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Hochschild Mining PLC
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Hochschild Mining PLC
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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2014

Delivering  
profitable growth

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www.hochschildmining.com 

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Delivering 
profitable growth

We are a leading underground precious metals company, focusing 
on the exploration, mining, processing and sale of silver and gold  
in the Americas.

With over 50 years of experience in the mining of precious 
metal epithermal vein deposits, we are one of the top five 
primary silver producers in the world. We are headquartered  
in Lima, Peru and currently have three underground mines  
in operation, with three located in southern Peru and one  
in southern Argentina. Three of these mines are among the  
15 largest primary silver mines in the world. 

We also have one Advanced Project that we expect will  
foster our short-and medium-term growth: Inmaculada  
in Peru, a large silver and gold project, which is expected to 
begin operating in the second quarter of 2015 and produce 
approximately 12 million ounces of silver equivalent per year. 
We also have extensive greenfield exploration optionality 
across premium geological locations throughout South 
America and Mexico.

PRODUCTION GROWTH
We are delivering three years 
of production growth

29.0

20.5

22.2

24.0

13

14

15

16

 Over 40% PRODUCTION GROWTH

CONTENTS
STRATEGIC REPORT

GOVERNANCE  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FURTHER INFORMATION

01  Key performance indicators
02  Where we operate
03  How we do it 
04 

 How we are going 
to get there
05 
 Our market overview 
06  Chairman’s statement
07  Chief Executive’s review
09  Operating review
13  Exploration review
14  Financial review
20  Sustainability report
30 

 Risk management

165 Profit by operation
166 Reserves and resources
172 Production
174 Glossary
175 Shareholder information 

36 

 Board of Directors and 
Senior Management

38  Directors’ report
40 

 Corporate governance 
report

51  Supplementary information
 Directors’ remuneration 
55 
report

80    Statement of Directors’ 

  responsibilities

81 

 Independent auditor’s 
report

86 

87 

88 

89 

90 

91 

 Consolidated income 
statement
 Consolidated statement  
of comprehensive income
 Consolidated statement 
of financial position
 Consolidated statement  
of cash flows
 Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity
 Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

150  Parent company statement  

of financial position

151  Parent company statement  

of cash flows

152  Parent company statement  

of changes in equity
153  Notes to the parent 
company financial 
statements

www.hochschildmining.com 

1

OUR KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Our Strategy overview, Operating and Exploration reviews and 
Sustainability report provide more detail of our performance  
in relation to our key strategic priorities.

REVENUE
$m

14

13

12

11

10

ADJUSTED EBITDA
$m

EARNINGS PER SHARE
$

493

622

818

752

988

201

14 136

13

12

11

10

(0.15)

14

(0.15)

13

385

398

563

0.19

12

11

10

0.28

X.XX

0.49

PROPOSED TOTAL DIVIDEND
$

TOTAL SILVER CASH COSTS
$/oz Ag co-product

TOTAL GOLD CASH COSTS
$/oz Au co-product

14

13

12

11

10

LTIFR

14

13

12

11

10

Nil

Nil

0.06

0.06

0.05

14

13

12

11

10

12.1

12.9

14.2

13.0

9.3

14

13

12

11

10

864

801

781

613

535

ACCIDENT SEVERITY INDEX

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
$m

3.07

2.08

3.33

3.63

3.70

14

13

12

11

10

149

598

1,058

910

777

1.9

3.2

14

13

12

11

10

6.5

6.7

7.7

Calculated as total number of accidents 
per million labour hours.

Calculated as total number of days lost per 
million labour hours.

Total social expenditure for 2014 
amounted to $6.7 million.
For further details please see the 
Sustainability report.

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DISCOVER MORE ONLINE ABOUT HOW WE ARE 
DELIVERING PROFITABLE GROWTH
• Learn more about our history, our people and our strategy
• Explore our operations
• Read more on our approach to sustainability

www.hochschildmining.com

Strategic reportp1-35 
 
 
 
2 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

WHERE WE OPERATE

We have over half a century’s 
operating and exploration 
experience in the Americas.

2
4

7 5

1

Peru

6

3

Chile

Argentina

Key

  Current operations

  Advanced and  growth projects

CURRENT OPERATIONS1
 1

Arcata

 2

 3

Peru

Pallancata

Peru

San José2

Argentina

ADVANCED AND GROWTH PROJECTS

Silver equivalent production
Capacity

Silver equivalent production

Capacity

Silver equivalent production

Capacity

6.8 moz
1,500 tpd

8.0 moz

1,800 tpd

12.1 moz

1,650 tpd

 4

 5

 6

 7

Inmaculada

Estimated silver equivalent production p.a.

12 moz

Peru

Crespo

Peru

Volcan 

Chile

Azuca 

Peru

Estimated silver equivalent production p.a.

2.7 moz

Estimated silver equivalent production p.a.

n/a

Estimated silver equivalent production p.a.

3.5 moz

GREENFIELD PROJECTS
Peru 

Argentina 

Mexico 

Corina

El Mosquito, Ponoma, La Flora

Riverside JV

1  Silver equivalent production equals total gold production multiplied by 60 (historical gold/silver ratio) added to the total silver production. Capacity is measured  

as tonnes per day (‘tpd’).

2 The Company has a 51% interest in San José.

For more information visit www.hochschildmining.com

HOW WE DO IT

We believe that our sustainable 
business model and core strengths 
offer a unique and compelling 
investment proposition.

www.hochschildmining.com 

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Operational 
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Creating  
value

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Focus on 
exploration

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OUR UNIQUE PROPOSITION
We believe that the following qualities of Hochschild Mining set us apart:

                                          Flexible f nancial  s t r a t e g y

OPERATIONAL & GEOLOGICAL EXPERTISE

Our company is more than 100 years old and we have over 50 years  
of experience successfully operating precious metal mines. We have 
been able to maintain annual production targets throughout this 
period despite significant volatility in precious metal prices as well  
as significantly changing political and economic environments.  
Since 2007, we have consistently been able to achieve our annual 
production targets, increase our resource base and achieve positive 

FOCUS ON EXPLORATION

results from our brownfield exploration at existing mines.  
The operational and geological experience we have been able to 
develop over many years and across multiple operations has made 
it possible for us to maximise the productivity of our Core Assets, 
develop mining projects and find new deposits in the Americas. 

We have always placed a strong emphasis on exploration as  
a key measure to secure the long-term sustainability of our  
core producing assets as well as finding new projects for our 
portfolio. The goal of our brownfield exploration programme  
is to continuously seek to optimise the life-of-mine of our mines 
and the quality of their resources. Our success is underpinned  

by the fact that the company currently has the largest resource 
base in its history. From a greenfield standpoint, we have discovered 
several mines and acquired early-stage projects to ensure the 
long-term sustainability of our business. Prudent capital allocation, 
strong technical processes and a high-quality team of geologists 
are key to our greenfield strategy. 

FLEXIBLE FINANCIAL STRATEGY

Our financing initiatives are part of a funding strategy that 
underpins our business strategy. We have the flexible financial 
relationships and support to invest in near-term low cost growth, 
manage the current operations in volatile commodity markets  
and provide access to further liquidity should the need arise.  

EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TEAM

Our management team has extensive experience in the mining 
industry and a proven track record of sustainable mining, 
developing successful projects and adding economic mineral 
resources. We believe this experience has enabled us to manage 
our operations efficiently and to maintain profitability through 

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

We seek to achieve successful operations adhering to our historical 
commitment to safety as well as social and environmental 
sustainability, with operational safety being one of our core values. 
We consider our surrounding communities our long-term business 
partners and commit skilled professionals as well as financial 

We have also recently utilised a focused hedging strategy  
to maintain cashflow stability whilst we are allocating project 
capital expenditure.

volatile commodity price cycles for over 50 years. Our management 
team has also managed joint venture operations and successfully 
integrated several acquisitions and business expansions. 

resources to support programmes in three different categories: 
health, safety and sustainable development. As a result, we have 
been able to operate collaboratively with our neighbours in our 
Southern Peru Cluster for over 50 years.

For more information visit www.hochschildmining.com

Strategic reportp1-35 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

HOW WE ARE GOING TO GET THERE

Our long-term strategy is to create value for all our shareholders  
by optimising our current operations, focusing on exploration  
and pursuing opportunistic early-stage acquisitions. 

OUR STRATEGY
This strategy is underpinned by our commitment to all of our employees’ safety, to manage 
and minimise the environmental impact of our operations and to encourage sustainability 
by respecting the communities surrounding our operations. We intend to achieve our 
objectives through the following principal strategies:

CORE ASSETS

 Improve productivity

 Optimise life-of-mine

EXPLORATION

 Land package

 People

 Incentives

 Budget

At our Core Assets we are 
focused on improving 
operational productivity, 
reducing costs, optimising the 
life-of mine and ensuring their 
long-term sustainability. Since 
our IPO we have achieved all of 
our annual production targets 
and have also expanded our 

resource base, not only replacing 
the mined resources, but by 
consistently increasing our 
life-of-mine. This has had a 
tangible effect in improving our 
mine planning process, a key 
step to achieving efficient but 
also flexible operations. We 
strongly believe that constantly 

improving the efficiency of our 
operations is key to maintaining 
a competitive position in the 
industry thus allowing us to 
support our business in the  
long term but withstand  
short term market volatility.

We believe that significant 
long-term value can be created 
for our company by discovering 
economic mineral resources. We 
have an experienced geological 
team and have developed 
processes utilising computer-
designed models to generate 
geological theories, which 
together with extensive on-site 
prospecting, have allowed us to 

build a land package of 
promising sites across the 
Americas. Furthermore, we  
have developed disciplined  
and stringent internal processes 
to evaluate and prioritise our 
pipeline of projects in order to 
adequately allocate financial 
resources, subject to market 
conditions and to drill and 
develop our exploration projects.  

We believe that this disciplined 
but flexible strategy will allow 
us to access attractive mineral 
resources for the long-term 
sustainability of our  
mining business. 

EARLY-STAGE ACQUISITIONS

 Early stage

 Geological potential

 Highly accretive

 Control

Our business development  
team is dedicated to pursuing 
early-stage opportunities that 
demonstrate strong geological 
potential, value accretion and  
a clear path to control. This 
strategy is implemented in line 
with our conservative financial 

policies and subject to market 
conditions. We have a proven 
track record of identifying 
opportunities, such as our 
acquisition of the original 
controlling stake in the 
Inmaculada Advanced Project as 
well as the acquisition of Andina 

Minerals, which added the 
Volcan Growth Project to our 
pipeline. We believe the 2013 
acquisition of the remaining 
40% of Inmaculada fits our 
strategy of adding highly 
prospective early-stage projects. 

For more information please see our Sustainability report on page 20

20

www.hochschildmining.com 

5

OUR MARKET OVERVIEW

Silver prices were pushed lower primarily by short term investors 
who moved their funds out of not only silver but much of the 
commodities complex.

GOLD SUMMARY
Gold prices faced a variety of headwinds during 2014, with  
stock markets rising, the U.S. dollar strengthening, and oil prices 
weakening. In spite of all of these typically price-negative factors, 
the price of gold held up fairly well during 2014 compared to the 
sharp declines in 2013. Prices averaged $1,266 during 2014, the 
fourth highest annual average on record. During 2014 gold traded 
between $1,132 and $1,393, with most of the price activity 
occurring between $1,200 and $1,340. 

Investors remained buyers of gold during 2014, purchasing  
29.9 million ounces of the metal on a net basis during the year. 
Shorter term investors’ selling continued throughout 2014 but  
the volumes of such sales declined sharply compared to the 
amount sold in the second quarter of 2013. Meanwhile, all the 
gold that the short-term investors have sold has been absorbed  
by longer term investors who remain focused on the wide variety 
of longer term economic, financial market, and political issues. 
These investors also purchased an additional 29.9 million ounces 
on top of that. 

Central banks generally remained positive on gold during 2014 
and at the end of November 2014 reported net purchases by 
central banks had reached 2.78 million ounces for the year. 
Approximately 63% of gross purchases were made by Russia  
and 73% of gross sales were made by the Bank of International 

SILVER SUMMARY
The weakness in silver prices during the year provided 
opportunities for longer term investors who were buying in large 
quantities which played an important role supporting prices over 
the course of the year. Silver prices averaged $19.07 during 2014, 
down from an annual average of $23.85 in 2013. 

Silver prices were pushed lower primarily by short term investors 
who moved their funds out of not only silver but much of the 
commodities complex whilst longer term investors were using  
the price weakness as a buying opportunity. For example, there 
were record sales of 44 million ounces of silver coins by the U.S. 
Mint of Silver Eagle coins to its dealers during the year, up 6.1% 
over 2013 levels. 

Silver fabrication demand has been rising at a healthy pace since 
2013, largely driven by an increase in silver jewellery demand but 
also by an increase in demand from electronics and solar panels. 
Total silver fabrication demand rose to 865.3 million ounces in 
2014, up 3.5% from 2013. Demand from the jewellery and 
silverware sector, which accounts for around a third of total 
fabrication demand, rose to 277.9 million ounces, up 4.3% from 
2013. Demand from this sector was helped by the relatively softer 
silver prices and by the imposition of import duties on gold by the 
Indian government (which were lifted in November 2014), which 
boosted demand for silver in jewellery. 

Settlement (‘BIS’). The Russian central bank gold purchases are part 
of a broader political policy whilst sales by the BIS are primarily the 
unwinding of dollar-gold swaps with major European commercial 
banks which is expected to be completed in 2015. 

Total gold supply, which is comprised of mine production and 
secondary supply from old scrap, rose during 2014 to 126.6 million 
ounces with the increase entirely driven by an increase in mine 
production. The increase was the result of projects brought 
onstream between late 2012 and 2014 with some very large 
projects like Pueblo Viejo, Tropicana East, Detour Lake, Kibali, and 
Oyu Tolgoi commissioning during 2013 and ramping up in 2014, 
which more than offset any weakness in mine supply from older 
projects. The decline in gold prices since 2013 resulted in most 
mining companies scaling back on operating and capital expenditure. 

Relatively softer gold prices helped boost gold fabrication demand 
to 94.7 million ounces in 2014, up 3.0% from 2013. The relative 
weakness in gold prices since 2012 has helped to increase 
demand, while consumers have come to accept gold prices at 
presently lofty levels as the new normal. Indian demand, which 
has been hurt in recent years, benefitted from stability in the 
Indian rupee and weaker global gold prices. These factors reduced 
the cost of imports to the country. 

Demand for silver from electronics rose during 2014 to 223.7 
million ounces, up 2.5% from 2013 driven in part by the increased 
use of electronics in the auto market and by the near completion 
of the transition of consumers from personal computers to tablets, 
which require smaller quantities of silver per unit. The sheer 
increase in the number of tablet and tablet-like devices being 
bought globally more than offset the lost demand due to reduced 
per unit usage. 

Silver demand from the solar panel industry is relatively small 
compared to the jewellery and electronics sectors, but it is one of 
the most rapidly growing sectors of demand. Silver demand from 
the solar panel industry reached 62.7 million ounces in 2014, up 
33.1% from 2013 levels. The ongoing renewable energy drive by 
governments and private sector entities around the globe is 
expected to boost demand for solar panels for years to come. 

An increase in metals prices during the 2000s resulted in a large 
amount of new mine capacity coming onstream in recent years. 
The relatively gentler decline in silver prices during 2014, compared 
to 2013, had less of a negative impact on silver secondary supply, 
which is estimated to have declined by 6.5% during the year. 

For more information visit www.hochschildmining.com

Source: CPM Group LLC

Strategic reportp1-35 
6 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Throughout another year of weak commodity markets, we have 
executed a consistent strategy and I am delighted that we are now  
so close to the completion of Inmaculada, our next mine in Peru.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2014

• Inmaculada project close to completion
• Cashflow optimisation programme 

delivering almost $300 million of savings

• Core operations optimised

2014 OVERVIEW
Throughout another year of weak 
commodity markets, we have executed  
a consistent strategy and I am delighted 
that we are now so close to the completion 
of Inmaculada, our next mine in Peru.  
Our management team has skilfully 
navigated its way through a continuing 
decline in silver prices whilst keeping the 
organisation competitive, allocating capital 
to project construction and maintaining 
our financial flexibility.

Following our acquisition of the remaining 
stake in Inmaculada in 2013, I remain 
confident about not only the plant 
commissioning and mine ramp-up in  
just a few weeks from now, but also the 
considerable potential within the mine’s 
surrounding area. I believe that there is 
scope over the coming years to transform 
our Inmaculada land package into a world 
class mining district and provide 
Hochschild with low cost growth for many 
years to come and significantly beyond the 
originally envisaged mine life. In addition, 
the Arcata deposit still has strong 
geological potential and we continue to 
assess a variety of attractive exploration 
and partnership opportunities. I believe 
that the competitive advantages we have 
from our long regional experience, our 
strong local business relationships as well 
as long-standing partnerships with key 
local suppliers will allow us to develop our 
assets in a cost effective manner. Across the 
Americas, Hochschild has accumulated a 
number of highly prospective early stage 
projects which will provide a growth 
platform for years to come.

The speed and success of our cashflow 
optimisation programme, which has 
exceeded our initial expectations, has been 
vital in our drive to ensure our Company 
operates profitably in underlying 
commodity markets that unfortunately 
have not yet recovered after the initial steep 

declines in mid 2013. Indeed with the silver 
price once again reaching its lowest level 
since 2010, some necessary mine plan 
adjustments were made to our Peruvian 
assets which will ensure their viability in 
2015 and especially during the key final 
stages of the Inmaculada project 
construction. We have also recently put in 
place further hedging for a portion of our 
Peruvian production for the year, which  
will provide us with a degree of cashflow 
stability in 2015. 

Despite another highly creditable 
performance operationally, Hochschild’s 
2014 earnings remain in negative territory 
principally due to higher interest costs 
resulting from the inaugural senior notes 
issue in January 2014 which we expect to 
be offset once the Inmaculada project is 
complete. The Board therefore proposes 
not to reinstate the full year dividend whilst 
the cash position is still restricted by project 
capital expenditure. We remain committed 
to the long term principle of delivering 
shareholder returns and the Board intends 
to again reassess the position once the 
Company returns to profitability.

OPERATING RESPONSIBLY
Our commitment to safety remains 
steadfast and one that we are not willing to 
compromise and I am therefore delighted 
to report that for the first time since our 
listing in 2006, we have been able to 
achieve our on-going objective of Zero 
Fatalities in the year. This is a true 
testament to all our teams who have 
collectively worked to improve the safety 
culture across the Company and of course, 
to our workers themselves. Being a 
‘Responsible Operator’ sits at the core of 
our business strategy and as showcased  
in the 2014 Sustainability Report, through 
the diverse range of initiatives we have 
undertaken during the year. In addition  
to building upon our successes with the 
Travelling Doctor programme, where we 
have extended its reach and the range of 
services offered, and the award-winning 
Digital Chalhuanca project, we have 
worked with the communities close to the 
Inmaculada project to establish business 
networks dealing in locally grown produce 
as a means of promoting sustainable 
economic development. Looking at our 

commitment to the environment, I am 
proud to report that our main operations 
have been re-certified as compliant with 
the ISO 14001 international standard, 
acknowledging the integrity of our 
environmental management systems. 

BOARD
It is in these challenging times for the 
industry that the need for strong leadership 
is of paramount importance and, for this 
reason, I wish to commend our dedicated 
management team for their ongoing 
efforts and my fellow directors for their 
continued support during the year. Whilst 
mindful of the benefits of refreshing the 
composition of the Board, I consider the 
need for stability in this key transitionary 
period as being as crucial as ever. I am, 
therefore, also grateful to our directors  
for agreeing to delay the implementation 
of our Non-Executive succession plan.

The continued operating challenges 
prompted the Board to review its 
contribution to the Cashflow Optimisation 
Programme resulting in a further reduction 
in Board remuneration. This reflects an 
acknowledgment of the sacrifices made  
by colleagues across the business and the 
impact on shareholders from the volatile 
price environment.

After discussions with the Board, I took the 
decision to assume a Non-Executive role, as 
announced at the end of last year. Despite 
this recent change, I remain resolutely 
committed to the business as we position 
ourselves to optimise the delivery of value 
to all of our stakeholders.

OUTLOOK
It remains challenging to predict the short 
term direction of precious metal markets 
although we retain our belief that the 
strong underlying fundamentals will 
reassert themselves. However, the Board is 
reassured that considerable steps have been 
taken to ensure the Company’s resilience  
in a low price environment but also to 
capitalise on an upturn when it happens 
with low cost, value accretive growth. 

EDUARDO HOCHSCHILD 
Chairman 
17 March 2015

www.hochschildmining.com 

7

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

We are confident that Inmaculada will not only become our flagship 
low cost producer but, with the strong upside potential at the deposit, 
will represent an important engine of growth for the long term.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2014

• Inmaculada project close to completion
• Full year production 6% above expectations
• All-in sustaining costs reduced by 6%

2015 TARGETS

• Deliver low cost, 100% owned 

Inmaculada project

• Manage flexible balance sheet strategy 
• Deliver all-in sustaining costs per silver 

equivalent ounce of between $15 to $16

MAIN OPERATIONS ALL-IN 
SUSTAINING  COSTS
$/oz Ag Eq

21.7

18.6

17.4

15-16

12

13

14

15(e)

Hochschild’s key strategic aims for 
2014 have been to advance our flagship 
Inmaculada project to its final stages, 
to continue to drive our successful 
cashflow optimisation programme 
and finally, to manage the Company’s 
finances through what was always 
expected to be a challenging transitional 
phase. These objectives have been 
achieved despite further silver price 
weakness during 2014, a trend that 
has now extended to the majority of 
commodity markets. 

GROWTH 
The importance of the low cost Inmaculada 
mine for the future competitiveness of the 
Company was emphasised throughout the 
year whilst good progress was made at the 
project. The plant contractor, Graña y 
Montero, commenced work on the plant in 
early April and in spite of a few delays, plant 
completion has now reached 90%. Excellent 
progress has also been made in other key 
deliverables including the completion of 
the camp, connection to the national grid 
and all procurement and infrastructure 
targets achieved. We remain confident  
that the commissioning date in Q2 will  
be achieved. The key area of underground 
mine development has progressed well  
and consequently a substantial ore 
stockpile will be available for processing  
on completion of the plant, ensuring our 
production guidance from the mine in 
2015 of six to seven million silver 
equivalent ounces remains in place. 

COST SAVINGS
Throughout 2014, Hochschild has 
continued to make substantial progress  
in improving the cost position of its  
current mines as well as of the Company  
as a whole. Initiatives have encompassed 
all business areas including administration, 
exploration and most importantly at the 
operational level where we have achieved 
further efficiencies in supply chain 
management and commercial negotiations 
as well as significant working capital 

improvements. Both the Peruvian operations 
have been optimised with the focus 
now on accessible ore. This has reduced 
sustaining capital expenditure for 2015 
and has resulted in a reduction in plant 
throughput at both sites with the Company 
focusing on the production of profitable 
ounces. Whilst the overall efficiency drive 
has necessitated further headcount 
reductions, the Company’s all-in sustaining 
cost target for 2015 of between $15 and 
$16 per silver equivalent ounce represents 
a significant reduction and demonstrates 
the potential upside of our flexible strategy. 
Beyond 2015, it is essential to the ongoing 
competitiveness of the current Peruvian 
mines that further operational efficiencies 
are achieved and that the brownfield 
exploration programme continues to 
find additional high quality resources. 

FINANCING
With the Company allocating significant 
growth capital expenditure to Inmaculada 
in a volatile precious metal environment, 
focused management of our financial 
position has been crucial. We began the 
year with our inaugural senior note offering 
raising approximately $350 million to 
finance the previous year’s International 
Minerals acquisition and continued to 
demonstrate sufficient financial flexibility 
to fund the remaining Inmaculada 
expenditure as well as repaying the  
$115 million convertible bond in October. 
Liquidity has been further enhanced with  
a $100 million medium term credit facility 
secured late in the year. We also took 
advantage of short periods of price 
improvement to hedge almost 30% of our 
2014 production in order to realise a degree 
of cashflow certainty during the year. We 
believe that such a strategy will remain 
appropriate during commissioning and 
ramp up of the new mine as we transition 
to lower cost production. 

Strategic reportp1-35 
8 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW  
CONTINUED

Inmaculada conveyor belt

Selene

our greenfield projects, which we expect  
to resume once prices recover.

2014 has proved to be another challenging 
year for the Company and the management 
team is, once again, encouraged by the 
committed attitude shown by all our 
employees. We look forward to the 
commissioning of our new mine and 
expect to see the Company in a stronger 
position by the end of 2015. We are 
confident that Inmaculada will not only 
become our flagship low cost producer  
but, with the strong upside potential  
at the deposit, will represent an important 
engine of growth for the long term.

IGNACIO BUSTAMANTE 
Chief Executive Officer 
17 March 2015 

2014 OVERVIEW
Despite our own ongoing programme  
of costs savings across the organisation,  
our current operations responded well, 
exceeding the forecast production target  
by almost 6% and delivering 22.2 million 
attributable silver equivalent ounces. 
Arcata in Peru and San José in Argentina 
both enjoyed robust years with their 
combined contribution lifting by 3% versus 
2013 whilst the adjustment in production 
at Pallancata reflected the continuing move 
to thinner veins. We were also able to deliver 
a better than expected final production 
result from the Ares mine which was 
suspended in June.

Financial results for 2014 reflected the 
effect of a near 15% fall in the average  
price achieved of silver despite some relief 
provided by the hedges taken out during 
the year. Pre-exceptional EBITDA was 
$135.5 million as a result of the aggressive 
plan to reduce costs and expenses designed 
to offset the lower revenues. The increase in 
the annual finance costs is primarily related 
to the bond issued in January 2014 to 
complete the acquisition of Inmaculada 
and Pallancata minorities and consequently 
the Company expects that, once the new 
mine commences production and starts 
generating cashflow, this charge will be 

largely absorbed. Pre-exceptional EPS was 
(0.15) cents per share. The cash balance at 
the end of 2014 was $116 million although 
an additional $75 million of short term 
lines have been drawn down in early 2015.

OUTLOOK 
Production for 2015 is expected to increase 
to 24 million attributable silver equivalent 
ounces which takes into account between 
six and seven million ounces from 
Inmaculada. Costs are expected to fall 
substantially although a portion of the 
capital expenditure savings is non-recurring 
beyond 2015. The Company has also 
continued its policy of protecting cashflows 
during the Inmaculada construction by 
hedging a further six million silver ounces 
for 2015 at $17.75 per ounce on top of the 
38,000 gold ounces already hedged at 
$1,300 per ounce.

In 2015, the focus of expenditure will 
remain firmly on completing and ramping 
up Inmaculada, brownfield exploration at 
our current operations and a drilling 
campaign at the Corina project in Peru. 
Whilst exploration-led growth remains an 
important part of Hochschild’s long term 
strategy, the cashflow optimisation 
programme has led to significant reductions 
in our exploration initiatives especially at 

Inmaculada plant construction

www.hochschildmining.com 

9

OPERATING REVIEW 

In 2014, Hochschild once again successfully exceeded its full-year 
production target, delivering 22.2 million attributable silver  
equivalent ounces.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2014

• Full-year production of 22.2 million 

attributable silver equivalent ounces 
achieved, exceeding guidance by 6%
• Main operation all-in sustaining costs 

reduced by 6% in 2014

• Strong progress at Inmaculada Advanced 
Project with commissioning expected in 
Q2 2015

CORE ASSET KPIs

ATTRIBUTABLE SILVER PRODUCTION
moz

14

13

12

11

10

16.2

13.6

13.6

15.0

17.8

ATTRIBUTABLE GOLD PRODUCTION
moz

14

13

12

11

10

10.1

11.6

11.2

12.7

14.4

CORE ASSETS
CURRENT OPERATIONS 
PRODUCTION 
In 2014, Hochschild once again successfully 
exceeded its full year production target, 
delivering attributable production of  
22.2 million silver equivalent ounces, 
including 16.2 million ounces of silver and 
101 thousand ounces of gold. Hochschild’s 
production target for 2015 is 24.0 million 
attributable silver equivalent ounces.  
The increase is mainly explained by the 
inclusion of between six to seven million 
ounces from the Inmaculada project 
offsetting the reduced contribution from 
the current operations in Peru following  
the revision of mine plans. 

In order to reduce operating expenditure 
and ensure that all the Company’s mines 
can deliver profitable ounces in 2015, the 
mine plans of the Arcata and Pallancata 
operations have been optimised to 
maximise cash generation with the 
operational focus expected to be on 
accessible ore areas requiring reduced 
capital expenditure with cut-off grades 
reflecting the current weaker metal price 
environment. Plant throughput is expected 
to be reduced to 1,500 tonnes per day at 

Arcata and 1,800 tonnes per day at 
Pallancata, with the San José operation in 
Argentina continuing at its current level.

COSTS
The Company’s all-in sustaining costs  
at its main operations were reduced by  
6% in 2014 to $17.4 per ounce driven by 
operational initiatives resulting from the 
cashflow optimisation programme, an 
ongoing decrease in industry cost inflation 
and grade improvements particularly at 
Arcata1. Unit cost per tonne at the main 
Peruvian operations was at $77.3 (2013: 
$74.2) with key factors being narrower 
veins at Pallancata and the absence of 
material from the low cost Macarena  
waste dam deposit at Arcata. In Argentina, 
unit cost per tonne was reduced by 6% to 
$197.8 (2013: $210.0). Please see page 16 
of the Financial Review for further details 
on costs. 

The emphasis on profitable ounces  
at all operations with reduced levels of 
sustainable capital expenditure for 2015  
is expected to have a positive effect on  
the Company’s overall costs with the  
all-in sustaining cost for the Company  
now expected to be reduced to between  
$15 to $16 per ounce in 2015. 

1  All-in sustaining cash cost per silver equivalent ounce: calculated before exceptional items includes cost  
of sales less depreciation and change in inventories, administrative expenses, brownfeld exploration, 
operating capex and royalties divided by silver equivalent ounces produced using a ratio of 60:1 (Au/Ag). 
Also includes commercial discounts and selling expenses divided by silver equivalent ounces sold using  
a ratio of 60:1 (Au/Ag).

Arcata camp in winter

Strategic reportp1-35 
10 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

OPERATING REVIEW CONTINUED

Arcata plant at night

Underground at Pallancata

Arcata summary
Ore production (tonnes)
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Silver produced (koz)
Gold produced (koz) 
Silver equivalent produced (koz)
Silver sold (koz)
Gold sold (koz)
Unit cost ($/t) 
Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)1 
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz)
1  Cash costs are calculated to include cost of sales, treatment charges, and selling expenses before 

Year ended  
31 Dec 2013
900,861
217
0.74
4,984
16.83
5,994 
4,924
15.95 
81.3
12.7
20.9

Year ended  
31 Dec 2014
701,947
286
0.85
5,827
16.89
6,841 
5,621
15.66
89.1
12.6
17.7

% change
(22)
32
15
17
–
14
14
(2)
10
(1)
(15)

exceptional items less depreciation included in cost of sales.

COSTS
In 2014, the unit cost at Arcata of $89.1 per 
tonne was up 10% versus 2013 with the 
overall effects of the ongoing cost savings 
initiatives offset by the planned depletion 
in the processing of the low cost Macarena 
material. However, all-in sustaining costs 
fell by 15% to $17.7 per silver equivalent 
ounce (2013: $20.9 per ounce) due to a 
decline in sustaining capex resulting from 
cashflow optimisation programme 
initiatives as well as better grades. 

BROWNFIELD EXPLORATION
In 2014, a total of 20,868 metres of drilling 
was carried out at Arcata. In the first half  
of the year, a detailed surface mapping and 
sampling campaign was completed covering 
a total of 1,330 ha. In addition, a drilling 
campaign with the aim of adding new 
resources was carried out at the property.

In 2015, a 17,440 metre exploration and 
drilling programme at Arcata will focus  
on inferred resource exploration at surface 
over Tunel 3 and Tunel 4 and underground 
resource exploration at the Lucero and 
Norte Sur veins. 

PALLANCATA
KEY SITE INFORMATION

Silver production koz

6,527

Gold production koz

24.34

Silver equivalent production koz

7,988

The 100% owned Pallancata silver/gold 
property is located in the Department of 
Ayacucho in southern Peru, approximately 
160 kilometres from the Arcata operation. 
Pallancata commenced production in 2007 
and up until December 2013 was a joint 
venture, in which Hochschild held a 
controlling interest of 60% with 
International Minerals Corporation (‘IMZ’). 
Following the purchase of IMZ, Hochschild 
now owns 100% of the operation. Ore from 
Pallancata is transported 22 kilometres to 
the Selene plant for processing. 

ARCATA
KEY SITE INFORMATION

Silver production koz

5,827

Gold production koz

16.89

Silver equivalent production koz

6,841

The 100% owned Arcata underground 
operation is located in the Department of 
Arequipa in southern Peru. It commenced 
production in 1964.

PRODUCTION
Full year silver equivalent production  
at Arcata was 6.8 million ounces, a very 
creditable 14% improvement on the  
2013 result (6.0 million ounces) and was 
principally driven by a planned move to 
higher grade areas of the mine. Tonnage  
fell following the depletion of the Macarena 
Waste Dam deposit by the end of the first 
half of the year. 

Contribution from 
Macarena Waste  
Dam Deposit
Total
Tonnage 
Average head 
grade gold (g/t)
Average head 
grade silver (g/t)
Macarena
Tonnage 
Average head 
grade gold (g/t)
Average head 
grade silver (g/t)
Stopes and 
Developments
Tonnage 
Average head 
grade gold (g/t)
Average head 
grade silver (g/t)

12 mths 
2014

12 mths 
2013

701,947

900,861

0.85

0.74

286

217

38,366

290,226

0.25

0.29

63

88

663,581

610,635

0.89

0.95

299

278

 
www.hochschildmining.com 

11

San José plant

Ares

Pallancata summary 
Ore production (tonnes)
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Silver produced (koz)
Gold produced (koz) 
Silver equivalent produced (koz)
Silver sold (koz)
Gold sold (koz)
Unit cost ($/t) 
Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz)

PRODUCTION
At Pallancata, as a result of the Company’s 
adjustment of mine plans to ensure the 
extraction of profitable ounces, as detailed 
in the November 2014 Operational Update, 
tonnage in the fourth quarter was moved 
downwards with grades increasing. For the 
full year, Pallancata produced 8.0 million 
silver equivalent ounces (2013: 9.3 million 
ounces) with the fall in the second half 
reflecting the scheduled move to thinner 
veins in the mix. 

COSTS
Cost per tonne at Pallancata was $69.3  
in 2014 (2013: $68.3). As at Arcata, costs 
were positively impacted by the cashflow 
optimisation programme although the 
impact was offset by a higher proportion  
of mineral extracted using conventional 
methods due to narrower veins. All-in 
sustaining costs however, were flat versus 
2013 at $16.7 per silver equivalent ounce. 

BROWNFIELD EXPLORATION
During the first half of 2014, the exploration 
programme focused on mapping and 
sampling a total of 1,200 ha. New surface 
structures have also been recognised and 
drilling was carried out at two vein systems. 
10,466 metres of drilling was completed  
on potential areas with further mapping 
campaigns also carried out over an area  
of 686 ha. 

In 2015, a 19,100 metre exploration and 
drilling programme at Pallancata will focus 
on inferred resource exploration at surface 
and also geological mapping of the west 
and south side of the district for new  
target definition.

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
1,051,068
238
1.03
6,527
24.34
7,988 
6,502
24.02
69.3
11.0
16.7

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013
1,088,712
264
1.13
7,628
27.83
9,298 
7,567
26.67
68.3
10.3
16.7

% change
(3)
(10)
(9)
(14)
(13)
(14)
(14)
(10)
1
7
–

SAN JOSÉ
KEY SITE INFORMATION

Silver production koz

6,469

Gold production koz

94.16

Silver equivalent production koz

12,119

The San José silver/gold mine is located  
in Argentina, in the province of Santa  
Cruz, 1,750 kilometres south-southwest  
of Buenos Aires. San José commenced 
production in 2007 and is a joint venture 
with McEwen Mining Inc (formerly Minera 
Andes Inc.). Hochschild holds a controlling 
interest of 51% of the joint venture and is 
the mine operator. 

PRODUCTION
In 2014, San José again proved to be a  
very consistent performer with increased 
tonnage offsetting lower grades and 
resulting in almost unchanged year-on-year 
production of 12.1 million silver equivalent 
ounces (2013: 12.3 million ounces). 

COSTS
At San José, unit cost per tonne decreased 
by 6% versus 2013 to $197.8. This was 
mainly due to the impact of the cash 
optimisation. All-in sustaining costs were 
reduced by 6% versus the same period of 
2013 with cash optimisation initiatives 
helping to reduce sustaining and 
development capital expenditure. 

BROWNFIELD EXPLORATION
In 2014, a 5,263 metre potential drilling 
campaign was focused on the definition of 
new veins. The team had already completed 
detailed surface mapping and sampling 
over the Los Pinos vein and identified 
another structure, Los Pinitos. In addition, 
mapping work identified additional 
corridors for subsequent drilling campaigns 
to focus on whilst further structures were 
identified in the north east and to the west. 

In 2015, a drilling program over Los Pinos 
and Los Pinitos is planned – subject to 
obtaining environmental permits. A review 
and interpretation of the ground magnetic 
and electrical data collected on the 
property in the last five years is scheduled 
along with surface geology work to identify 
new drill targets for 2016.

San José summary
Ore production (tonnes) 
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Silver produced (koz) 
Gold produced (koz) 
Silver equivalent produced (koz)
Silver sold (koz) 
Gold sold (koz) 
Unit cost ($/t) 
Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)
All-in sustaining cost ($/oz)

Year ended  
31 Dec 2014
571,017
404
5.77
6,469
94.16
12,119 
6,316
91.28
197.8
12.1
17.8

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013
536,937
425
6.42
6,357
98.83
12,286 
6,278
94.76
210.0
13.4
19.0

% change 
6
(5)
(10)
2
(5)
(1)
1
(4)
(6)
(10)
(6)

Strategic reportp1-35 
12 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

OPERATING REVIEW CONTINUED

Inmaculada plant construction

PROJECT REVIEW
Hochschild’s portfolio currently includes 
one Advanced Project, Inmaculada and 
three Growth Projects, Crespo, Azuca and 
Volcan. The continuing weakness of the 
precious metal markets following the initial 
price declines in 2013 has led to the current 
focus on Hochschild’s flagship Inmaculada 
project. The acquisition of IMZ, completed 
in December 2013, gave the Company 
100% of this project which is expected  
to contribute, after a ramp-up period, 
approximately 12 million silver equivalent 
ounces per annum on average with the 
start of plant commissioning due in the 
second quarter of 2015.

The strategy with regards to Crespo, Azuca 
and Volcan was revised in late 2013 with 
work on these deposits remaining on hold 
throughout 2014. Despite the prioritisation 
of Inmaculada, all three projects remain  
an important component of the Company’s 
portfolio of development assets. It is 
management’s intention that in the  
event that precious metals markets show 
sustained improvement, this would allow 
the Company to assess capital re-allocation 
to these assets and potentially re-initiate 
development.

OTHER OPERATIONS
ARES: PERU
KEY SITE INFORMATION

Silver production koz

534

Gold production koz

11.63

Silver equivalent production koz

1,232

The Ares mine, which commenced 
production in 1998, is a 100% owned 
operation located approximately  
25 kilometres from Hochschild’s  
Arcata mine in southern Peru. 

PRODUCTION AND SALES 
The Company’s Ares mine in Peru was 
suspended in the second quarter of 2014 
with total production for the first half and 
for the year as a whole being a better-than-
expected 1.2 million silver equivalent 
ounces (2013: 2.2 million ounces). 

BROWNFIELD EXPLORATION
Following the 2014 programme of 
geological mapping, a 2,500 metre drilling 
campaign is scheduled for 2015, subject to 
receiving the requisite exploration permits.

Ares summary
Ore production (tonnes)
Average silver grade (g/t)
Average gold grade (g/t)
Silver produced (koz)
Gold produced (koz)
Silver equivalent produced (koz)
Silver sold (koz)
Gold sold (koz)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
167,331
110
2.34
534
11.63
1,232
540
11.45

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013
329,095
82
2.39
757
23.40
2,162
761
23.25

% change
(49)
34
(2)
(29)
(50)
(43)
(29)
(51)

INMACULADA
Inmaculada is a 20,000 hectare gold-silver 
project located in the Company’s existing 
operational cluster in southern Peru and is 
100% owned and controlled by Hochschild, 
following the acquisition of the remaining 
40% from IMZ stake in December 2013.

The EPC contractor Graña y Montero 
continued construction of the plant 
throughout the year. Later in 2014, concrete 
foundations for the plant’s SAG mill were 
found to not meet contractual technical 
specifications and were therefore re-built 
which, along with other delays in the 
project including slower than expected 
on-site recruitment, resulted in the 
commissioning date of the plant being 
rescheduled for Q2 2015. However, as a 
result of excellent progress being made  
by the Hochschild team in the originally 
envisaged bottleneck area of mine 
development, it has been possible to 
ensure that a stockpile of just over 260,000 
tonnes will be available for processing on 
completion of the plant. Consequently,  
the Company confirms that the overall 
production forecast of 6-7 million silver 
equivalent ounces for 2015 remains in place.

Procurement of all main equipment was 
completed during the first half and by  
the end of the year, other key deliverables 
such as connection to the national grid, 
infrastructural and engineering 
requirements and relevant permitting were 
complete. Construction also commenced  
in the third quarter on the tailings dam, 
warehouses, laboratories and workshops  
as well as work on the paste backfill plant. 
In addition, a total of 15,406 metres of 
tunnelling and 2,445 metres of raise boring 
have been carried out to date at the project.

Construction capital expenditure at the 
project to date is $348 million with the 
remaining construction capital expenditure 
for 2015 expected to be $72 million 
bringing the total to $420 million. 

Toward the middle of the year, mapping 
was carried out at the Puquiopata  
(to the North East of Inmaculada) and 
Huarmapata veins as well as re-logging of 
the Angela vein system in order to optimise 
the geological model. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

13

Prospecting at 5,300 metres above sea level

In addition to exploration at the 
Inmaculada land package, a project was 
started to explore the overall properties 
available between the Pallancata mine  
and Inmaculada. Following a mapping 
programme in the Palca area further to the 
North East of Inmaculada, in August two 
anomalous zones were identified, Palca 1 
and Palca 2. At Palca 1, six promising vein 
structures have been selected amongst 
others in a corridor of almost five kilometres 
with work at Palca 2 starting later on in the 
year. In addition, geochemical results have 
shown gold and silver presence at surface. 
The exploration team’s resulting 
interpretation has allowed them to define 
the Palca corridor which continues to the 
North West into an area called Cochaloma, 
which is part of the Pallancata concession, 
where there are similar structures to Palca.

EXPLORATION REVIEW
In 2014, investment in exploration totalled 
$20.4 million and was split between 
exploration work at the Company’s existing 
operations, the Inmaculada Advanced 
Project and greenfield opportunities in  
Peru and Mexico. As part of Hochschild’s 
ongoing cashflow optimisation programme, 
the Company reduced its 2014 exploration 
budget with the main focus continuing to 
be on brownfield exploration. Exploration 
work at the core operations was principally 
focused on identifying new potential and 
near-mine high grade areas to further 
improve the resource quality whilst at the 
Inmaculada Advanced Project, efforts were 
focused on identifying new potential high 
grade areas.

Hochschild’s greenfield strategy for 2014 
was focused on only the most promising 
prospects, specifically in Peru and Mexico.

In 2015, exploration activity will be primarily 
focused on brownfield exploration in order 
to maintain or improve the resource base. 
As a direct consequence of the continued 
low price environment, the level of 
greenfield exploration and appraisal of 
acquisition/joint venture opportunities  
has been significantly reduced.

MEXICO
PACHUCA
In the first half of the year, at the Pachuca 
project in Mexico, the joint venture with 
Solitario Exploration & Royalty Corp, 
focused on the northwestern extension of 
the historical vein mining district. The 2014 
plan included testing the actual extensions 
of prior intercepts tested by the previous 
operator. A total 2,454 metres were drilled 
on 13 holes during the 2013 and 2014 
campaigns. However, despite some drill 
holes showing economic gold and silver 
grades, continuous mineralisation could 
not be identified and therefore the project 
was transferred back to Solitario. 

RIVERSIDE JOINT VENTURE
In the first half of the year, the exploration 
team accepted two targets generated by 
Riverside, the joint venture partners in the 
western Sonora in Mexico. The projects 
were Bohemia and Cajon and whereas 
Bohemia exhibited mineralised veins, 
orogenic type mineralisation was observed 

at Cajon with highly frequent small 
mineralised veins off a detachment fault. 
However sampling at Bohemia did not 
show continuity in the mineralisation, 
displaying poor gold values and 
consequently work at the target was 
halted. Trenching at Cajon also concluded 
and a drilling campaign will be performed 
in 2015. 

During the fourth quarter, the Company 
decided to close its exploration office in 
Chihuahua and focus on financing and 
supporting Riverside from the head office. 
The venture continues to explore new 
opportunities in this prolific, low-cost 
mineral district.

PERU
During the year, the Company’s exploration 
efforts in Peru focused on optimising the 
existing portfolio and reviewing any industry 
opportunities. One of these was the Corina 
project, located 15-20 km from the Selene 
plant and owned by Lara Exploration Ltd. 
The agreement drawn up includes an 
option giving Hochschild full ownership  
of the project over four years. Company 
community relations teams are currently 
negotiating access agreements that would 
allow the Company to drill in late 2015, 
subject to government permit approvals.

In addition, promising geochemical results 
have been obtained from the Ibel prospect 
in Peru. 

Drill rig at Azuca

Exploration at Crespo

Strategic reportp1-35 
14 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

FINANCIAL REVIEW

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 
(before exceptional items, unless otherwise indicated)

The reporting currency of Hochschild Mining plc is US dollars. In discussions of financial performance, the Group removes the effect of 
exceptional items, unless otherwise indicated, and in the income statement results are shown 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. 

$000 unless otherwise indicated
Net Revenue1
Attributable silver production (koz)
Attributable gold production (koz)
Cash costs ($/oz Ag co-product)2
Cash costs ($/oz Au co-product)
Total all-in sustaining costs ($/oz)
Main operation all-in sustaining costs ($/oz)
Adjusted EBITDA3
(Loss)/proft from continuing operations 
(Loss)/proft from continuing operations (post exceptional)
Earnings per share (pre-exceptional) 
Earnings per share (post-exceptional)
Cash flow from operating activities4

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
492,951
16,187
101
11.9
847
18.2
17.4
135,586
(56,689)
(70,831)
(0.15)
(0.19)
93,779

Year ended  
31 Dec 2013 
622,158
13,588
116
12.3
748
19.9
18.6
200,979
(42,103)
(128,677)
(0.15)
(0.36)
64,674

% change
(21)
19
(13)
(3)
13
(9)
(6)
(35)
(33)
45
–
47
45

1   Revenue presented in the fnancial statements is disclosed as net revenue (in this Financial review it is calculated as gross revenue less commercial discounts). 

2  Includes Hochschild’s main operations: Arcata, Pallancata and San José. Cash costs are calculated to include cost of sales, treatment charges, and selling expenses 

before exceptional items less depreciation included in cost of sales.

3  Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as proft from continuing operations before exceptional items, net fnance costs, foreign exchange loss and income tax plus 

depreciation, and exploration expenses other than personnel and other exploration related fxed expenses and other non-cash expenses. 

4  Cash flow from operations is calculated as proft for the year from continuing operations after exceptional items, plus the add-back of non-cash items within proft 
for the year (such as depreciation and amortisation, impairments and write-off of assets, gains/losses on sale of assets, amongst others) plus/minus changes in 
liabilities/assets such as trade and other payables, trade and other receivables, inventories, net tax assets, net deferred income tax liabilities, amongst others.

REVENUE
Gross revenue
Gross revenue from continuing operations decreased 18% to 
$540.9 million in 2014 (2013: $658.2 million) primarily driven  
by another substantial fall in precious metal prices. 

Silver
Gross revenue from silver decreased 17% in 2014 to $358.2 million 
(2013: $432.6 million) as a result of lower prices as well as a 3% 
decrease in the total amount of silver ounces sold to 18,981 koz 
(2013:19,555 koz).

Gold
Gross revenue from gold decreased 19% in 2014 to $182.7 million 
(2013: $225.6 million) as a result of a 4% fall in the average price 
received although mostly due to a 15% decline in gold sales –  
the total amount of gold ounces sold in 2014 at 142.8 koz  
(2013: 168.6 koz).

Gross average realised sales prices 
The following table provides figures for average realised prices  
and ounces sold for 2014 and 2013:

Silver ounces sold (koz) 
Avg. realised silver price ($/oz)
Gold ounces sold (koz)
Avg. realised gold price ($/oz)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
18,981
18.87
142.77
1,279

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
19,555
22.12
168.56
1,338

Commercial discounts
Commercial discounts refer to refinery treatment charges,  
refining fees and payable deductions for processing concentrates, 
and are discounted from gross revenue on a per tonne basis 
(treatment charge), per ounce basis (refining fees) or as a 
percentage of gross revenue (payable deductions). In 2014,  
the Group recorded commercial discounts of $48.1 million  
(2013: $36.1 million). This increase is explained by the decision  
to sell the majority of production from Arcata as concentrate  
due to improved commercial terms. The ratio of commercial 
discounts to gross revenue in 2014 increased to 9% (2013: 6%). 

www.hochschildmining.com 

15

Net revenue
Net revenue decreased by 21% to $493.0 million (2013: $622.2 million), comprising silver revenue of $320.8 million and gold revenue  
of $172.0 million. In 2014 silver accounted for 65% and gold 35% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue with no change from  
the 2013 split.

Revenue by mine

$000 unless otherwise indicated
Silver revenue
Arcata
Ares
Pallancata
San José
Moris
Commercial discounts
Net silver revenue
Gold revenue
Arcata 
Ares
Pallancata
San José
Moris
Commercial discounts
Net gold revenue
Other revenue1
Net revenue

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 

% change

103,963
10,896
129,042
114,276
30
(37,369)
320,838

20,040
14,993
31,984
115,211
441
(10,713)
171,956
157
492,951

115,522
17,712
163,394
135,291
650
(27,050)
405,519

22,271
32,650
35,189
123,905
11,597
(9,036)
216,576
63
622,158

(10)
(38)
(21)
(16)
(95)
(38)
(21)

(10)
(54)
(9)
(7)
(96)
19
(21)
(149)
(21)

1  Other revenue includes revenue from (i) the sale of energy in Peru and, (ii) administrative services in Mexico.

COSTS
Total pre-exceptional cost of sales decreased 15% to $404.6 million 
in 2014 (2013: $466.8 million). The direct production cost decreased 
by 15% in 2014, to $265.6 million (2013: $311.7 million) mainly 
due to the positive effects on operating costs of the Company’s 
ongoing cash optimisation programme and lower tonnage  
treated at the Ares mine. Depreciation in 2014 was $126.0 million 
(2013: $144.1 million) with the decrease mainly due to lower 
tonnage and the lower cost of the conversion of resources into 
reserves. Other items, which principally includes the costs 
associated with stoppages in Argentina, was $4.4 million in 2014 
(2013: $7.0 million) with change in inventories at $8.6 million in 
2014 (2013: $3.9 million).

$000
Direct production cost 
excluding depreciation 
Depreciation in 
production cost
Other items
Change in inventories
Pre-exceptional cost 
of sales

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013

% change

265,637

311,699

(15)

125,955
4,406
8,641

144,137
7,004
3,926

(13)
(37)
120

404,639

466,766

(13)

Unit cost per tonne 
The Company reported unit cost per tonne at its main operations 
of $106.6 in 2014, slightly up on 2013 (2013: $103.2). For further 
explanation on the increase in unit cost per tonne please refer  
to page 7 of the Operating review . 

Unit cost per tonne by operation (including royalties)1:

Operating unit ($/tonne)
Main operations
Peru
Arcata
Pallancata 
Argentina
San José 
Others 
Ares
Total 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
106.6
77.3
89.1
69.3

Year ended 

31 Dec 2013  % change
3
4
10
1

103.2
74.2
81.3
68.3

197.8

210.0

119.3
107.4

128.3
106.1

(6)

(7)
1

1  Unit cost per tonne is calculated by dividing mine and geology costs  
by extracted tonnage and plant and other costs by treated tonnage.

Cash costs
Cash costs include cost of sales, commercial deductions and selling 
expenses before exceptional items, less depreciation included  
in cost of sales. 

Strategic reportp1-35 
 
16 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Cash cost reconciliation

$000 unless otherwise indicated
Group cash cost
(+) Cost of sales
(-) Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales

(+) Selling expenses
(+) Commercial deductions
Gold
Silver
Revenue
Gold
Silver
Others
Ounces sold
Gold
Silver
Group cash cost ($/oz)
Co-product Au
Co-product Ag
By-product Au
By-product Ag

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014 
353,736
404,639
(128,480)

28,697
48,880
10,752
38,128
492,951
171,956
320,838
157

142.8
18,981

864
12.1
(38)
9.0

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013
387,686
466,766
(144,923)

28,785
37,058
9,065
27,993
622,158
216,576
405,519
63

168.6
19,555

801
12.9
(272)
8.3

% change
(9)
(13) 
11 

– 
32 
19
36 
(21)
(21)
(21) 
149 

(15)
(3)

8
(6)
86
8

Cash costs are calculated based on pre-exceptional figures. Co-product cash cost per ounce is the cash cost allocated to the primary 
metal (allocation based on proportion of revenue), divided by the ounces sold of the primary metal. By-product cash cost per ounce  
is the total cash cost minus revenue and commercial discounts of the by-product divided by the ounces sold of the primary metal.

ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST RECONCILIATION
All-in sustaining cash costs per silver equivalent ounce1

Year ended 31 Dec 2014

$000 unless otherwise indicated
(+) Production cost  
excluding depreciation
(+) Other items in  
cost of sales
(+) Operating & exploration 
capex for units
(+) Brownfeld  
exploration expenses 
(+) Administrative expenses 
(excl depreciation and before 
exceptional items)
(+) Royalties
Sub-total
Ounces produced (Ag Eq oz)
Sub-total ($/oz)
(+) Commercial deductions
(+) Selling expenses
Sub-total
Ounces sold (Ag Eq oz)
Sub-total ($/oz)
All-in sustaining costs  
($/oz Ag Eq)

Arcata

Pallancata

San José

Main 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Corporate 
& Others

62,644

71,742

110,089

244,475

17,853

1,301

834

1,724

3,859

28,867

34,657

51,350

114,874

2,038

1,728

1,003

4,769

 5,266 
–
100,116
6,841
 14.6 
18,016
1,987
20,003
 6,560 
 3.0 

 7,317 
1,370 
117,648
7,988
 14.7 
13,666
1,995
15,661
 7,944 
 2.0 

8,270
–
172,436
12,119
 14.2 
17,198
24,648
41,846
 11,793 
 3.5 

 20,853 
1,370 
390,200
26,947
 14.5 
48,880
28,630
77,510
 26,297 
 2.9 

546

–

42

 362 
 241 
19,044
1,232
 15.5 
–
67
67
 1,250 
 0.1 

Total

262,328

4,406

–

–

1,613

116,487

3,232

8,043

20,049
–
24,894
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

41,263
1,611
434,146
28,179
15.4
48,880
28,697
77,577
27,547
2.8

 17.7 

 16.7 

 17.8 

 17.4 

 15.5 

–

18.2

1  All-in sustaining cash cost per silver equivalent ounce: calculated before exceptional items includes cost of sales less depreciation and change in inventories, 
administrative expenses, brownfeld exploration, operating capex and royalties divided by silver equivalent ounces produced using a ratio of 60:1 (Au/Ag).  
Also includes commercial discounts and selling expenses divided by silver equivalent ounces sold using a ratio of 60:1 (Au/Ag). 

 
www.hochschildmining.com 

17

Year ended 31 Dec 2013

$000 unless otherwise indicated
(+) Production cost  
excluding depreciation
(+) Other items in  
cost of sales
(+) Operating & exploration 
capex for units
(+) Brownfeld  
exploration expenses 
(+) Administrative expenses 
(excl depreciation and before 
exceptional items)
(+) Royalties
Sub-total
Ounces produced (Ag Eq oz)
Sub-total ($/oz)
(+) Commercial deductions
(+) Selling expenses
Sub-total
Ounces sold (Ag Eq oz)
Sub-total ($/oz)
All-in sustaining costs  
($/oz Ag Eq)

Arcata

Pallancata

San José

Main 
Operations

Other 
Operations

Corporate 
& Others

72,706

75,321

112,764

260,791

50,908

(638)

571

7,074

7,007

(3)

–

–

Total

311,699

7,004

43,255

44,356

56,502

144,113

4,715

2,510

151,338

2,052

2,149

1,795

5,996

581

3,201

9,778

6,469
–
123,844
5,994
20.7
920
325
1,245
5,881
0.2

11,472
1,822
135,691
9,298
14.6
16,788
2,369
19,157
9,167
2.1

8,589
–
186,724
12,286
15.2
19,335
25,899
45,234
11,963
3.8

26,530
1,822
446,259
27,578
16.2
37,043
28,593
65,636
27,011
2.4

2,983
522
59,706
2,689
22.2
15
192
207
2,658
0.1

22,274
–
27,985
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

51,787
2,344
533,950
30,267
17.6
37,058
28,785
65,843
29,669
2.2

20.9

16.7

19.0

18.6

22.3

–

19.9

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Administrative expenses before exceptional items decreased  
by 20% to $43.3 million (2013: $54.4 million) primarily due to  
the continuing impact of the cashflow optimisation programme. 
Post-exceptional administrative expenses in 2014 totalled  
$46.1 million (2013: $56.8 million). 

EXPLORATION EXPENSES
In 2014, pre-exceptional exploration expenses decreased by 60% 
to $17.3 million (2013: $42.9 million). Post-exceptional exploration 
expenses in 2014 totalled $18.1 million (2013: $46.3 million). 

In addition, the Group capitalises part of its brownfield exploration, 
which mostly relates to costs incurred converting potential resource 
to the Inferred or Measured and Indicated category. In 2014,  
the Company capitalised $1.5 million relating to brownfield 
exploration compared to $1.7 million in 2013, bringing the total 
investment in exploration for 2014 to $18.8 million (2013: $44.6 
million). In addition, $1.6 million was invested in the Company’s 
Advanced and Growth Projects.

SELLING EXPENSES
Selling expenses were flat versus 2013 at $28.7 million (2013: 
$28.8 million) due to lower prices impacting the export tax in 
Argentina, partially offset by higher production of concentrates  
in Arcata. Selling expenses mainly consist of export duties at  
San José (export duties in Argentina are levied at 10% of revenue 
for concentrate and 5% of revenue for dore) and logistic costs for 
the sale of concentrate. 

OTHER INCOME/EXPENSES
Other income before exceptional items was $4.1 million (2013: 
$4.0 million). Other expenses before exceptional items reached 
$17.5 million (2013: $15.6 million) mainly due to an increase in 
mine closure provisions of $9.1 million (2013: $5.5 million) and the 
new reserves tax in Argentina of $3.5 million (2013: $2.5 million). 

Tailings dam preparation 

Strategic reportp1-35 
18 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

ADJUSTED EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 33% over the period to $135.6 million 
(2013 restated: $201.0 million) driven primarily by significantly 
lower silver prices. 

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit from continuing operations 
before exceptional items, net finance costs and income tax plus 
non-cash items (depreciation and changes in mine closure 
provisions) and exploration expenses other than personnel  
and other exploration related fixed expenses.

$000 unless  
otherwise indicated
Proft from continuing 
operations before 
exceptional items,  
net fnance cost,  
foreign exchange  
loss and income tax
Operating margin
Depreciation and 
amortisation in  
cost of sales
Depreciation and 
amortisation in 
administrative expenses
Exploration expenses
Personnel and other 
exploration related  
fxed expenses
Other non cash expenses
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA margin

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013

% change

(14,374)
–

17,730
3%

(181)
–

128,480

144,923

(11)

2,072
17,254

2,638
42,871

(6,934)
9,088
135,586
28%

(12,699)
5,516
200,979
32%

(21)
(60)

45
65
(33)

In 2014, Adjusted EBITDA has been presented before the effect of significant 
non-cash expenses related to changes in mine closure provisions for those mines 
which have already closed as these were material. The 2013 Adjusted EBITDA  
has been restated for comparability with the current presentation.

Drill rig at Pallancata

FINANCE INCOME 
Finance income before exceptional items of $2.2 million reduced 
from 2013 ($10.7 million) mainly due to substantially lower 
interest received on deposits and liquidity funds ($5.2 million) as 
well as lower dividends received from Gold Resource Corporation 
($3.0 million). 

FINANCE COSTS
Finance costs before exceptional items increased from $11.7 
million to $33.1 million in 2014, principally due to the interest  
due on $350 million of Senior Notes (issued in January 2014 via 
the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Compañía Minera Ares 
S.A.C) with a coupon rate of 7.75% due for repayment in 2021. 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSSES 
The Group recognised a foreign exchange loss of $5.0 million 
(2013: $19.8 million loss) as a result of exposures in currencies 
other than the functional currency principally the Peruvian Nuevo 
Sol and Argentinian Peso, both of which depreciated in the year 
against the US dollar. 

INCOME TAX
The Company’s pre-exceptional income tax was $6.5 million 
(2013: $45.0 million). The reduction is mainly explained by lower 
metal prices reflected in a reduced pre-exceptional profit before 
income tax ($(50.2) million in 2014 vs $2.9 million pre-exceptional 
profit before tax in 2013). 

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 
Exceptional items in 2014 totalled $(14.1) million after tax  
(2013: $(86.6) million). The tables below detail the exceptional 
items excluding the exceptional tax effect that amounted to  
$3.8 million (2013: $35.9 million). 

Exceptional items in 2014 comprise the following items: 

Positive exceptional items: 

Main items 
Other income

$000 Description of main items 
1,643 Reversal of impairment  

of San Felipe 

Finance income

4,061 Gain on the sale of GRC shares 

($2.6 million), Chaparral Gold 
shares ($0.8 million), Mirasol 
shares ($0.6 million) and others

Negative exceptional items: 

Main items 
Cost of sales 

$000  Description of main items
(6,065) Termination benefts  

Administrative 
expenses
Exploration 
expenses
Other expenses

Finance cost

($4.8 million) and temporary 
stoppages at Arcata ($1.2 million)

(2,752) Termination benefts  
($2.8 million)
(886) Termination benefts  
($0.9 million) 

(4,498) Property, plant & equipment 

write-off ($1.5 million) and loss 
on the sale of the Moris operation 
in Mexico ($3.0 million) 
(9,491) The impairment of investments 

in Pembrook ($6.0 million)  
and other minor investments 
($0.2 million), transaction  
costs on the syndicated loan  
($3.3 million)

CASH FLOW & BALANCE SHEET REVIEW 
Cash flow

$000 unless otherwise 
indicated
Net cash generated from 
operating activities
Net cash used in  
investing activities
Cash flows  
generated/(used) in 
fnancing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in 
cash and cash equivalents 
during the period

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013

Change

93,779

64,674

29,105

(263,007)

(218,113)

(44,894)

5,039

99,830

(94,791)

(164,189)

(53,609)

(110,580)

Operating cash flow increased from $64.7 million in 2013 to  
$93.8 million in 2014, mainly due to a significant improvement of 
working capital and the implementation of the cash optimisation 
plan, partially offset by lower prices. Net cash used in investing 
activities increased to $(263.0) million in 2014 from $(218.1) million 
in 2013 mainly due to higher pre-operating capex incurred at the 
Inmaculada project in 2014. Finally, cash generated from financing 
activities decreased to $5.0 million from $99.8 million in 2013, 
primarily as a result of the proceeds from the issuance of the 
unsecured notes ($350.0 million) and the Scotiabank Credit Facility 
($100.0 million), partially offset by the repayment of the bridge 
loan facility ($270.0 million), Convertible Bond ($114.9 million)  
and reduction of short term borrowings ($30.0 million). As a result, 
total cash generated decreased from $(53.6) million in 2013 to 
$(164.2) million in 2014 ($110.6 million difference). 

Working capital

$000 unless otherwise indicated
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Net other financial assets/(liabilities)
Net Income tax receivable/(payable)
Trade and other payables 
and provisions
Working capital

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
173,526
58,417
2,809
20,467

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013
179,868
69,556
(2,294)
20,842

(226,603)
28,616

(208,618)
59,354

The Company’s working capital position decreased to $28.6 million 
in 2014 from $59.4 million in 2013. This was primarily explained 
by higher trade and other payables and provisions ($(18.0) million) 
and by lower inventories ($(11.1) million). Also, net other financial 
assets increased to $2.8 million in 2014 from $(2.3) million in 2013 
principally due to gains from hedge agreements.

Net cash

$000 unless otherwise indicated
Cash and cash equivalents
Long-term borrowings
Short-term borrowings 
Net cash/(debt)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
115,999
(440,834)
(27,882)
(352,717)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013
286,435
–
(435,925)
(149,490)

The Group reported net cash position was $(352.7) million  
as at 31 December 2014 (2013: $149.5 million). The change  
was mainly driven by cash used to build the Inmaculada  
Project ($198 million capex in 2014).

www.hochschildmining.com 

19

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

$000 unless otherwise indicated
Arcata
Ares
Selene
Pallancata
San José
Moris
Operations
Inmaculada
Crespo
Volcan 
Azuca
Other
Total

Year ended 
31 Dec 2014
28,867
–
497
34,160
51,350
–
114,874
198,112
4,206
1,463
853
1,623
321,121

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013
43,255
3,783
1,364
42,992
56,502
932
148,828
98,614
21,469
4,312
4,741
3,614
281,578

2014 capital expenditure of $321.1 million (2013: $281.6 million) 
mainly composed of operational capex of $114.9 million and 
Inmaculada capital expenditure of $198.1 million.

San José

Strategic reportp1-35 
20 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Against a continued backdrop of a challenging trading environment, 
Hochschild Mining maintained its focus on prioritising the welfare of our 
workers and promoting sustainability within our communities targeting 
the areas of education, health & nutrition and economic development.

IN THIS SECTION

Safety
see page 22

Health and hygiene
see page 23

Our people
see page 24

Working with our communities
see page 26

Managing our environmental impact
see page 28

ACCIDENT SEVERITY INDEX 

14  

149

13

12

11

598

1,058

910

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
I am delighted to introduce Hochschild 
Mining’s Sustainability Report in  
which we provide an overview of  
the work undertaken by the Group in 
acknowledgement of our responsibilities  
to our wider stakeholder groups.

ANOTHER CHALLENGING YEAR
2014 continued to be a difficult year for  
the mining sector due to the sustained 
lower and more volatile precious metal 
prices. Management’s focus on cost 
reduction was maintained during the year 
with implementation of further phases of 
the Cash Optimisation Programme. 
Inevitably this has translated into limited 
resources for our sustainability endeavours 
which as a result have had to be more 
targeted than ever.

ZERO FATALITIES
As a sign of our commitment to our 
workers, I am very proud to report that  
for the first time since the Company’s 
listing in 2006, there were no fatalities 
during 2014. This achievement cannot be 
understated given the relentless efforts of 
many across the organisation who have 
committed themselves to fostering a 
culture of safety and seeing this translate 
into safe working practices. We will not use 
this opportunity to become complacent 
but rather, we will look to setting another 
first: two consecutive years without any 
fatal accidents at our mine sites.

Despite this significant achievement,  
the Group’s injury frequency rate has 
increased but, as indicated by the c. 75% 
reduction in the accident severity rate, this 
is primarily the result of the extended scope 
of our accident monitoring to include the 
main contractor and sub-contractors at the 
Inmaculada project which in 2014 entered 
the higher-risk construction phase. 

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In 2014, we prioritised the resources 
committed to our communities during  
the year with a continued focus on our 
three core areas: education, health and 
socio-economic development. Not only 
have we built on the successes of our 
flagship Travelling Doctor and Digital 
Chalhuanca projects, but we have also 
supported communities close to our 
Inmaculada project by the establishment  
of local co-operatives. It also gives me great 
pleasure in sharing with you details of the 
scholarships we have been able to offer 
through our operation in Argentina. Further 
details can be found on pages 26 to 27.

I hope you will find this report informative. 
If you should have any questions or 
comments, please do not hesitate to  
contact me.

ROBERTO DAÑINO
Chairman, CSR Committee 
17 March 2015

Camp at Pallancata

www.hochschildmining.com 

21

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE FOR SUSTAINABILITY 

BOARD

Roberto Dañino, Chairman, CSR Committee

Vice President, Operations

Vice President, Legal & Corporate Affairs

CSR Working Group

Human Resources

Safety

Community Relations

Health & Hygiene

Environmental 
Management

THE CSR COMMITTEE’S WORK  
IN 2014
During the year, the CSR Committee:

• approved the 2013 Sustainability report  
for inclusion in the 2013 Annual Report;

• monitored the execution of the yearly 

plan in each of the four key areas of focus;

• considered the ongoing progress of  
the implementation of a number of 
internationally accredited management 
information systems to control and  
monitor sustainability related risks;
• monitored the status of the Group’s 

various Community Relations projects 
including the Travelling Doctor 
programme in Peru, the local co-
operatives set up within the rural 
communities close to Inmaculada and 
the scholarships granted in Argentina  
(see case studies later in this report); and

• considered updates from across the 
Group to manage community and  
labour relations.

Given the importance of the sustainability 
risks to the Group’s strategy, the full Board 
reviewed the short/medium term strategy 
with respect to environmental 
management and community relations.  
As part of its role in monitoring key risks, 
the Board also considered the impact of  
the Cash Optimisation Programme on the 
profile of the Group’s sustainability risks 
and the key mitigating actions.

GOVERNANCE OF CSR
The board has ultimate responsibility  
for establishing Group policies relating to 
sustainability and the CSR committee has 
been established with the responsibility  
of focusing on compliance and ensuring 
that appropriate systems and practices  
are in place.

WHAT IS HOCHSCHILD MINING’S 
APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY?
The Company has adopted a number of 
policies demonstrating our commitment to:

the Board with delegated responsibility for 
various sustainability issues, focusing on 
compliance and ensuring that appropriate 
systems and practices are in place 
Group-wide to ensure the effective 
management of sustainability-related risks.

As Chairman of the CSR Committee, Roberto 
Dañino has Board level responsibility for 
sustainability issues to whom the Vice 
President of Operations and the Vice 
President of Legal & Corporate Affairs 
report to for sustainability issues, as shown 
in the diagram above.

• a safe and healthy workplace;
• managing and minimising the 
environmental impact of our 
operations; and

• encouraging sustainability by 

respecting the communities of the 
localities in which we operate.

We prioritise these three areas in terms  
of resource allocation, with respect to 
governance, policy development and 
performance measurement. In our efforts 
to achieve the above objectives, we seek to:

• comply with all relevant legislation;
• promote continuous improvement of our 
management systems with the aim of 
incorporating best practices;

• adopt a proactive approach to preventing 
and managing the risks that may limit  
the achievement of our corporate 
responsibility objectives; and

• encourage employees to adopt the 

Group’s values through the use of training 
and internal communications.

MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY
The Board has ultimate responsibility for 
establishing Group policies relating to 
sustainability and ensuring that appropriate 
standards are met. The CSR Committee has 
been established as a formal committee of 

TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE  
CSR COMMITTEE
Under its terms of reference, the CSR 
Committee is responsible for:

• evaluating the effectiveness of the 
Group’s policies and systems for 
identifying and managing health,  
safety and environmental risks within  
the Group’s operations;

• assessing the policies and systems within 
the Group for ensuring compliance with 
health, safety and environmental 
regulatory requirements;

• assessing the performance of the Group 

with regard to the impact of health, 
safety, environmental and community 
relations decisions and actions upon 
employees, communities and other third 
parties. It shall also assess the impact of 
such decisions and actions on the 
reputation of the Group;

• receiving reports from management 

concerning all serious accidents within the 
Group and actions taken by management 
following each incident; and

• evaluating and overseeing, on behalf  
of the Board, the quality and integrity  
of any reporting to external stakeholders 
concerning health, safety, environmental 
and community relations issues.

Strategic reportp1-35 
22 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 
CONTINUED

SAFETY
Mining has an inherently high risk profile 
and safety is our highest priority.

2014 HIGHLIGHTS 

• Zero fatalities
• 75% reduction in accident severity rate

Underground emergency refuge.

THE HOCHSCHILD APPROACH  
TO SAFETY
Mining has an inherently high risk profile 
and safety is our highest priority. Ensuring 
the safety of the Group’s employees is 
considered crucial in measuring the 
successful implementation of corporate 
strategy to which the Board and 
management are committed.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014
• Zero fatalities across all operations – a first 
for the Company since its listing in 2006 
• Continued implementation of the Group’s 
Safety Management System (designed by 
the risk management firm DNV GL) at all 

operating units and Advanced Projects to 
support the Group’s proactive approach 
to safety. All operating units achieved a 
Level 7 rating under the International 
Safety Rating System (‘ISRS’) (6th edition). 
The Inmaculada project achieved a Level 3 
rating under the same rating system 
• The first stage of implementation of the 
Behaviour Based Safety (‘BBS’) tool was 
carried out at all mining units. Based  
on the feedback received, a training 
programme for safety supervisors has 
been developed and scheduled to take 
place in 2015

How we performed against our 2014 objectives

Target
2.5% reduction in the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (‘LTIFR’)  
(see footnote 1 to Safety Indicators)

Status
X

25% reduction in Accident Severity Index  
(see footnote 2 to Safety Indicators)
All supervisors to be trained in ‘5 Steps Observation Methodology’ 
under the Behaviour Based Safety programme:

To undertake a full impact assessment of moving from DNV GL’s 
ISRS (6th edition) to the 8th edition as the principal form of 
appraising the Group’s Safety Management Information System

Safety Indicators

Fatal accidents

Accidents leading to an absence of one day or more
LTIFR1 
Accident Severity Index2
Accidentability rate3

Commentary
A 48% year-on-year increase in the LTIFR was primarily 
the result of extending the reporting of injuries 
sustained by the main contractor and subcontractors 
involved in the construction of Inmaculada which,  
in 2014, entered the higher-risk construction phase
A 75% reduction in the Accident Severity Index  
was achieved
An additional training programme in this area  
will be delivered during 2015

Assessment was completed under the guidance  
of DNV with transition to the 8th edition expected  
to take place in H2 2015

2014
0

76*

3.07*

149
0.46

2013
2

49

2.08

598
1.24

2012
4

81

3.33

1,058
3.52

2011
3

81

3.63

910
3.30

*  Includes accidents and injuries reported by the Main Contractor and Subcontractors at the Inmaculada Project.

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 accident severity divided by 1,000.

2015 Targets

• To fully transition to the 8th edition of DNV GL’s International Safety Rating System which will incorporate the additional training for 

supervisors under the Behaviour Based Safety programme

• To commission and implement the first five modules of a safety software tool which will facilitate document sharing, legal compliance, 

hazard identification and risk assessment, accident investigation and inspections

 
www.hochschildmining.com 

23

CASE STUDY: TRAVELLING DOCTOR PROGRAMME

The Company has built upon its success with this programme by extending its reach to 
other rural communities and increasing the range of services that the medical mobile 
units are able to offer. Over the course of 2014, the mobile units facilitated over 12,000 
medical consultations providing healthcare to those living in the remotest conditions  
in the Peruvian Andes.

Community medical consultation.

HEALTH & HYGIENE
Underlining the importance we place on 
our people and their wellbeing, the Group’s 
Health & Hygiene department is tasked  
with providing an integrated approach to 
employee welfare.

2014 HIGHLIGHTS 

• The establishment of a Health & Hygiene 

Committee at the Inmaculada Project

• The successful implementation of a 

health referral network

THE HOCHSCHILD APPROACH TO 
HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Underlining the importance we place on 
our people and their wellbeing, the Group’s 
Health & Hygiene department is tasked 
with providing an integrated approach  
to employee welfare. Whilst the Health 
team has been established to ensure that 
employees have access to the relevant 
services and infrastructure to ensure that 
treatment can be provided, the Hygiene 
team looks to reinforce the importance of 

the quality of life at work and seeks to work 
in the prevention of occupational illness.

Given the nature of the work, and the 
two-week shift patterns which result in 
frequent periods of absence from families, 
the Group recognises the importance of 
ensuring the mental wellbeing of its 
employees. For this reason, the Group’s 
Health & Hygiene teams are also trained  
in occupational psychology. 

Our Health & Hygiene teams undertake 
their work in line with the following 
guiding principles:

• Prevention comes first
• Maximising quality of life
• Adopting measures for the long-term 

benefit of our people

• Proactively identifying and controlling 

hazards at source

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014
As the Inmaculada Project advanced to  
the key construction phase, the Health  
& Hygiene team sought to ensure the 
ongoing welfare of company workers  

and contractors. A committee comprising 
representatives from both entities was 
established and meets weekly to address 
that all relevant procedures are complied 
with and that appropriate facilities are 
available. In addition, as indicated below, 
the Health team:

• enhanced data storage at operating units 
through the re-organisation of physical 
records and the use of software to 
maintain electronic records;

• re-structured the organisation of the 
department improving its ability to 
respond effectively to legal and technical 
developments; and

• established a health referral network  
in towns close to our operations. As  
our mine sites are situated in remote 
locations, it is crucial to have access  
to appropriate healthcare facilities in 
neighbouring towns in case of necessity. 
Following meetings with local medical 
professionals, facilities were selected  
and procedures drawn up to ensure  
the ongoing welfare of our workers.

How we performed against our 2014 objectives

Target
To improve data storage facilities at our mine sites

To constantly review and update, as necessary, the structure of the Health & Hygiene department  
to best meet the needs of the organisation
To establish a health referral network in major cities close to our mines 

Health Indicators

Status

Indicator
Average number of medical attendances at Peruvian operations 
and at San José per month
Average number of work-related incidents requiring medical 
attention at Peruvian operations and at San José per month
Average number of occupational health examinations at the 
Group’s Peruvian operations

2014

2013

2012

2011

4,695*

2,614

3,376

3,065

23

507

14

475

18

441

32

396

*   The year-on-year increase is the result of the increase in the number of medical attendances carried out at the Inmaculada Project which entered the higher-risk 

construction phase in 2014.

2015 Targets

• To continue the department’s active participation in national discussions on new regulation in the area of occupational health
• To improve the offering of services to ensure the mental well-being of our workers
• To review our corporate audit procedures on the provision of employee health data to our insurance partners 

Strategic reportp1-35 
24 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 
CONTINUED

OUR PEOPLE
The quality of our people is key to the 
success of the business in achieving its 
strategic objectives and our ongoing 
objective is therefore to attract and retain 
the best people.

2014 HIGHLIGHTS 

• Percentage of workforce trained – 61%
• Average number of hours of training per 

year per employee – 27 hours

CEO roundtable

THE HOCHSCHILD APPROACH  
TO OUR PEOPLE
Training and development
The quality of our people is key to the 
success of the business in achieving its 
strategic objectives and our ongoing 
objective is therefore to attract and retain 
the best people. The Group’s Human 
Resource team adopts various techniques 
to ensure that our people contribute to  
the Company’s success, which include  
the provision of competitive remuneration, 
a positive working environment through 
the promotion of social and recreational 
activities, and ongoing professional 
development.

Group values, labour relations and 
human rights
One of the primary responsibilities of the 
HR team is to ensure the clear ongoing 
communication of the Group’s corporate 
values: Integrity, Teamwork, Quality and 
Excellence, Responsibility and Commitment 
to our People. These values are embodied in 
our Code of Conduct which, amongst other 
things, sets out our commitment to the fair 
treatment of all employees and the right  
to be free of harassment or intimidation  
in the workplace. We recognise the core 
labour rights principles and, in this respect, 
support the right to freedom of association 
and collective bargaining.

Approximately 57% of our total workforce is 
represented by a trade union or similar body.

As a signatory of the Global Compact of the 
United Nations, Hochschild Mining respects 
the human rights of all of the Company’s 
stakeholders including those of our 
employees, our contractors and suppliers, 
as well as our local communities.

The importance placed by the Company  
on human rights is reflected in the Group’s 
training programme which seeks to ensure 
that all employees are aware of their rights 
and the Company’s commitments.

ACTIVITIES IN 2014
The people-focused initiatives during the 
year included the following:

Developing our people
Driven in part by the Cash Optimisation 
Programme, budgets for HR programmes 
were reduced and therefore had to be more 
targeted. As a result, training and 
development in key areas and for key 
positions were prioritised. In Argentina,  
a two-year course, entitled “Developing 
Leaders” was completed during the year 
aimed at enhancing the skills of those  
in the company with managerial 
responsibilities.

Managing our talent
We carried out our internal People Review 
process which focused on mapping talent 
within the organisation and which 
identifies key employees and the 
succession plans for critical positions.

Enhancing the working environment
In light of budgetary constraints, the Group 
has introduced a number of non-financial 
benefits such as flexible working hours for 
Head Office staff over the summer period 
and the holding of regular social events.

Open dialogue
Following on from the programme 
launched in 2013, a series of meetings  
was organised during the year between  
the CEO, key personnel and various 
departments. The aim of these meetings 
was to provide employees with an 
opportunity to raise any concerns with the 
CEO and thereby reducing any uncertainty 
that may have resulted from the Cash 
Optimisation Programme.

www.hochschildmining.com 

25

Arcata employee

Selene workers in the plant

People Indicators

General

Average number of Group employees and contractors
Gender diversity statistics

Number of employees* 
Male

Female

Number of senior managers**
Male

Female

Number of Board Members
Male

Female
Training

Average number of hours of training undertaken per employee 
during the year

Percentage of workforce trained during the year
Labour relations

Number of production days lost as a result of industrial unrest

*  As at 31 December.

2014

2013

2012

2011

5,976

6,853

7,557

6,395

3,468 
229

4,080 
276

31 
2

8 
0

27.31

61%

14

23 
2

8 
0

30.77

79%

16

– 
–

– 
–

– 
–

– 
–

– 
–

– 
–

52.03

90%

7

37.86

90%

28

** Defned as those who qualify under the UK statutory defnition of ‘senior manager’ as at 31 December.

2015 Targets

• Conclude collective negotiations on mutually satisfactory terms
• Oversee optimal resourcing of the Inmaculada Project
• Ensure completion of the technical training plan for the operating units

Strategic reportp1-35 
26 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 
CONTINUED

Children of Chalhuanca

WORKING WITH OUR 
COMMUNITIES
Our relationship with host communities  
is key to the Company’s success and we 
commit resources in acknowledgment  
of our social licence to operate.

2014 HIGHLIGHTS 

• Continued focus on our core areas of 

Education, Health and Socio-economic 
development

• Establishment of local co-operatives to 

promote sustainable development within 
the communities

THE HOCHSCHILD 
APPROACH TO WORKING 
WITH OUR COMMUNITIES
Hochschild Mining acknowledges that 
mining is a long term business which is 
why we place an emphasis on promoting 
sustainability in our dealings with 
local communities.

At the core of our approach is a 
commitment to respecting human rights 
as a signatory of the United Nations Global 
Compact and to following best practice  
as set out in the Group’s Code of Conduct. 
This undertaking informs the way in which 
we establish and maintain relationships 
with our communities and the local 
governmental authorities that host 
our operations.

We endeavour to align our efforts with  
the needs of our host communities  
and the priorities of local government 
demonstrated by the range of initiatives  
we have put in place that go simply  
beyond our supply chain.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS STRATEGY
We strive to develop social programmes 
that have a direct impact on the needs  
of the local communities and that we can 
use our presence to promote education, 
healthcare, employment opportunities  
and socio-economic empowerment.

Given the extent of the budgetary 
challenges faced as a consequence of  
the Cash Optimisation Programme, in 2014 
we built upon existing initiatives to ensure 
continuity and maximise their impact.

How we performed against our 2014 objectives

Target
Continue with the development of our socio-economic 
programmes

Status

Maximise employment opportunities to members  
of the community
Enhance sustainability in the communities living close 
to our Inmaculada project

Community Relations Indicators

Community investment1
Production days lost as a result of community conflict 

Commentary
See the ‘Our Achievements in 2014’ section for a summary  
of the educational, health and socio-economic development 
programmes undertaken during the year
Employment opportunities were offered to members of the local 
communities both directly and in conjunction with our suppliers
Local co-operatives were established as a means of promoting 
economic self sufficiency for local communities 

2014
$1.9m
0

2013
$3.2m
0

2012
$6.5m
0

2011
$7.7m
1

2010
$6.7m
0

1 These fgures represent only the portion of administrative expenditure (excluding corporate support) on social and community welfare activities surrounding  

the Company’s operating units. Total social expenditure by the Group in 2014 and 2013 amounted to $6.7 million and $10.1 million respectively.

2015 Targets

• Continue the development of socio-economic programmes and validate proposals for future innovative initiatives
• Review and restructure, as necessary, the Community Relations team to maximise the efficient delivery of services
• Maximise employment opportunities to members of the community
• Enhance sustainability in the communities living close to our Inmaculada project

www.hochschildmining.com 

27

CASE STUDY: PROMOTING TOMORROW’S TALENT

The Group granted almost 40 scholarships to students from  
Perito Moreno, the closest town to our San José operation in  
the Santa Cruz province of Argentina. Recognising the limited 
opportunities for young people to pursue further education  
in the area, the Group has provided the financial means that 
will enable aspiring students to attend university and achieve 
their professional ambitions.

Students and families attending the presentation

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014
During the year we focused on a number  
of high impact initiatives further details  
of which are provided below.

Education
Elementary Education – Through its  
support of 12 schools in Peru, the Company 
facilitated lessons to over 200 children 
between the first and sixth grade focusing 
on literacy and numeracy. In 2014, we 
continued to commit resources to the  
use of technology as a teaching aid.

Secondary Education – Motivated by a  
need to equip young people with the tools 
they need for the future, the Company 
supported the Life Project for a second year 
in partnership with the Peruvian charity, 
Vision Solidaria. This programme, which 
was delivered to over 450 students, is 
designed to equip students with a range  
of social skills to achieve their personal 
and professional ambitions as they 
transition to adulthood.

Scholarships – Through our Argentinian 
operations, the Company has provided 
scholarships which enable students to 
benefit from further technical studies or 
college. In addition, we have sponsored a 
number of students on various mining 
courses which have resulted in job 
opportunities being offered. 

Health 
Medico de Cabecera (the Travelling Doctor 
programme) – In 2014, we strengthened 
our collaboration with the Peruvian Ministry 
of Health and established cooperation 
agreements with the aim of extending  
the reach of the Medico de Cabecera 
programme to more communities and  
to widen the range of the services offered. 
In 2014, over 12,000 consultations were 
facilitated through the Company’s mobile 
medical units.

Socio-economic development
Digital Chalhuanca – During 2014, the 
Company further built upon the success 
of its flagship project which promotes 
education and local business initiatives to 
the population of Chalhuanca through the 
provision of IT facilities. In its three years  
of operation, over 500 teachers have been 
trained at the IT Centre indirectly benefiting 
over 3,000 students. In addition, 1,200 of 
Chalhuanca’s citizens and almost 200 state 
officials have received IT training catering  
to their specific needs. 

Local Co-operatives – After completion of  
an irrigation system to support agricultural 
activity, families in the communities close 
to the Inmaculada Project were trained in 
growing fresh local produce and, in addition, 
guinea pig breeding. This year, the 
Company will focus on promoting 
sustainable self sufficiency by supporting 
the families as they commence sales to the 
local markets. A similar programme has 
also been overseen by our Argentinian 
operations.

Member of the local co-operatives project

Strategic reportp1-35 
28 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 
CONTINUED

HOCHSCHILD ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

VICE PRESIDENT LEGAL & CORPORATE AFFAIRS

ENVIRONMENTAL 
SUPERINTENDENT 
FOR PROJECTS AND 
EXPLORATIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL 
SUPERINTENDENT 
FOR OPERATIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL 
SUPERINTENDENT 
FOR CLOSURE AND 
REHABILITATION

ENVIRONMENTAL 
CHIEF FOR PERMITS

MANAGING OUR 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
We are committed to ensuring the integrity 
of the environment in which we develop 
our operations and new projects.

2014 HIGHLIGHTS 

• The recruitment of an experienced 
Corporate Environmental Manager  
to head the Company’s efforts in the 
crucial area

• Obtained the ISO 14001:2004 re-
certification of Arcata, Selene, 
Pallancata, and San José for 3 years

THE HOCHSCHILD APPROACH TO 
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 
We are committed to ensuring the integrity 
of the environment in which we develop 
our operations and new projects. Our 
environmental management system has 
been established at a corporate level in 
order to apply best management practices, 
and is backed by the continued ISO 14001 
certification of our operations.

Hochschild Mining recognises that 
environmental and social responsibility 
extends beyond the life of our operations 
and as a result, mine closure plans are  
in place to restore areas where mining 
activity has ceased.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014 
• Obtained approval of the Inmaculada 

revised Project Description.

• Obtained the approval of the Sipan  
and the Crespo Project mine closure.
• Received environmental permits for  

the Puquiopata and the Huachuhuilca 
exploration projects.

• Successfully completed the 

environmental closure of the Cuello 
Cuello and Jasperoide exploration projects. 
This included the closure of access roads, 
drilling platforms and open pits.

• A comprehensive audit of all 

Company waste water treatment 
plants was completed. This analysis 
provided recommendations to improve 
plant efficiencies.

Workers at Pallancata

Arcata plant

 
www.hochschildmining.com 

29

Crespo

How we performed against our 2014 objectives

Target
Update mine closure schedules for Ares, Arcata, Selene, 
Pallancata and Sipan. Additionally, present site closure 
plan for Matarani

Obtain ISO 14001 recertifcation for Arcata, Selene, 
Pallancata, Ares and San José
Initiate the mine closure process for the Ares and Moris 
mining operations

Environmental Indicators1 

Status

Commentary

In progress Obtained approval of the revised Ares and Sipan mine  

closure plans. The plan for Matarani has been presented  
to the authorities for review. Revised plans for Arcata, Selene  
and Pallancata are in progress for submission in Q2 2015
Renewed for 3 years

Not 
applicable

Ares is in care and maintenance and the Moris mine  
has been sold

Average monthly fresh water consumption per metric tonne of treated ore (cubic metres)
Electricity consumption per metric tonne of treated ore (Kw-h)
Diesel consumption per metric tonne of treated ore (gallons)
Number of material environmental incidents across entire operations4
Estimated volume of water withdrawn per day (cubic metres)
Estimated proportion of recycled water used
Estimated volume of water discharged per day (cubic metres)

Greenhouse gas emissions data3 (tonnes of CO2e)
Emissions from combustion of fuel and operation of facilities (tCO2e)
Emissions from purchased electricity (tCO2e)
Emissions intensity, per thousand ounces of total silver equivalent produced (CO2e/k oz)4

1  Includes data for operations in Ares, Arcata, Selene, Pallancata and San José.

2014
0.34
98.95
1.23
0
29,716
36%
26,316

2014
70,994
68,821
4.98

2013
0.15
82.75 
1.18
0
15,538 
 55%
32,878

2013
56,234
72,946
4.89

20122
0.18
88.69
1.53
0
15,925
60%
30,773

2012
–
–
–

2011
0.24
53.29
1.29
0
32,424
69%
37,979

2011
–
–
–

2  From 2012, fgures are based on guidelines and information gathered for the Company’s 2012 GRI Sustainability Report published during the year.  

Data for previous years was calculated using different criteria and is therefore not directly comparable with subsequent years. 

3  Includes data for operations in Ares, Arcata, Selene, Pallancata, San José, Inmaculada, Matarani, Moris and office locations.

4  Total production includes 100% of all production, including attributable to joint venture partners at San José and Pallancata (prior to becoming a wholly 

owned operation). 

2015 Targets

• Launch new corporate environmental KPIs
• Review and update corporate environmental policy, environmental management system and organisation of the department
• Implement efficiencies on waste water and drinking water treatment plants across all units

Strategic reportp1-35 
30 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group’s risk management framework is premised on the continued 
monitoring of the prevailing environment, the risks posed by it and the 
evaluation of potential actions to mitigate those risks. 

RISK PROFILE

The perceived change in the profile of  
each of the Group’s principal risks relative 
to 2013 has been described to assist the 
reader in assessing how the risk has 
evolved during the course of the year  
under review.

significant risks as well as potential actions 
to mitigate those risks are reported to the 
Group’s Audit Committee, which has 
oversight of risk management on behalf  
of the Board. 

The key business risks affecting the Group 
set out in this report remain unchanged 
compared to those disclosed in the 2013 
Risk Management report however, as 
indicated in this report, the profile of a 
number of risks has increased relative to 
2013 reflecting the ongoing challenges 
resulting from the lower and more volatile 
precious metal price environment.

INTRODUCTION
As with all businesses, management of  
the Group’s operations and execution of its 
growth strategies are subject to a number 
of risks, the occurrence of which could 
adversely affect the performance of the 
Group. The Group’s risk management 
framework is premised on the continued 
monitoring of the prevailing environment, 
the risks posed by it, and the evaluation of 
potential actions to mitigate those risks. 

The Risk Committee is responsible for 
implementing the Group’s policy on 
risk management and monitoring the 
effectiveness of controls in support of 
the Group’s business objectives. It meets 
four times a year and more frequently if 
required. The Risk Committee comprises 
the CEO, the Vice Presidents and the head 
of the internal audit function. A ‘live’ risk 
matrix is compiled and updated at each 
Risk Committee meeting and the most 

Risk management methodology

Group  
Objectives set
Board approves the 
Group’s strategic 
objectives

Inherent Risks 
Identified and Analysed
Risks associated with the 
Group’s objectives are: 

• Identified
• Analysed
• Categorised according  
to their impact and 
probability

Monitoring
• Risk Committee  

analyses risks and 
monitors progress  
on implementing  
action plans

• Audit Committee 

considers principal  
risks and actions taken

Existing Controls 
Identified and Evaluated
• Controls that mitigate 
risks are identified 

• Evaluation of  

the effectiveness  
of controls

Action plans designed 
to mitigate risks
• Plans to mitigate 

relevant residual risks 
are designed

• Plans are prioritised 
and implemented

Level of residual  
risk determined
Depending on the 
effectiveness of the 
controls, the residual  
risks are analysed to 
determine whether 
additional controls  
are required

www.hochschildmining.com 

31

FINANCIAL RISKS
Impact
Risk

Mitigation

2014 Commentary

Commodity 
price 
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

Adverse movements 
in precious metals’ 
prices could 
materially impact 
the Group in various 
ways beyond a 
reduction in the 
results of 
operations. These 
include impacts on 
the feasibility of 
projects and 
heightened 
personnel and 
sustainability 
related risks.

•  Constant focus on maintaining  

low cost base

•  Initiatives identifed for 

implementation in the event of a 
low price environment (included 
within the Cash Optimisation  
Plan – see commentary (right))

•  Flexible hedging policy that allows 
the Company to approve hedges 
to mitigate the effect of price 
movements taking into account  
the Group’s asset mix and forecast 
production 

See Market Overview on page 5 for 
further details

The Group maintained the pressure on 
lowering costs and improving efficiencies 
through the Cash Optimisation Programme, 
with its focus on conserving capital and 
optimising cash flow primarily through:

•  reductions in operating and 

administrative costs;

•  minimising sustaining capital expenditure; and

•  refocusing the Group’s exploration strategy.

Signifcant progress was made in the Inmaculada 
project, which will considerably contribute to 
reduce average production costs and will 
materially dilute fxed costs once in operation.

Financial liquidity was ensured via the issue  
of $350m Senior Notes, a $100m credit facility 
and short term lines available to the Group.

The Group hedged part of its 2014 silver and 
gold production to protect cashflow. For further 
details see page 19 of the Financial Review.

Counterparty 
credit risk 
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
UNCHANGED

The Group may risk 
fnancial resources 
through the failure 
of fnancial 
institutions.

OPERATIONAL RISKS
Risk

Impact

•  Surplus cash invested with a diverse 
list of select highly rated fnancial 
institutions within investment 
limits set by the Board

Management has continued to operate  
its policy with oversight by the Board without 
any change during the year.

Mitigation

2014 Commentary

Operational 
performance
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

Failure to meet 
production targets 
and manage the 
cost base could 
adversely impact 
the Group’s 
profitability.

•  Close monitoring by management  
of operational performance, costs  
and capital expenditure 

•  Negotiation of long-term supply 
contracts where appropriate

•  Exploration to increase high  

quality resources

Administrative expenses and sustaining  
capex trended signifcantly downwards during 
2014, primarily as a result of the cost savings 
initiatives implemented under the Cash 
Optimisation Programme.

Production goals at all operations were  
met and 2015 mine plans were thoroughly 
reviewed to ensure a focus on the extraction  
of proftable ounces.

Signifcant progress was made at the Inmaculada 
Project, which, when in production, will materially 
improve the operational flexibility of the Group. 

Strategic reportp1-35 
32 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

OPERATIONAL RISKS CONTINUED

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

2014 Commentary

Delivery of 
Projects
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

Business 
Interruption 
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
UNCHANGED

Unanticipated 
delays in delivering 
projects could have 
negative 
consequences 
including delaying 
cash inflows and 
increasing capital 
costs, which  
could ultimately 
reduce proftability.

Assets used in 
operations may  
break down and 
insurance policies  
may not cover  
against all forms  
of risks.

Exploration and 
Reserve and 
Resource 
Replacement
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

The Group’s 
operating  
margins and  
future proftability 
depend upon  
its ability to  
fnd mineral 
resources and to 
replenish reserves. 

•  Teams comprising specialist 
personnel and world class 
consultants and contractors are 
involved in all aspects of project 
planning and execution

•  Project teams meet with senior 

management on a weekly basis to 
monitor ongoing progress against 
project schedules 

During the year, senior management of the 
Group and the EPC Contractor met regularly  
to monitor progress at the Inmaculada Project 
against schedule which by the end of the year 
reached 86% completion. 

Despite a number of delays, the plant is expected 
to be commissioned in Q2 2015.

Further details on Inmaculada can be found  
on page 12

•  Adequate insurance coverage

•  Management reporting systems  
to support appropriate levels  
of inventory

•  Annual inspections by insurance 

brokers and insurers with 
recommendations addressed in  
order to mitigate operational risks

•  Availability of contingency power 
supplies at all operating units 

•  Implementing and maintaining  

an annual exploration drilling plan 

•  Ongoing evaluation of acquisition 
and joint venture opportunities  
to acquire additional ounces

Insurance advisors conducted site visits and 
completed a full review of operational risks  
to ensure that adequate property damage  
and business interruption risk management 
processes and insurance policies are in place  
at our operations.

Management reporting systems ensured that  
an appropriate level of inventory of critical parts  
is maintained. 

Adequate preventative maintenance 
programmes, supported by the SAP Maintenance 
Module, are in place at the operating units.

The continued focus on cost reduction in 2014 
through the Cash Optimisation Programme 
resulted in a refocusing of exploration activity 
supported by a budget of over $20 million 
which targeted brownfeld exploration at 
current operations, Inmaculada and the 
resourcing of activity at select sites in Mexico 
and Peru.

In 2015, exploration activity will be primarily 
focused on brownfeld exploration in order to 
maintain or improve our resource base. As a 
direct consequence of the continued low price 
environment, the level of greenfeld exploration 
and appraisal of acquisition/joint venture 
opportunities has been signifcantly reduced. 

The substantial reduction in sustaining capital 
expenditure in 2015 could affect the Group’s 
ability to replace reserves at its historic rates.

www.hochschildmining.com 

33

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

2014 Commentary

Reserves stated in  
this Annual Report  
are estimates.

•  Engagement of independent 
experts to undertake annual  
audit of mineral reserve and 
resource estimates 

•  Adherence to the JORC code 

and guidelines therein

The Group engaged P&E Consultants to 
undertake the annual audit of mineral  
reserve and resource estimates.

See page 166 for further details

Exploration and 
Reserve and 
Resource 
Replacement 
(continued)
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
UNCHANGED

Personnel: 
Recruitment  
and retention
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

Inability to retain 
or attract personnel 
through a shortage 
of skilled personnel.

•  The Group’s approach to  

recruitment and retention provides  
for the payment of competitive 
compensation packages, well-
defned career plans and training 
and development opportunities 

Due to the low price environment, there has  
been a signifcant headcount reduction during 
the course of the year, but key personnel have 
been retained. 

In the case of critical position holders, retention 
awards have been granted under the Restricted 
Share Plan which was approved by shareholders 
in December 2014.

Also, the Group has implemented a number of 
low cost/high impact initiatives to improve the 
retention of employees. These include the use  
of non-fnancial benefts (e.g. flexible working 
arrangements for Head Office staff).

The reduction in proftability due to lower 
precious metal prices has resulted in no statutory 
proft sharing for Peruvian mineworkers.

Management has conducted monthly meetings 
with mineworkers and unions during 2014 to 
ensure complete understanding of their 
requirements and concerns and to keep all 
parties updated on the Group’s fnancial 
performance with the aim of preparing the 
groundwork for the 2015 union negotiations. 

Personnel:
Labour relations
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
UNCHANGED

Failure to maintain 
good labour 
relations with 
workers and/or 
unions may result  
in work slowdown, 
stoppage or strike.

•  Development of a tailored labour 
relations strategy focusing on  
proft sharing, working conditions, 
management style, development 
opportunities, motivation and 
communication

Laboratory at San José

Strategic reportp1-35 
 
34 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

MACRO-ECONOMIC RISKS
Risk

Impact

Mitigation

2014 Commentary

•  Local specialised personnel  

continually monitor and react,  
as necessary, to policy changes

•  Active dialogue with  

governmental authorities

•  Participation in local  

industry organisations

Political, legal 
and regulatory
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

Changes in the 
legal, tax and 
regulatory 
landscape could  
result in signifcant 
additional expense, 
restrictions on or 
suspensions of 
operations and may 
lead to delays in the 
development of 
current operations  
and projects. 

Implementation of 
exchange controls 
could impede the 
Group’s ability to 
convert or remit 
hard currency out 
of its operating 
countries.

During the year, the authorities in Peru and 
Argentina either adopted new measures or 
revised their approach with respect to certain 
aspects which impact the mining sector. 

Of these, key developments are:

•  new environmental regulations which have 

increased the powers of, and the scale  
of fnes levied by, the relevant regulators; 

•  new permitting requirements which will  

lead to longer permitting periods and costs;

•  the continued consultation on the law 
requiring the prior consultation with 
indigenous communities, which is expected  
to be implemented in the frst half of 2015.

By virtue of the fact that 2015 is a pre-electoral 
year in Peru, the mining sector is expected to  
be subject to heightened political debate with 
consequences for, amongst other things,  
labour and community relations and the 
regulatory regime.

In Argentina:

•  at a national Federal Government level, foreign 
exchange controls were tightened during  
the year as a result of the country’s sovereign 
debt default;

•  following the implementation of a new regional 
tax on mining companies’ reserves in 2013,  
the Company launched a challenge regarding 
its constitutionality of the provincial law. 
The Supreme Court has decided to hear the case;

•  increased requirements on the import of spare 
parts has placed more pressure on the Group’s 
San José operation; and

•  the Province of Santa Cruz recently increased 
the yearly fee for maintaining certain mining 
concessions by almost 400%.

SUSTAINABILITY RISKS
Risk

Health and 
safety
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
UNCHANGED

Impact
Group employees 
working in the 
mines may be 
exposed to health 
and safety risks. 

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

Mitigation
•  Health & Safety operational policies 
and procedures reflect the Group’s  
zero tolerance approach to accidents 

•  Use of world class DNV safety 

management systems

•  Dedicated personnel to ensure  
the safety of employees at the 
operations via stringent controls, 
training and prevention programmes

•  Rolling programme of training, 

communication campaigns and  
other initiatives promoting safe 
working practices 

•  Use of reporting and management 
information systems to monitor  
the incidence of accidents and  
enable preventative measures  
to be implemented

2014 Commentary
For the frst time since the Company’s IPO in 
2006, the Group achieved its on-going objective 
of Zero Fatalities in 2014. This is reflected in the 
year-on-year reduction in the accident severity 
index for the year, of c. 75% from 598 to 149.

However, the year-on-year accident frequency rate 
has increased by c. 48% (from 2.08 to 3.07) primarily 
due to the fact that accident monitoring has been 
extended to cover the main contractor and 
sub-contractors at the Inmaculada project which 
entered into the higher-risk construction phase.

The Group’s DNV safety management 
information systems at the operating 
units have been given a 7 rating under the 
International System Rating System (v6) 
with Inmaculada achieving a 6 rating. 

As previously reported, a behaviour-based safety 
tool has been developed and implemented at  
all units.

www.hochschildmining.com 

35

SUSTAINABILITY RISKS CONTINUED

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

2014 Commentary

•  The Group has a team responsible 
for environmental management

•  The Group has adopted a number of 
policies and procedures to limit and 
monitor its environmental impact

•  Use of leading environmental 

management information systems

•  The Group conducts annual reviews  

of its mine closure plans for its 
operating units

•  Constructive engagement with 

local communities

•  Community Relations strategy  

focuses on promoting education, 
health and nutrition, and 
sustainable development

•  Allocation of budget and personnel 
for the provision of community 
support activities

•  Policy to actively recruit workers  

from local communities

During the year, the environmental regulator 
(OEFA) increased its oversight activities leading to 
a signifcant increase in fnes and administrative 
actions. In addition, there has been an overall 
increase in the trend of criminal actions pursued 
by rural communities and third-parties in respect 
of environmental issues.

The Cash Optimisation Programme has also 
affected the environmental budget resulting in 
the postponement of capital expenditure for 
infrastructure improvements.

During the year, the Group:

•  succeeded in recertifying the operations in 
Peru and Argentina as compliant with ISO 
14001 for the next three years; and

•  restructured its Environmental team following 

the appointment of a new Corporate 
Environmental Manager.

Despite the reduction of budgets for the Group’s 
community welfare activities as part of the Cash 
Optimisation Programme, the Group continued 
to pursue a number of initiatives benefting the 
communities including:

•  the establishment of local co-operatives to 

promote sustainable economic development 
by enabling communities to trade in local 
produce; and

•  building on the successes of the Travelling 
Doctor programme by extending its reach  
and the scope of its services, and of the 
award-winning Digital Chalhuanca project.

Further details on the Group’s activities to  
mitigate sustainability risks can be found in  
the Sustainability report on pages 20 to 29

Environmental
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

Community 
Relations
Change in risk 
profile vs 2013: 
HIGHER

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

Communities 
living in the areas 
surrounding 
Hochschild’s 
operations may 
oppose the 
activities carried out 
by the Group at 
existing mines or, 
with respect to 
development 
projects and 
prospects, may 
invoke their rights 
to be consulted 
under new laws. 
These actions may 
result in longer lead 
times and 
additional costs for 
exploration and in 
bringing assets into 
production and  
lead to an adverse 
impact on the 
Group’s ability to 
obtain the relevant 
permissions for 
current or future 
projects.

Further information on financial risk can be found in note 38 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Strategic Report, as set out on pages 1 to 35 has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by: 

IGNACIO BUSTAMANTE
Chief Executive Officer
17 March 2015

Strategic reportp1-35 
36 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 
The Board’s role is to provide leadership to the senior management 
team through its collective experience and to monitor progress 
against the Group’s strategic objectives within a prudent framework 
of controls and a managed level of risk. 

  BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

  Eduardo Hochschild 
Chairman 

Roberto Dañino 
Deputy Chairman 

Ignacio Bustamante 
Chief Executive Officer 

Enrico Bombieri 
Senior Independent 
Director

Dr Graham Birch 
Independent Non-
Executive Director 

  Eduardo Hochschild joined  

the Hochschild Group in 1987  
as Safety Assistant at the  
Arcata unit, becoming Head  
of the Hochschild Mining  
Group in 1998 and Chairman  
in 2006. Eduardo has  
numerous directorships, 
amongst them Cementos 
Pacasmayo S.A.A., COMEX 
Peru, Banco de Crédito del  
Perú and a number of  
positions with non-profit 
entities such as TECSUP, the 
Sociedad Nacional de Minería  
y Petróleo and the Conferencia 
Episcopal Peruana. In addition, 
Eduardo serves as Chairman  
of the Board of the Universidad 
de Ingeniería y Tecnología. 

Committee  
membership 
Nominations Committee 
(Chairman) 

Roberto Dañino joined the 
Board in 2006 as an Executive 
Director and became a Non-
Executive Director on 1 January 
2011. In 2001 Roberto served  
in the Peruvian Government as 
Prime Minister and thereafter  
as the country’s Ambassador  
to the United States. Between 
2003 and 2006, Roberto 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 the US  
and founding General  
Counsel of the Inter-American 
Investment Corporation. 
Roberto is Chairman of  
Fosfatos del Pacifico S.A.,  
part of the Cementos 
Pacasmayo Group of 
companies, amongst various 
other boards. He is a graduate  
of Harvard Law School and 
Universidad Católica del Perú. 

Committee  
membership 
CSR Committee (Chairman) 

  SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

Isac Burstein 
Vice President, 
Exploration & Business 
Development  

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. Isac 
assumed responsibility for the 
Group’s exploration activities 
in February 2014. Isac holds a 
BSc in Geological Engineering 
from the Universidad 
Nacional de Ingeniería, an 
MSc in Geology from the 
University of Missouri and  
an MBA from Krannert  
School of Management, 
Purdue University. 

  Ramón Barúa 
Chief Financial Officer 

  Ramón Barúa was appointed 
CFO of Hochschild Mining on 
1 June 2010. Prior to his 
appointment, he served as 
CEO of Fosfatos del Pacifico 
S.A., owned by Cementos 
Pacasmayo, an associate 
company of the Hochschild 
Group. During 2008, Ramón 
was the General Manager for 
Hochschild Mining’s Mexican 
operations, having previously 
worked as Deputy CEO and 
CFO of Cementos Pacasmayo. 
Prior to joining Hochschild, 
Ramon was a Vice President 
of Debt Capital Markets with 
Deutsche Bank in New York 
for four years and a sales 
analyst with Banco Santander 
in Peru. Ramón is an 
economics graduate  
of Universidad de Lima and 
holds an MBA from Columbia 
Business School. 

38 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2013 

Ignacio Bustamante joined  
the Board as CEO in April  
2010. He previously served  
as Chief Operating Officer  
(from January 2008) and prior  
to that as General Manager  
of the Group’s Peruvian 
operations. Ignacio served  
as Chief Financial Officer of 
Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.,  
an affiliate of the Company, 
between 1998 and 2003,  
and as a Board member from 
2003 to 2007. Ignacio is a 
graduate of Business and 
Accounting, having studied  
at the Universidad del Pacífico  
in Peru and he holds an MBA 
from Stanford University. 

Committee  
membership 
CSR Committee 

Enrico Bombieri joined the 
Board on 1 November 2012.  
He previously served as Head  
of Investment Banking for 
Europe, Middle East and  
Africa (‘EMEA’) at JP Morgan. 
After joining JP Morgan in  
1989, Enrico held a variety of 
positions in the London and 
Milan offices. In addition to 
acting as Head of Investment 
Banking for EMEA, Enrico  
also served as a member  
of JP Morgan’s Executive 
Committee, the Investment 
Bank’s Operating Committee 
and the European  
Management Committee. 
 Prior to joining JP Morgan,  
Mr Bombieri worked for 
Guinness Mahon in London  
and Lehman Brothers in  
New York and London. 

Committee  
membership 
Audit Committee  
CSR Committee  
Nominations Committee 

Dr Graham Birch joined the 
Board in July 2011. Prior to his 
retirement in 2009, Graham 
was a Director of BlackRock 
Commodities Investment  
Trust plc and manager of 
BlackRock’s World Mining  
Trust and Gold and General  
Unit Trust. Previously he  
worked at Kleinwort Benson 
Securities and Ord 
Minnett/Fleming Ord Minnett 
before joining Mercury Asset 
Management in 1993, where  
he launched a number of 
mining and natural resources 
funds. In 1997, Mercury Asset 
Management was acquired  
by Merrill Lynch Investment 
Managers which was itself 
eventually acquired by 
BlackRock in 2006. Graham has 
a PhD in mining geology from 
Imperial College London and is 
currently Senior Non-Executive 
Director of Petropavlovsk Plc. 

Committee  
membership 
Audit Committee 
CSR Committee 

Eduardo Landin 
Chief Operating Officer 

José Augusto Palma 
Vice President, Legal & 
Corporate Affairs  

Eduardo Villar  
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. 

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 
subsequently at 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 practise as a 
lawyer in Mexico, New York 
and the District of Columbia. 
Prior to his current role, José 
served as VP Legal. 

Eduardo Landin was 
appointed COO of Hochschild 
Mining on 25 March 2013, 
having previously served as 
General Manager of the 
Company’s operations in 
Argentina. In 2011, he became 
General Manager of Projects 
with direct responsibility over 
the development of 
Inmaculada and Crespo. 
Before joining the Company, 
Eduardo held the position of 
Corporate Development 
Manager at Cementos 
Pacasmayo and, prior to that, 
he served in the Government 
of Peru’s Ministry of Energy 
and Mines. Eduardo holds a 
B.Eng in Mechanical 
Engineering from Imperial 
College London and an 
Executive MBA from the 
Universidad de Piura, Peru. 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

The Board’s role is to provide leadership to the senior management 

team through its collective experience and to monitor progress 

against the Group’s strategic objectives within a prudent framework 

of controls and a managed level of risk. 

  Eduardo Hochschild joined  

Roberto Dañino joined the 

Ignacio Bustamante joined  

Enrico Bombieri joined the 

Dr Graham Birch joined the 

the Hochschild Group in 1987  

Board in 2006 as an Executive 

as Safety Assistant at the  

Director and became a Non-

Arcata unit, becoming Head  

Executive Director on 1 January 

the Board as CEO in April  

2010. He previously served  

as Chief Operating Officer  

Board on 1 November 2012.  

Board in July 2011. Prior to his 

He previously served as Head  

retirement in 2009, Graham 

of Investment Banking for 

was a Director of BlackRock 

Commodities Investment  

of the Hochschild Mining  

2011. In 2001 Roberto served  

(from January 2008) and prior  

Europe, Middle East and  

Group in 1998 and Chairman  

in the Peruvian Government as 

to that as General Manager  

Africa (‘EMEA’) at JP Morgan. 

Trust plc and manager of 

in 2006. Eduardo has  

numerous directorships, 

amongst them Cementos 

Pacasmayo S.A.A., COMEX 

Peru, Banco de Crédito del  

Perú and a number of  

positions with non-profit 

Prime Minister and thereafter  

as the country’s Ambassador  

to the United States. Between 

2003 and 2006, Roberto was 

Senior Vice President and 

of the Group’s Peruvian 

operations. Ignacio served  

as Chief Financial Officer of 

After joining JP Morgan in  

BlackRock’s World Mining  

1989, Enrico held a variety of 

Trust and Gold and General  

positions in the London and 

Unit Trust. Previously he  

Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.,  

Milan offices. In addition to 

worked at Kleinwort Benson 

an affiliate of the Company, 

acting as Head of Investment 

Securities and Ord 

General Counsel of the World 

between 1998 and 2003,  

Banking for EMEA, Enrico  

Bank Group and Secretary 

and as a Board member from 

also served as a member  

entities such as TECSUP, the 

General of ICSID. Previously,  

Sociedad Nacional de Minería  

he was a partner of Wilmer, 

y Petróleo and the Conferencia 

Cutler & Pickering in the US  

2003 to 2007. Ignacio is a 

graduate of Business and 

of JP Morgan’s Executive 

Committee, the Investment 

he launched a number of 

Accounting, having studied  

Bank’s Operating Committee 

mining and natural resources 

Episcopal Peruana. In addition, 

and founding General  

at the Universidad del Pacífico  

and the European  

Eduardo serves as Chairman  

Counsel of the Inter-American 

in Peru and he holds an MBA 

Management Committee. 

of the Board of the Universidad 

Investment Corporation. 

from Stanford University. 

 Prior to joining JP Morgan,  

Committee  

membership 

CSR Committee 

Guinness Mahon in London  

eventually acquired by 

Mr Bombieri worked for 

and Lehman Brothers in  

New York and London. 

Committee  

membership 

Audit Committee  

CSR Committee  

Nominations Committee 

Minnett/Fleming Ord Minnett 

before joining Mercury Asset 

Management in 1993, where  

funds. In 1997, Mercury Asset 

Management was acquired  

by Merrill Lynch Investment 

Managers which was itself 

BlackRock in 2006. Graham has 

a PhD in mining geology from 

Imperial College London and is 

currently Senior Non-Executive 

Director of Petropavlovsk Plc. 

Committee  

membership 

Audit Committee 

CSR Committee 

de Ingeniería y Tecnología. 

Committee  

membership 

Nominations Committee 

(Chairman) 

Roberto is Chairman of  

Fosfatos del Pacifico S.A.,  

part of the Cementos 

Pacasmayo Group of 

companies, amongst various 

other boards. He is a graduate  

of Harvard Law School and 

Universidad Católica del Perú. 

Committee  

membership 

CSR Committee (Chairman) 

  SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

  Ramón Barúa 

Isac Burstein 

Chief Financial Officer 

Vice President, 

Eduardo Landin 

José Augusto Palma 

Eduardo Villar  

Chief Operating Officer 

Vice President, Legal & 

Vice President,  

Corporate Affairs  

Human Resources  

Exploration & Business 

Development  

  Ramón Barúa was appointed 

CFO of Hochschild Mining on 

Group as a geologist in 1995. 

appointed COO of Hochschild 

Hochschild in July 2006 after  

with the Group since 1996. 

Isac Burstein joined the  

Eduardo Landin was 

José Augusto Palma joined 

Eduardo Villar has been  

1 June 2010. Prior to his 

appointment, he served as 

CEO of Fosfatos del Pacifico 

S.A., owned by Cementos 

Pacasmayo, an associate 

Prior to his current position, 

Isac served as Manager for 

Project Evaluation, Exploration 

Manager for Mexico, and 

Exploration Geologist. Isac 

Mining on 25 March 2013, 

having previously served as 

General Manager of the 

Company’s operations in 

United States, where he  

was a partner at the law  

firm of Swidler Berlin, and 

Argentina. In 2011, he became 

subsequently at the World 

served as Human Resources 

Manager, Deputy HR 

Manager and Legal Counsel. 

Eduardo holds a law degree 

a 13-year legal career in the 

Prior to his current position, he 

company of the Hochschild 

assumed responsibility for the 

General Manager of Projects 

Bank. He also served two years 

from the Universidad de Lima 

Group. During 2008, Ramón 

Group’s exploration activities 

with direct responsibility over 

in the Government of Peru. 

and an MBA from the 

was the General Manager for 

in February 2014. Isac holds a 

the development of 

José has law degrees from 

Universidad Peruana de 

Hochschild Mining’s Mexican 

BSc in Geological Engineering 

Inmaculada and Crespo. 

Georgetown University and 

Ciencias Aplicadas. 

operations, having previously 

from the Universidad 

worked as Deputy CEO and 

Nacional de Ingeniería, an 

CFO of Cementos Pacasmayo. 

MSc in Geology from the 

Prior to joining Hochschild, 

University of Missouri and  

Ramon was a Vice President 

an MBA from Krannert  

of Debt Capital Markets with 

School of Management, 

Deutsche Bank in New York 

Purdue University. 

Before joining the Company, 

the Universidad 

Eduardo held the position of 

Iberoamericana in Mexico and 

Corporate Development 

Manager at Cementos 

is admitted to practise as a 

lawyer in Mexico, New York 

Pacasmayo and, prior to that, 

and the District of Columbia. 

he served in the Government 

Prior to his current role, José 

served as VP Legal. 

for four years and a sales 

analyst with Banco Santander 

in Peru. Ramón is an 

economics graduate  

of Universidad de Lima and 

holds an MBA from Columbia 

Business School. 

38 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2013 

of Peru’s Ministry of Energy 

and Mines. Eduardo holds a 

B.Eng in Mechanical 

Engineering from Imperial 

College London and an 

Executive MBA from the 

Universidad de Piura, Peru. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

37

  BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

  Eduardo Hochschild 

Chairman 

Roberto Dañino 

Deputy Chairman 

Ignacio Bustamante 

Enrico Bombieri 

Chief Executive Officer 

Senior Independent 

Director

Dr Graham Birch 

Independent Non-

Executive Director 

Sir Malcolm Field 
Independent Non-
Executive Director 

Jorge Born Jr. 
Independent Non-
Executive Director 

Nigel Moore 
Independent Non-
Executive Director

Sir Malcolm Field joined the 
Board in 2006. He serves as  
a Non-Executive Director of 
Petropavlovsk Plc and Ray 
Berndtson. Between 2002  
and 2006, Sir Malcolm served 
as Chairman of Tube Lines 
Limited, one of the London 
Underground consortia and, 
from 2001 to 2006, as an 
external policy adviser to  
the UK’s Department of 
Transport. Sir Malcolm was 
BOARD INDEPENDENCE
Group Managing Director  
of WH Smith plc between 
1982 and 1993 and served as 
Chief Executive from 1993  
to 1996. From 1996 to  
2001, Sir Malcolm chaired  
the Civil Aviation Authority.  
Sir Malcolm has held non-
executive directorships 
with numerous companies, 
including Scottish and 
Newcastle plc and Evolution 
Beeson Gregory. 

3/8

Jorge Born Jr. joined the Board 
in 2006. He is the President 
and Chief Executive Officer  
of Bomagra S.A. and a Director 
of Caldenes S.A., a Bomagra 
group company. Jorge is also  
a Director of Dufry AG Zurich 
and President of the Bunge 
and Born Charitable 
Foundation. Previously, Jorge 
served as a Director and 
Deputy Chairman of Bunge 
Limited having served as  
Head of European operations 
from 1992 to 1997 and as 
Head of UK operations from 
1989 to 1992.  

Committee 
membership 
Nominations Committee 
Remuneration Committee 
(Chairman) 
5/8

Nigel Moore joined the Board  
in 2006. He is a Chartered 
Accountant and currently 
serves as Chairman of JKX  
Oil & Gas plc. He also serves 
currently as a Non-Executive 
Director of The Vitec Group plc 
and Ascent Resources plc, 
where he is also Chairman of 
the Audit Committee. Nigel 
was a Partner at Ernst & 
Young from 1973 to 2003, 
during which time he was 
responsible in particular for 
the provision of audit services 
for several of the firm’s 
significant clients. He also 
served as the firm’s Regional 
Managing Partner for Eastern 
Europe and Russia from 
1989 to 1996. 

Committee 
membership 
Audit Committee (Chairman) 
Remuneration Committee 

Committee 
membership 
Audit Committee 
•  Independent Directors
Remuneration Committee 
Nominations Committee 
•  Non-Independent Directors

LENGTH OF TENURE OF INDEPENDENT 
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

BOARD INDEPENDENCE

3/5

•  0-3 Years
•  3-6 Years
•  6 Years +

1/5

3/8

1/5

5/8

•  Independent Directors
•  Non-Independent Directors

LENGTH OF TENURE OF INDEPENDENT 
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

1/5

1/5

3/5

•  0-3 Years

•  3-6 Years

•  6 Years +

www.hochschildmining.com 

39  

Governance p36-85 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
38 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

The Directors present their report for the year ended  
31 December 2014. 

DIVIDEND 
The Directors did not declare any dividend in respect of the 
year ended 31 December 2014 and a final dividend is not 
being recommended (2013 total dividend: nil).  

The trustee of the Hochschild Mining Employee Share Trust  
(‘the Employee Trust’) has waived the right to dividend payments 
on shares held by the Employee Trust. 

DIRECTORS 
The names, functions and biographical details of the Directors 
serving at the date of this report are given on pages 36 and 37. 

All Directors were in office for the duration of the year  
under review. 

Each of the Directors will be retiring at the forthcoming Annual 
General Meeting and seeking re-election by shareholders in line 
with the recommendation of the UK Corporate Governance Code. 

DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE 
The Company’s Articles of Association 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 his duties as Director 
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 judgment 
is given against him. 

The Company has purchased and maintains liability insurance  
for its Directors and officers as permitted by law. 

POLITICAL AND CHARITABLE DONATIONS 
The Company does not make political donations. During the year, 
the Group spent $1.94 million1 on social and community welfare 
activities surrounding its mining units (2013: $3.22 million). 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 
The requirements for a Corporate Governance Statement are 
fulfilled by the Corporate Governance report on pages 40 to 50. 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 
Disclosures relating to the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions 
can be found in the Sustainability report on page 29. 

1  Figure represents only the portion of administrative expenditure (excluding 
corporate support) on social and community welfare activities surrounding 
the company’s operating units. Total social expenditure in 2014 amounted  
to $6.7 million (2013: $10 million). 

40 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT 
Pelham Investment Corporation (the ‘Major Shareholder’), 
Eduardo Hochschild (who, together with the Major Shareholder 
are collectively referred to as the ‘Controlling Shareholders’)  
and the Company entered into a relationship agreement  
(‘the Relationship Agreement’) in preparation for the Company’s 
IPO in 2006 and which was amended and restated during 2014.  

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, 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.  

Further details of the Relationship Agreement with regard to the 
conduct of the Major Shareholder are set out in the Corporate 
Governance report on page 41 and, with regard to the right to 
appoint Directors to the Board, are set out on page 54. 

As required by the FCA Listing Rules, the Directors confirm that, 
with respect to the year under review: 

(i)  the Company has complied with the independence 

provisions included in the Relationship Agreement; and 

(ii) so far as the Company is aware: 

(a) the independence provisions included in the Relationship 
Agreement have been complied with by the Controlling 
Shareholders or any of their associates; and 

(b) the procurement obligation included in the Relationship 
Agreement has been complied with by the Controlling 
Shareholders. 

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. In keeping with 
the approach agreed by the Board, Directors’ conflicts were 
reviewed during the year under review. 

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. 

 
 
 
 
 
www.hochschildmining.com 

39

POLICY ON FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT 
The Company’s objectives and policies on financial risk 
management can be found in note 38 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. Information on the Company’s exposures 
to foreign currency, commodity prices, credit, equity, liquidity, 
interest rate and capital risks can be found in this note. 

GOING CONCERN  
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely  
to affect its future development, performance and position are  
set out in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 35. The financial 
position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowings are described in the Financial Review on pages 14  
to 19. In addition, note 38 to the financial statements includes  
the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its 
capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its 
financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposure  
to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

As described in the Market Overview on page 5, the trading 
environment in 2014 was a challenging one characterised  
by low and volatile precious metal prices. 

The Group has taken decisive action to mitigate the impact of 
further downturns in prices, primarily through the cost reduction 
initiatives implemented as part of the Cash Optimisation Plan 
and, to a lesser extent, the hedging arrangements put in place in 
respect of 6 million ounces of silver and 38,000 ounces of gold of 
the current year’s production. The Group has further strengthened 
its financial position through the issue of $350m 7.75% Senior 
Notes and the drawdown of the $100m Credit facility negotiated 
in 2014 . In addition, in 2015, the Group has also drawn down 
short- term credit facilities of $75 million. 

During 2014 and, most recently in the process of considering 
these financial statements, the Board has reviewed the actions 
that could be pursued as part of a contingency plan in the event 
that price conditions deteriorate further. 

In conclusion, having considered financial forecasts and 
projections which take into account (i) possible changes in the 
price of silver and gold; (ii) the Group’s expenditure including its 
capital commitments for the Inmaculada project; and (iii) the 
lower average cost of production and the dilution of fixed costs 
brought about by the commencement of the Inmaculada mine, 
the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and 
the Company have adequate resources, including access to 
contingent resources, that would see it continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual 
financial statements. 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (‘AGM’) 
The ninth AGM of the Company will be held at 9.30 am on  
15 May 2015 at the offices of Linklaters LLP. The shareholder 
circular incorporating the Notice of AGM will be sent separately  
to shareholders or, for those who have elected to receive  
electronic communications, will be available for viewing at 
www.hochschildmining.com 

The shareholder circular contains details of the business to be 
considered at the meeting.  

AUDITORS 
A resolution to reappoint Ernst & Young LLP as Auditors will be 
put to shareholders at the forthcoming 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 418(2) of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS WITH RESPECT TO THE 
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
As required by the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors 
confirm that they consider that the Annual Report, taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy. 

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 of the 
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole; and 

  the Management report (which comprises the Strategic report, 
this Directors’ report and the other parts of this Annual Report 
incorporated therein by reference) 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. 

On behalf of the Board 

RAJ BHASIN 
Company Secretary 
17 March 2015 

www.hochschildmining.com 

41  

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
40 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT 

IN THIS REPORT 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER

The Board, its workings and how  
it performed in 2014  
see page 41 

Audit Committee 
see page 44 

Nominations Committee  
see page 48 

Corporate Social  
Responsibility Committee  
see page 49 

Remuneration Committee  
see page 50 

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

The Board takes its governance responsibilities extremely seriously as they serve as a 
robust foundation upon which the Company can achieve its operational and strategic 
objectives successfully. This has taken on an increased level of significance in the past 
year given the continued challenging environment for the mining sector. 

These conditions have led the Board to consider the issue of risks more closely as  
we have proceeded to continue the implementation of cost reduction initiatives  
across the business. 

During the year, the Audit Committee has overseen the risk management process and 
the Board has considered not only the risks that could endanger our strategy (and which 
are discussed in the Risk Management section of this Annual Report) but also the risks 
that are associated with the low price environment and the risks of the mitigating 
actions taken by management that we have overseen. 

The Board acknowledges that in such a turbulent market environment, continuity at 
Board level provides a bedrock of stability and for this reason, I am grateful to my fellow 
Board Members for their support in suspending our Non-Executive succession plans for 
the time being. The Board is mindful of the benefits of a refreshed Board composition 
which we will embark on implementing at the appropriate time. 

At the end of last year, the Company announced my decision to assume a Non-Executive 
chairmanship of the Company. This decision does not signal my stepping back from the 
business but, rather, is indicative of our commitment to strong governance. I look forward 
to reporting on these new arrangements in the 2015 Annual Report. 

If you should have any queries arising from this report, please do not hesitate to  
contact me. 

EDUARDO HOCHSCHILD 
Chairman 
17 March 2015 

www.hochschildmining.com 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.hochschildmining.com 

41

INTRODUCTION  
This report, together with the Directors’ remuneration report, 
describes how the Company has applied the Main Principles of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’) (2012 edition)  
in respect of the year ended 31 December 2014. A copy of the 
Code is available on the website of the Financial Reporting 
Council (‘FRC’) at www.frc.org.uk 

Disclosures to be included in the Corporate Governance report  
in relation to share structure, shareholder agreements and the 
Company’s constitutional provisions pursuant to the Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules are provided in the Supplementary 
Information section on pages 51 to 54. 

This report reflects the arrangements in place during 2014 and 
does not, therefore, reflect Eduardo Hochschild’s Non-Executive 
chairmanship that was assumed with effect from 1 January 2015. 

STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 
The Board confirms that, in respect of the year under review,  
the Group has complied with the provisions contained in the 
Code except that: 

(i)  contrary to the Main Principle of Section D, a significant  

part of the remuneration of Eduardo Hochschild, who held 
the position of Executive Chairman until 31 December 2014, 
was not performance-related.  
As previously reported, the Chairman’s remuneration 
arrangements were reviewed in early 2010. In agreeing  
the structure, the Board felt that the arrangements should 
reflect the importance of his contribution to the long-term 
strategic development of the Group and his current significant 
shareholding. For this reason, a package comprising fixed 
elements only was considered to be the most appropriate; and 

(ii) for the reasons set out in the section of this report entitled 

‘External Board Evaluation’, the Board has not undertaken an 
externally facilitated Board evaluation in the past three years 
as recommended by Code Provision B.6.2. 

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

There is an agreed schedule of matters reserved for the Board 
which includes the approval of annual and half-yearly results,  
the Group’s strategy, the annual budget and major items of 
capital expenditure. 

Composition 
During 2014, the Board comprised two Executive Directors;  
the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, and six  
Non-Executive Directors. 

Chairman and Chief Executive 
In the year under review, the Company was jointly led by the then 
Executive Chairman, Eduardo Hochschild, and the Chief Executive 
Officer, Ignacio Bustamante. 

The division of responsibilities between the Chairman and  
the CEO has been set out in writing and has been approved  
by the Board. 

The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer were collectively 
responsible for the formulation of the vision and long-term 
corporate strategy of the Group, the approval of which is a  
matter for the Board. 

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

Whilst the Chairman is not considered to be independent as  
the majority shareholder of the Company, the Board is satisfied 
that, given its structure, decisions can be made without any  
one Director exercising undue influence. This specific issue is  
the subject of discussion as part of the annual Board evaluation 
process which, in 2014, concluded that this view is maintained. 

Additional safeguards come in the form of the Relationship 
Agreement originally entered into by Eduardo Hochschild,  
Pelham Investment Corporation (‘the Major Shareholder’) and  
the Company prior to the IPO in November 2006, which ensured 
that the Company and its subsidiaries are capable of carrying  
on their business independently of the controlling shareholders  
at that time and of their respective associates. 

The Relationship Agreement was reviewed by the Board during 
the year following the implementation of new Listing Rules 
applicable to listed companies with controlling shareholders  
(the ‘New Listing Rules’). As a result, an amended and restated 
Relationship Agreement was approved and adopted which, in 
addition to being the subject of a general update, incorporates 
revised independence provisions reflecting the language of the 
New Listing Rules.  

Under the terms of the agreement, each of Eduardo Hochschild 
and the Major Shareholder covenants that: 

(i)  all transactions with the Company (and its subsidiaries)  

will be conducted at arm’s length and on normal  
commercial terms; 

(ii) neither of them (nor their associates) (the ‘Relevant Parties’) 
will take any action that would have the effect of preventing 
the Company from complying with its obligations under the 
Listing Rules; 

(iii) the Relevant Parties will not propose, and neither will they 
procure the proposal of, a shareholder resolution intended  
or which appears to be intended to circumvent the proper 
application of the Listing Rules; and 

(iv) the Relevant Parties will not take any action that would 

preclude or inhibit any member of the Group from carrying 
on its business independently of any of them. 

The confirmations required to be given by the Board under  
the New Listing Rules can be found in the Directors’ Report  
on page 38. 

43 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
42 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED 

Senior Independent Director 
During the year under review, Enrico Bombieri acted as the  
Senior Independent Director and, as such, was available to  
act as a sounding board for the Chairman as necessary. 

Mr Bombieri was available to meet with major shareholders 
during the year if their concerns were not resolved by the 
executive management team. 

Non-Executive Directors 
All of the Company’s Non-Executive Directors hold, or have held, 
senior positions in the corporate sector and bring their experience 
and independent perspective to enhance the Board’s capacity to 
help develop proposals on strategy and to oversee and grow the 
operations within a sound framework of corporate governance. 

Details of the tenure of appointment of Non-Executive Directors 
are provided in the Directors’ remuneration report. 

Independence of the Non-Executive Directors 
The Board considers that all of the Non-Executive Directors  
are independent of the Company with the exception of Roberto 
Dañino in light of his previous role as an Executive Director and 
his ongoing role as Special Adviser to the Chairman and senior 
management team. 

In reaching this conclusion, the Board took into account the 
following circumstances which were not considered to be of  
a nature to materially interfere with the exercise of the relevant 
Director’s independent judgment: 

  Enrico Bombieri’s employment, until February 2010, with  
JP Morgan, an affiliate of one of the Company’s corporate 
brokers, JP Morgan Cazenove. 

  Dr Graham Birch’s previous positions as Director of BlackRock 

Commodities Investment Trust plc, and Manager of Blackrock’s 
World Mining Trust and Gold and General Unit Trust, given 
BlackRock’s status as one of the Company’s largest 
shareholders. 

  Dr Graham Birch and Sir Malcolm Field both serve on the Board 

of Petropavlovsk Plc. 

Board Meetings held in 2014 
There were six Board meetings held in 2014 comprising  
five scheduled meetings and one ad hoc meeting convened  
in connection with the issue of the Group’s $350m 7.75%  
Senior Notes. 

Attendance of the Directors at these meetings is summarised  
in the following table: 

Eduardo Hochschild 

Roberto Dañino 

Dr Graham Birch 

Enrico Bombieri 

Jorge Born Jr.  

Ignacio Bustamante  

Sir Malcolm Field  

Nigel Moore  

Maximum 
possible 
attendance   
6   

Actual 
attendance
5

6   

6   

6   

6   

6   

6   

6   

6

6

6

5

6

6

6

Directors usually receive a full pack of papers for consideration  
at least five working days in advance of each scheduled Board 
meeting and, in the event a Director is unable to attend, 
comments are encouraged to be fed back to the Chairman of the 
relevant meeting who ensures that all views are represented. 

Senior executives of the organisation are invited to attend  
Board meetings and to make presentations on their areas  
of responsibility. 

In addition to the regular updates from across the business, the 
principal matters considered by the Board during 2014 were: 

Financial 
  the terms and subsequent issue of $350m 7.75% Senior  
Notes in connection with the acquisition of International 
Minerals Corporation 

  the recommendations of the Audit Committee to adopt  
the 2013 Annual Report and Accounts and the 2014  
Half-Yearly Report 

  the $100m medium-term loan with Scotiabank 
  updates on the implementation of the phases of the  

Cash Optimisation Plan and revised financial forecasts 

  ongoing financing options 
  the 2015 Budget 

Strategy 
  the Group’s strategic plan 
  hedging strategy 

Business performance 
  detailed updates on progress at the Inmaculada Project 
  the revised focus of the Group’s business development  

and exploration activities 

Risk 
  review of the strategic risks faced by the Group  
  monitoring of the risks resulting from the Cash  

Optimisation Plan 

Governance 
  review and subsequent adoption of, a revised Relationship 

Agreement following changes to the Listing Rules (see earlier 
section entitled ‘Chairman and Chief Executive’) 

  regular updates from the Company Secretary on relevant 
developments in corporate governance including the 
regulatory framework governing listed companies 
  an update on the implementation of the 2013 Board 

evaluation recommendations, the outcome of the 2014 Board 
evaluation and the form of the 2015 Board evaluation process  

  the annual reviews of Directors’ conflicts of interest and the 

independence of Non-Executive Directors 

  the assumption, by Eduardo Hochschild, of a Non-Executive 

chairmanship of the Company 

  the reduction in Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration 

Sustainability 
  presentations on the Group’s Environmental and Community 

Relations functions and their respective strategies 

In between Board meetings, Directors are kept informed  
of latest developments through monthly management  
reports on the Company’s operations, exploration activity  
and financial situation. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

44  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.hochschildmining.com 

43

Appointments and re-election of Directors 
Board nominations are recommended to the Board by the 
Nominations Committee. 

The Code recommends that directors of FTSE 350 companies  
seek re-election by shareholders on an annual basis, a practice 
that was adopted by the Company in 2011. Biographies of the 
Directors can be found on pages 36 and 37. 

Under the terms of the Relationship Agreement, the Major 
Shareholder has (i) 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 (ii) 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% of the issued share capital or voting rights of the Company. 

To date, the Major Shareholder has not exercised this right. 

BOARD DEVELOPMENT 
It is the responsibility of the Chairman to ensure that the 
Directors update their knowledge and their skills and are provided 
with the necessary resources to continue to do so. This is achieved 
through the various means described as follows. 

Induction 
New Board appointees are offered the opportunity to meet with 
key management personnel and the Company’s principal advisers 
as well as undertaking visits to the Group’s operations. 

Briefings 
The Directors receive regular briefings from the Company 
Secretary on their responsibilities as Directors of a UK listed 
company and on relevant developments in the area of corporate 
governance. In addition, the Directors have ongoing access to the 
Company’s officers and advisers. 

Advice 
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. 

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. 

BOARD EVALUATION 
The Board is committed to the process of continuous 
improvement which is achieved in particular by the internally  
led Board evaluation process. 

Implementation of 2013 Board evaluation 
A number of actions were taken during the year as a consequence 
of the findings from the 2013 Board evaluation process. 

These actions included: 

  the recomposition of the CSR Committee under the 

chairmanship of Roberto Dañino; 
in-depth discussions on commodity markets and market risk; 
  a review of the Group’s approach to exploration following the 

 

re-organisation of the exploration function; and 

  extending the scope of the Group’s reporting of risk to  
also address the specific risks emanating from the Cash 
Optimisation Plan and the associated mitigating actions. 

2014 BOARD EVALUATION 
In keeping with past practice, the 2014 Board evaluation process was undertaken through one-to-one interviews conducted  
by the Senior Independent Director assisted by the Company Secretary. 

The interviews were structured to seek Directors’ views on a number of subject areas. 

The Board 
  The composition of the Board, focusing on the skills required 

Specific matters arising during the year 
  The implementation of the various phases of the Cash 

to fulfil its responsibilities and gender diversity  

Optimisation Plan 

  Board process and dynamics 
  Strategic planning and governance 

The Committees 
  Composition and overall workings 

 

Identifying opportunities to enhance the committees’ roles 

  Reviewing specific aspects of each Committee’s role as  

a means of evaluating its performance 

  A review of the Company’s resilience to a continued  

low precious metal price environment 

In addition to the above, Directors were requested to provide 
feedback on the performance of fellow Board members. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

45  

Governance p36-85 
 
44 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED 

2014 Board evaluation 
Evaluation of the Board and Committees 
The findings relating to the evaluation of the Board and the 
Committees were considered collectively by the Chairman  
and Enrico Bombieri as the Senior Independent Director and  
the resulting recommendations were discussed and, where 
appropriate, approved by the Board. 

Evaluation of the Chairman 
The outcome of the Chairman’s performance evaluation was 
collated by Enrico Bombieri and considered by the Non-Executive 
Directors collectively before being relayed to the Chairman. 

Outcome 
The principal recommendations arising from the 2014 Board 
evaluation process can be summarised as follows: 

  the resumption of Non-Executive succession planning, taking 
into account the benefits of gender diversity, following the 
temporary suspension of the plan in light of the volatile 
commodity markets; 

  the ongoing review of senior management succession plans 
following the headcount reductions implemented as part  
of the Cash Optimisation Plan; 

  enhancing the flow of communication between the 

Committees and the Board; and 

  reducing the number and length of Board papers to allow 
sufficient time for the discussion of critical strategic issues. 

External Board evaluation 
The Directors consider that the annual internally led evaluation 
process has resulted in many enhancements to the way the Board 
and its Committees discharge their responsibilities. As previously 
reported, the Board acknowledges the benefits of a periodic 
external evaluation recommended by the Code but given the 
extent of the steps taken by management during the year to 
mitigate the impact of falling precious metal prices, the Board 
feels that the cost of an externally led evaluation does not justify 
the expected level of additional benefits. As a result, the Directors 
feel it is only right to continue the deferral of a third-party led 
evaluation for the time being until the appropriate time. 

THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES 
The Board has delegated authority to the Audit Committee, 
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Nominations 
Committee and Remuneration Committee. Reports from each  
of these committees on their activities during the year appear  
on the following pages. 

AUDIT COMMITTEE 

Dear Shareholder 
I am pleased to introduce the report of the Audit Committee.  
As foretold in last year’s report, 2014 did indeed prove to be a 
challenging year with continued volatility in precious metal  
prices. In such an environment, the Committee’s key function  
of protecting shareholders’ interests through a robust framework 
of internal controls, financial management and reporting took  
on a heightened level of significance. How we are able to  
reassure our shareholders in these respects is set out in detail 
later in this report in the description of the Committee’s role and 
responsibilities and the actions taken over the course of the year. 
This has been primarily achieved through its monitoring activities 
of the impact of the Cash Optimisation Plan on the Group’s 
internal controls. 

The Committee, and indeed the Board, also spent a significant 
amount of time during the year considering the combined impact 
on the Group of prevailing market conditions and the consequent 
actions taken by the Company which, in addition to the cost 
reduction measures, include the issue of Senior Notes, the $100m 
Credit Facility and, to a lesser extent, the hedges taken to protect 
cashflow. Further detail on these considerations can be found in 
the Going Concern part of the section of this report addressing 
the Significant Audit issues. 

The UK Corporate Governance Code requires the Company to 
state whether it anticipates tendering its external audit. Ernst 
&Young LLP were appointed as Auditors in 2006 in preparation 
for the Company’s Initial Public Offering and, accordingly, under 
the EU regulations implemented last year and in the absence of 
any relevant transitional provisions or guidance, the Company  
is currently obliged to tender its 2017 external audit. This is  
of course subject always to the Auditors performing to the 
satisfaction of the Audit Committee and Company management. 

In light of the challenging conditions that are likely to continue  
in to 2015, the Board has agreed not to put the audit contract  
out to tender earlier than currently required. The Committee  
has a positive and open relationship with management and the 
auditors and we thank them for their assistance during the year. 

NIGEL MOORE 
Committee Chairman  

www.hochschildmining.com 

46  

 
 
  
 
 
www.hochschildmining.com 

45

Members 
Nigel Moore  
(Non-Executive Director  
and Committee Chairman)  

Dr Graham Birch  
(Non-Executive Director)  

Enrico Bombieri  
(Non-Executive Director) 

Sir Malcolm Field  
(Non-Executive Director)  

Maximum 
possible 
attendance 

Actual 
attendance

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

There were four meetings of the Audit Committee during  
the year. 

Key roles and responsibilities 
  To monitor the integrity of the Company’s financial statements 
  To monitor the effectiveness of the Company’s internal 

controls and risk management systems 

  To review, on behalf of the Board, the Company’s procedures 
for detecting fraud and the Company’s systems and controls 
for the prevention of bribery, and to receive reports on non-
compliance 

  Oversight of the Internal Audit function and review of its 

annual work plan 

  To oversee the relationship with the Company’s  

external Auditors 

  To review the effectiveness of the external audit process 
  To report to shareholders annually on the Committee’s 
activities including details of the significant audit issues 
encountered during the year and how they have been 
addressed 

Membership 
The Audit Committee is chaired by Nigel Moore, who has 
extensive and substantial financial experience gained in his 
previous role as a partner with Ernst & Young where he was 
responsible for services to a number of significant companies, 
including audit responsibilities. In addition, Nigel has been Audit 
Committee Chairman for a number of other listed companies  
for the last ten years. 

All Committee members are considered to be independent 
Directors. Their biographical details can be found on pages  
36 and 37. 

Attendees 
The lead partner of the external Auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, the 
Chairman of the Company, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief 
Financial Officer and the Head of Internal Audit attend each Audit 
Committee meeting by invitation. 

The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee. 

Activity during the year 
The following matters featured amongst those considered  
by the Committee during the year: 

  Financial reporting – The 2013 Annual Report and Accounts 

and the 2014 Half-Yearly Report were reviewed by the 
Committee before recommending their adoption by the Board. 
In its review of these financial reports, the Audit Committee 
reviewed accounting policies, estimates and judgements 
applied in preparing the relevant statements and the 
transparency and clarity of disclosures contained within them. 

  Review/audit plans – In line with its usual practice, the 

Committee considered reports from the external Auditors on 
the scope and structure of the review of the half-yearly results 
and audit of the annual results. 

  Risk management – Consideration and challenge of risk 

management assessments which incorporate a risk matrix 
detailing (i) the most significant risks facing the Group; (ii)  
an evaluation reflecting the likelihood of the occurrence of  
the risk and the extent of the potential impact on the Group, 
and (iii) commentary on the steps taken to manage each  
specific risk. See pages 30 to 35 for a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties faced by the Group during the year. 
Internal audit – The Audit Committee continued to oversee  
and challenge the Group’s adoption of a risk-based approach  
to internal audit. The Audit Committee Chairman receives  
a report from the Head of the Internal Audit every three  
months which sets out specific areas covered, improvements 
being recommended and introduced and proposals for the 
programme over the following three months. The CEO and  
CFO also receive copies of this report and robustly support  
the activities of the Internal Audit function. 
Internal control – Through the processes described on the 
following page, the Audit Committee reviewed the adequacy  
of the Group’s internal control environment and risk 
management systems. 

 

 

  Whistleblowing – The Audit Committee reviewed the 

adequacy of the Group’s Whistleblowing Policy, taking into 
account the reports received through the various online and 
offline channels established by the Group. 

  Fraud and Bribery Act – The Audit Committee continued  
to review and challenge the actions taken by management  
to promote ethical and transparent working practices. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

47  

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED 

  External audit – The Audit Committee considered the 

reappointment of the Company’s external Auditors before 
making a recommendation to the Board that a resolution 
seeking their reappointment be put to shareholders. The Audit 
Committee oversees the relationship with the external 
Auditors and, as part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee 
reviewed the findings of the external Auditors and 
management letters, and reviewed and agreed audit fees. 
The Audit Committee evaluates the Auditors’ performance 
each year with reference to written feedback prepared by  
the CFO, the Group Financial Controller and relevant finance 
managers from the operations. The issues raised are considered 
in detail at the Audit Committee meeting held mid-year which 
result in an action plan, the execution of which is assessed in 
the following year’s auditor evaluation. 

  Committee objectives – The Audit Committee has continued  

its initiative of setting specific objectives for itself and 
management with a view to ensuring the diligent fulfilment  
of its responsibilities. 

The objectives for 2014 resulted in: 

  the periodic reporting of risk to the Committee being 

supplemented by analysis of specific risks associated with  
the cost cutting initiatives implemented as part of the Cash 
Optimisation Plan;  

  continued focus on the processes through which employee 

wrongdoing is detected and reported; 

  ongoing review of the Group’s tax structure in ensuring  

an appropriate effective tax rate;  

  a review of the assurance mapping process, to ensure that 
maximum benefit is derived from the annual review of the 
source and quality of the assurances provided to the 
Committee; and 

  a detailed review of developments in corporate  
governance and their impact on the Committee  
and its scope of responsibilities. 

During the year, the Committee members held meetings with  
the external Auditors without executive management to discuss 
matters relating to the 2013 annual audit and the 2014 half-
yearly report. There were no matters of significance to report  
from these meetings. 

SIGNIFICANT AUDIT ISSUES 
As recommended by the Code, the following is a summary  
of the significant issues considered by the Committee in relation 
to the 2014 financial statements and how these issues have  
been addressed. 

Impairments 
This was considered to be a significant audit issue in 2014 given 
the ongoing challenges faced by the Group during the year arising 
from declines and volatility in market prices for silver and gold. 

The Audit Committee has assessed reports from management  
on the possible presence of indicators of impairment (as defined 
in the relevant accounting standard) in respect of the Group’s 
cash generating units (‘CGUs’). 

In addition the Committee subsequently considered Ernst & 
Young’s audit of, amongst other things, the methodology applied 
in preparing these recoverable value models which included 
assessing the models’ appropriateness, testing their accuracy, 
performing sensitivity analyses on significant inputs, and 
challenging the appropriateness of key assumptions.  

Conclusion 
In light of these assessments, the Audit Committee agreed  
with management’s conclusion that no impairment charges or 
reversals of previously recognised impairments are required for 
any of the Group’s mine asset CGUs (excepting San Felipe where 
a reversal of a previously recognised impairment was recorded) 
and that all impairment-related disclosures made in the Group 
financial statements are complete, sufficient, and appropriate. 

Revenue Recognition 
Under auditing standards, there is a rebuttable presumption  
that revenue recognition is identified as a fraud risk. The Group 
concludes a number of sales contracts which incorporate complex 
terms under which title, risk and rewards pass to the customer 
which increases the risk of misstatement and cut-off errors with 
respect to the reporting of revenue. 

The Audit Committee has reviewed management’s approach  
to the matter and considered the Auditors’ procedures which 
focused on: 

  testing the key controls around the revenue recognition  
process to confirm that they are designed and operating 
effectively, supporting the prevention and detection of  
material errors in the reported revenue figures; 

  the timing of sales; and 
  the appropriate treatment of provisional pricing. 

Conclusion 
As a result of the procedures performed, the Audit Committee  
has been able to conclude that revenue has been recognised  
in accordance with accounting standards and the calculation  
of any provisional pricing adjustments has been performed  
in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

48  

 
 
 
www.hochschildmining.com 

47

Going Concern Assessment 
Due to the fall and increased volatility in commodity prices and 
the Group’s increased leverage during 2014, the Board and the 
Committee (with respect to its delegated authority) regularly 
considered during the year, the resources available to the Group 
in determining its status as a going concern. 

Management and the Board considered cash flow forecasts, 
undertook sensitivity analysis of the key assumptions and tested 
forecast covenant compliance to ensure the Group’s ability to 
operate as a going concern. 

The Audit Committee considered the processes undertaken  
by the auditors to obtain reassurance supporting the continued 
application of the going concern methodology including the 
testing of key assumptions, the appropriateness of stress  
testing and the review of contractual and lending arrangements.  
In conclusion, the Committee is content that the financial 
statements are in accordance with relevant accounting  
standards and guidance. 

Please refer to the Directors’ Report on page 39 for its 
confirmation to shareholders on the appropriateness  
of the Going Concern assumption. 

Adequacy of Tax Provisions 
The Audit Committee considered the potential fines or losses  
that the Group may be subject to in light of open tax reviews  
and the uncertainty with respect to the quantum and timing  
of these liabilities. 

The Audit Committee considered management’s assessment of 
these potential exposures and the work of the external auditors 
which focused on: 

Auditor independence 
The Audit Committee continues to oversee the implementation 
of specific policies designed to safeguard the independence  
and objectivity of the Auditors, which includes the Group’s  
policy on the provision of non-audit services. 

Policy on the use of Auditors for non-audit services 
This policy lists those non-audit services that the external 
Auditors may provide (in the absence of any threat to their 
independence) which include support in relation to M&A,  
and joint ventures and tax advisory services which are not 
incompatible with the 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 Auditors). Such services include management  
of, or significant involvement in, internal audit services, advice  
to the Remuneration Committee and valuation services. 

Safeguards 
Additional safeguards to ensure auditor objectivity and 
independence include: 

  any permitted assignment over $100,000 may only be awarded 

after competitive tender; 

  six-monthly reports to the Audit Committee from the Auditors 

analysing the fees for non-audit services rendered; and 
  an annual assessment, by the Audit Committee, of the 
Auditors’ objectivity and independence in light of all 
relationships between the Company and the audit firm. 

2014 Audit and non-audit fees 
Details of fees paid to the external Auditors are provided in note 
33 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

  corroborating management’s assessment’s; 
  changes to those assessments relative to prior years  
and the appropriate treatment in light thereof; and  

  the views of external counsel in support of  

management’s assessment. 

In conclusion and having had regard to management’s 
assessment, the Committee agrees with the treatment  
and disclosure of the potential liabilities identified. 

Mine Rehabilitation Provisions 
The Audit Committee considered the judgment exercised  
by management in assessing the amounts required to be 
paid by the Company to rehabilitate the Group’s mines. 

In its assessment of management’s analysis, the Audit 
Committee took into account: 

  the basis of management’s estimation of future  

rehabilitation costs; 

  the discount rate applied by management; 
  significant changes in estimates and the basis and level  

of new costs; and 

  the accounting for the changes in the provisions. 

The Audit Committee concluded that the provision, which takes 
into account the additional amounts now budgeted to restore  
the Inmaculada project (to reflect its near completion status)  
and the revision of budgets to rehabilitate a number of the 
Group’s current and former mines, to be appropriate. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

49  

Governance p36-85 
 
  
48 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED 

INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT 
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. Notwithstanding this delegation of authority, the 
Board continues to monitor the strategic risks to which the 
Company is exposed. 

Internal 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 risk management and internal control  
systems includes: 

  reports from the Head of the Internal Audit function; 
  review of accounting and financial reporting processes 

together with the internal control environment at Group level. 
This involves the monitoring of performance and the taking  
of relevant action through the monthly review of key 
performance indicators and, where required, the production  
of revised forecasts. The Group has adopted a standard 
accounting manual to be followed by all finance teams,  
which is continually updated to ensure the consistent 
recognition and treatment of transactions and production  
of the consolidated financial statements; 

  review of budgets and reporting against budgets; and 
  consideration of progress against strategic objectives. 

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. 

Audit Committee’s assessment 
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. 

Board’s assessment 
In accordance with the 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, continues to monitor the internal control 
environment of the Group alongside the development of  
risk management processes, further details of which are  
given in the risk management section of this Annual Report. 

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

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE 

Dear Shareholder 
One of the key responsibilities of the Nominations Committee  
is to oversee the Board’s succession planning requirements 
including the identification and assessment of potential Board 
candidates and making recommendations to the Board for its 
approval. The task we had set ourselves early in 2014 was to see 
through the implementation of such a plan with respect to the 
Non-Executive Directors, a number of whom will be completing 
nine years on the Board later this year. However, the trading 
challenges faced by the Company during the past year prompted 
the Board to prioritise stability of leadership and, for this reason, 
the process of refreshing the Board was temporarily suspended. 

As a result, we retained our focus during the year on ensuring the 
efficiency of the Board through the development of the Directors’ 
skills and knowledge by facilitating interaction with staff 
members and providing briefings on a variety of subjects ranging 
from the commodity markets to regulatory developments. 

EDUARDO HOCHSCHILD  
Committee Chairman 

Members
Eduardo Hochschild  
(Committee Chairman)  

Enrico Bombieri 
(Non-Executive Director)  

Jorge Born 
(Non-Executive Director)  

Sir Malcolm Field  
(Non-Executive Director)  

Maximum 
possible 
attendance   

Actual 
attendance

2   

2   

2   

2   

2

2

1

2

Key roles and responsibilities 
 

Identify and nominate candidates for Board approval 
  Make recommendations to the Board on composition  

and balance 

  Oversee the succession planning of Board and senior 

management positions 

  Review the Directors’ external interests with regards to  

actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest 

Membership 
There were no changes to the membership of the Committee 
during 2014. The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to  
the Committee. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

50  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Activity during the year 
The principal matters considered during the year were: 

  a review of the Board’s skills’ matrix to identify the skills  

to be replaced at the appropriate time; 

  discussions on the issue of diversity of the Board, including 

gender diversity; 

  succession planning for the senior management team; 
  the format of the 2014 Board evaluation process. As explained 
earlier in this report, it was decided that, given the extent of  
the cost reduction initiatives which continued to be taken 
across the Group, an externally led evaluation was not 
appropriate. The Committee therefore recommended that  
an externally led evaluation be deferred until an improvement 
in trading conditions; and 

  the findings of the 2014 Board evaluation process  

(see earlier section of the Corporate Governance report  
on Board development). 

Appointments to the Board 
In seeking candidates for appointment to the Board, regard is 
given to relevant experience and the skills required to complete 
the composition of a balanced Board, taking into account the 
challenges and opportunities facing the Company. 

The benefits of Board diversity, including gender diversity,  
to Board effectiveness are acknowledged by the Directors  
who note that the current Board composition is reflective  
of a cultural diversity that is relevant to the Group’s business.  

Given current trading conditions, there are no immediate plans to 
make new Board appointments. However, the Company foresees 
that retirements over the next 12-18 months will present 
opportunities to increase gender diversity on the Board. 

Decisions on Board appointments will ultimately continue  
to be taken on merit and, for this reason, the setting of specific 
measurable targets is not considered to be appropriate. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

49

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE 

Dear Shareholder 
The Group has continued to demonstrate its commitment as  
a responsible operator throughout 2014 underlined by the fact 
that for the first time since the Company’s listing in 2006, the 
Company has achieved its ongoing objective of zero fatalities.  
We owe our gratitude for this significant achievement to our 
many teams who have worked tirelessly to embed a safety  
driven culture across the organisation and of course to the 
workers at our operations. 

Despite the challenging trading conditions, we remain committed 
to our responsibilities to our local communities, and details of the 
work we have done during the year in the core areas of education, 
health and economic development can be found in the 
Sustainability report on pages 20 to 29. 

ROBERTO DAÑINO 
Committee Chairman 

Members
Roberto Dañino 
(Committee Chairman)  

Dr Graham Birch  
(Non-Executive Director)  

Ignacio Bustamante  
(Chief Executive Officer)  

Maximum 
possible 
attendance

Actual 
attendance

4

4

4

3

4

4

Key roles and responsibilities 
  Evaluate the effectiveness of the Group’s policies for identifying 
and managing health, safety and environmental risks within  
the Group’s operations 

  Assess the performance of the Group with regard to the impact 

of health, safety, environmental and community relations 
decisions and actions upon employees, communities and other 
third parties. It also assesses the impact of such decisions and 
actions on the reputation of the Group 

  Evaluate and oversee, on behalf of the Board, the quality and 
integrity of any reporting to external stakeholders concerning 
health, safety, environmental and community relations issues 

Membership 
All of the members of the Committee served throughout the year 
under review. Enrico Bombieri was appointed a member of the 
Committee with effect from 1 January 2015. 

The Vice President of Operations and the Vice President of Legal 
and Corporate Affairs attended each CSR Committee meeting  
by invitation. 

The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee. 

Activity during the year 
Details relating to the CSR Committee and the Group’s activities 
in this area are set out in the Sustainability report on pages  
20 to 29. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

51  

Governance p36-85 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Maximum 
possible 
attendance   

Actual 
attendance

February

BMO Global Metals & Mining Conference

March

2013 Annual Results presentation 

50 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED 

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 

Dear Shareholder  
We seek to implement a simple and transparent remuneration 
policy that aims to retain and motivate senior executives and, 
above all, is aligned with the successful achievement of the 
Group’s strategic objectives. This alignment does not only look  
to reward management’s performance in extremely challenging 
trading conditions but also reflects our commitment as a 
responsible operator. Further details on the Company’s 
remuneration policy and the Committee’s work in 2014 can  
be found in the Directors’ remuneration report on page 55. 

JORGE BORN JR.  
Committee Chairman 

Members 
Jorge Born Jr.  
(Committee Chairman)  

Sir Malcolm Field  
(Non-Executive Director) 

Nigel Moore  
(Non-Executive Director)  

5   

5   

5   

4

5

5

Key roles and responsibilities 
  Determine and agree with the Board the broad policy for  

the remuneration of the Executive Directors, other members  
of senior management and the Company Secretary, as well  
as their specific remuneration packages 

  Regularly review the ongoing appropriateness and relevance 

of the remuneration policy 

  Approve the design of, and determine targets for, any 
performance related pay schemes operated by the  
Company and approve the total annual payments  
made under such schemes 

  Ensure that contractual terms on termination, and any 

payments made, are fair to the individual and the Company, 
that failure is not rewarded, and that the duty to mitigate  
loss is fully recognised 

  Review and note annually the remuneration trends across  

the Company or Group 

Membership 
There were no changes to the membership of the Committee 
during 2014. The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to  
the Committee. 

Members of senior management attend meetings at the 
invitation of the Committee. During the year, such members 
included the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer and the Vice 
President of Human Resources. No Director or senior executive is 
present at meetings when his own remuneration arrangements 
are considered by the Committee. 

Activity during the year 
Details of the Remuneration Committee’s activities during  
the year are provided in the Directors’ remuneration report  
on pages 55 to 78. 

SHAREHOLDER RELATIONS 
Overview 
The Company is fully committed to achieving an  
excellent relationship with shareholders. 

Responsibility for communications with shareholders on strategy 
and business performance rests with the Chief Executive Officer, 
the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Investor Relations. 
Communications with shareholders with respect to the 
administration of shareholdings and matters of governance  
are co-ordinated by the Company Secretary. 

Shareholder contact in 2014 
The following table summarises the principal means by which 
management communicated with investors during the year: 

Date 
January, 
April, July, 
October 

Event
Conference calls following the Quarterly 
Production Reports (and Interim Management 
Statements, when appropriate) 

UK and European and Roadshow 

May

BoA Merrill Lynch Global Metals, Mining and  
Steel Conference 

Annual General Meeting 

June

HSBC LATAM Investor Forum 

Zurich Roadshow

August

2014 Half-Yearly Results presentation 

September

UK and European Roadshow 

Denver Gold Forum

Shareholder communication and meetings led 
by the Remuneration Committee in connection 
with the proposed Restricted Share Plan (‘RSP’)

December

Extraordinary General Meeting in connection 
with the RSP 

An extensive Investor Relations schedule resulted in management 
holding over 50 investor meetings during the year.  

Principal Shareholder Contacts 
The Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Chief Executive Officer  
and the Chief Financial Officer are available to discuss the 
concerns of major shareholders. Alternatively, shareholders  
may discuss any matters of concern with the Company’s Senior  
Independent Director. 

The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer in particular  
are responsible for discussing strategy with the Company’s 
shareholders and conveying their views to the other members  
of the Board. 

2014 AGM 
Notice of the 2014 AGM was circulated to all shareholders at  
least 20 working days prior to the meeting. With the exception  
of Roberto Dañino (Chairman of the CSR Committee) who was 
unable to attend due to ill health, all of the Chairmen of the 
Board Committees were available at the AGM to answer 
questions. A poll vote was taken on each of the resolutions put  
to shareholders with results announced shortly after the meeting 
and published on the Company’s website. 

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

www.hochschildmining.com 

52  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 

www.hochschildmining.com 

51

INTRODUCTION 
References in this section 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 in this section to ‘the Companies Act’ are to the 
Companies Act 2006. 

Current share repurchase authority 
The Company obtained shareholder approval at the AGM held  
in May 2014 for the repurchase of up to 36,710,135 shares which 
represents 10% of the Company’s issued share capital (‘the 2014 
Authority’). Whilst no purchases were made by the Company 
pursuant to the 2014 Authority, it is intended that shareholder 
consent will be sought on similar terms at this year’s AGM when 
the 2014 Authority expires. 

SHARE CAPITAL 
Issued share capital 
The issued share capital of the Company in the year under review 
was 367,101,352 ordinary shares of 25 pence each (‘shares’). 

The Hochschild Mining Employee Share Trust (‘the Trust‘) is  
an employee share trust established to hold ordinary shares of the 
Company on trust for the benefit of employees within the Group. 
The Trustee of the Trust has absolute discretion to vote or abstain 
from voting in relation to the ordinary shares held by it from time 
to time and in doing so may take into account the interests of 
current and future beneficiaries and other considerations. 

Substantial shareholdings 
As at 31 December 2014, the Company had been notified of the 
following interests in the Company’s ordinary share capital in 
accordance with Chapter 5 of the Financial Conduct Authority’s 
Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules: 

Number of 
ordinary shares   
Eduardo Hochschild     199,320,272   

Percentage
of voting 
rights 
(indirect)
–

Percentage 
of voting 
rights (direct)
54.30%

Vanguard Group Inc.   

39,666,795   

–

10.81%

Prudential plc  
Group of Companies  

Altima Global Special
Situations Master 
Fund Limited* 

22,277,961   

0.17%

5.90%

12,003,175   

3.55%

n/a

*  Notwithstanding the above (which is based on information received by the 
Company in June 2009), the Company is aware that Altima no longer has  
an interest in the Company’s shares which is notifiable under the Disclosure 
Rules and Transparency Rules. 

The Company has not been notified of any changes in the above 
interests as at 17 March 2015. 

Additional share capital information 
This section provides additional information as at  
31 December 2014. 

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

Further information on the Company’s share capital is provided  
in note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(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 and on a poll at a general 
meeting or class meeting, every member present in person or, 
subject to the below, by proxy has one vote for every ordinary 
share held. However, in the case of a vote on a show of hands, 
where a proxy has been appointed by more than one member,  
the proxy has one vote for and one vote against if the proxy  
has been instructed by one or more members to vote for  
the resolution and by one or more members to vote against  
the resolution. 

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. 

53 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
   
 
52 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONTINUED 

(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  

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 to take effect, alter or terminate. 
Such agreements include commercial trading contracts, joint 
venture agreements and financing arrangements. Further details 
are given below of those arrangements where the impact may  
be considered to be significant in the context of the Group. 

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 

(a) $350m 7.75% Senior Notes  
Under the terms and conditions of the $350 million 7.75%  
Senior Notes due 2021, upon the occurrence of a change of 
control followed by a ratings downgrade which results in a 
change of control repurchase event (as defined in the indenture), 
the Company may be required by each holder of the notes to offer 
to purchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal 
amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and 
additional amounts, if any, to the purchase date. 

In summary, a Change of Control means the occurrence of one  
or more of the following events: (1) the disposition (other than  
by way of merger or consolidation) of all or substantially all of  
the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to 
any person other than (i) to the Company or one of its subsidiaries 
or (ii) to a Permitted Holder (being Eduardo Hochschild or a 
permitted transferee); (2) the consummation of any transaction 
(including any merger or consolidation) the result of which is  
that (i) any person other than a Permitted Holder becomes  
the ‘beneficial owner’ of more than 50% of the Company’s 
outstanding Voting Stock (as defined) or (ii) the Permitted Holders 
cease to be the beneficial owners, directly or indirectly, of at least 
a majority of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company; (3) 
the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, any 
person, or any person consolidates with, or merges with or into, 
the Company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in 
which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company or 
such other person is converted into or exchanged for cash, 
securities or other property, other than any such transaction 
where the shares of the Voting Stock of the Company 
outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute,  
or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting 
Stock of the surviving person immediately after giving effect to 
such transaction; (4) the first day on which the majority of the 
members of the Board of Directors of the Company cease to be 
Continuing Directors (as defined); (5) the Company shall for any 
reason cease to be the beneficial owner (as defined) of 100%  
of the Voting Stock of Compania Minera Ares S.A.C.; or (6) the 
adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of 
Compania Minera Ares S.A.C. 

  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 or her, if any 
call or other sum then payable by him or her 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 or she 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. 

SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENTS 
The Relationship Agreement entered into prior to the IPO 
between, amongst others, the Major Shareholder (as defined  
in the Relationship Agreement) and Eduardo Hochschild 
(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 will procure that their Associates will, 
abstain from voting on any resolution to approve a transaction 
with a related party (as defined in the FCA Listing Rules) 
involving the Controlling Shareholders or their Associates. 

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54  

 
 
(b) $100m Credit Agreement 
Under the terms and conditions of the $100 million Credit and 
Guaranty Agreement between, amongst others, the Group and 
Scotiabank Peru S.A.A, a Change of Control constitutes an Event  
of Default (as defined in the agreement) as a result of which (i) 
the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Required 
Lenders; or (ii) the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of 
the Required Lenders, declare all or a portion of the Commitments 
terminated and/or the Loans hereunder (with accrued interest 
thereon) and all other amounts owing under this Agreement  
to be due and payable forthwith, whereupon the same shall 
immediately become due and payable. 

In summary, a Change of Control means an event or series  
of events by which: (a) the Permitted Holders (being Eduardo 
Hochschild, his descendants or investment vehicle for the primary 
benefit of any of them) shall for any reason cease, individually  
or in the aggregate, to be the “beneficial owners” (as defined  
in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act  
of 1934), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Equity 
Interests in the Company; or (b) the Permitted Holders shall for 
any reason cease, individually or in the aggregate, to have the 
power to appoint at least a majority of the members of the board 
of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Company; 
or (c) the Permitted Holders shall for any reason cease, individually 
or in the aggregate, to Control the Company (through the 
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause 
the direction of the management or policies of the Company, 
whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract 
or otherwise); or (d) the Company shall for any reason cease, 
directly or through one or more of its Subsidiaries, to be the 
“beneficial owner” (as so defined) of 100% of the Equity Interests 
in Compania Minera Ares S.A.C. or Hochschild Mining (Argentina) 
Corporation S.A.; or (e) the Company shall for any reason cease, 
directly or indirectly, to Control Compania Minera Ares S.A.C.  
or Hochschild Mining (Argentina) Corporation S.A. 

(c) Long Term Incentive Plans 
Awards made under the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan  
and Enhanced Long Term Incentive Plan shall, upon a change  
of control of the Company, vest early unless a replacement  
award is made. Vesting will be prorated 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. 

(d) Derivative Instruments 
Certain arrangements in respect of derivative instruments 
entered into by the Group would terminate on the occurrence  
of a change of control, thereby triggering an event of default  
vis-á-vis the counterparty. 

(2)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)(a)

(10)(b)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

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53

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES 
Disclosure table pursuant to Listing Rule 9.8.4C R 
For the purposes of LR 9.8.4C R, the information required to  
be disclosed by LR 9.8.4 R can be found in the following parts  
of this Annual Report: 

Section
(1)

Subject Matter
Interest capitalised 

  Location 
Note 16 to the 
consolidated 
financial 
statements 

Not applicable

Publication of unaudited 
financial information 

Details of specified long-term 
incentive scheme 

None 

Waiver of emoluments by  
a director 

Waiver of future emoluments 
by a director 

Directors’ 
remuneration 
report 

As (5) above

Non pre-emptive issues  
of equity for cash 

Item (7) in relation to major 
subsidiary undertakings 

None 

None 

Parent participation in a 
placing by a listed subsidiary   

None 

Contract of significance in  
which director is interested 

None 

Contract of significance with 
controlling shareholder 

None 

Provision of services by a 
controlling shareholder 

None 

Shareholder waivers of 
dividends 

Shareholder waivers  
of future dividends 

Directors’ report

Directors’ report

Agreement with controlling 
shareholder 

Directors’ report

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55  

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION CONTINUED 

SUMMARY OF CONSTITUTIONAL AND  
OTHER PROVISIONS 
Appointment of Directors 
Under the terms of the Articles 
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 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. 

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 subject to periodic re-election by shareholders at 
intervals of no more than every three years. 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.  

Approach to Appointment adopted by the Board 
Under law, the Company is entitled to adopt such practices  
which are no less stringent than those set out in the Articles. 
Accordingly, notwithstanding the above, the Board has decided  
to adopt the recommendation of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code that all Directors should seek annual re-election by 
shareholders.  

New Listing Rules 
Following the implementation of new Listing Rules by the 
Financial Conduct Authority (in its capacity as the UK Listing 
Authority), as a company with a controlling shareholder, with 
effect from the upcoming AGM, the election or re-election of any 
independent director must be approved by: (i) all shareholders  
of the Company; and (ii) the independent shareholders of the 
Company (i.e. any person entitled to vote on the election of 
directors of the Company that is not a controlling shareholder). 

If either shareholder resolution to elect or re-elect the 
independent director is defeated, the Company may propose a 
further resolution to elect or re-elect the proposed independent 
director provided that the further resolution must not be voted  
on within 90 days from the date of the original vote but it must 
then be voted on within a period of 30 days from the end of  
the 90 day period. It may then be passed by a simple majority  
of the shareholders of the Company voting as a single class. 

Removal of Directors 
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 grounds 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. 

Relationship Agreement 
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. 

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. 

Powers of the Directors 
Subject to 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. 

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 minimum price which 
must be paid for such shares is specified in the relevant 
shareholder resolution. 

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 
their 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. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

56  

 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 

www.hochschildmining.com 

55

Long-term incentives 
As performance conditions (linked to relative Total Shareholder 
Return (‘TSR’)) were not achieved, awards granted in 2012 under 
the Long Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) and the four-year tranche  
of the 2011 Enhanced LTIP (‘ELTIP’) will lapse in early 2015.  
In light of ongoing difficulties affecting the precious metals 
market, and in the face of the increased competition for  
mining professionals, the Committee consulted with 
shareholders in 2014 about a one-off grant of restricted shares  
to key management personnel, including the CEO. Following 
approval of the RSP at the 29 December 2014 Extraordinary 
General Meeting, awards were made to Ignacio Bustamante  
and other executives, details of which can be found on page 75. 
The Committee strongly believes that awards under the RSP  
will help ensure the retention of key executives and are in 
shareholders’ best interest. 

Areas of future consideration 
The Committee notes the new requirement for malus and 
clawback in the FRC UK Corporate Governance Code, and 
confirms that the Company currently has discretion to apply 
malus to unvested awards under both the annual bonus and 
long-term incentives in exceptional circumstances, such as 
material misstatement or gross misconduct. In light of this,  
the Committee has determined not to effect changes at this  
time, and will review the appropriateness of clawback at the next 
formal approval of the Remuneration Policy based on prevailing 
market practice at that time. 

We hope to receive your support at the AGM. 

JORGE BORN JR
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS 
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Directors’ 
remuneration report for the year ending 31 December 2014. 

As in 2013, this report is split into three sections: the Annual 
Statement, the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and the Annual 
Report on Remuneration. The Remuneration Policy has been 
updated to include details of the Restricted Share Plan (‘RSP’), 
which was approved at the 29 December 2014 Extraordinary 
General Meeting, and subject to shareholder approval will take 
effect from the date of the forthcoming AGM. The Annual Report 
on Remuneration will be subject to an advisory vote at the AGM. 

As previously reported, 2014 was characterised by a continued 
depressed pricing environment exacerbated by an increased 
volatility in precious metal prices. Against this backdrop, 
management has maintained its focus on reducing costs  
across the business and on making significant progress 
 with the Inmaculada Project which on the commencement  
of commissioning in Q2 2015 is expected to bring down the 
Group’s average cost of production. 

The Committee’s key decisions during the year related to the 
following areas: 

Change in Eduardo Hochschild’s role 
Following a review of Board structure, Eduardo Hochschild 
became Non-Executive Chairman of the Company with effect 
from 1 January 2015. Mr. Hochschild will receive a flat annual  
fee of $400,000 and will retain eligibility for the benefits received 
in respect of his time as an Executive Director. The Committee 
considers this move will better align the Board structure with  
best practice corporate governance, whilst also delivering a 
significant cost saving. 

Review of CEO’s base salary 
At the beginning of 2015 the Committee reviewed the salary  
of the CEO. This review took into account a number of factors 
including pay levels in the global mining sector, the relative cost  
of living, an assessment of performance during the year, and  
pay conditions across the Group. Following this review,  
the Committee agreed that the base salary for the CEO will 
increase by 16% to US$541,667, effective 1 March 2015. 

Annual bonus  
Since the start of the downward trend in precious metal  
prices in 2013, management has implemented a series of 
 cost reduction measures under the Cash Optimisation Plan 
(‘COP’). The original target set for the COP of US$200m has  
been significantly exceeded with total savings to date estimated 
at over US$300 million. Another considerable achievement was 
the accomplishment of the Company’s ongoing strategic 
objective of zero fatalities which was seen through in 2014 for the 
first time since the Company’s listing in 2006. As a result of these 
notable actions and the reasons set out later in this report, the 
annual bonus outcome was 100% of salary for the CEO. 

58 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
 
 
56 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

This report has been prepared according to the requirements  
of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’), Regulation 11 and  
Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium–Sized Companies and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 
and other relevant requirements of the FCA Listing Rules. In 
addition, the Board has applied the principles of good corporate 
governance set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code, and has 
considered the guidelines issued by its leading shareholders and 
bodies such as the Investment Association (formerly the 
Association of British Insurers) and the National Association  
of Pension Funds. 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY (UNAUDITED) 
The principal objectives of the Remuneration Committee’s  
agreed Remuneration Policy are to: 

  attract, retain, and motivate the Group’s executives and  

senior management; 

  provide management incentives that align with and support  

the Group’s business strategy; and 

  align management incentives with the creation of  

shareholder value. 

The Group seeks to achieve this alignment over both the short  
and long term through the use of an annual performance-related 
bonus, which rewards the achievement of a balanced mix of 
financial, operational and other relevant performance measures, 
and the use of a Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) which is linked  
to relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR). There is an additional 

incentive designed specifically for the CEO in the form of the 
Enhanced LTIP (ELTIP), which was approved by shareholders  
at the 2011 AGM. 

The Committee takes into consideration the remuneration 
arrangements for the wider employee population in making its 
decisions on remuneration for senior executives. Remuneration 
decisions are also driven by external considerations, in particular 
relating to the global demand for talent in the mining sector. 

This section of the report sets out the Remuneration Policy for 
Directors, which shareholders are asked to approve at the 2015 
AGM. The Committee intends that this policy will formally come 
into effect from approval at the 2015 AGM. The report below is 
broadly unchanged from the Remuneration Policy approved at  
the 2014 AGM, save a number of minor changes as follows: 

  Added details of the Restricted Share Plan (‘RSP’), which  
was approved by shareholders at the 29 December 2014 
Extraordinary General Meeting, to the notes to the policy table; 

  Details of opportunities under the ELTIP in 2014 have  

been included;  

  Pay scenario charts have been updated to reflect 2015 salary 

levels and inclusion of the RSP; 

  Details for the Executive Chairman role have been omitted in 

light of his move to a Non-Executive Chairman role with effect  
from 1 January 2015; and 

  Clarification of malus provisions for deferred bonus and  

ELTIP awards. 

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59 

 
 
 
www.hochschildmining.com 

57

Performance metrics
None 

None 

Benefits 
To provide benefits  
in line with market 
practice in relevant 
geographies 

  Details 
  Salary is reviewed 
annually, usually in 
March, or following  
a significant change  
in responsibilities. 
Salary levels are 
targeted to be 
competitive and 
relevant to the global 
mining sector, with 
reference to the  
relative cost of living. 
The Committee  
also takes into 
consideration  
general pay levels  
for the wider  
employee population. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION POLICY TABLE 
  Opportunity
Objective 
  Any salary increases are applied 
Base salary 
in line with the outcome of the 
To support recruitment 
annual review. 
and retention 
To avoid setting expectations  
of Directors and other  
employees, no maximum  
salary is set under the 
Remuneration Policy. In  
respect of existing Executive 
Directors, it is anticipated that 
any salary increases will be in  
line with the wider employee 
population over the term  
of this policy. In exceptional 
circumstances (including,  
but not limited to, a material 
increase in job size or 
complexity), the Committee has 
discretion to make appropriate 
adjustments to salary levels to 
ensure they remain competitive. 
  For the profit share, an 
amount equal to 8% of the 
relevant Peruvian company’s 
taxable income for the year is 
distributable to its employees. 
This amount is mandated by 
Peruvian law, and any increases 
are not within the control of the 
Group. The amount receivable by 
each Executive Director is 
determined with reference to 
annual base salary (plus the 
annual bonus, if any) and the 
number of days worked during 
the calendar year. 
The value of the other benefits 
varies by role and individual 
circumstances; eligibility and  
cost are reviewed periodically. 
The Committee retains the 
discretion to approve a 
higher cost of benefits in 
exceptional circumstances 
(for example relocation) or 
in circumstances where 
factors outside the Company’s 
control have changed materially 
(for example increases in 
insurance premiums). 

  Executive Directors 
receive compensation 
for time services and 
profit share, both of 
which are provided  
for by Peruvian law,  
as well as certain 
allowances which  
may include medical 
insurance, the use  
of a car and driver,  
and personal security. 

60 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
58 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION POLICY TABLE CONTINUED 
Objective 
Annual bonus 
To achieve  
alignment with  
the Group’s strategy 
and commitment  
to operating 
responsibly 

Opportunity
For Executive Directors, the 
maximum annual bonus 
opportunity is 150% of salary. 
The bonus earned is 67% of 
maximum for threshold level 
performance and 83% for 
target performance. 

  Details 
  Performance measures, 
targets and weightings 
are set at the start of 
the year. 
At the end of the  
year, the Committee 
determines the  
extent to which targets 
have been achieved, 
taking into account the 
individual performance 
of each Executive 
Director. 
Bonus payments are 
normally delivered  
in cash. 
The Committee has 
discretion to defer  
all or a portion of  
the bonus, payable  
in cash or Hochschild 
shares, under the 
Deferred Bonus Plan for 
up to three years. 
Deferred bonus is 
subject to malus, i.e. 
forfeiture or reduction, 
in exceptional 
circumstances such as 
material misstatement 
or gross misconduct. 

Maximising core assets 
To optimise life-of 
mine and production 

Exploration and project 
development 
To develop a pipeline of 
high quality projects 

Mergers & acquisitions 
To seek early stage 
value accretive 
opportunities with 
strong geological 
potential with a clear 
path to control 

Committed  
to operating 
responsibly 
To be responsible 
corporate citizens 

Performance metrics 
Performance is determined by the Committee 
on an annual basis by reference to Group 
financial measures, e.g. Adjusted EBITDA,  
as well as the achievement of personal or 
strategic objectives, for example production and 
social responsibility. 
The financial and strategic/personal objectives 
are typically weighted between 70% and 80% 
and 20% and 30% of  
maximum, respectively. 
The Committee retains discretion to vary the 
weightings +/- 20% for individual measures 
within the financial element, to ensure 
alignment with the business priorities for  
the year. Performance targets are generally 
calibrated with reference to the Company’s 
budget for the year. 
Each objective in the scorecard has a ‘threshold’, 
‘target’ and ‘maximum’ performance target, 
achievement of which translates into a score for 
each objective. 
The Committee uses its judgment to determine 
the overall scorecard outcome based on the 
achievement of the targets  
and the Committee’s broad assessment  
of Company performance. 
A review of the quality of earnings is conducted 
by the Committee to determine whether any 
adjustments should be made to the reported 
profit for the purpose of bonus outcomes. This 
ensures that bonus outcomes are not impacted 
by unbudgeted non-recurring or one-off items, 
or circumstances outside of management’s 
control such as material changes in commodity 
prices that could distort the overall quality of 
earnings. 
The Committee has the discretion to reduce 
bonus payments on the occurrence of an 
adverse event related to health and safety,  
the environment or community relations. 
Details of the measures, weightings and  
targets applicable for the financial year under 
review are provided in the Annual Report on 
Remuneration, unless they are considered  
to be commercially sensitive. 

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61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION POLICY TABLE CONTINUED 
Objective 
Long Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP) 
To directly  
incentivise sustained 
shareholder value 
creation through 
operational 
performance and  
to support the 
recruitment of senior 
positions and longer 
term retention 

  Opportunity
  The maximum cash 
payments to participating 
Executive Directors in any 
three-year period may not 
be more than six times salary (or 
eight times salary in exceptional 
circumstances). 
The equivalents of these 
upper limits also apply to 
annual awards, that is an 
annual grant limit of no 
more than 200% of salary 
in normal circumstances. 

  Details 
  Executive Directors may 
be granted awards 
annually as determined 
by the Committee.  
The vesting of these 
awards is subject to  
the attainment of 
specific performance 
conditions. 
Awards are in the form 
of cash. Awards made 
under the LTIP have  
a performance and 
vesting period of at 
least three years.  
If no entitlement  
has been earned at  
the end of the relevant 
performance period, 
awards lapse. 
The CEO is required  
to invest at least 20% of 
vested LTIP awards into 
Hochschild  
shares until such  
time as he has 
accumulated a 
shareholding with  
a value of 200%  
of salary. 

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59

Performance metrics
Vesting of LTIP awards is subject to continued 
employment and the Company’s performance 
over a three-year performance period. 
Vesting is based on the Company’s TSR 
performance relative to specific sector-based 
comparator groups. 
Vesting of 70% of awards is based on the 
Company’s TSR rank relative to a tailored 
comparator group. Vesting for threshold 
performance is 25% of maximum, with 75% 
for upper tercile performance and 100% for 
upper quintile performance. 
Vesting of 30% of awards is based on the 
Company’s TSR outperformance of the  
FTSE350 Mining Index. Vesting for threshold 
performance is 25% of maximum, with 100%  
for stretch performance. 
The Committee reviews, and may adjust,  
the comparator groups against which 
performance is measured, and their weightings, 
from time to time to ensure  
they remain appropriate. More generally, the 
performance measures applied to LTIP awards 
are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain 
aligned with shareholder interests. 
The Committee can reduce or prevent vesting  
if it determines either that (i) the overall 
underlying business performance of the 
Company is not satisfactory or (ii) an 
unacceptable position has occurred regarding 
safety, the environment, community relations, 
and/or compliance with legal obligations of  
the Company. 
Details of the comparator groups and targets 
used for specific LTIP grants are included  
in the Annual Report on Remuneration. 

62 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
 
60 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION POLICY TABLE CONTINUED 
Objective 
Enhanced Long-Term 
Incentive Plan 
To support  
retention for  
the CEO over  
a longer term  
horizon and to  
achieve stronger 
alignment with 
shareholder  
interests through  
the use of  
conditional shares 

Opportunity
The ELTIP award in 2011 was  
over shares with a face value  
on the date of grant equivalent  
to 600% of the CEO’s salary 
(362,196 conditional shares) 
In line with the approval granted 
by shareholders at  
the 2011 AGM, the Committee 
made a second ELTIP award  
to the CEO in 2014 of 600%  
of his salary (951,900 conditional 
shares). Dividend equivalents are 
payable over the vesting period in 
respect of the shares that vest. 

  Details 
  An award in the form  
of conditional shares 
was made to the CEO  
in 2011 to reinforce  
his alignment with 
shareholder interests 
and to ensure his total 
remuneration package 
remained competitive. 
Awards vest based  
on the Company’s  
TSR performance 
compared with a 
tailored comparator 
group over four, five  
and six years. 
Unvested awards  
are subject to malus, i.e. 
forfeiture or reduction, 
in exceptional 
circumstances such as 
material misstatement 
or gross misconduct. 
The CEO is required to 
retain 50% of the after-
tax vested ELTIP shares 
until such time as he 
has accumulated a 
shareholding with  
a value of 200%  
of salary. 

Performance metrics 
Awards vest based on the Company’s TSR 
performance compared with a tailored 
comparator group over four, five and six years. 
The vesting on the ELTIP award is based 100%  
on the Company’s TSR rank compared with  
a sector peer group. 
25% of the award vests on four-year TSR 
performance, 25% on five-year  TSR 
performance, and 50% on six-year  
TSR performance. 
The vesting for threshold (median)  
performance is 25% of maximum, with  
75% for upper quartile performance and  
100% for upper decile performance. 
The Committee can reduce or prevent vesting  
if the Committee determines either that (i) the 
overall underlying business performance of the 
Company is not satisfactory or (ii) an 
unacceptable position has occurred regarding 
safety, the environment, community relations, 
and/or compliance with legal obligations of  
the Company. 
Details of the tailored comparator group are 
included in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

In addition to the above elements of remuneration, the Committee may consider it appropriate to grant an award under a different 
structure in order to facilitate the recruitment or retention of an individual, exercising the discretion available under Listing Rule 9.4.2 R 
(which provides for awards outside the normal long-term incentive structure provided the ‘arrangement is established specifically to 
facilitate, in unusual circumstances, the recruitment or retention of the relevant individual’). 

The Committee also retains discretion to make non-significant changes to the policy without going back to shareholders. 

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NOTES TO THE POLICY TABLE 
Payments from existing awards 
Executive Directors are eligible to receive payment from any award made prior to the approval and implementation of the 
Remuneration Policy detailed in this report, i.e. before 15 May 2015. 

Performance measurement selection and approach to target setting 
The measures used under the annual bonus are selected annually to reflect the Group’s main strategic objectives for the year  
and reflect both financial and non-financial priorities. 

Performance targets are set to be stretching and achievable, taking into account the Company’s strategic priorities and the economic 
environment in which the Company operates. Targets are set taking into account a range of reference points including the Group’s 
strategic and operating plan. 

The Committee considers relative TSR to be the most appropriate measure of long-term performance for the Company and together 
with the annual bonus measures, provide a balance between absolute and relative performance, between short-term and long-term 
performance measures, and between external and internal measures of performance. TSR aligns with the Company’s focus on 
shareholder value creation and rewards management for outperformance of sector peers, and is transparent, visible and motivational 
to executives. The currency basis for the TSR calculation will be determined by the Remuneration Committee prior to grant at its 
discretion, however, the current intention is for TSR for both the LTIP and the ELTIP to be based on the average of TSR calculated in 
common currency and TSR calculated in the currency of listing. The Committee has discretion to vary the performance condition for 
certain events to ensure it continues to be fair, reasonable and no more or less difficult to satisfy – for example, in the event of M&A 
activity amongst the comparator group during a performance period, the Committee may make adjustments to the comparator group 
(for example, replacing that company with the acquiring company, including a substitute for that company, or tracking the future 
performance of that company by reference to the median of the remaining comparators). 

One-off Restricted Share Plan 
Following shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting in December 2014, Ignacio Bustamante was granted an award 
under the RSP. Awards were made over conditional shares with a grant-date value equivalent to five times salary, and which vest in 
tranches over two to five years subject to satisfactory performance and continued employment with the Company. Unvested awards 
are subject to malus, i.e. forfeiture or reduction, in exceptional circumstances such as material misstatement or gross misconduct. 
Further details of the award, including details of treatment for leavers and in the event of a change in control, are included in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration on page 75. 

Remuneration policy for other employees 
The Committee takes into consideration the remuneration arrangements for the wider employee population in making its  
decisions on remuneration for senior executives. The Company’s approach to annual salary reviews is consistent across the  
Group, with consideration given to the scope of the role, level of experience, responsibility, individual performance and pay  
levels in comparable companies. 

In general, the Remuneration Policy and principles which apply to other senior executives are consistent with those set out in this report 
for the CEO. Generally, remuneration is linked to Company and individual performance in a way that is ultimately aimed at reinforcing 
the delivery of shareholder value. 

Senior employees above a specific grade are eligible to participate in an annual bonus scheme with a similar design to that for the  
CEO. Opportunities and specific performance conditions vary by organisational level with business area-specific metrics incorporated 
where appropriate. 

All Peruvian employees participate in the statutory profit share scheme whereby an amount equal to 8% of the relevant Peruvian 
company’s taxable income for the year is distributable to its employees. The amount receivable by each employee is determined  
with reference to their annual base salary and the number of days worked in the calendar year. 

Selected senior employees participate in the LTIP on the same basis as the CEO who, with respect to LTIP awards granted from 2011,  
are required to invest between 0% and 15% of the cash amount received on vesting in the Company’s shares until a holding equivalent 
to between 50% and 100% of salary (depending on seniority) has been acquired. 

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

PAY SCENARIO CHARTS 
The charts below provide an estimate of the potential future reward opportunities for the CEO, and the potential split between  
the different elements of remuneration under three different performance scenarios: ‘Minimum’, ‘On-target’ and ‘Maximum’. 

Potential reward opportunities are based on Hochschild’s Remuneration Policy, applied to base salaries as at 1 March 2015.  

CEO
(USD $000)

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

Minimum

47%

53%

1,052

On-Target

24%

27%

49%

2,029

Maximum

14%

19%

67% 3,453

Salary, pension and benefits

Single-year variable

Multi-year variable1

1  For the CEO, the 2011 and 2014 ELTIP awards have been annualised over the vesting period and are calculated to have an equivalent face value of 198% of salary  
in 2015. The value of the one-off RSP award made in 2014 has been similarly annualised over the vesting period and is calculated to have an equivalent face value  
of 148% of salary in 2015. 

The charts above exclude the effect of any Company share price appreciation. For this reason, were the CEO’s LTIP and ELTIP shares  
to vest in full, his actual total remuneration may exceed the US dollar value shown in the chart above. 

The ‘Minimum’ scenario shows base salary, pension and benefits (that is, fixed remuneration), and full vesting of the RSP. These are  
the only elements of the CEO’s remuneration package which are not at risk. 

The ‘On-Target’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration as above, plus a target payout of 83% of the annual bonus, threshold vesting  
of 25% of the maximum award under the LTIP and ELTIP, and full vesting of the RSP. 

The ‘Maximum’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration, plus full payout of all incentives. 

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APPROACH TO RECRUITMENT REMUNERATION 
External appointments 
In the cases of hiring or appointing a new Executive Director, the Committee may make use of any of the existing components  
of remuneration, as follows: 

Component 
Base salary  

Benefits 

Annual bonus 

LTIP 

  Approach 
  The base salary will be determined by reference to external  
data which takes into account the new appointee’s duties and 
responsibilities, as well as internal relativities and their current 
remuneration. Where new appointees have initial base salaries  
set below market rates, any shortfall may be managed with phased 
increases over a period of three years, subject to the executive’s 
development in the role. 
  New appointees will be eligible to receive compensation for time 
services and profit share, both of which are provided for by Peruvian 
law, and allowances which may include (but are not limited to) medical 
insurance, the use of a car and driver, and personal security. 
  The scheme described in the policy table will apply to new appointees 
with the relevant maximum being prorated to reflect the proportion of 
the year employed. Targets for the personal element will be tailored to 
the role of the appointee. 
  New appointees will be granted awards under the LTIP on the  
same terms as the CEO, as described in the policy table. 

Maximum annual grant value 

150% of salary 

200% of salary in normal 
circumstances or 267% of salary 
in exceptional circumstances 

In determining the appropriate remuneration for a new Executive Director, the Committee will take into consideration all relevant 
factors (including the nature of remuneration and where the candidate was recruited from) to ensure that arrangements are in the 
best interests of Hochschild and its shareholders. 

The Committee may also make an award in respect of a new appointment to ‘buy out’ incentive arrangements forfeited on leaving a 
previous employer on a like-for-like basis, having regard to the fair value of the instruments. In doing so, the Committee will consider 
relevant factors including any performance conditions attached to these awards and the likelihood of those conditions being met.  
The Committee aims to use the current remuneration structure in making recruitment awards, however in some cases it may be 
required to use the flexibility afforded by Listing Rule 9.4.2 R if appropriate in relation to such buy-out awards. 

The Remuneration Committee confirms that the Company would engage with its shareholders in exercising the discretion afforded  
by LR 9.4.2 R whether in relation to recruitment awards or retention awards. 

INTERNAL PROMOTION 
In cases of appointing a new Executive Director by way of internal promotion, the Committee will determine remuneration in line with 
the policy for external appointees as detailed above. Where an individual has contractual commitments made prior to his promotion to 
the Board, the Company will continue to honour these arrangements. Incentive opportunities for below Board employees are typically 
no higher than for Executive Directors, but measures may vary to provide better line of sight. For more details on the Remuneration 
Policy for other employees, see page 61. 

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECRUITMENT 
In recruiting a new Non-Executive Director (NED), the Committee will use the policy as set out in the table on page 65. A base fee in line 
with the stated policy would be payable for Board membership, with additional fees payable for those acting as Chairman of the Audit 
and Remuneration Committees and Senior Independent Director as appropriate. 

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Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

SERVICE CONTRACTS AND EXIT PAYMENT POLICY 
Executive Director 
Ignacio Bustamante 

Date of service contract
1 April 2007 

Executive Director service contracts, including arrangements for early termination, are carefully considered by the Committee.  

Ignacio Bustamante was appointed a Director of the Company with effect from 1 April 2010 and is employed under a contract of 
employment with Compañia Minera Ares S.A.C. (Ares) dated 1 April 2007. The contract is subject to Peruvian law and, as such, has  
no fixed term and may be terminated (i) by the executive on 30 days’ notice and (ii) by Ares without notice. Under Peruvian law, 
termination by Ares other than termination for certain prescribed reasons (such as gross negligence) gives rise to an entitlement to 
compensation of no less than 1.5 times the monthly base salary for each year of service completed, up to a maximum of 12 months’ 
base salary. In addition to these provisions and to reflect Peruvian market practice, the Committee has discretion to award Ignacio 
Bustamante up to an additional 12 months’ base salary on termination (other than for the prescribed reasons outlined above).  
The prevailing circumstances will be taken into consideration at the time of termination. 

The contractual arrangements for the Chairman, who was appointed prior to the IPO in 2006, differ from those for the CEO who  
was subsequently appointed. The Chairman’s service contracts with the Group, details of which can be found in the 2013 Directors’ 
remuneration report, were terminated on 31 December 2014 following Mr Hochschild’s decision to assume a Non-Executive 
Chairmanship. 

When considering exit payments, the Committee reviews all potential incentive outcomes to ensure they are fair to both shareholders 
and participants. The table below summarises how the awards under the annual bonus, LTIP and ELTIP are typically treated in specific 
circumstances, with the final treatment remaining subject to the Committee’s discretion: 

Annual cash bonus 
Reason for leaving 
Retirement, ill health, disability, death or 
any other reasons the Committee may 
determine in its absolute discretion or 
Change of control 
Any other reason 

  Timing of vesting
  Normal payment date, 
 although the Committee  
has discretion to accelerate 

  No bonus is paid 

Treatment of awards
Cash bonuses will only be paid to the extent that  
Group and personal objectives set at the beginning  
of the year have been achieved. Any resulting bonus  
will be prorated for time served during the year 
Not applicable 

  Timing of vesting
  Normal vesting date, although 
the Committee has discretion to 
accelerate 

Treatment of awards
Any outstanding awards will be pro-rated for time  
and performance 

Any outstanding awards will be pro-rated for time  
and performance 
Any outstanding awards will be pro-rated for time 
and performance In the event of a change of control, 
Hochschild awards may alternatively be exchanged 
for new equivalent awards in the acquirer where 
appropriate 
Not applicable 

  Timing of vesting
  On date of event 

Treatment of awards
Any outstanding awards will be pro-rated for time  
and performance 

LTIP and ELTIP 
Reason for leaving 
Retirement, ill-health, disability, 
redundancy, injury or any other reasons 
the Committee may determine in its 
absolute discretion 
Death 

  On date of event 

Change of control 

  On date of event 

Any other reason 

  Awards lapse 

DBP and RSP 
Reason for leaving 
Death, ill-health, disability, redundancy, 
injury, retirement with agreement  
of the Directors (DBP only), or any  
other reasons the Committee may 
determine in its absolute discretion 
Change of control 

  On date of event 

Any other reason 

  Awards lapse 

Any outstanding awards will be pro-rated for time.  
In the event of a change of control, Hochschild awards may 
alternatively be exchanged for new equivalent awards in 
the acquirer where appropriate 
Not applicable 

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NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
The Group’s Non-Executive Directors serve under Letters of Appointment as detailed in the table below. In accordance with their  
terms, the Non-Executive Directors serve for an initial period of three years which is automatically extended for further three year 
terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Directors are subject to annual re-election by the Company in general meeting in line  
with the UK Corporate Governance Code, and the appointments of Non-Executive Directors may be determined by the Board  
or the Director giving not less than three months’ notice. 

Details of the terms of appointment of the Company’s Non-Executive Directors serving during the year are shown in the table below. 
The appointment and reappointment and the remuneration of Non-Executive Directors are matters reserved for the full Board. 

Non-Executive Director 
Eduardo Hochschild1 
Jorge Born Jr. 
Sir Malcolm Field  
Nigel Moore  
Roberto Dañino2  
Dr Graham Birch  
Enrico Bombieri  

Letter of Appointment dated
30 January 2015
16 October 2006
16 October 2006 
16 October 2006 
11 January 2011 
20 June 2011 
20 October 2012 

Anticipated expiry of present term of appointment 
(subject to annual re-election)
31 December 2017
16 October 2015
16 October 2015
16 October 2015
11 January 2017
30 June 2017
20 October 2015

1  Mr. Hochschild, previously Executive Chairman, became Non-Executive Chairman effective 1 January 2015. 

2  Pursuant to a contract between Mr Dañino and Ares dated 28 December 2010, a fee is payable to Mr Dañino in respect of his engagement as Special Adviser to  
the Chairman and the senior management team. The contract provides for a one-year term which renews automatically for further one-year periods and can be 
terminated by either party on 30 days’ written notice. In the event that Ares terminates the contract before 31 December 2015, Mr Dañino is entitled to receive  
30% of the fee payable to him in the period from the date of termination until 31 December 2015. With effect from 1 January 2015, Mr Dañino has waived the  
fee payable to him under this contract in light of the challenging trading conditions faced by the Company. This fee may be reinstated in the future on the terms  
of any renewed or extended contract. 

The Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to participate in the Company’s performance-related incentive plans and do not receive 
any pension contributions. As part of his change of role from Executive to Non-Executive Chairman, the Committee agreed that  
Mr. Hochschild would retain his eligibility for benefits received in respect of his time as an Executive Director, consisting primarily  
of personal security, car and driver, and medical insurance. 

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. 

Details of the policy on fees paid to our Non-Executive Directors are set out in the table below: 

Performance 
measures 
  None 

Function 
To attract and  
retain Non-Executive 
Directors of the highest 
calibre with broad 
commercial and  
other experience  
relevant to  
the Company 

  Operations 
  Fee levels are reviewed from time to time,  
with any adjustments effective from  
1 March each year. 
The fee paid to the Chairman is  
determined by the Committee, and  
fees to Non-Executive Directors are 
determined by the Board. 
Additional fees are payable for  
acting as Chairman of the Audit and  
Remuneration Committees and as  
Senior Independent Director. 
Fee levels are reviewed by reference to  
FTSE-listed companies of similar size  
and complexity. 
Time commitment, level of involvement 
required and responsibility are taken into 
account when reviewing fee levels. 
Fees for the year ending 31 December  
2014 are set out in the Annual Report  
on Remuneration on page 70. 

Opportunity
Non-Executive Director fee increases  
are applied in line with the outcome  
of the fee review. 
Other than reinstating NED fees to 
 their levels prior to 1 August 2013 at the 
discretion of the Board, it is expected that 
NEDs’ fees will only be increased during 
the term of this policy in line with general 
market levels of NED fee inflation. 
In the event that there is a material 
misalignment with the market or a 
change in the complexity, responsibility 
or time commitment required to fulfil  
a Non-Executive Director role, the Board 
has discretion to make an appropriate 
adjustment to the fee level. 
The maximum aggregate annual fee for 
all Directors provided in the Company’s 
Articles of Association is £3 million p.a. 

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Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS POLICY 
The Board recognises that Executive Directors may be invited to serve as directors of other companies, which can bring benefits to  
the Group. Executive Directors are entitled to accept appointments outside the Company providing that the Chairman’s permission is 
sought and granted. The policy is that fees may be retained by the Director, reflecting the personal risk assumed in such appointments. 

Details of external appointments and the associated fees received are included in the Annual Report on Remuneration. 

CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE IN THE COMPANY 
The Committee does not currently consult with employees specifically on the effectiveness and appropriateness of the executive 
Remuneration Policy and framework. However, the Company seeks to promote and maintain good relationships with employee 
representative bodies as part of its employee engagement strategy and consults on matters affecting employees and business 
performance as required in each case by law and regulation in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Although the 
Committee does not consult directly with employees on executive Remuneration Policy, the Committee takes into consideration  
the remuneration arrangements for the wider employee population in making its decisions on remuneration for senior executives. 

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS 
When determining remuneration, the Committee takes into account views of shareholders and best practice guidelines issued  
by institutional shareholder bodies. The Committee is always open to feedback from shareholders on Remuneration Policy and 
arrangements, and commits to undergoing shareholder consultation in advance of any significant changes to Remuneration Policy. 

The Committee will continue to monitor trends and developments in corporate governance and market practice to ensure the  
structure of the executive remuneration remains appropriate. 

Further details on the votes received in respect of remuneration resolutions during 2014 and the Committee’s response are provided  
in the Annual Report on Remuneration. 

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION 
The following section provides details of how Hochschild’s Remuneration Policy was implemented during the financial year ending  
31 December 2014. 

Remuneration Committee membership 
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Jorge Born and its other members are Sir Malcolm Field and Nigel Moore. All of the 
members of the Remuneration Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors. The composition of the Remuneration 
Committee and its terms of reference comply with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code and are available for  
inspection on the Company’s website at www.hochschildmining.com 

Members of senior management attend meetings at the invitation of the Committee. During the year, such members included the 
Chairman, the CEO and the Vice President of Human Resources. No Director or senior executive is present when his own remuneration 
arrangements are considered by the Committee. 

The Committee’s terms of reference 
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 senior management 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 Remuneration Committee met five times during the year (details of members’ attendance at meetings are provided in the 
Corporate Governance report on page 50) and undertook the items of business noted below. 

March 2014 
  Considered the 2013 performance evaluations of the CEO and approved the bonus payment arrangements including the Deferred 

Bonus Plan. In addition, the Committee noted the performance of, and bonuses for, the Group’s Vice Presidents; 

  Approved the 2013 Directors’ remuneration report; 
  Considered and approved the 2014 objectives for the CEO and CFO (who is not an Executive Director); 
  Confirmed the nil vesting outcome of 2011 LTIP awards; 
  Approved the grant of LTIP awards and an ELTIP award to the CEO; and 
  Approved the balancing payment due to award holders under the Exploration Incentive Plan, a plan designed to incentivise the 

Group’s geologists which has subsequently lapsed. 

August 2014 
  Considered an update on senior executive remuneration and the design of a RSP in light of prevailing market conditions and the 

impact of the Cash Optimisation Plan.  

September 2014 (two meetings) 
  Considered: 

  the detailed implementation steps in respect of the RSP; and 
  the outcome of the shareholder consultation. 

November 2014 
  Considered the re-initiation of the RSP following the decision to postpone its implementation in light of market conditions; 
  Considered the new remuneration arrangements for Eduardo Hochschild following his decision to take on a Non-Executive 

Chairmanship effective 1 January 2015; 

  Considered provisional assessments in advance of the year-end with respect to: 

  senior executive salaries; 
  the CEO’s 2014 performance evaluation; and 
  the status of vesting of subsisting LTIP awards; 

  Considered management’s proposed approach to the 2015 LTIP awards; and 
  Considered the 2015 objectives for the CEO. 

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Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

Advisers 
Kepler Associates Partnership LLP (‘Kepler’), who were appointed by the Remuneration Committee in 2007 as part of a formal selection 
process for a remuneration adviser, provided independent advice to the Committee relating to executive remuneration and benefits 
during the year. Kepler is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for consultants 
to Remuneration Committees of UK-listed companies, details of which can be found at: www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com. 
Kepler adheres to this Code of Conduct. 

In 2014, Kepler provided independent advice on remuneration for executives, TSR performance updates, and support in drafting the 
Directors’ remuneration report and shareholder consultation materials. Kepler reports directly to the Chairman of the Committee and 
provides no other services to the Company. Kepler’s total fees for the provision of remuneration services to the Committee in 2014 
 were £24,970 on the basis of time and materials, excluding expenses and VAT. 

The Committee undertakes due diligence periodically to ensure that Kepler remains independent of the Company and that the advice 
provided is impartial and objective. The Committee is satisfied that the advice provided by Kepler is independent. 

Summary of shareholder voting at the 2014 AGM and December Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) 
The following table shows the results of the shareholder vote on the 2013 Remuneration report at the 2014 AGM: 

For (including discretionary) 
Against 
Total votes cast (excluding withheld votes) 
Votes withheld 
Total votes cast (including withheld votes) 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
Total number 
of votes
308,258,985
27,144,983
335,403,968
4,790,137
340,194,105

% of votes cast   
91.91%   
8.09%   

Annual Report on Remuneration

% of votes cast
99.59%
0.41%

Total number  
of votes   
338,788,812   
1,404,990   
340,193,802   
303   
340,194,105   

Note: Votes withheld are not included in the final proxy figures as they are not recognised as votes in law. 

In light of ongoing difficulties affecting the precious metals market, and in the face of the increased competition for mining professionals, 
the Committee consulted with shareholders in 2014 about a one-off grant of restricted shares to key management personnel, including 
the CEO. The following table shows the results of the shareholder vote on the resolutions at the December 2014 EGM: 

For (including discretionary) 
Against 
Total votes cast (excluding withheld votes) 
Votes withheld 
Total votes cast (including withheld votes) 

Approval of RSP

% of votes cast   
81.76%   
18.24%   

Total number 
of votes
263,434,374
58,762,213
322,196,587
4,563,294
326,759,881

Approval of RSP award to CEO
Total number  
of votes   
263,431,522   
58,764,213   
322,195,735   
4,564,146   
326,759,881   

% of votes cast
81.76%
18.24%

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SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS (AUDITED) 
The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each Executive Director for the year ended 31 December 
2014 and the prior year: 

Base salary1 
Taxable benefits2 
Pension3 
Single-year variable4 
Multiple-year variable5 
Profit share6 
Total 

Eduardo Hochschild

Ignacio Bustamante 

2014
US$000
776
525
160
n/a
n/a
0
1,461

2013
US$000
931
553
194
n/a
n/a
0
1,678

2014 
US$000   
471   
27   
0   
409   
0   
0   
907   

2013
US$000
515
24
0
460
0
0
999

1   Base salary includes compensation for time services and for 2014 a one-off tax rebate on a portion of salary, as mandated by the Peruvian government. 

2   Taxable benefits include: use of a car and driver (Eduardo Hochschild – 2014 $23,429; 2013 $30,557. Ignacio Bustamante – 2014 $22,019; 2013 $22,353),  

personal security (Eduardo Hochschild – 2014 $493,510; 2013 $518,072), and medical insurance. 

3   During the year Eduardo Hochschild received a cash supplement in lieu of pension. 

4   Payment for performance during the year under the annual bonus plan. See following sections for further details. 

5   Neither the LTIP nor ELTIP shares were due to vest for performance to 31 December 2013 or 2014.  

6   All-employee profit share mandated by Peruvian law. 

SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION FOR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS (AUDITED) 
The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each Non-Executive Director for the year ended  
31 December 2014 and 2013: 

Non-Executive Director 
Jorge Born Jr. 
Sir Malcolm Field 
Nigel Moore 
Roberto Dañino 
Dr Graham Birch 
Enrico Bombieri 

Base fee 
US$000 

Additional fees
US$000

Benefits-in-kind
US$000

Total 
US$000 

2014 
116   
116   
116   
116   
116   
116   

2013
137
137
137
137
137
137

2014
–1
–
233
2404
–
–

2013
–
272
273
2404
–
–

2014
–
–
–
195
–
–

2013   
–   
–   
–   
425   
–   
–   

2014   
116   
116   
139   
375   
116   
116   

2013
137
164
164
419
137
137

1  Jorge Born waived the supplement payable following his appointment to the position of Chairman of the Remuneration Committee from 1 January 2014 in light  

of the challenging trading conditions faced by the Company.  

2  Sir Malcolm Field’s additional fee relates to his role as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. 

3   Nigel Moore’s additional fee relates to his role as Chairman of the Audit Committee. 

4   The amount represents the fee of $240,000 per annum payable to Mr Dañino in respect of his engagement as Special Adviser to the Chairman and the senior 
management team pursuant to a contract between Mr Dañino and Ares dated 28 December 2010. The contract provides for a one-year term which renews 
automatically for further one-year periods and can be terminated by either party on 30 days’ written notice. In the event that Ares terminates the contract before  
31 December 2015, Mr Dañino is entitled to receive 30% of the fee payable to him in the period from the date of termination until 31 December 2015. Mr Dañino 
has waived this fee effective 1 January 2015 in light of the challenging trading conditions faced by the Company. 

5   Benefits-in-kind relate to the benefits provided to Mr Dañino pursuant to his engagement as a Special Adviser to the Chairman and senior management team, 

which include transportation, out-of-pocket expenses and medical insurance. 

72 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

SALARY AND FEE ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (UNAUDITED) 
Base salaries for Executive Directors were reduced with effect from 1 July 2013. Following a review in 2014, the Committee determined 
that the CEO’s salary would remain unchanged effective 1 March 2014. As a result of a significant depreciation of the Peruvian Nuevos 
Soles, the currency in which the CEO’s salary is denominated, against the US dollars over the course of 2014, the CEO’s US dollar 
equivalent salary with effect from 1 March 2014 was $467,000.  

Executive Director 
Ignacio Bustamante2 

Base salary1 from 
1 July 2013 

Base salary1 from 
1 March 2014 

US$000   
502   

US$000   
467   

Percentage 
decrease
0% – see 
explanation 
above

1  Includes compensation for time services (CTS). 

2  Ignacio Bustamante’s salary is denominated in PEN. From 1 July 2013, his salary (inclusive of CTS) was PEN 1,324,201. Salary from 1 July 2013 is calculated based  
on the 12-month average exchange rate over 2013 of US$1 = PEN 2.702, and salary from 1 March 2014 is based on the 12-month average exchange rate over  
2014 of US$1 = PEN 2.838. 

Effective 1 January 2015, Eduardo Hochschild became Non-Executive Chairman of the Company. 

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. The fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors of the Company  
as at the date of this report are set out in the table below. All Non-Executive Directors receive a base fee, and additional fees are typically 
paid for the role of Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and Chairman of the Audit Committee.  

Non-Executive Director fees (both base and additional fees) were reduced by 30% from 1 August 2013, and further reduced by an 
additional 30% effective 1 January 2015. Eduardo Hochschild became Non-Executive Chairman of the Company effective 1 January 
2015 and will receive an annual fee of $400,000. Mr Hochschild will also be entitled to retain the same level of benefits as under his 
previous role. A summary of current fee levels is provided below: 

Non-Executive Director fee 
Chairman fee 

Base fee 
Additional fees1 

Fee from  
1 August 2013   
n/a   

Fee from  
1 January 2015   
$400,000   

£70,000   
£14,000   

£50,000   
£10,000   

Percentage 
decrease
n/a

-28.6%
-28.6%

1   On assuming their positions of Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and Senior Independent Director respectively with effect from 1 January 2014, 

Jorge Born and Enrico Bombieri waived their right to the additional fee in light of the challenging trading conditions faced by the Company. 

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73 

 
 
 
 
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71

INCENTIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2014 (AUDITED) 
Performance-related annual bonus in respect of 2014 performance 
Objectives for the 2014 bonus were set by the Committee at the beginning of the year and a provisional assessment of performance 
during the year was undertaken at the December Committee meeting, which was confirmed in February 2015. 

Further details of the bonuses paid for 2014, including the specific performance metrics, weightings and performance against each  
of the metrics, are provided in the table below: 

Objective 
Production and financial results 

KPI    Target weighting

Threshold

Production   

21%  

Targets
Target
22m Oz Aq Eq 

Maximum 

EBITDA   

21%   US$187m US$192m US$202m   

Sustaining 
Capex 
Brownfields 
exploration – 
Arcata 

Brownfields 
exploration – 
Pallancata 

Cash 
generated 
through 
project sales 
Project 
milestones – 
Inmaculada 
schedule and 
budget 
Frequency rate   

Business growth 

Project development 

Safety 

Performance assessment
Maximum: 
22.2m Oz Ag Eq
Maximum:
US$202m1
Maximum:
US$112m
Maximum (after 
RemCo discretion): 
15m Oz Ag Eq

Removed from 
scorecard
(see below)

11%   US$144m US$137m US$131m   

5%  

n/a  

13.3m Oz 
Ag Eq
(<0.64Mt; 
≥650 g/t 
Ag Eq)
17.7m Oz 
Ag Eq
(<0.64Mt; 
≥650 g/t 
Ag Eq)

14.5m Oz 
Ag Eq
(<0.69Mt; 
≥650 g/t 
Ag Eq)
19.2m Oz 
Ag Eq
(<0.69Mt; 
≥650 g/t 
Ag Eq)

15.7m Oz 
Ag Eq 
(<0.75Mt; 
≥650 g/t 
Ag Eq) 
20.8m Oz 
Ag Eq 
(<0.75Mt; 
≥650 g/t 
Ag Eq) 

11%  

Not disclosed 

Below threshold

11%  

Not disclosed 

Below threshold

16%   2013 rate 2013 rate
-2.5%

2013 rate 
-5% 

  Threshold (after Remco 
discretion): 2013 rate 
+48%

Severity rate   

5%   2013 rate
-10%

2013 rate
-25%

2013 rate 
-50% 

Maximum:
2013 rate -75%

1  In line with the Committee’s usual approach and as described in the policy section of this report, the final assessment for EBITDA is arrived at after a review  

of the quality of earnings to ensure that they are not distorted by external circumstances. The final assessment is the post-reconciliation EBITDA after stripping  
out the impact of, amongst other things, the differences in actual precious metal prices and inventory levels versus those originally assumed. 

Some of the performance targets have not been disclosed in this year’s report as they are considered commercially sensitive by  
the Board, given the close link between performance targets and business strategy. The Committee will keep this under review,  
and targets will be disclosed at a point in the future when they are no longer considered sensitive. 

The determination of the bonus payout is at the discretion of the Committee, taking into account performance during the year  
against the above scorecard. Each objective in the scorecard has a ‘threshold’, ‘target’ and ‘maximum’ performance target,  
achievement of which translates into a score for each objective. 

Objectives which are considered critical to the Group are given higher weightings, such that outperformance in these areas  
contributes more significantly to the overall bonus outcome. The weighted average of the scores is calculated, and is translated  
into a bonus outcome of between 0% and 150% of salary for the CEO, which is used in the Committee’s judgment in determining 
the actual bonus awarded.  

74 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

The Committee assessed performance against the scorecard and the CEO’s performance in 2014. A number of small adjustments  
to the formulaic outcome were made, for example brownfield exploration for Pallancata was dropped as a KPI as the project budget 
had been reduced significantly and the Committee used its judgment to uplift the assessment for Arcata in light of the significant 
budget reductions, and the Committee used its judgment to uplift the safety score to reflect zero fatalities during the year, a significant 
achievement for the Company. Accordingly, and in light of the CEO’s contribution to the success of the Cash Optimisation Plan which 
exceeded its original savings target of US$200 million by more than US$100 million, the Committee determined that the final bonus 
outcome was 100% of salary for the CEO. The bonus will be paid entirely in cash. 

Partial disclosure of the CEO’s 2013 objectives and his performance against them was provided in last year’s Annual Report on 
Remuneration, and can be found on page 92 of the 2013 Annual Report and Accounts. Full details are provided in the table below: 

Objective 
Production and financial results 

KPI
Production

Business growth 

EBITDA
Brownfield 
exploration

Target weighting

Targets
Target
20m Oz Ag Eq 

20%  

Threshold

Maximum 

Performance assessment
Maximum:
20.5m Oz Ag Eq
17%   US$142m US$146m US$154m    Maximum: US$200m
  Maximum: 20.9m Oz 
12%  
Ag Eq (600 g/t Ag Eq)

Pallancata discoveries 
(<1Mt; ≥600 g/t Ag Eq) 
19.2m Oz 
Ag Eq

  17.7m Oz 
Ag Eq
Identification of targets 
with economic potential 
at Arcata/San Jose 

20.8m Oz 
Ag Eq 

Project development 

Safety 

Business 
development
Project 
milestones
  Frequency rate

Severity rate

10%  

15%  

4 targets 
2 targets 
Remuneration Committee 
judgment1 
Range of targets2 

20%   2012 rate
+2.5%

2012 rate 2012 rate 
-5% 

7%   2012 rate
-20%

2012 rate
-45%

2012 rate 
-80% 

Maximum: more
than 4 targets 
identified at Arcata and 
2 at San Jose

Maximum

Target

Maximum: 
2012 rate -31%

Between threshold
 and target: 
2012rate -40%

1  The Committee considered a range of acquisitions and divestitures, including (i) for acquisitions: Volcan closing, IMZ closing, Riverside regional alliance,  

17 opportunities reviewed (2 advanced) and (ii) for divestitures: Cristo de los Andes, Josnitoro & Victoria. 

2  Targets related to Inmaculada and Crespo schedule and budget, loan terms for the Suyamarca Loan for Inmaculada, profitability of the Matarani deposit,  

effective cash management in Argentina and management of the group effective tax rate. 

The Committee assessed performance against the scorecard and the CEO’s performance in 2013. In light of market conditions,  
the Committee determined that there should be a downward revision of the formulaic outcome, which resulted in an entitlement  
to 102% of salary. For 2013, a portion of the total annual bonus outcome was deferred into Hochschild shares for up to two years.  
The Committee determined that, for the CEO, 78% of the bonus for 2013 would be deferred into shares, 50% of which would vest  
in March 2015 and the remaining 50% in March 2016. 

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73

2012 LTIP VESTING 
On 31 March 2012, Ignacio Bustamante was granted an award under the LTIP with a face value of $900,000. Vesting was dependent  
on three-year relative TSR performance against both a tailored peer group (70% of the total award) and the constituents of the FTSE350 
Mining Index (30% of the total award). There was no retesting of performance. Further details of the performance conditions are shown 
in the table below. 

Performance measure 
Relative TSR performance vs. tailored peer group1 

Weighting
70%

Relative TSR performance vs. Constituents of the FTSE350 
Mining Index 

30%

Performance targets
Upper quintile (80th percentile): Full vesting
Upper tercile (67th percentile): 75% vesting
Median (50th percentile): 25% vesting
Straight-line vesting between these points
Median TSR +10% p.a.: Full vesting
Median TSR: 25% vesting
Straight-line vesting between these points

1  Acacia Mining plc, Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd, Alamos Gold, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Barrick Gold Corp, Centamin Egypt Limited, Cia des Minas Buenaventura SA, Coeur 
d’Alène Mines Corp, Eldorado Gold Corp, Fresnillo plc, Gold Fields Ltd, Goldcorp Inc, Highland Gold Mining Ltd, Iamgold Corp, Kinross Gold Corp, Minefinders Corp, 
Newmont Mining Corp, Pan American Silver Corp, Petropavlovsk Plc, Polymetal, Randgold Resources Ltd and Silver Standard Resources Inc. 

The Committee has considered the extent to which the performance conditions attached to the 2012 LTIP award had been satisfied 
and since the Company’s TSR in the performance period between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014 was below that for the 
tailored peer group and the FTSE350 Mining Index, this award will lapse. 

2011 ELTIP VESTING 
On 28 April 2011, Ignacio Bustamante was granted an award under the ELTIP. Vesting was dependent on four-, five- and six-year 
relative TSR performance against a tailored peer group. There was no retesting of performance. Further details of the performance 
conditions are shown in the table below: 

Performance periods 

Vesting dates  
(subject to performance) 

Performance conditions  

TSR comparator group 

1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014 in respect of 25% of the award 
1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015 in respect of 25% of the award 
1 January 2011 to 31 December 2016 in respect of 50% of the award 
28 April 2015 in respect of 90,549 shares 
28 April 2016 in respect of 90,549 shares 
28 April 2017 in respect of 181,098 shares 
Relative TSR performance 
Upper Decile: Full vesting 
Upper Quartile: 75% vesting 
Median: 25% vesting 
Straight-line vesting between these points 
Acacia Mining plc, Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd, Alamos Gold, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Barrick Gold 
Corp, Centamin Egypt Limited, Cia des Minas Buenaventura SA, Coeur d’Alène Mines Corp, 
Eldorado Gold Corp, Fresnillo plc, Gold Fields Ltd, Goldcorp Inc, Highland Gold Mining Ltd, Iamgold 
Corp, Kinross Gold Corp, Newmont Mining Corp, Pan American Silver Corp, Petropavlovsk Plc, 
Polymetal, Randgold Resources Ltd and Silver Standard Resources Inc. 

Subsequent to the year end, the Committee considered the extent to which the performance condition attached to the four-year 
tranche of the 2011 ELTIP award had been satisfied. The Company’s TSR in the performance period between 1 January 2011 and 
31 December 2014 was below that for the tailored peer group, and as a result all shares under this tranche will lapse. 

76 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
74 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

SCHEME INTERESTS AWARDED IN 2014 (AUDITED) 
LTIP  
On 12 March 2014, Ignacio Bustamante was granted a cash-settled award under the LTIP with a face value of $1 million. 

Vesting is dependent on three-year relative TSR from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016, with 70% of the award based on  
TSR performance against a tailored peer group and 30% of the award based on TSR performance against the constituents of the 
FTSE350 Mining Index.  

Awards vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant, subject to continued employment, and are subject to potential malus  
if, before vesting, the Committee determines either that (i) the overall underlying business performance of the Company is not 
satisfactory or (ii) an unacceptable position has occurred regarding safety, the environment, community relations, and/or compliance 
with legal obligations of the Company. Awards are settled in cash and the CEO will be required to invest at least 20% of any amount 
vesting into Hochschild shares, until such time as he has achieved the relevant shareholding guideline. 

Further details, including vesting schedules, are provided in the table below: 

Executive Director 
Eduardo Hochschild 
Ignacio Bustamante 

Performance measure 
Relative TSR1 performance vs. tailored 
peer group2 

Relative TSR1 performance vs. 
constituents of the FTSE350 Mining Index 

Grant date

Performance period

Face value of award 
at grant  
US$000 

  Award value for minimum 
performance 
US$000

Does not participate in the LTIP 

12.03.14

01.01.14 – 31.12.16

$1,000   

$250

Weighting
70%

30%

Performance targets
Upper quintile: Full vesting 
Upper tercile: 75% vesting 
Median: 25% vesting
Straight-line vesting between these points
Median TSR+10% p.a: Full vesting 
Median TSR: 25% vesting
Straight-line vesting between these points

1  TSR is calculated on the average of local and common currencies. 

2  Acacia Mining plc, Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd, Alamos Gold, AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Barrick Gold Corp, Centamin Egypt Limited, Cia des Minas Buenaventura SA,  

Coeur d’Alène Mines Corp, Eldorado Gold Corp, Fresnillo plc, Gold Fields Ltd, Goldcorp Inc, Hecla Mining, Highland Gold Mining Ltd, Iamgold Corp, Kinross Gold Corp, 
Newmont Mining Corp, Pan American Silver Corp, Petropavlovsk Plc, Polymetal, Randgold Resources Ltd and Silver Standard Resources Inc. 

ELTIP 
As reported in the 2013 Directors’ remuneration report, on 20 March 2014 Ignacio Bustamante was granted a second award under  
the ELTIP. Awards were made over conditional shares with a value, on the date of grant, equivalent to six times salary and which vest  
in tranches over an extended performance period of four, five and six years. 

Further details on the design of the ELTIP award are included in the table below: 

Performance periods 

Vesting dates (subject to performance) 

Performance conditions 

  1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017 in respect of 25% of the award 
1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 in respect of 25% of the award 
1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019 in respect of 50% of the award 
  20 March 2018 in respect of 237,975 shares 
20 March 2019 in respect of 237,975 shares 
20 March 2020 in respect of 475,950 shares 

  Relative TSR performance  
Upper Decile: Full vesting  
Upper Quartile: 75% vesting  
Median: 25% vesting  
Straight-line vesting between these points 

TSR comparator group 
Malus provisions 
Basis of TSR calculation of Comparator Group 
Shareholding requirement 

  As for the 2014 LTIP Awards 
  Yes1 
  Average of local and common currencies 
  50% of the after-tax vested shares is required to be retained until an overall beneficial 
shareholding equal to two times salary has been achieved 

1  Potential malus if, before vesting, the Remuneration Committee determines either that (i) the overall underlying business performance of the Company is not 
satisfactory or (ii) an unacceptable position has occurred regarding safety, the environment, community relations, and/or compliance with legal obligations  
of the Company.  

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77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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75

Details of the Conditional Shares awarded to Ignacio Bustamante under the ELTIP in 2014 are provided in the table below: 

Date of grant   
20.03.14   

Number of Conditional
Shares granted 
951,900

Share price on date
of award
175.0p1

Face value
(000)
£1,6661

1   Based on the mid-market closing share price on the date of award. The reference price used was 183.6p, equal to the average market value of shares for the three 

trading days prior to the grant of the award. 

RESTRICTED SHARE PLAN 
Following shareholder approval at the 29 December 2014 Extraordinary General Meeting, Ignacio Bustamante was granted an award 
under the RSP. Awards were made over conditional shares with a grant-date value equivalent to five times salary, and which vest  
in tranches over two to five years subject to satisfactory performance and continued employment with the company. 

Further details on the design of the RSP award are included in the table below: 

Vesting dates subject to performance) 

  30 December 2016 in respect of 263,878 shares 
30 December 2017 in respect of 263,878 shares 
30 December 2018 in respect of 263,878 shares 
30 December 2019 in respect of 527,758 shares 

Performance conditions 

  Vesting is subject to satisfactory performance and continued employment  

Malus provisions 
Treatment for leavers 

with the company 
  Yes1 
  For good leavers (e.g. death, injury, disability, redundancy or as otherwise agreed by the 
Committee), awards will be pro-rated for time and vest immediately on cessation of 
employment. For any other reason, awards will lapse 

Treatment on change of control 

  Awards will be pro-rated for time and vest immediately. Alternatively, the Committee 

can allow/require awards to be exchanged for equivalent awards  
in any acquirer 

1  Potential malus if, before vesting, the Remuneration Committee considers that corporate or the participant’s individual performance justifies such an adjustment. 

Details of the Conditional Shares awarded to Ignacio Bustamante under the RSP in 2014 are provided in the table below: 

Date of grant 

30.12.14   

Number of Conditional
 Shares granted 
1,319,392

Share price on date of award
86.8p1

Face value
£1,1451

1  Based on the mid-market closing share price on the date of award. The reference price used was 102.2p, equal to the average market value of shares for the three 

months prior to the grant of the award. 

78 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
 
 
76 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

EXIT PAYMENTS MADE IN THE YEAR (AUDITED) 
No exit payments were made to Directors in the year (2013: £25,000 (US$35,000) comprising payments to two Non-Executive Directors 
in lieu of notice who stepped down from the Board during 2013). 

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS (AUDITED) 
No payments were made to past Directors in the year (2013: nil). 

IMPLEMENTATION OF REMUNERATION POLICY FOR 2015 
2015 remuneration arrangements will be implemented in line with the approved Remuneration Policy. Further details are  
provided below. 

SALARY 
2014 saw a significant and sustained depreciation of the Peruvian Nuevos Soles against the US dollar, and as a result, the CEO’s  
salary (currently denominated in PEN) has decreased significantly in US dollar terms. To protect against significant future movements  
in exchange rates, the Committee has decided to re-denominate the CEO’s salary from PEN to US dollars. The new denomination  
will be fixed for a period of 5 years, subject to review by the Committee if there is a sustained and material increase or decrease in  
the exchange rate. Any further changes to salary denomination will be detailed and explained in the relevant year’s Annual Report  
on Remuneration. 

As a result of the re-denomination and a salary review by the Remuneration Committee at the start of 2015, it was agreed that  
with effect from 1 March 2015, Ignacio Bustamante’s base salary shall be $541,667 (including CTS). Subject to the commencement  
of production from Inmaculada, the Committee will consider a further increase in base salary for Mr Bustamante the amount of  
which will be determined following an external benchmarking of his remuneration. 

ANNUAL BONUS 
The Annual Bonus for the 2015 financial year will operate on the same basis as in 2014. The Committee has approved a maximum 
bonus opportunity for the CEO of 150% of salary. Bonuses will be based on broadly the same measures as those used in 2014, a number 
of which have not been detailed in this report due to their commercial sensitivity. Full disclosure will be made in the Company’s 2015 
Directors’ remuneration report. 

LTIP 
The Committee will make awards in 2015 within the maximum limits described in the Remuneration Policy. The performance 
conditions will be the same as for 2014 awards. 

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN CEO REMUNERATION 
The table below shows the percentage change in CEO remuneration from the prior year compared with the percentage change  
in remuneration for all other employees. 

Base salary2 
Taxable benefits 
Single-year variable 

CEO remuneration 
US$000

2014   
471   
27   
4093   

2013
515
24
460

% change   
(8.4%)  
11.8%   
(11.1%)  

Other employees1
% change
9.2%
n/a
(31%)

1 

‘Other employees’ comprise full-time salaried employees in Peru. 

2  Includes compensation for time services, and for 2014 a one-off tax rebate on a portion of salary, as mandated by the Peruvian government. 

3  Calculated using the exchange rate as at 31 December 2014 of $1: PEN 2.989. 

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY 
The table below shows the percentage change in total employee pay expenditure and shareholder distributions (that is dividends  
and share buybacks) from the financial year ended 31 December 2013 to the financial year ended 31 December 2014. 

Distribution to shareholders 
US$000 

Employee remuneration 
US$000 

2014   
NIL   

2013   
NIL   

% change
n/a

2014
$157,696

2013   
$175,933   

% change
-10%

The Directors are not recommending the payment of a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014 (2013: nil). 

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77

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE 
The following graph shows the TSR for the Company compared to the FTSE350 Index, assuming £100 was invested on 31 December 
2008. The Board considers that the FTSE350 Index currently represents the most appropriate of the published indices for these 
purposes as it provides a view of performance against a broad equity market index of which Hochschild was a constituent for the 
majority of the period. The table below details the CEO’s single figure remuneration and actual variable pay outcomes over the  
same period.  

£100 INVESTED IN HOCHSCHILD AND FTSE350 INDEX ON 31 DECEMBER 2008
600

500

400

300

200

100

0

31 Dec  08

31 Dec  09

31 Dec  10

31 Dec  11

31 Dec  12

31 Dec  13

31 Dec  14

FTSE 350 Index

FTSE SmallCap

Hochschild Mining plc

Ignacio Bustamante1 
CEO single figure of remuneration ($000) 
Annual bonus outcome (% of maximum) 
LTI vesting outcome (% of maximum) 

Miguel Aramburú2 
CEO single figure of remuneration ($000) 
Annual bonus outcome (% of maximum) 
LTI vesting outcome (% of maximum) 

1  Ignacio Bustamante was appointed on 1 April 2010. 

2  Miguel Aramburú resigned on 31 March 2010. 

2009

–
–
–

2009

1,228
100%
0%

2010

1,525
100%
47%

2010

1,019
46%
0%

2011

1,120
100%
0%

2012   

1,852   
90%   
98%   

2013   

999   
81%   
0%   

2014

907
67%
0%

2011

2012   

2013   

2014

–
–
–

–   
–   
–   

–   
–   
–   

–
–
–

80 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED 

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS (AUDITED) 
The interests of the Directors and their families in the ordinary shares of the Company as at 31 December 2014 are detailed in the  
table below. 

The CEO is required to invest 20% of vested LTIP awards and retain 50% of the after-tax vested ELTIP shares until such time as he has 
accumulated a shareholding with a value of 200% of salary. 

Shares held

Dec 2013   

Owned outright 
or vested at 31 

Owned outright 
or vested at 31 
Dec 2014
  199,320,272    199,320,272
62,219
–
14,285
40,000
200,000
10,000
–

62,219   
–   
14,285   
26,434   
200,000   
10,000   
–   

Vested but 
subject to 
holding 
period
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Unvested and 
subject to 
performance 
conditions
–
2,751,538
–
–
–
–
–
–

Shareholding 
requirement 
(% of salary)   
–   
200%   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   

Current 
shareholding
(% of salary/fee)
–
21%1
–
–
–
–
–
–

Requirement 
met?
–
No
–
–
–
–
–
–

Eduardo Hochschild 
Ignacio Bustamante 
Jorge Born Jr. 
Sir Malcolm Field 
Nigel Moore 
Roberto Dañino 
Dr Graham Birch 
Enrico Bombieri 

1  Using Company’s share price as at 31 December 2014 of 88.0p.  

There have been no changes to Directors’ shareholdings since 31 December 2014. 

Details of Directors’ interests in shares and options under Hochschild’s long-term incentives are set out in the section overleaf. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.hochschildmining.com 

79

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN SHARE OPTIONS, SHARES AND CASH AWARDS IN HOCHSCHILD LONG-TERM INCENTIVE 
PLANS AND ALL EMPLOYEE PLANS 

Ignacio Bustamante 
DBP 
2011 ELTIP 
2011 ELTIP 
2011 ELTIP 
2014 ELTIP 
2014 ELTIP 
2014 ELTIP 
2012 LTIP 
2013 LTIP 
2014 LTIP 
RSP 
RSP 
RSP 
RSP 

  Date of grant

Share price 
at grant   

Exercise price 
at grant

20.03.14
28.04.11
28.04.11
28.04.11
20.03.14
20.03.14
20.03.14
31.03.12
13.03.13
12.03.14
30.12.14
30.12.14
30.12.14
30.12.14

175p   
428p   
428p   
428p   
175p   
175p   
175p   
n/a   
n/a   
n/a   
86.8p   
86.8p   
86.8p   
86.8p   

Nil
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
n/a
n/a
n/a
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Number
of shares 
awarded

118,050
90,549
90,549
181,098
237,975
237,975
475,950
n/a
n/a
n/a
263,878
263,878
263,878
527,758

Face value
at grant1

£206,588
£387,550
£387,550
£775,099
£416,456
£416,456
£832,913
$0.9m
$1m
$1m
£229,046
£229,046
£229,046
£458,094

Performance period    Vesting Date

n/a   
01.01.11 – 31.12.14   
01.01.11 – 31.12.15   
01.01.11 – 31.12.16   
01.01.14 – 31.12.17   
01.01.14 – 31.12.18   
01.01.14 – 31.12.19   
01.01.12 – 31.12.14   
01.01.13 – 31.12.15   
01.01.14 – 31.12.16   
n/a   
n/a   
n/a   
n/a   

20.03.16
28.04.15
28.04.16
28.04.17
20.03.18
20.03.19
20.03.20
31.03.15
13.03.16
12.03.17
30.12.16
30.12.17
30.12.18
30.12.19

1   The face value of (a) equity settled incentives are stated in Pounds Sterling and (b) cash settled incentives, namely Long Term Incentive Plan awards, are stated  

in US Dollars (to be paid in US Dollars or its equivalent in Peruvian Nuevos Soles) 

OTHER INTERESTS 
None of the Directors had an interest in the shares of any subsidiary undertaking of the Company or in any significant contracts  
of the Group. 

EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS IN 2014 (UNAUDITED) 
The table below details the fees received by Eduardo Hochschild during the year in respect of his other directorships, which are retained 
by him. 

Name of Director 
Eduardo Hochschild 

Company
Banco Crédito del Peru
Inversiones Pacasmayo SA and affiliated companies
Pacifico Peruano Suiza Cia. de Seguros

Fees received1
PEN 283,683 (US$99,924)
PEN 8,334,502 (US$2,935,718)2
PEN 126,360 (US$44,509)

1   Converted from Peruvian Nuevos Soles (PEN) to US dollars using the 12-month average exchange rate over 2014 of US$1 = PEN 2.838 

2   The amount disclosed comprises (i) Board fees, (ii) salary received by Eduardo Hochschild in his capacity as Executive Chairman of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.  

and (iii) fees received by him in his capacity as a consultant to Inversiones Pacasmayo SA, companies of which he is the controlling shareholder. 

Signed on behalf of the Board 

JORGE BORN JR. 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
17 March 2015 

82 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Governance p36-85 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Company financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent Company financial statements for each financial year. Under that law 
the Directors have prepared the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted 
by the EU. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Parent Company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing those 
financial statements, the Directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether applicable IFRS have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial 

statements; and

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue 

in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Parent Company and enable them to 
ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps  
as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ report, Directors’ 
remuneration report and Corporate governance statement that comply with that law and those regulations. The Directors are responsible 
for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website. Legislation in the UK 
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

www.hochschildmining.com 

81

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS 
OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC

OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In our opinion:

• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 

2014 and of the Group’s loss for the year then ended;

• the Group’s financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; 
• the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European  

Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 

• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards  

the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

WHAT WE HAVE AUDITED
We have audited the financial statements of Hochschild Mining plc for the year ended 31 December 2014 which comprise the 
Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated and Parent Company 
Statements of Financial Position, the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows, the Consolidated and Parent 
Company Statements of Changes in Equity, and the related Notes to the Consolidated financial statements 1 to 39 and Notes to  
the Parent Company financial statements 1 to 14. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 
applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the Parent 
Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
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 auditor’s 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. 

SCOPE OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the Parent Company’s circumstances and have  
been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors;  
and the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements 
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT AND OUR RESPONSE TO THAT RISK
The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit strategy, including the allocation of our resources and  
effort, are those identified in the table below together with an explanation of how we tailored our audit to address these risks. As in  
all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there is evidence  
of bias by the directors that may represent a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. This is not a complete list of all risks identified 
by our audit. 

Governance p36-85 
82 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC CONTINUED

Risk
Assessment of the carrying value of the Group’s 
mining assets (as described on page 46 in the 
report of the Audit Committee and notes 16, 17  
and 18 to the Group fnancial statements). 

We focused on this because of the materiality  
of the balances involved and because the 
assessment of the recoverability of the carrying 
value of the Group’s Cash Generating Units 
(‘CGUs’) involves signifcant judgements  
about the future results of the business and  
the discount rates applied to future cash  
flow forecasts. 

We continued to consider this to be a risk area in 
2014, given the ongoing challenges faced by the 
Group during the year arising from declines and 
volatility in market prices for silver and gold. 

Going concern and impact of new borrowings 
(as described on page 47 in the report of the 
Audit Committee and note 27 to the Group 
fnancial statements).

This area was considered an area of increased 
risk for 2014 as the Group has increased its 
leverage during 2014 and now has to make 
regular debt repayments and there are restrictive 
covenants over its debt. These factors coupled 
with the recent volatility in commodity prices 
have led to our increased focus on this area. 

Management and the Board prepare a cash  
flow forecast and undertake sensitivity analysis 
of the key assumptions to ensure that the Group 
can operate as a going concern for at least 12 
months from the date the fnancial statements 
are signed. 

How our audit addressed the risk
Our approach focused on the following procedures: 

•  we obtained an understanding of management’s process around impairment 

assessment, including all related controls; 

•  we audited management’s assessment of whether indicators of impairment  
(as defned in IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets” and IFRS 6 “Exploration for and 
Evaluation of Mineral Resources”) exist for its CGUs and evaluating this 
assessment, including a challenge of the validity and completeness of the 
indicators identifed with reference to our knowledge of the business obtained 
elsewhere in our audit; 

•  where indicators existed, we obtained recoverable value models from management 

for the Group’s CGUs and assessed the appropriateness of the methodology 
applied in preparing these recoverable value models; 

•  we tested the recoverable value models for accuracy, performed sensitivity  
analyses on signifcant inputs, and challenged the appropriateness of key 
assumptions (e.g. price assumptions, production and costing fgures, etc.)  
as compared with third party/independent sources (e.g. analyst price forecasts)  
or other evidence; 

•  we involved valuations specialists to assist the audit team in challenging and 
assessing the appropriateness of the discount rates used in the calculation; 

•  we agreed key inputs to approved mine plans or budgets as appropriate, and 
compared these with historical actual fgures, considering the accuracy of  
previous internal forecasts; 

•  we compared the calculated recoverable values to the associated carrying values, 
assessing whether any impairment charges or reversals of previously recognised 
impairment charges were necessary; and

•  we considered the appropriateness, sufficiency, and clarity of any impairment-
related disclosures provided in the Group Financial Statements, including the 
disclosure of key sensitivities. 

Our approach focused on the following procedures:

•  we obtained the Group’s going concern forecasts covering the 12 month  
period following approval of the fnancial statements . We challenged the  
key assumptions and judgements made by the directors therein. We satisfed 
ourselves as to the reasonableness of all key assumptions, as well as their 
consistency, where appropriate, with other key assumptions noted elsewhere 
throughout our audit (notably those in our audit of the Group’s impairment 
models above); 

•  we obtained an understanding the contractual arrangements surrounding  

the Group’s fnancing arrangements completed during the year on 23 January 
2014 (US $350 million bond) and on 29 October 2014 (US$ 100 million medium 
term facility);

•  we also read these lending agreements to substantiate our knowledge of the 

borrowing covenants to which the Group is subject and recalculated its forecast 
compliance with the same over the going concern assessment period;

•  we read the Group fnancial statements to ensure the new borrowings were 

presented and disclosed appropriately; and

•  we considered whether, given the available information and based on 

management’s forecasts, the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate.

www.hochschildmining.com 

83

Risk
Tax contingencies (as described on page 47  
in the report of the Audit Committee and  
note 36 to the Group fnancial statements)

We identifed tax exposures as another area  
of higher risk, due to the size of the potential 
fnes or losses that the Group could suffer as  
a result of open tax authority reviews and the 
uncertainty surrounding the amount and  
timing of these potential liabilities. 

Revenue recognition (as described on page 46 in 
the report of the Audit Committee and notes 5 
and 23 to the Group fnancial statements)

We continue to consider revenue recognition  
as an area of higher risk which drives our audit 
strategy and allocation of resources. The number 
of sales contracts and complex terms under 
which title, risk and rewards pass to the customer 
increases the risk of overstatement and cut-off 
errors. We have also identifed risks in relation  
to the revenue hedging arrangements entered 
into by the Group and the calculation of the 
adjustment for provisional pricing, including  
the estimate of silver and gold in the  
concentrate sold.

How our audit addressed the risk
Our approach focused on the following procedures:

•  we analysed management’s assessment with regards to potential tax 

contingencies arising from tax authority reviews, primarily in Peru and Argentina; 

•  we obtained an understanding of management’s process for assessing the 

contingencies; 

•  we challenged the likelihood of an unfavourable outcome for the Group with 

regards to these contingencies, by forming an independent assessment based  
on the relevant facts and circumstance of each signifcant review, concluding  
that the Group has appropriately designated all contingencies as either ‘remote’  
or ‘possible’, or ‘probable’ and has recognised and disclosed any such contingencies 
in the Group fnancial statements as required; and

•  where applicable, we obtained confrmations from external legal counsel to 

support Group management’s position in respect of these potential contingencies. 

Our approach focused on the following procedures:

•  we obtained an understanding of and tested that the key controls around the 

revenue recognition process are designed and operating effectively, supporting  
the prevention, detection or correction of material errors in the reported revenue 
fgures (in locations where this was deemed a more efficient approach than 
substantive testing); 

•  we performed cut off testing to ensure revenue is recognised in the correct period; 

•  we audited the terms and conditions of material sales contracts and ensure they 

have been accounted for in line with the Group’s revenue recognition policy, which 
is in line with the requirements of IFRS;

•  where provisional pricing applies, we compared the fair value price assumptions  

to market forward rates; 

•  for the silver and gold price swaps taken out during the year, we audited 

management’s hedging documentation, forming an independent view that the 
application of hedge accounting was appropriate, and tested any resulting realised 
and unrealised gains, including the agreement of market forward rates used in 
determining the unrealised fair value gain at year-end; and

•  we read the fnancial statements assessing whether all required disclosures  

in respect of the provisional pricing and hedging arrangements were included  
in the Group fnancial statements. 

Governance p36-85 
84 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC CONTINUED

AN OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPE OF OUR AUDIT 
For the Parent Company – our assessment of audit risk and our evaluation of materiality determines our audit scope for the Parent 
Company financial statements. This helps us to form an opinion on the Parent Company financial statements under International 
Standards on Auditing (ISA) (UK and Ireland).

For the Group – we tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we obtained sufficient audit evidence to be able to give an opinion  
on the Group financial statements as a whole under ISA (UK and Ireland), taking into account the structure of the Group, its accounting 
processes and controls, the industry in which the Group operates, and the risks of material misstatement to the Group financial 
statements as noted above. 

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at the reporting 
units by us as the Group audit team, or by component auditors from other EY network firms operating under our instruction. Where 
work was performed by component auditors, notably the Peruvian and Argentinian EY member firms, we determined the level of 
involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those components to be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit 
evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. 

Accordingly, our Group audit scope focused on the Group’s two primary operating locations, Peru and Argentina, and two other  
locations (the UK and Mexico). Three subsidiaries at these locations were subject to a full audit, while a fourth was subject to an audit  
of specified account balances where the extent of our testing was based on our assessment of the risks of material misstatement  
and of the materiality of the Group’s operations at this location. Together with the Group functions, which were also subject to audit,  
these locations represent the principal business units of the Group and account for 99% (2013: 99%) of the Group’s Adjusted EBITDA, 
100% (2013: 98%) of Group’s Revenue, and 91% (2013: 92%) of the Group’s Total Assets. Audits of these locations are performed at a 
materiality level calculated as a proportion of Group materiality appropriate to the relative scale of the business concerned. 

The Group audit team continued to follow a programme of planned visits that has been designed to ensure that the Senior Statutory 
Auditor visits each of the primary operating locations where the Group audit scope was focused. The Senior Statutory Auditor visits the 
Peru operating location twice every year, and the Argentina operating location at least once every two years. For all locations subject to  
a full audit, in addition to location visits, the Group audit team also reviewed key working papers, participated in the component team’s 
planning, including the component team’s discussion of fraud and error, and attended all closing meetings either in person or by call. 
The Group audit team also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that there 
were no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject  
to full audit or an audit of specified account balance. This, together with additional procedures performed at the Group level, gave us  
the evidence we needed to support our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. 

OUR APPLICATION OF MATERIALITY 
The scope of our audit is influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, 
together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing, and extent of our  
audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole. 

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows: 

Overall Group materiality
How we determined it
Rationale

Performance materiality
How we determined it

Rationale

US$2.7 million (2013: US$3.1 million)
2% of Adjusted EBITDA (2013: 0.5% of Revenue)
As in 2013, the Group is loss making in 2014. Accordingly, we considered other earnings-based 
measures of signifcance to users of the fnancial statements on which we could set our materiality.  
We changed the base on which we set materiality in the current year to Adjusted EBITDA (as defned  
on page 14 of the Annual Report), as this was deemed to be a more critical measure for users of the 
fnancial statements in 2014, given the focus on this metric by the Group’s external lenders, specifcally 
as an Adjusted EBITDA measure is used to assess the Group’s compliance with key restrictive covenants 
on these borrowings.
US$2.0 million (2013: $1.6 million)
On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control 
environment, our judgement is that overall performance materiality for the Group should be 75% 
(2013: 50%) of materiality.
Our performance materiality was set to a lower threshold in 2013, in response to changes to the 
Group’s control environment resulting from redundancies made as part of the cash optimisation  
plan implemented during that year. As these changes had no adverse impact on the Group’s reporting, 
and no further signifcant changes have taken place in the current year, it was deemed appropriate to 
increase this fgure for our 2014 audit. Our objective in adopting this approach is to ensure that total 
detected and undetected audit differences do not exceed our materiality of US$2.7 million for the 
fnancial statements as whole.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of US$135,000  
(2013: US$155,000), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

www.hochschildmining.com 

85

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in the light  
of other relevant qualitative considerations. 

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITOR
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 80, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the Group and Parent Company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and ISA (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006
In our opinion:

• the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies  

Act 2006; and

• the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements  

are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
We have nothing to report in respect of the following: 

Under the ISA (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is: 

• materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or 
• apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course  

of performing our audit; or 

• is otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired during  
the audit and the directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable and whether the 
Annual Report appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to the Audit Committee which we consider should  
have been disclosed. 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received 

from branches not visited by us; or

• the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement  

with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

• the Directors’ Statement, set out on page 39, in relation to going concern; and
• the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate 

Governance Code specified for our review.

STEVEN DOBSON
Senior statutory auditor
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor
London 
17 March 2015

1  The maintenance and integrity of the Hochschild Mining plc web site is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve 
consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the fnancial statements since  
they were initially presented on the web site.

2 Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of fnancial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Governance p36-85 
86 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

87

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

Year ended 31 December 2014
Exceptional 
Before 
items 
exceptional 
(note 11) 
items 
US$000
US$000

Total
US$000

Notes

Year ended 31 December 2013
Exceptional 
Before 
items 
exceptional 
 (note 11) 
items 
US$000   

US$000   

Total
US$000

Continuing operations 

Revenue  

Cost of sales 

Gross profit  

Administrative expenses  

Exploration expenses  

Selling expenses  

Other income  

Other expenses  

3,5 

492,951

–

492,951

622,158   

–    622,158

6 

(404,639)

(6,065)

(410,704)

(466,766)   

(2,466)    (469,232)

88,312

(6,065)

82,247

155,392   

(2,466)   152,926

7

8 

9 

(43,335)

(2,752)

(46,087)

(54,425)   

(2,351)   

(56,776)

(17,254)

(28,697)

4,112

(886)

(18,140)

(42,871)   

(3,456)   

(46,327)

–

–

(28,697)

(28,785)  

–   

(28,785)

4,112

3,974   

2,442   

6,416

12

(17,512)

(2,963)

(20,475)

(15,555)  

–   

(15,555)

Impairment and write-off of assets net 

–

109

109

–   

(90,671)   

(90,671)

(Loss)/profit from continuing operations 
before net finance income/(cost), foreign 
exchange loss and income tax  

Share of post-tax profit of associates 
accounted for under equity method  

Finance income  

Gain on transfer from investment accounted 
for under the equity method to available-for-
sale financial assets 

Finance costs  

Foreign exchange loss  

(Loss)/profit from continuing  
operations before income tax  

Income tax (expense)/benefit  

(14,374)

(12,557)

(26,931)

17,730   

(96,502)   

(78,772)

19 

13

–

–

–

5,921   

–   

5,921

2,215

4,061

6,276

10,675   

2,417   

13,092

–

–

––    107,942    107,942

13

(33,074)

(9,491)

(42,565)

(11,697)    (136,353)    (148,050)

(4,990)

–

(4,990)

(19,753)  

–   

(19,753)

(50,223)

(17,987)

(68,210)

2,876    (122,496)    (119,620)

14

(6,466)

3,845

(2,621)

(44,979)  

35,922   

(9,057)

Loss for the year from continuing operations   

(56,689)

(14,142)

(70,831)

(42,103)   

(86,574)    (128,677)

Attributable to: 

Equity shareholders of the Company

(54,963)

(13,914)

(68,877)

(50,345)   

(72,738)    (123,083)

Non-controlling interests  

(1,726)

(228)

(1,954)

8,242   

(13,836)   

(5,594)

(56,689)

(14,142)

(70,831)

(42,103)   

(86,574)    (128,677)

Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share from 
continuing operations for the year (expressed 
in US dollars per share) 

15 

(0.15)

(0.04)

(0.19)

(0.15)   

(0.21)   

(0.36)

102 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

87

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

    Year ended 31 December

Notes   

2014
US$000
(70,831)

2013
US$000
(128,677)

(1,716)

(842)

20   

(3,106)

(125,932)

2,096

130,286

18,945

(14,603)

–

–

–

Loss for the year 

Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Recycling of the loss on available-for-sale financial assets

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges 

Recycling of the gain on cash flow hedges 

Deferred income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

14   

(1,216)

Other comprehensive gain for the period, net of tax

Total comprehensive expense for the year 

Total comprehensive expense attributable to: 

Equity shareholders of the Company 

Non-controlling interests 

400

3,512

(70,431)

(125,165)

(68,477)

(119,571)

(1,954)

(5,594)

(70,431)

(125,165)

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89

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

As at 31 December 2014 

ASSETS  

Non-current assets  

Property, plant and equipment 

Evaluation and exploration assets 

Intangible assets  

Available-for-sale financial assets  

Trade and other receivables  

Deferred income tax assets  

Current assets  

Inventories  

Trade and other receivables  

Income tax receivable  

Other financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents  

Total assets  

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES  

Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders of the Parent 

Equity share capital  

Share premium  

Treasury shares 

Other reserves 

Retained earnings  

Non-controlling interests  

Total equity  

Non-current liabilities  

Trade and other payables  

Borrowings  

Provisions  

Deferred income 

Deferred income tax liabilities  

Current liabilities  

Trade and other payables  

Other financial liabilities 

Borrowings  

Provisions  

Income tax payable  

Total liabilities  

Total equity and liabilities  

As at 
31 December 
2014  
US$000   

As at
31 December 
2013
 US$000

Notes   

16   1,076,310   

873,477

17  

18  

20  

21  

30  

207,290   

204,643

42,815   

455   

6,488   

1,574   

43,683

51,658

12,128

2,416

  1,334,932    1,188,005

22  

21  

23  

24  

58,417   

69,556

167,038   

167,740

25,584   

22,156

4,342   

–

115,999   

286,435

371,380   

545,887

  1,706,312    1,733,892

29  

29  

29  

29  

170,389   

170,389

396,021   

396,021

(898)  

(898)

(217,335)  

(211,143)

451,047   

511,492

799,224   

865,861

95,160   

104,375

894,384   

970,236

92   

440,834   

111,751   

25,000   

84,959   

174

–

79,649

22,000

93,505

662,636   

195,328

111,890   

119,222

1,533   

2,294

27,882   

435,925

2,870   

5,117   

9,573

1,314

149,292   

568,328

811,928   

763,656

26  

27  

28  

25  

30  

26  

23  

27  

28  

  1,706,312    1,733,892

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2015 and signed on its behalf by: 

IGNACIO BUSTAMANTE 
Chief Executive Officer 
17 March 2015 

104 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
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89

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

Cash flows from operating activities  

Cash generated from operations  

Interest received  

Interest paid  

Payment of mine closure costs  

Income tax paid  

Net cash generated from operating activities  

Cash flows from investing activities 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment  

Purchase of evaluation and exploration assets 

Purchase of intangibles 

Acquisition of subsidiary  

Dividends received 

Dividends received from associates 

Proceeds from deferred income 

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale financial assets 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Net cash used in investing activities  

Cash flows from financing activities  

Proceeds of borrowings  

Repayment of borrowings  

Transaction costs of borrowings 

Acquisition of non-controlling interest 

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 

Dividends paid  

Capital contribution from non-controlling interests 

Cash flows generated in 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    

2014
US$000

2013
US$000

34   

129,993

116,084

28   

1,931

6,236

(25,585)

(10,292)

(5,524)

(7,036)

(4,781)

(42,573)

93,779

64,674

4(b)   

25   

(309,033)

(248,335)

(6,071)

(10,781)

(281)

(1,625)

–

494

–

3,223

48,097

564

(14,615)

2,423

3,385

17,593

33,498

344

(263,007)

(218,113)

482,393

440,010

(458,132)

(116,701)

(9,166)

(9,145)

–

–

(272,127)

71,916

31   

(10,056)

(18,503)

–

4,380

5,039

99,830

(164,189)

(53,609)

(6,247)

(18,900)

286,435

358,944

24   

115,999

286,435

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

Equity 
share 
capital 
US$000  

Share
premium
US$000 

Treasury
shares
US$000 

    Notes 

Other reserves 

Unrealised 
gain/
(loss) on 
available-
for-sale 
financial 
assets 
US$000 

Unrealised
gain/
(loss) on
hedges
US$000

Bond 
equity 
component 
(note 27(c)) 
US$000

Cumulative
translation
adjustment
US$000

Share-
based
payment
reserve
US$000

Merger 
reserve 
US$000

Total
Other 
reserves 
US$000

Retained 
earnings 
US$000 

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

Non-
controlling 
interests
US$000 

Total
equity
US$000

Balance at 
1 January 2013 

Other comprehensive 

(loss)/income 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive 
income/(loss)  
for the year 

Capital contribution 

from non-controlling 
interest 

Purchase of shares 

from non-controlling 
interest 

Issuance of shares 

Transfer to retained 
earnings 

CEO ELTIP 

Expiration of 
dividends 

Dividends 

Dividends declared  

to non-controlling 
interests 

Balance at 
31 December 2013 

Other comprehensive 

(loss)/income 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive 
income/(loss)  
for the year 

Transfer to retained 

earnings 

Deferred bonus plan 

CEO ELTIP 

Dividends declared  

to non-controlling 
interests 

Balance at 
31 December 2014 

    158,637    395,928   

(898)  

(3,330)  

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

4,354   

–   

–   

–   

–   

4,354   

–   

–   

–   

–   

  4(a)  

–   

    11,752   

–   

93   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

  31   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

  31   

–   

–   

–   

–   

    170,389    396,021   

(898)  

1,024   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8,432

(10,447)

(210,046)

445

(214,946)

720,011    1,058,732    264,518    1,323,250

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(842)

–

(842)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

60,071

(60,071)

–

–

–

–

3,512

–   

3,512   

–   

3,512

–

(123,083)  

(123,083)  

(5,594)  

(128,677)

3,512

(123,083)  

(119,571)  

(5,594)  

(125,165)

–

–   

–   

4,380   

4,380

–

(135,368)  

(135,368)   (148,185)  

(283,553)

60,071

–   

71,916   

–   

71,916

(60,071)

60,071   

291

291

–

–

–

–

–

–

–   

291   

–   

–   

–

291

–   

(38)  

(38)

–   

–   

(10,139)  

(10,139)  

–   

(10,139)

–   

–   

(10,706)  

(10,706)

8,432

(11,289)

(210,046)

736

(211,143)

511,492   

865,861    104,375   

970,236

–   

–   

(1,010)  

3,126

–   

–

–   

(1,010)  

3,126

–

–

–

(1,716)

–

(1,716)

400

–   

400   

–   

400

–

(68,877)  

(68,877)  

(1,954)  

(70,831)

400

(68,877)  

(68,477)  

(1,954)  

(70,431)

(8,432)

8,432   

1,230

610

1,230

610

–   

–   

–   

1,230   

610   

–   

–   

–   

–

1,230

610

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

(8,432)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

  31   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–   

–   

(7,261)  

(7,261)

   170,389 

  396,021   

(898)  

14 

3,126

(13,005)

(210,046)

2,576

(217,335)

451,047 

  799,224 

  95,160 

  894,384

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

106 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
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91

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

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 23 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JB, 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 three operating mines (Ares, which 
ceased operations during 2014, Arcata and Pallancata) and a plant (Selene, used to treat ore from the Pallancata mine) located in 
southern Peru and one operating mine (San Jose) located in Argentina. The Group also has a portfolio of projects located across Peru, 
Argentina, Mexico and Chile at various stages of development. The Inmaculada advanced project, located in Peru, will enter production 
in 2015. 

These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2015.  

The Group’s subsidiaries are as follows: 

Company 
Hochschild Mining (Argentina) Corporation S.A. 

MH Argentina S.A.  
Minera Santa Cruz S.A.1 
HOC Holdings Canada Inc.2
International Minerals Corporation2 

Hochschild Mining Chile S.A. 

Minera Hochschild Chile S.C.M.  
Andina Minerals Chile Ltd.  
Sociedad Contractual Minera Victoria 

Southwest Minerals (Yunnan) Inc. 

Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited 

Hochschild Mining Ares (UK) Limited 
Skyfall Jersey Limited3 

Southwest Mining Inc. 

Southwest Minerals Inc. 
Hochschild Mining Mexico, S.A. de C.V.4 

HMX, S.A. de C.V.  

Minera Hochschild Mexico, S.A. de C.V.  
Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V.5  

Principal activity
Holding company 

Exploration office 

Production of gold & silver

Holding company

Holding company

Holding company

Exploration office 

Exploration office

Exploration office

Exploration office

Country of 
incorporation   
Argentina   

Argentina   

Argentina   

Canada   

Canada   

Chile   

Chile   

Chile   

Chile   

China   

Holding company

England & Wales   

Administrative office

England & Wales   

Administrative office

Exploration office

Exploration office

Holding company 

Service company

Exploration office 

Production of gold & silver

Jersey   

Mauritius   

Mauritius   

Mexico   

Mexico   

Mexico   

Mexico   

Equity interest at
31 December
2014
%
100

2013
%
100

100

51

–

–

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

–

100

100

–

100

100

–

100

51

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

107 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

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93

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

1 CORPORATE INFORMATION CONTINUED 

Company 
Hochschild Mining (Peru) S.A.  

Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C.  

Compañía Minera Arcata S.A.  

Empresa de Transmisión Callalli S.A.C.  
Asociación Sumac Tarpuy6  
Number Company S.A.C. (formerly 0848818 BC Ltd)7 

Southwestern Gold (Bermuda) S.A.C. (formerly 
Southwestern Gold (Bermuda) Limited)7 
Minera Suyamarca S.A.C.8 
Minera Oro Vega S.A.C.  
Minera Qorihuayta S.A.C.9 
Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C.10 
Inmaculada Holdings S.A.C.11 
Liam Holdings S.A.C.7 
Minera del Suroeste S.A.C.7 

Minera Antay S.A.C. 

Hochschild Mining (US) Inc.  

Principal activity
Holding company 

Country of 
incorporation   
Peru   

Equity interest at 
31 December
2014 
%   
100   

Production of gold & silver

Production of gold & silver

Power transmission

Not-for-profit

Holding company

Holding company

Production of gold & silver 

Exploration office

Exploration office

Power transmission

Holding company

Holding company

Exploration office

Exploration office

Holding company

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

Peru   

USA   

100   

99.1   

100   

–   

–   

–   

–   

100   

–   

50   

–   

–   

–   

99.9   

100   

2013
%
100

100

99.1

100

–

100

100

100

100

100

50

100

100

100

–

100

1  The Group has a 51% interest in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. while the remaining 49% is held by a non-controlling interest. The significant financial information  

in respect of this subsidiary before intercompany eliminations as at and for the years ended 31 December 2014 and 2013 is as follows:  

Non current assets 

Current assets 

Non current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Equity 

Revenue 

Loss for the year 

Net cash generated from operating activities 

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flow (used in)/generated from financing activities

As at 31 December

2014 
 US$000 
226,886   

2013
US$000
225,955

109,700   

123,332

(78,297)  

(72,446)

(66,937)  

(66,678)

(191,352)  

(210,163)

213,013   

240,723

(3,997)  

(19,725)

75,108   

53,962

(59,398)  

(66,184)

(23,700)  

24,396

2014: Loss attributable to non-controlling interests in the Consolidated Income Statement, non-controlling interest in the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position, and dividends declared to non-controlling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity are solely related to Minera Santa Cruz S.A.  
(2013: non-controlling interest in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, and dividends declared to non-controlling interests in the Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity are solely attributalble to Minera Santa Cruz S.A., while the: Loss attributable to non-controlling interests in the Consolidated Income Statement  
is attributable to Minera Santa Cruz S.A. as well as Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. in which the Group had a 60% interest until October 2013).  

2  On 17 March 2014 HOC Holdings Canada Inc absorbed International Minerals Corporation. On 24 March 2014 HOC Holdings Canada Inc was liquidated. 

3   Skyfall Jersey Limited was incorporated on 23 September 2013 and liquidated on 20 January 2014. 

4  On 1 July 2014 Minera Hochschild Mexico, S.A. de C.V. absorbed Hochschild Mining Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 

5  On 28 February 2014 the Group sold its interest in Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V. (note 4(c)). 

6  Asociación Sumac Tarpuy is an unincorporated entity, which receives donations from Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. (‘Ares’), and spends this money  
at the direction of Ares on community and social welfare activities located close to its mine units. Accordingly, the Group consolidates this entity.  

7  On 1 February 2014 Compañia Minera Ares S.A.C. absorbed Number Company S.A.C. (formerly 0848818 BC Ltd), Southwestern Gold (Bermuda) S.A.C.  

(formerly Southwestern Gold (Bermuda) Limited), Minera del Suroeste S.A.C. and Liam Holdings S.A.C. 

8  On 1 January 2014, Compañia Minera Ares S.A.C. absorbed Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. 

9  On 1 June 2014 Minera Oro Vega S.A.C. absorbed Minera Qorihuayta S.A.C. 

10 Although the Group’s interest in this company does not exceed 50%, it remains considered as a subsidiary in accordance with IFRS 10, as the Group has all of  

the following elements: (1) power over the investee in the relevant activities, (2) exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee, and  
(3) the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor's returns. The Group was deemed to have control as it directs the financial and 
operating policy decisions of that investee. 

11 On 1 May 2014, Compañia Minera Ares S.A.C. absorbed Inmaculada Holdings S.A.C. 

108 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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93

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 by the European Union (‘EU’) and the Companies Act 2006.  

The basis of preparation and accounting policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements for the years ended  
31 December 2014 and 2013 are set out below. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis 
except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments that are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, as 
explained below. These accounting policies have been consistently applied, except for the effects of the adoption of new and amended 
accounting standards (refer to note 2(a)).  

The financial statements are presented in US dollars ($) and all monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) 
except when otherwise indicated.  

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures  
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those applied in the 
preparation of the consolidated financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2013, except for the adoption of the following 
relevant standards and interpretations: 

•  IFRIC Interpretation 21 Levies (IFRIC 21), applicable to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. 

IFRIC 21 clarifies that an entity recognises a liability for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant 
legislation, occurs. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the interpretation clarifies that no liability should  
be anticipated before the specified minimum threshold is reached. This application of this interpretation has had no impact on the 
Group’s financial position or performance. 

•  IAS 39 Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting – Amendments to IAS 39, applicable to annual periods 

beginning on or after 1 January 2014. 

These amendments provide relief from discontinuing hedge accounting when novation of a derivative designated as a hedging 
instrument meets certain criteria. The Group has not novated any of its derivatives during the current period, therefore the application 
of these amendments has had no impact on the Group´s financial position or performance. 

•  IFRS 7 ‘Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Amendments to IFRS 7’, applicable for annual periods 

beginning on or after 1 July 2013. 

These amendments require an entity to disclose information about rights to set-off and related arrangements. The disclosures  
would provide users with information that is useful in evaluating the effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial  
position. The new disclosures are required for all recognised financial instruments that are set off in accordance with IAS 32 ‘Financial 
Instruments Presentation’. The disclosures also apply to recognised financial instruments that are subject to an enforceable master 
netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are set off in accordance with IAS 32. The application of these 
amendments has had no impact on the Group’s financial position or performance. 

•  IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 

IFRS 10 replaces the portion of IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’ that addresses the accounting for consolidated 
financial statements. It also includes the issues raised in SIC-12 ‘Consolidation-special purposes entities’. IFRS 10 establishes a single 
control model that applies to all entities including special purpose entities. The adoption of this new standard has had no impact  
on the Group’s financial position or performance.  

•  IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. 

IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 ‘Interests in joint ventures’ and SIC-13 ‘Jointly-controlled entities non-monetary contributions by venturers’. 
Instead, jointly-controlled entities that meet the definition of a joint venture must be accounted for using the equity method.  

The adoption of this new standard has had no impact on the Group’s financial position or performance. 

•  IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of involvement with other entities’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. 

IFRS 12 applies to an entity that has an interest in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and/or structured entities. Many  
of the disclosure requirements of IFRS 12 were previously included in IAS 27, IAS 31, and IAS 28. A number of new disclosures are also 
required. The standard affects financial statement disclosure only, its adoption has had no impact on the Group’s financial position  
or performance. The Group has made all additional disclosures required by this standard in respect of the financial information  
of its material non-controlling interest in Minera Santa Cruz S.A. 

www.hochschildmining.com 109 

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95

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
•  IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (as revised in 2011)’, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after  

1 January 2014. 

IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates’, has been renamed IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’, and describes the 
application of the equity method to investments in joint ventures in addition to associates. The application of this amendment  
has had no impact on the Group’s financial position or performance. 

•  IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ – recoverable amount disclosures, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. 

The amendment removes the requirement to disclose recoverable amounts when there has been no impairment or reversal  
of impairment. Further to that, the disclosure requirements have been aligned with those under US GAAP for impaired assets.  
The application of this amendment has had no impact on the Group’s financial position or performance, but has affected its 
impairment disclsoures. 

Standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been previously  
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 2015 or later periods but which the Group has not previously  
adopted. Those that are applicable to the Group are as follows:  

•  IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, not yet endorsed by the EU. 

In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments which reflects all phases of the financial instruments 
project and replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and allprevious versions of IFRS 9. The standard 
introduces new requirements for classification and measurement, impairment and hedge accounting. IFRS 9 is effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, with early application permitted. Retrospective application is required, but comparative 
information is not compulsory. The Group is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 9 and plans to adopt the new standard on the 
required effective date. 

•  Annual improvements 2010-2012 Cycle, not yet endorsed by the EU. 

These improvements relate to IFRS 2 Share-based payments, IFRS 3 Business combinations, IFRS 8 Operating segments, IAS 16 Property, 
plant and equipment, IAS 38 Intangible assets, and IAS 24 Related party disclosures and are effective from 1 July 2014 These 
improvements are not expected to have a material impact on the Group.  

•  Annual improvements 2011-2013 Cycle, not yet endorsed by the EU. 

These improvements relate to IFRS 3 Business combinations, IFRS 13 Fair value measurement, and IAS 40 Investment property and are 
effective from 1 July 2014. These improvements are not expected to have material impact on the Group.  

•  Annual improvements 2012-2014 Cycle, not yet endorsed by the EU.  

These improvements relate to IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: 
Disclosures, IAS 19 Employee Benefits, and IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and are effective from 1 July 2016. The Group is currently 
assessing the impact of these improvements and will apply them from the required effective date. 

•  IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers, not yet endorsed by the EU. 

IFRS 15 was issued in May 2014 and establishes a new five-step model that will apply to revenue arising from contracts with customers. 
Under IFRS 15 revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange 
for transferring goods or services to a customer. The principles in IFRS 15 provide a more structured approach to measuring and 
recognising revenue. 

The new revenue standard is applicable to all entities and will supersede all current revenue recognition requirements under IFRS.  
Either a full or modified retrospective application is required for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017 with early 
adoption permitted. The Group is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 15 and plans to adopt the new standard on the required 
effective date.  

•  IAS 1 Disclosure initiative, not yet endorsed by the EU. 

The IAS 1 Disclosure initiative was issued in December 2014 and seeks to clarify the concept of materiality in filtering out entity-specific 
information which is not relevant to financial statement users. Specifically, this initiative will clarify that materiality applies to the 
whole financial statements and that information which is not material need not be presented in the primary financial statements  
or disclosed in the notes. It will further clarify that some disclosures specified in standards are simply not important enough to justify 
separate disclosure for a particular entity, whilst making it clear that preparers should exercise judgement in presenting their financial 
reports. This initiative is not expected to impact the financial performance of the Group, but may impact its disclosures. The Group is 
currently assessing the impact of the disclosure initiative and will apply it from the required effective date. 

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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 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 
estimates 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: 

Significant estimates: 

•  Determination of useful lives of assets for depreciation and amortisation purposes – note 2(e). 

Estimates are required to be made by management as to the useful lives of assets. For depreciation calculated under the unit of-
production method, estimated recoverable reserves are used in determining the depreciation and/or amortisation of mine-specific 
assets. This results in a depreciation/amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of the anticipated remaining life-of-mine 
production. Each item’s life, which is assessed annually, has regard to both its physical life limitations and to present assessments of 
economically recoverable reserves of the mine property at which the asset is located. These calculations require the use of estimates 
and assumptions, including the amount of recoverable reserves. Changes are accounted for prospectively. 

•  Determination of ore reserves and resources – note 2(g). 

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. 

•  Review of asset carrying values and impairment charges – notes 2(h), 2(j), 2(u), 16 and 17. 

The assessment of asset carrying values requires 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 and evaluation and exploration assets. 

The impairment testing of goodwill is based on significant judgements and assumptions made by the management when 
performing the annual impairment testing. Changes to be made to these assumptions may alter the results of the impairment 
testing, the impairment charges recorded in profit or loss and the resulting carrying values of the non-current assets tested. 

•  Estimation of the amount and timing of mine closure costs – notes 2(n) and 28. 

The Group assesses its mine closure cost provision annually. Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the 
provision for mine closure cost 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, mine life 
and changes in discount rates. Those uncertainties may result in future actual expenditure differing from the amounts currently 
provided. The provision at the balance sheet date represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future closure 
costs required. Changes to estimated future costs are recognised in the statement of financial position by adjusting the mine closure 
cost liability and the related asset originally recognised. If, for mature mines, the revised mine assets net of mine closure cost provisions 
exceed the recoverable value, that portion of the increase is charged directly to the income statement. For closed sites, changes to 
estimated costs are recognised immediately in the income statement. 

Critical judgements: 

•  Determination of functional currencies – note 2(d). 

The determination of functional currency requires management judgement, particularly where there may be several currencies  
in which transactions are undertaken and which impact the economic environment in which the entity operates.  

•  Income tax – notes 2(s), 14, 30 and 36. 

Judgement is required in determining whether deferred tax assets are recognised on the statement of financial position. Deferred tax 
assets, including those arising from un-utilised 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. 

•  Recognition of evaluation and exploration assets and transfer to development costs – note 2(f). 

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
Judgement is required in determining when the future economic benefit of a project can reasonably be regarded as assured, at 
which point evaluation and exploration expenses are capitalised. This includes the assessment of whether there is sufficient evidence 
of the probability of the existence of economically recoverable minerals to justify the commencement of capitalisation of costs; the 
timing of the end of the exploration phase and the start of the development phase and the commencement of the production phase. 
For this purpose, the future economic benefit of the project can reasonably be regarded as assured when the Board authorises 
management to conduct a feasibility study, mine-site exploration is being conducted to convert resources to reserves or mine-site 
exploration is being conducted to confirm resources, all of which are based on supporting geological information. 

•  Acquiring a subsidiary or a group of assets – note 4(a) and 4(b).  

In identifying a business combination (note 2(c)) or acquisition of assets the Group considers the underlying inputs, processes and 
outputs acquired as a part of the transaction. For an acquired set of activities and assets to be considered a business there must be at 
least some inputs and processes that have the capability to achieve the purposes of the Group. Where significant inputs and processes 
have not been acquired, a transaction is considered to be the purchase of assets. For the assets and assumed liabilities acquired the 
Group allocates the total consideration paid (including directly attributable transaction costs) based on the relative fair values of the 
underlying items.  

In accounting for the Group’s commitment to acquire any remaining non-controlling interest, the Group applies IAS 32 ‘Financial 
instruments: Presentation’. The business combination or asset purchase is accounted for on the basis that the underlying shares 
have been acquired. Consequently, no non-controlling interest is recognised in the consolidated financial statements. 

•  Significant influence – note 19.  

An entity loses significant influence over an investee when it loses the power to participate in the financial and operating policy 
decisions of that investee. The loss of significant influence can occur with or without a change in absolute or relative ownership levels.  
It could also occur as a result of a contractual agreement.  

The presumption of significant influence may be overcome if the investor has failed to obtain representation on the investee’s board 
of directors, the investee is opposing the investor’s attempts to exercise significant influence, the investor is unable to obtain timely 
financial information or cannot obtain more information or a group of shareholders that holds the majority ownership of the investee 
operates without regard to the views of the investor. 

(c) Basis of consolidation  
The consolidated financial statements set out the Group’s financial position, performance and cash flows as at 31 December 2014  
and 31 December 2013 and for the years then ended, respectively.  

Subsidiaries are those entities controlled by the Group regardless of the amount of shares owned by the Group. Control is achieved 
when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those 
returns through its power over the investee. Non-controlling interests’ rights to safeguard their interest are fully considered in assessing 
whether the Group controls a subsidiary. Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has:  

•  power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);  

•  exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and  

•  the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.  

Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights result in control. To support this presumption and when the Group has 
less than a majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing 
whether it has power over an investee, including: 

•  the contractual arrangement with the other vote holders of the investee;  

•  rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and  

•  the Group’s voting rights and potential voting rights.  

The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more 
of the three elements of control. 

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
Basis of consolidation  
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue  
to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases.  

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction, affecting retained 
earnings. If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it (i) derecognises the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary; 
(ii) derecognises the carrying amount of any non-controlling interest (‘NCI’); (iii) derecognises the cumulative translation differences, 
recorded in equity; (iv) recognises the fair value of the consideration received; (v) recognises the fair value of any investment retained; 
(vi) recognises any surplus or deficit in profit or loss; and (vii) reclassifies the parent’s share of components previously recognised in 
other comprehensive income to profit or loss or retained earnings, as appropriate. 

NCI represent the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly and indirectly, to the parent company and is presented separately 
within equity in the consolidated statement of financial position, separately from equity attributable to owners of the parent. 

Losses within a subsidiary are attributable to the NCI even if that results in a deficit balance. 

Business combinations  
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate  
of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any NCI in the acquiree. The choice  
of measurement of NCI, either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets, is determined  
on a transaction by transaction basis. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in administrative expenses.  

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and 
designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition  
date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the acquiree.  

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent 
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability will be recognised in accordance 
with IAS 39 either in profit or loss or in other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it should 
not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity.  

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the consideration 
transferred and the amount recognised for the NCI (and where the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date 
fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree) over the net identifiable amounts of the assets acquired and 
the liabilities assumed in exchange for the business combination. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in transactions separate to 
the business combinations, such as the settlement of pre-existing relationships or post-acquisition remuneration arrangements, are 
accounted for separately from the business combination in accordance with their nature and applicable IFRSs. Identifiable intangible 
assets meeting either the contractual-legal or the separability criterion are recognised separately from goodwill. Contingent liabilities 
representing a present obligation are recognised if the acquisition date fair value can be measured reliably. 

If the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for the NCI (and where 
the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the 
acquiree) is lower than the fair value of the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities and the fair value of any pre-existing interest 
held in the business acquired, the difference is recognised in profit and loss.  

(d) 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 statement of financial position 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 transaction date exchange rate for income statement 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.  

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
(e) 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. 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:  

Buildings 

Plant and equipment 

Vehicles 

Years
3 to 33

5 to 10

5

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time 
to be ready for its intended use are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed where incurred. 
The Group capitalises borrowing costs for those assets where construction commenced on or after 1 January 2009 and continues to 
expense borrowing costs related to construction projects that commenced prior to 1 January 2009. For borrowings associated with a 
specific asset, the actual rate on that borrowing is used. Otherwise, a weighted average cost of borrowing is used. The Group capitalises 
the borrowing costs related to qualifying assets with a value of US$1,000,000 or more, considering that the substantial period of time 
to be ready is six or more months. 

Mining properties and development costs  
Purchased mining properties are recognised as assets at their cost of acquisition or at fair value if purchased as part of a business 
combination. Costs associated with developments of mining properties 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.  

When a mine construction project moves into the production stage, the capitalisation of certain mine construction costs ceases  
and costs are either regarded as part of the cost of inventory or expensed, except for costs which qualify for capitalisation relating  
to mining asset additions or improvements, underground mine development or mineable reserve development. 

Construction in progress and capital advances 
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.  

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
(f) Evaluation and exploration assets 
Evaluation and exploration expenses are capitalised when the future economic benefit of the project can reasonably be regarded 
as assured. 

Projects in the development phase – Exploration and evaluation costs are capitalised as assets from the date that the Board authorises 
management to conduct a feasibility study.  

Expenditure is transferred to mine development costs once the work completed to date supports the future development of the 
property and such development receives appropriate approval. 

Identification of resources – Costs incurred in converting inferred resources to indicated and measured resources (of which reserves 
are a component) are capitalised as incurred. Costs incurred in identifying inferred resources are expensed 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 2012 Joint Ore Reserves Committee (‘JORC’) code. 

It is the Group’s policy to have 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.  

(h) Investment in associates  
The Group’s investment in an associate was 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 was carried in the statement of financial position at cost plus post-
acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets of the associate. The income statement reflected the share of the results of 
operations of the associate and gains and losses arising on dilution of the Group’s interest resulting from share issued by the associate. 
Where there have been other changes recognised directly in the statement of comprehensive income or statement of changes in equity 
of the associate, the Group recognised its share of any changes and disclosed this, when applicable, in the statement of comprehensive 
income or statement of changes in equity respectively. Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and 
the associate were eliminated to the extent of the interest in the associate.  

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

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

An entity loses significant influence over an investee when it loses the power to participate in the financial and operating policy 
decisions of that investee. The loss of significant influence can occur with or without a change in absolute or relative ownership levels.  
It could also occur as a result of a contractual agreement.  

The presumption of significant influence may be overcome if the investor has failed to obtain representation on the investee’s board 
of directors, the investee is opposing the investor’s attempts to exercise significant influence, the investor is unable to obtain timely 
financial information or cannot obtain more information or a group of shareholders that holds the majority ownership of the investee 
operates without regard to the views of the investor. 

Upon loss of significant influence, the Group determines the fair value of the investment, recognising the effect in the consolidated 
income statement as an exceptional item. The balance of the investment is then reclassified as an available-for-sale financial asset.  

(i) 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.  

Right to use energy of transmission line 
Transmission line costs represent the investment made by the Group during the period of its use. This is an asset with a finite useful 
life equal to that of the mine to which it relates and that is amortised applying the units of production method for that mine. 

Water permits 
Water permits represent the cost of water use that allow the holder to withdraw a specified amount of water from the ground for 
reasonable, beneficial uses. This is an asset with an indefinite useful life. 

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
Legal rights 
Legal rights correspond to expenditures required to give the Group the right to use a property for the surface exploration work, 
development and production. This is an asset with a finite useful life equal to that of the mine to which it relates and that is amortised 
applying the units of production method for that mine. 

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. 

(j) 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 and evaluation and exploration assets 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 requires 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 of disposal 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 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.  

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.  

(k) 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. 

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. 

(l) 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.  

(m) Share capital  
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Any excess above the par value of shares received upon issuance of those shares is classified as 
share premium. In the case the excess above par value is available for distribution, it is classified as merger reserve and then transferred 
to retained earnings. 

(n) 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.  

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
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.  

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 (note 10) and is considered deductible for income tax 
purposes. The Group has no pension or retirement benefit schemes.  

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.  

(o) Share-based payments 
Cash-settled transactions 
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 reporting 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 reporting 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. 

Equity-settled transactions 
The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in other reserves in equity, over the period 
in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled. The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions  
at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Group’s best estimate 
of the number of equity instruments that vest. The income statement expense for a period represents the movement in cumulative 
expense recognised as at the beginning and end of that period and is recognised in personnel expenses (note 10).  

(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 dore and concentrate containing both gold and silver. Dore bars 
are either sold directly to customers or are sent to a third-party for further refining into gold and silver before they are sold. Concentrate 
is sold directly to customers. 

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 dore 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 the customer. Revenue 
excludes any applicable sales taxes. 

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 international exchanges. The revaluation of provisionally priced contracts is recorded as an adjustment to ‘revenue’.  

Income from services provided to related parties (note 32) is recognised in income when services are provided.  

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
(r) Finance income and costs  
Finance income and costs 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 statement  
of financial position 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; and  

•  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 statement of financial 
position 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.  

(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.  

(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, available-for-sale financial assets 
or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge (refer to note 2(z)), 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.  

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. 

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
Loans and receivables  
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active  
market, 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 twelve months after the statement of financial position date.  

Impairment of financial assets 
The Group assesses at each statement of financial position 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  
For available-for-sale financial investments, the Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that an 
investment or a group of investments is impaired. 

In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, objective evidence would include a significant or prolonged decline in 
the fair value of the investment below its cost, where ‘significant’ is estimated to be around 30% of the original cost of the investment 
and ‘prolonged’ is more than 12 months. In addition, the Group analyses any case taking into account the portfolio of projects of the 
investee, the key technical personnel and the viability of the investee to finance its projects. 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. 

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
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 statement of financial position at cost. For the purposes of the statement of financial 
position, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and deposits held with banks that are readily convertible into known 
amounts of cash 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.  

Liquidity funds are classified as cash equivalents if the amount of cash that will be received is known at the time of the initial 
investment and the risk of changes in value is considered insignificant.  

(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, property, plant and equipment and evaluation and  

exploration assets; 

•  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; 

•  loan issue costs written-off on facility refinancing; 

•  any gain or loss resulting from restructuring within the Group;  

•  the impact of infrequent labour action related to work stoppages in mine units; and 

•  the related tax impact of the above items. 

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

(z) Hedging 

The Group uses commodity swaps to hedge certain of its cash flows from product sales against price risk. These derivative  
financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which the derivative contract is entered into and are 
subsequently remeasured at fair value. The fair value of commodity swap contracts is determined by reference to market values  
for similar instruments. 

These swaps are classified as cash flow hedges as they are hedging the Group’s exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable 
to a particular risk associated with a highly probable forecast sales transactions.  

At the inception of a hedging relationship, the Group formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the Group 
wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The documentation 
includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the 
entity will assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash  

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
flows attributable to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash  
flows and are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine their effectiveness in the financial reporting periods for which they  
were designated.  

Where the commodity swaps meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument is recognised directly in equity, while any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. 

Amounts taken to equity are transferred to the income statement when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when 
the forecast transaction occurs. 

If the forecast sales transaction is no longer expected to occur, amounts previously recognised in equity are transferred to the income 
statement. If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover, or if its designation  
as a hedge is revoked, amounts previously recognised in equity remain in equity until the forecast sales transaction occurs. 

(aa) Fair value measurement 
The Group measures financial instruments, such as, derivatives, and non-financial assets at fair value at each statement of financial 
position date. Also, fair values of financial instruments are measured at amortised cost. 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the  
asset or transfer the liability takes place either: 

•  In the principal market for the asset or liability, or 

•  In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. 

The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible to by the Group. 

The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset 
or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest. 

A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's ability to generate economic benefits  
by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest  
and best use. 

The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure 
fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs. 

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value 
hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole: 

•  Level 1 – Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

•  Level 2 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or 

indirectly observable. 

•  Level 3 – Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable. 

For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers 
have occurred between Levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the 
fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period. 

The Group determines the policies and procedures for both recurring fair value measurement and unquoted AFS financial assets,  
and for non-recurring measurement. 

External valuers are involved for valuation of significant assets and significant liabilities. Involvement of external valuers is decided 
upon annually by the Group after discussion with and approval by the Company’s audit committee. Selection criteria include market 
knowledge, reputation, independence and whether professional standards are maintained. Valuers are normally rotated every three 
years. The Group decides, after discussions with the external valuers, which valuation techniques and inputs to use for each case. 

At each reporting date, the Group analyses the movements in the values of assets and liabilities which are required to be re-measured 
or re-assessed as per the Group’s accounting policies. For this analysis, the Group verifies the major inputs applied in the latest 
valuation by agreeing the information in the valuation computation to contracts and other relevant documents. 

The Group, in conjunction with its external valuers, where applicable, also compares each the changes in the fair value of each asset 
and liability with relevant external sources to determine whether the change is reasonable. 

For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Group has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, 
characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above. 

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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 undertakes  
a number of activities solely to support mining operations including power generation and services. Transfer prices between 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 segments at market prices. Those transfers are eliminated on consolidation.  

For internal reporting purposes, management takes decisions and assesses the performance of the Group through consideration  
of the following reporting segments: 

•  Operating unit – Ares, in suspension, which generated revenue from the sale of gold and silver. 

•  Operating unit – Arcata, which generates revenue from the sale of gold, silver, dore and concentrate. 

•  Operating unit – Pallancata, which generates revenue from the sale of concentrate. 

•  Operating unit – San Jose, which generates revenue from the sale of gold, silver, dore and concentrate.  

•  Operating unit – Moris, which generated revenue from the sale of gold and silver, disclosed as a segment until 31 December  

2013. Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V., which held the Moris operating unit, was sold to a third party on 28 February 2014 
(note 4(c)). Accordingly, this operation did not meet the quantitative thresholds to be a separate reportable segment in 2014  
and has been included in ‘Other’. The comparative segment information has been restated to reflect these changes.  

•  Pre operating unit – Inmaculada, which will generate revenue from the sale of gold and silver is now considered as a segment due  

to the significant investment in the construction of the mine . Accordingly, the comparative segment information has been restated 
to reflect this change.  

•  Exploration, which explores and evaluates areas of interest in brownfield and greenfield sites with the aim of extending the  

life-of-mine of existing operations and to assess the feasibility of new mines. The exploration segment includes costs charged  
to the profit and loss and capitalised as assets. 

•  Other – includes the profit or loss generated by Empresa de Transmisión Callalli S.A.C. (a power transmission company), HMX, S.A. de 
C.V. (a service company in Mexico), Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. (a power transmission company), and the Selene plant 
(used to process some of the Group’s production). 

The Group’s administration, financing, other activities (including other income and expense), and income taxes are managed at a 
corporate level and are not allocated to operating segments.  

Segment information is consistent with the accounting policies adopted by the Group. Management evaluates the financial 
information based on International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted for use in the European Union. 

The Group measures the performance of its operating units by the segment profit or loss that comprises gross profit, selling expenses 
and exploration expenses. 

Segment assets include items that could be allocated directly to the segment.  

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3 SEGMENT REPORTING CONTINUED 
(a) Reportable segment information 

Ares  
US$000   

Arcata 
US$000 

Pallancata 
US$000

San Jose 
US$000

Inmaculada 
US$000

Exploration
US$000

Adjustment
and
eliminations
US$000

Other1 
US$000    

Total 
US$000 

Year ended  
31 December 2014 

Revenue from  
external customers 

25,889    106,061  147,360

213,013

Inter segment revenue 

–   

– 

–

–

Total revenue 

25,889    106,061  147,360

213,013

(437)  

5,054 

20,894

28,429

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

628   

–

492,951

2,857   

(2,857)

–

3,485   

(2,857)

492,951

(18,662)

884   

(752)

35,410

Segment profit/(loss)  
Others2 

Loss from continuing 
operations before  
income tax 

Other segment 
information 
Depreciation3 

Amortisation 

Impairment and  
write-off of assets net 

Assets 

(103,620)

(68,210)

(137,678)

(1,639)

109

321,121

131,235

1,326,415

1,457,650

248,662

1,706,312

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(418)    (31,348)

(48,008)

(46,820)

(7,558)

–   

– 

–

(1,181)

–

(930)

(458)

(2,596)  

–   

(6)   

(499)

(31)

(717)

(85)

1,580

(133) 

Capital expenditure 

–  

28,867 

34,160

51,350

193,445

6,522

6,777   

Current assets 

6,740   

27,993 

21,174

66,995

5,877

35

2,421   

Other non-current 
assets 

832    143,524  112,365

223,295

497,771

277,829

70,799   

Total segment assets 

7,572    171,517  133,539

290,290

503,648

277,864

73,220   

Not reportable assets4 

–   

– 

–

–

–

–

248,662   

Total assets 

7,572    171,517  133,539

290,290

503,648

277,864

321,882   

1 

‘Other’ revenue primarily relates to revenues earned by HMX S.A. de C.V. for services provided to the Moris mine, the Mexican exploration activities, and revenue  
for the sale of gold and silver generated by the Moris mine. 

2  Comprised of administrative expenses of US$46,087,000, other income of US$4,112,000, other expenses of US$20,475,000, gain on the reversal of impairment  

net of write-off of assets of US$109,000, finance income of US$6,276,000, finance expense of US$42,565,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$4,990,000. 

3  Includes US$967,000 and US$7,558,000 of depreciation capitalised in the Crespo and the Inmaculada projects respectively. 

4  Not reportable assets are comprised of available-for-sale financial assets of US$455,000, other receivables of US$100,708,000, income tax receivable of 
US$25,584,000, deferred income tax assets of US$1,574,000, other financial assets of US$4,342,000 and cash and cash equivalents of US$115,999,000. 

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3 SEGMENT REPORTING CONTINUED 
(a) Reportable segment information  

Ares 
US$000

Arcata 
US$000   

Pallancata 
US$000

San Jose 
US$000

Inmaculada 
US$000

Exploration 
US$000

Other1 
US$000    

Adjustment 
and 
eliminations 

US$000   

Total 
US$000 

Segment profit/(loss)  
Others2 

Loss from continuing 
operations before  
income tax 

Other segment 
information 
Depreciation3 

Amortisation 

Impairment and  
write-off of assets net 

Assets 

Year ended  
31 December 2013 

Revenue from  
external customers 

50,362

136,968    181,795

240,723

Inter segment revenue 

–

–   

–

–

Total revenue 

50,362

136,968    181,795

240,723

(3,515)

31,710    49,357

44,142

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12,310   

–   

622,158

8,796   

(8,796)  

–

21,106   

(8,796)  

622,158

(50,894)

5,467   

1,547   

77,814

(197,434)

(119,620)

(8,723)

(31,044)    (50,222)

(52,790)

(1,158)

–

–   

–

(1,300)

–

(769)

(441)

(3,791)

(115)  

(271)

(41,382)

–

(45,112)

(4,908)  

–   

–  

–   

–   

(149,614)

(1,741)

–   

(90,671)

Capital expenditure 

3,783

43,255    42,992

56,502

89,120

30,551

15,375   

–   

281,578

Current assets 

13,211

14,009    31,563

73,844

1,421

453

4,757   

–   

139,258

Other non-current 
assets 

1,328

142,618    122,058

217,344

297,311

284,802

56,342   

Total segment assets 

14,539

156,627    153,621

291,188

298,732

285,255

61,099   

Not reportable assets4 

–

–   

–

–

–

–

472,831   

Total assets 

14,539

156,627    153,621

291,188

298,732

285,255

533,930   

–    1,121,803

–    1,261,061

–   

472,831

–    1,733,892

1 

‘Other’ revenue primarily relates to revenues earned by Minas Santa Maria de Moris, S.A. de C.V., generated by the sale of gold and silver and HMX S.A. de C.V.  
for services provided to the Moris mine, and the Mexican exploration activities. 

2  Comprised of administrative expenses of US$56,776,000, other income of US$6,416,000, other expenses of US$15,555,000, impairment and write-off of assets of 

US$90,671,000, share of gains of associates of US$5,921,000, gain on transfer from onvestments accounted under the equity method to available-for-sale financial 
assets of US$107,942,000, finance income of US$13,092,000, finance expense of US$148,050,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$19,753,000. 

3  Includes US$28,000, US$613,000 and US$1,158,000 of depreciation capitalised in San Jose mine unit, the Crespo project and the Inmaculada project respectively. 

4  Not reportable assets are comprised of available-for-sale financial assets of US$51,658,000, other receivables of US$110,166,000, income tax receivable  

of US$22,156,000, deferred income tax assets of US$2,416,000 and cash and cash equivalents of US$286,435,000. 

124 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
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3 SEGMENT REPORTING CONTINUED 
(b) Geographical information 
The revenue for the period based on the country in which the customer is located is as follows: 

External customer  

USA  

Peru  

Canada  

Germany  

Switzerland  

United Kingdom  

Korea 

Japan 

Total  

Inter-segment  

Peru  

Mexico  

Total  

Year ended 31 December

2014
US$000

2013
US$000

96,427

148,201

178,217

36,421

10,987

45,020

2,450

91,781

53,664

4,901

149,452

38,697

121,868

135,100

1,561

362

492,951

622,158

1,804

1,053

3,122

5,674

495,808

630,954

In the periods set out below, certain customers accounted for greater than 10% of the Group’s total revenues as detailed in the 
following table: 

Year ended 31 December 2014

Year ended 31 December 2013

LS Nikko 

US$000    % Revenue
25%

121,868   

Segment
Arcata, Pallancata 
and San Jose

US$000
135,100

% Revenue   
22%   

Glencore Perú S.A.C. 

114,192   

23% Arcata and Pallancata

35,188

San Jose

105,730

6%   

17%   

Argor Heraus 

45,045   

Johnson Matthey Inc. 

26,850   

9%

5%

Segment
Pallancata and 
San Jose

Pallancata

Ares, Arcata and 
San Jose

Ares, Arcata

70,547

11%    Ares, Arcata and Others

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

3 SEGMENT REPORTING CONTINUED 
Non-current assets, excluding financial instruments and deferred income tax assets, were allocated to the geographical areas in which 
the assets are located as follows: 

Peru  

Argentina  

Mexico  

Chile  

United Kingdom  

Total non-current segment assets  

Available-for-sale financial assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Deferred income tax assets  

Total non-current assets  

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   
942,411   

2013
US$000
746,211

223,295   

217,415

41,944   

40,591

118,765   

117,466

–   

120

  1,326,415    1,121,803

455   

6,488   

1,574   

51,658

12,128

2,416

  1,334,932    1,188,005

4 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS 
(a) Acquisition of Non-controlling interest  
Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. 
In October 2013, Hochschild Mining entered into a binding agreement to acquire the 40% interest held by International Minerals 
Corporation (‘IMZ’) in Minera Suyamarca S.A.C., which holds the Pallancata mine and Inmaculada Advanced Project in Peru  
(the ‘Peruvian Assets’). Prior to the Acquisition, Hochschild held a 60% interest in the Peruvian Assets.  

IMZ is also the 100% owner of Minera Oro Vega S.A.C. and Minera Qorihuayta S.A.C., all registered in Peru. 

In compliance with the Group’s accounting policy, the difference between the consideration paid and the carrying value of the  
non-controlling interest at the acquisition date has been recognised in retained earnings as follows: 

Cash and cash equivalents (US$2.38 per share) 

Cash and cash equivalents (transaction costs paid) 

Transaction costs pending payment

Available-for-sale financial assets (note 20) 

Net assets received from Minera Oro Vega S.A.C 

Total consideration 

Non-controlling interest 

Retained earnings 

US$000
(271,036)

(1,091)

(4,264)

(8,939)

1,777

(283,553)

148,185

(135,368)

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4 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS CONTINUED 
(b) Acquisition of assets  
Andina Minerals Inc 
On 20 February 2013 the Group completed the acquisition of Andina Minerals Inc. (‘Andina’) 

Andina’s principal asset, the 100% owned Volcan project, includes the Volcan area, located in Chile.  

At 31 December 2012, the Group had paid US$90,156,869, for 112,124,252 common shares of Andina, representing an 81.4% interest 
on a fully diluted basis (86.7% on a basic basis). As a result of the acquisition, the Group incurred directly attributable transaction costs 
of US$11,441,742. The Group recognised a liability of US$13,787,427 in respect of the Group´s commitment to acquire 17,146,835 
remaining shares as at 31 December 2012. 

Based on the Group’s ownership interest as at 31 December 2012, the Group was deemed to have control over Andina and therefore 
consolidated it as a subsidiary undertaking from that date. The transaction was recognised as an asset acquisition, and the fair value  
of the net assets acquired was US$115,388,000. 

The outstanding balance at 31 December 2012 of US$13,787,427 was paid between January 2013 (US$4,268,605) and February 2013 
(US$9,518,822). The total consideration was settled in cash. 

(c) Sale of subsidiary  
Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V.  
On 28 February 2014 the Group sold its interest in Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V. (‘Moris’) to Exploraciones y Desarrollos 
Regiomontanos, S.A. de C.V. (‘EDR’) and Arturo Préstamo Elizondo (‘APE’) for consideration with a fair value of nil. The terms of the 
transaction stipulate that:  

•  the Group was entitled to a 1% net smelter return over the Moris concessions once production reaches 50,000 ounces of gold 

equivalent following the sale; and 

•  EDR and APE would assume all costs associated with the mine and plant rehabilitation obligations. 

The carrying value of the net assets disposed was: 

Property, plant and equipment 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables

Income tax receivable 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other payables 

Provision for mine closure 

Net assets disposed  

The transaction resulted in a loss of US$2,963,000. 

US$000
13

278

3,878

241

33

(214)

(1,266)

2,963

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

5 REVENUE  

Gold (from dore bars) 

Silver (from dore bars) 

Gold (from concentrate) 

Silver (from concentrate)  

Services  

Total  

    Year ended 31 December

2014 
US$000   
62,911   

2013
US$000
112,855

67,418   

179,773

109,045   

103,721

253,420   

225,746

157   

63

492,951   

622,158

Included within revenue is a loss of US$16,518,000 relating to provisional pricing adjustments representing the change in the fair 
value of embedded derivatives (2013: loss of US$29,867,000) arising on sales of concentrates and dore (refer to note 2(q) and footnote 
2 of note 23). 

The realised gain on gold and silver swaps sales contracts in the period recognised within revenue was US$14,603,000  
(gold: US$2,451,000, silver: US$12,152,000) (2013: US$Nil). 

Other sources of revenue are disclosed at note 13. 

6 COST OF SALES 
Included in cost of sales are:  

Depreciation and amortisation 

Personnel expenses (note 10) 

Mining royalty (note 37) 

Change in products in process and finished goods  

7 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES  

Personnel expenses (note 10 and 11)

Professional fees  
Social and community welfare expenses1  
Lease rentals  

Travel expenses  

Communications  

Indirect taxes  

Depreciation and amortisation  

Technology and systems  

Security  

Supplies  

Other  

Total  

1  Represents amounts expended by the Group on social and community welfare activities surrounding its mining units. 

128 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

Year ended 31 December

2014 
US$000   
128,720   

2013
US$000
146,918

114,322   

124,834

6,581   
8,641   

8,293

3,926

    Year ended 31 December

2014 
US$000   
24,206   

2013
US$000
28,445

3,846   

1,943   

1,442   

865   

579   

2,678   

2,072   

718   

951   

188   

6,599   

5,553

3,216

1,925

1,342

834

3,044

2,638

1,092

1,083

243

7,361

46,087   

56,776

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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8 EXPLORATION EXPENSES 

Mine site exploration1 

Arcata 

Ares 

Selene 

Sipan 

Pallancata 

San Jose 

Moris 

Prospects2 
Peru 

Argentina 

Mexico 

Chile 

Generative3 
Peru 

Argentina 

Mexico 

Chile 

Personnel (note 10 and 11(1)) 

Others 

Total  

    Year ended 31 December

2014
US$000

2013
US$000

2,038

2,052

42

58

–

1,728

1,003

–

4,869

788

73

195

237

1,293

1,180

11

2,588

379

4,158

7,412

408

18,140

452

–

600

2,149

1,795

129

7,177

1,459

294

3,504

12,696

17,953

3,502

53

1,157

330

5,042

12,302

3,853

46,327

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.  

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: mapping, sampling, geophysics, identification of local targets and  
reconnaissance drilling.  

3  Generative expenditure is 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.  

The following table lists the cash flows which relate to the exploration activities of Group companies engaged only in exploration. 
Exploration activities incurred by Group operating companies are not included since it is not practicable to separate the liabilities 
related to the exploration activities of these companies from their operating liabilities. 

Cash flows on exploration activities are as follows:  

Payments  

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
3,362

2013
US$000
23,441

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

9 SELLING EXPENSES 

Transportation of dore, concentrate and maritime freight 

Sales commissions  

Personnel expenses (note 10)  

Warehouse services 

Taxes 

Other  

Total 

10 PERSONNEL EXPENSES1 

Salaries and wages 

Workers’ profit sharing  

Other legal contributions  

Statutory holiday payments  

Long Term Incentive Plan  

Termination benefits  

Other  

Total  

    Year ended 31 December

2014 
US$000   
6,020   

429   

249   

2,930   

2013
US$000
4,256

1,050

210

3,256

15,609   

16,596

3,460   

3,417

28,697   

28,785

    Year ended 31 December

2014 
US$000   
115,770   

2013
US$000
128,225

(34)  

(737)

22,168   

24,641

7,074   

(657)  

7,860

(1,127)

11,570   

10,487

1,805   

6,584

157,696   

175,933

1  Personnel expenses are distributed in cost of sales, administrative expenses, exploration expenses, selling expenses, other expenses and capitalised as property 
plant and equipment amounting to US$114,322,000 (2013: US$124,834,000), US$24,206,000 (2013: US$28,445,000), US$7,412,000 (2013: US$12,302,000), 
US$249,000 (2013: US$210,000), US$1,642,000 (2013: US$nil) and US$9,865,000 (2013: US$10,142,000) respectively. 

Average number of employees for 2014 and 2013 were as follows: 

Peru 

Argentina 

Mexico  

Chile  

United Kingdom  

Total 

As at 31 December

2014   
2,852   

1,179   

19   

11   

9   

2013
3,226

1,227

122

38

12

4,070   

4,625

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11 PRE-TAX 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. 

Cost of sales 
Termination benefits1 
Termination benefits Ares mine unit2 

Work stoppage at Arcata mine unit 

Total 

Administrative expenses 
Termination benefits1 

Total 

Exploration expenses 
Termination benefits1 

Total 

Other income 

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Total 

Other expenses 
Loss on sale of subsidiary3 

Total 

Impairment and write-off of assets (net) 
Impairment and write-off of assets4 
Reversal of impairment of assets5 

Total 

Finance income 
Gain on sale of available-for-sale financial assets6

Gain from changes in the fair value of financial instruments7 

Total 

Gain on transfer from investment accounted under the equity method to  
available-for-sale financial assets8 

Total 

Finance costs 
Amortisation of transaction costs on secure bank loans9
Transaction costs on bank loans10  
Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments11 
Loss on sale of available-for-sale financial assets12

Total 

Year ended 
31 December 
2014
US$000

Year ended 
31 December 
2013
US$000

(1,327)

(3,511)

(1,227)

(6,065)

(2,752)

(2,752)

(886)

(886)

–

–

(2,963)

(2,963)

(2,466)

–

–

(2,466)

(2,351)

(2,351)

(3,456)

(3,456)

2,442

2,442

–

–

(1,534)

(105,071)

1,643

109

4,061

–

4,061

14,400

(90,671)

–

2,417

2,417

–

–

107,942

107,942

(3,336)

–

(1,072)

(2,577)

(6,155)

(124,899)

–

(7,805)

(9,491)

(136,353)

1  Termination benefits paid to workers following the restructuring plan approved by management, amounting to US$4,965,000 (2013:US$8,273,000). 

2  Termination benefits generated in connection with the suspension of the Ares mine unit. 

3  Loss generated by the sale of the Group’s interest in Moris (refer to note 4(c)). 

4  As at 31 December 2014 corresponds to the write-off of assets of US$1,534,000. As at 31 December 2013 corresponds to the impairment of the San José mine  

unit of US$40,869,000, the Azuca project of US$30,290,000, the Crespo project of US$29,150,000 and the Ares unit of US$3,771,000, and to the write-off of assets  
of US$991,000.  

5  Corresponds to a reversal of previously recorded impairment at the San Felipe property of US$1,643,000 (2013: US$14,400,000) (note 17).  

6  Corresponds to the gain on sale of the Group’s holding in Gold Resource Corp (‘GRC’) of US$2,642,000, Chaparral Gold of US$842,000, Mirasol Resources Ltd  

of US$556,000 and Northern Superior Resources Inc of US$21,000.  

7  Corresponds to the recycling of the unrealised gain generated by the shares of International Minerals Corporation, at the time of acquisition (refer to note 4(a)). 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

11 PRE-TAX EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS CONTINUED 

8  Gain on the reclassification of GRC shares from an investment accounted for under the equity method to an available-for-sale financial asset of US$107,942,000  

as a result of the Company ceasing to have the ability to exercise significant influence (refer to note 19).  

9  Corresponds to the attributable issue cost of the syndicated loan granted to Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. (note 27), disclosed as an exceptional item as a significant 

one-off expense. 

10 Corresponds to the write-off of transaction costs related to bank facilities never drawn by Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. 

11 As at 31 December 2014 corresponds to the impairment of the investments in Pembrook Mining Corp of US$6,000,000, Brionor Resources of US$54,000, Revelo 
Resources Corp (formerly Iron Creek Capital Corp) of US$53,000, Northern Superior Resources Inc of US$45,000 and Empire Petroleum Corp of US$3,000. As at  
31 December 2013 corresponds to the impairment of investments in Gold Resource Corp. of US$105,298,000, International Minerals of US$12,920,000, Pembrook 
Mining Corp. of US$5,745,000, Mariana Resources Ltd. of US$281,000, Northern Superior Resources Inc. of US$422,000, Iron Creek Capital Corp. of US$207,000, 
Empire Petroleum Corp. of US$22,000 and Brionor Resources of US$4,000.  

12 Corresponds to the loss on sale of part of the Group’s holding in GRC of US$7,805,000. The Group sold 3,375,000 and 1,800,000 GRC shares on 11 July 2013 and  

12 December 2013, respectively. 

12 OTHER EXPENSES BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 

Year ended  
31 December 

2014   
Before  
exceptional 
items 
US$000   
9,088   

Year ended 
31 December 
2013
Before 
exceptional
items
US$000
5,516

3,453   

1,680   

3,291   

2,453

845

6,741

17,512   

15,555

Year ended  
31 December 

2014   
Before  
exceptional 
items 
US$000   

Year ended 
31 December 
2013
Before 
exceptional
items
US$000

1,567   

1,567   

525   

123   

6,751

6,751

3,551

373

2,215   

10,675

(5,027)  

(5,364)  

(20,302)  

(30,693)  

(1,865)  

(90)  

(426)  

(4,633)

(4,594)

–

(9,227)

(1,267)

(220)

(983)

(33,074)  

(11,697)

Increase of provision for mine closure (note 28(4)) 

Tax on mining reserves in Argentina (note 37) 

Contingencies 

Other  

Total 

13 FINANCE INCOME AND FINANCE COSTS BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 

Finance income 

Interest on deposits and liquidity funds 

Interest income 

Dividends 

Other  

Total 

Finance costs 

Interest on secured bank loans (note 27) 

Interest on convertible bond (note 27) 

Interest on bond (note 27) 

Interest expense 

Unwind of discount rate  

Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments

Other  

Total 

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14 INCOME TAX EXPENSE  

Current corporate income tax from  
continuing operations  

Current corporate income tax charge  

Current mining royalty charge (note 37) 

Current special mining tax charge (note 37) 

Withholding taxes 

Deferred taxation  

Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
from continuing operations (note 30)  

Effect of change in tax rate

Year ended 31 December 2014
Before 
exceptional
items
US$000

Exceptional 
items
US$000

Total
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2013
Before  
exceptional 
items 
US$000   

Exceptional
items
US$000

Total
US$000

10,082

1,611

375

(343)

(251)

–

–

–

9,831

1,611

375

(343)

10,971   

2,344   

905   

(641)  

(752)

10,219

–

–

–

2,344

905

(641)

11,725

(251)

11,474

13,579   

(752)

12,827

(457)

(4,802)

(5,259)

(3,851)

257

(3,594)

(4,308)

(4,545)

(8,853)

31,400   

(35,170)

(3,770)

–   

–

–

31,400   

(35,170)

(3,770)

Total taxation charge/(credit) in the  
income statement 

6,466

(3,845)

2,621

44,979   

(35,922)

9,057

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

14 INCOME TAX EXPENSE CONTINUED 
The weighted average statutory income tax rate was 28.7% for 2014 and 28.5% for 2013. 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.  

In December 2014, the Peruvian government approved a schedule for the gradual reduction of the statutory income tax rate,  
from its current level of 30% to 26% by 2019. 

The tax related to items charged or credited to equity is as follows: 

Deferred taxation: 

Deferred income tax relating to fair value gains on cash flow hedges

Total tax charge in the statement of other comprehensive income

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   

2013
US$000

1,216   

1,216   

–

–

The total taxation charge on the Group’s loss 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:  

Loss from continuing operations before income tax 

At average statutory income tax rate of 28.7% (2013: 28.5%) 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes  
Non-taxable income1  

Non-taxable share of gains of associates  

Deferred tax recognised on special investment regime

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax 

Change in statutory income tax rate

Withholding tax 
Special mining tax and mining royalty2 
Foreign exchange rate effect3 
Other  

At average effective income tax rate of -3.8% (2013: -11.8%)

Taxation charge attributable to continuing operations

Total taxation charge in the income statement 

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   
(68,210)  

2013
US$000
(119,620)

(19,547)  

(34,140)

3,058   

(851)  

–   

(780)  

2,685

(1,366)

(1,377)

(4,246)

6,700   

13,048

(4,545)  

(343)  

1,986   

–

(641)

3,249

14,473   

30,366

2,470   

2,621   

2,621   

2,621   

1,479

9,057

9,057

9,057

1  Mainly corresponds to the gain on sale of Gold Resource Corp shares (2013: Mainly corresponds to dividends received from Gold Resource Corp. and International 

Minerals Corporation). 

2  Corresponds to the impact of a mining royalty and special mining tax in Peru (note 37). 

3  Mainly corresponds to the foreign exchange effect of converting tax bases and monetary items from local currency to the functional currency. 

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15 BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE  
Earnings per share (‘EPS’) is calculated by dividing profit/(loss) 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 dilutive potential ordinary shares.  

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, EPS has been calculated as follows:  

Basic loss per share from continuing operations 

Before exceptional items (US$)  

Exceptional items (US$) 

Total for the year and from continuing operations (US$) 

Diluted loss per share from continuing operations 

Before exceptional items (US$)  

Exceptional items (US$)  

Total for the year and from continuing operations (US$) 

As at 31 December

2014

2013

(0.15)

(0.04)

(0.19)

(0.15)

(0.04)

(0.19)

(0.15)

(0.21)

(0.36)

(0.15)

(0.21)

(0.36)

Net loss from continuing operations before exceptional items and attributable to equity holders of the parent is derived as follows: 

Loss attributable to equity holders of the parent – continuing operations (US$000) 

Exceptional items after tax – attributable to equity holders of the parent (US$000)

Loss from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity holders  
of the parent (US$000) 

Diluted loss from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity  
holders of the parent (US$000) 

The following reflects the share data used in the basic and diluted loss per share computations: 

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands) 
Dilutive potential ordinary shares related to convertible bond (thousands)1 
Dilutive potential ordinary shares related to contingently issuable shares (thousands)1 

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue and dilutive potential  
ordinary shares (thousands) 

As at 31 December

2014
(68,877)

2013
(123,083)

13,914

72,738

(54,963)

(50,345)

(54,963)

(50,345)

As at 31 December

2014
366,975

2013
345,225

–

–

–

–

366,975

345,225

1  The potential ordinary shares related to the convertible bond and the contingently issuable shares under the Enhanced Long Term Incentive Plan and Restricted 

Share Plan have not been included in the calculation of diluted EPS for 2014 and 2013 as they have an antidilutive effect. 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

16 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  

Year ended 31 December 2014 

Cost 

At 1 January 2014 

Additions  

Change in discount rate  

Change in mine closure estimate  

Disposals  

Write-offs 

Disposal of subsidiary (note 4(c)) 
Transfers and other movements2 

Mining 
properties 
and 
development 
costs1 
 US$000  

Land and 
buildings 
US$000

Plant and 
equipment
US$000

Vehicles 
US$000

Mine 
 closure 
 asset  
US$000   

Construction 
in progress 
and capital 
advances 

US$000   

Total 
US$000

869,780 

220,083

371,079

6,511

74,362   

136,383    1,678,198

136,742 

1,913

20,281

– 

– 

– 

(114) 

–

–

(178)

(276)

(11,015) 

(7,851)

–

–

(2,657)

(3,943)

(6,972)

4,384 

43,480

11,254

46

–

–

(309)

(308)

(355)

445

–   

157,192   

316,174

4,357   

18,741   

–   

–   

(1,247)  

–   

–   

(61)  

–   

–   

4,357

18,741

(3,205)

(4,641)

(27,440)

–   

(56,206)  

3,357

At 31 December 2014 

999,777 

257,171

389,042

6,030

96,213   

237,308    1,985,541

Accumulated depreciation  
and impairment  

At 1 January 2014 

452,777 

120,923

175,453

3,645

48,425   

3,498   

804,721

Depreciation for the year  

84,928 

19,836

29,854

Disposals  

Write-offs 

Disposal of subsidiary (note 4(c)) 
Transfers and other movements2 

– 

(51) 

(178)

(184)

(11,015) 

(7,851)

185 

2,092

(2,385)

(2,677)

(6,969)

(66)

At 31 December 2014 

526,824 

134,638

193,210

Net book amount at 31 December 2014   

472,953 

122,533

195,832

752

(256)

(195)

(345)

62

3,663

2,367

2,308   

–   

–   

(1,247)  

–   

–   

–   

–   

137,678

(2,819)

(3,107)

(27,427)

–   

(2,088)  

185

49,486   

1,410   

909,231

46,727   

235,898    1,076,310

The carrying value of plant and equipment held under finance leases at 31 December 2014 was US$Nil (2013: US$539,627). Additions during the year included  
US$Nil (2013: US$Nil) of plant and equipment under finance leases. Leased assets are pledged as security for the related finance lease.  

There were borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment amounting to US$9,904,000 (2013:US$5,736,000). The capitalisation rate used was  
8.83% (2013: 9.45%). 

1  Mining properties and development costs related to Azuca, Crespo, Inmaculada and Volcan projects are not currently being depreciated. 

2  Net of transfers and other movements of US$3,172,000 were transferred from evaluation and exploration assets. 

At the end of 2014, given the continued challenging environment for the mining sector, the Group carried out an impairment review  
of all of its operating mines (Arcata, Pallancata, and San Jose), its advanced project (Inmaculada), and its growth projects (Crespo, Azuca, 
and Volcan). As a result of this review, no impairment charges were identified.  

The recoverable values of these CGUs were determined using a fair value less costs of disposal (‘FVLCD’) methodology. FVLCD was 
determined using a combination of level 2 and level 3 inputs to construct a discounted cash flow model to estimate the amount that 
would be paid by a willing third party in an arm’s length transaction. The key assumptions on which management has based its 
determination of fair value less costs of disposal, and the associated recoverable values calculated are presented below.  

Gold and silver prices 

US$ per oz. 
Gold 

Silver 

Other key assumptions 

Discount rate 

Value per in-situ ounce 

2015
1,266

19.4

2016
1,288

20.1

2017 
1,288   

21.3   

2018 
1,325   

Long-term
1,300

21.8   

20.0

Arcata   
5.1%   

Pallancata
5.1%

San Jose
12.8%

Inmaculada
6.1%

n/a   

n/a

n/a

n/a

Crespo   
6.6%   

n/a   

Azuca   
n/a   
0.561   

Volcan
n/a
18.001 

1  With respect to the Azuca and Volcan growth projects, given their early stage, the Group applied a value in-situ methodology, which applies a realisable ‘enterprise 
value’ to unprocessed mineral resources. The methodology is used to determine the fair value less costs of disposal of the Azuca and Volcan CGUs, which includes 
the water permits held by the Group. The enterprise value used in the calculation performed at 31 December 2014 was US$18.00 per gold equivalent ounce of 
resources (Volcan) and $0.56 per silver equivalent ounce of resources (Azuca). The enterprise value figures are based on observable external market information. 

136 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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16 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED 
Sensitivity analysis 
Other than as disclosed below, management believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions above  
would cause the carrying value of any of its cash generating units to exceed its recoverable amount.  

The estimated recoverable amounts of the following of the Group’s CGUs are equal to, or not materially greater than, their  
carrying values; consequently, any adverse change in the following key assumptions would, in isolation, cause an impairment  
loss to be recognised:  

Arcata

Pallancata

Inmaculada

San Jose   

Crespo

Azuca

Approximate impairment resulting from the 
following changes (US$000) 

Prices (10% decrease) 

Discount rate (3% increase)

(52,000)

(47,000)

(98,000)

(84,000)   

(21,000)

(9,000)

(3,000)

(59,000)

(18,000)   

(16,000)

Production costs (10% increase) 

(25,000)

(20,000)

(5,000)

(41,000)   

(10,000)

n/a

n/a

n/a

Value per in-situ ounce (10% decrease) 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a   

n/a

(3,000)

Current carrying value of CGU, net of deferred  
tax (US$000) 

31 December 2014 

135,356

108,388

464,355

171,977   

64,877

39,288

Arcata

Pallancata

Inmaculada

San Jose   

Crespo

Azuca

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

16 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED 

Mining 
properties 
and 
development 
costs 
 US$000  

Land and 
buildings 
US$000

Plant and 
equipment
US$000

Vehicles 
US$000

Mine  
closure 
 asset  
US$000   

Construction 
in progress 
and capital 
advances 

US$000   

Total 
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2013 

Cost 

At 1 January 2013 

Additions  

Change in discount rate  

Change in mine closure estimate  

Disposals  

Write-offs 

540,324 

179,940

313,457

141,504 

2,823

49,700

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

(724)

(321) 

(57)

(7,089)

Transfers and other movements  

(50) 

37,377

15,611

5,360

323

–

–

(43)

(150)

1,021

–

–

67,356   

119,381    1,225,818

–   

73,421   

267,771

(1,481)  

8,487   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

(1,481)

8,487

(767)

(7,617)

(56,419)   

(2,460)

–   

–   

188,323

124

Transfers from evaluation and  
exploration assets 

Foreign exchange  

At 31 December 2013 

Accumulated depreciation  
and impairment  

At 1 January 2013  

188,323 

– 

–

–

–

124

869,780 

220,083

371,079

6,511

74,362   

136,383    1,678,198

306,443 

87,679

146,823

2,574

44,808   

936   

589,263

Depreciation for the year  

96,862 

20,377

29,316

Disposals  

Write-offs 
Impairment1 

Transfers from evaluation and 
exploration assets 

Transfers and other movements 

Foreign exchange  

At 31 December 2013 

– 

(41) 

–

(9)

42,080 

5,883

(351)

(5,567)

8,520

7,418 

–

–

15 

– 

6,993

(3,350)

–

62

452,777 

120,923

175,453

Net book amount at 31 December 2013   

417,003 

99,160

195,626

989

(14)

(110)

204

–

2

–

3,645

2,866

2,070   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

149,614

(365)

(5,727)

1,547   

3,899   

62,133

–   

–   

–   

–   

(1,337)  

–   

7,418

2,323

62

48,425   

3,498   

804,721

25,937   

132,885   

873,477

1  In 2013, the Group recorded an impairment of US$450,000 with respect to the Azuca project, US$22,535,000 with respect to the Crespo project, US$35,377,000 
with respect to the San Jose mine unit and US$3,771,000 with respect to the Ares mine unit. These impairment charges arose primarily as a result of decreases  
in the prices of silver and gold and were determined using the fair value less costs to dispose (‘FVLCD’) methodology. FVLCD was determined using a combination  
of level 2 and level 3 inputs to construct a discounted cash flow model to estimate the amount that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm's length 
transaction. The key assumptions on which management has based its determination of fair value less costs of disposal include: forecast commodity prices, 
discount rates, production volumes, production costs, and required capital expenditures. Where applicable, the post-tax discount rates used in the measurement  
of the fair value less costs of disposal were: Azuca: 5.1%, Crespo: 6.8%, San Jose: 11.7%. Any variation in these key assumptions would either result in further 
impairment or a reduction of the impairment. The recoverable amount of CGUs impaired during 2013 was determined to be US$28,285,000, US$50,005,000  
and US$154,214,000 for Azuca, Crespo and San Jose respectively. 

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17 EVALUATION AND EXPLORATION ASSETS 

Azuca
US$000

Crespo
US$000

Inmaculada 
US$000

San Felipe 
US$000

Volcan 
US$000 

Others
US$000

Total 
US$000

Cost  

Balance at 1 January 2013 

70,804

67,615

116,762

55,950

86,301   

41,172

438,604

Additions  

Foreign exchange 

Write-off 

Transfers to property, plant  
and equipment 

4,736

–

–

–

179

(512)

–

965

–

–

(38,106)

(117,727)

Balance at 31 December 2013 

75,540

29,176

Additions 

821

Transfers from/(to) property, plant  
and equipment 

Balance at 31 December 2014 

Accumulated impairment 

Balance at 1 January 2013 

Impairment1 

Transfers to property, plant  
and equipment 

3,593

(3,620)

79,954

25,556

22

29,840

9,904

5,507

–

(6,281)

Balance at 31 December 2013 

29,862

9,130

Impairment1 

Transfers from/(to) property, plant  
and equipment 

Balance at 31 December 2014  

Net book value as at 31 December 2013 

Net book value as at 31 December 2014 

–

–

3,430

(3,620)

33,292

45,678

46,662

5,510

20,046

20,046

There were no borrowing costs capitalised in evaluation and exploration assets. 

–

779

(92)

687

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

687

–

–

–

–

4,300   

2,006

12,186

–   

(26)   

–

(4)

(512)

(30)

– 

(32,490)

(188,323)

55,950

90,575   

10,684

261,925

–

–

1,463   

1,603

4,666

(3) 

(3,730)

(3,852)

55,950

92,035   

8,557

262,739

30,950

(14,400)

–

16,550

(1,643)

–

14,907

39,400

41,043

–   

–   

– 

–   

–   

– 

–   

90,575   

92,035   

1,171

1,706

42,047

22,653

(1,137)

(7,418)

1,740

57,282

–

–

1,740

8,944

6,817

(1,643)

(190)

55,449

204,643

207,290

1  In 2014, the Group partially reversed the impairment of the San Felipe project of US$1,643,000. In 2013, the Group recorded an impairment with respect to the 
Azuca project of US$29,840,000 , the Crespo project of US$5,507,000 and the San Jose mine unit of US$1,706,000, and partially reversed the impairment of the  
San Felipe project of US$14,400,000 (note 16).  

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

18 INTANGIBLE ASSETS  

Cost  

Balance at 1 January 2013 

Additions  

Transfer 

Goodwill
US$000

Transmission
line1
US$000

Water
permits2
US$000

Software 
licences 
US$000   

Legal 
rights3 
US$000    

Total
US$000

2,091

22,157

26,583

1,337   

–    52,168

–

–

–

–

–

–

–   

11   

1,621   

4,783   

1,621

4,794

Balance at 31 December 2013 

2,091

22,157

26,583

1,348   

6,404   

58,583

Additions  

Transfer 

–

–

–

–

–

–

4   

421   

277   

–   

281

421

Balance at 31 December 2014 

2,091

22,157

26,583

1,773 

6,681 

59,285

Accumulated amortisation and impairment  

Balance at 1 January 2013 

Amortisation for the year4 
Impairment of the period5 

Balance at 31 December 2013 
Amortisation for the year4 

Transfer 

Balance at 31 December 2014 

Net book value as at 31 December 2013 

Net book value as at 31 December 2014 

–

–

2,091

2,091

–

–

2,091

–

–

7,138

1,213

1,671

10,022

1,102

–

11,124

12,135

11,033

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,127   

87   

24   

–   

441   

1,108   

8,265

1,741

4,894

1,238   

1,549   

14,900

79   

(69)  

458   

1,639

–   

(69)

1,248 

2,007    16,470

26,583

26,583

110   

525   

4,855   

43,683

4,674    42,815

1  The transmission line is amortised using the units of production method. At 31 December 2014 the remaining amortisation period is approximately 10 years.  

2  Corresponds to the acquisition of water permits of Andina Minerals Group (‘Andina’) (refer to note 4(b)). They have an indefinite life according to Chilean law. 

3  Legal rights correspond to expenditures required to give the Group the right to use a property for the surface exploration work, development and production. 

At 31 December 2014 the remaining amortisation period is 12 years. 

4  The amortisation for the period is included in cost of sales and administrative expenses in the income statement. 

5  In 2013 the Group recorded an impairment in relation to all of the goodwill of US$2,091,000 and other intangibles of US$1,695,000 related to the San Jose mine 

unit, and US$1,108,000 related to the Crespo project (refer to note 16). 

The carrying amount of water permits is reviewed annually to determine whether it is in excess of its recoverable amount. 

(a) Goodwill 
The 2013 impairment test carried out for the San Jose CGU to which this goodwill relates used a fair value less cost of disposal 
methodology which is most sensitive to the following assumptions: 

•  Commodity prices – Commodity prices of gold and silver are based on prices considered in the Group’s 2013 forecast and external 

market consensus forecasts. The prices considered in the 2013 impairment tests were: 

Year  
2013 – Gold – US$/oz 

2013   
1,343.9   

2014   
1,405.9   

2015
1,379.3

2013 – Silver – US$/oz 

21.2   

25.0   

23.5

2016
1,319.3

20.7

2017
1,272.1

22.3

2018   
1,272.1   

2019    2020-2024
1,272.1

1,272.1   

22.3   

22.3   

22.3

•  Estimation of reserves and resources – Reserves and resources are based on management’s estimates using appropriate exploration 

and evaluation techniques; 

•  Production volumes and grades – Tonnage produced was estimated at plant capacity with twelve 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 mining conditions; and 

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18 INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED 

•  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. The post-tax discount rate used in the 2013 impairment test was 11.7%. 

The period approved by management to project the cash flows was 10 years (which approximated the remaining life of the San Jose 
mine at the time). 

(b) Water permits 
In the case of the water permits the Group applied a value in situ methodology, which applies a realisable ‘enterprise value’  
to unprocessed mineral resources. The methodology is used to determine the fair value less costs of disposal of the Volcan  
cash-generating unit, which includes the water permits held by the Group. The enterprise value used in the calculation performed  
at 31 December 2014 was US$18.00 per gold equivalent ounce of resources (2013: US$13.60) . The enterprise value figures are based 
on observable external market information. 

Headroom for the 2014 impairment test was US$53,185,000 (2013: US$14,172,000). 

19 INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED UNDER EQUITY METHOD  
Gold Resource Corp. 
The Group had an interest in Gold Resource Corp.(‘GRC’), which is involved in the exploration for and production of gold and silver  
in Mexico.  

On 27 March 2013 equity accounting for the investment was discontinued as a result of developments during the period which 
resulted in the Group concluding that it no longer had the ability to influence significantly that company’s strategic, operational and 
financial direction. Accordingly, the investment in GRC was reclassified as an available-for-sale financial asset. As of 27 March 2013  
the Group had a 27.77% interest in GRC. In the period prior to reclassification, the Group’s share of the profit and total comprehensive 
income of GRC was US$5,921,000. A portion of the Group’s interest in GRC was disposed of in 2013 following the reclassification to an 
available-for-sale financial asset.  

The Group disposed of its available-for-sale investment in GRC during 2014 (note 20). 

20 AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS  

Beginning balance  
Additions1  
Reclassification from investments accounted under the equity method2

Fair value change recorded in equity 
Disposals3 
Other4 

Ending balance  

    Year ended 31 December

2014
US$000
51,658

–

–

2013
US$000
30,609

1,119

189,418

(3,106)

(125,932)

(48,097)

(33,498)

–

(10,058)

455

51,658

1  In 2013 represents 3,755,746 shares of Chaparral Gold Corp. received as a result of the Group´s 3.2% original interest in International Minerals Corporation (‘IMZ’) 

(refer to note 4(a)). 

2  Reclassification of the Group’s Gold Resource Corp. shares from an associate accounted for under the equity method to an available-for-sale financial asset on 
27 March 2013. Equity accounting of the investment was discontinued as a result of developments during the period which resulted in the Group concluding  
that it no longer had the ability to influence significantly that company's strategic, operational and financial direction. Consequently, the asset is recognised  
as an available-for-sale asset at fair value. 

3  Sale of 9,451,874 shares of Gold Resource Corp., 3,334,000 shares of Norther Superior Resources Inc., 3,755,746 shares of Chaparral Gold Corp., and 500,000 shares 

of Mirasol Resources Ltd. (2013: Sale of 3,375,000 and 1,800,000 shares of Gold Resource Corp on 11 July 2013 and 12 December 2013 respectively).  

4  In connection with the acquisition of the non-controlling interest of Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. the Group disposed of its 3,755,746 ordinary shares of IMZ and 

received 3,755,746 class A shares of IMZ, which was recognised as an investment in a subsidiary and consequently eliminated on consolidation (refer to note 4(a)).  

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

20 AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS CONTINUED 
Available-for-sale financial assets include the following:  

Equity securities – quoted Canadian companies 
Equity securities – quoted US companies1 

Equity securities – quoted British companies 
Equity securities – unquoted2 

Total 

1  Includes Gold Resource Corp shares of US$Nil (2013: US$42,817,000l). 

2  Includes Pembrook Mining Corp and ECI Exploration and Mining Inc. shares.  

    Year ended 31 December

2014 
US$000   
216   

12   

227   

–   

2013
US$000
2,030

42,883

745

6,000

455   

51,658

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 ECI Exploration and Mining Inc.) were recognised at cost less any 
recognised impairment losses given that there is not an active market for these investments. The investments in ECI Exploration  
and Mining Inc. and Pembrook Mining Corp. are fully impaired as at 31 December 2014 (2013: impairment of US$5,745,000). 

Available-for-sale financial assets are denominated in the following currencies: 

Canadian dollars 

US dollars 

Pounds sterling 

Total 

2014 
US$000   
216   

12   

227   

455   

2013
US$000
8,030

42,883

745

51,658

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21 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES  

Trade receivables (note 38(c))  

Advances to suppliers  

Duties recoverable from exports of Minera Santa Cruz 

Receivables from related parties (note 32)  

Loans to employees  

Interest receivable 

Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank 
Other1  
Provision for impairment2 

Financial assets classified as receivables  

Prepaid expenses  
Value Added Tax (VAT)3  

Total  

As at 31 December 

2014

2013

Non-current
US$000
–

Current 
US$000   
72,818   

Non-current
US$000
–

–

2,016

–

1,192

–

–

2,186

–

5,347   

6,000   

45   

748   

78   

264   

15,939   

(5,136)  

–

5,776

–

2,030

–

–

2,638

–

Current
US$000
69,702

22,667

–

111

909

600

294

19,115

(5,084)

5,394

96,103   

10,444

108,314

389

705

11,336   

59,599   

755

929

11,602

47,824

6,488

167,038   

12,128

167,740

The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate their book value.  

1  Mainly corresponds to account receivables from contratists for the sale of supplies of US$9,763,000 (2013: US$6,870,000), a tax claim related to the withholding 

 tax on the GRC dividends received of US$1,447,000 (2013: US$2,724,000), other tax claims of US$2,767,000 (2013: US$1,835,000). 

2  Includes the provision for impairment of trade receivable from a customer in Peru of US$1,108,000 (2013: US$1,108,000), the impairment of deposits in Kaupthing, 
Singer and Friedlander of US$264,000 (2013: US$294,000) and other receivables of US$3,764,000 (2013: US$3,682,000) that mainly relates to an exploration project 
that would be recovered through an ownership interest if it succeeds. 

3  Primarily relates to US$19,583,000 (2013: US$17,807,000) of VAT receivable related to the San Jose project that will be recovered through future sales of gold and 
silver by Minera Santa Cruz S.A. It also includes the VAT of Minera Suyamarca of US$Nil (2013: US$10,639,000), Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. of US$35,026,000 
(2013: US$11,005,000) and Minas Santa María de Moris of US$Nil (2013: US$3,108,000). The VAT is valued at its recoverable amount. 

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables:  

At 1 January 2013 

Provided for during the year

Released during the year 

At 31 December 2013 

Provided for during the year

Released during the year 

At 31 December 2014 

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, none of the financial assets classified as receivables (net of impairment) were past due.  

Individually
impaired
US$000
3,819

1,485

(220)

5,084

110

(58)

5,136

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

22 INVENTORIES  

Finished goods  

Products in process  

Raw materials  

Supplies and spare parts  

Provision for obsolescence of supplies  

Total  

Finished goods include ounces of gold and silver, dore and concentrate.  

Products in process include dore, concentrate and stockpile.  

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   
7,147   

2013
US$000
7,871

13,326   

21,246

–   

2

42,404   

62,877   

(4,460)  

47,118

76,237

(6,681)

58,417   

69,556

Dore is an alloy containing a variable mixture of silver, gold and minor impurities. The Group either sells dore bars as a finished product 
or if it is commercially advantageous to do so, delivers the bars for refining into gold and silver ounces which are then sold. In the latter 
scenario, the dore bars are classified as products in process. The amount of dore on hand at 31 December 2014 included in products  
in process is US$1,405,000 (2013: US$697,000).  

Concentrate is a product containing sulphides with a variable content of base and precious metals and is sold to smelters, but in 
addition could be used as a product in process to produce dore.  

As part of the Group’s short-term financing policies, it acquires pre-shipment loans which are guaranteed by the sales contracts.  

The amount of expense recognised in profit and loss related to the consumption of inventory of supplies, spare parts and raw materials 
is US$75,066,000 (2013: US$94,235,000). 

Movements in the provision for obsolescence comprise an increase in the provision of US$192,000 (2013: US$1,832,000) and the 
reversal of US$1,137,000 relating to the sale of supplies and spare parts, that had been provided for (2013: US$Nil). 

The amount of income relating to the reversal of the inventory provision is US$Nil (2013: US$90,000). 

23 OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  

Other financial assets 

Swap contracts1 

Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships

Other financial liabilities 
Embedded derivatives2 

Total financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   

2013
US$000

4,342   

4,342   

–

–

1,533   

1,533   

2,294

2,294

1  Corresponds to the fair value of the unsettled commodity forward contract signed in 19 August 2014 with JP Morgan to hedge the sale of 38,000 ounces of gold  

at US$1,300 per ounce, during the period from January to December 2015. 

2  Sales of concentrate 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 for the smelter to refine and sell the concentrate or for the refiner to process the dore 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).  

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24 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  

Cash at bank 
Liquidity funds1 
Current demand deposit accounts2 
Time deposits3 
Cash and cash equivalents considered for the statement of cash flows4

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
293

935

76,850

37,921

2013
US$000
454

8,751

62,259

214,971

115,999

286,435

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their book value. The Group does not have undrawn borrowing facilities 
available in the future for operating activities or capital commitments. 

1  The liquidity funds are mainly invested in certificates of deposit, commercial papers and floating rate notes with a weighted average maturity of 10 days as at  

31 December 2014 (2013: average of 8 days).  

2  Relates to bank accounts which are freely available and bear interest. 

3  These deposits have an average maturity of 2 days (2013: Average of 27 days) (refer to note 38(g)).  

4  Funds deposited in Argentinean institutions are effectively restricted for transfer to other countries and are invested locally. Included within cash and cash 
equivalents at 31 December 2014 is US$14,233,000 (2013: US$29,112,000), which is not readily available for use in subsidiaries outside of Argentina.  

25 DEFERRED INCOME 
On 3 August 2011, Hochschild entered into an agreement with Impulsora Minera Santa Cruz (“IMSC”) whereby IMSC acquired the right 
to explore the San Felipe properties and an option to purchase the related concessions. Under the terms of this agreement the Group 
has received the following non-refundable payments to date: 

San Felipe contract 

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
25,000

2013
US$000
22,000

These payments reduce the total consideration IMSC will be required to pay upon exercise of the option on December 2016, and 
constitute an advance of the final purchase price, rather than an option premium, as such, they were recorded as deferred income. 

26 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade payables1 
Salaries and wages payable2  

Dividends payable 

Taxes and contributions  

Guarantee deposits  

Mining royalty (note 37)  

Accounts payable to related parties (note 32) 

Other 

Total 

As at 31 December 

2014

2013

Non-current
US$000
–

Current 
US$000   
64,458   

Non-current
US$000
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

92

92

23,890   

1,789   

11,441   

7,327   

951   

11   

2,023   

111,890   

–

–

–

–

–

–

174

174

Current
US$000
73,339

18,620

4,584

8,264

7,266

840

16

6,293

119,222

The fair value of trade and other payables approximate their book values.  

1  Trade payables relate mainly to the acquisition of materials, supplies and contractors’ services. These payables do not accrue interest and no guarantees have  

been granted.  

2  Salaries and wages payable were as follows:  

Remuneration payable 

Board members’ remuneration 

Long Term Incentive Plan and Exploration Incentive Plan

Total  

2014
US$000
23,890

–

–

2013
US$000
17,885

152

583

23,890

18,620

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

27 BORROWINGS  

Bond payable (a) 

Secured bank loans (b) 

•  Pre-shipment loans in Minera Santa Cruz  

(note 22) 

•  Pre-shipment loans in Minera Suyamarca 

S.A.C.(note 22) 

•  Syndicated loan 

•  Medium-term bank loan 

Convertible bond payable (c) 

Total 

As at 31 December

Effective 
interest rate
8.48%

2014
Non-current
US$000
342,043

Current
US$000
13,457

Effective  
interest rate   
–   

2013 

Non-current 

US$000   
–   

Current
US$000
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3.47%

98,791

–

–

13,843

–

–

582

–

440,834

27,882

–   

–   

25.26%   

–   

8.26%   

–   

24,122

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

30,053

265,877

–

115,873

435,925

(a) Bond payable 
On 23 January 2014 the Group issued US$ 350,000,000 7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes of Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. guaranteed by 
Hochschild Mining plc and Hochschild Mining (Argentina) Corporation S.A. The interest will be paid semi-annually, commencing 23 July 
2014 until maturity in 23 January 2021. The balance at 31 December 2014 comprises the carrying value, including accrued interest 
payable, of US$355,500,000 determined in accordance with the effective interest method. 

The following options could be taken before the maturity: 

•  Optional Redemption with Proceeds of Equity Offerings: Up to 35% at 107.750% prior to 23 January 2017; 

•  Optional Redemption with Make-Whole Premium: At any time prior to January 23, 2018, the issuer may redeem all or part of the 
notes, at a price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional 
amounts, if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium at Treasury Rate + 50 bps; 

•  Optional Redemption without Make-Whole Premium: The issuer may redeem all or part of the notes on or after 23 January 2018 at 
the redemption prices specified plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, if any, to the redemption date. The Make 
Whole Premium requires repayment of 103.875%, 101.938% or 100% of the outstanding principal balance it exercised in 2018, 2019 
or 2020 respectively;  

•  Optional Redemption Upon Tax Event: 100% of the outstanding principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional 

amounts, if any; and 

•  Change of Control Offer: 101% of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. 

(b) Secured bank loans 
Syndicated loan: 

Loan facility with a syndicate of lenders with Bank of America acting as the Administrative Agent. Total secured term loan facility  
of US$340,000,000, of which $270,000,000 was drawn with an effective interest rate of 25.26% and was guaranteed by a group of 
subsidiaries headed by Hochschild Mining plc. The balance at 31 December 2013 is comprised of the carrying value of US$265,877,000 
determined in accordance with the effective interest method. This loan was repaid on 23 January 2014. 

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27 BORROWINGS CONTINUED 
Medium-term bank loan: 

Credit agreement of US$100,000,000 with Scotiabank Peru S.A.A. acting as Lead Arranger and The Bank of Nova Scotia and Corpbanca 
as lenders. The borrower is Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. and the loan is guaranteed by Hochschild Mining plc. The loan has an interest 
rate of LIBOR + 2.6% payable quarterly. The first principal repayment is scheduled for July 2016, with subsequent payments quarterly 
thereafter until maturity in April 2019. The carrying value including accrued interest payable at 31 December 2014 of US$99,373,000 
was determined in accordance with the effective interest method. 

(c) Convertible bond payable 
Relates to the placement of US$115,000,000 of senior unsecured convertible bonds, due 2014, which were convertible into ordinary 
shares of Hochschild Mining plc. The Group settled the convertible bonds in cash upon their maturity in October 2014. The bonds  
had a coupon of 5.75% per annum payable semi-annually on 28 January and 28 July of each year.  

Upon initial recognition, the convertible bonds were recorded at a value of US$ 103,827,000, representing a principal  
of US$115,000,000 less transaction costs of US$2,741,000 and the bond equity component of $8,432,000.  

The convertible bonds were repaid on 16 October 2014. 

The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows:  

Between 1 and 2 years  

Between 2 and 5 years  

Over 5 years 

Total  

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
16,660

82,131

342,043

440,834

2013
US$000
–

–

–

–

The carrying amount of current borrowings differs from their fair value only with respect to differences arising under the effective 
interest rate calculations described above. The carrying amount and fair value of the non-current borrowings are as follows:  

Secured bank loans  

Bond payable 

Total  

Carrying amount  
as at 31 December 

Fair value 
as at 31 December

2014
US$000
98,791

342,043

440,834

2013 
US$000   
–   

2014
US$000
99,083

–   

–   

348,250

447,333

2013
US$000
–

–

–

The fair value of secured bank loans was determined by discounting the remaining principal and interest payments at the three month 
U.S. LIBOR rate plus 2.6 percent. The U.S. LIBOR rate is a Level 1 input. In the case of the bond payable, the fair value was determined 
with reference to the quoted price of these bonds in an active market, another Level 1 input.  

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

28 PROVISIONS  

At 1 January 2013 

Additions 

Accretion 

Change in discount rate  

Change in estimates  

Payments 

Amounts transferred to payables 

Foreign exchange 

At 31 December 2013 

Less current portion 

Non-current portion 

At 1 January 2014 

Additions 

Accretion 

Change in discount rate  

Change in estimates  

Payments 

Sale of subsidiary (note 4(c)) 

At 31 December 2014 

Less current portion 

Non-current portion 

Provision  
for mine closure1
US$000
74,214

–

224

(1,481)
14,0054

(4,781)

–

(32)

82,149

(6,311)

75,838

82,149

–

242

4,357
27,8294

(5,524)

(1,266)

107,787

–

107,787

Workers’
profit 
sharing2
US$000
18,549

–

–

–

(427)

(17,645)

–

(103)

374

(374)

–

374

–

–

–

–

(374)

–

–

–

–

Long Term
Incentive 
Plan3
US$000
6,027

–

–

–

(2,960)

(651)

(537)

–

1,879

–

1,879

1,879

–

–

–

(1,285)

–

–

594

–

594

Other 
US$000   
4,448   

1,171   

–   

–   

–   

(83)  

–   

(716)  

4,820   

(2,888)  

1,932   

4,820   

1,680   

–   

–   

(260)  

–   

6,240   

(2,870)  

3,370   

Total
US$000
103,238

1,171

224

(1,481)

10,618

(23,160)

(537)

(851)

89,222

(9,573)

79,649

89,222

1,680

242

4,357

26,544

(6,158)

(1,266)

114,621

(2,870)

111,751

1  The provision represents the discounted values of the estimated cost to decommission and rehabilitate the mines at the expected date of closure of each of the  
mines. 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 
adjusted for the impact of quantitative easing as at 31 December 2014 and 2013 respectively, and the cash flows have been adjusted to reflect the risk attached  
to these cash flows. Uncertainties on the timing for use of this provision include changes in the future that could impact the time of closing the mines, as new 
resources and reserves are discovered. The discount rate used was 0.02% (2013: 0.29% to 0.56%). 

2  Corresponds to the legal and voluntary workers’ profit sharing of the Group. Legal workers’ profit sharing represents 8% of taxable income of Peruvian companies. 

Voluntary workers’ profit sharing is determined by the Group taking into account the market conditions of employment. The balance of the provision as at  
31 December 2014 is: (i) Legal US$Nil (2013: US$374,000), (ii) Voluntary US$Nil (2013: US$Nil). 

3  Corresponds to the provision related to awards granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan to designated personnel of the Group. Includes the following benefits: 
(i) 2014 awards, granted in March 2014, payable in March 2017 (Ii) 2013 awards, granted in March 2013, payable in March 2016. Only employees who remain  
in the Group’s employment on the vesting date will be entitled to a cash payment, subject to exceptions approved by the Remuneration Committee of the Board.  
The provision represents the discounted values of the estimated cost of the long-term employee benefit. In 2014 there is change to the provision and corresponding 
expense of US$-1,285,000 (2013: US$-2,960,000) that is disclosed under administrative expenses US$-1,064,000 (2013: US$-1,698,000), exploration expenses  
US$-221,000 (2013: US$-244,000) and capitalised as evaluation and exploration expenses US$Nil (2013: US$-1,018,000). The amount of US$537,000 corresponded 
to the Exploration Incentive Plan award which was transferred to salary and wages payable as the performance period ended on 31 December 2012 (note 26(2)). 

4  Based on the 2014 and 2013 internal review of mine rehabilitation budgets, an increase of US$27,829,000 (2013: US$14,005,000) was recognised, of which 

US$9,088,000 (2013: US$5,516,000) related to project already closed and has therefore been recognised directly in the income statement. 

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29 EQUITY  
(a) Share capital and share premium  
Issued share capital  
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2013 and 2014 is as follows: 

Class of shares  
Ordinary shares  

Issued

Number  

Amount 
  367,101,352  £91,775,338

At 31 December 2014 and 2013, all issued shares with a par value of 25 pence each were fully paid (2014: weighted average  
of US$0.464 per share, 2013: weighted average of US$0.464 per share).  

Rights attached to ordinary shares:  
At general meetings of the Company, on a show of hands and on a poll, every member who is present in person or subject to the 
below, by proxy, has one vote for every share of which they are the holder/proxy. However, in the case of a vote on a show of hands 
where a proxy has been appointed by more than one member, the proxy has one vote for and one vote against if the proxy has been 
instructed by one or more members to vote for the resolution and by one or more members to vote against the resolution. 

On 2 January 2013 the Group issued 16,126 ordinary shares following the conversion of 1 Convertible bond with a nominal value 
of US$100,000. 

On 2 October 2013 a share placement was completed and 29,000,000 shares with an aggregate nominal value of US$11,745,000 were 
issued for a cash consideration of US$71,816,010 net of transaction costs of US$1,002,990. The share placement was effected through 
a cash box structure which resulted in the excess of the net proceeds received over the nominal value of the share capital issued being 
transferred to retained earnings. 

The changes in share capital are as follows: 

Shares issued as at 1 January 2013 

Conversion of 1 convertible bond on 2 January 2013 (note 27(c))

Number of 
shares   
338,085,226   

Share Capital 
US$000 
158,637 

16,126   

7 

Shares issued and paid pursuant to the placing of shares on 2 October 2013

29,000,000   

11,745 

Share 
premium 
US$000
395,928

93

–

Shares issued as at 31 December 2013 

Shares issued as at 31 December 2014 

367,101,352   

170,389 

367,101,352   

170,389 

396,021

396,021

(b) Treasury shares 
Treasury shares represent the cost of Hochschild Mining plc shares purchased in the market and held by the trustee of the Hochschild 
Mining Employee Share Trust to satisfy the award of conditional shares under the Group’s Enhanced Long Term Incentive Plan granted 
to the CEO (note 2(o)). During 2011, the Group purchased 126,769 shares for the purposes of the plan, for a total consideration of 
£561,477.91 (equivalent to US$898,000). No shares were purchased by the Group during 2013 and 2014. 

(c) 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.  

Unrealised gain/loss on cash flow hedges 
Correspond to the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instruments (refer to note 2(z)). 

Cumulative translation adjustment 
The cumulative translation adjustment account is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of subsidiaries and associates with a functional currency different to the reporting currency of the Group.  

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

29 EQUITY CONTINUED 
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.  

Bond equity component 
Represented the equity component of a Convertible bond issued on 20 October 2009 (note 27(c)) which was repaid on 16 October 2014. 
Upon repayment the equity component was transferred to retained earnings. 

Share-based payment reserve 
Is used to recognise the value of equity-settled share-based payment transactions provided to employees, as a part of their remuneration.  

30 DEFERRED INCOME TAX  
The changes in the net deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:  

Beginning of the year  

Income statement charge (note 14)

Deferred income tax arising on net unrealised gains cash flow hedges recognised in equity (note 14)

Others 

End of the year  

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   
(91,089)  

8,853   

(1,216)  

67   

2013
US$000
(94,859)

3,770

–

–

(83,385)  

(91,089)

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 2013 

Income statement (credit)/charge  

At 31 December 2013 

Income statement (credit)/charge  

Differences
in cost
of PP&E 
US$000 

Mine 
development 
US$000

Financial 
instruments 

US$000   

Others  
US$000   

Total 
US$000

31,882

2,582

34,464

7,453

108,420

(17,237)

91,183

(11,202)

2,109   

434   

142,845

–   

2,584  

(12,071)

2,109   

3,018   

130,774

–   

(844)  

(4,593)

Deferred income tax arising on net unrealised gains cash flow 
hedges recognised in equity 

At 31 December 2014 

–

–

41,917

79,981

1,216   

3,325   

–   

1,216

2,174   

127,397

Differences 
in cost 
of PP&E 
 US$000    

Provision
for mine
closure
US$000

Tax 
losses
US$000

Mine 
development
US$000

Financial 
instruments 

US$000   

Others 
US$000   

Total
US$000

Deferred income tax assets  

At 1 January 2013 

Income statement credit/(charge)  

At 31 December 2013 

23,415   

11,180

(4,989)  

1,652

18,426   

12,832

735

(95)

640

Income statement credit/(charge) 

(8,879)  

1,703

7,911

Foreign exchange effect 

At 31 December 2014 

–   

–

–

9,547   

14,535

8,551

–

–

–

697

–

697

3,148   

9,508   

47,986

(754)   

(4,115)   

(8,301)

2,394   

5,393   

39,685

(132)   

2,960   

4,260

–   

67   

67

2,262   

8,420   

44,012

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30 DEFERRED INCOME TAX CONTINUED 
The amounts after offset, as presented on the face of the Statement of Financial Position, are as follows:  

Deferred income tax assets 

Deferred income tax liabilities  

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  

Total tax losses (recognised and unrecognised) 

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
1,574

2013
US$000
2,416

(84,959)

(93,505)

As at 31 December

2014
US$000

2013
US$000

970

1,276

1,330

26,996

–

30,572

–

1,256

3,184

6,017

–

–

–

–

2,134

2,134

–

–

1,414

3,511

108,143

184,613

118,600

189,538

149,172

191,672

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 forecasts prepared by management. 

Other unrecognised deferred income tax assets comprise (gross amounts):  

Provision for mine closure1  
Impairments of assets2 

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
55,637

2013
US$000
39,086

(493)

(4,320)

1  This relates to a provision for mine closure expenditure which is expected to be incurred in periods in which taxable profits are not expected against which the 

expenditure can be offset.  

2  Corresponds to the reversal of impairment of San Felipe project (note 17).  

Unrecognised deferred tax liability on retained earnings 
At 31 December 2014, there was no recognised deferred tax liability (2013: nil) for taxes that would be payable on the unremitted 
earnings of certain of the Group’s subsidiaries as the intention is that these amounts are permanently reinvested. 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

31 DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED 

Declared and paid during the year 

Equity dividends on ordinary shares:

Final dividend for 2013: US$Nil (2012: US$0.03) 

Interim dividend for 2014: US$Nil (2013: US$Nil) 

Dividends declared to non-controlling interests: US$0.04 and US$Nil (2013: US$0.03 and US$0.05)

Dividends declared and paid 

Dividends declared to non-controlling interests: US$0.04 (2013: US$0.03)

Dividends declared and not paid 

Total dividends declared 

Final dividend for 2014: US$Nil (2013: US$Nil) 

2014 
US$000   

2013
US$000

–   

–   

10,139

–

5,542   

6,197

5,542   

16,336

1,719   

1,719   

4,509

4,509

7,261   

20,845

–   

–

Dividends per share  
The Directors of the Company are not recommending a dividend in respect of the years ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013.  

32 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 2014 and 2013. The related 
parties are companies owned or controlled by the main shareholder of the parent company or associates.  

Current related party balances 
Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.1 

Total  

Accounts receivable
as at 31 December

Accounts payable
as at 31 December

2014
US$000

2013 
US$000   

2014 
US$000   

2013
US$000

45

45

111   

111   

49   

49   

16

16

1  The account receivable relates to reimbursement of expenses paid by the Group on behalf of Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A. The account payable relates to the 

payment of rentals. 

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, 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 

Dividend recognised for Gold Resource Corp. investment (note 19)

Expenses 

Year ended 
2014 
US$000   

2013
US$000

–   

2,633

Expense recognised for the rental paid to Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.

(185)  

(164)

Transactions between the Group and these companies are on an arm’s length basis.  

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32 RELATED-PARTY BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS CONTINUED 
(b) Compensation of key management personnel of the Group 

Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors)
Short-term employee benefits 

Termination benefits 

Long Term Incentive Plan 

Others 

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
5,369

–

679

2013
US$000
5,781

77

(434)

1

Total compensation paid to key management personnel

6,048

5,425

This amount includes the remuneration paid to the Directors of the parent company of the Group of US$4,005,780 (2013: US$4,410,956), 
out of which US$160,462 (2013: US$193,831) relates to pension payments.  

(c) Participation in placing by Inversiones Pacasmayo S.A. (IPSA)  
IPSA, a company controlled by Eduardo Hochschild, participated in a placing of the Company’s Ordinary Shares (‘Shares’) in October 
2013 by subscribing for 16,905,066 Shares at a price of 155p per Share. 

33 AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION  
The auditor’s remuneration for services provided to the Group during the years ended 31 December 2014 and 2013 is as follows:  

Audit fees pursuant to legislation1  

Audit-related assurance services 

Taxation compliance services

Taxation advisory services 

Services relating to corporate finance transactions 

Total 

Amounts paid  
to Ernst & Young LLP 
in the year ended 
31 December 
2014
US$000
899

2013 
US$000   
1,046   

Amounts paid 
to others  
in the year ended  
31 December
2014
US$000
1

2013
US$000
7

84

84

34

–

1,101

76   

25   

67   

436   

1,650   

–

–

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

7

1  The total audit fee in respect of local statutory audits of subsidiaries is US$524,000 (2013: US$607,000). 

In 2014 and 2013, all fees are included in administrative expenses, with the exception of 2013 fees related to the issuance of the  
bond by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. (US$167,500) and the acquisition of a non-controlling interest of Minera Suyamarca S.A.C. 
(US$268,000). 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

34 NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

Reconciliation of loss for the year to net cash generated from operating activities

Loss for the year  

Adjustments to reconcile Group loss to net cash inflows from operating activities

Depreciation (note 3(a))  

Amortisation of intangibles 

Write-off of assets (net) 

(Reversals of impairment)/Impairment of assets (net) 

Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets 

(Gain)/loss on sale of available-for-sale financial assets 

Gain from changes in the fair value of financial instruments

Gain on transfer from investment accounted for under the equity method to available-for-sale 
financial assets 

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Provision for obsolescence of supplies 

Loss on sale of subsidiary 

Share of post-tax gains of associates and joint ventures accounted under equity method 

Provision for mine closure  

Finance income 

Finance costs  

Income tax expense  

Other  

Increase/(decrease) of cash flows from operations due to changes in assets and liabilities

Trade and other receivables  

Other financial assets and liabilities

Inventories 

Trade and other payables  

Provisions 

Cash generated from operations  

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   

2013
US$000

(70,831)  

(128,677)

129,153   

149,586

1,639   

1,534   

1,741

991

(1,643)  

89,680

6,155   

124,899

(4,061)  

7,805

–   

(2,417)

–   

(107,942)

(269)  

(945)  

2,963   

(2,442)

1,832

–

–   

(5,921)

9,088   

5,516

(2,215)  

(10,675)

33,074   

11,697

2,621   

7,323   

9,057

22,883

(3,417)  

477

(761)  

(4,447)

11,843   

5,025

8,982   

(31,246)

(240)  

(21,338)

129,993   

116,084

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35 COMMITMENTS 
(a) 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 obligations. 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 Statement 
of Financial Position date are as follows:  

Commitment for the subsequent 12 months  

More than one year  

Some of the significant agreements are explained below:  

As at 31 December

2014
US$000
350

6,850

2013
US$000
1,484

16,250

(i) Compañía Minera Aurifera M & RM S.A (Ore Body 3) 
On 28 January 2013, the Group entered into a purchase option agreement with Compañía Minera Aurifera M & RM S.A. to explore  
and develop minerals and to earn the right to purchase 100% of the properties in ‘Ore Body 3’ located in Ayacucho, Peru. Upon signing 
the purchase option agreement the Group paid US$150,000 to Compañía Minera Aurifera M & RM S.A. 

In order to exercise the option, the Group is required to make a total payment of US$2,500,000 within five years by 28 June 2018.  
The Group is entitled to withdraw from the agreement at any time. At 31 December 2014 the Group had invested US$300,000. 

(ii) Lara Exploration Ltd (Corina) 
On 13 June 2014, the Group entered into a purchase option agreement with Lara Exploration Ltd. to explore and develop minerals and 
to earn the right to purchase 100% of the properties in ‘Corina’ located in Apurimac, Peru. Upon signing the purchase option agreement 
the Group paid US$150,000 to Lara Exploration Ltd. 

In order to exercise the option, the Group is required to make a total payment of US$5,000,000 within four years since the mining 
exploration authorisation The Group is entitled to withdraw from the agreement at any time. At 31 December 2014 the Group had 
invested US$150,000. 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

35 COMMITMENTS CONTINUED 
 (b) Operating lease commitments  
The Group has a number of operating lease agreements, as a lessee. 

The lease expenditure charged to the income statement during the years 2014 and 2013 are included in production costs 
(2014: US$7,108,000, 2013: US$10,287,000), administrative expenses (2014: US$1,442,000, 2013: US$1,925,000), exploration 
expenses (2014: US$611,000, 2013: US$2,216,000) and selling expenses (2014: US$1,000, 2013: US$13,507).  

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, 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  

(c) Capital commitments  

Peru  

Argentina  

For the year ended 
31 December
2014 
US$000   
6,371   

2013
US$000
5,149

2,224   

258

For the year ended 
31 December
2014 
US$000   
97,826   

2013
US$000
151,362

6,091   

6,767

103,917   

158,129

36 CONTINGENCIES  
As at 31 December 2014, 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 undertaken by it, there remains a risk that significant additional tax liabilities may arise. As at 31 December 2014,  
the Group had exposures totalling US$46,100,000 (2013: US$38,630,000) which are assessed as ‘possible’, rather than ‘probable’.  
No amounts have been provided in respect of these items. 

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 in which 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.  

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37 MINING ROYALTIES 
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 have been calculated with rates ranging from 1% to 3% of the value of mineral concentrate 
or equivalent sold, based on quoted market prices.  

In October 2011 changes came into effect for mining companies, with the following features: 

a) Introduction of a Special Mining Tax (‘SMT’), levied on mining companies at the stage of exploiting mineral resources. The additional 
tax is calculated by applying a progressive scale of rates ranging from 2% to 8.4%, of the quarterly operating profit.  

b) Modification of the mining royalty calculation, which consists of applying a progressive scale of rates ranging from 1% to 12%,  
of the quarterly operating profit. The former royalty was calculated on the basis of monthly sales value of mineral concentrates.  

The SMT and modified mining royalty are accounted for as an income tax in accordance with IAS 12 “Income Taxes”. 

c) For companies that have mining projects benefiting from tax stability regimes, mining royalties are calculated and recorded as they 
were previously, applying an additional new special charge on mining that is calculated using progressive scale rates, ranging from 4% 
to 13.12% of quarterly operating profit.  

d) In the case of the Arcata mine unit, the company quit the tax stability agreement, but has mantained the agreement for the mining 
royalties, such that the Arcata unit, is liable for the new SMT but the mining royalties remain payable at the same rate  
as they were, before the modification in 2011. 

As at 31 December 2014, the amount payable as under the former mining royalty (for the Arcata mining unit), the new mining  
royalty (for the Ares and Pallancata mining units), and the SMT amounted to US$395,000 (2013: US$389,000), US$266,000  
(2013: US$629,000), and US$Nil (2013: US$148,000) respectively. The former mining royalty is recorded as ‘Trade and other  
payables’, and the new mining royalty and SMT as ‘Income tax payable’ in the Statement of Financial Position. The amount recorded  
in the income statement was US$1,279,000 (2013: US$1,784,000) representing the former mining royalty, classified as cost of sales, 
US$1,611,000 (2013: US$2,344,000) of new mining royalty and US$375,000 (2013: US$905,000) of SMT, both classified as income tax. 

Argentina  
In accordance with Argentinian legislation, Provinces (being the legal owners of the mineral resources) are entitled to request royalties 
from mine operators. For San Jose, the mining royalty was originally fixed at 1.85% of the pit-head value of the production where the 
final product is dore and 2.55% where the final product is mineral concentrate or precipitates. In October 2012 a new provincial law  
was passed, which increased the mining royalty applicable to dore and concentrate to 3% of the pit-head value. Since November 2012 
Minera Santa Cruz S.A. has been paying and expensing the increased 3% royalty although it has filed an administrative claim against 
the new law. As at 31 December 2014, the amount payable as mining royalties amounted to US$556,000 (2013: US$451,000). The 
amount recorded in the income statement as cost of sales was US$5,302,000 (2013: US$6,509,000). 

On 13 June 2013, the congress of the Province of Santa Cruz passed Law No. 3318, which created a tax on mining reserves. Accordingly, 
the owners of mining concessions located in the Province of Santa Cruz must pay a tax on mining reserves at a rate of 1%, calculated  
at the end of each year and determined according to the international price of metals at that date. According to these regulations, the 
tax applies only on “proved reserves” and certain deductions (related to the production cost) apply. Minera Santa Cruz S.A. (a subsidiary 
of Hochschild Mining plc) is affected by this tax. On 20 December 2013, Minera Santa Cruz S.A. filed before the Argentine Supreme 
Court a legal claim against the tax on mining reserves. Such legal claim challenges the legality of the tax on mining reserves arguing  
its unconstitutionality on the grounds that it violates the Federal Mining Policy created by national law No. 24.196. As at 31 December 
2014, the amount payable as tax on mining reserves was US$4,088,000 (2013: US$1,381,000) recorded as ‘Trade and other payables’. 
The amount recorded in the income statement was US$3,453,000 (2013: US$2,453,000) as other expenses. 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

38 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.  

The Group has made significant developments in the management of the Group’s risk environment which seeks to identify and, 
where appropriate, implement the controls to mitigate the impact of the Group’s significant risks. This effort is supported by a Risk 
Committee with the participation of 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. 

(a) 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; therefore, 
the Group’s profitability is ensured through the control of its cost base and the efficiency of its operations.  

The Group´s policy is generally to remain hedge free. However, management continuously monitors silver and gold prices and reserves 
the right to take the necessary action, where appropriate and within Board approved parameters, to mitigate the impact of this risk. 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 the gain recognised in the income statement for the commodity swaps contracts signed during 
the year is as follows (2013: nil): 

Entity 
Citibank N.A. 

Goldman Sachs International 

Goldman Sachs International 

JP Morgan  

Gain in commodity swaps contacts

The fair value of unsettled commodity swaps contracts is as follows: 

Entity 
JP Morgan 

Unrealised gain on cash flow hedges

Oz Ag
1,000,000

1,000,000

2,000,000

Oz Au   

Price per oz 

 US$   
22   

22   

21   

–

33,300   

1,338.45   

Oz Ag

Oz Au   
38,000   

Price per oz 

 US$   
1,300   

Effect 
Income 
statemet 
US$000
3,180

3,180

5,793

2,450

14,603

Effect in 
equity 
US$000
4,342

4,342

The Group is exposed to commodity price risk on these commodity swap contracts. A 10% favourable or adverse change in the price  
of gold would have an impact on amounts recognised in the comprehensive income of approximately +/- US$4,940,000. 

The Group has embedded derivatives arising from the sale of concentrate and dore which were provisionally priced at the time the 
sale was recorded (refer to notes 5 and 23(2)). For these derivatives, 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  
2014 

2013 

Increase/ 
decrease price of 

ounces of:    
Gold +/-10% 

Silver+/-10%   

Gold +/-10% 

Silver+/-10%   

Effect on 
profit before tax 
US$000 
+/-238

+/-1,414

+/-831

+/-2,155

(b) Foreign currency risk  
The Group 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, Canadian dollars, Argentinian 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.  

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38 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of financial assets and liabilities, at the reporting date, denominated in their respective 
currencies, 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  
2014 

Pounds sterling  

Argentinian pesos 

Mexican pesos  

Peruvian nuevos soles  

Canadian dollars 

Chilean pesos 

2013 

Pounds sterling  

Argentinian pesos 

Mexican pesos  

Peruvian nuevos soles  

Canadian dollars 

Chilean pesos 

Increase/
decrease in 
US$/other 

currencies’ rate  

Effect  
on profit before 
tax  
US$000   

Effect 
on equity 
US$000

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-10%  

+/-9   

+/-23

+/-2,197   

+/-237   

+/-7,757   

+/-41   

-/+17   

-/+10   

+/-2,708   

+/-1,922   

-/+483   

+/-1,223   

-/+265   

–

–

–

–

–

+/-75

–

–

–

+/-765

–

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

38 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 
(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 statement of financial position date.  

Counterparty credit exposure based on commercial activities, including trade receivables, embedded derivatives and cash balances 
in banks as at 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013:  

As at 
31 
December 
2014
US$000
28,765

21,203

8,319

3,785

3,393

3,226

1,913

1,108

1,066

–

–

–

40

Credit  
rating or % 
collected as 
at 17 March  
2015   
54%   

As at  
31 December 
2013 
US$000   
29,087   

Credit 
rating or % 
collected as 
at 11 March 
2014
A1

96%   

100%   

89%   

0%   

63%   

3%   

0%   

0%   

–   

–   

–   

–   

9,045   

4,826   

5,185   

–   

4,577   

–   

1,108   

59   

7,434   

4,011   

3,945   

425   

84%

100%

26%

–

BBB

–

0%

1%

61%

100%

63%

–

72,818

69,702   

As at 
31 
December 
2014
US$000
4,342

Credit  
rating or % 
collected as 
at 17 March  
2015   
A   

As at  
31 December 
2013 
US$000   
–  

Credit 
rating or % 
collected as 
at 11 March 
2014
–

1

(461)

(420)

(346)

(198)

(39)

(66)

(4)

–

–

–

2,809

0%   

89%   

54%   

3%   

63%   

100%   

96%   

0%   

–   

–   

–   

–   

(282)  

(393)  

–   

(696)  

(227)  

(36)  

(27)  

(645)  

(17)  

29   

(2,294)  

–

26%

A1

–

BBB

100%

84%

1%

61%

63%

100%

Summary commercial partners – Trade receivables 
LS Nikko  

Glencore Peru S.A.C. 

Republic Metals Corporation 

Aurubis AG (formerly Nordeutsche Affinerie AG)  

Johnson Matthey Inc. 

Teck Metals Ltd (formerly Teck Cominco Metals Ltd.) 

Trafigura Perú S.A.C. 

Doe Run Peru S.R.L. 

Sumitomo Corporation 

Consorcio Minero S.A.  

Argor Heraus S.A. 

Glencore International AG 

Others  

Summary commercial partners – Embedded derivatives and swap contracts
JP Morgan 

Johnson Matthey Inc. 

Aurubis AG (formerly Nordeutsche Affinerie AG)  

LS Nikko  

Trafigura Perú S.A.C. 

Teck Metals Ltd (formerly Teck Cominco Metals Ltd.) 

Republic Metals Corporation 

Glencore Peru S.A.C. 

Sumitomo Corporation 

Consorcio Minero S.A.  

Glencore International AG 

Argor Heraus S.A. 

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38 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 

Financial counterparties 
JP Morgan  

Citibank  

Interbank 

Banco de Crédito del Peru  

Banco de la Nacion 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria 

ICBC 

HSBC 

Others (including cash in hand)  

Total  

1  The long-term credit rating as at 4 March 2015.  

As at 
31 December 
2014 
US$000
6,512

71,761

27,001

5,238

3,058

888

405

540

596

As at 
31 December 
2013 
US$000
175,673

43,426

4

18,822

2,317

18,771

9,356

–

Credit  
rating1   
A   

A-   

BBB   

BBB+   

BBB+   

BBB   

A   

A   

NA   

18,066

115,999

286,435

Credit
rating
A

A-

BBB

BBB+

BBB+

BBB-

A

–

NA

To manage the credit risk associated with commercial activities, the Group took the following steps: 

•  Active use of prepayment/advance clauses in sales contracts; 

•  Delaying delivery of title and/or requiring advance payments to reduce exposure timeframe (potential delay in sales recognition); 

•  Obtaining parent guarantees or contracting directly with parent company to shore up the credit profile of the customer  

(where possible); and 

•  Maintaining as diversified a portfolio of clients as possible. 

To manage credit risk associated with cash balances deposited in banks, the Group took the following steps: 

•  Increasing banking relationships with large, established and well-capitalised institutions in order to secure access to credit and  

to diversify credit risk; 

•  Limiting exposure to financial counterparties according to Board approved limits; and 

•  Investing cash in short-term, highly liquid and low risk instruments (money market accounts, term deposits, US Treasuries). 

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 notes 21, 23 and 24.  

(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 with 
all other variables held constant:  

Year  
2014 

2013 

Increase/ 
decrease in 

prices   
+25%   

-25%   

+25%   

-25%   

Effect on 
profit before 
tax 
US$000
–

-100

–

-242

Effect 
on equity 
US$000
+114

-14

+428

-186

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

38 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 
(e) Fair value hierarchy  
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique: 

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly 
or indirectly.  

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable 
market data. 

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, the Group held the following financial instruments measured at fair value: 

Assets measured at fair value 
Equity shares (note 20) 

Commodity swaps (note 23(1)) 

Liabilities measured at fair value 

Embedded derivatives (note 23(2)) 

Assets measured at fair value 
Equity shares (note 20) 

Liabilities measured at fair value 

Embedded derivatives (note 23(2)) 

31 December 
2014
US$000
455

4,342

(1,533)

31 December 
2013
US$000
51,658

Level 1  
US$000   
455   

–   

–   

Level 2  
US$000   
–   

4,342   

Level 3 
US$000
–

–

–   

(1,533)

Level 1  
US$000   
45,658   

Level 2  
US$000   
–   

Level 3 
US$000
6,000

(2,294)

–   

–   

(2,294)

During the period ending 31 December 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between these levels. 

The reconciliation of the financial instruments categorised as level 3 is as follows: 

Balance at 1 January 2013 

Gain from the period recognised in revenue (note 23(2))

Impairment through profit and loss (finance costs) 

Fair value change through equity 

Balance at 31 December 2013 

Gain from the period recognised in revenue (note 23(2))

Impairment through profit and loss (finance costs) 

Balance at 31 December 2014 

Embedded 
derivatives 
liabilities  
US$000   
(6,891)  

4,597   

–   

–   

(2,294)  

761   

–   

(1,533)  

Equity 
shares
US$0001
12,009

–

(5,745)

(264)

6,000

–

(6,000)

–

1  Pembrook Mining Corp (‘Pembrook’): Macroeconomic uncertainty has been putting downward pressure on commodity prices. Furthermore, the Group is concerned 
that Pembrook will run out of funds by the end of the year under their existing agreements and believes that under the present market conditions they may be 
unable to obtain funding. Therefore, a full impairment of the remaining cost of the investment has been recorded as at 31 December 2014 (2013: 50%). The 
impairment percentage was calculated based on available observable market data of similar peers. 

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38 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 
(f) 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 undiscounted cash flows of Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the 
remaining period as at the statement of financial position to the contractual maturity date. Interest cash flows have been calculated 
using the spot rate at year end. 

At 31 December 2014 

Trade and other payables 

Embedded derivative liability

Borrowings  

Provisions 

Total  

At 31 December 2013 

Trade and other payables 

Embedded derivative liability

Borrowings  

Provisions 

Total  

Less than 
1 year 
US$000

93,122

1,533

45,053

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between  
2 and  
5 years  
US$000   

Over 
5 years 
US$000

Total 
US$000

92

–

–   

–   

–

–

93,214

1,533

46,618

167,980   

390,688

650,339

–

166

1,932   

–

2,098

139,708

46,876

169,912   

390,688

747,184

103,692

2,294

448,355

–

554,341

174

–

–

4,937

5,111

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

103,866

2,294

448,355

4,937

559,452

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

38 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED 
(g) Interest rate risk  
The Group has financial assets and liabilities which are exposed to interest rate risk. Changes in interest rates primarily impact 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. As at 31 December 2014, interest on the 
US$100,000,000 medium-term bank loan facility drawn in October 2014 are variable based on the 3 month U.S. LIBOR rate  
plus an applicable margin (note 27). All other currently existing financial obligations are at fixed rates.  

Fixed rate 

Cash at bank (note 24)  

Time deposits (note 24)  

Liquidity funds (note 24) 

Secured bank loans (note 27) 

Bond payable (note 27) 

Floating rate 

Liquidity funds (note 24) 

Secured bank loans (note 27)  

Fixed rate 

Cash at bank (note 24)  

Time deposits (note 24)  

Liquidity funds (note 24) 

Secured bank loans (note 27) 

Convertible bond payable (note 27)

Floating rate 

Liquidity funds (note 24)  

Secured bank loans (note 27) 

Within 
1 year 
US$000

293

37,921

–

(13,843)

(13,457)

935

As at 31 December 2014 

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between  
2 and  
5 years  
US$000   

Over  
5 years  
US$000   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

Total 
US$000

293

37,921

–

(13,843)

–   

–   

–   

–   

(342,043)  

(355,500)

–   

–   

935

(99,373)

(582)

(16,660)

(82,131)   

Within 
1 year 
US$000

454

214,971

–

(54,175)

(115,873)

8,751

(265,877)

As at 31 December 2013 

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between  
2 and  
5 years  
US$000   

Over  
5 years  
US$000   

Total 
US$000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

454

214,971

–

(54,175)

(115,873)

8,751

(265,877)

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.  

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38 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 fluctuations in market interest rates.  
This assumes that the amount remains unchanged from that in place at 31 December 2014 and 2013 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  
2014 

2013 

Increase/
decrease 
interest 
rate
  +/-50bps

Effect 
on profit 
before tax
US$000
-/+495

  +/-50bps

+/-1,394

(h) 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 (notes 27 and 29). 

Even though the company targets to maintain low indebtedness ratios, in 2013 management decided to increase its long term  
debt to finance the acquisition of Hochschild´s partner in Pallancata and Inmaculada, International Minerals Corporation. In addition,  
management reserves the right to use of short-term pre‑shipment financing (financing of commercial accounts receivables  
and finished goods inventory). 

Management also retains the right to fund operations (fully owned and with joint venture partners) with a mix of equity and joint 
venturepartners’ debt. 

39 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 
(a) On 20 January 2015, the group signed a commodity swap contract with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch 
to hedge 6,000,000 ounces of silver at at price of US$17.75 per ounce from 21 January 2015 to 31 December 2015. 

(b) On 9 and 13 January 2015, and 11 and 12 February 2015 the Group drew down US$75,000,000 of its short-term credit lines in  
Peru. US$50,000,000 will mature in December 2015 and US$25,000,000 will mature in February 2016. The average annual interest  
rate is 1.56%. 

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PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

As at 31 December 2014 

ASSETS  

Non-current assets  

Property, plant and equipment  

Investments in subsidiaries 

Current assets  

Other receivables  

Cash and cash equivalents  

Total assets  

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES  

Equity share capital  

Share premium  

Treasury shares 

Other reserves  

Retained earnings  

Total equity  

Non-current liabilities  

Trade and other payables 

Provisions 

Current liabilities  

Trade and other payables  

Borrowings  

Total liabilities  

Total equity and liabilities  

As at 31 December

2014  
US$000   

2013
US$000

Notes   

4   

5   

6   

7   

8   

8   

8   

–   

120

911,016    1,343,000

911,016    1,343,120

2,179   

3,293   

5,472   

1,058

71,797

72,855

916,488    1,415,975

170,389   

170,389

416,247   

416,247

(898)  

(898)

2,576   

347,915

23,693   

135,167

612,007    1,068,820

9   

11   

11,866   

45   

11,911   

–

128

128

9   

292,570   

231,154

10   

–   

115,873

292,570   

347,027

304,481   

347,155

916,488    1,415,975

The financial statements on pages 150 to 164 were approved by the Board of Directors on 17 March 2015 and signed on its behalf by: 

IGNACIO BUSTAMANTE 
Chief Executive Officer 
17 March 2015 

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PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

Reconciliation of loss for the year to net cash used in operating activities 

Loss for the year 

Adjustments to reconcile Company loss to net cash outflows from  
operating activities  

Depreciation  

Impairment on investment in subsidiary 

Write off of property, plant and equipment 

Finance income  

Finance costs 

Income tax 

Foreign exchange loss  

(Decrease)/increase of cash flows from operations due to changes in assets and liabilities 

Other receivables  

Trade and other payables  

Provision for Long Term Incentive Plan  

Cash generated from/(used in) operating activities 

Interest received 

Interest paid  

Net cash used in operating activities  

Cash flows from investing activities 

Acquisition of subsidiary 

Dividends received 

Loans to subsidiaries 

Net cash used in investing activities  

Cash flows from financing activities  

Proceeds of loans from related parties  

Repayment of borrowings 

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 

Dividends paid  

Cash flows generated from financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents during the year 

Foreign exchange loss  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  

    Year ended 31 December

Notes   

2014
US$000

2013
US$000

(458,653)

(992,233)

4   

5   

4   

13   

27

27

448,345

976,649

93

(2,082)

7,157

3

47

(1,285)

(370)

1,757

(4,961)

109

(8,111)

(12,963)

–

33

131

164

59,242

(114,900)

–

–

(55,658)

(68,457)

(47)

71,797

–

(250)

9,439

–

437

37

8,738

200

3,044

357

(6,607)

(3,206)

(7)

(238)

(245)

10,651

(109)

71,816

(10,139)

72,219

68,768

(437)

3,466

7   

3,293

71,797

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PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

Equity 
share 
capital  
US$000   

  Notes   

Share 
premium 
US$000   

Treasury 
Shares 
US$000

Bond equity 
component 
US$000

Share-based 
payment 
reserve 
US$000

Merger 
reserve 
US$000 

Total other 
reserves 
US$000   

Retained 
earnings 
US$000    

Total equity 
US$000 

Other reserves

Balance at  
1 January 2013 

Other 
comprehensive 
income 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive 
loss for 2013 

Issuance of shares 

Transfer to retained 
earnings 

CEO LTIP 

Dividends  

Balance at  
31 December 2013 

Other 
comprehensive 
income 

Loss for the year 

Total comprehensive 
loss for 2014 

Transfer to retained 
earnings 

CEO LTIP 

Deferred bonus plan   

Balance at  
31 December 2014 

158,637   

416,154   

(898)

8,432

445

1,315,396

1,324,273   

100,819   

1,998,985

–   

–   

–   

11,752   

–   

–   

–   

– 

–   

– 

93   

– 

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

291

–

–

–

–

–   

–   

–   

–

(992,233)   

(992,233)

–   

(992,233)   

(992,233)

60,071

60,071   

–   

71,916

(1,036,720)

(1,036,720)   1,036,720   

291   

–   

–   

(10,139)   

(10,139)

–

291

170,389   

416,247   

(898)

8,432

736

338,747

347,915   

135,167   

1,068,820

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

– 

–   

– 

– 

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

–

    170,389    416,247   

(898)

–

–

–

(8,432)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

610

1,230

2,576

–

–

–

–   

–   

–   

–

(458,653)   

(458,653)

–   

(458,653)   

(458,653)

(338,747)

(347,179)  

347,179   

610   

1,230   

–   

– 

–

610

1,230

2,576   

23,693   

612,007

–

–

–

–

–

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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

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 23 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JB, 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 and are also consistent with IFRS issued by the IASB, as applied in accordance with the  
Companies Act 2006.  

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a historical cost basis. The financial statements are presented  
in US dollars (US$) and all monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000) except when otherwise indicated.  

The ability for the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited providing additional 
funding to the extent that the operating inflows of the Company are insufficient to meet future cash requirements. As Hochschild 
Mining Holdings Limited has committed to provide this support, is itself a going concern and can provide financial support if necessary, 
the Directors have prepared the financial statements for the Company on the going concern basis. 

(b) Exemptions  
The Company’s financial statements are included in the Hochschild Mining Group consolidated financial statements for the years 
ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013. As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, 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 impairment 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 for the adoption of new and 
amended standards:  

•  IFRS 7 ‘Disclosures – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Amendments to IFRS 7’, applicable for annual periods 

beginning on or after 1 July 2013. 

These amendments require an entity to disclose information about rights to set-off and related arrangements. The disclosures  
would provide users with information that is useful in evaluating the effect of netting arrangements on an entity´s financial  
position. The new disclosures are required for all recognised financial instruments that are set off in accordance with IAS 32  
‘Financial Instruments Presentation’. The disclosures also apply to recognised financial instruments that are subject to an  
enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are set off in accordance with  
IAS 32. These application of these amendments has had no impact on the Company’s financial position or performance. 

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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
For the year ended 31 December 2014 

2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED 
•  IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ – recoverable amount disclosures. 

The amendment removes the requirement to disclose recoverable amounts when there has been no impairment or reversal  
of impairment. Further to that, the disclosure requirements have been aligned with those under US GAAP for impaired assets.  
The application of this amendment has had no impact on the Company’s financial position or performance, but has affected its 
impairment disclsoures. 

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the 
Company’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015 or later periods but which the Company 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 statement of financial position 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.  

(f) Property, plant and equipment  
Property, plant and equipment is stated at 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. 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 its own physical life. Estimates of remaining useful lives are made on a regular basis for all 
buildings, machinery and equipment, with annual reassessments for major items. Depreciation is charged to administrative expenses 
over the estimated useful life of the individual asset on a straight-line basis. Changes in estimates 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.  

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. 

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED  
(g) 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 Company assesses 
investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an investment may not 
be recoverable. If any such indication of impairment exists, the Company makes an estimate of its recoverable amount. Where the 
carrying amount of an investment exceeds its recoverable amount, the investment is considered impaired and is written down to its 
recoverable amount. If, in subsequent periods, 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 profit and loss account, to the extent that the carrying value of the asset does not 
exceed its amortised cost at the reversal date. 

(h) Dividends receivable  
Dividends are recognised when the Company’s right to receive payments is established. Dividends received are recorded in the 
income statement.  

(i) 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.  

(j) Cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents are carried in the statement of financial position at cost. For the purposes of the statement of financial 
position, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in 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.  

(k) Share capital  
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Any excess above the par value of shares received upon issuance of those shares is classified  
as share premium. In the case the excess above par value is available for distribution, it is classified as merger reserve and then 
transferred to retained earnings. 

(l) 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. 

(m) Share-based payments  
Cash-settled transactions 
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 reporting 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 reporting 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.  

Where the Company is remunerating employees of its subsidiaries through a share-based payment, the costs of the transactions 
are recorded as capital contribution to the subsidiaries. 

Equity-settled transactions 
The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in other reserves in equity, over the 
period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled. The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled 
transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the 
Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that vest.  

The income statement expense for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and 
end of that period and is recognised in personnel expenses. During 2011 and 2014, the Company approved an equity-settled scheme 
for its CEO. 

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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
For the year ended 31 December 2014 

2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED  
(n) 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.  

(o) 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 statement  
of financial position 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 exemptions:  

•  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; and 

•  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 statement of financial 
position 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.  

(p) 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.  

Financial guarantees 
Financial guarantees are gurantees provided by the Company on behalf of one of the Group’s subsidiaries. At inception the fair value  
of a financial guarantee is determined and recognised as a liability in the Company’s accounts, while the debit is recognised as a capital 
contribution to its subsidiary. The liability is subsequently amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the guarantee, unless it is 
considered probable that the guarantee will be called, in which case it is measured at the value of the guaranteed amount payable,  
if higher. 

The liability is presented within creditors as ‘Financial liability – financial guarantee’.  

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 
twelve months after the statement of financial position date. 

A detailed description of the Company’s policies in respect of financial instruments is included in the Group’s financial statements  
(note 2(u)).  

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2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED  
(q) 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. 

(r) Convertible bond 
The convertible bond is a compound financial instrument that includes a financial liability and an equity instrument. 

At initial recognition, the Company determines the fair value of the liability component, and the equity component as a residual 
amount that is never remeasured after initial recognition. 

The convertible bond issued by the Company was derecognised in October 2014, upon repayment of the debt. 

3 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT 
The Company made a loss attributable to equity shareholders of US$458,653,000 (2013: loss of US$992,233,000). 

4 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Year ended 31 December 2013 

Cost  

At 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013 

Accumulated depreciation 

At 1 January 2013 

Depreciation  

At 31 December 2013 

Net book value at 31 December 2013 

Year ended 31 December 2014 

Cost  

At 1 January 2014 

Disposals 

Write off  

At 31 December 2014 

Accumulated depreciation 

At 1 January 2014 

Depreciation  

Disposals 

Write off 

At 31 December 2014 

Net book value at 31 December 2014 

Office 
building  
US$000   

Equipment 
US$000

Total 
US$000

277   

267

130   

27   

157   

120   

277   

–   

(277)   

–   

157   

27   

–   

(184)   

–   

–   

267

–

267

–

267

(2)

–

265

267

–

(2)

–

265

–

544

397

27

424

120

544

(2)

(277)

265

424

27

(2)

(184)

265

–

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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
For the year ended 31 December 2014 

5 INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES  

Year ended 31 December 2013 

Cost  

At 1 January 2013 

Additions 

Disposals 

At 31 December 2013 

Accumulated impairment  

At 1 January 2013 

Impairment loss 

At 31 December 2013 

Net book value at 31 December 2013 

Year ended 31 December 2014 

Cost  

At 1 January 2014 

Additions 

At 31 December 2014 

Accumulated impairment  

At 1 January 2014 

Impairment loss 

At 31 December 2014 

Net book value at 31 December 2014 

Total 
US$000

  2,319,649

10,274

(10,274)

  2,319,649

–

(976,649)

(976,649)

  1,343,000

  2,319,649

16,361

  2,336,010

(976,649)

(448,345)

  (1,424,994)

911,016

The Company tested its investment in subsidiary for impairment in light of decreases in the prices of gold and silver, as well as 
decreases in the Company’s publically listed share price, which were determined to be indicators of impairment. As a result  
of this test, the Company recognised an impairment of the investment in Hochschild Mining Holdings Ltd. of US$448,345,000  
(2013: US$976,649,000). This impairment reflects the reduction in value of these investments since recognition. The recoverable value 
of the investment in Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited was determined using a fair value less costs of disposal. The fair value less 
costs of disposal was determined with reference to the market capitalisation of the Group at 31 December 2014 and 2013 translated 
from Pounds Sterling into U.S. Dollars using the year-end exchange rate (both Level 1 inputs), to which a control premium was added 
based on recent market transactions (a Level 2 input), and subsequently adjusted for the net debt held directly by the Company. A Level 
1 input refers to quoted prices in active markets, while a Level 2 input corresponds to other information that can be observed directly or 
indirectly. Any variation in the key assumptions would either result in further impairment or a reduction of the impairment. 

The breakdown of the investments in subsidiaries is as follows:  

As at 31 December 2014

As at 31 December 2013 

Name  
Hochschild 
Mining  
Holdings Limited    

Total  

Country of 
incorporation    
England & Wales   

Equity interest 
% 
100%

Carrying value 
US$000 
911,016

Country of 
incorporation 
England & Wales 

Equity interest 

Carrying 
value
 US$000 
100%    1,343,000

%    

911,016

    1,343,000

The list of indirectly held subsidiaries of the Group is presented in note 1 (Corporate information) of the notes to the consolidated 
financial statements.  

On 29 March 2013, the Company subscribed for 10,442,624 shares of C$1 each in 1710503 Alberta Ltd through capital contributions 
paid by compensating the account receivable from that entity amounting to C$10,443,000 (US$10,274,000). 

On 10 April 2013, the Company sold 10,442,624 shares of 1710503 Alberta Ltd to Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited for a total 
consideration of US$10,274,000. 

During 2014 the Company recorded a capital contribution of $16,361,000 related to the financial guarantee granted over some 
borrowings entered into by Compañia Minera Ares S.A.C., one of its indirectly held subsidiaries (note 9). 

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6 OTHER RECEIVABLES  

Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (note 12)

Prepayments 

Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander

Other debtors 

Provision for impairment1 

Total 

    Year ended 31 December

2014
US$000
2,169

10

264

–

2,443

(264)

2,179

2013
US$000
892

66

289

100

1,347

(289)

1,058

The fair values of other receivables approximate their book values.  

1  Corresponds to the balance of the impairment of cash deposits with Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander of US$264,000 accrued in 2008 and partially recovered 

in 2014 (2013: US$289,000).  

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables:  

At 1 January 2013 

Amounts recovered 

At 31 December 2013 

Amounts recovered 

At 31 December 2014 

As at 31 December 2014 and 2013, none of the financial assets classified as receivables (net of impairment) were past due.  

Total 
US$000
330

(41)

289

(25)

264

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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
For the year ended 31 December 2014 

7 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS  

Bank current account1 
Time deposits2 

Cash and cash equivalents considered for the cash flow statement 

1  Relates to bank accounts which are freely available and bear interest. 

2  These deposits have an average maturity of 2 days (2013: 2 days). 

8 EQUITY  
(a) Share capital and share premium  
Issued share capital  

Year ended 31 December

2014  
US$000   
307   

2,986   

3,293   

2013
US$000
402

71,395

71,797

The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2014 is as follows: 

Class of shares 
Ordinary shares  

Issued 

Number   

Amount
367,101,352    £91,775,338

At 31 December 2014 and 2013, all issued shares with a par value of 25 pence each were fully paid (2014: weighted average  
of US$0.464 per share, 2013: weighted average of US$0.464 per share).  

Rights attached to ordinary shares  
At general meetings of the Company, on a show of hands and on a poll, every member who is present in person or subject to the 
below by proxy, has one vote for every share of which they are the holder/proxy. However, in the case of a vote on a show of hands 
where a proxy has been appointed by more than one member, the proxy has one vote for and one vote against if the proxy has  
been instructed by one or more members to vote for the resolution and by one or more members to vote against the resolution.  

On 2 January 2013 the Company issued 16,126 ordinary shares following the conversion of 1 Convertible bond with a nominal value  
of US$100,000. 

On 2 October 2013 a share placement was completed and 29,000,000 shares with an aggregate nominal value of US$11,745,000 
were issued for a cash consideration of US$71,816,010 net of transaction costs of US$1,002,990. The share placement was effected 
through a cash box structure which resulted in the excess of the net proceeds received over the nominal value of the share capital 
issued being transferred to retained earnings. 

The changes in share capital are as follows: 

Shares issued as at 1 January 2013 

Conversion of 1 convertible bond on 2 January 2013 (note 10)

Shares issued and paid pursuant to the placing of shares dated  
2 October 2013 

Shares issued as at 31 December 2013 

Shares issued as at 31 December 2014 

Number of 
shares
338,085,226

16,126

29,000,000

367,101,352

367,101,352

Share Capital 
US$000   
158,637   

Share premium
US$000
416,154

7   

11,745   

170,389   

170,389   

93

–

416,247

416,247

(b) Treasury shares 
Treasury shares represent the cost of Hochschild Mining plc shares purchased in the market and held by the trustee of the 
Hochschild Mining Employee Share Trust to satisfy the award of conditional shares under the Company’s Enhanced Long Term 
Incentive Plan granted to the CEO (note 2(m)). During 2011, the Company purchased 126,769 shares for the purposes of the plan, 
for a total consideration of £561,477.91 (equivalent to US$898,000). No shares were purchased by the Company in 2013 and 2014. 

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8 EQUITY CONTINUED 
(c) Other reserves  
Merger reserve  
The merger reserve represents the difference between the fair 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. The merger 
reserve was realised in 2013 and 2014 as a result of the impairment of the investment in subsidiary recorded in the period (note 5). 

Bond equity component 
Represents the equity component of the Convertible bond issued on 20 October 2009. When the initial carrying amount of a compound 
financial instrument is allocated to its equity and liability components, the equity component is assigned the residual amount after 
deducting the fair value of the instrument as a whole the amount separately determined for the liability component. As the convertible 
bond was repaid on 16 October 2014, the bond equity component was transferred to retained earnings. 

Share-based payment reserve 
Is used to recognise the value of equity-settled share-based payment transactions provided to employees, as a part of their remuneration.  

9 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade payables 

Payables to subsidiaries (note 12) 

Remuneration payable 

Taxes and contributions 

Financial guarantees1 

Total 

2014

Non-current 
US$000
–

As at 31 December 

2013

Current  
US$000   
511   

Non-current 
US$000
–

–

–

–

289,236   

59   

242   

11,866

11,866

2,522   

292,570   

–

–

–

–

–

Current 
US$000
991

229,994

–

169

–

231,154

1  The Company has provided financial guarantees to certain banks over the medium-term bank loan and bond payable entered into by its subsidiary Compañia 
Minera Ares S.A.C. The financial guarantee was recognised at its fair value at initial recognition of US$16,361,000. This fair value was determined through the  
use of certain Level 3 estimates, the most significant of which being the estimated rate of interest Compañia Minera Ares S.A.C. would have been charged were  
it not for the guarantee provided by the Company. The liability is subsequently amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the guarantee.  

Trade payables mainly relate to the purchase of third-party services. These payables do not accrue interest and no guarantees have 
been granted in relation to these payables. The fair value of trade and other payables approximate their book values. 

10 BORROWINGS  

Convertible bond payable 

Total 

2014

Non-current 
US$000
–

As at 31 December 

2013

Current  
US$000   
–   

Non-current 
US$000
–

Current 
US$000
115,873

–

–   

–

115,873

This relates to the placement of US$115,000,000 of senior unsecured convertible bonds, due 2014, which were convertible into ordinary 
shares of Hochschild Mining plc. The Group settled the convertible bonds in cash upon their maturity in October 2014. The bonds had  
a coupon of 5.75% per annum payable semi-annually on 28 January and 28 July of each year.  

Upon initial recognition, the convertible bonds were recorded at a value of US$ 103,827,000, representing a principal of 
US$115,000,000 less transaction costs of US$2,741,000 and the bond equity component of $8,432,000.  

The convertible bond was repaid on 16 October 2014. 

The carrying amount of current borrowings differs from their fair value only with respect to differences arising under the effective 
interest rate calculations described above. 

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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
For the year ended 31 December 2014 

11 PROVISIONS  

Beginning balance 

Decrease in provision 

At 31 December  

Less current portion 

Non-current portion 

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   
128   

2013
US$000
219

(83)  

45   

–   

45   

(91)

128

–

128

Corresponds to the provision related to cash-settled share-based payment awards granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan to 
designated personnel of the Company. Includes the following benefits: (i) Long Term Incentive Plan awards, granted in March 2014, 
payable in March 2017, (ii) Long Term Incentive Plan awards, granted in March 2013, payable in March 2016. Only employees who 
remain in the Company’s employment until the vesting date will be entitled to a cash payment, subject to exceptions approved by  
the Remuneration Committee of the Board. The provision represents the discounted values of the estimated cost of the long-term 
employee benefit.  

12 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 2014 and  
31 December 2013.  

As at 31 December 2014

  As at 31 December 2013

Accounts 
receivable 
US$000

Accounts 
payable 
US$000   

Accounts 
receivable 

US$000   

Accounts 
payable 
US$000

Subsidiaries  
Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C.1 
HOC Holdings Canada Inc.2 
Minera del Suroeste S.A.C.3 
Hochschild Mining Holdings Ltd.4 
Other subsidiaries 

Total 

1,468

617   

124   

223   

–   

775

–

600

–   

–   

288,593   

488   

228,594

26   

57   

25

–

–

488

213

2,169

289,236   

892   

229,994

1  The account receivable mainly relates to the Deferred Bonus Plan provision that is going to be paid by Hochschild Mining plc in shares on behalf of Compañía 
Minera Ares S.A.C. The account payable mainly relates to the services performed by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. to Hochschild Mining plc during 2014 of 
US$617,000 (2013: US$775,000). The Company has also provided certain financial guarantees on behalf of Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. (notes 5 and 9). 

2  Relates to the payments made by Hochschild Mining plc on behalf of HOC Holdings Canada Inc., for the acquisition of International Minerals Corporation 

shares (4(a) of the Consolidated Financial Statements). 

3  The Company paid the obligation to Minera del Suroeste S.A.C. in July 2014. 

4  Relates to loans receivable by and payable to Hochschild Mining Holdings Ltd. The loan payable is repayable on demand and is free of interest. 

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$1,509,604  
(2013: US$1,641,176), out of which US$28,059 (2013: US$33,989) relates to cash supplements in lieu of pension contributions. 

Compensation of key management personnel (including directors)
Short-term employee benefits 

Termination benefits 

Long Term Incentive Plan 

Total compensation 

As at 31 December

2014 
US$000   
899   

–   

610   

2013
US$000
1,273

77

291

1,509   

1,641

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13 DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED  
Declared and paid during the year 

Equity dividends on ordinary shares: 

Final dividend for 2013: US$Nil (2012: US$0.03)

Interim dividend for 2014: US$Nil (2013: US$Nil)

Dividends paid 

Proposed for approval by shareholders at the AGM

Final dividend for 2014: US$Nil (2013: US$Nil)

2014
US$000

2013
US$000

–

–

–

–

–

10,139

–

10,139

–

–

Dividends per share  
The Directors of the Company are not recommending the payment of a dividend in respect of the years ended 31 December 2014  
and 2013.  

14 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 risk areas to 
facilitate risk assessment. The Company is not exposed to significant sources of commodity price, equity or interest rate risk.  

(a) Foreign currency risk  
Due to the operations of the Company, it has cash and cash equivalents and trade payables denominated in pounds sterling and 
Canadian dollars. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. The Company 
does not use derivative instruments to manage its foreign currency risks. The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of financial 
assets and liabilities, at the reporting date denominated in their respective currencies, 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 
2014 

Pound sterling 

2013 

Pound sterling 

Increase/ 
decrease in 
US$/other 
currencies 

rate   

Effect 
on profit 
before tax 
US$000

Effect 
on equity 
US$000

+/-10%   

-/+8

+/-10%   

-/+32

–

–

(b) Credit risk  
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 statement of financial position date. The Company has evaluated and introduced efforts to try to 
mitigate credit risk exposure.  

To manage credit risk associated with cash balances deposited in banks, the Company is:  

•  increasing banking relationships with large, established and well-capitalised institutions in order to secure access to credit and  

to diversify credit risk; 

•  investing cash in short-term, highly liquid and low risk instruments (term deposits); and 

•  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 note 6.  

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NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
For the year ended 31 December 2014 

14 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 Company is funded by Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited through loans in order to meet its obligations. Liquidity is supported 
 by the balance of cash in the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited at 31 December 2014 of US$3,293,000 (2013: 
S$71,797,000) and US$3,519,000 (2013: US$113,472,000) respectively. The Company also serves as principal funding conduit  
for the Group’s capital raising activities such as equity issuances. 

The table below analyses the Company’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the 
contractual maturity date:  

At 31 December 2014 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Provisions 

At 31 December 2013 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Provisions 

Less than 
1 year 
US$000

289,806

–

–

230,985

123,202

–

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between  
2 and 
 5 years  
US$000   

Over  
5 years  
US$000   

Total
 US$000 

–

–

13

–

–

332

–   

–   

146   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

289,806

–

159

230,985

123,202

332

The table below analyses the maximum amounts payable under financial guarantees provided to Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C.  
(notes 5 and 9), considering that if the guarantees were to be called, the guaranteed amounts would be due immediately:  

At 31 December 2014 
Financial guarantees1 

At 31 December 2013 

Less than 
1 year 
US$000
450,000

450,000

–

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000
–

–

–

Between  
2 and 
 5 years  
US$000   
–   

–   

–   

Over  
5 years  
US$000   
–   

–   

–   

Total
 US$000 
450,000

450,000

–

1  Not including any accumulated interest that may be payable at the call date.  

(d) 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  
(notes 8, 9 and 10). 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 before submission to the Board for ultimate approval, 
where applicable. 

180 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

   
   
   
   
 
 
Production cost  
excluding depreciation 

(17,853)

(62,644)

(71,742)

(3,309)

(110,089)  

164 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

165

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 

For the year ended 31 December 2014 

1
PROFIT BY OPERATION

(Segment report reconciliation) as at 31 December 2014 

Company (US$000)  
Revenue 

Ares 
25,889

Arcata 
106,061

Pallancata 
147,360

Inmaculada
–

San Jose    
213,013   

Consolidation 
adjustment 
and others
628

Total
492,951

Cost of sales (Pre consolidation) 

(26,259)

(99,020)

(124,471)

Consolidation adjustment 

(2)

(245)

303

Cost of sales (Post consolidation) 

(26,257)

(98,775)

(124,774)

–

–

–

(159,936)  

(1,018)

(410,704)

–   

(159,936)  

(56)

(962)

–

14 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 Company is funded by Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited through loans in order to meet its obligations. Liquidity is supported 

 by the balance of cash in the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited at 31 December 2014 of US$3,293,000 (2013: 

S$71,797,000) and US$3,519,000 (2013: US$113,472,000) respectively. The Company also serves as principal funding conduit  

for the Group’s capital raising activities such as equity issuances. 

The table below analyses the Company’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the 

contractual maturity date:  

At 31 December 2014 

Trade and other payables 

Borrowings 

Provisions 

Borrowings 

Provisions 

At 31 December 2013 

Trade and other payables 

At 31 December 2014 

Financial guarantees1 

At 31 December 2013 

Less than 

1 year 

US$000

289,806

–

–

–

230,985

123,202

Less than 

1 year 

US$000

450,000

450,000

–

Between 

1 and 

2 years 

US$000

Between  

2 and 

 5 years  

US$000   

Over  

5 years  

US$000   

Total

 US$000 

–

–

13

–

–

332

–

–

–

–   

–   

146   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

289,806

–

159

230,985

123,202

332

Total

 US$000 

450,000

450,000

–

Between 

1 and 

2 years 

US$000

Between  

2 and 

 5 years  

US$000   

Over  

5 years  

US$000   

The table below analyses the maximum amounts payable under financial guarantees provided to Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C.  

(notes 5 and 9), considering that if the guarantees were to be called, the guaranteed amounts would be due immediately:  

1  Not including any accumulated interest that may be payable at the call date.  

(d) 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  

(notes 8, 9 and 10). 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 before submission to the Board for ultimate approval, 

where applicable. 

Depreciation in production cost 

(438)

(31,398)

(48,963)

Other items 

Change in inventories 

Gross profit 

Administrative expenses 

Exploration expenses 

Selling expenses 

Other income/expenses 

(4,142)

(3,824)

(370)

–

–

(67)

–

(3,065)

(1,668)

7,041

–

–

(1,540)

(2,529)

22,889

–

–

(1,987)

(1,995)

–

–

Operating profit before impairment    

(437)

5,054

20,894

Impairment of assets 

Finance income 

Finance costs 

Foreign exchange loss 

Profit/(loss) from continuing 
operations before income tax 

Income tax 

Profit/(loss) for the year from 
continuing operations 

1  On a post exceptional basis. 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(437)

5,054

20,894

–

–

–

(437)

5,054

20,894

–

–

3,309

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

180 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

181 Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

(45,156)  

(1,724)  

(2,967)  

53,077   

–

–

(962)

(390)

(265,637)

(125,955)

(10,471)

(8,641)

82,247

–   

–   

(46,087)

(46,087)

(18,140)

(18,140)

(24,648)  

–

(28,697)

–   

(16,363)

(16,363)

28,429   

(80,980)

(27,040)

–   

–   

–   

–   

109

6,276

109

6,276

(42,565)

(42,565)

(4,990)

(4,990)

28,429   

(122,150)

(68,210)

–   

(2,621)

(2,621)

28,429   

(124,771)

(70,831)

Further informationp165-175   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
166 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

167

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 167 to 171 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 2014, 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$1,200 per ounce and Ag price: US$20 per ounce. 

182 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

 
 
166 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

167

ATTRIBUTABLE METAL RESERVES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014 
Proved and 
probable 
(t) 

 Ag 
(g/t) 

Au 
(g/t) 

Ag  
(moz)    

Au 
(koz) 

Ag Eq
(moz) 

Reserve category  
MAIN OPERATIONS1 
Arcata  
Proved 
Probable 
Total 
Pallancata 
Proved 
Probable 
Total 
San Jose  
Proved  
Probable  
Total  
Main operations total  
Proved  
Probable  
Total 
ADVANCED PROJECTS 
Inmaculada2 
Proved  
Probable  
Total 
GROUP TOTAL  
Proved 
Probable 
TOTAL 

782,317
1,307,744
2,090,061

903,257
834,331
1,737,588

624,370
360,949
985,319

2,309,944
2,503,025
4,812,968

3,840,000
3,960,000
7,800,000

6,149,944
6,463,025
12,612,968

341
308
320

261
250
256

520
365
463

358
297
326

106
134
120

201
197
199

1.0
1.0
1.0

1.4
1.2
1.3

7.2
6.1
6.8

2.8
1.8
2.3

3.4
3.3
3.4

3.2
2.8
3.0

8.6   
12.9   
21.5   

7.6   
6.7   
14.3   

10.4   
4.2   
14.7   

26.6   
23.9   
50.5   

13.1   
17.0   
30.1   

39.7   
40.9   
80.6   

24.7
43.1
67.9

39.5
33.3
72.8

143.6
70.7
214.2

207.9
147.1
354.9

424.7
424.5
849.2

10.1
15.5
25.6

9.9
8.7
18.7

19.1
8.5
27.5

39.1
32.7
71.8

38.6
42.5
81.1

632.6
571.6
1,204.1

77.7
75.2
152.9

Note: Where reserves are attributable to a joint venture partner, reserve figures reflect the Company’s ownership only. Includes discounts for ore loss and dilution. 

1  Main operations were audited by P&E Consulting.  

2  Inmaculada reserves as published in the Feasibility Study released on 11 January 2012. Prices used for reserves calculation: Au: $1,100/oz and Ag: $18/oz. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

183                    

Further informationp165-175 
   
   
    
    
    
   
   
   
 
168 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

RESERVES AND RESOURCES CONTINUED 

www.hochschildmining.com 

169

ATTRIBUTABLE METAL RESOURCES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014  
Cu 
Ag 
(%)
(g/t)

Tonnes  
(t)   

Au  
(g/t)   

Zn 
 (%)   

Pb 
(%)

Resource category 
MAIN OPERATIONS   
Arcata 

Ag Eq 
(g/t)

Ag 
(moz)

Au 
(koz)

Ag Eq 
(moz)   

Zn  
(kt)   

Pb  
(kt)    

Cu 
(kt)

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

Pallancata 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

San Jose 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

Main operations 
total 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

ADVANCED/GROWTH 

PROJECTS 
Inmaculada1 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 
Crespo2 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 
Azuca 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 
Volcan3 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

1,566,470   

2,375,166   

3,941,636   

3,572,309   

2,669,327   
1,268,572   
3,937,899   
2,560,082   

958,979   
1,384,056   
2,343,035   
887,930   

5,194,776   
5,027,794   
10,222,570   
7,020,321   

3,283,431   
3,782,818   
7,066,249   
4,937,776   

5,211,058   
17,298,228   
22,509,286   
775,429   

190,602   
6,858,594   
7,049,197   
6,946,341   

  105,918,000   
  283,763,000   
  389,681,000   
41,553,000   

467

381

415

322

348

287

328

263

589

390

472

380

428

360

395

308

128

159

144

152

47

38

40

46

244

187

188

170

-.-

-.-

-.-

-.-

1.40   

1.31   

1.35   

1.29   

1.66   
1.37   
1.57   
1.12   

8.19   
5.83   
6.79   
6.21   

2.78   
2.57   
2.68   
1.85   

4.10   
4.05   
4.07   
3.91   

0.47   
0.40   
0.42   
0.57   

0.77   
0.77   
0.77   
0.89   

0.738   
0.698   
0.709   
0.502   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

551  

459  

496  

399  

447  

370  

422  

330  

1,081  

740  

879  

753  

23.5  

29.1  

52.6  

37.0  

29.9  

11.7  

41.6  

21.7  

18.2  

17.4  

35.5  

10.8  

70.4  

100.3  

170.7  

148.2  

142.2  

56.1  

198.3  

92.0  

252.5  

259.3  

511.8  

177.4  

27.8   

35.1   

62.8   

45.9   

38.4   
15.1   
53.5   
27.2   

33.3   
32.9   
66.2   
21.5   

596  

514  

555  

419  

71.6  

58.1  

129.7  

69.5  

465.1  

415.7  

880.8  

417.7  

99.5   
83.1   
182.6   
94.5   

374  

402  

389  

387  

75  

62  

65  

80  

290  

233  

234  

223  

44  

42  

43  

30  

13.5  

19.3  

32.8  

24.2  

7.9  

21.0  

28.8  

1.1  

1.5  

41.2  

42.7  

37.9  

432.8  

492.3  

925.1  

620.0  

78.6  

222.5  

301.0  

14.2  

4.7  

168.8  

173.5  

199.5  

39.4   
48.9   
88.3   
61.4   

12.6   
34.3   
46.9   
2.0   

1.8   
51.3   
53.1   
49.9   

–  
–  
–  
–  

2,511.0  

6,367.0  

8,878.0  

671.0  

150.7   
382.0   
532.7   
40.3   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1  Inmaculada resources as published in the Feasibility Study released on 11 January 2012. Prices used for resources calculation: Au: $1,100/oz and Ag: $18/oz. 

2  Prices used for resources calculation: Au: $1,300/oz and Ag: $23/oz.  

3  Resources reported in the NI 43-101 Technical Report published by Andina Minerals, January 2011. Price used for resources calculation: Au: $950/oz. 

184 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
168 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

169

ATTRIBUTABLE METAL RESOURCES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2014 CONTINUED 

Resource category 

Advanced/Growth  
Projects total  

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

Other projects 

Jasperoide4 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

San Felipe 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 
Other projects total  

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

GRAND TOTAL 

Measured 

Indicated 

Total 

Inferred 

Tonnes 
(t)

Ag  
(g/t)   

Au  
(g/t)   

Zn 
(%)

Pb 
(%)

Cu 
(%)

Ag Eq 
(g/t)

Ag 
(moz)

Au  
(koz)   

Ag Eq  
(moz)   

Zn  
(kt) 

Pb 
(kt) 

Cu 
(kt)

114,603,091   

311,702,641   

426,305,732   

6    

8    

8    

54,212,547   

36    

–   

–   

–   

12,187,270   

1,393,716   

1,354,261   

2,747,977   

1,257,731   

1,393,716   

1,354,261   

2,747,977   

13,445,001   

121,191,583   

318,084,696   

439,276,279   

74,677,869   

–    

–    

–    

–    

69    

82    

76    

84    

69    

82    

76    

8    

25    

14    

17    

57    

0.82    

0.72    

0.75    

0.86    

–    

–    

–    

0.32    

0.02    

0.06    

0.04    

0.05    

0.02    

0.06    

0.04    

0.30    

0.90    

0.75    

0.79    

0.85    

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

7.12  

6.14  

6.64  

6.18  

7.12  

6.14  

6.64  

0.58  

0.08  

0.03  

0.04  

0.10  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

3.10  

2.73  

2.92  

2.26  

3.10  

2.73  

2.92  

0.21  

0.04  

0.01  

0.02  

0.04  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.39  

0.31  

0.35  

0.19  

0.39  

0.31  

0.35  

1.22  

0.00  

0.00  

0.00  

0.22  

56  

52  

53  

88  

22.9  

81.5  

3,027.1    

7,250.6    

104.3  

10,277.6    

63.2  

1,504.7    

204.5   
516.5   
721.0   
153.5   

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

–    

126.8    

57.6    

1.32  

147  

– 

– 

– 

– 

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

161.2

5.5

4.2

9.7

2.3

5.5

4.2

9.7

0.9    

2.4    

3.3    

1.9    

0.9    

2.4    

3.3    

14.1    

99.3   

43.1  

12.9    

83.2   

37.0  

27.0    

182.4   

80.1  

11.5    

77.8   

28.5  

14.1    

12.9    

99.3   

43.1  

83.2   

37.0  

27.0    

182.4   

80.1  

128.6    

69.0    

77.8   

28.5  

163.6

–  

–  

–  

–  

3.1  

3.6  

6.7  

3.4  

3.1  

3.6  

6.7  

3.4  

–  

–  

–  

315  

295  

305  

283  

315  

295  

305  

160  

82  

60  

66  

97.5  

3,493.1    

318.1    

99.3   

43.1  

143.2  

7,668.7    

612.4    

83.2   

37.0  

240.7  

11,161.8    

930.5    

182.4   

80.1  

5.5

4.2

9.7

132  

136.1  

2,051.0    

317.1    

77.8   

28.5  

163.6

4  The silver equivalent grade (147 g/t Ag Eq) has being calculated applying the following ratios, Cu/Ag = 96.38 and Au/Ag = 60. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

185                    

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www.hochschildmining.com 

171

170 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

RESERVES AND RESOURCES CONTINUED 

CHANGE IN TOTAL RESERVES AND RESOURCES  

Ag equivalent content (million ounces) 
Arcata  

Pallancata 

San Jose 

Main operations total 

Inmaculada  

Crespo 

Azuca  

Volcan 

Advanced/Growth Projects total 

Jasperoide 

San Felipe 

Other projects 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 
  Resource 
  Reserve 
  Resource 
  Reserve 

December 
2013
99.4
23.5
109.7
29.0
188.9
54.6
398.0
107.2
149.7
81.1
48.9
–
103.0
–
572.9
–
874.5
81.1
57.6
–
38.5
–
96.0
–
1,368.5
188.3

Production1 Movements2
9.2 
9.7
(29.0)
(0.3)
(16.9)
13.1
(36.7)
22.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(36.7)
22.5

–
7.6
–
10.1
–
13.8
–
31.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
31.5

December 

Net 

2014   
108.7   
25.6   
80.7   
18.7   
172.0   
54.0   
361.4   
98.2   
149.7   
81.1   
48.9   
–   
103.0   
–   
572.9   
–   
874.5   
81.1   
57.6   
–   
38.5   
–   
96.0   
–   
1,331.9   
179.3   

difference    % change
9.3 
8.8
(26.5)
(35.8)
(8.9)
(1.2)
(9.2)
(8.4)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(2.7)
(4.8)

9.2   
2.1   
(29.0)  
(10.4)  
(16.9)  
(0.6)  
(36.7)  
(9.0)  
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
–   
(36.7)   
(9.0)   

1  Depletion: reduction in reserves based on ore delivered to the mine plant. 

2  Variation in reserves and resources due mainly to mine site exploration but also to price changes. 

186 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
170 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

171

CHANGE IN ATTRIBUTABLE RESERVES AND RESOURCES 

Ag equivalent content (million ounces)  
Arcata 

Pallancata 

San Jose 

Main operations total  

Inmaculada  

Crespo  

Azuca  

Volcan 

Advanced/Growth Projects total 

Jasperoide 

San Felipe 

Other projects 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  
  Resource  
  Reserve  
  Resource  
  Reserve  

Percentage 
attributable
December
2014
100%

100%

51%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

December  
2013 
Att.1
99.4
23.5
109.7
29.0
96.3
27.9
305.5
80.4
149.7
81.1
48.9
–
103.0
–
572.9
–
874.5
81.1
57.6
–
38.5
–
96.0
–
1,276.0
161.5

December  
2014   
Att.1   
108.7    
25.6   
80.7    
18.7   
87.7    
27.5   
277.1    
71.8   
149.7    
81.1    
48.9    
–    
103.0    
–    
572.9    
–    
874.5    
81.1    
57.6    
–    
38.5    
–    
96.0    
–    
1,247.6    
152.9   

Net 
difference
9.2 
2.1
(29.0)
(10.3)
(8.6)
(0.3)
(28.4)
(8.6)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(28.4)
(8.7)

% change
9.3 
8.8
(26.5)
(35.5)
(8.9)
(1.1)
(9.3)
(10.7)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(2.2)
(5.4)

1  Attributable reserves and resources based on the Group’s percentage ownership of its joint venture projects. 

www.hochschildmining.com 

187                    

Further informationp165-175 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
172 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

173

PRODUCTION 

2014 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 
31 December 
2014 
19,357   
147.03   
28,179   
469.65   
18,981   
142.77   

 Year ended 
31 December 

2013  % change 
(2)
(16)
(7)
(7)
(3)
(15)

19,754   
175.22   
30,267   
504.45   
19,555   
168.56   

1  Total production includes 100% of all production, including production attributable to Hochschild’s joint venture partner at San Jose as well as production in 2013 

from the now-sold Moris operation 

ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION BY MINE2 

Silver production (koz) 
Gold production (koz) 
Attributable silver equivalent (koz) 
Attributable gold equivalent (koz)  

Year ended 
31 December 
2014 
16,187   
100.89   
22,241   
370.68   

Year ended 
31 December 

2013  % change 
(3)
(20)
(8)
(8)

16,639   
126.80   
24,247   
404.11   

2  Attributable production for Q4 2014 and Full Year 2014 includes 100% of all production from Arcata, Pallancata and Ares and 51% from San Jose. Comparatives for 

2013 have been restated to include 100% of production from Pallancata and also include production from the now-sold Moris operation. 

Year ended 
31 December 
2014 

701,947   
286   
0.85   
5,827   
16.89   
6,841   
5,621   
15.66   

Year ended 
31 December 
2014 

167,331   
110   
2.34   
534   
11.63   
1,232   
540   
11.45   

Year ended 
31 December 

2013  % change 
(22)
32
15
17
–
14
14
(2)

900,861   
217   
0.74   
4,984   
16.83   
5,994   
4,924   
15.95   

Year ended 
31 December 

2013    % change 
(49)
34
(2)
(29)
(50)
(43)
(29)
(51)

329,095   
82   
2.39   
757   
23.40   
2,162   
761   
23.25   

PRODUCTION BY MINE 
Arcata 

Ore production (tonnes)  
Average head grade silver (g/t)  
Average head grade gold (g/t)  
Silver produced (koz)  
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver equivalent produced (koz) 
Silver sold (koz)  
Gold sold (koz)  

Ares 

Ore production (tonnes)  
Average head grade silver (g/t)  
Average head grade gold (g/t)  
Silver produced (koz)  
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver equivalent produced (koz) 
Silver sold (koz) 
Gold sold (koz) 

188 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
172 

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www.hochschildmining.com 

173

Pallancata1 

Ore production (tonnes)  
Average head grade silver (g/t)  
Average head grade gold (g/t)  
Silver produced (koz)  
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver equivalent produced (koz) 
Silver sold (koz)  
Gold sold (koz)  

Year ended 
31 December 

 Year ended
31 December 

2014   
1,051,068   
238   
1.03   
6,527   
24.34   
 7,988   
6,502   
24.02   

2013 % change 
(3)
(10)
(9)
(14)
(13)
(14)
(14)
(10)

1,088,712
264
1.13
7,628
27.83
9,298 
7,567
26.67

1  Until 20 Dec 2013 the Company had a 60% interest in Pallancata. Following completion of the International Minerals acquisition the Company now owns 100%  

of Pallancata. 

San Jose2  

Ore production (tonnes)  
Average head grade silver (g/t)  
Average head grade gold (g/t)  
Silver produced (koz)  
Gold produced (koz)  
Silver equivalent produced (koz) 
Silver sold (koz)  
Gold sold (koz)  

2  The Company has a 51% interest in San Jose.  

Year ended 
31 December 

 Year ended
31 December 

2014   
571,017   
404   
5.77   
6,469   
94.16   
12,119   
6,316   
91.28   

2013 % change 
6
(5) 
(10)
2
(5)
(1)
1
(4)

536,937
425
6.42
6,357
98.83
12,286 
6,278
94.76

www.hochschildmining.com 

189                    

Further informationp165-175 
 
 
 
174 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014

www.hochschildmining.com 

PB

GLOSSARY 

AG 
Silver 

ADJUSTED EBITDA 
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit from continuing 
operations before exceptional items, net finance costs, foreign 
exchange loss and income tax plus depreciation, and exploration 
expenses other than personnel and other exploration related 
fixed expenses and other non-cash expenses.  

ALL-IN SUSTAINING COSTS (AISC) 
All-in sustaining cash cost per silver equivalent ounce is a non-
IFRS measure. It is calculated before exceptional items and 
includes cost of sales less depreciation and change in inventories, 
administrative expenses, brownfield exploration, operating capex 
and royalties divided by silver equivalent ounces produced using 
a ratio of 60:1 (Au/Ag). Also includes commercial discounts and 
selling expenses divided by silver equivalent ounces sold using a 
ratio of 60:1 (Au/Ag). 

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. 

AU 
Gold 

AVERAGE HEAD GRADE 
Average ore grade fed into the mill 

BOARD 
The Board of Directors of the Company 

CAD$ 
Canadian dollar 

COMPANY 
Hochschild Mining plc 

CSR 
Corporate social responsibility 

CU 
Copper 

DIRECTORS 
The Directors of the Company 

DNV 
Det Norske Veritas is an independent foundation with the 
purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment.  

DORE 
Dore bullion is an impure alloy of gold and silver and is generally 
the final product of mining and processing. The dore bullion will 
be transported to be refined to high purity metal. 

DOLLAR OR $ 
United States dollars 

EFFECTIVE TAX RATE 
Income tax expense as a percentage of profit from continuing 
operations before income tax. 

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  
after exceptional items. 

190 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2014 

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 tonne 

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 tonnes 

KTPA 
Thousand 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 25 pence each in the Company 

PB 
Lead 

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 

 
 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (‘AGM’)
The AGM will be held at 9.30am on 15 May 2015 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
Capita Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, 
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

BY TELEPHONE
If calling from the UK: 0871 664 0300 (Calls cost 10p per 
minute plus network extras, lines are open 8.30am-5.30pm 
Mon to Fri).

If calling from overseas: +44 20 8639 3399

BY FAX 
+44 (0)1484 600 911

INVESTOR RELATIONS
For investor enquiries please contact our Investor Relations 
team by writing to the London Office address (see below),  
by phone on 020 3714 9040 or via the website by visiting  
the ‘Contact Us’ section.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Annual General Meeting 

Half-yearly results announced 

15 May 2015

August 2015

LONDON OFFICE AND REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS
23 Hanover Square 
London  
W1S 1JB 
United Kingdom

COMPANY SECRETARY
R D Bhasin

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The pulp used is elemental chlorine free (ECF).

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ISO14001, FSC certified and CarbonNeutral®

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
The constituent parts of this Annual Report, including those that make up the Directors’ Report, contain certain forward-looking 
statement, 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. 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, 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 announcement. Nothing in this Annual Report should be 
construed as a profit forecast.

H

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HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC

23 HANOVER SQUARE 
LONDON W1S 1JB 
UNITED KINGDOM

TEL: +44 (0) 203 714 9040 
FAX: +44 (0) 203 714 9041 
INFO@HOCPLC.COM

WWW.HOCHSCHILDMINING.COM

1 

Hochschild Mining plc Annual Report 2013