Buenaventura Mining Company - 20-F annual report

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

¨REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR 

xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

¨SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 001-14370

COMPAÑÍA DE MINAS BUENAVENTURA S.A.A.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

BUENAVENTURA MINING COMPANY INC.
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

REPUBLIC OF PERU
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

LAS BEGONIAS 415 FLOOR 19,
SAN ISIDRO, LIMA 27, PERU
(Address of principal executive offices)

Carlos E. Gálvez, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (511) 419-2540
Facsimile: (511) 419-2502
Address: LAS BEGONIAS 415 FLOOR 19,
SAN ISIDRO, LIMA 27, PERU

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes xNo¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes ¨Nox

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes xNo¨

*Not for trading but only in connection with the registration of ADSs pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ¨No¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer xAccelerated filer ¨Non-accelerated filer ¨ Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP¨   International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by   Other ¨

the International Accounting Standards Board x

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17¨Item 18 ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨Nox

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Presentation of Financial Information

As used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, or “Annual Report,” unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” “BVN” and “Buenaventura” mean Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, references to “$,” “US$,” “Dollars” and “U.S. Dollars” are to United States Dollars and references to “S/.,” “Sol” or “Soles” are to Peruvian Soles, the legal currency of the Republic of Peru, or “Peru.”

Unless otherwise specified, references to a value denominated in “t” or “tons” refers to tons; references to a value denominated “DST” refers to dry short tons; the terms “g” or “gr” refer to metric grams; the terms “oz.” or “ounces” refer to troy ounces of a fineness of 999.9 parts per 1,000, equal to 31.1035 grams.

Until December 31, 2010, we presented our consolidated financial statements, which we refer to as our Financial Statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Peru, or “Peruvian GAAP.” Effective January 1, 2011, we began presenting our consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”).

Pursuant to the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, this Annual Report includes certain separate financial statements and other financial information of Minera Yanacocha S.R.L., or “Yanacocha,” and Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A., or “Cerro Verde.” Yanacocha and Cerro Verde maintain their financial books and records in U.S. Dollars and present their financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

We record our investments in Yanacocha and Cerro Verde in accordance with the equity method as described in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Buenaventura—A. Operating Results—General” and Note 2.4(f) to the Financial Statements. Our partnership interest in Yanacocha was calculated at 43.65% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016. As of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, our equity interest in Cerro Verde was 19.58%.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided for under these sections. Our forward-looking statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and may include, without limitation:

The words “anticipate,” “may,” “can,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “to be” and any similar expressions are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. In making any forward-looking statements, we believe that the expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. We caution readers that those statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include:

Many of the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after our forward-looking statements are made, including, for example, commodity prices, which we cannot control, and our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s production volumes and costs, some aspects of which we may or may not be able to control. Further, we may make changes to our business plans that could or will affect our results. We do not intend to update our forward-looking statements, notwithstanding any changes in our assumptions, changes in our business plans, our actual experience or other changes, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements more frequently than required by applicable securities laws.

PART I

ITEM 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

ITEM 3. Key Information

Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

This selected financial information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Financial Statements, including the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected financial information as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, is derived from the consolidated statements of financial position, consolidated statements of profit or loss and consolidated statements of other comprehensive income, included in the Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected financial information as of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 has been derived from a consolidated statement of financial position, consolidated statements of profit or loss and consolidated statements of other comprehensive income, respectively, which are not included in this Annual Report. The report of Paredes, Burga & Asociados S. Civil de R.L. (a member firm of EY Global) on our Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 appears elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP. The operating data presented below is derived from our records and has not been subject to audit. The financial information and operating data presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Buenaventura,” the Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.

_________________

(1) Except per share, per ADS, outstanding shares and operating data.

Yanacocha Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Yanacocha at the dates and for each of the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Yanacocha’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, or the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements. The report of Paredes, Burga & Asociados S. Civil de R.L. (a member firm of EY Global) on the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 appears elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected financial information for Yanacocha as of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 has been derived from consolidated statements of financial position, consolidated statements of profit or loss and consolidated statements of other comprehensive income, respectively, which are not included in this Annual Report. Yanacocha’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014 were audited by Gaveglio, Aparicio y Asociados Sociedad Civil de Responsabilidad Limitada, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited. The Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP, as indicated in Note 23 and 24 to the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements. The operating data presented below, which are based on 100% of Yanacocha’s production and reserves, are derived from Yanacocha’s records and have not been subject to audit. The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Yanacocha,” the Yanacocha Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.

________________________

Cerro Verde Selected Financial Information and Operating Data

The following table presents selected financial information and operating data for Cerro Verde as of the end of and for each of the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Cerro Verde’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, or the Cerro Verde Financial Statements. The selected financial information as of December 31, 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2013 have been derived from Cerro Verde’s financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report. The report of Paredes, Burga & Asociados S. Civil de R.L. (a member firm of EY Global) on Cerro Verde’s financial statements appears elsewhere in this Annual Report. The Cerro Verde Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP, as indicated in Note 23 and Note 24 to the Cerro Verde Financial Statements. The operating data presented below, which are based on 100% of Cerro Verde’s production and reserves, are derived from Cerro Verde’s records and have not been subject to audit. The financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde,” the Cerro Verde Financial Statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information included in this Annual Report.

_________________________

Exchange Rates

The following table sets forth the high and low month-end rates and the average and end-of-period offered rates for the sale of Soles in U.S. Dollars for the periods indicated. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Soles.

________________________

Source: Bloomberg

On April 27, 2017, the offered rate for Dollars as published by the SBS was S/.3.247 per US$1.00.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Factors Relating to the Company

Our financial performance is highly dependent on the performance of our partners under our mining exploration and operating agreements.

Our participation in joint venture mining exploration projects and mining operations with other experienced mining companies is an integral part of our business strategy. Our partners, co-venturers and other shareholders in these projects generally contribute capital to cover the expenses of the joint venture or provide critical technological, management and organizational expertise. The results of these projects can be highly dependent upon the efforts of our joint venture partners and we rely on them to fulfill their obligations under our agreements. For example, our Yanacocha joint venture with Newmont Mining Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or “Newmont Mining,” depends on Newmont Peru Limited, Peruvian Branch, or “Newmont Peru,” to provide management and other expertise to the Yanacocha project. If our counterparts do not carry out their obligations to us or to third parties, or any disputes arise with respect to the parties’ respective rights and obligations, the value of our investment in the applicable project could be adversely affected and we could incur significant expense in enforcing our rights or pursuing remedies. We cannot assure you that our current or future partners will fulfill their obligations under our agreements. In addition, we may be unable to exert control over strategic decisions made in respect of such properties. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Exploration.”

Our financial performance is highly dependent on the prices of gold, silver, copper and other metals.

The results of our operations are significantly affected by the market price of specific metals, which are cyclical and subject to substantial price fluctuations. Our revenues and the revenues of Yanacocha, in which we have a material equity investment, are derived primarily from the sale of gold and silver and the revenues of Cerro Verde, in which we have a material equity investment, are derived primarily from copper sales. The prices that we, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde obtain for gold, silver, copper and ore concentrates containing such metals, as applicable, are directly related to world market prices for such metals. Such prices have historically fluctuated widely and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control, including (i) the overall demand for and worldwide supply of gold, silver, copper and other metals; (ii) levels of supply and demand for a broad range of industrial products; (iii) the availability and price of competing commodities; (iv) international economic and political trends; (v) currency exchange fluctuations (specifically, the U.S. Dollar relative to other currencies); (vi) expectations with respect to the rate of inflation; (vii) interest rates; (viii) actions of commodity markets participants; and (ix) global or regional political or economic crises.

We have in the past engaged in hedging activities, such as forward sales and option contracts, to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in the prices of gold, silver and other metals; however, we and our wholly-owned subsidiaries no longer hedge the price at which our gold and silver will be sold. In the case of El Brocal, we use derivative instruments to manage its exposure to changes in the base metal prices. In addition, neither Yanacocha nor Cerro Verde engages in hedging activities. As a result, the prices at which we, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde sell gold, silver, copper and ore concentrates, as applicable, are fully exposed to the effects of changes in prevailing market prices. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Note 33 to the Financial Statements. For information on gold and silver prices for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2016, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Sales of Metal Concentrates.”

On December 30, 2016 and March 31, 2017, the morning fixing price for gold on the London Bullion Market was US$1,159.10 per ounce and US$1,241.70 per ounce, respectively.  On December 29, 2016 and March 31, 2017, the afternoon fixing spot price of silver on the London market, or “London Spot,” was US$1,145.90 per ounce and US$1,244.85 per ounce, respectively.  On December 30, 2016 and March 31, 2017, the London Metal Exchange Settlement Price for copper was US$5,523 per ton and US$5,816, per ton, respectively.

The world market prices of gold, silver and copper have historically fluctuated widely. We cannot predict whether metal prices will rise or fall in the future. A continued decline in the market price of one or more of these metals could adversely impact our revenues, net income and cash flows and adversely affect our ability to meet our financial obligations. If prices of gold, silver and/or copper should decline below our cash costs of production and remain at such levels for any sustained period, we could determine that it is not economically feasible to continue production at any or all of our mines. We may also curtail or suspend some or all of our exploration activities, with the result that our depleted reserves are not replaced. This could further reduce revenues by reducing or eliminating the profit that we currently expect from reserves. Such declines in price and/or reductions in operations could cause significant volatility in our financial performance and adversely affect the trading prices of our Common Shares and ADSs.

Economic, mining and other regulatory policies of the Peruvian government, as well as political, regulatory and economic developments in Peru, may have an adverse impact on our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s businesses.

Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s activities in Peru require us to obtain mining concessions or provisional permits for exploration and processing concessions for the treatment of mining ores from the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines (the “MEM”). Under Peru’s current legal and regulatory regime, these mining and processing rights are maintained by meeting a minimum annual level of production or investment and by the annual payment of a concession fee. A fine is payable for the years in which minimum production or investment requirements are not met. Although we are, and Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have informed us that they are, current in the payment of all amounts due in respect of mining and processing concessions, failure to pay such concession fees, processing fees or related fines for two consecutive years could result in the loss of one or more mining rights and processing concessions, as the case may be.

Mining companies are also required to pay the Peruvian government mining royalties and/or mining taxes. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Mining Royalties and Taxes.” We cannot assure you that the Peruvian government will not impose additional mining royalties or taxes in the future or that such mining royalties or taxes will not have an adverse effect on our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s results of operations or financial condition. Future regulatory changes, changes in the interpretation of existing regulations or stricter enforcement of such regulations, including changes to our concession agreements, may increase our compliance costs and could potentially require us to alter our operations. We cannot assure you that future regulatory changes will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Environmental and other laws and regulations may increase our costs of doing business, restrict our operations or result in operational delays.

Our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s exploration, mining and milling activities, as well our and Yanacocha’s smelting and refining activities, are subject to a number of Peruvian laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations.

Additional matters subject to regulation include, but are not limited to, concession fees, transportation, production, water use and discharges, power use and generation, use and storage of explosives, surface rights, housing and other facilities for workers, reclamation, taxation, labor standards, mine safety and occupational health.

We anticipate additional laws and regulations will be enacted over time with respect to environmental matters. The development of more stringent environmental protection programs in Peru could impose constraints and additional costs on our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s operations and require us, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde to make significant capital expenditures in the future. Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance, and Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have advised us that they are substantially in compliance, with all applicable environmental regulations, we cannot assure you that future legislative or regulatory developments will not have an adverse effect on our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s business or results of operations. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Regulatory Framework—Environmental Matters” and “—Permits” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—B. Business Overview—Regulation, Permit and Environmental Matters.”

Our and Yanacocha’s ability to successfully obtain key permits and approvals to explore for, develop and successfully operate mines will likely depend on our and Yanacocha’s ability to do so in a manner that is consistent with the creation of social and economic benefits in the surrounding communities. Our and Yanacocha’s ability to obtain permits and approvals and to successfully operate in particular communities or to obtain financing may be adversely impacted by real or perceived detrimental events associated with our and Yanacocha’s activities or those of other mining companies affecting the environment, human health and safety or the surrounding communities. Delays in obtaining or failure to obtain government permits and approvals may adversely affect our and Yanacocha’s operations, including our and Yanacocha’s ability to explore or develop properties, commence production or continue operations.

Our metals exploration efforts are highly speculative in nature and may not be successful.

Precious metals exploration, particularly gold exploration, is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks and frequently is unsuccessful. We cannot assure you that our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s metals exploration efforts will be successful. Once mineralization is discovered, it may take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling before production is possible, during which time the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable ore reserves through drilling, to determine metallurgical processes to extract the metals from the ore and, in the case of new properties, to construct mining and processing facilities. As a result of these uncertainties, we cannot assure you that our or Yanacocha’s exploration programs will result in the expansion or replacement of current production with new proven and probable ore reserves.

We base our estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs largely on the interpretation of geologic data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques and feasibility studies. Advanced exploration projects have no operating history upon which to base estimates of proven and probable ore reserves and estimates of future cash operating costs. Such estimates are, to a large extent, based upon the interpretation of geologic data obtained from drill holes and other sampling techniques, feasibility studies which derive estimates of cash operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of ore to be mined and processed, the configuration of the ore body, expected recovery rates of the mineral from the ore, comparable facility and equipment operating costs, anticipated climatic conditions and other factors. As a result, it is possible that actual cash operating costs and economic returns based upon proven and probable ore reserves may differ significantly from those originally estimated. Moreover, significant decreases in actual over expected prices may mean reserves, once found, will be uneconomical to produce. It is not unusual in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems during the start-up phase. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Our Properties—Reserves,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties—Reserves” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde—A. Operating Results” for the price per ounce used by us, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde, respectively, to calculate our respective proven and probable reserves.

Increased operating costs could affect our profitability.

Costs at any particular mining location frequently are subject to variation due to a number of factors, such as changing ore grade, changing metallurgy and revisions to mine plans in response to the physical shape and location of the ore body. In addition, costs are affected by the price of commodities, such as fuel and electricity, as well as by the price of labor. Commodity costs are at times subject to volatile price movements, including increases that could make production at certain operations less profitable. Reported costs may be affected by changes in accounting standards. A material increase in costs at any significant location could have a significant effect on our profitability.

Our business is capital-intensive and we may not be able to finance necessary capital expenditures required to execute our business plans.

Precious metals exploration requires substantial capital expenditures for the exploration, extraction, production and processing stages and for machinery, equipment and experienced personnel. Our estimates of the capital required for our projects may be preliminary or based on assumptions we have made about the mineral deposits, equipment, labor, permits and other factors required to complete our projects. If any of these estimates or assumptions change, the actual timing and amount of capital required may vary significantly from our current anticipated costs. In addition, we may require additional funds in the event of unforeseen delays, cost overruns, design changes or other unanticipated expenses. We may also incur debt in future periods or reduce our holdings of cash and cash equivalents in connection with funding future acquisitions, existing operations, capital expenditures or in pursuing other business opportunities. Our ability to meet our payment obligations will depend on our future financial performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic and other factors, many of which we are unable to control. There can be no assurance that we or Yanacocha will generate sufficient cash flow or that we will have access to sufficient external sources of funds in the form of outside investment or loans to continue exploration activities at the same or higher levels than in the past or that we will be able to obtain additional financing, if necessary, on a timely basis and on commercially acceptable terms.

Estimates of proven and probable reserves are subject to uncertainties and the volume and grade of ore actually recovered may vary from our estimates.

The proven and probable ore reserve figures presented in this Annual Report are our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s estimates, and there can be no assurance that the estimated levels of recovery of gold, silver, copper and certain other metals will be realized. Such estimates depend on geological interpretation and statistical inferences or assumptions drawn from drilling and sampling analysis, which may prove to be materially inaccurate. Actual mineralization or formations may be different from those predicted. As a result, reserve estimates may require revision based on further exploration, development activity or actual production experience, which could materially and adversely affect such estimates. No assurance can be given that our, Yanacocha’s or Cerro Verde’s mineral resources constitute or will be converted into reserves. Market price fluctuations of gold, silver and other metals, as well as increased production costs or reduced recovery rates, may render proven and probable ore reserves containing relatively lower grades of mineralization uneconomic to exploit and may ultimately result in a restatement of proven and probable ore reserves. Moreover, short-term operating factors relating to the reserves, such as the processing of different types of ore or ore grades, could adversely affect our or Yanacocha’s profitability in any particular accounting period. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Our Properties—Reserves” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties—Reserves.”

We and Yanacocha may be unable to replace reserves as they become depleted by production.

As we and Yanacocha produce gold, silver, zinc and other metals, we and Yanacocha deplete our respective ore reserves for such metals. To maintain production levels, we and Yanacocha must replace depleted reserves by exploiting known ore bodies and locating new deposits. Exploration for gold, silver and the other metals produced is highly speculative in nature. Our and Yanacocha’s exploration projects involve significant risks and are often unsuccessful. Once a site is discovered with mineralization, we and Yanacocha may require several years between initial drilling and mineral production, and the economic feasibility of production may change during such period. Substantial expenditures are required to establish proven and probable reserves and to construct mining and processing facilities. There can be no assurance that current or future exploration projects will be successful and there is a risk that our depletion of reserves will not be offset by new discoveries. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Buenaventura—B. Business Overview—Exploration,” “—Yanacocha—B. Business Overview—Exploration,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Our Properties,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Yanacocha’s Properties,” “—Yanacocha—C. Property, Plants and Equipment—Reserves,” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cerro Verde—A. Operating Results” for a summary of our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s estimated proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2016.

Our operations are subject to risks, many of which are not insurable.

The business of mining, smelting and refining gold, silver, copper and other metals is generally subject to a number of risks and hazards, including industrial accidents, labor disputes, unavailability of materials and equipment, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, changes in the regulatory environment, environmental hazards and weather and other natural phenomena such as earthquakes, most of which are beyond our control. Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mining properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability. We, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde each maintain insurance against risks that are typical in the mining industry in Peru and in amounts that we, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde believe to be adequate but which may not provide adequate coverage in certain circumstances. No assurance can be given that such insurance will continue to be available at economically feasible premiums or at all. Insurance against certain risks (including certain liabilities for environmental pollution or other hazards as a result of exploration and production) is not generally available to us or to other companies within the industry.

Increases in equipment costs, energy costs and other production costs, disruptions in energy supply and shortages in equipment and skilled labor may adversely affect our results of operations.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mining activity worldwide in response to increased demand and significant increases in the prices of natural resources. The opening of new mines and the expansion of existing ones have led to increased demand for, and increased costs and shortages of, equipment, supplies and experienced personnel. These cost increases have significantly increased overall operating and capital budgets of companies like ours, and continuing shortages could affect the timing and feasibility of expansion projects.

Energy represents a significant portion of our production costs. Our principal energy sources are electricity, purchased petroleum products and natural gas. An inability to procure sufficient energy at reasonable prices or disruptions in energy supply could adversely affect our profits, cash flow and growth opportunities. Our production costs are also affected by the prices of commodities we consume or use in our operations, such as sulfuric acid, grinding media, steel, reagents, liners, explosives and diluents. The prices of such commodities are influenced by supply and demand trends affecting the mining industry in general and other factors outside our control and such prices are at times subject to volatile movements. Increases in the cost of these commodities or disruptions in energy supply could make our operations less profitable, even in an environment of relatively high copper, gold or silver prices. Increases in the costs of commodities that we consume or use may also significantly affect the capital costs of new projects.

We may be adversely affected by labor disputes.

Our ability to achieve our goals and objectives is dependent, in part, on maintaining good relations with our employees. A prolonged labor disruption at any of our material properties could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. We, Compañía Minera Coimolache S.A., or “Coimolache,” Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have all experienced strikes or other labor-related work stoppages in the past.

As of December 31, 2016, unions represented approximately 35% of the employees of our mining companies on a consolidated basis. Although we consider our relationship with our employees to be positive, there can be no assurance that we will not experience strikes or other labor-related work stoppages that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and/or operating results in the future.

Our, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde’s operations are subject to political and social risks.

Our, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde’s exploration and production activities are potentially subject to political and social risks. Over the past several years, we and Yanacocha have been the target of local political protests. In recent years, certain areas in the south and northern highlands of Peru with significant mining developments have experienced strikes and protests related to the environmental impact of mining activities. Such strikes and protests have resulted in commercial disruptions and a climate of uncertainty with respect to future mining projects. As a result of local political and community protests, construction and development activities at the Conga project were largely suspended in November 2011. The results of the Peruvian Central Government’s Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) independent review were reported on April 20, 2012. The review indicated the project’s EIA met Peruvian and international standards. The review made recommendations to provide additional water capacity and social funds, which Yanacocha has largely accepted. Yanacocha announced the decision to advance the project on a “water-first” basis on June 22, 2012. In the first half of 2014, a Conga Restart Study was completed to identify and test alternatives to advancing development of the project. Following this assessment, a new plan was developed to reduce spending to focus only on the most critical work (protecting people and assets, engaging with communities and maintaining existing project infrastructure), while maintaining optionality. Newmont Mining will not proceed with the full development of the Conga project without social acceptance, solid project economics and, potentially, another partner to help defray costs and risk. It is difficult to predict when or whether such events may occur. Under the current social and political environment, we do not anticipate being able to develop the Conga project in the foreseeable future. The continued delay and evaluation of other alternatives may result in a potential accounting impairment or further reclassification of mineralized material.

We cannot assure you that these types of incidents will not continue or that similar incidents will not occur in areas in which we and Yanacocha operate, or that the continuation or intensification of community protests will not adversely affect our or Yanacocha’s exploration and production activities or our or Yanacocha’s results of operations or financial condition.

In addition, during 2011, Peru enacted Law No. 29785, the Law of Prior Consultation for Indigenous and Native Communities (Ley del Derecho a la Consulta Previa a los Pueblos Indígenas y Originarios, Reconocido en el Convenio 169 de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo). Implementing regulations thereunder were approved by Supreme Decree No. 001-2012-MC, which became effective on April 2, 2012. This law establishes a prior consultation procedure that the Peruvian government must undertake in concert with any local indigenous communities whose collective rights may be directly affected by new legislative or administrative measures, including the granting of new mining concessions. The implementing regulations specify the form and circumstances of the required consultation and the manner in which agreements will be formalized, and cap the consultation process at 120 calendar days. Under the law, the Peruvian governmental body responsible for issuing or approving the administrative measure or decree in question, rather than the affected local indigenous community, retains the right to approve or reject the relevant legislative or administrative matter following such consultation. However, to the extent that any future projects operated by us, Yanacocha or Cerro Verde require legislative or administrative measures that impact local indigenous communities, the required prior consultation procedure may result in delays, additional expenses or failure to obtain approval for such new project.

We could face geotechnical challenges, which could adversely impact our production and profitability.

No assurances can be given that unanticipated adverse geotechnical and hydrological conditions, such as landslides and pit wall failures, will not occur in the future or that such events will be detected in advance. Geotechnical instabilities can be difficult to predict and are often affected by risks and hazards outside of our control, such as severe weather and considerable rainfall, which may lead to periodic floods, mudslides, wall instability and seismic activity, which may result in slippage of material.

Geotechnical failures could result in limited or restricted access to mine sites, suspension of operations, government investigations, increased monitoring costs, remediation costs, loss of ore and other impacts, which could cause one or more of our projects to be less profitable than currently anticipated and could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.

We rely on contractors to conduct a significant portion of our operations and mine development projects.

A significant portion of our operations and mine development projects are currently conducted by contractors. As a result, our operations are subject to a number of risks, some of which are outside our control, including:

In addition, we may incur liability to third parties as a result of the actions of our contractors. The occurrence of one or more of these risks could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

We are not, and do not intend to become, regulated as an investment company under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and if we were deemed an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act, applicable restrictions could make it impractical for us to operate as contemplated.

As of December 31, 2016, we owned a 43.65% partnership interest in Yanacocha and a 19.58% equity interest in Cerro Verde. These interests may constitute “investment securities” for purposes of the Investment Company Act.

Under the Investment Company Act, an investment company is defined in relevant part to include (i) any company that is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and (ii) any company that owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of such company’s total assets (exclusive of certain items) on an unconsolidated basis. Issuers that are investment companies within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, and which do not qualify for an exemption from the provisions of such act, are required to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and are subject to substantial regulations with respect to capital structure, operations, transactions with affiliates and other matters. If we were deemed to be an investment company and did not qualify for an exemption from the provisions of the Investment Company Act, we would be required to register with the SEC and would be subject to such regulations, which would be unduly burdensome and costly for us and possibly adversely impact us.

We received an order from the SEC on April 19, 1996 declaring us to be primarily engaged in a business other than that of an investment company and, therefore, not an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act. We intend to conduct our operations and maintain our investments in a manner, and will take appropriate actions as necessary, to ensure we will not be deemed to be an investment company in the future. The SEC, however, upon its motion or upon application, may find that the circumstances that gave rise to the issuance of the order no longer exist, and as a result may revoke such order. There can be no assurance that such order will not be revoked.

Our or Yanacocha’s inability to maintain positive relationships with the communities in which we operate may affect our or Yanacocha’s reputation and financial condition.

Our and Yanacocha’s relationships with the communities in which we operate are critical to ensuring the future success of our existing operations and the construction and development of our projects. Adverse publicity generated by non-governmental organizations or local communities related to extractive industries generally, or our or Yanacocha’s operations specifically, could have an adverse effect on our reputations or financial condition and may impact our relationships with the communities in which we operate. In addition, following the enactment of Law No. 29785, the Law of Prior Consultation for Indigenous and Native Communities in 2011, the Peruvian government must undertake a prior consultation procedure in concert with local indigenous communities whose collective rights may be directly affected by new legislative or administrative measures, including the granting of new mining concessions. Implementing regulations under Law No. 29785 were approved by Supreme Decree No. 001-2012-MC, which became effective on April 2, 2012. The implementing regulations specify the form and circumstances of the required consultation and the manner in which agreements will be formalized, and cap the consultation process at 120 calendar days. Our and Yanacocha’s national reputation for maintaining positive relationships with the communities in which we operate may affect the outcome of any such prior consultation process involving approvals that we or Yanacocha seek for new projects. While we and Yanacocha are committed to operating in a socially responsible manner, there is no guarantee that our efforts in this regard will mitigate this potential risk. We and Yanacocha have implemented extensive community relations and security and safety initiatives to anticipate and manage social issues that may arise at our operations. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—B. Business Overview—Social Development.”

The Conga project is located within close proximity of existing operations at Yanacocha. Due to local political and community protests, construction and development activities at the Conga project were largely suspended in November 2011. The results of the Peruvian central government-initiated EIA, independent review, announced on April 20, 2012, confirmed that Yanacocha’s initial EIA met Peruvian and international standards. The review made recommendations to provide additional water capacity and social funds, which Yanacocha has largely accepted. Yanacocha announced its decision to move the project forward on a “water first” basis on June 22, 2012, which consists of building the originally planned community water reservoirs before resuming any mine development. As a result, during 2013 the project was focused on building water reservoirs, completing the remaining engineering activities, and accepting delivery of the main equipment purchases. In 2013, the Chailhuagon reservoir was completed. There can be no assurance that Yanacocha will be able to continue to develop the Conga project. Should Yanacocha be unable to continue with the current development plan at the Conga project, we or our mining partners in this project may reprioritize and reallocate capital to development alternatives, which may result in a potential accounting impairment. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Yanacocha—B. Business Overview—Exploration.

Deterioration in our financial position or a downgrade of our ratings by a credit rating agency could increase our borrowing costs and our business relationships could be adversely affected.

Credit rating agencies could downgrade our ratings either due to factors specific to Buenaventura, a prolonged cyclical downturn in the precious metals mining industries, macroeconomic trends (such as global or regional recessions) or trends in credit and capital markets more generally. For instance, on March 22, 2016, Moody’s downgraded our unsecured corporate rating from “Ba1” to “Ba2” due to the deterioration of the commodities markets and a downturn in the precious metals mining sector, as well as concerns about our liquidity. Currently, our unsecured rating from Fitch is “BBB-.”

A deterioration of our financial position or a further downgrade of any of our credit ratings for any reason could increase our borrowing costs and have an adverse effect on our business relationships with customers and suppliers. A subsequent downgrade could adversely affect our existing financings, limit access to the capital or credit markets, or otherwise adversely affect the availability of other new financing on favorable terms, if at all, result in more restrictive covenants in agreements governing the terms of any future indebtedness that we incur, increase our borrowing costs, or otherwise impair our business, financial condition and operating results.

Factors Relating to Peru

Peruvian political conditions may have an adverse impact on our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s business.

All of our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s operations are conducted in Peru. Accordingly, our, Yanacocha’s and Cerro Verde’s business, financial condition or results of operations could be affected by changes in economic or other policies of the Peruvian government or other political, regulatory or economic developments in Peru.

Peru has had a history of political instability that has included military coups and a succession of regimes with differing policies and programs. Past governments have frequently played an interventionist role in the nation’s economy and social structure. Among other things, past governments have imposed controls on prices, exchange rates and local and foreign investment as well as limitations on imports, restricted the ability of companies to dismiss employees, expropriated private sector assets (including mining companies) and prohibited the remittance of profits to foreign investors.

The administration under President Ollanta Humala largely supported mining as a driver for the continued growth and future development of Peru. However, Peru held its elections for President in April 2016 in which President Ollanta Humala was ineligible to run due to constitutional term limits. With no candidate receiving a 50% majority of the vote, a run-off election was held in June 2016. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski ultimately defeated opponent Keiko Fujimori by less than half of a percentage point and was sworn in as president on July 28, 2016. We cannot predict future government positions on mining concessions, land tenure, environmental regulation or taxation or assure you that future governments will maintain a generally favorable business climate and economic policies. Furthermore, the regional governor in Cajamarca, who was re-elected in October 2014, actively opposed the Conga project in 2012 and continues to reject the viability of its development. We cannot predict the future positions of either the central government or regional governments on foreign investment, mining concessions, land tenure or other regulation. Any change in government positions or laws on these issues could adversely affect the assets and operations of us, Yanacocha or the Conga project, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position. Regulatory changes may include increased labor regulations, environmental and other regulatory requirements and additional taxes and royalties, and we may experience future protests, community demands and road blockages. Additionally, any inability to continue to develop the Conga project or operate at Yanacocha could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial position if Yanacocha is not able to replace its expected production.

Inflation, reduced economic growth and fluctuations in the Sol exchange rate may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Prior to 1994, Peru periodically experienced high inflation, slow or negative economic growth and substantial currency devaluation. The inflation rate in Peru, as measured by the Indice de Precios al Consumidor and published by Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática has fallen from a high of 7,649.7% in 1990 to 3.35% in 2016. Our revenues and operating expenses are primarily denominated in U.S. Dollars. If inflation in Peru were to increase without a corresponding devaluation of the Sol relative to the U.S. Dollar, our financial position and results of operations, and the market price of our Common Shares and ADSs, could be affected. Although the Peruvian government’s stabilization plan has significantly reduced inflation since 1999, and the Peruvian economy has experienced strong growth in recent years, there can be no assurance that inflation will not increase from its current level or that such growth will continue in the future at similar rates or at all.

Among the economic circumstances that could lead to a devaluation would be the decline of Peruvian foreign reserves to inadequate levels. Peru’s foreign reserves at December 31, 2016 were US$61.69 billion as compared to US$61.48 billion at December 31, 2015. Although actual foreign reserves must be maintained at levels that will allow the succeeding government the ability to manage the Peruvian economy and to assure monetary stability in the near future, there can be no assurance that Peru will be able to maintain adequate foreign reserves to meet its foreign currency denominated obligations, or that Peru will not devalue its currency should its foreign reserves decline. See “Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates.”

Peru’s current account deficit is being funded partially by foreign direct investment. There can be no assurance that foreign direct investment will continue at current levels, particularly if adverse political or economic developments in Peru arise, a development that may also contribute to devaluation pressure.

Deterioration in economic and market conditions in Latin America, Peru and other emerging market countries could affect the prices of our Common Shares and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”).

Although economic conditions are different in each country, the reaction of investors to developments in one country is likely to cause the capital markets in other countries to fluctuate. For example, political and economic events, such as the crises in Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina, have influenced investors’ perceptions of risk with regard to Peru. The negative investor reaction to developments in Latin America, particularly in our neighboring countries, may adversely affect the market for securities issued by countries in the region, cause foreign investors to decrease the flow of capital into Latin America and introduce uncertainty about plans for further integration of regional economies.

Peruvian exchange and investment control policies could affect dividends paid to holders of Common Shares and ADRs.

Peruvian law currently imposes no restrictions on the ability of companies operating in Peru to transfer foreign currency from Peru to other countries, to convert Peruvian currency into foreign currency or foreign currency into Peruvian currency or to remit dividends abroad, or on the ability of foreign investors to liquidate their investment and repatriate their capital. Before 1991, Peru had restrictive exchange controls and exchange rates. During the latter part of the 1980s, exchange restrictions prevented payment of dividends to our shareholders in the United States (the “U.S.”) in U.S. Dollars. Accordingly, should such or similar controls be instituted, dividends paid to holders of Common Shares and, consequently, holders of ADRs, could be affected. There can be no assurance that the Peruvian government will continue to permit such transfers, remittances or conversion without restriction. See “Item 10. Additional Information—D. Exchange Controls.”

U.S. securities laws do not require us to disclose as much information to investors as a U.S. issuer is required to disclose, and you may receive less information about us than you might otherwise receive from a comparable U.S. company.

The corporate disclosure requirements applicable to us may not be equivalent to the requirements applicable to a U.S. company and, as a result, you may receive less information about us than you might otherwise receive in connection with a comparable U.S. company. We are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that apply to “foreign private issuers.” The periodic disclosure required of foreign private issuers under the Exchange Act is more limited than the periodic disclosure required of U.S. issuers.

Holders of our securities may find it difficult to enforce judgments against us outside of Peru.

We are organized under the laws of Peru. A significant majority of our directors and officers reside outside the U.S. (principally in Peru). All or a substantial portion of our assets or the assets of such persons are located outside the U.S. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the U.S. upon us or upon such persons or to enforce against them in federal or state courts in the U.S. judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the U.S. We have been advised by our Peruvian counsel that there is uncertainty as to the enforceability, in original actions in Peruvian courts, of liabilities predicated solely under the U.S. federal securities laws and as to the enforceability in Peruvian courts of judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.

Factors Relating to the Common Shares and ADSs

The concentration of our capital stock ownership with the Benavides Family will limit our stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters.

As of March 31, 2017, the Benavides family, referring to certain members, and their spouses, of the immediate and extended family of Elsa Ganoza Benavides, spouse of the late Alberto Benavides de la Quintana, our founder and former Chairman (collectively, the “Benavides Family”), held 27.24% (including outstanding Common Shares and Investment Shares) of Buenaventura’s outstanding share capital. Because of the significant ownership interest the Benavides Family holds in Common Shares, the Benavides Family has the power to elect a significant number of the outstanding directors and has significant influence over the outcome of substantially all matters to be decided by a vote of shareholders.

In addition, under the terms of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated May 3, 2002, as further amended and restated as of November 12, 2003, among us, The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as depositary, or the “Depositary”, and the owners and beneficial owners of ADSs, or the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, relating to our ADSs, if holders of ADSs do not provide the Depositary with timely instructions for the voting of Common Shares represented by such ADRs, the Depositary will be deemed to be instructed to give a person designated by us, which will likely be a member of the Benavides Family, a discretionary proxy to vote such shares, unless we inform the Depositary that we do not wish such proxy to be given.

Shareholders’ rights under Peruvian law may be fewer and less well-defined than shareholders’ rights in other countries, including the U.S.

Our shareholders have fewer and less well-defined rights under applicable Peruvian law than they might have as shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction of the U.S. or certain other countries. For example, Peruvian law does not provide for proceedings by which non-controlling shareholders may file class action lawsuits or shareholder derivative actions against controlling shareholders or officers and directors, and the procedural requirements to file shareholder actions in Peru differ from those of the U.S. As a result, holders of our shares may face difficulty enforcing their rights.

A sale of a substantial number of shares by the Benavides Family could have an adverse impact on the price of our Common Shares and ADSs.

The sale of a substantial number of our shares by members of the Benavides Family, or a market perception of the intention of members of the Benavides Family to sell a substantial number of shares, could materially and adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Shares and ADSs. There is no contractual restriction on the disposition of shares of our share capital by our shareholders, including the Benavides Family. Furthermore, under the Ley General de Sociedades Peruanas, or “Peruvian Companies Law,” any restriction on the free sale of shares in a sociedad anónima abierta (open stock company) such as we are, is null and void.

Holders of ADSs may be unable to exercise preemptive rights and accretion rights available to the Common Shares underlying the ADSs.

Holders of the ADSs are, under Peruvian law, entitled to exercise preemptive rights and accretion rights on the Common Shares underlying the ADSs in the event of any future capital increase by us unless (x) the increase is approved, expressly stating that the shareholders have no preemptive rights to subscribe and pay for the Shares to be issued in such increase, by holders of Common Shares holding at least 40% of the Common Shares at a properly called meeting with a proper quorum and (y) the increase is not designed to improve directly or indirectly the shareholding of any shareholder. However, U.S. holders of ADSs may not be able to exercise through the Depositary for the ADSs the preemptive rights and accretion rights for Common Shares underlying their ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act,” is effective with respect to such rights or an exemption from the registration requirement thereunder is available. Any such rights offering would have a dilutive effect upon shareholders who are unable or unwilling to exercise their rights. We intend to evaluate, at the time of any rights offering, the costs and potential liabilities associated with any registration statement as well as the associated benefits of enabling the holders of ADSs to exercise such rights and will then make a decision as to whether to file such a registration statement. Therefore, no assurance can be given that we will file any such registration statement. To the extent that holders of ADSs are unable to exercise such rights because a registration statement has not been filed and no exemption from such registration statement under the Securities Act is available, the Depositary will, to the extent practicable, sell such holders’ preemptive rights or accretion rights and distribute the net proceeds thereof, if any, to the holders of ADSs, and such holders’ equity interest in us will be diluted proportionately. The Depositary has discretion to make rights available to holders of ADSs or to dispose of such rights and to make any net proceeds available to such holders. If, by the terms of any rights offering or for any other reason, the Depositary is not able to make such rights or such net proceeds available to any holder of ADSs, the Depositary may allow the rights to lapse.

ITEM 4. Information on the Company

In this Item 4, we present information first with respect to Buenaventura, followed by information with respect to Yanacocha, in which we have a 43.65% partnership interest.

BUENAVENTURA

Overview

We are Peru’s largest publicly traded precious metals company and are engaged in the exploration, mining and processing of gold, silver and, to a lesser extent, other metals in Peru. We currently operate the Orcopampa, Uchucchacua, Julcani and Mallay mines and have controlling interests in three other mining companies which operate the Colquijirca-Marcapunta, Tantahuatay and La Zanja mines. We also own an electric power transmission company, a hydroelectric plant, a processing plant and an engineering services consulting company and non-controlling interests in several other mining companies, including a significant ownership interest in Yanacocha, a Peruvian partnership that operates the largest gold mine in South America, and Cerro Verde, a Peruvian company that operates a copper mine located in the south of Peru. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our consolidated net sales were US$1,069 million and our consolidated net loss was US$328 million.

Discontinued operations. In 2014, we publicly announced our decision to sell four of our mining units: Poracota, Recuperada, Antapite and Shila-Paula. As a consequence, these mining units were presented in the Financial Statements as mining units held for sale.  According to IFRS 5 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations,” the related assets and liabilities are presented in the consolidated statement of financial position at the lower of cost and fair value less cost to sale. During 2016, we decided to change the classification of three mining units (Poracota, Recuperada and Shila-Paula) from mining units held for sale and begin finalizing the mine closures.  In December 2016, we sold the Antapite mining unit. In 2016, we started the final closing process of the Breapampa mining unit. As a result, income, costs and expenses related to this mining unit were classified as discontinued operations for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014. On January 2017, the Breapampa mining unit was sold. See Note 1(e) and Note 2.4(w) to the Financial Statements.

The table below summarizes the total production and our equity share of production for the Julcani, Orcopampa, Uchucchacua, Mallay, Colquijirca, La Zanja, Tantahuatay, Yanacocha and Cerro Verde mines for the year ended December 31, 2016:

Compañía de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A., a sociedad anónima abierta (open stock company) under the laws of Peru, was originally established in 1953 as a sociedad anónima (stock company) under the laws of Peru, and currently operates under the laws of Peru. Our registered office is located at Las Begonias 415 – Floor 19, Lima 27, Peru, telephone no. 511-419-2500. Our website may be found at http://www.buenaventura.com. The information on our website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this document.

History

During the first several decades of our operations, we focused on the exploration and development of silver mines in Peru, including our Julcani, Orcopampa and Uchucchacua mines. Beginning in the early 1980s, we began to explore for gold and other metals in Peru to diversify our business and reduce our dependence on silver. We expanded our mineral reserves through property acquisition and intensive exploration programs designed to increase reserves and production of gold. We also conducted exploration leading to the discovery of gold mineralization and subsequent production of gold at our Orcopampa, La Zanja, Breapampa and Tambomayo mines. In addition, we made significant equity investments in Yanacocha, which operates an open-pit gold mine in Peru, Cerro Verde, which operates an open-pit copper mine in Peru, and Coimolache, which owns the Tantahuatay gold mine that we operate. As a result of these initiatives, the majority of our revenues are now derived from the production of gold.

Business Strategy

Our strategy is to sustain our position as Peru’s largest, publicly-traded gold and silver mining company by expanding our reserves and production. We are currently engaged in an active exploration and mine development program and participate in several mining exploration projects with Newmont Mining, Southern Copper Corporation, Corporación Aceros Arequipa S.A. and Compañía de Minas Caudalosa S.A.C. In addition, we seek to increase the efficiency and capacity of our mining operations. We are aware of our social and environmental responsibilities and aim to excel in the prevention, mitigation and rehabilitation of mining-related disturbances.

Maintaining an Active Exploration Program

During 2016, we spent US$26.6 million on “exploration in non-operating areas” and US$96.1 million on “exploration in units in operations.” Our “exploration in non-operating areas” investments mainly focused on the following exploration projects: Tambomayo, Alejandra, Marcapunta, Pisacalla and Trapiche. Our “exploration in units in operations” investments were mainly focused in the Uchucchacua, Orcopampa and Julcani mining units.

In 2017, we intend to invest approximately US$100 to US$120 million in exploration in units in operations (mainly Tambomayo, Orcopampa and Uchucchacua) and US$20 to US$30 million mainly in the following explorations in non-operating areas: Trapiche, San Gabriel and Daniela, among others.

Participation in Mining Exploration Agreements

In addition to managing and operating precious metals mines, we participate in mining exploration agreements with mining partners to reduce risks, gain exposure to new technologies and diversify revenues to include other base metals, such as copper and zinc. See “B. Business Overview—Exploration.” We believe that maintaining our focus on mining operations complements our partnership strategy because the engineering and geological expertise gained from such operations enhances our ability to participate in and contribute to those projects.

Capital Expenditures

Our capital expenditures during the past three years have related principally to the acquisition of new mining properties, construction of new facilities and renewal of plant and equipment. Capital expenditures relating to exploration are not included in the table below and are discussed separately in “B. Business Overview— Exploration.” Set forth below is information concerning capital expenditures incurred by us in respect of each of our principal operating mines (not including capital expenditures for administrative purposes or other non-mining or non-energy subsidiaries) and by category of expenditure:

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We partially funded the El Brocal Expansion and the construction of the Huanza hydroelectric power plant with leasing facilities. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Buenaventura—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Long-Term Debt.”

We have budgeted approximately US$145 to US$175 million for capital expenditures for 2017. We continuously evaluate opportunities to expand our business within Peru, as well as in other countries as opportunities arise, and expect to continue to do so in the future. We may in the future decide to acquire part or all of the equity of, or undertake other transactions with, other companies involved in the same business as us or in other related businesses. However, there can be no assurance that we will decide to pursue any such new activity or transaction.

We mainly produce refined gold and silver, either as concentrates or doré bars, and other metals such as lead, zinc and copper as concentrates that we distribute and sell locally and internationally. The following table sets forth the production of the Orcopampa, Uchucchacua, Julcani, Mallay, La Zanja and Colquijirca-Marcapunta mines by type of product for the last three years, calculated in each case on the basis of 100% of the applicable mine’s production. Production from Cerro Verde, Yanacocha and Tantahuatay are not included in these production figures.

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Exploration

We view exploration as our primary means of generating value for our shareholders and we maintain a portfolio of active exploration projects at various stages of exploration for mineral resources in Peru. During 2016, we spent US$26.6 million on “exploration in non-operating areas” mainly focused in the Tambomayo, Alejandra, Marcapunta, Pisacalla and Trapiche exploration projects, and US$96.1 million on “exploration in units in operations” mainly focused in the Orcopampa, Uchucchacua and Julcani mining units. During 2017, we expect to invest approximately US$120 to US$150 million in these exploration activities.

Our exploration department develops programs and budgets for individual projects each year and we allocate, subject to board approval, the proper amount to fund each particular exploration program. Because of the nature of mining exploration and to maintain flexibility to take advantage of opportunities, we allocate budgeted amounts by property or project only in the case of high probability of success. We also allocate non-budgeted amounts over the course of the year to new projects that our technical team considers highly prospective.

We have active joint venture exploration agreements with other mining companies, including Newmont Peru S.R.L., Southern Copper Corporation, Corporación Aceros Arequipa S.A. and Compañía de Minas Caudalosa S.A.C. In this way we have access to financing for exploration of our own mining properties as well as third-party properties without the costs and risks of outright acquisition, increased exposure to new exploration technologies and expansion of knowledge and sharing of experiences of management, geologists and engineers. In these mining exploration agreements, we may be the operator, an equity participant, the manager or a combination of these and other functions.

The following table lists our principal exploration projects in non-operating areas, our effective participation in each project, our partners with respect to each project, the total number of hectares in each project, observed mineralization of each project and the exploration expenditures for each project during 2015 and 2016.

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The following table lists the mines in which we directed our principal explorations efforts, mineralization of each mine and the exploration expenditures for 2015 and 2016.

The following is a brief summary of current exploration activities conducted by Buenaventura directly and through joint exploration agreements, which we believe represent the best prospects for discovering new reserves. There can be no assurance, however, that any of our current exploration projects will result in viable mineral production or that any of the mineralization identified to date will ultimately result in an increase in our ore reserves. Set forth below is a map of our principal exploration projects in Peru as of December 31, 2016.

Exploration Projects in Non-Operating Areas

Trapiche.The Trapiche project consists of 36,798 hectares, with porphyry copper and skarn mineralization in the Apurimac region, Antabamba province and Juan Espinoza Medrano district. The Apurimac region is part of a mineralized belt known as the Abancay Batholith where several iron, copper and gold deposits have been identified. During 2017, we will focus on reaching an agreement with the Mollebamba community in order to improve the economic benefits to the community, which we anticipate will allow us to restart field activities and complete a prefeasibility study of this project.

San Gabriel. San Gabriel is located in the region of Moquegua and is wholly-owned by Buenaventura. This deposit is an intermediate sulfidation deposit hosted by diatreme breccia body at the sediment-intrusive contact. In 2017, we plan to invest US$0.47 million to conduct a follow-up survey on stream sediment anomalies outlined during the second half of 2016.

Daniela. The Daniela project is located in the Arequipa region within the highly prospective coastal Iron Oxide Copper Gold deposit/Porphyry belt of southern Peru, consisting of 18,400 hectares of mining concessions, of which we own 11,700 hectares and lease 6,700 hectares from Union Mines S.A.C. In 2017, we plan to invest US$1.39 million to conduct a drilling campaign of 2,500 meters.

Ccelloccasa. The Ccelloccasa project is an epithermal vein deposit located in the Ayacucho region and consists of 8,717 hectares of mining concessions wholly-owned by Buenaventura. During 2017, we plan to complete a geophysical survey and obtain the necessary environmental and social permits in order to conduct a drilling campaign in 2018.

Palla Palla.Palla Palla is located in the Ayacucho region. The property consists in 6,894 hectares of mining concessions owned by Cia. de Minas Caudalosa S.A., which has leased those hectares to Minera Azola S.A.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary. In 2016, we invested US$0.85 million to conduct 1,441 meters of diamond drilling. The results were not encouraging and we discontinued the project.

San Gregorio.San Gregorio is located in the Cerro Pasco region. During 2016, we invested in outreach efforts to engage with the Vicco community in order to regain the community’s confidence and cooperation, with the aim of re-activating the drilling program in 2017.

Exploration in Operating Areas

Uchucchacua. We are currently focusing our exploration efforts on the Yumpag project, which is located four kilometers northeast of the Uchucchacua mine. The project is an epithermal silver deposit, structurally influenced by the Cachipampa fault. This fault also influences significant areas of silver mineralization at the Uchucchacua mine. During 2016, we invested US$2.32 million and completed 8,885 meters of diamond drilling and conducted metallurgical tests with encouraging results. In 2017, we expect to invest US$3.41 million in order to conduct 10,000 meters of diamond drilling at this project.

Orcopampa. In 2016, we focused our exploration efforts on the Anquicha project, which is an epithermal deposit with gold mineralization in sandstone-hosted oxidized fractures and breccias. We completed geological mapping, sampling and column leach tests with encouraging results. However, the project will be kept on hold until an agreement is reached with the local community. We also explored the Apuñe project, located 3 kilometers along the south western trend of the of precious metals veins of the Chipmo mine. In Apuñe, we identified and sampled a linear trend of float blocks of quartz veins and hydrothermal breccias extending over approximately 2 kilometers with encouraging results. A geophysical survey shows a big structure to which the float blocks of quartz could be related. In 2017, we plan to invest US$1.03 million in brownfields exploration in Orcopampa.

Tambomayo. During 2016, we invested US$1.19 million to conduct geological mapping and sampling with encouraging results at the Gaby and Mayra projects. In 2017, we plan to conduct 2,600 meters of diamond drilling at the Asuncion project. In addition, we will continue the geological mapping and sampling at the Gaby Norte project. Finally, in Mayra, we expect to obtain the environmental permits necessary to conduct a drilling campaign in 2018.

Competition

We believe that competition in the metals market is based primarily upon cost. We also compete with other mining companies and private individuals for the acquisition of mining concessions and leases in Peru and for the recruitment and retention of qualified employees.

Sales of Metal Concentrates

All of our metal production is sold to smelters and traders, either in concentrate or metal form, such as gold-silver concentrate, silver-lead concentrate, zinc concentrate, lead-gold-copper concentrate, gold-copper concentrate and gold and silver bullion. Our concentrates sales are made under one- to three-year, U.S. Dollar-denominated contracts, pursuant to which the selling price is based on world metal prices as follows: generally, in the case of gold and silver-based concentrates, the London Spot settlement prices for gold, less certain allowances, and the London Spot or the U.S. Commodities Exchange settlement price for silver, less certain allowances; and, in the case of base-metal concentrates, such as zinc, lead and copper, the London Metals Exchange (“LME”) settlement prices for the specific metal, less certain allowances. Sales prices vary according to formulas that take into account agreed contractual average prices for a quotational period, generally being the month of, the month before, or the month following the scheduled month of shipment or delivery according to the terms of the contracts.

The historical average annual prices for gold and silver per ounce and our average annual gold and silver prices per ounce for each of the last two years and through March 31, 2017 are set forth below:

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Most of the sales contracts we enter into with our customers state a specific amount of metal or concentrate the customer will purchase. We have sales commitments from various parties for nearly all of our estimated 2017 production; however, concentrates not sold under any of our contracts may be sold on a spot sale basis to merchants and consumers.

Sales and Markets

The following table sets forth our total revenues from the sale of gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper in the past two fiscal years:

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Approximately 62.86% and 60.48% of our concentrate and gold bullion sales in 2015 and 2016 (without considering adjustments to prior periods, embedded derivatives from sale of concentrate or hedge operations), were sold outside Peru. Set forth below is a table that shows the percentage of sales of concentrate and gold bullion from our mines and gold bullion that was sold to our various customers from 2015 to 2016.

The following table shows our committed sales volumes of silver-lead, gold-silver and zinc concentrates from 2017 to 2019:

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Note: The price of the concentrate supplied under the contract is based on specified market quotations minus deductions.

We also sell refined gold, which is derived from our operations at Orcopampa, Coimoloache and La Zanja to Asahi Refining, or “Asahi,” which further refines the gold. During 2016, the price of gold supplied was determined based on, for the gold content, the quotation for gold at the London Gold Market PM fixing in U.S. Dollars, and for the silver content, the quotation for silver at the London Silver Market spot fixing in U.S. Dollars or at spot prices, minus, in each case, certain minimum charges, as well as charges for customs clearance and treatment of the gold (which varies depending on its gold and silver content). We may elect to have our material toll refined at Asahi’s works and returned to our account for sale to third parties. Pursuant to our agreement, we are responsible for delivering the gold to Asahi’s designated flight at the Lima airport.

Hedging/Normal Sales Contracts

We and our wholly-owned subsidiaries are completely unhedged as to the prices at which our gold and silver will be sold. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Factors Relating to the Company—Our financial performance is highly dependent on the prices of gold, silver, copper and other metals.”

El Brocal uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to changes in the price of metals. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.

El Brocal’s hedge is classified as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of gain or loss on the hedging instrument is initially recognized in the consolidated statements of changes in equity, under the caption other equity reserves, while the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of profit or loss in the finance costs caption. Yanacocha and Cerro Verde have not engaged in, and are currently not engaged in, gold or copper price hedging activities, such as forward sales or option contracts, to minimize their respective exposures to fluctuations in the price of gold and copper.

From January to December 2017, El Brocal had outstanding hedging commitments amounting to 16,107 metric tons of copper at an average fixed price of US$5,395 per ton.

Regulatory Framework

Mining and Processing Concessions

In Peru, as in many other countries, surface land is owned by private landowners, while the government retains ownership of all subsurface land and mineral resources. Our right to explore, exploit, extract, process and/or produce silver, gold and other metals is granted by the Peruvian government in the form of mining and processing concessions. The rights and obligations of holders of mining and/or concessions, provisional permits and processing concessions and other similar matters are currently set forth in the General Mining Law (Single Unified Text approved by Supreme Decree 014-92-EM), which is administered by the MEM.

Pursuant to the General Mining Law, filers of mining claims must obtain a mining concession before they may start any mining activity. Applications for mining concessions must be filed with the regional mining directors of each regional government where the mining concession is located and with Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico the Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute of Peru.

Mining concessions are irrevocable, provided the holder of a mining concession complies with the obligations set forth in the General Mining Law. Such concessions have an indefinite term, subject to payment of an annual concession fee per hectare claimed and achievement of minimum annual production for each hectare. Failure to achieve annual production targets will result in a fine. Failure to pay concession fees or fines for two consecutive years could result in the loss of one or more of the mining concessions. Failure to satisfy minimum annual production thresholds for a specified period of time (currently thirty years beginning the year after the mining concessions were granted for mining concessions granted after October 10, 2008, and thirty years beginning on January 1, 2019 for mining concessions granted before October 10, 2008) could result in cancellation of the mining concessions.

Our and Yanacocha’s processing concessions enjoy the same duration and tenure as our mining concessions, subject to payment of a fee based on nominal capacity of the applicable processing plant. Failure to pay processing fees or fines for two consecutive years could result in the loss of the processing concessions.

Our mining rights and processing concessions are in full force and effect under applicable Peruvian laws. We believe that we are in compliance with all material terms and requirements applicable to the mining rights and processing concessions and that we are not subject to any condition, occurrence or event that would cause the revocation, cancellation, lapse, expiration or termination thereof, except that we may, from time to time, allow to lapse, revoke, cancel or terminate mining rights and processing concessions that are not material to the conduct of our business.

In addition to obtaining mining rights from the Peruvian government, applicable Peruvian regulations require us to obtain easements or other rights from private landowners that own the surface land above the mineral resources that we intend to explore or mine. Supreme Decree 020-2008-EM requires us to obtain such easements or other rights before commencing exploration activities. We have been actively seeking to acquire land surface rights, easements for land containing prospective geological exploration target sites, deposits that can be exploited in the future and areas suitable for plants or facility sites. Regarding processing concessions, Article 35 of Supreme Decree Nº 018-92-EM, as amended (“Article 35”), requires holders of such concessions to own the land underlying the concession or to have the authorization of the owner of the land, deposits that can be exploited in the future and areas suitable as plant or facility sites. In the case of processing concessions, Article 35 requires holders of such concessions to own the land underlying the concession or to have the authorization of the owner of the land.

The possibility of developing mining activities in an urban area or urban expansion area is directly linked to the compatibility of such areas and the mining activity. The Law Regulating Mining Concessions in Urban Areas and Urban Expansion Areas and related regulations set forth procedures for the granting of mining rights in urban and urban expansion areas. To grant a mining concession in an urban area and an urban expansion area, the MEM is required to receive the approval of the council of the applicable provincial municipality. The council has sixty days to issue its decision. Mining concessions in urban expansion areas are granted for 10-year terms, which may be renewed by the MEM subject to the approval of municipal authorities, but cannot exceed 100 hectares.

Law No. 28964, which became effective on January 25, 2007, created the Organismo Supervisor de la Inversión en Energía y Minería(“OSINERGMIN”) as the government agency in charge of regulating and auditing the electricity, hydrocarbon and mining activities of companies. Law No. 28964 provides that the overview and audit of activities related to the environment, mining safety and health regulations may be performed by companies duly certified and approved by OSINERGMIN. However, pursuant to Supreme Decree 001-2010-MINAM, OSINERGMIN has transferred its environmental supervisory functions to the Environmental Evaluation and Oversight Agency (“OEFA”). Beginning July 22, 2010, OEFA assumed the authority to carry out unexpected audits and levy fines on companies if they fail to comply with enforceable environmental regulations and approved environmental assessments. According to Supreme Decree No. 128-2013-PCM, mining companies are required to make monetary contributions to OSINERGMIN and, according to Supreme Decree No. 130-2013-PCM, monetary contributions are also required to be made to OEFA.

With respect to employee safety and employer liability, Law No. 28964 has been replaced by Law No. 29783. Such employee safety and employer liability and related matters are now audited by the Ministerio de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo. Law No. 29783, as amended by Law No. 30222, establishes the minimum rules designed to prevent employee safety risks and allocate liabilities in relation to such risks. The main principle of this law is that the employer assumes the economic, legal and any other type of liability arising from accidents or diseases suffered by the employee while working and guarantees the employee’s health and safety in connection with the employee’s work. This legislation entitles labor inspectors to inspect commercial facilities and, under certain circumstances, suspend operations. By Supreme Decree N° 009-2012—TR, the Ministerio de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo transferred its security supervisory, audit and sanctioning functions to the National Labor Audit Entity– SUNAFIL. Such law amended the relevant provision of the criminal code, which currently establishes that a person who intentionally breaches the safety and health provisions, and who after being required by the relevant authority, does not adopt the measures contemplated in such provisions, is deemed to jeopardize the life, health or physical integrity of such person’s employees and may be held criminally liable for such behavior.

Environmental Matters

In 2005, Peru enacted the General Environmental Law (Law No. 28611), which establishes the main environmental guidelines and principles applicable in Peru. Pursuant to the General Environmental Law, the Ministry of the Environment issued national environmental regulations, which have gradually replaced prior guidelines governing governmental agencies environmental competencies. OEFA, as the environmental enforcement agency, has the authority to inspect mining operations and fine companies that fail to comply with prescribed environmental regulations and their approved environmental assessments.

Each mining company that began operations before May 1993 was required to file a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (“EVAP”), for each of its mining units to disclose any negative environmental impacts of its operations and, thereafter, to submit a follow-up Programa de Adecuación y Manejo Ambiental (“PAMA”) aimed at implementing measures to solve problems identified in the EVAP. Companies must correct those negative environmental impacts relating to their mining activities within five years, while smelters must take corrective measures within ten years. These companies must allocate funds in an amount corresponding to no less than 1% of their annual sales to redress the problems identified in their EVAPs and contemplated in their PAMAs.

In addition, the MEM has issued regulations that establish maximum permissible levels (“LMP”) of (i) emissions of liquid effluents and (ii) elements and compounds present in gaseous emissions resulting from the mining activities. Generally, mining rights holders and processing plants that were in operation before May 1993 were required to comply with LMP within 10 years. In the meantime, mining operators are required to prepare Environmental Adaptation and Management Programs, or PAMAs, that set forth plans to ensure compliance with more stringent LMP.

In May 2008, MINAM was established by Legislative Decree N° 1013. MINAM’s main functions include formulating and implementing policies and regulations relating to environmental matters and controlling pollution, including regulating air and water quality standards, through supervision and education.

In 2008 and 2010, MINAM enacted new water quality standards and new LMP for liquid effluents.  In 2009, all Peruvian mining companies were required to submit updated environmental management plans to the MEM that complied with water quality standards and new LMP for liquid effluents. At the end of 2015, Supreme Decree No. 015-2015 - MINAM (the “2015 Decree”) was published, which modified the water quality standards and established supplementary provisions related to compliance.

Under the 2015 Decree, mining companies must incorporate new water quality standards into affected Environmental Management Plans by (1) where the MEM has already approved such plan, submitting an updated plan or (2) where the MEM is currently evaluating a plan, submitting a modified plan.  The Company plans to submit updated and modified plans to the MEM as required by the 2015 Decree.

Regarding soil quality, on March 26, 2013, Supreme Decree No. 002-2014-MINAM became effective. It approves the Environmental Quality Standards (Estándares de Calidad Ambiental) (“ECA”) for soils, or “Standards,” which are applicable to any project or activity that may generate an environmental impact. Subsequently, on March 25, 2014, supplementary provisions for the application of the Standards were approved through Supreme Decree No. 002-2014-MINAM. Projects operating at the time those regulations came into force were required to submit the first phase of soil characterization within twelve months of the passage of the decree. Buenaventura and its associated companies submitted this information within the required time.

Since May 1993, new mining and processing activities have been required to file and obtain approval for a Semi-detailed Environmental Assessment (Estudio de Impacto Ambiental) (“EIAsd”) before being authorized to commence operations. New mining and plant processing activities are required to comply with the LMP from the initiation of their operations. In 2009, MEM approved the EIAsd for the La Zanja, Mallay, Tantahuatay and Esperanza projects. In 2010, MEM approved the EIAsd for the Angélica Rublo Chico project. In 2011, the MEM approved the EIAsd for our Orcopampa and Breampampa projects. MEM approved the modified EIAsd for the Mallay mine and the second modified EIAsd for the Shila cyanidation circuit in 2012. In 2014, MEM approved the modified EIAsd of Uchucchacua. In 2015, the EIAsd of Tambomayo was approved.

In 2012, Peru enacted Supreme Decree No. 020-2012-EM, which added Chapter XVII to the Mining Proceedings Regulations approved by Supreme Decree No. 018-92-EM. The new provisions require the approval of the General Mining Directorate of the MEM or of the relevant regional government before proceeding to start and re-start exploration, development, preparation and exploitation. The authorizations to start and re-start mining activities may need to be pre-approved by MEM if the mining activities affect indigenous or native people.

Regulations governing mining explorations. In May 2008, the Peruvian government enacted Supreme Decree 020-2008-EM, which governs mining exploration activities and related matters. Under Supreme Decree 020-2008-EM, exploration activities fall into two categories: Category I and Category II. Category I exploration activities are those involving no more than 20 drilling platforms or affecting a surrounding area that measures less than 10 hectares in size, while Category II exploration activities are those involving more than 20 drilling platforms and affecting an area larger than 10 hectares. For Category I exploration activities, an Environmental Impact Declaration (Declaración de Impacto Ambiental) (“DIA”) is required. For Category II exploration activities, a Semi-detailed EIA (Estudio de Impacto Ambiental) (“EIAsd”) that incorporates technical, environmental and social matters is required. Exploration activities must start within twelve months following the date that a DIA or EIAsd is approved. Both the DIA and the EIAsd must be approved before exploration activities begin. Any commitments assumed by mining companies in a DIA or EIAsd are mandatory and, if they are not fulfilled, OEFA has the authority to fine non-compliant mining companies. The regulation also provides that the holder of mining concessions will perform specified closure and post closure activities during exploration programs. In addition, fines can be imposed if exploration programs begin before the DIA and the EIAsd are approved, and the approval of environmental assessments for exploration activities performed within protected natural areas requires the approval of the competent authority. Exploration in Prehispanic Archeological Sites (referred to in Supreme Decree N° 004-2000-ED) is forbidden unless expressly authorized by the Ministry of Culture.

Also in May 2008, MEM enacted Supreme Decree 028-2008, which regulates the citizen participation process within the framework of environmental permit approval. The DIA and EIAsd provide local communities with an opportunity to actively engage in this process.

The following DIAs and EIAsd were approved in 2016

Investment Promotion Regulations. Supreme Decree 054-2013-PCM was passed to promote investment projects. It allows companies to submit a supporting technical report, ITS (Informe Técnico Sustentatorio), to modify ancillary components, capacity expansions, or introduce technological improvements. SENACE (EISd) and MEM (EID and EISsd) will then issue a compliance waiver within no more than 15 working days from the date of submission.

Regulations governing mine closures. In 2003, Law No. 28090, Ley que Regula el Cierre de Minas (Law that Regulates the Closing of Mines), established the obligations and procedures that mining companies must follow to prepare, submit and execute plans for the closing of mines, or “Closure Plans,” and the granting of financial environmental guarantees to secure compliance with Closure Plans. We are required to submit a Closure Plan for new projects to MEM within one year following approval of an EIA or PAMA; and inform MEM semi-annually of any progress on the conditions established in the Closure Plan. We are also required to perform the Closure Plan consistent with the schedule approved by MEM during the life of the project; and set up a financial environmental guarantee that covers the estimated amount of the Closure Plan.

In addition, Supreme Decree No. 020-2008-EM requires mining companies that perform exploration activities to conduct certain closing activities in accordance with the approved environmental assessment, subject to deferral under certain circumstances, and contemplates a Closure Plan to be submitted by the mining company following the terms and conditions of Supreme Decree Nº 033-2005-EM.

Our Closure Plans were approved by MEM for all of our mines and advanced explorations. To date, MEM has approved our Closure Plans for Julcani, Recuperada, Uchucchacua, Orcopampa, Poracota, Antapite, Caravelí, Shila, Paula, Esperanza, Pozo Rico, Mallay, Trapiche, Breapampa, Angélica Rublo Chico, Anamaray-Jancapata, La Zanja, Tantahuatay and Tambomayo.

The following mine closure plan modifications were approved in 2016:

On November 9, 2009 Supreme Decree No. 078-2009-EM became effective, creating additional environmental obligations for mining concessions holders. Under this provision, mining concessions holders that performed mining activities, including mining exploration, production and processing activities or related activities, without having an Environmental Certification are required to prepare and perform an Environmental Remediation Plan to address the environmental impact in the areas in which such activities have been conducted. Environmental Remediation Plans can only be filed once mining activities have ceased. Environmental Remediation Plans contain a detailed description of all the mining facilities and activities performed without the correspondent Environmental Certification, including maps and related information, a detailed description of the environmental impacts created by such activities, a detailed description of the remediation actions, a detailed description of the compensation that is proposed to be made, a budget and schedule of the remediation activities, including their costs, and a bond in favor of Ministerio de Energía y Minas (MINEM) for the cost of the execution of the measures contained in the Environmental Remediation Plan. Once the Environmental Remediation Plan is completed, mining concessions holders are required to inform the auditing entity so it can verify that the actions were carried out as approved. The auditing entity is required to send the respective report to the relevant authority so that the bond may be returned.

Law No. 28271, Law that Regulates the Environmental Liabilities of Mining Activities (Ley que Regula los Pasivos Ambientales de la Actividad Minera), came into force on July 7, 2004 and serves to regulate the identification of environmental liabilities and financial responsibility for remediation in mining activities, in each case to mitigate any negative impact mining may have with respect to the health of the population, environment and property. Pursuant to Law No. 28271, as amended by Law No. 28526 and Legislative Decree No. 1042, MEM’s technical branch will identify environmental liabilities, mining companies responsible for abandoned mining facilities, mining works and residue deposits that may be linked to such environmental liabilities and holders of inactive mining concessions with mining liabilities. Holders of inactive mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities will be required to submit a Closure Plan and enter into environmental remediation agreements with MEM to perform any studies and work necessary to control and mitigate the risk and effects of any contamination. Regulations under Law No. 28271, Regulations of Environmental Liabilities of Mining Activities (Reglamento de Pasivos Ambientales de la Actividad Minera), were approved by Supreme Decree No. 059-2005-EM.

We have presented Closure Plans to the MEM for all our mining concessions with environmental mining liabilities. To date, the Hualchocopa, Lircay, Bella Unión-Paucaray and Chaquelle mining units have all been closed and post-closure activities at each of these units are currently underway.

On November 12, 2014, a new regulation for the Environmental Protection and Management by-law was enacted, which covers mining production, processing, common labor, transport and storage, which sets forth a new set of requirements for these activities. Going forward, social and technical teams from MEM will accompany the collection of baseline information. Early involvement of the statutory authority throughout the environmental assessments process is expected to bring about shorter approval times.

On December 28, 2015, the Servicio Nacional de Certificación Ambiental (“SENACE”), which operates under the auspices of MINAM, took responsibility for the assessment and approval of detailed EIA submitted by private, public, or mixed-capital organizations. This development is consistent with the expansion of MINAM’s technical and regulatory capacities.

We anticipate additional laws and regulations relating to environmental matters will be enacted over time. The development of more stringent environmental regulations in Peru could impose additional constraints and additional costs on our operations, that would require us to make significant additional capital expenditures in the future. Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance with all applicable environmental regulations of which we are now aware, there is no assurance that future legislation or regulatory developments will not have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

In connection to the approval of environmental assessments, the Peruvian government has issued several decrees intended to simplify the issuance of permits, including Supreme Decree No. 054-2013-PCM (effective since June 2, 2013), Supreme Decree No. 060-2013-PCM (effective since May 26, 2013) and Ministerial Resolution No. 092-2014-MEM/DM (effective since May 27, 2014). We believe these provisions should facilitate the approval of environmental assessments for our new exploration projects and simplify the issuance of certificates of non-existence of archeological remains required for mining projects.

Prior Consultation with Local Indigenous Communities

In 2011, Peru enacted Law No. 29785, the Law of Prior Consultation for Indigenous and Native Communities (Ley del Derecho a la Consulta Previa a los Pueblos Indígenas y Originarios – ILO 169 Convention). This law establishes a prior consultation procedure that the Peruvian government must undertake in concert with local indigenous communities whose collective rights may be directly affected by new legislative or administrative measures. Under this law, the Peruvian governmental agency responsible for issuing or approving the administrative measure or decree in question, rather than the affected local indigenous community, retains the right to approve or reject the relevant legislative or administrative matter following such consultation. However, to the extent that any of our future projects require the promulgation of legislative or administrative measures that impact collective rights of local indigenous communities, the required prior consultation procedure may result in delays, additional expenses or failure to obtain approval for such new project.

Regulations under Law No. 29785 were approved by Supreme Decree No. 001-2012-MC, which became effective on April 2, 2012. These regulations specify the form and circumstances of the required consultation and the manner in which agreements will be formalized, and provide for a consultation process that lasts no more than 120 calendar days.

Permits

We believe that our mines and facilities have all necessary material permits to operate. All future exploration projects will require a variety of permits. Although we believe the permits for these projects can be obtained in a timely fashion, permitting procedures are complex, time-consuming and subject to potential regulatory delay. We cannot predict whether we will be able to renew our existing permits or whether material changes in existing permitting conditions will be imposed. Non-renewal of existing permits or the imposition of additional permitting conditions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Insurance

We maintain a comprehensive insurance program designed to address specific risks associated with our operations, in addition to covering the insured risks common to major mining companies. Our insurance program is provided through the local Peruvian insurance market and includes employers’ liability, comprehensive third-party general liability and comprehensive automobile liability, all risk property on a replacement basis, including transit risks, as well as business interruption insurance and mining equipment insurance.

Mining Royalties and Taxes

Under Peruvian law, holders of mining concessions are required to pay the Peruvian government a mining royalty (regalia minera) for the exploitation of metallic and non-metallic resources. In accordance with Law No. 28258, as amended by Law No. 29788, mining royalties are payable either as a specified percentage of operating profit or 1% of revenues, whichever is higher. If the mining royalty is calculated as a percentage of operating profit, marginal rates ranging from 1% to 12% that increase progressively for companies with higher operating margins will apply.

Mining companies that are a party to mining stabilization agreements will not be required to pay a mining royalty during the tenure of their stabilization agreements. Although we are not party to any stabilization agreements, Yanacocha currently has effective stabilization agreements for the Yanacocha, La Quinua and Maqui Maqui mines.

In addition to mining royalties, pursuant to Law No. 29789, effective from October 1, 2011, mining operations in Peru are subject to an extraordinary mining tax. Mining companies that do not have taxation stability agreements with the Peruvian government, such as Buenaventura, will pay the “Special Mining Tax” (Impuesto Especial a la Minería). The Special Mining Tax is calculated each quarter as a percentage of operating profit. Marginal rates ranging from 2% to 8.4% that increase progressively for companies with higher operating margins will apply. Mining companies that have stability agreements with the Peruvian government will pay the “Special Mining Duty” (Gravamen Especial a la Minería). The Special Mining Duty is calculated as a percentage of operating profit, with marginal rates ranging from 4% to 13.12% that increase progressively for companies with higher operating margins.

Safety

During 2016, we experienced 67 reportable injuries, which comprised of 64 lost-time injuries and three fatal injuries, as compared to 70 total reportable injuries during 2015, which comprised lost-time injuries and three fatal injuries. Under Peruvian legislation, reportable injuries include: accidental injuries resulting in lost-time, fatal accidents, accidents that require medical treatment or result in a loss of consciousness, an inability to perform all job duties on any workday after the injury or the temporary assignment or transfer to another job.  Injuries involving first-aid only are not reportable as they are considered minor accidents.

As of March 31, 2017, we conducted our mining operations, explorations projects and other activities directly and through various majority-owned subsidiaries, controlled companies and other associate companies as described in the following organizational chart:

Intermediate Holding Companies, Subsidiaries and Equity Participations

Compañía Minera Condesa S.A.

Compañía Minera Condesa S.A., or “Condesa,” our wholly-owned subsidiary, is a mining and facilities holding company with both direct and indirect ownership participation in Yanacocha. As a partner in Yanacocha, Condesa shares responsibility for the investments made in the Yanacocha mine. In addition, Condesa holds an equity interest in Chaupiloma, and, as a result, receives a portion of the royalty revenues paid by Yanacocha to Chaupiloma in an amount equal to its ownership interest. Condesa also holds a 7.70% interest in Buenaventura.

S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca

S.M.R.L. Chaupiloma Dos de Cajamarca, or “Chaupiloma,” is a Peruvian limited liability company that holds all of the mining rights for the areas mined by Yanacocha. Chaupiloma receives a royalty that is calculated as a percentage of the total revenues of Yanacocha. We own, directly and indirectly, through our interest in Condesa, a 60% interest in Chaupiloma. Newmont Peru owns the remaining 40% equity interest.

Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A. / Empresa de Generación Huanza S.A.

Consorcio Energético Huancavelica S.A., or “Conenhua,” is an electrical transmission company that provides a significant portion of our electrical needs through its transmission facilities. We own 100% of Conenhua and manage its operations. Conenhua obtained its concession for power transmission in the Huancavelica area in 1983 and subsequently obtained concessions in the Cajamarca and Arequipa regions, which enabled us to transmit electric power to certain of our mining units and affiliates, as well as to other mining companies and municipalities in the area, through our own facilities.

To secure a reliable energy supply from a clean and renewable source for our direct operations and projects at competitive prices, Conenhua, through its subsidiary Empresa de Generación Huanza S.A., or “Huanza,” was commissioned to construct a 90.6 megawatt (“MW”), capacity hydroelectric power plant in the valley of Santa Eulalia. This hydroelectrical plant began operating at full capacity in June 2014.

Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A.

Buenaventura Ingenieros S.A., or “BISA,” one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, has provided geological, engineering, design and construction consulting services to the mining sector for over 30 years. During this time, BISA has consulted in Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador on a range of projects, operations and expansions.

Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A.

During 2015, Buenaventura paid US$8.8 million to BISA in order to obtain 99.98% ownership of Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A., an insurance brokerage company that provides insurance brokerage and related services to us and our affiliates

Minera Julcani S.A. de C.V.

Minera Julcani S.A. de C.V. is one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and was created for the purpose of conducting mining activities in Mexico. Minera Julcani S.A. de C.V. has had no exploration activities since 2014, when the exploration agreement with Surutato Mining, S.A. de C.V., to conduct exploration activities within its property located in Sinaloa, Mexico, was terminated.

Inversiones Colquijirca S.A. / Sociedad Minera El Brocal S.A.A.

El Brocal owns the Colquijirca and Marcapunta Norte mines and the San Gregorio exploration project. El Brocal was formed in 1956 and is engaged in the extraction, concentration and sale of concentrates of polymetallic minerals, mainly copper, zinc, lead and silver. Currently, we own 61.32% of El Brocal through both direct and indirect ownership interests.

Minera La Zanja S.R.L.

La Zanja is located 35 kilometers northwest of the city of Cajamarca. La Zanja, which is currently 53.06% owned by us, began operations in September 2010 as an open-pit mine producing gold and silver.

Compañía Minera Coimolache S.A.

Coimolache is a mining company that owns the Tantahuatay mine which is located in the province and district of Hualgayoc in the Cajamarca region, which is 35 kilometers northwest of the Yanacocha mine. We hold a 40.10% interest and operate this mine, which commenced operations in mid-2011 as an open-pit mine producing gold and silver.

Ferrovías Central Andino S.A.

We hold 10% of Ferrovías Central Andino S.A. (“Ferrovías”), a railroad company, pursuant to a concession granted to a consortium of several companies in April 2000. Ferrovías provides transportation for concentrates from El Brocal’s mining operations.

Apu Coropuna S.R.L.

Buenaventura currently owns 70% of Apu Coropuna S.R.L., with the other 30% owned by Southern Peru Copper Corporation. Apu Coropuna S.A. was created for the purpose of conducting exploration within properties situated in Castilla, Arequipa.

Compañía de Minas Cerro Hablador S.A.C.

Compañía de Minas Cerro Hablador S.A.C., is our wholly-owned subsidiary created for the purpose of conducting exploration activities pursuant to our agreement with Corporación Aceros Arequipa S.A. Under this agreement, Corporación Aceros Arequipa S.A. granted us the exclusive right to conduct exploration activities within its properties situated in Livitaca, Cusco.

Procesadora Industrial Rio Seco S.A.

Procesadora Industrial Rio Seco S.A. is our wholly-owned subsidiary that owns and operates a monohydrate manganese sulphate crystallization plant situated in Huaral, Lima. This processing plant will allow mining from areas with high silver and manganese content within the Uchucchacua mine, which will improve silver recovery.

El Molle Verde S.A.C.

El Molle Verde S.A.C. is our wholly-owned subsidiary that develops the Trapiche project, located in the Apurimac region. See “—B. Business Overview—Exploration Projects in Non-Operating Areas” above for further information about this project.

YANACOCHA

A. History and Development of the Company

Founded in Peru in 1992, Yanacocha is one of the largest gold producers in South America, having produced 654,934 ounces of gold in 2016. Yanacocha’s operations are located in the Andes Mountains in Northern Peru in the region of Cajamarca, located approximately 600 kilometers north of Lima and north of the city of Cajamarca at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. The Yanacocha property consists of the following open-pit mines: Chaquicocha, Cerro Yanacocha, La Quinua Complex (La Quinua, El Tapado, El Tapado Oeste), Western Oxide pits (La Quinua Sur and Cerro Negro Oeste), Eastern Oxide pits (Quecher Norte) and Carachugo Alto. Mining activities in Maqui Maqui, Marleny and Cerro Negro Este ceased during 2016. Yanacocha also owns the Conga project, which is located approximately 24 kilometers northeast of the Yanacocha operating mine in the provinces of Celendin, Cajamarca and Hualgayoc.

As of December 31, 2016, Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves (excluding the Conga project, for which reserves were reclassified as resources or non-reserve mineralization (“NRM”) as of December 31, 2015) were estimated to be 4.4 million ounces of gold, representing a 14% decrease over Yanacocha’s proven and probable reserves as of December 31, 2015, which were estimated to be 5.1 million ounces of gold.

Proven and probable reserves are based on extensive drilling, sampling, mine modeling and metallurgical testing from which economic feasibility is determined. Under the Management Contract (as defined below), Newmont Mining, in conjunction with Yanacocha, calculates Yanacocha’s reserves by methods generally applied within the mining industry and in accordance with SEC Industry Guide 7. Reserves represent estimated quantities of proven and probable ore that, under present and anticipated conditions, may be economically mined and processed.

In 2016, Yanacocha produced 654,934 ounces of gold, compared to 917,691 ounces of gold produced in 2015. This decrease in gold production in 2016 as compared to 2015 was mainly attributable to: