Yamana Announces Another Year of Mineral Resource Increases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb 18, 2014) - Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) ("Yamana" or "the Company") announces its mineral reserves and mineral resources for the year ended December 31, 2013.

HIGHLIGHTS (as of December 31, 2013):

• Total mineral reserves of 18.5 million gold equivalent ounces⁽¹⁾ ("GEO") contained in 638 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.90 grams/tonne ("g/t"),
  • Comprised of 16.3 million ounces of gold mineral reserves and 117.8 million ounces of silver mineral reserves
• Total measured and indicated mineral resources of 17.3 million GEO⁽¹⁾, in 573 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.94 g/t, an increase in contained ounces of 10% from 2012, with a 5% increase in grade.
• Total inferred mineral resources of 15.0 million gold equivalent ounces, an increase of 32% from 2012 contained in 303 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.54g/t.
• El Peñón measured and indicated mineral resources grade increased by 19% from 2012.
• Maiden probable mineral reserve estimate for Cerro Moro of 2.0 million tonnes at 24.34 g/t, containing 1.5 million gold equivalent ounces.

(All amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.)

1. Silver is treated as a gold equivalent at a ratio of 50:1 except at Mercedes where silver is treated as a gold equivalent at a ratio of 140:1

The changes in reserves are net of 2013 depletion due to production.

Detailed mineral reserve and mineral resource tables follow at the end of this press release and are available online at www.yamana.com/reserveandresource.

The most notable changes are detailed below:

El Peñón,Chile

• Gold equivalent mineral reserves of 10.5 million tonnes at 9.66 g/t containing 3.3 million gold equivalent ounces
• Gold equivalent mineral resources of 3.4 million tonnes at 12.41 g/t containing 1.4 million gold equivalent ounces
• Inferred gold equivalent mineral resources of 5.7 million tonnes at 12.63 g/t containing 2.3 million gold equivalent ounces

Total gold equivalent mineral reserves of 3.3 million GEO after production of 534,500 contained GEO, a decrease in ounces of 13%, a decrease of 19% in tonnage with a slight increase in average grade to 9.66 g/t. Measured and indicated gold equivalent mineral resource ounces increased by more than 100% to 1.4 million GEO at 12.41 g/t contained in 3.4 million tonnes of ore. Total gold equivalent inferred resources were 2.3 million GEO and reflect an increase in the average grade to 12.6 g/t.

After several consecutive years of increases in excess of depletion, to the mineral reserves at El Peñón, the 2013 program focused on building the mineral resources for conversion to mineral reserves in future years. With a 100% increase to mineral resource ounces in 2013, the program exceeded expectation. The 2014 exploration program at El Peñón will focus on converting mineral resources to mineral reserves. This includes focused infill drill programs at Providencia Este, Al Este Foot Wall, Al Este East and Borde Oeste.

Chapada, Brazil

• Gold mineral reserves of 479.8 million tonnes at 0.25 g/t containing 3.8 million gold ounces
• Gold mineral resources of 255.8 million tonnes at 0.26 g/t containing 2.1 million gold ounces
• Inferred gold mineral resources of 155.2 million tonnes at 0.18 g/t containing 913,000 million gold ounces

Gold mineral reserves were 3.8 million ounces, contained in 480 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.25 g/t, an increase of 156,000 ounces over 2012, after production of 188,000 contained ounces. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources of 2.1 million ounces contained in 255.8 million tonnes at 0.26 g/t declined from 2012 levels mainly as a result of the conversion of mineral resources to mineral reserves at Corpo Sul. Gold inferred mineral resources increased by 9% to 913,000 ounces of gold contained in 155.2 million tonnes at 0.18 g/t.

Copper mineral reserves increased by 7% to 2.6 billion pounds contained in 421 million tonnes with an average grade of 0.29%.Copper measured and indicated mineral resources decreased to 874 million pounds of copper contained in 173.6 million tonnes with an average grade of 0.23%.

Chapada reserves increased in both gold and copper content as a result, in part, of the conversion of mineral resources at Corpo Sul but also resulted from the higher grades being encountered with the infill drilling required for the conversion. In turn, the mineral resource tonnes, ounces and pounds are lower than 2012 levels due to the conversion of measured and indicated mineral resources and upgraded inferred mineral resource tonnes, ounces and pounds to mineral reserves.

Jacobina, Brazil

• Gold mineral reserves of 24.0 million tonnes at 2.80 g/t containing 2.2 million gold ounces
• Gold mineral resources of 33.9 million tonnes at 2.40 g/t containing 2.6 million gold ounces
• Inferred gold mineral resources of 15.8 million tonnes at 3.11 g/t containing 1.6 million gold ounces

Proven and probable gold mineral reserves of 2.2 million ounces contained in 24.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 2.80g/t. The decline from 2012 levels can be partly attributed to the depletion of 77,000 contained ounces and changes to the resource model at Joao Belo. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources increased by 26% to 2.6 million ounces contained in 33.9 million tonnes of mineral resources at 2.40 g/t while inferred mineral resources increased by 30% to 1.6 million ounces in 15.8 million tonnes of mineral resources at 3.11g/t. At Joao Belo, an infill and ore delineation program indicated that portions of the resource model were narrower than previously modeled and contained gold reserves decreased as a result. Increases in measured and indicated mineral resources at Moro do Vento, Morro do Cuscuz and Serra do Corrego were accomplished by infill drilling and updates to the geologic model.

Gualcamayo, Argentina

• Gold mineral reserves of 32.2 million tonnes at 1.33 g/t containing 1.4 million gold ounces
• Gold mineral resources of 94.8 million tonnes at 1.01 g/t containing 3.1 million gold ounces
• Inferred gold mineral resources of 30.4 million tonnes at 2.08 g/t containing 2.0 million gold ounces

Gold mineral reserves were 1.4 million gold ounces contained in 32.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.33 g/t. Mineral reserves at Gualcamayo decreased by 690,000 ounces during 2013 due to depletion, revision of planned mining techniques, and associated higher mining costs. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources were 94.8 million tonnes containing 3.1 million ounces at 1.01 g/t and inferred gold resources were 30.4 million tonnes containing 2.0 million ounces at 2.08 g/t. The exploration focus at Gualcamayo in 2013 was on defining and expanding the Rodado breccia, a new zone southwest of QDDLW discovered in 2011. This contributed to the 163% increase in measured and indicated mineral resources and 268% increase in inferred mineral resources year-over-year. A significant amount of the resource at Gualcamayo is within the Rodado breccia and QDDLW, and given the current size of the sulphide portion of these two zones the Company is undertaking a study for recovery of gold from sulphide ore. A large portion of the reduction of reserves was from the reclassification of underground ore, which is also being included for evaluation as part of the sulphide study.

Minera Florida, Chile

• Gold equivalent mineral reserves of 8.1 million tonnes at 2.71 g/t containing 706,000 gold equivalent ounces
• Gold equivalent mineral resources of 4.4 million tonnes at 6.01 g/t containing 848,000 gold equivalent ounces
• Inferred gold equivalent mineral resources of 5.0 million tonnes at 6.38 g/t containing 1.0 million gold equivalent ounces

Proven and probable gold equivalent mineral reserves at Minera Florida were 706,000 GEO, a decrease compared to 974,000 GEO in 2012 after production of 164,000 contained GEO in 2013. There are 64 individual ore shoots or veins that contribute to the mineral reserve totals at Minera La Florida. The majority of the production during 2013 was sourced from the Tribuna, Puemo, Hallazgo, Falla Hallazgo, Rafael and Marilyn ore zones. Mining of these zones during 2013 was only partly offset by additions to mineral reserves at Maqui Clavo II, Gasparin, Mejas and other veins. The 2.71 g/t average grade of mineral reserves at Minera Florida is reflective of the inclusion of 159,000 defined GEO contained in tailings. Excluding this material the reserve grade is 4.62 g/t, more consistent with the average measured and indicated mineral resource grade of 6.01 g/t.

Measured and indicated mineral resources increased by 49% to 848,000 GEO and inferred mineral resources increased by 36% to 1.0 million GEO. The increase in mineral resources is the result of new discoveries and extensions to the Maqui Sur, Aqua Fria, Marisol, Florencia, HME Centro, PVO Sur and Megias veins and mineral zones, and from many smaller additions to the existing mineral inventory. The 2014 exploration program at Minera Florida will focus on converting mineral resources to mineral reserves.

Mercedes, Mexico

• Gold equivalent mineral reserves of 5.6 million tonnes at 5.03 g/t containing 905,000 gold equivalent ounces
• Gold equivalent mineral resources of 3.6 million tonnes at 3.37 g/t containing 388,000 gold equivalent ounces
• Inferred gold equivalent mineral resources of 3.3 million tonnes at 4.14 g/t containing 441,000 gold equivalent ounces

Gold equivalent mineral reserves were 5.6 million tonnes containing 905,000 GEO at an average grade of 5.03 g/t. Contained mineral reserves fell due to depletion. Mineral reserve reductions were partly offset by new discoveries and extensions, and reserve upgrades at Casa Blanca, Barrancas Centro, Rey del Oro and Tarasito.

Exploration efforts in 2013 focused on adding new ounces to the mineral resource inventory. Measured and indicated gold equivalent mineral resources increased by 26% to 3.6 million tonnes of 3.37 g/t, containing 388,000 GEO. Inferred gold equivalent mineral resources increased by 10% to 3.3 million tonnes of 4.14 g/t, containing 441,000 gold equivalent ounces. Important additions to the mineral inventory were made at the Klondike, Rey del Oro and Barrancas areas.

Fazenda Brasileiro, Brazil

• Gold mineral reserves of 2.2 million tonnes at 2.42 g/t containing 168,000 gold ounces
• Gold mineral resources of 2.0 million tonnes at 1.77 g/t containing 116,000 gold ounces
• Inferred gold mineral resources of 6.1 million tonnes at 3.10 g/t containing 611,000 gold ounces

Proven and probable gold mineral reserves were 168,000 ounces contained in 2.2 million tonnes at 2.42 g/t. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources were 116,000 ounces contained in 2.0 million tonnes at 1.77 g/t. Inferred gold mineral resources remained unchanged from 2012. Current mineral reserves indicate a remaining mine life of approximately three years after having been mined by the Company for ten years.

C1 Santa Luz, Brazil

• Gold mineral reserves of 26.7 million tonnes at 1.57 g/t containing 1.3 million gold ounces
• Gold mineral resources of 11.7 million tonnes at 1.27 g/t containing 478,000 gold ounces
• Inferred gold mineral resources of 13.6 million tonnes at 2.49 g/t containing 1.1 million gold ounces

Gold mineral reserves are 26.7 million tonnes at 1.57 g/t containing 1.3 million ounces. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources are 478,000 ounces in 11.7 million tonnes at 1.27 g/t. Inferred gold mineral resources saw a net increase of 596,000 ounces to 1.1 million ounces at 2.49 g/t of gold due to additions from C1 southwest deep extensions and reductions in some indicated mineral resource zones in the C1 open pit.

Pilar, Brazil

• Gold mineral reserves of 10.8 million tonnes at 4.03 g/t containing 1.4 million gold ounces
• Gold mineral resources of 1.9 million tonnes at 4.44 g/t containing 270,000 gold ounces
• Inferred gold mineral resources of 12.7 million tonnes at 4.12 g/t containing 1.7 million gold ounces

Gold mineral reserves are 10.8 million tonnes at 4.03 g/t containing 1.4 million ounces. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources are 270,000 ounces in 1.9 million tonnes at 4.44 g/t. Inferred gold mineral resources saw a net increase of 299,000 ounces to 1.7 million ounces contained in 12.7 million tonnes of ore at 4.12 g/t of gold. At Pilar, the zones mined during commissioning in 2013 were depleted from the 2012 reserves estimates as the mine continues to work towards commercial production status.

Cerro Moro, Argentina

• Maiden gold equivalent probable mineral reserves of 2.0 million tonnes at 24.34 g/t containing 1.5 million gold equivalent ounces
• Gold equivalent mineral resources of 1.8 million tonnes at 6.16 g/t containing 352,000 gold equivalent ounces
• Inferred gold equivalent mineral resources of 3.6 million tonnes at 4.25 g/t containing 486,000 gold equivalent ounces

As at December 31, 2013, 2.0 million tonnes of GEO probable mineral reserves at 24.34 g/t containing 1.5 million of GEO have been converted from mineral resources. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources at the end of the year were 1.8 million tonnes at 6.16g/t containing 352,000 GEO. The decrease in measured and indicated gold resources was due to the upgrade of many resource ounces to mineral reserves.

Suyai, Argentina

• Gold equivalent mineral resources of 4.7 million tonnes at 15.59 g/t containing 2.4 million gold equivalent ounces
• Inferred gold equivalent mineral resources of 900,000 tonnes at 9.90 g/t containing 286,000 gold equivalent ounces

Measured, indicated and inferred gold equivalent mineral resources are unchanged year-over-year as the development focus at Suyai in 2013 was on the execution of further studies to better position the Company to apply for required permits. A number of relevant studies have already been completed and others are ongoing, which should support the Company in applying for permitting this year. This high grade gold-silver deposit has similarities to the deposits at El Peñón and Mercedes, and has the potential to add significant value to the Company's portfolio of producing mines. The current plan being evaluated includes an underground operation without any chemical processing onsite that will produce a precious metals concentrate that could be sold to third parties or potentially processed at Cerro Moro. Initial capital costs are expected to be low at approximately $220 million, producing approximately 150,000 GEO per annum at an estimated throughput rate of 1,150 tonnes/day.

Arco Sul, Brazil

• Inferred gold mineral resources of 5.0 million tonnes at 4.02 g/t containing 646,000 gold ounces

Arco Sul is a new discovery made in late 2010 and is 100% owned by the Company. It is located in western Goias State, 200 kilometres from Goiania, 370 kilometres from Brasilia and 295 kilometres from Pilar. Gold mineralization is hosted in a stock work system in a contact zone of subvolcanic intrusives and the Neoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary basement. The Company's closed and reclaimed mine, Fazenda Nova, represents the small, near surface part of the Arco Sul mineralized system. The sulphide potential at depth was identified when the oxides were being mined and the Company is now exploring that potential. Diamond drilling started in late September 2010 and to date 72 diamond drill holes totaling 29,979 metres have been completed. Mineralization remains open in all directions and an inferred mineral resource estimate has outlined 646,000 ounces of gold in 5.0 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 4.02 g/t.

Ernesto/Pau-a-Pique, Brazil

• Gold mineral reserves of 4.7 million tonnes at 3.47 g/t containing 526,000 gold ounces
• Gold mineral resources of 4.2 million tonnes at 2.38 g/t containing 324,000 gold ounces
• Inferred gold mineral resources of 1.6 million tonnes at 3.04 g/t containing 157,000 gold ounces

Gold mineral reserves are 4.7 million tonnes at 3.47 g/t containing 526,000 ounces. Measured and indicated gold mineral resources are 324,000 ounces in 4.2 million tonnes at 2.38 g/t, and inferred gold mineral resources of 157,000 ounces in 1.6 million tonnes of material at 3.04 g/t of gold.

2014 Exploration Program

Exploration at Yamana continues to be a key to unlocking value at existing operations. The 2014 program will continue to focus on finding higher quality ounces, those with the greatest potential to most quickly generate cash flow allowing the Company to grow prudently and profitably. The Company expects to spend approximately $70 million on exploration in 2014.

Qualified Person

Other than as set forth herein, William Wulftange, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration for Yamana Gold Inc. has reviewed and confirmed the scientific and technical information contained within this press release and serves as the Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

About Yamana

Yamana is a Canadian-based gold producer with significant gold production, gold development stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions throughout the Americas including Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Yamana plans to continue to build on this base through existing operating mine expansions, throughput increases, development of new mines, the advancement of its exploration properties and by targeting other gold consolidation opportunities with a primary focus in the Americas.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities legislation. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements, including any information as to the Company's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements are characterized by words such as "plan," "expect", "budget", "target", "project", "intend," "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
These factors include the Company's expectations in connection with the expected production and exploration, development and expansion plans at the Company's projects discussed herein being met, the impact of proposed optimizations at the Company's projects, the impact of the proposed new mining law in Brazil and the impact of general business and economic conditions, global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future conditions, fluctuating metal prices (such as gold, copper, silver and zinc), currency exchange rates (such as the Brazilian Real, the Chilean Peso, the Argentine Peso, and the Mexican Peso versus the United States Dollar), the impact of inflation, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in the Company's hedging program, changes in accounting policies, changes in mineral resources and mineral reserves, risk related to non-core mine dispositions, risks related to acquisitions, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, changes in project development, construction, production and commissioning time frames, risk related to joint venture operations, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, higher prices for fuel, steel, power, labour and other consumables contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, unexpected changes in mine life, final pricing for concentrate sales, unanticipated results of future studies, seasonality and unanticipated weather changes, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, government regulation and the risk of government expropriation or nationalization of mining operations, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, limitations on insurance coverage and timing and possible outcome of pending litigation and labour disputes, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's current and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis and the Annual Information Form filed with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com, and the Company's Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates, assumptions or opinions should change, except as required by applicable law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's expected financial and operational performance and results as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented in the Company's plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED MINERAL RESOURCES

This news release uses the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101. However, these terms are not defined terms under Industry Guide 7 and are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements of United States companies filed with the Commission. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a mineral resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations. In contrast, the Commission only permits U.S. companies to report mineralization that does not constitute "mineral reserves" by Commission standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

Mineral Reserves (Proven and Probable)

The following table sets forth the Mineral Reserve estimates for the Company's mineral projects as at December 31, 2013. See the qualified persons list below.

(All amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.) 1. Silver is treated as a gold equivalent at a ratio of 50:1 except at Mercedes where silver is treated as a gold equivalent at a ratio of 140:1

Mineral Resources (Measured, Indicated and Inferred)

The following table set forth the Mineral Resource estimates and for the Company's mineral projects as at December 31, 2013. See the qualified persons list below.

Yamana Gold Inc. Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Reporting Notes:

1. Metal Prices and Cut-off Grades:

2. All Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources have been calculated in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and NI 43-101, other than the estimates for the Alumbrera mine which have been calculated in accordance with the JORC Code which is accepted under NI 43-101.

3. All Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves.

4. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

5. Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are reported as of December 31, 2013.

6. For the qualified persons responsible for the Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates, see the qualified persons list below.