Yanacocha Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Yanacocha at the dates and for each of the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Yanacocha’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20172018 and 20182019 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2018,2019, or the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements. The report of Paredes, Burga & Asociados S. Civil de R.L. (a member firm of EY Global) on the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 20172018 and 20182019 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 20182019 appears elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected financial information for Yanacocha as of December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2016,2017, and for the years ended December 31, 20142015 and 20152016 has been derived from consolidated statements of financial position, consolidated statements of profit or loss and consolidated statements of other comprehensive income, respectively, which are not included in this Annual Report. Yanacocha’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014, were audited by Gaveglio, Aparicio y Asociados Sociedad Civil de Responsabilidad Limitada, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited. Yanacocha’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 20182019 were audited by Paredes, Burga & Asociados S. Civil de R.L. (a member firm of EY Global)Ernst & Young Global Limited). The Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which differs in certain respects from U.S.GAAP, as indicated in Notes 24 and 25 to the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements.IASB. The operating data presented below, which are based on 100% of Yanacocha’s production and reserves, are derived from Yanacocha’s records and have not been subject to audit. The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha,” the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report. . 

Cerro Verde Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Cerro Verde as of the end of and for each of the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Cerro Verde’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 20172018 and 20182019 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2018,2019, or the Cerro Verde Financial Statements. The selected financial information as of December 31, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 20162017 and for the years ended December 31, 20142015 and 20152016 have been derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report. The report of Paredes, Burga & Asociados S. Civil de R.L. (a member firm of EY Global)Ernst & Young Global Limited ) on Cerro Verde’s financial statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Cerro Verde Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP, as indicated in Note 24 and Note 25 to the Cerro Verde Financial Statements. The operating data presented below, which are based on 100% of Cerro Verde’s production and reserves, are derived from Cerro Verde’s records and have not been subject to audit. The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde,” the Cerro Verde Financial Statements and the related Notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

Factors Relating to the Company

Our financial performance is highly dependent on the performance of our partners under our mining exploration and operating agreements.

Our participation in joint venture mining exploration projects and mining operations with other experienced mining companies is an integral part of our business strategy. Our partners, co-venturers and other shareholders in these projects generally contribute capital to cover the expenses of the joint venture or provide critical technological, management and organizational expertise. The results of these projects can be highly dependent upon the efforts of our joint venture partners and we rely on them to fulfill their obligations under our agreements. For example, our Yanacocha joint venture with Newmont Mining Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or “Newmont Mining,” depends on Newmont Peru Limited, Peruvian Branch, or “Newmont Peru,” to provide management and other expertise to the Yanacocha project. If our counterparts do not carry out their obligations to us or to third parties, or any disputes arise with respect to the parties’ respective rights and obligations, the value of our investment in the applicable project could be adversely affected and we could incur significant expenses in enforcing our rights or pursuing remedies. We cannot assure you that our current or future partners will fulfill their obligations under our agreements. In addition, we may be unable to exert control over strategic decisions made in respect of such properties. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Exploration.”

Our financial performance is highly dependent on the prices of gold, silver, copper and other metals.

The results of our operations are significantly affected by the market price of specific metals, which are cyclical and subject to substantial price fluctuations. Our revenues and the revenues of Yanacocha, in which we have a material equity investment, are derived primarily from the sale of gold and silver and the revenues of Cerro Verde, in which we have a material equity investment, are derived primarily from copper sales. The prices that we, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde obtain for gold, silver, copper and ore concentrates containing such metals, as applicable, are directly related to world market prices for such metals. Such prices have historically fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including (i) the overall demand for and worldwide supply of gold, silver, copper and other metals; (ii) levels of supply and demand for a broad range of industrial products; (iii) the availability and price of competing commodities; (iv) international economic and political trends; (v) currency exchange fluctuations (specifically, the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies); (vi) expectations with respect to the rate of inflation; (vii) interest rates; (viii) actions of commodity markets participants; and (ix) global or regional political or economic crises.

We have in the past engaged in hedging activities, such as forward sales and option contracts, to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in the prices of gold, silver and other metals; however, we and our wholly-owned subsidiaries no longer hedge the price at which our gold and silver will be sold. In the case of El Brocal, we use derivative instruments to manage its exposure to changes in the base metal prices. In addition, neither Yanacocha nor Cerro Verde engages in hedging activities. As a result, the prices at which we, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde sell gold, silver, copper and ore concentrates, as applicable, are fully exposed to the effects of changes in prevailing market prices. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For information on gold and silver prices for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2018,2019, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Sales of Metal Concentrates.”

On December 31, 20182019 and March 29, 2019,2020, the morning fixing price for gold on the London Bullion Market was US$1,271.10 1,523 per ounce and US$1,291.151,605 per ounce, respectively. On December 31, 20182019 and March 29, 2019,2020, the afternoon fixing spot price of silver on the London market, or “London Spot,” was US$15.055 18.045 per ounce and US$15.10013.930 per ounce, respectively. On December 31, 20182019 and March 29, 2019,2020, the London Metal Exchange Settlement Price for copper was US$ 5,9646,156 per ton and US$6,4854,797 per ton, respectively.

The world market prices of gold, silver and copper have historically fluctuated widely. We cannot predict whether metal prices will rise or fall in the future. A continued decline in the market price of one or more of these metals could adversely impact our revenues, net income and cash flows and adversely affect our ability to meet our financial obligations. If prices of gold, silver and/or copper should decline below our cash costs of production and remain at such levels for any sustained period, we could determine that it is not economically feasible to continue production at any or all of our mines. We may also curtail or suspend some or all of our exploration activities, with the result that our depleted reserves are not replaced. This could further reduce revenues by reducing or eliminating the profit that we currently expect from reserves. Such declines in price and/or reductions in operations could cause significant volatility in our financial performance and adversely affect the trading prices of our Common Shares and ADSs.

An outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, such as COVID-19 (coronavirus), could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations are subject to risks related to outbreaks of infectious diseases. For example, the recent outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19 (coronavirus), a virus causing potentially deadly respiratory tract infections originating in China, has already and will continue to negatively cause further volatility in prices of precious metals. Additionally, a severe market disruption will likely entail decreased demand for our products and otherwise impact our operations and the operations of our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. The Peruvian Government has issued a series of executive decrees declaring a national emergency and significantly restricting general circulation throughout the country.

In accordance with these restrictions and within the framework of the Company’s pandemic response plan, we have limited our operations to those which are strictly necessary to ensure that our mine pumping systems, water treatment plants, energy supply, hydroelectric substations, health services and overall minimum safety conditions remain in place. Other than in respect of these minimum back-up operations, as of the date of this annual report, our mining processing facilities are completely halted. The Company intends to immediately resume operations once it receives notice from the authorities that restrictions have been lifted. The ultimate severity of the Coronavirus outbreak is uncertain at this time and therefore we cannot predict the impact it may have on the world, the Peruvian economy, international financial markets, or ultimately on our financial condition, results of operations, production, sales, margins and cash flow from operations, our access to debt markets, covenants compliance, asset impairments, among others.

Economic, mining and other regulatory policies of the Peruvian government, as well as political, regulatory and economic developments in Peru, may have an adverse impact on our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s businesses.

Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s activities in Peru require us to obtain mining concessions or provisional permits for exploration and processing concessions for the treatment of mining ores from the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (the “MEM”). Under Peru’s current legal and regulatory regime, these mining and processing rights are maintained by meeting a minimum annual level of production or investment and by the annual payment of a concession fee. A fine is payable for the years in which minimum production or investment requirements are not met. Although we are, and Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have informed us that they are, current in the payment of all amounts due in respect of mining and processing concessions, failure to pay such concession fees, processing fees or related fines for two consecutive years could result in the loss of one or more mining rights and processing concessions, as the case may be.

Mining companies are also required to pay the Peruvian government mining royalties and/or mining taxes. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Mining Royalties and Taxes.” We cannot assure you that the Peruvian government will not impose additional mining royalties or taxes in the future or that such mining royalties or taxes will not have an adverse effect on our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s results of operations or financial condition. Future regulatory changes, changes in the interpretation of existing regulations or stricter enforcement of such regulations, including changes to our concession agreements, may increase our compliance costs and could potentially require us to alter our operations. We cannot assure you that future regulatory changes will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Environmental and other laws and regulations may increase our costs of doing business, restrict our operations or result in operational delays.

Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s exploration, mining and milling activities, as well our and Yanacocha’s smelting and refining activities, are subject to a number of Peruvian laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations.

Additional matters subject to regulation include, but are not limited to, concession fees, transportation, production, water use and discharges, power use and generation, use and storage of explosives, surface rights, housing and other facilities for workers, reclamation, taxation, labor standards, mine safety and occupational health.

We anticipate additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters. The development of more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru could impose constraints and additional costs on our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s operations and require us, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde to make significant capital expenditures in the future. Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance, and Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have advised us that they are substantially in compliance, with all applicable environmental regulations, we cannot assure you that future legislative or regulatory developments will not have an adverse effect on our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s business or results of operations. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Environmental Matters” and “—Permits” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—B. Business Overview—Environmental Matters.”

Our and Yanacocha’s ability to successfully obtain key permits and approvals to explore for, develop and successfully operate mines will likely depend on our and Yanacocha’s ability to do so in a manner that is consistent with the creation of social and economic benefits in the surrounding communities. Our and Yanacocha’s ability to obtain permits and approvals and to successfully operate in particular communities or to obtain financing may be adversely impacted by real or perceived detrimental events associated with our and Yanacocha’s activities or those of other mining companies affecting the environment, human health and safety or the surrounding communities. Delays in obtaining or failure to obtain government permits and approvals may adversely affect our and Yanacocha’s operations, including our and Yanacocha’s ability to explore or develop properties, commence production or continue operations.

Our metals exploration efforts are highly speculative in nature and may not be successful.

Precious metals exploration, particularly gold exploration, is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and is frequently unsuccessful. We cannot assure you that our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s metals exploration efforts will be successful. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling before production is possible, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable ore reserves through drilling, to determine metallurgical processes to extract the metals from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities. As a result of these uncertainties, we cannot assure you that our or Yanacocha’s exploration programs will result in the expansion or replacement of current production with new proven and probable ore reserves.

We base our estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs largely on the interpretation of geologic data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques and feasibility studies. Advanced exploration projects have no operating history upon which to base estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs. Such estimates are, to a large extent, based upon the interpretation of geologic data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques, feasibility studies which derive estimates of cash operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body, expected recovery rates of the mineral from the ore, comparable facility and equipment operating costs, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors. As a result, it is possible that actual cash operating costs and economic returns based upon proven and probable ore reserves may differ significantly from those originally estimated. Moreover, significant decreases in actual over expected prices may mean reserves, once found, will be uneconomical to produce. It is not unusual in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the start-up phase. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Our Properties—Reserves,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties—Reserves” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde—A. Operating Results” for the price per ounce used by us, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde, respectively, to calculate our respective proven and probable reserves.

Increased operating costs could affect our profitability.

Costs at any particular mining location frequently are subject to variation due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, changing metallurgy and revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities, such as fuel and electricity, as well as by the price of labor. Commodity costs are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. Reported costs may be affected by changes in accounting standards. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability.

Our business is capital-intensive and we may not be able to finance necessary capital expenditures required to execute our business plans.

Precious metals exploration requires substantial capital expenditures for the exploration, extraction, production and processing stages and for machinery, equipment and experienced personnel. Our estimates of the capital required for our projects may be preliminary or based on assumptions we have made about the mineral deposits, equipment, labor, permits and other factors required to complete our projects. If any of these estimates or assumptions change, the actual timing and amount of capital required may vary significantly from our current anticipated costs. In addition, we may require additional funds in the event of unforeseen delays, cost overruns, design changes or other unanticipated expenses. We may also incur debt in future periods or reduce our holdings of cash and cash equivalents in connection with funding future acquisitions, existing operations, capital expenditures or in pursuing other business opportunities. Our ability to meet our payment obligations will depend on our future financial performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors, many of which we are unable to control. There can be no assurance that we or Yanacocha will generate sufficient cash flow or that we will have access to sufficient external sources of funds in the form of outside investment or loans to continue exploration activities at the same or higher levels than in the past or that we will be able to obtain additional financing, if necessary, on a timely basis and on commercially acceptable terms.

Estimates of proven and probable reserves are subject to uncertainties and the volume and grade of ore actually recovered may vary from our estimates.

The proven and probable ore reserve figures presented in this Annual Report are our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s estimates, and there can be no assurance that the estimated levels of recovery of gold, silver, copper and certain other metals will be realized. Such estimates depend on geological interpretation and statistical inferences or assumptions drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be materially inaccurate. Actual mineralization or formations may be different from those predicted. As a result, reserve estimates may require revision based on further exploration, development activity or actual production experience, which could materially and adversely affect such estimates. No assurance can be given that our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s mineral resources constitute or will be converted into reserves. Market price fluctuations of gold, silver and other metals, as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, may render proven and probable ore reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and may ultimately result in a restatement of proven and probable ore reserves. Moreover, short-term operating factors relating to the reserves, such as the processing of different types of ore or ore grades, could adversely affect our or Yanacocha’s profitability in any particular accounting period. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Our Properties—Reserves” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties—Reserves.”

We and Yanacocha may be unable to replace reserves as they become depleted by production.

As we and Yanacocha produce gold, silver, zinc and other metals, we and Yanacocha deplete our respective ore reserves for such metals. To maintain production levels, we and Yanacocha must replace depleted reserves by exploiting known ore bodies and locating new deposits. Exploration for gold, silver and the other metals produced is highly speculative in nature. Our and Yanacocha’s exploration projects involve significant risks and are often unsuccessful. Once a site is discovered with mineralization, we and Yanacocha may require several years between initial drilling and mineral production, and the economic feasibility of production may change during such period. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable reserves and to construct mining and processing facilities. There can be no assurance that current or future exploration projects will be successful and there is a risk that our depletion of reserves will not be offset by new discoveries. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Exploration,” “—Yanacocha—B. Business Overview—Environmental Matters,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Our Properties,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Reserves,” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde—A. Operating Results” for a summary of our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s estimated proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2018.2019.

Our operations are subject to risks, many of which are not insurable.

The business of mining, smelting and refining gold, silver, copper and other metals is generally subject to a number of risks and hazards, including industrial accidents, labor disputes, unavailability of materials and equipment, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, changes in the regulatory environment, environmental hazards and weather and other natural phenomena such as earthquakes, most of which are beyond our control. Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mining properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability. We, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde each maintain insurance against risks that are typical in the mining industry in Peru and in amounts that we, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde believe to be adequate but which may not provide adequate coverage in certain circumstances. No assurance can be given that such insurance will continue to be available at economically feasible premiums or at all. Insurance against certain risks (including certain liabilities for environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production) is not generally available to us or to other companies within the industry.

Increases in equipment costs, energy costs and other production costs, disruptions in energy supply and shortages in equipment and skilled labor may adversely affect our results of operations.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mining activity worldwide in response to increased demand and significant increases in the prices of natural resources. The opening of new mines and the expansion of existing ones have led to increased demand for, and increased costs and shortages of, equipment, supplies and experienced personnel. These cost increases have significantly increased overall operating and capital budgets of companies like ours, and continuing shortages could affect the timing and feasibility of expansion projects.

Energy represents a significant portion of our production costs. Our principal energy sources are electricity, purchased petroleum products and natural gas. An inability to procure sufficient energy at reasonable prices or disruptions in energy supply could adversely affect our profits, cash flow and growth opportunities. Our production costs are also affected by the prices of commodities we consume or use in our operations, such as sulfuric acid, grinding media, steel, reagents, liners, explosives and diluents. The prices of such commodities are influenced by supply and demand trends affecting the mining industry in general and other factors outside our control and such prices are at times subject to volatile movements. Increases in the cost of these commodities or disruptions in energy supply could make our operations less profitable, even in an environment of relatively high copper, gold or silver prices. Increases in the costs of commodities that we consume or use may also significantly affect the capital costs of new projects.

We may be adversely affected by labor disputes.

Our ability to achieve our goals and objectives is dependent, in part, on maintaining good relations with our employees. A prolonged labor disruption at any of our material properties could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. We, Compañía Minera Coimolache S.A., or “Coimolache,” Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have all experienced strikes or other labor-related work stoppages in the past.

As of December 31, 2018,2019, unions represented approximately 39% of the employees25% of our mining companiesand our subsidiaries’ employees on a consolidated basis. Although we consider our relationship with our employees to be positive, there can be no assurance that we will not experience strikes or other labor-related work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and/or operating results in the future.

Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s operations are subject to political and social risks.

Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s exploration and production activities are potentially subject to political and social risks. Over the past several years, we and Yanacocha have been the target of local political protests. In recent years, certain areas in the south and northern highlands of Peru with significant mining developments have experienced strikes and protests related to the environmental impact of mining activities. Such strikes and protests have resulted in commercial disruptions and a climate of uncertainty with respect to future mining projects. As a result of local political and community protests, construction and development activities at the Conga project were largely suspended in November 2011. The results of the Peruvian Central Government’s Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) independent review were reported on April 20, 2012. The review indicated the project’s EIA met Peruvian and international standards. The review made recommendations to provide additional water capacity and social funds, which Yanacocha has largely accepted. Yanacocha announced the decision to advance the project on a “water-first” basis on June 22, 2012. In the first half of 2014, a Conga restart study was completed to identify and test alternatives to advancing development of the project. Following this assessment, a new plan was developed to reduce spending to focus only on the most critical work (protecting people and assets, engaging with communities and maintaining existing project infrastructure), while maintaining optionality. Newmont Mining will not proceed with the full development of the Conga project without social acceptance, solid project economics and, potentially, another partner to help defray costs and risk. It is difficult to predict when or whether such events may occur. Under the current social and political environment, we do not anticipate being able to develop the Conga project in the foreseeable future. The continued delay and evaluation of other alternatives may result in a potential accounting impairment or further reclassification of mineralized material.

During 2018,2019, thePeruvian Central Governmentcontinued to support responsible mining as a vehicle for the growth and future development of Peru. However, we are unable to predict whether thePeruvian Central Governmentwill continue to take similar positions in the future. The regional government of Cajamarca and other political parties have actively opposed the Conga project in the past. We cannot predict future positions of either thePeruvian Central Governmentor regional governments towards foreign investment, mining concessions, land tenure or other regulation, or the impact that these positions or changes in law may have on Yanacocha or Conga. Such changes may include increased labor regulations, environmental and other regulatory requirements, and additional taxes and royalties. We may also be exposed to protests, community demands and road blockages. Any change in government positions or laws on these issues could adversely affect the assets and operations of Yanacocha or Conga, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position. Additionally, the inability to develop Conga or operate at Yanacocha could have an adverse impact on our growth and production in the region.

We cannot assure you that these types of incidents will not continue or that similar incidents will not occur in areas in which we and Yanacocha operate, or that the continuation or intensification of community protests will not adversely affect our or Yanacocha’s exploration and production activities or our or Yanacocha’s results of operations or financial condition.

In addition, during 2011, Peru enacted Law No. 29785, the Law of Prior Consultation for Indigenous and Native Communities (Ley del Derecho a la Consulta Previa a los Pueblos Indígenas y Originarios, Reconocido en el Convenio 169 de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo). Implementing regulations thereunder were approved by Supreme Decree No. 001-2012-MC, which became effective on April 2, 2012. This law establishes a prior consultation procedure that the Peruvian government must undertake in concert with any local indigenous communities whose collective rights may be directly affected by new legislative or administrative measures, including the granting of new mining concessions. The implementing regulations specify the form and circumstances of the required consultation and the manner in which agreements will be formalized, and cap the consultation process at 120 calendar days. Under the law, the Peruvian governmental body responsible for issuing or approving the administrative measure or decree in question, rather than the affected local indigenous community, retains the right to approve or reject the relevant legislative or administrative matter following such consultation. However, to the extent that any future projects operated by us, Yanacocha or Cerro Verde require legislative or administrative measures that impact local indigenous communities, the required prior consultation procedure may result in delays, additional expenses or failure to obtain approval for such new project.

We could face geotechnical challenges, which could adversely impact our production and profitability.