TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM, TSX:AEM) (“Agnico Eagle” or the “Company”) today reported quarterly net income of $47.3 million, or $0.27 per share for the third quarter of 2013.  This result includes a non-cash foreign currency translation loss of $6.5 million ($0.04 per share), non-cash stock option expense of $5.2 million ($0.03 per share), and other non-cash and non-recurring expenses of $1.5 million ($0.01 per share).  Excluding these items would result in an adjusted net income of $60.5 million, or $0.35 per share.  In the third quarter of 2012, the Company reported net income of $106.3 million, or $0.62 per share.

The financial results in the current quarter were driven by strong operational performance at the Company’s mines, which led to record quarterly gold production. One of the main contributors was the Meadowbank mine, which saw record throughput, better than expected gold grades, and higher mill recoveries.

For the first nine months of 2013, the Company reported net income of $46.8 million, or $0.27 per share. This compares with the first nine months of 2012 when net income was $228.1 million, or $1.33 per share.  Financial results in the first nine months of 2013 were negatively affected by lower commodity prices and the Kittila shutdown in the second quarter of 2013. Realized gold, silver and copper prices were down approximately 15%, 27%, and 13%, respectively, period over period.

Third quarter 2013 cash provided by operating activities was $81.0 million ($154.1 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), compared to cash provided by operating activities of $199.5 million in the third quarter of 2012 ($223.9 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).

For the first nine months of 2013, cash provided by operating activities was $302.4 million ($352.1 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), as compared with the first nine months of 2012 when cash provided by operating activities was $590.0 million ($547.2 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).

The lower net income and cash provided from operating activities in 2013 was primarily due to the lower realized metal prices, as well as an extended maintenance shutdown at Kittila in the second quarter of 2013. For more details regarding the shutdown at Kittila, please refer to the April 25, 2013 news release.

“On the back of strong operating performance from our Meadowbank mine in the third quarter, and positive contributions from our other mines, we are pleased to announce record quarterly gold production and an increase in our 2013 production forecast with an associated reduction in the total cash cost estimate,” said Sean Boyd , President and Chief Executive Officer.  “Further cost reduction initiatives are being incorporated in our 2014 budget process, and will be reflected in our year-end financial results and three year forecast, scheduled for release this coming February,” added Mr. Boyd.

Third quarter 2013 highlights include:

• Strong operational performance leads to record quarterly gold production – Payable production¹ of 315,828 ounces at total cash costs² per ounce of $591.
  
• Record quarterly production and improved costs at Meadowbank – Production of 133,489 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $623.
  
• Restart of the Goldex mine and commissioning of the La India mine in September 2013 – Goldex expected to achieve commercial production early in the fourth quarter of 2013.
  
• Increased 2013 production guidance at lower total cash costs – 2013 production now expected to be approximately 1,060,000 ounces of gold, at total cash costs per ounce of approximately $690.

Payable gold production in the third quarter of 2013 was a record 315,828 ounces (including 1,505 ounces of pre-commercial production from Goldex), compared to 286,971 ounces in the third quarter of 2012.  The higher level of production in the 2013 period was primarily due to record throughput and higher grades at Meadowbank. A description of the production and cost performance for each mine is set out below.

Total cash costs per ounce for the third quarter of 2013 were $591 per ounce.  This compares with $556 per ounce in the third quarter of 2012.  The higher cash cost per ounce in 2013 was largely attributable to lower net byproduct revenue credits at LaRonde and Pinos Altos.

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¹ Payable production is the quantity of mineral produced during a period contained in products that are sold by the Company, whether such products are sold during the period or held as inventory at the end of the period.

² Total cash costs per ounce of gold produced is a non-GAAP measure.  For reconciliation to production costs, see the “Reconciliation of Production Costs to Total Cash Costs per Ounce of Gold Produced and Minesite Costs per Tonne” contained herein.  See also “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

Payable gold production for the first nine months of 2013 was 776,892 ounces (including 8,801 ounces of production from Kittila, Creston Mascota, and Goldex that are not included in the total cash cost calculation), compared to payable gold production of 807,276 ounces in the first nine months of 2012.  The lower production in the 2013 period relates primarily to the extended maintenance shutdown at Kittila in the second quarter of 2013, and temporary suspension of leaching at Creston Mascota between October 1, 2012 and March 13, 2013.

For the first nine months of 2013, total cash costs were $692 per ounce, which compares with $602 per ounce in the first nine months of 2012. The lower production and higher costs in 2013 are due to the factors mentioned above.

Given the strong operational performance through the first nine months of 2013, especially at Meadowbank, Agnico Eagle now expects 2013 production to be approximately 1,060,000 ounces of gold. The previous guidance range was 970,000 to 1,010,000 ounces. Total cash costs per ounce are expected to be approximately $690, down from the previously estimated range of $735 to $785, in spite of realizing much lower byproduct revenue. For the full year 2013, expected all-in sustaining costs³ are now forecasted to be approximately $1,025 per ounce, down from previous guidance of $1,100 per ounce.

In 2014, Agnico Eagle expects to have production growth from LaRonde (due to anticipated improvement in grades), Goldex (due to a planned full year of operations), and La India (due to the expected start of commercial production in 2014). The higher than expected grades encountered at Meadowbank in 2013 could potentially recur in 2014, and the Company will provide an update on potential upside at Meadowbank with its annual reserve and resource statement and the regular three year forecast in February, 2014.

Ongoing Review of Business Activities – Further Cost Savings Identified

On a year-to-date basis, gold and silver spot prices have declined by approximately 22% and 30%, respectively.  This has resulted in a reduction of approximately $400 million of cash flow in 2013 when compared with the cash generation that would have been expected from the prevailing pricing at the beginning of the year. To preserve financial flexibility, Agnico Eagle has instituted several cost saving measures.

For 2013, the Company previously announced a reduction in capital and operating costs, and reduced exploration spending of approximately $50 million and $20 million, respectively.  In addition, the capital budget and exploration spending were also reduced by approximately $200 million and $50 million respectively for 2014. For further details see the July 24, 2013 news release.

Although the Company is still in its budget planning process for 2014, approximately $40 million of additional savings related to labor and general and administrative costs have already been targeted for 2014.  Further savings are expected to be identified as the budget is finalized. These estimated cost savings coupled with the ongoing strong production performance from the mines, are expected to have a positive net impact on cash flows in 2013 and 2014.

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³ All-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced is a non-GAAP measure.  The Company calculates all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced as the sum of total cash costs (net of byproduct credits), sustaining capital expenditures, general and administrative expenses (net of stock options expense) and exploration expenses.  The Company’s methodology for calculating all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced may not be similar to methodology used by other gold producers that disclose similar measures.  The Company may update the methodology it uses to calculate all-in sustaining costs per ounce of gold produced in the future, including in circumstances where the World Gold Council adopts formal industry guidelines regarding this measure.

Review of Asset Values

The Company has analyzed its operating mines and development projects for impairment as of September 30, 2013 and concluded that no impairment charges were required.  If the spot price of gold remains persistently low and the expectations of future realizable gold prices are lowered from current expectations, there is a possibility of future impairment charges to the Company’s mining assets.

Quarterly Dividend Declared

Agnico Eagle has paid a dividend for 31 consecutive years.  The Board of Directors has declared the next quarterly dividend of 22 cents per share to be paid on December 16, 2013 to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2013.

Third Quarter 2013 Results Conference Call and Webcast Tomorrow

The Company’s senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss financial results and provide an update of the Company’s operating activities.

Via Webcast:
A live audio webcast of the meeting will be available on the Company’s website homepage at www.agnicoeagle.com.

Via Telephone:
For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 416-644-3414 or Toll-free 1-800-814-4859.  To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

Replay Archive:
Please dial 416-640-1917 or Toll-free 1-877-289-8525, access code 4568956#.
The conference call replay will expire on November 24, 2013.

The webcast along with presentation slides will be archived for 180 days on the website.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2013 were $142.3 million, including $28.7 million at Meadowbank, $23.1 million at Kittila, $17.3 million at LaRonde, $12.7 million at Pinos Altos, $5.7 million at Lapa, and $3.1 million at Creston Mascota.   Capital expenditures at development projects included $23.6 million at La India, $14.9 million at Meliadine, and $12.0 million at Goldex.

Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2013 were $444.7 million.  For 2013, capital expenditures are expected to total approximately $600 million.  The majority of the Company’s 2013 growth-related capital expenditures are associated with the Goldex, and La India mines, which are expected to be ramped up to full production rates next year.

The Company is in the process of reviewing future capital requirements, previously estimated at approximately $600 million per year.  The current estimate for 2014 is expected to be approximately $400 million, and is being refined as part of the regular 2014 budget and long term mine planning process.

Liquidity – Adequate Cash Balance with Financial Flexibility

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $141.7 million at September 30, 2013, up slightly from the June 30, 2013 balance of $136.4 million.

The outstanding balance on the Company’s credit facility was $150 million at September 30, 2013, with available bank lines as of September 30, 2013 of approximately $1.05 billion.  At current gold prices and related forecasts, the Company remains well within its debt covenants.  Agnico Eagle’s debt is comprised of five separate series of notes, whose maturities are spread out over a seven-year period, with the earliest maturity being $115 million in 2017.

LaRonde – Cooling Plant on Track for Q4 Commissioning, Full Startup in Early 2014

The 100% owned LaRonde mine in northwestern Quebec, Canada, began operation in 1988.  Current mine life is estimated to be through 2026.

The LaRonde mill processed an average of 5,946 tonnes per day (“tpd”) in the third quarter of 2013, compared to an average of 6,021 tpd in the corresponding period of 2012.  The lower mill throughput in the current period was largely a result of ten days of unscheduled downtime due to the failure of the electrical transformer for the production hoist.  Repairs have been completed and a new hoist drive will be installed in 2014.

Work on the ventilation and cooling plant infrastructure continues on schedule with completion and phased startup expected in the fourth quarter of 2013.  Full commissioning of the system is expected in the first quarter of 2014, which is anticipated to result in additional mining flexibility and improved development productivity.

In the third quarter of 2013, approximately 69% of the ore milled came from the deeper portion of the LaRonde mine, which is continued improvement over the 60% milled in the second quarter of 2013.  The proportion of production from the deeper mine ore is expected to further increase as mining flexibility improves by the end of 2013.  The mined grade, which is currently 2.6 g/t gold year to date, is expected to continue to increase towards the average reserve grade of 4.5 g/t gold over the next several years.  The expected increase is due to the geologic nature of the orebody, which transitions to more gold-rich ore at depth.

Minesite costs per tonne⁴ were approximately C$104 in the third quarter of 2013.  These costs are higher than the C$99 per tonne experienced in the third quarter of 2012.  The increase in costs is largely due to the unplanned hoist shutdown.

For the first nine months of 2013, the LaRonde mill processed an average of 6,228 tpd, compared to 6,466 tpd in the first nine months of 2012.  Minesite costs per tonne were approximately C$102, compared to C$95 per tonne in the first nine months of 2012. Costs were higher due to the reasons described above.

On a per ounce basis, net of byproduct credits, LaRonde’s total cash costs per ounce were $746 in the third quarter of 2013 on production of 45,253 ounces of gold.  This compares with the third quarter of 2012 when total cash costs per ounce were $564 on production of 40,477 ounces of gold. Production in the third quarter of 2013 benefited from improved recoveries related to the installation of a new Carbon In Pulp (CIP) circuit.  The increase in total cash costs per ounce was mainly due to lower byproduct metal credits, and higher minesite costs per tonne (as previously mentioned).  In addition, zinc production in the third quarter of 2013 was approximately 51% lower compared to the third quarter of 2012. Realized silver, and copper prices in the third quarter of 2013 were approximately 41%, and 19% lower, respectively, compared to the third quarter of 2012.

In the first nine months of 2013, LaRonde produced 130,445 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $801.  This is in contrast with the first nine months of 2012 when the mine produced 123,964 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $514 per ounce, with the increased costs due to significantly lower byproduct prices and production volumes, as described above.

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⁴ Minesite costs per tonne is a non-GAAP measure.  For reconciliation to production costs, see footnote (vii) to the “Reconciliation of Production Costs to Total Cash Costs per Ounce and Minesite Costs per Tonne” contained herein.  See also “Note Regarding Certain Measures of Performance”.

Post 2013, LaRonde is expected to ramp up production over the next several years to an average life of mine production of more than 300,000 ounces of gold per year, reflecting the higher gold grades expected at depth.

Lapa – Focus on Cost Containment Continues

The 100% owned Lapa mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in May 2009.  Current mine life is estimated to be through 2016.

The Lapa circuit at the LaRonde mill processed an average of 1,675 tpd in the third quarter of 2013, below the 1,773 tpd processed in the third quarter of 2012.  Partially offsetting the lower throughput were better recoveries and grades in the 2013 period as compared to the 2012 period.

Minesite costs per tonne were C$108 in the third quarter of 2013, compared to C$115 in the third quarter of 2012.  The lower minesite cost in the current period is primarily due to ongoing cost reduction initiatives, and capitalization of the deep zone development.

For the first nine months of 2013, the Lapa mill processed an average of 1,732 tpd, compared to 1,751 tpd in the first nine months of 2012.  Minesite costs per tonne were approximately C$111, slightly below the C$116 per tonne in the corresponding period of 2012 with the slight decrease mainly due to the previously mentioned factors.

Payable production in the third quarter of 2013 was 24,361 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $662.  This compares with the third quarter of 2012, when production was 24,914 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $760.  In the current period, the lower costs are largely due to the lower minesite costs and slightly higher grades and recoveries.

In the first nine months of 2013, Lapa produced 74,407 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $687.  This compares to the first nine months of 2012 when the mine produced 81,570 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $683 per ounce.  The lower gold production is mainly due to the mining of lower grades.

Exploration continues on Zone 8 in the Zulapa area (a parallel zone approximately 150 metres from the Lapa deposits), and development is planned in 2014 for Zone 7 at Zulapa and Zone 100.  Positive results from this exploration could lead to an extension of the mine life at Lapa.

Goldex Mine – Commercial Production Expected in Early Q4 2013

The 100% owned Goldex mine in northwestern Quebec began operation in 2008 but mining operations in the original Goldex Extension Zone (GEZ) orebody were suspended in October 2011 (see October 19, 2011 news release).  In July 2012, the M and E satellite zones were approved for development.  Mining operations at GEZ remain suspended.

Mining operations started up on the M and E satellite zones in September 2013.  Initial mill testing late in the third quarter of 2013 yielded 1,505 ounces of pre-commercial gold production.  An official gold pour marking the restart of production at Goldex was held earlier this month.

The M and E zones are being mined using long hole stoping methods with paste backfill. The new paste plant has been successfully commissioned, and minesite costs per tonne are expected to be approximately C$40.

At the end of September 2013, three stopes were in production, with a fourth stope being drilled in preparation for blasting.  In addition, there were 165,000 tonnes of ore in surface stockpiles that could be used to supplement mine production. Commercial production is expected to be achieved this quarter.  Production for the year is forecast to be approximately 15,000 ounces. Average annual production is expected to be approximately 85,000 ounces at a total cash cost per ounce of $900.

Technical studies are currently in progress on several other satellite zones at the mine, with results expected by the end of 2013. If developed, these satellite zones could help optimize installed capacity, while reducing production costs.

Meadowbank – Record Quarterly Gold Production 

The 100% owned Meadowbank mine is located in Nunavut, Canada.  Production is currently expected to continue into 2018.

The Meadowbank mill processed an average of 11,379 tpd in the third quarter of 2013.  This compares with 10,902 tpd in the third quarter of 2012.  The higher throughput, period over period, is largely due to ongoing optimization of the mill circuit.

Minesite costs per tonne were C$82 in the third quarter of 2013, compared with C$81 per tonne in the third quarter of 2012.  Costs were stable in the 2013 period.

For the first nine months of 2013, the Meadowbank mill processed an average of 11,334 tpd, compared to 10,186 tpd in the first nine months of 2012.  Minesite costs per tonne were approximately C$84 in the first nine months of 2013, below the C$87 per tonne in the comparable 2012 period due more tonnes of ore processed in 2013 versus 2012, improved productivity (due to the fleet management system), better equipment availability, as well as cost reduction initiatives.

Payable production in the third quarter of 2013 was a quarterly record of 133,489 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $623.  This compares with payable production in the third quarter of 2012 of 110,988 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $734.  The increase in year over year production and decline in total cash costs is primarily due to better tonnage and grade than predicted by the block models, consistently high crusher throughput levels, and slightly better recoveries.

At the current elevation in the Portage B pit, the higher than expected grades are predominantly due to the presence of more free gold than modeled.  Additionally, at the current pit elevation in the Portage E pit, there has been approximately a 30% increase in tonnes and grade compared to the block model.  This appears to be due to an underestimation of the geological complexity (folding) of the mineralization in this portion of the ore body. At the Goose pit, the assay capping level and the block model interpretation down played the continuity of higher-grade areas, which has also led to stronger grade reconciliation. Grades also improved as less material was drawn down from lower grade stockpiles.

In the first nine months of 2013, Meadowbank produced 307,180 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $828.  In the first nine months of 2012 the mine produced 288,792 ounces of gold at total cash costs of $836 per ounce.  Results for the 2013 period were stronger due to the reasons outlined above.

Grades are forecast to remain strong in the fourth quarter of 2013, as mining continues in the Goose and Portage E pits.  Higher grades than modeled could potentially continue into the first half of 2014, and Agnico Eagle expects to provide an update on expected grades for Meadowbank with the Company’s year-end results in mid-February 2014.

Kittila Mine – Mining of High-grade Pit Pillar Positively Impacts Production

The 100% owned Kittila mine in northern Finland achieved commercial production in May 2009.  Current mine life is estimated to be through 2037.

The Kittila mill processed an average of 3,341 tpd in the third quarter of 2013, above the 2,948 tpd processed in the third quarter of 2012. The improvement in throughput in the 2013 period was largely due to better semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill performance and simplified operation of the autoclave following the relining that was completed in the second quarter of 2013.

Minesite costs per tonne were €71 in the third quarter of 2013, compared to €66 in the third quarter of 2012.  The increase in minesite costs is largely due to the mine now processing ore entirely from underground areas, as opposed to a combination of open pit and underground mining in the comparable period of 2012.

For the first nine months of 2013, the Kittila mill processed an average of 2,293 tpd, compared to 2,962 tpd in the first nine months of 2012.  The lower throughput in 2013 is due to the maintenance shutdown in the second quarter. Minesite costs per tonne were €74 in the first nine months of 2013, compared to €69 in the comparable period in 2012. The higher costs in the 2013 period reflect the shutdown and the transition to underground mining in 2013.

Third quarter 2013 gold production at Kittila was a record 56,177 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $518. In the third quarter of 2012 the mine produced 48,619 ounces at total cash costs per ounce of $478.  Higher production in the 2013 period was primarily due to increased throughput, higher grades from mining the pit pillar, and better gold recoveries compared to the 2012 period.  The higher total cash cost in the 2013 period reflects the increased cost of underground mining, partly offset by higher gold output as compared to 2012.

In the first nine months of 2013, Kittila produced 104,711 ounces of gold (including 5,389 ounces of production that are not included in the total cash cost calculation), at total cash costs per ounce of $564.  This is in contrast to the first nine months of 2012, when the mine produced 130,605 ounces of gold at total cash costs per ounce of $564.  The lower production in 2013 is largely due to the extended shutdown in the second quarter.

In February 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 750 tpd expansion at Kittila, which is expected to increase the capacity at the mine to 3,750 tpd starting in the second half of 2015.  The project remains on budget and schedule with design and engineering work nearing completion. In addition, procurement of long lead items is underway, and the civil and mechanical construction is proceeding according to plan.

The expansion is expected to reduce minesite costs per tonne and to offset the production and total cash cost impact of a gradual reduction in realized grade towards the reserve grade over the next several years.

Pinos Altos – Record Quarterly Mill Throughput

The 100% owned Pinos Altos mine in northern Mexico achieved commercial production in November 2009.  Current mine life is estimated to be through 2029.

The Pinos Altos mill processed a record of 5,458 tpd in the third quarter of 2013, compared to 4,955 tpd per day processed in the third quarter of 2012, largely attributable to a new mill liner design and higher mechanical availability. During the third quarter of 2013, approximately 158,800 tonnes of ore were stacked on the leach pad at Pinos Altos, compared to 219,500 tonnes in the comparable 2012 period. Minesite cost per tonne at Pinos Altos was $45 in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $41 in the third quarter of 2012, the change is largely attributable to variations in the proportion of heap leach ore to mill ore.

For the first nine months of 2013, the Pinos Altos mill processed an average of 5,244 tpd, compared to 4,986 tpd processed in the first nine months of 2012.  During the first nine months of 2013 approximately 620,900 tonnes of ore were stacked on the leach pad at Pinos Altos, compared to 765,800 tonnes in the comparable 2012 period.  Minesite cost per tonne at Pinos Altos for the first nine months of 2013 were approximately $45, compared to $40 in the same period one year ago, with the difference largely attributable to the reason outlined above.

Payable production in the third quarter of 2013 was 43,736 ounces of gold at a cash cost per ounce of $404.  This compares with production of 46,131 ounces at a total cash cost of $189 in the third quarter of 2012.  The increase in the year over year total cash cost per ounce is largely due to a 31% decline in realized silver price compared to the prior year period.

In the first nine months of 2013, Pinos Altos produced 135,283 ounces of gold at a total cash cost per ounce of $402.  This is in contrast to the first nine months of 2012 when the mine produced 134,730 ounces of gold at a total cash cost of $269 per ounce.  The increase in the cash costs per ounce is largely due to the lower realized price for silver mentioned above.

The $106 million Pinos Altos shaft sinking project remains on schedule and budget with approximately 50% of the total budget committed to date.  Construction of surface infrastructure is nearing completion, and shaft sinking is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013, and continue through 2015. The shaft will allow better matching of the mill capacity with the future mining capacity at Pinos Altos when the open pit mining operation begins to wind down as planned over the next several years.

Creston Mascota – Ramping up as Expected

The Creston Mascota heap leach has been operating as a satellite operation to the Pinos Altos mine since late 2010.  Operations at Creston Mascota resumed in April 2013 after a temporary suspension for leach pad modifications.  Production since this resumption has met Company expectations and is in line with guidance.

Approximately 334,600 tonnes of ore were stacked on the Creston Mascota leach pad during the third quarter of 2013, compared to approximately 466,000 tonnes stacked in the third quarter of 2012.  Minesite costs per tonne at Creston Mascota were $18 in the third quarter of 2013, compared to $12 in the third quarter of 2012.  The higher minesite cost per tonne was largely due to the decrease in tonnes stacked during the construction transition from Phase One to Phase Two on the leach pad.

Payable gold production at Creston Mascota in the third quarter of 2013 was 11,307 ounces at a total cash cost per ounce of $523.  This compares to 15,842 ounces at a total cash cost per ounce of $281 during the second quarter of 2012.  The lower production in the 2013 period is due to decreased tonnes being stacked at lower grades and the suspension of operations during the first quarter of 2013, contributing fewer ounces from drain-down of older leach panels. The higher cash cost relates primarily to a lower production divisor as above.

Payable gold production for the first nine months of 2013 totaled 23,361 ounces (including 1,907 ounces of production that are not included in the total cash cost calculation), at a total cash cost per ounce of $511, compared to 47,615 ounces at a total cash cost per ounce of $326 in the first nine months of 2012.  The lower production and higher costs per ounce in the 2013 period are reflective of the temporary shutdown of the operation from January until April 2013.  For the first nine months of 2013, mine site costs per tonne at Creston Mascota were $16, compared to $12 per tonne in the first nine months of 2012.  The main factor in the increase was the decrease in tonnes stacked, as discussed above.

La India – Commissioning Underway, Leaching Expected to Begin in November

The La India mine in Sonora, Mexico, located approximately 70 kilometres from the Company’s Pinos Altos mine, was acquired in November 2011 by the purchase of Grayd Resources which included a 56,000 hectare land position in the Mulatos Gold belt. Commissioning of the mine commenced ahead of schedule in the third quarter.  Design, permitting, construction and start-up of the La India mine were accomplished within 22 months of acquisition.

The crushing circuit is operational, and commissioning of the stacking and overland conveyors is currently underway. Approximately 125,000 tonnes of ore have been stacked to date (including the over-liner), and leaching is expected to commence in November.  Initial gold production is anticipated later in the fourth quarter of 2013, and commercial production is expected in the first quarter of 2014. The project’s budgeted capital expenditures remain at $157.6 million.

Gold production is expected to average approximately 90,000 ounces per year at an average total cash cost of approximately $500 per ounce. In its February 13, 2013 news release, the Company estimated gold production of 40,000 and 81,000 ounces in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Metallurgical testing continues on the La India sulphides and Tarachi mineralization, with results expected later this year.

Meliadine Project – 2013 Drilling Shows Potential to Expand Existing Deposits

Located near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, the Meliadine project was acquired in July 2010, and is one of Agnico Eagle’s largest gold projects in terms of resources. The Company has 100% interest in the 65,000-hectare property.

The 2013 budget for the Meliadine project was reduced by $10 million in July to approximately $80 million including $20 million in exploration costs (80,000 metres of diamond drilling) and $60 million for road construction, ramp development, permitting, camp operation, and the technical study (see July 24, 2013 news release).

The exploration program was completed on August 1, 2013 with a total of 79,959 metres drilled.  This included 26,887 metres (152 holes) of conversion drilling, 47,687 metres (156 holes) of exploration around known deposits (Tiriganiaq, Wesmeg/Normeg, F zone, Pump and Discovery), and 5,385 metres (29 holes) on regional exploration targets.

Highlights of the program include new deep intercepts that have revealed potential to expand the Pump, F zone and Discovery deposits.  Drilling has also delineated higher-grade shoots within the Wesmeg deposit, similar to those in the Tiriganiaq and Normeg deposits.  These results will be incorporated into the year-end 2013 reserve and resource statement.

Construction of the 24-kilometre, all season road linking the project to the hamlet and port of Rankin Inlet was completed late in the third quarter. The road will significantly reduce the transportation and logistical costs for exploration and development work.

Construction of a permanent portal with upgraded infrastructure for the exploration ramp has now been completed.  During the fourth quarter of 2013, the existing ramp will be extended by approximately 150 to 200 metres in length.  A significant portion of the 2014 Meliadine budget ($45 million) will be dedicated to further ramp development. The ramp will eventually allow cost-effective exploration and conversion drilling of the deeper parts of the Tiriganiaq and Wesmeg/Normeg zones.

An updated technical study is progressing with completion expected in 2014. The timing of capital expenditures on the project beyond 2014 will be subject to Board approval and prevailing market conditions.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Please follow the link below for information on the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a long established, Canadian headquartered, gold producer with operations located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, and exploration and/or development activities in Canada, Finland, Mexico and the United States.  The Company has full exposure to higher gold prices consistent with its policy of no forward gold sales and maintains a corporate strategy based on increasing shareholder exposure to gold, on a per share basis.  It has declared a cash dividend for 31 consecutive years.