KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

Kinross' attributable production decreased by 4% compared with 2016, primarily due to a decrease in production at Kupol due to lower grades, at Paracatu due to a temporary curtailment as a result of lower than average rainfall in the area, and at Maricunga due to the suspension of mining and crushing activities in 2016. These decreases were offset by higher production at Bald Mountain as a result of more ounces recovered from the heap leach pads and higher grades, as well as at Round Mountain and Tasiast due to higher grades.

Metal sales decreased by 5% in 2017 compared with 2016 due to a decrease in gold equivalent ounces sold, slightly offset by an increase in average metal prices realized.  The average realized gold price increased to $1,260 per ounce in 2017 from $1,249 per ounce in 2016. Gold equivalent ounces sold in 2017 decreased to 2,621,875 ounces from 2,778,902 ounces in 2016, primarily due to the decrease in production as described above.

Production cost of sales decreased by 11% compared with 2016, primarily due to the decrease in gold equivalent ounces sold as described above, as well as a decrease in operating waste mined at Fort Knox. These decreases were partially offset by higher production cost of sales at Bald Mountain due to an increase in gold equivalent ounces sold. The decrease in production cost of sales resulted in a 6% decrease in attributable production cost of sales per equivalent ounce sold compared with 2016.

During 2017, depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased by 4% compared with 2016, primarily due to the decrease in gold equivalent ounces sold at Kupol, Paracatu and Maricunga. This decrease was slightly offset by an increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization at Bald Mountain and Round Mountain due to an increase in gold equivalent ounces sold, as well as at Chirano due to an increase in gold equivalent ounces sold and a decrease in the mineral reserves as at December 31, 2016.

At December 31, 2017, upon completion of its annual assessment of the carrying value of its Cash Generating Units ("CGUs"), the Company recorded a net, after-tax, impairment reversal of $62.1 million. The impairment reversal was entirely related to property, plant and equipment and included after-tax impairment reversals at Tasiast and Fort Knox of $142.9 million and $86.2 million, respectively, partially offset by an after-tax impairment charge at Paracatu of $167.0 million. The impairment reversals at Tasiast and Fort Knox were mainly due to an increase in the Company's short-term and long-term gold price estimates, as well as Tasiast Phase Two progressing as planned and additions to Fort Knox's mineral reserve estimates. The impairment charge at Paracatu was mainly a result of changes in the fiscal regime in Brazil that were considered in the cash flow analysis used to assess its recoverable amount. The impairment charge at Paracatu is net of a tax recovery of $86.0 million and the impairment reversal at Fort Knox is net of a tax expense of $2.4 million. There was no tax impact on the impairment reversal at Tasiast. During 2016, the Company recorded impairment charges at Maricunga of $68.3 million against property, plant and equipment and $71.3 million against metals and supplies inventory as a result of the suspension of mining and crushing activities during the year.

Operating earnings increased to $336.5 million in 2017 from $46.3 million in 2016. The change in operating earnings was primarily due to lower impairment charges as well as increased margins (metal sales less production cost of sales).

On March 28, 2017, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with Goldcorp Inc. ("Goldcorp") to sell its 25% interest in the Cerro Casale project and its 100% interest in the Quebrada Seca exploration project in Chile. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a reversal of previously recorded impairment charges of $97.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 within other income (expense). On June 9, 2017, the Company completed the sale and recognized a gain on disposition of $12.7 million in other income (expense).

On May 18, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with White Gold Corp. to sell its 100% interest in the White Gold exploration project in the Yukon Territory. On June 14, 2017, the Company completed the sale and recognized a loss on disposition of $1.7 million in other income (expense).

On September 18, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with Integra Resources Corp. ("Integra") to sell its 100% interest in the DeLamar reclamation property ("DeLamar"). On November 3, 2017, the Company completed the sale and recognized a gain on disposition of $44.2 million in other income (expense).

During 2017, net earnings attributable to common shareholders were $445.4 million, or $0.36 per share, compared with a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $104.0 million, or $0.08 per share, in 2016.  The change was primarily a result of the increase in operating earnings, the impairment reversal recorded in relation to the sale of Cerro Casale, and gains recognized upon disposition of DeLamar, Cerro Casale and Quebrada Seca, as described above . In addition, an income tax recovery of $23.2 million was recorded in 2017, compared with an income tax expense of $49.6 million in 2016. The $23.2 million income tax recovery recognized in 2017 includes a net tax recovery of $83.6 million related to the impairment charge at Paracatu and the impairment reversal at Fort Knox, and an estimated net benefit of $93.4 million due to the enactment of U.S. Tax Reform legislation on December 22, 2017. The estimated net benefit includes a benefit of $124.4 million in respect of the collectability of the Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") credit, which is partially offset by the write-down of net deferred tax assets to reflect the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning January 1, 2018. Further guidance on the implementation and application of the U.S. Tax Reform legislation will be forthcoming in regulations to be issued by the Department of Treasury, legislation or guidance from the states in which the Company operates and directions from the Office of Management and Budget. Such legislation, regulations, directions and additional guidance may require changes to the estimated net benefit recorded and the impact of such changes will be accounted for in the period in which the legislation, regulations, directions, and additional guidance are enacted or released by the relevant authorities. The $49.6 million income tax expense recognized in 2016 included a $65.1 million recovery due to re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates with respect to the Brazilian real and the Russian rouble, $32.0 million of expense due to a proposal to reassess taxes which was received in the second quarter of 2016 and a tax benefit of $27.7 million realized by the Company as a result of the acquisition of Bald Mountain and the remaining 50% of Round Mountain. In addition, tax expense decreased due to differences in the level of income in the Company's operating jurisdictions from one period to the next. Kinross' combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate for 2017 was 26.5% (2016 – 26.5%).

Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders was $178 . 7 million, or $0.14 per share, for 2017 compared with adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $93.0 million, or $0.08 per share, in 2016.  The increase in adjusted net earnings was mainly due to the increase in margins described above.

During 2017, net cash flow provided from operating activities decreased to $951 . 6 million from $1,099.2 million in 2016 primarily due to less favourable working capital movements and higher taxes paid, partially offset by higher margins. Adjusted operating cash flow increased to $1,166.7 million from $926.7 million in 2016, primarily due to the increase in margins.

Capital expenditures increased by 42% in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily due to increased spending at Tasiast, Bald Mountain and Fort Knox, offset by lower spending at Kupol.

During 2017, attributable all-in sustaining cost per equivalent ounce sold and per ounce sold on a by-product basis decreased from 2016 largely due to lower production cost of sales. Attributable all-in cost per equivalent ounce sold and per ounce sold on a by-product basis increased compared with 2016, primarily due to an increase in non-sustaining capital expenditures.

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

Kinross' attributable production increased by 7% compared with 2015, primarily due to the acquisition of Bald Mountain and the remaining 50% of Round Mountain.  These increases were partially offset by lower production at Chirano due to a decrease in grades, at Tasiast due to lower recovery from the dump leach pads and the six week temporary suspension of operations, and at Maricunga as a result of the suspension of mining activities in 2016.

Metal sales increased by 14% in 2016 compared with 2015 due to an increase in metal prices realized and gold equivalent ounces sold.  The average realized gold price increased to $1,249 per ounce in 2016 from $1,159 per ounce in 2015 . Gold equivalent ounces sold in 2016 increased to 2,778,902 ounces from 2,634,867 ounces in 2015, primarily due to the increase in production described above.

Production cost of sales increased by 8% compared with 2015, primarily due to the increase in gold equivalent ounces sold as described above, as well as an increase in operating waste mined at Fort Knox, partially offset by lower costs at Maricunga, Tasiast and Kupol due to decreases in gold equivalent ounces sold, lower fuel and labour costs at Kupol, and favourable foreign exchange movements at Paracatu resulting from the effectiveness of the Company's hedge program.  The increase in production cost of sales resulted in higher attributable production cost of sales per equivalent ounce sold compared with 2015.

During 2016, depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased by 5% compared with 2015, primarily due to a decrease in the depreciable asset base at Fort Knox and Kupol. Additionally, depreciation was lower at Chirano related to an increase in mineral reserves at December 31, 2015 and a decrease in gold equivalent ounces sold. The decreases were partially offset by an increase in the depreciable asset base as a result of the acquisition of Bald Mountain and the remaining 50% of Round Mountain.

At September 30, 2016, the Company identified the suspension of mining at Maricunga as an indication of impairment and performed an impairment assessment to determine the recoverable amount of the Maricunga CGU. As the recoverable amount was lower than the carrying amount, an impairment charge of $68.3 million was recorded against property, plant and equipment. The Company also recorded an inventory impairment charge of $71.3 million related to metals and supplies inventory as a result of the suspension. During 2015, the Company recorded after-tax impairment charges of $430.2 million related to property plant and equipment, and impairment charges of $259.5 million related to inventory and other assets .

Operating earnings increased to $46.3 million in 2016 from an operating loss of $742.9 million in the same period of 2015. The change in earnings was primarily due to lower impairment charges as well as increased margins (metal sales less production cost of sales).

During 2016, net loss attributable to common shareholders was $104.0 million, or $0.08 per share, compared with a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $984.5 million, or $0.86 per share, in 2015.  The change was primarily a result of the increase in operating earnings described above. In addition, an income tax expense of $49.6 million was recorded in 2016, compared with an income tax expense of $141.7 million in 2015. The $49.6 million income tax expense recognized in 2016 included a $65.1 million recovery due to re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates with respect to the Brazilian real and the Russian rouble, $32.0 million of expense due to a proposal to reassess taxes which was received in the second quarter of 2016 and a tax benefit of $27.7 million realized by the Company as a result of the acquisition of Bald Mountain and the remaining 50% of Round Mountain. The $141.7 million tax expense in 2015 included a $30.3 million recovery due to impairment charges and $132.9 million of expense due to re-measurements of deferred tax assets and liabilities, as a result of significant fluctuations in foreign exchange rates with respect to the Brazilian real and the Russian rouble. In addition, tax expense decreased due to differences in the level of income in the Company's operating jurisdictions from one period to the next. Kinross' combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate for 2016 was 26.5% (2015 – 26.5%).

Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders was $93.0 million, or $0.08 per share, for 2016 compared with adjusted net loss attributable to common shareholders of $91.0 million, or $0.08 per share, in 2015.  The increase in adjusted net earnings was mainly due to the increase in margins described above.

During 2016, net cash flow provided from operating activities increased to $1,099.2 million from $831.6 million in 2015 and adjusted operating cash flow increased to $926.7 million from $786.6 million in 2015, both primarily due to the increase in margins.

Capital expenditures increased by 4% in 2016 compared with 2015, primarily due to increased spending resulting from the acquisition of Bald Mountain and the remaining 50% of Round Mountain as well as at Kupol, Tasiast and Chirano, partially offset by lower spending at Fort Knox, Maricunga and the Corporate and other segment.

During 2016, attributable all-in sustaining cost per equivalent ounce sold and per ounce sold on a by-product basis remained comparable with 2015. Attributable all-in cost per equivalent ounce sold and per ounce sold on a by-product basis increased compared with 2015, primarily due to an increase in non-sustaining capital and reclamation expenditures.

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

The price of gold is the largest single factor in determining profitability and cash flow from operations, therefore, the financial performance of the Company has been, and is expected to be closely linked to the price of gold.  Historically, the price of gold has been subject to volatile price movements over short periods of time and is affected by numerous macroeconomic and industry factors that are beyond the Company's control.  Major influences on the gold price include currency exchange rate fluctuations and the relative strength of the U.S. dollar, the supply of and demand for gold and macroeconomic factors such as the level of interest rates and inflation expectations.  During 2017, the price of gold fluctuated between a low of $1,150 per ounce in January to a high of $1,358 per ounce in September.  The average price for the year based on the London Bullion Market Association PM Fix was $1,257 per ounce, a $6 per ounce increase over the 2016 average price of $1,251 per ounce.  Major influences on the gold price in 2017 included the weakening of the U.S. dollar, negative interest rate policies in Japan and Europe and strong equity markets.  Gold weakened with the U.S . Federal Reserve raising interest rates by 75 basis points but rebounded after the interest rate announcements.  Investors buying gold exchange-traded funds ("ETF") increased during 2017.  In 2017, gold ETF holdings increased throughout the year, ending the year near the 2016 peak holdings.  Gold was also impacted by the continued uncertainty over Brexit and the political climate in the U.S .

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

Tasiast Phase One and Phase Two expansion

The Tasiast Phase One project development is progressing well, and continues to be on time and on budget, with full commercial production expected by the end of June. Plant construction is now 93% complete and the remaining work is now focused on electrical, instrumentation and controls installations. Mechanical installation of the primary crusher, conveyor, stockpile and carbon-in-leach ("CIL") plant modifications, which includes the cyclones, three leach tanks and elution circuit, are now substantially complete. Commissioning of the primary crusher and CIL plant is expected to begin in late February, and the SAG mill in April.

The Tasiast Phase Two project is proceeding on schedule, as Phase One nears completion. Project and construction teams are expected to transition from Phase One to Phase Two development to establish continuity between projects. Overall engineering is now 33% complete and procurement is progressing well, with the power plant and EPCM contracts now awarded. Early works for the ball mill and power plant are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2018. Phase Two is expected to begin commercial production in the third quarter of 2020.

The Company is considering an asset level financing for Tasiast and has initiated discussions to better understand the level of interest from potential primary lenders. Once initial feedback has been received, the Company will decide whether to proceed and identify additional potential lenders in order to complete the financing.  Also in connection with Tasiast, the Company has completed a political risk insurance policy agreement with the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, a member of the World Bank.

Bald Mountain Vantage Complex

The Vantage Complex project is proceeding on schedule, with initial construction work now well underway and engineering more than 80% complete. Permitting is proceeding as planned and   contractors for more than half the scope of the project work have been selected. Commissioning for the proposed heap leach pad and processing facilities is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2019.

Moroshka project

At the Moroshka satellite deposit in Russia, located approximately four kilometres east of Kupol, development of the twin declines continues to proceed on schedule and on budget. Mining of high-grade ore at Moroshka is expected to commence in the second half of 2018 for processing in the Kupol mill.

Round Mountain Phase W

Stripping, initial construction and site preparation activities commenced ahead of schedule in late 2017 after the receipt of the Decision Record and other approvals from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The construction management team for Phase W has been mobilized to site and earthworks have begun in the project area. Detailed engineering is progressing on schedule, with heap leach engineering complete and mine infrastructure and processing facility engineering approximately 50% complete. Procurement activities are underway for critical long lead items and tracking according to plan. State permitting is proceeding as planned, with all major permits now received. The Phase W project remains on schedule, with initial low grade ore expected to be encountered in mid-2019.

Fort Knox Gilmore

Permitting activities have commenced and feasibility study activities are ongoing for the Gilmore project. The feasibility study, which is expected to be completed in mid-2018, is assessing a multi-phase layback of the Fort Knox pit and the construction of a new heap leach pad. The Company gained mineral rights to the Gilmore land, which is located immediately west of the Fort Knox pit, on December 12, 2017. As a result, the Company added 2.1 million gold ounces in estimated measured and indicated resources and 300,000 ounces in estimated inferred resources. This was offset by a conversion of 254,000 ounces of mineral resources to mineral reserves, for a net addition of 1.8 million ounces to measured and indicated resource estimates. An additional 199,000 ounces was added to estimated inferred resources from exploration and engineering for a total increase of 499,000 ounces to inferred resource estimates.

 

Tasiast Sud project

The Tasiast Sud pre-feasibility study ("PFS") is proceeding as planned and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2018. The PFS is contemplating a potential dump leach operation that would combine materials from multiple deposits in the area, and the trucking of high grade ore to the Tasiast mill, located approximately 10 kilometres north of the project. The Company added approximately 820,000 ounces to inferred mineral resource estimates at Tasiast Sud in 2017.

La Coipa restart project

Compania Minera de Oro ("MDO"), a subsidiary of the Company, currently holds a 50% ownership interest in the Phase 7 deposit through its 50% ownership of Minera La Coipa ("MLC"), with the remaining 50% held by Salmones de Chile Alimentos S.A. ("SDCA").  Pursuant to an agreement signed on February 2, 2018, MDO, MLC and SDCA have agreed, among other things, to spin out the Phase 7 concessions into a new company and MDO has agreed to purchase SDCA's 50% interest in such company in exchange for payments to SDCA totaling $65 million ($35 million on closing and $30 million on or before January 31, 2019).  Following completion of the transaction, MDO will have a 100% ownership interest in the Phase 7 deposit. The transaction is subject to certain conditions and is expected to close within 90 days.

In 2017, approximately 844,000 ounces of gold and 34 million ounces of silver at Phase 7 and Puren, which comprise the La Coipa Restart project, was converted to estimated mineral reserves from estimated mineral resources. The scope of work contemplated by the project PFS included modifications and enhancements to the existing plant and infrastructure in order to allow blending and processing of higher grade material from the Phase 7 deposit with oxide/transition material from the existing Puren deposit. The Company received approval on the project Declaration of Impact to Environment ("DIA") permit in 2016 and expects to receive sectoral permits in the first half of 2018.

Paracatu update

Paracatu resumed mining and processing activities in the fourth quarter of 2017 as sufficient water became available. The Company continues to advance its water mitigation efforts to prepare for potential lower rainfall levels in the future. These efforts include securing ground water rights and installation of wells around the site.

Brazilian royalty legislation

On July 26, 2017, Brazilian President Temer signed certain provisional measures related to the mining sector which, among other things, increase the royalty on gold and on silver from 1% and 0.2% of net sales, respectively, to 2% of gross revenues. The royalty increase for gold was subsequently reduced to 1.5%. The law was approved and came into force as of January 1, 2018.

Paracatu optimization studies

Kinross has recently completed initial optimization and analysis work for Paracatu. The optimization and analysis work focused on determining the optimal mine plan after taking into account changes undertaken at Paracatu over the past few years. The optimization work also assessed the impact of throughput variances in quartzite‐impacted zones, lower realized recoveries in certain zones of the ore body, water mitigation projects, local cost inflation, and changes to the fiscal regime in Brazil. The technical work resulted in an increase of 332,000 ounces to the site's mineral reserves estimates before 2017 depletion and expects to extend Paracatu's mine life to 2032.

Recent Transactions

Disposition of Interest in Cerro Casale

On March 28, 2017, the Company announced it had entered into an agreement to sell its 25% interest in the Cerro Casale project, and its 100% interest in the Quebrada Seca exploration project in Chile to Goldcorp.

On June 9, 2017, the Company completed the sale for gross cash proceeds of $260.0 million (which included $20.0 million for Quebrada Seca), a contingent payment of $40.0 million following a construction decision for Cerro Casale, the assumption by Goldcorp of a $20.0 million contingent payment obligation payable to Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick") when production at Cerro Casale commences, and a 1.25% royalty on 25% of gross revenues from all metals sold at the properties (with the Company foregoing the first $10.0 million). Additionally on closing, the Company entered into a water supply agreement with the Cerro Casale joint venture to have certain rights to access, up to a fixed amount, water not required by the Cerro Casale joint venture.

Disposition of Interest in White Gold

On May 18, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with White Gold Corp. to sell its 100% interest in the White Gold exploration project in the Yukon Territory.

On June 14, 2017, the Company completed the sale for gross cash proceeds of $7.6 million (CDN$10.0 million), 17.5 million common shares of White Gold Corp. representing 19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of White Gold Corp., and deferred payments of $11.4 million (CDN$15.0 million), payable in three equal payments of $3.8 million (CDN$5.0 million) upon completion of specific milestones.

Completion of $500.0 million Unsecured Debt Offering

On July 6, 2017, Kinross completed a $500.0 million offering of debt securities consisting of 4.50% senior notes due 2027. Kinross received net proceeds of $494.7 million from the offering, after payment of related fees and expenses. The notes rank equally with the Company's existing senior notes. The proceeds from this transaction were used to fully repay the outstanding balance of the $500.0 million term loan on July 12, 2017.

Disposition of Interest in DeLamar

On September 18, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement with Integra to sell its 100% interest in DeLamar.

On November 3, 2017, the Company completed the sale for cash consideration and a non-interest bearing promissory note, payable 18 months after closing, totaling $5.6 million (CDN$7.2 million), common shares representing 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Integra, and a 2.5% net smelter return royalty that will be reduced to 1% when royalty payments have accumulated to $7.8 million (CDN$10.0 million).

Acquisition of Power Plants in Brazil

On February 14, 2018, Kinross Brasil Mineração ("KBM"), a subsidiary of the Company, signed an agreement to acquire two hydroelectric power plants in the State of Goias, Brazil from a subsidiary of Gerdau SA for $257.0 million. The two plants are expected to secure a long-term supply of power and lower production costs over the life of the mine at Paracatu. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in approximately three to six months.

Other Developments

Board of Directors update

Kinross has appointed Mr. Kerry Dyte to its Board of Directors effective as of November 8, 2017.

Mr. John M.H. Huxley, who has been a Kinross Board member since 1993, retired effective as of December 31, 2017.

KINROSS GOLD CORPORATION

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

For the year ended December 31, 2017