER18-203 intersected 1.2 g/t gold and 15 g/t silver over 7.4 metres at 30 metres depth in the northwest part of the zone, outside of the current mineral resources area.  The El Realito mineralized system remains open along strike (northeast and southwest) and shows significant potential at depth; parallel mineralized structures have not yet been tested.  The drill program is currently testing extension of the mineralized system in order to expand the mineral resource.

Chipriona Zone

The Chipriona satellite target is located approximately one kilometre north of the North Zone at the La India mine.  Agnico Eagle acquired its 100% interest in the Chipriona property in December 2016.  Mineralization at Chipriona consists of what appears to be structurally controlled gold- and silver-rich veins, stringers and breccias with significant zinc, lead and copper content in sulphides.  Preliminary metallurgical testing is being conducted to determine the potential processing and cut-off grades for this type of mineralization.

Surface mapping and sampling have traced stacked structures within the Chipriona mineralized corridor, which has a width ranging from tens of metres to a few hundred metres over a northwest strike length of at least 2,000 metres; 1,800 metres of this length has been confirmed through drill-testing.  Mineralization has been intersected from surface to a depth of approximately 230 metres.  Significant mineralization has been intersected near surface over substantial widths; this suggests the potential for bulk mining lower-grade mineralization in stockwork zones that surround high-grade feeder zones.

Results from drilling in 2018 have demonstrated the continuity of mineralization in the main veins identified in 2017, as well as the consistency in thickness of the individual veins in the corridor.  Gold grades seem to increase compared to silver grades as the deeper portions of the system are tested.  Hole CHP18-062 intersected 2.4 g/t gold and 98 g/t silver over 37.2 metres at 63 metres depth, including 5.1 g/t gold and 216 g/t silver over 16.5 metres; a second intersection in the same drill hole averaged 1.6 g/t gold and 53 g/t silver over 16.4 metres at 83 metres depth, including 3.6 g/t gold and 121 g/t silver over 4.3 metres.

Other recent results in the area include hole CHP18-061 that intersected 1.3 g/t gold and 8 g/t silver over 15.4 metres at 20 metres depth and 1.5 g/t gold and 50 g/t silver over 16.5 metres at 130 metres depth.  Moving to the northwest, hole CMP18-041 intersected 2.7 g/t gold and 107 g/t silver over 5.5 metres at 222 metres depth; hole CHP18-046 intersected 0.9 g/t gold and 570 g/t silver over 7.8 metres at 92 metres depth; and hole CHP18-056 intersected 0.7 g/t gold and 143 g/t silver over 10.4 metres at 139 metres depth.

Drilling in the Chipriona target during the fourth quarter of 2018 will focus on testing the vertical continuity of mineralization identified during the first phase of the 2018 program, as all mineralized zones are still open at depth.

Santa Gertrudis – Drilling of the North and South Deposits Confirms Historic Mineral Resources with Potential for Expansion; and the Discovery of a Higher-Grade Zone

Agnico Eagle acquired its 100% interest in the Santa Gertrudis gold property in November 2017.  The 42,000-hectare property is located approximately 180 kilometres north of Hermosillo in Sonora, Mexico.

The property was the site of historic heap leach operations that produced approximately 565,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 2.1 g/t gold between 1991 and 2000, and includes substantial surface infrastructure already in place including pre-stripped pits, haul roads, water sources and buildings.

Three favourable geological trends with a potential strike length of 18 kilometres have been identified on the property with limited drilling between deposits.  In addition, the previous owner reported high-grade mineralization along northeast-trending structures.

Drill results for the Santa Gertrudis project were last reported in the Company's news release dated July 25, 2018.  This news release presents the drill results at the project in the third quarter of 2018 using portable and skid-mounted drill rigs, with the purpose of confirming and extending the historic mineral resources (estimated by previous owners) and exploring new concepts.

In the third quarter of 2018, 13,120 metres were drilled in 89 holes mainly in the Becerros, Toro, Escondida, Viviana and Trinidad zones.  The third quarter drilling almost completes 2018's program to validate and confirm the most recent historical mineral resource estimates.  The 2018 exploration program at the project consists of 28,000 metres at a budget of $7.2 million.  Drilling is now focused on mineral resource expansion and exploring new target areas.

Selected recent drill results from the Santa Gertrudis project are set out in the table below, and drill hole coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  Drill collars are also shown on the Santa Gertrudis Project Local Geology Map.  All intercepts reported for the Santa Gertrudis project show uncapped gold grades over an estimated true width and depth of midpoint below surface (metres), based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Selected recent exploration drill results from the Santa Gertrudis project

 

[Santa Gertrudis Project Local Geology Map]

Recent assay results from the Becerros, Toro, Escondida, Viviana and Trinidad zones have confirmed mineralization and the potential for extensions in these areas, as well as the continuity of structurally-controlled feeders.

Exploration drilling in the third quarter of 2018 has discovered the high-grade structurally controlled Centauro Zone, where hole SGE18-067 intersected 7.0 g/t gold over 4.0 metres at 43 metres depth.  Centauro aligns well with, and may represent a projection of, the Camello area (part of Becerros Zone) 300 metres to the west.  Centauro potentially also lies at the intersection of the Corral and Toro trends.

In the Becerros Zone, located approximately 1,000 metres southwest of the Centauro Zone, hole SGE18-068 intersected two intervals that are part of the same mineralized corridor: 1.8 g/t gold over 11.0 metres at 137 metres depth and 2.2 g/t gold over 3.0 metres at 151 metres depth.  The main mineralized corridor that forms the Becerros deposit can now be traced over 1,500 metres strike length.

Four recent infill drill holes intersected the Toro Zone along a strike length of 1,660 metres, showing good correlation with historic drill results.  The recent Toro intercepts include hole SGE18-072 that intersected 2.2 g/t gold over 18.0 metres at 134 metres depth.  Sixteen hundred metres to the southwest, hole SGE18-076 had two intercepts in Toro: 1.1 g/t gold over 4.0 metres at 98 metres depth and 3.3 g/t gold over 11.8 metres at 145 metres depth.  The Toro Zone is located 1,400 metres northwest of the Becerros Zone.

The Escondida Zone is in the northern portion of the project, 2,800 metres northeast of the Toro Zone.  Recent drilling has confirmed the grades and widths of mineralization within the historic mineral resource area, such as hole SGE18-087 that twinned a historic hole, intersecting 1.8 g/t gold over 12.5 metres at 26 metres depth.

Seventeen hundred metres northwest of Toro is the Viviana Zone, where hole SGE18-098 intersected 4.8 g/t gold over 8.9 metres at 89 metres depth.  Approximately 34 metres to its southeast, hole SGE18-102 intersected two mineralized intervals: 3.0 g/t gold over 3.0 metres at 51 metres depth and 0.7 g/t gold over 5.4 metres at 99 metres depth.  Both exploration holes were drilled near the historic Viviana open pit.

At the Trinidad Zone, which is located 2,200 metres north-northeast of the Viviana Zone, recent drill results correlate well with historic drill holes in the area.  Hole SGE18-089 intersected two mineralized intervals: 2.8 g/t gold over 7.0 metres at 30 metres depth (beneath a former open pit mine) and 10.5 g/t gold over 10.0 metres at 38 metres depth (including 19.5 g/t gold over 3.4 metres).  Additional follow-up drilling in this area in 2018 will aim to expand the historic mineral resources.

An additional 5,800 metres of drilling is planned for the rest of 2018.  The Company expects to report its initial mineral resource estimate for Santa Gertrudis in mid-February 2019.

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957.  Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden.  The Company and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales.  Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance

This news release discloses certain measures, including "total cash costs per ounce", "all-in sustaining costs per ounce", "minesite costs per tonne" and "adjusted net income" that are not standardized measures under IFRS.  These data may not be comparable to data reported by other issuers.  For a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial information reported in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, other than adjusted net income, see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measures" below.

The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is reported on both a by-product basis (deducting by-product metal revenues from production costs) and co-product basis (before by-product metal revenues).  The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis is calculated by adjusting production costs as recorded in the consolidated statements of income for by-product revenues, unsold concentrate inventory production costs, smelting, refining and marketing charges and other adjustments, and then dividing by the number of ounces of gold produced.  The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis is calculated in the same manner as the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis, except that no adjustment is made for by-product metal revenues.  Accordingly, the calculation of total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis does not reflect a reduction in production costs or smelting, refining and marketing charges associated with the production and sale of by-product metals.  The total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is intended to provide information about the cash-generating capabilities of the Company's mining operations.  Management also uses this measure to monitor the performance of the Company's mining operations.  As market prices for gold are quoted on a per ounce basis, using the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis measure allows management to assess a mine's cash-generating capabilities at various gold prices.

All-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis are calculated as the aggregate of total cash costs on a by-product basis, sustaining capital expenditures (including capitalized exploration), general and administrative expenses (including stock options) and reclamation expenses, and then dividing by the number of ounces of gold produced.  The all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced on a co-product basis is calculated in the same manner as the all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis, except that the total cash costs on a co-product basis are used, meaning no adjustment is made for by-product metal revenues.  All-in sustaining costs per ounce is used to show the full cost of gold production from current operations.  Management is aware that these per ounce measures of performance can be affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and, in the case of total cash costs per ounce of gold produced on a by-product basis, by-product metal prices.  Management compensates for these inherent limitations by using these measures in conjunction with minesite costs per tonne (discussed below) as well as other data prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Minesite costs per tonne are calculated by adjusting production costs as recorded in the consolidated statements of income for unsold concentrate inventory production costs, and then dividing by tonnes of ore processed.  As the total cash costs per ounce of gold produced can be affected by fluctuations in by‑product metal prices and foreign exchange rates, management believes that minesite costs per tonne provides additional information regarding the performance of mining operations, eliminating the impact of varying production levels.  Management also uses this measure to determine the economic viability of mining blocks.  As each mining block is evaluated based on the net realizable value of each tonne mined, in order to be economically viable the estimated revenue on a per tonne basis must be in excess of the minesite costs per tonne.  Management is aware that this per tonne measure of performance can be impacted by fluctuations in processing levels and compensates for this inherent limitation by using this measure in conjunction with production costs prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Adjusted net income is calculated by adjusting the net income as recorded in the consolidated statements of income for foreign currency translation gains and losses, mark-to-market adjustments, non-recurring gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments.  Management uses adjusted net income to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company and to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results.  Management believes that adjusted net income is a useful measure of performance because foreign currency translation gains and losses, mark-to-market adjustments, non-recurring gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments do not reflect the underlying operating performance of the Company and may not be indicative of future operating results.

Management also performs sensitivity analyses in order to quantify the effects of fluctuating foreign exchange rates and metal prices.  This news release also contains information as to estimated future total cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce and minesite costs per tonne.  The estimates are based upon the total cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce and minesite costs per tonne that the Company expects to incur to mine gold at its mines and projects and, consistent with the reconciliation of these actual costs referred to above, do not include production costs attributable to accretion expense and other asset retirement costs, which will vary over time as each project is developed and mined.  It is therefore not practicable to reconcile these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release has been prepared as at October 24, 2018.  Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements".  When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "could", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "future", "plan", "possible", "potential", "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements include, without limitation: the Company's forward-looking production guidance, including estimated ore grades, project timelines, drilling results, metal production, life of mine estimates, total cash costs per ounce, all-in sustaining costs per ounce, minesite costs per tonne, other expenses and cash flows; the estimated timing and conclusions of technical reports and other studies and evaluations; the methods by which ore will be extracted or processed; statements concerning the Company's plans to build operations at Meliadine, Amaruq and Akasaba West and the Company's expansion plans at Kittila, including the timing, funding, completion and commissioning thereof; statements concerning other expansion projects, recovery rates, mill throughput, optimization and projected exploration expenditures, including costs and other estimates upon which such projections are based; statements regarding timing and amounts of capital expenditures and other assumptions; estimates of future mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral production, optimization efforts and sales; estimates of future capital expenditures and other cash needs, and expectations as to the funding thereof; statements as to the projected development of certain ore deposits, including estimates of exploration, development and production and other capital costs and estimates of the timing of such exploration, development and production or decisions with respect to such exploration, development and production; estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources; statements regarding the Company's ability to obtain the necessary permits and authorizations in connection with its exploration, development and mining operations and the anticipated timing thereof; statements regarding anticipated future exploration; the anticipated timing of events with respect to the Company's mine sites; statements regarding the sufficiency of the Company's cash resources and other statements regarding anticipated trends with respect to the Company's operations, exploration and the funding thereof; and statements regarding the outcome of discussions with First Nations groups.  Such statements reflect the Company's views as at the date of this news release and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Agnico Eagle as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies.  The material factors and assumptions used in the preparation of the forward looking statements contained herein, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the assumptions set forth herein and in management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and the Company's Annual Information Form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with Canadian securities regulators and that are included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2017 ("Form 40-F") filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as well as: that there are no significant disruptions affecting operations; that production, permitting, development and expansion at each of Agnico Eagle's properties proceeds on a basis consistent with current expectations and plans; that the relevant metal prices, foreign exchange rates and prices for key mining and construction supplies will be consistent with Agnico Eagle's expectations; that Agnico Eagle's current estimates of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral grades and metal recovery are accurate; that there are no material delays in the timing for completion of ongoing growth projects; that the Company's current plans to optimize production are successful; and that there are no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environment.  Many factors, known and unknown, could cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.  Such risks include, but are not limited to: the volatility of prices of gold and other metals; uncertainty of mineral reserves, mineral resources, mineral grades and mineral recovery estimates; uncertainty of future production, project development, capital expenditures and other costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; financing of additional capital requirements; cost of exploration and development programs; mining risks; community protests, including by First Nations groups; risks associated with foreign operations; the unfavorable outcome of litigation involving the Partnership; governmental and environmental regulation; the volatility of the Company's stock price; and risks associated with the Company's currency, fuel and by-product metal derivative strategies.  For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that may affect the Company's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, see the AIF and MD&A filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and included in the Form 40-F filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, as well as the Company's other filings with the Canadian securities regulators and the SEC.  Other than as required by law, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.

Notes to Investors Regarding the Use of Mineral Resources

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources

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

Cautionary Note to Investors Concerning Estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources

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

Scientific and Technical Data

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release relating to Quebec operations has been approved by Christian Provencher, Eng., Vice-President, Canada; relating to Nunavut operations has been approved by Dominique Girard, Eng., Vice-President, Nunavut Operations; relating to the Finland operations has been approved by Francis Brunet, Eng., Corporate Director Mining; relating to Southern Business operations has been approved by Marc Legault, Eng., Senior Vice President, Operations - U.S.A. & Latin America; and relating to exploration has been approved by Alain Blackburn, Eng., Senior Vice-President, Exploration and Guy Gosselin, Eng. and P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration, each of whom is a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

The scientific and technical information relating to Agnico Eagle's mineral reserves and mineral resources contained herein (other than the Canadian Malartic mine) has been approved by Daniel Doucet, Eng., Senior Corporate Director, Reserve Development; and relating to mineral reserves and mineral resources at the Canadian Malartic mine contained herein has been approved by Donald Gervais, P.Geo., Director of Technical Services at Canadian Malartic Corporation, each of whom is a "Qualified Person" for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - The SEC permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce.  Agnico Eagle reports mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Best Practice Guidelines for Exploration and Best Practice Guidelines forEstimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, in accordance with NI 43-101.  These standards are similar to those used by the SEC's Industry Guide No. 7, as interpreted by Staff at the SEC ("Guide 7").  However, the definitions in NI 43-101 differ in certain respects from those under Guide 7.  Accordingly, mineral reserve information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies.  Under the requirements of the SEC, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made.  A "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to meet the requirements to designate mineral reserves under Guide 7.  Agnico Eagle uses certain terms in this news release, such as "measured", "indicated", "inferred" and "resources" that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC.

In prior periods, mineral reserves for all properties were typically estimated using historic three-year average metals prices and foreign exchange rates in accordance with the SEC guidelines.  These guidelines require the use of prices that reflect current economic conditions at the time of mineral reserve determination, which the Staff of the SEC has interpreted to mean historic three-year average prices.  Given the current commodity price environment, Agnico Eagle has decided to use price assumptions that are below the three-year averages.

Assumptions used for the December 31, 2017 mineral reserves estimate at all mines and advanced projects reported by the Company

 

NI 43-101 requires mining companies to disclose mineral reserves and mineral resources using the subcategories of "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources".  Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

A mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured and/or indicated mineral resource.  It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined or extracted and is defined by studies at pre-feasibility or feasibility level as appropriate that include application of modifying factors.  Such studies demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified.  The mineral reserves presented in this news release are separate from and not a portion of the mineral resources.

Modifying factors are considerations used to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves.  These include, but are not restricted to, mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.

A proven mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource.  A proven mineral reserve implies a high degree of confidence in the modifying factors.  A probable mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some circumstances, a measured mineral resource.  The confidence in the modifying factors applying to a probable mineral reserve is lower than that applying to a proven mineral reserve.

A mineral resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.  The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a mineral resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.

A measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of modifying factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.  Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.  An indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of modifying factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.  Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.  An inferred mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling.  Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.

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

A feasibility study is a comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option for a mineral project that includes appropriately detailed assessments of applicable modifying factors, together with any other relevant operational factors and detailed financial analysis that are necessary to demonstrate, at the time of reporting, that extraction is reasonably justified (economically mineable).  The results of the study may reasonably serve as the basis for a final decision by a proponent or financial institution to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project.  The confidence level of the study will be higher than that of a pre-feasibility study.

Additional Information

Additional information about each of the mineral projects that is required by NI 43-101, sections 3.2 and 3.3 and paragraphs 3.4(a), (c) and (d) can be found in Technical Reports, which may be found at www.sedar.com.  Other important operating information can be found in the Company's AIF, MD&A and Form 40-F.

 

Appendix

Kittila mine exploration drill collar coordinates of selected holes

 

Reyna de Plata Deposit at Pinos Altos mine exploration drill collar coordinates

 

La India property exploration drill hole collar coordinates

 

Santa Gertrudis project exploration drill hole collar coordinates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

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