Production Report 12mth

Hochschild Mining PLC 16 January 2007 16 January 2007 Hochschild Mining plc today announces its Production Report for the twelve months to 31 December 2006 Highlights: • Total production for the six months to 31 December 2006 ('H2') was 6.1 million ounces of silver and 93 thousand ounces of gold • In-line with expectations at the time of the IPO, H2 production was slightly higher than in the six months ended 30 June 2006 ('H1') • Total silver production was up 12% in H2 versus H1 primarily due to increased production at Arcata and Selene • Total gold production was down 10% in H2 versus H1 due to the anticipated decrease in ore grade at Ares The planned expansions at the Ares processing plant were successfully completed on time taking the capacity from 280 ktpa to 325 ktpa. The plant will be undergoing testing during January 2007. The planned expansions at Arcata and Selene, taking the capacity from 350 ktpa to 420 ktpa and from 350 ktpa to 700 ktpa, respectively, are on schedule for completion within budget during 2007. The expansion at the Selene plant accommodates for the extension of the Selene mine in addition to the commencement of production from Pallancata. On 10 December 2006, the Group announced it would exercise its option to acquire a 70% stake in the Santa Maria de Moris mine in Chihuahua, Mexico. The Group's three new projects which are scheduled to begin production during 2007 are on track. San Jose will start producing during Q2 2007 while Pallancata and Mina Moris will commence production in Q3 2007. These three projects are expected to contribute to profits in 2008. Total production H2 H1 Full Year Full Year 2006 2006 2006 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver production (Koz) 6,136 5,467 11,604 10,550 Gold production (Koz) 93 103 196 232 Total silver equivalent (Koz) 11,707 11,640 23,347 24,543 ARCATA Product H2 H1 Full Year Full Year 2006 2006 2006 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ore production (tonnes) 178,162 135,526 313,688 282,199 Concentrate produced (tonnes) 7,192 5,214 12,407 10,787 Silver grade in concentrate (kg/t) 11.50 12.49 11.92 12.31 Silver produced (Koz) 2,660 2,094 4,754 4,271 Gold produced (Koz) 6.93 4.96 11.89 7.19 ARES Product H2 H1 Full Year Full Year 2006 2006 2006 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ore production (tonnes) 147,609 141,529 289,138 281,095 Dore total (Koz) 1,357 1,493 2,850 3,151 Silver produced (Koz) 1,281 1,406 2,688 2,944 Gold produced (Koz) 72.16 83.35 155.5 198.55 SELENE Product H2 H1 Full Year Full Year 2006 2006 2006 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ore production (tonnes) 181,642 178,044 359,686 288,919 Concentrate produced (tonnes) 1,865 1,947 3,812 3,559 Silver grade in concentrate (kg/t) 36.61 31.43 33.96 29.15 Silver produced (Koz) 2,195 1,967 4,162 3,335 Gold produced (Koz) 13.76 14.57 28.34 27.48 Hochschild Mining's Preliminary results will be announced on 20 March 2007. Enquiries: Hochschild Mining plc Wray Barber +44 (0)20 7152 6014 Head of Investor Relations Finsbury Robin Walker +44 (0)20 7251 3801 Public Relations - ends - This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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