________________________________________________________________________________

9 March 2016

Hochschild Mining plc

Preliminary Results for the twelve months ended 31 December 2015

Financial Results highlights

§ Net revenue of $469.1 million (2014: $493.0 million)

§ Adjusted EBITDA of $138.8 million (2014: $135.6 million)

§ Earnings per share of $(0.14) (2014: $(0.13))

§ Cash balance of $84.0 million as at 31 December 2015 (31 December 2014: $116.0 million)

§ Net debt of $350.5 million as at 31 December 2015 (30 June 2015: $455.6 million)

§ Net debt/EBITDA of 2.5x as at 31 December 2015 (30 June 2015: 5.8x)

§ Non-cash post tax impairment charges of $170.6 million

Strong 2015 operational delivery

§ 2015 All per silver equivalent ounce from operations reduced by 26% to $12.9 exceeding guidance

§ Inmaculada AISC per silver equivalent ounce significantly below guidance at $7.3

§ Full year production of 27.0 million attributable silver equivalent ounces exceeding guidance

§ Inmaculada mine produced 8.3 million silver equivalent ounces exceeding guidance

Improved financial position

§ $100 million equity rights issue completed

§ $105 million of debt repaid in Q4

§ Argentina macroeconomic and tax reforms already significantly improving San Jose cash flows

o Removal of export tax on dore and concentrate confirmed

o Ongoing devaluation of Argentine peso reducing operating costs

§ Cashflow further protected by additional 2016 precious metal hedges:

o 15,000 ounces of gold at $1,244 per ounce

o Zero cost collar for 3.0 million ounces of silver with a floor of $14.0 per ounce and a cap of $17.6 per ounce

o 55% of total 2016 attributable production target now hedged

2016 Outlook

§ Record attributable production target of 32.0 million silver equivalent ounces

§ AISC now expected to be $12.0-12.5 per silver equivalent ounce (previous guidance of $12-13 per ounce)

§ Inmaculada AISC expected to be $9-10 per silver equivalent ounce

§ Total sustaining and development capital expenditure expected to be approximately $100 million including $10 million to develop Pablo vein

$000, pre-exceptional unless stated

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

% change

Attributable silver production (koz)

14,752

16,187

(9)

Attributable gold production (koz)

166

101

64

Net revenue

469,146

492,951

(5)

Adjusted EBITDA

138,837

135,586

2

Loss from continuing operations

(66,399)

(56,689)

(17)

Loss from continuing operations (post-exceptional)

(239,657)

(70,831)

(238)

Earnings per share ($ pre-exceptional)

(0.14)

(0.13)

(8)

Earnings per share ($ post-exceptional)

(0.52)

(0.16)

(225)

Commenting on the results, Ignacio Bustamante, CEO, said:

'Now that the Company's key investment in the low cost Inmaculada project is complete and with strong operational performance at the mine, the outlook for the Company is much brighter. Together with the encouraging geological results achieved at our existing mines, further substantial cost and debt reductions and a much more positive environment in Argentina, the improvement to profitability is now a reality.'

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A presentation will be held for analysts & investors at 9.30am (UK time) on Wednesday 9 March 2016 at the offices of Hudson Sandler, 29 Cloth Fair, London, EC1A 7NN

For a live webcast of the presentation please visit our website:

www.hochschildmining.com

To join the event via conference call, please see dial in details below:

+44(0)20 3427 1915(Please quote confirmation code 5064692)

________________________________________________________________________________

Enquiries:

Hochschild Mining plc

Charles Gordon +44 (0)20 3714 9044

Head of Investor Relations

Hudson Sandler

Charlie Jack +44 (0)207 796 4133

Public Relations

________________________________________________________________________________

About Hochschild Mining plc:

Hochschild Mining plc is a leading precious metals company listed on the London Stock Exchange (HOCM.L / HOC LN) with a primary focus on the exploration, mining, processing and sale of silver and gold. Hochschild has over fifty years' experience in the mining of precious metal epithermal vein deposits and currently operates four underground epithermal vein mines, three located in southern Peru and one in southern Argentina. Hochschild also has numerous long-term projects throughout the Americas.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Hochschild Mining has ended 2015 in a significantly enhanced operational and financial position compared to twelve months ago. The Company's key investment in the low cost Inmaculada project is now complete and I am delighted by the first six months of strong operational performance. Together with the encouraging geological results achieved at our existing mines and further cost reductions, the expected improved profitability is now a reality. In addition, the Company has taken decisive steps to reduce the debt position via the equity capital raise in the autumn and has taken a conservative approach to protect cashflows through a series of precious metal hedges. With these measures, the leverage ratios have materially improved and are reflecting the enhanced financial health of the business.

We were able to achieve first dore production at Inmaculada in early June 2015, marking the final stage for a project that has taken approximately six years from discovery to commissioning, a notable accomplishment in these turbulent times for the industry. The subsequent ramp-up process was smoothly executed with key operational metrics running according to or above design capacity. During the last quarter, our long-held confidence in the world class characteristics of this deposit was supported by production, costs and ultimately cashflows that surpassed our expectations. The Board believes that the entire process has been to the great credit of our management and operational and project teams who have efficiently dealt with the geological, operational and financial challenges of a new mining operation while ensuring the safety of our workforce and with due respect to the surrounding environment.

Precious metals once again experienced a volatile period with both silver and gold reaching new five year lows whilst other commodities such as oil, copper and iron ore also experienced sharp declines. Despite this difficult environment, our existing operations generated positive cashflows under revised operational plans and I was particularly encouraged by the success of our brownfield exploration programme which not only yielded the discovery of the Pablo vein thus reinvigorating Pallancata but also allowed Arcata to continue to prove its resilience. Later on in the year, there were positive macroeconomic and political developments in Argentina which have led us to believe that we are entering a new era of stronger cashflow generation at our high grade San Jose mine. In short, lower prices have once again been compensated by lower costs, rising production and new higher grade resources at key operations.

The careful management of our financial position was of paramount importance during the year so the success of several Company initiatives has been crucial. Firstly, the Company ensured the full financing of the Inmaculada project via a combination of short and long term debt. Secondly, a target of positive cashflow generation was set at all of our operations (before the effect of hedging) resulting in a high level of cost discipline at each operating asset. Finally, with the new mine having commenced production smoothly, we were able to raise $100 million via a rights issue with the proceeds used to pre-pay and renegotiate debt. We now have a comfortable debt amortisation profile and a solid cash position. However, despite these positive results, the Board remains alert to price volatility and is maintaining its focus on continuing to repay debt and consequently is not recommending reinstating a dividend payment. We remain committed to delivering shareholder returns and the Board intends to review the position again once the Company can sustainably achieve strong margins and the debt position is further reduced.

Operating Responsibly

I am delighted to report that 2015 was unprecedented in that it represented the second consecutive year in which we achieved our long-term aim of zero fatalities. In addition, the Group succeeded in reducing the year-on-year frequency of accidents as well as their severity by approximately 40% and 25% respectively. This is to the great credit of the many teams who, despite the limitation of resources, have worked relentlessly to ensure that we provide a safe workplace for all and to convey the non-negotiable message that safety comes first. As to our efforts to minimise our impact on the environment, I am pleased to report that we maintained our ISO 14001 certification, adopted a new and more robust Corporate Environmental Policy and KPI dashboard to strengthen the Group's environmental culture and made significant strides in water management. In relation to our interaction with local communities, we have continued to run the many programmes designed around our core themes of education, health and socio-economic development. Further details on the individual projects we have supported during the year can be found in our Sustainability Report and online.

Board

I wish to thank my fellow Board members for their valuable insight during the year. As reported last year, we suspended our Non-Executive succession plan to provide continuity at Board level given the difficult trading climate. The status of the plan was kept under review during 2015 and, in recognition of the benefits of a refreshed Board, resulted in the appointment of Michael Rawlinson as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 January 2016. I am very pleased that we have been able to secure someone with Michael's experience and knowledge of the mining sector which will undoubtedly prove invaluable during our Board deliberations. In line with our succession plan, Sir Malcolm Field will be retiring from the Board at the conclusion of the forthcoming AGM. Sir Malcolm has served on the Board since the Company's IPO in 2006 with tireless dedication and on behalf of my fellow Directors, I wish to express my profound gratitude for his support and wise counsel.

Outlook

We enter 2016 with renewed optimism. Inmaculada is a flagship producing asset operating at highly competitive costs and is expected to provide the financial stability necessary for targeting future growth plans. The operating environment in Argentina is rapidly improving and we believe that our high grade resource at San Jose will soon generate stronger cashflows. And finally, the optionality that the Arcata and Pallancata assets offer us in terms of geological potential as well as leverage to prices is a key feature that we expect to develop in this coming year.

Eduardo Hochschild, Chairman

8 March 2016

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S STATEMENT

At the start of last year, I noted that the Company's key objectives for 2015 were the commissioning of our new flagship mine, success from our brownfield exploration programme and achieving a stronger overall financial position by the year end. We are pleased to report that we have largely succeeded in our priorities and that we enter 2016 with confidence that, whilst the outlook for natural resources remains volatile, the prospects for the Company have substantially improved.

Inmaculada

Construction at the Inmaculada site continued into its final stages in the first half of the year with the result that commercial production was declared in August following a near faultless ramp-up period. All key metrics including tonnage, grades and recoveries proved to be in line with or above expectations and although there was a disagreement with our plant contractor over construction delays and a number of submitted change orders, the dispute was resolved amicably and in the final few months of the year, the mine delivered on its world class promise. Production for the year beat the higher end of our forecast range and Inmaculada's all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent ounce for 2015 was at a very competitive $7.3 per ounce. We can now look forward to a full year of production at costs of between $9 to $10 per silver equivalent ounce which we believe will place the operation in the first quartile of the global cost curve and will ensure strong cashflow for the Company for the foreseeable future. We remain positive about the mine's expansion potential in the medium term and will begin a drill programme in the surrounding district in 2016.

Cost reduction

With commodity prices experiencing a third year of declines, Hochschild continued its cashflow optimisation programme in order to ensure that all our operations were mining profitable ounces and are cashflow positive. The mine plans at Arcata and Pallancata were revised with the focus placed on accessible ore areas requiring reduced capital expenditure and assuming stringent cut off grades. The effect of these measures was somewhat mitigated during the year as both operations delivered successful brownfield exploration programmes allowing additional higher grade tonnage to be processed at Arcata in particular. At Pallancata, the discovery of the Pablo vein in August delivered the prospect of a transition to significantly lower cost feed for the Selene plant with our team expecting to have initial production from the vein towards the end of 2016. Overall, we were able to reduce all-in sustaining costs by 26% versus 2014, which is strong evidence of the Company's ability to operate flexibly in a difficult industry environment. Furthermore, the positive developments in Argentina towards the end of the year indicate the potential to continue to move our operations down the cost curve.

Financial position

In a year when careful management of the balance sheet was crucial, in particular with respect to the completion of our Inmaculada project, we believe we have taken substantial steps in our aim of de-risking the Company. Forming the first part of our three pronged financial strategy, the smooth progress of the new mine's ramp-up to full production started to bear fruit in the final two quarters with the generation of strong cashflow from this low cost operation. Secondly, in October, we announced a $100 million rights issue, the success of which allowed us to begin the process of strengthening our balance sheet and by the end of the year we had already paid down just over $100 million of mid to long term debt. And thirdly, we supplemented this initiative throughout the year by taking advantage of short periods of price strength to hedge around 40% of our production to ensure a degree of cashflow stability. This prudent policy has continued with approximately half of our 2016 production also protected at around the current spot prices. With net debt significantly reduced versus our peak position at the half year and with the maturities of the remaining debt adequately profiled, the Company is in a substantially healthier financial position than at the end of 2014.

2015 overview

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Company's ongoing response to the industry downturn has been the strength of our operations. Once again we exceeded the production target for the year, delivering 27.0 million silver equivalent ounces with both San Jose and Arcata especially, recording better than expected production. Pallancata's performance reflects an operation in a transitional period until new low cost material from the Pablo vein is introduced towards the end of the year. However, when also considering Inmaculada's maiden contribution, we believe the flexibility of the Hochschild portfolio has been amply demonstrated.

The average price achieved once again fell in 2015, by 12% for silver and by almost 10% for gold and consequently our revenue was lower despite total production increasing by almost 12%. However, pleasingly pre-exceptional EBITDA rose by 2% to $139m reflecting the higher margin contribution from Inmaculada and solid cost control across our operations. The cashflow from the new mine is beginning to offset the finance costs arising from our bond issue in January 2014 to fund its construction but this still affected the underlying earnings. Pre-exceptional EPS was $(0.14) per share. The cash balance at the end of the year was $84 million with the fourth quarter debt repayment programme resulting in net debt of approximately $351 million.

Outlook

We expect that 2016 will mark the fourth year of increasing production and reducing costs. Attributable production for the Company is expected to rise to 32.0 million silver equivalent ounces (assuming the average silver to gold ratio for 2015 of 74:1), boosted by the first full year of output from Inmaculada. The all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent ounce is expected to once again be reduced to between $12.0 to $12.5 which includes almost 14 million ounces of production from Inmaculada at between $9 to $10 per silver equivalent ounce. The focus of our capital expenditure budget of approximately $100 million will be on sustaining and development expenditure for our current mines but included is also an allocation of approximately $10 million for the development of the Pablo vein - a project which initial Company economics estimate has a net asset value of approximately $40 million.

The recent regulatory and economic policy changes in Argentina also offer a promising future for our high grade San Jose mine. Changes including the significant devaluation of the Argentine peso and the new government's cancellation of the export taxes along with management's solid operational track record now place the mine in a good position to improve its cashflow contribution.

2015 has been a year of transformation for the Company. Whilst the industry downturn has necessitated a continued strong focus on cost efficiency, we are extremely encouraged by the positive attitude displayed by all our employees. We have entered 2016 with a renewed sense of confidence: a fourth consecutive year of production increases and reduced costs; a new mine; renewed resources at Arcata and Pallancata; a stronger balance sheet; and several brownfield exploration targets with the potential to continue improving the quality and quantity of our existing resources.

Ignacio Bustamante, Chief Executive Officer

8 March 2016

OPERATING REVIEW

OPERATIONS

Note: silver/gold equivalent production figures assume the average gold/silver ratio for 2015 of 74:1.

Production

In 2015, Hochschild once again exceeded its full year production target, delivering attributable production of 27.0 million silver equivalent ounces (24.7 million ounces using the Company's previous gold/silver ratio of 60:1), including 14.8 million ounces of silver and 166 thousand ounces of gold. The overall production target for 2016 is 32.0 million silver equivalent ounces, assuming the average silver-to-gold ratio for 2015, which consists of just over 14 million ounces from Inmaculada, approximately 7 million attributable ounces from the 51% owned San Jose and the balance from the remaining two Peruvian operations. 2016 production is expected to be equally weighted between gold and silver.

Costs

The Company's all-in sustaining cost was reduced by 26% in 2015 to $12.9 per silver equivalent ounce driven by Inmaculada with a very competitive $7.3 per silver equivalent ounce. Operational initiatives (cashflow optimisation programme), devaluation of local currencies and grade improvements at all operating units also contributed to the reduction. Please see page 12 of the Financial Review for further details on costs.

The all-in sustaining cost per silver equivalent ounce in 2016 is now expected to be between $12.0 and $12.5 with Inmaculada costs forecast to be between $9 and $10 per ounce, the remaining Peruvian mines at approximately $14.5 per ounce and San Jose at approximately $13 per ounce although ongoing Argentinean peso devaluation and a series of tax cancellations may reduce the target further.

Inmaculada (Peru)

The 100% owned Inmaculada underground operation is located in the Department of Ayacucho in southern Peru. It commenced production in June 2015.

Inmaculada summary

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Ore production (tonnes)

659,737

Average silver grade (g/t)

115

Average gold grade (g/t)

4.36

Silver produced (koz)

2,055

Gold produced (koz)

84.64

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

8,318

Silver sold (koz)

1,638

Gold sold (koz)

67.51

Unit cost ($/t)

63.3

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

4.6

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz)

7.3

Production

Commercial production was declared at the new flagship mine in August 2015 and the Company subsequently announced on 22 September that it had received the final mill operating permit from the Peruvian government with sales of dore commencing soon afterwards. Overall production in 2015 improved on the targeted range, coming in at 8.3 million silver equivalent ounces consisting of 84.6 thousand ounces of gold and 2.1 million ounces of silver. This was primarily driven by solid gold and silver grades and increased tonnage as the processing plant operated at closer to 3,850 tonnes per day during the last quarter of the year compared to its design capacity of 3,500 tonnes per day.

Costs

The all-in sustaining costs were low at $7.3 per silver equivalent ounce. This was driven by better than expected extraction costs, operational efficiencies versus the plan and by the processing of the significant ore stockpile which incurred a low cost in the plant's ramp-up phase and increased tonnage overall when mining operations commenced. The original cost of mining this stockpile was capitalised over the previous few periods. Overall all-in sustaining costs are expected to increase to the normalised forecast level of between $9 to $10 in 2016.

Brownfield exploration

In 2016, a geological mapping programme is planned for the Inmacualda and Hualhua areas along with a 7,000 metre drilling programme in the Palca zone.

Arcata (Peru)

The 100% owned Arcata underground operation is located in the Department of Arequipa in southern Peru. It commenced production in 1964.

Arcata summary

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

% change

Ore production (tonnes)

648,051

701,947

(8)

Average silver grade (g/t)

323

286

13

Average gold grade (g/t)

0.99

0.85

16

Silver produced (koz)

5,613

5,827

(4)

Gold produced (koz)

15.67

16.89

(7)

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

6,772

7,077

(4)

Silver sold (koz)

5,653

5,621

1

Gold sold (koz)

15.29

15.66

(2)

Unit cost ($/t)

109.1

89.1

22

Total cash cost ($/oz Ag co-product)

11.7

12.6

(7)

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz)

14.3

17.7

(19)

Production

At Arcata, total silver equivalent production for 2015 was 6.8 million ounces (2014: 7.1 million ounces). Despite introducing an adjusted mine plan at the start of 2015 to ensure the extraction of profitable ounces, Arcata has delivered a much stronger year than expected. A successful brownfield exploration programme has ensured considerable tonnage at higher silver grades than expected.

Costs

In 2015, all-in sustaining costs fell by 19% to $14.3 per silver equivalent ounce (2014: $17.7 per ounce) due to a substantial decline in capital expenditure resulting from the announced adjusted mine plan as well as improved grades.

Brownfield exploration

During 2015, the Arcata exploration programme has focused on the incorporation of resources from the Stephani, Cristina, Soledad, Macarena and Nicole veins as well as further exploration of the Tunels 3 and 4 vein systems. Just over 10,000 metres of drilling were executed. Significant intercepts included:

Vein

Results

North-South

DDH027-LM11: 2.12m @ 0.43 g/t Au & 719 g/t Ag

DDH768-LM14: 1.27m @ 2.46 g/t Au & 549 g/t Ag

DDH802-GE15: 1.58m @ 0.56 g/t Au & 659 g/t Ag

DDH990-GE11: 0.82m @ 0.15 g/t Au & 1,667 g/t Ag

Lucero

DDH777-LM15: 1.35m @ 1.35 g/t Au & 593 g/t Ag

DDH792-GE15: 1.01m @ 1.85 g/t Au & 395 g/t Ag

DDH800-LM15: 0.97m @ 1.49 g/t Au & 533 g/t Ag

Soledad

DDH800-LM15: 1.00m @ 4.05 g/t Au & 1,015 g/t Ag

Tunel 3

DDH871-GE15: 1.2m @1.04 g/t Au & 1,135 g/t Ag

DDH872-GE15: 1.3m @2.09 g/t Au & 1,196 g/t Ag

Tunel 4

DDH878-GE15: 1.0m @ 2.4 g/t Au & 3,479 g/t Ag

DDH883-GE15: 1.7m @ 1.6 g/t Au & 1,729 g/t Ag

The focus of 2016 will be a 7,000 metre drilling programme to incorporate additional resources from the Tunel 4, Marion and Alexia veins.

Pallancata (Peru)

The 100% owned Pallancata silver/gold property is located in the Department of Ayacucho in southern Peru, approximately 160 kilometres from the Arcata operation. Pallancata commenced production in 2007. Ore from Pallancata is transported 22 kilometres to the Selene plant for processing.

Pallancata summary

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

% change

Ore production (tonnes)

522,431

1,051,068

(50)

Average silver grade (g/t)

259

238

9

Average gold grade (g/t)

1.28

1.03

24

Silver produced (koz)

3,664

6,527

(44)

Gold produced (koz)

16.42

24.34

(33)

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

4,879

8,329

(41)

Silver sold (koz)

3,632

6,502

(44)

Gold sold (koz)

15.80

24.03

(34)

Unit cost ($/t)

98.9

69.3

43

Total cash cost ($/ozAg co-product)

12.5

11.0

14

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz)

15.7

16.7

(6)

Production

At Pallancata, total production for the year was 4.9 million silver equivalent ounces (2014: 8.3 million ounces). Tonnage throughout the year was significantly lower than 2014 due to the adjusted mine plan's approximate halving of capacity although silver and gold grades rose gradually throughout the year to partially compensate. The operation remains in a transitional phase with the Selene plant expected to transition to the new Pablo vein later in 2016. See further details of the Pablo vein below.

Costs

All-in sustaining costs fell by 6% to $15.7 per silver equivalent ounce (2014: $16.7 per ounce) due to the scheduled decline in capex as well as better grades. These improvements were partially offset by incremental capex approved to develop the newly discovered Pablo vein. See details below of the Pablo vein's preliminary economics.

Brownfield exploration

The exploration team at Pallancata began a 19,100 metre exploration and drilling programme in May 2015 with the aim of focusing on inferred resource exploration at surface. In mid August, whilst pursuing the west extension of the Yurika vein to the north west of the main Pallancata vein, a new blind structure at a depth of 200 metres below surface was discovered. The Pablo vein has been recognised along an east-west strike for 700 metres and dips 50-75° south. The structure's significant thickness (greater than 10m wide) is associated with dilation zones in flexures and fault jogs. The Pablo vein is a fine-to-medium grain white quartz vein and shows a banded texture and multiple brecciation events filled with adularia and quartz crystals. It is part of a major regional structure, currently extending to about 2 km, which will be explored over the medium term.

Following the initial discovery of the Pablo vein, drilling continued and an initial inferred resource was achieved. The Company's preliminary economics for a two year mine life for the Pablo vein are detailed below. Resources (unaudited) are estimates based on a cut-off grade of 103g/t silver equivalent.

Pablo

Inferred resources (kt) (unaudited)

1,251

Ag grade (g/t)

344

Au grade (g/t)

1.3

LOM production (M oz Ag Eq)

12.6

LOM AISC ($/oz Ag Eq)

10.6

LOM Cashflows ($m)

Revenue

161.4

Costs

(108.5)

Selling expenses

(3.0)

Capital expenditure

(19.7)

Taxes (SMT & Royalties)

(2.4)

Pre-tax total

27.9

NAV @5% (spot metal prices)(illustrative)

40.5

Spot metal prices: $15.5/oz Ag; $1,230/oz Au

Work has started on mine development to access the vein and the Company currently expects to have initial production from Pablo towards the end of 2016.

Drilling has continued at the deposit and 7,242 metres were drilled at Pablo and Yurika veins during the last quarter of the year. Preliminary results are below:

Vein

Results

Pablo

DLEP-A21: 9.0m @0.68 g/t Au & 225 g/t Ag

DLEP-A23: 7.1m @1.09 g/t Au & 389 g/t Ag

DLEP-A24: 2.9m @1.34 g/t Au & 334 g/t Ag

DLEP-A25: 9.0m @1.20 g/t Au & 324 g/t Ag

DLEP-A26: 4.7m @0.73 g/t Au & 290 g/t Ag

Yurika

DLYU-A97: 2.8m @1.66 g/t Au & 438 g/t Ag

Yurika ceiling

DLYU-A97: 1.5m @ 3.94 g/t Au & 748 g/t Ag

DLYU-A99: 1.0m @ 0.89 g/t Au & 231 g/t Ag

The focus of the brownfield exploration programme for 2016 will be a 5,500 metre drilling programme to add resources in from the Pablo and Yurica veins. Geological mapping of the Pallancata-Selene area will also be carried out.

San Jose: Argentina

The San Jose silver/gold mine is located in Argentina, in the province of Santa Cruz, 1,750 kilometres south-southwest of Buenos Aires. San Jose commenced production in 2007 and is a joint venture with McEwen Mining Inc. Hochschild holds a controlling interest of 51% in the mine and is the mine operator.

San Jose summary

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

% change

Ore production (tonnes)

532,488

571,017

(7)

Average silver grade (g/t)

448

404

11

Average gold grade (g/t)

6.36

5.77

10

Silver produced (koz)

6,706

6,469

4

Gold produced (koz)

96.64

94.16

3

Silver equivalent produced (koz)

13,857

13,437

3

Silver sold (koz)

6,340

6,316

-

Gold sold (koz)

88.79

91.28

(3)

Unit cost ($/t)

210.4

197.8

6

Total cash cost ($/ozAg co-product)

10.8

12.1

(11)

All-in sustaining cost ($/oz)

14.1

17.8

(21)

The Company has a 51% interest in San Jose

Production

The San Jose operation once again delivered another consistent year with operation producing a record 13.9 million silver equivalent ounces (2014: 13.4 million ounces) driven by better than projected silver and gold grades.

On 17 December 2015, the Argentinean peso fell by approximately 40% against the dollar following the decision by the government to lift capital controls. With approximately 70% of operating costs at San Jose incurred in pesos, the effect of this significant devaluation is already having a material impact on the mine's cost position.

The Argentinean government published a decree on 2 November 2015 restoring the right to receive a rebate from goods exported through Patagonian ports (previously cancelled in 2009). This benefit is applicable to Hochschild at a rate of approximately 9% of the FOB value of its exports which amounts to approximately $15 million per annum. The current estimate for collection is approximately two years.

In late December 2015, following an announcement by the new government that they would remove export taxes on agricultural and industrial products, it was subsequently confirmed that the decree included removal of the 5% export tax on finished mining products such as dore (approximately 50% of the mine's output). Subsequently in 2016 it was confirmed that the additional 10% export tax on concentrate would also be removed from February 2016.

Finally it was also confirmed recently that the 1% tax on the market value of reserves that was imposed by the Province of Santa Cruz in 2013 has been removed with the resulting positive effect amounting to approximately $3 million per annum.

The effect of all the above-mentioned changes in Argentina is that the Company expects overall economic and operating environment in Argentina to improve significantly.

Costs

At San Jose, unit cost per tonne increased by 6% versus 2014 to $210.4. However, all-in sustaining costs were reduced by 21% to $14.1 per silver equivalent ounce (2014: $17.8 per ounce) driven by cost reduction initiatives, lower capex andbetter grades.

Brownfield exploration

Whilst no drilling was carried out in 2015, a 3,500 metre programme is planned for 2016 in the Los Pinos and Colorado Grande areas as well as a comprehensive mapping programme of other areas such as Agua Vivas to the South of the mine.

PROJECT REVIEW

Hochschild's portfolio currently includes three Growth Projects, Crespo, Azuca and Volcan. The continuing weakness of the precious metal markets during 2015, following the initial price declines in 2013, led to the focus on completing construction of Hochschild's flagship Inmaculada project.

The strategy with regards to Crespo, Azuca and Volcan was revised in late 2013 with work on these deposits remaining on hold throughout 2014 and 2015. Despite the above-mentioned prioritisation of Inmaculada, all three projects remain an important component of the company's portfolio of development assets. It is management's intention that in the event that precious metals markets show sustained improvement, this would allow the Company to assess capital re-allocation to these assets and potentially re-initiate development.

Inmaculada

During the first half of 2015, construction of the plant continued with first dore production achieved on 3 June 2015. The ramp-up phase was ongoing throughout the third quarter with tonnes per day reaching the forecast capacity of 3,500 in mid August and operating at just above that level for the remainder of the year. Gold and silver recoveries trended to close to their target of 93.7% in gold and 87.9% in silver.

The Hochschild team also continued underground mine development throughout the first half and a stockpile of approximately 270,000 tonnes began to be processed following commissioning of the plant whilst stope mining activities (utilising long hole and breasting methods) were being initiated. Following the declaration of commercial production at the mine in August, the Company subsequently announced on 22 September that it had received the final mill operating permit from the Peruvian government and consequently sales of dore were able to commence.

Construction of the paste backfill plant also continued throughout the year with the mine's laboratories, warehouses and workshops also completed.

During the year, the contractor Graña y Montero (GyM), made a number of requests for additional costs from the Company under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract ('EPC'). In addition, Hochschild made certain claims against GyM as a result of delays in the construction of the plant and related components of the project. In September, following discussions, the Company and GyM settled their mutual claims and agreed that the total amount payable by the Company to GyM for all works under the EPC Contract (including pending work) would be fixed at approximately $159.1 million, of which $20 million represented additional amounts payable in settlement of all claims made by GyM for additional costs under the EPC Contract. In addition, it was agreed that GyM would bear all risks and costs resulting from the completion of all pending work under the EPC Contract and, therefore, subject to certain limited exceptions, GyM would not be entitled to request further adjustments to the amounts agreed to be paid.

To date Hochschild has paid to GyM approximately $136 million under the EPC Contract. It was agreed that the above mentioned amount of $20 million would be paid in four instalments every six months starting in September 2017, with interest accruing at an annual rate of 5% of the outstanding balance. The remaining approximately $4 million will be paid following completion of the outstanding work.

Total construction capital expenditure for the Inmaculada mine was $455 million, of which $449 million has already been incurred by the end of the year with the remaining construction capital expenditure of $6 million expected to be spent during 2016 (to be funded from existing cash resources).

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The reporting currency of Hochschild Mining plc is U.S. dollars. In discussions of financial performance the Group removes the effect of exceptional items, unless otherwise indicated, and in the income statement results are shown both pre and post such exceptional items. Exceptional items are those items, which due to their nature or the expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, need to be disclosed separately on the face of the income statement to enable a better understanding of the financial performance of the Group and to facilitate comparison with prior years.

Revenue

Gross revenue

Gross revenue from continuing operations decreased by 5% to $469.2 million in 2015 (2014: $493.0 million) primarily driven by another substantial fall in precious metal prices.

Silver

Gross revenue from silver decreased 23% in 2015 to $275.3 million (2014: $358.2 million) as a result of lower prices as well as a 9% decrease in the total amount of silver ounces sold to 17,263 koz (2014:18,981 koz) driven by the fall in ounces produced from Pallancata due to the imposition of the adjusted mine plan.

Gold

Gross revenue from gold increased 19% in 2015 to $217.2 million (2014: $182.7 million) as a result of a 31% rise in the total amount of gold ounces sold in 2015 (187.4 koz) offsetting the 9% fall in the average price received. The increase in gold sales came from the first output from the new Inmaculada operation.

Gross average realised sales prices

The following table provides figures for average realised prices (which are reported before the deduction of commercial discounts and include the effects of the existing hedging agreements)and ounces sold for 2015 and 2014:

Average realised prices

Year ended
31 Dec 2015

Year ended
31 Dec 2014

Silver ounces sold (koz)

17,263

18,981

Avg. realised silver price ($/oz)

16.0

18.9

Gold ounces sold (koz)

187.39

142.77

Avg. realised gold price ($/oz)

1,159

1,279

Commercial discounts

Commercial discounts refer to refinery treatment charges, refining fees and payable deductions for processing concentrates, and are deducted from gross revenue on a per tonne basis (treatment charge), per ounce basis (refining fees) or as a percentage of gross revenue (payable deductions). In 2015, the Group recorded commercial discounts of $23.6 million (2014: $48.1 million). This decrease is explained by the decision to switch the majority of production from Arcata back to dore in 2015 as opposed to the previous year when most was sold as concentrate due to favourable commercial terms. The ratio of commercial discounts to gross revenue in 2015 decreased to 5% (2014: 9%).

Net revenue

Net revenue decreased by 5% to $469.1 million (2014: $493.0 million), comprising silver revenue of $258.4 million and gold revenue of $210.5 million. In 2015 silver accounted for 55% and gold 45% of the Company's consolidated net revenue with a 10 percentage point change from 2014 due to commencement of contributions from the Inmaculada mine.

Revenue by mine

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended
31 Dec 2015

Year ended
31 Dec 2014

% change

Silver revenue

Arcata

93,445

103,963

(10)

Ares

-

10,896

-

Inmaculada

25,223

-

-

Pallancata

59,803

129,042

(54)

San Jose

96,837

114,276

(15)

Moris

-

30

-

Commercial discounts

(16,929)

(37,369)

(55)

Net silver revenue

258,379

320,838

(19)

Gold revenue

Arcata

19,124

20,040

(5)

Ares

-

14,993

-

Inmaculada

77,080

-

-

Pallancata

19,929

31,984

(38)

San Jose

101,046

115,211

(12)

Moris

-

441

-

Commercial discounts

(6,688)

(10,713)

(38)

Net gold revenue

210,491

171,956

22

Otherrevenue

276

157

76

Net revenue

469,146

492,951

(5)

Costs

Total pre-exceptional cost of sales was steady at $403.7 million in 2015 (2014: $404.6 million). The direct production cost was flat at $265.1 million (2014: $265.6 million) with the positive effects of Inmaculada's lower costs offsetting the additional production delivered. Depreciation in 2015 was $139.5 million (2014: $126.0 million) with the increase mainly due to Inmaculada capex depreciation. Other items, which principally include the costs associated with stoppages in Argentina, was $9.3 million in 2015 (2014: $4.4 million). Change in inventories was $10.3 million in 2015 (2014: $8.6 million).

$000

Year ended
31 Dec 2015

Year ended
31 Dec 2014

% Change

Direct production cost excluding depreciation

265,107

265,637

-

Depreciation in production cost

139,533

125,955

11

Other items

9,272

4,406

110

Change in inventories

(10,255)

8,641

(219)

Pre-exceptional cost of sales

403,657

404,639

-

Unit cost per tonne

The Company reported unit cost per tonne at its main operations of $118.4 in 2015, slightly up on 2014 (2014: $106.6). For further explanation on the increase in unit cost per tonne please refer to page 6 of the Operating Review.

Unit cost per tonne by operation (including royalties):

Operating unit ($/tonne)

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

% change

Peru

90.7

77.3

17

Arcata

109.1

89.1

22

Inmaculada

63.3

-

-

Pallancata

98.9

69.3

43

Argentina

San Jose

210.4

197.8

6

Others

Ares

-

119.3

-

Total

118.4

107.4

10

Cash costs

Cash costs include cost of sales, commercial deductions and selling expenses before exceptional items, less depreciation included in cost of sales.

Cash cost reconciliation:

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

% change

Group cash cost

313,939

353,736

(11)

(+) Cost of sales

403,657

404,639

-

(-) Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales

(135,645)

(128,480)

(5)

(+) Selling expenses

21,729

28,697

(24)

(+) Commercial deductions

24,198

48,880

(50)

Gold

6,714

10,752

(38)

Silver

17,484

38,128

(54)

Revenue

469,146

492,951

(5)

Gold

210,491

171,956

22

Silver

258,379

320,838

(19)

Others

276

157

76

Ounces Sold

Gold

187.4

142.8

31

Silver

17,263

18,981

(9)

Group Cash Cost ($/oz)

Co product Au

752

865

(13)

Co product Ag

10.0

12.1

(17)

By product Au

203

(37)

648

By product Ag

5.6

9.0

(38)

Cash costs are calculated based on pre-exceptional figures. Co-product cash cost per ounce is the cash cost allocated to the primary metal (allocation based on proportion of revenue), divided by the ounces sold of the primary metal. By-product cash cost per ounce is the total cash cost minus revenue and commercial discounts of the by-product divided by the ounces sold of the primary metal.

All-in sustaining cost reconciliation

All-in sustaining cash costs per silver equivalent ounce

Year ended 31 Dec 2015

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Arcata

Inmac

Pallancata

San José

Main operations

Other operations

Corporate & others

Total

(+) Production cost excluding depreciation

71,128

32,765

51,599

108,101

263,593

-

-

263,593

(+) Other items in cost of sales

2,133

1,544

1,610

5,499

10,786

-

-

10,786

(+) Operating and exploration capex for units

14,600

13,704

10,683

38,451

77,438

-

1,193

78,631

(+) Brownfield exploration expenses

62

6

2,457

1,463

3,988

-

1,990

5,978

(+) Administrative expenses (excl depreciation and before exceptional items)

2,641

2,515

1,796

7,095

14,046

-

22,569

36,614

(+) Royalties

-

1,037

741

-

1,778

-

-

1,778

Sub-Total

90,564

51,571

68,885

160,609

371,629

-

25,751

397,380

Au Ounces produced

15,670

72,226

16,419

96,638

200,953

-

-

200,953

Ag Ounces produced (000s)

5,613

1,746

3,664

6,706

17,728

-

-

17,728

Ounces produced (Ag Eq oz)

6,772

7,090

4,879

13,857

32,599

-

-

32,599

Sub-total ($/oz)

13.4

7.3

14.1

11.6

11.4

-

-

12.2

(+) Commercial deductions

5,144

4

6,687

12,363

24,198

-

-

24,198

(+) Selling expenses

962

12

1,048

19,707

21,729

-

-

21,729

Sub-total

6,106

16

7,735

32,070

45,927

-

-

45,927

Au Ounces sold

15,289

67,513

15,795

88,793

187,390

-

-

187,390

Ag Ounces sold (000s)

5,653

1,638

3,632

6,340

17,263

-

-

17,263

Ounces sold (Ag Eq oz)

6,784

6,634

4,801

12,910

31,130

-

-

31,130

Sub-total ($/oz)

0.9

-

1.6

2.5

1.5

-

-

1.5

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Ag Eq)

14.3

7.3

15.7

14.1

12.9

-

-

13.7

Year ended 31 Dec 2014

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Arcata

Inmac

Pallancata

San José

Main operations

Other operations

Corporate & others

Total

(+) Production cost excluding depreciation

62,644

-

71,742

110,089

244,475

17,853

-

262,328

(+) Other items in cost of sales

1,301

-

834

1,724

3,859

546

-

4,406

(+) Operating and exploration capex for units

28,867

-

34,657

51,350

114,874

1,613

116,487

(+) Brownfield exploration expenses

2,038

-

1,728

1,003

4,769

42

3,232

8,043

(+) Administrative expenses (excl depreciation and before exceptional items)

5,266

-

7,317

8,270

20,853

362

20,049

41,263

(+) Royalties

-

-

1,370

-

1,370

241

-

1,611

Sub-Total

100,116

-

117,648

172,436

390,200

19,044

24,894

434,138

Au Ounces produced

16,892

-

24,345

94,161

135,398

11,633

-

147,031

Ag Ounces produced (000s)

5,827

-

6,527

6,469

26,947

534

-

19,357

Ounces produced (Ag Eq oz)

6,841

-

7,988

12,119

26,947

1,232

-

28,179

Sub-total ($/oz)

14.6

-

14.7

14.2

14.5

15.5

-

15.4

(+) Commercial deductions

18,016

-

13,666

17,198

48,880

-

-

48,880

(+) Selling expenses

1,987

-

1,995

24,648

28,630

67

-

28,697

Sub-total

20,003

-

15,661

41,846

77,510

67

-

77,577

Au Ounces sold

15,663

-

24,025

91,277

130,965

11,449

-

142,770

Ag Ounces sold (000s)

5,621

-

6,502

6.316

18,439

540

-

18,981

Ounces sold (Ag Eq oz)

6,560

-

7,944

11,793

26,297

1,250

-

27,547

Sub-total ($/oz)

3.0

-

2.0

3.5

2.9

0.1

-

2.8

All-in sustaining costs ($/oz Ag Eq)

17.7

-

16.7

17.8

17.4

15.5

-

18.2

Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses before exceptional items decreased by 12% to $38.1 million (2014: $43.3 million) primarily due to the continuing impact of the cashflow optimisation programme.

Exploration expenses

In 2015, pre-exceptional exploration expenses, decreased by 46% to $9.3 million (2014: $17.3 million). In addition, the Group capitalises part of its brownfield exploration, which mostly relates to costs incurred converting potential resource to the Inferred or Measured and Indicated category. In 2015, the Company capitalised $2.6 million relating to brownfield exploration compared to $1.5 million in 2014, bringing the total investment in exploration for 2015 to $11.8 million (2014: $18.8 million).

Selling expenses

Selling expenses decreased by 24% versus 2014at $21.7 million (2014: $28.7 million) mainly due to lower prices impacting the export taxes in Argentina and the decision to switch the majority of production from Arcata back to dore. Selling expenses in 2015 consisted of export duties at San Jose (export duties in Argentina were previously levied at 10% of revenue for concentrate and 5% of revenue for dore) and logistic costs for the sale of concentrate.

Other income/expenses

Other income before exceptional items was $8.0 million (2014: $4.1 million) mainly due to incremental revenue from logistic services provided to third parties and an export credit from dore bars in Argentina. Other expenses before exceptional items reached $15.3 million (2014: $17.5 million) mainly due to an increase in mine closure provisions of $7.6 million ($2014: $9.1 million).

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2% over the period to $138.8 million (2014: $135.6 million) driven primarily by the positive effects of the new low cost Inmaculada contribution but largely offset by significantly lower precious metal prices.

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net finance costs and income tax plus non-cash items (depreciation and changes in mine closure provisions) and exploration expenses other than personnel and other exploration related fixed expenses.

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

% change

Profit from continuing operations before exceptional items, net finance cost, foreign exchange loss and income tax

(10,886)

(14,374)

24

Depreciation and amortisation in cost of sales

135,645

128,480

6

Depreciation and amortisation in administrative expenses

1,534

2,072

(26)

Exploration expenses

9,255

17,254

(46)

Personnel and other exploration related fixed expenses

(4,301)

(6,934)

38

Other non cash expenses

7,590

9,088

(16)

Adjusted EBITDA

138,837

135,586

2

Adjusted EBITDA margin

30%

28%

Finance income

Finance income before exceptional items of $1.9 million reduced slightly from 2014 ($2.2 million) mainly due to lower interest received on deposits, partially offset by income generated from the repurchase of bonds below par value.

Finance costs

Finance costs before exceptional items decreased from $33.1 million in 2014 to $31.4 million in 2015, principally due to the repurchase of $55.2 million of Senior Notes with a coupon rate of 7.75% and the $50.0 million prepayment of the medium term loan, both in the fourth quarter.

Foreign exchange losses

The Group recognised a foreign exchange loss of $5.6 million (2014: $5.0 million loss) as a result of exposures in currencies other than the functional currency specifically the Peruvian Nuevo Sol and Argentinean Peso, both of which depreciated in the year against the US Dollar.

Income tax

The Company's pre-exceptional income tax charge was $20.4 million (2014: $6.5 million). The increase is mainly explained by the impact of local currency devaluation in Peru and Argentina which significantly reduced the tax basis of PP&E and therefore generating a deferred tax liability.

Exceptional items

Exceptional items in 2015 totalled $(173.3) million losses after tax (2014: $(14.1) million). The tables below detail the exceptional items excluding the exceptional tax effect that amounted to $36.9 million (2014: $3.8 million).

2015 negative exceptional items:

Main items

$000

Description of main items

Cost of sales

(1,514)

Termination benefits

Impairment and write-off of non-financial assets (net)

(207,146)

Impairment of: Arcata unit ($72.4 million); Volcan unit ($57.1 million); Pallancata unit ($39.0 million); Crespo project ($14.4 million); Azuca project ($12.8 million); San Felipe project ($10.9 million); PP&E write-off ($0.6 million)

Finance cost

(1,486)

Interest on disputed tax charge

Cash flow & balance sheet review

Cash flow:

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

Change

Net cash generated from operating activities

133,256

93,779

39,477

Net cash used in investing activities

(223,319)

(263,007)

39,668

Cash flows generated in financing activities

61,027

5,039

55,988

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the period

(29,036)

(164,189)

(135,153)

Operating cash flow increased from $93.8 million in 2014 to $133.3 million in 2015, mainly due to the maiden cash contribution from the new Inmaculada mine, partially offset by lower prices. Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $(223.3) million in 2015 from $(263.0) million in 2014 mainly due to moderately lower pre-operating capex incurred at the Inmaculada project in 2015 as well as reduced sustaining capex at the other operations. Finally, cash generated from financing activities increased to $61.0 million from $5.0 million in 2014, primarily as a result of the proceeds from the equity rights issue and short term debt raised in Peru ($75 million) offset by the significant repayment of $105 million of debt in the second half of the year. As a result, total cash outflow decreased from $(164.2) million in 2014 to $(29.0) million in 2015 ($135.2 million difference).

Working capital

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended

31 Dec 2015

Year ended

31 Dec 2014

Trade and other receivables

135,014

173,526

Inventories

70,286

58,417

Net other financial assets

20,126

2,809

Net income tax receivable

17,628

20,467

Trade and other payables and provisions

(249,788)

(226,603)

Working capital

(6,734)

28,616

The Group's working capital position improved by $35.4 million to $(6.7) million in 2015 from $28.6 million in 2014. This was primarily explained by: lower trade and other receivables ($(38.5) million) due to higher proportion of dore sales (lower collection period) at Arcata and lower prices; and higher trade and other payables and provisions ($(23.2) million), in line with improved payment terms obtained from vendors. These effects were partially offset by higher net financial assets ($17.4 million) and by higher inventories ($11.9 million), mainly resulting from accumulation of concentrate in Argentina in December 2015.

Net debt

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended
31 Dec 2015

Year ended
31 Dec 2014

Cash and cash equivalents

84,017

115,999

Long term borrowings

(339,778)

(440,834)

Short term borrowings

(94,760)

(27,882)

Net debt

(350,521)

(352,717)

The Group reported net debt position was $350.5 million as at 31 December 2015 (2014: ($352.7) million). The reduction includes the net effect of the equity rights issue ($95 million), the prepayment of the Scotiabank medium term loan (($50) million), the repurchase of senior notes (($55) million), the withdrawal of short term pre-shipment loans in Peru ($75 million) and the cash outflow required to complete the construction of Inmaculada.

Capital expenditure

$000 unless otherwise indicated

Year ended
31 Dec 2015

Year ended
31 Dec 2014

Arcata

14,600

28,867

Ares

25

-

Selene

139

497

Pallancata

10,683

34,160

San Jose

38,451

51,350

Moris

-

-

Operations

63,898

114,874

Inmaculada

166,336

198,112

Crespo

2,842

4,206

Volcan

958

1,463

Azuca

211

853

Other

3,914

1,613

Total

238,159

321,121

2015 capital expenditure of $238.2 million (2014: $321.1 million) mainly comprised of operational capex of $63.9 million (2014: $114.9 million) and Inmaculada capital expenditure of $166.3 million (2014: $198.1 million).

Forward looking Statements

This announcement contains certain forward looking statements, including such statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, such forward looking statements may relate to matters such as the business, strategy, investments, production, major projects and their contribution to expected production and other plans of Hochschild Mining plc and its current goals, assumptions and expectations relating to its future financial condition, performance and results.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements typically containing words such as 'intends', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'targets', 'plans', 'estimates' and words of similar import. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Actual results, performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining plc may be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance or achievements of Hochschild Mining plc and current expectations include, but are not limited to, legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments, competitive conditions, technological developments, exchange rate fluctuations and general economic conditions. Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser.

The forward looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this announcement. Except as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, Hochschild Mining plc does not undertake any obligation to update or change any forward looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this announcement. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

- the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

- the Management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Year ended 31 December 2015

Year ended 31 December 2014

Notes

Before exceptional items US$000

Exceptional items

(note 11)

US$000

Total
US$000

Before exceptional items US$000

Exceptional items

(note 11)

US$000

Total
US$000

Continuing operations

Revenue

3,5

469,146

-

469,146

492,951

-

492,951

Cost of sales

6

(403,657)

(1,514)

(405,171)

(404,639)

(6,065)

(410,704)

Gross profit

65,489

(1,514)

63,975

88,312

(6,065)

82,247

Administrative expenses

7

(38,148)

-

(38,148)

(43,335)

(2,752)

(46,087)

Exploration expenses

8

(9,255)

-

(9,255)

(17,254)

(886)

(18,140)

Selling expenses

9

(21,729)

-

(21,729)

(28,697)

-

(28,697)

Other income

12

8,021

-

8,021

4,112

-

4,112

Other expenses

12

(15,264)

-

(15,264)

(17,512)

(2,963)

(20,475)

Impairment and write-off of assets, net

11

-

(207,146)

(207,146)

-

109

109

Loss from continuing operations before net finance income/(cost), foreign exchange loss and income tax

(10,886)

(208,660)

(219,546)

(14,374)

(12,557)

(26,931)

Finance income

13

1,898

-

1,898

2,215

4,061

6,276

Finance costs

13

(31,414)

(1,486)

(32,900)

(33,074)

(9,491)

(42,565)

Foreign exchange loss

(5,627)

-

(5,627)

(4,990)

-

(4,990)

Loss from continuing
operations before income tax

(46,029)

(210,146)

(256,175)

(50,223)

(17,987)

(68,210)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

14

(20,370)

36,888

16,518

(6,466)

3,845

(2,621)

Lossfor the year from continuing operations

(66,399)

(173,258)

(239,657)

(56,689)

(14,142)

(70,831)

Attributable to:

Equity shareholders of the Company

(61,852)

(172,758)

(234,610)

(54,963)

(13,914)

(68,877)

Non-controlling interests

(4,547)

(500)

(5,047)

(1,726)

(228)

(1,954)

(66,399)

(173,258)

(239,657)

(56,689)

(14,142)

(70,831)

Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share from continuing operations for the year (expressed in US dollars per share)

15

(0.14)

(0.38)

(0.52)

(0.13)

(0.03)

(0.16)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Year ended 31 December

Notes

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Lossfor the year

(239,657)

(70,831)

Other comprehensive incometo be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

Exchange differences on translating foreign operations

(597)

(1,716)

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

19

(86)

(3,106)

Recycling of the loss on available-for-sale financial assets

104

2,096

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

35,887

18,945

Recycling of the gain on cash flow hedges

(18,962)

(14,603)

Deferred income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

14

(4,739)

(1,216)

Other comprehensivegain for the period, net of tax

11,607

400

Total comprehensive expense for the year

(228,050)

(70,431)

Total comprehensive expense attributable to:

Equity shareholders of the Company

(223,003)

(68,477)

Non-controlling interests

(5,047)

(1,954)

(228,050)

(70,431)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 31 December 2015

Notes

As at
31 December 2015
US$000

As at
31 December 2014
US$000

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

16

1,045,516

1,076,310

Evaluation and exploration assets

17

138,171

207,290

Intangible assets

18

27,981

42,815

Available-for-sale financial assets

19

366

455

Trade and other receivables

20

10,187

6,488

Income tax receivable

47

-

Deferred income tax assets

27

-

1,574

1,222,268

1,334,932

Current assets

Inventories

21

70,286

58,417

Trade and other receivables

20

124,827

167,038

Income tax receivable

20,384

25,584

Other financial assets

21,267

4,342

Cash and cash equivalents

22

84,017

115,999

320,781

371,380

Total assets

1,543,049

1,706,312

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders of the Parent

Equity share capital

223,805

170,389

Share premium

438,041

396,021

Treasury shares

(898)

(898)

Other reserves

(203,649)

(217,335)

Retained earnings

218,093

451,047

675,392

799,224

Non-controlling interests

90,113

95,160

Total equity

765,505

894,384

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

24

20,379

92

Borrowings

25

339,778

440,834

Provisions

26

121,402

111,751

Deferred income

23

25,000

25,000

Deferred income tax liabilities

27

64,274

84,959

570,833

662,636

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

24

101,892

111,890

Other financial liabilities

1,141

1,533

Borrowings

25

94,760

27,882

Provisions

26

6,115

2,870

Income tax payable

2,803

5,117

206,711

149,292

Total liabilities

777,544

811,928

Total equity and liabilities

1,543,049

1,706,312

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 March 2016 and signed on its behalf by:

Ignacio Bustamante

Chief Executive Officer

8 March 2016

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 31 December 2015

Year ended 31 December

Notes

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

166,234

129,993

Interest received

726

1,931

Interest paid

(36,445)

(25,585)

Payment of mine closure costs

26

(2,538)

(5,524)

Income tax received/(paid)

5,279

(7,036)

Net cash generated from operating activities

133,256

93,779

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(216,188)

(309,033)

Purchase of evaluation and exploration assets

(6,861)

(6,071)

Purchase of intangibles

(612)

(281)

Dividends received

-

494

Proceeds from deferred income

23

-

3,223

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale financial assets

3

48,097

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

339

564

Net cash used in investing activities

(223,319)

(263,007)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds of borrowings

175,948

482,393

Repayment of borrowings

(209,173)

(458,132)

Transaction costs of borrowings

-

(9,166)

Dividends paid

28

(964)

(10,056)

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares

95,216

-

Cash flows generated in financing activities

61,027

5,039

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the year

(29,036)

(164,189)

Exchange difference

(2,946)

(6,247)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

115,999

286,435

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

22

84,017

115,999

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the year 31 December 2015

Other reserves

Notes

Equity share capital US$000

Share premium US$000

Treasury shares US$000

Unrealised gain/
(loss) on available-for-sale financial assets
US$000

Unrealised gain/
(loss) on hedges
US$000

Bond
equity component (note 25(b)) US$000

Cumulative translation adjustment US$000

Merger reserve US$000

Share- based payment reserve US$000

Total
Other reserves US$000

Retained earnings US$000

Capital and reserves attributable to shareholders
of the Parent
US$000

Non-controlling interests
US$000

Total
equity
US$000

Balance at
1 January
2014

170,389

396,021

(898)

1,024

-

8,432

(11,289)

(210,046)

736

(211,143)

511,492

865,861

104,375

970,236

Other comprehensive (loss)/income

-

-

-

(1,010)

3,126

-

(1,716)

-

-

400

-

400

-

400

Loss for the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(68,877)

(68,877)

(1,954)

(70,831)

Total comprehensive income/(loss)
for the year

-

-

-

(1,010)

3,126

-

(1,716)

-

-

400

(68,877)

(68,477)

(1,954)

(70,431)

Transfer to retained earnings

-

-

-

-

-

(8,432)

-

-

-

(8,432)

8,432

-

-

-

CEO LTIP

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

610

610

-

610

-

610

Deferred bonus plan

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,230

1,230

-

1,230

-

1,230

Dividends declared to non-controlling interests

28

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(7,261)

(7,261)

Balance at
31 December
2014

170,389

396,021

(898)

14

3,126

-

(13,005)

(210,046)

2,576

(217,335)

451,047

799,224

95,160

894,384

Other comprehensive(loss)/income

-

-

-

18

12,186

-

(597)

-

-

11,607

-

11,607

-

11,607

Lossfor the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(234,610)

(234,610)

(5,047)

(239,657)

Total comprehensive income/(loss)
for the year

-

-

-

18

12,186

-

(597)

-

-

11,607

(234,610)

(223,003)

(5,047)

(228,050)

Issuance of shares of deferred bonus plan

220

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,560)

(1,560)

1,340

-

-

-

Issuance of shares

53,196

46,812

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

100,008

-

100,008

Transaction costs related to issuance of shares

-

(4,792)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(4,792)

-

(4,792)

Restricted share plan

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,843

2,843

-

2,843

-

2,843

Deferred bonus plan

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

469

469

-

469

-

469

CEO LTIP

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

327

327

316

643

-

643

Balance at
31 December 2015

223,805

438,041

(898)

32

15,312

-

(13,602)

(210,046)

4,655

(203,649)

218,093

675,392

90,113

765,505

1 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2015

The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2015 and 2014 contained in this document does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the years ended 31 December 2015 and 2014 have been extracted from the consolidated financial statements of Hochschild Mining plc for the year ended 31 December 2015 which have been approved by the directors on 8 March 2016 and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies in due course. The auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.

2 Significant accounting policies

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2014.

Standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been previously adopted by the Group

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the Group's accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016 or later periods but which the Group has not previously adopted. Those that are applicable to the Group are as follows:

· IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative - Amendments to IAS 1, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

· IAS 16 and IAS 38 - Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation - Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

· AIP IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations - Changes in methods of disposal, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

· AIP IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Servicing contracts, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

· AIP IAS 19 Employee Benefits - Discount rate: regional market issue, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

· IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

· IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

· IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

· IFRS 16 Leases, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 Jan 2019.

· IAS 7 Statement of cash flows, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017.

· IAS 12 Income Taxes, applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017.

The Group is analysing the effect of the standards and plans to adopt the new standard on the required effective date.

3 Segment reporting

The Group's activities are principally related to mining operations which involve the exploration, production and sale of gold and silver. Products are subject to the same risks and returns and are sold through the same distribution channels. The Group undertakes a number of activities solely to support mining operations including power generation and services. Transfer prices between segments are set on an arm's length basis in a manner similar to that used for third parties. Segment revenue, segment expense and segment results include transfers between segments at market prices. Those transfers are eliminated on consolidation.

For internal reporting purposes, management takes decisions and assesses the performance of the Group through consideration of the following reporting segments:

· Operating units - Arcata and San Jose, which generate revenue from the sale of gold, silver, dore and concentrate.

· Operating unit - Pallancata, which generates revenue from the sale of concentrate.

· Operating unit - Inmaculada, which will generate revenue from the sale of gold, silver and dore.

· Operating unit - Ares, in suspension, which generated revenue from the sale of gold and silver, disclosed as a segment until 31 December 2014. This operation did not meet the quantitative thresholds to be a separate reportable segment in 2015 and accordingly has been included in 'Other'. The comparative segment information has been restated to reflect these changes.

· Exploration, which explores and evaluates areas of interest in brownfield and greenfield sites with the aim of extending the life‑of‑mine of existing operations and to assess the feasibility of new mines. The exploration segment includes costs charged to the profit and loss and capitalised as assets.

· Other - includes the profit or loss generated by Empresa de Transmisión Callalli S.A.C. (a power transmission company), HMX, S.A. de C.V. (a service company in Mexico), Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C. (a power transmission company), Ares unit, Moris unit and the Selene plant (used to process some of the Group's production).

The Group's administration, financing, other activities (including other income and expense), and income taxes are managed at a corporate level and are not allocated to operating segments.

Segment information is consistent with the accounting policies adopted by the Group. Management evaluates the financial information based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted for use in the European Union.

The Group measures the performance of its operating units by the segment profit or loss that comprises gross profit, selling expenses and exploration expenses.

Segment assets include items that could be allocated directly to the segment.

(a) Reportable segment information

Arcata US$000

Pallancata US$000

San Jose US$000

Inmaculada US$000

Exploration
US$000

Other1

US$000

Adjustment
and
eliminations
US$000

Total
US$000

Year ended
31 December 2015

Revenue from
external customers

107,425

73,045

186,097

102,303

-

276

-

469,146

Inter segment revenue

-

-

-

-

-

2,437

(2,437)

-

Total revenue

107,425

73,045

186,097

102,303

-

2,713

(2,437)

469,146

Segment profit/(loss)

(1,340)

(17,002)

13,297

49,759

(10,710)

384

(1,397)

32,991

Others2

(289,166)

Loss from continuing operations before
income tax

(256,175)

Other segment information

Depreciation3

(33,506)

(35,415)

(45,286)

(32,093)

(1,496)

(2,816)

-

(150,612)

Amortisation

-

-

(1,013)

-

(457)

(34)

-

(1,504)

Impairment and write-off of assets, net

(72,718)

(39,245)

(57)

-

(95,113)

(13)

-

(207,146)

Assets

Capital expenditure

14,600

10,683

38,451

166,336

4,011

4,078

-

238,159

Current assets

17,456

13,818

63,941

31,958

30

5,435

-

132,638

Other non-current assets

53,458

50,591

220,307

633,169

181,662

72,481

-

1,211,668

Total segment assets

70,914

64,409

284,248

665,127

181,692

77,916

-

1,344,306

Not reportable assets4

-

-

-

-

-

198,743

-

198,743

Total assets

70,914

64,409

284,248

665,127

181,692

276,659

-

1,543,049

1 'Other' revenue relates to revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión Callalli S.A.C.and Empresa de Transmisión Aymaraes S.A.C.

2 Comprised of administrative expenses of US$38,148,000, other income of US$8,021,000, other expenses of US$15,264,000, impairment and write-off of assets of US$207,146,000, finance income of US$1,898,000, finance expense of US$32,900,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$5,627,000.

3 Includes US$1,793,000 and US$6,077,000 of depreciation capitalised in the Crespo and the Inmaculada projects respectively.

4 Not reportable assets are comprised of available-for-sale financial assets of US$366,000, other receivables of US$72,662,000, income tax receivable of US$20,431,000, other financial assets of US$21,267,000 and cash and cash equivalents of US$84,017,000.

Arcata US$000

Pallancata US$000

San Jose US$000

Inmaculada
US$000

Exploration
US$000

Other1

US$000

Adjustment
and
eliminations
US$000

Total
US$000

Year ended
31 December 2014

Revenue from
external customers

106,061

147,360

213,013

-

-

26,517

-

492,951

Inter segment revenue

-

-

-

-

-

2,857

(2,857)

-

Total revenue

106,061

147,360

213,013

-

-

29,374

(2,857)

492,951

Segment profit/(loss)

5,054

20,894

28,429

-

(18,662)

447

(752)

35,410

Others2

(103,620)

Loss from continuing operations before
income tax

(68,210)

Other segment information

Depreciation3

(31,348)

(48,008)

(46,820)

(7,558)

(930)

(3,014)

-

(137,678)

Amortisation

-

-

(1,181)

-

(458)

-

-

(1,639)

Impairment and write-off of assets, net

(499)

(31)

(717)

(85)

1,580

(139)

-

109

Assets

Capital expenditure

28,867

34,160

51,350

193,445

6,522

6,777

-

321,121

Current assets

27,993

21,174

66,995

5,877

35

9,161

-

131,235

Other non-current assets

143,524

112,365

223,295

497,771

277,829

71,631

-

1,326,415

Total segment assets

171,517

133,539

290,290

503,648

277,864

80,792

-

1,457,650

Not reportable assets4

-

-

-

-

-

248,662

-

248,662

Total assets

171,517

133,539

290,290

503,648

277,864

329,454

-

1,706,312

1 'Other' revenue relates to revenue for the sale of gold and silver generated by the Ares and Moris mine, revenues earned by Empresa de Transmisión Callalli S.A.C., and revenues earned by HMX S.A. de C.V. for services provided to the Moris mine and the Mexican exploration activities.

2 Comprised of administrative expenses of US$46,087,000, other income of US$4,112,000, other expenses of US$20,475,000, gain on the reversal of impairment net of write-off of assets of US$109,000, finance income of US$6,276,000, finance expense of US$42,565,000, and foreign exchange loss of US$4,990,000.

3 Includes US$967,000 and US$7,558,000 of depreciation capitalised in the Crespo and the Inmaculada projects respectively.

4 Not reportable assets are comprised of available-for-sale financial assets of US$455,000, other receivables of US$100,708,000, income tax receivable of US$25,584,000, deferred income tax assets of US$1,574,000, other financial assets of US$4,342,000 and cash and cash equivalents of US$115,999,000.

(b) Geographical information

The revenue for the period based on the country in which the customer is located is as follows:

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

External customer

USA

229,229

96,427

Peru

63,328

178,217

Canada

58,154

36,421

Germany

7,428

10,987

Switzerland

12,174

45,020

United Kingdom

17,273

2,450

Korea

81,580

121,868

Japan

(20)

1,561

Total

469,146

492,951

Inter-segment

Peru

2,437

1,804

Mexico

-

1,053

Total

471,583

495,808

In the periods set out below, certain customers accounted for greater than 10% of the Group's total revenues as detailed
in the following table:

Year ended 31 December 2015

Year ended 31 December 2014

US$000

% Revenue

Segment

US$000

% Revenue

Segment

Republic Metals Corporation

106,339

23%

Arcata, Inmaculada and San Jose

44,725

9%

San Jose

LS Nikko

81,580

17%

Pallancata and San Jose

121,868

25%

Arcata, Pallancata and San Jose

Glencore Perú S.A.C.

38,502

8%

Arcata and Pallancata

114,192

23%

Arcata and Pallancata

Non-current assets, excluding financial instruments and deferred income tax assets, were allocated to the geographical areas in which the assets are located as follows:

As at 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Peru

897,824

942,411

Argentina

220,307

223,295

Mexico

31,005

41,944

Chile

62,532

118,765

Total non-current segment assets

1,211,668

1,326,415

Available-for-sale financial assets

366

455

Trade and other receivables

10,187

6,488

Income tax receivable

47

-

Deferred income tax assets

-

1,574

Total non-current assets

1,222,268

1,334,932

4 Acquisitions and disposals

(a) Sale of subsidiary

In 2015 there were no acquisitions or disposals undertaken by the Group.

Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V.

On 28 February 2014 the Group sold its interest in Minas Santa María de Moris, S.A. de C.V. ('Moris') to Exploraciones y Desarrollos Regiomontanos, S.A. de C.V. ('EDR') and Arturo Préstamo Elizondo ('APE') for consideration with a fair value of nil. The terms of the transaction stipulate that:

· the Group was entitled to a 1% net smelter return over the Moris concessions once production reaches 50,000 ounces of gold equivalent following the sale; and

· EDR and APE would assume all costs associated with the mine and plant rehabilitation obligations.

The carrying value of the net assets disposed was US$2,963,000 and the transaction resulted in a loss of US$2,963,000.

5 Revenue

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Gold (from dore bars)

142,077

62,911

Silver (from dore bars)

142,397

67,418

Gold (from concentrate)

68,414

109,045

Silver (from concentrate)

115,982

253,420

Services

276

157

Total

469,146

492,951

Included within revenue is a loss of US$7,275,000 relating to provisional pricing adjustments representing the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives (2014: loss of US$16,518,000) arising on sales of concentrates and dore (refer to note 2(p).

The realised gain on gold and silver swaps contracts in the period recognised within revenue was US$18,962,000 (gold: US$7,012,000, silver: US$11,950,000) (2014: US$14,603,000, gold: US$2,451,000, silver: US$12,152,000).

6 Cost of sales

Included in cost of sales are:

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Depreciation and amortisation

142,712

128,720

Personnel expenses (notes 10 and 11)

107,823

114,322

Mining royalty (note 30)

5,968

6,581

Change in products in process and finished goods

(10,255)

8,641

7 Administrative expenses

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Personnel expenses (notes 10and 11)

22,427

24,206

Professional fees

3,095

3,846

Social and community welfare expenses1

597

1,943

Lease rentals

1,415

1,442

Travel expenses

576

865

Communications

560

579

Indirect taxes

2,147

2,678

Depreciation and amortisation

1,534

2,072

Technology and systems

745

718

Security

790

951

Supplies

134

188

Other

4,128

6,599

Total

38,148

46,087

1 Represents amounts expended by the Group on social and community welfare activities surrounding its mining units.

8 Exploration expenses

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Mine site exploration1

Arcata

62

2,038

Ares

50

42

Selene

-

58

Inmaculada

6

-

Pallancata

2,457

1,728

San Jose

1,463

1,003

4,038

4,869

Prospects2

Peru

303

788

Argentina

43

73

Mexico

-

195

Chile

71

237

417

1,293

Generative3

Peru

499

1,180

Argentina

-

11

Mexico

-

2,588

Chile

-

379

499

4,158

Personnel (notes 10and 11(1))

2,967

7,412

Others

1,334

408

Total

9,255

18,140

1 Mine-site exploration is performed with the purpose of identifying potential minerals within an existing mine-site, with the goal of maintaining or extending
the mine's life.

2 Prospects expenditure relates to detailed geological evaluations in order to determine zones which have mineralisation potential that is economically viable
for exploration. Exploration expenses are generally incurred in the following areas: mapping, sampling, geophysics, identification of local targets and
reconnaissance drilling.

3 Generative expenditure is very early stage exploration expenditure related to the basic evaluation of the region to identify prospects areas that have the geological conditions necessary to contain mineral deposits. Related activities include regional and field reconnaissance, satellite images, compilation of public information and identification of exploration targets.

The Group determines the cash flows which relate to the exploration activities of the companies engaged only in exploration. Exploration activities incurred by Group operating companies are not included since it is not practivable to separate the liabilities related to the exploration activities of these companies from their operating liabilities.

Cash outflows on exploration activities were US$1,190,000 in 2015 (2014: US$3,362,000).

9 Selling expenses

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Transportation of dore, concentrate and maritime freight

3,548

6,020

Sales commissions

200

429

Personnel expenses (note 10)

254

249

Warehouse services

1,610

2,930

Taxes

12,994

15,609

Other

3,123

3,460

Total

21,729

28,697

10 Personnel expenses1

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Salaries and wages

103,433

115,770

Workers' profit sharing

-

(34)

Other legal contributions

20,735

22,168

Statutory holiday payments

6,534

7,074

Long Term Incentive Plan

1,013

(657)

Restricted share plan

2,843

-

Termination benefits

3,623

11,570

Other

1,584

1,805

Total

139,765

157,696

1 Personnel expenses are distributed in cost of sales, administrative expenses, exploration expenses, selling expenses, other expenses and capitalised as property plant and equipment amounting to US$107,823,000 (2014: US$114,322,000), US$22,427,000 (2014: US$24,206,000), US$2,967,000 (2014: US$7,412,000), US$254,000 (2014: US$249,000), US$1,218,000 (2014: US$1,642,000) and US$5,076,000 (2014: US$9,865,000) respectively.

Average number of employees for 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

Year ended 31 December

2015

2014

Peru

2,575

2,852

Argentina

1,129

1,179

Mexico

-

19

Chile

3

11

United Kingdom

10

9

Total

3,717

4,070

11 Pre-tax exceptional items

Exceptional items are those significant items which, due to their nature or the expected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, need to be disclosed separately on the face of the income statement to enable a better understanding of the financial performance of the Group and facilitate comparison with prior years.

Year ended 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Cost of sales

Termination benefits1

(1,514)

(1,327)

Termination benefits Ares mine unit2

-

(3,511)

Work stoppage at Arcata mine unit

-

(1,227)

Total

(1,514)

(6,065)

Administrative expenses

Termination benefits1

-

(2,752)

Total

-

(2,752)

Exploration expenses

Termination benefits1

-

(886)

Total

-

(886)

Other expenses

Loss on sale of subsidiary3

-

(2,963)

Total

-

(2,963)

Impairment and write-off of assets (net)

Impairment and write-off of assets4

(207,146)

(1,534)

Reversal of impairment of assets5

-

1,643

Total

(207,146)

109

Finance income

Gain on sale of available-for-sale financial assets6

-

4,061

Total

-

4,061

Finance costs

Amortisation of transaction costs on secure bank loans7

-

(3,336)

Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments8

-

(6,155)

Interest on disputed tax charges9

(1,486)

-

Total

(1,486)

(9,491)

Income tax benefit

36,888

3,845

Total

36,888

3,845

1 Termination benefits paid to workers following the cashflow optimisation programme approved by management, amounting to US$1,514,000 (2014:US$4,965,000).

2 Termination benefits generated in connection with the suspension of the Ares mine unit.

3 Loss generated by the sale of the Group´s interest in Moris (refer to note 4(a)).

4 As at 31 December 2015 corresponds to the impairment of the Pallancata mine unit of US$39,026,000, the Arcata mine unit of US$72,424,000, the Crespo project of US$14,350,000, the Azuca project of US$12,766,000, the Volcan project of US$57,070,000 and the San Felipe project of US$10,927,000, and to the write-off of assets of US$583,000. As at 31 December 2014 corresponds to the write-off of assets of US$1,534,000.

5 Corresponds to a reversal of previously recorded impairment at the San Felipe property of US$1,643,000 (note 17).

6 Corresponds to the gain on sale of the Group´s holding in Gold Resource Corp ('GRC') of US$2,642,000, Chaparral Gold of US$842,000, Mirasol Resources Ltd of US$556,000 and Northern Superior Resources Inc of US$21,000.

7 Corresponds to the attributable issue cost of the syndicated US$270,000,000 loan, granted in 2013 and repaid in January 2014, to Compañía Minera Ares S.A.C., disclosed as an exceptional item as a significant one-off expense.

8 As at 31 December 2014 corresponds to the impairment of the investments in Pembrook Mining Corp of US$6,000,000, Brionor Resources of US$54,000, Revelo Resources Corp (formerly Iron Creek Capital Corp) of US$53,000, Northern Superior Resources Inc of US$45,000 and Empire Petroleum Corp of US$3,000.

9 Interest on overdue tax charges owed by the Group following a change in circumstances surrounding a tax dispute with the Peruvian tax authority, resulting in the exposure now being assessed as 'probable', rather than 'possible'.

12 Other income and other expenses before exceptional items

Year ended
31 December 2015

Year ended
31 December 2014

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Other Income

Export credit

2,743

1,386

Lease rentals

443

586

Logistic services

3,699

-

Other

1,136

2,140

8,021

4,112

Other expenses

Increase in provision for mine closure (note 26(4))

(7,590)

(9,088)

Tax on mining reserves in Argentina (note 30)

(441)

(3,453)

Provision of obsolescence of supplies

(1,046)

945

Contingencies

(108)

(1,680)

Write off of value added tax

(795)

(37)

Other

(5,284)

(4,199)

Total

(15,264)

(17,512)

13 Finance income and finance costs before exceptional items

Year ended
31 December 2015

Year ended
31 December 2014

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Finance income

Interest on deposits and liquidity funds

648

1,567

Interest income

648

1,567

Dividends

-

525

Gain on repurchase of bonds

856

-

Other

394

123

Total

1,898

2,215

Finance costs

Interest on secured bank loans (note 25)

(5,842)

(5,027)

Interest on convertible bond1

-

(5,364)

Other interest

(1,657)

-

Interest on bond (note 25)

(22,096)

(20,302)

Interest expense

(29,595)

(30,693)

Unwind of discount

(505)

(1,865)

Loss from changes in the fair value of financial instruments

(116)

(90)

Other

(1,198)

(426)

Total

(31,414)

(33,074)

1 Relates to US$115,000,000 of senior unsecured convertible bonds, due in 2014, which were convertible into ordinary shares of Hochschild Mining plc. The Group settled the convertible bonds in cash upon their maturity in October 2014. The bonds had a coupon of 5.75% per annum payable semi-annually on 28 January and 28 July of each year.

14 Income tax expense

Year ended 31 December 2015

Year ended 31 December 2014

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Exceptional items
US$000

Total
US$000

Before
exceptional
items
US$000

Exceptional
items
US$000

Total
US$000

Current corporate income tax from
continuing operations

Current corporate income tax charge

5,200

(259)

4,941

10,082

(251)

9,831

Current mining royalty charge (note 30)

1,778

-

1,778

1,611

-

1,611

Current special mining tax charge (note 30)

755

-

755

375

-

375

Withholding taxes

(142)

-

(142)

(343)

-

(343)

7,591

(259)

7,332

11,725

(251)

11,474

Deferred taxation

Origination and reversal of temporary differences from continuing operations (note27)

12,637

(36,629)

(23,992)

(457)

(3,851)

(4,308)

Effect of change in tax rate

142

-

142

(4,802)

257

(4,545)

12,779

(36,629)

(23,850)

(5,259)

(3,594)

(8,853)

Total taxation charge/(credit) in the income statement

20,370

(36,888)

(16,518)

6,466

(3,845)

2,621

The weighted average statutory income tax rate was 25.4% for 2015 and 28.7% for 2014. This is calculated as the average of the statutory tax rates applicable in the countries in which the Group operates, weighted by the profit/(loss) before tax of the Group companies in their respective countries as included in the consolidated financial statements.

The change in the weighted average statutory income tax rate is due to a change in the weighting of profit/(loss) before tax in the various jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

In December 2014, the Peruvian government approved a schedule for the gradual reduction of the statutory income tax rate, from its current level of 30% to 26% by 2019.

The tax related to items charged or credited to equity is as follows:

As at 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Deferred taxation:

Deferred income tax relating to fair value gains on cash flow hedges

4,739

1,216

Total tax charge in the statement of other comprehensive income

4,739

1,216

The total taxation charge on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to the consolidated profits of the Group companies as follows:

As at 31 December

2015
US$000

2014
US$000

Loss from continuing operations before income tax

(256,175)

(68,210)

At average statutory income tax rate of 25.4% (2014: 28.7%)

(65,017)

(19,547)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

1,040

3,058

Non-taxable income1

-

(851)

Deferred tax recognised on special investment regime

(691)

(780)

Movement in unrecognised deferred tax

16,565

6,700

Change in statutory income tax rate

142

(4,545)

Withholding tax

(142)

(343)

Special mining tax and mining royalty3

2,533

1,986

Derecognition of deferred tax asset

1,251

-

Foreign exchange rate effect4

24,964

14,473

Other

2,837

2,470

At average effective income tax rate of 6.4% (2014: -3.8%)

(16,518)

2,621

Taxation charge attributable to continuing operations

(16,518)

2,621

Total taxation charge in the income statement

(16,518)

2,621

1 2014: Mainly corresponds to the gain on sale of Gold Resource Corp shares.

2 Includes the effect of the impairment of Volcan and San Felipe projects of US$11,414,000 and US$3,278,000 respectively.

3 Corresponds to the impact of a mining royalty and special mining tax in Peru (note 30).

4 Mainly corresponds to the foreign exchange effect of converting tax bases and monetary items from local currency to the functional currency.

15 Basic and diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share ('EPS') is calculated by dividing profit/(loss) for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares issued during the year.

The Company has dilutive potential ordinary shares.

As a result of the rights issue being at a discounted price, the number of ordinary shares outstanding has increased due to the bonus element resulting in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for all periods presented having been adjusted retrospectively.

As at 31 December 2015 and 2014, EPS has been calculated as follows:

As at 31 December

2015

2014

Basicloss per share from continuing operations

Before exceptional items (US$)

(0.14)

(0.13)

Exceptional items (US$)

(0.38)

(0.03)

Total for the year and from continuing operations (US$)

(0.52)

(0.16)

Diluted loss per share from continuing operations

Before exceptional items (US$)

(0.14)

(0.13)

Exceptional items (US$)

(0.38)

(0.03)

Total for the year and from continuing operations (US$)

(0.52)

(0.16)

Net loss from continuing operations before exceptional items and attributable to equity holders of the parent is derived
as follows:

As at 31 December

2015

2014

Loss attributable to equity holders of the parent - continuing operations (US$000)

(234,610)

(68,877)

Exceptional items after tax - attributable to equity holders of the parent (US$000)

172,758

13,914

Loss from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity holders
of the parent (US$000)

(61,852)

(54,963)

Diluted loss from continuing operations before exceptional items attributable to equity
holders of the parent (US$000)

(61,852)

(54,963)

The following reflects the share data used in the basic and diluted loss per share computations:

As at 31 December

2015

2014

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)

449,511

421,783

Dilutive potential ordinary shares related to contingently issuable shares (thousands)1

-

-

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue and dilutive potential
ordinary shares (thousands)

449,511

421,783

1 The potential ordinary shares related to the contingently issuable shares under the Enhanced Long Term Incentive Plan and Restricted Share Plan' have not been included in the calculation of diluted EPS for 2015 and 2014 as they have an antidilutive effect.

16 Property, plant and equipment

Mining properties and development
costs1
US$000

Land and buildings US$000

Plant and equipment
US$000

Vehicles US$000

Mine
closure
asset
US$000

Construction in progress and capital advances US$000

Total
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2015

Cost

At 1January 2015

999,777

257,171

389,042

6,030

96,213

237,308

1,985,541

Additions

91,862

632

31,455

-

-

106,737

230,686

Change in discount rate

-

-

-

-

(755)

-

(755)

Change in mine closure estimate

-

-

-

-

7,928

-

7,928

Disposals

-

(195)

(952)

(196)

-

-

(1,343)

Write-offs

(2,382)

(118)

(5)

(2,505)

Transfer from intangibles

582

-

-

-

-

-

582

Transfers and other movements2

4,886

214,485

63,584

435

-

(281,648)

1,742

At 31 December 2015

1,097,107

472,093

480,747

6,151

103,386

62,392

2,221,876

Accumulated depreciation
and impairment

At 1January 2015

526,824

134,638

193,210

3,663

49,486

1,410

909,231

Depreciation for the year

91,129

23,333

32,053

913

3,184

-

150,612

Disposals

-

(179)

(223)

(124)

-

-

(526)

Impairment

60,259

20,752

30,451

71

7,120

-

118,653

Write-offs

-

-

(1,839)

(83)

-

-

(1,922)

Transfers and other movements2

335

492

(264)

7

-

(258)

312

At 31 December 2015

678,547

179,036

253,388

4,447

59,790

1,152

1,176,360

Net book amount at 31 December 2015

418,560

293,057

227,359

1,704

43,596

61,240

1,045,516

There were borrowing costs capitalised in property, plant and equipment amounting to US$8,252,000 (2014: US$9,904,000). The capitalisation rate used was 6.79% (2014: 8.83%).

1 Mining properties and development costs related to Azuca, Crespo and Volcan projects are not currently being depreciated.

2 Net of transfers and other movements of US$1,430,000 were transferred from evaluation and exploration assets.

At the end of 2015, given the continued challenging environment for the mining sector, the Group carried out an impairment review of all of its operating mines (Arcata, Pallancata, Inmaculada and San Jose), and its growth projects (Crespo, Azuca, San Felipe and Volcan). As a result of this review the Group recognised an impairment charge in the Pallancata mine unit of US$39,026,000, the Arcata mine unit of US$72,424,000, the Crespo project of US$14,350,000, the Azuca project of US$12,766,000, San Felipe project of US$10,927,000 and the Vocan project of US$57,070,000. The impairment recognised in property plant and equipment was US$118,653,000, in evaluation and exploration assets was US$74,550,000 and in intangibles was US$13,360,000 (refer to note 17 and 18).

The recoverable values of these CGUs were determined using a fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) methodology. FVLCD was determined using a combination of level 2 and level 3 inputs to construct a discounted cash flow model to estimate the amount that would be paid by a willing third party in an arm's length transaction. The key assumptions on which management has based its determination of FVLCD, and the associated recoverable values calculated are presented below.

Gold and silver prices

US$ per oz.

2016

2017

2018

2019

Long-term

Gold

1,175

1,200

1,213

1,240

1,224

Silver

16

17

18

19

18

Other key assumptions

Arcata

Pallancata

San Jose

Inmaculada

Crespo

Azuca

San Felipe

Volcan

Discount rate (post tax)

6.3%

6.3%

9.7%

6.3%

7.8%

n/a

n/a

n/a

Value per in-situ ounce (per tonne in the case of San Felipe)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

0.25

16.21

6.55

1 With respect to the Azuca, Volcan and San Felipe growth projects, given their early stage, the Group applied a value in-situ methodology, which applies a realisable 'enterprise value' to unprocessed mineral resources. The methodology is used to determine the fair value less costs of disposal of the Azuca, Volcan which includes the water permits held by the Group, and San Felipe CGUs. The enterprise value used in the calculation performed at 31 December 2015 was US$6.55 per gold equivalent ounce of resources (Volcan), $0.25 per silver equivalent ounce of resources (Azuca) and US$16.21 per zinc equivalent tonne of resources (San Felipe). The enterprise value figures are based on observable external market information.

Current carrying value of CGU, net of deferred tax (US$000)

Arcata

Pallancata

San Jose

Inmaculada

Crespo

Azuca

San Felipe

Volcan

31 December 2015

42,956

49,331

160,055

587,208

46,275

26,102

4,218

62,512

Crespo, Azuca and San Felipe projects correspond to the exploration segment.

Sensitivity analysis

Other than as disclosed below, management believes that no reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions above would cause the carrying value of any of its cash generating units to exceed its recoverable amount.

The estimated recoverable amounts of the following of the Group's CGUs are equal to, or not materially greater than, their carrying values; consequently, any adverse change in the following key assumptions would, in isolation, cause an impairment loss to be recognised:

Approximate impairment resulting from the following changes (US$000)

Arcata

Pallancata

San Jose

Inmaculada

Crespo

Azuca

San Felipe

Volcan

Prices (10% decrease)

(42,956)

(14,892)

(89,961)

(86,439)

(16,308)

n/a

n/a

n/a

Post tax discount rate (3% increase)

(5,354)

(3,525)

(28,570)

(50,812)

(12,348)

n/a

n/a

n/a

Production costs (10% increase)

(42,956)

(8,082)

(48,914)

(20,495)

(7,397)

n/a

n/a

n/a

Value per in-situ ounce (per tonne in the case of San Felipe) (10% decrease)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(2,610)

(422)

(6,251)

Mining properties and development
costs
US$000

Land and buildings US$000

Plant and equipment
US$000

Vehicles US$000

Mine
closure
asset
US$000

Construction in progress and capital advances US$000

Total
US$000

Year ended 31 December 2014

Cost

At 1January 2014

869,780

220,083

371,079

6,511

74,362

136,383

1,678,198

Additions

136,742

1,913

20,281

46

-

157,192

316,174

Change in discount rate

-

-

-

-

4,357

-

4,357

Change in mine closure estimate

-

-

-

-

18,741

-

18,741

Disposals

-

(178)

(2,657)

(309)

-

(61)

(3,205)

Write-offs

(114)

(276)

(3,943)

(308)

-

-

(4,641)

Disposal of subsidiary (note 4(a))

(11,015)

(7,851)

(6,972)

(355)

(1,247)

-

(27,440)

Transfers and other movements1

4,384

43,480

11,254

445

-

(56,206)

3,357

At 31 December 2014

999,777

257,171

389,042

6,030

96,213

237,308

1,985,541

Accumulated depreciation
and impairment

At 1January 2014

452,777

120,923

175,453

3,645

48,425

3,498

804,721

Depreciation for the year

84,928

19,836

29,854

752

2,308

-

137,678

Disposals

-

(178)

(2,385)

(256)

-

-

(2,819)

Write-offs

(51)

(184)

(2,677)

(195)

-

-

(3,107)

Disposal of subsidiary (note 4(a))

(11,015)

(7,851)

(6,969)

(345)

(1,247)

-

(27,427)

Transfers and other movements1

185

2,092

(66)

62

-

(2,088)

185

At 31 December 2014

526,824

134,638

193,210

3,663

49,486

1,410

909,231

Net book amount at 31 December 2014

472,953

122,533

195,832

2,367

46,727

235,898

1,076,310

1 Net of transfers and other movements of US$3,172,000 were transferred from evaluation and exploration assets.

17 Evaluation and exploration assets

Azuca
US$000

Crespo
US$000

San Felipe US$000

Volcan US$000

Others
US$000

Total
US$000

Cost

Balance at 1January 2014

75,540

29,176

55,950

90,575

10,684

261,925

Additions

821

-

-

1,463

2,382

4,666

Transfers from/( to) property, plant and equipment

3,593

(3,620)

-

(3)

(3,822)

(3,852)

Balance at 31December 2014

79,954

25,556

55,950

92,035

9,244

262,739

Additions

211

224

-

958

5,468

6,861

Transfers from/(to) property plant and equipment

-

-

-

-

(1,742)

(1,742)

Balance at 31 December 2015

80,165

25,780

55,950

92,993

12,970

267,858

Accumulated impairment

Balance at 1January 2014

29,862

9,130

16,550

-

1,740

57,282

Impairment1

-

-

(1,643)

-

-

(1,643)

Transfers from/(to) property, plant and equipment

3,430

(3,620)

-

-

-

(190)

Balance at 31 December2014

33,292

5,510

14,907

-

1,740

55,449

Impairment1

12,584

4,368

10,927

44,381

2,290

74,550

Transfers from/(to) property, plant and equipment

-

-

-

-

(312)

(312)

Balance at 31 December 2015

45,876

9,878

25,834

44,381

3,718

129,687

Net book value as at 31December 2014

46,662

20,046

41,043

92,035

7,504

207,290

Net book value as at 31 December 2015

34,289

15,902

30,116

48,612

9,252

138,171

There were no borrowing costs capitalised in evaluation and exploration assets.

1 In 2015 the Group recognised an impairment charge of US$74,550,000, mainly related to the Volcan project (refer to note 16). The FVLCD calculation is detailed in note 16. In 2014, the Group partially reversed the impairment of the San Felipe project of US$1,643,000.

18 Intangible assets

Hochschild Mining plc issued this content on 09 March 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 09 March 2016 07:29:38 UTC

Original Document: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=204920&p=irol-newsArticle_Print&ID=2147051