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Hochschild Mining PLC
Annual Report 2008

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FY2008 Annual Report · Hochschild Mining PLC
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Hochschild Mining plc

Annual Report & Accounts 2008

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8

Hochschild Mining plc

46 Albemarle Street
London W1S 4JL
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 207 907 2930
+44 (0) 207 907 2931
info@hocplc.com

www.hochschildmining.com 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hochschild Mining is a leading  
underground precious metals  
producer operating in the Americas  
with a primary focus on silver and gold.

Overview
01  How have we performed this year?
02  Why invest in Hochschild?
04  Chairman’s statement

Business review
08  Q&A with the CEO 
11  Strategy
12  Market and geographic overview
14  Operational review
22  Financial review
30  Corporate social responsibility
36  Risk management

Governance
38  Board of directors
39  Senior management
40  Directors’ report
45  Corporate governance report
50  Directors’ remuneration report
55  Statement of directors’ responsibilities
56 

Independent auditor’s report

Financial statements
57  Consolidated accounts
62  Notes to the consolidated accounts
110  Parent company accounts
113  Notes to the parent company accounts

Further information
125  Reserves and resources
129  Production
131  Glossary
132  Shareholder information

Investor relations
For investor enquiries please contact: Jane Flynn, Investor Relations Associate by writing to the London Office address (see below),  
by phone on 020 7907 2933 or by email at jane.flynn@hocplc.com.

Financial calendar
Dividend payments
29 April 2009
Ex-dividend date  
Record date  
1 May 2009
Deadline for return of currency election form   5 May 2009
Final dividend payable  

28 May 2009

Other dates
Annual General Meeting  
Half-yearly results announced  

London Office  
(and Registered Office address) 
46 Albemarle Street  
London    
W1S 4JL 
United Kingdom  

Company Secretary
R D Bhasin

26 May 2009
August 2009

Auditors  
Ernst & Young LLP    
1 More London Place  
London SE1 2AF 
United Kingdom  

Solicitors
Linklaters LLP
One Silk Street
London EC2Y 8HQ
United Kingdom

Forward looking statements
The constituent parts of this Annual Report, including those that make up the Directors’ Report, contain certain forward looking statements, including such statements within 
the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, such forward 
looking statements may relate to matters such as the business, strategy, investments, production, major projects and their contribution to expected production and other 
plans of Hochschild Mining plc and its current goals, assumptions and expectations relating to its future financial condition, performance and results. 

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements typically containing words such as ‘intends’, ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘targets’, ‘plans’, ‘estimates’ and words 
of similar import. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur 
in the future. Actual results, performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining plc may be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements 
expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance or achievements of 
Hochschild Mining plc and current expectations include, but are not limited to, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, competitive conditions, technological 
developments, exchange rate fluctuations and general economic conditions. These factors, risks and uncertainties are further discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report in 
the section entitled Risk Management. Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. 

The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this Annual Report. Except as required by the Listing Rules and 
applicable law, the Board of Hochschild Mining plc does not undertake any obligation to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after 
the date of this Annual Report. Nothing in this Annual Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

Certified as a FSC mixed sources product, 9lives 55 is produced with 
55% recycled fibre from both pre and post-consumer sources, 
together with 45% FSC certified virgin fibre from well managed forest. 
9lives 55 provides the same visual and mechanical performance as 
100% virgin fibre papers and offers excellent environmental attributes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How have we 
performed this year?

$434m

$0.04

Revenue up 42%

Proposed total dividend

16.9moz

153koz

Silver production up 25%

Gold production down 24%

$116.1m

+29%

Cash balance

Capacity up to 10,190 tonnes per day

 p.00

Where indicated, follow  
signposting for further details

Production

Achieved 2008 target of 26 million 
attributable silver equivalent ounces. 

Investments

Investments in Lake Shore Gold, San 
Felipe, Liam, Gold Resource Corporation, 
Mariana Resources and others.

Expansions

Successfully completed capacity 
expansions at Arcata, San José  
and Selene.

Diversification

We now have operations or investments 
in five countries in the Americas: Peru, 
Argentina, Mexico, Canada and Chile.

01
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Why invest in  
Hochschild?

It’s all about potential. Since our IPO in 2006, 
we have met all of our production targets, we 
have doubled throughput capacity, entered new, 
mineral rich countries and delivered solid returns 
for investors. We are committed to delivering long-
term shareholder value and believe that we have 
a unique investment proposition:

 1

 Unrivalled regional knowledge and 
underground mining expertise

 >
 >
 >

Third largest primary silver producer globally 
A developing producer of gold
Experienced and professional management team 

 p.38–39

 2

 An impressive track record with over 40 years’ 
experience in underground mining

 >

 >

Achieved 2007 and 2008 production targets of  
26 million attributable silver equivalent ounces
On track to meet 2009 production target of 28 million 
attributable silver equivalent ounces  

 p.4–7

100%

of production targets achieved 
since IPO in 2006

02
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
Lake Shore

CANADA

Revenue by country

Peru

Argentina

Mexico

20%  

74%  

6%  

Lake Shore Gold

San Felipe

Moris

MEXICO

San Luis
Potosi

El Águila

 3

 A significant and 
diversified asset base

Peru

Ares

Arcata

Capacity – 940 tpd
Silver – 1,538 koz
Gold – 64.16 koz

Capacity – 1,750 tpd
Silver – 9,032 koz
Gold – 24.04 koz

Selene

Pallancata

Capacity – 500 tpd
Silver – 1,579 koz
Gold – 8.50 koz

Capacity – 2,500 tpd
Silver – 4,188 koz
Gold – 16.16 koz

Mexico

Moris

Argentina

San José

Capacity – 3,000 tpd
Silver – 65.07 koz
Gold – 26.85 koz

Capacity – 1,500 tpd
Silver – 4,381 koz
Gold – 54.26 koz

 p.16–18

Revenue by product

Silver

Gold

61%  

39%  

Liam

Azuca

Inmaculada

PERU

Ares

Lima

Pallancata

Arcata

Selene

Encrucijada

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Santiago

CHILE

San José

 Mining operation
 Projects
 Corporate office
 Exploration office 

 4

 Clear and focused strategy for the future

 >

 >

Maximise the potential of our operations by focusing 
on efficiency and rigorous mine planning
Bring into production new and profitable precious 
metals projects in the Americas

 p.11

03
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Chairman’s 
statement

The measures we swiftly implemented at the end 
of last year ensure that we are in a sound financial 
position and well placed to deliver our long-term 
growth strategy.

2008 was a challenging year. The global 
economy was heavily impacted by the 
financial crisis in 2008 and many 
companies struggled to survive. Whilst 
the economic turmoil was certainly 
negative for Hochschild in the short-term, 
it also gave us the opportunity to focus 
on what has always been our priority - to 
produce profitable ounces.

Precious metals prices, particularly silver, 
fell sharply during the second half of the 
year. While other mining companies were 
waiting for prices to adjust, we were 
aggressively making plans to prepare the 
business for future challenges. In 
November, we announced a number of 
measures to ensure that we continued to 
mine profitable ounces, including: 150 
redundancies, a freeze on non-essential 
capex, cuts in our exploration budget 
and the delay of San Felipe, our zinc 
project in northern Mexico. At the end of 
2008 and in the first three months of  
2009, we sold forward 10.7 million ounces 
of our 2009 silver equivalent production 
(comprised of 8.9 million ounces of silver 
and 30 thousand ounces of gold) to 
ensure a more stable cash flow which  
will fund operating capex and future 
M&A initiatives. 

In our forty years as underground miners, 
this is not the first time that we have 
needed to react to volatile precious 
metals prices. The speed at which we 
implemented these changes shows  
that we are well prepared to address 
price volatility. In 2009, prices have 
readjusted and we are now a leaner, 
fitter company, benefiting from an 
improving price environment. 

Revenue for the year increased by 42% to 
$433.8 million whilst operating profit 
decreased by 17% to $86.3 million, mostly 
due to lower realisable silver prices, the 
anticipated decline in average grades at 
Ares and Selene, cost inflation and 
higher treatment charges. As a 
consequence, pre-exceptional EPS has 
decreased from $0.27 to $0.08. Our results 
were also significantly impacted by $45 
million of exceptional items, including an 

impairment of $34.7 million relating  
to fixed assets (Selene, Moris and  
San Felipe). 

We continue to enjoy a healthy balance 
sheet with a year end cash balance of 
$116.1 million. This, in conjunction with 
cash generated from our operations and 
more stable inflows guaranteed by our 
short-term forward sales, will allow us to 
pursue our growth strategy: maximising 
profit through organic growth, exploration 
and carefully selected acquisitions. 

Organic growth 
I am very proud to say that we have 
delivered on all our production targets 
since our IPO in 2006. We produced 26.1 
million silver equivalent ounces in 2008 
and we are now the world’s third largest 
primary silver producer.

Our 2008 production target was set at a 
challenging level and meeting it has not 
been an easy feat in a year when we 
were also expanding three of our six 
operations – Arcata (+46%), Selene 
(+50%) and San José (+100%). All our 
plant expansions were successfully 
completed on time and since the IPO, 
overall production capacity has more 
than doubled. Including Moris, our only 
open pit mine, production capacity has 
increased by 264%. 

As industry costs increased, we had to be 
particularly vigilant with regard to unit 
cost per tonne inflation, which was 
contained at an increase of 14.3%. 
Including Moris, unit cost per tonne was 
flat year-on-year. This has been achieved 
through a mix of strong operational 
management, sound planning and 
efficient procurement.  

Exploration growth 
In addition to the exploration success 
achieved at our existing operations, we 
are also confident about a number of 
projects in our pipeline which are 
delivering positive results. Since January 
2008, our exploration efforts have been 
led by Raymond Jannas, the new Vice 
President of Exploration & Geology who 

26.1m

Attributable silver equivalent  
ounces produced in 2008.

04
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

In June 2008, the Group acquired 100% 
of the San Felipe project, our advanced 
development project in northern Mexico, 
for $51.5 million. As a result of declining 
zinc prices in the second half of the year 
and our commitment to reduce capex, 
in November we decided to delay the 
development of this project. However, we 
remain confident about the long-term 
potential of San Felipe and will continue 
to review the timing of the project.

In Peru, we purchased 50% of Liam, a 
joint venture (JV) with Southwestern 
Resources Corporation (‘Southwestern’). 
Southwestern is a Canadian listed 
mineral exploration company with a 
number of gold, silver and base metals 
projects in southern Peru. The Liam JV 
comprises a 282,000 hectare land 
package in very close proximity to our 
four existing operations. In 2009, we 
entered into a binding agreement to 
acquire the remaining 50% of the Liam JV 
through the purchase of 100% of 
Southwestern, for a total cash 
consideration of $17.5 million. The 
acquisition, which is subject to the 
approval of Southwestern’s shareholders, 
consolidates our position in one of our 
key operational clusters and enables us 
to leverage our existing infrastructure and 
knowledge of the regional geology.

has over 30 years experience in this field 
mainly working in the Americas. 
Raymond is responsible for driving 
forward the exploration effort for the 
Group and developing our pipeline for 
future growth.

Azuca 
Azuca is a 100% owned project located 
in southern Peru, in close proximity to our 
existing operations. In 2008 we identified 
two laterally extensive mineralised vein 
systems which have resulted in the 
development of a significant inferred 
resource totalling 1.8 million metric tonnes 
at 327 g/t Ag and 1.34 g/t Au, containing 
23.3 million silver equivalent ounces. 
Drilling extensions at the Azuca and 
Canela veins look very promising and we 
believe that there is a high probability 
that an additional resource will be 
defined in 2009.

Encrucijada 
Encrucijada, which is located in Chile, is 
a joint venture project with Andina 
Minerals Inc, in which we can earn a 60% 
interest. In 2008 we achieved some 
particularly encouraging results as a 
result of a first-pass core drilling 
programme. The most promising vein 
intercepts include; 1.4mt at 3.87 g/t Au, 
344 g/t Ag (538 g/t Ag equivalent); 1.6mt 
at 2.47 g/t Au, 85 g/t Ag (209 g/t Ag 
equivalent), 0.2mt at 0.9 g/t gold and 
2,378 g/t silver (2,422 g/t silver-equivalent) 
in separate drill holes. In 2009, we plan to 
expand our drilling programme to 
evaluate two new targets. 

M&A growth 
In 2008, we continued to execute our 
cluster consolidation strategy by securing 
bolt-on acquisitions, joint ventures and 
strategic investments in a number of key 
mining districts, investing a total of $254 
million during the year. Our 40% 
investment in Lake Shore Gold is an 
example of this strategy, providing us with 
a phased, low-risk exposure to high-
grade gold deposits in a mineral rich 
region of Canada and adding a new 
cluster to our portfolio. 

2008 
Commitments 

Progress

Production target

Expansions
Arcata   
+46%
San José   +100%
+50%
Selene   

05
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Chairman’s 
statement continued

M&A highlights:

 >
 >
 >
 >
 >

Remaining 30% of San Felipe
40% of Lake Shore Gold
50% of Liam JV 
15% of GRC*
100% of Southwestern  
Resources†

*  10% of GRC was acquired on 26 February 

2009.

†  Agreement signed on 23 March 2009 and is 
subject to the approval of Southwestern’s 
shareholders. 

In Mexico, we entered into a strategic 
alliance with Gold Resource Corporation 
(‘GRC’) and after the year end, we 
increased our ownership interest in GRC 
from 5% to 15%. GRC is a precious metals 
mining company with a number of high 
grade development and exploration 
projects in southern Mexico, including El 
Aguila which is scheduled to begin 
production in 2009.  

We also made an offer to acquire Minera 
Andes or its stake in the San José project, 
in order to ensure that the project would 
be fully financed. Although our offer was 
not accepted, Minera Andes was able to 
meet its obligations at San José by other 
means. We look forward to working with 
Minera Andes to continue to develop the 
operation and realise its full potential.

With a solid balance sheet, we are well 
positioned to benefit from current market 
opportunities and looking forward, we 
expect to continue growing through 
carefully selected M&A. 

Responsible mining 
Efficient operations can only be achieved 
through good community support and 
we are dedicated to maintaining the 
highest standards of corporate and 
social responsibility. We are committed to 
the safety of all our employees and have 
made significant progress over the past 
year. In 2008, we reduced our accident 
frequency rate by 24% compared to 2007. 
Nonetheless, it is with deep regret that I 
report one mine fatality in 2008. We are 
addressing the underlying safety 
deficiencies that led to the occurrence of 
this tragic event. 

The impact of market conditions on our 
full year results means that the 8% profit 
sharing that our Peruvian employees are 
entitled to under Peruvian law will be 
lower and this is creating a challenge for 
us. As announced on 23 March 2009, 
mining industry workers in Peru in general 
are expecting profit sharing to remain at 
similar levels to previous years and, as a 
result, there has been industrial action at 
our four Peruvian operations. The 
stoppage is not currently impacting our 
full year production target and we 
remain confident that a negotiated 
solution can be reached.

Update:
I am pleased to say that the  
industrial action in Peru was swiftly 
resolved after four days of negotiations 
and did not impact our full year 
production target. The end of the 
industrial action was announced 
to the market on 27 March 2009.

Board changes  
During the year, we announced the 
appointments of Miguel Aramburú, CEO 
and Ignacio Rosado, CFO to the Board of 
Directors. I would like to thank them and 
all our employees for the hard work that 
has enabled Hochschild Mining to 
progress on its strategic goals.

I would also like to take this opportunity to 
thank Alberto Beeck, who stepped down 
from the Board of Directors in September 
2008, for his significant contribution to  
the Group. 

06
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

$0.04

Proposed total dividend

Dividend
Despite the cashflow generated by the 
Company, the board has agreed that 
in the current climate, it is sensible to 
conserve cash and ensure that the 
business is well funded to further its 
growth strategy. It has therefore 
concluded that a reduced dividend of 
$0.02 per Ordinary Share is proposed for 
the six months to 31 December 2008, 
resulting in a total dividend for the year  
of $0.04 per Ordinary Share. We will  
keep dividend policy under review to 
ensure that we manage the business  
in a way that maximises long-term 
shareholder return. 

Outlook 
Going into 2009, Hochschild is a leaner, 
fitter company that is well positioned to 
face the challenges ahead, with a firm 
focus on producing profitable ounces. 

Our attributable production target for 
2009 is 28 million silver equivalent ounces 
(at the Company’s current conversion 
ratio of 60:1), comprising approximately 
19.1 million ounces of silver and 148.2 
thousand ounces of gold, representing a 
year-on-year increase of 7%. In addition, 
Lake Shore Gold is targeting 30,000 
ounces of gold in 2009 which would 
equate to 0.72 million attributable silver 
equivalent ounces. We remain extremely 
optimistic about Lake Shore Gold’s 
growth profile. 

We expect unit cost per tonne to 
decrease due to expansions and lower 
projected input prices. We will continue 
to responsibly manage our operations 
and will not hesitate to close or put into 

care and maintenance mines that are 
considered uneconomic. 

The financial crisis continues to have an 
impact on the sector and we believe that 
this creates interesting opportunities for a 
company with Hochschild’s financial 
strength and established record as a 
partner of choice in the Americas. We will 
continue to take a disciplined approach 
to M&A, focusing on mid-sized, 
underground precious metals projects in 
the Americas, preferably located around 
existing clusters.

In order to ensure more stable cashflow 
to fund operating capex and future 
M&A, we sold forward 10.7 million ounces 
of our 2009 silver equivalent production 
during late 2008 and early 2009. The 
fundamentals for silver and gold are 
strong and we therefore remain extremely 
positive about the long-term prospects 
for precious metals and have not sold 
forward any of our 2010 production. At 
this time we do not plan to undertake 
any further forward sales contracts for 
2009 production. 

The measures we swiftly implemented at 
the end of last year ensure that we are in 
a sound financial position and well 
placed to deliver our long-term growth 
strategy. Our focus will continue to be on 
producing profitable ounces and 
expanding the business through 
appropriate investment and acquisition. 
With our solid assets, excellent project 
pipeline and professional and dedicated 
management team, we are well 
positioned for the coming year. 

Eduardo Hochschild
Executive Chairman
24 March 2009

07
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Q&A with the CEO

28m

Attributable silver equivalent  
ounces to be produced in 2009.

Our overall aim is to create long-term, sustainable 
value for our shareholders and a safe and 
rewarding workplace for all our employees.

Q. Where is our growth potential? 
We have a clear and focused strategy for 
delivering growth: to maximise existing 
operations and to bring into production 
new and profitable precious metals 
projects in the Americas. As explained 
overleaf, we will achieve this through a 
combination of organic, M&A and 
pipeline (JV/greenfield exploration) 
growth. This strategy is underpinned by 
our overall aim of creating long-term, 
sustainable value for shareholders and  
a safe and rewarding workplace for all 
our employees. 

Q. What were the operational 
highlights of 2008? 
2008 was another strong operational 
year for the Group. Once again, we 
achieved our production target, 
producing 26.1 million attributable silver 
equivalent ounces in the year. We 
increased our capacity by 29% to 10,190 
tonnes per day, which means we have 
more than doubled the Group’s total 
plant capacity since 2006. In 2008, we 
also acquired 40% of Lake Shore Gold 

Corp, a gold company with prime 
development projects in Timmins, a 
mining prolific region of Canada.  
Finally, following our cluster strategy,  
we further consolidated our position in 
southern Peru via the acquisition of 50% 
of the Liam JV, one of the largest single 
claim blocks in Peru with significant 
mineral potential. 

We have achieved all of this, whilst 
maintaining a strong cash position with 
over $116.1 million cash on the balance 
sheet, ensuring that we are well 
positioned for the future. 

Q. What are Hochschild’s key goals for 
2009?
Our aim for 2009 is to produce profitable 
ounces and all our goals will follow from 
this. We have set a new production target 
for 2009 which is to produce 28 million 
attributable silver equivalent ounces, 
representing a 7% increase over 2008 
production. We will effectively control 
costs and limit capital expenditure to 
committed investments and sustaining 

 p.14

08
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
Q&A with the CEO

157%

Increase in the Group’s throughput 
capacity in 2008*.

Throughput 
capacity (tpd)*

0
9
1
,
7

0
9
8
,
4

0
0
8
,
2

6
0
0
2

7
0
0
2

8
0
0
2

*  Excludes Moris, our only open pit 

mine, as it has a different operational 
profile to our underground mines.

capital expenditures at existing 
operations. In addition, we will pursue 
strategic acquisitions and joint ventures 
which either consolidate one of our 
existing clusters or provide entry into new, 
key mining districts. Underpinning our 
operations is a commitment to the health 
and safety of all Hochschild’s employees.

Q. You have made a number of 
smaller investments; can you talk 
through this approach? 
We frequently take a staged, low risk 
approach to acquisitions as this enables 
us to thoroughly evaluate opportunities 
before committing significant funds and 
ensures that we use management time 
most effectively. In the last year we have 
undertaken a number of smaller 
investments including a $17.9 million 
strategic investment in Gold Resource 
Corporation, a precious metals company 
with a number of development projects 
in southern Mexico. We currently hold 15% 
of the company with the right to increase 
our stake to 40% by 2010. We also 
completed a $1.5 million investment in 
Mariana Resources, an exploration 
company with projects in Argentina  
and Chile.

Q. You have said that the current 
climate has created some interesting 
M&A opportunities for Hochschild. 
Can you provide some detail on your 
current pipeline? 
We are seeing some particularly 
interesting opportunities in the current 
market environment, where some juniors 
are facing difficult financing issues and 
looking for partners to bring projects into 
production. We have positioned 
ourselves as ‘partner of choice’ in the 
Americas and this is helping to attract 
some excellent prospects. 

Our approach is conservative and 
disciplined. We focus on mid-sized, 
underground precious metals projects in 
the Americas around existing clusters 
and on projects in new, mineral rich 
areas which will deliver long-term 
shareholder value.

Q. 2008 was a turbulent year for 
global financial markets. How has this 
impacted Hochschild? Are you still 
confident about the long-term 
prospects for the company? 
Although the financial crisis has had a 
significant impact on the whole mining 
sector, we remain extremely confident 
about the long-term prospects for 
Hochschild. We have been in operation 
for over 40 years and during this time we 
have been through, and successfully 
managed, very difficult market conditions. 

We have taken very swift action to ensure 
that the business is equipped to deal 
with challenging precious metals prices. 
This has included job cuts, a recruitment 
freeze and a reduction in administrative 
expenses and capital expenditure. We 
have delayed our San Felipe project due 
to the sharp drop in zinc prices and will 
also consider reducing production, 
putting into care and maintenance or 
closing any mines which are considered 
to be uneconomic. Our focus is to 
produce profitable ounces and 
management will ensure that we reach 
this objective.

In addition to these measures, we have 
taken the prudent decision to sell  
forward 10.7 million ounces of our 2009 
silver equivalent production in order to 
lock-in some certainty over our cash  
flow to fund operating capex and future 
M&A initiatives. 

Q. Can you talk through your decision 
to delay San Felipe?
Zinc prices fell by over 46% from a high of 
$2,267/mt to $1,218/mt in the six months to 
20 November 2008 (when we 
announced our decision). In this price 
environment and given our decision to 
minimise capital expenditure, we 
concluded that it would be prudent to 
delay development of this project. San 
Felipe remains a key asset for the Group 
and we will continue to review the viability 
and timing of the project. 

09
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Q&A with the CEO continued

I am committed to delivering our 
operational and financial targets. As 
mentioned earlier, in 2008 we once 
again achieved our stated production 
and also completed three capacity 
expansions on schedule. We achieved 
this whilst making significant progress in 
relation to our safety record. Safety is an 
ongoing priority for the whole team at 
Hochschild and I am pleased that we 
made significant strides in this area in 
2008 with a 24% reduction in our 
accident frequency rate and 81% in the 
accident severity index. 

Q. How do you measure your 
progress? 
Our objective is to create long-term, 
sustainable value for our shareholders 
and a safe and rewarding workplace for 
all our employees. We are extremely 
confident about the long-term prospects 
of the Company and our strategy 
remains consistent as detailed opposite.

Miguel Aramburú
Chief Executive Officer
24 March 2009

Q. What is your view on precious  
metal prices?
We continue to believe in the long-term 
prospects for precious metals. However, 
given current market volatility, we have 
taken the prudent measure of selling 
forward 10.7 million of 2009 silver 
equivalent production, as mentioned 
earlier. We have not sold forward any of 
our 2010 production and do not plan to 
undertake any further forward sales 
contracts in 2009.

Q. Are you still focused on achieving 
the 50 million target stated at the time 
of the IPO?
Our long-term goals remain the same. 
We continue to work towards achieving 
the 50 million target and have some 
interesting prospects that could support 
this. Unfortunately, the global economic 
climate changed in 2008 and, as a 
result, our primary focus for the near term 
is on guaranteeing profitable ounces. 
Long-term, we believe that the sector 
and the wider economy will recover  
and that Hochschild will come through 
this period in a strong position and  
with a solid platform from which to  
deliver growth. 

Q. This is your first year as CEO, what 
has been your greatest achievement?
Taking on the role of CEO has been an 
exciting and challenging task for me, 
particularly following on from Eduardo 
Hochschild who is such a strong and 
inspiring leader. I’ve had the fortune to 
work for the Group for over 13 years and 
this has put me in a good position to take 
the Company forward. 

Our swift response to the financial crisis 
was one of the greatest achievements of 
2008 and I am extremely proud of the 
Company’s ability to adapt to such 
difficult conditions. We were one of the 
first mining companies to announce a 
proactive plan of action to the market 
and hopefully this indicates the 
commitment and pragmatism of the 
management team. 

10
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Q&A with the CEO continued

Our strategy is 
straightforward

 >

 >

Maximise the potential of our operations by focusing on 
efficiency and effective mine planning
Bring into production new and profitable precious metals 
projects in the Americas

Organic growth 

 p.16

Pipeline growth 

 p.20

M&A growth 

 p.19

Strategy in action 
Completion of capacity expansions at:
 >
 >
 >

Arcata +46%
San José +50% 
Selene/Pallancata +100% 

We are focused on maximising the 
potential at our existing operations. We 
regularly review each site to make sure 
that we are running at optimum 
efficiency whilst planning for long-term 
growth. In 2008 this included investment 
in plant expansions as well as mine-site 
exploration. With our commitment to 
cash preservation in 2009, we will be 
focusing on operational efficiency and 
effective mine planning. 

Strategy in action 
Progression of JV and exploration 
projects: 
 >

Azuca – 100% owned early 
development project in southern Peru, 
diamond drilling underway
Inmaculada – joint venture gold/silver 
project in Peru, diamond drilling 
underway

 >

We are continually assessing new 
opportunities at all stages of 
development. Projects enter our pipeline 
either by joint venture or internal 
discovery (greenfield exploration) and 
are subject to a strict evaluation process. 
Our pipeline currently comprises 
numerous long-term prospects in our 
target countries. 

Strategy in action 
Strategic acquisition of:
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >

Remaining 30% of San Felipe
40% of Lake Shore Gold Corporation
50% of the Liam Regional JV 
15% of Gold Resource Corporation*
16% of Mariana Resources
†
100% of Southwestern

We have adopted a highly selective 
approach to acquisitions and  
undertake a rigorous evaluation before 
pursuing opportunities to ensure that  
all transactions are value accretive  
in the long-term. We are focused on: 
 >

Mid-sized, high grade, underground 
precious metals assets 
Cluster consolidation: leveraging existing 
operations and management expertise
Specific geological regions: Peru, 
Mexico, Argentina, Canada, Chile 
Bolt on acquisitions or joint ventures 

 >

 >

 >

*  10% of Gold Resource Corp was acquired on  

26 February 2009.

†  Agreement signed on 23 March 2009 and is 
subject to the approval of Southwestern’s 
shareholders. 

11
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Market and 
geographic overview

We remain extremely confident about 
the outlook for precious metals prices. 
We are already seeing stronger 
performance in 2009 with silver trading 
up 25% and gold up 7%.

2008 market overview
2008 was an extremely volatile year for 
commodities, particularly in the second 
half when concerns about the world’s 
banking sector and the possibility of a 
protracted global recession set in. 

continued macro uncertainty. As silver is 
extracted as a by-product of other base 
metals, the recent rise in supply is likely to 
be impacted by mine closures as base 
metal operations become uneconomic 
in light of lower commodity prices.

Forecast 2008 silver demand

2%  

7%  

Industrial

De-hedging

Photography

Jewellery &
silverware
Coins

Investment

24%  

13%  

1%  

53%  

Forecast 2008 silver supply

Mine production

20%

Government sales

Scrap

3%  

Gold proved its status as a safe haven 
and generally withstood the fallout, 
making an intra year gain of 3%, in 
contrast to the massive decline 
experienced by almost every other  
asset class. 

Silver fell from its highs in March 2008, 
when it was trading at nearly $21/oz  
and, in respect of the year ended 31 
December 2008, finished the year down 
27% at $10/oz. Despite this decrease, silver 
outperformed the MG Base Metals Index 
(MGMI) which dropped by 54% over  
the same period, proving continued 
correlation, albeit weaker, with gold. 

77%  

Precious metals prices impact our 
financial results and in a lower price 
environment we must adapt the business 
to ensure the production of profitable 
ounces. As discussed previously, we have 
undertaken a number of short and 
medium term measures to achieve this. 

Silver summary 
2008 was an extremely volatile year for 
silver, which reached highs of nearly  
$21/oz in March followed by lows below 
$9/oz in October as the outlook for 
industrial demand and the general 
investor sell off impacted all commodities. 
Despite this turbulence in the second 
half, silver achieved an annual average 
price of $14.98/oz, up 12% year-on-year. 

 >

 >

Fabrication demand is projected to have 
risen by 1% in 2008 due to increased 
demand from industrial applications and 
silver coins. On the supply side, mine 
production is projected to have 
marginally risen by 1% in 2008. These 
trends are unlikely to continue into 2009 
due to the significant change in the 
global economic landscape. GFMS are 
predicting a decline in industrial demand 
but expect this to be offset by strong 
investment demand for silver in light of 

12
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Silver’s unique industrial properties and its 
role as a store of value mean that it will 
be impacted by the drivers for both 
precious and base metals. GFMS are 
expecting continued volatility for the year 
ahead and forecast a base case price 
scenario of $13/oz per ounce. 

Key drivers for silver in 2009
Demand 
 >

Continued macro economic 
uncertainty should support investment 
demand 
Silver’s correlation with gold as a safe 
haven asset  
Consumers substituting gold for silver, 
particularly in the Indian jewellery 
market which is highly price sensitive 
and saw demand soar in the second 
half of 2008
Robust demand for bullion coins 

 >

 >

 >

Supply
 >

Potential for mine closures as base 
metal operations where silver is 
produced as a by-product  
become uneconomic in a lower  
price environment 
Government sales which are  
expected to have dropped sharply  
in 2008 
Rapid decrease in photography 
demand will reduce the volume of 
scrap on the supply side which fell 6% 
in 2008 

Forecast 2008 gold demand

6%  

9%  

Jewellery

Other fabrication

Bar hoarding

10%  

Producer 
de-hedging
Identifiable 
investment

18%  

57%  

Forecast 2008 gold supply

Mine production

29%

Official sector 
sales
Scrap supply

7%  

64%  

Gold summary
2008 was a strong year for gold which 
achieved a record annual average price 
of $871.96/oz and daily nominal highs 
over $1,000/oz in March, as a result of 
soaring oil prices and significant dollar 
weakness. Strong demand from investors 
seeking a safe haven counteracted the 
sharp decline in commodity prices, 
between March and October, driven by 
institutional investors unwinding index 
and basket positions. 

Investment demand remains the key 
driver of the gold price with annual 
implied net investment increasing by an 
estimated 22% in 2008 to 219 tonnes. This 
counteracted lower jewellery demand 
which fell 4% in 2008. On the supply side, 
global mine production fell by an 
estimated 4% to 2,385 tonnes and scrap 
volumes increased 13% as a result of 
higher and often volatile gold prices. 

Going into 2009, flat mine production, 
declining net government sales and 
limited increases in scrap sales support 
the view that gold may experience a 
sustained rally in the first half of the year. 
Gold is typically seen as a hedge against 
US dollar weakness and inflationary 
pressures, both of which are expected 
trends in 2009. GFMS have highlighted 
the possibility of a return to the highs of 
March 2008, when gold was trading over 
$1,000/oz, in the first half of 2009.  

Silver and gold performance 2008

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Gold Bullion LBM US$/troy ounce
Silver Fix LBM cash cents/troy ounce
MG Base Metal lndex (MGMI) cash – price index

3%

(27)%

(54)%

Jan 08

Feb 08

Apr 08

Jun 08

Aug 08

Oct 08

Dec 08

Key drivers for gold in 2009
Demand
 >

Increased demand for safe haven 
assets as a result of the global  
credit crisis 
Significant fall in the value of other 
asset classes i.e. equities, property and 
financial assets supports the 
investment case for gold 
Possible inflationary pressure and 
weaker US dollar may drive the value of 
gold higher 
Increased investment led growth for 
official coins which rose 41% in 2008 

 >

 >

 >

Supply 
 >

Mine production expected to be flat in 
2009. In 2008, production is expected 
to decrease 4% to 2,385 tonnes, with 
losses reported in over 30 countries
Declining government sales, down 42% 
year-on-year – now at their lowest level 
since the Central Bank Agreement was 
signed in 1999 

 >

Geographic overview 
Our growth strategy focuses on 
achieving profitable production in the 
Americas, a vast region with enormous 
mineral potential. We now have 
operations and investments in five of  
the top 20 precious metal producing 
countries globally, including Peru and 
Mexico which are the world’s two largest 
producers of silver and also Argentina, 
Canada and Chile. 

We only pursue opportunities in countries 
which offer enabling environments for 
foreign investment in the mining sector 
and which provide stable economic and 
regulatory frameworks over the long-term. 

Global production rankings

Country 

Peru  

Mexico  

Chile  

Canada 

Argentina  

Silver 2007   Gold 2007 

1 

2 

4 

9 

13 

5

14

16

8

15

Sources: GFMS, Silver Institute, Bloomberg

13
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Operational review

Key performance indicators

Attributable silver production (koz) 

2005          
2006
2007
2008

10,550

11,604

13,588

16,941

Attributable production is measured as the number of 
ounces produced multiplied by our ownership interest 
at each mine and summed together for all operations. 

Attributable gold production (koz) 

2005          
2006
2007
2008

232

196
201

152.9

Attributable production is measured as the number of 
ounces produced multiplied by our ownership interest 
at each mine and summed together for all operations. 

Life of mine (years)

2006
2007
2008

3.7

4.6

3.2

Life of mine is based on reserves and calculated by 
dividing the number of reserve tonnes by the amount  
of ore forecast to be processed during the following 
12 month period. Life of mine measures the extent to 
which we have expanded our reserve base whilst 
taking into consideration capacity expansions.

*  Reserve life of mine relates to our underground 

operations. Moris, our only open pit mine, has a 
different operational profile and is therefore not 
included

In line with guidance for the year, the Company 
achieved total attributable silver production of 26.1 
million ounces, comprising 16.9 million ounces of 
silver and 152.9 thousand ounces of gold. 

Production
Attributable silver production increased 
25% year-on-year representing strong 
silver production at Arcata, Pallancata 
and San José. Attributable gold 
production decreased by 24% due to 
anticipated lower grades at Ares and 
Selene, but this was partially offset by  
an increase in production at our  
other operations. 

As a result of the expansions completed 
in 2008, the Group’s plant capacity has 
increased by 29%, with full benefits to 
accrue in 2009. Capacity at San José 
doubled to 530 ktpa while Arcata’s 
capacity has been expanded by over 
46% from 424 to 618 ktpa. Throughput at 
the Selene plant, which also processes 
ore from Pallancata, has increased by 
50% from 706 to 1,059 ktpa. Hochschild 
has more than doubled plant capacity 
since its IPO in November 2006 
demonstrating once again its ability to 
deliver projects on schedule. Including 
Moris, our only open pit mine, production 
capacity increased by 263%.

Hochschild’s attributable production 
target for 2009 is 28 million attributable 
silver equivalent ounces (at the 
Company’s current conversion ratio of 

60:1), comprising approximately 19.1 
million ounces of silver and 148.2 
thousand ounces of gold. This represents 
a year-on-year increase of 7%. The 2009 
production target of 28 million silver 
equivalent ounces only forecasts Selene’s 
production through to June 

In addition to the Group’s production of 
28 million attributable silver equivalent 
ounces, Lake Shore Gold, in which we 
have a 40% investment, is expected to 
produce up to 30,000 ounces of gold in 
2009 (which would equate to 0.72 million 
attributable silver equivalent ounces).  
We remain optimistic about Lake Shore 
Gold’s growth profile.

Full production tables 

 p.129–130

Life of mine
To ensure that we are mining profitable 
ounces, we have increased cut-off 
grades in our underground mines by an 
average of 18%. This has impacted our 
reserve base as marginally economic ore 
is excluded from reserves. The combined 
effect of the change in cut-off grades 
and the increase in capacity 
implemented last year, resulted in a 
decrease in average mine life from 4.6  
to 3.2 years* based on reserves as at  
31 December 2008. However, we remain 
committed to replenishing and 
expanding our resource base and we 
have an extremely successful record of 
converting resources to reserves. 

Full reserve  
and resource tables 

 p.126–128

14
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
15
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Lake Shore

CANADA

MEXICO

San Luis

Potosi

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Operational  
review continued

Peru

Arcata

Arcata enjoyed another successful year 
with silver production up 38% and gold 
production up 46% year-on-year. These 
increases were a result of the plant 
expansion completed during the year as 
well as consistent grades and recoveries. 

In 2008, we sold Arcata’s concentrate 
production to Peñoles, Traxys, Cormin, 
Louis Dreyfus and a small fraction to  
Doe Run. 

Production and sales 

 p.129–130

During 2008, we incorporated 1,112,254 
metric tonnes with 1.4 g/t Au and 525 g/t 
Ag (21.7 million ounces of silver 
equivalent) into indicated resources and 
1,032,896 metric tonnes with 1.4 g/t Au 
and 517 g/t Ag (19.8 million ounces of 
silver equivalent) into reserves. We 
continue to increase reserves and 
resources in the Mariana, Julia, Michelle, 
Soledad, Ramal Marion, Nicole and 

Soledad Norte veins. We are also 
exploring two new veins, Rosita and Luz 
and secondary structures mainly 
between Marion and Macarena (35,251 
metres drilled in 132 holes; 4,478 metres of 
underground workings). Exploration 
potential is open at depth and along 
strike for these veins.

The 2009 exploration programme focuses 
on adding new reserves and resources 
primarily in the Rosita, Luz, Mariana  
and Nicole veins, as well as exploring 
new targets north of the Mariana 
structure through underground workings 
and drilling.

Exploration 

 p.126–128

Ownership 

100% 

Start of production  

1964

Property size 

47,000 hectares 

Pallancata

Pallancata, which commenced 
production in the third quarter of 2007, is 
a venture with International Minerals 
Corporation (‘IMC’) in which we control 
60% and act as the mine operator. 
Pallancata exemplifies our cluster 
consolidation strategy. Its close proximity 
to Selene enables us to leverage existing 
infrastructure as ore from the operation is 
transported 22 kilometres to the plant at 
Selene for processing. Selene’s plant was 
expanded in 2008 from 2,000 to 3,000 tpd 
to accommodate the anticipated growth 
in production at Pallancata. 

Pallancata recorded strong production 
results in its first full year of operation, with 
silver and gold production increasing 
495% and 486% year-on-year to 4,188 koz 
and 16.16 koz respectively. In 2008 the 
silver/gold concentrate from Pallancata 
was sold to Teck Cominco.

Production and sales 

 p.129–130

Underground workings at the Pallancata 
Central, Ramal Central, Cimoide 1, María 

and Sofía veins resulted in a major 
conversion of resources into reserves  
of 3,080,459 metric tonnes at 1.3 g/t Au 
and 396 g/t Ag (47.5 million ounces of 
silver equivalent). 

In addition, we drilled 5,332 metres in 67 
drill holes at the Pallancata-Oeste, 
Pallancata-Central veins and associated 
secondary structures, developing an 
inferred resource of 699,102 metric tonnes 
at 1.4 g/t Au and 368 g/t Ag (10.1 million 
ounces of silver equivalent). 

The 2009 exploration programme will 
focus on 15,220 metres of drilling at  
the Virgen del Carmen, San Javier 
and Mariana that have high grade  
silver potential.

Exploration 

 p.126–128

Ownership 

60% HOC/40% IMC

Start of production   Q3 2007

Property size 

7,330 hectares 

PERU

Ares

Lima

Pallancata

Arcata

Selene

Peru production split*

22.3%  

9.1%  

45.3%  

23.3%  

Arcata

Ares

Selene

Pallancata

*  Total production.

16
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
Operational  

review continued

+100%

Expansion completed at Selene in 
2008, capacity now at 3,000 tpd

Ares

As anticipated and previously disclosed, 
the average reserve grade at Ares is 
declining due to the ageing and 
geological nature of the deposit. As a 
consequence, gold and silver production 
decreased 57% and 43% respectively. 
Ares produces 100% doré, all of which 
was sold to Johnson Matthey in 2008. 

Production and sales 

 p.129–130

During 2008 we drilled 5,690 metres and 
developed 1,062 metres of underground 
workings that resulted in 178,954 metric 
tonnes with 5.1 g/t Au and 96 g/t Ag  
(2.3 million ounces of silver equivalent). 
We are continuing to replace the ore in 
splays and tensional structures in the 
Victoria vein system.  

We tested a new geological model with 
19 drill holes (6,226 metres) exploring the 
Apolo, Maria, Teresa and Tania vein 
targets, sub-parallel to the major 
success at the main Victoria system. In 
2009, our exploration efforts will focus on 
developing resources and reserves at 
the Isabel, Tania and Maruja veins, 
located north of Victoria.

Exploration 

 p.126–128

Ownership 

100% 

Start of production  

1998

Property size 

22,700 hectares 

Selene

As anticipated and previously disclosed, 
the average reserve grade at Selene is 
declining due to the ageing and 
geological nature of the deposit. As a 
consequence, gold and silver production 
decreased 61% and 54% respectively. 

Selene produced an average of 22,000 
tonnes of ore per month in 2008; 
however, this number is expected to 
decrease to approximately 15,000 tonnes 
per month in 2009. Although Selene has 
1.2 million tonnes of total resources, a 
high level of capital expenditure would 
be required to extract these ounces. As 
announced in our Q408 Production 
Report in January 2009, the Company’s 
focus for 2009 is to deliver profitable 
production and we will therefore reduce 
production, close, or put into care and 
maintenance any mines that are 
considered uneconomic. As a 
consequence, Selene is under 
consideration for closure. Selene’s plant, 
which was upgraded during the year, will 
continue to process ore from Pallancata. 
The 2009 production target of 28 million 
silver equivalent ounces only forecasts 
Selene’s production through to June with 
a significant decline in tonnage over this 
six month period. 

In 2008, more than 60% of Selene’s 
production was converted into doré at 
the Ares plant and sold to Johnson 
Matthey. The remaining concentrate 
was sold on a spot basis primarily to Teck 
Cominco, Norddeutsche Affinerie AG 
and in blends with Arcata to Cormin. 

Production and sales 

 p.129–130

During 2008, we executed 11,335 metres 
of diamond drilling at the Martha-Eva, 
Tumiri, Timida, Explorador and Pucanta 
veins. We achieved a minor development 
of resources, converting 290,716 metric 
tonnes at 1.5 g/t Au and 189 g/t Ag (2.6 
million ounces silver equivalent) into 
reserves. However, grades are lower than 
those historically found at Selene due to 
the ageing nature of the mine. As the 
exploration results have deteriorated over 
time, in 2009 we will focus on compiling 
all geological information and re-
interpreting the data to define possible 
new drill targets.

Exploration 

 p.126–128

Ownership 

100% 

Start of production  

2003

Property size 

19,500 hectares 

17
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Operational  
review continued

ARGENTINA

Argentina/Mexico
Argentina/Mexico

Mendoza

Santiago

San José

Lake Shore

San José, the Group’s operation in 
Argentina, commenced production in 
the second quarter of 2007. San José is a 
venture with Minera Andes in which we 
control 51% and act as the mine 
operator. We remain very positive about 
the potential at San José, reflected by the 
plant expansion undertaken in 2008 
which doubled capacity from 750 to 
1,500 tonnes per day. 

CANADA

Inventories were higher than expected in 
the fourth quarter primarily due to a 
temporary furnace malfunction which 
has now been resolved. In addition, sales 
were impacted by the early closure of a 
customer’s refinery for the Christmas 
holiday period. 

In 2008, we sold the doré produced at 
San José to Argor Heraeus S.A., a 
licensed trader, smelter and assayer 
based in Switzerland. The concentrate 
produced at the operation was sold to 
Norddeutsche Affinerie AG. 

Moris

After the year end, we made an offer to 
acquire Minera Andes or its stake in the 
San José project, in order to ensure that 
the project would be fully financed. 
Although our offer was not accepted, 
Minera Andes was able to meet its 
obligations at San José by other means.

Production and sales 

 p.129–130

In 2008 we drilled 14,453 metres in 60 drill 
holes along the Odin, Ayellen and Ramal 
Frea veins. Another 4,24 metres in 20 
holes were drilled at extensions of the 
Huevos Verdes, Frea and Kospi veins, 
increasing the mineralisation potential of 
these structures.

Exploration 

 p.126–128

Ownership 

51% HOC/49% MAI

Start of production   Q2 2007

Property size 

40,449 hectares 

Moris, which commenced production in 
August 2007, is a venture with EXMIN in 
which we control 70% and act as the 
mine operator. Moris is the Group’s only 
open pit mine but provided a key 
stepping stone into Mexico, which is of 
key strategic importance to the Group. 
Production at the operation more than 
doubled to 876 thousand tonnes in 2008. 
Lima
Gold recoveries at Moris are expected to 
increase in 2009 as a result of a more 

PERU

stable plant process. In 2008, we sold all 
of the gold/silver doré produced at Moris 
to Johnson Matthey. 

Production and sales 

 p.129–130

Ownership 

70% HOC/30% EXMIN 

Start of production   Q3 2007

Property size 

18,631 hectares 

ARGENTINA

Mendoza

Santiago

ARGENTINA

San 
José

Moris

MEXICO

18
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
Operational  

review continued

Acquisitions and 
investments

A selective approach

Expansion through investment and 
acquisition is a key element of our 
strategy. We have maintained our 
disciplined approach in 2008, focusing 
on mid-sized, underground precious 
metals projects in the Americas, 
particularly in our existing clusters, which 
we believe will create long-term 
shareholder value. During 2008 and in 
early 2009, we secured a number of 
strategic investments in key mining 
districts with a total spend of $284.5 
million, of which $254 million was invested 
during 2008. 

In the first half of 2008 we acquired 40% of 
Lake Shore Gold for a total of $164 million, 
providing us with exposure to reasonably 
priced, high-grade gold deposits in the 
Timmins mining district of Northern 
Ontario, Canada. The company has a 
strong pipeline of projects, from grass 
roots through to advanced exploration 
as well as a proprietary database of 
exploration targets and is expected to 
produce up to 30,000 ounces of gold in 
2009 (which would equate to 0.72 million 
attributable silver equivalent ounces). We 
view this as an important strategic 
investment and have three positions on 
the board. 

In 2009 we participated in Lake Shore 
Gold’s equity financing and maintained 
our ownership at 40% by investing a 
further $18.5 million. Proceeds from the 
financing will be used for underground 
rehabilitation and development work at 
the company’s 100% owned Bell Creek 
mine and Vogel properties in support of 
an advanced underground exploration 
programme, exploration expenditures at 
the Timmins, Thunder Creek, Casa 
Berardi and other exploration properties, 
and for general corporate purposes. 

In June 2008 we acquired 100% of the 
San Felipe project, our advanced 
development project in northern Mexico. 

As a result of declining zinc prices in  
the second half of the year and our 
commitment to reduce capex, in 
November we decided to delay the 
development of this project. However, 
we remain confident about the 
long-term potential of San Felipe and 
will continue to review the timing of 
the project. 

In line with our cluster strategy, we 
further consolidated our position in 
southern Peru via the acquisition of a 
50% interest in the Liam JV with 
Southwestern for a total consideration 
of $33.3 million. The 282,000 hectare 
property has significant strategic 
importance for Hochschild as it is in 
close proximity to our four existing 
operations; Arcata, Ares, Selene and 
Pallancata. The acquisition was 
completed in August 2008. 

In 2009, we entered into a binding 
agreement, subject to the approval of 
Southwestern’s shareholders, to acquire 
the remaining 50% of the Liam JV 
through the purchase of 100% of 
Southwestern, for a total cash 
consideration of $17.5 million. 
Southwestern is a Canadian listed 
mineral exploration company with a 
number of gold, silver and base metals 
projects in southern Peru. The 
acquisition consolidates our position in 
one of our key operational clusters and 
enables us to leverage our existing 
infrastructure and knowledge of the 
regional geology.

In November 2008, we made a $5 
million investment in Gold Resource 
Corporation, an underground precious 
metals mining company with a number 
of high grade development and 
exploration projects in southern Mexico. 
We have subsequently exercised our 
option to invest a further $13 million in 
GRC and as a result we now hold 15%  
of the company and are extremely 
confident about the potential of  
the business.

19
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Operational  
review continued

Exploration 

Strong project pipeline

We remain committed to our long-term 
goal of achieving a resource and  
reserve life of four years at each of  
our operations and in 2008 spent  
$23.8 million on exploration. 

We remain extremely positive about our 
project pipeline which currently has 
numerous opportunities in Peru, 
Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Canada at 
various stages of development. We are 
constantly evaluating opportunities, with 
a clear focus on mid-sized, high grade, 
underground precious metals deposits in 
key mining districts: 

Azuca 
Azuca is a 100% owned project located 
in southern Peru, in close proximity to our 
existing operations. Successful 
exploration at Azuca during 2008 has 
identified two laterally extensive 
mineralised vein systems: Azuca and 
Canela. Additional mineralised vein 
systems have been identified at the 
property and their continuity and metal 
content will be confirmed in 2009.

Core drilling of approximately 15,000 
metres in 53 holes at this exciting new 
discovery resulted in the development of 
a significant resource in the inferred 
category along two ore shoots in the 
Azuca vein, totalling 1,776,034 metric 
tonnes at 327 g/t Ag and 1.34g/t Au (408 
g/t Ag-equivalent) containing 23.3 million 
ounces of silver-equivalent.

Drilling to the east of Azuca and along 
the Canela vein looks very promising, 
indicating that there is potential for 
additional resource to be defined in 2009. 
Metallurgical recoveries are slightly above 
90% for both gold and silver. 

Liam JV
To date, 38 prospects have been 
identified and partially evaluated. 

The most important is the Crespo project 
where previous exploration led to the 
drilling of approximately 6,400 metres in 
41 holes. Drilling results have allowed the 
internal calculation of a mineralised 
potential at Crespo of 12.5 million metric 
tonnes at 0.77 g/t Au and 39.4 g/t Ag, 
containing 0.4 moz Au and 15.8 moz Ag. 
Initial core drilling focused on defining 
distinct zones containing structures with 
higher grade mineralisation (above 
300g/t Ag equivalent). A total of 352 
metres was completed in six holes. Results 
include 14.5 metres at 328 g/t Ag 

equivalent and 11 metres at 327 g/t  
Ag equivalent. 

Data review, core re-logging and 
preliminary exploration work were also 
carried out at the Huacullo, Astana-
Farallón and Ibel prospects. These areas 
will be a significant part of the 2009 
generative programme in Peru.

Inmaculada 
The Inmaculada project is part of a JV 
agreement with Ventura Gold, in which 
Hochschild has a 49% ownership interest. 
Ventura Gold recently reported the first 
independent inferred mineral resource 
estimate at the Inmaculada project as 
per National Instrument 43-101 by Micon 
of 3.7 million tonnes at an average grade 
of 4.0 g/t Au and 139 g/t Ag containing 
483,000 ounces Au and 16.6 million 
ounces Ag (as at 5 January 2009).

Encrucijada 
Encrucijada is part of a JV agreement 
with Andina Minerals Inc, signed in 
February 2008, in which Hochschild can 
earn a 60% interest in the property. 
Detailed surface exploration has defined 
four areas of interest (Millaray, Central, 
Curicala and Norte). A first pass core 
drilling programme was completed in the 
Millaray area totalling 1,561 million tonnes 
in 10 holes. The Quillay and Millaray veins 
have been recognised at above 400 
metres along strike and to 130 million 
tonnes depth. In 2009, detailed 
exploration will be performed at the 
Central, Curicala and Norte areas to 
define drillable targets for follow-up.

Vaquillas project 
A joint venture letter of intent with Iron 
Creek Capital Corp. to explore the 
precious metal properties within their 
Vaquillas project was signed in 
September 2008. Under the terms of the 
agreement Hochschild can earn-in a 
60% interest in the Vaquillas project by 
contributing $6.75 million over a five year 
period. Field work started during the first 
week in October on the Inti claims 
followed by a 2,100 metre reverse 
circulation drill programme (9 holes) that 
was completed in December. Sample 
results from the drilling programme show 
no significant mineralisation, with the 
exception of drill hole 3 which intersected 
1 metre of 326 g/t Ag. The remaining 
targets will be explored during 2009.

20
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Operational  

review continued

Our growth pyramid

We are constantly assessing new 
opportunities at all stages of 
development. Projects enter our growth 
pyramid either by way of internal 
discovery or joint venture and are subject 
to a strict evaluation process, where we 
rank and prioritise each opportunity 
based on specific criteria. Any project 
that does not meet the Group’s 

requirements is joint ventured, farmed 
out or dropped. The projects in the 
bottom half of the pyramid are either 
100% owned or allow us the right to earn 
into majority ownership over time. Our 
pipeline currently comprises numerous 
target definitions/prospects in Peru, 
Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Canada.

Argentina

Canada

Chile

Mexico

Peru

   Ares

   Arcata

   Selene

   San José

   Pallancata

   Moris

El Aguila      

  Lake Shore Gold

Feasibility completed

San Felipe*  

Crespo      

  Encrucijada      

  Victoria

Claudia      

  Azuca      

  Quellopata

El Soldado      
La Flora      

  Astana-Farallón      

  Huacullo

  Los Pinos      

  San Martin

Argentina – 297,746 hectares

Chile – 13,300 hectares

Mexico – 80,415 hectares

Peru – 332,045 hectares

*Project delayed

21
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Financial review

Full year revenue from continuing operations, net of 
commercial discounts, increased by 42% to $433.8 
million (2007: $305.0 million), comprising silver revenue 
of $264.1 million and gold revenue of $169.2 million. 

Commercial discounts
Commercial discounts mostly refer to 
refinery charges for processing mineral ore 
and are discounted from revenue on a per 
tonne or per ounce basis. In 2008, 
commercial discounts were $30.2 million 
representing a 127% increase on 2007. This 
was partly due to the Group producing a 
higher amount of concentrate in 2008 
resulting from a full year’s production at 
both Pallancata and San José (which 
commenced production in Q3 2007). In 
addition, we incurred higher treatment 
charges for concentrate in most mines 
given the less favourable market 
conditions. The ratio of commercial 
discounts to gross revenue increased from 
4% in 2007 to 7% in 2008. 

The reporting currency of Hochschild 
Mining plc is US dollars. In our discussion of 
financial performance we remove the 
effect of exceptional items, unless 
otherwise indicated, and in our income 
statement we show the results both pre 
and post such exceptional items. 
Exceptional items are those items, which 
due to their nature or the expected 
infrequency of the events giving rise to 
them, need to be disclosed separately on 
the face of the income statement to 
enable a better understanding of the 
financial performance of the Group and to 
facilitate comparison with prior years. 

Revenue
The increase in revenue was mainly as a 
result of a higher amount of silver ounces 
sold and higher gold prices. In 2008, silver 
accounted for 61% and gold for 39% of 
consolidated revenue compared to 59% 
and 41% respectively in 2007. Gross 
revenue increased 46% to $463.4 million in 
2008 (2007: $317.4 million).

Silver
Gross revenue from silver increased 52% 
in 2008 to $288.8 million (2007: $190.5 
million). This change reflects a 50% 
increase in total ounces sold, partly offset 
by lower realised silver prices, which were 
down 2% year-on-year. The total amount 
of silver ounces sold in 2008 was 20,593 
koz (2007: 13,717 koz). 

Gold
Gross revenue from gold increased 38% 
in 2008 to $174.6 millio n (2007: $126.8 
million). This change was a result of 
higher realised gold prices, up 35% in 
2008. The total amount of gold ounces 
sold in 2008 was 198.3 koz in 2008 (2007: 
202.1 koz). 

Key performance indicators

Revenue

2005           161.2
2006
2007
2008

211.2

305.0

433.8

Silver cash costs ($/oz Ag co-product)

2005          
2006
2007
2008

2.77

3.63

4.40

7.05

Gold cash costs ($/oz Au co-product)

2005           159
2006
156
2007
2008

212

469

Defined as total cash costs multiplied by the 
percentage of revenue from silver/gold, divided by the 
number of silver/gold ounces sold. Cash costs include 
cost of sales, commercial deductions and selling 
expenses less depreciation included in cost of sales. 
This metric allows us to benchmark ourselves versus 
our peer group in a consistent manner over time. The 
calculation used in 2007 has been adjusted to 
include: (i) the termination benefits of mine workers 
(this amount was previously included in administrative 
expenses) and (ii) a change in the allocation of 
depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales. 

22
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
23
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Financial review continued 

Key performance indicators

Revenue by mine  

US$(000) unless otherwise indicated 

Adjusted EBITDA ($m)

72.9

107.6

2005          
2006
2007
2008

147.6

142.3

Calculated as profit from continuing operations before 
exceptional items, net finance income/(cost), foreign 
exchange (loss)/gain and income tax plus 
depreciation, amortisation and exploration costs 
other than personnel and other expenses. This 
provides an indication of the rate of earning’s growth 
achieved.

Cash flow from operating activities ($m)

2005          25.8
2006
2007
2008

21.4

94.0

78.6

Defined as net cash flow from operating activities. This 
is cash flow which can be used to fund dividend 
payments and invest in the future growth and 
development of the business.

Silver revenue

Arcata 

Ares 

Selene 

Pallancata 

San José 

Moris 

Commercial discounts 

Net silver revenue 

Gold revenue 

Arcata  

Ares 

Selene 

Pallancata 

San José 

Moris 

Commercial discounts 

Net gold revenue 
Other revenue1 

Total revenue 

Year ended  
31 December 
2008 

Year ended
31 December
2007 

% change

119,284 

38,196 

29,168 

48,207 

52,942 

992 

94,754

38,078

48,593

8,342

744

26

(24,712) 

264,077 

(11,697) 

178,840 

111

48

20,344 

67,899 

8,714 

13,214 

40,095 

24,380 

11,924 

97,469 

14,807 

1,749 

532 

347 

(5,423) 

(1,578) 

169,223 

125,250 

479 

931 

433,779 

305,021 

244

35

(49)

42

Pro forma earnings per share ($)

1  Other revenue includes revenue from base metal components in the concentrate sold from the Arcata mine 

net of commercial discounts and revenue from the sale of energy.

0.13

0.15

2005          
2006
2007
2008

0.08

0.27

Defined as the per share profit (using the number of 
shares outstanding immediately after the Listing being 
307,350,226) available to the equity shareholders of 
the Group from continuing operations and before 
exceptional items. EPS provides a measure for the 
amount of attributable profit available to equity 
shareholders of the Group taking into account any 
changes in the number of shares outstanding.

24
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Average realisable prices 
Average realisable precious metals prices, 
which include commercial discounts,  
for the 12 months to 31 December 2008 
were $853.28/oz for gold and $12.82/oz for 
silver. The average realisable price for the 
year was negatively impacted by the 
significant fall in precious metals prices  
in the second half of 2008 when silver 
decreased  by an average of 39% and 
gold by 7%.

12 months   12 months
to 31 Dec  
to 31 Dec 
2008 
2007 

%
change

$12.82 

$13.08 

$853.28  $634.30 

(2)

35

($/oz) 

Silver 

Gold 

Forward sales contracts 
The Group sold forward 778 koz of its silver 
2008 production at $10.63/oz and 1.9 koz of 
its gold 2008 production at $840/oz. Both 
forward sales matured in January 2009. 

In addition, the Group has sold forward 
a total of 10.7 million ounces of its 2009 
silver equivalent production comprised 
of 8.9 million ounces of silver at an 
average price of $12.09/oz and 30.0 
thousand ounces of gold at an average 
price of $972/oz. 

Of the total amount sold forward, 3.3 
million silver ounces and 1.9 thousand 
gold ounces were sold in December 
2008 and the remaining 6.4 million silver 
ounces and 30.0 thousand gold ounces 
were sold forward in Q1 2009. 

None of 2010’s production has been sold 
forward. At this time, management does 
not plan to undertake any further forward 
sales contracts for 2009 production.

The decision to sell forward a portion of 
2009 production was driven by the desire 
for more stable cash flows which will fund 
operating capex and future M&A. We 
remain positive about the long-term 
prospects for silver and gold but in light of 
current market conditions, we believe 
that it is prudent to focus on cash 
preservation in the current financial year. 

Costs 
Management remains focused on cost 
control and during 2008 a series of 
productivity measures were implemented 
including plant expansions, changes in 
mining methods and procurement 
initiatives. This has enabled us to offset 
some of the industry cost inflation 
experienced in 2008, which was 
particularly prevalent in the first half  
of the year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued 

In our underground mining operations, 
unit cost per tonne increased by an 
average of 14.3% from $69.7 in 2007 to 
$79.7 in 2008. As previously indicated, the 
increase was driven by industry cost 
inflation associated with labour, materials 
(explosives, reagents and steel inputs), 
energy and supplies. Including Moris, our 
only open pit operation which has 
different cost profile to our underground 
mines, the Group’s unit cost per tonne 
was flat year-on-year at $59.9 (2007: $59.7).

During the year, the average unit cost 
per tonne for our three original mines 
(Ares, Arcata and Selene), was $70.8 
representing an annual increase of 
16.4%. This cost increase was mainly a 
result of higher prices of key inputs, such 
as cyanide, energy, explosives and steel 
balls as well as higher energy costs. 

Our fourth operation in Peru, Pallancata, 
was also affected by industry inflationary 
pressure, with unit cost per tonne 
increasing 5.8% mostly due to higher 
energy and maintenance costs.

In San José, unit cost per tonne 
decreased by 16.6% in 2008 as a result of 
increased throughput and efficiency 
gains resulting from the optimisation of 
production processes at both the mine 
and plant. This reduction was achieved 
despite increases in overall inflation in 
Argentina (7.2% in 2008) and higher 
energy costs.

Cash costs
Co-product cash costs include cost of 
sales, commercial deductions and 
selling expenses, less depreciation 
included in cost of sales. Silver/gold cash 
costs are total cash costs multiplied by 
the percentage of revenue from silver/
gold, divided by the number of silver/
gold ounces sold in the year. Cash costs 
for the year increased from $4.40 to $7.05 
per ounce for silver and from $212 to $469 
per ounce for gold. The increase is 
mainly explained by:

Group’s corporate workforce which 
occurred in the last quarter of 2008.  
This initiative, which involved 102 
redundancies in administrative positions 
(150 positions in total), was one of a  
series of measures undertaken by 
management to reduce operating costs 
and preserve cash. 

Selling expenses 
Selling expenses increased by $8.5 million 
to $11.3 million in 2008 (2007: $2.8 million) 
as a result of: 

i)  the expected decline in extracted 
grades, especially at Ares and Selene, 
which accounted for approximately 79% 
of the total increase of silver cash cost 
and 53% of the total increase of gold 
cash cost; and 

i)  higher transportation costs due to the 
higher volume of concentrate sold at 
Arcata, San José and Pallancata as a 
result of capacity expansions and a full 
year production in the case of San José 
and Pallancata;  

ii)  the higher commercial discounts due 
to less favourable market conditions that 
represent approximately 11% of the 
increment of silver cash cost and 8% of 
the increase of gold cash cost. 

By product cash costs include cost of 
sales, commercial deductions and 
selling expenses, less depreciation 
included in cost of sales. Silver/gold cash 
costs are total cash costs less revenue 
from gold/silver, divided by the number of 
silver/gold ounces sold in the year.

By product cash costs for the period were 
$3.09 per silver ounce and ($255) per 
gold ounce. (2007: ($1.80) per silver 
ounce and ($445) per gold ounce). 

ii)  increased sales in Argentina resulting 
in higher export duties. Export duties in 
Argentina are levied at 10% of revenue for 
concentrate and 5% of revenue for doré.  

Profit from continuing operations 
Profit from continuing operations before 
exceptional items, net finance cost, 
foreign exchange loss and income tax 
totalled $86.3 million in 2008, representing 
an annual decrease of 17% (2007: $103.9 
million). The decrease is primarily the 
result of the expected decline in grades 
at Ares and Selene, higher production 
costs and commercial discounts, and 
higher depreciation and amortisation (as 
detailed above). Profit from continuing 
operations was also negatively impacted 
by higher selling expenses, partly offset 
by increased revenue generated by 
higher gold prices and a greater amount 
of silver ounces sold. 

25
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

In Mexico, the average unit cost per tonne 
at Moris decreased by 2.2% to $18.0. 

Depreciation and amortisation, which is 
included in costs of sales, increased from 
$24.7 million in 2007 to $41.4 million in 2008. 
This increase was driven by the Group’s 
higher production in 2008 and also by its 
greater net asset base, with six mines in 
operation as opposed to three in 2007. 

Administrative expenses 
Administrative expenses before 
exceptional items totalled $68.8 million in 
2008 (2007: $68.8 million). On a post 
exceptional basis, administrative 
expenses increased 1.6% to $69.9 million 
in 2008 (2007: $68.8 million). This was due 
to the one off termination benefit 
associated with the reduction in the 

 
  
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Financial review continued

Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation

US$(000) unless otherwise indicated 

Profit from continuing operations before  
exceptional items, net finance income/ 
(cost), foreign exchange gain/(loss)  
and income tax 

Operating margin 

86,268 

20% 

Year ended  
31 December 
 2008 

Year ended
31 December
2007 

% change

$0.04

Proposed total dividend

Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales 

41,373 

Depreciation and amortisation in  
  administrative expenses 

Exploration expenses 

Personnel and other exploration expenses 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Adjusted EBITDA margin 

1,125 

23,841 

10,315 

142,292 

33% 

103,930 

34% 

24,685 

525 

26,890 

8,424 

147,606 

48% 

(17)

68

114

(11)

22

(4)

Adjusted EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit 
from continuing operations before 
exceptional items, net finance cost, 
foreign exchange loss and income tax 
plus depreciation, amortisation and 
exploration costs other than personnel 
and other expenses. Adjusted EBITDA 
decreased by 4% over the year to $142.3 
million (2007: $147.6 million) mainly as a 
result of a decrease in profit from continuing 
operations as explained above. 

are valuable components of our growth 
strategy and will have a positive impact 
in the medium term.

Finance income & costs 
Finance income decreased 53% to $9.4 
million in 2008 (2007: $19.8 million) mainly 
due to lower interest on time deposits 
($11.2 million) as a result of lower average 
cash balances ($160 million) and lower 
gains from changes in the fair value of 
financial instruments. 

Exploration expenses 
In 2008, exploration expenses decreased 
11% to $23.8 million (2007: $26.9 million) as 
a result of the Group’s decision, 
announced in November 2008, to reduce 
expenditure. This mainly affected 
greenfield expenditure which decreased 
to $8.8 million (2007: $13.9 million). However, 
we remain committed to advancing 
existing projects and prospects and have 
therefore maintained our expenditure on 
brownfield and advanced project 
exploration, which increased by 7% to $4.3 
million (2007: $4.0 million).

Impact of the Group’s investments in 
joint ventures and associates 
The Group’s share of the loss of equity 
accounted investments in joint ventures 
and associates resulted in a loss of $8.2 
million, which has had an impact of $7.4 
million on attributable net earnings 
before exceptional items and $0.02 on 
EPS. This loss comprises the Group’s share 
of post-tax losses of its associate, Lake 
Shore Gold ($3.9 million) and its share  
of post tax losses of joint venture 
companies formed to develop the 
Pacapausa ($2.1 million) and Claudia 
($2.2 million) projects.

Notwithstanding these losses recorded in 
the Income Statement due to this line 
item, we believe that these investments 

Finance costs increased from $7.5 million 
to $18.8 million during the period primarily 
due to interest on the $200 million 
syndicated loan facility which was drawn 
down during the year.

Foreign exchange loss
The Group recognised a foreign 
exchange loss of $7.1 million in 2008 
(2007: $4.4 million loss), as a result of 
transactions in other currencies than 
functional currency. The devaluation of 
the Peruvian sol (5%) had an impact of 
($4.1) million; the Argentinean peso (10%) 
had an impact of ($3.9) million; and the 
Mexican peso (27%) had an impact of 
($0.7) million. These losses were partially 
offset by a foreign exchange gain of $1.6 
million in the UK generated primarily as a 
result of the acquisition of shares in Lake 
Shore Gold which was effected in 
Canadian dollars.

Income tax
The pre-exceptional effective income tax 
rate in 2008 is 48.4%, compared to 30.8% 
in 2007. The increase in the effective 
income tax rate has been driven primarily 
by the following factors:

i)  the reduction in profit following the 
lower grades and increased costs at the 
mines has resulted in less tax being paid 
to the authorities compared to the prior 

26
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
Financial review continued

$116.1m

Cash balance

year. However, items for which no tax relief 
is created (such as the tax losses arising 
in exploration companies, for which no 
deferred tax asset can be recognised, 
and non-deductible expenditure) did not 
reduce by a similar amount, and as a 
result they are a larger percentage of 
prima facie tax expense (profit before tax 
multiplied by the weighted average 
statutory tax rate) than they were in the 
previous year. This has resulted in a 9% 
increase in the pre-exceptional effective 
tax rate.

ii)  the significant decline in the Mexican 
and Argentinean pesos, and the 
Peruvian soles (being the currencies in 
which tax calculated and levied in the 
Group’s operations) against the US dollar 
has resulted in the recognition of 
additional deferred tax liabilities, and tax 
being paid on taxable exchange gains 
which arose in the local operations.  
The effect of the devaluation of the  
local currencies was to increase the 
pre-exceptional effective tax rate by 7%.

On a post-exceptional basis, the effective 
tax rate for the Group was 243.8%. The 
significant increase over the post-
exceptional effective tax rate for the 
previous year was the result of:

i)  the factors discussed above, and

ii)  the impairments of the San Felipe 
project, and the investments in EXMIN 
and Electrum Capital for which there was 
no deferred tax relief (refer to the 
‘Exceptional items’ discussion below).

However, the actual amount of current 
tax expense in 2008 was $13.1 million 
compared to $44.9 million in 2007.

Exceptional items 
Exceptional items, after tax, totalled $45 
million in 2008. This mainly includes: 

i)  impairment of fixed assets: Selene, Moris 
and San Felipe were impaired by a total 
consideration of $29.6 million, after tax 

ii)  impairment of financial investments in: 
EXMIN $8.2 million and Electrum Capital 
$2.6 million and

iii)  other exceptional items include: the 
loss from changes in the fair value of 
financial instruments of $4.7 million, after 
tax, termination benefits of $1.1 million and 
impairments on accounts receivable of 
$1.3 million. In addition, the Group 
recorded a credit of $3.9 million mainly as 
a result of gains on Gold Resource 
options ($2.3 million) and on the sale of 
Fortuna silver shares ($1.3 million). 

Impairments of fixed assets
The Group conducts an impairment 
review every time indicators of 
impairment exist, as required by IFRS. 
Impairment indicators include: declines 
in metal prices; increases in costs, 
royalties or taxes; falling grades; lower 
reserves; production cut backs and 
significant project development over-
runs. The presence of one or more 
indicators does not necessarily mean 
that the asset would be impaired but 
that it must be tested for impairment. 
Impairment testing should be performed 
at an individual asset or cash-generating 
unit level.

Given the impact of lower precious 
metals prices in the second half of 2008 
and the production and cost profiles of 
some of our operations, we have 
recorded a total impairment charge of 
$34.7 million in 2008 (before tax) and 
$29.6 million after tax which has an 
impact of $0.09 on the EPS.

Selene has been written down by $13.7 
million due to declining grades at the 
mine and the high level of capital 
required to extract economic tonnage. 
Moris has been written down by $5.7 
million as a result of the small reserve and 
resource base at the operation. 

In addition, we have recorded an 
impairment charge of $15.4 million for the 
San Felipe project, which was delayed as 
a result of declining zinc prices in the 
second half of the year and our 
commitment to conserve cash holdings. 
We remain confident about the long-
term value of San Felipe and will continue 
to review the timing of the project.  

Dividends
The directors recommend a final 
dividend of $0.02 per Ordinary Share 
which, subject to shareholder approval 
at the 2009 AGM, will be paid on 28 May 
2009 to those shareholders appearing on 
the register on 1 May 2009.  Dividends are 
declared in US dollars. Unless a 
shareholder elects to receive dividends in 
US dollars, they will be paid in pounds 
sterling with the US dollar dividend 
converted into pound sterling at 
exchange rates prevailing at the time of 
payment. Our dividend policy takes into 
account the profitability of the business 
and the underlying growth in earnings of 
the Company, as well as its capital 
requirements and cash flow.

For further details regarding  
dividend dates, see  
shareholder information  

 p.132

27
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Financial review continued

As at  
31 December  
2008 

As at
31 December
2007

49,220 

123,726 

82,291 

49,660 

40,995 

47,012

134,180

52,176

23,750

105,266

Lake Shore Gold ($164 million), 50% of the 
Liam JV ($33.3million), 100% in San Felipe 
($51.5 million) and 5% of Gold Resource 
Corporation ($5 million). In 2008, the 
Group incurred a higher amount of 
capital expenditure in operating units 
due to plant expansions at San José, 
Arcata and Selene. 

Capital expenditure
We continue to invest in our production 
platform to ensure we have the 
infrastructure in place for future growth. 
In 2008, capital expenditure was $311 
million (2007: $145 million) due to new 
investments in Peru, Argentina and 
Mexico. Industry inflation has also 
impacted capital expenditure in 2008. 

The increase of $166.6 million of capital 
expenditure in 2008 is primarily a result of 
the mine developments and expansion 
projects at San José, Arcata and Selene. 
This increase was also driven by the 
acquisition of 100% of San Felipe ($51.5 
million) and 50% of the Liam JV 
($33.3million). 

Balance sheet & cash flow review

Working capital:  

US$(000) unless otherwise indicated 

Current assets 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

Pre-shipment loans 

Working capital 

Working capital
The change in the working capital 
position resulted from a significant 
increase in trade and other payables 
from $52.2 million as at 31 December 
2007 to $82.3 million as at 31 December 
2008 and from an increase in 
pre-shipment loans from $23.8 million as 
at 31 December 2007 to $49.7 million as 
at 31 December 2008. 

Trade payables and other payables 
increased mainly as a consequence of 
increased production and higher salaries 
payable, as well as an increase in taxes 
and contributions.

Receivables were lower at the end of 
2008 because of a decrease in trade 
receivables and the reclassification of a 
portion of a loan to Minera Andes from 
current receivables to non-current 
receivables. The decrease was partially 
offset by higher prepaid expenses and 
VAT in Minera Suyamarca and Minera 
Santa Cruz.  

The reduction in trade receivables is 
mainly explained by the change in our 
customers’ base and selling contract 
terms. Trade accounts receivable 
comprised of amounts receivable from 
Cormin, Louis Dreyfus, Sudamericana 
Trading and Norddeutsche Affinerie.

Cash flow 
Total cash decreased $184.4 million in 
2008 (2007: $134.2 million decrease). 
Cash flow from operating activities 
increased by 267% to $78.6 million mainly 
as a result of lower working capital. The 
increase in cash flow from operations was 
offset by the outflows resulting from 
investing activities, which totalled $475.8 
million in 2008 compared to $162.3 in 
2007. 2008 investments included: 40% of 

$264.1m

Silver revenue up 48%

28
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

$169.2m

Gold revenue up 35%

Capital expenditure:

US$(000) unless otherwise indicated 

Arcata 

Ares 

Selene 
Pallancata1 
San José1 
Moris1 
San Felipe1 

Other 

Total 

1 Represents 100% of capital expenditure

Net debt:  

US$(000) unless otherwise indicated 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Long-term borrowings 

Short-term borrowings less pre-shipment loans 

Net debt/(net cash) 

Year ended  
31 December  
2008 

Year ended
31 December
2007

43,977 

10,438 

47,226 

14,619 

80,398 

2,234 

63,318 

49,061 

22,750

3,705

27,497

12,190

62,752

12,099

667

3,078

311,271 

144,738

As at  
31 December 
 2008 

As at
31 December
2007

116,147 

231,692 

48,410 

163,955 

301,426

55,209

9,419

(236,798)

As a result of the syndicated loan facility 
of $200 million, the Group’s balance 
sheet changed from a net cash position 
of $236.8 million to a net debt position of 
$164.0 million. Part of the facility was used 
for M&A as described under the cash 
flow section. 

 The decrease in cash and cash 
equivalents from $301 million to $116 
million was mainly explained by the 
increase in capital expenditure in 2008 
due to plant expansions at Arcata, 
Selene and San José. 

29
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Corporate social 
responsibility

Hochschild Mining has been a long-standing proponent 
of good working practices and is acknowledged as a 
champion of values demonstrating its commitment to 
Corporate Social Responsibility (‘CSR’). 

Since the Group’s listing in London in 
2006, it has endeavoured to maintain its 
corporate culture of fostering respect for 
the well being of its employees and 
contractors, the environment and the 
communities in which it operates.

To achieve this objective, the Group is 
committed to:
 >

 •

taking all necessary steps to ensure:
 •
 a safe and healthy workplace
 •
 the prevention of environmental 
contamination
 respect for, and commitment to, the 
communities in which it operates
complying with all relevant legislation
promoting continuous improvement in 
its management systems incorporating 
best practice
adopting a proactive approach in 
preventing and, where this is not 
possible, managing, the risks that  
may hinder achievement of its  
CSR objectives
encouraging its employees to adopt 
the Group’s values through the use of 
training and internal communications.

 >
 >

 >

 >

Management and accountability
Roberto Dañino, Deputy Chairman and 
Executive Director has Board-level 
responsibility for CSR issues. The Board 
has ultimate responsibility for establishing 
Group policies relating to CSR and 
ensuring that national and international 
standards are met. 

The Board established a Corporate Social 
Responsibility Committee in 2006 as a 
formal committee of the Board with 
delegated responsibility for various CSR 
issues, focusing on compliance with 
national and international standards and 
ensuring that appropriate systems and 
practices are in place Group-wide to 
ensure the effective management of 
CSR-related risks.

30
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

During the year, the CSR Committee 
considered:
 >

 >

 >

 >

the outcome of the investigation into 
the fatality that occurred during the 
year at Arcata
the implementation of 
recommendations made by external 
consultants on completion of health 
and safety, and environmental audits 
at the Group’s operations
progress on the implementation of the 
safety-driven management information 
system designed in conjunction with 
Det Norske Veritas (‘DNV’) (detailed 
further in the Safety section of this 
report on page 32)
a briefing on the Safety Leadership 
workshop held at the Head Office in 
Lima to raise awareness of safe working 
practices and reinforcing the culture of 
‘safety-first’ throughout the 
organisation.

To support the CSR Committee, a working 
group of relevant personnel meets on a 
monthly basis to consider, at an 
operational level, local health and safety 
policies and environmental protection 
programmes. These meetings are 
attended by the CEO and COO.

Monitoring performance
In acknowledgment of its reporting 
responsibilities, the Company has taken 
a number of steps during the year to 
enable management to measure the 
Company’s progress against its CSR 
objectives. After each section of this 
Report, performance indicators have 
been disclosed with their prior year 
equivalents, where available. 

In instances where Group-wide figures 
are not available, performance in 
respect of the wholly-owned Peruvian 
operations only has been disclosed 
(which represent almost 70% of the 
Group’s attributable production). 

31
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Corporate social  
responsibility continued

83%

reduction in accident severity index.

1. Workplace
a) Safety
The Hochschild approach
Our people and their safety remain of 
paramount importance for the Group 
and is reflected in everything that we do.  
The safety of the Group’s employees is 
considered a vital element in the 
successful achievement of the corporate 
strategy to which the Board and 
management are committed.

The Group has continued to invest, during 
2008, in operating controls and processes 
to ensure that the highest standards of 
safety are met. As a testament to the 
Group’s commitment to achieving an 
internationally recognised level of health 
and safety management, OHSAS18001 
accreditation at the wholly-owned 
Peruvian operations was independently 
audited and re-certified during the year.  

However, it is with deep regret that one 
mine fatality occurred in 2008. The Group 
has conducted an investigation and taken 
steps to address the underlying safety 
deficiencies that led to this tragic event.

Developments during the year
Notable developments during the year 
include:
 >

significant improvements in safety 
indices with frequency rates, severity 
index and accidentability index 
reduced by 24%, 83% and 86% 
respectively
the attainment of Level 3 in the 
implementation of the DNV 
management information system 
which provides a framework to improve 
occupational health and safety 
performance, including risk and 
opportunity identification, analysis, 
target setting, and measurement
 a Group-wide competition with prizes 
worth a total of $30,000 on offer, for 
practical suggestions on how safety 
can be improved. Over 200 entries 
were received and finalists invited to 
present their ideas to a panel including 
the Chairman and the Chief Executive.  
The first prize of $15,000 was awarded to 
an employee from the Ares mine for 
the design of a tool to aid the safe 

 >

 >

32
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 >

 >

handling of heavy wooden supports
the launch of a Group-wide initiative to 
reward safe behaviour with prizes 
awarded every two months at each 
mine to those employees who exemplify 
the Group’s approach to safety
implementation of all safety-related 
recommendations made in the 
performance of safety audits by 
independent consultants.

b) Health
The Hochschild approach
In the first instance, the Group strives to 
avoid occupational illnesses by taking all 
necessary steps to provide a working 
environment that does not pose any risk to 
the health of its workers. Given the risks 
inherent in mining activities however, the 
Group has a Health team charged with the 
provision of medical services and 
occupational health to assure the well 
being of those employed by the Group as 
the need arises, and on an on-going basis.

On joining the Group, all employees in 
Peru and Argentina are subject to 
occupational health examinations which 
are subsequently scheduled on an 
annual basis. Routine examinations at 
the end of employment with the Group 
were introduced during the year. These 
processes will be implemented in Mexico 
during 2009.

Developments during the year
Notable developments during the year 
include:
 >

implementation at the Peruvian 
operations of Sisalud software 
developed by the Group’s medical 
staff to support the provision of 
medical services. The system is used to 
manage, amongst other things, 
patient medical history, appointments 
and pharmacy management
 in partnership with local insurance 
companies, Hochschild developed a 
process that significantly reduces the 
time taken to (i) process results of 
occupational health examinations 
and (ii) obtain the approval of the 
relevant insurance company, upon 
commencement of a worker’s 
employment with the Group.  

 >

Corporate social  

responsibility continued

This system has earned local recognition 
and is being replicated by other mining 
and insurance companies in Peru.

c) Corporate HR
The Hochschild approach
The Corporate Human Resource Vice 
Presidency supports the execution of the 
Group’s strategy by the recruitment and 
retention of employees through the use 
of innovation and best practice. The 
Group seeks to differentiate itself from its 
peers by emerging as an employer of 
choice. By taking this approach, the 
Group seeks to enhance its ability to 
attract and retain the necessary skills.

Developments during the year
Notable developments during the year 
include:
 >

the development of a Talent Inventory 
Review, which enables the Group to 
identify (i) those positions within the 
organisation that are considered critical 
in order to achieve its strategic objectives, 
and (ii) the positions comprising critical 
and key employees. The results were  
used as the basis for developing 
succession and retention plans.  
Furthermore, the exercise gives 
management visibility of key post holders 
and the means by which skills considered 
essential for the business can be 
monitored and developed further
initiatives to increase its profile locally 
and internationally through a) the 
sponsorship of facilities at the Ponitifica 
Universidad Católica del Perú and b) 
the offer of a scholarship at the 
Colorado School of Mines
the launch of a formal graduate 
trainee programme in which 16 of the 
best performing graduates from five 
Peruvian universities with relevant 
degrees (such as mine engineering, 
geology and chemistry) were trained 
and recruited by the Group.

 >

 >

Safety indicators

Indicator 

Fatalities 

Accidents resulting in absence of one day or more 
LTIFR1 
Accident Severity Index2 
Accidentability Index3 

1  Calculated as total number of accidents per million labour hours.
2  Calculated as total number of days lost per million labour hours.
3  Calculated as LTIFR x severity divided by 1000.

Health indicators

Indicator 

Average number of medical attendances at Peruvian  
operations and at San José per month 

Average number of medical emergencies at Peruvian  
operations and at San José per month 

Average number of occupational health examinations  
at the Group’s wholly-owned Peruvian operations per month 

2008 

2007 

1 5

92 

5.75 

543 

3.13 

105

7.59

2,883

21.8

2008 

2007

2,8511 

2,5052

53.422 

89.582

2383 

224

1 

2 

3 

These figures do not include attendances and emergencies at the Moris mine which have been monitored 
since August 2008. 
These figures include attendances and emergencies at the Pallancata mine between May 2007 and 
December 2007 only.
This figure does not include the number of occupational health examinations at Pallancata which have been 
monitored since June 2008 and which will be monitored in respect of Moris in 2009. The Company intends to 
report on performance in these areas in respect of its entire operations in future CSR reports.

General HR indicators

General

2008 

2007

Average number of Group employees 

5,012 

4,132

Training

Number of hours of training undertaken by each employee1 
Percentage of workforce trained during the year1 

19.62 

83% 

13.59

68%

Labour relations

Number of production days lost as a result of industrial unrest  0

 1

1 

In respect of Peruvian operations only. Management will disclose performance in these areas in respect of the 
entire operations in future CSR reports.

33
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Corporate social  
responsibility continued

2. Community relations (‘CR’)
The Hochschild approach
The Group strives to go beyond keeping a 
conflict-free relationship with surrounding 
communities by supporting community 
based organisations and interest groups in 
their many efforts ranging from improving 
the lives of people to the local provision of 
training and education. Sustainability of 
activities within the communities is 
continuously improved by promoting the 
participation of additional development 
agencies in the implementation of local 
development plans.

The Group’s CR policy ensures the 
creation of new jobs at the local level, 
including the establishment of 
appropriate training programmes with 
priority to community members. In 
addition, the Group keeps permanent 
communication and dialogue with 
surrounding communities to encourage 
trust and integration. 

A sustainable development approach is 
undertaken by CR personnel so that 
communities are assisted in their efforts to 
reach better life-quality standards based 
on their Community Development Plan. In 
this sense, the Group provides overall 
support and technical assistance in the 
areas of health, child nutrition, education 
and income generation activities.  

Developments during the year
a) Education and training
Local communities
Education and training for community 
members are key parts of the Group’s 
approach to strengthening local 
capacity and ensuring continuous 
development beyond the end of the 
Group’s operations in the area. 

Hochschild supports primary and 
secondary schools established in the 
areas adjacent to the Group’s 
operations. Over 20 schools and 1,000 
students are supported in different ways.

Examples of such support include:
 >

the provision of scholarships, materials 
and supplies
summer school activities
access to and special training on the 
use of IT
networking support for teachers and 
school directors.

 >
 >

 >

In addition, a wide variety of training 
courses are offered to community 
members to encourage economic 
independence on a sustainable basis. In 
this sense, vocational training is provided 
in carpentry, food production, 

34
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

agriculture, fish farming, alpaca 
breeding and textile handcrafting.

Local government and community 
authorities are also trained in mining 
legislation and topics relating to the 
operations in their territories. 

TECSUP
The Group’s involvement in TECSUP has 
also continued during the year.  

This establishment, founded and 
substantially funded by the Hochschild 
Group is a leading non-profit technical 
institute with over 5,000 graduates.  
TECSUP offers careers in nine areas, 
including metallurgical and chemical 
processes, electronics and industrial 
automation, maintenance of heavy and 
industrial equipment, and agricultural 
technology. In 2008, TECSUP received 
accreditations from the German Agency 
for Accreditation of Engineering 
Education and from the European 
Network for Accreditation of Engineering 
Education, which will allow its graduates 
to pursue additional studies abroad.

b) Health and nutrition 
Child malnutrition is of the highest 
concern for the Group given its 
prevalence in the communities around 
our Peruvian operations. The Group has 
started a five-year programme to deal 
with this issue in partnership with various 
organisations. With the technical help of 
Caritas del Peru (an established NGO) 
we are providing, amongst other things, 
training for community health promoters, 
mother-child health campaigns, training 
on production of supplementary food 
and hygiene. 

c) Income generation activities
Alpaca breeding is the most important 
non-mining activity for communities in 
the highlands of Peru at altitudes over 
4,000 metres. The Group’s alpaca 
breeding programme focuses on 
producing quality fibre of higher value for 
hundreds of breeder families. Activities 
range from facilitating sanitary 
campaigns and building animal sheds to 
the development of alpaca selection 
groups and training on collection, 
classification and commercialisation of 
fibre.  Management of natural resources, 
such as water and pastures, is important 
to ensure sustainability of this programme 
that has already reported income gains 
of over 10% in breeder families. 

Fish farming activities are also being 
promoted given its nutritional benefits 
and the ability to generate income for 

the participating families. In one such 
programme, part of the production is 
allocated to feed school children in 
Arequipa communities. 

New crops have been introduced in 
community areas of low altitude, along 
with new irrigation technologies leading 
to increases in yields and income per 
hectare. Community groups are 
organising themselves to sell their 
products at the local market and to the 
mines’ food services. Families have also 
started to manage vegetable gardens to 
reduce child malnourishment.  

3. The environment
The Hochschild approach
The Group endeavours to minimise the 
impact of its business on the environment 
and to facilitate the on-going 
sustainability of the land where it 
develops operations and activities.

Environmental management is facilitated 
through a reporting structure at mine 
level with accountability to the Corporate 
Environmental Manager forming part of 
the Operational Excellence group.

In addition to its primary responsibilities, 
the Environmental Department works 
together with the operational teams, 
community relations and the Legal 
Department on the application for, and 
on-going compliance with, mining 
permits, thereby assuring the continuity 
of operations.

The Group is committed to complying 
with the highest standards of 
environmental management systems at 
its three original operations in Peru (Ares, 
Arcata and Selene), which have been 
recertified ISO14001 compliant during the 
year.  The same standards are applied to 
the Group’s operations elsewhere with 
the intention that official certification will 
be achieved at San José, Pallancata and 
Moris during 2010.

The focus of the Group’s environmental 
teams is on the following areas:
 >
 >
 >

tailings management
waste rock management
safe disposal of domestic and 
industrial waste 
water treatment (mine, industrial, 
domestic water)
storage and handling of hazardous 
materials, principally cyanide
hydrocarbons management 
management of new projects
closure and rehabilitation works
consumption of resources, 
principally water

 >

 >

 >
 >
 >
 >

Corporate social  

responsibility continued

Developments during the year
Developments during the year include:
 >

implementation of 95% of 
recommendations arising from 
environmental audits conducted by 
third-party consultants
 group-wide implementation of various 
key environmental procedures relating 
to, amongst others, waste 
management, management of drilling 
fluids, sediment control, Hydrocarbon 
management, Hydrocarbon spills 
management, and containment 
systems for chemicals
environmental impact studies 
performed in connection with 
proposed expansion programmes and 
in the planning of new infrastructure 
projects, such as plant capacity 
increases and a new tailings dam
processes adopted to measure more 
broadly, environmental performance 
at each mining unit
group-wide initiatives to raise the 
general awareness of environmental 
issues amongst employees.

 >

 >

 >

 >

Future reporting
Since June 2008, the Group has been 
monitoring the additional indicators 
specified below and intends to report on 
them in future CSR Reports:
 >

Proportion of materials used in the 
operations that has been recycled
Total water withdrawal by source
Proportion of recycled water used
Total water discharge by quality and 
destination.

 >
 >
 >

Community relations indicators

Indicator 

Community investment 

Production days lost as a 
result of community conflicts 

Environmental indicators 

2008 

$4.6m 

2007 

$4.3m 

2006 

$2.3m 

2005

$1.2m

0 

0 

0 

0

Indicator 

20081 

20071 

20061

Average monthly fresh water consumption  
per metric tonne of treated ore  
(cubic metres) 

Average monthly electricity consumption  
per metric tonne of treated ore (kWh) 

Average monthly diesel consumption  
per metric tonne of treated ore (gallons)   

Average monthly wood consumption  
per metric tonne of treated ore (kg) 

Number of material environmental  
incidents across entire operations 

0.55 

2.72 

1.58

90.30 

102.01 

134.28

3.14 

18.33 

0 

1.62 

17.13 

0 

1.36

14.36

0

1  Figures relate to the Group’s mines in Ares, Arcata and Selene only, unless otherwise stated.

Case study – Perito Moreno

The Group’s Argentinian operating company, Minera Santa Cruz (‘MSC’), has 
undertaken a number of projects during the year which illustrate how Hochschild’s 
local operations implement the Group’s CSR strategy. Such initiatives have included:

 >

the establishment of a development 
agency managed by representatives 
of local government, business and 
the agricultural sector. The agency is 
tasked with overseeing the 
development and sustainability of 
Perito Moreno, a town located 
nearest to the Group’s jointly-owned 
mine at San José. MSC contributed 
$120,000 during the year and is  
committed to contributing the same 
amount in each of the coming two 
years

 >

a programme of talks and organised 
visits to the Group’s operations aimed 
at fostering a culture of openness 
with the inhabitants of Perito Moreno

 >

the provision of funding for student 
housing at the university most closely 
located to Perito Moreno.

35
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management

Type of risk

Description of risk

Mitigating steps

Financial risks

Commodity  
price risk

Adverse movements in the 
prices of silver and gold could 
have a material impact on the 
Group’s results of operations.

Silver and gold prices 
continuously monitored with steps 
taken in late 2008 to mitigate the 
impact of changes in commodity 
prices within Board-approved 
parameters.

Credit risk

Loss of Group revenue resulting 
from a customer’s inability to 
pay.

The Group has identified the 
following actions which it has 
implemented/is in the process of 
implementing:
 >

Amendments to the 
contractual terms of sale 
which, amongst other things, 
provide for advance payments 
and delay the transfer of title
obtaining parent company 
guarantees
Risk profiling of key and new 
customers.

 >

 >

Liquidity

The Group may be unable to 
raise funds to meet its financial 
commitments as they fall due.

Foreign currency 
risk

With the Group’s products 
generally priced in US dollars, 
and its cost base spread across 
several different countries and 
currencies, fluctuations in 
exchange rates of local 
currencies against the US dollar 
may impact the Group’s results.

The Group constantly monitors 
the Group’s level of short and 
medium term liquidity and 
access to credit lines to ensure 
appropriate level of financing.

Impact of fluctuations on 
revenues kept under constant 
review by management and 
periodically reviewed by the 
Board.

Further information on financial risks can be found in note 36 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Overview
As with all businesses, management of 
the Group’s operations and execution of 
the Group’s growth strategies are subject 
to a number of risks, the occurrence of 
any one of which may adversely affect 
the execution of growth strategies and 
hence the performance of the Group. 

The Group has significantly improved its 
risk framework over the past few years, 
with good progress being made in better 
understanding and managing the 
Group’s significant risks. The Group has a 
risk management system in place to 
support the identification and 
management of the Group’s significant 
risks. This is supported by a Risk 
Committee which was established during 
the year and comprises the CEO, the 
Vice Presidents, and the head of the 
internal audit function. The Risk 
Committee is responsible for 
implementing the Group’s policy on risk 
management and internal control in 
support of the Company’s business 
objectives, and monitoring the 
effectiveness of risk management within 
the organisation.

The key business risks affecting the Group 
are set out in the table opposite. The 
steps the Group has taken to mitigate 
these risks, when they are within its 
control, are also described.

36
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
Risk management

Type of risk

Description of risk

Mitigating steps

Increase in production costs will impact on the 
Group’s profitability.

The Group seeks to enter into, whenever possible, long-term 
supply contracts at favourable prices.

Operational risks

Costs

Business  
interruption 

Assets used in operations may break down  
and insurance policies may not cover against  
all forms of risks due to certain exclusions  
and limitations.

Reserve and 
resource 
replacement

The Group’s future profitability and operating 
margins depend upon its ability to replenish 
reserves with geological characteristics to  
enable mining at competitive costs. Reserves 
stated in this Annual Report are estimates.

Personnel

Loss of key senior management and  personnel, in 
particular, highly skilled engineers and geologists.

Lack of availability of individuals with relevant mining 
experience situated in the locality of the Group’s 
operations, or the inability of the Group to obtain all 
necessary services or expertise locally or to conduct 
operations on projects at reasonable rates.

Political, legal and regulatory risks

The Group currently has combined property damage and 
business interruption insurance policies for all operations, 
and adequacy of coverage is regularly reviewed in 
conjunction with consultants to ensure appropriate level of 
cover for the industry and for operations in Latin America.

For many years the Group has accomplished an excellent 
track record of reserve and resource replacement.

The Group considers its ability to attract and retain highly 
qualified personnel as critical to success. To this end, the 
Group seeks to provide competitive compensation 
arrangements and well-defined career plans.

Costs associated with ensuring compliance with 
all relevant laws and regulations are substantial 
and future changes may require additional 
expense, restrictions on or suspensions of, the 
Group’s operations and may result in delays in 
the development of its properties.

Regional risk assessments are performed on consideration 
of investment in new countries incorporating reviews of 
political environments and likelihood of changes in 
relevant royalties and taxes. Local teams in each country of 
operation monitor and react as necessary to policy 
changes impacting on the business. Further mitigation is 
achieved through broadening of the geographic spread 
of the Group’s assets, ensuring risks are diversified across a 
number of countries.

Corporate social responsibility related risks

Health and safety Group employees working in the mines may be 

exposed to health and safety risks. Failure to 
manage these risks may result in a work  
slowdown, stoppage or strike and/or may  
damage the reputation of the Group and  
hence its ability to operate.

In 2008, the organisation began implementation of a safety 
management information system in partnership with DNV.

Environmental

Social

The Group may be liable for losses arising from 
environmental hazards associated with the 
Group’s activities and production methods, or 
may be required to undertake extensive remedial 
clean-up action or pay for governmental 
remedial clean-up actions.

As part of the Group’s approach to environmental risk 
management, the Environmental Department engages the 
services of external consultants to perform periodic audits of 
the Group’s operations with findings reported to senior 
management and corresponding recommendations 
implemented under agreed action plans.

Communities living in the localities of the Group’s 
operations may oppose the activities carried out 
by the Group at existing mines or development 
projects and prospects which may also impact  
on the Group’s ability to obtain concessions for 
current or future projects.

The Group’s Community Relations Department maintains 
permanent dialogue and cooperation with communities 
surrounding the Group’s operations. A number of 
sustainability programmes have been developed by the 
Group to promote self-dependence.

37
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Board of Directors

Executive Directors

Eduardo Hochschild (45)
Executive Chairman
Eduardo Hochschild joined Hochschild 
Mining in 1987 as Safety Assistant at the 
Arcata unit, becoming Head of the 
Hochschild Mining Group in 1998 and 
Chairman in 2006. He graduated from 
Tufts University in Boston with a BSc in 
Physics and Mechanical Engineering. He 
holds numerous directorships, with 
Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A., COMEX 
Peru, the Banco de Crédito del Perú, the 
Sociedad Nacional de Minería y Petróleo, 
the Asian Pacific Economic Council 
Business Advisory Committee, the 
Conferencia Episcopal Peruana, Pacífico 
Peruano Suiza, TECSUP and the 
Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería.

Roberto Dañino (58)
Deputy Chairman and Executive Director
Roberto Dañino joined Hochschild Mining 
in 1995, where he remained until 2001 
when he left to serve in the Peruvian 
Government as Prime Minister and later as 
Peru’s Ambassador to the United States. 
From 2003 to 2006 he was Senior Vice 
President and General Counsel of the 

World Bank Group and Secretary General 
of ICSID. Previously, he was a partner of 
Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering in Washington 
DC. He was also founding General 
Counsel of the Inter-American Investment 
Corporation. He holds Law degrees from 
Harvard Law School and the Pontificia 
Universidad Católica del Perú.

Miguel Aramburú (45)
Chief Executive Officer
Miguel Aramburú joined Hochschild in 
1995 when he was appointed General 
Manager of Compañia Minera Pativilca. 
He was appointed Chief Financial Officer 
in 2002 and subsequently served as 
General Manager of the Mining Division 
and, most recently, as Chief Operating 
Officer. He assumed his current role of 
Chief Executive Officer in January 2008. 
Miguel serves as a director of TECSUP and 
Pacífico Peruano Suiza, Cia. de Seguros y 
Reaseguros. He graduated from the 
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in 
1987 in Industrial engineering and holds 
an MBA from Stanford University. Miguel 
was appointed to the Board from 1 
January 2009.

Independent Non-Executive Directors

Sir Malcolm Field (71)
Senior Non-Executive Director
Sir Malcolm Field is currently the Senior 
Non-Executive Director of Aricom plc  
and a Non-Executive Director of Odgers 
Ray & Berndtson. From 2002 to 2006, Sir 
Malcolm served as Chairman of Tube 
Lines Limited, one of the London 
Underground consortia, and from 2001 to 
2006, was an external policy adviser to 
the Department of Transport in the United 
Kingdom. From 1982 to 1993, he was 
Group Managing Director of WH Smith 
plc and from 1993 to 1996 he served as 
Chief Executive. From 1996 to 2001, Sir 
Malcolm was Chairman of the Civil 
Aviation Authority and he has also held 
appointments as a Non-Executive 
Director in a number of companies, 
including Scottish and Newcastle plc, 
MEPC, The Stationery Office and 
Evolution Beeson Gregory.

Jorge Born Jr. (46)
Non-Executive Director
Jorge Born Jr. joined Bomagra S.A. in 
1997 as Chief Executive Officer, and since 
2001 has been President and Chief 
Executive Officer of the same 
organisation. Jorge is also a Director of 

Caldenes S.A., a subsidiary of Bomagra 
S.A. Prior to joining Bomagra S.A. in 1997, 
he served as Head of Bunge Limited’s 
European operations from 1992 to 1997 
and as Head of Bunge Limited’s UK 
operations from 1989 to 1992. He has 
been a Director and Deputy Chairman of 
Bunge Limited since 2001 and a Director 
of Mutual Investment Limited since 1997 
and its Deputy Chairman since 2001. 
Jorge has also been a Director of Dufry 
South America S.A. of Rio de Janeiro 
since 2006. He is currently also President 
of the Bunge and Born Charitable 
Foundation. Jorge received a BSc in 
Economics from the Wharton School of 
the University of Pennsylvania in 1983.

Nigel Moore (64)
Non-Executive Director
Nigel Moore is a Chartered Accountant. 
Since 2003, he has been Chairman of 
TEG Environmental plc. He is currently a 
Non-Executive Director of The Vitec 
Group plc, JKX Oil & Gas plc, Ascent 
Resources plc and Production Services 
Network Ltd. From 1973 to 2003, Nigel was 
a Partner at Ernst & Young and was the 
Managing Partner of Ernst & Young’s 
London office from 1985 to 1987, a Senior 

38
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Ignacio Rosado (39)
Chief Financial Officer
Ignacio Rosado has been the Chief 
Financial Officer of the Group since 2005. 
Previously, he was Senior Engagement 
Manager for Latin America for McKinsey 
& Company from 2000 to 2005. Ignacio 
began his career in banking, having 
worked for Banco Wiese Sudameris in 
Peru (1992-1994) and at Banco de 
Crédito del Perú. He holds an MBA from 
the University of Michigan Business 
School and a BSc in Economics from the 
Universidad del Pacífico in Peru. Ignacio 
was appointed to the Board from 
1 January 2009.

Partner attached to the Chairman’s 
Office (Europe) from 1987 to 1989 and the 
Regional Managing Partner for Eastern 
Europe and Russia from 1989 to 1996. 
From 1996 to 2003, he was a Client 
Service Partner for the oil and gas sector.

Dionisio Romero (72)
Non-Executive Director
Dionisio Romero is Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of the financial services 
holding company, Credicorp Ltd. He is 
Chairman of Banco de Crédito del Perú, 
Banco de Crédito de Bolivia, Atlantic 
Security Bank and Pacífico Peruano Suiza, 
Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros. In 
addition, Dionisio is a Director of Banco 
de Credito e Inversiones de Chile. He 
graduated with a BA degree in 
Economics from Pomona College, 
California in 1957, and earned an MBA 
from Stanford University in 1959.

 
Senior management

Isac Burstein (43)
Business Development Corporate 
Manager
Isac Burstein joined the Group as a 
geologist in 1995. Prior to his current 
position, Isac served as Manager for 
Project Evaluation, Exploration Manager 
for Mexico, and Exploration Geologist. 
He holds a BSc in Geological  
Engineering from the Universidad 
Nacional de Ingenieria, an MSc in 
Geology from the University of Missouri 
and an MBA from Krannert School of 
Management, Purdue University.

Ignacio Bustamante (37)
Chief Operating Officer
Ignacio Bustamante joined Hochschild in 
1992 and, prior to his appointment as 
Chief Operating Officer in January 2008, 
served as General Manager of the 
Peruvian operations. Between 1998 and 
2003 he worked as Chief Financial Officer 
of Cementos Pacasmayo. Subsequently, 
he worked for Zemex Corporation, a 
subsidiary of Cementos Pacasmayo, 
based in Atlanta, Georgia, serving first as 
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President 
of Business Development and later as its 
President. Ignacio holds a BSc in Business 
and a BSc in Accounting from the 
Universidad del Pacífico in Peru and an 
MBA from Stanford University.

Raymond Jannas (55)
Vice President, Exploration & Geology
Raymond Jannas joined Hochschild in 
2007 after working for eight years at Gold 
Fields Limited where he served as 
Worldwide Project Generation Manager 
between 2006 and 2007 and as South 
America Exploration Manager. Raymond 
has over 30 years of experience as a 
geologist throughout the Americas. He 
holds a BSc in Geology from the 
Universidad de Chile and an MSc and 
PhD in Geology from Harvard University.

José Augusto Palma (41)
Vice President & General Counsel
José Augusto Palma joined Hochschild in 
July 2006 after a 13 year legal career in 
the United States, where he was a 
partner at the law firm of Swidler Berlin 
and later worked for the World Bank. He 
also served two years in the Government 
of Peru. José has Law degrees from 
Georgetown University and the 
Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico 
and is admitted to practice as a lawyer in 
Mexico, New York and the District of 
Columbia. Prior to his appointment as 
Vice President & General Counsel in 
October 2008, José served as Senior 
Adviser to the Executive Committee.

Eduardo Villar (36)
Vice President, Human Resources
Eduardo Villar has been with the Group 
since 1996. Prior to his current position,  
he served as Human Resources 
Manager, Deputy HR Manager and 
Legal Counsel. Eduardo holds a Law 
Degree from the Universidad de Lima 
and an MBA from the Universidad 
Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas.

39
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Directors’ report

Directors’ interests
Details of the beneficial interests of those Directors serving at 
31 December 2008 in the share capital of the Company are 
shown below:

Eduardo Hochschild1 
Roberto Dañino2  

Sir Malcolm Field  

Jorge Born Jr. 

Nigel Moore  

Dionisio Romero  

At 31 December  At 1 January 
2008

2008 

181,350,426  

181,350,426 

1,725,000  

1,725,000 

14,285 

14,285

0  

14,285 

100,000  

0

14,285

0

1  Eduardo Hochschild holds an indirect interest in the Company through an 

intermediate holding company which he controls and which owns the entire 
issued share capital of Pelham Investment Corporation which, in turn, owns 
shares in the Company.

2  Roberto Dañino’s shareholding is held through Navajo Overseas Corporation.

There have been no changes in the above interests in the 
period from 31 December 2008 to 24 March 2009. 

Relationship agreement
Prior to the Company’s IPO, Pelham Investment Corporation, 
Eduardo Hochschild, Alberto Beeck and the Company 
entered into a relationship agreement to regulate the ongoing 
relationship between them (‘the Relationship Agreement’). 
The principal purpose of the Relationship Agreement is to 
ensure that the Group is capable of carrying on its business for 
the benefit of the shareholders of the Company as a whole. 
Further details on the Relationship Agreement are set out in the 
Corporate Governance Report on pages 45 to 49.

Corporate social responsibility (‘CSR’)
The Directors are committed to ensuring the health and safety 
of the Group’s employees, operating the Group’s business 
with respect for the environment and by actively engaging 
with local communities. The Group has sought to reinforce 
this commitment by allocating resources and undertaking 
numerous initiatives over many years.

The CSR Committee has continued to discharge its 
responsibilities during the year by:
 >

monitoring the Group’s performance against agreed  
policy on all CSR-related issues, particularly on safety  
and occupational health, community relations, and  
the environment;
reviewing management’s investigation of incidents or 
accidents that occur, in order to assess whether policy 
improvements are required; and
reviewing compliance with national and international 
standards to ensure that effective systems of standards, 
procedures and practices are in place at each of the 
Company’s operations. 

 >

 >

Further details on the Group’s activities in this area are given in 
the corporate social responsibility report on pages 30 to 35.

The Directors have pleasure in presenting their report for the 
year ended 31 December 2008.

Principal activities and business review
Hochschild is a leading precious metals company with a 
primary focus on the exploration, mining, processing and sale 
of silver and gold.

The Group has five underground mines in production 
supported by fully developed infrastructure, four of which are 
located in southern Peru and the fifth in Argentina. The Group 
also has one open pit mine in Mexico and numerous long-term 
prospects at various stages of development. A number of these 
projects and prospects are structured as joint ventures or option 
arrangements with local or overseas mining partners, whilst 
others are owned and operated exclusively by the Group.

In addition, the Group has strategic investments in a number of 
mining companies including Lake Shore Gold Corporation, a 
Canadian gold company. 

The ‘overview’ and ‘business review’ sections of this Annual 
Report on pages 2 to 37 contain the information required to be 
disclosed in this report under section 417 of the Companies Act 
2006 and which are incorporated into this report by reference.

Results and dividend
The Group’s adjusted EBITDA1 for the year amounted to $142.3 
million (2007: $147.6 million). Turnover for the year was $433.8 
million and attributable profit to equity shareholders after tax 
(before exceptional items) was $24.6 million. 

An interim dividend of $0.02 per share was paid to shareholders 
of the Company on 23 September 2008. The Directors 
recommend the payment of a final dividend of $0.02 per share 
(2007: $0.072 per share). Subject to shareholders approving 
this recommendation at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting (‘AGM’), the dividend will be paid in UK pounds sterling 
on 28 May 2009 to shareholders on the register at the close of 
business on 1 May 2009. Shareholders may elect to receive their 
dividend in US dollars. The US dollar dividend will be converted 
into UK pounds sterling at the exchange rate prevailing at the 
time of payment.

Directors
The names and biographical details of the Directors serving 
at the date of this report are given on page 38. Alberto Beeck 
stepped down from the Board on 30 September 2008.

As Miguel Aramburú and Ignacio Rosado were appointed 
to the Board by the Directors, they will stand for election by 
shareholders at the forthcoming AGM in accordance with  
the Company’s Articles of Association. In addition, Jorge  
Born Jr and Nigel Moore will be retiring by rotation at this  
year’s AGM and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election 
by shareholders.

1   Calculated as profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net 
finance income/cost and income tax plus depreciation, amortisation and 
exploration expenses excluding ‘Personnel’ and ‘Other’ expenses.

40
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
Rehabilitation of land
The Company has a policy of closing mine facilities as the lives 
of the mines progress in order to reduce liabilities at the end 
of the mine life. Total current estimates of end-of-life closure 
costs for the Group’s operations are about $38.9 million, which 
includes amounts estimated for ongoing maintenance of sites. 
A provision for this amount was made as at 31 December 2008 
(2007: $32.2 million) which was calculated following a review, 
in 2006, of the mines’ estimated closure costs by external 
consultants and which has been updated on an annual basis 
by management. 

Employees 
Employees of Minera Santa Cruz, S.A. are voluntarily affiliated 
to the Asociación Obrera Mineran Argentina (the Argentine 
Mineworkers Union). The Group’s employees at the Peruvian 
operations became members of unions which were formed 
during 2008. The Group maintains good relations with its 
workforce and, for almost 20 years, has not experienced any 
significant interruptions in production at any of its operating 
sites as a result of workplace disputes. This notwithstanding, the 
Group is currently experiencing some difficulties as referred to in 
the Chairman’s statement.

Further details on the Group’s engagement with employees  
are provided in the corporate social responsibility report (on 
pages 30 to 35).

Supplier payment policy
It is the Company’s policy that payments to suppliers are  
made in accordance with those terms and conditions  
agreed between the Company and its suppliers, provided  
that all trading terms and conditions have been complied  
with by suppliers.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 24 March 2009 the Company had been notified of the 
following interests in the Company’s Ordinary Share capital in 
accordance with Chapter 5 of the Financial Services Authority’s 
Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules:

Eduardo Hochschild  

Alberto Beeck 

Blackrock Investment  
Management (UK) Ltd  

Deutsche Bank AG 

Vanguard Group Inc. 

Percentage 
of issued 
Ordinary Shares  share capital

Number of 

181,350,426 

25,112,074 

22,633,411 

10,128,988 

9,303,931 

59.00%

8.17%

7.36%

3.30%

3.03%

Additional share capital information
This section provides information as at 31 December 2008 which 
is required to be disclosed in the Directors’ report following 
implementation of the Takeovers Directive into English law.

References below to ‘the Articles’ are to the Company’s Articles 
of Association as at the date of this report, copies of which are 
available from the Registrar of Companies or on request from 
the Company Secretary.

References below to ‘the Companies Act’ are to the Companies 
Act 1985 or the Companies Act 2006 as the context may require.

(a) Structure of share capital
The Company has a single class of share capital which is  
divided into Ordinary Shares of 25p each, which are in 
registered form.

At 31 December 2008, the Company had an average of 23 
days’ purchases owed to trade creditors (2007: 27 days).

Details of the authorised and issued share capital of the 
Company are shown in note 26 to the Accounts.

Political and charitable donations
The Company does not make political donations. During  
the year, the Group expended $4.6 million (2007: $4.3 million)  
on social and community welfare activities surrounding its 
mining units.

Events since the balance sheet date
Details of events occurring since 31 December 2008 are set out 
in note 37 to the Groups’ financial statements on page 109.

Share repurchase authority
The Company obtained shareholder approval at the AGM held 
in May 2008 for the repurchase of up to 30,735,022 Ordinary 
Shares (representing 10% of the Company’s issued share 
capital) (‘the 2008 Authority’). Whilst no purchases were made 
by the Company pursuant to the 2008 Authority, it is intended 
that shareholder consent will be sought on similar terms at this 
year’s AGM when the 2008 Authority expires.

(b) Rights and obligations attaching to shares
The rights attaching to the Ordinary Shares are described in full 
in the Articles.

In summary, on a show of hands at a general meeting or class 
meeting, every member present in person has one vote for 
every Ordinary Share held and on a poll, every member  
present in person or by proxy has one vote for every Ordinary 
Share held.

Members are entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any 
of their rights to attend and to speak and vote on their behalf 
at a general meeting or class meeting. A member that is a 
corporation is entitled to appoint more than one individual to 
act on its behalf at a general meeting or class meetings as a 
corporate representative. 

41
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Directors’ report continued

The Directors may from time to time appoint one or more of 
their body to be the holder of any executive office for such 
period (subject to the Companies Act) and on such terms as 
they may determine and may revoke or terminate any such 
appointment. Each Director is required to retire at the AGM held 
in the third calendar year following the year in which he was 
elected or last re-elected by the Company. Each Director (other 
than the Chairman and any Director holding executive office) 
shall retire at each AGM following the ninth anniversary of the 
date on which he was elected by the Company. The Company 
may, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the 
Companies Act by ordinary resolution of which special notice 
has been given, remove any Director before the expiration of 
his term of office. The office of Director shall be vacated if: (i) he 
is prohibited by law from acting as a Director; (ii) he resigns or 
offers to resign and the Directors resolve to accept such offer; 
(iii) he becomes bankrupt or compounds with his creditors 
generally; (iv) a relevant order has been made by any court 
on the ground of mental disorder; (v) he is absent without 
permission of the Directors from meetings of the Board for six 
months and the Directors resolve that his office be vacated;  
(vi) his resignation is requested in writing by not less than three-
quarters of the Directors for the time being; or (vii) in the case of 
a Director other than the Chairman and any Director holding 
an executive office, if the Directors shall resolve to require him to 
resign and within 30 days of being given notice of such notice 
he so fails to do.

In addition, under the terms of the Relationship Agreement:
 >

for as long as the Major Shareholder has an interest of 30% 
or more in the Company, it is entitled to appoint up to two 
Non-Executive Directors and to remove such Directors so 
appointed; and
for as long as the Major Shareholder has an interest of 15% or 
more of the Company, it is entitled to appoint up to one Non-
Executive Director and to remove such Director so appointed.

 >

(h) Amendment of Articles of Association
Any amendments to the Articles may be made in  
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act  
by way of special resolution.

(i) Powers of the Directors
Subject to the Company’s Memorandum of Association, the 
Articles, the Companies Act and any directions given by special 
resolution, the business and affairs of the Company shall be 
managed by the Directors who may exercise all such powers of 
the Company. 

Subject to applicable statutes and other shareholders’ 
rights, shares may be issued with such rights or restrictions as 
the Company may by ordinary resolution decide, or in the 
absence of any such resolution, as the Directors may decide. 
Subject to applicable statutes and any ordinary resolution of 
the Company, all unissued shares of the Company are at the 
disposal of the Directors. At each AGM the Company puts 
in place annual shareholder authority seeking shareholder 
consent to allot unissued shares, in certain circumstances 
for cash, in accordance with the guidelines of the Investor 
Protection Committee.

(c) Transfer of shares
The relevant provisions of the Articles state that:
 >

 >

 >

registration of a transfer of an uncertificated share may be 
refused in the circumstances set out in the CREST Regulations 
and where, in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the 
number of joint holders to whom the uncertificated share is to 
be transferred exceeds four;
the Directors may, in their absolute discretion, decline to 
register any transfer of any share which is not a fully paid 
share. The Directors may also decline to recognise any 
instrument of transfer relating to a certificated share unless 
the instrument of transfer: (i) is duly stamped (if required) and 
is accompanied by the relevant share certificate(s) and such 
other evidence of the right to transfer as the Directors may 
reasonably require; and (ii) is in respect of only one class of 
share. The Directors may, in their absolute discretion, refuse 
to register a transfer if it is in favour of more than four persons 
jointly; and 
the Directors may decline to register a transfer of any of the 
Company’s shares by a person with a 0.25% interest if such a 
person has been served with a notice under the Companies 
Act after failure to provide the Company with information 
concerning interests in those shares required to be provided 
under the Companies Act.

(d) Restrictions on voting
No member shall be entitled to vote at any general meeting or 
class meeting in respect of any shares held by him if any call or 
other sum then payable by him in respect of that share remains 
unpaid. Currently, all issued shares are fully paid. In addition, 
no member shall be entitled to vote if he failed to provide the 
Company with information concerning interests in those shares 
required to be provided under the Companies Act.

(e) Deadlines for voting rights
Votes are exercisable at the general meeting of the Company 
in respect of which the business being voted upon is being 
heard. Votes may be exercised in person, by proxy, or in relation 
to corporate members, by a corporate representative. Under 
the Articles, the deadline for delivering proxy forms cannot be 
earlier than 48 hours (excluding non-working days) before the 
meeting for which the proxy is being appointed.

(f) Shareholder Agreements
The Relationship Agreement entered into prior to the IPO 
between the Major Shareholder (as defined in the Relationship 
Agreement), Eduardo Hochschild, Alberto Beeck (collectively 
‘the Controlling Shareholders’) and the Company:
 >

contains provisions restricting the Controlling Shareholders’ 
rights to exercise their voting rights to procure an amendment 
to the Articles that would be inconsistent with the Relationship 
Agreement; and
contains an undertaking by the Controlling Shareholders that 
they will, and they procure that their Associates will, abstain 
from voting on any resolution to approve a transaction with a 
related party (as defined in the FSA Listing Rules) involving the 
Controlling Shareholders or their Associates.

 >

(g) Appointment and replacement of Directors
Directors may be appointed by the Company by ordinary 
resolution or by the Board. A Director appointed by the Board 
holds office only until the next following AGM and is then eligible 
for election by the shareholders but is not taken into account in 
determining the Directors or the number of Directors who are to 
retire by rotation at that meeting.

42
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
(j) Repurchase of shares
Subject to authorisation by shareholder resolution, the 
Company may purchase its own shares in accordance with 
the Companies Act. Any shares which have been bought 
back may be held as treasury shares or, if not so held, must 
be cancelled immediately upon completion of the purchase, 
thereby reducing the amount of the Company’s issued share 
capital. The Company currently has authority to buy back up 
to 30,735,022 Ordinary Shares and which will expire at the 2009 
AGM. The minimum price which must be paid for such shares is 
specified in the relevant shareholder resolution.

(k) Dividends and distributions
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Company 
may by ordinary resolution from time to time declare dividends 
not exceeding the amount recommended by the Directors. 
The Directors may pay interim dividends whenever the financial 
position of the Company, in the opinion of the Directors, justifies 
its payment. If the Directors act in good faith, they are not liable 
to holders of shares with preferred or pari passu rights for losses 
arising from the payment of interim dividends on other shares.

(l) Significant agreements
A change of control of the Company following a takeover bid 
may cause a number of agreements to which the Company, 
or any of its trading subsidiaries, is party, such as commercial 
trading contracts, joint venture agreements, banking 
arrangements to take effect, alter or terminate. Of these, the 
following arrangements may have a significant impact on the 
Group following a change of control:
 >

the $200 million syndicated secured term loan facility 
agreement dated 28 January 2008. Under the terms of 
this facility, a change of control entitles JP Morgan Chase 
Bank N.A. (as the administrative agent), if so directed by a 
majority of the lenders, to cancel the facility and declare all 
outstanding loans, together with accrued interest and all 
other amounts accrued under the facility documentation 
immediately due and payable and furthermore, entitles the 
administrative agent to direct the enforcement of all liens and 
security interests created under the facility documentation. 
awards made under the Group’s Long-Term Incentive Plan 
shall, upon a change of control of the Company, vest early 
unless a replacement award is made. Vesting will be pro-
rated to take account of the proportion of the period from 
the award date to the normal vesting date falling prior to 
the change of control and the extent to which performance 
conditions (and any other conditions) applying to the award 
have been met.

 >

Essential contractual and other arrangements
The Directors consider that the following are the contractual 
and other arrangements to which group companies are a 
party and which are considered to be essential to the business:
 >

the mining concessions granted by the governmental 
authorities in the jurisdiction of the Group’s operations; and
collective agreements with trade unions in respect of the 
workers at the Group’s mines in Peru.

 >

Policy on financial risk management
The Company’s objectives and policies on financial risk 
management can be found in note 36 to the Group financial 
statements. Information on the Company’s exposures to foreign 
currency, commodity prices, credit, equity, liquidity, interest rates 
and capital risks can be found in this note.

Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
Since Directors are increasingly being added as defendants in 
legal actions against companies, the Board believes that the 
risk of Directors being placed at significant personal financial 
risk is increasing. The Board also believes that the provision of 
appropriate indemnities and the funding of Directors’ defence 
costs as permitted by legislation are reasonable protections for 
the Directors and are important to ensure that the Company 
continues to be able to attract and retain the highest calibre 
individuals as Directors.

Accordingly, the Articles contain a provision whereby each 
of the Directors is indemnified by the Company in respect 
of liability in relation to: (i) any negligence, default, breach 
of duty or breach of trust relating to the Company or any 
associated company; (ii) execution of their duties as Directors 
of the Company; and (iii) the activities of the Company or any 
associated company as trustee of an occupational pension 
scheme. For these purposes, associated company has the 
meaning given to it by section 256 of the Companies Act 2006.

However, a Director will not be indemnified for any liability 
incurred by him to the Company or Group companies; any 
criminal or regulatory fines; the costs of defending any criminal 
proceedings in which he is convicted; or the costs of defending 
any civil proceedings brought by the Company in which 
judgement is given against him.

The Company has purchased and maintains liability insurance 
for its Directors and officers as permitted by section 233 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Conflicts of interest
The Companies Act 2006 allows Directors of public companies 
to authorise conflicts and potential conflicts of interest of 
directors where the Company’s Articles of Association contain 
a provision to that effect. Shareholders approved amendments 
to the Company’s Articles of Association at the AGM held on 
9 May 2008 which included provisions giving the Directors 
authority to authorise matters which may result in the Directors 
breaching their duty to avoid a conflict of interest. 

The Board has established effective procedures to enable 
the directors to notify the Company of any actual or potential 
conflict situations and for those situations to be reviewed and, 
if appropriate, to be authorised by the Board, subject to any 
conditions that may be considered appropriate. Directors’ 
conflict situations will be reviewed annually.

Directors of the Company who have an interest in matters 
under discussion at Board meetings are required to declare this 
interest and to abstain from voting on the relevant matters. Any 
related party transactions are approved by a committee of the 
Board consisting solely of Independent Directors. In addition, the 
Directors will be able to impose limits or conditions when giving 
any authorisation, if they think this is appropriate.

Going concern
The Directors confirm that they are satisfied that the Company 
has sufficient resources to continue in operation for the 
foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Auditors
A resolution to reappoint Ernst & Young LLP as auditors will be 
put to the members at the forthcoming AGM.

43
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Directors’ report continued

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
 >

the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 
applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and
the Management report includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of the business and the 
position of the Company and the undertakings included 
in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that  
they face.

Disclaimer
Neither the Company nor the Directors accept any liability to 
any person in relation to this Annual Report except to the extent 
that such liability could arise under English law. Accordingly, 
any liability to a person who has demonstrated reliance on any 
untrue or misleading statement or omission shall be determined 
in accordance with section 90A of the Financial Services and 
Markets Act 2000.

The names and functions of the current Directors of the 
Company are set out on page 38 of this Annual Report.

On behalf of the Board

Raj Bhasin
Company Secretary 
24 March 2009

AGM
The third AGM of the Company will be held at 10am on 26 May 
2009 at the offices of Linklaters LLP, One Silk Street, London EC2Y 
8HQ. The shareholder circular incorporating the Notice of AGM 
is available at www.hochschildmining.com.

The shareholder circular contains details on, amongst other 
things, the business to be considered at the meeting and the 
biographical details of the Directors standing for re-election at 
the AGM.

 >

Statement on disclosure of information to auditors
Having made enquiries of fellow Directors and of the Company’s 
auditors, each Director confirms that to the best of his 
knowledge and belief, there is no relevant audit information of 
which the Company’s auditors are unaware. Furthermore, each 
Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as 
a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are 
aware of that information.

This confirmation is given, and should be interpreted, in 
accordance with the provisions of section 234ZA of the 
Companies Act 1985.

44
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Corporate governance report

Introduction
The Hochschild Mining plc Board believes that its participation 
in an established investment market carries significant 
responsibility to manage the Company transparently and in a 
manner appropriate to a successful business. Accordingly, the 
Board fully supports good corporate governance and intends 
to comply, wherever possible, in the interests of shareholders 
and other stakeholders, with the Combined Code on Corporate 
Governance (‘the Code’).

Statement of compliance
The Company complied in 2008 with the provisions set out in 
Section 1 of the Code with the following exceptions:
 >

the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive were not 
separated in the period from 1-8 January 2008; and
the performance evaluation process undertaken during 
the year was focused principally on the performance 
of the Board collectively and hence individual directors’ 
performance, including that of the Chairman, was not 
appraised during the year as required by the Code.

 >

The Board
The Board is responsible for approving the Company’s 
strategy and monitoring its implementation, for managing 
the operations of the Company and for providing leadership 
and support to the executive management team in achieving 
sustainable added value for shareholders. It is also responsible 
for enabling the efficient operation of the various businesses 
by providing adequate financial and human resources and 
an appropriate system of financial control to ensure these 
resources are fully monitored and utilised.

The Board consists of four Executive Directors: Eduardo 
Hochschild (Chairman), Roberto Dañino (Deputy Chairman), 
Miguel Aramburú (Chief Executive Officer) and Ignacio Rosado 
(Chief Financial Officer), and four Non-Executive Directors: Sir 
Malcolm Field (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director), 
Jorge Born Jr., Nigel Moore and Dionisio Romero.

Eduardo Hochschild, who controls the major shareholder 
of the Company, Pelham Investment Corporation (‘the 
Major Shareholder’), has considerable knowledge and 
experience in the Latin American gold and silver mining 
industry. Accordingly, the other Directors believe that Eduardo 
Hochschild’s membership of the Board and participation in the 
management of the Company is vital to the continued success 
and growth of the Company. Prior to the Company’s Listing, 
the Major Shareholder, its Controlling Shareholders at that time 
including Eduardo Hochschild, and the Company entered into 
an agreement regulating their ongoing relationship. Further 
details concerning this agreement are set out on page 46.

There is an agreed schedule of matters reserved for the 
Board which was originally agreed at the time of the IPO and 
subsequently revised by the Board on 11 January 2007. Such 
matters include the approval of annual and half-yearly results, 
the Group’s strategy, the annual budget and major items of 
capital expenditure.

There were four scheduled meetings of the Board and a 
meeting dedicated to strategic planning held during the year, 
which were attended by all Directors. In addition, four ad-hoc 
meetings were convened to deal with operational matters. 

Attendance by Directors at the Board meetings held during the 
year is summarised in the table below.

Director 

Eduardo Hochschild 

Roberto Dañino 

Alberto Beeck 

Sir Malcolm Field 

Nigel Moore 

Jorge Born Jr. 

Dionisio Romero 

Possible 

Actual 
attendance  attendance

8 

8 

7 

8 

8 

8 

8 

7

8

6

7

7

7

7

The principal matters considered by the Board during the  
year included:
 >
 >
 >
 >

the Group’s strategic plan and annual budget.
corporate development opportunities.
board evaluation.
various corporate social responsibility related issues.

Directors receive a full pack of papers for consideration in 
advance of each Board meeting and in the event that a 
Director is unable to attend, comments are relayed to the 
Chairman who seeks to ensure that all views are represented on 
any given matter.

In addition, Directors are kept abreast of latest developments 
through monthly reports on the Company’s operations and 
financial situation.

Chairman and Chief Executive
In the period from the Listing until 8 January 2008, Eduardo 
Hochschild served as the Executive Chairman and, with 
the support of the Executive Committee, he also fulfilled the 
function of Chief Executive Officer. As disclosed in previous 
Annual Reports, the Board considers that this dual role did not 
contravene the spirit of the Code as the Group established a 
governance structure with a number of checks and balances 
that ensured no individual or group dominates the Board’s 
decision-making.

The above notwithstanding, the Board acknowledges that the 
management structure of the Group will need to evolve as it 
establishes its presence as a company with a main-market 
listing in London and becomes increasingly aware of the 
expectations of the UK market generally and of its investors in 
particular. In recognition of this, the Board announced the 
appointment of Miguel Aramburú as Chief Executive Officer with 
effect from 8 January 2008.

In preparation for this appointment, documents setting out 
the division of responsibilities between the Chairman and the 
Chief Executive Officer were considered and approved by the 
Board. The Chairman, Eduardo Hochschild, is responsible for 
the running and leadership of the Board and, in conjunction 
with the Chief Executive Officer, the formulation of the vision and 
long-term corporate strategy of the Group. The approval of the 
Group’s strategy is a matter for approval by the Board.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for leading an executive 
team in the day-to-day management of the Group’s business. 

45
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Corporate  
governance report continued

At the time the separate post of Chief Executive Officer was 
created, the Board felt time was needed for the new position  
to be established within the organisation and hence, a Board 
position was not conferred to the postholder at the outset. 
However, within 12 months of his appointment, the Board 
announced at the end of 2008 that Miguel Aramburú,  
together with Ignacio Rosado, the Chief Financial Officer,  
would be assuming their places on the Board with effect  
from 1 January 2009. 

Senior Independent Director
Sir Malcolm Field has been appointed as the Senior 
Independent Director and, as such, is available to meet with 
major shareholders if their concerns have not been resolved by 
the Chairman or the other Executive Directors.

Board balance and independence
Despite the changes to the Board composition during the year, 
it remained compliant at all times with the requirement of the 
Code that a majority of Directors (excluding the Chairman) shall 
comprise Non-Executive Directors considered by the Board to 
be independent.

The Board believes that its membership during the year was, 
and its current membership is, well balanced and capable 
of managing the Company in an effective and successful 
manner. Whilst the Chairman is not considered to be 
independent, the Board is satisfied that decisions can be made 
without any one Director exercising undue influence. The Board 
is also of the opinion that Eduardo Hochschild’s long-term 
relationship with the Company, and his importance to it, make 
his presence on the Board of vital importance and is in the best 
interests of the Company and its shareholders generally. 

Moreover, the undertakings given in the Relationship 
Agreement by the Major Shareholder and Eduardo Hochschild, 
ensure that the Company is managed in accordance with 
the Code. Accordingly, the Board believes that during the year 
under review, the Company was structured so as to ensure that 
no individual had unfettered powers of decision making.

The Board considers that all of the Non-Executive Directors  
are independent of the Company as defined by the Code.  
In reaching its conclusion, the Board paid particular regard  
to the situations described below in relation to two of its 
Non-Executive Directors.

(i) Dionisio Romero is Chairman of Banco de Credito del 
Perú, a provider of finance to the Company and a Director of 
TECSUP, a non-profit organisation affiliated to the Company.

 >

 the Board does not consider Dionisio’s involvement with 
either of these two organisations to be sufficiently material 
to interfere with the exercise of independent judgement 
when dealing with the Company’s affairs. Consequently, 
he is regarded as being independent for the purposes of 
the Code.

(ii) Prior to the Listing, Jorge Born Jr. received payments 
of approximately $72,000 from the Company for his 
participation on the Company’s Advisory Board, which has 
since been dissolved.

 >

 the amount paid is not considered to be material 
and consequently, the Board regards Jorge as being 
independent for the purposes of the Code.

The Board is of the opinion that all four independent Directors 
enhance the Board’s capacity to oversee and grow the 
Company’s operations. This notwithstanding, the membership 
of each main Board committee shall be reviewed by the Board 
on an on-going basis as a matter of good practice.

In addition to their legal responsibilities as Directors, the 
Non-Executive Directors are expected to contribute to issues 
of strategy and management performance through the 
application of their independent judgement and to scrutinise 
management’s performance against objectives. To this end, the 
Non-Executive Directors have held informal private discussions 
with the Chairman.

Consistent with the Code, consideration of the remuneration of 
the Non-Executive Directors is a matter reserved for the Board. 

Relationship Agreement
Prior to the Company’s IPO, the Major Shareholder and 
its controlling shareholders at the time including Eduardo 
Hochschild (collectively ‘the Controlling Shareholders’) and 
the Company entered into an agreement regulating their 
ongoing relationship. The principal purpose of the Relationship 
Agreement is to ensure that the Company and its subsidiaries 
are capable of carrying on their business independently of the 
Controlling Shareholders and any of their respective associates, 
and that transactions and relationships with the Controlling 
Shareholders and any of their respective associates are at arm’s 
length and on normal commercial terms.

The Company and the Major Shareholder agree in the 
Relationship Agreement that they will comply with the 
applicable obligations under the Listing Rules and to exercise 
their powers so far as they are able to ensure the Company is 
managed in accordance with the Code. Under the agreement, 
the Major Shareholder has the right to appoint up to two 
Non-Executive Directors to the Board for so long as the Major 
Shareholder holds an interest of 30% or more in the Company 
and the right to appoint one Non-Executive Director for so long 
as it has an interest of 15% or more in the Company, and in 
each case to remove any such Director(s) previously appointed. 
The Relationship Agreement continues for so long as the 
Company’s shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange 
or until such times as the Controlling Shareholders (including 
Eduardo Hochschild) cease to own or control in aggregate a 
minimum of 15% or more of the issued share capital or voting 
rights of the Company.

Appointments to the Board and re-election of Directors
Board nominations are recommended to the Board by the 
Nominations Committee which met during the year under 
review to consider the appointments of Miguel Aramburú 
(Chief Executive Officer) and Ignacio Rosado (Chief Financial 
Officer) to the Board with effect from 1 January 2009. These 
appointments were made in recognition of the significant 
contributions made to date by these senior executives and to 
ensure the representation of the appropriate skills at Board level 
in order to advance the Group’s strategy.

In accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Association, 
Miguel Aramburú and Ignacio Rosado will be subject to 
election by shareholders at the forthcoming AGM. In addition, 
Jorge Born Jr. and Nigel Moore will retire by rotation and, being 
eligible, offer themselves for re-election by shareholders also at 
the forthcoming AGM. Biographical details of these Directors are 
given on page 38.

46
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
Board development
The Directors have received regular briefings on their 
responsibilities as Directors of a UK listed company, particularly 
in light of the Companies Act 2006 and on other relevant UK 
legal developments. In addition, the Chairman has made 
arrangements to ensure that the Directors have free access to 
the Company’s officers and advisers and to visit the Company’s 
operations. An induction programme for new Board appointees 
incorporates meetings with the Company’s principal advisers 
and visits to the Group’s operations.

It is the responsibility of the Chairman to ensure that the 
Directors update their skills and are provided with the necessary 
resources to continue to do so.

The Company has procedures by which members of the Board 
may take independent professional advice at the Company’s 
expense in the furtherance of their duties.

Board evaluation
As the Board undertook a process to evaluate its performance, 
the performance of its Directors and of its committees in 
the latter part of 2007, it was not considered necessary for 
an evaluation of similar scope to be conducted in 2008. 
Accordingly, an evaluation focusing on the workings of the 
Board was carried out during the year under review.

In keeping with the previous year, the evaluation was 
conducted through the use of questionnaires which were 
designed to gauge the Board’s view on, amongst other things, 
the composition and workings of the Board. Directors were  
also given the opportunity to suggest how current practice 
could be amended to allow the Board to function more 
effectively. The findings were considered by the Chairman 
and the Senior Independent Director and a number of 
recommendations arising from the process were considered 
and approved by the Board. The recommendations principally 
relate to Board composition, contingency planning in respect  
of the Chairmanship and implementation of the Group’s 
strategic plan.

As the Board did not consider that a detailed evaluation  
of individual directors’ performance was necessary, an 
evaluation of the Chairman’s performance was not carried  
out during the year.

The Board’s committees
The Board has delegated authority to the following standing 
committees which report regularly to the Board:
 >
 >
 >
 >

the Audit Committee.
the Remuneration Committee.
the Nominations Committee.
the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.

The terms of reference for all the Board committees are 
available for inspection on the Company’s website at  
www.hochschildmining.com. 

Audit Committee
The role of the Audit Committee is to:
 >
 >

monitor the integrity of the Company’s financial statements;
monitor the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls 
and risk management systems;
oversee the relationship with the Company’s external auditors; 
and 
review the effectiveness of the external audit process.

 >

 >

The Audit Committee is chaired by Nigel Moore who has 
extensive and substantial financial experience gained whilst 
holding a number of senior appointments with Ernst & Young. 
Further details are given in the biography on page 38. The  
other members of the Audit Committee are Sir Malcolm 
Field and Jorge Born Jr., both of whom are considered to be 
independent Directors.

The lead partner of the external auditors, the Executive Directors 
and the Head of Internal Audit attend each Audit Committee 
meeting by invitation.

During the year under review, there were four meetings of the 
Audit Committee each of which was attended by all members. 
The following matters featured among those considered by the 
Committee during the year:

 >

Financial reporting – The Audit Committee reviewed the 2007 
Annual Report and Accounts and the 2008 Half-yearly Report 
before recommending them to the Board for approval. As 
part of its review of each, the Audit Committee reviewed 
accounting policies, estimates and judgements that had 
been applied in preparing the relevant report and accounts 
and the transparency and clarity of disclosures contained 
within them.

 >

Risk management – Risk matrices highlighting the significant 
risks at each of the Group’s operations have been considered 
by the Audit Committee together with the accompanying 
evaluation and action plans to manage the identified high 
risk areas. 

 >

Internal audit – The Audit Committee has overseen the 
Group’s adoption of a risk-based approach to internal audit 
and has approved the Internal Audit Work Plan for the current 
financial year.

 >

Internal control – The Audit Committee has continued to 
review the monthly management accounts process and  
the adequacy of the Group’s information technology (‘IT’) 
systems. Treasury procedures and controls have also been 
the focus of separate reviews during the year. The Group 
continues to operate the arrangements under which  
staff may raise, in confidence, concerns about possible 
improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other  
matters and which enables proportionate and independent 
investigation of any such improprieties with suitable  
follow-up action.

 >

External audit – The Audit Committee considered the re-
appointment of the Company’s external auditors before 
making a recommendation to the Board that the same 
be put to shareholders. The Audit Committee oversees 
the relationship with the external auditors. As part of this 
responsibility, the Audit Committee has reviewed the 
findings of the external auditors, reviewed management 
representation letters, approved audit plans, reviewed and 
agreed audit fees and evaluated its performance. 

In addition, the Audit Committee has adopted policies, which 
it continues to oversee, with the aim of safeguarding the 
independence and objectivity of the auditors including a policy 
on the provision of non-audit services. This document specifies 
those non-audit services that the external auditor may provide 
(in the absence of any threat to its independence) which 
include support in relation to M&A, and Joint Ventures and tax 
advisory services which are not incompatible with the 

47
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Corporate  
governance report continued

auditors’ statutory responsibilities. The policy also sets out those 
services which the auditors are prohibited from rendering  
(and where it is not in the best interests of the Group for the  
work to be undertaken by the external auditor). Such services 
include management of, or significant involvement in internal 
audit services, advice to the Remuneration Committee and 
valuation services.

Details on the fees paid to the external auditors during the year 
in respect of audit and non-audit work are provided in note 30 
to the financial statements.

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
The role of the CSR Committee is to oversee and to make all 
necessary recommendations to the Board in connection 
with corporate social responsibility issues as they affect the 
Company’s operations. In particular, it focuses on compliance 
with national and international standards to ensure that 
effective systems of standards, procedures and practices 
are in place at each of the Company’s operations. The CSR 
Committee is also responsible for reviewing management’s 
investigation of incidents or accidents that occur in order to 
assess whether policy improvements are required.

Remuneration Committee
The role of the Remuneration Committee is to determine and 
agree with the Board the broad policy for the remuneration of 
executives and senior management as designated, as well as 
specific remuneration packages, including pension rights and 
any compensation payments. 

The CSR Committee is chaired by Roberto Dañino and its other 
members are Sir Malcolm Field and Eduardo Hochschild. During 
the year, the CSR Committee held two meetings which were 
attended by all members. In addition, detailed updates on CSR-
related matters were presented at two of the Board meetings 
held during the year.

The Remuneration Committee comprises the following 
independent Non-Executive Directors: Jorge Born Jr. 
(Chairman), Sir Malcolm Field and Nigel Moore. The Committee 
held 11 meetings during the year under review at which all 
members were in attendance with the exception that Nigel 
Moore was unable to attend one meeting.

Further details concerning the activities of the Remuneration 
Committee are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on 
page 50.

Nominations Committee
The role of the Nominations Committee is to identify and 
nominate candidates for the approval of the Board to fill Board 
vacancies and make recommendations to the Board on Board 
composition and balance. The Nominations Committee also 
prepares the Chairman’s job description including any other 
significant commitments which he should be responsible for.

The members of the Nominations Committee are Eduardo 
Hochschild (Chairman), Sir Malcolm Field and Dionisio Romero.

All members of the Nominations Committee were present at 
the three meetings held during the year under review with the 
exception that Dionisio Romero was unable to attend one of 
these meetings. 

The matters considered by the Nominations Committee during 
the year were:
 >

the appointment of Alberto Beeck as a Non-Executive 
Director.
the relevant recommendations arising from the Board 
evaluation process.
any potential conflicts of interests relating to, and the 
subsequent appointments to the Board of, Miguel Aramburú 
(CEO) and Ignacio Rosado (CFO) with effect from 1 January 
2009.

 >

 >

Further details concerning the CSR Committee and the 
Group’s activities in this area are set out in the corporate social 
responsibility report on pages 30 to 35.

Internal control
Whilst the Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s 
system of internal control (including risk management) and for 
reviewing its effectiveness, responsibility for the periodic review 
of the effectiveness of these controls has been delegated 
to the Audit Committee. The system of internal control is 
designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure 
to achieve business objectives and it must be recognised that 
such a system can only provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material misstatement or loss. These controls 
are managed by the use of formal procedures designed to 
highlight financial, operational, environmental and social risks 
and provide appropriate information to the Board enabling it to 
protect effectively the Company’s assets and, in turn, maintain 
shareholder value. The process used by the Audit Committee to 
assess the effectiveness of internal control includes:
 >
 >

Review of budgets and reporting against budgets.
Consideration of achievement of strategic plans  
and objectives.
Monitoring the risks faced by the Group’s operations through 
reports from the Head of the Internal Audit function.
Review of IT issues.
Review of accounting and financial reporting together with 
the internal control environment existing at Group level.

 >

 >
 >

Based on its review of the process, the Audit Committee is 
reasonably satisfied that the internal controls are in place at 
the operational level within the Group. In accordance with the 
Revised Turnbull Guidance, the Board confirms that there is an 
ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the 
significant risks faced by the Company, and that it has been in 
place for the year under review and up to the date of approval 
of this Annual Report. The Board, via the Audit Committee, 

48
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
continues to monitor the internal control environment of the Group 
alongside the development of risk management processes.

Overall, the Board acknowledges that the steps taken to  
initiate a risk management framework are appropriate to  
the Group’s circumstances.

Going concern
A statement on the Directors’ position regarding the Company 
as a going concern is contained in the Directors’ report on 
page 43.

Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is appointed and removed by  
the Board and is responsible for advising the Board on 
governance matters and the provision of administrative  
and other services to the Board. All the Directors have access  
to the Company Secretary.

Investor relations
The Company is fully committed to achieving an excellent 
relationship with investors and contact with investors is the 
responsibility of the Executive Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, 
the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Investor Relations.

The Company announces its production results on a quarterly 
basis and analysts are invited to briefings following release of 
the annual and half-yearly results as well as to join discussions 
on the quarterly production results. The Executive Directors, 
Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer are 
available to discuss the concerns of major shareholders at any 
time during the year. The Chairman, Deputy Chairman and 
the Chief Executive Officer, in particular, will be responsible for 
discussing strategy with the Company’s shareholders and will 
communicate the views of shareholders to the other members 
of the Board.

The main means of communication with shareholders are 
the Annual and Half-yearly Reports (which are available on 
request). The Company also uses the AGM as an opportunity to 
communicate with its shareholders.

Notice of the 2008 AGM was circulated to all shareholders at 
least 20 working days prior to the meeting and the Chairmen 
of the Audit, CSR, Remuneration and Nominations Committees 
were available at the meeting to answer questions. A poll vote 
was taken on each of the resolutions put before shareholders. 
It is intended that this approach will also be taken at the 2009 
AGM and, in keeping with historic practice, results of the 
voting at the AGM will be announced and published on the 
Company’s website as soon as possible after the meeting.

Further information on matters of particular interest to investors is 
available on page 132 and on the Company’s website at  
www.hochschildmining.com

49
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Directors’  
remuneration report

Introduction
This Directors’ remuneration report sets out information on the remuneration of the Directors of Hochschild Mining plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2008. This report has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 7A of the Companies Act 1985 and the 
requirements of the Financial Services Authority’s Listing Rules.

As required by legislation, the information provided in the table in the section entitled ‘Long-Term Incentive Plan’ and the table on 
Directors’ total remuneration and accompanying notes has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP as it contains the information upon 
which the auditors are required to report to the Company’s shareholders. 

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Jorge Born Jr. and its other members are Sir Malcolm Field and Nigel Moore. All the 
members of the Remuneration Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors.

The duties of the Remuneration Committee are to determine and agree with the Board the broad policy for the remuneration 
of the Executive Directors, the other members of the Executive Committee and the Company Secretary, as well as their specific 
remuneration packages including pension rights and, where applicable, any compensation payments. In determining such 
policy, the Remuneration Committee shall take into account all factors which it deems necessary to ensure that members of the 
senior executive management of the Group are provided with appropriate incentives to encourage strong performance and are 
rewarded in a fair and responsible manner for their individual contributions to the success of the Group.

The composition of the Remuneration Committee and its terms of reference comply with the provisions of the Combined Code and 
are available for inspection on the Company’s website at www.hochschildmining.com.

The Remuneration Committee was advised during the year on remuneration matters generally by Kepler Associates and most 
notably, on a review of the remuneration packages of the Executive Directors and senior management, and the structure of the 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) which was put to shareholders for approval at the 2008 AGM. 

Kepler Associates did not provide any other services to the Group during the year.

Remuneration policy
The Remuneration Committee continued to implement in 2008, and intends to implement in 2009, its agreed policy on executive 
remuneration as previously disclosed. The principal objectives of the Group’s policy are to attract, retain, and motivate its executives 
and senior management and to align management incentives with the creation of shareholder value. It is considered critical that 
this alignment is achieved over both the short and long-term and this is done through the use of annual performance-related 
bonuses which reward the achievement of a balanced mix of financial and operational performance measures, and the Total 
Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) related performance conditions attached to awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.

2008 Remuneration Review
In the early part of 2008, the Remuneration Committee undertook a review of the remuneration packages of the Executive Directors 
and of senior management within the following parameters:
 >

total compensation shall be weighted in favour of variable compensation, in order to provide the appropriate level of incentive  
to perform.
total cash compensation shall be in the lower quartile of the Group’s peers, with total remuneration in the upper quartile.

 >

During the review, the Committee made reference to pay levels of other international mining companies of comparable size. The 
benchmarking exercise was completed at the end of February 2008 and revised packages, where appropriate, were put in place 
from 1 March 2008.

Fixed and variable pay
The following chart sets out the split between fixed and variable pay at both target and maximum performance. The maximum 
bonus percentages are set out in each Executive Director’s service contract and have been set to ensure that the majority of the 
remuneration is performance based.

50
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Executive Director pay mix (% of total remuneration)

Target

Maximum

100

90

80

n
o

70

i
t

r

a
e
n
u
m
e

r

l

t

a
o

t

f

o
%

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Eduardo
Hochschild

Roberto
Dañino

Eduardo
Hochschild

Roberto
Dañino

67%

LTIP

Variable proportion:
50%
73%

53%

Bonus

Pension

Salary

Components of fixed pay for the Executive Directors in office as at 31 December 2008

Director 

Eduardo Hochschild 
Roberto Dañino 

 Annual entitlements before 
  Remuneration Review  

Annual entitlements after  
Remuneration Review 
(effective 1 March 2008)

US$000 

Pension 
Salary  Supplement 

800 
800 

200 
200 

US$000

Pension 
Salary  Supplement 

800 
600 

200 
200 

Total 

1,000 
1,000 

Total

1,000
800

Notes
Each Executive Director has service contracts with both Hochschild Mining plc and Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C., a Group subsidiary. Salary paid by Compañía Minera Ares 
S.A.C includes all legal labour benefits and compensation such as, but not restricted to, July and December bonuses, family allowance, vacation salaries and compensation 
for time services (ruled by Peruvian Legislative Decree 6500) but excluding legal profit sharing.

Basic salaries
As stated above, the remuneration packages of the Executive Directors were reviewed in early 2008 resulting in revised salaries being 
paid with effect from 1 March 2008. Base salaries for each Executive Director are paid 20% by the Company and 80% by Compania 
Minera Ares S.A.C. (a wholly owned subsidiary).

The review of remuneration packages carried out during the year sought to ensure that the Executive Directors were paid in line with 
comparable companies taking into account individual contribution and scope of responsibility.

Short-term incentives
Each year the Remuneration Committee approves objectives for each of the Executive Directors based on individual roles and 
responsibilities and are intended to reward strong financial performance of the Group and achievement of key operational targets 
within the individual’s scope of responsibilities.  The level of bonus paid depends on performance against these objectives and are 
subject to the discretion of the Remuneration Committee.  

Maximum bonus opportunities for Eduardo Hochschild and Roberto Dañino are 175% and 150% of base salary respectively. 

2008 Bonus Awards
A summary of the objectives set in respect of 2008 and performance against each one is given below:

Objectives relating to Group Performance:
 >
 >
 >

specified targets on share price performance and level of EBITDA, which were not met;
production targets and the level of success in replenishing reserves and resources, for which a bonus was payable;
the actions taken to reduce the cost base arising from the changes in financial climate for which a bonus was payable;

51
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Directors’  
remuneration report continued

Objectives relating to personal areas of responsibility include:
(i) for Eduardo Hochschild
 >
 >

targets on strategic and succession planning, for which a bonus was payable;
targets on the delivery of best practice in relation to health, safety and environmental matters, for which a bonus was payable;

(ii) for Roberto Dañino
 >

targets in relation to the implementation of best practice on corporate governance and board process for which a bonus  
was payable;
execution of the Group’s CSR strategy and targets relating to investor and institutional relations for which a partial bonus 
was payable;

 >

The Committee wishes to acknowledge Eduardo Hochschild’s decision to waive his entitlement to a bonus in respect of 2008 in 
recognition of the changes in trading conditions during the year.

The amount of the bonus paid to Roberto Dañino in respect of 2008 is detailed in the table on page 54.

Pensions and benefits-in-kind
The Company does not currently provide pension benefits to the Directors but does award the Executive Directors with a pension 
supplement of $200,000 each year in lieu of pension. Of this supplement, $160,000 is paid by Compañía Minera Ares, S.A.C. and 
$40,000 is paid by the Company.

In addition, under Peruvian law, mining companies with more than 20 employees must pay an annual share of profits, in an amount 
up to a maximum of 8% of the taxable income for the year to employees.

The Group also provides Executive Directors with medical insurance and motor cars (or an allowance in place thereof).

Performance graph
The following graph shows the TSR (Total Shareholder Return) for the Company compared to the FTSE 350 Index, assuming £100 
was invested on 3 November 2006, the date that conditional dealings in the Company’s shares commenced. The Board considers 
that the FTSE 350 index currently represents the most appropriate of the published indices for these purposes as it provides a view of 
performance against the broad equity market index that the Company is a constituent of.

Total shareholder return – value of hypothetical £100 holding

£200

£150

£100

£50

£0

FTSE 350 Index

Hochschild 
Mining plc

31 Dec 06

Source: Bloomberg

31 Dec 07

31 Dec 08

Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’)
In order to achieve its policy objective to motivate Executive Directors and senior employees for the long-term, the Company 
submitted for shareholder approval at the 2008 AGM a cash-based LTIP which further aligns selected executives’ and senior 
employees’ long-term interests with those of shareholders. 

Initial awards under the LTIP were made subject to shareholders approving the Plan at the 2008 AGM. 

Awards made under the Plan to Executive Directors are subject to a normal limit, capping awards to a value not exceeding six times 
salary at the date of grant (excluding interest on the deferred proportion of the award).

52
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

As at 31 December 2008, Eduardo Hochschild was the only Executive Director participating in the Plan and details of his award are 
given in the table below.

Interests in the 
LTIP at 31/12/2007 

Maximum awards 
made during the year 

Eduardo Hochschild 

– 

$4m 

Awards vested 
during the year 

– 

Interests in the 
LTIP at 31/12/2008

$4m

Going forward, the Committee intends to make LTIP awards no less than every three years, subject to the limit specified above.

The vesting of initial awards under the Plan is subject to the Company’s TSR over a three year period to 31 December 2010, relative 
to a tailored peer group of listed international gold and silver mining companies (‘the Comparator Index’). These companies are 
Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd, Alamos Gold, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Apex Silver Mines Ltd, Barrick Gold Corp, Cia des Minas Buenaventura 
SA, Couer d’Alene Mines Corp, Eldorado Gold Corp, Gold Fields Ltd, Goldcorp Inc, Highland Gold Mining Ltd, Iamgold Corp, Kinross 
Gold Corp, Minefinders Corp, Newmont Mining Corp, PAN American Silver Corp, Peter Hambro Mining Plc, Polymetal and Silver 
Standard Resources Inc. 25% of the maximum cash payment vests if the Company achieves median TSR performance, 75% of the 
maximum cash payment vests at upper quartile TSR performance and the whole award vests at upper decile TSR performance. 
Vesting occurs on a straight-line basis for TSR performance between median and upper quartile and between upper quartile and 
upper decile.

Awards are subject to two clawbacks (in relation to a whole, or part of an, award); firstly, if based on a discretionary assessment 
by the Remuneration Committee, the overall underlying business performance of the Company during the performance period 
is not satisfactory; and secondly, if there are failures relating to safety, environment, community and legal compliance that the 
Remuneration Committee considers would entitle it to exercise its discretion.

On a change of control, awards made under the LTIP may vest early (unless a replacement award is made), but would be pro-rated 
to take account of the proportion of the period from the award date to the normal vesting date completed prior to the change of 
control, and the extent to which performance conditions applying to the award have been met.

In respect of the year ended 31 December 2008, the Company’s TSR was below the median of that of the Comparator Index.

Directors’ service contracts
The Executive Directors are employed under contracts of employment with the Company and Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C., a 
Group company, dated 16 October 2006 (as subsequently amended). The contracts have no fixed terms and may be terminated 
on 12 months’ notice in writing. In setting the notice period for termination at 12 months, the Remuneration Committee has reduced 
the likelihood of having to pay excessive compensation in the event of poor performance and to this end, a provision for immediate 
dismissal with no compensation payable in the event of unsatisfactory performance is included in each Director’s contract.

External appointments
The Group recognises that certain Executive Directors are, in addition, Directors of other companies and that such appointments 
can bring benefits to the Group. Details of the directorships of those Executive Directors in office as at 31 December 2008 are given 
in the table below, together with the amounts received by them during the year under review. The amounts received by Eduardo 
Hochschild in his capacity as Executive Director of Cementos Pacasmayo, as well as advisory fees received from Inversiones 
Pacasmayo, both companies in which he is the controlling shareholder, are also included below.

Name of Director  

Eduardo Hochschild  

Roberto Dañino 

Company  

Banco Crédito del Perú  

Cementos Pacasmayo  

Cementos Selva  

Fees received

$100,000

 Peruvian nuevo sol 4,282,233 ($1,463,511)

 Peruvian nuevo sol 228,262 ($78,012)

Inversiones Pacasmayo SA  

 Peruvian nuevo sol 5,287,717 ($1,807,149)

Pacifico Peruano Suiza Cía de  
Seguros y Reaseguros 

Cementos Pacasmayo 

Gold Fields La Cima S.A.  

MiBanco  

 Peruvian nuevo sol 28,980 ($9,904)

Peruvian nuevo sol 41,658 ($14,237)

 Peruvian nuevo sol 31,253 ($10,681)

 Peruvian nuevo sol 143,294 ($48,973)

Radio Programas del Peru  

 Peruvian nuevo sol 40,840 ($13,958) 

Non-Executive Directors
In accordance with each of their letters of appointment dated and effective from 16 October 2006, the Group’s Non-Executive 
Directors serve for an initial period of three years which is automatically extended for a further three years. Notwithstanding the 
foregoing, Non-Executive Directors like all Directors are subject to periodic re-election by the Company in general meeting and the 
appointments of Non-Executive Directors may be determined by the Board or the Director giving not less than three months’ notice.

The Non-Executive Directors’ fees have been set at a level to reflect the amount of time and level of involvement required in order to 
carry out their duties as members of the Board and its committees.

53
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Directors’  
remuneration  report  continued

The current fees for the Non-Executive Directors of the Company are as set out in the table below:

Director  

Sir Malcolm Field  

Jorge Born Jr.  

Nigel Moore  

Dionisio Romero  

Director’s fee

 £100,000 ($183,517) per annum

 £100,000 ($183,517) per annum

 £120,000 ($220,220) per annum

 £100,000 ($183,517) per annum

Table of Directors’ total remuneration
The following table sets out the remuneration of the Directors serving during the year in respect of the years ended 31 December 
2008 and 31 December 2007.

Base 
salary/fees 
US$000 

Pension 
supplement 
US$000 

Statutory 
profit share 
US$000 

Benefits 
in kind 
US$000 

  Performance 
related 
bonus 
US$000 

Total 
  remuneration 
Year to 
  31 December 

(or date of 

Total 
2008  remuneration 
Year to 
resignation,  31 December 
2007 
US$000

if earlier) 
US$000 

800 

633 

184 

184 

220 

184 

332 

2,537 

200 

200 

0 

0 

0 

0 

65 

465 

31 

25 

0 

0 

0 

0 

11 

67 

252 

46 

0 

0 

0 

0 

45 

343 

04 

450 

0 

0 

0 

0 

n/a 

450 

1,283 

1,354 

184 

184 

220 

184 

2,223

1,790

200

200

240

200

453 

1,415

3,862 

6,268

Director 

Eduardo Hochschild1,2,3 
Roberto Dañino1,2,3,5 

Sir Malcolm Field 

Jorge Born Jr 
Nigel Moore6 

Dionisio Romero 

Former Director 
Alberto Beeck1,2,3,7 

Total 

1   Each Executive Director has (or in the case of Alberto Beeck, had) a service contract with both Hochschild Mining plc and Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C., a Group 

subsidiary.

2   In each case, the proportion of aggregate base salary paid by the Company and by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. is 1/5 and 4/5 respectively. In addition, $160,000 per 

annum of pension supplement is/was payable by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. and $40,000 of pension supplement is/was payable by the Company.

3   Salary paid by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. includes all legal labour benefits and compensation such as, but not restricted to, July and December bonuses, family 

allowance, vacation salaries and compensation for time services (ruled by Peruvian Legislative Decree 6500) but excluding legal profit sharing.

4  Mr Hochschild waived his entitlement to a bonus – see section of this Report entitled ‘2008 Bonus Awards’.
5   Performance related bonuses are paid by the Company and Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. in the proportion each company pays the Director’s base salary.
6   Mr. Moore’s fees are higher than those of the other Non-Executive Directors as they include fees paid to him for services as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
7   Mr Beeck served as an Executive Director of the Company until 9 May 2008 when he assumed a non-executive directorship. Mr Beeck resigned as a Director of the 

Company on 30 September 2008.

Directors’ interests in shares
The interests of the Directors are set out in the Directors’ report on page 40.

Approval
This report has been approved by the Board of Directors of Hochschild Mining plc and is signed on its behalf by:

Nigel Moore
Member, Remuneration Committee
24 March 2009

54
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities 
in relation to the group and parent company  
financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and parent company’s financial statements (‘Financial 
Statements’) in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and those International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as 
adopted by the European Union.

The Directors are required to prepare Group and parent company financial statements for each financial year which present fairly 
the financial position of the Group and parent company, and the financial performance and cash flows of the Group and parent 
company for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Directors are required to:
 >

select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors 
and apply them consistently;
present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information;
provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to understand 
the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group and parent company’s financial position and 
financial performance; and
state that the Group and parent company has complied with IFRS, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in 
the financial statements.

 >

 >

 >

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and parent company and enable them to ensure that the Group financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 1985, Companies Act 2006 and, in the case of Group financial statements, with Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and parent company and hence for taking reasonable steps for 
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

55
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Independent auditor’s report 
To the members of  
Hochschild Mining plc

We have audited the Group Financial Statements (the ‘financial statements’) of Hochschild Mining plc for the year ended 31 December 
2008 which comprise the Group Income Statement, the Group Balance Sheet, the Group Cash Flow Statement, the Group Statement 
of Changes in Equity and the related notes 1 to 37. We have also audited the Parent Company Financial Statements (the ‘financial 
statements’) of Hochschild Mining plc for the year ended 31 December 2008 which comprise the Company Balance Sheet, the 
Company Cash Flow Statement, the Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes 1 to 17. These financial statements 
have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein. We have also audited the information in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report that is described as having been audited.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 235 of the Companies Act 1985. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 
auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 
other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable United 
Kingdom law and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the European Union are set out in the 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited in 
accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and whether the financial statements 
and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 1985 and whether, in addition, the Group Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with Article 4 of 
the IAS Regulation. We also report to you whether in our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the 
financial statements. The information given in the Directors’ Report includes that specific information presented in the Operational 
Review and Financial Review that is cross referred from the Business Review section of the Directors’ Report. 

In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, the Company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the 
information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding Directors’ remuneration and other 
transactions is not disclosed.

We review whether the Corporate Governance Report reflects the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the 2006 
Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, and we report if it does not. We are 
not required to consider whether the Board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion on the 
effectiveness of the Group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.

We read other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. 
The other information comprises only the Chairman’s Statement, the Operational and Financial Reviews, the Directors’ Report, 
the unaudited part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report, and the Corporate Governance Report. We consider the implications 
for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our 
responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices 
Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant 
estimates and judgements made by the Directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order 
to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In 
forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements and the 
part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited.

Opinion
In our opinion:
 >

the Group Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, of the 
state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2008 and of its loss for the year then ended;
the Parent Company Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, 
as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 1985, of the state of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 
December 2008 and of its loss for the year then ended;
the Financial Statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited have been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and as regards to the Group Financial Statements in accordance with Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation;
the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements.

 >

 >

 >

Ernst & Young LLP
Registered auditor 
London
24 March 2009

56
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Continuing operations
Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Administrative expenses  
Exploration expenses 
Selling expenses 
Other income 
Other expenses 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Profit from continuing operations before  
  net finance income/(cost), foreign exchange  
  loss and income tax   
Share of post tax losses of associates and  
  joint ventures accounted under equity method  
Finance income 
Finance costs 
Foreign exchange loss   

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations  
  before income tax 
Income tax expense 

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Notes 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Total 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

3(a), 5 
6 

433,779 
(240,441) 

– 

433,779 
(234)  (240,675) 

305,021 
(106,272) 

– 
– 

305,021
(106,272)

7 
8 
9 
11 
11 
15 

17 
12 
12 

193,338 
(68,751) 
(23,841) 
(11,257) 
5,025 
(8,246) 
–  

(234) 
(1,127) 
(69) 
– 
252 
(1,984) 
(34,706) 

193,104 
(69,878) 
(23,910) 
(11,257) 
5,277 
(10,230) 
(34,706) 

198,749 
(68,817) 
(26,890) 
(2,780) 
5,695 
(2,027) 
–  

– 
– 
– 
– 
932 
(1,501) 
–  

198,749
(68,817)
(26,890)
(2,780)
6,627
(3,528)
–

86,268 

(37,868) 

48,400 

103,930 

(569) 

103,361

(8,214) 
9,382 
(18,833) 
(7,161) 

– 
3,914 
(18,088) 
– 

(8,214) 
13,296 
(36,921) 
(7,161) 

– 
19,783 
(7,517) 
(4,363) 

– 
5,474 
(71) 
– 

–
25,257
(7,588)
(4,363)

61,442 
(29,762) 

(52,042) 
6,848 

9,400 
(22,914) 

111,833 
(34,453) 

4,834 
(1,299) 

116,667
(35,752)

13 

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations 

31,680 

(45,194) 

(13,514) 

77,380 

3,535 

80,915

Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Company 
Minority shareholders 

Basic and diluted earnings per Ordinary Share from  
  continuing operations and for the year  
  (expressed in US dollars per share)    

24,643 
7,037 

(43,646) 
(1,548) 

(19,003) 
5,489 

81,538 
(4,158) 

31,680 

(45,194) 

(13,514) 

77,380 

3,535 
– 

3,535 

85,073
(4,158)

80,915

14 

0.08 

(0.14) 

(0.06) 

0.27 

0.01 

0.28

57
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Consolidated  
balance sheet
As at 31 December 2008

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Investments accounted under equity method 
Available-for-sale financial assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Income tax receivable 
Deferred income tax assets  

Current assets
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Income tax receivable 
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders of the Parent
Equity share capital 
Share premium 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Minority interest 

Total equity 

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables   
Borrowings 
Provisions 
Deferred income tax liabilities 

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables   
Borrowings 
Provisions 
Income tax payable 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

As at 31 December

Notes 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

15  488,984 
2,668 
16 
17  136,019 –
17,794 
18 
38,304 
19 
802 
20,795 

27 

263,062
2,896

15,100
25,518
616
22,400

  705,366 

329,592

49,220 
20 
19  123,726 
14,470 
5,569 
21 
22  116,147 

47,012
134,180
1,003
8,039
301,426

  309,132 

491,660

 1,014,498 

821,252

26  146,466 
26  395,928 

146,466
395,928
  (250,831)  (205,556)
  182,612 
229,202

  474,175  566,040

68,843 

50,008

  543,018 

616,048

627 
23 
24  231,692 
37,687 
25 
15,839 
27 

859
55,209
30,821
9,091

  285,845 

95,980

23 
24 
25 

82,291 
98,070 
4,277 
997 

52,176
33,169
13,029
10,850

  185,635 

109,224

  471,480  205,204

 1,014,498 

821,252

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 24 March 2009 and signed on its behalf by:

Ignacio Rosado
Chief Financial Officer
24 March 2009

58
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 
Interest received 
Interest paid 
Payments of mine closure costs 
Tax paid 

Net cash generated from operating activities  

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Investment in an associate  
Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets 
Purchase of software licences 
Loan to Exmin, S.A. de C.V.   
Loan to Minera Andes Inc.   
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale financial assets 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Other 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds of borrowings 
Repayment of borrowings   
Transaction costs associated with borrowing 
Dividends paid 
Transaction costs associated with issue of shares  
Capital contribution from minority shareholders   

Cash flows generated from financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the year 
Exchange difference 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

  Year ended 31 December

Notes 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

31  102,167 
7,512 
(4,302) 
(1,476) 
(25,260) 

34,338
18,390
(1,217)
(2,023)
(28,084)

78,641 

21,404

  (296,027)  (134,119)
  (164,211) –
(19,240) 
(37) 
– 
– 
3,321 –
392 
12 –

(4,669)
(876)
(746)
(22,036)

167

12, 18 

  (475,790)  (162,279)

  484,041 
177,168
  (257,300)  (150,194)

(2,408) –
(28,531) 
– 
16,926 

(24,729)
(11,722)
16,175

  212,728 

6,698

  (184,421)  (134,177)
60
435,543

(858) 
  301,426 

22  116,147 

301,426

59
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Other reserves

Unrealised 
gain/(loss) 
 on available- 

Equity 
share 
capital 
US$000 

Share 
premium 
US$000 

Notes 

financial 

for-sale  Cumulative 
translation 
assets  adjustment 
US$000 

US$000 

Capital 
  and reserves 
 attributable to 
  shareholders 
of the 
Parent 
US$000 

Retained 
earnings 
US$000 

Merger 
reserve 
US$000 

Total 
Other 
reserves 
US$000 

Minority 
interest 
US$000 

Total 
equity 
US$000

Balance at  
  1 January 2007 
Fair value gains on  
  available-for-sale  
  financial assets 
Deferred income tax  
  on available-for-sale  
  financial assets 
Translation adjustment 
  for the year 

Net income recognised  
  directly in equity 
Profit for the year 

Total recognised  
  income for 2007 
Transaction costs  
  associated with  
  issue of shares 
Dividends 
Adjustment to deferred  
  consideration1 
Capital contribution  
  from minority  
  shareholders 

Balance at  
  31 December 2007 
Net fair value losses  
  on available-for-sale  
  financial assets 
Deferred income tax  
  on available-for-sale  
  financial assets 
Recycling of fair value  
  losses on impairment  
  of available-for-sale  
  financial assets 
Deferred income tax  
  on impairment of  
  available-for-sale  
  financial assets 

  146,466 

396,156 

1,374 

3,633 

(210,046)  (205,039)  152,577 

490,160 

14,489  504,649

18 

27 

26 
28 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

1,415 

(927) 

– 

– 

– 

(1,005) 

488 
– 

(1,005) 
– 

488 

(1,005) 

(228) 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

1,415 

(927) 

(1,005) 

– 

– 

– 

1,415 

87 

1,502

(927) 

– 

(927)

(1,005) 

882 

(123)

(517) 
– 

– 
85,073 

(517) 
85,073 

969 
(4,158) 

452
80,915

(517) 

85,073 

84,556 

(3,189) 

81,367

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
(8,448) 

(228) 
(8,448) 

– 
– 

(228)
(8,448)

– 

– 

– 

5,627 

5,627

– 

33,081 

33,081

  146,466 

395,928 

1,862 

2,628 

(210,046)  (205,556)  229,202  566,040 

50,008 

616,048

18 

27 

27 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(3,306) 

– 

390 

– 

1,979 

– 

(151) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(3,306) 

– 

(3,306) 

(127) 

(3,433)

– 

390 

– 

390 

35 

425

– 

1,979 

– 

1,979 

– 

1,979

– 

(151) 

– 

(151) 

– 

(151)

60
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other reserves

Unrealised 
gain/(loss) 
 on available- 

Equity 
share 
capital 
US$000 

Share 
premium 
US$000 

Notes 

financial 

for-sale  Cumulative 
translation 
assets  adjustment 
US$000 

US$000 

27 

28 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1,562) 

– 

– 

– 

(43,003) 

378 

– 

– 

(2,272) 
– 

(43,003) 
– 

(2,272) 
– 

(43,003) 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

Capital 
  and reserves 
 attributable to 
  shareholders 
of the 
Parent 
US$000 

Retained 
earnings 
US$000 

Merger 
reserve 
US$000 

Total 
Other 
reserves 
US$000 

Minority 
interest 
US$000 

Total 
equity 
US$000

– 

(1,562) 

– 

(1,562) 

(51) 

(1,613)

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

378 

– 

378 

12 

390

– 

620 

620 

– 

620

(43,003) 

– 

(43,003) 

(76) 

(43,079)

(45,275) 
– 

620 
(19,003) 

(44,655) 
(19,003) 

(207) 
5,489 

(44,862)
(13,514)

(45,275) 
– 

(18,383) 
(28,331) 

(63,658) 
(28,331) 

5,282 
– 

(58,376)
(28,331)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1,220 

1,220

124 

124 

4 

128

– 

– 

12,329 

12,329

Recycling of realised  
  fair value gains on  
  available-for-sale  
  financial assets  
Deferred income tax on 
  realised fair value gains 
  on available-for-sale  
  financial assets 
Share in gains directly  
  recognised in equity  
  by associates 
Translation adjustment  
  for the year 

Net income recognised  
  directly in equity 
(Loss)/profit for the year 

Total recognised  
  income for 2008 
Dividends 
Adjustment to deferred  
  consideration1 
Expiration of  
  dividends payable 
Capital contribution  
  from minority  
  shareholders 

Balance at  
  31 December 2008 

 146,466  395,928 

(410)  (40,375) (210,046) (250,831)  182,612  474,175 

68,843  543,018

1  This amount represents the increase in the minority interest’s share of the assets of Pallancata, following the Group’s investment during the year in accordance with the 

agreement signed with Minera Oro Vega S.A.C. (refer to note 23(2)). 

61
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2008

1 Corporate information
Hochschild Mining plc (hereinafter ‘the Company’) is a public limited company incorporated on 11 April 2006 under the 
Companies Act 1985 as a Limited Company and registered in England and Wales with registered number 05777693. The Company’s 
registered office is located at 46 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JL, United Kingdom. 

The ultimate controlling party of the Company is Mr Eduardo Hochschild whose beneficial interest in the Company and its 
subsidiaries (together ‘the Group’ or ‘Hochschild Mining Group’) is held through Pelham Investment Corporation, a Cayman  
Islands company. 

On 8 November 2006, the Company’s shares were admitted to the Official List of the UKLA (United Kingdom Listing Authority) and to 
trading on the London Stock Exchange.

The Group’s principal business is the mining, processing and sale of silver and gold. The Group has four operating mines (Ares, 
Arcata, Selene and Pallancata) located in southern Peru, one operating mine (San José) located in Argentina and one operating 
mine (Santa Maria de Moris) located in Mexico. The Group also has a portfolio of projects located across Peru, Argentina, Mexico, 
Chile and Canada at various stages of exploration and development.

These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 24 March 2009.

The principal activities of the Company’s subsidiaries are as follows:

Company 

Hochschild Mining (Argentina) Corporation S.A.  
  (formerly Hochschild Mining (Argentina) Corporation)1 
Hochschild Mining (Peru) S.A. (formerly  
  Hochschild Mining (Peru) Corporation)1,2 
Larchmont S.A. (formerly Larchmont Corporation)1,2 
Garrison S.A. (formerly Garrison Corporation)1,2 
Ardsley S.A. (formerly Ardsley Corporation)1,2 
Hochschild Mining Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (formerly  
  Hochschild Mining (Mexico) Corporation)1 
Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited 
Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. 
Compañía Minera Arcata S.A. 
Empresa de Transmisión Callalli S.A.C.  
Asociación Sumac Tarpuy3  
Pallancata Holding S.A.C.  
  (formerly Compañía Minera Coriorco S.A.) 
Minera Suyamarca S.A.C.   
MH Argentina S.A. 
Minera Hochschild Chile S.C.M.  
  (formerly Minera MH Chile Ltda.). 
Minera Hochschild Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 
Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V. 
Moris Holding, S.A. de C.V.    
Servicios Corporativos Hochschild  
  Mining Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 
Hochschild Mining (US) Inc. (formerly MH Nevada, Inc.) 
Minera Santa Cruz S.A. 
Hochschild Mining Chile S.A. 
HMX, S.A. de C.V. 
Inmaculada Holdings S.A.C.4 
Liam Holdings S.A.C.4 
Hochschild Mining Ares (UK) Ltd.4 
Minera Minasnioc S.A.C.5 

. 

. 

Principal 
activity 

Country of 
incorporation 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

Equity interest 
at 31 December

Holding company 

Argentina 

Holding company 
Holding company 
Holding company 
Holding company 

Peru 
Peru 
Peru 
Peru 

Holding company 
Holding company 
Production of gold and silver 
Production of gold and silver 
Power transmission 
Not-for-profit 

Mexico 
England and Wales 
Peru 
Peru 
Peru 
Peru 

Holding company 
Production of gold and silver  
Exploration office 

Exploration office 
Exploration office 
Production of gold and silver  
Holding company 

Peru 
Peru 
Argentina 

Chile 
Mexico 
Mexico 
Mexico 

Service company 
Exploration office 
Production of gold and silver  
Holding company 
Exploration office  
Holding company 
Holding company 
Subsidiary 
Subsidiary 

Mexico 
USA 
Argentina 
Chile 
Mexico 
Peru 
Peru 
England and Wales 
Peru 

100 

100 
– 
– 
– 

100 
100 
100 
96.8 
100 
– 

100 
60 
100 

100 
100 
70 
100 

100 
100 
51 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

100

100
10
100
100

100
100
100
96.8
100
– 

100
60
100

100
100
70
100

100
100
51
100
100
– 
– 
– 
– 

1  These subsidiaries were previously domiciled in the Cayman Islands. Between 2007 and 2008, the place of domicile of these subsidiaries was transferred to Peru, Argentina 

and Mexico. 
In 2008 Hochschild Mining (Perú) S.A. merged with Larchmont S.A., Garrison S.A. and Ardsley S.A.

2 
3  Asociación Sumac Tarpuy is an unincorporated entity, which receives donations from Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C., and spends this money on the community and social 

welfare activities around its mine units at the direction of Ares. As a result, the Group consolidates this entity.

4  Companies incorporated during 2008.
5  Company incorporated due to the purchase of shares of Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. on 31 October 2008.

62
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 Significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as adopted for use in the European Union (EU) and with Companies Acts 1985 and 2006, where relevant. The Group’s Financial 
Statements are also consistent with IFRS issued by the IASB. 

The basis of preparation and accounting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the years ended 
31 December 2008 and 2007 are set out below. These accounting policies have been consistently applied, except for the effects of 
adoption of new and amended accounting standards (refer to note 2(c)).

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain classes of property, plant and  
equipment which were revalued at 1 January 2003 to determine the deemed cost (refer to note 2(f)), available-for-sale financial 
instruments and financial assets at fair value through profit and loss which have been measured at fair value. The financial 
statements are presented in US dollars ($) and all monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) except when 
otherwise indicated.

Standards, interpretations and amendment to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted by 
the Group
Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the 
Group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009 or later periods but which the Group has not early adopted. 
Those that are applicable to the Group are as follows:

 >

IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

IFRS 8 replaces IAS 14 ‘Segment Reporting’ upon its effective date. The Group concluded that the operating segments 
determined in accordance with IFRS 8 are the same as the geographical segments identified under IAS 14. This conclusion is 
based on the definition of operating segment included in IFRS 8 which defines an operating segment as the component of an 
entity: (a) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; (b) whose operating results are 
regularly reviewed by the entity’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the 
segment and assess its performance; and (c) for which discrete financial information is available.

 >

IAS 23 Amendment, ‘Borrowing Costs’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

  The amendment requires that borrowing costs relating to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset be 

capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs should be expensed as incurred.

 >

IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations (revised January 2008)’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009.

IFRS 3 introduces a number of changes in the accounting for business combinations occurring after this date that will impact the 
amount of goodwill recognised, the reported results in the period that an acquisition occurs, and future reported results. 

 >

IFRS 2 ‘Amendment to IFRS 2 – Vesting Conditions and Cancellations’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2009.

  The amendment clarifies the definition of a vesting condition and prescribes the treatment for an award that is cancelled. 

 >

IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (revised January 2008)’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or 
after 1 July 2009.

IAS 27 requires that a change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary (without loss of control) is accounted for as an equity 
transaction. Therefore, such transactions will no longer give rise to goodwill, nor will it give rise to gain or loss. Furthermore, the 
amended standard changes the accounting for losses incurred by partially-owned subsidiaries as well as the loss of control  
of a subsidiary.

 >

IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

  The standard separates owner and non-owner changes in equity. The statement of changes in equity will include only details of 
transactions with owners, with non-owner changes in equity presented as a single line. In addition, the Standard introduces the 
statement of comprehensive income which it presents all items of recognised income and expense, either in one single 
statement, or in two linked statements.

 >

IAS 32 and IAS 1 Amendment ‘Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation’, applicable for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

  The amendments to IAS 32 address the classification of puttable financial instruments and obligations arising only on liquidation, 
with the object of providing a ‘short-term, limited scope amendment’ designed to avoid outcomes arising under the general 
principles of IAS 32 that were counter-intuitive.

63
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
 >

IFRS 1 and IAS 27 Amendment ‘Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate’, applicable for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

  The amendments deal with the measurement of the cost of investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates 
when adopting IFRSs for the first time, and they address concerns that the previous requirement to retrospectively determine cost 
and to apply the cost method in accordance with IAS 27 could not, in some circumstances, be achieved without undue cost or 
effort for first-time adopters. The amendments have removed from IAS 27 the requirement to distinguish between pre- and 
post-acquisition dividends. IAS 27 has also been amended to deal with circumstances where a parent reorganises the structure of 
its group by establishing a new entity as its parent. Under the new rules, the new parent measures the cost of its investment in the 
previous parent at the carrying amount of its share of the equity items show in the separate financial statements of the original 
parent at the date of the reorganisation.

 >

2008 Annual Improvements to IFRS, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009.

In May 2008, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued its first omnibus of amendments to its standards, primarily 
with a view to removing inconsistencies and clarifying wording. This is the first Standard published under the IASB’s annual 
improvements process which is intended to deal with non-urgent, minor amendments to Standards. The Standard includes  
35 amendments, and is split into two parts:
•	 Part	I	–	amendments	that	result	in	accounting	changes	for	presentation,	recognition	or	measurement	purposes,	that	includes	

changes in: 
–  IFRS: 5, 7
–  IAS: 1, 7, 16 , 19, 20, 23, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41

•	 Part	II	–	amendments	that	are	terminology	or	editorial	changes	only,	which	the	Board	expects	to	have	no	or	minimal	effect	on	

accounting, that includes:
–  IFRS: 7
–  IAS: 8, 10, 18, 20, 29, 34, 40, 41

 >

IFRIC 16 ‘Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 October 2008.

IFRIC 16 provides guidance on the accounting for a hedge of a net investment. As such it provides guidance on identifying the 
foreign currency risk that qualify for hedge accounting in the hedge of a net investment, where within the Group the hedging 
instruments can be held in the hedge of a net investment and how an entity should determine the amount of foreign currency 
gain or loss, relating to both the net investment and the hedging instrument, to be recycled on the disposal of the net investment.

 >

IFRIC 17 ‘Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009.

It clarifies that a dividend payable should be recognised when the dividend is appropriately authorised and is no longer at the 
discretion of the entity. It also clarifies that an entity should measure the dividend payable at the fair value of the net assets to be 
distributed and that an entity should recognise the difference between the dividend paid and the carrying amount of the net 
assets distributed in profit or loss.

 >

IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Eligible Hedged Items’, applicable for annual periods beginning 
on or after 1 July 2009.

  The amendment addresses the designation of a one-sided risk in a hedged item, and the designation of inflation as a hedged 

risk or portion in particular situations. It clarifies that an entity is permitted to designate a portion of the fair value changes or cash 
flow variability of a financial instrument as a hedged item. 

The Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of the above standards and interpretations will have a material impact on the 
Group’s financial statements in the period of initial application. Other standards and interpretations not included above are not 
expected to have impact on the financial statements.

IAS 23 has been revised to require capitalisation of borrowing costs when such costs relate to a qualifying asset. A qualifying asset is 
an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. In accordance with the 
transitional provisions in the Standard, the Group will adopt this as a prospective change. Accordingly, borrowing costs which will 
result in future economic benefits will be capitalised on qualifying assets from 1 January 2009. No changes will be made for 
borrowing costs incurred prior to this date that have been expensed. In accordance with our current accounting policy borrowing 
costs are not capitalised and are expensed.

64
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
2 Significant accounting policies continued
(b) Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Many of the amounts included in the financial statements involve the use of judgement and/or estimation. These judgements and 
estimates are based on managements’ best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to prior experience, 
but actual results may differ from the amounts included in the financial statements. Information about such judgements and 
estimation is contained in the accounting policies and/or the notes to the financial statements. The key areas are summarised below.

Significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements made by management in preparing the consolidated financial 
statements include:
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >

Determination of functional currencies – note 2(e).
Determination of useful lives of assets for depreciation and amortisation purposes – note 2(f).
Determination of ore reserves and resources – note 2(g).
Review of asset carrying values and impairment charges – notes 2(h), (k), (u) and note 15.
Estimation of the amount and timing of mine closure costs – notes 2(o) and 25.
Income tax – notes 27(s), 13 and 28.
Contingent liabilities regarding claims from tax authorities – note 33.
Estimation of the executive long-term incentive plan – note 25.
Judgement in deciding if a company is a subsidiary of the Group – note 2(d).

(c) Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except as follows:

Adoption of new and amended standards
The Group has adopted the following new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations during the year. Adoption of these revised 
standards and interpretations did not have any effect on the financial performance or position of the Group. 
 >
 >

IFRIC 11, IFRS 2 ‘Group and Treasury Shares Transactions’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 March 2007. 
IFRIC 14, IAS 19, ‘The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their interaction’, applicable for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2008.
Amendment to IAS 39 and IFRS 7 ‘Reclassification of Financial Assets’.

 >

(d) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements set out the Group’s financial position and the Group’s operations and cash flow as at 
31 December 2008 and 31 December 2007 and for the years then ended, respectively.

Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by the Group regardless of the amount of shares owned by the Group. Control exists 
when the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an enterprise so as to obtain 
benefits from its activities. However, minority shareholders’ rights to safeguard their interest are fully considered in assessing whether 
the Group controls a subsidiary.

Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the 
date on which control is transferred out of the Group. The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of 
subsidiaries by the Group. On acquisition of a subsidiary, the purchase consideration is allocated to the assets and liabilities on the 
basis of their fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the 
identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of net assets of the entity 
acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement.

The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting periods as the Company, using consistent accounting 
policies. All intercompany balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising from intra-Group transactions, have been 
eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains except that they are only 
eliminated to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

Minority shareholders primarily represent the interests in Minera Santa Cruz, Compañía Minera Arcata, Minera Suyamarca, and 
Minas Santa María de Moris not held by the Company. In the event of a purchase of minority shareholders’ interest when the Group 
holds the majority of shares of a subsidiary, any excess of the consideration given over the Group’s share of net assets is recorded in 
retained earnings within equity.

65
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
(e) Currency translation
The functional currency for each entity in the Group is determined by the currency of the primary economic environment in which it 
operates. For the holding companies and operating entities this currency is US dollars and for the other entities it is the local 
currency of the country in which it operates. The Group’s financial information is presented in US dollars, which is the Company’s 
functional currency. 

Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity are initially recorded in the functional 
currency using the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are remeasured at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses on settlement of 
foreign currency transactions which are translated at the rate prevailing at the date of the transactions, or on the translation of 
monetary assets and liabilities which are translated at period-end exchange rates, are taken to the income statement. Non-
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at historical cost are translated to the functional 
currency at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences arising from monetary items 
that are part of a net investment in a foreign operation are recognised in equity and transferred to income on disposal of such  
net investment. 

Subsidiary financial statements expressed in their corresponding functional currencies are translated into US dollars by applying the 
exchange rate at period-end for assets and liabilities and the average exchange rate for income statements items. The resulting 
difference on consolidation is included as cumulative translation adjustment in equity.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and translated at the closing rate.

The source of uncertainty is related to the change of exchange rates in the future. This change could affect the Group’s results.

(f) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost or deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost 
comprises its purchase price and directly attributable costs of acquisition or construction required to bring the asset to the condition 
necessary for the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. The cost or deemed cost of property, 
plant and equipment (hereafter referred to as ‘cost’) at 1 January 2005, the date of the Group transition to IFRS is the deemed cost 
as at the date of transition by considering the revalued amounts as at 1 January 2003 at the time of the initial public offering of the 
group and depreciated for the period until the date of transition. Economical and physical conditions of assets have not changed 
substantially over this period. 

The cost less residual value of each item of property, plant and equipment is depreciated over its useful life. Each item’s estimated 
useful life has been assessed with regard to both its own physical life limitations and the present assessment of economically 
recoverable reserves and resources of the mine property at which the item is located. Estimates of remaining useful lives are made 
on a regular basis for all mine buildings, machinery and equipment, with annual reassessments for major items. Depreciation is 
charged to cost of production on a units of production (UOP) basis for mine buildings and installations and plant and equipment 
used in the mining production process, or charged directly to the income statement over the estimated useful life of the individual 
asset on a straight-line basis when not related to the mining production process. Changes in estimates, which mainly affect units  
of production calculations, are accounted for prospectively. Depreciation commences when assets are available for use. Land is 
not depreciated.

An asset’s carrying amount is written-down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its 
estimated recoverable amount.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised within 
other income/expenses, in the income statement.

The expected useful lives under the straight-line method are as follows:

 Years

Buildings 
Plant and equipment 
Furniture, fixtures and fittings 
Vehicles 

3 to 33
5
10
5

Borrowing costs are not capitalised and are expensed.

66
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
2 Significant accounting policies continued
Mineral properties and mine development costs
Payments for mineral properties are expensed during the exploration phase of a project and capitalised during their development 
phase when incurred. Costs associated with developments are capitalised.

Mine development costs are, upon commencement of commercial production, depreciated using the units of production method 
based on the estimated economically recoverable reserves and resources to which they relate. 

Construction in progress
Assets in the course of construction are capitalised as a separate component of property, plant and equipment. On completion, 
the cost of construction is transferred to the appropriate category. Construction in progress is not depreciated.

Subsequent expenditure
Expenditure incurred to replace a component of an item of property, plant and equipment is capitalised separately with the 
carrying amount of the component being written-off. Other subsequent expenditure is capitalised if future economic benefits will 
arise from the expenditure. All other expenditure including repairs and maintenance expenditures are recognised in the income 
statement as incurred.

(g) Determination of ore reserves and resources
The Group estimates its ore reserves and mineral resources based on information compiled by internal competent persons. Reports 
to support these estimates are prepared each year and are stated in conformity with the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) 
code. It is the Group’s policy to get the report audited by a Competent Person.

Reserves and resources are used in the units of production calculation for depreciation as well as the determination of the timing of 
mine closure cost and impairment analysis.

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves. Assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may 
change significantly when new information becomes available. Changes in the forecast prices of commodities, exchange  
rates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of reserves and may, ultimately, result in the reserves 
being restated.

(h) Investment in associates 
The Group’s investment in an associate is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. An associate is an entity in which 
the Group has significant influence. 

Under the equity method, the investment in the associate is carried in the balance sheet at cost plus post acquisition changes 
in the Group’s share of net assets of the associate. Goodwill relating to the associate is included in the carrying amount of the 
investment and is not amortised or separately tested for impairment. The income statement reflects the share of the results of 
operations of the associate. Where there has been a change recognised directly in the equity of the associate, the Group 
recognises its share of any changes and discloses this, when applicable, in the statement of changes in equity. Unrealised  
gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and the associate are eliminated to the extent of the interest  
in the associate.

The share of profit of associates is shown on the face of the income statement. This is the profit attributable to equity holders of the 
associate and therefore is profit after tax and minority interests in the subsidiaries of the associate.

The financial statements of the associate are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company. Where necessary, 
adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group.

After application of the equity method, the Group determines whether it is necessary to recognise an additional impairment loss on 
the Group’s investment in its associates. The Group determines at each balance sheet date whether there is any objective evidence 
that the investment in the associate is impaired. If this is the case the Group calculates the amount of impairment as the difference 
between the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying value and recognises the amount in the income statement.

(i) Interest in a joint venture 
The Group has an interest in a joint venture which is a jointly controlled entity, whereby the venturers have a contractual 
arrangement that establishes joint control over the economic activities of the entity. The Group recognises its interest in the joint 
venture using the equity method of accounting and presents its aggregate share of the profit or loss of joint ventures on the face of 
its income statement. The investment is presented as non-current assets on the face of the balance sheet. The financial statements 
of the joint venture are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company. Adjustments are made where necessary to 
bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group.

67
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
(j) Intangible assets
Goodwill
Goodwill is included in intangible assets and represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s 
share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired entity at the date of acquisition. Separately recognised goodwill is tested annually 
for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for impairment testing purposes. The allocation is made to those cash-generating 
units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose.

Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets are primarily computer software which are capitalised at cost and are amortised on a straight-line basis over 
their useful life of three years.

(k) Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment.

The carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If there are indicators of impairment, an exercise is undertaken to determine 
whether the carrying values are in excess of their recoverable amount. Such review is undertaken on an asset by asset basis, except 
where such assets do not generate cash flows independent of other assets, and then the review is undertaken at the cash 
generating unit level.

The assessment require the use of estimates and assumptions such as long-term commodity prices, discount rates, future capital 
requirements, exploration potential and operating performance. Changes in these assumptions will affect the recoverable amount 
of the property, plant and equipment. 

If the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds the recoverable amount, a provision is recorded to reflect the 
asset at the lower amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

Calculation of recoverable amount
The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of their value in use and fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is based on an 
estimate of the amount that the Group may obtain in a sale transaction on an arm’s-length basis. In assessing value in use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate cash inflows largely 
independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset 
belongs. The Group’s cash generating units are the smallest identifiable groups of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely 
independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

Reversal of impairment
An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An 
impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would 
have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

(l) Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. The cost 
of work in progress and finished goods (ore inventories) is based on the cost of production and excludes borrowing costs.

For this purpose, the costs of production include:
 >
 >
 >

costs, materials and contractor expenses which are directly attributable to the extraction and processing of ore;
depreciation of property, plant and equipment used in the extraction and processing of ore; and
related production overheads (based on normal operating capacity).

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses. 

(m) Trade and other receivables
Current trade receivables are carried at the original invoice amount less provision made for impairment of these receivables. 
Non-current receivables are stated at amortised cost. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is 
objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivable 
which on average, do not exceed 30 days. The amount of the provision is the difference between the carrying amount and the 
recoverable amount and this difference is recognised in the income statement. 

(n) Share capital 
Ordinary Shares are classified as equity. Excess to par value of shares received upon issuance of shares is classified as  
share premium. 

68
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
(o) Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable 
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the 
obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash 
flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific 
to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

Mine closure cost
Provisions for mine closure costs are made in respect of the estimated future costs of closure and restoration and for environmental 
rehabilitation costs (which include the dismantling and demolition of infrastructure, removal of residual materials and remediation of 
disturbed areas) in the accounting period when the related environmental disturbance occurs. The provision is discounted and the 
unwinding of the discount is included in finance costs. At the time of establishing the provision, a corresponding asset is capitalised 
and is depreciated over future production from the mine to which it relates. The provision is reviewed on an annual basis for 
changes in cost estimates, discount rates and operating lives. 

Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for mine closure costs as there are numerous factors 
that will affect the ultimate liability payable. These factors include estimates of the extent and costs of rehabilitation activities, 
technological changes, regulatory changes, cost increases, and changes in discount rates. Those uncertainties may result in future 
actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently provided. The provision at balance date represents management’s best 
estimate of the present value of the future rehabilitation costs required. Changes to estimated future costs are recognised in the 
balance sheet by adjusting the rehabilitation asset and liability. If, for mature mines, the revised mine assets net of rehabilitation 
provisions exceeds the carrying value, that portion of the increase is charged directly to expense. For closed sites, changes to 
estimated costs are recognised immediately in the income statement.

Workers’ profit sharing and other employee benefits
In accordance with Peruvian Legislation, companies in Peru must provide for workers’ profit sharing equivalent to 8% of taxable 
income of each year. Mexican Law also requires Mexican companies to provide for workers’ profit sharing equivalent to 10% of the 
profit of each year. This amount is charged to the income statement within personnel expenses (refer to note 10) and is considered 
deductible for income tax purposes. The Group has no pension or retirement benefit schemes.

Share based payments
The fair value of cash-settled share plans is recognised as a liability over the vesting period of the awards. Movements in that liability 
between accounting dates are recognised as an expense. The fair value of the awards is taken to be the market value of the shares 
at the date of award adjusted by a factor for anticipated relative Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) performance. Fair values are 
subsequently remeasured at each accounting date to reflect the number of awards expected to vest based on the current and 
anticipated TSR performance. 

Uncertainties in estimating the award include potential changes in the TSR, the number of participants in the plan, and levels of 
interest rates.

Other
Other provisions are accounted for when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation for which it is probable there will be an 
outflow of resources for which the amount can be reliably estimated.

(p) Contingencies
Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the financial statements and are disclosed in notes to the financial information unless 
their occurrence is remote.

Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements, but are disclosed in the notes if their recovery is deemed probable.

(q) Revenue recognition
The Group is involved in the production and sale of gold and silver from doré bars and concentrate containing both gold and silver. 
Concentrate is sold directly to customers. Doré bars are sent to a third party for further refining into gold and silver which is then sold.

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be  
reliably measured.

Revenue associated with the sale of concentrate and gold and silver from doré bars is recognised in the income statement when all 
significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer, usually when title has passed to customer. Revenue 
excludes any applicable sales taxes.

69
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
The revenue is subject to adjustment based on inspection of the product by the customer. Revenue is initially recognised on a 
provisional basis using the Group’s best estimate of contained gold and silver. Any subsequent adjustments to the initial estimate of 
metal content are recorded in revenue once they have been determined. 

In addition, certain sales are ‘provisionally priced’ where the selling price is subject to final adjustment at the end of a period, 
normally ranging from 15 to 90 days after the start of the delivery process to the customer, based on the market price at the relevant 
quotation point stipulated in the contract. Revenue is initially recognised when the conditions set out above have been met, using 
market prices at that date. The price exposure is considered to be an embedded derivative and hence separated from the sales 
contract at each reporting date. The provisionally priced metal is revalued based on the forward selling price for the quotational 
period stipulated in the contract until the quotational period ends. The selling price of gold and silver can be measured reliably as 
these metals are actively traded on the international exchanges. The revaluing of provisionally priced contracts is recorded as an 
adjustment to ‘revenue’.

Income from services provided to related parties (note 29) is recognised in income when services are provided.

(r) Finance income and costs
Finance income and expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings, the accumulation of interest on provisions, interest income 
on funds invested, gains and losses from the change in fair value of derivative instruments and gains and losses on the disposal of 
available-for-sale investments.

Interest income is recognised as it accrues, taking into account the effective yield on the asset.

(s) Income tax
Income tax for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent 
that it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. 

Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet 
date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes, with the following 
exceptions: 
 >

Where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a 
business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.
In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, where the 
timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not 
reverse in the foreseeable future.

 >

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised  
or the liability is settled based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance  
sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which  
the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit  
will be realised.

Judgement is required in determining whether deferred tax assets are recognised on the balance sheet. Deferred tax assets, 
including those arising from unutilised tax losses require management to assess the likelihood that the Group will generate taxable 
earnings in future periods, in order to utilise recognised deferred tax assets. Estimates of future taxable income are based on 
forecast cash flows from operations and the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows 
and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Group to realise the net deferred tax assets recorded at the 
balance sheet date could be impacted. 

Additionally, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates could limit the ability of the Group to obtain 
tax deductions in future periods.

(t) Leases
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased item, are 
capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease 
payments. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and the reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a 
constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are reflected in the income statement.
The depreciation policy for leased assets is consistent with that for similar assets owned.

A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership.
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

70
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
(u) Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes party to the contracts that give rise to them and are 
classified as loans or borrowings, receivables, payables, financial instruments fair valued through profit and loss or as available-for-
sale financial assets, as appropriate. The Group determines the classification of its financial assets and liabilities at initial recognition 
and, where allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this designation at each financial year-end. When financial assets and liabilities 
are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value, being the transaction price plus, in the case of financial assets not at fair 
value through profit or loss and borrowings, directly attributable transaction costs. The Group considers whether a contract contains 
an embedded derivative when the entity first becomes a party to it. The embedded derivatives are separated from the host 
contract if it is not measured at fair value through profit or loss and when the economic characteristics and risks are not closely 
related to those of the host contract. Reassessment only occurs if there is a change in the terms of the contract that significantly 
modifies the cash flows that would otherwise be required.

All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date, being the date that the Group commits  
to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way transactions require delivery and receipt of assets within the timeframe generally 
established by regulation or convention in the marketplace. The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their 
classification, as follows:

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss includes financial assets held for trading and financial assets designated upon 
initial recognition as at fair value through profit and loss. 

The Group considers whether a contract contains an embedded derivative when the entity first becomes a party to it. Embedded 
derivatives are separated from the host contract which is not measured at fair value through profit or loss when the analysis shows 
that the economic characteristics and risks of embedded derivatives are not closely related to those of the host contract. 

Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term. Derivatives, including 
separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments 
or a financial guarantee contract. Gains or losses on financial assets held for trading are recognised in the income statement. 

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market, do not qualify as trading assets and have not been designated as either fair value through profit and loss or available-for-
sale. Such assets are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method if the time value of money is significant. Gains and 
losses are recognised in the income statement when the loans and receivables are derecognised or impaired, as well as through 
the amortisation process.

Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as such or are not classified as loans 
and receivables, held-to-maturity investments or financial assets at fair value through profit and loss. After initial recognition, 
available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value with unrealised gains or losses being recognised as a separate 
component of equity until the investment is derecognised or until the investment is determined to be impaired at which time the 
cumulative gain or loss previously reported in equity is included in the income statement.

Loans and borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value. After initial recognition, interest bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the  
amortisation process.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 
12 months after the balance sheet date.

Fair values
The fair value of quoted investments is determined by reference to bid prices at the close of business on the balance sheet date. 
Where there is no active market, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. These include using recent arm’s length market 
transactions; reference to the current market value of another instrument which is substantially the same; discounted cash flow 
analysis and pricing models. 

71
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
Impairment of financial assets
The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired.

Assets carried at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on assets carried at amortised cost has been incurred, the amount of the  
loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows 
(excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate  
(i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition). The carrying amount of the asset is reduced, through the use of  
an allowance account. 

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event 
occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed. Any subsequent reversal of 
an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement, to the extent that the carrying value of the asset does not exceed its 
amortised cost at the reversal date. In relation to trade receivables, a provision for impairment is made when there is objective 
evidence (such as the probability of insolvency or significant financial difficulties of the debtor) that the Group will not be able to 
collect all of the amounts due under the original terms of the invoice. The carrying amount of the receivable is reduced through use 
of an allowance account. Impaired debts are derecognised when they are assessed as irrecoverable.

Assets carried at cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on an unquoted equity instrument that is not carried at fair value because its 
fair value cannot be reliably measured, or on a derivative asset that is linked to and must be settled by delivery of such an unquoted 
equity instrument, has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount 
and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset.

Available-for-sale financial assets
If an available-for-sale asset is impaired, an amount comprising the difference between its cost (net of any principal payment and 
amortisation) and its fair value is transferred from equity to the income statement. Reversals of impairment losses on debt instruments 
are reversed through the income statement, if the increase in fair value of the instrument can be objectively related to an event 
occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss. Reversals in respect of equity instruments classified as available-
for-sale are not recognised in the income statement.

Derecognition of financial instruments
A financial asset (or, where applicable a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised when: 
 >
 >

the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or 
the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash 
flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either: (a) the Group has transferred 
substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset; or (b) the Group has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks 
and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset. 

When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, and 
has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, a new asset 
is recognised to the extent of the Group’s continuing involvement in the asset. 

Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset, is measured at the lower of the original 
carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the Group could be required to repay.

A financial liability is generally derecognised when the contract that gives rise to it is discharged or cancelled or expires. Where an 
existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing 
liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the 
recognition of a new liability, such that the difference in the respective carrying amounts together with any costs or fees incurred are 
recognised in profit or loss.

(v) Dividend distribution
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in 
which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

(w) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the balance sheet at cost. For the purposes of the balance sheet, cash and cash 
equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits held with banks that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash within 
three months or less and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. For the purposes of the cash flow statement, 
cash and cash equivalents, as defined above, are shown net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

72
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
(x) Exceptional items
Exceptional items are those significant items which due to their nature or the expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, 
need to be disclosed separately on the face of the income statement to enable a better understanding of the financial 
performance of the Group and facilitate comparison with prior years. Exceptional items mainly include:
 >
Impairments of assets, including goodwill, assets held for sale, and property, plant and equipment.
 >
Gains or losses arising on the disposal of subsidiaries, investments or property, plant and equipment.
 >
Fair value gains or losses arising on financial instruments not held in the normal course of trading.
 >
Any gain or loss resulting from any restructuring within the Group.
 >
The related tax impacts of these items.

(y) Comparatives
Where applicable, certain comparatives have been reclassified to present them in a comparable manner to the current  
period’s figures. 

3 Segment reporting 
The Group’s activities are principally related to mining operations which involve the exploration, production and sale of gold and 
silver. Products are subject to the same risks and returns and are sold through the same distribution channels. The Group has a 
number of activities that exist solely to support mining operations including power generation and services. As such, the Group has 
only one business segment as its primary reporting segment. The Group operates in various countries including Peru, Argentina, 
Mexico, Chile and Canada. Therefore, the geographical segment is the Group’s secondary reporting format.

Transfer prices between geographical segments are set on an arm’s length basis in a manner similar to that used for third parties. 
Segment revenue, segment expense and segment results include transfers between business segments. Those transfers are 
eliminated in consolidation.

(a) Revenue
Revenue for the year is allocated based on the country in which the customer is located.

External customer
USA 
Peru 
Mexico 
Belgium 
Canada 
Germany 
Switzerland 
United Kingdom 
Chile 

Total 

Inter-segment
Peru 
Mexico 

Total 

The allocation of revenue based on the country in which the asset is located is as follows:

External customer
Peru 
Argentina 
Mexico 

Total 

Inter-segment
Peru 
Mexico 
Argentina 

Total 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  130,631 
  125,171 
15 
6,011 
50,465 
54,570 
66,883 –
– 
33 

158,092
48,147
47,919
22,415
9,606
9,370

8,202
1,270

  433,779 

305,021

25,164 –
4,455 –

  463,398 

305,021

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  319,516 
88,891 
25,372 

303,377
1,270 
374

  433,779 

305,021

2,359 –
4,455 –
22,805 –

  463,398 

305,021

73
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

3 Segment reporting continued
(b) Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations
Profit/(loss) for the year is based on country of operation as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Peru 
Cayman Islands 
Argentina 
Mexico 
Chile 
USA 
United Kingdom 

Total 

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

71,070 
– 
(13,925) 
(8,249) 
(5,593) 
(10) 
(11,613) 

(14,111) 
– 
(29) 
(20,776) 
– 
(7) 
(10,271) 

Total 
US$000 

56,959 
– 
(13,954) 
(29,025) 
(5,593) 
(17) 
(21,884) 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

94,415 
68 
(5,689) 
(11,403) 
(2,718) 
(1,212) 
 3,919 

2,454 
393 
– 
–  
– 
8 
 680 

3,535 

Total 
US$000

96,869
461
(5,689)
(11,403)
(2,718)
(1,204)
4,599

80,915

31,680 

(45,194) 

(13,514) 

77,380 

(c) Total segment assets 
Total segment assets, which exclude income tax assets, are allocated based on where the assets are located:

Peru 
Cayman Islands 
Argentina 
Mexico 
Chile 
USA 
United Kingdom 

Total segment assets 
Deferred income tax assets  
Income tax receivable 

Total assets 

(d) Capital expenditure1
Capital expenditure is allocated based on where the assets are located:

Peru 
Argentina 
Mexico 
Chile 
USA 
United Kingdom 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  349,502 

234,667

– 6

  274,508 
66,203 
634 
78 
  287,506 

  978,431 
20,795 
15,272 

194,176
37,915
972
234
329,263

797,233
22,400
1,619

 1,014,498 

821,252

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  164,773 
80,422 
65,646 
– 
– 
430 

68,226
62,929
13,386
43
49
105

  311,271 

144,738

1 

In 2007 the amounts shown above exclude increases in the mine rehabilitation asset amounting to US$1,056,000. In 2008 there is no amount of increases in the mine 
rehabilitation included within capital expenditures (refer to note 15).

74
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 Segment reporting continued
(e) Total segment liabilities
Total segment liabilities, which exclude income tax liabilities, are allocated based on where the liabilities are located:

Peru 
Argentina 
Mexico 
Chile 
USA 
United Kingdom 

Total segment liabilities 
Deferred income tax liabilities 
Income tax payable 

Total liabilities 

(f) Depreciation1
Depreciation is allocated based on where the assets are located:

Peru 
Argentina 
Mexico  
Chile 
USA 
United Kingdom 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  115,066 
  127,600 
5,574 
1,336 
36 
  205,032 

  454,644 
15,839 
997 

80,284
97,853
4,192
267
304
2,363

185,263
9,091
10,850

  471,480  205,204

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

24,484 
12,483 
5,251 
25 
11 
89 

19,170
4,818
1,940
19
29
24

42,343 

26,000

1 

Includes US$111,000 of depreciation capitalised in Minera Hochschild Mexico S.A. de C.V. due to the San Felipe project (2007: US$861,000 of depreciation charged on 
equipment used to construct the Moris and San José mines capitalised as property, plant and equipment). 

(g) Non-cash expenses
Non-cash expenses for the year based on country of operation were as follows:

Peru 
Mexico 
United Kingdom 

Total 

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

2,384 
32 
57 

21,806 
21,830 
12,572 

Total 
US$000 

24,190 
21,862 
12,629 

2,473 

56,208 

58,681 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1,501 
– 
71 

1,572 

Total 
US$000

1,501
–
71

1,572

75
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

4 Acquisitions
(a) Acquisition of jointly controlled assets
Liam
On 20 August 2008, the Group signed an assignment agreement with Newmont Peru Limited (‘Newmont’) by which Newmont 
assigned all of its rights to acquire, explore and exploit, under its Venture Agreement with Southwestern Resources Corp. 
(‘Southwestern’) the Liam properties located in Peru, and transferred its 50% interest in the joint venture with Southwestern, to the 
Group for a consideration of US$33,333,333.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Group and Southwestern will each contribute 50% of the exploration funding. In addition, 
when the technical committee determines that any of the properties or group of properties constitutes a viable project, a new 
company will be incorporated and the Group may elect to increase its interest up to 70% in the new company by producing a 
feasibility study and financing 100% of the costs to initiate commercial production. 

A total of 38 exploration prospects have been identified and evaluated in the project area with the Crespo project being the most 
important property which is in the inferred mineral resource category. The investment of US$33,333,333 was made mainly to acquire 
the Crespo resources and immediately commence an exploration programme to transform these inferred resources into reserves. 
The consideration has been allocated to the mining rights and the subsequent investment of US$197,000 during 2008 has been 
capitalised within exploration and evaluation costs.

(b) Acquisition of assets
San Felipe 
On 15 May 2006 the Group signed a joint venture agreement which gave the Group the right to earn a 70% interest in the San Felipe 
project once investment thresholds in exploration and mine development of US$33,300,000 were met. 

On 4 June 2008 the Group acquired 100% ownership of the San Felipe project in Mexico for a total consideration of US$51,500,000 
payable to its former local partner, Grupo Serrana S.A. de C.V. 

With the acquisition of the San Felipe project, the original joint venture agreement was terminated. As at the acquisition date, the 
Group had invested approximately US$8,800,000 in the property which has been expensed to the income statement in accordance 
with the Group’s accounting policy (see also note 15).

Further on 4 June 2008, the Group acquired a group of assets related to the project for a total consideration of US$1,000,000 
payable to Grupo Serrana S.A. de C.V. 

(c) Acquisition of associates
Lake Shore Gold Corp.
During 2008, the Group acquired a 39.99% interest in Lake Shore Gold Corp. (‘Lake Shore’), a gold mining company listed on the 
Toronto Stock Exchange for a total consideration of US$163,997,000. The acquisition was made in the following tranches: 
 >
 >
 >

19.99% acquired through a share issue on 19 February 2008 for US$64,806,000. 
15.00% acquired through a share issue on 13 June 2008 for US$78,029,000. 
5.00% acquired from a third party on 23 June 2008 for US$21,162,000. 

The interest in Lake Shore gives the Group the right to exercise significant influence over that company. In compliance with the 
Group’s policy and IAS 28, the investment has been treated as an associate and accounted for using the equity method. 

Management has assessed the fair value of the Group’s interest in the assets and liabilities acquired as being US$151,698,000, 
resulting in goodwill of US$12,513,000 on acquisition. The fair value includes transaction costs incurred by the Group of US$214,000.

5 Revenue

Gold (from doré bars) 
Silver (from doré bars) 
Concentrate 
Services 

Total 

76
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  124,772 
98,738 
  210,145 
124 

105,975
64,713
134,212
121

  433,779 

305,021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 Revenue continued
The concentrate sold contained:

Gold  
Silver 
Other minerals 

Total concentrate  

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

44,451 
  165,339 
355 

19,275
114,127
810

  210,145 

134,212

Included within revenue is a loss of US$14,561,723 provisional pricing adjustments representing the change in the fair value of 
embedded derivatives (2007: US$6,303,000) arising on sales of concentrates and doré bars (refer to notes 2(q) and 21(3)).

The total volumes of gold and silver sold are as follows:

Total in thousands of ounces:
Gold 
Silver 

6 Cost of sales
Included in cost of sales are: 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 

2007

198 
20,593 

198
13,670

Depreciation 
Amortisation of software licences 
Personnel expenses1 
Mining royalty  
Change in products in process and finished goods 

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

41,373 
– 
47,286 
5,935 
9,310 

– 
– 
234 

– 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

24,679 
6 
20,565 
4,218 
(23,591) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total 
US$000 

41,373 
– 
47,520 
5,935 
9,310 

Total 
US$000

24,679
6
20,565
4,218
(23,591)

1  The exceptional item corresponds to termination benefits paid to the employees due to the restructuring process of the Group made at the end of 2008.

7 Administrative expenses 

Personnel expenses1 
Professional fees 
Social and community welfare expenses2 
Lease rentals 
Travel expenses 
Communications 
Indirect taxes 
Depreciation 
Amortisation of software licences 
Contribution to Peruvian Government  
Technology and systems 
Security 
Supplies 
Other 

Total 

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

35,504 
10,012 
4,635 
1,447 
2,696 
732 
3,159 
859 
266 
944 
1,204 
587 
466 
6,240 

68,751 

1,127 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,127 

Total 
US$000 

36,631 
10,012 
4,635 
1,447 
2,696 
732 
3,159 
859 
266 
944 
1,204 
587 
466 
6,240 

69,878 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

33,262 
15,159 
4,317 
1,969 
2,823 
356 
1,606 
460 
65 
940 
1,744 
320 
332 
5,464 

68,817 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

Total 
US$000

33,262
15,159
4,317
1,969
2,823
356
1,606
460
65
940
1,744
320
332
5,464

68,817

1  The exceptional item corresponds to termination benefits paid to the employees due to the restructuring process of the Group made at the end of 2008.
2  Represents amounts expended by the Group on social and community welfare activities surrounding its mining units. 

77
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

8 Exploration expenses

Mine site exploration1
Arcata 
Ares 
Selene 
Pallancata   
San José 
Moris 

Prospects2
Peru 
Argentina 
Mexico 
Chile 

Generative3
Peru 
Argentina 
Mexico 
Chile 
USA 
South Africa 

Mining rights  
Personnel4   
Other 

Total 

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

1,333 
869 
859 
151 
547 
527 

4,286 

286 
193 
2,676 
2,450 

5,605 

501 
126 
902 
1,708 
– 
– 

3,237 

398 
6,498 
3,817 

23,841 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
69 
– 

69 

Total 
US$000 

1,333 
869 
859 
151 
547 
527 

4,286 

286 
193 
2,676 
2,450 

5,605 

501 
126 
902 
1,708 
– 
– 

3,237 

398 
6,567 
3,817 

930 
1,657 
987 
– 
264 
112 

3,950 

1,805 
599 
– 
312 

2,716 

959 
3,149 
6,491 
346 
110 
104 

11,159 

641 
5,434 
2,990 

23,910 

26,890 

Total 
US$000

930
1,657
987
–
264
112

3,950

1,805
599
–
312

2,716

959
3,149
6,491
346
110
104

11,159

641
5,434
2,990

26,890

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1  Mine site exploration is performed with the purpose of identifying potential minerals within an existing mine site, with the goal of maintaining or extending the mine’s life. 

Once an inferred resource has been identified, costs incurred converting it to indicated and measured resources are capitalised.

2  Prospects expenditure relates to detailed geological evaluations in order to determine zones which have mineralisation potential that is economically viable for exploration. 
Exploration expenses are generally incurred in the following areas: detail mapping, detail sampling, geophysics, identification of local targets and reconnaissance drilling.

3  Generative expenditure is very early stage exploration expenditure related to the basic evaluation of the region to identify prospects areas that have the geological 

conditions necessary to contain mineral deposits. Related activities include regional and field reconnaissance, satellite images, compilation of public information and 
identification of exploration targets.

4  The exceptional item corresponds to termination benefits paid to the employees due to the restructuring process of the Group made at the end of 2008.

The following table lists the liabilities (generally payables) outstanding at the year end, which relate to the exploration activities of 
Group companies engaged only in exploration. Liabilities related to exploration activities incurred by Group operating companies 
are not included since it is not possible to separate the liabilities related to the exploration activities of these companies from their 
operating liabilities. 

Liabilities related to exploration activities 

Cash flows of exploration activities are as follows:

Payments 

78
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

1,247 

709

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

8,304 

13,486

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 Selling expenses

Transportation of doré, concentrates and maritime freight   
Sales commissions 
Personnel expenses 
Warehouse services 
Other 

Total 

10 Personnel expenses

Salaries and wages1 
Workers’ profit sharing2 
Other legal contributions 
Termination benefits3 
Statutory holiday payments 
Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (note 25(2))   
Other 

Total 

Personnel expenses are distributed as follows:

Total 

Cost of sales (note 6) 
Administrative expenses (note 7) 
Exploration expenses (note 8) 
Selling expenses (note 9) 
Property, plant and equipment 

Total 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

4,636 
1,144 
97 
4,022 
1,358 

11,257 

2007 
US$000

1,559
651
82
191
297

2,780

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

65,984 
4,273 
12,873 
4,096 
3,683 
302 
3,260 

35,815
11,621
6,566
2,538
1,960
799
2,033

94,471 

61,332

Year ended 
31 December

2008 

2007 

US$000 

US$000

47,520 
36,631 
6,567 
97 
3,656 

20,565
33,262
5,434
82
1,989

94,471 

61,332

1 
2 

Included in salaries and wages is the Directors’ remuneration (refer to note 29(b)) and defined pension contributions of US$524,869 (2007: US$662,000). 
In accordance with Peruvian Legislation, companies in Peru must provide for workers’ profit sharing equivalent to 8% of taxable income of each year. Mexican Law also 
requires Mexican companies to provide for workers’ profit sharing equivalent to 10% of the profit of each year. 

3  The amount includes US$1,430,000 termination benefits paid to the employees due to the restructuring process of the Group made at the end of 2008.

Average number of employees for 2008 and 2007 were as follows: 

Peru1 
Argentina 
Mexico 
Chile 
USA 
United Kingdom 

Total 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 

2007

2,084 
699 
217 
21 

– 4

12 

1,020
512
94
16

11

3,033 

1,657

1  The increase in number of employees is due to the inclusion of contractors in the payroll of the Group. The amount of contractors hired by the Group during the year was 

1,304 employees.

79
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

11 Other income and other expenses

Other income:
Decrease in provision for mine closure1 
Export incentive (refer to note 19(2))   
Gain on recovery of expenses 
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment   
Lease rentals 
Reversal of impairment of supplies 
Recognition of assets on restructuring2  
Other 

Total 

Other expenses:
Increase in provision for mine closure1 
Impairment of deposits in Kaupthing,  
  Singer and Friedlander Bank3 
Electroperu contingency4 
Loss on sale of Sipán (subsidiary)5 
Cost of maintenance of equipment  
Penalty on cancellation of contract   
Provision for obsolescence of supplies 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Other 

Total 

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

– 
2,622 
225 
– 
217 
– 
– 
1,961 

5,025 

– 
– 
– 
252 
– 
– 
– 
– 

252 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

2,647 
– 
519 
– 
235 
355 
– 
1,939 

5,695 

450 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
482 
– 

932 

Total 
US$000 

– 
2,622 
225 
252 
217 
– 
– 
1,961 

5,277 

Total 
US$000

3,097
–
519
–
235
355
482
1,939

6,627

(3,216) 

– 

(3,216) 

– 

– 

–

– 
– 
– 
(1,165) 
– 
(634) 
– 
(3,231) 

(1,292) 
(692) 
–  –
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(1,292) 
(692) 

(1,165) 
– 
(634) 
– 
(3,231) 

– 
– 
– 
(713) 
(13) 
– 
– 
(1,301) 

– 
– 
(1,034) 
– 
– 
– 
(467) 
– 

–
–
(1,034)
(713)
(13)
–
(467)
(1,301)

(8,246) 

(1,984) 

(10,230) 

(2,027) 

(1,501) 

(3,528)

1  Decreases in the provision for mine closure costs are recorded in ‘Other income’ where the mine to which it relates has fully depreciated the mine rehabilitation asset but 
the closure and rehabilitation costs are yet to be incurred, and there is a reduction in the estimate of the total mine closure cost. Out of the 2007 amount, US$450,000 
represents a reduction in cost (being the VAT component now deemed to be recoverable) due to the transfer of the mine rehabilitation provision from Minera Sipan to 
Minera Ares as part of the internal restructuring prior to the disposal of Minera Sipan. Increases in the provision for mine closure costs are recorded in ‘Other expenses’ 
when there is an addition to the estimate of the total mine closure cost.

2  Represents VAT assets that will now be recoverable due to the transfer of assets from Minera Sipan to Minera Ares as a result of the internal restructuring.
3  This amount represents the impairment of cash deposits with Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank which went into administration in October 2008. 
4  Compañía Minera Ares has a dispute with Electroperú S.A. regarding the electric power it used during November and December 2002 which was simultaneously billed by 
Electroperú and Sociedad Eléctrica del Sur Oeste S.A. (SEAL). Compañía Minera Ares has filed a claim with Osinerg (the Peruvian power regulator) claiming that the billing 
should be only for the actual power consumed by the company and that Electroperú and SEAL should each have half the billing. 
Electroperú has filed an administrative court action against the resolution issued by Osinerg and initiated an arbitration process seeking to additionally collect S/.832,135 
(US$264,842) plus interest. Management, having consulted legal counsel, considers that there is a reasonable possibility that the outcome of these proceedings will not be 
favourable for Compañía Minera Ares, and accordingly has provided in full for the claim.

5  On 28 December 2007, the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Compañía Minera Sipan was sold to Avignon Business Corporation (a third party) for US$199,996. This disposal 

resulted in a loss to the Group of US$1,034,000.

The book value of the individual assets and liabilities disposed of are as follows:

Income tax receivable 
Other assets 

Net book value of assets disposed 

Year 2007 

US$000

1,205
29

1,234

80
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
12 Finance income and finance costs

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Total 
US$000 

5,934 
2,605 
1,613 
2,623 
– 
47 
474 

17,169 
– 
– 
2,324 
– 
118 
172 

Finance income:
Interest on time deposits1 
Gain from changes in the fair value of financial instruments2   
Gain on sale of available-for-sale financial assets3 
Interest on loans to minority shareholders (note 19)  
Discount on purchase of EXMIN shares4 
Interest on loans to third parties 
Other 

Total 

5,934 
304 
– 
2,623 
– 
47 
474 

9,382 

– 
2,301 
1,613 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Finance costs:
Interest on bank loans and long-term debt 
Unwind of discount rate5 
Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments6 
Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets7  
Premium paid on purchase of available-for-sale financial assets8 
Other 

(13,387) 
(4,590) 
– 
– 
– 
(856) 

– 
– 
(6,246) 
(11,421) 
(421) 
– 

(13,387) 
(4,590) 
(6,246) 
(11,421) 
(421) 
(856) 

(5,966) 
(1,227) 
– 
– 
– 
(324) 

Total 

(18,833) 

(18,088) 

(36,921) 

(7,517)  

3,914 

13,296 

19,783 

Total 
US$000

17,169
4,331
–
2,324
1,143
118
172

25,257

(5,966)
(1,227)
–
(71)
–
(324)

(7,588)

– 
4,331 
– 
– 
1,143 
– 
– 

5,474 

– 
– 
– 
(71) 
– 
– 

(71) 

1  Mainly corresponds to interest on liquidity funds (refer to note 22).
2 

In 2008 the amount corresponds to the change in the fair value of the option over 4,330,000 shares of Gold Resource Corp. and a gain of US$304,000 due to changes in 
the fair value of derivative instruments according to the contracts signed in December 2008 with Citibank and INTL Commodities Inc. with the intention of removing the risk 
of fluctuations in metal prices (refer to note 21(4)). 
In 2007 this amount related mainly to the change in fair value of 2,475,355 warrants over the same number of shares in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (refer to note 21(1)).

3  Corresponds to the sale of 1,660,150 shares in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. at a price of CAD$2 per share for a total consideration of CAD$3,320,300 (US$3,321,450) resulting in a 

realised gain of US$1,613,000 which has been recycled from equity into the income statement.

4  On 9 July 2007 the Group acquired 7,875,000 common shares of EXMIN Resources Inc. (‘EXMIN’) for US$3,000,000. In addition, on the same date, the Group converted an 

outstanding loan receivable from EXMIN of US$1,570,000 into 4,127,231 common shares. The common shares were acquired at a discount of 20% to the market price, 
resulting in a gain on the issue of shares. 

5  Corresponds to the unwind of the discount on the provision for mine closure of US$669,000 (2007: US$1,134,000) (refer to note 25) and the unwind of discount on VAT of 

Minera Santa Cruz of US$3,921,000 (2007: US$93,000).

6  Mainly corresponds to the change in fair value of warrants in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. of US$6,245,000 (refer to note 21(1)). 
7  Corresponds to the impairment of the investment in the shares of EXMIN (US$8,229,000), Mirasol Resources Inc. (US$323,000), Electrum Capital Inc. (US$2,637,000), Fortuna 

River (US$157,000) and Ventura Gold Corp. (US$75,000). 

8  Corresponds to the premium paid on the acquisition of the shares of Iron Creek Capital Corp. and Mariana Resources Ltd. amounting to US$173,000 and 

US$248,000 respectively.

Interest income and expense from assets and liabilities that are not at fair value through the profit and loss are as follows:

Interest income from financial assets that are not at fair value through the profit and loss 
Interest expense from financial liabilities that are not at fair value through the profit and loss  

Total 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

8,604 
(13,387) 

19,611
(5,966)

(4,783) 

13,645

81
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

13 Income tax expense

Current tax:
Current tax charge from continuing operations   

Deferred taxation:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences  
  from continuing operations (note 27) 

Withholding taxes 

Year ended 31 December 2008 

|

Year ended 31 December 2007

Before 
  exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items1 
US$000 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Exceptional 
items 
US$000 

Total 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

13,058 

13,058 

(56) 

(56) 

13,002 

13,002 

44,933 

44,933 

– 

– 

44,933

44,933

15,809 

(6,792) 

15,809 

(6,792) 

895 

– 

9,017 

9,017 

895 

(11,641) 

(11,641) 

1,161 

1,299 

1,299 

(10,342)

(10,342)

– 

1,161

Total taxation charge in the income statement 

29,762 

(6,848) 

22,914 

34,453 

1,299 

35,752

1  This amount corresponds to the related tax impact of exceptional items (refer to note 2(x)). 

The weighted average statutory income tax rate was 40.6% for 2008 and 29.7% for 2007. This is calculated as the average of the 
statutory tax rates applicable in the countries in which the Group operates, weighted by the profit/(loss) before tax of the Group 
companies in their respective countries as included in the consolidated financial statements.

The change in the weighted average statutory income tax rate is due to a change in the weighting of profit/(loss) before tax in the 
various jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

The total taxation charge on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted 
average tax rate applicable to the consolidated profits of the Group companies as follows:

Profit from continuing operations before income tax 

At average statutory income tax rate of 40.6% (2007: 29.7%)   
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Non-taxable income 
Deferred tax recognised on special investment regime1  
Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets2  
Non-taxable share of losses of associates 
Net deferred tax assets generated in the year not recognised3 
Change in tax regime4 
Change in statutory Income Tax Rate5 
Recognition of deferred tax assets on restructuring 
Foreign exchange rate effect6 
Other 

At average effective income tax rate of 243.8% (2007: 30.6%) 

Taxation charge attributable to continuing operations 

Total taxation charge in the income statement 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

9,400 

116,667

3,818 
5,315 
(2,055) 
(6,063) 
(1,102) 
2,534 –
13,871 
(1,544) 
786 –
– 
7,731 
(377) 

34,598
2,381
(505)
(4,479)
(2,917)

5,214
3,403

(767)
(1,611)
435

22,914 

35,752

22,914 

35,752

22,914 

35,752

1  Corresponds to the deferred tax income asset recognised for the additional tax losses generated during the year arising from the double deduction claimed for tax 

purposes by Minera Santa Cruz during the year (refer to note (i) on page 83).

2  Mainly corresponds to the tax effect of certain mine closure expenses which are now expected to be deductible against taxable income, when incurred. 

82
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 Income tax expense continued
3  Deferred tax assets generated in the year not recognised are comprised by:

Tax losses not recognised 
Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets 
Impairment of the San Felipe project 
Provision for mine closure 
Write-off of bank account 
Change in fair value of derivative instruments 
Other 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

3,851 
3,234  
4,350 –
1,483  
364  
 341  
 248 –

2007 

US$000

 4,672 
–

542 
– 
 –

 13,871 

 5,214

4  Corresponds to the effect of the change in the Mexican tax regime (refer to note (ii) below).
5  Corresponds to an increase in the statutory corporate income tax rate for the Arcata mining unit from 30% to 32% with effect from 1 January 2009, refer to note 34.
6  Mainly corresponds to the foreign exchange effect from converting tax bases and monetary items from local currency to the functional currency.

(i) Special investment regime
Minera Santa Cruz benefits from a special investment regime that allows for a double deduction in the calculation of its corporate 
income tax liability for all costs relating to prospecting, exploration and metallurgical analysis, pilot plants and other expenses 
incurred prior to the completion of the feasibility studies for mining projects. In this regard, the total investment eligible for additional 
deduction amounts to approximately 95,061,000 Argentinian pesos (US$27,853,000) as at 31 December 2008 (2007: 79,680,000 
Argentinian pesos (US$25,596,000)). As this additional deduction does not affect either taxable profit or accounting profit on initial 
recognition, no deferred tax was recognised in accordance with IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’. However under the Argentina tax regime, 
following commencement of operations in 2007, this amount could be claimed in equal amounts over 1 to 5 years. At 31 December 
2007, the Group decided to make this claim over 2 years, resulting in 50% of the available deduction being included in the tax losses 
for the year 2007. In 2008 the Group included in the tax losses of the year 54,797,000 Argentinian pesos (US$17,324,000). This amount 
includes the remaining 50% of eligible costs calculated as at 31 December 2007 of 79,680,000 Argentinian pesos plus 15,381,000 
Argentinian pesos of additional eligible costs. The balance of the eligible costs of 1,582,000 Argentinean pesos (US$464,000) will be 
claimed in 2009. 

(ii) Change in Mexican tax regime 
On 28 September 2007, the Mexican Government enacted a bill for tax reform that significantly changed the current income tax 
structure in Mexico. Effective from 1 January 2008, the tax reform requires companies to pay tax equal to the greater of the tax 
charge calculated under the new flat rate business tax (‘IETU’ as abbreviated in Spanish) or the tax charge calculated under the 
current income corporate tax regime (‘ISR’ as abbreviated in Spanish). 

The Group has performed an analysis of the future impact of this tax reform on its Mexican companies and has determined that 
Santa Maria de Moris S.A. de C.V. (the operator of the Moris mine) will be required to pay IETU in each period until the end of the 
mine’s life. Therefore, as at 31 December 2007 the Group recognised a deferred tax liability in connection with IETU of US$3,403,000 
due to the resulting reduction in the amount of capital allowances arising on the investment in the mine to date. As at 31 December 
2008 the IETU deferred tax liability had decreased by US$1,554,000 to U$1,859,000. 

14 Basic and diluted earnings per share
Earnings per share (‘EPS’) is calculated by dividing profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company by the 
weighted average number of Ordinary Shares issued during the year. 

The Company has no dilutive potential Ordinary Shares.

As at 31 December 2008 and 2007, EPS has been calculated as follows:

Year ended 
31 December

2008 

2007

(Loss)/profit for the year and from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the Company US$000   
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands) 
Basic and diluted earning/(loss) per share from:
Before exceptional items US$ 
Exceptional items US$ 
Total for the year and from continuing operations US$ 

(19,003) 
  307,350 

85,073
307,350

0.08 
(0.14) 
(0.06) 

0.27
0.01
0.28

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Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

15 Property, plant and equipment

Year ended 31 December 2007
Cost
At 1 January 2007 
Additions 
Change in discount rate 
Disposals 
Sale of subsidiary – Colorada 
Change in mine closure estimate 
Transfers and other movements 
Foreign exchange 

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Exploration 
and 

Mining 
properties 
and 
evaluation  development 
costs 
US$000 

costs 
US$000 

Land and 
buildings 
US$000 

Plant and 
equipment1 
US$000 

Vehicles 
US$000 

  Construction 
in progress 
and capital 
advances 
US$000 

Mine 
closure 
asset 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

1,282 
8,279 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(3,535) 
8 

106,011 
48,004 
– 
– 
– 
– 
3,535 
161 

23,706 
1,004 
– 
(110) 
– 
– 
40,717 
118 

53,456 
9,450 
– 
(2,221) 
(2) 
– 
45,114 
149 

1,528 
400 
– 
(104) 
– 
– 
976 
24 

34,516 
1,056 
2,611 
– 
– 
105 
– 
– 

23,851 
77,601 
– 
(6) 
– 
– 
(86,807) 
(618) 

244,350
145,794
2,611
(2,441)
(2)
105
–
(158)

At 31 December 2007 

6,034 

157,711 

65,435 

105,946 

2,824 

38,288 

14,021 

390,259

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2007 
Depreciation for the year 
Disposals 
Sale of subsidiary – Colorada  
Foreign exchange 

At 31 December 2007 

Net book amount at  
  31 December 2007 

Year ended 31 December 2008
Cost
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 
Change in discount rate 
Disposals 
Write-off 
Change in mine closure estimate 
Transfers and other movements 
Sales during preoperating stage  
  in Minera Santa Cruz 
Foreign exchange 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

37,360 
12,665 
– 
– 
2 

9,417 
3,548 
(110) 
– 
3 

24,554 
8,767 
(1,615) 
(2) 
45 

50,027 

12,858 

31,749 

528 
421 
(82) 
– 
(7) 

860 

31,104 
599 
– 
– 
– 

31,703 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

102,963
26,000
(1,807)
(2)
43

127,197

6,034 

107,684 

52,577 

74,197 

1,964 

6,585 

14,021 

263,062

6,034 
68,311 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(2,960) 

157,711 
79,496 
– 
– 
– 
– 
768 

65,435 
4,253 
– 
– 
– 
– 
30,748 

105,946 
9,375 
– 
(120) 
(24) 
– 
68,535 

– 
(10,905) 

(125) 
(32) 

– 
(43) 

– 
(467) 

2,824 
77 
– 
(158) 
– 
– 
746 

– 
(69) 

38,288 
– 
3,113 
– 
– 
280 
– 

14,021 
149,759 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(97,837) 

390,259
311,271
3,113
(278)
(24)
280
–

– 
– 

– 
(10) 

(125)
(11,526)

At 31 December 2008   

60,480 

237,818 

100,393 

183,245 

3,420 

41,681 

65,933 

692,970

Accumulated depreciation  
  and impairment
At 1 January 2008 
Depreciation for the year 
Impairment2 
Disposals 
Write-off 
Sales during preoperating stage  
  in Minera Santa Cruz 
Foreign exchange 

– 
– 
15,754 
– 
– 

50,027 
19,732 
10,076 
– 
– 

– 
– 

(12) 
– 

12,858 
7,697 
754 
– 
– 

– 
2 

31,749 
13,729 
6,286 
(54) 
(4) 

– 
(78) 

860 
455 
105 
(84) 
– 

– 
(30) 

31,703 
730 
943 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
788 
– 
– 

– 
– 

127,197
42,343
34,706
(138)
(4)

(12)
(106)

At 31 December 2008   

15,754 

79,823 

21,311 

51,628 

1,306 

33,376 

788 

203,986

Net book amount at  
  31 December 2008 

44,726 

157,995 

79,082 

131,617 

2,114 

8,305 

65,145 

488,984

1  The carrying value of plant and equipment held under finance leases at 31 December 2008 was US$7,482,000. Additions during the year include US$7,872,000 of plant and 

equipment under finance leases. Leased assets are pledged as security for the related finance lease.

2  The amount of impairment losses recognised in profit and loss during the period was US$34,706,000. As a result of the impairment testing, the Group has impaired the 

Selene mine by US$ 13,651,000, the Moris mine by US$5,652,000 and the San Felipe project by US$15,403,000. The triggers for the impairment test were primarily the effect of 
the current economic environment and significantly reduced gold, silver and zinc prices. The Group tested for impairment all its mining units: Arcata, Ares, Selene, 
Pallancata, San José, Santa Maria de Moris and its project San Felipe. In assessing whether impairment is required to the carrying value of the assets related to each 
mining unit, its carrying value is compared with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and the value in use. 
Given the nature of the Group’s activities, information on the fair value of an asset is usually difficult to obtain unless negotiations with potential purchasers or similar 
transactions are taking place. Consequently, unless indicated otherwise, the recoverable amount used in assessing the impairment charges described below is value in 
use. The Group generally estimates value in use using a discounted cash flow model for each mining unit covering its remaining useful life. 

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15 Property, plant and equipment continued
The calculation of value in use is most sensitive to the following assumptions:
 >

 >

 >
 >

 >
 >

Commodity prices – Commodity prices of gold and silver are based on external market consensus forecasts. Gold prices range 
from $750/oz to $879/oz, silver prices range from $11.84/oz to $13.00/oz and zinc prices range from $1.521/oz to $1.984/oz. 
Estimation of reserves and resources – Reserves and resources are based on management’s estimate using appropriate 
exploration and evaluation techniques.
Production volumes and grades – Tonnage produced was estimated at plant capacity with 12 days of maintenance per year. 
Capital expenditure – The cash flows for each mining unit include capital expenditures to maintain the mine and to convert 
resources to reserves.
Operating costs – Costs are based on historical information from previous years and current market conditions. 
Discount rates – The cash flows are discounted at real pre-tax rates that reflect the current market assessments of the time value of 
money and the risks specific to the cash-generating unit. These rates are based on the weighted average cost of capital specific 
to each cash-generating unit.

Mining unit 

Arcata 
Ares 
Selene 
Pallancata 
San José 
Santa Maria de Moris 
San Felipe 

16 Intangible assets

Cost
Balance at 1 January 2007  
Additions 

Balance at 31 December 2007 
Additions 

Balance at 31 December 2008 

Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2007  
Amortisation for the year 

Balance at 31 December 2007 
Amortisation for the year 
Foreign exchange difference 

Balance at 31 December 2008 

Net book value as at 31 December 2007 

Net book value as at 31 December 2008 

  Real pre-tax 
discount 
rate 
% 

Real 
post-tax 
rate 
%

20.5 
28.5 
5.0 
18.5 
17.0 
19.0 
11.5 

Goodwill 
US$000 

Software 
licences 
US$000 

2,091 
– 

2,091 
– 

– 
876 

876 
37 

5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
9.2
4.3
8.2

Total 
US$000

2,091
876

2,967
37

2,091 

913 

3,004

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

2,091 

2,091 

– 
71 

71 
266 
(1) 

336 

805 

577 

–
71

71
266
(1)

336

2,896

2,668

The carrying amount of goodwill is reviewed annually to determine whether it is in excess of its value-in-use. The value-in-use is 
determined at the cash-generating unit level, in this case being the San José mine, by discounting the expected cash flows 
estimated by management over the life of the mine. Due to the current economic environment, the Group has tested all its mining 
units for impairment, refer to note 15(2) for the key assumptions used in calculating value in use for the San José mining unit.

Management believes that the following changes to the main assumptions would cause the carrying value of the goodwill to equal 
its recoverable amount. Therefore, any higher deviation would cause the carrying value of goodwill to exceed its recoverable 
amount and an impairment provision would be required. 

Assumption 

Gold price 
Silver price 
Reserves and resources 
Costs 
Discount rates 

Variation

–6.5%
–7.0%
–12.5%
 9.5%
 4.5%

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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

17 Investments accounted under equity method

Lake Shore Gold Corp(a) 
Minas Pacapausa S.A.C.(b)  
Cabo Sur(c) 

Total 

(a) Lake Shore Gold Corp
The following table summarises the financial information of the Group’s investment in Lake Shore Gold Corp:

Share of the associate’s balance sheet:
Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Goodwill on acquisition 

Carrying amount of the investment  

Share of the associate’s revenue and losses:
Revenue 
Losses 
Carrying amount of the investment 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  136,376 
(170) 
(187) 

  136,019 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

29,217 –
  128,913 –
(5,839) –
(28,428) –

  123,863 –

12,513 –

  136,376 –

– –
(3,925) –
  136,376 –

The fair value of the investment with reference to the market price as at 31 December 2008 is US$85,269,000 (CAD$1.42 per share). 
This may appear as an indicator for impairment, however management has reviewed the factors affecting the impairment and 
believes that the increase in the gold prices and a reduction in the discount rate due to a decrease in the risk free return, has 
resulted in an increase in the net present value of the investment since acquisition.

(b) Minas Pacapausa S.A.C.
On 21 June 2005, Minera Oro Vega S.A.C. (‘Minorva’, the Group’s partner of its subsidiary Minera Suyamarca S.A.C.) and Minera del 
Suroeste (‘Misosa’) entered into an option and joint venture agreement (‘Framework Agreement’) in respect of the Pacapausa 
properties located in Peru. 

On 16 November 2007, Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. (‘Suyamarca’) signed an amendment to the Framework Agreement with Misosa 
and Minorva, incorporating the terms under which Suyamarca would acquire Minorva’s contractual position. Under the 
arrangement, Suyamarca paid US$200,000 to Minorva in exchange for its contractual position in the Framework Agreement. The 
new joint venture company, Minas Pacapausa S.A.C. (‘Pacapausa’), was incorporated on 4 March 2008 and Suyamarca 
contributed US$1,200,000 (solely funded by the Group) in exchange for a 50% interest in Pacapausa. Subsequently, Minorva 
transferred to Pacapausa all technical reports and other assets obtained as a result of its exploration activities in the properties in 
exchange for US$1,200,000 in cash. 

In compliance with the Group’s policy, Pacapausa recognises all expenses related to the project within exploration expenses since 
the project has not yet reached the inferred mineral resource category.

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17 Investments accounted under equity method continued
The following table summarises the financial information of the Group’s investment in Minas Pacapausa S.A.C.:

Share of the joint venture’s balance sheet:
Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Share of the joint venture’s revenue and loss:
Revenue 
Loss 
Carrying amount of the investment 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

10 –
– –
(180) –
– –

(170) –

– –
(2,132) –
(170) –

(c) Cabo Sur
On 21 February 2007, the Group signed an option and joint venture agreement with Mirasol Resources Ltd. (‘Mirasol’). The Group 
has the right to acquire a 51% interest in the Claudia projects by investing, over a period of four years, at least US$6,000,000 and 
making payments to Mirasol of US$650,0000 within four years. 

On 13 March 2007 Mirasol incorporated Cabo Sur S.A. (‘Cabo Sur’) and during 2008 transferred all the rights of Claudia property 
into Cabo Sur. Until the exercise of Claudia’s option, Mirasol and the Group will own 99% and 1% of Cabo Sur, respectively. However, 
the Group exercises joint control over Cabo Sur since the strategic financial and operating decisions require the consent of both 
parties. Accordingly, in compliance with the Group’s policy and IAS 31, the investment has been treated as a jointly controlled entity 
accounted for using the equity method.

In compliance with the Group’s policy, Cabo Sur recognises all expenses related to the project within exploration expenses since the 
project has not yet reached the inferred mineral resource category. 

The following table summarises the financial information of the Group’s investment in Cabo Sur:

Share of the joint venture’s balance sheet:
Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Share of the joint venture’s revenue and loss:
Revenue 
Loss 
Carrying amount of the investment 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

32 –
2 –
(221) –
– –

(187) –

– –
(2,157) –
(187) –

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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

18 Available-for-sale financial assets

Beginning balance 
Additions1 
Fair value change 
Impairment recorded in the income statement2   
Foreign exchange 
Disposals3 

Ending balance 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

15,100 
18,902 
(2,914) 
(9,442) 
(519) 
(3,333) 

6,285
7,384
(398)
(71)
1,900
– 

17,794 

15,100

1  The amount represents the fair value of shares at the date of acquisition and mainly includes the purchase of shares of Pembrook Mining Corp., Gold Resource 

Corporation and Electrum Capital Inc. at a fair value of US$9,888,000, US$5,010,000 and US$2,637,000, respectively. 

2  Corresponds to the decrease in the fair value of the investment in the shares of EXMIN Resources Inc., Ventura Gold Corp., Fortuna River and Mirasol Resources Inc. 

assessed as an impairment loss during the year and consequently transferred from equity to the income statement (refer to note 12). It also includes the impairment of the 
shares of the Electrum Capital Inc. of US$2,637,000.

3  Mainly corresponds to the sale of 1,660,150 shares in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. at a price of CAD$2 per share for a total consideration of CAD$3,320,300 (US$3,321,450) (refer 

to note 12).

Available-for-sale financial assets include the following:

Equity securities – listed Canadian companies 
Equity securities – listed US companies 
Equity securities – listed Australian companies 
Equity securities – unlisted1   
Bonds 

Total 

1 

Includes Pembrook Mining Corp and Electrum Capital Inc. shares.

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

1,631 
5,845 
422 
9,888 
8 

2007 
US$000

15,080
– 
– 
– 
20

17,794 

15,100

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18 Available-for-sale financial assets continued
The breakdown of the investments in equity securities held is as follows (number of shares):

Fortuna River 
Rio Fortuna Silver Mine 
Mirasol Resources Ltd 
Pembrook Mining Corp1  
Gold Resource Corp2 
Electrum Capital Inc3 
Iron Creek Capital Corp4 
Mariana Resources Ltd5  
EXMIN Resources Inc6 
Ventura Gold Corp7 

Number 
of shares 
held at 
1 January 
2007 

663,600 
2,472,365 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
3,435,278 
– 

Number 
of shares 
held at 
31 December 
2007 

663,600 
2,472,365 
500,000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
18,387,487 
100,000 

Number 
of shares 
held at 
31 December 
2008

Additions 

Disposals 

– 
– 
– 
5,714,286 
1,670,000 
4,205,462 
2,000,000 
11,002,948 
– 
200,000 

663,600
– 
812,215
1,660,150 
500,000
– 
5,714,286
– 
1,670,000
– 
4,205,462
– 
–  2,000,000
–  11,002,948
–  18,387,487
300,000
– 

Additions 

Disposals 

– 
– 
500,000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
14,952,209 
100,000 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1  The investment in Pembrook Mining Corp. (5.6%), a privately held exploration company with projects in Peru and Canada, relates to the purchase of common shares on 14 

May 2008 (2,857,143 common shares) and 11 September 2008 (2,857,143 common shares). 

2  The investment in Gold Resource Corp. (4.9%), an underground precious metals mining company with a number of prime development projects in Mexico, relates to the 

purchase of common shares on 5 December 2008 in connection with a Strategic Alliance Agreement signed with this company. 

3  The investment in Electrum Capital Inc. (15.8%), a privately held exploration company with projects in Brazil, Mexico, Peru and Argentina, relates to the purchase of 

common shares occurring on 25 April 2008 (1,538,462 common shares) and 22 October 2008 (2,667,000 common shares). 

4  The investment in Iron Creek Capital Corp. (17.6%) relates to the purchase of common shares on 24 September 2008 in connection with the Letter of Intent signed with this 

company for an Option and Joint Venture Agreement to develop the Vaquillas project in Chile (refer to note 32(b)). 

5  The investment in Mariana Resources Ltd. (16.2%), an exploration company with projects in Argentina, Chile and Ecuador, relates to the purchase of common shares on 12 

December 2008 for US$495,000.

6  The 2007 addition in the equity investment in EXMIN Resources Inc. (2008: 18%, 2007: 20.3%) is due to the common share purchases occurring on 17 June 2007 (213,660 

common shares), 9 July 2007 (12,002,231 common shares) and 5 December 2007 (2,736,318 common shares). The last two purchases were made in accordance with the 
Strategic Alliance Agreement signed with EXMIN. This investment has always been treated as an available-for-sale financial asset on the basis that the Group does not 
have significant influence over EXMIN.

7  On 19 December 2008 Ventura Gold Corp. exercised its option to acquire 51% in the Inmaculada project (refer to note 32(b)) generating the obligation to issue 1,000,000 
shares to the Group. As at 31 December 2008 Ventura Gold Corp. only issued 300,000 shares and the issue of the remaining 700,000 shares is still pending. The Group has 
recognised in Other income US$103,000 relating to the right to receive 700,000 shares that is disclosed under other income.

The fair value of the listed shares is determined by reference to published price quotations in an active market.
.
The investments in unlisted shares (Pembrook Mining Corp. and Electrum Capital Inc.) are recognised at their acquisition cost since 
there is no active market for these investments. The investment in Electrum Capital Inc. was impaired resulting in a loss of 
US$2,637,000. The Company assessed for impairment its investment in Pembrook Mining Corp. at 31 December 2008 of US$9,888,000 
and concluded that no impairment was required.

Available-for-sale financial assets are denominated in the following currencies:

Canadian dollars 
US dollar 
Pounds sterling 

Total 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

11,519 
5,853 
422 –

15,080
20

17,794 

15,100

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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

19 Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables1 
Advances to suppliers 
Credit from exports2 
Loan to minority shareholder3 
Due from minority shareholder4 
Receivables from related parties (note 29) 
Loans to employees 
Assigned funds 
Interest receivable5 
Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank (refer to note 11(3))  
Other 
Provision for impairment6 

Financial assets classified as receivables 
Prepaid expenses 
Value Added Tax (VAT)7  

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 

|

2007

Current 
US$000 

47,348 
7,097 
1,444 
6,502 
11,116 
1,048 
336 
– 
141 
1,292 
1,581 
(1,987) 

75,918 
2,652 
45,156 

Non- 
current 
US$000 

– 
– 
– 
19,110 
– 
– 
449 
30 
– 
– 
– 
– 

19,589 
847 
5,082 

Current 
US$000

56,820
9,162
–
15,100
16,927
–
434
–
1,198
–
1,688
(548)

100,781
2,347
31,052

Non- 
current 
US$000 

– 
– 
465 
30,331 
– 
– 
607 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

31,403 
412 
6,489 

38,304 

123,726 

25,518 

134,180

The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate their book value.

1  At 31 December 2008, trade accounts receivable mainly comprised of amounts receivable from Consorcio Minero S.A. US$16,382,000, Teck Cominco Metals Ltd 

US$13,902,000 and Louis Dreyfus Peru S.A. US$7,143,000. At 31 December 2007, trade accounts receivable mainly comprised of amounts receivables from Consorcio Minero 
S.A. US$20,226,000, Traxys Belgium SA/NV of US$14,728,000 and Norddeutsche Affinerie AG of US$8,768,000. Trade receivables are denominated in the following currencies:
•	 US	dollars	47,330,000	(2007:	56,820,000)
•	 Peruvian	nuevos	soles	18,000	(2007:	nil)

2  Corresponds to the credits due on exports of Minera Santa Cruz. This credit is calculated as the 1% of total sales of concentrates and 2% of total sales of doré delivered 

through the Patagonico Port in Argentina.

3  This relates to loans to Minera Andes Inc. The effective interest rate is between 7.86 % and 8.21% in 2008 (between 7.86% and 8.21% in 2007) (refer to note 36(f)). 
4  Mainly corresponds to capital contributions due from a minority shareholder of Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (Minera Andes) of US$11,115,000 (2007: US$16,927,000).
5  Mainly corresponds to interest receivable on JP Morgan liquidity funds (refer to note 22(1)).
6 

Includes provision for impairment of other receivables of US$1,987,000 as at 31 December 2008 (2007: US$548,000). It mainly corresponds to the impairment of deposits in 
Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank of US$1,292,000 (refer to note 11(3)).

7  This includes an amount of US$32,220,000 (2007: US$24,842,000) of value added taxes paid in the development and plant expansion of the San José project that will be 
recovered through the future sales of gold and silver by Minera Santa Cruz S.A. It also includes the VAT of Minera Suyamarca of US$12,741,000 (2007: US$4,988,000) and 
Minas Santa María de Moris of US$2,369,000 (2007: US$1,758,000).

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables:

At 1 January 2007 
Charge for the year 
Utilised 

At 31 December 2007 
Charge for the year 
Utilised 

At 31 December 2008 

As at 31 December, the ageing analysis of trade and other receivables is as follows:

Individually  Collectively 
impaired 
US$000 

impaired 
US$000 

451 
208 
(111) 

548 
1,628 
(189) 

1,987 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Total 
US$000

451
208
(111)

548
1,628
(189)

1,987

Neither 
past 
due nor 
impaired 
US$000 

Less than 
30 days 
US$000 

30 to 60 
days 
US$000 

Over 
60 days 
US$000 

Total 
receivable 
before 
impairment 
US$000

  161,804 
159,698 

– 
–  

15 
–  

2,198  164,017
160,246

548 

Year 

2008 
2007 

90
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20 Inventories

Finished goods 
Products in process 
Raw materials 
Supplies and spare parts 

Provision for obsolescence of supplies  

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

2,720 
21,323 
1,741 
24,437 

3,551
29,802
494
13,563

50,221 
(1,001) 

47,410
(398)

49,220 

47,012

Finished goods include ounces of gold and silver and concentrate. Doré is an alloy containing a variable mixture of silver and gold 
and minor impurities delivered in bar form to refiners and is considered as a product in process. The refined products are then sold 
to the customers and/or refiners. Concentrate is a product containing sulphides with variable content of base and precious metals 
and are sold to smelters.

The amount of doré on hand at 31 December 2008 included in products in process is US$4,359,000 (2007: US$3,160,000).

As part of the management’s short-term financing policies, the Group acquires pre-shipment loans which are guaranteed by the 
inventory (refer to note 24(a)). 

21 Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

Warrants in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.1 
Warrants in Mirasol Resources Ltd. 
Option over shares of Gold Resource Corp.2 
Embedded derivatives3 
Swap contracts4 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

745 

– 1
2,301 –
2,219 
304 –

2007 
US$000

6,990

1,048

5,569 

8,039

1  At 31 December 2008 this item represented 2,475,355 (2007: 2,475,355) warrants of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. The expiry dates of the warrants are 27 June 2010 and 

17 November 2010 (for 862,117 and 1,613,238 warrants respectively). Warrants are fair valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

2  At 31 December 2008 this item represented option over 4,330,000 (2007: nil) shares of Gold Resource Corp. with an expiry date of 2 March 2009. Options are fair valued 

using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

3  Sales of concentrates and certain gold and silver volumes are provisionally priced at the time the sale is recorded. The price is then adjusted after an agreed period of 

time (usually linked to the length of time it takes the smelter to refine and sell the concentrate or the refiner to process the doré into gold and silver), with the Group either 
paying or receiving the difference between the provisional price and the final price. This price exposure is considered to be an embedded derivative in accordance with 
IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. The gain or loss that arises on the fair value of the embedded derivative is recorded in ‘Revenue’ (refer to 
note 5).

4  The Group holds contracts of derivative instruments with the intention to remove the risk of fluctuations in metal prices. As at 31 December 2008 the Company did not meet 
all the criteria stated in IAS 39 to account for the derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the Group recognised a gain of US$304,000 due to the changes 
in the fair value occurring during 2008, which is recognised within ‘finance income’ (refer to note 12(5)). The fair value of the forward contracts is calculated based on spot 
prices plus forward points estimated using SIFO (Silver Forward Mid Rates) and GOFO (Gold Forward Offered Rates) for silver and gold, respectively, as published by the 
London Bullion Market Association at 31 December 2008. 

91
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

21 Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss continued
The following tables include the information of the contracts signed:

Silver

Organisation 

Citibank  
Citibank  
INTL Commodities Inc. 
INTL Commodities Inc. 

Total 

Gold

Organisation 

INTL Commodities Inc. 

Total 

22 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank 
Liquidity funds1 
Current demand deposit accounts2 
Time deposits3 

Quantity as at 
31 December 

2008 
(ounces) 

  Quotation 
(US$/oz) 

|

|

Quotation period

From 

To

January 2009 
January 2009 
January 2009 
January 2009 

December 2009
December 2009
–
–

Quotation period

11.00 
11.00 
10.50 
10.75 

Quantity as at 
31 December 

 1,500,000 
 1,000,000 
  389,000 
  389,000 

 3,278,000 

2008 
(ounces) 

1,900 

1,900 

  Quotation 
(US$/oz) 

From 

840 

January 2009 

To

–

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

171 
93,131 
14,567 
8,278 

539
285,015
8,499
7,373

Cash and cash equivalents considered for the cash flow statement 

  116,147 

301,426

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their book value.

1  The liquidity funds are mainly invested in certificate of deposit, commercial papers and floating rate notes with a weighted average annual effective interest rate of 3.98% 

and a weighted average maturity between 30 to 54 days as at 31 December 2008 (2007: 5.09% and 34 days) (refer to note 36(f)). 

2  Relates to bank accounts which are freely available and do not bear interest. 
3  The effective interest rates as at 31 December 2008 was 2.67% (2007: 5.26%). These deposits have an average maturity from 1 to 30 days (refer to note 36(f)). 

92
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23 Trade and other payables

Trade payables1 
Professional fees 
Deferred consideration2 
Interest payable 
Taxes and contributions 
Salaries and wages payable 
Mining royalty (note 35) 
Dividends payable3 
Accrued expenses 
Guarantee deposits 
Other 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 

|

2007

Non- 
current 
US$000 

– 
– 
– 
– 
543 
– 
– 
– 
84 
– 
– 

Current 
US$000 

50,904 
1,260 
– 
421 
9,622 
11,955 
1,012 
228 
2,158 
2,745 
1,986 

627 

82,291 

Non- 
current 
US$000 

– 
– 
– 
– 
847 
– 
– 
– 
8 
– 
4 

859 

Current 
US$000

29,273
868
1,326
324
6,938
7,205
1,024
578
1,386
1,616
1,638

52,176

The fair value of trade and other payables approximate their book values.

1  Trade payables are mainly for the acquisition of materials, supplies and contractors services. These payables do not accrue interest and no guarantees have been 

granted. Trade payables are denominated in the following currencies:

US dollar 
Peruvian nuevos soles 
Argentinian pesos 
Mexican pesos 
Pounds sterling 
Chilean pesos 
Canadian dollars 
Australian dollars 

Total 

2008 
US$000 

20,935 
14,112 
15,128 
390 
68 
213 
49 
9 –

2007 

US$000

17,131
6,231
4,651
846
266
 106
42

50,904 

 29,273

2  Corresponds to the deferred consideration generated for the Pallancata project in Minera Suyamarca. During 2008 the Group completed the construction of the mine 

and the deferred consideration was reduced to nil. 

3  Corresponds to dividends payable to minority shareholders of US$228,000 (2007: US$378,000).

24 Borrowings

Secured bank loans (note 24(a)) 
Amount due to minority shareholders (note 24(b)) 
Amounts due to related parties (note 29) 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 

|

2007

Non- 
current 
US$000 

Current 
US$000 

  202,094 
29,598 
– 

56,625 
40,409 
1,036 

Non- 
current 
US$000 

– 
55,209 
– 

Current 
US$000

23,750
9,299
120

  231,692 

98,070 

55,209 

33,169

93
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

24 Borrowings continued
(a) Secured bank loans 
As at 31 December 2008, the balance corresponds to: 
i.  Pre shipment loans for a total amount of US$18,380,000 in Compañía Minera Ares, US$11,280,000 in Compañía Minera Suyamarca 
S.A.C. and US$20,000,000 in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. These obligations accrue an effective annual interest rate ranging from 5.55% 
to 8.70% and are guaranteed by the inventories of the company (refer to note 20). Pre shipments are credit lines given by the 
Banks to pay obligations related to the exports of the Group.

ii.  Leasing agreement with Banco de Credito for an amount of US$7,207,000 in Compañía Minera Ares. This obligation accrues an 

effective annual interest rate ranging from 6.80% to 7.45%.

The following table demonstrates the present value and maturity of future minimum lease payments as at 31 December 2008:

Not later than one year 
Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 5 years 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

2,705 –
2,604 –
1,898 –

7,207 –

The following table demonstrates the reconciliation between the total minimum lease payments and the present value as at 
31 December 2008 and 2007.

Present value of leases 
Future interest 

Total minimum lease payments 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

7,207 –
728 –

7,935 –

The carrying amount of net lease liabilities approximate their fair value.

iii. Loan facility with a syndicate of lenders with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. acting as the Administrative Agent. Total secured term 
loan facility of US$200,000,000 that accrues an effective interest rate of LIBOR + 1% and is guaranteed by all the equity share 
capital, free and clear of any liens, of Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. The balance as at 31 December 2008 is comprised of the 
secured term loan facility of US$200,000,000 plus accrued interest of $4,260,000 and net of transaction costs of US$2,408,000.

  The Company has granted the following guarantees on its $200,000,000 bank syndicated loan:

 >
 >

Pledge of all shares in Compañía Minera Ares (wholly-owned subsidiary).
Subsidiary guarantees by certain wholly-owned subsidiaries whereby these subsidiaries guarantee with their cash flows the 
repayment of the loan.

  The main administrative and financial covenants that the Company and Compañía Minera Ares must comply with during the 

term of the syndicated loan are as follows:
 >
 >

 >

Quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements for Hochschild Mining plc and Compañía Minera Ares.
Investments in restricted and unrestricted subsidiaries based on an agreed upon limit (unlimited within restricted subsidiaries). 
It is intended for every wholly-owned subsidiary to participate in the subsidiary guarantee.
Maintain the following ratios (at a consolidated and Compañía Minera Ares level) beginning on the date of execution of the 
agreement and during the term of effect of the loan:
–  Interest expense coverage ratio greater than 3:1.
–  Debt to EBITDA ratio lower than 2.5:1 from 2009 onwards (up to 3:1 in 2008).

  Compliance with the restrictive covenants described in the preceding paragraph is overseen by Compañía Minera Ares’ 

management and the Administrative Agent. The Group and Compañía Minera Ares have complied with the commitments and 
financial covenants mentioned in the syndicated loan agreement.

  As at 31 December 2007, the balance corresponded to:

 >

Pre shipment loans for a total amount of US$23,750,000 in Compañía Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. and Minera Santa Cruz S.A. 
These obligations accrue an effective annual interest rate ranging from 6.00% to 7.50% and are guaranteed by the inventories of 
the Company (refer to note 20). 

94
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24 Borrowings continued
(b) Amounts due to minority shareholders 
As at 31 December 2008 the balance mainly corresponds to a loan from Minera Andes Inc. to Minera Santa Cruz S.A. for an amount 
of US$62,105,000 (2007: US$57,065,000) with interest rates between 7.86% and 12%. There is also a loan of US$7,902,000 to Minera Santa 
Cruz S.A. from Minera Andes S.A. (2007: US$7,358,000) with an interest rate of 12% (refer to note 36(f)).

The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows:

Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 5 years 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

81,284 
  150,408 

2007 
US$000

41,286
13,923

  231,692 

55,209

The carrying amount of short-term borrowings approximates their fair value. The carrying amount and fair value of the non-current 
borrowings are as follows:

Bank loans
Secured 
Amounts due to minority interest and related parties (fixed rates) 

Total 

25 Provisions

At 1 January 2007  
Increase/(decrease) to existing provision 
Accretion resulting from unwinding of discount rate 
Change in discount rate 
Change in estimate  
Payments 
Foreign exchange 

At 31 December 2007   
Less current portion 

Non-current portion 

At 1 January 2008  
Increase to existing provision 
Accretion resulting from unwinding of discount rate 
Change in discount rate 
Change in estimate  
Payments 
Foreign exchange 

At 31 December 2008   
Less current portion 

Non-current portion 

Carrying amount 
as at 31 December  |

Fair Values 
as at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  202,094 
29,598 

–  213,408 –
33,263 

55,209 

60,158

  231,692 

55,209  246,671 

60,158

Provision 
for mine 
closure1 
US$000 

32,364 
1,056 
1,134 
2,401 
(2,782) 
(2,023) 
– 

32,150 
(2,400) 

29,750 

32,150 
2,105 
669 
4,042 
1,409 
(1,476) 
– 

38,899 
(1,379) 

37,520 

profit 

Workers’  Contributions 
to Peruvian 
sharing  Government 
US$000 
US$000 

Executive 
long-term 
incentive 
plan2 
US$000 

Other 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

6,618 
11,620 
– 
– 
– 
(9,461) 
418 

9,195 
(9,195) 

800 
940 
– 
– 
–  
(306) 
–  

1,434 
(1,434) 

–  

–  

9,195 
4,273 
– 
– 
– 
(13,248) 
641 

861 
(861) 

– 

1,434 
944 
– 
– 
– 
(1,368) 
(19) 

991 
(991) 

– 

– 
799 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

799 
–  

799 

799 
302 
– 
– 
– 
(1,101) 
– 

– 
– 

– 

293 
(13) 
– 
– 
–  
– 
(8) 

272 
–  

272 

272 
962 
– 
– 
– 
(21) 
– 

1,213 
(1,046) 

40,075
14,402
1,134
2,401
(2,782)
(11,790)
410

43,850
(13,029)

30,821

43,850
8,586
669
4,042
1,409
(17,214)
622

41,964
(4,277)

167 

37,687

1  The provision represents the discounted values of the estimated cost to decommission and rehabilitate the mines at the expected date of depletion of each of the 

deposits. The present value of the provision has been calculated using a real pre-tax annual discount rate, based on a US Treasury bond of an appropriate tenure as at 
31 December 2008 and 2007 respectively, and the cash flows have been adjusted to reflect the risk attached to these cash flows. Uncertainties in the timing for using this 
provision includes changes in the future that could impact the time of closing the mines, as new resources and reserves are discovered.

2  The 2007 Executive Long-Term incentive plan was replaced by a new plan with different variables. To terminate the first plan, the Group paid to the employees under the 

plan an amount of US$1,101,000, during the first semester of 2008. The comparative effect on Group´s results is presented in the following table:

95
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

25 Provisions continued

Administrative expenses 
Exploration expenses 

Total  

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Year ended 

31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 

US$000

275  
27  

302  

727
72

799

The new plan reduces the number of variables and only considers Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’). The plan comprises an amount to be paid in cash to participants 
depending on the achievement of the three-year performance measures during the performance period which ends on 31 December 2010. The cash award will be held for 
an additional period and delivered 50% on 31 December 2010 and the remaining 50% on 31 December 2011, accumulating notional interest at the prevailing inter-bank 
interest rate. Only employees who remain with the Company until this date will have right of the benefit, with some exemptions that have to be approved by the Remuneration 
Committee of the Board. The provision represents the discounted values of the estimated cost of the long-term employee benefit. There is no provision in 2008 because TSR 
over the period did not reach the performance level required under the rules of the plan.

26 Equity
(a) Share capital and share premium
Authorised and issued share capital
The authorised and issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

Class of shares  

Ordinary shares 

Authorised  

|

Issued

Number  

Amount  

Number  

Amount

500,000,000  

£125,000,000  

307,350,226  

£76,837,557

At 31 December 2008 and 2007, all issued shares with a par value of 25p (weighted average of US$0.476 per share) each were fully paid.

Rights attached to ordinary shares:
At general meetings of the Company, on a show of hands, every member who is present in person and by proxy has one vote and, 
on a poll, every member who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share of which he is the holder/proxy.

The changes in share capital are as follows:

Shares issued as at 1 January 2007 
Transaction costs associated with issue of shares1 

Shares issued as at 31 December 2007 

Shares issued as at 31 December 2008 

Number 
of shares 

Share 
capital 
US$000 

Share 
Premium 
US$000

 307,350,226  146,466 
– 
– 

396,156
(228)

 307,350,226  146,466 

395,928

307,350,226  146,466  395,928

1  Corresponds to the underaccrual of transaction costs relating to the Company’s listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2006.

(b) Other reserves
Unrealised gain/loss on available-for-sale financial assets 
Under IAS 39, the Group classifies its investments in listed companies as available-for-sale financial assets and are carried at fair 
value. Consequently, the increase in carrying values, net of the related deferred tax liability, is taken directly to this account where it 
will remain until disposal or impairment of the investment, when the cumulative unrealised gains and losses are recycled through 
the income statement. 

Cumulative translation adjustment 
The cumulative translation adjustment account is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of subsidiaries with a functional currency different to the reporting currency of the Group. 

Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the difference between the value of the net assets of the Cayman Holding Companies (Ardsley, 
Garrison, Larchmont and Hochschild Mining (Peru)) acquired under the Share Exchange Agreement and the nominal value of the 
shares issued in consideration of such acquisition. 

96
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27 Deferred income tax
The changes in the net deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:

Beginning of the year 
Income statement credit 
Deferred income tax arising on net unrealised gains on  
  available-for-sale financial assets recognised in equity 

End of the year 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

13,309 
(9,017) 

3,894
10,342

664 

(927)

4,956 

13,309

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to the same fiscal authority.

The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities before offset during the year is as follows:

Deferred income tax liabilities:
At 1 January 2007 
Income statement (credit) charge 
Net deferred income tax from unrealised gain on  
  available-for-sale financial assets 

At 31 December 2007   
Income statement (credit) charge 
Net deferred income tax from unrealised gain on  
  available-for-sale financial assets 

At 31 December 2008   

Differences 
in cost 
Mine 
of PP&E  development 
US$000 
US$000 

Financial 
instruments 
US$000 

Others 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

1,878 
3,314 

– 

5,192 
(851) 

3,347 
5,735 

1,652 
726 

– 

927 

9,082 
11,108 

3,305 
(1,405) 

3,596 
(983) 

– 

2,613 
(642) 

10,473
8,792

927

20,192
8,210

– 

– 

(664) 

– 

(664)

4,341 

20,190 

1,236 

1,971 

27,738

Deferred income tax assets:
At 1 January 2007 
Income statement credit (charge) 
Use of loss carry forward  

At 31 December 2007   
Income statement credit (charge) 

At 31 December 2008   

Differences 
in cost 
of PP&E 
US$000 

Provision 
for mine 
Mine 
closure  development 
US$000 
US$000 

Tax 
losses 
US$000 

Interest 
payable 
US$000 

Others 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

 1,711  
 2,396  
– 

 4,107  
(2,059) 

2,048 

 1,480  
 3,375  
– 

4,855  
887 

5,742 

2,498  
 (649) 
– 

1,849  
(1,849) 

5,464  
 8,688  
– 

14,152  
(2,593) 

– 

11,559 

507  
3,121  
– 

 3,628  
3,640 

7,268 

2,707  
2,203  
– 

4,910  
1,167 

14,367 
19,134 
–

33,501 
(807)

6,077 

32,694

The amounts after offset, as presented on the face of the balance sheet, are as follows:

Deferred income tax assets  
Deferred income tax liabilities 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

20,795 
(15,839) 

22,400
(9,091)

97
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

27 Deferred income tax continued
Tax losses expire in the following years:

Recognised1:
Expire in one year 
Expire in two years 
Expire in three years 
Expire in four years 
Expire after four years 

Unrecognised:
Expire in one year 
Expire in two years 
Expire in three years 
Expire in four years 
Expire after four years 

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

– 
4,598 
6,458 
20,080 
2,360 

54
502
8,320
12,232
20,433

33,496 

41,541

1,625 
1,646 
2,280 
4,035 
41,355 

188
1,812
1,831
2,558
38,947

50,941 

45,336

84,437 

86,877

Total tax losses (recognised and unrecognised)   

1  Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of tax losses to the extent that they are expected to be offset against taxable profits arising in future periods, based on 

the profit forecast prepared by management. 

Other unrecognised deferred income tax assets comprises (gross amounts):

Provision for mine closure1 
Impairments of available-for-sale financial assets  

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

20,641 
11,421 –

2007 
US$000

16,777

1  This relates to provision for mine closure expenditure which is expected to be incurred in periods in which it is expected that there will not be taxable profits against which 

the expenditure can be offset. 

Unrecognised deferred tax liability on retained earnings
Due to the statutory tax regime in the countries in which the Group’s operating companies are tax residents, there are no temporary 
differences in respect of undistributed reserves for which a deferred tax liability should be recognised.

28 Dividends paid and proposed

Year ended 31 December 2007
Total dividends paid or provided for during the year1 
Total dividends declared after year-end and not provided for2 

Year ended 31 December 2008
Total dividends paid during the year3   
Total dividends declared after year-end and not provided for 

Amount 
US$000

24,729 
22,184

28,531
6,147

1  Corresponds to dividends paid and provided during 2007 of US$8,448,000 and the payment of accrued dividends as at 31 December 2006 of US$16,281,000.
2  Corresponds to dividends declared after 31 December 2007 to Pelham Investment Corporation, Navajo Overseas Corporation and public shareholders (‘Parent 

company’s shareholders’)

3  Corresponds to dividends paid and provided during 2008 of US$22,184,667 and US$6,147,005, and the payment of accrued dividends as at 31 December 2007 of 

US$200,000 to Dona Limited for dividends declared in 2006.

Dividends per share
The dividends declared in August 2008 were US$6,147,005 (US$0.020 per share). A dividend in respect of the year end 31 December 
2008 of US$0.020 per share, amounting to a total dividend of US$6,147,005 is to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 26 
May 2009. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

98
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29 Related-party balances and transactions
(a) Related-party accounts receivable and payable
The Group had the following related-party balances and transactions during the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007. The 
related parties are companies owned or controlled by the main shareholder of the parent company, joint ventures or associates.

Accounts receivable  
At 31 December  |

Accounts payable 
At 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

Trade
Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. 
Mauricio Hochschild & Cía. Ltda. S.A.   

Other 
Compañía Minera Corianta S.A. 
Cementos Selva S.A. 

Joint ventures
Cabo Sur 
Minas Pacapausa S.A.C. 

Dividends payable
Dona Ltd. 

Loans
Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. 

Total 

Comprised of:
Dividends payable to Dona Ltd  
Current related party balances 

Total 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

1,005 
2 

1,007 

– 

– 

41 

41 

1,048 

– 
1,048 

1,048 

As at 31 December 2008 and 2007 all other accounts are, or were, non-interest bearing.

No security has been granted or guarantees given by the Group in respect of these related party balances.

Principal transactions between affiliates are as follows:

Income
Recovery of expenses 
Services provided 
Proceeds from sale
Sales of Colorada shares to Cementos Pacasmayo 
Expenses
Purchase of supplies 
Services received 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

119

120

200

200

– 
– 1

– 

1 –
43 –

44 –

992 –
– –

992 –

– 

– 

– –

– –

1,036 

320

– 
1,036 

1,036 

200
120

320

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

34 –
– 

– 

39 –
2 

24

14

28

During the year, in addition to the normal arrangements the Group has with its related parties, the Group purchased a building 
from Cementos Pacasmayo, a company under common control to that of the Group, for US$3,622,000 representing an arm’s length 
purchase price.

Transactions between the Group and these companies are on an arm’s length basis.

99
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Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

29 Related-party balances and transactions continued
(b) Compensation of key management personnel of the Group
Key management personnel include the members of the senior management team and Directors who receive remuneration.

Salaries and bonuses  

Total compensation paid to key management personnel 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

8,718 

8,718 

2007 
US$000

9,910

9,910

This amount includes the remuneration paid to the Directors of the parent company of the Group of US$3,847,865 (2007: US$6,268,000), 
out of which US$463,218 (2007: US$600,000) relates to pension payments.

30 Auditor’s remuneration
The auditor’s remuneration for services provided to the Group during the years ended 31 December 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

Audit fees pursuant to legislation1  
Other services relating to taxation 
Services relating to corporate finance transactions  
Other services  

Total 

Ernst & Young 
Year ended 
31 December 

|

Others 
Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2,332 
410 
263 
106 

3,111 

2007 
US$000 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

1,756 
443 
501 
110 

2,810 

7 –
– –
– –
– –

7 –

1 

Includes US$1,178,000 (2007: US$1,164,000) relating to the audit fees of the parent company together with a proportion of the fees in relation to the consolidated Group 
audit which has been incurred by the parent company. 

All fees are included in administrative expenses, within the ‘professional fees’ caption (refer to note 7).

100
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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31 Notes to the cash flow statement

Reconciliation of profit for the year to net cash generated from operating activities
(Loss)/profit for the year 
Adjustments to reconcile Group operating profit to net cash inflows from operating activities:
Depreciation (note 3(f)) 
Amortisation of software licences 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
(Gain)/loss on sale/disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Write-off of property, plant and equipment 
Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets   
Premium paid on purchase of available-for-sale financial assets 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale financial assets 
Share of post tax losses of associates and joint ventures accounted under equity method 
Loss on sale of Sipán (subsidiary) 
Increase in provision for mine closure   
Finance income 
Finance costs 
Income tax expense 
Provision for claims 
Provision for obsolescence of supplies  
Other 
Increase (decrease) of cash flows from operations due to changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade and other receivables 
Income tax receivable 
Derivative financial instruments 
Inventories 
Trade and other payables   
Provisions 

Cash generated from operations 

Transactions that did not affect cash flows
The main transactions that did not affect cash flows were the following:

Purchase of property, plant and equipment through leasing 
Transfer of loan to EXMIN to available-for-sale financial assets 
Write-off goodwill of Colorada (previously impaired) 

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

(13,514) 

80,915

42,232 
266 
34,706 –
(252) 
20 –
11,421 
421 –
(1,613) –
8,214 –
– 
3,216 
(11,683) 
25,079 
22,914 
– 
634 –
(3,687) 

25,139
71

467

71

1,034
(3,097)
(25,257)
7,517
35,752
27

(185)

(9,922) 
(13,653) –
(1,171) 
(2,842) 
20,016 
(8,635) 

(74,420)

2,314
(30,479)
10,480
3,989

  102,167 

34,338

Year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

7,872 –
– 
– 

1,572
230

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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

32 Commitments 
(a) Gold and silver future contracts 
Silver

Organisation 

INTL Commodities Inc 

Total 

Gold

Organisation 

INTL Commodities Inc 

Total 

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Quantity 
as at 31 December 

  Quotation period

2008 
(ounces) 

2007 
(ounces) 

Type of  Quotation 
(US$/oz) 

contract 

From 

  157,300 

–  Forward 

10.19 

January 2009 

157,300 –

Quantity 
as at 31 December 

  Quotation period

2008 
(ounces) 

2007 
(ounces) 

Type of  Quotation 
(US$/oz) 

contract 

From 

2,950 

2,950 –

–  Forward 

815.06 

January 2009 

to

–

to

–

The contracts mentioned above are not fair valued in the books as they were entered into for the purpose of the delivery of a 
non-financial item in accordance with the Group’s expected sales requirements.

(b) Mining rights purchase options 
During the ordinary course of business, the Group enters into agreements to carry out exploration under concessions held by third 
parties. Generally, under the terms of these agreements, the Group has the option to acquire the concession or invest in the entity 
holding the concession. In order to exercise these options the Group must satisfy certain financial and other obligations during the 
term of the agreement. The options lapse in the event that the Group does not meet its financial requirements. At any point in time, 
the Group may cancel the agreements without penalty, except where specified below.

The Group continually reviews its requirements under the agreements and determines, on an annual basis, whether to proceed 
with its financial commitment. Based on management’s current intention regarding these projects, the commitments at the 
balance sheet date are as follows:

Commitment for the subsequent 12 months 
More than one year 

Some of the significant transactions are explained below:

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

1,293 
19,192 

2007 
US$000

2,675
59,355

(i) Ventura Gold Corp. 
On 8 January 2007, the Group granted an option to Ventura Gold Corp (‘Ventura’) for the acquisition of an interest in the 
Immaculada property, located in Peru. Under the option and joint venture agreement signed on 13 August 2007, in order to acquire 
an initial 51% controlling interest, Ventura was required to complete a total of 15,000 metres of drilling at the property and issue a total 
of 1,000,000 common shares to the Group within a three-year period. 

On 19 December 2008 Ventura exercised its option to acquire 51% in the project having completed its drilling requirement. Of the 
1,000,000 common shares required to be issued to the Group, only 300,000 shares have been issued as at 31 December 2008 which 
are disclosed as ‘Available-for-sale financial assets’.

In order to maintain the option, Ventura shall issue an additional 2,000,000 common shares to the Group within the next five years. 
Additionally, the Group has the option to become the operator of the project and to buy back 11%, giving the Group a controlling 
interest in the project in consideration for a payment to Ventura of three times the total investment made in drilling and related 
exploration work which has been completed. If the Group does not exercise the aforementioned option, Ventura may elect to 
increase its controlling interest by an additional 19%, upon the completion of a feasibility study on the project within six years from 
23 October 2007. 

(ii) IAMGOLD
On 20 December 2007, the Group entered into an option and joint venture agreement with IAMGOLD Corporation (‘IAMGOLD’) to 
explore and develop minerals in the two groups of properties located in Argentina, which comprise the projects ‘Santa Cruz-Río 
Negro’ and ‘Cañón del Moro’.

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32 Commitments continued
Under the arrangements, the Group will have the right to acquire a 70% interest in each group of properties by investing US$200,000 
and US$1,500,000 within two years and completing a pre-feasibility study on the properties before the end of the seventh and sixth 
year for Santa Cruz and Cañón del Moro, respectively. The Group can withdraw from the agreement without incurring any further 
expenditures or penalties.

(iii) Andina Minerals Chile Limitada (Encrucijada Project)
On 31 January 2008 the Group entered into an option and joint venture agreement with Andina Minerals Chile Ltda. (‘Andina’) to 
earn a 51% interest in respect of the Encrucijada project located in Chile. A payment of US$500,000 was made to Andina upon 
signing of the agreement. 

Under the arrangements, the Group will have the right to acquire a 51% interest in the project by investing US$3,000,000 within three 
years. The Group cannot withdraw from the agreement without investing a minimum of US$800,000 in the project. At 31 December 
2008 the Group has invested US$1,165,000.

(iv) Santos Bahamondes Latorre (Casualidad Project)
On 4 March 2008, the Group entered into an option agreement with Santos Bahamondes Latorre Compañía Minera in order to 
acquire the mining rights of three groups of properties (Juana I, Juana II and Casualidad) located in Chile. 

Under the arrangements, the Group will have the right to acquire the mining rights by making payments of US$1,000,000, 
US$1,000,000 and US$1,500,000 for Juana I, Juana II and Casualidad, respectively. If the Group exercises its option it shall pay a 1.5% 
Net Smelter Return once commercial production begins. The Group can withdraw from the agreement without incurring any further 
expenditures or penalties.

(v) Iron Creek Capital Corp. (Vaquillas Project)
On 24 September 2008, the Group signed a letter of intent with Iron Creek Capital Corp. (‘Iron Creek’) in respect of an option and 
joint venture agreement to earn a 60% interest in the Vaquillas project, located in Chile. A payment of US$750,000 was made to Iron 
Creek upon signing of the letter of intent. 

Under the arrangements, the Group will have the right to acquire a 60% interest by incurring expenditure on exploration activities of 
US$6,000,000 over a five-year period and has to invest at least US$750,000 before withdrawing from the venture. At December 2008 
the Group has provided for this amount and recorded it under ‘trade and other payables’.

In addition, the Group participated in a private placement whereby the Group subscribed for shares in Iron Creek for cash 
consideration of US$1,000,000, the proceeds of which will be invested in a specific area of the project (the Porphiry Area) in the two 
year period from the closing of the private placement (refer to note 18). 

(c) Operating lease contract
The Group has a number of operating lease agreements. 

The lease expenditure charge to the income statement during the years 2008 and 2007 are included in the production costs and 
administrative expenses.

As at 31 December 2008 and 2007, the future aggregate minimum lease payments under the operating lease agreements are  
as follows:

Not later than one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years  

For the year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

1,365 
1,593 

2007 
US$000

1,541
744

(d) Finance lease contract
During 2008 Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. signed lease agreements of equipments with Banco de Credito del Perú (refer to note 15 
and 24).

As at 31 December 2008 and 2007, the future aggregate minimum lease payments under the operating lease agreements are  
as follows:

Not later than one year 
Later than one year and not later than five years  

For the year ended 
31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

3,157 –
4,778 –

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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

32 Commitments continued
(e) Capital commitments

Peru 
Mexico 
Argentina 

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

For the year ended 
31 December

2007 
US$000

15,113

2008 

31,860 
19 –
14,112 –

45,991 

15,113

33 Contingencies
As at 31 December 2008, the Group had the following contingencies:

(a) Taxation
Fiscal periods remain open to review by the tax authorities for four years in Peru and five years in Argentina and Mexico, preceding 
the year of review. During this time the authorities have the right to raise additional tax assessments including penalties and interest. 
Under certain circumstances, reviews may cover longer periods. 

Because a number of fiscal periods remain open to review by the tax authorities, coupled with the complexity of the Group and the 
transactions they have undertaken, there remains a risk that significant additional tax liabilities may arise. Notwithstanding this risk, 
the Directors believe that management’s interpretation of the relevant legislation and assessment of taxation is appropriate and that 
it is probable that the Group’s tax and customs positions will be sustained in the event of a challenge by the tax authorities. 
Consequently, the Directors consider that they have made adequate provision for any future outflow of resources and no additional 
provision is required in respect of these claims or risks. 

(b) Other 
The Group has conducted its operations in the ordinary course of business in accordance with its understanding and interpretation, 
and based on advice of legal counsel, of applicable legislation in the countries where the Group has operations. In certain specific 
transactions, however, the relevant authorities could have a different interpretation of those laws and regulations that could lead to 
contingencies or additional liabilities for the Group. Having consulted legal counsel, management believes that it has reasonable 
grounds to support its position.

The assessment of contingencies inherently involves exercise of significant judgement and estimates of the outcome of future 
events. Uncertainties in estimating the liability includes changes in the legal interpretation that the authorities could make in respect 
of the Group’s transactions.

34 Guarantees and tax stability agreements
Compañía Minera Ares 
Ares Unit
On 28 October 1999, the Ministry of Energy and Mines granted legal stability for the Ares operating unit, starting 1 January 1999 for a 
10-year term, expiring on 31 December 2008.

Under this agreement, the Peruvian Government is obliged to guarantee legal stability to the Ares operating unit of the Company 
covering the following areas: 
>  Free trade of its products 
>  Removal of currency restrictions 
>  Stability of tax rates 
>  Fixed rate on the annual validity fee or ‘good standing’ payment for mining concessions 

As a result of the Ares stability agreement currently in force, Ares pays income tax in Peru at a rate of 30% in respect of income 
generated by the Ares operating unit, and the annual validity fee or ‘good standing’ payment for mining concessions are fixed at 
the rate of US$2.00 per hectare per year. The Ares operating unit is exempt from paying the governmental royalties covered by Law 
28258 – Mining Royalties Law with respect to revenues generated at the Ares operating unit for so long as the stability agreement 
remains in effect. 

The expiration of the agreement results in the Ares unit being subject to the actual tax law and Mining Royalties law from 1 January 
2009. There is no effect related to the change of income tax rate, considering that the current tax rate is 30% which was the same 
during the stability agreement. 

Arcata Unit
On 31 July 2007, the Ministry of Energy and Mines granted legal stability to Compañía Minera Ares for the Arcata operating unit, 
starting 1 January 2009 for a 10-year term.

As a result of the stability agreement Compañía Minera Ares will pay income tax in Peru at a rate of 32% in respect of income 
generated by the Arcata operating unit, and the Peruvian Government is obliged to guarantee stability of the tax regime that was in 
effect as at 5 February 2007 during the period of 10 years.

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34 Guarantees and tax stability agreements continued
Minera Santa Cruz 
Minera Santa Cruz has been granted with two tax stability certificates in relation to provincial and national taxes in Argentina in 
respect of the San José project. The stability certificates run for a 30-year period commencing on 21 November 2005. 

Under these certificates, Minera Santa Cruz’s tax stability in respect to the San José operating unit covers, among others, the 
following areas: 
 >

 The mining royalty cannot exceed 3% of the pit-head value of the production; however, it must be noted that the Provincial 
Government may not agree with such construction and, on the contrary, may argue that the tax stability does not cover the 
mining royalty. So far, in accordance with such 3% cap, the Provincial Government fixed the mining royalty applicable to the San 
José operating unit at: (i) 1.85% of the pit-head value of the production when the final product is doré; and (ii) 2.55% of the 
pit-head value of the production when the final product are mineral concentrates or precipitates. 
 The National Export tax is 5% when the final product is doré and 10% when the final product is gold or silver concentrates although 
rebates are available for the first three years, if shipped from port (3%, 2% and 1% rebate for years 2007, 2008 and 2009, 
respectively). 
Income tax rate not higher than 35%. 

 >

 >

35 Mining royalty 
Peru
In accordance with Peruvian legislation, owners of mining concessions must pay a mining royalty for the exploitation of metallic and 
non-metallic resources. Mining royalties are calculated with rates ranging from 1% to 3% of the value of mineral concentrates or 
equivalent, based on the quoted market prices published by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. As at 31 December 2008, the 
amount payable as mining royalties for the mining units of Selene, Arcata and Pallancata amounted to approximately US$876,000 
(US$1,024,000 at 31 December 2007), and is recorded in the caption ‘Trade and other payables’ of the balance sheet. 
Management, having consulted with legal counsel, is of the opinion that the Ares mining unit has not been affected by this law and 
therefore need not make any royalty payments or provisions for such payments until 31 December 2008 due to the fact that it has 
the legal stability agreement (refer to note 34).

Argentina
In accordance with Argentinean legislation, Provinces (being the legal owners of the mineral resources) are entitled to request 
royalties from mine operators. For San José, the mining royalty is fixed at 1.85% of the pit-head value of the production when the final 
product is doré and 2.55% when the final product are mineral concentrates or precipitates. As at 31 December 2008, the amount 
payable as mining royalties amounted to US$136,000. 

36 Financial risk management
The Group is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties which may have a financial impact on the Group and which also impact 
the achievement of social, economic and environmental objectives. These risks include strategic, commercial, operational and 
financial risks and are further categorised into risk areas to facilitate consolidated risk reporting across the Group. 

(a) Foreign currency risk
The Group principally produces silver and gold which are typically priced in US dollars. A proportion of the Group’s costs are 
incurred in pounds sterling, Peruvian nuevos soles, Argentine pesos and Mexican pesos. Accordingly, the Group’s financial results 
may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations between the US dollar and the local currency. The long-term relationship between 
commodity prices and currencies in the countries in which the Group operates provides a certain degree of natural protection. The 
Group does not use derivative instruments to manage its foreign currency risks. 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the US dollar exchange rate, with all other 
variables held constant, of the Group’s profit before tax and the Group’s equity.

Year 

2008
Pounds sterling 
Argentinian pesos1 
Mexican pesos 
Peruvian nuevos soles 
Canadian dollars 

2007
Pounds sterling 
Argentinian pesos1 
Peruvian nuevos soles 
Mexican pesos 
Canadian dollars 

Increase/ 
decrease 
in US$/other 
currencies rate 

Effect on 
profit 
before tax 
US$000 

+/–10% 
+/–430 
+/–10%  +/–1,362 
–/+48 
+/–10% 
–/+1,161 
+/–10% 
–/+75 
+/–10% 

Effect on 
equity 
US$000

–
–
–
–
+/–205

–
+/–10% 
+/–42 
–
+/–10%  –/+11,730 
–
+/–10%  +/–2,539 
–/+166 
+/–10% 
–
–/+699  –/+1,509
+/–10% 

1 

 Minera Santa Cruz, one of the Group’s subsidiaries which is the legal owner of the San José mine, had debts denominated in US dollars. As Minera Santa Cruz’s functional 
currency was the peso during 2007, the translation of this loan into Pesos created a loss. Following the commencement of operations the Group was required to change 
the functional currency in Minera Santa Cruz to US dollars and as a result, these loans were no longer being exposed to foreign currency risk. 

105
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Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

36 Financial risk management continued
(b) Commodity price risk
Silver and gold prices have a material impact on the Group’s results of operations. Prices are significantly affected by changes in 
global economic conditions and related industry cycles. Generally, producers of silver and gold are unable to influence prices 
directly; thus, the Group’s profitability is ensured through the control of its cost base and the efficiency of its operations.

The Company had a no-hedging policy which has been approved by the Board. However, due to extenuating circumstances in 
late 2008 (i.e. the global financial crisis) and the consequent high volatility of commodity prices, the Board approved a temporary 
authorisation to hedge up to 50% of the Company’s 2009 production schedule. 

As a result of the financial crisis, the Company found itself constrained on its ability to use its cash balance given uncertainty 
surrounding commodity prices. Authorisation was granted in order to allow the Company to free-up its cash balance in order to 
pursue higher growth opportunities through acquisition and strategic investments. 

The Group has embedded derivatives arising from the sale of concentrates and doré bars which were provisionally priced at the 
time the sale is recorded (refer to notes 5 and 21(3)). For these derivatives (sales price adjustments and hedges), the sensitivity of the 
fair value to an immediate 10% favourable or adverse change in the price of gold and silver (assuming all other variables remain 
constant), is as follows:

Year 

2008 

2007 

Increase/ 
decrease 
price of 
ounces of: 

Effect 
on profit 
before tax 
US$000

Gold +/–10% 
–/+157
Silver +/–10%  –/+2,063

Gold +/–10% 
Silver +/–10% 

+/–107
+/–523

(c) Credit risk
Credit risk arises from debtors’ inability to make payment of their obligations to the Group as they become due (without taking into 
account the fair value of any guarantee or pledged assets). The Group is primarily exposed to credit risk as a result of commercial 
activities and non-compliance, by counterparties, in transactions in cash which are primarily limited to cash balances deposited in 
banks and accounts receivable at the balance sheet date. 

Counterparty credit exposure based on commercial activities, cash balances in banks and hedging activities as at 31 December 2008. 

As at  
31 December 
 2008 
US$000 

16,382 
13,902 
7,143 
6,606 
3,129 
186 

47,348

Credit 
rating

NA
BBB
NA
NA
NA
NA

As at 
31 December  
2008 
US$000

490 
(186)

304 

Summary commercial partners 

Consorcio Minero S.A. – Cormin 
Teck Cominco Metals Ltd 
Louis Dreyfus Peru S.A. 
Norddeutsche Affinerie AG  
Sudamericana Trading S.R.L. 
Others 

Hedging counterparties 

Citibank 
INTL Commodities Inc 

Total  

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36 Financial risk management continued
Financial counterparties

JP Morgan 
Citibank 
Banamex. 
Banco de Crédito del Perú  
BBVA 
Banorte 
Others (including Cash in hand) 

Total  

As at  
31 December 
 2008 
US$000 

93,131 
8,061 
5,460 
2,966 
745 
66 
5,718 

116,147 

Credit 
rating

Aa1
A1
Aa3
Baa2
Aa1
BBB
NA

As a result of the recent and ongoing financial crisis, the Group has evaluated and introduced additional efforts to try to mitigate 
credit risk exposure.

To manage the credit risk associated with commercial activities, the Group has identified the following options which it is using/
implementing:
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >

Aggressively using prepayment/advance clauses in sales contracts.
Delaying delivery of title and/or advance payments to reduce exposure timeframe (potential delay in sales recognition).
Obtaining parent guarantees to shore up credit profile of customer (where possible).
Maintaining a diversified portfolio of clients (as diversified as possible). 
Evaluating the credit worthiness of customers.
Analysing insurance products available.
Limiting delivery of product (to the extent possible) based on open exposures.

To manage credit risk associated with cash balances deposited in banks, the Group is using/implementing the following options:
 >

Increasing banking relationships with large, established and well-capitalised institutions in order to secure access to credit and to 
diversify credit risk.
Investing cash (to the extent possible) with counterparties with whom the Group has debt outstanding.
Investing cash in short-term, highly liquid and low risk instruments (money market accounts).
Maintaining excess cash abroad in hard currency.

 >
 >
 >

Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant. 
The maximum exposure is the carrying amount as disclosed in note 19.

(d) Equity risk on financial instruments
The Group acquires financial instruments in connection with strategic alliances with third parties. The Group constantly monitors the 
fair value of these instruments in order to decide whether or not it is convenient to dispose of these investments. The disposal 
decision is also based on management’s intention to continue with the strategic alliance, the tax implications and changes in the 
share price of the investee. 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to reasonable movements in the share price of available-for-sale financial assets  
and derivative financial instruments (excluding embedded derivatives from provisionally prices sales), with all other variables  
held constant:

Year 

2008 

2007 

Increase/ 
decrease 
 in prices 

+10% 
–10% 

+10% 
–10% 

Effect on  
profit 
before tax 
US$000 

+1,615 
–1,391 

+780 
–2,534 

Effect on 
equity 
US$000

+730
–730

+1,500
–1,126

107
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

36 Financial risk management continued
(e) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s inability to obtain the funds it requires to comply with its commitments, including the inability to sell 
a financial asset quickly enough and at a price close to its fair value. Management constantly monitors the Group’s level of short- and 
medium-term liquidity, and their access to credit lines, in order to ensure appropriate financing is available for its operations.

The table below categorises the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period as at the 
balance sheet to the contractual maturity date:

At 31 December 2008
Trade and other payables   
Borrowings 

Total 

At 31 December 2007
Trade and other payables   
Borrowings 

Total 

Less than 1 
 year 
US$000 

Between 
1 and 2 
years 
US$000 

Between 
2 and 5 
 years 
US$000 

Over 
5 years 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

82,359 
102,705 

402 
98,800 

292 
161,792 

  185,064 

99,202  162,084 

52,276 
33,176  

334 
41,397 

657 
17,575 

85,452  

41,731 

18,232 

– 
– 

83,053
363,297

–  446,350

– 
– 

– 

53,267
92,148

145,415

(f) Interest rate risk
The Group has financial assets and liabilities which are exposed to interest rate risk. Changes in interest rates impact primarily loans 
and borrowings by changing either their fair value (fixed rate debt) or their future cash flows (variable rate debt). The Group does 
not have a formal policy of determining how much of its exposure should be at fixed or at variable rates. However, at the time of 
taking new loans or borrowings, management applies its judgement to decide whether it believes that a fixed or variable rate 
borrowing would be more favourable to the Group over the expected period until maturity. It is important to note that all existing 
financial obligations are at fixed rates.

As at 31 December 2008

Within 1 
 year 
US$000 

Between 
1 and 2 
years 
US$000 

Between 
2 and 5 
years 
US$000 

Over 
5 years 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

Fixed rate
Cash at bank (note 22) 
Time deposits (note 22) 
Loans to minority shareholders (note 19) 
Amounts due to minority shareholders (note 24)  
Secured bank loans (note 24) 

Floating rate
Liquidity funds (note 22) 
Secured bank loans (note 24) 

Fixed rate
Cash at bank (note 22) 
Time deposits (note 22) 
Loans to minority shareholders (note 19) 
Assigned funds (note 19) 
Amounts due to minority shareholders (note 24)  
Secured bank loans (note 24) 

Floating rate 
Liquidity funds (note 22) 

171 
8,278 
6,502 

– 
– 
22,269 
  (40,409)  (22,248) 
(2,604) 

(52,365) 

– 
– 
8,062 
(7,350) 
(1,898) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

171
8,278
36,833
(70,007)
(56,867)

93,131 
– 
(4,260)  (56,432)  (141,160) 

– 

– 
93,131
–  (201,852)

As at 31 December 2007

Within 1 
 year 
US$000 

Between 
1 and 2 
years 
US$000 

Between 
2 and 5 
years 
US$000 

Over 
5 years 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

539 
7,373 
15,100 
– 
(9,299) 
(23,750) 

– 
– 
19,110 
30 
(41,286) 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(13,923) 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

539
7,373
34,210
30
(64,508)
(23,750)

285,015 

– 

– 

– 

285,015

Interest on financial instruments classified as floating rate is re-priced at intervals of less than one year. Interest on financial 
instruments classified as fixed rate is fixed until the maturity of the instrument. The other financial instruments of the Group that are not 
included in the above tables are non-interest bearing and are therefore not subject to interest rate risk.

108
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36 Financial risk management continued
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonable movement in the interest rate, with all other variables held constant, 
of the financial instruments with a floating rate. The Group is exposed to the fluctuation of rates expressed in US dollars. This  
assumes that the amount remains unchanged from that in place at 31 December 2008 and 2007 and that the change in  
interest rates is effective from the beginning of the year. In reality, the floating rate will fluctuate over the year and interest rates  
will change accordingly. 

Year 

2008 
2007 

Increase/decrease 
 interest rate 

+/–50bps 
+/–50bps 

Effect on profit 
before tax 
US$000

–/+520
+/–1,430

(g) Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to 
provide returns for shareholders, benefits for other stakeholders, and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of 
capital. Management considers as part of its capital, the financial sources of funding from shareholders and third parties (refer to 
notes 24 and 26). In order to ensure an appropriate return for shareholders’ capital invested in the Company, management 
thoroughly evaluates all material projects and potential acquisitions and approves them at its Executive Committee before 
submission to the Board for ultimate approval, where applicable. 

In addition to such controls, management and the Board have decided to secure commodity prices in 2009 in order to guarantee 
an appropriate capital level and shareholder return.

37 Subsequent events 
 >

 >

 >

 >

On 25 February 2009 the Group exercised its option to purchase a further 4,330,000 shares of Gold Resource Corporation for 
approximately US$12,900,000 (US$3 per share), representing a 41% discount to the closing price of the same date. After the 
purchase the Group owns a 14.6% interest in Gold Resource Corporation. 
 On 6 March 2009 the Group served a notice of termination of the existing commercial agreement with Argor Heraeus. We are in 
the process of seeking more favourable commercial terms for the Group from alternative customers.
On 9 March 2009 the Group acquired 14,900,000 shares of its associate Lake Shore for CAD$23,100,000 (approximately 
US$18,000,000) as part of its commitment to participate in the bought-deal financing agreement entered into by Lake Shore to 
raise approximately CAD$60,000,000. The proceeds from the financing will be used for the advancement of Lake Shore’s mineral 
projects. After completion of the transaction, the Group’s ownership in Lake Shore is maintained at 40%. 
On 23 March 2009 the Group signed a definitive Arrangement Agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Southwestern 
Resources Corp. (‘Southwestern’), a Canadian listed mineral exploration company with a number of gold, silver and base metals 
projects in southern Peru, for a total cash consideration of US$17,600,000 (US$0.39 per share). Southwestern is the strategic partner 
of the Group in the Liam and Pacapausa joint ventures. With the acquisition, the Group will own the remaining 50% of the Liam 
joint venture property and increase its interest in the Pacapausa joint venture from 30% to 80% (refer to notes 4(a) and 17(b)). This 
transaction is subject to the approval of Southwestern’s shareholders which is expected to occur by 8 May 2009.

109
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Parent company  
balance sheet
As at 31 December 2008

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments in subsidiaries   
Available-for-sale financial assets 
Deferred income tax assets  

Current assets
Other receivables 
Income tax receivable 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity share capital 
Share premium 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Total equity 

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 
Provision for Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan   

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables   
Borrowings 
Income tax payable 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

As at 31 December

Notes 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

426 
4 
85
5  1,133,589  1,734,831
57 
380
6 
– 
21
13 

  1,134,072  1,735,317

7 
8 
8 

726 
8 –
83,946 

3,755

285,036

84,680 

288,791

  1,218,752  2,024,108

9 
9 

146,466 
146,466
416,154 
416,154
347,766  1,315,396
104,201 
142,746

  1,014,587  2,020,762

11 
12 

10 
11 

197,592 –
– 

197,592 

2,313 
4,260 –
– 

6,573 

204,165 

32

32

3,146

168

3,314

3,346

  1,218,752  2,024,108

The accompanying accounting policies and notes on pages 113 to 124 are an integral part of these financial statements. The 
financial statements on pages 110 to 112 were approved by the Board of Directors on 24 March 2009 and signed on its behalf by:

Ignacio Rosado
Chief Financial Officer
24 March 2009

110
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent company  
cash flow statement
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Reconciliation of (loss)/profit for the year to net cash used in operating activities
(Loss)/profit for the year 

Adjustments to reconcile Company operating profit to net cash outflows from operating activities:
Depreciation 
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries 
Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets   
Income tax expense 
Finance income 
Finance costs (excluding impairment of available-for-sale financial assets) 
Foreign exchange gain 
Increase (decrease) of cash flows from operations due to changes in assets and liabilities: 
Other receivables 
Trade and other payables   
Provision for Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan   

Cash used in operating activities 
Interest received 
Interest paid 
Tax paid 

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Investments in subsidiaries   
Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets 
Loan to Minera Hochschild Chile, S.C.M. (formerly Minera MH Chile Ltda.) 
Repayment of loan from Minera Hochschild Chile, S.C.M. 
Repayment of loan from Minera Hochschild Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceed of borrowing 
Transaction costs associated with borrowing 
Dividends paid 
Transaction costs associated with issue of shares  

Cash flows generated from/(used in) financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the year 
Foreign exchange gain 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Transactions that did not affect cash flows
Disposal of shares in subsidiaries 
Acquisition of shares in subsidiary 

  Year ended 31 December

Notes 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  (977,844) 

2,917

89 
4 
5  967,630 –
323 
6 
21 
13 
(4,915) 
5,332 
(1,534) 

151 
(855) 
(32) 

12 

(11,634) 
5,900 
(1,050) 
(168) 

24

71
1,372
(17,177)
346
(232)

(60)
(4,644)
32

(17,351)
18,211
(325)
(1,972)

(6,952) 

(1,437)

(430) 
4 
5  (366,388) 
– 
6 
– 
1,885 –
– 

(105)
(126,379)
(451)
(1,385)

7,000

  (364,933) 

(121,320)

11(a)  200,000 –
(2,408) –
11(a) 
(28,331) 
15 
– 

(8,448)
(5,335)

  169,261 

(13,783)

  (202,624) 
1,534 
  285,036 

(136,540)
232
421,344

8 

83,946 

285,036

5 
5 

– 
1,606,860
–  (1,606,860)

111
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Parent company statement  
of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2008

Other reserves

Equity share 
capital 
US$000 

Share 
premium 
US$000 

Merger 
reserve 
US$000 

Total other 
reserves 
US$000 

Retained 
earnings 
US$000 

Total equity 
US$000

Balance at 31 December 2006 
Profit for the year 

146,466 
–  

416,191 
– 

1,315,396 
–  

1,315,396 
– 

148,277  2,026,330
2,917

2,917 

Total recognised income for 2007 
Transaction costs associated with issue of shares   
Dividends 

Balance at 31 December 2007 
Loss for the year 

Total recognised loss for 2008 
Transfer from merger reserve 
Dividends 

– 
–  
–  

– 
(37) 
–  

–  
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

2,917 
– 
(8,448) 

2,917
(37)
(8,448)

146,466 
–  

416,154 
–  

1,315,396 
– 

1,315,396 
– 

142,746 
(977,844) 

2,020,762
(977,844)

–  
– 
–  

–  
– 
–  

–  
(967,630) 
– 

–  
(967,630) 
– 

(977,844) 
967,630 
(28,331) 

(977,844)
– 
(28,331)

Balance at 31 December 2008 

146,466 

416,154 

347,766 

347,766 

104,201  1,014,587

112
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the parent company  
financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2008

1 Corporate information
Hochschild Mining plc (hereinafter ‘the Company’) is a public limited company incorporated on 11 April 2006 under the 
Companies Act 1985 as a Limited Company and registered in England and Wales with registered number 05777693. The Company’s 
registered office is located at 46 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JL, United Kingdom. The Company was incorporated to serve as a 
holding company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Company acquired its interest in a group of companies to 
constitute the Hochschild Mining Group (‘the Group’) pursuant to a share exchange agreement (‘Share Exchange Agreement’) 
dated 2 November 2006.

The ultimate controlling party of the Company is Mr Eduardo Hochschild whose beneficial interest in the Company and its 
subsidiaries (together ‘the Group’ or ‘Hochschild Mining Group’) is held through Pelham Investment Corporation, a Cayman  
Islands company. 

On 8 November 2006, the Company’s shares were admitted to the Official List of the UKLA (United Kingdom Listing Authority) and to 
trading on the London Stock Exchange. 

2 Significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation 
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as 
adopted by the European Union as they apply to the financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2008 
and are also consistent with IFRS issued by the IASB. In addition, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
those parts of the Companies Acts 1985 and 2006, where applicable.

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivatives and available-for-
sale financial instruments which have been valued at fair value. The financial statements are presented in US dollars (US$) and all 
monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) except when otherwise indicated.

(b) Exemptions
The Company’s financial statements are included in the Hochschild Mining Group consolidated financial statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2007. As permitted by section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the Company has not 
presented its own profit and loss account. 

(c) Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Certain amounts included in the financial statements such as the recoverability of accounts receivable and the valuation of 
investments in Subsidiaries involve the use of judgement and/or estimation. These judgements and estimates are based on 
management’s best knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances, having regard to prior experience, but actual results may 
differ from the amounts included in the financial statements. Information about such judgements and estimation is contained in the 
accounting policies and/or the Notes to the financial statements. 

(d) Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year except as follows: 

Adoption of new and amended standards
The Group has adopted the following new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations during the year. Adoption of these revised 
standards and interpretations did not have any effect on the financial performance or position of the Group. 
 >
 >

IFRIC 11, IFRS 2 ‘Group and Treasury Shares Transactions’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 March 2007.
IFRIC 14, IAS 19, ‘The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their interaction’, applicable for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2008.
Amendment to IAS 39 and IFRS 7 ‘Reclassification of Financial Assets’.

 >

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the 
Group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009 or later periods but which the Group has not early adopted. A list 
of these items is included in note 2(a) of the Group financial statements.

(e) Currency translation
The functional currency of the Company is the US dollar and is determined by the currency of the primary economic environment in 
which it operates. 

Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company are initially recorded in the functional 
currency using the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are remeasured at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses on settlement of 
foreign currency transactions which are translated at the rate prevailing at the date of the transactions, or on the translation of 
monetary assets and liabilities which are translated at period-end exchange rates, are taken to the income statement. Non-
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at historical cost are translated to the functional 
currency at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. 

113
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the parent company 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
(f) Investments in subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company controls operating and financial policies, generally by owning more than 50% of 
voting rights. Investments in subsidiaries are recognised at acquisition cost less any provision for impairment. The investment is 
reviewed for impairment if there are indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

(g) Dividends
The dividends are recognised when the Company’s right to receive payments is established. Dividends received out of pre-
acquisition profits of a subsidiary, are recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the investment. Dividends received out of 
post-acquisition profits are recorded in the income statement.

(h) Other receivables
Current receivables are carried at the original amount less provision made for impairment of these receivables. A provision for 
impairment of receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts 
due according to the original terms of the receivable. The amount of the provision is the difference between the original carrying 
amount and the recoverable amount and this difference is recognised in the income statement. 

(i) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the balance sheet at cost. For the purposes of the balance sheet, cash and cash 
equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits held with banks that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash within 
three months or less and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. For the purposes of the cash flow statement, 
cash and cash equivalents as defined above are shown net of outstanding bank overdrafts. 

(j) Share capital 
Ordinary Shares issued by the Company are recorded at the net proceeds received, which is the fair value of the consideration 
received less costs that are incurred in connection with the share issue. The nominal par value of the shares issued is taken to the 
share capital account and any excess is recorded in the share premium account, including the costs that were incurred with the 
share issue.

(k) Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable 
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the 
obligation. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash 
flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to 
the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

Share based payments
The fair value of cash-settled share plans is recognised as a liability over the vesting period of the awards. Movements in that liability 
between accounting dates are recognised as an expense. The fair value of the awards is taken to be the market value of the shares 
at the date of award adjusted by a factor for anticipated relative Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) performance. Fair values are 
subsequently remeasured at each accounting date to reflect the number of awards expected to vest based on the current and 
anticipated TSR performance. 

(l) Finance income and costs
Finance income and costs mainly comprise interest income on funds invested, interest expense on borrowings, foreign exchange 
gains and losses, gains and losses from the change in fair value of derivative instruments and gains and losses on the disposal of 
available-for-sale investments.

Interest income and costs are recognised as they accrue, taking into account the effective yield on the asset and liability, respectively.

(m) Income tax
Income tax for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent 
that it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. 

Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet 
date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes:
 >

Where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a 
business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.
In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, where the 
timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not 
reverse in the foreseeable future.

 >

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the 
liability is settled based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

114
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

2 Significant accounting policies continued
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which  
the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit  
will be realised.

(n) Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes party to the contracts that give rise to them and are 
classified as loans or borrowings, receivables, payables, financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss or as available-for-
sale financial assets, as appropriate. The Company determines the classification of its financial assets and liabilities at initial 
recognition and, where allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this designation at each financial year-end. When financial assets 
and liabilities are recognised initially, they are measured at fair value, being the transaction price plus, in the case of financial assets 
not at fair value through profit or loss and borrowings, directly attributable transaction costs. The Company considers whether a 
contract contains an embedded derivative when the entity first becomes a party to it. The embedded derivatives are separated 
from the host contract if it is not measured at fair value through profit or loss and when the economic characteristics and risks are 
not closely related to those of the host contract. Reassessment only occurs if there is a change in the terms of the contract that 
significantly modifies the cash flows that would otherwise be required.

All regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date, being the date that the Company 
commits to purchase or sell the asset. Regular way transactions require delivery and receipt of assets within the timeframe generally 
established by regulation or convention in the marketplace. The subsequent measurement of financial assets depends on their 
classification, as follows:

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss includes financial assets held for trading and financial assets designated upon 
initial recognition as at fair value through profit and loss. 

The Company considers whether a contract contains an embedded derivative when the entity first becomes a party to it. 
Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract which is not measured at fair value through profit or loss when  
the analysis shows that the economic characteristics and risks of embedded derivatives are not closely related to those of  
the host contract. 

Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term. Derivatives, including 
separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments 
or a financial guarantee contract. Gains or losses on financial assets held for trading are recognised in the income statement. 

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market, do not qualify as trading assets and have not been designated as either fair value through profit and loss or available-for-
sale. Such assets are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method if the time value of money is significant. Gains and 
losses are recognised in the income statement when the loans and receivables are derecognised or impaired, as well as through 
the amortisation process.

Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as such or are not classified as loans 
and receivables, held-to-maturity investments or financial assets at fair value through profit and loss. After initial recognition, 
available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value with unrealised gains or losses being recognised as a separate 
component of equity until the investment is derecognised or until the investment is determined to be impaired at which time the 
cumulative gain or loss previously reported in equity is included in the income statement.

Loans and borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value. After initial recognition, interest bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the  
amortisation process.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at 
least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

Fair values
The fair value of quoted investments is determined by reference to bid prices at the close of business on the balance sheet date. 
Where there is no active market, fair value is determined using valuation techniques. These include using recent arm’s length market 
transactions; reference to the current market value of another instrument which is substantially the same; discounted cash flow 
analysis and pricing models. 

Impairment of financial assets
The Company assesses at each balance sheet date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired.

115
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the parent company 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

2 Significant Accounting Policies continued
Assets carried at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on assets carried at amortised cost has been incurred, the amount of the  
loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows 
(excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate  
(i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition). The carrying amount of the asset is reduced, through the use of  
an allowance account. 

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event 
occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed. Any subsequent reversal of 
an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement, to the extent that the carrying value of the asset does not exceed its 
amortised cost at the reversal date. In relation to trade receivables, a provision for impairment is made when there is objective 
evidence (such as the probability of insolvency or significant financial difficulties of the debtor) that the Company will not be able to 
collect all of the amounts due under the original terms of the invoice. The carrying amount of the receivable is reduced through use 
of an allowance account. Impaired debts are derecognised when they are assessed as irrecoverable.

Assets carried at cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on an unquoted equity instrument that is not carried at fair value because its 
fair value cannot be reliably measured, or on a derivative asset that is linked to and must be settled by delivery of such an unquoted 
equity instrument, has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount 
and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset.

Available-for-sale financial assets
If an available-for-sale asset is impaired, an amount comprising the difference between its cost (net of any principal payment and 
amortisation) and its fair value is transferred from equity to the income statement. Reversals of impairment losses on debt instruments 
are reversed through the income statement, if the increase in fair value of the instrument can be objectively related to an event 
occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss. Reversals in respect of equity instruments classified as available-
for-sale are not recognised in the income statement.

Derecognition of financial instruments
A financial asset (or, where applicable a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised when: 
 >
 >

the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or 
the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash 
flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either: (a) the Company has 
transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset; or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially 
all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset. 

  When the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, 
and has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, a 
new asset is recognised to the extent of the Company’s continuing involvement in the asset. 

  Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset, is measured at the lower of the original 
carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.

A financial liability is generally derecognised when the contract that gives rise to it is discharged or cancelled or expires. Where an 
existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing 
liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and the 
recognition of a new liability, such that the difference in the respective carrying amounts together with any costs or fees incurred are 
recognised in profit or loss.

(o) Dividends distribution
Dividend distribution to the Company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the Company’s financial statements in the period 
in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders.

3 Profit and loss account
The Company made a loss attributable to equity shareholders of US$977,844 (2007: gain of US$2,917). 

116
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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

4 Property, plant and equipment

Year ended 31 December 2007
Cost
At 1 January 2007 
Additions 

At 31 December 2007 

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2007 
Depreciation 

At 31 December 2007 

Net book amount at 31 December 2007 

Year ended 31 December 2008
Cost
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 

At 31 December 2008 

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2008 
Depreciation 

At 31 December 2008 

Net book amount at 31 December 2008 

5 Investments in subsidiaries

Beginning balance 
Additions 
Disposals 
Impairment loss 

Ending balance 

Office 

Building  equipment 
US$000 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
277 

277 

– 
18 

18 

259 

4 
105 

109 

– 
24 

24 

85 

109 
153 

262 

24 
71 

95 

167 

4
105

109

–
24

24

85

109
430

539

24
89

113

426

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  1,734,831 
366,388 

1,608,452
1,733,239
–  (1,606,860)

(967,630) –

  1,133,589 

1,734,831

The Company tested its investments in subsidiaries for impairment and recognised an impairment of the investment in Hochschild 
Mining Holdings Ltd. of US$967,629,582. This impairment reflects the reduction in value of these investments since recognition. The 
recoverable value of the investment in Hochschild Mining Holdings Ltd. using a fair value less cost to sell approach, has been 
determined by reference to the market capitalisation of the Group adjusted for the value of the Company.

The breakdown of the investments in subsidiaries is as follows:

Name 

As at 31 December 2008 

|

As at 31 December 2007

Country of 
incorporation 

Equity 
 interest 
% 

Carrying 
value 
US$000 

Country of 
incorporation 

Equity 
 interest 
% 

Carrying 
value 
US$000

Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited 

  England and Wales 

100  1,133,589  England and Wales 

100  1,734,831

Total 

  1,133,589 

  1,734,831

The list of subsidiaries of the Group is presented in note 1 (Corporate information) of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On May 2007, the Company purchased 433,246,926 issued shares of £1.00 each of Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited 
(‘HM Holdings’) and paid for such shares by transferring the 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Hochschild Mining 
(Argentina) and Hochschild Mining (Mexico) to HM Holdings at a cost of US$261,276,000 and US$584,422,000, respectively.

In December 2007, the Company purchased 100 issued shares of £1.00 each of HM Holdings and paid for such shares by 
transferring the 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Cayman Holding Companies (Ardsley, Garrison, Larchmont and 
Hochschild Mining (Peru)) to HM Holdings at a cost of US$761,162,000.

During 2007, the Company subscribed for 33,315,351 shares of £1.00 each in HM Holdings through capital contributions paid in cash 
of US$82,353,000.

117
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the parent company 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

5 Investments in subsidiaries continued
During 2008, the Company subscribed for 4,800 shares of £1.00 each in HM Holdings through capital contributions paid in cash of 
US$366,388,304.

6 Available-for-sale financial assets

Beginning balance 
Additions 
Impairment recorded in the income statement   

Ending balance 

  Year ended 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

380 –
–  
(323) 

57 

451
(71)

380

On 4 May 2007, the Company purchased 500,000 shares in Mirasol Resources Ltd and paid CAD$500,000 (approximately 
US$451,000). The fair value of these listed shares is determined by reference to published price quotations in the active market. 
Together with the purchase of shares, the Company obtained 500,000 warrants with an expiry date of May 2009. Warrants are fair 
valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing method and the balance at 31 December 2007 was nil. 

At 31 December 2008, the investment in Mirasol Resources Ltd. was impaired. The impairment of US$323,000 was recorded under 
‘Finance costs’ (2007: US$71,000). 

7 Other receivables

Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (note 14)    
Prepayments 
Accrued income 
Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander 
Other debtors 

Provision for impairment1 

Total 

The fair values of other receivables approximate their book values.

1  Corresponds to the impairment of cash deposits with Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander of US$758,000 recorded under ‘Other expenses’.

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables:

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

62 
526 
138 
758 –
–  

1,484 
(758) –

1,886
664
1,122

83

3,755

726 

3,755

Individually  Collectively  
impaired 
US$000 

impaired 
US$000 

Total 
US$000

– 
– 
– 

– 
758 
– 

758 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

  Neither past  
due nor 
impaired 
US$000 

Less than 
30 days 
US$000 

30 to 60 
days 
US$000 

Over 60 
days 
US$000 

726 
3,755 

–  
–  

–  
–  

758  
–  

–
–
–

–
758
–

758

Total 
US$000

1,484
3,755

At 1 January 2007 
Charge for the year 
Utilised 

At 31 December 2007 
Charge for the year 
Utilised 

At 31 December 2008 

As at 31 December, the ageing analysis of other receivables is as follows:

Year 

2008 
2007 

118
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8 Cash and cash equivalents

Bank current account 
Liquidity funds1 

Cash and cash equivalents considered for the cash flow statement 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

285 
83,661 

352
284,684

83,946 

285,036

1  The liquidity funds are mainly invested in certificate of deposit, commercial papers and floating rate notes with a weighted average annual effective interest rate of 3.98% 
and a weighted average maturity between 30 to 54 days as at 31 December 2008 (2007: 5.09% and 34 days) (refer to note 16(d)). The liquidity funds generated interest of 
US$4,867 (2007:US$16,860).

9 Equity
(a) Share capital and share premium
Authorised and issued share capital
The authorised and issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2008 and 2007 is as follows:

Class of shares 

Ordinary Shares  

Authorised  

|

Amount  

Number  

Issued

Number  

Amount

500,000,000  

£125,000,000  

307,350,226  

£76,837,557

At 31 December 2008 and 2007, all issued shares with a par value of 25p (weighted average of US$0.476 per share) each were fully 
paid.

Rights attached to ordinary shares
At general meetings of the Company, on a show of hands, every member who is present in person and by proxy has one vote and, 
on a poll, every member who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share of which they are the holder/proxy.

The changes in share capital are as follows:

Shares issued as at 1 January 2007 
Transaction costs associated with issue of shares1 
Shares issued as at 31 December 2007 

Shares issued as at 31 December 2008 

Number 
of shares 

307,350,226 
– 
 307,350,226 

307,350,226 

Equity share 
 capital 
US$000 

146,466 
– 
146,466 

146,466 

Share premium 
US$000

416,191
(37)
416,154

416,154

1 

 Corresponds to the underaccrual of transaction costs relating to the Company’s listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2006.

(b) Other reserves
Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the difference between the value of the net assets of the Cayman Holding Companies acquired 
under the Share Exchange Agreement and the nominal value of the shares issued in consideration of such acquisition.

10 Trade and other payables

Trade payables 
Loan from subsidiary (note 14) 
Professional fees 
Board members’ remuneration 
Remunerations payable 
Audit fees 
Accrued expenses 
Taxes and contributions 

Total 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

167 
1,055 
227 
42 
160 
522 
100 –
40 

241
1,914
221
320
116
236

98

2,313 

3,146

Trade payables mainly relate to the purchase of third-party services. These payables do not accrue interest and no guarantees 
have been granted. The fair value of trade and other payables approximate their book values.

119
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the parent company 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

10 Trade and other payables continued
Trade payables are denominated in the following currencies:

Pounds sterling 
US dollar 
Canadian dollar 
Australian dollar 

Total 

11 Borrowings

Secured bank loans 

Total 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

192
49

61 
96 
1 –
9 –

167 

241

As at 31 December

2008 

|

2007 

  Non-current 
US$000 

Current  Non-current 
US$000 
US$000 

Current 
US$000

  197,592 

4,260 

  197,592 

4,260 

– 

– 

–

–

As at 31 December 2008, the balance corresponds to: 
 >

Loan facility with a syndicate of lenders with JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A. acting as the Administrative Agent. Total secured term 
loan facility of US$200,000,000 that accrues an effective interest rate of LIBOR + 1% and is guaranteed by all the equity share 
capital, free and clear of any liens, of Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. The balance as at 31 December 2008 is comprised of the 
secured term loan facility of US$200,000,000 plus accrued interest of US$4,260,000 and net of transaction costs of US$2,408,000. 

The Company has granted the following guarantees on its US$200,000,000 bank syndicated loan:
 >
 >

Pledge of all shares in Compañía Minera Ares (wholly-owned subsidiary).
Subsidiary guarantees by certain wholly-owned subsidiaries whereby these subsidiaries guarantee with their cash flows the 
repayment of the loan.

The main administrative and financial covenants that the Company and Compañía Minera Ares must comply with during the term 
of the syndicated loan are as follows:
 >
 >

Quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements for the Company and Compañía Minera Ares.
Investments in restricted and unrestricted subsisiaries based on an agreed upon limit (unlimited within restricted subsidiaries). It is 
intended for every wholly-owned subsidiary to participate in the subsidiary guarantee.
Maintain the following ratios (at a consolidated and Compañía Minera Ares level) beginning on the date of execution of the 
agreement and during the term of the loan:
–  Interest expense coverage ratio greater than 3:1.
–  Debt to EBITDA ratio lower than 2.5:1 from 2009 onwards (up to 3:1 in 2008).

 >

Compliance with the restrictive covenants described in the preceding paragraph is overseen by Compañía Minera Ares’ 
management and the Administrative Agent. The Group and Compañía Minera Ares have complied with the commitments and 
financial covenants mentioned in the syndicated loan agreement.

The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows:

Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 5 years 

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

56,432 –
  141,160 –

  197,592 –

The carrying amount of short-term borrowings approximates their fair value. The carrying amount and fair value of the non-current 
borrowings are as follows:

Bank loans
Secured 

Total 

120
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Carrying amount 
As at 31 December 

|

Fair values 
As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000 

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

  197,592 

  197,592 

–  208,429 –

–  208,429 –

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12 Provision for Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan 
The 2007 Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan was replaced by a new plan with different variables and therefore the provision 
recorded was reversed. The new plan reduces the number of variables and only considers Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’). The plan 
comprises an amount to be paid in cash to participants depending on the achievement of the three-year performance measures 
during the performance period which ends on 31 December 2010. The cash award will be held for an additional period and 
delivered 50% on 31 December 2010 and the remaining 50% on 31 December 2011, accumulating notional interest at the prevailing 
inter-bank interest rate. Only employees who remain with the Company until this date will have right of the benefit, with some 
exemptions that have to be approved by the Remuneration Committee of the Board. The provision represents the discounted values 
of the estimated cost of the long-term employee benefit. There is no provision in 2008 because the TSR over the period did not reach 
the performance level required under the rules of the plan and the expected TSR over the remaining period until 31 December 2010 
is currently expected not to reach the minimum performance measures.

13 Income tax
The Income tax of the Company is as follows:

Current tax charge 
Deferred tax credit 
Withholding taxes 

The changes in the net deferred income tax assets are as follows:

Beginning of the year 
Income statement charge  
End of the year 

  Year ended 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

– 
21 
– 

21 

1,351
(21)
42

1,372

As at 31 December

2008 
US$000 

2007 
US$000

21 –
(21) 
– 

21
21

The charge relates to the reversal of a deferred income tax asset recognised for the impairment of available-for-sale financial assets. 

14 Related-party balances and transactions
(a) Related-party accounts receivable and payable
The Company had the following related-party balances and transactions during the years ended 31 December 2008 and 
31 December 2007. 

As at 31 December 2008 

  As at 31 December 2007

|

Accounts   Accounts 
payable 
US$000 

receivable 
US$000 

Accounts 
receivable 
US$000 

Accounts 
payable 
US$000

Subsidiaries 
Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. 
Minera Hochschild Chile, S.C.M. (formerly Minera MH Chile Ltda.) 
Larchmont S.A. (formerly Larchmont Corporation) 
Hochschild Mining (Argentina ) S.A. (formerly Hochschild Mining (Argentina ) Corporation)  
Hochschild Mining (Mexico), S.A. de C.V. (formerly Hochschild Mining (Mexico) Corporation) 
Ardsley S.A. (formerly Ardsley Corporation) 
Garrison S.A. (formerly Garrison Corporation) 
Hochschild Mining (Peru) S.A. (formerly Hochschild Mining (Peru) Corporation) 

62 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

62 

1,047 
– 
– 
3 
1 
– 
– 
4 

1,055 

– 
1,886 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

1,886 

1,908
–
1
1
1
1
1
1

1,914

The fair values of the receivables and payables approximate their book values.

Transactions between the Company and these companies are on an arm’s length basis.

(b)  Compensation of key management personnel of the Company
Key management personnel include the Directors who receive remuneration. The amount of this remuneration totals US$1,314,000 
(2007: US$1,775,000).

121
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the parent company 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

15 Dividends paid and proposed

Year ended 31 December 2007
Total dividends declared after year-end and not provided for1 

Year ended 31 December 2008
Total dividends paid or provided for during the year 
Total dividends declared after year-end and not provided for 

Amount 
US$000

22,184

28,331 
6,147

1  Corresponds to dividends declared after 31 December 2007 to Pelham Investment Corporation, Navajo Overseas Corporation and public shareholders  

(‘parent company’s shareholders’)

Dividends per share
The dividends declared in 2008 were US$6,147,005 (US$0.020 per share). A dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2008 
of US$0.020 per share, amounting to total dividend of US$6,147,005 is to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on 26 May 
2009. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable.

16 Financial risk management
The Company is exposed to a variety of risks and uncertainties which may have an impact on the achievement of financial and 
economic objectives. These risks include strategic, operational and financial risk and are further categorised into risks areas to 
facilitate risk assessment.

(a) Foreign currency risk
A proportion of the Company’s costs are incurred in pounds sterling and Canadian dollars. Accordingly, the Company’s financial 
results may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations between the US dollar, the pounds sterling and Canadian dollars. The 
Company does not use derivative instruments to manage its foreign currency risks. The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to 
a reasonably possible change in the US dollar exchange rate, with all other variables held constant, of the Company’s profit before 
tax and the Company’s equity.

Year 

2008
  Pounds sterling 
  Canadian dollars 

2007
  Pounds sterling 
  Canadian dollars 

Increase/  
  decrease in 
US$/other 
currencies 
rate 

Effect on  
profit 
before tax 
US$000 

Effect on 
equity 
US$000

+/–10% 
+/–10% 

+/–433 
– 

–
+/–6

+/–10% 
+/–10% 

+/–42 
– 

–
+/–38

(b) Credit risk
Credit risk arises from debtors’ inability to meet their payment obligations to the Company as they become due (without taking into 
account the fair value of any guarantee or pledged assets). The Company is primarily exposed to credit risk in transactions in cash 
which are primarily limited to cash balances deposited in banks and accounts receivable at the balance sheet date. 

As a result of the recent and ongoing financial crisis, the Company has evaluated and introduced additional efforts to try to 
mitigate credit risk exposure.

To manage credit risk associated with cash balances deposited in banks, the Company is using/implementing the following 
options:
 >

Increasing banking relationships with large, established and well-capitalised institutions in order to secure access to credit and to 
diversify credit risk.
Investing cash (to the extent possible) with counterparties with whom the Group has debt outstanding.
Investing cash in short-term, highly liquid and low risk instruments (money market accounts).
Maintaining excess cash abroad in hard currency.

 >
 >
 >

Credit risk concentrations exist when changes in economic, industrial or geographic factors take place, affecting in the same 
manner the Company’s counterparties whose added risk exposure is significant to the Company’s total credit exposure. Receivable 
balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Company’s exposure to bad debts is not significant. The 
maximum exposure is the carrying amount as disclosed in notes 7 and 8.

122
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Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 Financial risk management continued
(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk arises from the Company’s inability to obtain the funds it requires to comply with its commitments, including the inability 
to sell a financial asset quickly enough and at a price close to its fair value. Management constantly monitors the Company’s level 
of short- and medium-term liquidity and their access to credit lines on reasonable terms in order to ensure appropriate financing is 
available for its operations.

The table below analyses the Company’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the 
contractual maturity date:

Less than 

Between 1 

Between 2 

1 year  and 2 years  and 5 years  Over 5 years 
US$000 

US$000 

US$000 

US$000 

Total 
US$000

At 31 December 2008
Trade and other payables (refer to note 10) 
Borrowings 

At 31 December 2007
Trade and other payables (refer to note 10) 

2,313 
4,260 

– 
71,000 

– 
151,523 

– 
– 

2,313
226,783

3,146 

– 

– 

– 

3,146

(d) Interest rate risk
The Company has financial assets which are exposed to interest rate risk. Changes in interest rates impact primarily loans and 
borrowings by changing either their fair value (fixed rate debt) or their future cash flows (variable rate debt). The Company does not 
have a formal policy of determining how much of its exposure should be at fixed or at variable rates. However, at the time of taking 
new loans or borrowings management uses its judgement to decide whether it believes that a fixed or variable rate borrowing 
would be more favourable to the Company over the expected period until maturity. 

As at 31 December 2008

Fixed rate
Bank current account (refer to note 8) 

Floating rate
Liquidity funds (refer to note 8) 

Secured bank loans (refer to note 11) 

Fixed rate
Bank current account (refer to note 8) 

Floating rate
Liquidity funds (refer to note 8) 

Between 1 

Within  
1 year  and 2 years  and 5 years  Over 5 years 
US$000 

Between 2 

US$000 

US$000 

US$000 

285 

83,661 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4,260 

56,432 

141,160 

– 

– 

– 

Total 
US$000

285

83,661

201,852

As at 31 December 2007

Within  
1 year 
US$000 

Between 1 
and 2 years 
US$000 

Between 2 

and 5 years  Over 5 years 
US$000 

US$000 

Total 
US$000

352 

284,684 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

352

– 

284,684

Interest on financial instruments classified as floating rate is re-priced at intervals of less than one year. Interest on financial 
instruments classified as fixed rate is fixed until the maturity of the instrument. The other financial instruments of the Company that are 
not included in the above tables are non-interest bearing and are therefore not subject to interest rate risk.

The table below demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in the interest rate, with all other variables held 
constant, of the financial instruments with a floating rate. This assumes that the amount remains unchanged from that in place at 31 
December 2008 and 2007 and that the change in interest rates is effective from the beginning of the year. In reality, the floating rate 
will fluctuate over the year and interest rates will change accordingly:

Year 

2008 
2007 

Increase/ 
  decrease in 
interest rate 

Effect on 
profit  
before tax 
US$000

  +/–50bps  
–/+570
  +/–50bps   +/–1,430

123
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Notes to the parent company 
financial statements continued
For the year ended 31 December 2008

16 Financial risk management continued
(e) Capital risk management
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order 
to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the 
cost of capital. Management considers as part of its capital, the financial sources of funding from shareholders and third parties. In 
order to ensure an appropriate return for shareholders’ capital invested in the Company, management monitors capital thoroughly 
and evaluates all material projects and potential acquisitions and approves them at its Executive Committee before submission to 
the Board for ultimate approval, where applicable.

17 Subsequent events
On 9 March 2009 the Company signed a binding letter agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Southwestern Resources 
Corp. (‘Southwestern’), a Canadian listed mineral exploration company with a number of gold, silver and base metals projects in 
southern Peru, for a total cash consideration of US$17,600,000 (US$0.39 per share). Southwestern is the strategic partner of the Group 
in the Liam and Pacapausa joint ventures. With the acquisition, the Group will own the remaining 50% of the Liam joint venture 
property and increase its interest in the Pacapausa joint venture from 30% to 80% (refer to notes 4(a) and 17(b)) of the Group 
financial statements). On 23 March 2009, a definitive Arrangement Agreement was signed between the Group and Southwestern 
pursuant to which the Group will acquire all the outstanding shares of Southwestern. The transaction is subject to the approval of 
Southwestern’s shareholders which is expected to occur by 8 May 2009. 

124
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Reserves and resources

Ore reserves and mineral resources estimates
Hochschild Mining plc reports its mineral resources and reserves estimates in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting 
of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2004 edition (‘the JORC Code’). This establishes minimum standards, 
recommendations and guidelines for the public reporting of exploration results and mineral resources and reserves estimates. In 
doing so it emphasises the importance of principles of transparency, materiality and confidence. The information on ore reserves 
and mineral resources on pages 126 to 128 were prepared by or under the supervision of Competent Persons (as defined in the 
JORC Code). Competent Persons are required to have sufficient relevant experience and understanding of the style of 
mineralisation, types of deposits and mining methods in the area of activity for which they are qualified as a Competent Person 
under the JORC Code. The Competent Person must sign off their respective estimates of the original mineral resource and ore 
reserve statements for the various operations and consent to the inclusion of that information in this report, as well as the form and 
context in which it appears.

Hochschild Mining plc employs its own Competent Person who has audited all the estimates set out in this report. Hochschild Mining 
Group companies are subject to a comprehensive programme of audits which aim to provide assurance in respect of ore reserve 
and mineral resource estimates. These audits are conducted by Competent Persons provided by independent consultants. The 
frequency and depth of an audit depends on the risks and/or uncertainties associated with that particular ore reserve and mineral 
resource, the overall value thereof and the time that has lapsed since the previous independent third party audit.

The JORC Code requires the use of reasonable economic assumptions. These include long-term commodity price forecasts (which, 
in the Group’s case, are prepared by ex-house specialists largely using estimates of future supply and demand and long-term 
economic outlooks).

Ore reserve estimates are dynamic and are influenced by changing economic conditions, technical issues, environmental 
regulations and any other relevant new information and therefore these can vary from year to year. Mineral resource estimates can 
also change and tend to be influenced mostly by new information pertaining to the understanding of the deposit and secondly the 
conversion to ore reserves.

The estimates of ore reserves and mineral resources are shown as at 31 December 2008, unless otherwise stated. Mineral resources 
that are reported include those mineral resources that have been modified to produce ore reserves. All tonnage and grade 
information has been rounded to reflect the relative uncertainty in the estimates; there may therefore be small differences. The 
prices used for the reserves calculation were: Au Price: US $800 per ounce and Ag Price: US $12 per ounce.

125
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Reserves and resources continued

Reserves and resources (audited by IMC Group Consulting Limited)

Attributable metal reserves
As at 31 December 2008

Reserve category 

Arcata
Proved 
Probable 

Total 

Ares 
Proved 
Probable 

Total 

Selene 
Proved 
Probable 

Total 

Pallancata 
Proved 
Probable 

Total 

San José  
Proved 
Probable 

Total 

Moris 
Proved 
Probable 

Total 

Total 
Proved 
Probable 

Total 

Au 
(g/t) 

Ag 
(moz) 

Au 
(koz) 

Ag Eq. 
(moz)

Proved  
and 
probable 
(t) 

Proved 
(t) 

Probable 
(t) 

929,683 

681,241 

   1,610,924 

 Ag 
(g/t) 

575 
495 

541 

   1.80  
   1.38  

17.19 
10.85 

   1.62  

 28.04 

464,180 

   185,225 

124 
112 

    5.01  
      4.49  

   649,405 

120 

      4.86  

75,686 

51,662 

275 
257 

      2.04  
      1.94  

127,348 

268 

      2.00  

1.84 
0.67 

2.51 

0.67 
0.43 

1.10 

53.78 
30.20 

83.98 

74.77 
26.72 

101.49 

4.97 
3.22 

8.19 

  1,179,218 

  1,402,004 

380 
354 

      1.60  
      1.43  

14.40 
15.94 

60.70 
64.31 

  2,581,222 

366 

      1.51  

30.34 

125.02 

264,461 

567,958 

508 
529 

      7.92  
      7.90  

4.32 
9.65 

67.36 
144.17 

   832,419 

522 

      7.90  

13.97 

211.53 

  1,132,556 

   106,982  

   1,239,538 

  4.60  
4.69 

  4.60  

1.44  
1.31 

1.44  

0.18 
0.01 

0.18 

57.39 
4.51 

57.39 

 4,152,766 

  2,888,091 

289 
404 

      2.39  
      2.89  

38.60 
37.53 

318.97 
268.63 

57.74
53.65

 7,040,857 

336 

      2.60  

76.13 

587.60 

111.39

20.42
12.66

33.08

6.33
2.27

8.60

0.97
0.62

1.59

18.04
19.80

37.84

8.36
18.30

26.66

3.63
0.29

3.63

Note: Where reserves are attributable to joint venture partner, reserve figures reflect the Company’s ownership only. Includes discounts for ore loss and dilution.

2008 reserve and resource figures are not comparable to 2007 due to the increase in cut-off grades. 

126
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
Attributable metal resources (audited by IMC Group Consulting Limited)

As at 31 December 2008

Resource 
category 

Measured 
(t) 

   Measured  
and 
 indicated 
(t) 

Indicated 
(t) 

Inferred 
(t) 

Ag 
(g/t) 

Au 
(g/t) 

Zn 
(%) 

Pb 
(%) 

Cu 
(%) 

Ag Eq  
(g/t) 

Ag 
(moz) 

Au 
(koz) 

Zn 
(kt) 

Pb 
(kt) 

Cu 
(kt)

Arcata
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

Ares
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

Selene 
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

Pallancata
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

San José 
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

Moris
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

Azuca
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

San Felipe
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

Total
Measured 
Indicated 
Total 
Inferred 

1,302,535 

822,655 

   2,125,190 

   1,815,443 

512,061 

206,473 

718,534 

298,881 

190,853 

99,317 

290,170 

912,951 

1,180,769 

   1,401,686 

   2,582,455 

734,346 

263,331 

1,675,682 

879,679 

   1,143,010 

540,305 

131,776 

   1,807,458 

   4.48 
   4.44 
   4.48 
4.81 

294,288 

– 

– 

– 

  1,776,034 

1,393,716 

   1,354,261 

   2,747,977 

   1,257,731 

– 
– 
– 
327 

69 
82 
76 
84 

6,518,948 

  4,895,848 

  11,414,795 

   273 
   343 
   303 
312 

   7,629,979 

662 
601 
639 
519 

167 
148 
161 
236 

338 
274 
316 
227 

431 
402 
415 
395 

581 
515 
530 
333 

2.06 
1.67 
1.91 
1.56 

7.10 
5.66 
6.69 
3.96 

2.15 
1.68 
1.99 
1.15 

1.82 
1.63 
1.72 
1.57 

8.96 
7.77 
8.04 
5.72 

1.28 
1.19 
1.27 
1.22 

– 
– 
– 
1.34 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

0.02 
7.12 
0.06  6.14 
0.04  6.64 
0.05  6.18 

2.06  1.52 
2.46  1.70 
2.23  1.60 
1.59  1.02 

3.10 
2.73 
2.92 
2.26 

0.66 
0.76 
0.70 
0.37 

0.39 
0.31 
0.35 
0.19 

0.08 
0.09 
0.09 
0.03 

27.73 
86.17 
786 
701 
15.90  44.23 
753  43.63  130.40 
90.97 
613  30.29 

593 
488 
563 
473 

467 
375 
435 
296 

2.74  116.90 
0.98 
37.60 
3.73  154.51 
2.26  38.06 

2.07 
0.88 
2.95 
6.66 

13.18 
5.35 
18.53 
33.76 

16.36 
69.03 
540 
500 
18.12  73.54 
518  34.48  142.57 
36.97 
9.31 
488 

1,119 
981 
1,013 
676 

4.92 

75.89 
14.57  219.66 
19.49  295.55 
99.33 
5.78 

0.24  68.80 
0.02 
5.06 
0.26  73.86 
11.50 
0.05 

– 
– 
– 
18.69 

– 
– 
– 
76.41 

81 
76 
81 
78 

– 
– 
– 
408 

315 
295 
305 
283 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

3.09 
3.59 
6.68 
3.42 

43.15 
0.88  99.26 
2.45    83.18 
36.97  
3.33  182.45   80.12  
8.47  
1.89    77.76  

5.50 
4.24 
   9.74 
2.34 

448  57.15  430.86  99.26  43.15 
549  54.06  387.90  83.18 
 36.97 
492  111.21  818.76  182.45    80.12 
 28.47 
439  76.46  388.89   77.76 

5.50
4.24
9.74
2.34

Note: Resources include undiscounted reserves, where resources are attributable to joint venture partner, resources figures reflect the Company’s ownership only. No ore loss 
or dilution has been included, and stockpiled ore excluded. 

2008 reserve and resource figures are not comparable to 2007 due to the increase in cut-off grades. 

127
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Reserves and resources continued

Change in metal reserves and resources from December 2007 to December 2008

Change in total reserves and resources

Ag equivalent content (million ounces) 

Peru  

Arcata 

Ares 

Selene 

Pallancata 

Peru total: 

Argentina 

San José  

Argentina total: 

Mexico 

Moris 

San Felipe 

Mexico total: 

Total: 

December 
2007 

Production1  Movements2 

December 
  2008 

Net 
difference 

% change

Category 

Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 

70.3 
32.4 
16.8 
14.6 
18.5 
9.6 
83.2 
41.4 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

188.8 
98.0 

Resource 
Reserve 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

90.1 
66.2 

90.1 
66.2 

9.5 
7.7 
27.6 

37.1 
7.7 

316.0 
172.0 

(12.0) 

(5.3) 

(2.9) 

(5.9) 

(26.2) 

(9.6) 

(9.6) 

(3.1) 

0.0 

(3.1) 

(38.9) 

16.9 
12.7 
0.7 
(0.7) 
(5.8) 
(5.1) 
7.8 
27.6 

19.7 
34.5 

5.9 
(4.3) 

5.9 
(4.3) 

(1.7) 
0.5 
10.8 
0.0 

9.1 
0.5 

34.7 
30.7 

87.2 
33.1 
17.5 
8.6 
12.7 
1.6 
90.9 
63.1 

208.4 
106.3 

96.0 
52.3 

96.0 
52.3 

7.8 
5.2 
38.5 

46.2 
5.2 

350.6 
163.8 

16.9 
0.7 
0.7 
(6.0) 
(5.8) 
(8.0) 
7.8 
21.6 

19.7 
8.3 

5.9 
(13.9) 

5.9 
(13.9) 

(1.7) 
(2.6) 
10.8 
0.0 

9.1 
(2.6) 

34.7 
(8.2) 

24
2
4
(41)
(31)
(83)
9
52

10
8

7
(21)

7
(21)

(18)
(33)
39
0

25
(33)

11
(5)

1  Depletion: reduction in reserves based on ore delivered to the mine plant. 
2 

Increase in reserves and resources due mainly to mine site exploration but also to price increases.

Change in attributable reserves and resources

Ag equivalent content (million ounces) 

Peru 

Arcata 

Ares 

Selene 

Pallancata 

Peru total: 

Argentina 

San José  

Argentina total: 

Mexico 

Moris 

San Felipe 

Mexico total: 

Total: 

Category 

Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

Resource 
Reserve 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

Resource 
Reserve 
Resource 
Reserve 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

  Resource 
  Reserve 

Percentage 
attributable 

December 
2007 Att.1 

December 
2008 Att.1 

Net 
difference 

% change

100% 

100% 

100% 

60% 

51% 

70% 

100% 

70.3 
32.4 
16.8 
14.6 
18.5 
9.6 
49.9 
24.9 

87.2 
33.1 
17.5 
8.6 
12.7 
1.6 
54.6 
37.8 

155.5 
81.5 

172.1 
81.1 

45.9 
33.7 

45.9 
33.7 

6.6 
5.4 
27.6 
0.0 

34.3 
5.4 

235.7 
120.6 

49.0 
26.7 

49.0 
26.7 

5.4 
3.6 
38.5 
0.0 

43.9 
3.6 

264.9 
111.4 

16.9 
0.7 
0.7 
(6.0) 
(5.8) 
(8.0) 
4.7 
13.0 

16.6 
(0.4) 

3.0 
(7.1) 

3.0 
(7.1) 

(1.2) 
(1.8) 
10.8 
0.0 

9.6 
(1.8) 

29.2 
(9.2) 

24
2
4
(41)
(31)
(83)
9
52

11
0

7
(21)

7
(21)

(18)
(33)
39
0

28
(33)

12
(8)

1 Attributable reserves and resources based on the Group’s percentage ownership of its joint venture projects.

2008 reserve and resource figures are not comparable to 2007 due to the increase in cut-off grades 

128
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Production

Total Group production1

Silver production (koz) 
Gold production (koz) 
Total silver equivalent (koz) 
Total gold equivalent (koz) 
Silver sold (koz) 
Gold sold (koz) 

Year ended  

Year ended 
31 December   31 December 
2007 

2008  

20,782 
193.97 
32,421 
540.34 
20,593 
198.32 

14,343 
211.38 
27,026 
450.43 
13,717 
202.10 

1  Total production includes 100% of all production, including production attributable to joint venture partners at Moris, San José and Pallancata.

Attributable Group production1

Silver production (koz) 
Gold production (koz) 
Attrib. silver equivalent (koz) 
Attrib. gold equivalent (koz) 

Year ended 

Year ended 
 31 December   31 December 
2007 

2008 

16,941 
152.86 
26,113 
435.22 

13,588 
201.27 
25,665 
427.74 

1  Attributable production includes 100% of all production from Arcata, Ares and Selene, 60% from Pallancata, 51% from San José and 70% from Moris.

2008 production by mine 

Arcata

Product 

Ore production (tonnes) 
Average head grade silver (g/t) 
Average head grade gold (g/t) 
Concentrate produced (tonnes) 
Silver grade in concentrate (kg/t) 
Gold grade in concentrate (kg/t) 
Silver produced (koz) 
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver sold (koz) 
Gold sold (koz) 

Ares

Product 

Ore production (tonnes) 
Average head grade silver (g/t) 
Average head grade gold (g/t) 
Doré total (koz) 
Silver produced (koz) 
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver sold (koz)1 
Gold sold (koz)2 

1  Total sale figures for Ares include the sale of 746 koz of silver precipitates from San José.
2  Total sale figures for Ares include the sale of 11.14 koz of gold precipitates from San José. 

Year ended 

Year ended 
 31 December  31 December 
2007 

 2008 

557,870 
571.37 
1.53 
20,639 
13.94 
0.04 
9,032 
24.04 
8,564  
22.36  

415,400 
560.04 
1.43 
16,665 
12.12 
0.03 
6,553 
16.48 
6,544 
15.50 

Year ended  

Year ended 
31 December  31 December 
2007 

 2008 

347,910 
156.95 
6.06 
1,608 
1,538 
64.16 
2,398 
77.44 

333,800 
279.25 
14.57 
2,593 
2,701 
149.98 
2,880 
157.77 

% change 

45
(8)
20
20
50
(2)

% change 

25
(24)
2
2

% change 

34
2
7
24
15
33
38
46
31
44

% change 

4
(44)
(58)
(38)
(43)
(57)
(17)
(51)

129
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production continued

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Selene 

Product 

Ore production (tonnes) 
Average head grade silver (g/t) 
Average head grade gold (g/t) 
Concentrate produced (tonnes) 
Silver grade in concentrate (kg/t) 
Gold grade in concentrate (kg/t) 
Silver produced (koz) 
Gold produced (koz) 
Silver sold (koz) 
Gold sold (koz) 

Pallancata1

Product 

Ore production (tonnes) 
Average head grade silver (g/t) 
Average head grade gold (g/t) 
Concentrate produced (tonnes) 
Silver grade in concentrate (kg/t) 
Gold grade in concentrate (kg/t) 
Silver produced (koz) 
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver sold (koz) 
Gold sold (koz) 

1  The Company has a 60% interest in Pallancata.

San José1

Product 

Ore production (tonnes) 
Average head grade silver (g/t) 
Average head grade gold (g/t) 
Silver produced (koz) 
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver sold (koz)  
Gold sold (koz)  

1  The Company has a 51% interest in San José.

Moris1

Product 

Ore production (tonnes) 
Average head grade silver (g/t) 
Average head grade gold (g/t) 
Silver produced (koz) 
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver sold (koz) 
Gold sold (koz)  

1  The Company has a 70% interest in Moris.

130
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Year ended  

Year ended 
31 December   31 December 
2007 

2008 

269,150 
209.52 
1.21 
3,201 
15.04 
0.08 
1,579 
8.50 
1,929 
9.93 

413,622 
295.79 
2.01 
4,010 
26.83 
0.17 
3,414 
21.62 
3,644 
22.03 

Year ended  

Year ended 
31 December   31 December 
2007 

2008 

468,125 
312.18 
1.49 
4,265 
30.54 
0.12 
4,188 
16.16 
3,852 
14.81 

78,335 
310.02 
1.49 
638 
34.28 
0.13 
704 
2.76 
550 
2.03 

Year ended  

Year ended 
31 December   31 December 
2007 

2008 

295,963 
559.11 
6.69 
4,381 
54.26 
4,588 
57.70 

92,974 
538.38 
7.08 
958 
14.96 
92 
1.49 

Year ended  

Year ended 
31 December   31 December 
2007 

2008 

876,148 
5.71 
1.57 
65.07 
26.85 
68.27  
28.01 

338,304 
4.69 
1.65 
12.63 
5.58 
6.44  
3.26  

% change 

(35)
(29)
(40)
(20)
(44)
(53)
(54)
(61)
(47)
(55)

% change 

498
1
0
568
(11)
(8)
495
486
600
630

% change 

218
4
(6)
357
263
4,887
3,772

% change 

159
22
(5)
415
381
960
760

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary

Ag
Silver

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit from continuing 
operations before exceptional items, net finance costs and 
income tax plus depreciation, amortisation and exploration 
expenses other than personnel and other expenses 

Au 
Gold

Attributable after tax profit
Profit for the year before dividends attributable to the equity 
shareholders of Hochschild Mining plc from continuing 
operations before exceptional items and after minority interest

Average head grade
Average ore grade fed into the mill

Board
The Board of Directors of the Company

Company
Hochschild Mining plc 

CSR
Corporate social responsibility

Cu
Copper

Directors
The Directors of the Company

Doré
Doré bullion is an impure alloy of gold and silver and is generally 
the final product of mining and processing; the doré bullion will 
be transported to be refined to high purity metal

Dollar or $
United States dollars

GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Group
Hochschild Mining plc and subsidiary undertakings

IAS
International Accounting Standards

IASB
International Accounting Standards Board

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards

JV
Joint venture 

koz
Thousand ounces

kt
Thousand metric tonnes

ktpa
Thousand metric tonnes per annum

Listing or IPO (Initial Public Offering) or Global Offer
The listing of the Company’s Ordinary Shares on the London 
Stock Exchange on 8 November 2006

LTI
Lost Time Injury, meaning an occupational injury or illness that 
results in days away from work

LTIFR
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate = LTI x 1,000,000/hours worked

moz
Million ounces

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares of £0.25 each in the Company 

Effective Tax Rate
Income tax expense as a percentage of profit from continuing 
operations before income tax

Pb
Lead

EPS 
The per-share (using the weighted average number of shares 
outstanding for the period) profit available to equity 
shareholders of the Company from continuing operations 
before exceptional items

eq
equivalent

Exceptional item
Events that are significant and which, due to their nature or the 
expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, need to 
be disclosed separately

g/t
Grammes per metric tonne

Spot or spot price
The purchase price of a commodity at the current price, 
normally this is at a discount to the long-term contract price

t
tonne

tpa
tonnes per annum

tpd
tonnes per day

Zn
Zinc

131
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

Overview

Business review

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Shareholder information

As at 31 December 2008

Number of shareholders: 615 (2007: 617)
Number of shares in issue: 307,350,226 (2007: 307,350,226)

By size of holding:

500 and under  

501 to 1,000  

1,001 to 10,000  

10,001 to 100,000 

100,001 to 1,000,000  

Over 1,000,000  

Total  

By category of shareholder:

Description 

Private Shareholders  

Pension Funds  

Nominee Companies  

Limited Companies  

Bank & Bank Nominees  

Other Institutions  

Total  

% of  
shareholders  

% of  

capital

16.10 

10.24 

39.02 

24.23 

7.48 

2.93 

100.00  

Shareholders  

Shares

Number of  
shareholders 

% of  
shareholders  

Number of  
shares  

192,673 

1 

20.50 

0.16 

73.33 

290,184,664 

2.11 

2.44 

1.46 

829,396 

15,909,729 

233,763 

100   307,350,226  

126 

1 

451 

13 

15 

9 

615 

0.01

0.02

0.26

1.70

4.80

93.21

100.00

% of 
capital

0.06

0.00

94.41

0.27

5.18

0.08

100

Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’)
The AGM will be held at 10am on 26 May 2009 at the offices of Linklaters LLP, One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ. 

Company website 
Hochschild Mining plc Interim and Annual Reports and results announcements are available via the internet on our website at  
www.hochschildmining.com. Shareholders can also access the latest information about the Company and press announcements 
as they are released, together with details of future events and how to obtain further information.

Registrars
The Registrars can be contacted as follows for information about the AGM, shareholdings, dividends and to report changes in 
personal details:

By post
Shareholder Services Department, Capita Registrars Limited, Northern House, Woodsome Park, Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield, HD8 0LA

By telephone
If calling from the UK: 0871 664 0300 (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)
If calling from overseas: +44 20 8639 3399

By fax
+44 (0)1484 600 911

Currency option and dividend mandate
Shareholders wishing to receive their dividend in US dollars should contact the Company’s registrars to request a currency election 
form. This form should be completed and returned to the registrars by 5 May 2009.

The Company’s registrars can also arrange for the dividend to be paid directly into a shareholder’s UK bank account. To take 
advantage of this facility, a dividend mandate form, also available from the Company’s registrars, should be completed and 
returned to the registrars by 5 May 2009. This arrangement is only available in respect of dividends paid in UK pounds sterling. 
Shareholders who have already completed one or both of these forms need take no further action.

132
Hochschild Mining plc
Annual Report & Accounts 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hochschild Mining is a leading  
underground precious metals  
producer operating in the Americas  
with a primary focus on silver and gold.

Overview
01  How have we performed this year?
02  Why invest in Hochschild?
04  Chairman’s statement

Business review
08  Q&A with the CEO 
11  Strategy
12  Market and geographic overview
14  Operational review
22  Financial review
30  Corporate social responsibility
36  Risk management

Governance
38  Board of directors
39  Senior management
40  Directors’ report
45  Corporate governance report
50  Directors’ remuneration report
55  Statement of directors’ responsibilities
56 

Independent auditor’s report

Financial statements
57  Consolidated accounts
62  Notes to the consolidated accounts
110  Parent company accounts
113  Notes to the parent company accounts

Further information
125  Reserves and resources
129  Production
131  Glossary
132  Shareholder information

Investor relations
For investor enquiries please contact: Jane Flynn, Investor Relations Associate by writing to the London Office address (see below),  
by phone on 020 7907 2933 or by email at jane.flynn@hocplc.com.

Financial calendar
Dividend payments
29 April 2009
Ex-dividend date  
Record date  
1 May 2009
Deadline for return of currency election form   5 May 2009
Final dividend payable  

28 May 2009

Other dates
Annual General Meeting  
Half-yearly results announced  

London Office  
(and Registered Office address) 
46 Albemarle Street  
London    
W1S 4JL 
United Kingdom  

Company Secretary
R D Bhasin

26 May 2009
August 2009

Auditors  
Ernst & Young LLP    
1 More London Place  
London SE1 2AF 
United Kingdom  

Solicitors
Linklaters LLP
One Silk Street
London EC2Y 8HQ
United Kingdom

Forward looking statements
The constituent parts of this Annual Report, including those that make up the Directors’ Report, contain certain forward looking statements, including such statements within 
the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, such forward 
looking statements may relate to matters such as the business, strategy, investments, production, major projects and their contribution to expected production and other 
plans of Hochschild Mining plc and its current goals, assumptions and expectations relating to its future financial condition, performance and results. 

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements typically containing words such as ‘intends’, ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘targets’, ‘plans’, ‘estimates’ and words 
of similar import. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur 
in the future. Actual results, performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining plc may be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements 
expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance or achievements of 
Hochschild Mining plc and current expectations include, but are not limited to, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, competitive conditions, technological 
developments, exchange rate fluctuations and general economic conditions. These factors, risks and uncertainties are further discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report in 
the section entitled Risk Management. Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. 

The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this Annual Report. Except as required by the Listing Rules and 
applicable law, the Board of Hochschild Mining plc does not undertake any obligation to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after 
the date of this Annual Report. Nothing in this Annual Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

Certified as a FSC mixed sources product, 9lives 55 is produced with 
55% recycled fibre from both pre and post-consumer sources, 
together with 45% FSC certified virgin fibre from well managed forest. 
9lives 55 provides the same visual and mechanical performance as 
100% virgin fibre papers and offers excellent environmental attributes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hochschild Mining plc

Annual Report & Accounts 2008

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Hochschild Mining plc

46 Albemarle Street
London W1S 4JL
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 207 907 2930
+44 (0) 207 907 2931
info@hocplc.com

www.hochschildmining.com