Agnico Eagle Mines Reports First Quarter 2017 Results

TORONTO, April 27, 2017 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM, TSX:AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today reported quarterly net income of $76.0 million, or $0.33 per share, for the first quarter of 2017.  This result includes non-cash foreign currency translation gains on deferred tax liabilities of $7.9 million ($0.03 per share), non-recurring gains of $3.5 million ($0.02 per share), unrealized gains on financial instruments of $2.8 million ($0.01 per share), various mark-to-market and other adjustment losses of $1.4 million ($0.01 per share) and non-cash foreign currency translation losses of $0.9 million (nil per share).  Excluding these items would result in adjusted net income¹ of $64.1 million or $0.28 per share for the first quarter of 2017.  In the first quarter of 2016, the Company reported net income of $27.8 million or $0.13 per share.

Not included in the first quarter of 2017 adjusted net income above is non-cash stock option expense of $7.6 million ($0.03 per share).

In the first quarter of 2017, cash provided by operating activities increased by greater than 50% to $222.6 million ($224.7 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital) compared with cash provided by operating activities of $145.7 million in the first quarter of 2016 ($167.5 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).  The increase in cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital during the current period was mainly due to a combination of higher gold sales volumes and realized prices (approximately 7% and 3%, respectively).

"Operationally, 2017 has started strongly with solid performance on both the production and cost fronts.  Higher gold production at lower costs has resulted in stronger cash flow generation and has allowed us to increase our production guidance for the year", said Sean Boyd, Agnico Eagle's Chief Executive Officer.  "In the first quarter we also made very good progress at several of our growth projects with Meliadine progressing as expected, the Canadian Malartic extension receiving government approval and the Goldex Deep project ahead of schedule and under budget", added Mr. Boyd.

First Quarter 2017 highlights include:

• Strong production and cost performance continue – Payable gold production² in the first quarter of 2017 was 418,216 ounces of gold at production costs per ounce of $578, total cash costs³ per ounce of $539 and all-in sustaining costs per ounce⁴ ("AISC") of $741
• Full year production guidance increased – Production is now expected to exceed 1.57 million ounces compared to previous guidance of 1.55 million ounces. The increase reflects the extension of the mine life at Lapa to the end of the second quarter of 2017
• Canadian Malartic Extension project receives Government of Quebec approval – Production activities at the project are currently forecast to begin in late 2019, subject to obtaining ancillary certificates of authorization and the progress of the road diversion
• Goldex Deep 1 production expected to come in ahead of schedule and under budget – At the end of the first quarter of 2017 construction was 75% complete, while mine infrastructure development was 100% complete. Deep 1 is now expected to start ramping up production in the third quarter of 2017, approximately one quarter ahead of schedule. Production guidance at Goldex is unchanged at this time but will be reviewed next quarter
• Exploration drilling at Amaruq extends and infills Whale Tail Deposit to the west and infills V Zone – Recent drilling indicates the potential to increase the depth of the western part of the Whale Tail pit, and expand the Whale Tail pit farther to the west. An infill drill program in the near-surface portion of the V Zone has confirmed high gold grades in multiple lenses
• Meliadine project on schedule and budget – Underground development is 5% above plan and engineering was 67% complete at the end of March 2017. Construction activities are progressing well with the concrete batch plant being commissioned and pile installation restarted in March. Full camp facilities are expected to be completed in May ahead of the barge season
• A quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share was declared

First Quarter Financial and Production Highlights – Higher Gold Production, Lower Production Costs

In the first quarter of 2017, strong operational performance continued at the Company's mines, which led to payable gold production of 418,216 ounces compared to 411,336 ounces in the first quarter of 2016.  The higher level of production in the 2017 period was primarily due to higher grades at LaRonde and Meadowbank.  A detailed description of the production of each mine is set out below.

Production costs per ounce for the first quarter of 2017 were $578, which was lower than the $593 in the 2016 period.  Production costs per ounce were positively affected by higher gold production levels at LaRonde and Meadowbank.  Total cash costs per ounce for the first quarter of 2017 were 6% lower at $539 compared to $573 per ounce for the first quarter 2016.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 were positively affected by a combination of higher production of gold and by-product metals at LaRonde and higher production levels at Meadowbank compared to the first quarter of 2016. A detailed description of the cost performance of each mine is set out below.

AISC for the first quarter of 2017 were 7% lower at $741 per ounce compared to $797 in the first quarter of 2016.  The lower AISC is primarily due to lower total cash costs per ounce and lower sustaining capital expenditures compared to the first quarter of 2016.  AISC in 2017 remain forecast to be between $850 and $900 per ounce, but will be reviewed on an ongoing basis through 2017.

Cash Position Remains Strong

Cash and cash equivalents and short term investments increased to $804.3 million at March 31, 2017, from the December 31, 2016 balance of $548.4 million.  The increase in cash and cash equivalents was largely as a result of the issuance of common shares announced in the Company's news release of March 27, 2017, but also due to strong cash generation at the mines.

The outstanding balance on the Company's credit facility remained nil at March 31, 2017.  This results in available credit lines of approximately $1.2 billion, not including the uncommitted $300 million accordion feature.

Capital Expenditures

Total capital expenditures (including sustaining capital) in 2017 remain forecast to be approximately $850 million.  The following table sets out capital expenditures (including sustaining capital) in the first quarter of 2017.

Revised 2017 Guidance – Production Increased 

Production for 2017 is now forecast to exceed 1.57 million ounces of gold as a result of the Lapa mine life extension to the end of the second quarter of 2017 (previously 1.555 million ounces). Total cash costs per ounce in 2017 remain forecast to be between $595 and $625 per ounce.  Production and total cash costs will be reviewed on an ongoing basis through 2017.

Dividend Record and Payment Dates for the Second Quarter of 2017

Agnico Eagle's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share, payable on June 15, 2017 to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2017.  Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Other Expected Dividend and Record Dates for 2017

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Please see the following link for information on the Company's dividend reinvestment plan: Dividend Reinvestment Plan

First Quarter 2017 Results Conference Call and Webcast Tomorrow

Agnico Eagle's senior management will host a conference call on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 8:30 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company's financial and operating results.

Via Webcast:
A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.agnicoeagle.com.

Via Telephone:
For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191.  To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

Replay archive:
Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 50920688.  The conference call replay will expire on May 28, 2017.

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

Annual Meeting

The Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM") will begin on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11:00 am (E.D.T).  The AGM will be held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Grand Ballroom) - 123 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON.

During the AGM management will provide an overview of the Company's activities.  For those unable to attend in person, the alternatives to participate are listed below.

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

Via Telephone:
For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191.  To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the AGM.

Replay archive:
Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 50915952.  The conference call replay will expire on May 28, 2017.

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

NORTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

ABITIBI REGION, QUEBEC

Agnico Eagle is currently Quebec's largest gold producer with a 100% interest in three mines (LaRonde, Goldex and Lapa) and a 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine.  These mines are located within 50 kilometres of each other, which provides operating synergies and allows for the sharing of technical expertise.

LaRonde Mine – Higher Grades From Lower Mine Drive Strong First Quarter Performance

The 100% owned LaRonde mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in 1988.  The LaRonde mine produced its five millionth ounce in 2016.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne⁵ in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels and higher costs in the mill.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher gold production from the lower mine and higher by-product metal revenues.

At the LaRonde 3 project, studies are continuing to assess the potential to extend the mineral reserve base and carry out phased mining activities between a depth of 3.1 kilometres and 3.7 kilometres.

In 2016, the first mineral reserves were declared in the eastern portion of LaRonde 3 and additional inferred mineral resources were declared in the western portion of LaRonde 3.  Further drilling is being carried out to assess the vertical extent of the mineralization.

LaRonde Zone 5 – Permit Received for Surface Construction

In 2003, the Company acquired the LaRonde Zone 5 project from Barrick Gold Corporation.  The property lies adjacent to and west of the LaRonde mining complex and previous operators exploited the deposit by open pit.  In February 2017 LaRonde Zone 5 was approved by Agnico Eagle's Board of Directors for development (subject to permitting approval).  Permits are expected to be received by mid-2018 with underground mining expected to commence shortly thereafter.

In the first quarter of 2017, the certificate of authorization for surface construction was received and mobilization is currently underway.  For additional details on the project see the Company's news release dated February 15, 2017.

Canadian Malartic Mine – Canadian Malartic Extension Project Receives Government of Quebec Approval

In June 2014, Agnico Eagle and Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Osisko Mining Corporation and created the Canadian Malartic General Partnership (the "Partnership").  The Partnership owns and operates the Canadian Malartic mine in northwestern Quebec through a joint management committee.  Each of Agnico Eagle and Yamana has an indirect 50% ownership interest in the Partnership.  All volume numbers in this section reflect the Company's 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine except as noted.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to a higher amount of stripping costs being capitalized and timing of unsold inventory.  The average stripping ratio in the first quarter of 2017 was 1.95 to 1.0.  Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 were lower when compared to the prior-year period due to a higher amount of stripping costs being capitalized.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.

On April 10, 2017, the Quebec Superior Court dismissed the application for an interlocutory injunction.  No dates have been set for the hearing of the application for a permanent injunction to restrict the Canadian Malartic mine's mining operations to sound levels and mining volumes below the limits to which it is subject.  For additional information see the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2016.

On April 19, 2017, the Government of Quebec announced the issuance of two decrees authorizing the Partnership to carry out the proposed expansion of the Canadian Malartic mine and the diversion of Highway 117 in Malartic (the "Project").  The preparatory work for the Project will begin after obtaining the certificates of authorization to be issued by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change.

Diversion plans will include a temporary bridge over Highway 117 to minimize the impact of the construction work on local traffic. The road construction is expected to occur over a two-year period.  The Company's most recent production guidance assumes a modest contribution from the Project in late 2019.

The approval of the Project provides greater operating flexibility and allows for mill throughput of 55,000 tonnes per day ("tpd"). The decree sets the maximum extraction rate at 241,000 tpd (ore and waste) as long as noise and dust thresholds are not exceeded.

Drilling at Odyssey Focused on Internal Zones and Infilling the South Zone

At the Canadian Malartic mine, exploration programs are ongoing to evaluate several targets that are underground or close to current pit limits.  In addition, the Partnership continues to explore the Odyssey project, which is located approximately 1.5 kilometres east of the current limit of the Canadian Malartic open pit. Both of these opportunities have the potential to provide new sources of ore for the Canadian Malartic mill.

During the first quarter of 2017, 34 holes (totaling 22,676 metres) were drilled at Odyssey with a primary focus on further defining the internal mineralized zones between the Odyssey North and South Zones and expanding the mineral resources in Odyssey South. 

Drilling carried out to date suggests that these internal zones could increase the mineral resources and enhance the economics of the project by adding higher grade mineral resources that would require minimal additional infrastructure to access.

Lapa – Mine Life Extended into Second Quarter 2017

The 100% owned Lapa mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in May 2009.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due lower throughput levels and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels and timing of unsold inventory.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production.

During the quarter, additional target zones at depth were approved for mining from the Zone Deep East and Zone 7 Deep areas. Under the current mine plan, Lapa is expected to operate until the end of the second quarter of 2017. Total gold production for 2017 is now forecast to be 30,000 ounces, up from the previous forecast of 15,000 ounces.

Goldex – Production from Goldex Deep 1 Now Expected to Begin in the Third Quarter of 2017

The 100% owned Goldex mine in northwestern Quebec began production from the M and E satellite zones in September 2013.

During the first quarter of 2017, approximately 58,000 tonnes of development ore from the Deep 1 project was milled and yielded 2,395 ounces of pre-commercial gold production.  The revenue from the pre-commercial gold production was deducted from the capital expenditures of the project.  The Company expects approximately 7,000 ounces of pre-commercial gold production from the Deep 1 project in 2017 (the table above includes pre-commercial production).

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels (after deducting development ore tonnage) and lower productivity from smaller stopes.  Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production (after deducting development ore ounces).

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels (after deducting development ore tonnage) and lower productivity from smaller stopes. Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production (after deducting development ore ounces).

Construction of the Deep 1 project is now 75% complete with remaining activities focused on the rock hammer room and the dump loop for the Rail-Veyor ore transport system.  Mine infrastructure development is 100% complete and production from the Deep 1 Zone is expected to start ramping up in the third quarter of 2017, which is approximately one quarter ahead of schedule.  The Deep 1 project initial capital costs are expected to be below the July 2015 budget of $135 to $140 million, largely due to the positive foreign exchange rate movements.   Production guidance at Goldex is unchanged at this time.

An internal technical study is underway to evaluate the potential to mine a portion of the Deep 2 Zone, which starts below the Deep 1 Zone at 1200 metres below surface.

Drilling is underway on the South Zone, which is accessible from the Deep 1 Zone infrastructure.  The South Zone consists of quartz veins that have higher grades than those in the primary mineralized zones at Goldex.  The Company is evaluating the potential for the South Zone to provide incremental ore feed to the Goldex mill.

At the adjoining Joubi property, exploration activities by previous operators focused on the evaluation of quartz vein mineralization within a quartz diorite body. A six-hole drill program is planned to evaluate the potential for bulk mining within the Joubi intrusive body.

Agnico Eagle acquired the Akasaba West gold-copper deposit in January 2014.   Located less than 30 kilometres from Goldex, the Akasaba West deposit could create flexibility and synergies for the Company's operations in the Abitibi region by utilizing extra milling capacity at both Goldex and LaRonde, while reducing overall costs. The public hearing process has been completed at Akasaba and permitting activities are expected to continue through 2017. The Company expects to begin sourcing open pit ore from Akasaba West in 2019 after the necessary permits are received. 

NUNAVUT REGION

Agnico Eagle has identified Nunavut as a politically attractive and stable jurisdiction with enormous geological potential.  With the Company's largest producing mine (Meadowbank) and two significant development assets (the Meliadine project and the Amaruq satellite deposit at Meadowbank) and other exploration projects, Nunavut has the potential to be a strategic operating platform with the ability to generate strong production and cash flows over several decades.

Meadowbank – Near-term Options to Extend Production Remain Under Review

The 100% owned Meadowbank mine in Nunavut, northern Canada, achieved commercial production in March 2010.  The mine produced its two millionth ounce of gold in 2015.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized and timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due lower total tonnage mined.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production and the reason described above.

Studies are ongoing to reduce the potential production gap between the end of the mine life at Meadowbank and the start of operations at Amaruq in 2019.

Amaruq Satellite Deposit – Exploration Drilling Extends and Infills Whale Tail Deposit to the West and Infills V Zone

Agnico Eagle has a 100% interest in the Amaruq satellite deposit which is located approximately 50 kilometres northwest of the Meadowbank mine.  Amaruq is situated on a 116,717-hectare property near the 77,411-hectare Meadowbank property.  A significant gold discovery was made on the Amaruq property in 2013, and activities since that time have focused on the development of satellite mineralization to feed the existing 11,000 tpd Meadowbank mill.

At December 31, 2016, the Amaruq deposit contained an open pit indicated mineral resource of 2.1 million ounces gold (16.9 million tonnes grading 3.88 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold); an open pit inferred mineral resource of 763,000 ounces gold (4.9 million tonnes grading 4.81 g/t gold); and an underground inferred mineral resource of 1.4 million ounces gold (6.8 million tonnes grading 6.22 g/t gold).

In 2016, the Company completed an internal technical study on Amaruq. Based on this study, the Company has approved the project for development pending the receipt of the required permits.

Agnico Eagle is working closely with the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB") and the Nunavut Water Board ("NWB") on the Amaruq Phase I (Whale Tail pit) joint permitting process. NIRB/NWB has coordinated the technical review of Amaruq Phase I, which is underway; technical meetings and a prehearing conference will be held in Baker Lake, Nunavut, from April 28, 2017 to May 2, 2017.  The final public hearing is expected to take place in September 2017.  The Whale Tail pit permitting is on schedule and permits are expected to be received by the third quarter of 2018.

In the internal technical study, a conventional open pit mining operation is contemplated to begin on the Whale Tail satellite deposit (Phase I) in the third quarter of 2019 followed by the V Zone pit (Phase II) in 2020.  The Whale Tail and V Zone planned pits extend to depths of approximately 250 metres and 150 metres, respectively, and both pits are open for expansion.

The plan set out in the study contemplates the production of approximately 2.0 million ounces of gold between 2019 and 2024, with pre-mining activities starting in 2018 at the Whale Tail deposit. This represents less than 50 percent of the currently known mineral resource base. Initial capital costs are estimated to be approximately $330 million.  For additional details on the project see the Company's news release dated February 15, 2017.

Approximately $78 million will be spent on capital costs at Amaruq in 2017, primarily on completion of the all-weather exploration road, additional technical studies and the procurement of materials and equipment for the 2018 construction season.  By the end of the first quarter of 2017, 39 kilometres of the exploration road from Meadowbank to Amaruq had been completed; the 64-kilometre road is expected to be completed as an exploration road by the fourth quarter of 2017.  Development of the Amaruq exploration ramp has been permitted and planning is underway, construction of the ramp will begin when the road is completed, allowing for the planned bulk sample collection. 

With the development of the Amaruq satellite deposit, the Meadowbank life of mine is expected to extend through 2024.  This will allow the exploration team to evaluate the full potential of the Amaruq property.

First Quarter 2017 Amaruq Work Program – Primary Focus on Infill and Step-Out Drilling

The first phase of a planned $22-million, 75,000-metre drill program commenced in early February 2017.  In the first quarter of 2017, 119 holes (17,900 metres) were drilled.  The first quarter 2017 drill program was focused primarily on the conversion of inferred mineral resources at the IVR zone and Whale Tail deposit and a possible expansion of the Whale Tail open-pit limit towards the west.

Recent intercepts from the project are set out in the table below and the drill hole collars are located on the Amaruq project local geology map.  The pierce points are shown on the Amaruq project composite longitudinal section.  All intercepts reported for the Amaruq project show uncapped and capped grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that is being updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Whale Tail (WT) deposit and V Zone (V), Amaruq project

[Amaruq local geology map]

[Amaruq Composite Longitudinal Section]

Recent exploration drilling in the Whale Tail deposit has probed the area around the western, shallower part of the planned Whale Tail pit.  The highlight of the exploration work at Amaruq in the first quarter of 2017 is hole AMQ17-1109 intersecting 10.9 g/t gold over 4.2 metres at 139 metres depth, just below the shallower part of the pit, suggesting a potential to increase the depth of the western part of the Whale Tail pit.  To date, the Whale Tail deposit has been defined over at least 2.3 kilometres of strike length and extends from surface to 732 metres depth; it remains open at depth and along strike.

The V Zone represents a second source of open pit ore at the Amaruq project.  An infill drill program in the near-surface portion of the V Zone has confirmed high gold grades over multiple lenses that generally strike northeast and dip shallowly to the southeast. The V Zone has been traced to 542 metres below surface and remains open at depth.

At the northwest margin of the planned V Zone pit, which is considered to be the base of the V Zone lenses, there was a significant intersection confirming grades in the area: hole AMQ17-1108 intersected 6.7 g/t gold over 9.5 metres at 34 metres depth. Approximately 300 metres to the southeast, at the southern margin of the planned V Zone pit, hole AMQ17-1099 intersected 4.8 g/t gold over 10.2 metres at 153 metres depth, which is below the planned pit bottom at this location. This confirms and extends the V Zone underground mineral resources. Approximately 100 metres south of hole 1099, in an area between the V Zone and Whale Tail deposit, hole AMQ17-1075 intersected 14.7 g/t gold over 2.9 metres at 30 metres depth, and 5.4 g/t gold over 6.4 metres at 61 metres depth, while hole AMQ17-1095 intersected 9.0 g/t gold over 3.8 metres at 12 metres depth in this area.  These three intercepts suggest a potential amalgamation of the two pits, which will need to be investigated further.  

Some of the highest gold grades encountered recently in the V Zone were from conversion drilling in the southeast portion of the planned pit, which is considered to be the upper parts of the V Zone lenses. Hole AMQ17-1161 had three shallow intercepts: 14.7 g/t gold over 3.7 metres at 20 metres depth, 12.7 g/t gold over 2.8 metres at 31 metres depth, and 2.6 g/t gold over 7.3 metres at 43 metres depth.  Approximately 70 metres to the south, close to the margin of the planned pit, hole AMQ17-1143 intersected 10.7 g/t gold over 7.4 metres at 75 metres depth. 

Drilling to test regional exploration targets is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2017.

Meliadine Project – Construction Activities Progressing on Schedule and on Budget  

Located near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, the Meliadine project was acquired in July 2010, and is one of Agnico Eagle's largest gold projects in terms of mineral resources. The Company owns 100% of the 111,757 hectare property.

In February 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved the construction of the Meliadine project. The mine is expected to begin operation in the third quarter of 2019, and the current mine plan will be focused on the Tiriganiaq and nearby Wesmeg-Normeg mineralized zones that will be accessed from the Tiriganiaq underground infrastructure.

Over an estimated 14-year mine life, approximately 5.3 million ounces of gold are expected to be produced at Meliadine.  This represents approximately half of the currently known mineral reserve and mineral resource base. 

At December 31, 2016, the Meliadine property was estimated to hold proven and probable mineral reserves of 3.4 million ounces (14.5 million tonnes grading 7.32 g/t gold), indicated mineral resources of 3.3 million ounces (20.8 million tonnes grading 4.95 g/t gold) and inferred mineral resources of 3.6 million ounces (14.7 million tonnes grading 7.51 g/t gold). In addition, there are numerous other known gold occurrences along the 80-kilometre-long greenstone belt that require further evaluation.

For additional details on the project see the Company's news release dated February 15, 2017.

In the first quarter of 2017, approximately 1,200 metres of underground development was completed, which was 5% above plan.  Construction activities are progressing well with the commissioning of the concrete batch plant underway and the resumption of pile installation at the end of March.  Full camp facilities are expected to be completed in May ahead of critical barge season.  At the end of the first quarter, approximately 67% of the engineering work was completed.  The Company expects to complete approximately 80% of the engineering work by the end of August 2017. 

2017 Meliadine Work Program and Additional Opportunities to Create Value

The estimated capital budget for 2017 is unchanged at $360 million.  Key elements of this program include:

• 5,600 metres of underground development (including the start of a second ramp system from underground)
• Approximately 12,500 metres of conversion drilling and 14,000 metres of underground delineation drilling (drilling is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2017)
• Completion of the camp complex in May 2017
• All piling installation is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2017, with subsequent concrete work expected to be carried out in the second and third quarter of 2017
• Steel and building erection is expected to begin in August 2017
• Closing in of the process plant, power plant, and multi service building by the end of 2017
• Installation of underground mine ventilation and heating by the fourth quarter of 2017
• Completion of the fuel farm in Rankin Inlet and onsite in the fourth quarter of 2017
• Construction of second ramp portal between the second and fourth quarters 2017

The Company believes that there are numerous opportunities to create additional value both at the mine and on the large land package.  Opportunities currently being reviewed include:

• Optimization of the current mine plan (advance Phase 2 pit development)
• Potential to optimize labour costs once the mine is in operation (reduction of headcount at site via improved telecommunications)
• Minesite exploration upside through mineral resource conversion and expansion of known ore zones (most zones are open below a depth of 450 metres)
• Potential for the discovery of new deposits along the 80 kilometre-long greenstone belt.  Regional exploration programs are expected to recommence in 2017

FINLAND AND SWEDEN

Agnico Eagle's Kittila mine in Finland is the largest primary gold producer in Europe and hosts the Company's largest mineral reserves.  Exploration activities continue to expand the mineral resources, and studies are underway to evaluate the potential to cost-effectively increase production.

Kittila – Improved Continuity and Understanding of Sisar Top Zone

The 100% owned Kittila mine in northern Finland achieved commercial production in 2009.  The Kittila mine produced its one millionth ounce in 2016.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels as a result of accelerating a portion of a planned shutdown from the second quarter to the first quarter and higher re-handling and contractor costs.  Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput levels as a result of accelerating a portion of a planned shutdown from the second quarter to the first quarter and higher re-handling and contractor costs.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production.

The main target of exploration at Kittila continues to be the Sisar Zone, which is subparallel to and slightly east of the main Kittila mineralization.  Sisar has been located between approximately 800 metres and 1,910 metres below surface, forming a roughly triangular shape that remains open at depth and along strike to the north and south.  The initial mineral reserves in the Sisar Zone were estimated as of December 31, 2016, and were the result of conversion drilling in 2016. Sisar and to a smaller extent Rimpi added 338,000 ounces of gold in mineral reserves at Kittila at year-end 2016, before deducting the gold in ore mined. 

Drilling from the exploration ramp is ongoing to infill and extend the Sisar Zone mineralization.  In addition, underground ramp construction that began a year ago is extending farther into the upper portion of the Sisar Zone, which is located approximately 150 to 200 metres from existing underground infrastructure.  The ramp extension will allow for more deep drilling platforms to investigate the Sisar Zone. 

In the first quarter of 2017, 16 holes (5,201 metres) were drilled in the Sisar Top and Central Zones.  Assays are pending for many of the holes.

Selected recent drill results are set out in the table below; drill hole collar coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  Pierce points for all these holes are shown on the Kittila Composite Longitudinal Section.  All intercepts reported for the Kittila mine show uncapped grades over estimated true widths, based on a current geological interpretation that is being updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Sisar Zone at the Kittila mine

[Kittila - Composite Longitudinal Section]

For the purposes of description, the zone has been divided into two depths, referred to as "Sisar Top" (approximately 800 to 1,000 metres below surface) and "Sisar Central" (approximately 1,000 to 1,400 metres below surface).  Some of the Sisar mineralized lenses extend between the Sisar Top and Sisar Central.

Recent intercepts from the Sisar Zone at approximately 1,000 metres below surface fill in a gap in the Sisar mineral reserves, and show that the Sisar Zone in this area comprises up to five subparallel lenses in close proximity, approximately 200 metres east of the main Kittila ore zone. There is a dominant Sisar lens, with additional lenses to its east and west sides.  The best recent result in this area at the base of the Sisar Top Zone was hole RIE16-623 that intersected 6.9 g/t gold over 4.7 metres at 1,003 metres depth, and 7.1 g/t gold over 7.1 metres at 1,012 metres depth.  Approximately 50 metres to the south, hole RIE16-624 intersected 6.0 g/t gold over 10.5 metres at 980 metres depth and 6.9 g/t gold over 3.7 metres at 991 metres depth.  These four intercepts are from three different lenses that are approximately 10 metres apart at the 1,000-metre depth.  Together, they fill in a gap in the Sisar mineral reserves in this area.  Approximately 120 metres to the south of hole RIE16-624, conversion hole RIE16-501 intersected 5.1 g/t gold over 4.6 metres at 815 metres depth confirming and extending the Sisar mineral reserves in the area.

Infill drilling has yielded another intercept in Sisar Central.  Hole ROD14-005F intersected 3.7 g/t gold over 5.4 metres at 1,329 metres depth, confirming the continuity of the Sisar Zone in this area.  The Sisar Central Zone is approximately 150 metres east of the Main Zone at this depth.

In 2017, approximately $7.9 million will be spent on further deep drilling at Kittla (which includes the Sisar Zone). The goal of this program is to expand the mineral resources in the northern part of the property and demonstrate the economic potential of the Sisar Zone as a new mining horizon at Kittila. 

Studies are ongoing to evaluate the economics of increasing throughput rates at Kittila to 2.0 million tonnes per annum. The Company expects that this increased mining rate scenario could be supported by the development of the Rimpi and Sisar Zones.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

Agnico Eagle's Southern Business operations are focused in Northern Mexico, with two operations (Pinos Altos and Creston Mascota) in Chihuahua State and the La India mine in Sonora State.  These operations have been the source of growing precious metals production (gold and silver), stable operating costs and strong free cash flow since 2009.

Pinos Altos – Record Mill Performance in March

The 100% owned Pinos Altos mine in northern Mexico achieved commercial production in November 2009.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput and variations in the proportion of heap leach ore to milled ore and open pit ore to underground ore, routine fluctuations in the waste to ore stripping ratio in the open pit mine and favourable foreign exchange rates.  Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production, a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized and timing of unsold inventory.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput and variations in the proportion of heap leach ore to milled ore and open pit ore to underground ore and routine fluctuations in the waste to ore stripping ratio in the open pit mine and favourable foreign exchange rates.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production, a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized and timing of unsold inventory.

During the first quarter of 2017 the first cell of the Phase III heap leach pad was completed and ore stacking commenced at the end of March 2017.  Work on the second cell is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2017.

Construction of a silver flotation circuit is progressing on schedule for start-up in the third quarter of 2017.  The circuit will be used to recover additional silver before the tailings are sent for impoundment.

Creston Mascota – Drilling Extends High Grade Zone at Bravo

The 100% owned Creston Mascota open pit heap leach, located less than 7 kilometres from Pinos Altos, has been operating since late 2010.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs associated with longer haulage distances for ore and waste (ore is now being trucked to the Phase IV leach pad), a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized and timing of unsold inventory.  Waste haulage costs are expected to decline as permits have now been received to store material in an unused portion of the pit. Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs associated with the longer haulage distances for ore and waste and a lower amount of stripping costs being capitalized.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to reasons described above.

Exploration drilling in the first quarter of 2017 was mainly at the Bravo Zone, immediately adjacent to the Creston Mascota pit, including 3,383 metres of conversion and step-out exploration drilling in 30 holes. Bravo is a shallowly north west-dipping, almost stratiform zone of quartz breccia, vein and stockwork with significant gold and silver grades over thicknesses up to 20 metres.

The collars of these four holes were within 50 metres of each other, approximately 600 metres from the margin of the currently-planned Creston Mascota pit.

Selected recent drill results from the Bravo Zone are set out in the table below, and the collar coordinates are in a separate table in the appendix of this news release.  Hole locations are also shown on the Creston Mascota area local geology map.  All intercepts reported for the Bravo Zone show uncapped and capped grades over estimated true widths.

Recent exploration drill results from Bravo Zone at Creston Mascota

Highlights from recent drilling at the Bravo Zone include hole BRV17-149 that yielded 9.8 g/t gold and 366 g/t silver over 4.6 metres at 85.5 metres core length.  Another high-grade intercept was in hole BRV17-140 that intersected 3.1 g/t gold and 101 g/t silver over 19.2 metres at 63.2 metres core length, including 7.6 g/t gold and 231 g/t silver over 3.4 metres.  Holes BRV17-135 and BRV17-146 also had high-grade intersections.

The results of the current drill program have the potential to increase the gold and silver grades of the Bravo Zone mineral resources at Creston Mascota and extend its high-grade structure to the west and northwest. 

The Company believes that the Bravo Zone could potentially extend the life of the Creston Mascota heap leach facility.  In addition, the Company believes that the Madrono and Cubiro Zones may have higher grade areas that could potentially provide additional feed to the Pinos Altos mill.  A total of 36,000 metres of exploration drilling is planned at the Pinos Altos – Creston Mascota complex in 2017.

[Creston Mascota – Local Geology Map]

La India – Exploration Focused on Extending Near-Pit Mineralization and Delineation of Additional Mineral Reserves and Resources

The 100% owned La India mine in Sonora, Mexico, located approximately 70 kilometres from the Company's Pinos Altos mine, achieved commercial production in February 2014.

Production costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs associated with slightly more waste stripping, longer haulage distances for both ore and waste from the Main Zone pit and timing of unsold inventory.  Waste rock haulage costs are expected to decline with the recent permitting approval of a new waste rock disposal area closer to the Main Zone pit. Production costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower production and the reasons described above.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher costs associated with slightly more waste stripping, longer haulage distances for both ore and waste from the Main Zone pit and timing of unsold inventory.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first quarter of 2017 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the reasons described above.

During the quarter, infill drilling was carried out on the Main Zone to evaluate the potential to extend mineral reserves and mineral resources below the current pit design.  Additional holes are planned for the second half of 2017.

Drilling was also carried at the nearby El Realito project during the quarter, with encouraging results.  Additional exploration work is planned at El Realito and drilling commenced on the Cerro de Oro, and El Cochi areas late in the first quarter of 2017.  All three areas are being drilled to evaluate the potential to increase mineral reserves and mineral resources in close proximity to the existing mining areas.

Given the increases in mineral reserves and mineral resources in 2016 and ongoing exploration that appears to show the potential for further increases, the Company is evaluating location options to construct additional pad capacity.  Basic engineering work is underway to fully evaluate these areas.

El Barqueno – 2017 Exploration Focused on Infill Drilling and Testing New Targets

Agnico Eagle acquired its 100% interest in the El Barqueno project in November 2014.  The 63,997-hectare property is in the Guachinango gold-silver mining district of Jalisco State in west-central, Mexico, approximately 150 kilometres west of the state capital of Guadalajara.

The El Barqueno project contains a number of known mineralized zones and several prospects.  The project contains 301,100 ounces of gold in indicated mineral resources (8.4 million tonnes grading 1.11 g/t gold) and 362,000 ounces of gold in inferred mineral resources (7.2 million tonnes grading 1.56 g/t gold). 

Approximately 45,000 metres of additional drilling is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 at El Barqueno, principally at the Olmeca, Azteca-Zapoteca and Peña de Oro sectors in the central El Barqueno property, and the El Rayo prospects and the Tecolote-Tortuga areas in the south area of the El Barqueno project.  Exploration expenditures in 2017 are expected to total approximately $16.8 million.

At the end of the first quarter of 2017, approximately 5,619 metres of drilling had been completed with a focus on the Olmeca and Azteca-Zapoteca zones.  Negotiations continue to finalize long-term land agreements for key areas for future exploration around the project.

While it is too early to estimate the full extent of the mineral resources and the number of deposits with economic potential at El Barqueno, the Company has the experience of developing cost-efficient mining operations in Mexico and increasing their size through successful exploration as well as metallurgical innovation.

Agnico Eagle believes that El Barqueno ultimately has the potential to be developed into a series of open pits utilizing heap leach and/or mill processing, similar to the Pinos Altos mine.  Conceptual mine design studies and additional metallurgical testing are ongoing at El Barqueno.

About Agnico Eagle

Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957.  Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden.  The Company and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales.  Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.