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Hochschild Mining PLC
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · Hochschild Mining PLC
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RESPONSIBLE AND 
INNOVATIVE MINING  
COMMITTED TO  
A BETTER WORLD

Hochschild Mining PLC 
Annual Report & Accounts 2018

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

FINAL DIVIDEND
(2017: 1.965c)

ADJUSTED EBITDA
(2017: $301m)

$268m
1.959c/share
$80m
19.7m oz

CASH BALANCE
(31 DEC 2017: $257m)

ATTRIB. SILVER PRODUCTION
(2017: 19.1m oz)

AISC 
(2017: $12.3/oz)

ADJUSTED BASIC EPS 
(2017: $0.08)

$0.05
$12.6/oz Ag Eq
$77m
260,436oz

NET DEBT
(31 DEC 2017: $103m)

ATTRIB. GOLD PRODUCTION 
(2017: 254,930oz)

Strategic report

Governance

Financial statements

Further information

Profit by operation 

Reserves and resources 

Change in attributable  
reserves and resources

163

164

166 

Shareholder information 

167

At a glance 

Market review 

Business model 

Our strategy 

Key Performance Indicators 

Chairman’s statement 

Chief Executive’s review 

Operating review 

Financial review 

Sustainability 

Risk management & viability 

02

04

06

08

10

20

22

24

34

40

50

Board of Directors 

Senior management 

Directors’ Report 

Corporate  
Governance Report 

Supplementary information  

Directors’ Remuneration  
Report 

Statement of directors’ 
responsibilities 

Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the members of Hochschild 
Mining PLC

56

58

59

61 

74

77 

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 

Parent company statement  
of financial position

Parent company statement  
of cash flows

Parent company statement  
of changes in equity

Notes to the parent company 
financial statements

99

99 

100 

101 

102 

103 

150 

151 

152 

153 

Hochschild is focused on  
generating long-term shareholder  
value by delivering minerals with 
transparency and a commitment to 
creating a positive global impact. 

We believe that a responsible  
and innovative mining strategy  
combined with consistent, world-class 
operational performance and an  
exciting exploration-led growth 
programme will deliver above average 
returns in the most productive, safe and  
environmentally sound way possible.

01

Production and  
growth optionality
Read more page 12 

Commitment  
to innovation
Read more page 14 

Prudent financial 
management
Read more page 16 

Driven by  
responsibility
Read more page 18 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements02

AT A GLANCE

WHO WE ARE

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

Mining operations
Hochschild operates three underground 
epithermal deposits, two of which are 
located in the south west of Peru in  
our “Southern Peru cluster” and one  
in the southern Argentinian province  
of Santa Cruz. Our oldest asset, the  
Arcata mine, was placed on care and 
maintenance in January 2019 after 
54 years of operation

Operation

Inmaculada  
Peru

Pallancata 
Peru

San Jose 
Argentina

Arcata* 
Peru

* (on care and maintenance)

Gold Production 

Silver production All-in sustaining costs

174,000 oz

5.7m oz

$731/oz Au Eq

26,000 oz

97,000 oz

11,000 oz

7.4m oz

$12.1/oz Ag Eq

6.2m oz

$14.5/oz Ag Eq

3.4m oz

$19.6/oz Ag Eq

Growth Projects 
Hochschild currently has three  
growth projects with two in southern  
Peru close to the operating assets  
and one in northern Chile

Operation

   Crespo  
Peru

  Volcan  
Chile

  Azuca  
Peru

Greenfield prospects
Hochschild has a portfolio of  
greenfield prospects across  
the Americas

Asset

Ares 

Corina 

Condor

Fresia

Cueva Blanca

Alto Ruri

Casma

Antaymarca

Mario

Agni

Indra

Olympic

Ferguson Mountain

Mars

Cobalt Silver District

Snip

Estimated silver equivalent production p.a.

2.7m oz

N/a

N/a

Country 

Peru

Chile

US

Canada

Hochschild Mining PLC03

WHERE WE OPERATE

The operational and geological experience we  
have developed over many years has allowed  
us to maximise the productivity of our operations, 
develop mining projects and find new deposits 
across the Americas.

8

 10

9

3
1

5

7

2

Operational sites

Exploration sites

1

Inmaculada (Peru)

8

Snip Project (Canada)

2 Arcata (Peru)

9 Cobalt Silver District (Canada)

3

4

Pallancata (Peru)

 10 Nevada prospects (US)

San Jose (Argentina)

11

Indra & Agni (Chile)

Read more page 28 

Read more page 33 

Growth Projects

5 Crespo (Peru)

6 Volcan (Chile)

7 Azuca (Peru)

11

6

4

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements04

MARKET REVIEW

GOLD AND SILVER  
MARKET SUMMARY

Hochschild is exposed to market dynamics associated with 
the precious metals industry, whilst our operations, located 
in Peru and Argentina, are exposed to changing country-
specific factors that can impact our business.

Gold Market  
Summary 
Gold prices rose moderately for the 
third consecutive year on an annual 
average basis during 2018. Gold 
prices averaged $1,271 during 2018, 
on a Comex nearby active gold 
contract basis. This was an increase 
of 0.9% over the annual average 
price of 2017. The ongoing increase 
in gold prices during 2018, in spite  
of above-trend global economic 
growth during the year, four US 
interest rate hikes and a strong US 
dollar, is explained by the underlying 
market concern about political and 
economic factors that could derail 
the long running economic recovery. 

Central banks played a critical role 
in supporting gold prices during 
2018. Net additions to central bank 
reserves are estimated to have been 
16.5 million ounces for 2018. These 
levels of net demand from central 
banks position 2018 as one of the top 
three years of demand since 2008. 
The largest buyer of gold in this 
category was the central bank of 
Russia, having accounted for around 
half the net purchases during the 
year. Other central banks that 
contributed to the surge in official 
transactions during 2018 included 
Turkey, Kazakhstan, and India which 
each added over a million ounces  
of gold to their holdings during the 
year. China also resurfaced as a 
buyer of the metal in December 2018 
after nearly two years of no reported 
activity. Increased concern amongst 
various countries regarding the 
macroeconomic and political 
landscape coupled with relatively 
subdued gold prices are 
explanations. Banks have typically 
been sensitive to prices and the 
relative softness in prices during the 
middle of last year propelled many 
of them to use the opportunity to 
increase their holdings. 

cost producers and supported mine 
output from these mines. Secondary  
or scrap supply of gold was essentially  
flat during 2018 at 30.1 million ounces. 

Outlook
 – Gold investment demand is  

expected to rise during 2019 due  
to expectations of relatively slower  
global economic growth

 – Elevated global political risk is also 
expected to remain during 2019

 – Net gold investment demand is 
expected to reach 19.8 million  
ounces during 2019

 – Central banks are forecast to remain 

net buyers of gold

 – Total gold supply is forecast to rise  
to 130 million ounces in 2019 driven 
primarily by new mines starting 
production

 – Gold fabrication demand is forecast 
to decline to 95.7 million ounces in 
2019, due to an expected slowdown  
in Chinese economic growth 

Market drivers

Demand
Investors were net buyers of gold during 
2018 adding 13.8 million ounces of gold to 
their inventories. While they had various 
concerns about the political and 
economic environment, this was not 
enough to cause the price to rise further. 
While there are numerous concerns 
around, there are unlikely to be aggressive 
buyers of the metal unless one or more  
of these risks come to fruition. 

Global gold fabrication demand stood  
at 97 million ounces in 2018, largely 
unchanged from 2017. However, this level 
of gold fabrication demand is strong by 
recent historic standards. A generally 
healthy global economy helped to sustain 
demand of discretionary products like 
jewellery. This demand was moderately 
offset by a strong US dollar, however, 
which increased the price of gold in 
domestic currencies outside the US. 

Supply
Total gold supply, which is made of up 
mine production and scrap supply, rose 
marginally in 2018 to 127.4 million ounces, 
up 0.2% from 2017. Gold mine supply rose 
to 97.2 million ounces, up from 97 million 
ounces in 2017, due to projects that were 
brought onstream towards the end of  
the last gold bull market and a strong US 
dollar during 2018, which subsidised high 

Demand %

Supply %

Jewellery  64.7%
Electronics  8.7%
Official sector purchases  13.0%
Private investor demand  10.8%
Dental and other  2.8%

Mine production  72.3%
Secondary supply  23.7%
Net exports from
transitional economies  4.0%

Source: CPM Group LLC

Hochschild Mining PLC05

Gold and silver prices in 2018
Daily settlement of nearby active Comex 
futures, indexed to 2 January 2019

Gold

Silver

Country production
Latin American production rankings

105

100

95

90

85

80

Peru

Argentina

Mexico

Chile

2018

2017

Gold

Silver

Gold

Silver

6

13

8

22

3

11

1

6

6

13

9

16

3

11

1

4

Jan 18 Feb 18 Mar 18 Apr 18 May 18 Jun 18

Jul 18 Aug 18 Sep 18 Oct 18 Nov 18 Dec 18

Silver Market  
Summary 
Silver had a challenging 2018, with 
prices averaging $15.71 during the 
year on a Comex nearby active gold 
contract basis, down 8.5% over 2017. 
Strong global economic growth 
helped silver fabrication to continue 
rising for the sixth consecutive year. 
This was what also deterred investors 
from buying the metal aggressively. 
Investment demand has a more 
significant impact on prices. 

During 2018, the gold:silver ratio 
reached historical highs, standing  
at 85.5 in November, which was the 
highest level since September 1993. 
This increase highlights how much 
silver has lagged gold in 2018. The 
same macroeconomic factors that 
influence gold in a positive way  
have historically also positively 
impacted silver and therefore silver 
could have some way to catch  
up. A glimpse of this was seen in 
December 2018, when the two  
metal prices rose and the ratio 
slipped from 85.5 in November to 
82.7 in December.

Market drivers

Demand
In 2018, investors were net buyers of 
41.3 million ounces, a decline from 2017’s 
50.2 million ounces. These levels of 
investment are at the lower end of recent 
annual levels of investment demand and 
are not sufficient to drive the price of 
silver higher but are important in keeping 
the price supported. 

levels and remaining at the weakest 
levels since 2011. The suspension of the 
Escobal mine in 2017 has resulted in the 
loss of 20 million ounces of silver supply. 
Secondary supply of the metal has also 
been flat over the past couple of years 
with relatively softer prices being offset 
by improved recovery of the metal from 
the electronics industry. 

Silver fabrication demand rose to 
936.9 million ounces, up 1% from 2017 
levels. Two of the largest silver uses, 
jewellery & silverware and electronics, rose 
by 1.8% and 2.0%, respectively. Growth in 
jewellery demand was driven in part by 
the healthy global economic growth  
which aided discretionary purchases. The 
stronger growth in gold prices and the 
strong increase in the price of palladium 
during 2018 is expected to have benefited 
the use of silver in jewellery alloys. 

Silver demand from the electronics 
industry continued to be supported by a 
healthy economy, increased electrification 
and strong demand for computer chips. 
Demand from the solar panel industry 
grew at a slower pace during 2018 but still 
reaching a record 107.3 million ounces 
during 2018, up 1.2%. Demand from the 
photography industry continued to decline.

Supply
Total silver supply stood at 978.1 million 
ounces in 2018, essentially flat from 2017 

Outlook
 – Investor interest in silver is expected  

to rise during 2019

 – Silver’s underperformance relative  

to gold makes the metal an attractive 
undervalued safe haven and hedge 
against political and macroeconomic 
uncertainties

 – Total net investment demand is 

forecast to reach 52.2 million ounces

 – Silver fabrication demand is forecast 

to continue rising

 – Primary drivers of growth are 

expected to be electronics and  
the solar panel industry

 – Total fabrication demand during the 
year is forecast to reach 941 million 
ounces

 – Total supply is expected to rise during 

2019 to 993 million ounces driven 
primarily by an increase in scrap supply

 – Mine supply, meanwhile, is forecast  
to decline slightly during the year

Demand %

Supply %

Other Industrial uses  55.9%
Jewellery and Silverware  30.4%
Coin fabrication  7.9%
Investment demand, (excl coins)  NA
Photography  5.9%

Mine production  79.4%
Secondary supply  20.6%

Source: CPM Group LLC

Note: Investors were net buyers of silver excluding coins in 2018, exchanging bullion bars for coins. 
Total newly refined silver supply reached 978.1 million ounces in 2018. Total industrial fabrication 
demand reached 936.9 million ounces and coin fabrication reached 80 million ounces. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements06

BUSINESS MODEL

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE VALUE 
FOR ALL OUR KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Our long-term business model has been developed  
to not only offer an attractive investment proposition  
for our shareholders but also as part of our commitment 
to making a better world for our workforce, communities 
and society as a whole.

Inputs 

These inputs are key  
in achieving productive,  
safe and environmentally 
sound operations in the 
long term.

Operational & geological expertise
We have specific expertise in mining 
underground in complex geological 
conditions in the Americas.

Experienced management team
Deep experience in mine 
management, project development, 
identifying future growth 
opportunities and environmental  
and social practices.

Disciplined financial strategy
We maintain a strong balance sheet 
and deploy capital in a disciplined 
manner underpinned by our long-
standing financial relationships.

Robust corporate  
governance framework
Controls and processes to protect 
and enhance stakeholder interests.

Culture of innovation
Constantly developing better 
practices through the adoption of 
new technologies.

Acting responsibly 
Focusing on providing a safe 
workplace where our employees 
thrive, managing our environmental 
impact and seeking to make a 
positive community impact.

Our core activities 

Technical expertise is the  
key attribute underpinning  
our business model.

Extract

y
t
i
n
u
m
m
o
C

E n vironment

How we  
create value

Develop

Sustainabi l i t y

Discover

H
e
a

l
t
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&
S
a
f
e
t
y

Hochschild Mining PLC 
 
07

Outputs 

The ongoing success of our business model 
allows us to invest in the skills and training 
of our employees, redistribute profit into our 
host communities through a wide variety  
of programmes and deliver long-term value 
for our shareholders.

Employees
The success of our business model  
helps us to provide holistic growth, 
adequate compensation and proper 
working conditions. We aim to empower  
our employees with constant learning 
opportunities and new challenges in a 
positive, healthy and safe work environment. 
In addition, there is an ongoing recognition 
that all must have opportunities to 
contribute to a better world through  
direct initiatives and volunteer work.

Communities and society
Hochschild has been able to invest in a 
number of local programmes focusing on 
our core themes of education, health and 
socio-economic development and allowing 
us to operate collaboratively with our 
neighbours in the Southern Peru Cluster  
for more than 50 years. We have also been 
able to deliver employment and business 
opportunities whilst retaining respect for 
cultural traditions and the environment. 

98%

WORKFORCE  
TRAINED IN 2018

26%

WORKFORCE FROM  
LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Shareholders
We are committed to our aims of profitable 
operations, a strong reputation and stability. 
We believe that if we can deliver sustainable 
low-cost growth throughout the cycle and 
therefore generate excess cashflow, we can 
use that to reward shareholders and other 
stakeholders. Since the middle of 2016 we 
have paid out $41 million in equity dividends.

$10m

RECOMMENDED FINAL 
DIVIDEND FOR THE FULL  
YEAR 2018

Discover
We have expertise in discovering and developing 
geological districts. Our brownfield team believe 
that there is still potential across all our property 
to provide a platform for long-term production as 
well as optimising existing ounces in the portfolio. 
Furthermore, our dynamic low risk, greenfield 
strategy is drilling a number of prospects in 
several countries across the Americas.

Develop
We are able to execute development of our 
discoveries in a short space of time. Our flagship 
Inmaculada deposit was first drilled in early 2009 
and production was achieved in June 2015 with 
the mine being ramped up to full production  
within three months. The operation was also 
designed and built in a modular fashion to 
facilitate future cost-effective expansion  
potential. Hochschild’s ability to develop  
projects in remote locations and high altitudes 
remains a key competitive advantage.

Extract
We have developed a unique in-depth knowledge 
base of the technical challenges inherent in  
our ore bodies as well as of the environment  
and jurisdiction where we operate. This has 
resulted in us consistently meeting annual 
production targets, executing significant  
cost reduction programmes, increasing our  
resource base, and achieving positive results  
from brownfield exploration at existing mines.  
In addition, our innovation programme is 
highlighting technological advances and  
how they can be applied to our operations.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements08

OUR STRATEGY

OUR STRATEGY  
FOR GROWTH 

Our strategy for growth focuses on  
four key paths to secure low-cost growth.

Optimising and exploring close 
to our current mines to increase 
our life-of-mine and the quality 
of our resources.

 – Life-of-mine increases

2018 activities
 – 1.3m gold equivalent ounces inferred resources 

added at Inmaculada

 – Further geological upside expected from drilling 

in surrounding area

 – Community permits achieved for exciting 2019 

Pallancata drilling campaign

 – 2018 results at San Jose boost short-term  

 – Improve quality of resources

production plan 

 – Spare capacity available

 – On track to achieve 10 years of life-of-mine  

by 2021

Brownfield

Greenfield

A streamlined portfolio 
generating a number of 
promising targets as well as 
progressing drill-ready projects 
in good jurisdictions in the 
Americas.

 – Streamlining portfolio

 – Staking properties

 – Progressing drill-ready 

projects

Early-stage projects

Strategic alliances

Optimising our existing  
early-stage projects through 
further drilling and the 
evaluation and incorporation  
of new technologies.

 – Optimising early-stage 

projects

 – Further drilling 

 – Evaluating new technologies

Focusing on earn-in joint 
ventures to lock in early-stage 
project options with strong 
geological potential.

 – Early-stage

 – Control (Acquisition/JVs)

 – Geological upside

 – ROIC:12-15%

2018 activities
 – Maintaining balanced portfolio of advanced/

early stage opportunities

 – Combination of JVs and private placements  

to lock in project options

 – Option taken up on Condor – small producing  

mine located 93km from Arcata

 – Alliance established with Skeena Resources  

for Snip project in Canada

 – Earn-in signed with Mirasol Resources for Indra  

& Agni projects in Chile

 – Drilled Fresia in Peru, Loro in Chile and Moho  

& Redlitch projects in US

2018 activities
 – Optimising ounces at early-stage projects

 – Assessing Arcata optionality from nearby Azuca 

and Condor projects

 – Evaluating ore sorting and mineral 

transportation from Azuca to Arcata plant

 – Drilling programme underway at Ares

 – Signed non-binding agreement for desalinated 

water at Volcan project

2018 activities
 – Focusing on stable jurisdictions in Americas

 – Precious and non-precious metal deposits being 

considered

 – Alliance established with Skeena Resources  

for Snip project in Canada

 – Earn-in signed with Mirasol Resources for Indra  

& Agni projects in Chile

 – Invested $2.0 million in BioLantanidos rare 
earths project in Chile in exchange for 5% 
ownership with option to increase ownership

2019 priorities

 – 2019 brownfield exploration budget expected to be $27 million

 – Drilling to the east and west of Angela vein at Inmaculada to find further potential

 – Drilling in the north to test Angela vein continuity

 – On track for an exciting 2019 drilling campaign at Pallancata

 – Outcropping structures indicate high potential at Palca and Cochaloma  

to the south of Pallancata

 – Further investigation of San Jose’s Aguas Vivas polymetallic sulphide deposit

2019 priorities

 – 2019 greenfield exploration budget expected to be $10 million

 – Drilling to continue at Snip and Cobalt

 – Drilling to begin at Condor, Corina, Agni & Indra

 – Mapping and permitting activities at 13 other projects including  

Ferguson Mountain and Mars in US and Casma, Alto Ruri and  

Josnitoro in Peru

2019 priorities

 – Drilling to continue at Ares

 – Drilling campaign planned for Azuca & Huacullo  

and re-engaging with communities

 – Ore sorting tests underway

2019 priorities

 – Progressing current options to decision stage

 – Further options/JVs being considered in Americas

 – Larger acquisitions also being assessed

 – Continued research into minerals of the future

 – Progressing to definitive feasibility at BioLantanidos

Hochschild Mining PLC 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
09

Optimising and exploring close 

to our current mines to increase 

our life-of-mine and the quality 

of our resources.

 – Life-of-mine increases

2018 activities

 – 1.3m gold equivalent ounces inferred resources 

added at Inmaculada

 – Further geological upside expected from drilling 

in surrounding area

 – Community permits achieved for exciting 2019 

Pallancata drilling campaign

 – 2018 results at San Jose boost short-term  

 – Improve quality of resources

production plan 

 – Spare capacity available

 – On track to achieve 10 years of life-of-mine  

by 2021

A streamlined portfolio 

generating a number of 

promising targets as well as 

progressing drill-ready projects 

in good jurisdictions in the 

Americas.

 – Streamlining portfolio

 – Staking properties

 – Progressing drill-ready 

projects

Optimising our existing  

early-stage projects through 

further drilling and the 

evaluation and incorporation  

of new technologies.

 – Optimising early-stage 

projects

 – Further drilling 

 – Evaluating new technologies

Focusing on earn-in joint 

ventures to lock in early-stage 

project options with strong 

geological potential.

 – Early-stage

 – Control (Acquisition/JVs)

 – Geological upside

 – ROIC:12-15%

2018 activities

 – Maintaining balanced portfolio of advanced/

early stage opportunities

 – Combination of JVs and private placements  

to lock in project options

 – Option taken up on Condor – small producing  

mine located 93km from Arcata

 – Alliance established with Skeena Resources  

for Snip project in Canada

 – Earn-in signed with Mirasol Resources for Indra  

& Agni projects in Chile

 – Drilled Fresia in Peru, Loro in Chile and Moho  

& Redlitch projects in US

2018 activities

 – Optimising ounces at early-stage projects

 – Assessing Arcata optionality from nearby Azuca 

and Condor projects

 – Evaluating ore sorting and mineral 

transportation from Azuca to Arcata plant

 – Drilling programme underway at Ares

 – Signed non-binding agreement for desalinated 

water at Volcan project

 – Focusing on stable jurisdictions in Americas

 – Precious and non-precious metal deposits being 

2018 activities

considered

 – Alliance established with Skeena Resources  

for Snip project in Canada

 – Earn-in signed with Mirasol Resources for Indra  

& Agni projects in Chile

 – Invested $2.0 million in BioLantanidos rare 

earths project in Chile in exchange for 5% 

ownership with option to increase ownership

2019 priorities
 – 2019 brownfield exploration budget expected to be $27 million

Risks
 – Political, legal and regulatory

 – Drilling to the east and west of Angela vein at Inmaculada to find further potential

 – Community relations

 – Drilling in the north to test Angela vein continuity

 – On track for an exciting 2019 drilling campaign at Pallancata

 – Personnel: recruitment  

and retention

 – Outcropping structures indicate high potential at Palca and Cochaloma  

to the south of Pallancata

 – Further investigation of San Jose’s Aguas Vivas polymetallic sulphide deposit

2019 priorities
 – 2019 greenfield exploration budget expected to be $10 million

 – Drilling to continue at Snip and Cobalt

 – Drilling to begin at Condor, Corina, Agni & Indra

 – Mapping and permitting activities at 13 other projects including  
Ferguson Mountain and Mars in US and Casma, Alto Ruri and  
Josnitoro in Peru

Risks
 – Political, legal and regulatory

 – Community relations

 – Personnel: recruitment  

and retention

2019 priorities
 – Drilling to continue at Ares

 – Drilling campaign planned for Azuca & Huacullo  

and re-engaging with communities

 – Ore sorting tests underway

Risks
 – Political, legal and regulatory

 – Community relations

 – Personnel: recruitment  

and retention

2019 priorities
 – Progressing current options to decision stage

 – Further options/JVs being considered in Americas

 – Larger acquisitions also being assessed

 – Continued research into minerals of the future

 – Progressing to definitive feasibility at BioLantanidos

Risks
 – Political, legal and regulatory

 – Commodity prices

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MEASURING  
OUR PROGRESS
Financial measures

Brownfield

Greenfield

Early-stage projects

Strategic alliances

Production

39m oz

AG EQUIVALENT

35.5

38.0

27.0

22.2

Links to  
strategy

Definition
Silver equivalent production equals 
total attributable gold production 
multiplied by a gold/silver ratio for 
2015-2018 of 74x and 60x for 2014 
and added to the total attributable 
silver production.

39.0

Links to  
remuneration

 Yes 

Performance
Total silver equivalent production 
increased by 3% versus 2017 due  
to increased contributions from 
Inmaculada and Pallancata. 

Outlook
Total silver equivalent production  
is forecast to be 37.0 million silver 
equivalent ounces in 2019 assuming  
a gold/silver conversion ratio of 81x  
and excluding the Arcata mine.

Risks
 –  Operational performance.

14

15

16

17

18

Revenue

Links to  
strategy

Links to  
remuneration

 Yes 

$704m

723

688

493

469

Definition
Revenue presented in  
the financial statements is  
disclosed as net revenue and  
is calculated as gross revenue  
less commercial discounts.

704

Performance
Total revenue decreased by 3% versus 
2017 due a fall in the average price of 
silver.

Outlook
Total silver equivalent production is 
forecast to be 37.0 million silver 
equivalent ounces in 2019 assuming a 
gold/silver conversion ratio of 81x.

Risks
 –  Operational performance and 

precious metal prices.

14

15

16

17

18

Adjusted EBITDA

$268m

329

301

268

136

139

14

15

16

17

18

Links to  
strategy

Definition
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 (income)/expenses.

Links to  
remuneration

 Yes 

Performance
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by  
11% versus 2017 due to a fall in 
revenue and an increase in  
exploration expenses arising  
from the Company’s investment  
in the brownfield exploration 
programme.

Outlook
Adjusted EBITDA result for 2019 will 
depend on precious metal prices  
and cost and expenses performance.

Risks
 – Operational performance and 

precious metal prices. 

Basic earnings per share

Links to  
strategy

$0.05m

(PRE-EXCEPTIONAL)

0.11

0.08

0.05

(0.13)

(0.14)

Definition
The per-share (using the  
weighted average number  
of shares outstanding for the  
period) profit available to equity 
shareholders of the Company from 
continuing operations before 
exceptional items.

Links to  
remuneration

 No 

Performance
Earnings per share decreased  
by 38% due to the decrease in  
EBITDA in addition to an increase  
in foreign exchange losses and the 
income tax expense.

14

15

16

17

18

Dividend per share

¢3.92

3 .92

3 .35

2.76

Nil
14

Nil
15

16

17

18

Links to  
strategy

Definition
The per-share (using the  
weighted average number  
of shares outstanding for the  
period) dividend paid to equity 
shareholders of the Company as 
recommended by the Board.

Links to  
remuneration

 No 

Performance
Dividend per share increased  
by 17%.

Outlook
Pre-exceptional earnings per share will 
depend on EBITDA performance and 
the effective tax rate which may be 
impacted if local currencies including 
the Peruvian sol and Argentinian peso 
continue to depreciate.

Risks
 –  Operational performance, precious 

metal prices, costs, levels of financial 
costs and income tax charge.

Outlook
Dividend per share for 2019 will  
depend on the level of profitability  
of the Company and the available  
uses of cash and is at the discretion  
of the Board.

Risks
 – Company profitability.

Hochschild Mining PLC 
 
 
11

All-in sustaining costs

Links to  
strategy

$12.6oz

$/OZ AG EQUIVALENT

17.4

12.9

11.2

12.3

12.6

Definition
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 
gold/silver ratio of 74:1.

Links to  
remuneration

 Yes 

Performance
All-in sustaining costs for operations 
increased by 2% versus 2017 due to 
increased investment in brownfield 
exploration, a one-off investment at 
San Jose and the switch to the lower 
grade Pablo vein at Pallancata.

Outlook
All-in sustaining cost from  
operations in 2019 is expected to be 
between $960 and $1,000 per gold 
equivalent ounce (or $11.8 and  
$12.3 per silver equivalent ounce).

Risks
 – Operational performance,  

local cost inflation, increases  
in brownfield exploration investment. 

14

15

16

17

18

Total silver cash costs

Links to  
strategy

Links to  
remuneration

 No 

$8.3oz

AG EQUIVALENT

12.1

10.0

8.2

8.8

8.3

Definition
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.

Performance
Total silver cash costs for the 
Company decreased by 6% versus 
2017 due to decreases in unit costs  
at Pallancata and at San Jose due  
to the significant devaluation  
of the Argentinian peso.

Outlook
Cash costs performance in 2019  
is expected to be dependent on 
operational performance, levels  
of local cost inflation and levels  
of local currency devaluation in 
Argentina and Peru.

Risks
 – Operational performance including 
dilution, grade and tonnage control 
and local inflation.

14

15

16

17

18

Non-financial measures

Resource base

1,462

 OZ AG EQUIVALENT

1,462

1,370

1,340

1,250

1,260

14

15

16

17

18

LTIFR

1.74

3.07

2.20

1.85

2.69

1.74

14

15

16

17

18

Accident Severity Index

930

1,264

930

149

14

112

15

138

16

17

18

Links to  
strategy

Links to  
remuneration

 Yes 

Definition
Total attributable silver  
equivalent metal resources as  
at 31 December 2018. Calculated  
as total attributable gold resources 
multiplied by a gold/ silver ratio for 
2018 of 81x, 2015-2018 of 74x and  
60x for 2014 and added to the total 
attributable silver resources.

Performance
Total attributable silver equivalent 
metal resources increased by  
9% in 2018 due to the new inferred 
resources discovered at Inmaculada.

Definition
Number of lost time accidents per 
million labour hours.

Links to  
remuneration

 Yes 

Performance
LTIFR decreased by 35%  
and remains low relative  
to the industry.

Definition
Number of days lost due to workplace 
accidents per million labour hours.

Links to  
remuneration

 Yes 

Performance
The Accident Severity index  
was 930 due to the fatalities  
at Arcata and Pallancata.

Outlook
Resource increases in 2019 will  
depend on the level of ongoing  
success in finding potential resources 
and the ability to turn these resources 
into the inferred and measured and 
indicated categories through drilling.

Risks
–  Implementing and maintaining the 

annual exploration drilling programme 
.

Outlook
The Company has implemented the 
“Hochschild Safety Transformation” 
plan, has rolled out a safety software 
tool “Safety HOC” and has received 
Level 6 safety certification from DNV  
(7th edition).

Risks
 – Health and safety risks.

Outlook
The Company has implemented the 
“Hochschild Safety Transformation” 
plan, has rolled out a safety software 
tool “Safety HOC” and has received 
Level 6 safety certification from DNV 
(7th edition).

Risks
 –  Health and safety risks.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
12

PRODUC TION

  AND GROWTH OPTIONALITY

Acquisitions: opportunities in the Americas

M&A 
STRATEGY

 – Geological potential: More resources than those we are paying for

 –  Early stage: Add value by bringing deposit into production

 – Control: Acquisitions/Joint Ventures

 – Value accretive: 12-15% minimum return on investment

GEOGRAPHIES

DEPOSIT TYPES

COMMODITIES

 Focus on stable jurisdictions in Americas

 Deposit with contained metal 
value greater than $1 billion

Precious metals
 – Primary gold/silver 

Targeting countries with significant 
geological potential
 –  Argentina

 – Ecuador

 –  Canada

 –  Chile

 –  Colombia

 – Mexico

 – Peru

 – USA

 First half of AISC curve

Skarns, epithermal veins  
and porphyries

deposits 

 –  Precious metal 

deposits with base 
metal by-product

Non-precious metals:
 – Leveraging on HOC 
operational skills

 – Deliver diversification 
without diverting from 
our core metal story

Currently evaluating 
opportunities in:
 – Rare earths

 – Cobalt

 – Vanadium

Hochschild Mining PLC 
PRODUC TION

  AND GROWTH OPTIONALITY

13

1.3m oz

DISCOVERED AT INMACULADA IN 2018

Hochschild has delivered a highly successful 
exploration programme at all our assets and there 
remains strong potential to discover more. Our plan 
is to achieve 10 years of life-of-mine in reserves  
and resources by the end of 2021.

Brownfield programme
Optimising our  
world-class assets

Inmaculada 
During 2018, our ambitious 
brownfield programme 
has added significant 
additions to its life-of-mine 
– 1.3m oz gold equivalent 
inferred resources. With 
the next three-year 
brownfield plans in place, 
we have a target of adding 
a further nine years of  
life. Inmaculada is now  
a low cost, long life, 
world-class asset.

Brownfield programme
Our district potential

Pallancata 
In 2019, Hochschild is 
expected to drill in an  
area to the south west  
of Pallancata. Palca and 
Cochaloma are amongst 
the most exciting targets 
in the Company with many 
kilometres of outcropping 
structures indicating high 
potential to discover the 
next major vein district.

Life-of-Mine
(Years)

Delivered in 2018

8.9

18.0

(3.0)

7.1

(1.0)

12.1

6.0

Dec 17

2018 additions
to date

Production

Dec 18

Brownfield plan 
2019-21
(Potential)

Production

Dec 21e

Life-of-Mine
(Years)

9.0

8.7

(3.0)

Pablo Zone delivering
2,800tpd

2.7

0.7

2.7

(0.7)

Dec 17
 (Pablo 
resources)

2018 additions
to date

Production

Dec 18

Brownfield plan 
2019-21
(Potential)

Production

Dec 21e

Greenfield exploration strategy 
Our focus has been on staking 
properties, streamlining our portfolio 
and progressing drill-ready projects. 
We are aiming to:

 – Explore for epithermal veins, high 

sulphidation deposits and intrusive 
related deposits in favourable 
geographies in the Americas

 – Maintain a balanced portfolio of 

advanced/early stage opportunities

 – Maximise chance of success while 
ensuring efficient project execution

 – Play to our competitive advantage

 – Use combination of JVs and private 
placements to lock in project options

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements14

COMMITMENT TO

INNOVAT ION

From utilising machine learning in exploration  
to ore sorting technology, we are dedicated  
to investing in cutting-edge innovation  
throughout the value chain.

Hochschild innovation value chain

  Exploration

  Mine planning

  Mining

  Mineral processing

Goldspot Discoveries:  
Machine learning in 
mineral exploration

Long drills for  
underground exploration

Deswik: Mine planning 
software platform  
specialising in  
underground mining

IoT Mining environment:  
Real time data inside  
the mine

Ore Sorting: Ore and  
waste classification prior  
to the mineral processing

Micro bubbles in cavitation 
system: Increases  
metallurgical recoveries  
by 1-2%

Long drills for underground 
exploration 

 – Underground drilling is a highly  
effective method for identifying  
vertical veins 

 – New technology improves length  
from traditional 50-200m drills  
to 1-2km drills

 – Allows us to potentially cross 

several structures with a single  
drill hole

 – Successful use in Arcata and 

Inmaculada

Goldspot: machine learning to add new exploration ideas

Resource

Validate

Collaborate

Discover

Enhancing the use of  
exploration data: 

Currently, we are working on  
the following projects:

 – Canadian start-up using machine 

learning technology that consolidates 
different geological data to build 
predictive models 

 – Arcata/Ares: 13 targets identified 
and in process of being drilled

 – San Jose: 18 targets identified  
and in process of being drilled

 – Technology is likely to work better  
in data-rich environments such as  
HOC operations

 – Hochschild owns 10% of Goldspot

Hochschild Mining PLCCOMMITMENT TO

INNOVAT ION

15

Deswik software platform  
to optimise mine planning

Example

Sublevel

Ore

Tonnes (t): 236,000
Grade (g/t): 515
Oz Ag Eq: 3,912,000

Sublevel

Ore sorting 

 – Technology used in other industries is 

now being applied to complex minerals 

 – Sorters use optical, XRT and density 

sensors to distinguish ore from waste 

 – Waste material is discarded prior  
to plant processing – reducing  
costs, increasing plant capacity 
and improving treatment grades 

Sublevel

Optimised Stope

Tonnes (t): 253,000
Grade (g/t): 502
Oz Ag Eq: 4,090,000

Feeding of  
unsorted 
material

High-tech sensors  
to identify mineral

High speed processing of information 
(material, shape, size, colour, defect, 
damage and location of objects)

Ore

Waste

Sublevel

 – Technology designs process  
for cutting veins in a way that 
maximises economic return 

 – Calculations involve geometry, 

ounces, grade, dilution and other  
data points-significantly improving  
on more traditional methods 

 – Full implementation in all  

HOC Peruvian mines anticipated 
for July 2019

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements16

PRUDENT

 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Innovation: real time  
cost systems 
Robust cost controls ensure  
productivity and profitability

Innovation: SAP adoption 
 – Early adopter of new version of SAP

 – High impact on performance, security 
and support for business operations

 – Costs updated on a daily basis

 – Improved cybersecurity

 – Interactive platform allows focus on 

 – Better analytic tools for control  

each part of the mining process

and reporting

 – Improves decision making to correct 

 – Faster by 10 times approximately

cost deviation 

 – Efficient tool to control profitability in 

marginal mining areas 

 – Daily cost metrics boost productivity 

throughout the mining process

 – In-house low-cost platform which is 

easy to reprogram for future application

 – Broader connectivity

 – More collaborative platform

 – Better maintenance programming

 – Lower development costs

 – Reimplementation currently being 
designed – company-wide use to  
begin early 2019

Hochschild Mining PLCPRUDENT

 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

17

$240m

DEBT REPAYMENT 2016-2018

$41m

DIVIDENDS TO  
SHAREHOLDERS 2016-2018 

$72m

ALLOCATED TO  
EXPLORATION 2016-2018

Cost control remains a top priority for our  
management and is a key part of the Company’s 
constant focus on the most effective use of our  
resources to generate high returns on investment and 
ensure continuous and sustainable growth. We run  
a conservative balance sheet and our long-standing 
financial relationships also ensure flexibility to invest  
in growth and access further required liquidity.

Cost control 
A history of operational success with cost control  
centre stage.

All-in sustaining costs
$/oz Ag equivalent

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

18.6

17.4

12.9

11.2

12.3

12.6

Strong cash flow generation 
Cash flow generation has remained strong despite low prices.

Hochschild free cash flow 
($m) 

2016-2018:$517m

221

174

122

Average 
realised 
price

Au $/oz

Ag $/oz

2016

1,215

17.0

2017

1,270

16.9

2018

1,268

15.3

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements18

DRIVEN BY RESPON SIBILITY

We’re dedicated to leading by example, 
successfully managing our daily operations 
whilst continually raising standards in 
practices for safety, personal development,  
the environment and local communities.

“Responsible and 
innovative mining 
committed to a  
better world.”

The Hochschild Purpose

Safety 
Our people are our most valuable asset and ensuring their safety is our highest priority

Cultural transformation plan

Better world 

Ultimately, we are delivering 
minerals with transparency 
and a commitment to 
creating a positive  
global impact

Training

System

Communication

Leadership

Safety Progress 2007 – 2018
Industry Safety Frequency Index average 
is 5 for underground operations

Safety Performance 2017 – 2018
High Potential events*

LTIFR

7.6

2007

50

2.69

27

1.74

-77%

1.74

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

* High Potential events are those which have a high probability of becoming an accident with life changing consequences.

Hochschild Mining PLC 
 
DRIVEN BY RESPON SIBILITY

19

Community relations 

We champion several social 
responsibility programmes 
covering education, medical 
care, IT training and promotion 
of local businesses.

Read more page 40 

Main objectives 
Build trust & develop long-term 
relationships with our communities

Ensure purposeful presence  
in the area

Ensure conditions for growth strategy

Initiatives implemented 
Suppliers & employment opportunities

Support education programmes

Provide access to technology

Secure government financing for 
infrastructure projects/services in  
local towns and communities

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements20

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

FIT FOR AN  
EXCITING FUTURE  
OF GROWTH 

“We have recently established  
innovation as an important  
input into our strategy with the 
ultimate aim of working towards 
the ideal Hochschild mine  
of the future.”

Eduardo Hochschild

IN DIVIDENDS PAID SINCE 2016

$41m
92%

INCREASE IN PRODUCTION  
SINCE 2012

Whilst maintaining strict focus on safety 
and environmental performance, a sixth 
year of production growth has been 
complemented by exciting results from 
our brownfield exploration programme 
especially at our flagship lnmaculada 
mine. Significant new veins have been 
discovered at lnmaculada, supporting  
a life-of-mine extension unprecedented 
at Hochschild since the IPO. Such an 
increase allows our employees, 
management and shareholders to plan 
ahead with a higher degree of certainty 
and fundamentally changes how our 
company is perceived. 2018 was also 
marked by the repayment of our senior 
notes, delivering on our commitment to 
prioritise the repayment of debt and 
strengthen our financial position. With 
further solid cashflow and a comfortable 
balance sheet position, the Board is 
pleased to recommend a final dividend  
of 1.959 cents per share ($10 million).

At the operations we delivered record 
output, with a record contribution from 
lnmaculada and a significant increase  
in production from Pallancata. Our cost 
position has remained under control and 
despite a deteriorating price environment 
in the second half of the year, we were  
still able to generate healthy cashflow.

Over the year, we have therefore been 
able to repay a further $198 million in 
debt, including the early redemption of 
our senior bonds in January 2018. This 
bond repayment will allow us to save 
materially on our interest payments going 
forward, giving us added flexibility to 
sustain the commitment to our various 
exploration programmes, execute a 
number of attractive option agreements 
and continue to return capital to our 
shareholders.

Our company is always evolving and  
a commitment to a responsible and 
innovative operational approach has  
to be balanced by a disciplined focus  
on the financial realities of our business. 
Consequently, the decision to place  
our oldest mine, Arcata, on care and 
maintenance following an extensive 
review, has been a difficult one for our 
management but is a necessary result  
of declining silver prices. Exploration is 
expected to continue at the deposit and  
it is to be hoped that higher commodity 
prices or a sufficient improvement  
in geology would justify a restart in  
the future.

Hochschild Mining PLC21

Brownfield Inferred Resources Plan

Brownfield plan: 2016–2021

Achieved 
2016–18

Brownfield plan: 2019–2021

Targets (moz)

Conservative

Base case

Optimistic

Actual

Conservative

Base case

Optimistic

Pallancata

San Jose

Inmaculada

Ares

Total

Arcata

$m

$/Ag Eq oz

56

67

100

21

244

65

110

0.36

98

118

175

36

427

114

165

0.30

141

168

250

51

610

163

220

0.28

27

45

108

0

180

26

42

0.20

60

41

110

21

232

Under review

70

0.30

90

73

160

36 

359

90

0.25

130

123

269

51

573

115

0.20

 – 2019-21 exploration plan considers known targets only

 – Exploration potential at current properties could materially increase ounces target after 2021

Our brownfield programme remains  
the key pillar of our growth strategy  
and excellent progress was made at 
lnmaculada in 2018. Drilling yielded over 
one million gold equivalent ounces of 
inferred resources and also demonstrated 
that this rich district could continue to 
deliver economic resources and therefore 
mine life extensions for many years  
to come. We are confident that the 
momentum can be maintained this year 
at lnmaculada and we can also look 
forward to an exciting drill programme 
scheduled later in the year at Pallancata.

Innovation and technology are critical  
in improving safety, environmental 
performance and optimising our 
operations over time. We have recently 
established innovation as an important 
input into our strategy with the ultimate 
aim of working towards the ideal 
Hochschild mine of the future. During  
the last few years, we have established  
a framework targeted throughout our  
value chain and involving initiatives in 
exploration, mine planning, mining and 
mineral processing as well as key support 
areas. The Board believes that significant 
progress has been made in 2018 in  
such areas as long hole drilling, mine 
planning software and ore sorting  
testing. We believe that by continuing to 
invest in such technology initiatives our 
management can drastically improve  
our business model in the long-term.

Safety
The importance of our people is 
paramount and, therefore, nothing takes 
a higher priority than ensuring their 
safety. Accidents at our mine sites in late 
2017 prompted management to launch  
a Safety Culture Transformation Plan,  
an extensive programme comprising: 
compulsory training on a weekly basis;  
a suite of employee initiatives to promote 
safe working; the implementation  
of risk management systems; and  
a communications campaign. 

Despite these efforts, it is deeply 
regrettable that there were two  
accidents during 2018 which claimed  
the lives of three workers. On behalf of  
the Board, I would like to express our  
deepest condolences to the families  
of the victims involved.

We maintain our focus on safety and  
I am encouraged that the Plan mentioned 
above is delivering improved results.  
In particular, during 2018, the number  
of high potential safety events across  
our operations almost halved and the 
number of lost time safety events fell by 
35% compared to 2017. The management 
team, and indeed the Board, are firm in 
their collective commitment that safety 
will never be compromised at Hochschild 
and that every one of us has a part to 
play in achieving our safety goals.

Environmental Performance
In last year’s statement, I talked of the new 
environmental corporate objective that 
had been launched to measure the 
Group’s performance in this key area. Our 
“ECO” score is calculated using a number 
of performance metrics including water 
and air quality, the results from regulatory 
inspections, water consumption and the 
generation of non-recyclable waste. The 
stretch target score for the year was set 
at 4 (out of 6) and I am delighted that this 
was significantly exceeded by a score of 
5.37, a result that is a testament to our 
people who have risen to the “Green 
Challenge” that was launched in 2017.

Outlook
Although 2018 was a relatively 
disappointing year for precious metal 
prices, the gold price actually held up  
well versus other commodities with the 
background of a weaker US dollar proving 
to be a key influence. Furthermore, whilst 
silver experienced a challenging year, the 
prospects for precious metals in 2019 have 
improved as global financial markets have 
started to experience a period of volatility. 
We are confident that our long-term 
growth strategy based around low cost 
brownfield exploration, low risk greenfield 
exploration, optimisation of our early 
stage projects and a targeted approach 
to strategic alliances will deliver 
shareholder value and attractive capital 
returns for many years to come.

Another record-breaking year of 
production is of course only achievable 
through the efforts of our people. I wish  
to thank them and my fellow Board 
members for their contributions in making 
2018 another successful year. Hochschild 
has come a long way since the IPO in 
2006 and, last year, we held a series of 
discussions surrounding our purpose. It  
is our belief that we have a responsibility 
to lead by example and manage our  
daily operations whilst raising standards 
in employee safety, employee growth, 
environmental practices and the 
development of local communities.  
We will also aim to constantly develop 
better practices through the adoption  
of new technologies that improve our 
business model. In summary, the core 
purpose of Hochschild is to be a 
responsible and innovative mining 
company committed to a better world.

Eduardo Hochschild  
Chairman 
19 February 2019

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements22

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

WE ARE CONFIDENT  
OF OUR ENORMOUS 
POTENTIAL

“We believe that the only  
way to be successful is through 
sustainability, working in 
harmony with the environment 
and with the local communities  
where we operate.”

Ignacio Bustamante

GOLD EQUIVALENT OUNCES PRODUCED IN 2018

527,000
17 new veins

DISCOVERED AT INMACULADA IN 2018

It is not only our responsibility to excel  
in our operations, but to guarantee the 
safety and wellbeing of our people. We 
aim to ensure everyone goes home  
safe and that our people, suppliers, 
communities and shareholders – our 
partners – continue to share in future 
success. We believe that the only way to 
be successful is through sustainability, 
working in harmony with the environment 
and with the local communities where  
we operate. Our approach to business  
is underpinned by a desire to leave a 
sustainable legacy and acknowledging 
that our purpose is to be a responsible 
and innovative mining company 
committed to a better world.

This year also contained operational 
highlights for Hochschild, including a 
material life-of-mine increase achieved  
at the key lnmaculada deposit, further 
substantial debt repayment, and the 
generation of strong optionality in our 
project and acquisition pipeline. Taking 
these into account alongside another 
record production performance, 
continuing strong cost control, robust 
cashflow generation and a record 
environmental performance, I believe 
Hochschild is successfully delivering  
on its long-term strategic goals. 

Our operational results, however, were 
overshadowed by the two fatal accidents 
that claimed the lives of three workers.  
We have redoubled our efforts to 
strengthen our safety culture through  
the implementation of the Safety Culture 
Transformation Plan and we will continue 
to work tirelessly to ensure that we 
achieve our goal of zero fatalities.

Operations
Our operations produced a record 
526,650 gold equivalent ounces 
(39.0 million silver equivalent ounces) in 
2018 which represents a sixth year of 
output increases and improved on our 
original target for the year of 514,000 gold 
equivalent ounces (38.0 million silver 
equivalent ounces). This was delivered at 
an all-in sustaining cost of $12.6 per silver 
equivalent ounce ($931 per gold equivalent 
ounce) which was also within positively 
revised expectations. Unsurprisingly, the 
lnmaculada mine played a key role with  
its own contribution of just over a quarter 
of a million gold equivalent ounces (also  
a record) at $731 per gold equivalent 
ounce. However, we also delivered a 
material increase at Pallancata (up 22%  
to 9.4 million silver equivalent ounces)  
with production from the Pablo vein now 
successfully ramped up. 

Hochschild Mining PLC23

Outlook
We expect attributable production  
in 2019 to be 457,000 gold equivalent 
ounces (37 million silver equivalent 
ounces) assuming the average silver to 
gold ratio of 81:1. This figure now excludes 
Arcata and represents a further 2% 
increase on 2018 (assuming a constant 
gold to silver ratio of 74x) and will be 
driven by: 242,000 gold equivalent ounces 
from lnmaculada; a further increased 
contribution of 10.2 million silver 
equivalent ounces from Pallancata with 
the Pablo vein in full production; and 
7.5 million ounces from the dependable 
San Jose mine. All in sustaining costs for 
operations are expected at between  
$960 to $1,000 per gold equivalent ounce 
($11.8 to $12.3 per silver equivalent ounce). 
This forecast includes a $15 million 
investment at lnmaculada to begin 
development of the resources discovered 
in 2018 and the effect of removing the 
high cost Arcata operation.

The budget for brownfield exploration  
has increased to approximately 
$27 million in 2019 with an additional 
budget of $10 million being assigned to 
greenfield drilling targets in Peru, Canada 
and Chile. We will continue to assess 
early-stage acquisitions as well as 
advancing existing opportunities whilst 
also investing in our innovation 
programme to aid in the delivery of  
upside in our operations and projects.

Although 2019 has started with a small 
rise in precious metal prices, cost control 
will remain a top priority. We look forward 
to further results from our comprehensive 
brownfield drilling programme and, in 
recognition of the success achieved so  
far, I am pleased to announce the 
appointment of Oscar Garcia as Vice-
President of Brownfield Exploration. We 
remain confident that our recent history 
of operational success and low-cost 
growth can be extended well into the 
future. Above all, we are committed to  
a strategy that we believe will achieve  
our purpose to be a responsible and 
innovative mining company committed  
to a better world.

Ignacio Bustamante 
Chief Executive Officer 
19 February 2019

Finally, despite a collapse in the 
Argentinian currency and the resulting 
government re-introduction of export 
taxes, San Jose was a model of 
consistency, producing 13.3 million silver 
equivalent ounces at a cost of $14.5 per 
silver equivalent ounce.

The Arcata mine started operations in 
1964 and has proved to be a resilient 
deposit with volatile historic production 
often reinvigorated by brownfield 
discoveries. In recent years, the operation 
has had to contend with a two-year delay 
in exploration as well as increasingly 
narrow and disseminated vein structures. 
It is a testament to the skill of the 
operational and geological teams that 
production has continued running until 
now with a series of cost efficiencies and 
new discoveries. Indeed, in 2018 the mine 
still managed to produce just over 4 million 
silver equivalent ounces. However, whilst 
exploration during the year proved to be 
encouraging, a significant fall in the silver 
price does not support the operating  
and capital costs needed to sustain 
production and has led management to 
take the difficult decision to place the 
mine on care and maintenance. The focus 
for management going forward remains 
optimising care and maintenance costs 
whilst minimising inevitable job losses  
and providing support to those affected 
by the decision. However, there remains 
considerable optionality in the area 
surrounding Arcata. This includes the 
Azuca project, the newly optioned 
Condor deposit and additional brownfield 
potential close to current operations  
that could lead to a future restart of the 
processing plant or indeed the mine itself.

Exploration
Hochschild’s brownfield exploration 
programme has started to gain real 
momentum with the highlight of 2018 
undoubtedly being the first campaign  
at lnmaculada. The Company has been 
drilling an area to the south east of the 
original Angela vein and has confirmed 
the presence of a considerable number  
of structures, all in close proximity to the 
current mine infrastructure. In the year  
as a whole, approximately 1.3 million  
gold equivalent ounces (95 million silver 
equivalent ounces) of inferred resources 
have been added, a highly encouraging 
result which confirms the strong potential 
in this district and establishes a long life 
for the lnmaculada operation. In 2019,  
the team will continue with campaigns 
scheduled to the north and west of the 
Angela vein. We can also look forward to  
a Q2/Q3 start for an exciting set of drill 
targets to the south of Pallancata at 
Cochaloma and Palco whilst at San Jose 
exploration will continue in the area 
surrounding the mine as well as further 
investigation of the Aguas Vivas deposit 
to the north west.

Business Development
The Company’s growth strategy has been 
augmented in 2018 by a series of business 
development initiatives which we believe 
will create valuable optionality for the 
Company. The aim has been to maintain 
a balanced portfolio of advanced and 
early stage opportunities using a mix of 
greenfield drilling and project options  
with the focus on stable jurisdictions in 
the Americas. We have signed several 
agreements including exploration 
initiatives with Skeena Resources Ltd of 
Canada for their Snip mine, with Mirasol 
Resources Ltd in Chile for their Indra and 
Agni projects, and with a private owner  
for the Condor deposit, which is located 
close to Arcata in our Southern Peru 
Cluster. In addition to this dynamic 
greenfield strategy, we are also aiming to 
optimise the ounces we already have in 
the portfolio at our Volcan, Azuca and  
Crespo projects with further brownfield 
exploration and by applying the 
knowledge we have gained through  
our innovation programme.

Financial position
Our balance sheet remains in a strong 
position with the repayment of our bonds 
in January 2018 and the refinancing of  
a portion of that debt at attractive  
rates. Furthermore, despite deteriorating 
precious metal prices in the second half  
of the year, cashflow from operations 
remained robust with our net debt 
position falling to $77.4 million (31 
December 2017: $102.8 million). Overall,  
the Company repaid approximately 
$198 million in 2018.

Financial results
The average gold price received in  
2018 was flat versus the previous year  
but this was offset by a 9% fall in the  
silver price received and therefore despite 
record production once again, revenue 
fell by a modest 3% to $704 million 
(2017: $723 million). The operational  
all-in sustaining cost of $12.6 per silver 
equivalent ounce (2017: $12.3 per ounce) 
was in line with positively revised 
forecasts and reflected an increased 
investment in brownfield exploration as 
well as one-off hydraulic backfill project 
costs at San Jose, offset by a fall in unit 
costs in Argentina due to the significant 
devaluation of the Peso. This resulted  
in adjusted EBITDA of $268 million 
(2017: $301 million). Finally, adjusted 
earnings per share was lower at $0.05  
per share (2017: $0.08 per share) with  
the elevated tax charge and foreign 
exchange loss resulting from the above-
mentioned devaluation offsetting the 
effects of the reduction in interest costs.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements24

OPERATING REVIEW

WORLD-CLASS 
PRODUCTION GROWTH  
IN THE AMERICAS

Production
In 2018, Hochschild exceeded its revised  
full year production guidance of 38.5 million silver 
ounces equivalent ounces (520,000 gold equivalent 
ounces). Production was a record 39.0 million silver 
equivalent ounces (526,650 gold equivalent ounces) 
comprising 260,436 ounces of gold and 19.7 million 
ounces of silver. This was mostly due to a record 
year at Inmaculada as well as higher production 
from Pallancata. The overall attributable production 
target for 2019 is 457,000 gold equivalent ounces  
or 37.0 million silver equivalent ounces.

457,000

AU EQ OZ TARGET FOR 2019

$960-1,000/oz (Au Eq)

2019 AISC TARGET

Costs
All-in sustaining cost from operations  
in 2018 was $931 per gold equivalent 
ounce or $12.6 per silver equivalent ounce 
(2017: $910 per gold equivalent ounce  
or $12.3 per silver equivalent ounce), 
improving on the positively revised 
guidance of between $12.7 and $13.1 per 
silver equivalent ounce. This was driven  
by Inmaculada’s competitive $731 per 
gold equivalent ounce (2017: $721 per 
ounce) in addition to a better result  
from Pallancata ($12.1 per silver  
equivalent ounce). Please see page 35  
of the Financial Review for further  
details on costs. 

The all-in sustaining cost from  
operations in 2019 is expected to be 
between $960 and $1,000 per gold 
equivalent ounce (or $11.8 and $12.3 per 
silver equivalent ounce) which excludes 
Arcata, which is being placed on care  
and maintenance, and includes an 
investment of $15 million in development 
costs to incorporate the newly  
discovered resources at Inmaculada.

2017/2018 equivalent figures calculated using the previous Company gold/silver ratio of 74x. All 2019 forecasts assume the average gold/silver ratio of 81x.

Hochschild Mining PLC25

Total group production

Silver production (koz)

Gold production (koz)

Total silver equivalent (koz)

Total gold equivalent (koz)

Silver sold (koz)

Gold sold (koz)

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

22,720

307.77

45,495

614.80

22,687

304.51

22,301

304.16

44,809

605.52

22,295

300.21

Total production includes 100% of all production, including production attributable  
to Hochschild’s minority shareholder at San Jose.

Main Peruvian operating sites

Pallancata

Inmaculada

Arcata

Attributable group production

Silver production (koz) 

Gold production (koz) 

Silver equivalent (koz)

Gold equivalent (koz)

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

19,700

260.44

38,972

526.65

19,141

254.93

38,006

513.60

Attributable production includes 100% of all production from Arcata, Inmaculada,  
Pallancata and 51% from San Jose.

2019 Production forecast split

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose (100%)

Total

2019 AISC forecast split

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Gold 
production 
(oz approx)

Silver 
production 
(m oz approx)

170,000

30,000

103,000

303,000

5.8

7.8

6.4

19.9

AISC  
($/oz)

790-830 Au Eq

13.5-14.0 Ag Eq

13.5-14.0 Ag Eq

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements26

OPERATING REVIEW  
CONTINUED

Case study

EXCELLENCE 

 AT INMACULADA

Our flagship asset, the Inmaculada 
mine, delivered record production 
in 2018, is in the first quartile of  
the gold cost curve and generates 
74% of Hochschild’s attributable 
cash flow.

GOLD EQUIVALENT OUNCES PRODUCED IN 2018

251,090
1.3m oz

ADDED TO INFERRED RESOURCES IN 2018

 – Located in Ayacucho close to 

Pallancata mine

 – Construction and ramp-up in  

record time

 – World class fully automated operation

 – Significant 2018 additions followed  

by further geological upside

 – Great regional geological potential

 – New resources could be materially 

improved using the Ore Sorting process

Hochschild Mining PLC27

Inmaculada Production History 

Significance of Inmaculada

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019e

 112.4

Production

47%

23%

15%

12%

 229.0

EBITDA

 239.5

65%

Free cashflow

 251.1

74%

 241.6

21%

14%

16%

10%

Gold

Silver

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Arcata

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements28

OPERATING REVIEW  
CONTINUED

INMACULADA  
PERU

The 100% owned Inmaculada gold/silver 
underground operation is located in the 
Department of Ayacucho in southern Peru.  
It commenced operations in June 2015.

Summary

Ore production (tonnes)

Average silver grade (g/t)

Average gold grade (g/t)

Silver produced (koz)

Gold produced (koz) 

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

Gold equivalent produced (koz)

Silver sold (koz)

Gold sold (koz)

Unit cost ($/t) 

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

1,323,525

1,295,701

150

4.36

5,690

 174.20 

18,581

251.09

5,676

172.40

84.7

481

731

145

4.15

5,506

 165.07 

17,721

239.48

5,498

162.32

85.4

486

721

% change

2

3

5

3

6

5

5

3

6

(1)

(1) 

1

Production
In 2018, Inmaculada delivered 
record gold equivalent  
production of 251,090 ounces,  
a 5% improvement on 2017 
(2017: 239,479 ounces) driven 
mainly by better than  
expected grades and  
production efficiencies.

Costs
All-in sustaining costs were in line  
with expectations at $731 per gold 
equivalent ounce (2017: $721 per ounce). 
Despite unit cost per tonne falling 
moderately versus 2017, the all-in 
sustaining figure rose slightly due to  
an increase in capitalised exploration 
expenses to incorporate resources  
from the new veins discovered in 2018. 

AISC

$731/oz Au Eq
251koz Au Eq

PRODUCTION

Hochschild Mining PLCPALLANCATA 
PERU

The 100% owned Pallancata silver/gold  
property is located in the Department of 
Ayacucho in southern Peru. Pallancata 
commenced production in 2007. Ore from 
Pallancata is transported 22 kilometres to  
the Selene plant for processing.

Summary

Ore production (tonnes)

Average silver grade (g/t)

Average gold grade (g/t)

Silver produced (koz) 

Gold produced (koz) 

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

Gold equivalent produced (koz)

Silver sold (koz)

Gold sold (koz)

Unit cost ($/t) 

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq)

Production
Pallancata’s full year  
production result was 9.4 million 
silver equivalent ounces, a  
22% improvement versus 2017 
(2017: 7.7 million ounces). The 
increase was driven by the 
incorporation of the new Pablo 
vein in the second half of the  
year with tonnage increasing  
and grades reducing in line  
with expectations. In addition,  
average grades from the mix  
of material from Pablo, mine 
developments and ancillary  
veins was better than planned  
in the first half of the year.

Costs
All-in sustaining costs were better than 
guidance at $12.1 per silver equivalent 
ounce (2017: $10.7 per ounce), mainly  
due to higher grades from the mix  
of material from the Pablo vein, 
developments and ancillary veins in  
the first half of the year. The AISC figure 
increased versus 2017, as expected, in  
line with the ramp up of the wider, but 
lower-grade Pablo vein.

29

Year ended 
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

717,652

470,903

362

1.30

7,449

26.40

9,403

127.07

7,439

26.23

93.6

8.1

12.1

442

1.78

5,956

23.47

7,693

103.95

5,940

23.29

101.5

7.8

10.7

% change

52

(18)

(27)

25

12

22

22

25

13

(8)

4

13

AISC

$12.1/oz Ag Eq
9.4moz Ag Eq

PRODUCTION

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements30

OPERATING REVIEW  
CONTINUED

SAN JOSE  
ARGENTINA

The San Jose silver/gold mine is located in Argentina, in 
the province of Santa Cruz, 1,750 kilometres south west of 
Buenos Aires. San Jose commenced production in 2007. 
Hochschild holds a controlling interest of 51% in the mine 
and is the mine operator. The remaining 49% is owned  
by the minority interest, McEwen Mining Inc.

Summary

Ore production (tonnes)

Average silver grade (g/t)

Average gold grade (g/t)

Silver produced (koz) 

Gold produced (koz) 

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

Gold equivalent produced (koz)

Silver sold (koz)

Gold sold (koz)

Unit cost ($/t) 

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq)

Production
In 2018, San Jose produced 
13.3 million silver equivalent 
ounces (2017: 13.9 million ounces), 
a 4% reduction versus 2017 due  
to lower-grades partially offset  
by an increase in tonnage.

Costs
All-in sustaining costs were $14.5 per  
silver equivalent ounce (2017: $14.0 per 
ounce) with the small increase versus last 
year due to lower grades, the hydraulic 
backfill project which was completed in 
the third quarter and the reintroduction  
of export taxes in September 2018.  
These factors were partially offset by the  
strong devaluation of the Argentinian 
peso during the year (102%).

On 4 September 2018, the Argentinian 
Government issued an Executive Order 
establishing a temporary export tax  
over all goods exported from Argentina, 
applicable from 4 September 2018 to  
31 December 2020. The rate that applies 
for San Jose’s production is AR$3 per  
US dollar exported.

Year ended 
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

556,185

532,676

397

6.20

6,165

96.59

13,313

179.90

6,175

95.95

218.6

10.1

14.5

436

6.71

6,448

100.47

13,883

187.60

6,501

99.63

240.1

10.5

14.0

% change

4

(9)

(8)

(4)

(4)

(4)

(4)

(5)

(4)

(9)

(4)

4

AISC

$14.5/oz Ag Eq
13.3moz Ag Eq

PRODUCTION

Hochschild Mining PLCARCATA  
PERU

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

Summary

Ore production (tonnes)

Average silver grade (g/t)

Average gold grade (g/t)

Silver produced (koz) 

Gold produced (koz) 

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

Gold equivalent produced (koz)

Silver sold (koz)

Gold sold (koz)

Unit cost ($/t) 

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz Ag Eq)

Production
Production for the year was 
4.2 million silver equivalent  
ounces (2017: 5.5 million ounces),  
a result in line with expectations 
and reflecting significantly 
reduced tonnage.

On 13 February 2019, Hochschild 
announced the decision to  
place the mine on care and 
maintenance due to the  
volatile silver price and  
current geological conditions.

Costs
Arcata’s full year all-in sustaining cost 
was $19.6 per silver equivalent ounce 
(2017: $18.4 per ounce) with the rise 
resulting from reduced tonnage and 
investments to find additional resources. 
Sustaining and development expenditure 
from 2018 has been expensed due to the 
decision to place the mine on care and 
maintenance. Please see the Financial 
Review on page 35 for further details.

31

Year ended 
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

373,106

499,385

321

0.99

3,416

10.57

4,199

56.74

3,397

9.93

167.7

16.9

19.6

308

1.07

4,391

15.15

5,512

74.49

4,357

14.96

124.8

14.5

18.4

% change

(25)

4

(7)

(22)

(30)

(24)

(24)

(22)

(34)

34

17

7

AISC

$19.6/oz Ag Eq
4.2moz Ag Eq

PRODUCTION

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements32

OPERATING REVIEW  
CONTINUED

EXPLORATION

Inmaculada
In 2018, Hochschild continued the comprehensive surface  
drilling programme begun in November 2017 with the campaign 
focusing on the area to the east of the Angela vein. 9,300m 
of drilling for potential and 65,600m of resource drilling was 
executed during the year. 17 veins were discovered with the  
result that 1.3 million gold equivalent ounces or 95 million silver 
equivalent ounces have been added to the inferred resource 
base at Inmaculada. All veins are close to the existing 
Inmaculada infrastructure with good widths and therefore 
represent significant low-cost additions to the future 
Inmaculada mine plan. Please see the 2018 Resources  
table on page 165 for further details.

Key intercepts from the campaign are listed below:

Vein

Millet

Vero

Divina

Lola 

Lizina

Results

MIL-17-008: 5.1m @ 1.8g/t Au & 72g/t Ag
MIL-17-010: 9.9m @ 2.0g/t Au & 61g/t Ag
MIL-18-013: 5.0m @ 6.7g/t Au & 43g/t Ag
MIL-18-014: 14.3m @ 4.0g/t Au & 205g/t Ag
MIL-18-015: 8.0m @ 1.3g/t Au & 75g/t Ag
MIL-18-015: 3.1m @ 2.0g/t Au & 127g/t Ag
MIL-18-018: 7.8m @ 2.6g/t Au & 37g/t Ag
MIL-18-018: 4.2m @ 3.9g/t Au & 27g/t Ag
MIL-18-019: 7.7m @ 1.8g/t Au & 78g/t Ag
MIL-18-019: 3.8m @ 3.2g/t Au & 108g/t Ag
MIL-18-024: 7.0m @ 2.4g/t Au & 135g/t Ag
MIL-18-028: 3.1m @ 1.8g/t Au & 64g/t Ag
MIL-18-029: 3.9m @ 1.8g/t Au & 121g/t Ag
MIL-18-030: 4.8m @ 1.7g/t Au & 80g/t Ag

MIL-17-010: 9.3m @ 3.3g/t Au & 24g/t Ag

LOL-18-003: 12.0m @ 6.2g/t Au & 46g/t Ag
LOL-18-004: 3.0m @ 3.7g/t Au & 23g/t Ag
LOL-18-005: 2.2m @ 4.2g/t Au & 5g/t Ag
LOL-18-006: 7.0m @ 2.3g/t Au & 28g/t Ag
LOL-18-008: 3.7m @ 2.2g/t Au & 66g/t Ag
LOL-18-010: 3.8m @ 2.3g/t Au & 53g/t Ag
LOL-18-014: 2.9m @ 1.9g/t Au & 256g/t Ag
LOL-18-014: 8.7m @ 1.3g/t Au & 93g/t Ag
LOL-18-014: 9.3m @ 3.1g/t Au & 258g/t Ag

LOL-18-005: 0.8m @ 5.1g/t Au & 356g/t Ag
LOL-18-006: 3.3m @ 1.8g/t Au & 55g/t Ag
LOL-18-008: 4.0m @ 4.1g/t Au & 82g/t Ag

LOL-18-006: 6.2m @ 2.9g/t Au & 16g/t Ag
LOL-18-011: 1.0m @ 8.6g/t Au & 135g/t Ag

Olinda

LOL-18-001: 2.2m @ 2.7g/t Au & 225g/t Ag

Pallancata
Much of the focus for 2018 was on securing exploration permits 
for 2019 campaigns at Pablo Sur, Palca and Cochaloma. 
However, approximately 1,100m of potential underground drilling 
was carried out in Pablo Sur structure to test for a possible 
extension to the original Pallancata vein, whilst ore control 
drilling at the Cinthia vein in Ranichico and in Pablo Piso in the 
fourth quarter added additional resources.

Vein

Pablo

Cinthia

Results

DLEP-A38: 8.7m @ 3.6g/t Au & 1,105g/t Ag
DLEP-A39: 8.4m @ 1.0g/t Au & 327g/t Ag 

DLCN-A01: 0.9m @ 2.7/t Au & 412g/t Ag
DLCN-A02: 1.0m @ 2.6/t Au & 355g/t Ag

As mentioned above, the 2019 campaign will concentrate on 
drilling for potential in the Pablo Sur, Palca and Cochaloma 
structures with over 30,000 metres currently scheduled to  
be carried out and expected to commence in Q2/Q3 2019.

San Jose
At San Jose, inferred resources were added from a drilling 
campaign close to the mine infrastructure in the south from  
the Ayelen S.E., Molle, Maia and Guadalupe veins although  
the winter weather did disrupt progress towards the middle  
of the year. 

Once the weather improved in the third quarter, the programme 
recommenced with reverse circulation drilling in the Saavedra 
zone to the south of the mine as well as long drill holes from the 
mine to look for potential east-west structures. In addition, a 
potential drilling campaign to the north west to test the 
polymetallic structure at the Aguas Vivas zone was also  
carried out. Overall, approximately 16,000m of potential  
drilling and 6,000m of resource drilling was completed in 2018.

Selected results are provided below:

Vein

Results

Ayelen S.E. 
extension

SJD-1708: 2.4m @ 8.7g/t Au & 652g/t Ag
SJD-1711: 4.9m @ 6.7g/t Au & 151g/t Ag

Odin

Molle

S.Odin

SJM-351: 1.1m @ 5.6g/t Au & 739g/t Ag

SJM-351: 2.6m @ 1.6g/t Au & 320g/t Ag

SJD-1737: 2.4m @ 6.8g/t Au & 778g/t Ag

Guadalupe

SJD-1737: 1.5m @ 5.4g/t Au & 525g/t Ag
SJD-1725: 2.8m @ 6.0g/t Au & 13g/t Ag

Veronica

MIL-18-028: 3.5m @ 2.0g/t Au & 91g/t Ag

Aguas Vivas

Lourdes 
tensional 

MIS-18-008: 4.2m @ 2.8g/t Au & 66g/t Ag
MIS-18-010: 1.5m @ 2.2g/t Au & 218g/t Ag

Rosa

Keyla

Bety

LOL-18-036: 1.3m @ 2.1g/t Au & 59g/t Ag 
LOL-18-039: 4.0m @ 1.8g/t Au & 271g/t Ag

BEL-18-003: 1.9m @ 5.6g/t Au & 286g/t Ag
BEL-18-007: 2.9m @ 2.8g/t Au & 183g/t Ag
BEL-18-008: 1.0m @ 2.5g/t Au & 235g/t Ag
BEL-18-014: 1.0m @ 2.0g/t Au & 177g/t Ag
BEL-18-015: 3.2m @ 4.6g/t Au & 239g/t Ag
BEL-18-019: 1.0m @ 4.1g/t Au & 49g/t Ag

BEL-18-001: 2.8m @ 14.5g/t Au & 1,453g/t Ag
BEL-18-004: 2.9m @ 15.2g/t Au & 1,381g/t Ag
BEL-18-012: 6.4m @ 2.1g/t Au & 107g/t Ag
BEL-18-013: 2.6m @ 1.9g/t Au & 82g/t Ag

Thalia tensional  BEL-18-018: 3.5m @ 6.8g/t Au & 146g/t Ag

In 2019, a 38,000m drilling programme is planned to find 
potential resources to the east of the Angela vein and also  
to the west. In addition, the campaign will look to test the 
continuity of the Angela vein to the north.

SJD-1703: 0.4m @ 0.3g/t Au, 7g/t Ag, 1.3% Pb & 2.8% Zn
SJD-1704: 1.4m @ 0.5g/t Au, 32g/t Ag, 2.5% Pb & 1.6% Zn
SJD-1704: 0.6m @ 3.4g/t Au, 14g/t Ag, 1.0% Pb & 0.6% Zn
SJD-1704: 1.2m @ 2.3g/t Au, 13g/t Ag, 0.2% Pb & 0.3% Zn
SJD-1705: 0.4m @ 0.2g/t Au, 3g/t Ag, 1.8% Pb & 3.5% Zn 
SJD-1705: 0.3m @ 0.3g/t Au, 12g/t Ag, 1.6% Pb & 1.7% Zn
SJD-1851: 2.7m @ 0.3g/t Au, 44g/t Ag, 1.2% Cu, 4.6% Pb & 
6.4% Zn
SJD-1853: 0.7m @ 0.1g/t Au, 149g/t Ag, 2.6% Cu, 8.2% Pb & 
6.4% Zn
SJD-1854: 0.8m @ 0.2g/t Au, 64g/t Ag, 1.2% Cu, 1.0% Pb & 
0.3% Zn
SJD-1855: 0.5m @ 4.0g/t Au, 5g/t Ag, 0.7% Pb & 2.4% Zn
SJD-1857: 0.6m @ 1.6g/t Au, 18g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 2.7% Pb & 
2.2% Zn
SJD-1858: 0.6m @ 0.4g/t Au, 48g/t Ag, 1.0% Cu, 0.2% Pb & 
0.1% Zn

The 2019 programme will focus on further potential drilling at 
Aguas Vivas as well as an underground long-hole drilling 
campaign to the south of the current mining area.

Hochschild Mining PLC33

Greenfield and business development
Hochschild’s strategy with regards to its greenfield exploration 
programme has been to maintain and drill a balanced portfolio 
of early-stage to advanced opportunities using a combination 
of earn-in joint ventures, private placements with junior 
exploration companies and the staking of properties. This 
strategy is being executed throughout the Americas with 
opportunities currently being reviewed in Peru, Chile, the US  
and Canada.

During 2018, a number of projects were drilled including Loro in 
Chile belonging to Revelo Resources Corp, Moho and Redlitch in 
Nevada belonging to KA Gold and Fresia in Peru which is 100% 
owned by Hochschild. There were no significant results to report 
and therefore, with the exception of Fresia, these options have 
not been taken up.

To date, options have been secured on properties across the 
Americas including: the Snip mine in Canada owned by Skeena 
Resources; the Cobalt project in Canada owned by Cobalt 
Power Group; the Agni and Indra projects in Chile owned by 
Mirasol Resources; and the Ferguson Mountain and Mars 
projects in Nevada owned by Renaissance Gold. In addition,  
the Company has also secured an option on the Condor project 
located in Arequipa (Peru) close to the Arcata operation. The 
deposit currently hosts a small private mine and has significant 
under-explored concessions with 40km of veins already 
identified. Drilling is expected to commence in 2019.

In 2019, a $10 million budget has been assigned and work will 
continue on the above-mentioned projects as well superficial 
geological work and applications for access rights on a number 
of Peruvian projects. 

Arcata
At Arcata, an underground drilling programme for the year has 
been focused on areas close to the existing mine infrastructure 
with potential to be rapidly incorporated into the short-term 
Arcata mine plan. Just under 28,000 metres of resource drilling 
was carried out in the 1st and 4th quadrants targeting the Ruby, 
Cristina, Rosalia, Pablito East, Vein X, Frida, Pamela New, Cristina 
and Rosalia veins, whilst almost 15,000 metres of potential drilling 
was executed in the Tunel 4, Barbara, Tres Reyes, Silvia Yoselin, 
Pamela New, Soledad and Anomaly North structures. 

Selected intercepts are shown below:

Vein

Cristina

Results

DDH-267-ST-18: 1.1m @ 1.3g/t Au & 454g/t Ag
DDH-286-EX-18: 4.4m @ 0.4g/t Au & 145g/t Ag
DDH-308-EX-18: 2.2m @ 2.6g/t Au & 1,089g/t Ag

Cristina Techo DDH-279-ST-18: 1.0m @ 2.0g/t Au & 547g/t Ag

Frida

Pablito

Pamela W

Pamela New

Rosalita

Ruby 2

Vein X

Elena

Alexia

Diana

Paloma

Yoselin

DDH-267-ST-18: 1.2m @ 0.9g/t Au & 300g/t Ag
DDH-279-ST-18: 1.7m @ 3.6g/t Au & 1,461g/t Ag
DDH-302-DI-18: 1.1m @ 0.6g/t Au & 338g/t Ag

DDH-239-DI-18: 1.0m @ 2.4g/t Au & 819g/t Ag
DDH-267-ST-18: 1.2m @ 3.6g/t Au & 1,535g/t Ag
DDH-279-ST-18: 1.4m @ 6.9g/t Au & 2,852g/t Ag

DDH-301-EX-18: 1.3m @ 2.5g/t Au & 446g/t Ag
DDH-311-EX-18: 1.2m @ 1.6g/t Au & 193g/t Ag
DDH-286-EX-18: 2.4m @ 5.1g/t Au & 402g/t Ag

DDH-305-ST-18: 2.2m @ 2.7g/t Au & 758g/t Ag
DDH-329-VE-18: 1.0m @ 0.6g/t Au & 320g/t Ag
DDH-332-VE-18: 1.1m @ 0.9g/t Au & 282g/t Ag
DDH-301-EX-18: 1.8m @ 0.9g/t Au & 264g/t Ag
DDH-342-VE-18: 1.0m @ 3.4g/t Au & 2,019g/t Ag

DDH-300-EX-18: 1.0m @ 2.1g/t Au & 908g/t Ag
DDH-290-EX-18: 1.1m @ 0.9g/t Au & 254g/t Ag
DDH-339-DI-18: 2.4m @ 2.2g/t Au & 1,504g/t Ag

DDH-217-DI-18: 1.2m @ 0.7g/t Au & 236g/t Ag
DDH-231-DI-18: 1.2m @ 0.7g/t Au & 317g/t Ag
DDH-248-DI-18: 1.0m @ 2.3g/t Au & 1,003g/t Ag
DDH-276-DI-18: 1.2m @ 1.4g/t Au & 547g/t Ag

DDH-255-DI-18: 3.2m @ 1.3g/t Au & 447g/t Ag
DDH-285-ST-18: 3.0m @ 1.9g/t Au & 2,714g/t Ag

DDH-269-ST-18: 1.0m @ 1.2g/t Au & 584g/t Ag
DDH-339-DI-18: 1.0m @ 5.5g/t Au & 2,175g/t Ag

DDH-318-EX-18: 1.3m @ 3.3g/t Au & 563g/t Ag
DDH-337-DE-18: 1.1m @ 5.3g/t Au & 356g/t Ag
DDH-344-DI-18: 2.5m @ 2.0g/t Au & 238g/t Ag

DDH-350-DI-18: 2.2m @ 1.4g/t Au & 648g/t Ag

DDH-342-VE-18: 2.2m @ 1.7g/t Au & 468g/t Ag

DDH-353-JK-18: 1.3m @ 4.6g/t Au & 2,109g/t Ag

NW System 1

DDH-355-JK-18: 2.0m @ 2.0g/t Au & 778g/t Ag

NW System 2

DDH-355-JK-18: 1.0m @ 1.9g/t Au & 534g/t Ag

Soledad NW

DDH-354-ST-18: 0.8m @ 6.8g/t Au & 1,204g/t Ag
DDH-595-S-18: 0.8m @ 1.1g/t Au & 288g/t Ag

The current programme continues into 2019 with an 8,000m 
underground and surface drilling programme to further 
evaluate the new Quadrant 4 area as well as potential shallower 
mineralisation at the Alexia, Marion and Mariana veins.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements34

FINANCIAL REVIEW

STRONG FINANCIAL 
PERFORMANCE AND 
CASH GENERATION

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. 

$704.3m

REVENUE
(2017: $722.6m)

$268.0m

ADJUSTED EBITDA
(2017: $300.8m)

$54.7m

PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX
(2017: $66.8m)

$0.05

ADJUSTED BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
(2017: $0.08)

Revenue
Gross revenue
Gross revenue from continuing operations decreased by 3%  
to $733.3 million in 2018 (2017: $759.1 million) due to a fall in the 
average silver price received offsetting small rises in ounces  
sold of both gold and silver in line with increased production.1

Gold
Gross revenue from gold in 2018 increased slightly to 
$386.2 million (2017: $381.3 million) due to a small increase in  
the total amount of gold ounces sold in 2018. This resulted from 
increases at the Inmaculada and Pallancata mines offsetting  
a fall in gold sales from the Arcata mine.

Silver
Gross revenue fell in 2018 to $347.0 million (2017: $377.8 million) 
mainly due to a 9% decline in the average silver price received. 
This was partially offset by a small increase in the total amount 
of silver ounces sold to 22,687 koz (2017: 22,295 koz) resulting  
from the rise in silver production at Pallancata. 

Gross average realised sales prices 
The following table provides figures for average realised prices 
(before the deduction of commercial discounts) and ounces sold 
for 2018 and 2017:

Average realised prices 

Silver ounces sold (koz) 

Avg. realised silver price ($/oz)

Gold ounces sold (koz)

Avg. realised gold price ($/oz)

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

22,687

15.3

304.51

1,268

22,295

16.9

300.21

1,270

Commercial discounts
Commercial discounts refer to refinery treatment charges, 
refining fees and payable deductions for processing 
concentrate, and are deducted 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 
2018, the Group recorded commercial discounts of $29.4 million 
(2017: $36.9 million) with the decrease explained by the lower 
production from the concentrate-only Arcata mine. The ratio of 
commercial discounts to gross revenue in 2018 was 4% (2017: 5%).

Net revenue2
Net revenue was $704.3 million (2017 $722.6 million), comprising 
net gold revenue of $378.8 million (2017: $372.3 million) and net 
silver revenue of $325.1 million (2017: $349.8 million). In 2018,  
gold accounted for 54% and silver 46% of the Company’s 
consolidated net revenue (2017: gold 52% and silver 48%).

Includes revenue from services.

1 
2   Included within revenue is a loss of US$5,646,000, comprising net gold loss of 

US$1,088,000 and net silver loss of US$4,558,000, relating to provisional pricing 
adjustments arising on sales of concentrates and dore (2017: included within 
revenue is a gain of US$2,578,000 relating to provisional pricing adjustments 
representing the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives).

Hochschild Mining PLC35

Unit cost per tonne 
The Company reported unit cost per tonne at its operations of 
$121.1 per tonne in 2018, a 3% decrease versus 2017 ($125.0 per 
tonne) due to increased mined tonnage at Pallancata and the 
depreciation of the Argentine peso offsetting the decline in 
tonnage at Arcata and inflation in Argentina.

Unit cost per tonne by operation (including royalties)6:

Operating unit ($/
tonne)

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

% change

Peru

Arcata

Inmaculada

Pallancata

Argentina

San Jose 

Total 

99.7

167.7

84.7

93.6

218.6

121.1

97.7

124.8

85.4

101.5

240.1

125.0

2

34

(1)

(8)

(9)

(3)

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

Cash cost reconciliation7:
$000 unless  
otherwise indicated

Group cash cost

(+) Cost of sales

(-) Depreciation and 
amortisation in cost of sales

(+) Selling expenses

(+) Commercial deductions8 

Gold

Silver

Revenue

Gold

Silver

Others

Ounces sold

Gold

Silver

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
 31 Dec 2017 % change

409,719

531,788

403,552

549,049

(164,819)

(196,150)

10,068

32,682

7,558

25,124

704,290

378,849

325,056

385

304.5

22,687

724

8.3

195

1.0

11,024

39,629

9,256

30,373

722,572

372,315

349,842

415

300.2

22,295

693

8.8

78

1.0

2

(3)

(16)

(9)

(18)

(18)

(17)

(3)

2

(7)

(7)

1

2

4

(5)

151

4

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.

Revenue by mine3

$000

Silver revenue

Arcata

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Commercial discounts

Net silver revenue

Gold revenue

Arcata 

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Commercial discounts

Net gold revenue

Other revenue

Net revenue4 

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
 31 Dec 2017 % change

52,292

86,810

113,108

94,804

(21,958)

325,056

12,573

219,293

33,176

121,202

(7,395)

378,849

385

704,290

74,452

91,943

100,285

111,088

(27,926)

349,842

19,183

204,651

29,877

127,602

(8,998)

372,315

415

722,572

(30)

(6)

13

(15)

(21)

(7)

(34)

7

11

(5)

(18)

2

(7)

(3)

Costs
Total cost of sales was $531.8 million in 2018 (2017: $549.0 million). 
The direct production cost excluding depreciation was higher  
at $363.9 million (2017: $345.4 million) mainly due to higher 
production volumes at Inmaculada and also at Pallancata due 
to the ramp up of the Pablo vein and the reclassification of 
logistics costs of $6.1 million from selling expenses to production 
costs as a consequence of adopting IFRS 15 Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers5. This was partially offset by  
costs savings at San Jose due to the high Argentinian peso 
devaluation. Depreciation in production cost decreased to 
$164.2 million (2017: $196.2 million) due to the increased mine  
life at Inmaculada resulting from the strong inferred resource 
additions. Other items, which principally includes personnel-
related provisions and stoppage costs (at San Jose), declined  
to $1.1 million in 2018 (2017: $3.2 million). Change in inventories  
was $2.5 million in 2018 (2017: $4.1 million) due to a slight rise in 
products in process.

$000

Direct production  
cost excluding 
depreciation 

Depreciation in 
production cost

Other items

Change in inventories

Cost of sales

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

% change

363,922

345,436

5

Co product Au

Group cash cost ($/oz)

164,244

196,241

1,141

2,481

3,241

4,131

531,788

549,049

(16)

(65)

(40)

(3)

Co product Ag

By product Au

By product Ag

3   Reconciliation of gross revenue by mine to Group net revenue.
4   Included within revenue is a transaction price of US$5,485,000 related to the shipping services provided by the Group to customers arising on the sale of concentrates 

(US$3,965,000, Gold: US$1,806,000, Silver: US$2,159,000) and dore (US$1,520,000, Gold: 856,000, Silver: US$664,000). 

5  Following the options provided by IFRS 15, this reclassification has not been applied to 2017 figures and therefore affects comparability.
6  Unit cost per tonne is calculated by dividing mine and treatment production costs (excluding depreciation) by extracted and treated tonnage respectively.
7  Cash costs are calculated to include cost of sales, treatment charges, and selling expenses before exceptional items less depreciation included in cost of sales. 
8  Includes commercial discounts (from the sales of concentrate) and commercial discounts from the sale of dore.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
36

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
CONTINUED

All-in sustaining cost reconciliation
Year ended 31 Dec 2018

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Arcata Inmaculada Pallancata

San Jose

Main
operations

Corporate
& others

(+)  Production cost excluding depreciation

62,559

114,291

68,907

118,165

363,922

Total

363,922

1,141

–

–

(+)  Other items in cost of sales

(+)  Operating and exploration capex for units

(+)  Brownfield exploration expenses 

(+)  Administrative expenses (excl depreciation)

(+)  Royalties and special mining tax9

–

526

9,024

 651 

–

–

–

1,141

1,141

57,678

28,939

42,849

129,992

634

130,626

1,732

 3,516 

 3,113 

2,162

 1,560 

 1,381 

4,224

6,952

17,142

3,563

20,705

 12,679 

 31,618 

44,297

–

4,494 

2,746

7,240

Sub-total

Au ounces produced

Ag ounces produced (000s)

Ounces produced (Ag Eq 000s oz)

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

(+)  Commercial deductions

(+)  Selling expenses

Sub-total

Au ounces sold

Ag ounces sold (000s)

Ounces sold (Ag Eq 000s oz)

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Ag Eq)

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Au Eq)10

72,760

180,330

102,949

173,331

529,370

38,561

567,931

10,575

174.,199

26,399

96,595

307,768

3,416

4,199

 17.3 

8,273

999

9,272

9,926

3,397

5,690

18,581

7,499

9,403

6,165

22,720

13,313

45,495

 9.7 

 10.9 

 13.0 

 11.6 

2,788

344

3,132

10,441

728

11,180

7,997

32,682

10,068

11,169

19,177

42,750

172,395

26,234

96,595

304,505

5,676

7,439

6,175

22,687

 4,132 

18,433 

9,380 

13,275

45,220 

 2.2 

19.6

1,448

 0.2 

9.9

731

 1.2 

12.1

898

 1.4 

14.5

1,071

 0.9 

12.6

931

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 – 

–

307,768

22,720

45,495

 12.5 

32,682

10,068

42,750

304,505

22,687

45,220

 0.9 

13.4

994

9  Royalties arising from revised royalty tax schemes introduced in 2011 and included in income tax line.
10 Calculated using a gold to silver ratio of 74:1.

Hochschild Mining PLCYear ended 31 Dec 2017

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Arcata Inmaculada Pallancata

San Jose

Main
operations

Corporate
& others

(+)  Production cost excluding depreciation

62,340

109,005

46,874

127,217

345,436

(+)  Other items in cost of sales

(+)  Operating and exploration capex for units

(+)  Brownfield exploration expenses 

(+)  Administrative expenses (excl depreciation)

–

17,557

3,029

880 

(+)  Royalties and special mining tax

–

 2,987 

–

1,461

1,780

3,241

52,903

19,186

33,998

123,644

453

124,097

1,127

3,351 

1,279

1,362 

1,214 

3,407

8,701

8,842

4,041 

12,883

14,294 

 35,425 

49,719

–

 4,201 

2,229

6,430

Sub-total

Au ounces produced

83,806

169,373

71,376

175,103

499,658

42,148

541,806

15,146

165,074

23,471

100,474

304,165

Ag ounces produced (000s)

 4,391 

 5,506 

 5,956 

 6,448 

22,301

Ounces produced (Ag Eq 000s oz)

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

(+)  Commercial deductions

(+)  Selling expenses

Sub-total

Au ounces sold

Ag ounces sold (000s)

Ounces sold (Ag Eq 000s oz)

Sub-total ($/oz Ag Eq)

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Ag Eq)

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Au Eq)

5,512

 15.2 

15,695

1,931

17,721

 9.6 

2,134

1,118

7,693

13,883

44,809

 9.3 

 12.6 

 11.2 

9,633

1,298

12,167

6,677

39,629

11,024

17,626

3,252

10,931

18,844

50,653

14,963

162,323

23,287

99,634

300,207

 4,357 

 5,498 

 5,940 

 6,501 

22,296

 5,464 

 17,510 

 7,663 

13,874

 44,511 

 3.2

18.4

1,362

0.2

9.7

721

 1.4 

10.7

792

1.4

14.0

1,036

1.1

12.3

910

37

Total

345,436

3,241

–

–

–

–

–

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

304,165

22,301

44,809

 12.1 

39,629

11,024

50,653

300,207

22,296

44,511

1.1

13.2

977

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements38

FINANCIAL REVIEW 
CONTINUED

Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses before exceptional items decreased  
by 11% to $45.8 million (2017: $51.3 million) primarily due to a 
decrease in personnel expenses.

Exploration expenses
In 2018, exploration expenses increased to $34.4 million 
(2017: $17.2 million) in line with the overall rise in the Company’s 
investment in brownfield and greenfield exploration. 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 categories. In 2018, 
the Company capitalised $9.2 million relating to brownfield 
exploration compared to $2.3 million in 2017, bringing the total 
investment in exploration for 2018 to $43.6 million 
(2017: $19.5 million). 

Selling expenses
Selling expenses decreased by 9% versus 2017 to $10.1 million 
(2017: 11.0 million) due to the reclassification of logistics costs of 
$6.1 million to cost of sales as a consequence of adopting IFRS 15 
(Revenue from Contracts with Customers). This was offset by the 
reintroduction of export taxes in Argentina from September 2018 
($5.1 million) and moderately higher expenses in line with higher 
sales volumes.

Other income/expenses
Other income before exceptional items was lower at $8.1 million 
(2017: $10.2 million) with 2017 income including a one-off gain 
from the sale of mining rights in Peru for $1.5 million. 

Other expenses before exceptional items were higher at 
$17.1 million (2017: $11.5 million) mainly due to uncollected 
receivables from Republic Metals Corp of $4.9 million.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 11% to $268.0 million 
(2017: $300.8 million) primarily due to the fall in the average silver 
price received, the reintroduction of export taxes in Argentina  
in September 2018 and uncollected receivables from Republic 
Metals Corp of $4.9 million. These were partially offset by cost 
savings at San Jose due to the Argentinian peso devaluation.

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

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
 31 Dec 2017 % change

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

Depreciation and 
amortisation in cost of sales

Depreciation and 
amortisation in  
administrative expenses

Exploration expenses

Personnel and other 
exploration related fixed 
expenses

72,804

92,255

(21)

164,819

196,150

1,486

34,381

1,564

17,199

(5,916)

(5,395)

(16)

(5)

100

10

(57)

(11)

Other non-cash income, net11 

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA margin

(436)

268,010

38%

(1,023)

300,750

42%

Finance income 
Finance income before exceptional items of $2.0 million 
decreased from 2017 ($5.9 million) primarily due to the impact  
of one-off gains in 2017 from the discount of tax credits in 
Argentina ($1.9 million) and the sale of shares in Mariana 
Resources ($1.4 million).

Finance costs
Finance costs before exceptional items decreased from 
$26.1 million in 2017 to $11.2 million in 2018, principally due to the 
reduction in the interest rate from 7.75% (Senior Notes) to an 
average of 2.48% (medium-term) resulting from the repayment 
of the Company’s Senior Notes. In addition, gross debt was 
reduced from $353.8 million ($294.8 million of Senior Notes and 
$59.0 million of short-term debt) to $156.0 million (comprising 
medium-term loan facility of $50.0 million and short-term debt 
of $106.0 million).

Foreign exchange (losses)/gains
The Group recognised a foreign exchange loss of $8.9 million 
(2017: $5.3 million loss) as a result of exposures in currencies 
other than the functional currency – primarily the Argentinean 
peso which significantly depreciated in 2018 but also the 
Peruvian sol which also fell moderately.

Income tax
The Company’s pre-exceptional income tax charge was 
$36.5 million (2017: $13.5 million). The 2018 charge includes the 
negative impact of converting local currency tax basis at a 
higher FX rate in Argentina and Peru thus reducing future tax 
shields in dollar terms. The total effective rate before royalties, 
the Special Mining Tax and the FX impact was 31%, in line with 
the average statutory rates. The royalties and Special Mining Tax 
resulted in a charge of $7.2 million, increasing the rate by 10% 
whilst the impact of local currency devaluation was $12.6 million, 
increasing the rate further by 26%. Accordingly, the final effective 
tax rate was 67%.

Exceptional items 
Exceptional items in 2018 totalled an $11.5 million loss after tax 
(2017: $0.5 million gain after tax). Exceptional items principally 
included the payment of the premium of $11.4 million to redeem 
early the Senior Notes and the reversal of capitalised Senior 
Notes issuance costs of $4.9 million.

In addition to these items, the exceptional tax effect was a 
$4.8 million tax gain (2017: $3.3 million tax charge). 

Cash flow and balance sheet review  
Cash flow

$000

Net cash generated from 
operating activities

Net cash used in investing 
activities

Cash flows used in financing 
activities

Net increase in cash and cash 
equivalents during the period

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
 31 Dec 2017

Change

185,942

233,919

(47,977)

(129,981)

(121,054)

(8,927)

(228,300)

4,919

(233,219)

(172,339)

117,784

(290,123)

11   Adjusted EBITDA has been presented before the effect of significant non-cash (income)/expenses related to changes in mine closure provisions and the write-off  

of property, plant and equipment

Hochschild Mining PLC39

Capital expenditure13

$000

Arcata

Pallancata

San Jose

Inmaculada

Operations

Other

Total

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

526

28,939

44,632

57,678

131,775

2,630

134,405

17,557

19,186

36,288

52,903

125,934

2,614

128,548

2018 capital expenditure of $134.4 million (2017: $128.5 million) 
mainly comprised of operational capex of $131.8 million 
(2017: $125.9 million) with the small increase versus 2017 comprising 
increases in capital expenditure at Inmaculada (capitalised 
exploration and mine development), Pallancata (development of 
the Pablo vein) and San Jose (the hydraulic backfill project) 
partially offset by the significant decrease at Arcata where 
capital expenditure for the year has been expensed.

Net cash generated from operating activities decreased from 
$233.9 million in 2017 to $185.9 million in 2018 mainly due to lower 
EBITDA of $268.0 million (2017: $ 300.8 million) and higher 
exploration expenses of $34.4 million (2017: $17.2 million).

Net cash used in investing activities increased to $130.0 million in 
2018 from $121.1 million in 2017 mainly due to the construction of 
the hydraulic backfill plant in Argentina, the development of the 
Pablo vein at Pallancata and higher capitalised exploration.

Cash used in financing activities increased to $228.3 million used 
from a $4.9 million inflow in 2017, primarily due the repayment  
of the Company’s Senior Notes ($294.8 million) and $3.0 million 
of short-term debt in Argentina. This was partially offset by  
new short-term loans of $100.0 million raised to repurchase the 
Senior Notes. In addition, $20 million of dividends were paid to 
Hochschild Mining plc shareholders and $10.3 million to  
McEwen Mining. 

Working capital

$000

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Other financial assets/(liability)

Income tax receivable/(payable)

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Working capital

Year ended  
31 Dec 2018

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017

84,187

58,035

47

17,462

(126,262)

(97,793)

(64,324)

88,553

56,678

2,591

15,442

(117,860)

(110,310)

(64,906)

The Group’s working capital position increased modestly by 
$0.6 million from $(64.9) million to $(64.3) million in 2018. The key 
drivers of the increase were: higher inventories of $1.4 million 
mainly due to an increase in stockpiles at the Peruvian 
operations; a decrease in provisions of $12.5 million mainly due to 
mine closure disbursements and a lower bonus provision; and an 
increase in income tax receivables of $2.0 million. These effects 
were partially offset by: lower trade and other receivables of 
$(4.4) million mainly in San Jose resulting from an improvement 
in commercial terms; an increase in trade and other payables of 
$(8.4) million in line with higher costs and capex; and a reduction 
in other financial assets of $(2.5) million resulting from the 
embedded derivative associated with provisional pricing  
within sales.

Net debt

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Cash and cash equivalents

Long term borrowings

Short term borrowings12

Net debt

As at 
31 December 
2018

As at 
31 December 
2017

79,704

(50,000)

(107,067)

(77,363)

256,988

(291,955)

(67,863)

(102,830)

The Group’s reported net debt position was $77.4 million as at  
31 December 2018 (31 December 2017: $102.8 million). In the first 
quarter of 2018, the Company repurchased its Senior Notes 
($294.8 million) and raised $150 million in loans to finance the 
repurchase. This consisted of a short-term loan with Nova Scotia 
Bank of $50.0 million and a medium-term loan with Nova  
Scotia Bank and Citibank of $100.0 million. During the year, the 
Company repaid $50 million of the medium-term facility and 
refinanced the $100 million of short-term loans. In addition, 
short-term debt in Argentina was reduced by $3.0 million.

12 Includes pre-shipment loans and short-term interest payables
13  Includes additions in property, plant and equipment and evaluation and exploration assets (confirmation of resources) and excludes increases in the expected closure 

costs of mine asset

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements40

SUSTAINABILITY

OUR SUCCESS  
BRINGS 
RESPONSIBILITY

Hochschild is defined by its approach to responsible  
and innovative mining committed to a better world.

and a perception study that was 
commissioned through an external firm. 
Further details on these initiatives, as well 
as those of our Argentinian operation, can 
be found in this report and on our website. 

98%

WORKFORCE TRAINED
(2017: 81%)

$8.3m*

AMOUNT SPENT OR DONATED TO  
BENEFIT LOCAL COMMUNITIES 
(2017: $5.9m*)

*  restated to also include community/social  
donations made at a corporate level.

Our environment
With regards to our environmental 
performance, I am delighted to report on 
the success of the second consecutive 
year of the use of the Environmental 
Corporate Objective (‘ECO’). The ECO 
score for the year, which is explained in the 
Environment section of the Report, was 
higher than the most stretching target 
approved by the Board, demonstrating  
an environmentally conscious approach 
across the organisation. The ECO  
score was incorporated as one of the  
corporate objectives and therefore  
eligible employees will, justifiably, see 
some recognition for this impressive 
achievement. For further details, please 
see the final page of this report.

Tailings Facilities
Finally, in light of recent events in Brazil 
and similar events over the past three 
years, I would like to address the issue  
of the Group’s tailings storage facilities. 
Firstly, I would like to reiterate that the 
safety of these structures is something 
that the Company takes seriously. The 
Committee considered the status of 
these facilities in the early part of this  
year and we were reassured that they  
are designed in a way that provides  
more structural resilience than those  
that have been the subject of recent 
press coverage. The Company has 
carried out third-party audits and 
internally-led inspections of its facilities 
and has designed an enhanced 
programme of monitoring going forward. 

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

Graham Birch 
Chairman 
Corporate Social  
Responsibility Committee

I am pleased to report on the Company’s 
progress in 2018 on sustainability which 
forms the foundation of Hochschild 
Mining’s business.

Dear Shareholder
A record year of production underlines 
the Group’s operational performance 
during the year and in this part of the 
Annual Report we provide an overview  
of the Group’s progress in its areas of 
focus with regards to sustainability.

It is with deep regret that there were three 
fatalities during the year and I would like 
to reiterate the Board’s condolences to 
the families of those involved. The 
members of the CSR Committee, indeed 
the full Board are committed to doing all 
we can to minimise all accidents across 
our operations. The Safety Culture 
Transformation Plan, which commenced 
in 2017, was designed and implemented 
with this aim in mind. This wide-ranging 
programme covers a number of aspects 
of safety management, further details of 
which are provided in the Safety section 
of this report. We are encouraged that the 
Plan is having its desired impact with a 
46% reduction in high potential events 
and a 35% reduction in the accident 
frequency index, when compared to 2017. 

Our communities 
In 2018, our focus Education, Health and 
Socio-Economic Development continued. 
We also took steps to review and revise 
our community engagement strategy 
which is targeting, to a greater degree, 
the needs of those people who live close 
to our operations. This is being facilitated 
through a number of means and not least 
a technology partnership with Mandu 

Hochschild Mining PLCGovernance of Corporate Social 
Responsibility (‘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:

 – a safe and healthy workplace;

 – managing and minimising the 

environmental impact of our operations; 

 – encouraging sustainability by  

respecting the communities of the 
localities in which we operate; and

 – all in compliance with applicable laws, 
regulations and the Company’s own 
standards.

41

For further information on how  
we prioritise our resources and the 
Committee’s terms of reference,  
please visit www.hochschildmining.com/ 
en/sustainability. 

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 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, 
Graham Birch has Board level 
responsibility for sustainability issues to 
whom the Vice President of Operations 
and the Vice President of Legal and 
Corporate Affairs report for sustainability 
issues. From 1 January 2019, the Vice 
President of Human Relations also  
reports to Mr Birch who is the nominated 
Board member overseeing employee 
engagement.

The CSR Committee’s work in 2018
During the year, the CSR Committee:

 – considered the investigations into the 

fatal accidents during the year and the 
steps to be taken to further strengthen 
the Group’s safety culture; 

 – monitored the execution of the yearly 
plan in each of the four key areas of 
focus including detailed reports on 
safety performance;

 – considered the priorities of the 
environmental team and their  
work plan;

 – considered a detailed presentation on 
the Group’s community engagement 
strategy, including the findings of a 
perception study (see the Community 
Relations section for more information); 

 – reviewed the environmental and 

community relations related risks and 
related work plans; and

 – approved the 2017 Sustainability 
Report for inclusion in the 2017 
Annual Report.

Given the exposure of the Group’s strategy 
to Sustainability Risks (comprising Health  
& Safety, Community Relations and 
Environmental risks), the full Board received 
regular presentations on how such risks are 
managed. Furthermore, the Board received 
presentations from management on the 
accidents that resulted in the fatalities 
during the year. Additional details of these 
accidents can be found in the Safety 
section of this report.

Reporting of targets and indicators
As part of the Company’s ongoing 
strategy to make more information 
available online, detailed sustainability 
related performance indicators as well  
as targets for 2019 are available on the 
Company’s website.

Our areas of focus

Safety

Read more  
p42 

Health & 
Hygiene
Read more  
p44 

Our  
people
Read more  
p45 

Our  
communities
Read more  
p46 

Environmental  
management
Read more  
p48 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements42

SUSTAINABILITY 
CONTINUED

SAFETY

Our people are our most valuable asset 
and their safety is paramount.

2018 Highlights

 – Continued implementation of the 

Safety Culture Transformation Plan 
(see bottom right for further details)

 – All safety management systems at 
operating units achieved Level six 
re-certification by Det Norske 
Veritas GL

The Hochschild approach  
to safety

Given the inherently high risk profile  
of mining, safety is always our highest 
priority. Ensuring the safety of our 
employees is a key metric for our 
corporate success.

Our achievements in 2018
 – 46% reduction in the number of 
High Potential Events vs 2017

 – 35% reduction in the accident 

frequency index

 – Successfully achieving 100% coverage 
of portable carbon monoxide detectors 
(making Hochschild one of only a few 
underground mining companies in the 
world to have done so); and

 – Restructuring the emergency response 

teams; resulting in operating 
efficiencies.

Accidents in 2018
It is with regret that there were two fatal 
accidents in 2018 which resulted in three 
fatalities. In this section of the report, we 
have summarised the details of each 
incident and the remedial actions taken.

March 2018: Arcata
Overview: In the process of recovering a 
tool which had dropped by the entrance 
of a shaft, a mineworker disengaged a 
safety mechanism and lost his balance 
which resulted in a fall from height.

The investigation resulted in a number  
of actions being taken, including:

 – refocussing training to highlight the 
need for constant risk assessments;

 – reviewed procedures with regards to 

replacement equipment; and

 – the re-design of supply shafts.

May 2018: Pallancata
Overview: Two members of the electrical 
maintenance team attempted to access 
a work area through a route which had 
been cordoned off and were overcome  
by carbon monoxide fumes.

The resulting investigation prompted  
the following actions (among others):

 – instigating inspections and procedural 

changes to reinforce the need for 
self-rescue equipment to be carried;

 – revising operating procedures to render 

access to cordoned-off areas more 
difficult; and

 – a tailored communications plan.

Behaviour Based Safety Checklists
A process of reviewing the Group’s 
safety checklists was undertaken in 
2018 which involved the conscious 
move of the design of checklists 
from the corporate centre to the 
operations. This prompted the 
participation by middle 
management (comprising mining 
engineers, safety engineers, process 
engineers and environmental 
engineers) in discussions and 
analyses of workplace safety over 
c.600 man hours. This ensured that 
the checklists, which are used to 
record observations at surface-level 
and underground operations, are 
relevant and targeted.

The checklists have been positively 
received and will be incorporated 
into a mobile app in 2019.

Hochschild Mining PLC43

Safety Action Plan
A programme comprising short-term and 
longer-term actions, to be implemented 
over three years, was put in place in 2017 
and which we progressed during 2018.

Immediate Action Plan
 – Messaging from senior management  
on the non-negotiable zero tolerance  
to accidents (see left)

 – Safety top management  

leadership meetings

 – World-renowned consultancy, DuPont, 

were engaged to conduct a safety 
culture assessment with the 
participation of 750 employees

 – Increased safety supervision 

implemented

 – Clinical psychologists recruited  

at all sites

 – Re-allocation of work between 

employees on the basis that ‘expert 
workers are safer workers’

2018 Training Update
The implementation of a two-year 
training programme for emergency 
brigades commenced during the 
year with the support of a third-
party consultant. The programme, 
which focuses on rescue methods 
and the use of equipment in 
confined spaces, is provided on a 
rotational basis across all Peruvian 
operations. New fire pumps and 
emergency trucks have been 
delivered from the US for fitting out 
and use in 2019.

Safety Action video

Long-term Action Plan: The Safety 
Culture Transformation Plan 

H I P

S

R

E

D

LE A

C

O

M

M

U

N

I

C

A

T

I

O

N

HOC PLAN

T

R

A

I

N

I

N

G

T E M

S

Y

S

Mines’ Annual Training 
Programme
 – Redesigned structure and 
content of weekly training 
sessions. Training sessions 
for mine workers comprise 
three modules of c. five 
hours per week in the areas 
of practical safe working, use 
of technology and safety 
leadership

Safety Plan communications 
support
 – Activities detailed herein, 

together with safety 
achievements and risks 
communicated to all 
individuals through a 
corporate communication 
plan

Risk Management  
System (RMS)
 – Hochschild RMS upgraded to 
latest DNV version 7.0 ISRS 
(International Safety 
Regulations System)

 – External audit, by DNV, of 
RMS across all operations 
completed in mid-February

 – Review of all HOC protocols 
and procedures in process 
for completion by the end  
of 2018

Leadership Programme
 – New safety committee  

with senior management 
involvement in the review of 
potential high impact events

 – Coaching programme for 
operations management 
team led by DuPont

 – 10-month leadership 
programme for mine 
supervisors

 – Independent safety 

promoters have been  
hired at all mines

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements44

SUSTAINABILITY 
CONTINUED

HEALTH & 
HYGIENE 

The work of Health & Hygiene is to provide  
an integrated approach to employee welfare

2018 Highlights

 – Increased provision of psychological 

support as part of the Safety  
Culture Transformation Plan

 – Full implementation of  

industrial hygiene standards at  
the San Jose operation

 – Development and implementation  
of new occupational safety and 
wellbeing software 

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 is focused on ensuring 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 through 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

 – Contributing to the continuous 
improvement in the Group’s  
Health & Safety culture

 – Developing leaders dedicated to 
prioritising the wellbeing of their  
teams and maintaining high levels of 
occupational health and hygiene 
standards

Supporting Mineworkers’ families
The Health & Hygiene team held events in 
Arequipa aimed at providing mineworkers’ 
families with support and advice.

The sessions provided families with the 
opportunity to share their experiences. 
Medically trained staff gave presentations 
with advice on dealing with the pressures 
of shift-working on family life.

Our achievements in 2018
The Health team, in collaboration with 
other departments, including the  
Safety team, continued to go beyond  
its traditional area of prevention and 
sought to influence the way that 
employees approach their tasks.

During the year
 – senior members of the team 

participated in discussions with respect 
to new legal requirements and provided 
training to team members;

 – a comprehensive programme aimed at 
minimising and eventually eradicating 
exposure to harmful levels of noise was 
implemented during the year. This was 
achieved through the procurement of 
specialist monitoring equipment to 
gauge the level of exposure, workers  
at all units underwent medical 
examinations and informational 
material highlighting the risks and 
encouraging the use of protective 
equipment was prepared  
and distributed.

Hochschild Mining PLC45

OUR  
PEOPLE 

Hochschild can only succeed through a sustained programme 
of investing in its people and their development

The Hochschild approach  
to our people

Training and development
The quality of our people is key to the 
success of the business. Thus, the ability 
for the Group to attract and retain high 
quality personnel is imperative. The 
Human Resources team seeks to achieve 
this goal by providing competitive 
remuneration, a positive working 
environment and continuous opportunities 
for professional development.

Group values, labour relations  
and human rights
Amongst the primary responsibilities of 
the Human Resources team is the clear 
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 undertakings to treat all employees 
fairly and to respect 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 58% 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 the members  
of our local communities.

58%

OF OUR TOTAL WORKFORCE IS REPRESENTED  
BY A TRADE UNION OR SIMILAR BODY

62.4%

EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION 
COMPARED TO 57.4% IN 2017

People indicators

Gender diversity statistics 1

2018

2017

2016

2015

Number of employees

Male

Female

Number of senior managers 2

Male

Female

Number of Board members

Male

Female

3,894

245

3,849 

235

3,859 

222 

3,492 

237 

37

1

7

1

36

1

7

1

35

1

8

1

34

2

8

0

1  As at 31 December.
2  Defined as those who qualify under the UK statutory definition of ‘senior manager’ as at 31 December.

Activities in 2018
The people-focused initiatives during  
the year included the following:

Putting Safety First
As part of the Safety Culture 
Transformation Plan, a three-year 
leadership programme focused on 
promoting our safety culture was 
launched. This programme encourages 
participation across all levels at the 
mining units and administrative offices. 
Strategic development plans have been 
designed and implemented for those  
in critical roles across the business.

Keeping our talent
The People Review process was 
undertaken which maps talent within  
the organisation and identifies key 
positions and succession plans.

Enhancing the Working Environment
The Group continues to make use of an 
Organisational Climate Survey which has 
been widely acknowledged as a key tool 
to measure levels of satisfaction amongst 
employees and to identify opportunities 
for further development. Employee 
satisfaction in 2018 was registered at 
62.4%, compared to 57.4% in 2017. Based 
on survey results and employee feedback, 
some improvements that have been 
implemented in the mining units include:

 – Change in the transportation provider 

for mining staff;

 – Continuous soft skills training for mine 

workers (known as “Day 8 training”); and

 – Improved feedback and communication 

sessions between workers and 
managers.

We have continued to review our offering 
of non-financial benefits which has 
resulted in flexible working hours for head 
office staff in the summer, and the holding 
of regular social events.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements46

SUSTAINABILITY 
CONTINUED

WORKING WITH  
OUR COMMUNITIES

Hochschild’s commitment to its local communities  
is an acknowledgement of our social licence

2018 Highlights

 – Reviewed and updated strategies  

for Community Relations and  
social support

 – Strengthened educational support 

for our local communities 

 – Launched and successfully 

implemented a new community-
relations tracking software  
(see right box for further details)

Our view of working with  
our communities

Through a long-standing collaboration,  
we have tailored our approach so that we 
interact with each community by 
respecting their customs and social 
dynamics. By doing so, the Community 
Relations team can focus on prioritising 
their specific needs and hence the Group’s 
efforts and its intervention strategies.

Our achievements in 2018
In 2018, we focused our efforts on 
re-evaluating our understanding about 
our relationships with the communities 
that surround Hochschild’s mining 
operations by commissioning a consulting 
firm to carry out community-wide surveys 
and focus groups. The findings in this 
survey have informed our approach and 
social investment strategies to be better 
aligned with each of our mining units’ 
unique communities.

In addition, we have continued to pursue 
programmes in the following areas:

Education
Elementary education
Contributing to the education of 
community members living close to our 
operations has been an established part 
of our social support. Each year we 
evaluate programmes and direct our 
efforts at those where we maximise value 
for students, teachers and parents.

In 2018, we maintained our vision of the 
education of the future, and how to best 
support our communities on getting there. 
We provided intelligent classrooms to 314 
students and 37 teachers in 12 schools 
located across our sphere of influence. 
Intelligent classrooms include a computer 
equipped with digital academic resources 
to support teaching, and a projector for 
teacher and student use. Additionally, we 
support teachers with academic 
specialists who train them on the use of 
information technologies and on how to 
incorporate them into class sessions.

Secondary education
Hochschild supports programmes that 
promote personal development and basic 
economic/business awareness to equip 
those in secondary education for their 
early adult lives.

Over the course of 2018, we have 
collaborated with over 500 secondary 
students and almost 100 teachers across 
seven educational establishments.

Digital inclusion
We have promoted IT literacy through the 
ongoing support of four digital centres 
supporting 484 participants in urban 
areas close to our operations. These 
digital centres comprise computer 
laboratories and Hochschild-hired ICT 
specialists who provide training and 
technical support for the local population. 
We provide training in the form of 
two-year technical courses open to the 
whole community. This initiative has been 
made possible through a partnership with 
Cisco and the technical institute, Tecsup.

Hochschild Mining PLC47

Argentina
In conjunction with its joint venture 
partner, the Group has also promoted  
a number of initiatives at the San Jose 
operation in Argentina. These have 
included scholarship opportunities, 
technical training and subsequent 
employment of students from the  
town of Perito Moreno, located near  
the mine, and support of local cultural  
causes, such as infrastructure 
improvements to the local museum  
and municipality, as well as the  
hosting of recreational activities.

Katari Case Study
Hochschild, in partnership with 
Mandu, a technology company, 
designed a software programme 
that assists the Community 
Relations team to document their 
interactions with communities and 
their needs. The system will enhance 
the way the Group engages with its 
communities, making it more 
responsive and to monitor the 
fulfilment of its commitments

Health
Medico de Cabecera (the Travelling 
Doctor programme)
With the Travelling Doctor Programme, 
trained field doctors serve our most 
remote communities in a mobile medical 
unit. This programme is highly valued  
by both the young and old as it brings  
health coverage to areas that local  
state services do not reach. In 2018 the 
programme facilitated over 9,000 
attendances.

Socio-economic development
Business networks
This programme, originally established in 
2013 with only 25 participants, has seen 
an impressive level of growth in the past 
few years with over 350 participants in 
2018. The project was originally set up  
with community members living close to 
the Inmaculada mine who today have 
become suppliers to the mine’s catering 
contractors.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements48

SUSTAINABILITY 
CONTINUED

MANAGING OUR 
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Hochschild seeks to be an industry leader, sourcing minerals 
with the smallest footprint possible and enhancing the 
environmental sustainability of its operations.

2018 Highlights

 – Exceeding ECO Score target  

for second year in a row

 – Continued focus on water 

management and treatment 
across all operations

Our achievements in 2018
 – 2018 ECO score of 5.37 out of 6 points, 
exceeding the performance target set 
for 2018 of 4.0. The best individual result 
was obtained by Pallancata, with 5.88 
points out of 6 and the most 
improvement year-on-year was 
obtained by Arcata, going from 5.25 in 
2017 to 5.63 in 2018.

 – Secured environmental permits for 101 
exploration platforms and necessary 
permits to sustain operations.

 – On-going closure of mine components, 

in line with the mine closure plans.

The Hochschild approach to 
environmental management

Hochschild Mining is committed to being 
a leading global mining company in 
environmental performance, sourcing 
minerals with the smallest environmental 
footprint possible.

Hochschild 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 
and the Company operates a policy of 
progressively closing historic mine 
components.

The Company has over 100 workers 
dedicated exclusively to environmental 
management, of which 75 are members  
of the communities living within close 
proximity of the Company´s operations 
(also called the “areas of direct influence”).

Hochschild Mining PLC49

Environmental Policy
In order to achieve the Company’s 
environmental mission, the Environmental 
team is committed to:

Greenhouse gas emissions data 1  
(tonnes of CO2e)

Emissions from combustion of fuel  
and operation of facilities (tCO2e)

2018 2

2017 2

2016 2

2015

38,941

47,265

46,033

46,790

 – ensuring compliance with all legal and 
environmental regulations in place;

 – setting an annual environmental 

performance goal for all Company 
employees;

 – requiring an efficient use of resources, 

aiming for savings by implementing the 
best industrial and mining practices, 
modern technologies and solid 
procedures for environmental 
management and control;

 – requiring all Company employees to 
adopt an environmentally conscious 
culture;

 – providing all Company employees with 

the necessary resources and training to 
take environmentally appropriate 
decisions;

 – promoting innovative and forward 
thinking in the development and 
execution of new concepts and  
designs related to environmental 
management; and

 – requiring those who perform activities 

for the Company to abide by the 
Corporate Environmental Policy.

Environmental Corporate Objective 
(‘ECO’ score)
Since 2014, Hochschild Mining has 
endeavoured to comply with the highest 
environmental and social standards in  
the mining industry. A part of this effort 
involved analysing available data to 
develop a tool that allowed the Company 
to measure and manage its footprint and 
identify behaviours which require 
improvement.

As result of this effort, in 2015 the 
Company began designing and testing, 
over a two-year period, an Environmental 
Corporate Objective, known as the “ECO 
Score”. After this initial period, the most 
significant and representative 
performance indicators were chosen.  
The ECO Score was officially launched  
in 2017.

Emissions from purchased electricity (tCO2e)

90,602

94,249

91,893

78,163

Emissions intensity, per thousand ounces of 
total silver equivalent produced (CO2e/k oz)3

3,662

4,051

4,235

5,531

 Method used based on ISO 14064-1 Standard and GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. 

1 
2   Includes data for the whole year for Ares, Arcata, Selene, Pallancata, Inmaculada, San Jose and office locations.
3   Total production includes 100% of all production, including that attributable to the joint venture partner at San Jose.

Performance Data
In launching the ECO Score, the  
Company has taken a significant step in 
strengthening its environmental culture 
by aligning the financial interests of its 
employees with the Company’s 
environmental mission.

Since its creation, the ECO Score has 
generated positive results within the 
Company, such as a 44% reduction in 
water consumption per worker, a 41% 
reduction in the generation of waste per 
worker and a tripling in the proportion of 
waste recycled.

As a Corporate Objective, the ECO  
Score is placed on the same footing as 
production, financial and safety 
objectives which are used to determine 
employee bonuses. In this way, each 
employee is held accountable and 
cooperates to achieve the established 
environmental objectives.

The ECO score is calculated by 
monitoring performance at two levels: at 
each mining operation and, overall for the 
entire Group using a range of KPIs which 
reflect the following:

 – Zero tolerance to non-compliance with 
discharge limits and environmental 
incidents, such as spillages

 – The number of observations received 

from the environmental regulator in Peru

 – Good environmental management 

measured on the basis of:

 – Water consumption per worker

 – Amount of non-recyclable waste 

generated per worker

 – Proportion of recyclable/industrial 

waste that is commercialised

 – Corporate Performance Indicator 

which tracks the number of 
compliance inspections that are 
passed with over 95%

These KPIs are reported on a monthly 
basis by each mining operation and 
communicated to all Company 
employees. Through this monthly 
publication, we try to foster healthy 
competition amongst the mining units,  
an effort called Green Challenge or  
‘Reto Verde’ in Spanish.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements50

RISK MANAGEMENT & VIABILITY

MANAGING RISK 
ON BEHALF OF 
THE BOARD

Hochschild Mining has implemented a framework 
of risk management and internal controls that 
ensures that key risks are identified and, where 
they cannot be eradicated, are mitigated to within 
tolerable levels.

Identify

Measure

Manage

Monitor

Report

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.

Change in risk profile vs 2017  

Unchanged

Higher

Lower

New

Risk heat map
To assist the reader in assessing the 
relative significance of each risk 
discussed in this section, the heat  
map (see right), indicates the Board’s 
assessment of the likelihood of the 
unmitigated risk occurring as well as  
the extent of the impact on the Group.

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, Country 
General Managers and the head of the 
Internal Audit function. A ‘live’ risk matrix 
is reviewed which maps the significant 
risks faced by the business and updated 
at each Risk Committee meeting, and the 
most 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.

2018 Risks
The key business risks affecting the 
Group set out in this report remain largely 
unchanged compared to those disclosed 
in the 2017 Risk Management report  
with the exception of a new risk entitled 
Commercial Counterparty that has  
been identified and added in light of  
a customer of the Company entering  
into bankruptcy during the year.

Reasons for the year-on-year change in 
the profile of a specific risk can be found 
in the commentary section of the relevant 
risk which also provides an outlook on the 
risk for the current financial year.

Risks
1.    

  Commodity price

2.    

3.   

4.   

5.   

6.   

7.    

8.   

9.   

10.  

11.   

12.  

  Commercial Counterparty

  Operational performance

  Business interruption

   Information security 
and cybersecurity

   Exploration and resources 
replacement

   Personnel: recruitment  
and retention

  Personnel: labour relations

   Political, legal and 
regulatory

  Health and safety

  Environmental

  Community relations

Heat map

h
g
H

i

t
c
a
p
m

I

10

1

4

3

9

11

6

12

7

2

8

5

w
o
L

Low

Probability

High

Hochschild Mining PLC51

Financial risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

1. 
Commodity 
price

Adverse movements in 
precious metal prices 
could materially impact 
the Group in various ways 
beyond a reduction in the 
financial results of 
operations. These include 
impacts on the feasibility 
of projects, the economics 
of mineral resources and 
heightened personnel 
retention and sustainability 
related risks.

 – Constant focus on maintaining 
a low all-in sustaining cost of 
production and an efficient level 
of administrative expense.
 – Flexible hedging policy that 

allows the Company to contract 
hedges to mitigate the effect of 
price movements taking into 
account the Group’s asset mix 
and forecast production.

 – Policy to maintain low levels of 
leverage to ensure flexibility 
through price cycles.

See the Market Review on 
pages 4 to 5 for further details.

The focus on conserving capital and optimising cash flow 
continued in 2018 through:
 – debt reduction and refinancing;
 – controlling operating and administrative costs;
 – optimising sustaining capital expenditure; and
 – maintaining low working capital.

In relation to debt reduction and the refinancing of debt, as 
previously reported, the Company completed the early 
redemption of its bonds in early 2018 thereby reducing debt by 
approximately $95 million. The balance was replaced with 
shorter-term debt on significantly better terms, saving the Group 
approximately $15m in interest expenses in 2018. Debt was further 
reduced in December 2018 by $50 million. 

As reported earlier in this report, the Inmaculada mine had 
another record year in 2018 in terms of production and, as the 
lowest cost operation in the Group’s portfolio, it has been key in 
reducing overall average production costs.

Even though currently no part of 2019 production has been 
hedged, the Group’s flexible policy enables the Board to approve 
hedging contracts to protect cash flow as and when appropriate.

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

2. 
Commercial 
Counterparty

Insolvency of a customer 
or other business 
counterparty (bank, 
insurance company, 
contractor, etc.) could 
result in the Group’s 
inability to collect accounts 
receivable or to receive 
services which could 
adversely impact the 
Group’s profitability. 

 – Periodic assessment of 

customers and business 
counterparts. 

 – Risk mitigation practices 

seeking to diversify the Group’s 
customer base and/or to limit 
the size of shipments.
 – Ongoing assessment  

of methods to mitigate 
collection risk.

In November 2018, Republic Metals, a US-based refinery and a 
long-standing customer of the Company entered into bankruptcy 
protection while owing the Group c. US$2.76m (attributable) for 
shipments previously made.

The Group is participating in the bankruptcy proceedings  
as an unsecured creditor. The likelihood of recovery is low  
as the secured creditors have claims that exceed Republic 
Metals’ assets.

The Group has instigated steps to mitigate the impact of a 
reoccurrence of this risk in the future. Such steps include:
 – Enhanced Credit Analysis: the enhancement of initial financial 
and business quality checks of new customers and business 
counterparts and more robust and more frequent evaluations 
of existing customers;

 – Diversification: consideration of revising terms and conditions  
of sale of final product to diversify orders outstanding at any 
given time, use several banks for cash deposits, distribute 
business among contractors, etc.; and

 – Reduce exposure: the receipt of cash advances on sold product 

as soon as the product is delivered.

Operational risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

3. 
Operational 
performance

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

 – Close monitoring of operational 
performance, costs and capital 
expenditure as well as the 
overall profitability at all stages 
of the mining value chain.
 – Monitoring the adequacy  
and safety of key mining 
components such as tailing 
dams, waste rock deposits, 
pipelines to service ongoing 
operations, in close liaison 
between relevant departments 
ensures that procurement, 
construction and any permitting 
are undertaken as appropriate.

In 2018 the Group exceeded its production target by 0.5m 
attributable silver equivalent ounces with particularly strong 
performances at Inmaculada and Pallancata.

2018 budgets across the Group continued to focus on maintaining 
controlled levels of costs, capex and expenses. As reported in the 
Financial review, the all-in sustaining cost from operations was 
kept within the positively revised guidance for the year, at 
$12.6 per silver equivalent ounce.

It was reported in last year’s risk report that management was 
closely monitoring performance of the high cost Arcata mine. 
Despite cost efficiencies and encouraging exploration results in 
areas outside the authorised operational area, the combination 
of increasingly narrow vein structures with marginal grades and  
a volatile and low average silver price prompted the decision to 
place the mine on care and maintenance. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements52

RISK MANAGEMENT & VIABILITY 
CONTINUED

Operational risks continued

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

4. 
Business 
interruption

Assets used in the Group’s 
operations may cease  
to function or the supply  
of electricity may be 
interrupted (e.g. as a result 
of technical malfunction  
or earthquake damage) 
thereby causing 
production stoppages  
with material effects.

 – Insurance coverage to protect 

against major risks.

 – Management reporting systems 
to support appropriate levels of 
inventory.

Mitigating actions during the year include the following:
 – Insurance advisers 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;

 – Annual inspections by insurance 

 – Management reporting systems ensured that an appropriate 

brokers and insurers assist 
management’s efforts to 
understand and mitigate 
operational risks.

 – Negotiation of long-term power 

supply contracts and the 
procurement of contingent 
generators.

level of inventory of critical parts is maintained;

 – Adequate preventative maintenance programmes, supported 
by the SAP Maintenance Module (which has been enhanced 
following a recent upgrade), are in place at the operating units;

 – Procurement of back-up power transformers; and
 – Design of a Business Continuity Plan documenting the 

procedures to be implemented on the occurrence of certain 
disruptive events. Training and implementation has been 
scheduled for 2019. 

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

5. 
Information 
security and 
cybersecurity

Failure of any of the 
Group’s business critical 
information systems as  
a result of unauthorised 
access by third parties, 
may affect the Group’s 
ability to operate.

 – Compliance with ISO 27001,  

an internationally recognised 
certification to evaluate 
information security 
management systems.

 – Dedicated team within the  
IT department focused on 
preventing cyber-attacks.

 – Audits performed by the internal 

audit department and third 
parties to test systems and  
issue recommendations.

During the year a third-party review by a major audit firm was 
commissioned to identify areas of vulnerability and to produce 
recommendations. This process led to the testing of the 
recoverability of operational and financial reporting systems.  
The Group was successful in securing the ISO 27001 certification 
for its information security management system. Migration to a 
new version of the Group’s accounting and payments platform 
(S/4 HANA) incorporates higher standards of security. Further 
details are provided in the Audit Committee Report.

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

6. 
Exploration 
and reserve 
and resource 
replacement

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

 – Implementing and maintaining 

an annual exploration  
drilling plan.

 – Ongoing evaluation of 

acquisition and joint venture 
opportunities to acquire 
additional ounces.

In 2018, the first drilling campaign at Inmaculada was completed 
which confirmed the presence of a considerable number of 
structures close to the existing mine infrastructure, adding 
1.3 million of gold equivalent ounces of inferred resources.  
For further details, refer to page 32. 

Land easements have been secured and other permits have 
been or are at an advanced stage of being, secured to facilitate 
the 2019 brownfield exploration programme.

Greenfield exploration in 2018 was driven by a number of earn-in/
joint venture opportunities being secured in 2018. These provide 
the Group with a balanced portfolio of advanced and early stage 
opportunities in stable jurisdictions in the Americas. Further 
details are provided on page 33.

From an operational perspective, the Group implemented a new 
technological platform, Deswik, for the provision of software to 
support mine planning so that mineable areas are optimised and 
mineral losses are reduced. See page 15 for further details.

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

See page 164 for further details.

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

7. 
Personnel: 
recruitment  
and retention

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

 – The Group’s approach to 

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

Turnover in 2018 was higher than in previous years due to 
competition for personnel from other mining companies  
and projects.

To counter this risk, the Group has continued with a number  
of initiatives to improve the retention of employees. These  
include the use of non-financial benefits (e.g. flexible working 
arrangements for Head Office staff) and tailored personal 
development plans. In addition, a three-year Leadership 
programme has been implemented at all levels of the 
organisation. The Group has also started a training programme 
for supervisors and hourly workers, and intends to enhance the 
Group’s employee value proposition. These include the launching 
of initiatives related to causes that are valued by potential 
employees; providing them with the opportunity to contribute to 
innovation, community relations and environmental performance.

Retention plans for senior executives in the form of the 
Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan and Restricted Share Plan 
are also in place.

Hochschild Mining PLC53

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

8. 
Personnel:  
labour relations

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 
profit sharing, working 
conditions, management style, 
development opportunities, 
motivation and communication.

 – Monthly meetings with 

mineworkers and unions to 
ensure a complete 
understanding of expectations 
and to keep all parties updated 
on the Group’s financial 
performance.

Given the level of investment at the Inmaculada mine, the Group’s 
Peruvian operation does not generate taxable income and 
therefore there is no entitlement to statutory profit sharing for 
Peruvian mineworkers. The Company has, however, implemented 
an additional bonus to compensate for this situation.

As part of the salary increases agreed with the Peruvian labour 
unions, a new bonus framework was put in place to promote 
safety and productivity.

The uncertainty with regards to the ongoing viability of the Arcata 
mine impacted morale among workers at the operation. During 
2018, the situation of Arcata did not improve and, therefore, regular 
meetings were scheduled and held with union representatives to 
understand concerns. As has been previously announced, the 
mine will be placed on care and maintenance with personnel 
redeployed where possible.

Macro-economic risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

9. 
Political,  
legal and 
regulatory

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

 – Local specialist personnel 

continually monitor and react, 
as necessary, to policy changes.

 – Participation in local industry 

organisations.

President Kuczynsky resigned from office in Peru and was 
replaced by Vice President Vizcarra who maintains a pro-
business attitude and a supportive policy line towards the mining 
sector. However, mining continues to be a highly regulated 
industry where multiple permits are required leading to increased 
delays and costs. The Government is working with the industry  
to simplify the permitting process but progress has been limited.

At the legislative level, the Peruvian Congress, which comprises  
a majority from the non-governing parties, continues to evaluate 
measures that could adversely affect the mining industry. 

In terms of social conflicts, the governmental authorities remain 
sensitive to conflicts between communities and mining 
companies and typically take a cautious approach by 
establishing a dialogue between parties. 

Regional and local elections in October and December 2018 
resulted in the election of a number of anti-mining officials in 
several key mining areas of Peru. 

In Argentina, 2018 was marked by a declining popularity of the 
Government, primarily caused by the higher cost of living and the 
devaluation of the Peso. The Government has sought to promote 
investment but material results are yet to consolidate. 

Sustainability risks

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

10. 
Health  
and safety

Group employees working 
in the mines may be 
exposed to health and 
severe 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.

 – 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.

 – Systematic 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.

The Group has sadly reported three fatalities during 2018, which 
resulted from two separate accidents, one at Pallancata and one 
at Arcata. Further details of these accidents are provided in the 
Sustainability Report on page 40.

As reported in last year’s report, management established the 
Safety Culture Transformation Plan (the “SCTP”) to materially 
reinforce the Group’s commitment to safety. 

The Plan comprises the following pillars:
 – Leadership, with senior management involved in a full review  

of all high-risk activities

 – Communications, focusing on initiatives to motivate and 

incentivise safe working practices

 – Training, with all personnel receiving five hours of on-site 

learning every week

 – Technical, with the migration to the latest version of risk 
information management systems and a review of the 
Company’s procedures

As previously reported, the Group’s overall safety performance 
indicators showed year-on-year improvements with the accident 
frequency rate falling by 35% and the number of High Potential 
Events falling by 46%.

A third-party audit of the Group’s safety procedures was 
commissioned during the year which highlighted a number  
of positive aspects and identified areas of improvements  
which, among others, featured the inclusion of contractors  
within the SCTP and enhancements to the mine-site emergency 
communications plan. The report’s recommendations will  
be fully implemented during the first half of 2019.

For further details on the above, including on a training 
programme designed for the Group’s emergency brigades, 
please refer to the safety section of the Sustainability Report  
on pages 42 and 43.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
54

RISK MANAGEMENT & VIABILITY 
CONTINUED

Sustainability risks continued

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

 – The Group has a dedicated 

team responsible for 
environmental management.

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

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 fines  
and/or penalties.

11. 
Environmental

a) In relation to 
those risks arising 
from the Group’s 
environmental 
performance/
infrastructure

b) In relation to those 
risks arising from the 
increased oversight 
by the environmental 
regulator

Environmental permitting and agency oversight in Peru remained 
rigorous during the year.

In 2018, the Group performed highly in its ECO score  
(with a score of 5.37 out of 6), which recognises the following 
aspects of environmental management:
– compliance with discharge regulatory limits;

– minimising the number of environmental incidents;

– minimising the number of findings from regulatory audits; and

– efficient water consumption and minimising waste generation.

For further details, please refer to the environmental section  
of the Sustainability report on page 48.

In addition, during the year, the Environmental team:
 – completed the design of a management information system 

tailored for use by the Group for roll-out in 2019;

 – secured environmental permits to support the Group’s 

exploration programme and operational requirements; and
 – made significant progress with the closure of historic mine 

components and legacy exploration projects where 
environmental conditions were restored and the process  
of revegetation completed.

Risk

Impact

Mitigation

Commentary

12. 
Community 
relations

Communities living in the 
areas surrounding the 
Group’s operations may 
oppose the activities 
carried out 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 
loss of production, 
increased costs and 
decreased revenues, 
longer lead times, 
additional costs for 
exploration and have an 
adverse impact on the 
Group’s ability to obtain 
the relevant permits.

 –  The Group has a dedicated 

team responsible for 
Community Relations.

 –  Constructive engagement with 
local communities based on 
several years of positive 
relations.

 –  Community Relations strategy 

focuses on promoting 
education, health and nutrition, 
and sustainable development.
 –  Policy to actively recruit workers 

from local communities.

 –  Policy of hiring service providers 

from local communities.

Despite the regional elections in Peru in October, the overall 
climate of social relations remained stable during the year.

A number of actions were taken during the year to maximise the 
Group’s ability to work with partner communities which included: 

 –  restructuring and strengthening of the Community Relations 

function; 

 –   the launch of a technology partnership at all mines to facilitate 

the monitoring of community objectives; and

 –  the establishment of social committees at each mining unit and 

an external advisory committee to help assess and address 
risks related to the Group’s social licence.

Further details on the Group’s activities to mitigate sustainability 
risks can be found in the Sustainability report on pages 42 to 49.

Hochschild Mining PLC 
Viability

In accordance with provision C.2.1 of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code, the 
Directors have assessed the viability of 
the Group taking into account the Group’s 
current position and the potential impact 
of the principal risks which could threaten 
the business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity of the Group.

Period of Viability Statement
As per provision C.2.2, the Directors have 
reviewed the length of time to be covered 
by the Viability Statement, particularly 
given its primary purpose of providing 
investors with a view of financial viability 
that goes beyond the period of the  
Going Concern statement.

It has been concluded that three years is 
the appropriate time horizon in light of:

 –  the inherent uncertainty of longer-term 

forecasting in a cyclical industry  
which, in the case of precious metals,  
is largely driven by global macro-
economic factors; and

 –  the large number of external variables 
that need to be taken into account in 
establishing any meaningful forecast  
of the Group’s business.

55

Approach to assessing viability
In assessing the Group’s viability, the 
Directors have considered a number of 
scenarios which are within reasonable 
contemplation taking into account the 
principal risks to which the Group is 
exposed (as set out in the earlier part  
of this report).

The Group’s largest asset is the 
Inmaculada mine, which currently 
represents approximately 75% of the 
Group’s cash flows. The application  
of the scenarios at the Group’s  
operations would have a significantly 
reduced impact on the Group.

The following scenarios were analysed 
with respect to the Inmaculada mine:

Scenario 1: The occurrence of  
a material safety accident
A severe fatal accident occurs which 
results in a three-month stoppage of 
operations. The impact analysis takes  
into account other financial liabilities  
that may result including the cost of 
remedial work and regulatory fines.

Scenario 2: The occurrence of a  
material environmental incident
A key part of Inmaculada’s plant 
infrastructure is compromised which 
results in a major spillage of contaminants. 
The impact analysis assumes a 
suspension of operations of one month 
and takes into account the cost of  
repairs, remediation and regulatory  
fines and other associated expenses.

Scenario 3: A strike by mineworkers
A widespread mineworkers’ strike  
results in a suspension of operations  
for one month. The impact analysis  
takes into account the cost of negotiating 
a settlement and other associated 
expenses.

Scenario 4: A community-led protest 
blocks a principal road to/from the mine
A protest by a local community obstructs 
the access road to Inmaculada for  
two months. The impact analysis takes 
into account the cost of negotiating  
a settlement and other associated 
expenses.

Scenario 5: The failure of the mill or  
other critical plant component
A major failure of one of the mills at 
Inmaculada’s plant causes a stoppage  
of six months which requires civil works, 
repairs and the acquisition of spare 
equipment. The impact analysis takes  
into account the cost of the works  
and replacement costs as well as 
contributions from relevant  
insurance policies.

In their assessment of the financial  
impact of each of the above scenarios, the 
Directors have assumed a conservative 
price scenario of Au: $1,100/oz and 
Ag: $14/oz (the “Assumed Prices”).

Should prices fall further than the 
Assumed Prices, the Board would oversee 
the implementation of contingency 
actions, such as the elimination of 
discretionary expenditure e.g. exploration 
expenditure, the reduction if not the 
elimination of dividend distributions and 
other initiatives to reduce costs across  
the business so as to maximise the 
production of profitable ounces.

The modelling for the above scenarios 
incorporates operational and financial 
forecasts based on a life-of-mine plan.

The viability statement analysis has  
also taken into account other mitigating 
actions available to the Group upon  
the occurrence of one or more of the  
principal risks. Such actions include:

 – the use of excess cash;

 – lines of credit with relationship banks;

 – claims under the Group’s insurance 

policies;

 – administrative cost reduction;

 – rescheduling the execution of Care  
& Maintenance and mine closure 
programmes and their associated 
costs;

 – working capital management; and

 – asset sales.

For examples of the mitigating actions 
taken by the Board during the year under 
review, please refer to the commentary  
in the Risk Management section of  
this report.

Conclusion
While it is always possible that 
combinations of weak precious metal 
prices and the occurrence of more than 
one of the above referenced scenarios 
could threaten the solvency and liquidity 
of the Company over the next three years, 
the Directors have assessed the impact of 
each scenario, using the Assumed Prices 
and other factors considered to be 
reasonable and, accordingly, can confirm 
that they have a reasonable expectation 
that the Company will be able to continue 
in operation and meet its obligations over 
the next three years.

The Strategic report, as set out from the 
inside front cover to page 55, has been 
reviewed and approved by the Board of 
Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Ignacio Bustamante 
Chief Executive Officer 
19 February 2019

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements56

BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS

Eduardo Hochschild 
Chairman

Ignacio Bustamante 
Chief Executive Officer

Dr Graham Birch 
Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Jorge Born Jr. 
Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Experience
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 
is the Company’s majority 
shareholder with a c.51% interest.

Other Directorships
Commercial: Cementos 
Pacasmayo S.A.A. (Chairman), 
COMEX Peru, Banco de Crédito 
del Perú.

Non-Profit: UTEC (Chairman), 
TECSUP, Sociedad Nacional de 
Minería y Petróleo, Conferencia 
Episcopal Peruana.

Experience
Ignacio joined the Board as CEO 
in April 2010 having previously 
served as Chief Operating  
Officer and General Manager of 
the Group’s Peruvian operations.  
He 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.

Other Directorships
Commercial: Profuturo AFP, 
Scotiabank Peru S.A.A.

Audit Committee
CSR Committee
Nominations Committee
Remuneration Committee
Chair

Experience
Jorge joined the Board in 2006. 
Previously, he 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 its UK 
operations from 1989 to 1992. 

Other Directorships
Commercial: Consult & Co. 
(President and CEO), Caldenes 
S.A., Dufry AG Zurich (Deputy 
Chairman).

Non-Profit: Bunge and Born 
Charitable Foundation 
(President).

Experience
Graham joined the Board in 2011. 
Up until his retirement in 2009,  
he was a Director of BlackRock 
Commodities Investment Trust 
plc and manager of BlackRock’s 
World Mining Trust and Gold and 
General Unit Trust. He previously 
worked at Kleinwort Benson 
Securities and 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.

Other Directorships
Non-Profit: Lawes Agricultural 
Trust.

Balance of independence
on the Board

Tenure of Independent 
Directors

 0-3 years  3
 3-6 years  1
 6 years+   1

 Independent Directors  5 Non-independent Directors  3Hochschild Mining PLC57

Eileen Kamerick  
Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Michael Rawlinson  
Senior Independent 
Director 

Dionisio Romero 
Paoletti  
Non-Executive Director 

Sanjay Sarma  
Independent  
Non-Executive Director

Raj Bhasin  
Company Secretary

Experience
Raj joined Hochschild  
in October 2007 as 
Company Secretary  
and UK Counsel. 

He is a solicitor and 
Chartered Secretary  
with over 20 years’ 
experience gained in 
FTSE-listed companies. 
Raj previously served  
as Deputy Company 
Secretary and 
Commercial Counsel  
at Burberry Group plc.

Experience
Michael joined the  
Board in 2016 and  
was appointed Senior 
Independent Director on 
1 January 2018. Michael 
was formerly the Global 
Co-Head of Mining and 
Metals at Barclays 
Investment Bank 
(2013-2017) and prior  
to that, he worked at a 
number of banks as a 
corporate financier and 
research analyst. Most 
recently he helped found 
the boutique investment 
bank, Liberum Capital, in 
2007. Prior to that Michael 
worked at Flemings and 
Cazenove.

Other Directorships
Commercial: Capital 
Drilling Limited.

Experience
Eileen joined the Board on 
1 November 2016 having 
formerly served as CFO of 
ConnectWise. Previously 
Eileen served as CFO  
in various industries 
including healthcare 
consultancy Press Ganey 
Associates, investment 
bank Houlihan Lokey  
and BP Amoco Americas. 
Eileen lectures on 
corporate finance and 
governance at several 
US universities.

Other Directorships
Commercial: Associated 
Banc-Corp. (Chair of  
the Nominating and 
Governance Committee 
and member of the 
Compensation 
Committee), Legg Mason 
Closed End Mutual Funds 
(Chair of the Audit 
Committee), AIG Funds 
and Anchor Series Trust 
(Audit Committee 
Financial Expert).

Non-Profit: Eckerd 
Connects.

Experience
Sanjay joined the Board 
on 1 January 2017 and is 
Professor of Mechanical 
Engineering at 
Massachusetts Institute 
of Technology (‘MIT’) and 
the Vice President for 
Open Learning at MIT. 
Sanjay was the founder 
and Chief Technology 
Officer of OATSystems 
(subsequently acquired 
by Checkpoint Systems) 
and has worked at 
Schlumberger Oilfield 
Services and OATSystems. 
Sanjay also advises 
several national 
governments and global 
companies.

Other Directorships
Commercial: Top Flight 
Technologies.

Non-Profit: G1S US and 
edX, the entity set up by 
MIT and Harvard to 
facilitate the distribution 
of free online education 
worldwide.

Experience
Dionisio was appointed to 
the Board on 1 January 
2018 as a nominee of the 
Company’s majority 
shareholder. Dionisio is 
Chairman and CEO of 
Credicorp and its 
subsidiary, Banco de 
Crédito del Peru (‘BCP’), 
Peru’s largest bank. Mr 
Romero has served as a 
board member of BCP 
since 2003 and was 
appointed Vice Chairman 
in 2008 and Chairman  
in 2009.

Other Directorships
Commercial: Numerous 
directorships held 
including of Credicorp 
Group companies El 
Pacifico-Peruano Suiza 
Cia. De Seguros y 
Reaseguros S.A. and 
El Pacifico Vida Cia. 
De Seguros y Reaseguros 
S.A., Alicorp S.A.A, 
Inversiones Centenario 
and Sierra Metals Inc. Also 
serves on the boards of 
other Grupo Romero 
controlled companies.

Non-Profit: Fundacion 
Romero.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements58

SENIOR 
MANAGEMENT

Ramón Barúa  
Chief Financial Officer 

Isac Burstein  
Vice President, Exploration  
& Business Development

Oscar Garcia  
Vice President,  
Brownfield Exploration

Experience
Ramón Barúa was appointed CFO of 
Hochschild Mining on 1 June 2010. Prior to his 
appointment, he served in various positions 
with other companies associated with the 
Group, namely CEO of Fosfatos del Pacifico 
S.A., General Manager for Hochschild Mining’s 
Mexican operations and Deputy CEO and 
CFO of Cementos Pacasmayo. Prior to joining 
Hochschild, Ramon was a Vice President of 
Debt Capital Markets with Deutsche Bank and 
a sales analyst with Banco Santander. Ramón 
is an economics graduate of Universidad de 
Lima and holds an MBA from Columbia 
Business School. Ramon serves as an 
Independent Director of Goldspot Discoveries 
Inc, a technology company that supports 
mineral exploration activity in which 
Hochschild Mining is an investor.

Experience
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.

Experience
Oscar Garcia was promoted to the position of 
VP, Brownfield Exploration on 1 January 2019 
having joined Hochschild Mining in 2007 as an 
Ore Control geologist. He has previously 
worked at Hochschild as Corporate Manager 
for Underground Geology, Ore Control and 
Brownfield Exploration. Prior to Hochschild 
Mining, Oscar worked as a geologist at Barrick 
Gold, Lonrho Mining Group and Compañia 
Minera Aguilar. Oscar qualified as a geologist 
at the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba and 
holds a postgraduate degree from the 
Universidad de Santiago de Chile.

Eduardo Landin  
Chief Operating Officer 

José Augusto Palma  
Vice President, Legal  
& Corporate Affairs 

Eduardo Villar  
Vice President,  
Human Resources 

Experience
Eduardo Landin was appointed COO of 
Hochschild Mining in March 2013. Eduardo 
joined Hochschild in January 2008 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 the Inmaculada and 
Crespo Advanced Projects. Before joining 
Hochschild, Eduardo held the position of 
Corporate Development Manager at 
Cementos Pacasmayo and, prior to that, he 
worked in the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and 
Mines. Eduardo began his career at Repsol S.A 
where he worked for over 10 years in England, 
Spain and Peru. Eduardo is a Chartered 
Mechanical Engineer and holds a B.Eng 
(Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from 
Imperial College, London and an Executive 
MBA from the Universidad de Piura, Peru.

Experience
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 
and New York. Prior to his current role, José 
served as VP Legal. Mr Palma serves as 
Vice Chairman of the Board of the Mining, 
Electricity and Petroleum Industry Association 
of Peru.

Experience
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. In addition, Eduardo has 
postgraduate qualifications in Business from 
IESE Business School and Harvard Business 
School and in Human Resources from London 
Business School and the University of 
Michigan. 

Hochschild Mining PLC59

DIRECTORS’ 
REPORT 

The Directors present their report for  
the year ended 31 December 2018.

Information in Directors’ Report
The Directors’ Report comprises the 
Corporate Governance Report from 
pages 61 to 73, this Report on pages 59 
and 60, and the Supplementary 
Information on pages 74 to 76. Other 
information that is relevant to the 
Directors’ Report, and which is 
incorporated by reference comprises:

 – Greenhouse gas emissions included in 
the Sustainability Report on page 49; 
and

 – Policy on Financial Risk Management  

in note 35 to the consolidated financial 
statements.

For the purposes of compliance with 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rules 4.1.5R(2) and 4.1.8R, the Strategic 
Report and this Directors’ Report 
(including the other sections of the Annual 
Report incorporated by reference) 
comprise the Management Report.

Dividend
The Directors declared an interim 
dividend totalling $10 million (1.965 US 
cents per ordinary share) in the year 
ended 31 December 2018 and are 
recommending a final dividend of 
$10 million (1.959 US cents per ordinary 
share) subject to approval at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting 
(‘AGM’), making a total dividend of 
$20 million (2017 total dividend: $17 million).

Dividend waiver
The trustee of the Hochschild Mining 
Employee Share Trust (‘the Employee 
Trust’) has waived, on an ongoing basis, 
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 56 
and 57. All of the Directors were in office 
for the duration of the year under review.

Each of the Directors will be retiring and 
seeking re-election by shareholders at 
the 2019 AGM in line with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code.

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

 – the Company has complied with the 
independence provisions included in 
the Relationship Agreement; and

 – so far as the Company is aware:

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

 – 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 necessary. 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.

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/her 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/her 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/her.

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 or donated a total of $8.3 million  
to benefit local communities 
(2017: $5.9 million (restated to also  
include community/social donations 
made at a corporate level)).

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 62 and, with regard to the right to 
appoint Directors to the Board, are set  
out on page 75.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements – the Management Report includes a  
fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the 
position of the Company and the 
undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together 
with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that they face.

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

On behalf of the Board

Raj Bhasin 
Company Secretary 
19 February 2019

60

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
CONTINUED

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, its future 
development and the factors likely to 
affect its performance and position are 
set out in the Strategic Report from the 
Inside Front Cover to page 55. The 
financial position of the Group, its cash 
flows, liquidity position and borrowings 
are described in the Financial Review on 
pages 34 to 39 and discussion of the 
Group’s viability on the occurrence of 
certain scenarios is provided in the 
Viability Statement on page 55. In 
addition, note 35 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 its exposure  
to credit risk and liquidity risk.

As previously reported, 2018 saw the 
Group’s average realisable price for gold 
remain unchanged compared with 2017, 
whereas silver was 9.5% lower.

The Group has achieved record levels of 
attributable production of 39 million silver 
equivalent ounces (526.7k gold equivalent 
ounces) with strong contributions from 
Inmaculada and Pallancata. This strong 
level of production and costs for the year 
which are in line with positively revised 
guidance has resulted in a strong 
performance by the Group.

As part of its risk management 
responsibilities, the Board continually 
reviews its capital structure, initiatives to 
reduce operating costs and, furthermore, 
contingency measures that can be 
implemented in the event that precious 
metal prices conditions deteriorate.

In conclusion, having considered financial 
forecasts and projections which take into 
account (i) possible changes in 
commodity price scenarios; and (ii) the 
contingency measures that could be 
taken to alleviate pressure on the balance 
sheet in the event of a fall in prices, 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.

AGM
The 13th AGM of the Company will be  
held at 4 pm on 6 June 2019 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.

Auditor
A resolution to reappoint Ernst & Young 
LLP as Auditor will be put to shareholders 
at the forthcoming AGM.

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

Hochschild Mining PLC61

CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE REPORT

“Your Board is committed  
to ensuring good governance  
because well-governed 
companies are successful 
companies”

Dear Shareholder
I am delighted to present the Corporate 
Governance Report for 2018.

In this section of the Annual Report, we 
report on the Company’s compliance 
with the provisions of the 2016 edition of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 
(the “Code”) and the application of its 
principles. Through this report, your 
Board seeks to demonstrate its 
commitment to overseeing a framework 
of practices and controls to protect  
the Company’s assets and goodwill.

I would like to highlight the following 
activities undertaken by the Directors 
during the year.

Board Enhancements
In 2018, we continued with our internally-
led Board evaluation process which was 
managed by Michael Rawlinson, as our 
Senior Independent Director. The 
process, which is described in more 
detail in this report, reviewed many 
aspects of the functioning of the Board, 
the Committees and the roles played by 
the Directors. This resulted in a number  

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’) (2016 
edition) in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2018. 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 Guidance and 
Transparency Rules are provided in the 
Supplementary Information section on 
pages 74 to 76.

of recommendations which add value to 
the governance framework such as the 
management of key risks. In addition, the 
discussions held in the course of the 
evaluation sought the Directors’ views on 
corporate culture as well as engagement 
with key stakeholders, both of which are 
key themes of the new UK Corporate 
Governance Code which will apply to the 
Company in respect of 2019. In this regard, 
I am pleased to report that the scope of 
responsibilities of the CSR Committee has 
been extended this year to also receive 
updates from the Vice President of HR on 
employee matters. This will ensure that  
the Board is kept regularly updated on 
issues that affect our people across the 
organisation.

Planning for the Future
The Committees have also played a 
crucial role in strengthening the 
Company’s governance.

In particular, the Audit Committee 
embarked on its practice of setting 
objectives for the management team  

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 with the following 
exceptions:

(i)   the Company did not fully comply 

with the requirement that 
performance-related incentive 
schemes should include 
arrangements to recover  
or withhold variable pay when 
appropriate to do so (i.e. clawback  
or malus); and

(ii)   an externally facilitated evaluation of 
the Board has not been undertaken.

and, in so doing, has prompted the 
implementation of protocols that will 
see the Company better protected 
against cybersecurity threats  
and an enhanced state of readiness  
to recover from a business  
disruption event.

In addition, the Nominations 
Committee has overseen the 
preparation of thorough succession 
plans at both Board and senior 
executive levels. Both aspects are  
key to ensure the availability of the 
collective skillset required to achieve 
Hochschild’s strategic and  
operational goals.

If you should have any queries  
arising from this report, please  
do not hesitate to contact me at  
Chairman@hocplc.com.

Eduardo Hochschild 
Chairman

In relation to (i) above, as stated in last 
year’s Annual Report, the Board had 
adopted a wider malus policy which 
applied with effect from the incentives 
granted and the bonus awarded, last 
year. However, clawback has not been 
adopted as it is unenforceable in the 
countries in which the Company 
primarily operates.

In relation to (ii) above, please refer to 
the Board Evaluation section below for 
further details on the internally-led 
approach to the Board’s performance 
evaluation.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements62

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
CONTINUED

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
At all times during the year, the Board 
comprised a majority of Independent 
Non-Executive Directors. Throughout the 
year, the Board comprised the Chairman, 
the Chief Executive Officer and six 
Non-Executive Directors, of whom five  
are considered, by the Board, to be of 
independent judgement and character. 
Dionisio Romero Paoletti is not  
considered to be independent as he has 
been nominated to the Board by the 
Company’s major shareholder under  
its rights pursuant to the Relationship 
Agreement (further details of which  
can be found on page 59 of the  
Directors’ Report).

Chairman and Chief Executive
The Board is led by the Chairman, 
Eduardo Hochschild, who is also the 
majority shareholder of the Company 
with a c.51% holding.

The Board has approved a document 
which sets out the division of 
responsibilities between the Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer. This 
document was considered by the Board 
during the year and was re-approved 
without amendment.

As Chairman, Eduardo Hochschild is 
responsible for leading the Board of 
Directors and ensuring that the Board  
is enabled to play a full and constructive 
part in the development and 
determination of the Group’s strategy 
and overall commercial objectives.

Ignacio Bustamante, as the Chief 
Executive Officer, is responsible for the 
formulation of the vision and long-term 
corporate strategy of the Group, the 
approval of which is a matter for the  
full Board.

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

Status of the Chairman
In light of his majority shareholding,  
the Chairman is not considered to be 
independent. However, during the 
one-to-one interviews conducted with 
each Board member, the other Directors 
of the Board continue to assert that, for 
the reasons set out below, no undue 
influence is exercised by Mr Hochschild.

Firstly, the composition of the Board 
ensures that the significant presence of 
Independent Directors ensures that the 
views of minority shareholders are well 
represented. Secondly, the undertakings 
provided in the Relationship Agreement 
(as described below) ensure that the 
Company and its subsidiaries are 
capable of carrying on their business 
independently of Eduardo Hochschild 
and his associates.

The Relationship Agreement was 
reviewed by the Board in 2014 following 
the implementation of new Listing Rules 
applicable to listed companies with 
controlling shareholders (the ‘2014 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, 
incorporated revised independence 
provisions reflecting the language of  
the 2014 Listing Rules.

Under the terms of the agreement, each 
of Eduardo Hochschild and Pelham 
Investment Corporation (being the entity 
through which Mr Hochschild holds his 
shares in the Company) (the ‘Major 
Shareholder’) undertakes that:

 – all transactions with the Company  

(and its subsidiaries) will be conducted 
at arm’s length and on normal 
commercial terms;

 – 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;

 – 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

 – 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.

Certain confirmations are required to be 
given by the Board under the New Listing 
Rules with regards to the Company’s 
compliance with the independent 
provisions which can be found in the 
Directors’ Report on page 59.

Senior Independent Director
Michael Rawlinson assumed the role of 
Senior Independent Director on 1 January 
2018 and continues to act as such. Mr 
Rawlinson’s role is not only to act as a 
central point of contact for the Non-
Executive Directors as a group but to  
also act as a conduit between the 
Non-Executive Directors and the 
executive management team. To facilitate 
this, Mr Rawlinson chairs meetings of the 
Non-Executive Directors and of the 
Independent Non-Executive Directors 
immediately after each Board meeting. 
This provides the opportunity to gather 
feedback and thoughts on Board 
discussions which are subsequently 
relayed to the Chairman and/or the 
executive team as appropriate. A crucial 
part of the role of the Senior Independent 
Director is to meet with major 
shareholders if concerns have not been 
addressed by the executive team. No 
such meetings were requested, however, 
Mr Rawlinson did meet with a number  
of major investors, together with the 
Chairman, in January 2018 following  
his appointment to the role of Senior 
Independent Director.

Non-Executive Directors
The Company’s Non-Executive Directors 
hold, or have held, senior positions in the 
corporate sector with the exception of 
Sanjay Sarma who has a background in 
academia in the field of mechanical 
engineering and technology. They all 
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 Non-Executive Directors
The Board considers that all of the 
Non-Executive Directors serving during 
the year were independent of the 
Company. In reaching this conclusion,  
the Board considered:

 – Jorge Born’s tenure on the Board of 

over nine years; and

 – Sanjay Sarma’s position as a director  
of Top Flight Technologies, a company 
in which Eduardo Hochschild has a 
1.25% shareholding and a convertible 
note investment.

Notwithstanding the above, the Board 
(excluding the Director in question) is of 
the view that the above circumstances 
are not considered to be of a nature to 
materially interfere with the exercise of 
the respective Director’s independent 
judgement.

Hochschild Mining PLC63

2018 Board meetings 
Directors receive a full pack of papers 
for consideration at least five working 
days in advance of each scheduled 
Board meeting. In the event a Director 
is unable to attend a Board or 
Committee meeting, comments are 
encouraged to be fed back to the 
Chairman of the relevant meeting who 
ensures that the absent Director’s 
views are represented.

Five Board meetings were held during 
the year, of which four were scheduled 
meetings and one was an ad-hoc 
meeting. Attendance at the scheduled 
meetings was as follows.

Maximum 
possible
attendance 
at scheduled 
Board 
Meetings

Actual 
attendance 
at scheduled 
Board 
Meetings 

Independent

Eduardo Hochschild Chairman

Graham Birch Non-Executive Director

Jorge Born Non-Executive Director

Ignacio Bustamante Chief Executive Officer

Eileen Kamerick Non-Executive Director

Michael Rawlinson Non-Executive Director

Dionisio Romero Paoletti Non-Executive Director

Sanjay Sarma Non-Executive Director

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

3 1

3 2

1  Mr Romero Paoletti was unable to travel to London in May 2018 due to a pre-existing personal commitment.
2  Mr Sarma was unable to travel to London in May 2018 due to a scheduled trip to Asia as part of his role with MIT.

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

Business performance
 – detailed updates on the operations  

Sustainability
 – reviews of the social and political 

with continued regular updates on the 
operational viability of the Arcata mine;

climate in Peru and Argentina and  
their potential impact on the Group;

 – consideration of a strategy to enhance 
the Group’s engagement with local 
communities including through the  
use of technology; and

 – performance of the Group against the 
internally-designed environmental 
corporate scorecard.

Corporate
 – consideration of the Company’s 

purpose, values and cultural attributes 
as part of the Company’s rebranding.

Investors’ views
 – feedback from the investor and proxy 

agencies on the proposed AGM 
business; and

 – views of investors attending the 
Company’s Capital Markets Day.

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

In addition to the regular updates  
from across the business, the principal 
matters considered by the Board  
during 2018 are listed below.

Safety
 – detailed reports on the two accidents 
that occurred during the year which 
resulted in three fatalities and the 
management actions to be taken in 
light of the findings of the internal 
investigations; and updates on safety 
performance and the ongoing 
implementation of the Safety Culture 
Transformation Plan (see page 43 for 
further details).

Financial
 – the stress-tested scenarios and the 

underlying assumptions in support of 
the going concern and viability 
statements;

 – considered recommendations of the 
Audit Committee to adopt the 2017 
Annual Report and Accounts and the 
2018 Half-Yearly Report including the 
recommended 2017 final dividend  
and the 2018 interim dividend;

 – the Group’s ongoing financial position;

 – the 2019 budget; and

 – Peruvian tax reforms.

Strategy
 – strategic options to facilitate the 

Group’s growth;

 – updates on the Group’s innovation 

projects; and

 – the Group’s strategic plan.

 – consideration of business development 

projects;

 – consideration of unbudgeted strategic 

initiatives; and

 – presentations from the Vice President  
of Brownfield Exploration on progress 
against the Group’s brownfield 
objectives and, in particular, the 
significant level of resources identified 
at Inmaculada.

Risk
 – the significant risks faced by the  
Group and the corresponding 
mitigation plans; and

 – the controls introduced following  

the entry into bankruptcy protection  
of a long-standing customer with 
outstanding accounts payables to  
the Group.

Governance
 – a detailed presentation from the 
Company Secretary on the 2018 
UK Corporate Governance Code and 
updates on relevant findings of the 
UK Listing Authority;

 – presentation from the Company’s legal 

advisers on Directors’ duties under 
English law and the Market Abuse 
Regulation;

 – an update on the implementation  

of the 2017 Board evaluation 
recommendations, the outcome of  
the 2018 Board evaluation and the  
form of the 2019 process; a review of  
the document setting out the division of 
responsibilities between the Chairman 
and the CEO (which was approved 
unamended); and

 – the annual reviews of Directors’  

conflicts of interest and independence 
of Non-Executive Directors.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements64

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
CONTINUED

2018 Board evaluation
In keeping with past practice,  
the 2018 Board evaluation process 
was undertaken internally 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 including those 
outlined below.

The Committees
 – Composition and overall workings 
of the main Board Committees, 
including specific aspects of  
the performance of the Audit 
Committee, as well as of the 
Brownfield Working Group 
established to review the Group’s 
progress in this vital source of 
potential growth; and

 – Specific aspects of each 

Committee’s role and scope  
of responsibilities.

The Board
 – The composition of the Board, 
focusing on the skills mix after  
the retirements from the Board;

 – The workings of the Board; and

 – Consideration of specific aspects 

of the Board’s role including 
strategy and M&A and 
stakeholder engagement.

Culture
 – In preparation for reporting 

against the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code, consideration 
was given to perceptions of 
corporate culture; and

 – Discussion on ways in which 

corporate culture is assessed  
and monitored by the Board.

In addition to the above, the 
evaluation took in discussions  
on performance during 2018, 
suggestions for topics to be 
discussed in 2019 and feedback on 
the performance of the Chairman 
and fellow Board members.

Appointments and  
re-election of Directors

Board nominations are recommended to 
the Board by the Nominations Committee. 
There were no new appointments during 
the year.

The Company has adopted the practice 
of requiring Directors to seek annual 
re-election by shareholders in keeping 
with the UK Corporate Governance  
Code. The biographies of the Directors 
can be found on pages 56 and 57.

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.

The Major Shareholder exercised  
this right for the first time with the 
appointment of Dionisio Romero Paoletti 
who joined the Board on 1 January 2018.

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. In addition, a part of the Board 
evaluation process (discussed in the next 
section) seeks to identify subject matters 
and topics for presentation to the Board 
that Directors would find beneficial.

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. In addition, where appointees 
will serve on any of the Board Committees, 
sessions with the relevant Committee 
Chair are organised. Mr Romero Paoletti, 
who was appointed a Director on 
1 January 2018, received a briefing on  
the responsibilities of Directors of a UK 
listed company and, in addition, met  
with various employees from across  
the organisation.

Briefings
The Directors receive regular briefings 
from the Company Secretary on 
developments in the areas of corporate 
law and corporate governance that affect 
their roles as Directors of a UK listed 
company. In addition, the Directors have 
ongoing access to the Company’s officers 
and advisers with presentations arranged 
during the year from the Group’s English 
legal advisers and corporate brokers.

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 robust 
internally-led Board evaluation process 
(see inset box for aspects covered by the 
2018 Board evaluation).

Hochschild Mining PLC65

 – in light of the length of time between  

the board meetings in August and late 
November/December, that either a 
report from the Executive team on 
relevant developments be circulated to 
the Board or, if necessary, a telephone 
update meeting be convened;

 – a presentation from one of the 

Company’s joint corporate brokers  
with investor feedback on the Capital 
Markets Day; and

 – for the management talent mapping to 

reflect the Board’s objective of 
increasing the pool of female employees 
for senior management roles.

External Board evaluation
Since the process was introduced, the 
Directors unanimously consider that  
the internally-led evaluation has resulted 
in a number of recommendations that 
have improved the way the Board and  
the Committees function. For this reason, 
an externally led evaluation was not 
undertaken during the year. The Board 
acknowledges the benefits of an external 
appraisal of the overall governance 
structure and processes and, while it is 
minded to continue using an internal 
evaluation, the format of the 2019 
evaluation will be kept under review.

The Board’s Committees
The Board has delegated authority to  
the Audit Committee, CSR Committee, 
Nominations Committee and 
Remuneration Committee. Reports from 
each of these committees on their 
activities during the year appear on the 
following pages. Further information on 
the activities of the CSR Committee and 
Remuneration Committee can be found 
in the Sustainability Report and Directors’ 
Remuneration Report respectively.

Implementation of 2017 Board evaluation
A number of actions were taken during 
the year following the 2017 Board 
evaluation process. These included:

 – the circulation of all Committee papers 
to the full Board in order to facilitate the 
flow of information on the committees’ 
activities;

 – consideration, by the Nominations 

Committee, of Board and Executive 
succession plans;

 – a presentation, from the Group’s 

relationship partner at Linklaters LLP, 
on the Directors’ duties under English 
law and the Market Abuse Regulation; 
and

 – the inclusion, in the monthly 

management accounts, of a dashboard 
showing progress made in the 
brownfield exploration programme.

2018 Board evaluation findings
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 Michael Rawlinson as the Senior 
Independent Director and the resulting 
recommendations were discussed and, 
where appropriate, approved by the 
Board. 

Evaluation of the Chairman
The findings of the Chairman’s 
performance evaluation were collated by 
Michael Rawlinson and discussed 
between the Non-Executive Directors 
before being relayed to the Chairman.

Outcome
The principal recommendations arising 
from the 2018 Board evaluation process 
can be summarised as follows:

 – each of the main Board Committees 

should consider the mitigating actions 
detailed in the Board Risk Report with 
regards to the risks that fall within its 
respective terms of reference;

 – informal meetings to be facilitated with 
those identified in the management 
succession plan as potential successors 
to the Vice Presidents;

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements66

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
CONTINUED

Audit Committee report

“In addition to fulfilling its 
responsibilities in relation to financial 
reporting, the Committee also 
focused on a crucial aspect of risk 
management; preparing for the 
unexpected.”

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to introduce the 
Audit Committee report in respect  
of its activities during 2018.

The Audit Committee is tasked by  
the Board to ensure a high quality  
of financial reporting, the presence  
of a robust approach to managing risk 
and implementing a system of internal 
controls. The ways in which the  
Audit Committee has fulfilled these 
responsibilities are described in  
this report.

In addition, in keeping with past 
practice, the Committee set 
management a number of objectives 
allied with its risk management duties, 
with the common theme of protecting 
the business against the unexpected.

Cybersecurity
The Committee tasked management 
with a review of the Group’s exposure 
to cybersecurity risks and to implement 
enhancements where vulnerabilities 
were identified. This exercise prompted 
management to commission a risk 
assessment by PwC which identified a 
number of improvements in relation to 
the protection of the Group’s industrial  
and administrative networks and which 
have all been addressed. Furthermore, 
the Group’s IT infrastructure was 
subjected to a simulated attack  
which prompted management to 
review the security of certain servers.

Protection of Critical Processes
Management identified a number of 
processes across the business which,  
in the event of failure, could result in 
severe disruption. The robustness of 
these processes was therefore 
subjected to testing with mitigation 
actions identified to minimise the 
impact of disruption. The processes 
targeted ranged from the operation  
of the Inmaculada plant to the Group’s 
payments and financial accounting 
software platforms and the sales 
process. Management have worked 
diligently to ensure that all necessary 
controls are fully implemented.

Business Continuity Plan
In order to achieve a state of adequate 
readiness, management with the 
support of PWC have carried out a 
thorough review, of scenarios which 
could qualify as Business Disruptors. 
The impacts of these scenarios were 
analysed and response teams, at  
both mine site and corporate office 
locations, have worked together so that 
responsibilities have been delineated 
and protocols put in place to facilitate 
a managed recovery supported by a 
plan of internal and external 
communications.

Eileen Kamerick 
Committee Chair

2018 Meeting Attendance

Members

Independent

Maximum
possible
attendance

Actual
attendance

Eileen Kamerick 
Non-Executive Director and Committee Chair

Michael Rawlinson Non-Executive Director

Graham Birch Non-Executive Director

Yes

Yes

Yes

4

4

4

4

4

4

Key roles and responsibilities
 – To monitor the integrity and material 
accuracy of the Company’s financial 
statements and related disclosures;

 – To monitor the effectiveness of the 

Company’s internal controls and risk 
management systems and review the 
preparation of the going concern and 
viability statements;

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

 – Oversight of the Internal Audit function, 
review of its annual work plan and its 
findings;

 – To oversee the relationship with the 

Company’s external Auditor;

 – To review the effectiveness of the 

external audit process; and

 – 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
Eileen Kamerick was, during the year 
under review, and currently serves as,  
the chair of the Audit Committee. Eileen 
was formerly a Chief Financial Officer  
of a number of US-based companies 
operating in the mining, oil & gas, 
investment banking and recruitment 
sectors. Eileen currently serves as the 
Audit Committee Financial Expert for the 
AIG Funds and Anchor Series Trust (US 
mutual funds) and Audit Committee  
Chair of the Legg Mason Closed End 
Mutual Funds.

Michael Rawlinson’s career in banking 
specialised in the mining sector having 
initially worked as an analyst and 
corporate financier, serving most recently 
as Global Co-Head of Mining and Metals 
at Barclays Investment Bank from 2013 
until his retirement from that role in 
June 2017.

Graham Birch was appointed a member 
of the Committee on 1 January 2018 and 
is a former director of BlackRock 
Commodities Investment Trust plc and 
manager of BlackRock’s World Mining 
Trust and Gold and General Unit Trust.

The Committee members who served 
during the year under review are 
considered to be Independent Directors 
and the Board is satisfied that at least 
one member has recent and relevant 
financial experience and that the 
Committee, as a whole, has competence 
relevant to the sector in which the 
Company operates.

Hochschild Mining PLC67

For further details on the skills and 
experience of the Committee members, 
please refer to the biographical details on 
pages 56 and 57.

The performance of the Committee was 
considered as part of the annual Board 
evaluation process which was considered 
by the whole Board.

Attendees
The lead partner of the external Auditor, 
Ernst & Young LLP (EY), the Chairman of 
the Company, the Chief Executive Officer, 
the Chief Financial Officer, the Vice 
President of Legal & Corporate Affairs 
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 2017 Annual 
Report and Accounts and the 2018 
Half-Yearly Report were reviewed by the 
Committee before recommending that 
they be adopted 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 of audit plans – In line with  
its usual practice, the Committee 
considered reports from the external 
Auditor on the scope and structure of 
the review of the half-yearly results and 
audit of the annual results and any 
recommendations on the Company’s 
processes and controls.

 – 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 
51 to 54 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 
quarterly report from the Head of 
Internal Audit 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 these reports 
and robustly support the activities of the 
Internal Audit function. The Committee 
met with the Head of Internal of Audit 
without the presence of executive 
management to discuss, among other 
things, the resourcing of the function 
and the scheduled work plan.

 – 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. Copies of 
whistleblowing reports are circulated to 
the Chair of the Audit Committee who 
has a preliminary discussion with the 
Head of Internal Audit on the approach 
to the investigation. The findings of the 
investigation are then reported, in the 
first instance, to the Audit Committee 
Chair and to the next scheduled 
meeting of the Audit Committee.

 – Fraud and bribery – The Audit 

Committee continued to review  
and challenge the actions taken 
by management to promote ethical  
and transparent working practices.

The Group has adopted a Code of 
Conduct which describes the values and 
standards of behaviour expected of our 
employees and our business partners.  
In addition, the Group has adopted a 
specific anti-bribery and anti-corruption 
policy to reflect the Board’s zero tolerance 
of these types of acts. This policy is 
circulated to all employees by the CEO  
on a periodic basis, highlighting the 
consequences of acting in breach of its 
provisions which include termination of 
employment and criminal proceedings.

 – External audit –The Audit Committee 

oversees the relationship with the 
external Auditor who was reappointed 
following a tender process undertaken 
in Q1 2016. Following the key criteria 
used to reappoint the external Auditor, 
the Audit Committee evaluated the 
performance of EY in 2018 and 
concluded that it was appropriate to 
recommend the re-appointment of EY 
as external auditor at the 2018 Annual 
General Meeting. The Audit Committee 
reviewed the findings of the external 
Auditor and management letters, and 
reviewed and approved the audit fees.

During 2019, the Audit Quality Review 
(AQR) team of the FRC conducted a 
review of EY’s audit of Hochschild’s 
consolidated financial statements for the 
year ended December 31, 2017. In light of 

the final report from the AQR team, the 
Audit Committee requested EY to detail 
how it planned to respond to the limited 
improvement areas arising from the FRC 
report, and obtained assurances on the 
execution of that plan. Additionally, the 
AQR team’s report noted two particular 
areas where they considered EY’s audit 
work to be of a high standard, as well as 
specific examples of good audit practice. 
The AC welcomes the positive outcome  
of this regulatory review.

The Audit Committee evaluated the 
effectiveness of EY and the external audit 
process as auditor taking into account 
the results of Hochschild management’s 
internal survey relating to EY’s 
performance over the 2018 financial year 
as well as views and recommendations 
from management and its own 
experiences with the external auditor.  
Key criteria of the evaluation included 
resource and expertise, efficiency of the 
audit process, quality of communication 
and reporting to the Audit Committee. 
The AC concluded that EY had  
performed effectively.

 – Auditor objectivity – The Audit 

Committee has adopted a Policy  
on the Use of External Auditors for the 
Provision of Non-Audit Services  
(see later section for more details).

 – Governance and evaluation – The Audit 
Committee received updates from the 
Auditor and the Company Secretary  
on regulatory and other developments 
impacting the Committee’s role. In 
relation to the evaluation of the 
Committee’s performance, this was 
carried out as part of the annual Board 
evaluation. Specific questions were put 
to each Board member on various 
aspects of the performance of the Audit 
Committee including its responsibilities 
in overseeing the relationship with the 
Auditor, and in relation to risk 
management. General feedback on  
the Committee’s performance was  
also sought and fed back to the 
Committee Chair.

 – 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. Details of these 
objectives are set out in the Committee 
Chair’s introductory letter.

 – Tax Compliance Strategy – The Audit 
Committee approved on behalf of the 
Board a document on the Group’s 
approach to UK tax matters. The 
document can be found at:  
www.hochschildmining.com/en/
responsibility/tax_compliance_strategy

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements68

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
CONTINUED

During the year, the Committee members 
held meetings with the external Auditor 
without executive management to discuss 
matters relating to the 2017 annual audit 
and the 2018 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 2018 financial statements 
and how these issues have been 
addressed.

(a)  Impairments
The Audit Committee assessed 
management’s analysis which concluded 
that indicators of impairment in H2 2018 
were present with regards to San Jose 
due to the devaluation of the Argentinian 
Peso, high level of inflation and the 
reinstatement of export taxes from 
September 2018 and hence, was the 
subject of a full impairment assessment. 
In addition, impairment tests were carried 
out with respect to the Volcan and 
San Felipe projects.

The Audit Committee considered,  
with regards to San Jose:

 – analyst consensus forecasts for  

silver and gold, which did not show a 
significant change vs December 2017; 
and

 – the underlying calculation  

of the impairment test.

The Audit Committee considered, with 
regards to the Volcan and San Felipe 
projects, the value in-situ analysis 
undertaken by management together 
with the assumptions made therein.

In conclusion, the Audit Committee 
concurred with management that no 
impairments be made for the full year 
ending 31 December 2018.

(b)  Going Concern Assessment
The Directors must satisfy themselves  
as to the Group’s ability to continue as  
a going concern for a minimum of 
12 months from the approval of the 
financial statements. The Audit 
Committee supported the Board in this 
assessment by considering whether, in 
adverse circumstances, the Company  
has adequate liquid resources to meet its 
obligations as they fall due. In February 
2019, the Audit Committee reviewed the 
Group budget and cash flow forecasts  
for the going concern period taking into 
account the Company’s anticipated 
production profiles at each mine, 
budgeted capital and exploration 
expenditure and the sensitivity of the 
cashflow forecasts to movements in metal 
prices. In addition, the Audit Committee 
corroborated its assessment through 
consideration of the processes 

undertaken by the Auditor in its testing  
of management’s going concern 
assessment and on the reasonableness 
of assumptions therein, including their 
consistency with assumptions and 
estimates used elsewhere in the 
preparation of the financial statements.  
In particular, the Committee challenged 
management on the feasibility of the 
mitigating actions and the potential 
speed of their implementation.

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 60 for its confirmation to 
shareholders on the appropriateness of 
the Going Concern assumption and the 
Risk Management section of the 
Directors’ approach to the longer-term 
Viability Statement.

(c)  Mine rehabilitation provision
The Audit Committee considered the 
judgement exercised by management  
in assessing the amounts required to  
be paid by the Company to rehabilitate 
the Group’s mines.

In its assessment of the analysis 
undertaken by management (and, where 
relevant, by an independent third party), 
the Audit Committee took into account:

 – the basis of the estimation of future 

rehabilitation costs;

 – the discount rate applied;

 – 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 is appropriate.

(d)  Revenue recognition
The Audit Committee reviewed 
management’s approach to the 
accounting of revenue. In addition, the 
Committee considered the Auditor’s 
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.

As a result, 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.

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

Policy on the use of Auditor for  
non-audit services
Following the issue of the new 
consolidated Ethical Standard for Auditors 
by the Financial Reporting Council, the 
Audit Committee adopted a revised Policy 
in 2016 on the use of the Auditor for 
non-audit services (the ‘Revised  
NAS Policy’).

The Revised NAS Policy lists those 
non-audit services that the external 
Auditor is specifically prohibited from 
providing. In summary, these include 
(a) tax services; (b) bookkeeping; 
(c) payroll services; (d) designing or 
implementing internal control or risk 
management procedures with regards to 
financial information or related 
technology systems; (e) valuation 
services; (f) certain legal services; and 
(g) corporate finance type services. 
Certain of these services may be 
provided by the Auditor subject  
to the satisfaction of certain criteria 
ensuring the Auditor’s objectivity and the 
Audit Committee’s approval. The Revised 
NAS Policy requires (i) the Audit 
Committee and Chief Financial Officer  
to pre-approve all non-audit services 
undertaken by the external Auditor and 
(ii) that the cost of non-audit services 
rendered by the external Auditor, in any 
financial year, cannot exceed 70% of the 
total audit fee for that year. Please refer  
to the next section entitled ‘2018 Audit 
and non-audit fees’ for details on the 
operation of this policy during the year.

Safeguards
Additional safeguards to ensure auditor 
objectivity and independence include:

 – six-monthly reports to the Audit 

Committee from the Auditor analysing 
the fees for non-audit services 
rendered; and

 – an annual assessment, by the Audit 

Committee, of the Auditor’s objectivity 
and independence in light of all 
relationships between the Company 
and the audit firm.

2018 Audit and non-audit fees
Details of fees paid to the external Auditor 
are provided in note 30 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

Hochschild Mining PLC69

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 satisfied that the 
internal controls are in place at the 
operational level within the Group.

Board’s assessment
Risk management
Throughout the year, the Board 
considered its risk appetite which was 
considered to be appropriate. The Board 
confirms that its assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Company, 
including those that would threaten its 
business model, future performance, 
solvency or liquidity, and which are set out 
in the Risk Management & Viability 
section, was robust.

Internal control
As detailed above, the Board, through the 
delegated authority granted to the Audit 
Committee, monitors the ongoing process 
by which critical risks to the business are 
identified, evaluated and managed.  
This process is consistent with the FRC’s 
‘Guidance on Risk Management, Internal 
Control and Related Financial and 
Business Reporting’ published in 2014.

The Directors confirm that, with the 
support of the Audit Committee, the 
effectiveness of the Company’s system  
of risk management and internal controls 
has been reviewed during the year under 
review. These covered material controls, 
which included controls covering 
operational, financial and compliance 
matters. The controls operated effectively 
during the financial year although, as is 
the case for many large companies, 
additional controls were implemented  
or further strengthened during the year. 
The Audit Committee was made aware  
of the control changes and there was no 
significant impact on the financial results. 
The Directors confirm that no significant 
failings or weaknesses were identified as 
a result of the review of the effectiveness 
of the Group’s system of internal control.

Compliance Statement required 
under Article 7.1 of the Statutory Audit 
Services for Large Companies Market 
Investigation (Mandatory Use of 
Competitive Tender Processes and Audit 
Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014 
(the ‘Order’)
The Company confirms that it has 
complied with the Order during the year 
under review. Further to the statement of 
intent disclosed in last year’s Annual 
Report to amend the Revised NAS Policy 
so as to include the pre-approval of minor 
recurring permitted services, the 
Committee, after further consideration, 
requires all non-audit engagements, 
regardless of value, to be the subject of  
its prior authorisation.

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 in the 
context of a risk appetite that is under 
continuous review. 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 comprises:

 – reports from the Head of the Internal 

Audit function;

 – reviews 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;

 – the External Auditor review and 

observations of the Company’s internal 
control environment;

 – review of budgets and reporting against 

budgets; and

 – consideration of progress against 

strategic objectives.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements70

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
CONTINUED

Nominations Committee report

“In 2018 the Nominations  
Committee focussed its efforts  
on the development needs of  
the Board and planning for the 
succession of the Directors  
and senior executives.”

Dear Shareholder
The Nominations Committee played an 
active role in 2018. It has sought to 
address the Directors’ professional 
development needs in light of the 
findings of the 2017 Board evaluation 
process which identified topics of 
interest for presentation to the Board. 
These have been followed by 
presentations from the Group’s English 
legal advisers and corporate brokers. 
This programme will continue into the 
current year when we will consider, 
among other things, the use of 
advanced technology in the sector.

In addition, the Committee considered 
the issue of succession; with regards  
to the Board as well as senior 
management. The former serves as a 
valuable exercise in ensuring an orderly 
transition of Board positions which 

2018 Meeting Attendance

Members

Eduardo Hochschild Committee Chairman 

Graham Birch Non-Executive Director 

Jorge Born Non-Executive Director 

Eileen Kamerick Non-Executive Director 

Michael Rawlinson Non-Executive Director 

Dionisio Romero Paoletti Non-Executive Director 

Sanjay Sarma Non-Executive Director 

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; and

 – Review the Directors’ external interests 

with regards to actual, perceived  
or potential conflicts of interest.

Membership 
Graham Birch, Eileen Kamerick, Michael 
Rawlinson and Dionisio Romero Paoletti 
were appointed members of the 
Committee from 1 January 2018.

The Company Secretary acts as 
Secretary to the Committee.

strikes a balance between continuity 
and a refreshing of skills and 
perspectives.

The senior executive succession  
plan (known internally as the ‘Talent 
Inventory Review’) serves two purposes. 
Firstly, it provides reassurance that the 
Company is adequately prepared in 
the event a critical role needs to be 
filled. It also identifies the rising talent  
in the Company whom we seek to 
retain through the investment in their 
development. Further details of these 
aspects of the Committee’s work are 
provided below.

Eduardo Hochschild 
Committee Chairman

Independent

Maximum
possible
attendance

Actual
attendance

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

2

2

2 

2 

2

2

2

2 

2

2

2 

2

2

2

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

 – under the procedures approved by the 
Board, consideration of any conflicts 
arising from external Non-Executive 
Directorships proposed to be taken by 
Graham Birch, Eileen Kamerick and 
Michael Rawlinson. As is usual practice, 
the Non-Executive Director whose 
proposed directorship was under 
consideration did not participate in the 
respective discussions;

 – the succession plan for the Non-

Executive Directors. To support its 
deliberations, the Committee 
considered a skills matrix which 
(a) maps the extent to which key skills 
are represented around the Board table; 
and (b) identifies any skill gaps that 
arise on the assumed retirements from 
the Board within the next five years. The 
matrix highlights other relevant 

considerations, such as the requisite 
independent Board representation  
and the potential to increase gender 
diversity. Accordingly, the Committee  
is able to plan for future Non-Executive 
appointments both in terms of timing 
and the profile of potential appointees;

 – the succession and development plan 

for the Group’s senior executives known 
internally as the Talent Inventory Review 
(‘TIR’). The TIR, which is compiled on an 
annual basis, seeks to ensure that those 
performing “critical” and “key” roles are 
retained through the provision of 
professional development. The TIR 
identifies (a) “Critical Positions”, being 
those who can make a significant 
contribution to the Group’s strategic 
success; and (b) “Key Positions” who, 
may not necessarily occupy a Critical 
Position but are nevertheless considered 
desirable due to their specialised skills or 
knowledge of the Group or exceptional 
level of performance. In addition to 
supporting retention, the TIR also 
identifies the development needs for the 
successors to the Vice President roles 
thereby assisting the Chief Executive  
to plan for senior executive succession;

 – the findings of the 2017 Board 

evaluation process and, in particular,  
the training needs of the Directors;

 – the format of the 2018 Board evaluation 

process. As explained earlier in this 
report, it was decided that in light of  
the continued benefits that have been 
brought about by past internally 
led-evaluations, the Board favoured  
the continuation of this approach in 
2018. The format of the 2019 Board 
evaluation will, however, be kept  
under review; and

 – the findings of the 2018 Board 

evaluation process (see earlier section  
of the Corporate Governance Report).

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.

Diversity policy 
The Board acknowledges that diversity 
brings new perspectives which can drive 
superior business performance and 
promote innovation. However, as has been 
stated in past Annual Reports, the Board 
is keen to commit to the overriding 
principle that every Board member and 
potential appointee must be able to 
demonstrate the skills and knowledge to 
be able to make a valued contribution to 
the Board. This merits-based approach 
will continue to apply and the Board does 
not intend to set diversity targets. As 
demonstrated by the most recent 
appointments, where the opportunity  
also arises to increase Board diversity 
(whether of gender, culture, professional 
background or nationality) this would be 
considered to be an additional benefit.

Hochschild Mining PLC71

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; and

 – 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 
There were no changes to committee 
membership during the year under review. 
Sanjay Sarma was appointed a member 
of the Committee from 1 January 2019.

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 40 to 49.

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee report

“The year saw many advances  
in terms of our environmental 
performance and our interaction  
with our local communities. However, 
safety remains a top priority to  
which we remain committed.”

Dear Shareholder
The Company did some very good 
work across numerous fronts in 2018; 
among them are the Company’s 
environmental performance with a 
significant outperformance of the  
most stretching ECO Score target and 
the various community initiatives with 
their focus on education, digital access, 
health and socio-economic 
development. Management have  
also dedicated a lot of time and effort 
in embedding a safety-first culture 
through the extensive Safety Culture 
Transformation Plan (the ‘Plan’).  
It is therefore, deeply regrettable that 
two accidents occurred at our mine 
sites during 2018 which resulted in 
three fatalities.

The Committee and, indeed the  
Board as a whole and the management 
team, remain committed to our 
zero-tolerance approach to accidents. 
There are encouraging signs that the 

Plan is having the desired impact 
across the business as there was a  
46% reduction in the number of High 
Potential Events in 2018 compared  
to 2017 (discussed further in the 
Sustainability Report on page 42).

Additional details on the initiatives 
implemented during the year can be 
found on pages 42 to 49.

Finally, I am pleased to report that in 
order to ensure that the Board is kept 
informed of employees’ views, the 
Committee has introduced the 
practice of receiving reports from the 
Vice President of Human Relations. 
I look forward to updating shareholders 
on this new aspect of our role in next 
year’s Annual Report.

Dr Graham Birch 
Committee Chairman

2018 Meeting Attendance

Members

Graham Birch Non-Executive Director  
and Committee Chairman

Michael Rawlinson Non-Executive Director 

Ignacio Bustamante Chief Executive Officer 

Independent

Maximum
possible
attendance

Actual
attendance

Yes

Yes

No

4

4

4

4

4

4

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements72

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT  
CONTINUED

Remuneration Committee report

“In 2018, the Remuneration Committee 
maintained its focus on ensuring  
that the Group’s incentive schemes 
continued to reward performance  
for the successful achievement of  
our strategic objectives.” 

Further details on the Committee’s 
work in 2018 and how we seek to reflect 
the experience of our wider 
stakeholders in executive pay can be 
found in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report from page 77.

Michael Rawlinson 
Committee Chairman

Dear Shareholder
Last year, we revised the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy which we 
presented to shareholders along with 
the Annual Report of Remuneration for 
approval at the 2018 AGM. I am pleased 
to report that both were approved by 
the majority of our shareholders with 
a 96.9% and 84.5% vote for each item 
respectively. A summary of the policy 
can be found on pages 78 to 82 with the 
full policy in the 2017 Annual Report 
and Accounts.

In addition to considering the usual 
matters within its terms of reference, 
the Committee sought advice from its 
advisers, Mercer Kepler on feedback to 
the revised Remuneration Policy as well 
as on external market developments 
and the latest shareholder guidelines 
concerning executive remuneration.

2018 Meeting Attendance

Members

Independent

Maximum
possible
attendance

Actual
attendance

Michael Rawlinson Non-Executive Director and 
Committee Chairman

Graham Birch Non-Executive Director

Eileen Kamerick Non-Executive Director 

Yes

Yes

Yes

3

3

3

3

3

3 

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; and

 – Review and note annually the 
remuneration trends across  
the Company.

Membership
Eileen Kamerick was appointed a member 
of the Committee on 1 January 2018.

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 or her own 
remuneration arrangements are 
considered by the Committee unless 
otherwise directed by the Committee.

Activity during the year
Details of the Remuneration Committee’s 
activities during the year are provided in 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report from 
page 77.

Hochschild Mining PLC73

2018 AGM
Notice of the 2018 AGM was circulated to 
all shareholders at least 20 working days 
prior to the meeting. The Chairs of each  
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.

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 2018
The following table summarises  
the principal means by which 
management communicated  
with investors during the year:

Principal shareholder contacts
The 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 Chief Executive Officer is  
responsible for discussing strategy  
with the Company’s shareholders  
and conveying their views to the  
other members of the Board.

Other than through direct contact as 
detailed in the table below, Directors  
are kept informed of major shareholders’ 
views through copies of (i) relevant 
analysts’ and brokers’ briefings, (ii)  
voting recommendation reports issued  
by institutional investor agencies, and 
(iii) significant correspondence from 
shareholders with respect to the  
business to be put to shareholder  
vote at General Meetings.

Date

Event

January (and April, 
July, October)

Conference calls following the Quarterly Production Report

Chairman and the newly appointed Senior Independent Director  
met with a number of major investors

February

BMO Global Metals & Mining Conference

March

May

August

September

November

December

2018 Annual Results presentation

UK Roadshow

Citi Resources Conference

BoA Merrill Lynch Global Metals, Mining and Steel Conference

Annual General Meeting

2018 Half-Yearly Results presentation

UK Roadshow

Denver Gold Forum

Capital Markets Day

Scotia Capital Conference

An extensive Investor Relations schedule 
resulted in management holding over 100 
investor meetings during the year.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements74

SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION

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.

Share capital
Issued share capital
The issued share capital of the Company 
as at 1 January 2018 was 507,232,310 
ordinary shares of 25 pence each 
(‘shares’). A total of 3,321,610 shares 
were issued during the year under the 
Company’s Restricted Share Plan and, 
as a result, the number of shares in issue 
as at 31 December 2018 was 
510,553,920 shares.

The Hochschild Mining Employee Share 
Trust (‘the Trust’) is an employee share 
trust established to hold shares 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 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 2018, the Company 
had been notified of the following 
interests in the Company’s shares in 
accordance with Chapter 5 of the 
Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure 
Guidance and Transparency Rules:

Current share repurchase authority
The Company obtained shareholder 
approval at the AGM held in May 2018 for 
the repurchase of up to 50,889,311 shares 
which represented, at that time, 10% of  
the Company’s issued share capital 
(‘the 2018 Authority’). Whilst no purchases 
have been made by the Company 
pursuant to the 2018 Authority, it is 
intended that shareholder consent will  
be sought on similar terms at this year’s 
AGM when the 2018 Authority expires.

Additional share capital information
This section provides additional 
information as at 31 December 2018.

(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 26 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.

Eduardo Hochschild

Majedie Asset Management Limited

Van Eck Associates Corporation 2

Number of 
ordinary shares

 258,565,373 1

25,384,745

24,715,437

Percentage of 
voting rights 
(indirect)

Percentage of 
voting rights 
(direct)

– 

50.644%

4.97%

–

–

4.87%

1  The shareholding of Mr Eduardo Hochschild is held through Pelham Investment Corporation.
2   The information disclosed is taken from the latest notification received by the Company from Van Eck 

Associates Corporation in June 2018.

No further notifications have been received up until the date of this Annual Report.

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.

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

 – registration of a transfer of an 

uncertificated share may be refused in 
the circumstances set out in the CREST 
Regulations and where, in the case of a 
transfer to joint holders, the number of 
joint holders to whom the uncertificated 
share is to be transferred exceeds four;

 – the Directors may, in their absolute 
discretion, decline to register any 
transfer of any share which is not a fully 
paid share. The Directors may also 
decline to recognise any instrument of 
transfer relating to a certificated share 
unless the instrument of transfer:

 – 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

 –  is in respect of only one class of share. 
The Directors may, in their absolute 
discretion, refuse to register a transfer 
if it is in favour of more than four 
persons jointly; and

 – the Directors may decline to register a 

transfer of any of the Company’s shares 
by a person with a 0.25% interest, if such 
a person has been served with a notice 
under the Companies Act after failure 
to provide the Company with 
information concerning interests in 
those shares required to be provided 
under the Companies Act.

(d) Restrictions on voting
No member shall be entitled to vote at 
any general meeting or class meeting in 
respect of any shares held by him 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.

Hochschild Mining PLC75

(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.

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.

(a) $50m Credit Agreement
Under the terms and conditions of  
the $50 million Credit and Guaranty 
Agreement between, amongst others,  
the Group and Scotiabank Peru S.A.A,  
a Change of Control obliges the Group  
to prepay all Advances (as defined in the 
agreement) unless any Lender notifies  
the Group that it is declining any such 
prepayment in which case the Advances 
owing to such declining Lender shall not 
be prepaid.

In summary, a Change of Control means 
an event or series of events by which: 
(a) the Permitted Holders (being Eduardo 
Hochschild, his spouse, either of their 
descendants or estate or guardian of  
any of the aforementioned, a trust for  
the benefit of one or more of the 
aforementioned or any entity controlled 
by any one or more of the aforementioned 
or investment vehicle for the primary 
benefit of any of them) shall for any 
reason cease, individually or in the 
aggregate, to control 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 Company shall for any reason 
cease, directly or through one or more  
of its Subsidiaries, to be the ‘beneficial 
owner’ as so defined) of more than 50%  
of the Equity Interests in Compania 
Minera Ares S.A.C.

(b) Long-Term Incentive Plans
Awards made under the Group’s Long-
Term Incentive Plan, Enhanced Long-
Term Incentive Plan and Restricted Share 
Plan shall, upon a change of control of  
the Company, vest early unless a 
replacement award is made. Vesting  
will be pro-rated to take account of the 
proportion of the period from the award 
date to the normal vesting date falling 
prior to the change of control and the 
extent to which performance conditions 
(and any other conditions) applying to  
the award have been met.

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 or she 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 adopted the 
recommendation of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code that all Directors 
should seek annual re-election by 
shareholders.

2014 Listing Rules
Following the implementation, in 2014,  
of new Listing Rules by the Financial 
Conduct Authority (in its capacity as the 
UK Listing Authority), as a company with  
a controlling shareholder, 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 who 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/her term of office. The office of 
Director shall be vacated if: (i) s/he is 
prohibited by law from acting as a 
Director; (ii) s/he resigns or offers to  
resign and the Directors resolve to accept 
such offer; (iii) s/he becomes bankrupt  
or compounds with his/her creditors 
generally; (iv) a relevant order has been 
made by any court on the grounds of 
mental disorder; (v) s/he is absent without 
permission of the Directors from meetings 
of the Board for six months and the 
Directors resolve that his/her office  
be vacated; (vi) his/her 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/her to resign and within 30 days of 
being given notice of such notice s/he so 
fails to do.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements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.

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 Matter

Interest capitalised

Location

Note 15 to the consolidated 
financial statements

(1)

(2)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

(10)(a)

(10)(b)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

Publication of unaudited financial information

Not applicable

Details of specified long-term incentive scheme

Waiver of emoluments by a Director

Waiver of future emoluments by a Director

Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash

Item (7) in relation to major subsidiary undertakings

Parent participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary

None

None

None

None

None

None

Contract of significance in which a Director is interested None

Contract of significance with controlling shareholder

None

Provision of services by a controlling shareholder

Shareholder waivers of dividends

Shareholder waivers of future dividends

Agreement with controlling shareholder

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report

76

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
CONTINUED

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.

Hochschild Mining PLC77

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Dear Shareholders
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased  
to present the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report for the year ending 31 December 
2018 which is split into three sections: this 
Annual Statement, a summary of 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy approved 
at the 2018 AGM and the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

As reported earlier in the Annual Report, 
2018 was a successful year in many 
respects; from an operational perspective 
there was a record level of production; 
from a financial perspective the Group 
generated a robust level of earnings with 
Adjusted EBITDA of $268 million and 
reduced debt significantly; and from an 
exploration perspective the brownfield 
programme resulted in a material 
extension to Inmaculada’s life-of-mine.

In the Sustainability Report we have 
showcased the Group’s activities and 
performance in 2018 in the areas of  
health and safety, community relations, 
environmental performance and employee 
engagement. In relation to safety, 
management continued to implement the 
various facets of the three-year Safety 
Culture Transformation Plan launched in 
early 2018 which has been designed to 
embed a safety-first culture across the 
organisation (please see below and 
page 43 for further details).

Remuneration in 2018
Last year, we revised the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy which we presented 
to shareholders along with the Annual 
Report of Remuneration for approval at 
the 2018 AGM. We are pleased to report 
that both were approved by the majority 
of our shareholders with a 96.9% and 
84.5% vote for each item respectively.  
A summary of the policy can be found  
on pages 78 to 82 with the full policy  
in the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts.

The new Policy came into effect from the 
date of the AGM. In line with the approved 
Policy, the Remuneration Committee 
determined the following;

For 2018, the CEO will receive an annual 
bonus of 135% of salary (equivalent to 
90% of maximum). This bonus outcome 
reflects the Company’s achievement 
against production, EBITDA, growth, 
resources and environmental targets 
which were met in full and which, together, 
account for 75% of the bonus score. The 
remaining 25% of the bonus score was 
dependent on Hochschild’s safety targets. 
In 2018, the first-year implementation of 
the Safety Culture Transformation Plan 
(the ‘Plan’) was completed. This included 
(a) enhancements to Hochschild’s risk 
management systems, (b) a leadership 
programme comprising workshops and 
initiatives to promote safe working, (c) a 
redesign of the annual training programs 
for our workers and (d) a comprehensive 

programme to enhance internal 
communications on safety. The Board are 
encouraged that the Plan appears to be 
having the desired effects as there have 
been significant reductions in the number 
of high potential events and lost time 
safety events in 2018 vs. 2017 of 46% and 
35% respectively. The Plan has without 
doubt played a crucial role in reducing  
the accident frequency rate to a level 
which exceeds the most stretching target 
set for the CEO and which has resulted  
in the vesting of 15% of the CEO’s bonus. 
However, despite the significant process 
made, it is with regret, that there were 
three fatalities during 2018. As a result, the 
CEO did not meet the accident severity 
targets; therefore, this element of the 
bonus, accounting for 10% of maximum, 
lapsed. The Committee determined that 
given the significant progress made on 
safety during the year that no further 
discretionary reduction on the CEO’s 
bonus was required. Further detail on 
performance against the bonus 
scorecard is included on page 85.

During 2018, the CEO was granted a 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) award  
of 200% of salary. Vesting will be based  
on performance over the three financial 
years to 31 December 2020. Consistent 
with our approach for 2017 awards, 2018 
awards will vest to the extent that relative 
TSR targets are achieved over the period.

Based on relative TSR performance to 
31 December 2018, 100% of the 2016 LTIP 
award and 43% of the five-year tranche  
of the legacy 2014 Enhanced Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (‘ELTIP’) award will vest in 
early 2019. These levels of vesting reflect 
the Company’s strong long-term TSR 
performance over the three-year and 
five-year periods to 2018. The Committee 
reviewed overall performance over the 
three-year and five-year periods and, in 
particular, in light of the Group’s robust 
financial performance, the successful 
construction of Inmaculada and 
brownfield exploration success, it 
concluded that these vesting outcomes  
were appropriate and therefore no further 
discretionary reduction was applied.

Implementation of Remuneration  
Policy in 2019
For 2019, the maximum annual bonus 
opportunity will remain 150% of salary. 
The bonus payment will be subject to 
performance against broadly the same 
measures as those used in 2018. In line 
with the policy approved by shareholders 
last year, on-target performance will 
result in 75% of the bonus vesting which is 
a c.10% reduction to the same level of 
performance in 2017. While the Committee 
considers this to be appropriate, it will 
continue to monitor alignment with 
market practice and Hochschild’s 
strategic objectives.

An LTIP award of 200% of salary is 
proposed for 2019, in line with past years 
with vesting based on relative TSR vs. 
mining comparators and the FTSE350 
mining sector over three years, with 50% 
paid in cash after three years with a 
requirement to apply the balance to 
purchase Hochschild shares to be held for 
an additional two years. The Committee 
recognises that the use of a cash-based 
LTIP is not standard practice among 
UK-listed companies but it considers that 
the revised structure of the plan, which 
requires shares to be purchased with 50% 
of any cash entitlement, to be appropriate 
given the majority shareholder’s 
preference to retain a majority 
shareholding in the Company. In addition, 
the Committee is comfortable that the 
plan retains a strong link to shareholders’ 
interests through the use of a combination 
of two TSR based vesting conditions.

Further detail on the implementation of 
Policy for 2019 is included on page 87.

The CEO’s base salary remains 
unchanged at US$700,000.

The Committee has followed the recent 
changes to the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, and reporting requirements of the 
revised Companies (Miscellaneous 
Reporting) Regulations 2018 which will be 
apply to the 2019 Directors’ Remuneration 
Report as well as issued guidelines from 
leading shareholders and bodies such as 
ISS (Institutional Shareholder Services) 
and the Investment Association. The 
Committee has decided to include some 
of these reporting regulations’ disclosures 
early such as the use of the discretion, the 
additional performance scenario in the 
pay scenario charts which reflects full 
vesting plus 50% share price appreciation 
on long-term incentive awards and the 
impact of share price appreciation on the 
value of vested long-term incentive 
awards. We have not included a CEO pay 
ratio as there are only three employees 
based in the UK, therefore the resulting 
ratios would not be very meaningful. 
The Committee will continue to monitor 
developing remuneration trends including 
post-exit share ownership guidelines.

I hope you, our shareholders, find this 
report to be informative. If you should 
have any queries or comments on any 
aspect of this year’s report, I would 
encourage you to contact me through  
the Company Secretary.

Michael Rawlinson 
Chairman, Remuneration Committee

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements78

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 ISS 
(Institutional Shareholder Services), the 
Investment Association and the Pensions 
and Lifetime Savings Association.

As no changes have been made  
to the Remuneration Policy, which 
shareholders approved at the 2018 

AGM, the full policy is not repeated here. 
The principal objectives of policy, the 
Policy Table for both Executive Directors 
and Non-Executive Directors including 
notes, treatment of service contracts/
letters of appointment of the Board and 
the updated Pay scenario charts are 
included below for information, and the 
full policy can be found in the 2017 
Annual Report and Accounts.

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’).

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.

Policy Table
The table below provides a summary of each element of the Remuneration Policy for Executive Directors.

Element Base salary 
Objective and link to strategy To support recruitment and retention

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

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 Directors receive 
Compensation for Time Services (‘CTS’) 
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.

To avoid setting expectations, there is no prescribed maximum salary.

None

In respect of existing Executive Directors, it is anticipated that salary increases 
will generally be in line with the wider employee population. In exceptional 
circumstances (including, but not limited to, a material increase in job size or 
complexity, the reversal of a previous salary reduction, or if a Director has not 
received an increase for a number of years), the Committee has discretion to 
make appropriate adjustments to salary levels.

None

CTS is a legal entitlement for employees in Peru which provides for a fund  
in the event of termination of employment. CTS in respect of base salary  
is calculated as one month’s wages and is deposited biannually in an 
employee’s interest-accruing bank account and prior to the end of 
employment, employees can gain access to the deposited amount to  
the extent it exceeds four months’ wages. CTS in respect of other forms  
of remuneration such as incentive payouts, that are considered to be  
‘non-extraordinary’ is currently calculated at a rate of 1/24th.

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).

Hochschild Mining PLC 
79

Element Annual bonus 
Objective and link to strategy To achieve alignment with the Group’s strategy and commitment to operating responsibly

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

The maximum 
annual bonus 
opportunity is  
150% of salary.

For ‘threshold’ and 
‘target’ levels of 
performance, the 
bonus earned is up 
to 50% and up to 
75% of maximum, 
respectively.

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 
individual performance.

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 circumstances 
such as material misstatement or gross 
misconduct.

If deferral is applied, the Committee  
retains the discretion to allow dividends  
(or equivalent) to accrue over the deferral 
period in respect of the awards that vest.

Performance is determined by the Committee by reference to Group 
financial measures as well as the achievement of personal/strategic 
objectives. The personal/strategic objectives are typically weighted no 
higher than 30% of maximum.

The Committee retains discretion to vary year-on-year the weightings  
for individual measures, 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 and individual 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.

Malus provisions apply, i.e. the Committee has the discretion to  
reduce bonus payments on the occurrence of an adverse event that  
is attributable (directly or indirectly) to an act or failure to act by the 
executive. Such events include those 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.

Element Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) 
Objective and link to strategy To directly incentivise sustained shareholder value creation through  
operational performance and to support the recruitment of senior positions and longer-term retention

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Awards are made annually, in the form  
of cash, with vesting subject to the 
attainment of specific performance 
conditions and continued employment.

Awards have a performance and vesting 
period of at least three years. For LTIP 
awards made in 2018 and subsequent 
years, 50% of vested awards is paid 
immediately on vesting in cash (less tax), 
and 50% after tax is invested in Company 
shares and normally required to be held for 
a further two years. Dividends, if any, will 
accrue to shares during the holding period.

Maximum annual 
award level is 200% 
of salary (267% of 
salary in exceptional 
circumstances,  
such as to aid the 
recruitment or 
retention of an 
Executive Director).

The current performance condition is TSR performance relative to 
specific sector-based comparator groups, although the Committee has 
the discretion to adjust the performance measures and/or comparator 
groups before each cycle to ensure that they remain appropriate.

Malus provisions apply, i.e. 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 act or failure to act, which is 
attributable (directly or indirectly) to an award-holder has resulted in, 
among other things, an adverse event related to health and safety, the 
environment or community relations.

Details of the TSR comparator groups and targets used for specific LTIP 
grants 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, but within the limits sets out in the Policy Table, in order to facilitate the recruitment of an individual, exercising the 
discretion available under Listing Rule 9.4.2R.

The Committee also retains discretion to make non-significant changes to the Policy without going back to shareholders.  
The Committee is satisfied that the Remuneration Policy is in the best interests of shareholders and does not promote excessive 
risk-taking.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
80

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  
CONTINUED

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 summarised in this report (such as the vesting of Enhanced Long-Term Incentive Plan or Restricted Share Plan 
awards made under a previous Policy, or awards made prior to appointment to the Board). Details of any such payments will be set 
out in the Annual Report on Remuneration as they arise.

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 Committee has discretion to vary the performance condition for in-flight awards in certain circumstances to ensure they 
continue to be fair, reasonable and no more or less difficult to satisfy than originally intended. For example, in the event of M&A 
activity amongst the TSR 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). Other examples of special 
circumstances include but are not limited to rights issues, corporate restructuring, and special dividends. The Committee will also 
review the appropriateness of the performance conditions prior to each LTIP grant and reserves the discretion to set different targets 
for future awards without consulting with shareholders.

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 broadly 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 and are required to invest 50% of the vested cash award (on a tax net basis)  
in the Company’s shares and hold these shares for a further two years. These shares will count towards their target shareholding 
(expressed as a percentage of salary, which will be set depending on seniority).

Hochschild Mining PLC81

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 four different performance scenarios: ‘minimum’, ‘on-target’, ‘maximum’ and 
‘maximum +50%’.

Potential reward opportunities are based on the proposed Remuneration Policy, applied to the CEO’s base salary as at 1 March 2019 
of $700,000.

Performance scenario ($’000)

Maximum +50%

Maximum

On-target

Minimum

23%

23%

40%

100%

33%

33%

42%

19%

 1,964

779

44%

44%

 3,331

 3,331

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

CEO total remuneration ($000)

Fixed pay

Single-year variable

Multi-year variable

The chart above excludes the effect of any Company share price appreciation except in the Maximum+50% scenario.

The ‘minimum’ scenario shows base salary and benefits (that is, fixed remuneration), and associated CTS. 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 75% of the annual bonus and threshold vesting 
of 25% of the maximum award under the LTIP, and associated CTS.

The ‘maximum’ scenario reflects fixed remuneration, plus full payout of all incentives, and associated CTS.

The ‘maximum + 50%’ scenario reflects the new requirement for a scenario where 50% share price appreciation is included. As the 
LTI is not paid in shares, this scenario is the same as the ‘maximum’ scenario.

Service contracts
Executive Director

Date of service contract

Ignacio Bustamante

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.

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 this, 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 Hochschild

Dr Graham Birch

Jorge Born Jr.

Eileen Kamerick

Michael Rawlinson

Sanjay Sarma

Dionisio Romero Paoletti

Letter of appointment dated

Anticipated expiry of present term of appointment 
(subject to annual re-election)

30 January 2015

20 June 2011

16 October 2006

9 September 2016

18 December 2015

13 December 2016

18 December 2017

1 January 2022

1 July 2020

16 October 2021

1 November 2019

1 January 2022

1 January 2020

1 January 2021

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements82

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT  
CONTINUED

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 on 1 January 2015, 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:

Objective

Details

Opportunity

Performance metrics

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

Fee levels are reviewed from time to time, with  
any adjustments typically effective from 1 March 
each year.

NED fees will typically only be increased 
during the term of this Policy in line with 
general market levels of NED fee inflation.

None

The fee paid to the Chairman is determined by the 
Committee, and base fees to Non-Executive Directors 
are determined by the Board. Additional fees are 
payable for acting as Chairman of the Board’s 
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.

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.

In recruiting a new Non-Executive Director (‘NED’), the Committee will use the Policy as set out in the table above. A base fee would 
be payable for Board membership, with additional fees payable for those acting as Chair of the Company’s Board Committees and 
as Senior Independent Director, as appropriate.

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 Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the Committee takes into consideration  
the remuneration arrangements for the wider employee population in making its decisions on remuneration for senior executives.

Annual report on remuneration
The following section provides details of how Hochschild’s 2018 Remuneration Policy was implemented during the financial year 
ending 31 December 2018, and how the Remuneration Committee intends to implement the Remuneration Policy in 2019. Any 
information contained in this section of the report that is subject to audit has been marked as such.

Remuneration Committee membership
The Remuneration Committee was chaired during the year under review by Michael Rawlinson who was appointed as Chairman 
from 1 January 2018, and its other members were Graham Birch and Eileen Kamerick. The Remuneration Committee has comprised, 
at all times, of only 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 or her  
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 three times during the year (details of members’ attendance at meetings are provided in the 
Corporate Governance Report on page 63) and undertook the items of business noted below.

Key activities of the Remuneration Committee in 2018:

 – Considered external market developments and best practice in remuneration, and latest shareholder guidelines

 – Reviewed and approved incentive outcomes for 2017 (2017 annual bonus and vesting of 2015 LTIP awards and the first tranche  

of 2014 ELTIP awards)

 – Reviewed the CEO’s total remuneration, including salary for 2018

 – Considered and approved the 2017 Directors’ Remuneration Report (‘DRR’)

 – Considered and approved the rules of the 2018 LTIP to be put to shareholders for approval at the 2018 AGM

 – Considered investor feedback on the revised Remuneration Policy and 2017 DRR

 – Approved the opportunity/award level and performance targets for 2018 annual bonus and LTIP awards

 – Considered and approved the CEO’s 2019 objectives

Hochschild Mining PLC83

Advisers
During the year, in order to enable the Committee to reach informed decisions on executive remuneration, advice on market  
data and trends was obtained from independent consultants, Mercer Kepler. Mercer Kepler reports directly to the Committee 
Chairman, and is a signatory to and abides by the Code of Conduct for Remuneration Consultants (which can be found at  
www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com). Other than advice on remuneration, no other services were provided by Mercer Kepler  
to the Company (or any other part of the MMC group of companies with the exception of unrelated insurance brokerage services). 
The fees paid to Mercer Kepler in respect of work carried out in 2018 (based on time and materials) totalled £18,730, excluding 
expenses and VAT.

The Committee undertakes due diligence periodically to ensure that Mercer Kepler remains independent of the Company and that 
the advice provided is impartial and objective. The Committee is satisfied that the advice provided by Mercer Kepler is independent.

Summary of shareholder voting at the 2018 AGM
The table below shows the results of the binding vote on the Remuneration Policy and the advisory vote on the 2017 Annual Report of 
Remuneration at the AGM on 25 May 2018:

For (including discretionary)

Against

Total votes cast (excluding withheld votes)

Votes withheld

Remuneration Policy

2017 Annual Report  
of Remuneration

Total number  
of votes

% of  
votes cast

Total number  
of votes

% of  
votes cast

392,578,326

12,459,724

405,038,050

7,681

96.92%

3.08%

337,129,308

61,660,570

398,789,878

6,255,854

84.54%

15.46%

Note: Votes withheld are not included in the final proxy figures as they are not recognised as votes in law.

The Committee is committed to listening to and engaging with the views of our shareholders and takes an interest in voting 
outcomes. The Committee will continue to be transparent in our remuneration decision-making and to engage with our 
shareholders on remuneration matters.

Single total figure of remuneration for Executive Directors (audited)
The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by Ignacio Bustamante, the only Executive Director, for 
the year ended 31 December 2018 and the prior year:

Base salary 1

Taxable benefits 2

Single-year variable 3

Multiple-year variable 4

Restricted shares 5

Profit share 6

Compensation for Time Service (‘CTS’) 7

Tax refunds

Total

2018
(US$000)

2017
(US$000)

700

20

945

1,634

605

–

1918

7

4,103

700

26

875

1,635

1,064

–

2129

7

4,519

1  Figures disclosed include certain statutory payments accounted for internally within base salary (‘Statutory Supplements’) as follows: 2018: $300, 2017: $300.
2  Taxable benefits include: use of a car and driver (2018: $14k; 2017: $20k) and medical insurance (rounded to nearest $000).
3  Payment for performance during the year under the Annual Bonus Plan. See following sections for further details.
4  2018 value comprises: (a) the 2016 LTIP award of $1.4m which will fully vest based on performance to 31 December 2018 and subject to continued employment on the vesting 
date, and (b) the five-year tranche of the 2014 ELTIP vesting at 43% ($234k using the three-month average share price for the period ending 31 December 2018 of 161.37p) 
based on performance to 31 December 2018 and subject to continued employment on the vesting date. 2017 value comprises: (a) the 2015 LTIP award of $1m vesting fully 
based on performance to 31 December 2017 and (b) a restatement, as required by reporting regulations, of the value of the four-year tranche of the 2014 ELTIP vesting at 
86.3% ($635k using the share price on the date of vesting of 195.05p, rather than the three-month average share price for the period ending 31 December 2017 which gave a 
value of $737k). The 2016 LTIP is paid entirely in cash, therefore none of the vested value of this award can be attributed to an increase in share price over the vesting period. 
The five-year tranche of the 2014 ELTIP is paid in shares. Even though the £-based share price increased over the vesting period by 4%, the $-value of the ELTIP award fell 
by $63k due to the GBP:USD exchange rate declining by 22% over the same period.

5  2018 value comprises the third tranche of restricted shares granted on 30 December 2014 which vested on 30 December 2018 at a share price of 160.0p; the Committee 
determined that the individual performance underpin had been met. 2017 value comprises the second tranche of restricted shares granted on 30 December 2014 which 
vested on 30 December 2017 at a share price of 264p.

6  All-employee profit share mandated by Peruvian law which, in light of the levels of taxable profit generated at the relevant entity level, has resulted in nil payout.
7  For further details on CTS, see page 78.
8  Comprises: CTS on base salary ($58k), 2018 bonus ($39k), 2016 LTIP ($10k), third tranche of vested RSP awards ($25k) and second tranche of the 2014 ELTIP ($58k) (all 

rounded to nearest $000).

9  Comprises: CTS on base salary ($58k), 2017 bonus ($36k), 2015 LTIP ($42k), second tranche of vested RSP awards ($44k) and first tranche of the 2014 ELTIP ($31k) (all 

rounded to nearest $000).

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements84

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

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 2018 and the prior year:

Eduardo Hochschild 1

Dr Graham Birch

Jorge Born Jr

Eileen Kamerick

Michael Rawlinson

Dionisio Romero 4

Sanjay Sarma

Base fee
(US$000)

2018

400

93

93

93

93

93

93

2017

400

74

74

74

74

n/a

74

Additional fees
(US$000)

Taxable benefits
(US$000)

Total
(US$000)

2018

2017

–

–

–

192

372

–

–

–

–

–

103

–

n/a

n/a

2018

531

–

–

–

–

–

–

2017

555

–

–

–

–

n/a

–

2018

931

93

93

112

131

93

93

2017

955

74

74

84

74

n/a

74

  All figures are rounded to the nearest $‘000.
1  Eduardo Hochschild was an Executive Director until 31 December 2014 and, as reported in the 2015 report, Eduardo Hochschild retained eligibility to receive benefits following 

his transition to the Non-Executive Chairman role comprising personal security, medical insurance and company car.

2  See below for further details on fees payable to Non-Executive Directors in respect of additional responsibilities. Eileen Kamerick receives such fee in respect of her position 
as Chair of the Audit Committee. Michael Rawlinson receives such fees in respect of his positions as Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
3  Eileen Kamerick was entitled to receive an additional fee on assuming the Chair of the Audit Committee on 11 May 2017 which, at that time, was payable at £10k pa. Such fees 

were increased to the current level with effect from 1 September 2017.

4  Dionisio Romero was appointed a Non-Executive Director on 1 January 2018

Salary and fee adjustments for the year ended 31 December 2018
Executive Director
The Committee reviewed the CEO’s salary in 2018 and determined that no increase would be awarded.

Executive Director

Ignacio Bustamante

Base salary 
from 
1 March 2018 
(US$000)

Base salary 
from 
1 March 2017 
(US$000)

Percentage 
increase

700

700

0%

Base salary above excludes CTS. Ignacio Bustamante’s salary is denominated in US dollars.

Non-Executive Directors
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, Chairman of the Audit Committee and Senior 
Independent Director. No change to fees was made in 2018.

A summary of current fee levels is provided below:

Fee

Chairman’s fee

Non-Executive Director base fee

Non-Executive Director additional fee

Fee from 
1 March  
2018

Fee from 
1 September 
2017

Percentage 
increase

US$400,000

US$400,000

£70,000

£14,000

£70,000

£14,000

0%

0%

0%

Hochschild Mining PLC85

Incentive outcomes for the year ended 31 December 2018 (audited)

Annual bonus in respect of 2018 performance
Performance against objectives
Objectives for the 2018 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 2019.

Details of the bonus paid to the CEO for 2018, including the specific performance metrics, weightings and performance against each 
of the metrics, are provided in the table below:

Targets

2018 Assessment

Objective

KPI

Profitable 
production and 
financial results

Production

EBITDA 1

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) 2

Brownfields  
– inferred resources  
(subject to permitting)

Accident frequency rate 
(LTIFR)

Accident Severity Index

ECO score 3

Safety & 
Environmental 
awareness

Target 
weighting

25%

15%

15%

10%

15%

10%

10%

Threshold

37.5m Oz  
Ag Eq

Target

Maximum

2018 Result

38m Oz  
Ag Eq

38.4m Oz  
Ag Eq

38.97m Oz  
Ag Eq

US$220m

US$240m

US$250m

US$255.7m

US$13.6 Oz

US$13.2 Oz

US$12.9 Oz

US$12.5 Oz

40m Oz  
Ag Eq

50m Oz  
Ag Eq

70m Oz  
Ag Eq

130m Oz  
Ag Eq

3.00

540

2.50

450

3.0 – 3.49

3.3 – 3.99

2.00

300

≥ 4

1.74

930

5.37

Bonus Payable (as a percentage of maximum opportunity) 

Bonus
score

25%

15%

15%

10%

15%

NIL

10%

90%

1  Adjusted EBITDA is used for the annual bonus and is determined based on EBITDA adjusted to neutralise price effects, export taxes in Argentina and is before the LTIP provision.
2   All-in sustaining cost is adjusted to ensure comparability with the objective set at the beginning of the year and therefore disregards the impact of unbudgeted expenditure 

such as exploration costs, export taxes in Argentina and the LTIP provision.

3   Please refer to the Sustainability Report on page 40 for further details on the methodology of calculating the Group’s ECO score (the internally designed measurement  

of the Company’s environmental performance).

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. The bonus scores for each objective are summed which translates 
into a percentage which is applied to the maximum bonus opportunity.

The Committee assessed performance against the scorecard and the CEO’s performance in 2018. A number of adjustments were 
made in line with the Company’s usual practice to maintain the quality of earnings by primarily disregarding the impact of factors 
outside of management’s control such as the price of silver and gold (as compared to the budgeted prices), the higher provision  
for vesting of LTIP awards (based on relative Total Shareholder Return), and any budgetary additions approved by the Board. 
Hochschild has had a successful year in terms of profitable production, cost control and the brownfield exploration programme  
and, accordingly, the production and financial targets have been met in full. The ECO target has also been exceeded, therefore  
this element of the bonus also pays in full.

Safety considerations
The Committee has considered, in depth, the Group’s safety performance during the year. In 2017, Hochschild implemented a 
three-year multi-faceted programme known as “The Safety Culture Transformation Plan”. This plan comprises of short-term and 
longer-term actions focusing on (a) enhancing Hochschild’s risk management systems, (b) establishing a leadership programme 
comprising workshops and initiatives to promote safe working, (c) the redesign of the annual training programmes for our workers 
and (d) a comprehensive programme to enhance internal communications on safety.

The Board are encouraged that the Plan appears to be having a positive impact as there have been significant reductions in the 
number of high potential events and lost time safety events in 2018 compared to 2017 of 46% and 35% respectively. The Plan has 
without doubt played a crucial role in reducing the accident frequency rate to a level which exceeds the most stretching target set 
for the year. This has meant that the frequency rate target for the CEO has been met in full. However, despite these positive 
developments, it is with regret that there were three fatalities during the year. This has meant that the objective set with reference  
to the accident severity rate was not met.

The Committee, taking into account the significant improvements in safety over the year, has concluded that the reduction in bonus 
from the failure to meet this objective represented an appropriate reduction in remuneration and therefore no further reduction was 
required. The Committee’s assessment of performance resulted in the award of a bonus to the CEO of 90% of the maximum 
opportunity, which equates to 135% of salary.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements86

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

2016 LTIP vesting
On 9 March 2016, Ignacio Bustamante was granted an award under the LTIP with a face value of US$1,400,000. 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

Weighting

Performance targets

Relative TSR 1 performance  
vs. tailored peer group 2

70%

Upper quintile (80th percentile): full vesting

Upper tercile (67th percentile): 75% vesting

Median (50th percentile): 25% vesting

Straight-line vesting between these points

Relative TSR 1 performance  
vs. constituents of the FTSE350 
Mining Index

30%

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   The 2016 LTIP peer group comprises: Acacia Mining, Agnico-Eagle Mines, Alamos Gold, AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold, Centamin Egypt, Cia des Minas Buenaventura, 

Coeur Mining, Endeavour Silver, Eldorado Gold, First Majestic Silver, Fortuna Silver Mines, Fresnillo, Gold Fields, Goldcorp, Hecla Mining, IAMGOLD, Kinross Gold, Newmont 
Mining, Pan American Silver, Petropavlovsk, Polymetal, Randgold Resources, SSR Mining, Tahoe Resources and Volcan Compania Minera.

The Company’s TSR in the performance period between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2018 ranked 92nd percentile versus that 
for the tailored peer group and outperformed the median of the constituents of the FTSE350 Mining Index by c.12.4% per annum. 
The Committee is satisfied that the vesting reflects the underlying financial performance over the performance period. Therefore, 
100% of the award will vest on 9 March 2019, subject to continued employment on that date.

2014 ELTIP vesting
On 20 March 2014, Ignacio Bustamante was granted an award of 1,076,122 shares under the 2014 ELTIP (as adjusted for the rights 
issue in October 2015). 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

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

Vesting dates (subject to performance)

20 March 2018 in respect of 269,030 shares

20 March 2019 in respect of 269,030 shares

20 March 2020 in respect of 538,062 shares

Performance conditions

Relative TSR performance:

Upper decile (90th percentile): full vesting

Upper quartile (75th percentile): 75% vesting

Median (50th percentile): 25% vesting

Straight-line vesting between these points

TSR comparator group

Acacia Mining, Agnico-Eagle Mines, Alamos Gold, AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold, Centamin 
Egypt, Cia des Minas Buenaventura, Coeur Mining, Eldorado Gold, Fresnillo, Gold Fields, 
Goldcorp, Hecla Mining, Highland Gold, IAMGOLD, Kinross Gold, Newmont Mining, Pan American 
Silver, Petropavlovsk, Polymetal, Randgold Resources, and SSR Mining.

The second tranche of these shares vested based on the five-year period ending 31 December 2018. The Company’s TSR in the 
performance period between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 ranked 59th percentile versus that for the tailored peer group. 
The Committee is satisfied that the vesting reflects the robust financial and operational performance over the performance period. 
Therefore, 43.0% of the award will vest in March 2019, subject to continued employment on the vesting date.

Scheme interests awarded in 2018 (audited)
Following the approval of the 2018 LTIP by shareholders at the 2018 AGM, Ignacio Bustamante was granted a cash-settled award 
under the LTIP with a face value of $1.4 million.

Vesting is dependent on three-year relative TSR from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020, 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, (ii) an act or failure to act, which is attributable (directly or indirectly) to an award-holder has resulted in, among other 
things, an adverse event related to health and safety, the environment or community relations, or (iii) on the occurrence of certain 
trigger events including material misstatement, material failure of risk management, action or omission resulting in serious 
reputational damage. 50% of the award is settled in cash on vesting (less tax) and 50% after tax will be required to be invested in 
Hochschild shares and normally required to be held for a further two years. Dividends, if any, will accrue to shares during the holding 
period. Further details, including vesting schedules, are provided in the table overleaf:

Hochschild Mining PLC87

Executive Director

Ignacio Bustamante

Performance measure

Relative TSR 1 performance  
vs. tailored peer group 2

Grant date

25 May 2018

Weighting

70%

Performance  
period

Face value of 
award at grant

Award value for 
minimum performance

1 January 2018 to 
31 December 2020

Performance targets

$1,400,000

$350,000

Upper quintile (80th percentile): full vesting

Upper tercile (67th percentile): 75% vesting

Median (50th percentile): 25% vesting

Straight-line vesting between these points

Relative TSR performance  
vs. constituents of the FTSE350  
Mining Index

30%

Median TSR +10% p.a.: full vesting

Median TSR: 25% vesting

Straight-line vesting between these points

1  TSR is calculated on the basis of common currency.
2   The 2018 LTIP peer group comprises: Acacia Mining, Agnico-Eagle Mines, Alamos Gold, AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick Gold, Centamin Egypt, Cia des Minas Buenaventura, 

Coeur Mining, Eldorado Gold, Endeavour Silver, First Majestic Silver, Fortuna Silver Mines, Fresnillo, Gold Fields, Goldcorp, Hecla Mining, IAMGOLD, Kinross Gold, Newmont 
Mining, Pan American Silver, Petropavlovsk, Polymetal, Randgold Resources, SSR Mining, Tahoe Resources, and Volcan Compania Minera.

Details on the leaver and change-of-control provisions in the 2018 LTIP can be found in the 2017 Remuneration Report.

Exit payments made in the year (audited)
No exit payments were made to Directors in the year.

Payments to past Directors (audited)
No payments were made to past Directors in the year.

Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2019
A summary of how the Remuneration Policy will be applied for the year ended 31 December 2019 is provided below.

Salary
The Committee reviewed the CEO’s salary and has determined that it shall remain unchanged at US$700k (excluding CTS).

Annual bonus
The maximum annual bonus opportunity for the CEO for the 2019 financial year will remain at 150% of salary. The bonus payment 
will be subject to performance against broadly the same measures as those used in 2018. Further disclosure of measures and 
targets, where not commercially sensitive, will be provided in next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration. In line with Remuneration 
Policy, payout for ‘threshold’ and ‘target’ performance will be 50% and 75% of the maximum opportunity, respectively.

As in 2018, the Committee will assess performance against the objectives set and calculate an overall bonus score which will be 
applied to the maximum bonus opportunity. The bonus will be subject to malus provisions in line with the Remuneration Policy.

The Remuneration Committee will continue to retain discretion as to whether any part of the bonus should be paid in shares  
and/or deferred for any period up to three years.

LTIP
The Committee will make awards in 2019 within the maximum limits described in the Remuneration Policy. The performance 
conditions will be the same as for 2018 awards.

50% of any vested LTIP award will be paid immediately in cash, with the remaining 50% invested (on an after tax basis) in the 
Company’s shares which are required to be held for a further two years.

Malus provisions will apply to LTIP awards granted in 2019 in line with the Remuneration Policy.

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 salary 2

Taxable benefits 3

Single-year variable

CEO remuneration 
US$000

Other  
employees 1

2018

700

20

945 4

2017

700

26

875 4

% change

% change

0%

-23.1%

8%

6.8%

n/a

23.8%5

‘Other employees’ comprise full-time salaried employees in Peru.

1 
2  Base salary only (i.e. excluding Statutory Supplements – see footnote 1 to table on Single total Figure of Remuneration for Executive Directors on page 83).
3   Taxable benefits include the use of a car and driver, and medical insurance (rounded to nearest $000). See footnote 2 to table on Single total Figure of Remuneration for 

Executive Directors on page 83).

4  The CEO’s bonus is calculated with reference to base salary only, i.e. before CTS and tax rebates.
5  Estimated figure due to the unavailability of final actual data as at the date of this report.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements88

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT 
CONTINUED

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 2017 to the financial year ended 31 December 2018.

Distribution to shareholders 
(US$000)

Employee remuneration  
(US$000)

2018

20,0001

2017

17,0001

% change

17.6%

2018

153,566

2017

166,994

% change

-8.04%

1  Which, for each year shown, comprises the interim dividend and the final dividend (or in the case of 2018, the proposed final dividend).

The Directors are recommending the payment of a final dividend of US$10m for the year ended 31 December 2018.

Pay for performance
The following graph shows the TSR for the Company compared to the FTSE350 Mining Index and FTSE250 Index, assuming £100 
was invested on 31 December 2008. The Board considers that the FTSE350 Mining Index is an appropriate published index as it 
reflects the sector that Hochschild operates in, and the FTSE250 Index provides a view of performance against a broad equity 
market index of which Hochschild has been a constituent for the majority of the past eight years. The table below details the CEO’s 
single figure remuneration and actual variable pay outcomes over the same period.

Historical TSR performance
Growth in the value of a hypothetical £100 holding over the 10 years to 31 December 2018

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Hochschild

FTSE250

FTSE350 Mining Index

CEO

CEO single figure 
of remuneration 
($000)

Annual bonus 
outcome 
(% of maximum)

LTI vesting 
outcome  
(% of maximum)

2009
Miguel 
Aramburú

20101
Miguel 
Aramburú

20101
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2011
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2012
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2013
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2014
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2015
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2016
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2017
Ignacio 
Bustamante

2018
Ignacio 
Bustamante

1,228

1,019

1,525

1,120

1,852

999

924

1,328

3,474

 4,519

4,103

100%

46%

100%

100%

90%

81%

67%

67%

83%

83%

90%

0%

0%

47%  
(LTIP)

0%

98%  
(LTIP)

0%

0%

0%

0%  
(ELTIP) 
90%  
(LTIP)

86% 
(ELTIP) 
100% 
(LTIP)

43% 
(ELTIP)
100% 
(LTIP)

1  Miguel Aramburú resigned on 31 March 2010. Ignacio Bustamante was appointed on 1 April 2010.

Hochschild Mining PLC89

Directors’ interests (audited)
The interests of the Directors and their families in the ordinary shares of the Company as at 31 December 2018 are detailed in the 
table below.

The Company has adopted shareholding guidelines whereby all Executive Directors (currently only the CEO) are required to acquire 
and retain a beneficial shareholding in the Company equal to at least 250% of base salary. The CEO is required to invest 20% of a 
vested LTIP award granted before 2018 (on a net basis) and retain 50% of the after-tax vested ELTIP shares until such time as he has 
met the shareholding guideline. In respect of LTIP awards granted from 2018, the CEO will be required to invest 50% of the cash-
settled award (on a net basis) regardless of his achievement of the shareholding guideline.

Owned 
outright or 
vested at 
31 Dec 2017 
(or date of 
appointment 
if later)

Shares held

Owned 
outright or 
vested at 
31 Dec 2018 
(or date of 
retirement 
if earlier)

Vested but 
subject to 
holding  
period

Unvested and 
subject to 
performance 
conditions

Unvested  
and subject  
to deferral 
only

Shareholding 
requirement 
(% of salary)

Current 
shareholding 
(% of salary)

Requirement 
met?

650,448

1,221,317

0

1,403,722

0

250%

346%1

Yes

258,565,373

258,565,373

33,750

33,750

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Ignacio Bustamante

Eduardo Hochschild

Dr Graham Birch

Jorge Born Jr

Eileen Kamerick

Michael Rawlinson

Dionisio Romero

Sanjay Sarma

1  Using the Company’s closing share price and GBP/USD exchange rate as at 31 December 2018 (being the last trading day of the year) of 156.05p and £1: $1.27 respectively.

There have been no changes to Directors’ shareholdings since 31 December 2018.

Directors’ interests in share options, shares and cash awards in Hochschild long-term incentive plans  
and all employee plans
Details of Directors’ interests in shares and cash awards under Hochschild’s long-term incentives are set out in the table below.

Ignacio  
Bustamante

DBP 3

2014 ELTIP

2014 ELTIP

2014 ELTIP

2015 LTIP

2016 LTIP

2017 LTIP

2018 LTIP 4

RSP 5

RSP

Date  
of grant

Share price 
at grant 1

Exercise price 
at grant

16.03.16

20.03.14

20.03.14

20.03.14

18.03.15

09.03.16

08.03.17

25.05.18

30.12.14

30.12.14

87p

155p

155p

155p

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

77p

77p

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Nil

Nil

Number 
of shares 
awarded 1

40,383

269,030

269,030

538,062

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 Face value
at grant 2

£35,133

£416,996

£416,996

£833,996

$1m

$1.4m

$1.4m

$1.4m

298,314

596,630

£229,046

£458,094

Performance
period

n/a

01.01.14 – 31.12.17

01.01.14 – 31.12.18

01.01.14 – 31.12.19

01.01.15 – 31.12.17

01.01.16 – 31.12.18

01.01.17 – 31.12.19

01.01.18 – 31.12.20

n/a

n/a

Vesting
date

16.03.18

20.03.18

20.03.19

20.03.20

18.03.18

09.03.19

08.03.20

25.05.21

30.12.18

30.12.19

1  These figures have been updated for the October 2015 rights issue and, in the case of the share price at grant, the share price has been rounded to the nearest penny.
2  The face values of equity-settled incentives are stated in Pounds Sterling, and 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). These figures have been updated for the October 2015 rights issue.

3  50% of the 2016 DBP award (which relates to the deferred portion of the 2015 annual bonus) vested in March 2018.
4  See ‘Scheme interests awarded in 2018’ for further details.
5  This tranche of the 2014 RSP vested on 30 December 2018.

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
The table below details the fees received and retained by Ignacio Bustamante, as the only Executive Director in office during 2018,  
in respect of his external Directorships.

Name of company

Profuturo AFP

Scotiabank Peru SAA

Signed on behalf of the Board

Michael Rawlinson 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
19 February 2019

Fee received

US$32,200

US$52,440

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements90

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.

Hochschild Mining PLC91

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S 
REPORT TO THE MEMBERS  
OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC

Opinion
In our opinion:

 – Hochschild Mining plc’s Group financial statements and Parent Company financial statements (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 2018 and of the Group’s 
profit for the year then ended;

 – the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union;

 – the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European 

Union 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.

We have audited the financial statements of Hochschild Mining plc which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Consolidated statement of financial position as at  
31 December 2018

Statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018

Consolidated income statement for the year then ended

Statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the  
year then ended

Statement of cash flows for the year then ended 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year  
then ended

Related notes 1 to 13 to the financial statements including  
a summary of significant accounting policies

Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

Related notes 1 to 36 to the consolidated financial statements, 
including a summary of significant accounting policies

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) 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.

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law.  
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report below. We are independent of the Group and Parent Company in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied  
to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to principal risks, going concern and viability statement
We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the Annual Report, in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to 
report to you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:

 – the disclosures in the Annual Report set out on pages 50 to 54 that describe the principal risks and explain how they are being 

managed or mitigated;

 – the Directors’ confirmation set out on page 69 in the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 

principal risks facing the entity, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;

 – the Directors’ statement set out on page 60 of the Directors’ Report about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties to the entity’s ability  
to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements

 – whether the Directors’ statement in relation to going concern required under the Listing Rules in accordance with Listing Rule 

9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

 – the Directors’ explanation set out on page 55 in the Annual Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the entity, over 
what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have 
a reasonable expectation that the entity will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period 
of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements92

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC
CONTINUED

Overview of our audit approach

Key audit 
matters

 –Recoverability of the carrying value of the Group’s mining assets
 –Revenue recognition
 –Mine rehabilitation provisions

Audit scope

 –We performed an audit of the complete financial information of three components, audit procedures on  

specific balances for a further two components and for the remaining 13 components we performed other  
audit procedures.

 –The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted for 98% of Adjusted EBIDTA, 

100% of Revenue and 97% of Total assets.

Materiality

 –Overall Group materiality of US$5.4m which represents 2% of Adjusted EBITDA.

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to 
fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of 
resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit 
of the financial statements as a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Hochschild Mining PLC93

Key observations 
communicated to 
the Audit Committee

As a result of the audit 
procedures performed, 
we have concluded that 
management’s 
impairment indicator 
analysis and 
impairment assessment 
for the Group’s CGUs 
has been carried out 
appropriately and in 
accordance with the 
requirements of IFRS. 

We further concluded 
that the significant 
assumptions used in 
the recoverable value 
models prepared by 
management were 
appropriate, and when 
applicable, fell within 
the range of acceptable 
outcomes. 

Based on the 
procedures performed, 
we concur with 
management’s 
assessment that the 
carrying value of the 
San Jose, Volcan and 
San Felipe CGUs are 
neither further 
impaired nor require a 
reversal of impairment 
as at 31 December 2018. 

We concluded that the 
related disclosures in 
the Group financial 
statements are 
appropriate.

Risk

Our response to the risk

Recoverability of the carrying value of the 
Group’s mining assets 
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 66); Accounting 
policies (page 104); and Notes 15, 16 and 17 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 126 to 129)

At 31 December 2018 the carrying values of the Group’s 
mining assets were:

Property, plant and equipment: US$849.2m (2017: 
US$895.7m); 

Evaluation and exploration assets: US$155.2 (2017: US$147.4); 
and Intangible assets: US$24.4m (2017: US$24.5m).

IFRS requires companies to test their assets by cash 
generating units (CGUs) for impairment whenever an 
indicator exists. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful 
life is tested for impairment at least annually and whenever 
there is an indication that the asset might be impaired. For 
the Group, CGUs represent individual mines and advanced 
exploration projects.

Additionally, IFRS requires companies to test the CGUs for 
impairment reversal at the end of each reporting period by 
assessing whether there is any indicator that an impairment 
loss recognised in prior periods (for an asset other than 
goodwill) may no longer exist, or may have decreased.

For the Group, the appropriate CGUs are: 

Operating mines: Arcata, Pallancata, Inmaculada  
and San Jose; and

Advanced exploration projects: San Felipe, Volcan, Azuca 
and Crespo.

The Volcan CGU includes an intangible asset with an 
indefinite useful life and therefore is tested for impairment at 
least annually and whenever there is an indication that the 
asset might be impaired.

As disclosed in note 15 of the financial statements, indicators 
of impairment were identified in 2018 with respect to the San 
Jose and San Felipe CGUs, and therefore management 
performed impairment tests on those CGUs.

As a consequence of the above indicators, management 
estimated the recoverable amount of these assets which did 
not result in the recognition of an impairment charge or an 
impairment reversal at any of the CGUs identified above.

There is a risk that the carrying values of the Group’s mining 
assets might not be recoverable or could require additional 
reversal of impairments previously recognised. The risk 
relating to recoverability of the carrying value of mining 
assets has remained stable in comparison to the prior year.

Our approach focused on the following procedures:

 – Obtained an understanding of management’s process 
and key controls over impairment of mining assets, and 
walked through the controls, in order to assess their 
design effectiveness in supporting the prevention, 
detection or correction of material errors in the 
financial statements.

 – Obtained management’s assessment of whether any 

indicators of impairment or reversal of impairment were 
present during 2018, following the requirements of IAS 
36 and IFRS 6. 

 – We challenged the validity and completeness of the 

indicators identified by management. For this purpose, 
we considered management’s assessment by reference 
to our knowledge of the business and the following 
procedures: 

 – We independently obtained spot and analyst forecasts 
of future gold and silver prices as at 31 December 2017 
and 2018, and assessed whether the movements were 
indicators of impairment or impairment reversal;

 – We obtained and tested relevant support of 

management’s position on market interest rates and 
other macro-economic factors; 

 – For all operating mines, we assessed the economic 

performance of the CGUs during the year and identified 
progress against approved mine plans and budgets, 
taking into account updated reserves and resources 
estimates.

 – For exploration projects we obtained an understanding 
of management’s plans to recover the carrying value in 
full from successful development or by sale.

 – We obtained the recoverable value models from 
management for all those CGUs requiring a full 
impairment assessment and assessed the 
appropriateness of the methodology applied in 
preparing the model as well as the arithmetical 
accuracy of management’s model.

 – With respect to the recoverable value model for the San 

Jose CGU, we performed the following procedures: 

 – We challenged the appropriateness of key assumptions 
such as price, production volumes, grades, operating 
cost and capex by comparing to third party/
independent sources or other evidence and performed 
sensitivity analyses on significant inputs;

 – We agreed the main inputs to the approved mine plans 
or budgets, and compared them with historical actual 
figures where appropriate. Furthermore, we performed 
an assessment of the accuracy of management 
forecasting process; and

 – We involved our valuation specialists to assist us in 
assessing the appropriateness of the discount rate 
used in the calculation.

 – With respect to the recoverable value model for the  
San Felipe and Volcan CGUs, we agreed the main  
inputs used to information from third party/
independent sources. 

 – In addition, for the Volcan and San Felipe CGUs,  

we involved our valuation specialists to assist us in 
assessing the appropriateness of the methodology 
applied to determine the carrying value of the CGU  
as well as the key assumptions used therein.

 – We compared the calculated recoverable value of  
the San Jose, Volcan and San Felipe CGUs to the 
associated carrying value, assessing whether any 
impairment charges, or reversal of previously 
recognised impairment charges, were necessary.
 – Furthermore, we considered the appropriateness, 
sufficiency, and clarity of the impairment-related 
disclosures provided in the financial statements and 
disclosures of sensitivities.

We performed audit procedures at the Group level over this 
risk area covering 100% of the risk amounts.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements94

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC
CONTINUED

Risk

Our response to the risk

Revenue recognition
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 66); Accounting 
policies (page 104); and Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements (page 118)

For the year ended 31 December 2018 the Group recognised 
revenue from operations of US$704.3m (2017: US$722.6m).

The number of sales contracts with high value of 
transactions and complexity of terms that define when  
the title, risks and rewards are transferred to the customer, 
give rise to the risk that revenue is not recognised in the 
correct period.

The risk relating to revenue recognition has remained stable 
in comparison to the prior year as no significant changes 
were noted in sales agreements. However, we no longer 
consider the valuation of the embedded derivative to be 
part of the significant risk, as gain on embedded derivatives 
is not material, and there have been no historical 
misstatements related to the estimation of the provisional 
price of sales.

Mine rehabilitation provisions
Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 66); Accounting 
policies (page 104); and Note 25 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (page 136)

At 31 December 2018 management has recorded a mine 
rehabilitation provision of US$93.9m (2017: US$100.1m). 

Management is required to provide for the costs of 
environmental rehabilitation and site restoration in 
accordance with IAS 37 ‘Provisions, contingent liabilities  
and contingent assets’. 

Given the high level of judgement and estimation in 
assessing the method, timing and quantum of the cash flows 
required to rehabilitate mines, this is an area of audit focus. 

The risk relating to mine rehabilitation provisions has 
remained stable in comparison to the prior year, however as 
certain mines are approaching the end of life, this matter 
still had a greater effect on directing the efforts of the 
engagement team and therefore we consider it as a key 
audit matter.

Our approach focused on the following procedures:

 – Obtained an understanding of the key controls around 
the revenue recognition process to ensure that they  
are designed effectively, supporting the prevention, 
detection or correction of misstatements in the 
reported revenue figures; 

 – Read the terms and conditions of the sales contracts 

and ensured they have been accounted for in line with 
the Group’s revenue recognition policy; 

 – Performed detailed substantive testing procedures  

over the revenue transactions. This included: agreeing 
the main inputs to supporting evidence (such as 
provisional and final invoices, credit/debit notes, bill of 
ladings, market prices, agreements and bank 
statements), recalculating the amounts invoiced and 
recorded as revenue, performing cut-off testing to 
ensure revenue is recognised in the correct period; 
 – For open sales where provisional pricing applies, we 
verified with external sources that inputs used were 
appropriate and recalculated the provisional price 
adjustment to ensure it was correctly measured;

 – Performed analytical review procedures comparing 

current year to prior year, investigating unusual 
variances, taking into account: commodity type, 
quantities sold, prices (including discounts) and 
customers;

 – Investigated and understood the nature of any 

significant credits raised post year-end to ensure that 
transactions were recorded at the correct value in the 
relevant period;

 – Tested reconciliation of year-end inventory by agreeing 

the annual movement of production and sales 
transactions to the respective reports;

 – Ensured that the impacts from applying IFRS 15 has 

been appropriately accounted for within the financial 
statements, including the relevant disclosures; and

 – Read and assessed the financial statements disclosures 

to ensure that presentation and all the disclosure 
requirements in respect of revenue and the provisional 
pricing have been included.

We performed audit procedures in two components under 
full scope audit, covering 100% of the risk amount, 
supervised by the Group team.

Our approach consisted on the following procedures:

 – Obtained an understanding of management’s process 

to estimate the future restoration costs;

 – Obtained a detailed understanding of the mine closure 
reports issued by the external specialists engaged by 
the Group to update the mine closure plans, and held 
discussions directly with the specialists, to understand 
their work and assess the sufficiency of the Group’s 
restoration provisions;

 – Assessed the objectiveness and competence of  

the external and internal specialists used by 
management;

 – Understood the main changes or lack of changes in 
estimates and new restoration costs and challenged 
the rationale behind these. For this purpose, we held 
discussions with management and the third-party 
specialist as well as performed comparison to prior  
year figures and enquired about significant variances;

 – Performed an overall recalculation of the mine 
rehabilitation provision, including assessing the 
appropriateness of the discount rate applied by 
agreeing the nominal risk-free rate according to the  
life of each mine unit to independent sources; and
 – Assessed the appropriateness of the accounting for  
the changes to these provisions, and ensured that  
these changes and the provisions were appropriately 
reflected and disclosed in the Group financial 
statements.

We performed audit procedures on two full scope 
components covering 100% of this risk amount, under  
the supervision of the Group team

Key observations 
communicated to 
the Audit Committee

As a result of the 
procedures performed  
we concluded that the 
provisions for mine 
rehabilitation activities 
have been recognised 
appropriately in 
accordance with IFRS,  
and that all required 
disclosures have been 
included in the Group 
financial statements.

Based on the 
procedures performed, 
we consider the 
judgments and 
assumptions made by 
management and the 
external specialists to  
be reasonable.

As a result of the 
procedures performed 
we concluded that the 
provisions for mine 
rehabilitation activities 
have been recognised 
appropriately in 
accordance with IFRS, 
and that all required 
disclosures have been 
included in the Group 
financial statements.

Based on the 
procedures performed, 
we consider the 
judgments and 
assumptions made by 
management and the 
external specialists to 
be reasonable.

The key audit matters in the current year audit report have not changed since the prior year.

As part of our audit, 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. The above is not a complete list of 
all risks identified by our audit.

Hochschild Mining PLC95

An overview of the scope of our audit 
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit scope 
for each entity within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We 
take into account size, risk profile, the organisation of the Group and effectiveness of Group-wide controls, changes in the business 
environment and other factors such as recent Internal Audit results when assessing the level of work to be performed at each entity.

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative 
coverage of significant accounts in the financial statements, of the 18 reporting components of the Group, we selected three 
components covering entities within the UK, Peru and Argentina, which represent the principal business units within the Group.

We performed an audit of the complete financial information of three components (“full scope components”) which were selected 
based on their size or risk characteristics. In addition to this, for two components (“specific scope components”), we performed audit 
procedures on specific accounts within those components that we considered had the potential for the greatest impact on the 
financial statements either because of the size of these accounts or their risk profile.

The reporting components where we performed audit procedures accounted for 98% (2017: 97%) of the Group’s Adjusted EBITDA 
(on an absolute basis), 100% (2017: 100%) of the Group’s Revenue and 97% (2017: 96%) of the Group’s Total assets. For the current 
year, the full scope components contributed 98% (2017: 97%) of the Group’s Adjusted EBITDA, 100% (2017: 100%) of the Group’s 
Revenue and 89% (2017: 89%) of the Group’s Total assets. The specific scope components contributed 8% (2017: 7%) of the Group’s 
Total assets. The audit scope of these specific scope components may not have included testing of all significant accounts of the 
component but will have contributed to the coverage of significant accounts tested for the Group. 

Of the remaining 13 components that together represent 2% of the Group’s Adjusted EBITDA, none are individually greater than  
2% of the Group’s Adjusted EBITDA. For these components, we performed other procedures, including analytical reviews, testing of 
consolidation journals and enquiry of management about unusual transactions in these components, to respond to any potential 
risks of material misstatement to the Group financial statements.

The charts below illustrate the coverage obtained from the work performed by our audit teams.

Adjusted EBITDA %

Revenue %

Total assets %

Full scope components  98%
Other procedures  2%

Full scope components  100%

Full scope components  89%
Specific scope components  8%
Other procedures  3%

Involvement with component teams 
In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be undertaken at each  
of the components by us, as the primary audit engagement team, or by component auditors from other EY global network firms 
operating under our instruction. Of the three full scope components, audit procedures were performed on one of these directly  
by the primary audit team. For the two specific scope components, the primary audit team performed the audit procedures.

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. During the current year’s audit 
cycle, multiple visits were undertaken by the primary audit team (including the Senior Statutory Auditor) to the component teams in 
Peru and Argentina. These visits involved discussing the audit approach with the component team and any issues arising from their 
work, and meetings with local management. In addition, the primary team interacted regularly with the component teams where 
appropriate during various stages of the audit, were responsible for the scope and direction of the audit process, including 
attending planning and closing meetings, and reviewed key audit working papers on risk areas. This, together with the additional 
procedures performed at Group level, gave us appropriate evidence for our opinion on the Group financial statements.

Our application of materiality 
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the 
audit and in forming our audit opinion. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements96

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC
CONTINUED

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and extent of 
our audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be US$5.4 million (2017: US$6.0 million), which is 2% (2017: 2%) of the Group’s Adjusted 
EBITDA as reported in the Strategic Report. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides us with an earnings-based measure that is 
significant to users of the financial statements. This was considered to be a critical measure for users of the financial statements, 
given the focus on this metric by the Group’s shareholders, investors and external lenders. In addition, the Adjusted EBITDA measure 
is used to assess the Group’s compliance with key restrictive covenants on the Group’s borrowings. 

We determined materiality for the Parent Company to be US$20.9 million (2017: US$21.1 million), which is 1% (2017: 1%) of Equity. The 
Parent Company materiality is higher than the Group materiality as it is based on Equity, which we considered to be an appropriate 
basis for materiality for a holding company, as the users of the financial statements focus on a capital-based measured.

 – Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net of finance cost, 

foreign exchange loss and income tax

Starting basis

Adjustments

Materiality

 – Add: Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales and in administrative expenses

 – Add: Exploration expenses other than personnel and other exploration  

related fixed expenses

 – Add: Other non-cash expenses

 – US$268.0m Adjusted EBITDA

 – Materiality of US$5.4m (2% of materiality basis)

During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality and updated the materiality figures based on the forecasted EBITDA 
figures as at 30 November 2018. The Group materiality was revised downwards due to a reduction in the Adjusted EBITDA. 
Additionally, upon receipt of final year-end figures we reassessed materiality and concluded it remained appropriate.

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level 
the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgement was 
that performance materiality was 75% (2017: 75%) of our planning materiality, namely US$4.0m (2017: US$4.5m). We have set 
performance materiality at this percentage due to our understanding of the Group’s control environment, and that there have been 
no significant events that would alter our expectation that there is a low likelihood of misstatements that would be material 
individually or in aggregate to the financial statements.

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is 
undertaken based on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance materiality set for each component is based 
on the relative scale and risk of the component to the Group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement of that 
component. In the current year, the range of performance materiality allocated to components was US$2.0m to US$4.1m (2017: 
US$2.2m to US$3.8m). 

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of US$270k (2017: 
US$300k), which is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting 
on qualitative grounds. 

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light  
of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

Hochschild Mining PLC97

Other information 
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report set out on pages 1 to 90, including Strategic Report 
and Governance sections (including Directors’ Report, Corporate Governance Report, Supplementary Information, Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities), other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report 
thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in 
this report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we 
are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the 
other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other 
information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items in the other 
information and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those items meet 
the following conditions:

 – Fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 60 – the statement given by the Directors that they consider the Annual 

Report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 
obtained in the audit; or 

 – Audit Committee reporting set out on page 66 – the section describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately 

address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee; or

 – Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code set out on page 61 – the parts of the Directors’ 
statement required under the Listing Rules relating to the company’s compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 
containing provisions specified for review by the auditor in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a 
departure from a relevant provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Opinions 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.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 – 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; and 

 – the Strategic Report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course 
of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us 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

Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 90, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the 
Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group and Parent Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of 
accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a 
high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial 
statements. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements98

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF HOCHSCHILD MINING PLC
CONTINUED

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
The objectives of our audit, in respect to fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial 
statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement  
due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses; and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected 
fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both  
those charged with governance of the entity and management. 

Our approach was as follows: 

 – We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Group and determined that the 
most significant and directly relevant to specific assertions in the financial statements are those related to the report framework 
(IFRS, the Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code) and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the UK, 
Peru and Argentina.

 – We understood how Hochschild Mining plc is complying with those frameworks through enquiries of management, internal audit, 
those responsible for legal and compliance procedures and the company secretary. We corroborated our enquiries through our 
review of board minutes and papers provided to the Audit Committee.

 – We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur,  
by meeting with management from various parts of the business to understand what areas were susceptible to fraud. We also 
considered performance targets and their propensity to influence on efforts made by management to manage earnings. We 
considered the programmes and controls that the Group has established to address risks identified, or that otherwise prevent, 
deter and detect fraud; and how senior management monitors those programmes and controls. Where risk was considered as 
higher, we performed audit procedures to address each identified fraud risk. These procedures included testing manual journals 
and were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free of fraud or error.

 – Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations. Our 

procedures involved: journal entry testing, with a focus on manual consolidation journals and journals indicating large or unusual 
transactions based on our understanding of the business; enquiries of legal counsel, Group management, internal audit and all full 
and specific scope management; and focused testing, as referred to in the key audit matters section above.

 – In addition, we concluded that there are certain significant laws and regulations which may have an effect on the determination  
of the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements being the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority, and those laws and 
regulations relating to health and safety and environmental matters. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s 
website at https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Other matters we are required to address 
 – We were appointed by the company on 16 October 2006 to audit the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2006 

and subsequent financial periods. Following a competitive tender process, we were reappointed as auditor of the Company for the 
period ending 31 December 2016 and subsequent financial periods.

 – The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments is 13 years, covering periods from 

our initial appointment in 2006 through to the year ended 31 December 2018.

 – The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or the Parent Company and we 

remain independent of the Group and the Parent Company in conducting the audit.

 – The audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit Committee

Use of our report
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.

Mirco Bardella  
Senior statutory auditor 
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor

London 
19 February 2019

Hochschild Mining PLC99

Total
 US$000

722,572

(549,049)

173,523

(51,283)

(17,199)

(11,024)

10,192

(11,549)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Year ended  
31 December 2018

Year ended  
31 December 2017

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

Exceptional 
items  
(note 10)
US$000

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

Exceptional 
items 
 (note 10)
US$000

Total 
US$000

Notes

Continuing operations

Revenue 

Cost of sales

Gross profit 

Administrative expenses 

Exploration expenses 

Selling expenses 

Other income 

Other expenses 

Impairment and write-off of  
non-current assets, net

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

Finance income 

Finance costs 

Foreign exchange loss 

Profit/(loss) from continuing 
operations before income tax 

Income tax (expense)/benefit 

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing 
operations 

Attributable to:

Equity shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests 

Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share  
from continuing operations for the year 
(expressed in US dollars per share)

Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share  
from continuing operations for the year 
(expressed in US dollars per share)

704,290

722,572

(531,788)

(549,049)

172,502

173,523

(45,783)

(51,283)

(34,381)

(17,199)

(10,068)

(11,024)

8,062

10,192

(17,144)

(11,549)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(384)

(405)

(2,753)

(3,158)

3,4 

704,290

5 

(531,788)

172,502

(45,783)

(34,381)

(10,068)

8,062

(17,144)

(384)

72,804

2,048

6

7 

8 

11 

11

10

12

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10 and 12 

(11,194)

(16,346)

(27,540)

(26,095)

(8,946)

–

(8,946)

(5,257)

72,804

2,048

92,255

5,927

(2,753)

89,502

–

–

–

5,927

(26,095)

(5,257)

54,712

(16,346)

38,366

66,830

(2,753)

64,077

13 

(36,487)

4,822

(31,665)

(13,475)

3,279

(10,196)

18,225

(11,524)

6,701

53,355

526

53,881

24,360

(11,524)

12,836

(6,135)

–

(6,135)

18,225

(11,524)

6,701

41,035

12,320

53,355

526

–

526

41,561

12,320

53,881

14 

0.05

(0.02)

0.03

0.08

14 

0.05

(0.02)

0.03

0.08

–

–

0.08

0.08

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018 

Profit 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 financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (‘OCI’)

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Recycling of the gain on available-for-sale financial assets

Other comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Equity shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Year ended  
31 December

Notes

2018
US$000

2017
US$000

6,701

53,881

19

4

(6,447)

–

–

(6,443)

139

–

(323)

(1,354)

(1,538)

258

52,343

6,393

(6,135)

258

40,023

12,320

52,343

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements100

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018

ASSETS 

Non-current assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Evaluation and exploration assets

Intangible assets 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (‘OCI’)

Available-for-sale financial assets

Trade and other receivables 

Other financial assets

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 

Borrowings 

Provisions 

Deferred income

Income tax payable 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

As at  
31 December

Notes

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

15

16

17

18

18

19

35(e)

27

20

19

35(e) 

21 

26

26

26

26

23

24

25

22

27

23

24

25

22

849,172

155,241

24,363

5,296

–

5,451

47

1,504

895,666

147,399

24,544

–

6,264

7,487

1,333

2,400

1,041,074

1,085,093

58,035

78,736

20,733

–

79,704

237,208

56,678

81,066

21,241

1,258

256,988

417,231

1,278,282

1,502,324

225,409

438,041

–

224,315

438,041

(140)

(223,156)

(217,061)

278,995

719,289

71,003

790,292

787

50,000

94,640

31,966

71,231

286,356

731,511

90,177

821,688

1,081

291,955

104,107

30,409

56,040

248,624

483,592

125,475

107,067

3,153

400

3,271

239,366

487,990

116,779

67,863

6,203

400

5,799

197,044

680,636

1,278,282

1,502,324

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 February 2019 and signed on its behalf by: 

Ignacio Bustamante 
Chief Executive Officer 
19 February 2019

Hochschild Mining PLCCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest received 

Interest paid 

Payment of mine closure costs 

Income tax, special mining tax and mining royalty 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

Purchase of financial assets at fair value through OCI

Purchase of available-for-sale financial assets

Proceeds from sale of financial assets at fair value through OCI

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale financial assets 

Proceeds from sale of other assets 

Proceeds from deferred income

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 

Purchase of treasury shares

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Dividends paid 

Cash flows generated from/(used in) financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase 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 

101

Year ended  
31 December

Notes 

2018
US$000

2017
US$000

31 

222,667

287,799

2,337

1,445

(28,758)

(23,942)

25

(4,494)

(4,359)

(5,810)

(27,024)

185,942

233,919

16

17

18

18

22

24

24

28

28

(114,498)

(119,630)

(10,221)

(4,878)

(1,907)

(6,433)

–

954

–

30

2,000

94

(16)

–

(4,383)

–

1,567

1,570

4,000

716

(129,981)

(121,054)

266,500

69,500

(463,393)

(38,000)

(579)

–

(10,829)

(12,585)

(19,999)

(13,996)

(228,300)

4,919

(172,339)

117,784

(4,945)

(775)

256,988

139,979

21 

79,704

256,988

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements102

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018

Other reserves

Unrealised 
gain on 
available-for-
sale financial 
assets and 
financial 
assets at fair 
value through 
OCI 
US$000

Equity 
share 
capital 
US$000 

Share 
premium 
US$000

Treasury 
shares 
US$000

Notes

Dividends 
expired 
US$000

Cumulative 
translation 
adjustment 
US$000

Merger 
reserve 
US$000

Share-
based 
payment 
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

224,315

438,041

(426)

740

–

(13,851)

(210,046)

5,869 (217,288)

258,269

702,911

90,442 793,353

Balance at 
1 January 2017

Other 
comprehensive 
income/
(expense)

Profit  
for the year

Total 
comprehensive 
income/
(expense)  
for the year

Exercise of 
share options

Dividends 

Dividends to 
non-controlling 
interests

Share-based 
payments

Balance at 
31 December 
2017

Other 
comprehensive 
income/
(expense)

Profit  
for the year

Total 
comprehensive 
income/
(expense)  
for the year

Sale of financial 
assets at fair 
value through 
OCI

Issuance  
of shares

–

–

–

–

26(a)

1,094

Exercise of 
share options

26(b)

Expiration  
of dividends

Dividends 

Dividends to 
non-controlling 
interests

Purchase of 
treasury shares

Share-based 
payments

Balance at 
31 December 
2018

28

28

26(c)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

286

–

–

–

(1,677)

–

(1,677)

–

–

–

–

26(b)

28

28

26(c)

224,315

438,041

(140)

(937)

(6,447)

–

(6,447)

3,060

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

719

–

–

–

(579)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

62

–

–

–

–

(13,712)

(210,046)

7,634 (217,061)

286,356

731,511

90,177 821,688

139

–

139

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

–

4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,538)

–

(1,538)

–

(1,538)

–

41,561

41,561

12,320

53,881

–

(1,538)

41,561

40,023

12,320

52,343

(48)

(48)

(238)

–

–

(13,996)

(13,996)

–

–

– (13,996)

–

–

–

(12,585)

(12,585)

1,813

1,813

760

2,573

–

2,573

–

–

(6,443)

–

(6,443)

–

(6,443)

–

12,836

12,836

(6,135)

6,701

–

(6,443)

12,836

6,393

(6,135)

258

–

–

3,060

(3,060)

–

–

–

1,094

(4,675)

(4,675)

2,862

(1,094)

–

–

–

–

–

1,094

(1,094)

62

62

–

62

–

(19,999)

(19,999)

– (19,999)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(13,039)

(13,039)

(579)

(579)

1,901

–

1,901

1,901

1,901

–

–

–

–

–

–

225,409

438,041

(4,324)

62

(13,708)

(210,046)

4,860 (223,156)

278,995

719,289

71,003 790,292

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

103

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 17 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PH, 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 (Arcata, 
Pallancata and Inmaculada) 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.

These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 19 February 2019.

The Group´s subsidiaries are as follows:

Production of gold and silver

Argentina

Company

Principal activity

Hochschild Mining (Argentina) Corporation S.A. 1

Holding company

MH Argentina S.A. 2

Minera Santa Cruz S.A. 1 and 8

Minera Hochschild Chile S.C.M. 3

Andina Minerals Chile Ltd. 3

Southwest Minerals (Yunnan) Inc. 4

Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited 5

Exploration office

Exploration office

Exploration office

Exploration office

Holding company

Hochschild Mining Ares (UK) Limited 5

Administrative office

Southwest Mining Inc. 4

Southwest Minerals Inc. 4

Minera Hochschild Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 6

Hochschild Mining (Peru) S.A. 4

Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. 4

Compañía Minera Arcata S.A. 4

Exploration office

Exploration office

Exploration office

Holding company

Production of gold and silver

Production of gold and silver

Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. 4

Power transmission

Minera Antay S.A.C. 4

Hochschild Mining (US) Inc. 7

Exploration office

Holding company

Country of 
incorporation

Argentina

Argentina

Chile

Chile

China

England and Wales

England and Wales

Mauritius

Mauritius

Mexico

Peru

Peru

Peru

Peru

Peru

USA

Equity interest at 
31 December

2018 
%

2017 
%

100

100

51

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

99.1

100

100

100

100

100

51

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

99.1

100

100

100

1  Registered address: Av. Santa Fe 2755, floor 9, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2  Registered address: Sargento Cabral 124, Comodoro Rivadavia, Provincia de Chubut, Argentina.
3  Registered address: Av. Apoquindo 4775, office 1002, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
4  Registered address: La Colonia 180, Santiago de Surco, Lima, Peru.
5  Registered address: 17 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0PH, United Kingdom.
6  Registered address: Bustamante N 2106, Col Altavista, CP 31200, Chihuahua, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
7  Registered address: 1025 Ridgeview Dr. 300, Reno, Nevada 89519, USA.
8  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 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Equity

Revenue

Profit for the year and total comprehensive income

Net cash generated from operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flow used in financing activities

As at 31 December

2018
 US$000

2017
US$000

173,637

184,852

67,317

103,792

(56,894)

(62,745)

(42,015)

(44,726)

(142,045)

(181,173)

205,367

227,094

(12,518)

38,707

25,147

58,308

(44,488)

(36,199)

(22,617)

(17,884)

Profit 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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements104

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONTINUED

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 2018 and 2017 are set out below. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an 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.

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 financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. Details of the factors which have been taken into account 
in assessing the Group’s going concern status are set out within the Directors’ report.

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 statements for the year ended 31 December 2017. Amendments to standards and 
interpretations which came into force during the year did not have a significant impact on the Group’s financial statements and  
are as follows:

 – IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

The IASB has issued a new standard for the recognition of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new revenue 
standard supersedes all current revenue recognition requirements under IFRS.

The new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a customer. 
The Group evaluated recognition and measurement of revenue based on the five-step model in IFRS 15 and has not identified 
significant financial impacts, hence no adjustments were recorded derived from the adoption of IFRS 15 other than certain 
reclassifications as explained below.

The Group adopted the new standard from 1 January 2018 applying the simplified transition method and modified retrospective 
approach. Certain disclosures changed as a result of the requirements of IFRS 15.

The key issues identified, and the Group’s views and perspective are set below.

 – Embedded derivatives arising from the sales: As discussed in note 2(p), some of the Group’s sales of gold and silver contain 

provisional pricing features which were considered to be embedded derivatives recorded within sales. The fair value is based  
on the most recent determined estimate of metal content and the estimated forward price that the entity expects to receive at  
the end of the quotational period stipulated in the contract. The revaluation of provisionally priced contracts is recorded as an 
adjustment to revenue. IFRS 15 does not change the assessment of the provisional price adjustment, but they are not considered 
within the scope of IFRS 15, and consequently have to be disclosed separately (refer to note 4).

 – Impact of shipping terms: The Group sells a portion of its production on CIF Incoterms and therefore the Group is responsible  
for shipping services after the date at which control of the gold and silver passes to the customer. Under IAS 18, these shipping 
services were not considered to be part of the revenue transaction and thus the Group disclosed them as selling expenses. 
However, under IFRS 15 the group reclassified the portion of those selling expenses relating to transport of gold and silver from  
the Group’s production plants to the ports and to the customers, and reclassify those costs to cost of sales. The shipping services 
reclassified for the period ending 31 December 2018 amounted to US$6,102,000. The Group assessed the amount of costs related 
to shipping services which are considered a separate performance obligation under IFRS 15 and therefore, a portion of the 
revenue currently recognised when the tittle has passed to the customer will need to be deferred and recognised as the shipping 
services are subsequently provided. Under IFRS 15 the costs related to shipping services are considered a separate performance 
obligation and therefore they should be deferred and recognised as the shipping services are subsequently provided. Based on 
the Group’s assessment, the shipping services being provided at the end of the reporting period are immaterial and therefore 
these have not been deferred. The total shipping services recognised during the year as a separate performance obligation under 
IFRS 15 amount to $5,485,000 and have been disclosed in note 4.

 – IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments addresses the classification, measurement and derecognition of financial assets and financial 
liabilities, introduces new rules for hedge accounting and a new impairment model for financial assets.

Hochschild Mining PLC105

Based on the assessment performed, the new guidance has the following impacts on the classification and measurement of its 
financial instruments:
 – Classification and measurement of the embedded derivatives arising from sales: The financial assets and liabilities arising from 
the revaluation provisional priced contracts are currently disclosed separately in the balance sheet as part of “other financial 
assets/liabilities”. Under IFRS 9, the embedded derivative will no longer be separated from the host contract and therefore the 
revaluation of provisionally priced contracts is disclosed within the receivable of the host contract in “trade and other 
receivables”.

 – Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (‘OCI’): The equity instruments that were classified as 

available-for-sale financial assets satisfy the conditions for classification as at fair value through other comprehensive income 
(FVOCI) and therefore there is no impact in classification. Gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are not 
recycled to the income statement. Furthermore, under IFRS 9 there is no exception to carry investments in entities at costs less 
any recognised impairment and therefore, fair value will need to be calculated. There are no other significant changes to the 
accounting treatment of these assets.

 – Impairment: The new impairment model requires the recognition of impairment provisions based on expected credit losses 

(ECL) rather than only incurred credit losses as is the case under IAS 39. The Group applies the simplified approach and records 
lifetime expected losses on all trade receivables. However, given the short term nature of the Groups receivables, there is not a 
significant impact in the financial statements.

 – Disclosures: The standard introduces expanded disclosure requirements and changes in presentation included in these reports.

The Group also assessed other changes introduced by IFRS 9 that have no impacts in the financial statements as explained below:
 – There is no impact on the accounting for financial liabilities, as the new requirements of IFRS 9 only affect the accounting for 
financial liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss and the group does not have any such liabilities.

 – The Group does not currently apply hedge accounting and therefore there are no impacts in the financial statements.
 – No impacts in relation to derecognition of financial instruments as the same rules have been transferred from IAS 39 Financial 

Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

 – IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions – Amendments to IFRS 2, applicable for annual 

periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

The amendments are related to the classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions and restatement  
of prior periods. The adoption of these amendments does not have a significant impact on the Group´s financial position or 
performance.

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 2019 or later periods but which the Group has not previously adopted. 
Those that are applicable to the Group are as follows:

 – IFRS 16 Leases, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

IFRS 16 specifies how an IFRS reporter will recognise, measure, present and disclose leases. The standard provides a single lessee 
accounting model, including the exemptions to recognise assets and liabilities for all leases unless the lease term is 12 months or 
less or when the underlying asset has a low value. Lease costs will be recognised in the income statement over the lease term in 
the form of depreciation on the right of use asset and finance charges representing the unwinding of the discount on the lease 
liability. Lessors continue to classify leases as operating or finance, with IFRS 16’s approach to lessor accounting substantially 
unchanged from its predecessor, IAS 17. The Group has progressed its implementation project, focusing on a review of contracts, 
aggregation of data to support the evaluation of the accounting impacts of applying the new standard and assessment of the 
need for changes to systems and processes. Accordingly, the Group has decided to apply the exemption of short-term leases  
(12 months or above) and determined that only contracts with a value of US$1,000,000 or more will have a significant effect on  
the Group´s Financial Statements, increasing the assets and liabilities and changing the classification and timing of expenses,  
so contracts with a value less than US$1,000,000 are not to be considered. As at 31 December 2018, the Group has identified one 
contract applicable for a total value of US$5,413,000, then since 1 January 2019 the Group will recognise a right of use asset by 
contract and its corresponding liability and finance expenses.

 – IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over income tax treatments, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

IFRIC 23 clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes. This interpretation is to be applied to the determination of 
taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates, when there is uncertainty over income  
tax treatments under IAS 12. The Interpretation specifically addresses the following:
 – Whether an entity considers uncertain tax treatments separately;
 – The assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities;
 – How an entity determines taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates; and
 – How an entity considers changes in facts and circumstances

The interpretation is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, but certain transition reliefs are 
available. The Group will apply interpretation from its effective date, however we do not expect significant impacts on the financial 
statements on the implementation as the Group’s current treatment is in line with the requirements of the interpretation.

The Group is analysing the effect of the standards and plans to adopt the new standards on the required effective date.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements106

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.

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

Significant estimates:
 – 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 and resources 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 and resources 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 
and resources. Changes are accounted for prospectively.

 – Ore reserves and resources – note 2(g).

There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves and resources. 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 resources and may, 
ultimately, result in the reserves and resources being restated.

 – Recoverable values of mining assets – notes 2(i), 15, 16 and 17.

The value of the Group’s mining assets is sensitive to a range of characteristics unique to each mine unit. Key sources of 
estimation for all assets include uncertainty around ore reserve estimates and cash flow projections. In performing impairment 
reviews, the Group assesses the recoverable amount of its operating assets principally with reference to fair value less costs  
of disposal, assessed using discounted cash flow models. There is judgement involved in determining the assumptions that are 
considered to be reasonable and consistent with those that would be applied by market participants. Key judgments include  
the estimation of future gold and silver prices, future capital requirements, exploration potential, operating performance and  
the application of discount rates which reflect the macro-economic risk in Peru and Argentina as applicable. Changes in these 
assumptions will affect the recoverable amount of the property, plant and equipment, evaluation and exploration assets,  
and intangibles.

 – Mine closure costs – notes 2(m) and 25(1).

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.

 – Liability for cash-settled share-based payments – note 25(2).

The Group initially measures the cost of cash-settled transactions with employees using the Monte Carlo model to determine the 
fair value of the liability incurred. The liability needs to be remeasured at the end of each reporting period up to the date of 
settlement, with any changes in fair value recognised in the profit or loss. This requires a reassessment of the estimates used at 
the end of each reporting period, including the anticipated potential changes to the Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) performance, 
the number of participants in the plan, and levels of interest rates. The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value are 
discussed in note 25(2).

 – Income tax – notes 2(r), 13, 27 and 33.

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.

Judgment is also required when determining the provision for taxes as the tax treatment of some transactions cannot be finally 
determined until a formal resolution has been reached with the tax authorities. Provisions are also made for uncertain exposures 
which can have an impact on both deferred and current tax. Tax benefits are not recognised unless it is probable that the benefit 
will be obtained and tax provisions are made if it is probable that a liability will arise (refer to note 33(a)). The final resolution of 
these transactions may give rise to material adjustments to the income statement and/or cashflow in future periods. The Group 
reviews each significant tax liability or benefit each period to assess the appropriate accounting treatment.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED107

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.

 – Recognition of evaluation and exploration assets and transfer to development costs – notes 2(f), 15 and 16.

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, 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.

 – Significant judgement and assumptions for assets classified as held for sale – note 22.

To determine whether an asset should be classified as an asset held for sale in accordance with IFRS 5, consideration should be 
given as to whether the sale is ‘highly probable’. The three main criteria are: There is a plan in place to sell the asset, the sale is due 
to complete within 12 months of the year end; and that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or the sale 
withdrawn. As disclosed in note 22, the final payment date for the sale of San Felipe property being within more than 12 months,  
all the three criteria to be considered “highly probable” (as defined by IFRS 5) have not been met and therefore the property has 
not been classified as an asset held for sale.

(c) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements set out the Group’s financial position, performance and cash flows as at 31 December 2018 
and 31 December 2017 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.

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.

An NCI represents 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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements108

2 Significant accounting policies continued

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.

Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised 
for the NCI, and any previously interest held, over the net identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. 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.

(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.

(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 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 net 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. 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.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED109

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. In addition, the 
revenue generated for the sale of the inventory produced during the pre-operating stage is recognised as a deduction of the costs 
capitalised for this project.

Construction in progress and capital advances
Assets in the course of construction are capitalised as a separate component of property, plant and equipment. Once the asset 
moves into the production phase, 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.

(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) Intangible assets
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 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.

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.

(i) 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 and evaluation and exploration assets.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements110

2 Significant accounting policies continued

If the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit (CGU) exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment 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 (VIU) and fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) to sell. FVLCD 
is based on an estimate of the amount that the Group may obtain in a sale transaction on an arm’s length basis. VIU is based on 
estimated future cash flows 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.

The recoverable values of the CGUs, other than San Felipe, are determined using a 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.

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.

(j) 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.

(k) Trade and other receivables
Current trade receivables are carried at the original invoice amount less provision made for impairment of these receivables. 
Noncurrent receivables are stated at amortised cost. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established using the 
expected credit loss impairment model according IFRS 9. 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.

(l) 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.

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

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

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 related mine assets net of mine closure cost provisions exceed 
the recoverable value, that portion of the increase is charged directly to the income statement. Similarly, reductions to the estimated 
costs exceeding the carrying value of the mine asset, that portion of the decrease is credited directly to the income statement. For 
closed sites, changes to estimated costs are recognised immediately in the income statement.

Workers’ profit sharing and other employee benefits
In accordance with Peruvian legislation, companies in Peru must provide for workers’ profit sharing equivalent to 8% of taxable 
income of each year. This amount is charged to the income statement within personnel expenses (note 9) 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.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED111

(n) 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 personnel expenses. 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 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.

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 9).

(o) Contingencies
Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the financial statements and are disclosed in notes to the financial statements 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.

(p) 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 from contracts with costumers is recognised when control of the goods or services is transferred to the costumer at  
an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

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 adjustment 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 revenue.

A proportion of the Group’s sales are sold under CIF Incoterms, whereby the Group is responsible for providing freight/shipping 
services (as principal) after the date that the Group transfers control of the metal in concentrate to its customers. The Group, 
therefore, has separate performance obligations for freight/shipping services which are provided solely to facilitate sale of the 
commodities it produces.

Other Incoterms commonly used by the Group are Free On Board (FOB), where the Group has no responsibility for freight or 
insurance once control of the products has passed at the loading port, and Delivered at Place (DAP) where control of the goods 
passes when the product is delivered to the agreed destination. For arrangements which have these Incoterms, the only 
performance obligations are the provision of the product at the point where control passes.

For CIF arrangements, the transaction price (as determined above) is allocated to the metal in concentrate and freight/shipping 
services using the relative stand-alone selling price method. Under these arrangements, a portion of consideration may be received 
from the customer in cash at, or around, the date of shipment under a provisional invoice. Therefore, some of the upfront 
consideration that relates to the freight/shipping services yet to be provided, is deferred. It is then recognised as revenue over time 
using an output method (being days of shipping/transportation elapsed) to measure progress towards complete satisfaction of the 
service as this best represents the Group’s performance. This is on the basis that the customer simultaneously receives and 
consumes the benefits provided by the Group as the services are being provided. The costs associated with these freight/shipping 
services are also recognised over the same period of time as incurred.

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

Deferred revenue results when cash is received in advance of revenue being earned. Deferred revenue is recorded as a liability until 
it is earned. Once earned, the liability is reduced and revenue is recorded. The Group analyses when revenue is earned or deferred.

(q) Finance income and costs
Finance income and costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, the accumulation of interest on provisions, interest income 
on funds invested, unwind of discount, and gains and losses from the change in fair value of derivative instruments.

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

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements112

2 Significant accounting policies continued

(r) 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.

(s) Uncertain tax positions
An estimates tax liability is recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the 
Group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The provision is 
the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date, taking into account risks 
and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Separate provisions for interest and penalties are also recorded if appropriate.

Movements in interest and penalty amounts in respect of tax provisions are not included in the tax charge, but are disclosed in the 
income statement. Tax provisions are based on management’s interpretation of country specific tax law and the likelihood of 
settlement. This involves a significant amount of judgement as tax legislation can be complex and open to different interpretation. 
Management uses in-house tax experts, professional firms and previous experience when assessing tax risks. Where actual tax 
liabilities differ from the provisions, adjustments are made which can have a material impact on the Group’s profits for the year. 
Refer to note 33(a) for specific tax contingencies.

(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
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of 
another entity.

Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as subsequently measured at amortised cost, fair value through other 
comprehensive income (OCI), and fair value through profit or loss.

The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and 
the Group’s business model for managing them.

The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash 
flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial 
assets, or both.

Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time frame established by regulation or convention in the 
market place (regular way trades) are recognised on the trade date, i.e., the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED113

Subsequent measurement
For purposes of subsequent measurement, financial assets are classified in four categories:

 – Financial assets at amortised cost (debt instruments)

The Group measures financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:

 – The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash 

flows, and

 – The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and 

interest on the principal amount outstanding.

Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest (EIR) method and are subject to 
impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised, modified or impaired.

The Group’s financial assets at amortised cost includes trade receivables.

 – Financial assets at fair value through OCI (debt instruments)

The Group measures debt instruments at fair value through OCI if both of the following conditions are met:

 – The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect contractual cash flows and  

selling, and

 – The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and 

interest on the principal amount outstanding.

For debt instruments at fair value through OCI, interest income, foreign exchange revaluation and impairment losses or reversals 
are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and computed in the same manner as for financial assets measured at amortised 
cost. The remaining fair value changes are recognised in OCI. Upon derecognition, the cumulative fair value change recognised in 
OCI is recycled to profit or loss.

The Group does not have debt instruments at fair value through OCI.

 – Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI (equity instruments)

Upon initial recognition, the Group can elect to classify irrevocably its equity investments as equity instruments designated at fair 
value through OCI when they meet the definition of equity under IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and are not held for 
trading. The classification is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis.

Gains and losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss. Dividends are recognised as other income in the 
statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established, except when the Group benefits from such proceeds 
as a recovery of part of the cost of the financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Equity instruments 
designated at fair value through OCI are not subject to impairment assessment.

The Group elected to classify irrevocably its listed and non-listed equity investments under this category.

 – Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held for trading, financial assets designated upon initial 
recognition at fair value through profit or loss, or financial assets mandatorily required to be measured at fair value. Financial 
assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term. Derivatives, 
including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging 
instruments. Financial assets with cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and interest are classified and measured at 
fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model. Notwithstanding the criteria for debt instruments to be 
classified at amortised cost or at fair value through OCI, as described above, debt instruments may be designated at fair value 
through profit or loss on initial recognition if doing so eliminates, or significantly reduces, an accounting mismatch.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes 
in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

This category includes derivative instruments. Dividends on listed equity investments are also recognised as other income in the 
statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established.

Derecognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily 
derecognised (i.e. removed from the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position) when:

 – The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or

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

When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement,  
it evaluates if, and to what extent, it has retained the risks and rewards of ownership. When it has neither transferred nor retained 
substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset, nor transferred control of the asset, the Group continues to recognise the 
transferred asset to the extent of its continuing involvement. In that case, the Group also recognises an associated liability.  
The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the  
Group has retained.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements114

2 Significant accounting policies continued

Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or 
loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash 
flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash 
flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.

Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, 
payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.

All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly 
attributable transaction costs.

The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables, loans and borrowings including bank overdrafts, and derivative 
financial instruments.

Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as described below:

 – Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated 
upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This 
category also includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the Group that are not designated as hedging instruments 
in hedge relationships as defined by IFRS 9. Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are 
designated as effective hedging instruments.

Gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss are designated at the initial date of 
recognition, and only if the criteria in IFRS 9 are satisfied. The Group has not designated any financial liability as at fair value 
through profit or loss.

 – Loans and borrowings

This is the category most relevant to the Group. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liabilities are 
derecognised as well as through the EIR amortisation process.

Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral 
part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included as finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.

This category generally applies to interest-bearing loans and borrowings.

Derecognition
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing 
financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are 
substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition 
of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial position 
if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to 
realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously. Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes 
party to the contracts that give rise to them and are classified as financial assets measured at amortised cost, debt instruments 
measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
comprehensive income or financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss.

(v) Dividend distribution
Dividends on the Company’s ordinary shares are recognised when they have been appropriately authorised and are no longer at 
the Company’s discretion. Accordingly, interim dividends are recognised when they are paid and final dividends are recognised 
when they are declared following approval by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting.

(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.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED115

(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 or write offs of assets, 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;

 – any gain or loss resulting from restructuring within the Group;

 – taxes and interests owed by the Group following a change in circumstances surrounding tax disputes, resulting in the exposure 

being assessed as probable;

 – the impact of infrequent labour action related to work stoppages in mine units;

 – the penalties generated by the early termination of agreements with providers of the Group;

 – the reversal of an accumulation of prior year’s tax expenses that resulted from an agreement with the government; and

 – the related tax impact of the above items.

(y) Fair value measurement
The Group measures financial instruments, such as derivatives, at each statement of financial position date.

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 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 categorised within the fair value 
hierarchy, as described in note 24 and 35(e).

For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements on a recurring basis at fair value, 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 financial assets, and 
for non-recurring measurement.

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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements116

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 similar 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 units – San Jose, which generates revenue from the sale of gold and silver (dore and concentrate).

 – Operating unit – Arcata and Pallancata, which generate revenue from the sale of gold and silver (concentrate).

 – Operating unit – Inmaculada, which generates revenue from the sale of gold and silver (dore).

 – 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 Aymaraes S.A.C. (a power transmission company that 

absorbed Empresa de Transmisión Callalli S.A.C. on 1 June 2016).

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.

(a) Reportable segment information 

Arcata
 US$000

Pallancata 
US$000

San Jose 
US$000

Inmaculada 
US$000

Exploration 
US$000

Other 1 
US$000

Adjustment 
and 
eliminations 
US$000

Total 
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2018

Revenue from external customers

57,836

138,221

207,431

306,108

Inter segment revenue

–

–

–

–

Total revenue from customers

57,836

138,221

207,431

306,108

Provisional pricing adjustment

(1,199)

(2,378)

(2,064)

(5)

Total revenue

56,637

135,843

205,367

306,103

–

–

–

–

–

340

6,328

6,668

–

–

709,936

(6,328)

–

(6,328)

709,936

–

(5,646)

6,668

(6,328)

704,290

Segment profit/(loss)

(7,314)

31,226

20,289

116,361

(34,800)

11,178

(8,887)

128,053

Others 2

Profit from continuing operations 
before income tax

Other segment information

Depreciation 3

Amortisation

Impairment and write-off  
of assets, net

Assets

(178)

(36,377)

(52,006)

(74,878)

–

–

(1,324)

(221)

(377)

(462)

(4,771)

(84)

(38)

(31)

(233)

(56)

–

(26)

Capital expenditure

526

27,079

44,632

57,678

1,856

2,634

Current assets

Other non-current assets

Total segment assets

Not reportable assets 4

Total assets

5,155

6,395

27,076

40,220

27,479

7

3,299

84,449

172,726

517,321

195,975

51,910

11,550

111,525

212,946

544,800

195,982

55,209

–

–

–

–

–

146,270

11,550

111,525

212,946

544,800

195,982

201,479

(89,687)

38,366

(168,587)

(2,091)

(384)

134,405

103,236

–

–

–

–

–

– 1,028,776

– 1,132,012

–

146,270

– 1,278,282

1  ‘Other’ revenue relates to revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C.
2  Comprised of administrative expenses of US$45,783,000, other income of US$8,062,000, other expenses of US$17,144,000, write-off of assets (net) of US$384,000, finance 

income of US$2,048,000, finance expense of US$27,540,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$8,946,000.
3  Includes depreciation capitalised in the Crespo project (US$810,000), and San Jose unit (US$1,783,000).
4  Not reportable assets are comprised of financial assets at fair value through OCI of US$5,296,000, other receivables of US$38,986,000, other financial assets of US$47,000, 

income tax receivable of US$20,733,000, deferred income tax asset of US$1,504,000 and cash and cash equivalents of US$79,704,000.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED117

Arcata 
US$000

Pallancata 
US$000

San Jose 
US$000

Inmaculada 
US$000

Exploration 
US$000

Other 1 
US$000

Adjustment 
and 
eliminations 
US$000

Total 
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2017

Revenue from external 
customers

Inter segment revenue

77,940

120,529

227,094

296,594

–

–

–

–

Total revenue

77,940

120,529

227,094

296,594

–

–

–

415

5,712

6,127

–

722,572

(5,712)

–

(5,712)

722,572

Segment profit/(loss)

(4,212)

48,926

43,162

73,737

(17,393)

10,832

(9,752)

145,300

Others 2

Profit from continuing 
operations before income tax

Other segment information

Depreciation 3

Amortisation

Impairment and write-off  
of assets

Assets

(17,447)

(19,479)

(49,019)

(107,489)

–

–

(1,247)

–

(413)

(462)

(5,228)

(142)

(43,135)

31,872

(205)

(31)

8,364

(23)

Capital expenditure

17,557

18,906

36,288

52,903

2,026

868

Current assets

Other non-current assets

5,483

5,859

21,699

47,398

91,065

182,138

Total segment assets

11,342

112,764

229,536

Not reportable assets 4

–

–

–

22,707

535,840

558,547

–

30

194,777

194,807

2,570

57,930

60,500

–

334,828

Total assets

11,342

112,764

229,536

558,547

194,807

395,328

(81,223)

64,077

(199,075)

(1,851)

(3,158)

128,548

99,887

–

–

–

–

–

– 1,067,609

– 1,167,496

–

334,828

– 1,502,324

1  ‘Other’ revenue relates to revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C.
2  Comprised of administrative expenses of US$51,283,000, other income of US$10,192,000, other expenses of US$11,549,000, impairment and write-off of assets (net) of 

US$3,158,000, finance income of US$5,927,000, finance expense of US$26,095,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$5,257,000.

3  Includes depreciation capitalised in the Crespo project (US$831,000), and San Jose unit (US$2,290,000).
4  Not reportable assets are comprised of available-for-sale financial assets of US$6,264,000, other receivables of US$45,344,000, other financial assets of US$2,591,000, 

income tax receivable of US$21,241,000, deferred income tax asset of US$2,400,000 and cash and cash equivalents of US$256,988,000.

(b) Geographical information
The revenue for the period based on the country in which the customer is located is as follows:

External customer

USA

Korea

Switzerland

Peru

Germany

Canada

Japan

Bulgaria

Total

Inter-segment

Peru

Total

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

357,096

370,035

97,943

102,596

89,285

70,842

32,277

28,661

26,084

73,186

45,274

34,777

60,991

8,502

2,102

27,211

704,290

722,572

6,328

5,712

710,618

728,284

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements118

3 Segment reporting continued

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:

Bank of Nova Scotia

162,843

23% Inmaculada

44,758

6% Inmaculada

Year ended  
31 December 2018

Year ended  
31 December 2017

US$000 % Revenue Segment

US$000 % Revenue Segment

LS Nikko

97,943

14%

102,596

14%

Pallancata  
and San Jose

Inmaculada  
and San Jose

12%

12% Inmaculada

11% San Jose

Pallancata  
and San Jose

Inmaculada  
and San Jose

16%

18% Inmaculada

7% San Jose

116,274

130,024

48,843

Republic Metals Corporation

Asahi Refining USA

Argor Heraus

86,974

85,136

74,210

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

Total non-current segment assets

Available-for-sale financial assets

Financial assets at fair value through OCI

Trade and other receivables

Other financial assets

Deferred income tax assets

Total non-current assets

4 Revenue 

Gold (from dore bars)

Silver (from dore bars)

Gold (from concentrate)

Silver (from concentrate)

Other minerals (from concentrate)

Services

Total

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

753,016

782,659

172,727

182,139

38,834

64,199

38,841

63,970

1,028,776 1,067,609

–

6,264

5,296

5,451

47

1,504

–

7,487

1,333

2,400

1,041,074 1,085,093

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

277,357

266,214

131,818

144,762

101,492

106,101

193,238

205,080

45

340

–

415

704,290

722,572

Included within revenue is a loss of US$5,646,000 relating to provisional pricing adjustments arising on sales of concentrates and 
dore, mainly contributed by provisional pricing of $4,515,000 from silver concentrates and $1,080,000 from gold concentrates (refer 
to note 2(p)), resulting in total revenue from customers in the amount of US$709,936,000 (2017: included within revenue is a gain of 
US$2,578,000 relating to provisional pricing adjustments representing the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives).

Included within revenue is a transaction price of US$5,485,000 related to the shipping services provided by the Group to the 
customers arising on sale of concentrates (US$3,965,000, Gold: US$1,806,000, Silver: US$2,159,000) and dore (US$1,520,000, Gold: 
US$856,000, Silver: US$664,000) (refer to note 2(p)).

Other sources of revenue are disclosed in note 12.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED5 Cost of sales

Included in cost of sales are: 

Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sale s1

Personnel expenses (note 9)

Mining royalty (note 34)

Change in products in process and finished goods

Other items 2

119

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

164,819

196,150

116,065

124,507

5,857

2,481

1,141

6,677

4,131

3,241

1  The depreciation and amortisation in production cost is US$164,244,000 (2017: US$196,241,000).
2  Other items includes costs related to stoppage of US$202,000 and termination benefits of US$939,000 at the San Jose mine unit (2017: Other items included costs related 

to stoppage at Pallancata and San Jose mine units).

6 Administrative expenses 

Personnel expenses (note 9)

Professional fees

Donations

Lease rentals

Travel expenses

Communications

Indirect taxes

Depreciation and amortisation

Technology and systems

Security

Supplies

Other 1

Total

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

28,165

34,775

3,614

785

1,372

1,061

430

1,041

1,486

537

784

145

3,233

586

1,474

1,020

415

2,173

1,564

686

773

123

6,363

4,461

45,783

51,283

1  Predominantly related to third-party services of US$3,434,000 (2017: US$1,273,000), technical services of US$144,000 (2017: US$553,000), repair and maintenance of 

US$480,000 (2017: US$388,000) and impairment of receivables of US$nil (2017: US$79,000).

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements120

7 Exploration expenses

Mine site exploration 1

Arcata

Ares

Inmaculada

Pallancata

San Jose

Prospects 2

Peru

USA

Argentina

Chile

Generative 3

Peru

USA

Personnel (note 9)

Others

Total

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

9,024

699

1,732

2,162

4,224

17,841

815

2,928

–

2,213

5,956

4,640

28

4,668

5,397

519

3,029

69

1,127

1,279

3,407

8,911

336

–

30

267

633

1,862

398

2,260

4,646

749

34,381

17,199

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 increase in exploration expenses is mainly explained by the work performed at the Arcata mine unit trying to identify new 
possible ore targets and the signature of new agreements related to projects in the United States, Chile and Peru.

The Group determines the cash flows which relate to the exploration activities of the 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 outflows on exploration activities were US$10,498,000 in 2018 (2017: US$2,600,000).

8 Selling expenses

Transportation of dore, concentrate and maritime freight 1

Personnel expenses (note 9)

Warehouse services

Taxes 2

Other

Total

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

–

302

2,032

5,148

2,586

6,477

296

1,742

16

2,493

10,068

11,024

1  Since 2018, under IFRS 15 the Group reclassified the portion of the selling expenses relating to transport of gold and silver from the Group’s production plants to the ports 

and to the customer, to cost of sales (2018: US$6,102,000).

2 Corresponds to the export duties in Argentina, applicable since September 2018.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED9 Personnel expenses

Salaries and wages

Other legal contributions

Statutory holiday payments

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Restricted share plan

Termination benefits

Other

Total

Personnel expenses are distributed as follows:

Cost of sales

Administrative expenses

Exploration expenses

Selling expenses

Other expenses

Capitalised as property, plant and equipment

Total

Average number of employees for 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

Peru

Argentina

Chile

United Kingdom

Total

121

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

110,290

116,597

23,268

26,937

7,282

4,487

1,374

4,101

2,764

7,124

9,348

2,090

2,228

2,670

153,566

166,994

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

116,065

124,507

28,165

34,775

5,398

302

3,225

411

4,646

296

1,621

1,149

153,566

166,994

Year ended  
31 December

2018

2,878

1,220

3

10

2017

2,920

1,175

3

10

4,111

4,108

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements122

10 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. Unless stated, exceptional items do not correspond to a reporting segment 
of the Group.

(Impairment)/impairment reversal and write-off of non-financial assets, net

Impairment of assets 3

Reversal of impairment of assets 3

Total

Finance costs

Expenses related to the repayment of the bond 1

Total

Income tax benefit 2 and 4

Total

Year ended 
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

–

–

–

(43,009)

40,256

(2,753)

(16,346)

(16,346)

4,822

4,822

–

–

3,279

3,279

The exceptional items for the year ended 31 December 2018 are as follows:
1  Premium and other finance expenses related to the repayment of Compañia Minera Ares (“CMA”) bond (refer to note 24 (a)).
2  Deferred tax credit generated by the premium and other finance expenses related to the repayment of the CMA bond.

The exceptional items for the year ended 31 December 2017 are as follows:
3  Impairment of the Arcata mine unit of US$43,009,000 and reversals of impairment related to the Pallancata mine unit of US$31,892,000 and San Felipe project  

of US$8,364,000.

4  Deferred tax credit generated by the impairment of the Arcata mine unit, net by the reversal on impairment of the Pallancata mine unit.

11 Other income and other expenses before exceptional items

Other Income

Decrease in provision for mine closure (note 25(3))

Export credits 1

Lease rentals

Gain on sale of other assets 2

Logistic services

Other 3

Total

Other expenses

Increase in provision for mine closure (note 25(3))

Provision of obsolescence of supplies

Contingencies

Donations

Write off of value added tax

Corporate social responsibility contribution in Argentina 4

Termination benefits Arcata mine unit 5

Impairment of receivables 6

Other 7

Total

Year ended 
31 December 
2018

Year ended 
31 December 
2017

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

–

1,287

97

–

4,128

2,550

8,062

(52)

(384)

(140)

(9)

(66)

(2,382)

(1,324)

(5,656)

(7,131)

1,428

1,613

253

1,495

3,552

1,851

10,192

–

(542)

(347)

(754)

(221)

(3,063)

–

(722)

(5,900)

(17,144)

(11,549)

1  Corresponds to the benefit of silver refund in Argentina.
2  Corresponds to the gain generated by the sale of mining rights of the Ricky project in 2017.
3  Mainly corresponds to the gain on recovery of expenses of US$930,000 (2017: US$462,000), gain on sale of supplies of US$410,000 (2017: US$nil) and the gain recognised 

for the Mosquito project of US$400,000 (2017: US$400,000).

4  Relates to a contribution in Argentina to the Santa Cruz province, effective since January 2016 and calculated as a proportion of sales.
5  Due to the redundancy of 107 employees in the Arcata mine unit, aligned with the mine plan for 2018.
6  Mainly related to the accrual of a trade receivable from Republic Metals Corp, a customer declared bankrupt under the United States bankruptcy code chapter 11.
7  Mainly corresponds to the expenses due to care and maintenance of Ares mine unit of US$5,688,000 (2017: US$4,369,000), concessions of US$320,000 (2017: US$491,000)  

and rentals of US$191,000 (2017: US$205,000).

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED12 Finance income and finance costs before exceptional items

Finance income

Interest on deposits and liquidity funds

Interest income

Gain from changes in the fair value of financial instruments

Gain on exchange of available-for-sale financial assets

Gain on discount of other receivables 1

Other

Total

Finance costs

Interest on secured bank loans (note 24)

Other interest

Interest on bond (note 24)

Interest expense

Unwind of discount on mine rehabilitation (note 25)

Loss on discount of other receivables 1

Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments 2

Loss on sale of available-for-sale financial assets

Other

Total

123

Year ended 
31 December 
2018

Year ended 
31 December 
2017

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

2,001

2,001

–

–

47

–

2,048

(4,923)

(726)

(1,392)

(7,041)

(368)

(1,625)

(1,256)

–

(904)

1,696

1,696

647

1,386

1,946

252

5,927

(185)

(813)

(24,088)

(25,086)

(280)

–

–

(32)

(697)

(11,194)

(26,095)

1  Mainly related to the effect of the discount of tax credits in Argentina and Peru.
2  Related to the fair value adjustments of the warrants of Red Eagle Mining Corporation acquired in 2017.

13 Income tax expense 

Current corporate income tax  
from continuing operations

Corporate income tax charge

Deferred taxation

Origination and reversal of temporary  
differences from continuing operations (note 27)

Effect of change in income tax rates 1

Corporate income tax

Current mining royalties

Mining royalty charge (note 34)

Special mining tax charge (note 34)

Total current mining royalties

Total taxation charge/(credit)  
in the income statement

Year ended 
31 December 2018

Year ended 
31 December 2017

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

Exceptional 
items 
US$000

Before 
exceptional 
items 
US$000

Exceptional 
items 
US$000

Total 
US$000

Total 
US$000

8,338

8,338

–

–

8,338

8,338

15,070

15,070

–

–

15,070

15,070

20,909

(4,822)

16,087

2,755

(3,279)

–

20,909

29,247

–

(4,822)

(4,822)

–

(10,780)

16,087

24,425

(8,025)

7,045

–

(3,279)

(3,279)

(524)

(10,780)

(11,304)

3,766

4,494

2,746

7,240

–

–

–

4,494

2,746

7,240

4,201

2,229

6,430

–

–

–

4,201

2,229

6,430

36,487

(4,822)

31,665

13,475

(3,279)

10,196

1  On 29 December 2017, the Argentinian government enacted a tax reform. The main change is the reduction in the statutory income tax rate, from its current level of 35% to 

30% with effect from 1 January 2018 and to 25% with effect from 1 January 2020.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements124

13 Income tax expense continued

The weighted average statutory income tax rate was 32.2% for 2018 and 31.9% for 2017. This is calculated as the average of the 
statutory tax rates applicable in the countries in which the Group operates, weighted by the profit/(loss) before tax of the Group 
companies in their respective countries as included in the consolidated financial statements.

The change in the weighted average statutory income tax rate is due to a change in the weighting of profit/(loss) before tax in the 
various jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

The tax related to items charged or credited to equity is as follows:

Deferred taxation:

Total tax credit in the statement of other comprehensive income

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

–

–

The total taxation charge on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted 
average tax rate applicable to the consolidated profits of the Group companies as follows: 

Profit from continuing operations before income tax

At average statutory income tax rate of 32.2% (2017: 31.9%)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Deferred tax recognised on special investment regime 1

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax 2

Change in statutory income tax rate 3

Utilisation of losses not previously recognised

Special mining tax and mining royalty deductible for corporate income tax

Other

Corporate income tax at average effective income tax rate of 27.0% (2017: 7.5%)  
before foreign exchange effect

Special mining tax and mining royalty 4

Corporate income tax and mining royalties at average effective income tax rate of 45.9% (2017: 17.5%)

Foreign exchange rate effect 5

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

38,366

12,352

593

(1,399)

2,915

–

–

(2,136)

(1,971)

10,354

7,240

17,594

14,071

64,077

20,459

776

(1,819)

(1,324)

(10,780)

(1,618)

(1,897)

1,012

4,809

6,430

11,239

(1,043)

Total taxation charge in the income statement at average effective tax rate 82.5% (2017: 15.9%)  
from continuing operations

31,665

10,196

1  Argentina benefits from a special investment regime that allows for a super (double) deduction in calculating its taxable profits for all costs relating to prospecting, 

exploration and metallurgical analysis, pilot plants and other expenses incurred in the preparation of feasibility studies for mining projects.

2  Includes the income tax credit on mine closure provision of US$412,000 (2017: US$3,010,000), the tax charge related to the Inmaculada mine unit depreciation of 

US$1,631,000 (2017: US$3,246,000), the effect of not recognised tax losses of US$1,696,000 (2017: US$949,000) and the unrecognised deferred tax on San Felipe of US$nil 
(2017: credit of US$2,509,000).

3  The Argentinian government approved a reduction in the statutory income tax rate, from 35% to 30% with effect from 1 January 2018 and 25% with effect from  

1 January 2020.

4  Corresponds to the impact of a mining royalty and special mining tax in Peru (note 34).
5  The foreign exchange effect is composed of US$9,311,000 (2017: US$2,893,000) from Argentina and US$4,760,000 (2017: credit of US$3,936,000) from Peru. This mainly 

corresponds to the foreign exchange effect of converting tax bases and monetary items from local currency to the corresponding functional currency. The main 
contributor of the foreign exchange effect on the tax charge in 2018 is the devaluation of the Argentinian peso.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED125

14 Basic and diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share (‘EPS’) is calculated by dividing profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company by 
the weighted average number of ordinary shares issued during the year.

The Company has dilutive potential ordinary shares.

As at 31 December 2018 and 2017, EPS has been calculated as follows:

Basic earnings/(loss) per share from continuing operations

Before exceptional items (US$)

Exceptional items (US$)

Total for the year and from continuing operations (US$)

Diluted earnings/(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

2018

2017

0.05

(0.02)

0.03

0.05

(0.02)

0.03

0.08

–

0.08

0.08

–

0.08

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items and attributable to equity holders of the parent is derived as follows:

Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent – continuing operations (US$000)

Exceptional items after tax – attributable to equity holders of the parent (US$000)

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity holders  
of the parent (US$000)

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity holders  
of the parent for the purpose of diluted earnings per share (US$000)

The following reflects the share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares related to contingently issuable shares (thousands)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the purpose of diluted earnings per share 
(thousands)

As at 31 December

2018

2017

12,836

11,524

41,561

(526)

24,360

41,035

24,360

41,035

As at 31 December

2018

2017

508,878

507,204

4,018

7,768

512,896

514,972

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements126

15 Property, plant and equipment 

Year ended 31 December 2018

Cost

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Change in discount rate

Change in mine closure estimate

Disposals

Write-offs

Mining 
properties and 
development 
costs 1 
 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

1,259,902

496,924

557,482

6,611

98,537

33,409 2,452,865

83,106

754

18,888

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(176)

–

–

(156)

(1,094)

82

–

–

(212)

(392)

591

–

19,447 3

122,277

(1,126)

(1,014)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,126)

(1,014)

(368)

(21)

(1,683)

(37,869)

2,505

Transfers and other movements 2

2,508

21,948

15,327

At 31 December 2018

Accumulated depreciation 
and impairment

At 1 January 2018

1,345,516

519,450

590,447

6,680

96,397

14,966 2,573,456

899,381

266,069

318,817

4,745

67,155

1,032 1,557,199

Depreciation for the year

100,185

32,095

31,983

Disposals

Write-offs

Impairment/(reversal of impairment), net

Transfers and other movements 2

–

–

–

129

–

(141)

–

1

(141)

(808)

–

57

476

(191)

(350)

–

27

3,848

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(85)

168,587

(332)

(1,299)

–

129

At 31 December 2018

999,695

298,024

349,908

Net book amount at 31 December 2018

345,821

221,426

240,539

4,707

1,973

71,003

25,394

947 1,724,284

14,019

849,172

1  Within mining properties and development costs there is a balance at 31 December 2018 related to Crespo project (US$26,855,000) that is not currently being depreciated.
2  Transfers and other movements include US$2,379,000 that was transferred from evaluation and exploration assets (note 16).
3  Includes borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment amounting to US$239,000. The capitalisation rate used was 2.88%.

In 2018, management determined there were triggers of impairment in the San Jose mine unit due to the devaluation of the US$, 
inflation and the new export tax approved in Argentina since September 2018. Impairment test result did not show a difference 
versus the carrying value given that the level of devaluation offset inflation and the new export tax. Therefore, no impairment was 
recognised.

In addition, during 2018, management evaluated the carrying value of the San Felipe Project, not recognising any impairment in the 
period (refer to note 16).

No indicators of impairment or reversal of impairment were identified in the other CGUs, which includes other exploration projects.

In 2017, management determined there were triggers of impairment in the Arcata mine unit due to difficulties in replacing 
production with incremental resources and to convert resources into reserves, and there was a significant decrease in production 
during the year. An impairment test was carried out resulting in an impairment charge of US$43,009,000 (US$39,905,000 in 
property, plant and equipment and US$3,104,000 and evaluation and exploration assets).

Also in 2017, in the case of the Pallancata mine unit, there was an increase in terms of tonnage, grades, and resources and reserves 
due to the Pablo vein. An impairment test was carried out resulting in an impairment reversal of US$31,892,000 (US$31,509,000 in 
property, plant and equipment and US$383,000 and evaluation and exploration assets).

Finally, in 2017 management evaluated the carrying value of the San Felipe Project, recognising an impairment reversal of 
US$8,364,000 (all in evaluation and exploration assets) (refer to notes 10 and 16).

The recoverable values of the San Jose, Arcata and Pallancata 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, which result in fair value 
measurements categorised in its entirety as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, 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.

In assessing the recoverable value of the San Felipe CGU, given the early stage of the project, the Group applied a value in-situ 
methodology which applies a realisable ‘enterprise value’ to unprocessed mineral resources. The enterprise value used is based on 
observable external market information. Together with the US$31,396,000 (2017: US$29,396,000) recognised as a deferred income 
(refer to note 22) that will be realised once the option is exercised or terminated; the total recoverable value of the project under a 
VIU approach amounts to US$37,081,000 (2017: US$37,081,000).

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED127

The key assumptions on which management has based its determination of FVLCD and the associated recoverable values 
calculated are gold and silver prices, production costs, reserves and resources, the discount rate and the value per in-situ regarding 
the San Felipe project. Gold and silver prices used, discount rate applied and value per in-situ per zinc equivalent tonne are 
presented below.

2018
US$ per oz.

Gold

Silver

2019

1,273

16.0

2020

1,300

17.5

2021

Long-term

2017
US$ per oz.

1,300

18.0

1,300

18.0

Gold

Silver

2018

1,298

18

2019

1,300

18

2020

Long-term

1,303

19

1,300

19

Discount rate (post tax)

9.5%

n/a

Discount rate (post tax)

4.3%

5.4%

n/a

Value per in-situ per zinc equivalent 
tonne (US$)

n/a

22.12

Value per in-situ per zinc 
equivalent tonne (US$)

n/a

n/a

29.53

San Jose

San Felipe

Arcata Pallancata 1

San Felipe

The period of 6 years was used to make the cash flow 
projections of San Jose mine unit and it is not shorter than the 
life of mine.

1. The Pallancata CGU was assessed for impairment reversal at 30 June 2017 and 

therefore the above reflects the relevant assumption at that date. 

Current carrying value of CGU,  
net of deferred tax (US$000)

San Jose

San Felipe

Current carrying value of CGU, 
net of deferred tax (US$000)

Arcata

Pallancata

San Felipe

31 December 2018

138,877

37,081

31 December 2017

5,859

91,065

37,081

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.

A change in any of the key assumptions would have the following impact in the San Jose mine unit:

Prices (decrease by 10%)

Post tax discount rate (increase by 3%)

Production costs (increase by 10%)

Inflation (increase by 10%)

Devaluation of Argentinian peso (increase by 10%)

US$000

(85,590)

(9,937)

(56,551)

(19,425)

20,765

With respect to the impairment assessment performed at the San Felipe CGU, a decrease of 10% in the value in-situ per tonne 
would result in a reversal of impairment of US$504,000, whilst an increase of 10% would result in a reversal of previously recognised 
impairment of US$647,000.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
128

15 Property, plant and equipment continued

Year ended 31 December 2017

Cost

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Change in discount rate

Change in mine closure estimate

Disposals

Write-offs

Mining 
properties and 
development 
costs 1 
 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

1,180,904

488,486

536,929

6,210

95,390

24,943

2,332,862

79,054

187

16,339

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(127)

8,378

–

–

(2,927)

(3,492)

10,633

29

–

–

(3)

(172)

547

–

575

2,572

–

–

–

28,045 3

123,654

–

–

–

(19)

(19,560)

575

2,572

(2,930)

(3,810)

(58)

Transfers and other movements 2

(56)

At 31 December 2017

1,259,902

496,924

557,482

6,611

98,537

33,409

2,452,865

Accumulated depreciation 
and impairment

At 1 January 2017

791,641

218,123

277,692

Depreciation for the year

109,642

44,431

40,356

Disposals

Write-offs

Impairment/(reversal of 
impairment), net

–

–

–

(98)

(2,369)

3,613

Transfers and other movements 2

467

–

(2,564)

(3,152)

8,631

(2,146)

4,554

325

(3)

(155)

64,480

4,321

–

–

24

–

(1,646)

–

889

1,357,379

–

–

–

143

–

199,075

(2,567)

(3,405)

8,396

(1,679)

At 31 December 2017

Net book amount  
at 31 December 2017

899,381

266,069

318,817

4,745

67,155

1,032

1,557,199

360,521

230,855

238,665

1,866

31,382

32,377

895,666

1  Within mining properties and development costs there is a balance at 31 December 2017 related to Crespo project (US$26,016,000) that is not currently being depreciated.
2  Transfers and other movements include US$1,607,000 that was transferred from evaluation and exploration assets (note 16).
3  Includes borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment amounting to US$601,000, the capitalisation rate used was 8.27%.

16 Evaluation and exploration assets

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2017

Additions

Disposals

Transfers to property, plant and equipment

Balance at 31 December 2017

Additions

Transfers to property plant and equipment

Balance at 31 December 2018

Accumulated impairment

Balance at 1 January 2017

Transfers to property, plant and equipment

Impairment/(reversal of impairment) 1

Balance at 31 December 2017

Transfers to property, plant and equipment

Balance at 31 December 2018

Net book value as at 31 December 2017

Net book value as at 31 December 2018

Azuca 
US$000

Crespo 
US$000

San Felipe 
US$000

Volcan
US$000

Others 
US$000

Total 
US$000

81,402

26,031

55,950

93,684

11,037

268,104

197

208

–

–

–

–

–

(500)

–

768

3,705

4,878

(500)

–

(2,074)

(2,074)

–

–

81,599

26,239

55,450

94,452

12,668

270,408

427

–

360

–

–

–

230

–

9,204

10,221

(2,508)

(2,508)

82,026

26,599

55,450

94,682

19,364

278,121

45,876

9,878

25,834

44,381

3,150

129,119

–

–

–

–

–

(8,364)

–

–

(467)

(467)

2,721

(5,643)

45,876

9,878

17,470

44,381

5,404

123,009

–

45,876

35,723

36,150

–

9,878

16,361

16,721

–

17,470

37,980

37,980

–

(129)

(129)

44,381

50,071

50,301

5,275

122,880

7,264

147,399

14,089

155,241

There were no borrowing costs capitalised in evaluation and exploration assets.

1  At 31 December 2017, the Group has recorded an impairment charge with respect to evaluation and exploration assets of the Arcata mine unit of US$3,104,000, and 

reversals of impairment with respect to the Pallancata mine unit of US$383,000 and the San Felipe project of US$8,364,000. The calculation of the recoverable values is 
detailed in note 15.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED17 Intangible assets

Cost

Balance at 1 January 2017

Additions

Balance at 31 December 2017

Additions

Transfer

Balance at 31 December 2018

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Balance at 1 January 2017

Amortisation for the year 4

Balance at 31 December 2017

Amortisation for the year 4

Balance at 31 December 2018

Net book value as at 31 December 2017

Net book value as at 31 December 2018

129

Transmission 
line 1 
US$000

 Water 
permits 2 
US$000

Software 
licences 
US$000

Legal 
rights 3 
US$000

Total 
US$000

22,157

26,583

1,856

6,686

57,282

–

–

16

22,157

26,583

1,872

–

–

–

–

13

3

–

6,686

1,894

–

16

57,298

1,907

3

22,157

26,583

1,888

8,580

59,208

13,074

12,686

1,089

–

14,163

12,686

1,113

15,276

7,994

6,881

–

12,686

13,897

13,897

1,371

158

1,529

212

1,741

343

147

3,772

30,903

604

1,851

4,376

32,754

766

5,142

2,310

3,438

2,091

34,845

24,544

24,363

1  The transmission line is amortised using the units of production method. At 31 December 2018 the remaining amortisation period is approximately 7 years (2017: 8 years).
2  Corresponds to the acquisition of water permits of Andina Minerals Group (“Andina”). These permits have an indefinite life according to Chilean law. 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 Group used the value-in-situ methodology. This 
methodology applies a realisable ‘enterprise value’ to unprocessed mineral resources which was US$6.70 per gold equivalent ounce of resources at 31 December 2018 
(2017: US$7.10). The risk adjusted enterprise value figure has been determined using a combination of level 2 and level 3 inputs, which result in a fair value measurement 
categorised in its entirety as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, to estimate the amount that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm’s length transaction, taking into 
account the water restrictions imposed by the Chilean government.

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 2018 the remaining amortisation period is from 5 to 20 years (2017: 10 to 20 years).

4  The amortisation for the period is included in cost of sales and administrative expenses in the income statement.

The carrying amount of the Volcan CGU, which includes the water permits, is reviewed annually to determine whether it is in excess 
of its recoverable amount. No impairments were recognised in 2018 and 2017.

Key assumptions
US$

Risk adjusted value per in-situ (gold equivalent ounce)

US$000

Current carrying value Volcan CGU

2018

6.70

2017

7.10

2018

2017

64,198

63,968

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 exceed its recoverable amount.

The estimated recoverable amount is not materially greater than its carrying value. A change in the value-in-situ assumption could 
cause an impairment loss or reversal of impairment to be recognised as follows:

Approximate (impairment)/reversal of impairment resulting from the following changes (US$000)

Value per in-situ ounce (10% decrease)

Risk factor (increase by 5%)

Risk factor (decrease by 5%)

2018

2017

(6,407)

(1,725)

1,725

(2,667)

(1,095)

9,384

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements130

18 Financial assets at fair value through OCI 

Beginning balance

Acquisitions 1

Fair value change recorded in equity

Disposals 2

Ending balance

Year ended  
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

6,264

6,433

(6,450)

(951)

5,296

–

–

–

–

–

1  Corresponds to the purchase of 591,326,947 shares of REE UNO SpA (REE UNO) (US$2,000,000), 7,519,331 shares of Skeena Resources Limited (Skeena) (US$4,313,000) 

and 15,600 shares of Cobalt Power Group (Cobalt) (US$120,000).

2  As the investments were not considered to be strategic, the Group sold 14,545,454 shares of Red Eagle with a fair value at the date of sale of US$799,000 and 3,383,000 

shares of Santa Cruz Silver Mining with a fair value at the date of sale of US$155,000, generating a loss on disposal of US$2,514,000 and US$546,000 respectively.

The Group made the election at initial recognition to measure the equity investments at fair value through OCI as they are not held 
for trading.

The fair value at 31 December 2018 is as follows:

Listed equity investments:

Cobalt Power Group

Santa Cruz Silver Mining

Revelo Resources Corp.

Skeena Resources Limited

Empire Petroleum Corp.

Total listed equity investments

Non-listed equity investments:

Pembrook Mining Corp.

ECI Exploration and Mining Inc.

Goldspot Discoveries Inc.

REE UNO SpA

Total non-listed equity investments

Total

US$000

53

435

4

1,599

19

2,110

–

–

1,240

1,946

3,186

5,296

Fair value of the listed shares is determined by reference to published price quotations in an active market and they are categorised 
as level 1.

The fair value of non-listed equity investments is determined based on financial information available of the companies and they 
are categorised as level 3.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED19 Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables (note 35(c))

Advances to suppliers

Duties recoverable from exports of Minera Santa Cruz 1

Receivables from related parties (note 29(a))

Loans to employees

Interest receivable

Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander Bank

Other 2

Provision for impairment 3

Assets classified as receivables

Prepaid expenses

Value Added Tax (VAT) 4

Total

131

As at 31 December

2018

2017

Current 
US$000

45,201

2,950

1,788

76

206

66

195

Non-
current 
US$000

–

–

1,570

–

877

–

–

Current 
US$000

43,209

4,482

2,681

160

353

402

208

Non-
current 
US$000

–

–

1,546

–

744

–

–

723

12,591

1,810

9,397

–

(5,997)

–

(4,594)

3,013

57,076

4,257

56,298

8

2,430

5,451

2,028

19,632

78,736

91

3,139

7,487

3,720

21,048

81,066

The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate their book value.

1  Relates to export benefits through the Patagonian Port and silver refunds in Minera Santa Cruz, discounted over 24 months (2017: 19 months) at a rate of 9.98% 

(2017: 5.40%) for dollars denominated amounts and 57.00% (2017: 29.60%) for Argentinian pesos. The loss on the unwinding of the discount is recognised within finance 
costs (2017: gain on discount is recognised within finance income).

2  Mainly corresponds to account receivables from contractors for the sale of supplies of US$6,111,000 (2017: US$4,773,000), and other tax claims of US3,227,000 

(2017: US$3,903,000).

3  Includes the provision for impairment of trade receivable from customers in Peru of US$1,554,000 (2017: US$1,080,000), the impairment of deposits in Kaupthing, Singer 

and Friedlander of US$195,000 (2017: US$208,000), the impairment of the account receivable from a third party of US$3,233,000 (2017: US$2,501,000) and other 
receivables of US$1,015,000 (2017: US$805,000).

4  Primarily relates to US$11,462,000 (2017: US$12,829,000) of VAT receivable related to the San Jose project that will be recovered through future sales of gold 

and silver and also through the sale of these credits to third-parties by Minera Santa Cruz S.A. It also includes the VAT of Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. of US$6,248,000 
(2017: US$6,519,000) and Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. of US$3,569,000 (2017: US$4,034,000). The VAT is valued at its recoverable amount.

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables: 

At 1 January 2017

Provided for during the year

Released during the year 1

At 31 December 2017

Provided for during the year

Released during the year 1

At 31 December 2018

Individually 
impaired 
US$000

6,342

1,065

(2,813)

4,594

5,884

(4,481)

5,997

1 Corresponds to the reversal of the provision of US$2,000 (2017: US$9,000) and write off of US$4,479,000 (2017: US$2,804,000).

As at 31 December 2018 and 2017, none of the financial assets classified as receivables (net of impairment) were past due.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements132

20 Inventories 

Finished goods valued at cost

Products in process valued at cost

Products in process accrual

Raw materials

Supplies and spare parts

Provision for obsolescence of supplies

Total

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

1,543

3,011

16,085

17,099

8,030

–

37,765

63,423

–

–

41,572

61,682

(5,388)

(5,004)

58,035

56,678

Finished goods include ounces of gold and silver, dore and concentrate.

Products in process include stockpile and precipitates.

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. At 31 
December 2018 and 2017 the Group had no dore on hand included in products in process.

Concentrate 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$111,485,000 (2017: US$104,689,000).

Movements in the provision for obsolescence comprise an increase in the provision of US$384,000 (2017: US$542,000) and the 
reversal of US$nil relating to the sale of supplies and spare parts, that had been provided for (2017: US$2,997,000).

21 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank

Liquidity funds 1

Current demand deposit accounts 2

Time deposits 3

Cash and cash equivalents considered for the statement of cash flows

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

366

–

335

2,869

43,095

61,612

36,243

192,172

79,704

256,988

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 nil days as at 

31 December 2018 (2017: average of 29 days).

2  Relates to bank accounts which are freely available and bear interest.
3  These deposits have an average maturity of 14 days (2017: Average of 32 days) (refer to note 35(c)).

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED22 Deferred income

San Felipe contract 1

El Mosquito contract 2

Current balance

Non-current

133

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

31,396

29,396

970

1,413

32,366

30,809

(400)

(400)

31,966

30,409

1  On 3 August 2011, the Group 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 US$31,396,000 as non-refundable payments  
at 31 December 2018 (2017: US$29,396,000). These payments will reduce the total consideration that IMSC will be required to pay upon exercise of the option and 
constitute an advance of the final purchase price, rather than an option premium and, as such, they were recorded as deferred income.

  On 30 November 2016, IMSC renegotiated the terms of the agreement, extending the validity of the agreement to 1 December 2017. As a result of this extension,  

on 9 March 2017 the Group received in payment 13,415,000 ordinary shares of Santa Cruz Silver Mining (“SCSM”) quoted in the Toronto Stock Exchange, at the unit price  
of CAD 0.28 amounting to CAD 3,756,000 equivalent to US$2,780,000. The amount received included valued added taxes of US$384,000 and part consideration of 
US$2,396,000 recognised as deferred income.

  On 28 February 2017, the Group signed a new option agreement with IMSC for the San Felipe properties for a total consideration of US$10,000,000. An initial payment  

of US$2,000,000 was received in cash on 7 March 2017.

In March 2017, IMSC entered into an agreement with Americas Silver Corporation (‘ASC’) to assign 100% of its interest in the San Felipe Project.

  During 2018 the Group collected US$2,000,000 (January 2018:US$500,000, April 2018: US$500,000 and July 2018: US$1,000,000).

  On 15 December 2018, the option to sell the San Felipe property to ASC was extended to 31 December 2020.

2  On 25 April 2017 the Group signed a five-year option agreement with Minas Argentinas S.A. (“MASA”) giving MASA the right to explore and the option to purchase  
the Mosquito property, located in Argentina. The Group has received in cash US$2,000,000, recognising US$970,000 as deferred income at 31 December 2018.

23 Trade and other payables

Trade payables 1

Salaries and wages payable 2

Dividends payable

Taxes and contributions

Guarantee deposits

Mining royalties (note 34)

Accounts payable to related parties (note 29(a))

Other

Total

As at 31 December

2018

2017

Current 
US$000

69,568

36,272

2,247

6,314

7,922

506

7

Non-
current 
US$000

–

–

–

32

–

–

–

Current 
US$000

63,038

36,143

107

6,425

6,946

684

149

Non-
current 
US$000

–

–

–

14

–

–

–

773

787

2,639

125,475

1,049

1,081

3,287

116,779

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 relates to remuneration payable. There were Board members’ remuneration payable of US$nil (2017: US$nil) and long-term incentive plan 

awards payable of US$8,215,000 (2017: US$7,520,000) at 31 December 2018.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
134

24 Borrowings 

Bond payable (a)

Secured bank loans (b)

Effective 
interest rate

–

Pre-shipment loans in Minera Santa Cruz (note 20)

4.0% to 5.0%

Non-
current 
US$000

–

–

As at 31 December

2018

Current 
US$000

Effective 
interest rate

2017

Current 
US$000

Non-
current 
US$000

–

8.56% 291,955

8,779

Bank loans

Total

2.43% to 3.00%

50,000

101,020

1.75%

6,047 1.80% to 2.85%

50,000

107,067

291,955

–

–

9,043

50,041

67,863

(a) Bond payable
Relates to the issuance of US$350,000,000 7.75% Senior Unsecured Notes on 23 January 2014, fully repaid on 23 January 2018. The 
Group repaid the capital of US$294,775,000, plus interests of US$11,423,000, premium of US$11,423,000 and their corresponding 
withholding tax of US$946,000. The charge in profit and loss during the period is US$17,833,000, of which US$1,487,000 corresponds 
to the interests and its corresponding withholding tax generated in the period, and the balance of US$16,346,000, recognised as an 
exceptional item, includes the premium of US$11,423,000, its corresponding withholding tax of US$473,000 and the recognition of 
the capitalised expenses related to obtaining the bond of US$4,450,000 (refer to note 10).

(b) Secured bank loans
Short-term bank loans
Two credit agreements signed by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C with BBVA Continental with an interest rate of 2.70% and Scotiabank 
with an interest rate of 3.00%. The carrying value including accrued interest payable at 31 December 2018 is US$50,581,000 and 
US$50,111,000 respectively. (2017: One credit agreement signed by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. with BBVA Continental with an 
interest rate of 1.75%, the carrying value including accrued interest payable at 31 December 2017 was US$50,041,000 and was 
repaid on the due date of 10 December 2018).

Medium-term bank loans
Two credit agreements signed by Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C with Nova Scotia Bank with an interest rate of 2.43% and Citibank 
with an interest rate of 2.43%. The carrying value including accrued interest payable at 31 December 2018 is US$25,164,000 and 
US$25,164,000 respectively.

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

2018 
US$000

50,000

2017 
US$000

–

–

–

291,955

–

50,000

291,955

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED135

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

2018 
US$000

50,000

2017 
US$000

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

–

47,353

–

–

291,955

–

306,566

50,000

291,955

47,353

306,566

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, 
and is a Level 1 input.

The movement in borrowings during the year is as follows:

Current

Bank loans

Bond payable

Non-current

Bank loans

Bond payable

Accrued interest

Before accrued interest

As at  
1 January  
2018 
US$000

Additions 
US$000

Repayments 
US$000

Reclassifications 
US$000

As at  
31 December 
2018  
US$000

59,084

8,779

67,863

171,567

17,833

189,400

–

100,000

291,955

291,955

(9,745)

350,073

–

100,000

(22,900)

266,500

(123,584)

(23,792)

(147,376)

(50,000)

(294,775)

(344,775)

28,758

(463,393)

–

107,067

(2,820)

(2,820)

–

2,820

2,820

2,820

2,820

–

107,067

50,000

–

50,000

(1,067)

156,000

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements136

25 Provisions 

At 1 January 2017

Additions

Accretion

Change in discount rate 4

Change in estimates 4

Foreign exchange effect

Transfer to trade and other payables

Payments

At 31 December 2017

Less: current portion

Non-current portion

At 1 January 2018

Additions

Accretion

Change in discount rate 4

Change in estimates 4

Foreign exchange effect

Transfer to trade and other payables

Payments

At 31 December 2018

Less: current portion

Non-current portion

Provision for 
mine closure 1
US$000

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan 2
US$000

102,429

–

280

863

856 3

–

–

(4,359)

100,069

4,562

95,507

100,069

–

368

(1,609)

(479) 3

–

–

(4,494)

93,855

1,986

91,869

4,649

8,702

–

–

–

–

(7,520)

–

5,831

–

5,831

5,831

3,386

–

–

–

–

(8,215)

–

1,002

–

1,002

Other 
US$000

4,449

347

–

–

–

(352)

–

(34)

4,410

1,641

2,769

4,410

140

–

–

–

(1,614)

–

–

2,936

1,167

1,769

Total 
US$000

111,527

9,049

280

863

856

(352)

(7,520)

(4,393)

110,310

6,203

104,107

110,310

3,526

368

(1,609)

(479)

(1,614)

(8,215)

(4,494)

97,793

3,153

94,640

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 2018 and 2017 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 0.30% (2017: 0.14%). Expected cash flows will be over a period from one to 19 years.

2  Corresponds to the provision related to awards granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) to designated personnel of the Group. Includes the following benefits: 
(i) 2018 awards, granted in May 2018, payable in May 2021, as 50% in cash (refer to note 26(c)(iv)), (ii) 2017 awards, granted in March 2017, payable in full on vesting in 
March 2020. Only employees who remain in the Group’s employment on the vesting date will be entitled to vested awards, subject to exceptions approved by the 
Remuneration Committee of the Board. There are two parts to the performance conditions attached to LTIP awards: 70% is subject to the Company’s TSR ranking relative 
to a tailored peer group of mining companies, and 30% is subject to the Company’s TSR ranking relative to the constituents of the FTSE 350 mining index. The liability for 
the LTIP paid in cash is measured, initially and at the end of each reporting period until settled, at the fair value of the awards, by applying the Monte Carlo pricing model, 
taking into account the terms and conditions on which the awards were granted, and the extent to which the employees have rendered services to date. Changes to the 
provision of US$3,386,000 (2017: US$8,702,000) have been recorded as administrative expenses US$3,203,000 (2017: US$8,215,000) and exploration expenses US$183,000 
(2017: US$487,000).

  The following tables list the inputs to the Monte Carlo model used for the LTIPs as at 31 December 2018 and 2017, respectively:

For the period ended

Dividend yield (%)

Expected volatility (%)

Risk–free interest rate (%)

Expected life (years)

Weighted average share price (pence £)

LTIP 2016

LTIP 2017

LTIP 2018

 31 December 
2018 
US$000

 31 December 
2017 
US$000

 31 December 
2018 
US$000

 31 December 
2017 
US$000

 31 December 
2018 
US$000

 31 December 
2017 
US$000

–

–

–

–

–

0.81

4.02

0.25

1

1.80

2.41

0.71

1

0.81

4.02

0.25

2

1.80

3.51

0.71

2

63.07

240.88

239.22

235.08

–

–

–

–

–

The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility over a period similar to the life of the awards and is 
indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.

3  Based on the 2018 (2017) internal and external review of mine rehabilitation estimates, the provision for mine closure (decreased)/increased by:

Arcata
 US$000

Ares
 US$000

Sipan
US$000

Selene 
US$000

Azuca 
US$000

Crespo 
US$000

Inmaculada 
US$000

Pallancata 
US$000

Adjustment 
San Jose 
US$000

At 31 December 2018

At 31 December 2017

1,745

(1,131)

(68)

22

(11)

–

(1,131)

(607)

330

7

(117)

43

(903)

1,191

(324)

1,385

–

(54)

Total 
US$000

(479)

856

4  An expense of US$52,000 related to changes in estimate and discount rates for mines already closed. 2017: an income of US$1,428,000 related to changes in estimate and 
discount rates for mines already closed and the Arcata mine unit which reduction of the estimated costs exceeded the carrying value of the mine asset, therefore the effect 
has been recognised directly in the income statement.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED26 Equity

(a) Share capital and share premium
Issued share capital
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2018 is as follows:

Class of shares

Ordinary shares

The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2017 is as follows:

Class of shares

Ordinary shares

137

Issued

Number

Amount

510,553,920

£127,638,480

Issued

Number

Amount

507,232,310

£126,808,078

At 31 December 2018 and 2017, all issued shares with a par value of 25 pence each were fully paid (2018: weighted average of 
US$0.441 per share, 2017: weighted average of US$0.442 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 2018 the Group issued 1,660,805 ordinary shares and on 31 December 2018 the Group issued 1,660,805 ordinary 
shares, under the Restricted Share Plan, to certain employees of the Group.

The changes in share capital are as follows:

Shares issued as at 1 January 2017

Shares issued according the Restricted Share Plan benefit on 2 January 2018 at GBP 0.25

Shares issued according the Restricted Share Plan benefit on 31 December 2018 at GBP 0.25

Shares issued as at 31 December 2018

Number of 
shares

Share 
capital 
US$000

Share 
premium 
US$000

507,232,310

224,315

438,041

1,660,805

1,660,805

564

530

–

–

510,553,920

225,409

438,041

(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(n)). During 2011, the Group purchased 126,769 shares for the purposes of the plan,  
for a total consideration of £561,478 (equivalent to US$898,000). No shares were purchased by the Group during 2017.

On 5 April 2018, the Group purchased 205,400 shares for a total consideration of £414,000 (equivalent to US$579,000).

On 20 March 2017, 40,383 Treasury shares with a value of US$286,000 (being the cost incurred to acquire the shares) were 
transferred to the CEO of the Group with respect to the Deferred Bonus Plan benefit.

On 20 March 2018, 40,383 Treasury shares with a value of US$84,000 (being the cost incurred to acquire the shares) were 
transferred to the CEO of the Group with respect to the Deferred Bonus Plan benefit.

On 5 April 2018, 232,172 Treasury shares with a value of US$635,000 (being the cost incurred to acquire the shares) were transferred 
to the CEO of the Group with respect to the Enhanced Long-Term Incentive Plan.

At 31 December 2018 the balance of Treasury shares is 42 (31 December 2017: 67,197) ordinary shares with a value of US$115 
(31 December 2017: US$140,000).

(c) Other reserves
Unrealised gain/loss on available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through OCI
Under IAS 39, the Group classified its investments in listed companies as available-for-sale financial assets which are carried at fair 
value. Consequently, the increase/decrease 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.

According IFRS 9, the Group made the decision to classify its investments in listed and unlisted companies as financial assets at fair 
value through OCI. The increase/decrease in carrying values, net of the related deferred tax liability, is taken directly to this account 
where it will remain until disposal, when the cumulative unrealised gains and losses are recycled through retained earnings.

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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements138

26 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.

Share-based payment reserve
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.

Restricted Share Plan (‘RSP’)
At the beginning of 2015, the Group introduced the RSP, which is a new one-off share-based long-term incentive plan for some 
executives and key employees who play a fundamental role in the performance of the business.

Under the RSP of the Group, on 30 December 2014 and 16 February 2015, 1,319,392 and 6,026,089 share options with a fair value  
of 86.8p (US$1.35) and 92.3p (US$1.42) per share were granted to the CEO and certain key employees. Following the rights issue in 
October 2015, the number of share options were adjusted to 1,491,572 and 6,812,485 with a fair value of 76.7p (US$1.19) and 81.6p 
(US$1.25) per share, respectively.

The vesting of the options is subject to the satisfaction of certain performance as well as service conditions classified as non-market 
conditions. The options vest over a five-year period in tranches of 20% of the shares after each of two, three and four years and the 
balance after five years.

If the service conditions are not met, the options lapse. As the performance conditions are non-market-based they are not reflected 
in the fair value of the award at grant date, and therefore the Company will assess the likelihood of these conditions being met with a 
relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required at each financial year end.

The fair value of the option was determined with respect to the market price of the shares on the grant date. The awards do not 
entitle the recipients to dividends or payment in lieu of dividends during the vesting period.

The RSP does not have an exercise price.

On 30 December 2016 the Group issued 1,660,805 ordinary shares under the Restricted Share Plan, to certain employees of the 
Group, including the CEO.

On 2 January 2018 the Group issued 1,660,805 ordinary shares and on 31 December 2018 the Group issued 1,660,805 ordinary 
shares, under the Restricted Share Plan, to certain employees of the Group, including the CEO.

The carrying amount of the share-based payment reserve relating to the RSP at 31 December 2018 is US$3,289,000 (2017: 
US$6,048,000) with the amount recognised in the consolidated income statement of US$1,374,000 (2017: US$2,090,000).

On 30 December 2017 20% of the options vested, resulting in 1,660,805 ordinary shares that were issued on 2 January 2018.

On 30 December 2018 20% of the options vested, resulting in 1,660,805 ordinary shares that were issued on 31 December 2018.

The balance of shares pending to vest at 31 December 2018 is 3,321,642 (2017: 4,982,447) ordinary shares.

The remaining contract life is one year.

The movement in other reserves during 2018 is as follows:

Balance at 1 January 2018

Vesting at 30 December 2017, shares issued on 2 January 2018 at GBP 0.25 (refer to (a))

Vesting at 30 December 2018, shares issued on 31 December 2018 at GBP 0.25 (refer to (a))

Provision of the period

Balance at 31 December 2018

The movement of the shares according the date of vesting is as follows:

Balance of shares pending to vest at 1 January 2018

Shares vested on 30 December 2018

Balance of shares pending to vest at 31 December 2018

US$000

6,047

(2,066)

(2,066)

1,374

3,289

Number of 
shares

4,982,447

(1,660,805)

3,321,642

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED 
139

Deferred Bonus Plan (‘DBP’)
At the beginning of 2014, the Group introduced the DBP, as a mechanism to pay the annual bonuses to the employees. Before the 
approval of DBP the annual bonuses were paid entirely in cash. Under the DBP rules a part of the annual bonuses could be deferred 
into shares for one or two years. A Deferred Bonus award granted under the Plan, and the terms of that Deferred Bonus award, must 
be approved in advance by the Directors.

The fair value of the awards was determined with respect to the market price of the shares on the grant date. The awards do not 
entitle the recipients to dividends or payment in lieu of dividends during the vesting period. The carrying amount of the share-based 
payment reserve relating to the DBP at 31 December 2018 is US$nil (2017: US$43,000) with the amount recognised in the 
consolidated income statement of US$4,000 (2017: US$34,000).

On 20 March 2017 and 20 March 2018, 40,383 and 40,383 Treasury shares were transferred respectively to the CEO of the Group 
with respect to the DBP.

The movement in other reserves during 2018 is as follows:

Balance at 1 January 2018

Provision of the period

Vesting on 20 March 2018, paid with treasury shares with a value of US$2.07 totalling US$84,000 (refer to (b))

Balance at 31 December 2018

The movement of the shares according the date of vesting is as follows:

Balance of shares pending to vest at 1 January 2018

Shares vested on 20 March 2018

Balance of shares pending to vest at 31 December 2018

US$000

44

4

(48)

–

Number of 
shares

40,383

(40,383)

–

Enhanced Long-term Incentive Plan (‘ELTIP’)
In April 2011 and March 2014, the CEO was granted awards under the ELTIP (397,645 and 1,076,122 shares respectively). 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 and numbers of awards 
granted are included in the Directors Remuneration Report.

The fair value of the option was determined using the Monte Carlo model. The carrying amount of the share-based payment reserve 
relating to the ELTIP at 31 December 2018 is US$1,359,000 (2017: US$1,543,000). The amount recognised in the consolidated income 
statement amounts to US$311,000 (2017: US$449,000). In 2017 US$760,000 relating to options that lapsed during the year (204,731 
ordinary shares lapsed in 2017) were transferred from the share-based payment reserve to retain earnings.

As at 31 December 2017, 1,076,122 ordinary shares were pending to vest. The vesting percentage of the 25% of the award resulted  
in 86.3% and on 5 April 2018 the CEO received 232,172 Treasury shares, and US$140,000 was transferred from the share-based 
payment reserve to retain earnings.

As at 31 December 2018, 807,091 ordinary shares are pending to vest (31 December 2017: 1,076,122 ordinary shares).

The remaining contract life is 1.2 years.

The movement in other reserves during 2018 is as follows:

Balance at 1 January 2018

Provision of the period

Vesting at 20 March 2018, treasury shares received by the CEO on 5 April 2018 with a value of US$2.73  
totalling US$635,000 (refer to (b))

Balance at 31 December 2018

The movement of the shares according the date of vesting is as follows:

Balance of shares pending to vest at 1 January 2018

Shares lapsed on 20 March 2018 (25% of the award)

Shares vested on 20 March 2018

Balance of shares pending to vest at 31 December 2018

US$000

1,543

311

(495)

1,359

Number of 
shares

1,076,122

(36,859)

(232,172)

807,091

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements140

26 Equity continued

Long-Term Incentive Plan 2018 (‘LTIP 2018’)
On 25 May 2018 the Group approved the 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The award gives a right to receive a cash payment 
equivalent to 50% of the prize (cash-settled transaction) (refer to note 25(2)), and the other 50% will be used to acquire shares 
(equity-settled transaction). Further details on the design of the ELTIP award are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

The fair value of the option was determined using the Monte Carlo model.

The remaining contract life is 2.4 years.

The movement in other reserves during 2018 is as follows:

Balance at 1 January 2018

Provision of the period

Balance at 31 December 2018

No shares were vested during the period.

27 Deferred income tax

The changes in the net deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows: 

Beginning of the year

Income statement charge/(credit) (note 13)

End of the year

US$000

–

212

212

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

(53,640)

(64,944)

(16,087)

11,304

(69,727)

(53,640)

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 2017

Income statement (credit)/charge

At 31 December 2017

Income statement (credit)/charge

At 31 December 2018

Deferred income tax assets

At 1 January 2017

Income statement credit/(charge)

At 31 December 2017

Income statement credit/(charge)

At 31 December 2018

Differences 
in cost 
of PP&E 
US$000

Mine 
development 
US$000

Provisional 
pricing 
adjustment 
US$000

Others 
US$000

Total 
US$000

41,648

2,474

44,122

(3,908)

40,214

68,342

991

69,333

14,255

83,588

–

201

201

809

2,824

112,814

(1,197)

2,469

1,627

115,283

49

11,205

1,010

1,676

126,488

Differences 
in cost 
of PP&E 
 US$000

Provision 
for mine 
closure 
US$000

Tax 
losses 
US$000

Mine 
development 
US$000

Provisional 
pricing 
adjustment 
US$000

Others 
US$000

Total 
US$000

16,325

14,347

30,672

(4,374)

26,298

19,534

(51)

19,483

(1,080)

18,403

946

893

1,839

(1,635)

204

912

(110)

802

(109)

693

304

9,849

47,870

(304)

(1,002)

13,773

–

–

–

8,847 1

61,643

2,316

(4,882)

11,163 1

56,761

1  Mainly related to long-term incentive plan of US$2,655,000 (2017: US$3,966,000), statutory holiday provision of US$1,113,000 (2017: US$962,000) and inventory of 

US$635,000 (2017: US$784,000).

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

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

1,504

2,400

(71,231)

(56,040)

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUEDTax losses expire in the following years:

Unrecognised

Expire in one year

Expire in two years

Expire in three years

Expire in four years

Expire after four years

Other unrecognised deferred income tax assets comprise (gross amounts): 

Provision for mine closure 1

Impairments of assets 2

141

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

465

–

4,511

2,861

3,517

493

42

4,320

121,583

119,461

129,420

127,833

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

6,596

–

7,287

2,509

1  This relates to 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  Related to the impairment of San Felipe project (note 16).

Unrecognised deferred tax liability on retained earnings
At 31 December 2018 and 2017, there was no recognised deferred tax liability 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.

28 Dividends 

Dividends paid and proposed during the year

Equity dividends on ordinary shares:

Final dividend for 2017: 1.965 US cents per share (2016: 1.38 US cents per share)

Interim dividend for 2018: 1.965 US cents per share (2017: 1.38 US cents per share)

Total dividends paid on ordinary shares

Proposed dividends on ordinary shares:

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

9,999

10,000

19,999

6,997

6,999

13,996

Final dividend for 2018: 1.959 US cents per share (2017: 1.965 US cents per share)

10,000

9,967

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests: 0.08 US$ per share (2017: 1.80 US$ per share)

Total dividends paid to non-controlling interests

13,039

13,039

12,585

12,585

Dividends per share
The interim dividend paid in September 2018 was US$10,000,000 (1.965 US cents per share). A proposed dividend in respect of the 
year ending 31 December 2018 of 1.959 US cents per share, amounting to a total dividend of US$10,000,000, is subject to approval  
at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 6 June 2019 and is not recognised as a liability as at 31 December 2018.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements142

29 Related-party balances and transactions

(a) Related-party accounts receivable and payable
The Group had the following related-party balances and transactions during the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. 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

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

76

76

160

160

7

7

149

149

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 2018 and 2017, all 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: 

Expenses

Expense recognised for the rental paid to Cementos Pacasmayo S.A.A.

(200)

(200)

Transactions between the Group and these companies are on an arm’s length basis.

(b) Compensation of key management personnel of the Group

Year ended

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors)

Short-term employee benefits

Long-Term Incentive Plan, Deferred Bonus Plan and Restricted Share Plan

Total compensation paid to key management personnel

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

6,619

2,899

9,518

6,086

5,446

11,532

This amount includes the remuneration paid to the Directors of the Parent Company of the Group of US$4,601,000 (2017: 
US$5,439,000).

30 Auditor’s remuneration

The auditor’s remuneration for services provided to the Group during the years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017 is as follows: 

Audit fees pursuant to legislation 1

Audit-related assurance services

Taxation compliance services

Taxation advisory services

Other non-audit services 2

Total

1  The total audit fee in respect of local statutory audits of subsidiaries is US$340,000 (2017: US$350,000).
2  Related to the benchmark on derivatives and IFRS 15 and 9 implementation.

In 2018 and 2017, all fees are included in administrative expenses.

Amounts paid 
to Ernst & Young 
in the year ended 
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

597

53

9

–

–

597

53

14

29

18

659

711

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED31 Notes to the statement of cash flows

Reconciliation of loss for the year to net cash generated from operating activities

Profit for the year

Adjustments to reconcile Group loss to net cash inflows from operating activities

Depreciation (note 3(a))

Amortisation of intangibles (note 17)

Write-off of assets

Provision of doubtful receivable

Impairment of assets (note 10)

Gain on sale of available-for-sale financial assets, net

Loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment

Provision for obsolescence of supplies

Increase/(decrease) of 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

Income tax receivable

Other financial assets and liabilities

Inventories

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Cash generated from operations

32 Commitments

143

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

6,701

53,881

163,639

195,954

2,091

384

5,656

–

–

(61)

384

52

(2,048)

28,796

31,666

9,045

1,851

405

–

2,753

(1,354)

145

542

(1,428)

(4,541)

26,063

10,196

5,464

(16,242)

(22,109)

–

–

(1,741)

–

(3,671)

(165)

648

22,670

(6,303)

1,143

222,667

287,799

(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. These agreements are not under non-
cancellable/irrevocable clauses.

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

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

1,100

3,300

46,369

41,200

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements144

32 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 2018 and 2017 are included in production 
costs (2018:S$11,580,000, 2017: US$12,565,000), administrative expenses (2018: US$1,372,000, 2017: US$1,474,000),  
exploration expenses (2018: US$1,179,000, 2017: US$519,000) and selling expenses (2018: US$2,000, 2017: US$2,000).

As at 31 December 2018 and 2017, 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

33 Contingencies

For the year ended 
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

1,746

702

2,462

764

For the year ended 
31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

33,625

15,925

2,564

5,739

36,189

21,664

As at 31 December 2018 the Group is subject to various claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. No provision has been 
made in the financial statements and none of these claims are currently expected to result in any material loss to the Group.

(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 2018, the 
Group had exposures totalling US$26,345,000 (2017: US$46,664,000) which are assessed as ‘possible’, rather than ‘probable’. No 
amounts have been provided in respect of these items. This predominantly relates to potential tax penalties and related interest on 
intercompany loans.

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) Guarantees
The Group is required to provide guarantees in Peru in respect of environmental restoration and decommissioning obligations. The 
Group has provided for the estimated cost of these activities (see note 25).

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED145

34 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 the 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 left the tax stability agreement, but has maintained 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 2018, the amount payable as under the former mining royalty (for the Arcata mining unit), the new mining royalty 
(for the Ares, Pallancata and Inmaculada mining units), and the SMT amounted to US$39,000 (2017: US$108,000), US$975,000 
(2017: US$1,133,000), and US$279,000 (2017: US$492,000) 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$561,000 (2017: US$885,000) representing the former mining royalty, classified as cost of sales, 
US$4,494,000 (2017: US$4,201,000) of new mining royalty and US$2,727,000 (2017: US$2,229,000) 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 collect  
royalties from mine operators. For San Jose, the mining royalty applicable to dore and concentrate is 3% of the pit-head value.  
As at 31 December 2018, the amount payable as mining royalties amounted to US$467,000 (2017: US$576,000). The amount 
recorded in the income statement as cost of sales was US$5,296,000 (2017: US$5,792,000).

35 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.

During 2018 and 2017 the Group had no hedging instruments.

At 31 December 2018 and 2017 the Group is not exposed to commodity price risk on commodity forward contracts.

The Group has price adjustments arising from the sale of concentrate and dore which were provisionally priced at the time the 
sale was recorded (refer to note 4). 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

2018

2017

Increase/ 
decrease in price  
of ounces of:

Effect on 
profit before tax 
US$000

Gold +/-10% 
Silver+/-10%

Gold +/-10% 
Silver+/-10%

+/-111
+/-456

+/-335
+/-542

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements146

35 Financial risk management continued

(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.

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

2018

Pounds sterling

Argentinian pesos

Mexican pesos

Peruvian nuevos soles

Canadian dollars

Chilean pesos

2017

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%

+/-23

+/-40

+/-939

-/+334

+/-8

-/+92

+/-10%

+/-58

+/-10% +/-4,124

+/-10% -/+1,945

+/-10%

+/-10%

+/-10%

+/-864

+/-141

+/-13

–

–

–

–

+/-343

+/-195

–

–

–

–

+/-567

–

(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 noncompliance, 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 2018 and 31 December 2017:

Summary commercial partners

Trade receivables

Cash and cash equivalents – Credit rating 1

A+

A

A-

BBB+

BBB

BBB-

NA

Total

1  The long-term credit rating as at 31 January 2019 (2017: 6 February 2018).

As at 
31 December 
2018 
US$000

% collected 
as at 19 
February 
2019
 US$000

As at 
31 December 
2017 
US$000

% collected 
as at 19 
February 
2018

45,201

63%

43,209

41%

As at 
31 
December 
2018 
US$000

As at 
31 
December 
2017 
US$000

–

10,165

3,744

6,651

20,700

29,798

65,102

199,166

37

–

656

61

6

606

79,704

256,988

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED147

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).

 – 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.

 – 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 20, 22 and 36(e).

The company will start a project to improve monitoring of counterparty risk. The project will include private and public information 
from main counterparties (customers, suppliers, banks and insurance companies).

(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.

At 31 December 2018 the sensitivity to reasonable movements in the share price of financial assets at fair value through OCI of 
+/- 25% with all other variables held constant is +/-US$528,000 recognised in equity.

At 31 December 2017 the sensitivity to reasonable movements in the share price of available-for-sale financial assets of +/- 25% 
with all other variables held constant is +/-US$1,421,000 recognised in equity.

(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 2018 and 2017, the Group held the following financial instruments measured at fair value:

Assets measured at fair value

Equity shares (note 18)

Warrants (note 18)

Trade receivables due to price adjustments 1

Assets measured at fair value

Equity shares (note 18)

Warrants (note 18)

Embedded derivatives 1

31 December 
2018 
US$000

5,296

47

5,555

31 December 
2017 
US$000

Level 1 
US$000

2,110

47

–

Level 2 
US$000

Level 3 
US$000

–

–

–

3,186

–

5,555

Level 1 
US$000

Level 2 
US$000

Level 3 
US$000

5,683

1,333

1,258

5,683

1,333

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,258

1  Sales of concentrate and certain dore 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 a price adjustment and is recorded in ‘Revenue’ 
(note 4). Until 2017 the price adjustment was considered as an embedded derivative, recorded in ‘Revenue’ note 4.

During the period ending 31 December 2018 and 2017, there were no transfers between these levels.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements148

35 Financial risk management continued

The reconciliation of the financial instruments categorised as Level 3 is as follows:

Balance at 1 January 2017

Acquisitions

Foreign exchange adjustment

Changes in fair value of embedded derivatives 1

Realised embedded derivatives during the period 1

Balance at 31 December 2017

Reclassification to trade receivables/price adjustments

Acquisition

Fair value adjustment

Changes in fair value of price adjustments 1

Realised price adjustments during the period

Balance at 31 December 2018

1  The movement of the period has been recognised in ‘Revenue’ (note 4).

Unlisted 
equity shares
 US$000

Trade 
receivables/
price 
adjustments
US$000

Embedded 
derivatives 
liabilities 
US$000

569

12

–

–

581

–

2,120

485

–

–

3,186

(1,726)

–

–

2,160

824

1,258

–

–

–

–

–

1,258

(1,258)

–

–

(5,646)

9,943

5,555

–

–

–

–

–

(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 2018

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Total

At 31 December 2017

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Total

Less than 
1 year 
US$000

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between 
2 and 
5 years 
US$000

Over 
5 years 
US$000

Total 
US$000

111,898

107,855

219,753

338

51,272

51,610

564

–

564

104,121

352

939

82,832

22,845

329,043

186,953

23,197

329,982

–

–

–

–

–

–

112,800

159,127

271,927

105,412

434,720

540,132

(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.

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONTINUED149

As at 31 December 2018

Within 
1 year 
US$000

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between 
2 and 
5 years 
US$000

Over 
5 years 
US$000

Total 
US$000

36,243

(107,067)

–

–

–

(50,000)

–

–

–

–

36,243

– (107,067)

–

(50,000)

As at 31 December 2017

Within 
1 year 
US$000

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between 
2 and 
5 years 
US$000

Over 
5 years 
US$000

Total 
US$000

192,172

(67,863)

2,869

–

–

–

–

(291,955)

–

–

–

–

192,172

(359,818)

2,869

Fixed rate

Assets

Liabilities

Floating rate

Liabilities

Fixed rate

Assets

Liabilities

Floating rate

Assets

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.

The sensitivity to a reasonable movement in the interest rate, with all other variables held constant, of the financial instruments with 
a floating rate, determined as a +/-50bps change in interest rates has a -/+US$479,000 effect on profit before tax (2017: +/-
US$14,000). The Group is exposed to fluctuations in market interest rates.

This assumes that the amount remains unchanged from that in place at 31 December 2018 and 2017 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.

(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 24 and 26).

In 2018 the Group collected US$266,500,000 (2017: US$69,500,000) due to proceeds of borrowings while US$463,393,000 (2017: 
US$38,000,000) of debt was repaid.

Management also retains the right to fund operations (fully owned and with joint venture partners) with a mix of equity and joint 
venture partners’ debt.

36 Subsequent events

The Group announced its intention to suspend operations at the Arcata mine, in south west Peru, and place it on care and 
maintenance. It is anticipated that full care and maintenance will be in effect by the second quarter of 2019.

An exploration programme and permitting work are expected to continue along with a regular review of the market conditions  
for a potential restart of operations in the future.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements150

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018

ASSETS 

Non-current assets 

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 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

As at 31 December

Notes

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

5 1,648,457 2,336,010

1,648,457 2,336,010

6

7

8

8

8

9

10

8,392

10,463

792

2,182

9,184

12,645

1,657,641 2,348,655

225,409

224,315

458,267

458,267

–

4,860

(140)

7,634

719,736 1,423,704

1,408,272 2,113,780

–

71

71

3,500

480

3,980

9

249,298

230,895

249,298

230,895

249,369

234,875

1,657,641 2,348,655

The loss of the Company after tax amounted to US$686,831,000 (2017: gain of US$487,315,000).

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 February 2019 and signed on its behalf by:

Ignacio Bustamante 
Chief Executive Officer 
19 February 2019

Hochschild Mining PLCPARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Reconciliation of loss for the year to net cash used in operating activities 

Profit for the year

Adjustments to reconcile Company profit to net cash outflows from operating activities 

Impairment/(reversal) of impairment on investment in subsidiary

Share-based payments

Finance income 

Finance costs

Income tax

(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 used in operating activities 

Interest received

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities

Repayment of loans

Net cash generated from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 

Dividends paid

Purchase of treasury shares

Repayment of borrowings

Loans from subsidiaries

Cash flows used in financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the year 

Exchange difference 

Other

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

151

Year ended 31 December

Notes

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

(686,831)

487,315

5

687,553

(491,285)

(1,543)

(5,207)

449

(1,739)

11

–

(38)

385

293

19

–

484

(235)

795

(5,377)

(4,197)

12

45

(5,365)

(4,152)

5,553

5,553

–

–

(19,999)

(13,996)

(579)

(1,500)

–

(72)

20,500

10,000

(1,578)

(1,390)

(60)

60

(4,068)

(8,220)

61

(61)

2,182

10,402

7 

792

2,182

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
152

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

Other reserves

Equity 
share 
capital 
US$000 

Share 
premium 
US$000 

Treasury 
shares 
US$000

Notes

Share-
based 
payment 
reserve 
US$000

Total other 
reserves 
US$000 

Retained 
earnings 
US$000 

Total 
equity 
US$000 

224,315

458,267

(426)

5,869

5,869

949,863 1,637,888

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

286

–

–

224,315

458,267

(140)

8

2

2

–

–

–

1,094

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

225,409

458,267

–

–

–

719

–

(579)

–

–

–

–

–

(48)

–

1,813

7,634

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

487,315

487,315

487,315

487,315

(48)

(238)

–

–

(13,996)

(13,996)

1,813

760

2,573

7,634 1,423,704 2,113,780

–

–

–

–

–

(686,831)

(686,831)

(686,831)

(686,831)

(4,675)

(4,675)

2,862

–

–

–

1,901

4,860

–

–

1,901

(19,999)

(19,999)

–

–

(579)

1,901

4,860

719,736 1,408,272

Balance at 1 January 2017

Other comprehensive income

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive profit for the year

Exercise of share options

Dividends 

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2017

Other comprehensive income

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive profit for the year

Exercise of share options

Dividends 

Purchase of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2018

Hochschild Mining PLCNOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

153

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 17 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PH, 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 an 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.

(b) Going concern
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.

(c) Exemptions
The Company’s financial statements are included in the Hochschild Mining Group consolidated financial statements for the years 
ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2017. As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not 
presented its own profit and loss account.

(d) 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.

(e) Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation 
of the consolidated financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2018. Amendments to standards and interpretations which 
came into force during the year did not have a significant impact on the financial statements.

 (f) 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. 
Nonmonetary 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.

(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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements154

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

2 Significant accounting policies continued

(i) 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 using the 
expected credit loss impairment model according to IFRS 9. 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.

(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 personnel expenses. 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 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.

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 
Company’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.

(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;

 – 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.

Hochschild Mining PLC155

(p) Financial instruments
Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial assets are classified, at initial recognition, as subsequently measured at amortised cost, fair value through other 
comprehensive income (OCI), and fair value through profit or loss.

The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and 
the Group’s business model for managing them.

The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash 
flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial 
assets, or both.

Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time frame established by regulation or convention in the 
market place (regular way trades) are recognised on the trade date, i.e., the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

Subsequent measurement
For purposes of subsequent measurement, financial assets are classified in four categories:

 – Financial assets at amortised cost (debt instruments)

The Group measures financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:

 – The asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, and
 – The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and 

interest on the principal amount outstanding.

Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest (EIR) method and are subject to 
impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised, modified or impaired.

The Group’s financial assets at amortised cost includes trade receivables.

 – Financial assets at fair value through OCI (debt instruments)

The Group measures debt instruments at fair value through OCI if both of the following conditions are met:

 – The financial asset is held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect contractual cash flows  

and selling, and

 – The contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal  

and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

For debt instruments at fair value through OCI, interest income, foreign exchange revaluation and impairment losses or reversals 
are recognised in the statement of profit or loss and computed in the same manner as for financial assets measured at amortised 
cost. The remaining fair value changes are recognised in OCI. Upon derecognition, the cumulative fair value change recognised in 
OCI is recycled to profit or loss.

The Group’s does not have debt instruments at fair value through OCI.

- Financial assets designated at fair value through OCI (equity instruments)

Upon initial recognition, the Group can elect to classify irrevocably its equity investments as equity instruments designated at fair 
value through OCI when they meet the definition of equity under IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and are not held for 
trading. The classification is determined on an instrument-by-instrument basis.

Gains and losses on these financial assets are never recycled to profit or loss. Dividends are recognised as other income in the 
statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established, except when the Group benefits from such proceeds 
as a recovery of part of the cost of the financial asset, in which case, such gains are recorded in OCI. Equity instruments 
designated at fair value through OCI are not subject to impairment assessment.

The Group elected to classify irrevocably its listed and non-listed equity investments under this category.

 – Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held for trading, financial assets designated upon initial 
recognition at fair value through profit or loss, or financial assets mandatorily required to be measured at fair value. Financial 
assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling or repurchasing in the near term. Derivatives, 
including separated embedded derivatives, are also classified as held for trading unless they are designated as effective hedging 
instruments. Financial assets with cash flows that are not solely payments of principal and interest are classified and measured at 
fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model. Notwithstanding the criteria for debt instruments to be 
classified at amortised cost or at fair value through OCI, as described above, debt instruments may be designated at fair value 
through profit or loss on initial recognition if doing so eliminates, or significantly reduces, an accounting mismatch.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the statement of financial position at fair value with net changes 
in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

This category includes derivative instruments. Dividends on listed equity investments are also recognised as other income in the 
statement of profit or loss when the right of payment has been established.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements156

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

2 Significant accounting policies continued

Derecognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily 
derecognised (i.e., removed from the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position) when:

 – The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or

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

When the Group has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from an asset or has entered into a pass-through arrangement, it 
evaluates if, and to what extent, it has retained the risks and rewards of ownership. When it has neither transferred nor retained 
substantially all of the risks and rewards of the asset, nor transferred control of the asset, the Group continues to recognise the 
transferred asset to the extent of its continuing involvement. In that case, the Group also recognises an associated liability. The 
transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Group has 
retained.

Impairment of financial assets
The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at fair value through profit or 
loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash 
flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash 
flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.

Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
Financial liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, loans and borrowings, 
payables, or as derivatives designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge, as appropriate.

All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly 
attributable transaction costs.

The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables, loans and borrowings including bank overdrafts, and derivative 
financial instruments.

Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as described below:

 – Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include financial liabilities held for trading and financial liabilities designated 
upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial liabilities are classified as held for trading if they are incurred for the purpose of repurchasing in the near term. This 
category also includes derivative financial instruments entered into by the Group that are not designated as hedging instruments 
in hedge relationships as defined by IFRS 9. Separated embedded derivatives are also classified as held for trading unless they are 
designated as effective hedging instruments.

Gains or losses on liabilities held for trading are recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

Financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss are designated at the initial date of 
recognition, and only if the criteria in IFRS 9 are satisfied. The Group has not designated any financial liability as at fair value 
through profit or loss.

 – Loans and borrowings

This is the category most relevant to the Group. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liabilities are 
derecognised as well as through the EIR amortisation process.

Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral 
part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included as finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.

This category generally applies to interest-bearing loans and borrowings.

Derecognition
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing 
financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are 
substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition 
of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

Hochschild Mining PLC157

Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial position if 
there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realise 
the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously. Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes party to 
the contracts that give rise to them and are classified as financial assets measured at amortised cost, debt instruments measured at 
fair value through other comprehensive income, equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income or 
financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss.

A detailed description of the Company’s policies in respect of financial instruments is included in the Group’s financial statements 
(note 2(u)).

(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.

3 Profit and loss account

The Company made a loss attributable to equity shareholders of US$686,831,000 (2017: gain of US$487,315,000).

4 Property, plant and equipment

At 31 December 2018 and 2017 the Company has property, plant and equipment with cost of equipment of US$265,000 which is 
fully depreciated.

There were no additions during 2017 and 2018.

5 Investments in subsidiaries 

Year ended 31 December 2017

Cost

At 1 January 2017

At 31 December 2017

Accumulated impairment

At 1 January 2017

Reversal of impairment

At 31 December 2017

Net book value at 31 December 2017

Year ended 31 December 2018

Cost

At 1 January 2018

At 31 December 2018

Accumulated impairment

At 1 January 2018

Impairment of the period

At 31 December 2018

Net book value at 31 December 2018

Total 
US$000

2,336,010

2,336,010

(491,285)

491,285

–

2,336,010

2,336,010

2,336,010

–

687,553

687,553

1,648,457

The Company tested its investment in subsidiary for impairment in light of decreases in the Company’s publicly 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$687,553,000.

In 2017, the Company tested its investment in subsidiary for impairment in light of increases in the prices of gold and silver, as well as 
increases in the Company’s publicly listed share price. As a result of this test, the Company recognised an impairment reversal of the 
investment in Hochschild Mining Holdings Ltd of US$491,285,000.

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 2017 translated from Pounds Sterling into US 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 positive variation in the key assumptions would not have an impact on 
the impairment reversal recognised. Therefore, an adverse change of 10% of the market capitalisation would result in a reduction  
of the reversal of impairment by US$86,048,000.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements158

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

5 Investments in subsidiaries continued

The breakdown of the investments in subsidiaries is as follows: 

Name

As at 31 December 2018

As at 31 December 2017

Country of 
incorporation

Equity 
interest %

Carrying 
value 
US$000

Country of 
incorporation

Equity 
interest %

Carrying 
value 
 US$000

Hochschild Mining Holdings Limited

England & Wales

100% 1,648,457 England & Wales

100% 2,336,010

Total

1,648,457

2,336,010

The list of indirectly held subsidiaries of the Group is presented in note 1 (Corporate information) of the notes to the consolidated 
financial statements.

6 Other receivables 

Amounts receivable from subsidiaries (note 11)

Prepayments

Receivable from Kaupthing, Singer and Friedlander

Other receivable

Provision for impairment 1

Total

Less current balance

Year ended 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

8,318

10,436

72

195

2

20

208

7

8,587

10,671

(195)

(208)

8,392

10,463

(8,392)

(10,463)

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$195,000 accrued in 2008 (2017: US$208,000).

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables: 

At 1 January 2017

Provided for during the year

At 31 December 2017

Provided for during the year

At 31 December 2018

Total 
US$000

198

10

208

(13)

195

As at 31 December 2018 and 2017, none of the financial assets classified as receivables (net of impairment) were past due.

7 Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank current account 1

Time deposits 2

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 nil days (2017: 32 days).

Year ended 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

519

273

792

669

1,513

2,182

Hochschild Mining PLC8 Equity

(a) Share capital and share premium
Issued share capital
The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2018 is as follows:

Class of shares

Ordinary shares

The issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2017 is as follows:

Class of shares

Ordinary shares

159

Issued

Number

Amount

510,553,920

£127,638,480

Issued

Number

Amount

507,232,310

£126,808,078

At 31 December 2018 and 2017, all issued shares with a par value of 25 pence each were fully paid (2018: weighted average of 
US$0.441 per share, 2017: weighted average of US$0.442 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 2018 the Group issued 1,660,805 ordinary shares and on 31 December 2018 the Group issued 1,660,805 ordinary 
shares, under the Restricted Share Plan, to certain employees of the Group.

The changes in share capital are as follows:

Shares issued as at 1 January 2017

Shares issued according the Restricted Share Plan benefit on 2 January 2018

Shares issued according the Restricted Share Plan benefit on 31 January 2018

Shares issued as at 31 December 2018

Number of 
shares

Share 
capital 
US$000

Share 
premium 
US$000

507,232,310

224,315

458,267

1,660,805

1,660,805

564

530

–

–

510,553,920

225,409

458,267

(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(n)). During 2011, the Group purchased 126,769 shares for the purposes of the plan,  
for a total consideration of £561,478 (equivalent to US$898,000). No shares were purchased by the Group during 2017.

On 5 April 2018, the Group purchased 205,400 shares for a total consideration of £414,000 (equivalent to US$579,000).

On 20 March 2017, 40,383 Treasury shares with a value of US$286,000 (being the cost incurred to acquire the shares) were 
transferred to the CEO of the Group with respect to the Deferred Bonus Plan benefit.

On 20 March 2018, 40,383 Treasury shares with a value of US$84,000 (being the cost incurred to acquire the shares) were 
transferred to the CEO of the Group with respect to the Deferred Bonus Plan benefit.

On 5 April 2018, 232,172 Treasury shares with a value of US$635,000 (being the cost incurred to acquire the shares) were transferred 
to the CEO of the Group with respect to the Enhanced Long-Term Incentive Plan.

At 31 December 2018 the balance of Treasury shares is 42 (31 December 2017: 67,197) ordinary shares with a value of US$115 
(31 December 2017: US$140,000).

(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.

Share-based payment reserve
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.

Refer to note 26(c) to the consolidated financial statements for details of the share-based payment reserve at 31 December 2018 
and 2017.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements160

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

9 Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Payables to subsidiaries (note 11)

Remuneration payable

Taxes and contributions

Financial guarantees 1

Total

As at 31 December

2018

2017

Current 
US$000

447

247,776

904

171

–

249,298

Non-
current 
US$000

–

–

–

–

Current 
US$000

485

227,324

943

446

3,500

3,500

1,697

230,895

Non-
current 
US$000

–

–

–

–

–

–

1  The Company provided financial guarantees to certain banks over the 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, and was totally amortised on January 2018, due to the repayment of the bond.

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 Provisions 

Beginning balance

(Decrease)/increase in provision, net

At 31 December

Less: current portion

Non-current portion

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

480

(409)

71

–

71

419

61

480

–

480

1  Corresponds to the provision related to cash-settled share-based payment awards granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP)’ to designated personnel of the 
Company. Includes the following benefits: (i) Long-Term Incentive Plan awards, granted in May 2018, payable in May 2021, (ii) Long-Term Incentive Plan awards, granted  
in March 2017, payable in March 2020. 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. Refer to footnote 2 of note 25 to the consolidated financial statements for details of the LTIP awards 
and assumptions used for the valuation as at 31 December 2018 and 2017.

11 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 2018 and 
31 December 2017. 

Subsidiaries

Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. 1

Hochschild Mining Holdings Ltd.2

Other subsidiaries

Total

As at  
31 December 2018

As at  
31 December 2017

Accounts 
receivable 
US$000

Accounts 
payable 
US$000

Accounts 
receivable 
US$000

Accounts 
payable 
US$000

7,590

1,894

9,796

441

–

245,860

–

226,860

728

22

640

23

8,318

247,776

10,436

227,324

1  The account receivable mainly relates to the Deferred Bonus Plan, LTIP 2018 (50% paid in shares), enhanced LTIP and Restricted Share Plan provision that are 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 2018 of US$1,903,000 (2017: US$857,000). The Company provided certain financial guarantees on behalf of Compañía Minera Ares 
S.A.C. (note 9).

2  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.

Hochschild Mining PLC161

(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$1,017,000 
(2017: US$1,365,000).

Compensation of key management personnel (including directors)

Short-term employee benefits

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Total compensation

12 Dividends paid and proposed

As at 31 December

2018 
US$000

2017 
US$000

1,017

–

915

450

1,017

1,365

Dividends per share
The interim dividend paid in September was 2018 were US$10,000,000 (1.965 US cents per share). A proposed dividend in respect of 
the year ending 31 December 2018 of 1.959 US cents per share, amounting to a total dividend of US$10,000,000, is subject to 
approval at the Annual General Meeting on 6 June 2019 and is not recognised as a liability as at 31 December 2018.

13 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

2018

Pound sterling

2017

Pound sterling

Increase/ 
decrease in 
US$/other 
currencies 
rate

Effect 
on profit 
before tax 
US$000

Effect 
on equity 
US$000

+/-10%

+/-20

+/-10%

+/-48

–

–

(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);

 – 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.

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements162

NOTES TO THE PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

13 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 Ltd through loans in order to meet its obligations. Liquidity is supported  
by the balance of cash and cash equivalent held by the Company and Hochschild Mining Holdings Ltd at 31 December 2018 of 
US$792,000 (2017: US$2,182,000) and US$3,556,000 (2017: US$16,137,000) 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 2018

Trade and other payables

At 31 December 2017

Trade and other payables

Less than 
1 year 
US$000

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between 
2 and 
 5 years 
US$000

Over 
5 years 
US$000

Total 
 US$000

249,174

228,810

–

–

–

–

–

–

249,174

228,810

The table below analyses the maximum amounts payable under financial guarantees provided to Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C. 
(note 9), considering that if the guarantees were to be called, the guaranteed amounts would be due immediately: 

At 31 December 2018

Financial guarantees 1

At 31 December 2017

Financial guarantees 1

Less than 
1 year 
US$000

Between 
1 and 
2 years 
US$000

Between 
2 and 
 5 years 
US$000

Over 
5 years 
US$000

Total 
 US$000

–

294,775

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

294,775

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 and 9). 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.

Hochschild Mining PLCPROFIT BY OPERATION 1 
(SEGMENT REPORT RECONCILIATION) AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018

Company (US$000) 

Revenue

Arcata

Pallancata 

Inmaculada

San Jose 

56,637

135,843

306,103

205,367

Cost of sales (Pre consolidation)

(62,952)

(103,889)

(189,398)

(177,081)

Consolidation adjustment

(177)

(553)

(996)

194

Cost of sales (Post consolidation)

(62,775)

(103,336)

(188,402)

(177,275)

Production cost excluding depreciation

(62,559)

(68,907)

(114,291)

(118,165)

Depreciation in production cost

(178)

(36,721)

(76,699)

(50,646)

Other items

Change in inventories

Gross profit

Administrative expenses

Exploration expenses

Selling expenses

Other income/expenses

–

(38)

(6,315)

–

–

(999)

–

–

2,292

31,954

–

–

(728)

–

–

2,588

(1,141)

(7,323)

116,705

28,286

1,872

172,502

–

–

–

–

(45,783)

(34,381)

(344)

(7,997)

–

–

–

Operating profit before impairment 

(7,314)

31,226

116,361

20,289

Impairment and write-off of assets

Finance income

Finance costs

FX loss

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations before 
income tax 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Income tax

–

–

–

–

(31,665)

(31,665)

Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing 
operations

1  On a post exceptional basis.

(7,314)

31,226

116,361

20,289

(153,861)

6,701

(7,314)

31,226

116,361

20,289

(122,196)

38,366

163

Consolidation 
adjustment  
and others

340

1,532

1,532

–

–

–

–

–

Total/HOC

704,290

(531,788)

–

(531,788)

(363,922)

(164,244)

(1,141)

(2,481)

(45,783)

(34,381)

(10,068)

(9,082)

73,188

(384)

2,048

(9,082)

(87,374)

(384)

2,048

(27,540)

(27,540)

(8,946)

(8,946)

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements164

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 2012 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 164 to 166 was 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 aims 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 elapsed 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 2018, 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$1,150 per ounce and Ag Price: US$15.0 per ounce.

Attributable metal reserves as at 31 December 2018

Reserve category 

OPERATIONS 1

Inmaculada

Proved 

Probable 

Total

Pallancata

Proved

Probable

Total

San Jose 

Proved 

Probable 

Total 

Grand total

Proved

Probable

Total

Proved and 
probable
(t) 

2,700,618

1,195,838

3,896,456

1,498,793

279,843

1,778,637

371,108

129,959

501,067

4,570,519

1,605,641

6,176,159

 Ag
(g/t)

Au
(g/t)

Ag
(moz)

Au
(koz)

Ag Eq
(moz)

153

205

169

281

213

271

584

566

579

230

235

231

4.4

4.4

4.4

1.1

0.9

1.0

8.4

7.7

8.2

3.6

4.1

3.7

13.3

7.9

21.2

13.6

1.9

15.5

7.0

2.4

9.3

33.8

12.1

46.0

378.3

170.9

549.2

51.2

8.2

59.3

100.2

32.1

132.3

529.7

211.2

740.9

43.9

21.7

65.6

17.7

2.6

20.3

15.1

5.0

20.1

76.7

29.3

106.0

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  Operations were audited by P&E Consulting. 

Hochschild Mining PLC165

Attributable metal resources as at 31 December 20181

Resource category

OPERATIONS

Arcata

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

Inmaculada

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

Pallancata

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

San Jose

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

GROWTH PROJECTS

Crespo

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

Azuca

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

Volcan

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

Grand total

Measured

Indicated

Total

Inferred

Tonnes 
(t)

Ag 
(g/t)

Au 
(g/t)

Ag Eq  
(g/t)

Ag  
(moz)

Au  
(koz)

Ag Eq  
(moz)

834,000

1,304,000

2,138,000

3,533,000

2,532,000

1,430,000

3,962,000

11,505,000

1,804,000

574,000

2,378,000

2,314,000

719,100

545,700

1,264,800

864,960

5,211,000

17,298,000

22,509,000

775,000

191,000

6,859,000

7,050,000

6,946,000

105,918,000

283,763,000

389,681,000

41,553,000

117,209,100

311,773,700

428,982,800

67,490,960

438

411

421

371

190

248

211

102

395

295

371

310

627

464

557

386

47

38

40

46

244

187

188

170

–

–

–

–

20

10

13

70

1.35

1.36

1.35

1.26

5.34

5.25

5.31

3.12

1.60

1.32

1.53

1.28

9.41

6.86

8.31

6.73

0.47

0.40

0.42

0.57

0.77

0.77

0.77

0.89

0.74

0.70

0.71

0.50

0.90

0.72

0.77

1.14

547

521

531

472

622

673

640

355

525

402

495

414

1,389

1,019

1,230

931

85

70

74

92

307

249

250

242

60

57

57

41

92

69

75

162

11.7

17.2

29.0

42.1

15.4

11.4

26.8

37.7

22.9

5.4

28.4

23.1

14.5

8.1

22.6

10.7

7.9

20.9

28.8

1.1

1.5

41.2

42.7

37.9

–

–

–

–

74.0

104.3

178.3

152.6

36.1

56.9

93.0

142.6

434.7

241.2

676.0

1,154.1

92.7

24.3

117.0

95.2

217.6

120.3

338.0

187.1

78.7

222.5

301.0

14.2

4.7

168.8

173.5

199.5

2,513.1

6,368.0

8,881.1

670.7

3,377.5

7,202.0

10,579.6

2,463.4

14.7

21.8

36.5

53.6

50.7

30.9

81.6

131.1

30.4

7.4

37.8

30.8

32.1

17.9

50.0

25.9

14.3

39.0

53.2

2.3

1.9

54.9

56.7

54.1

203.6

515.8

719.4

54.3

347.6

687.7

1,035.2

352.1

1  Prices used for resources calculation: Au: $1,200/oz and Ag: $16.5/oz. 

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements166

CHANGE IN ATTRIBUTABLE RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Ag equivalent content (million ounces)

Arcata

Inmaculada 

Pallancata

San Jose

Crespo 

Azuca 

Volcan

Total

Category

Resource 

Reserve 

Resource 

Reserve 

Resource 

Reserve 

Resource

Reserve

Resource 

Reserve 

Resource 

Reserve 

Resource

Reserve

Resource 

Reserve 

Percentage 
attributable 
December 
2018

December 
2017
Att.1

December 
2018 
Att.1

Net 
difference

100%

100%

100%

51%

100%

100%

100%

107.1

12.3

134.2

79.1

76.7

18.8

72.0

23.5

55.5

–

110.8

–

773.7

–

1,330.1

133.7

90.1

–

212.7

65.6

68.6

20.3

75.9

20.1

55.5

–

110.8

–

773.7

–

1,387.4

106.0

% 
change

(15.9%)

(100.0%)

58.5%

(17.1%)

(10.6%)

7.8%

5.4%

(14.6%)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(17.0)

(12.3)

78.5

(13.5)

(8.1)

1.5

3.9

(3.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

57.3

(27.7)

4.3%

(20.7%)

1  Attributable reserves and resources based on the Group’s percentage ownership of its joint venture projects.

Hochschild Mining PLC167

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

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, and dividends and to report 
changes in personal details:

By post
Link Asset Services, The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road, 
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU.

By telephone
If calling from the UK: 0371 664 0300 (calls cost 12p per minute 
plus your phone company’s access charge. Lines are open 
9.00am-5.30pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in 
England and Wales).

If calling from overseas: +44 371 664 0300 (calls charged at the 
applicable international rate).

Currency option and dividend mandate
Shareholders wishing to receive their dividend in US dollars 
should contact the Company’s registrars to request a currency 
election form. This form should be completed and returned to the 
registrars by 24 May 2019 in respect of the 2018 final dividend.

The Company’s registrars can also arrange for the dividend to 
be paid directly into a shareholder’s UK bank account. To take 
advantage of this facility in respect of the 2018 final dividend,  
a dividend mandate form, also available from the Company’s 
registrars, should be completed and returned to the registrars 
by 24 May 2019. This arrangement is only available in respect  
of dividends paid in UK pounds sterling. Shareholders who have 
already completed one or both of these forms need take no 
further action. 

Financial calendar

Dividend dates 

Ex-dividend date

Record date

Deadline for return of currency election forms 

Payment date

17 Cavendish Square 
London 
W1G 0PH 
United Kingdom

2019

16 May

17 May

24 May

12 June

Annual Report & Accounts 2018Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements168

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

Forward looking statements include, without limitation, statements typically containing words such as “intends”, “expects”, 
“anticipates”, “targets”, “plans”, “estimates” and words of similar import. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risks 
and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Actual results, 
performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining plc may be materially different from any future results, performance or 
achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences 
between the actual results, performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining PLC and current expectations include, but are 
not limited to, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, competitive conditions, technological developments, exchange rate 
fluctuations and general economic conditions. 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 Annual Report. Nothing in this Annual 
Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

Hochschild Mining PLCDesigned and produced  
by SampsonMay 
www.sampsonmay.com

This report is printed on Magno 
Satin paper which is derived 
from sustainable sources. Both 
the manufacturing paper mill 
and printer are registered to the 
Environmental Management 
System ISO 14001 and are Forest 
Stewardship Council® chain of 
custody certified.

Hochschild Mining PLC
17 Cavendish Square
London W1G 0PH
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 203 709 3260
info@hocplc.com 
www.hochschildmining.com

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