CEO.CA Chairman's Briefing

Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)

TORONTO, July 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM, TSX:AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today reported quarterly net income of $5.0 million, or $0.02 per share, for the second quarter of 2018.  This result includes a realized gain on asset disposals of $25.0 million ($0.11 per share) primarily related to the sale of the West Pequop Joint Venture, Summit and PQX properties in Nevada, non-cash foreign currency translation losses on deferred tax liabilities of $15.9 million ($0.07 per share), non-cash foreign currency translation losses of $3.9 million ($0.02 per share) and mark-to-market adjustments and derivative losses on financial instruments of $2.8 million ($0.01 per share).  Excluding these items would result in adjusted net income¹ of $2.6 million or $0.01 per share for the second quarter of 2018.  In the second quarter of 2017, the Company reported net income of $54.9 million or $0.24 per share.

Included in the second quarter of 2018 net income, and not adjusted above, is non-cash stock option expense of $3.8 million ($0.02 per share).

Income and mining taxes expense for the second quarter of 2018 was $35.4 million, or an effective tax rate of 88%.  In the first six months of 2018, the income and mining taxes expense was $59.9 million, or an effective tax rate of 55%.  These tax rates are higher than prior guidance partly due to the distribution of earnings by jurisdiction in the second quarter of 2018.  The Company anticipates the overall effective tax rate to normalize over the remainder of 2018 to approximately 45% for the full year 2018.

In the first six months of 2018, the Company reported net income of $49.9 million, or $0.21 per share.  This compares with the first six months of 2017, when net income was $130.8 million, or $0.57 per share.

In the second quarter of 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $120.1 million ($159.5 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), as compared with the second quarter of 2017 when cash provided by operating activities was $184.0 million in ($197.2 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).

In the first six months of 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $327.8 million ($340.1 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital), as compared with the first six months of 2017 when cash provided by operating activities was $406.6 million ($421.2 million before changes in non-cash components of working capital).

The decrease in net income and cash provided by operating activities during the current quarter compared to the prior year period was mainly due to lower gold sales volumes and higher costs, partially offset by higher realized gold prices.  Lower gold sales were as a result of expected lower gold production in the period primarily due to reduced throughput levels at Meadowbank as the mine transitions through the last full year of mining at site.  The higher costs were principally a result of the strengthening of local currencies against the U.S. dollar and higher costs at several operations, principally at Meadowbank and Kittila.

"Our mines continued to deliver strong operational performance during the quarter, which has allowed us to increase 2018 production guidance to 1.58 million ounces of gold from 1.53 million ounces.  Cash costs remained at the mid-point of our guidance, but we expect these costs to trend lower in the second half of the year", said Sean Boyd, Agnico Eagle's Chief Executive Officer.  "In the second quarter, we continued to make good progress on our development projects in Nunavut.  We recently received the Type A water licence for the Whale Tail pit at Amaruq, which allowed us to begin construction in late July, and the shipping season is now underway at Meliadine, which should facilitate timely completion of the project allowing for the expected start of production in the second quarter of 2019" added Mr. Boyd.

Second quarter 2018 highlights include:

• Operational performance remains strong – Payable gold production² in the second quarter of 2018 was 404,961 ounces at production costs per ounce of $750, total cash costs³ per ounce of $656 and all-in sustaining costs per ounce⁴ ("AISC") of $921
  
  
• Production guidance increased for 2018 – Full year production guidance is now forecast to be 1.58 million ounces of gold compared to previous guidance of 1.53 million ounces of gold.  Unit cost guidance is unchanged, with total cash costs per ounce of $625 to $675 and AISC of $890 to $940 per ounce.  However, the Company expects total cash costs per ounce to trend lower in the second half of 2018
  
  
• Amaruq project receives permit approval – The Type A water licence for the Whale Tail pit was approved by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada on July 11, 2018.  Preliminary construction work and stripping of the Whale Tail pit began in late July, as expected, and the Whale Tail deposit remains on schedule and budget for the start of production in the third quarter of 2019
  
  
• Meliadine project proceeding on schedule and on budget; step-out drilling extends Tiriganiaq mineralization – The 2018 shipping season is underway at Meliadine and development activities remain on track for the expected commencement of production in the second quarter of 2019.  A recent drill hole returned 27.3 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold over 12.8 metres at 483 metres depth.  This hole is expected to extend the inferred mineral resources envelope at Tiriganiaq
  
  
• Akasaba West Project receives Federal and Provincial authorization – The Company will now proceed with applications for the Mining Lease and Certificates of Authorization.  The Company is reviewing the timeline for the integration of the Akasaba West project into the Goldex production profile
  
  
• LaRonde Zone 5 (LZ5) declares commercial production and Lapa mine life extended until the fourth quarter of 2018 – LZ5 declared commercial production on June 1, 2018.  In order to maximize production, ore from LZ5 will be batch processed with ore from Lapa until the end of 2018
  
  
• A quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share was declared

Second Quarter Financial and Production Highlights

In the second quarter of 2018, strong operational performance continued at the Company's mines, which led to payable gold production of 404,961 ounces, compared to 427,743 ounces in the second quarter of 2017.  In the first six months of 2018, payable gold production was 794,239 ounces, compared to 845,959 ounces in the 2017 period.

The lower level of production in the second quarter of 2018 and the first six months of 2018, when compared with the prior-year periods, was primarily due to reduced throughput levels at Meadowbank as the mine transitions through the last full year of mining at site.  A detailed description of the production of each mine is set out below.

Production costs per ounce for the second quarter of 2018 were $750, compared to $634 in the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce for the second quarter of 2018 were $656, compared to $556 per ounce in the prior-year period.

Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 were $754, compared to $606 in the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 were $652, compared with $548 in the prior-year period.

Production costs per ounce and total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 and the first six months of 2018, when compared to the prior-year periods, were negatively affected by lower gold production levels at Meadowbank, the strengthening of local currencies against the U.S. dollar and higher costs at several mines (principally at Meadowbank and Kittila).  The impact of the strengthening of local currencies compared to the second quarter of 2017 was approximately $23 per ounce.

AISC for the second quarter of 2018 were $921 per ounce, compared to $785 in the prior-year period.  The higher AISC is primarily due to expected lower gold production and higher total cash costs per ounce compared to the second quarter of 2017.

AISC in the first six months of 2018 were $906 per ounce, compared to $764 in the prior-year period.  The higher AISC is primarily due to the same reasons as described above.  A detailed description of the cost performance of each mine is set out below.

Cash Position Remains Strong

Cash and cash equivalents and short term investments increased to $721.2 million at June 30, 2018, from the March 31, 2018 balance of $464.8 million.

The outstanding balance on the Company's credit facility remained nil at June 30, 2018.  This results in available credit lines of approximately $1.2 billion, not including the uncommitted $300 million accordion feature.

On April 5, 2018, the Company issued notes to certain institutional investors totalling $350 million.  The notes consist of $45 million at 4.38% due 2028, $55 million at 4.48% due 2030 and $250 million at 4.63% due 2033.  The terms of the notes are substantially the same as the terms of the outstanding notes of the Company.  The Company previously announced the issuance of these notes in its news release dated April 26, 2018.  During the quarter, DBRS Limited changed the trend on the Company's investment grade credit rating to Positive from Stable and confirmed the rating at BBB (low).

Approximately 56% of the Company's remaining 2018 Canadian dollar exposure is hedged at an average floor price of 1.28 C$/US$, of which approximately one third are designated for capital expenditures at Meliadine.  Approximately 48% of the Company's remaining 2018 Mexican peso exposure is hedged at an average floor price of 19.00 MXN/US$.  Approximately 8% of the Company's remaining 2018 Euro exposure is hedged at a rate of 1.20.  The Company's full year 2018 cost guidance was based on assumed exchange rates of 1.25 C$/US$, 18.00 MXN/US$ and 1.20 US$/EUR.  Agnico Eagle anticipates adding to its operating currency hedges, subject to market conditions.

Approximately 20% of the Company's diesel exposure relating to the Nunavut operations for the July 2018 to July 2019 consumption period is hedged at prices better than the 2018 cost guidance assumption of C$0.80 per litre.  Agnico Eagle anticipates adding to its diesel hedges, subject to market conditions.

Capital Expenditures

Total capital expenditures (including sustaining capital) in 2018 remain forecast to be approximately $1.08 billion.  The following table sets out capital expenditures (including sustaining capital) in the second quarter and first six months of 2018.

Revised 2018 Guidance – Production Increased

Production for 2018 is now forecast to be 1.58 million ounces of gold (previously 1.53 million ounces).  Unit cost guidance is unchanged with total cash costs per ounce of $625 to $675 and AISC of $890 to $940 per ounce.  However, the Company expects total cash costs to trend lower in the second half of 2018.

2018 Tax Guidance

The Company anticipates the overall effective tax rate to normalize over the remainder of 2018 and expects the overall tax rate to be near the higher end of the previous guidance range of 40% to 45% for the full year 2018.

As previously outlined in the Company's news release dated February 14, 2018, the Company expects its effective tax rates by jurisdiction for the full year 2018 to be:

Canada - 40% to 50%
Mexico - 35% to 40%
Finland - 20%

Dividend Record and Payment Dates for the Third Quarter of 2018

Agnico Eagle's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per common share, payable on September 14, 2018, to shareholders of record as of August 31, 2018.  Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Other Expected Dividend and Record Dates for 2018

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

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

Second Quarter 2018 Results Conference Call and Webcast Tomorrow

The Company's senior management will host a conference call on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 11:00 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss financial results and provide an update of the Company's operating activities.

Via Webcast:

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

Via Telephone:

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

Replay Archive:

Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 3680786.  The conference call replay will expire on August 26, 2018.  The webcast, along with presentation slides, will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.

NORTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

ABITIBI REGION, QUEBEC

Agnico Eagle is currently Quebec's largest gold producer with a 100% interest in the LaRonde, Goldex, Lapa and LaRonde Zone 5 mines and a 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine.  These mines are located within 50 kilometres of each other, which provides operating synergies and allows for the sharing of technical expertise.

LaRonde Mine – Higher Gold Grades Continue to Drive Increased Quarterly Production

The 100% owned LaRonde mine in northwestern Quebec achieved commercial production in 1988.

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher underground and mill maintenance costs, lower tonnage and the timing of unsold concentrate inventory. The higher mill maintenance costs were primarily related to an unscheduled five-day mill shutdown in second quarter of 2018. Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods, partially offset by higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne⁵ in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher underground and mill maintenance costs and lower tonnage.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production and by-product metal revenues, partially offset by higher underground and mill maintenance costs and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher grades resulting from the mining sequence in the western pyramid in the lower part of the mine.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher underground and mill maintenance costs, lower tonnage and the timing of unsold concentrate inventory. The higher mill maintenance costs were primarily related to an unscheduled five-day mill shutdown in second quarter of 2018.  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods, partially offset by higher production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher underground and mill maintenance costs and lower tonnage.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production and by-product metal revenues, partially offset by higher underground and mill maintenance costs and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Gold production in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher grades resulting from the mining sequence in the western pyramid in the lower part of the mine.

Drilling is ongoing at LaRonde 3 with a focus on mineral resource conversion to mineral reserves.  The Company continues to evaluate a phased approach to development between the 311 level (a depth of 3.1 kilometres) and the 350 level (a depth of 3.5 kilometres).

Under this phased approach, an additional two or three levels will be developed per year in either the east or west areas of the mine through 2022.  This is expected to result in the conversion of mineral resources into mineral reserves, with full mining activities to commence in 2022.  The Company believes that this phased approach is a lower risk, less capital intensive option for developing the deeper levels of the LaRonde mine.

LaRonde Zone 5 – Commercial Production Declared; Operations Continue to Ramp Up

In 2003, the Company acquired the LaRonde Zone 5 project (LZ5).  The property lies adjacent to and west of the LaRonde mining complex and previous operators exploited the deposit by open pit.  In February 2017, LZ5 was approved by Agnico Eagle's Board of Directors for development.

In the first quarter of 2018, development of the first five mining stopes was essentially completed and the first production blast was carried out in May 2018.  Three stopes were blasted by the end of the second quarter of 2018 and a total of 45,200 tonnes of ore (stopes and development) were mined.  Commercial production was achieved on June 1, 2018, coincident with the start of processing LZ5 ore at the Lapa mill circuit.  In addition, the paste plant was commissioned in the second quarter of 2018.

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 were $12.  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 were $113.  Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 were C$85.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 were $796.  Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 was 4,601 ounces of gold.

Currently, a fourth stope is in production and 36,500 tonnes of ore is stockpiled on surface.  Mining will continue at LZ5 over the balance of 2018, but in order to maximize production (tonnage and ounces), ore from LZ5 will be batch processed with ore from Lapa until the end of 2018. Gold production from LZ5 in 2018 is now forecast to be approximately 15,000 ounces (previous guidance was 20,000 ounces), with 2018 total cash costs per ounce expected to be in line with those reported in the second quarter of 2018.

One production truck arrived at site in the second quarter of 2018.  Additional production equipment (one truck and one scoop tram) and the required material for automated mining at LZ5 are expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2018.  Pilot testing is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2018 for both trucks and the scoop tram.  Ultimately, the Company is examining the potential to use the same LTE network that was developed at LZ5 and the automated mining equipment at LaRonde 3.

Under the current LZ5 mine plan, a total of approximately 350,000 ounces of gold are expected to be mined through 2026.  The Company is evaluating the potential to extend operations at depth and along strike onto the Ellison property, which adjoins LZ5 to the west.  Ellison hosts an indicated mineral resource of 68,000 ounces (651,000 tonnes grading 3.25 g/t gold) as of December 31, 2017.

Canadian Malartic Mine – New Quarterly Record for Gold Production and Mill Throughput

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

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to a decrease in contractor costs and higher throughput, partially offset by higher fuel costs.  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher production and the reasons described above, partially offset by higher fuel costs and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to a decrease in contractor costs and higher production, partially offset by higher fuel costs and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput and higher grades, partially offset by slightly lower gold recoveries.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due higher fuel costs and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased slightly when compared to the prior-year period due to higher fuel costs, partially offset by higher throughput.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Gold production in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput and higher grades, partially offset by slightly lower gold recoveries.

Work on the Barnat extension project is proceeding on budget and on schedule.  Work is primarily focused on the highway 117 road deviation, pit preparation and tailings expansion.  Production activities at Barnat are scheduled to begin in 2019.

Infill and Resource Development Drilling Continues at Odyssey Project

At the Canadian Malartic mine, exploration programs are ongoing to evaluate several near-pit and underground targets.  In addition, the Partnership is exploring the deposits to the east of the Canadian Malartic open pit including the Odyssey, East Malartic, Sladen and Sheehan zones.  These opportunities have the potential to provide new sources of ore for the Canadian Malartic mill.  The 2018 exploration program will consist of 140,000 metres of drilling (100% basis) with a budgeted cost of $8.6 million (50% basis).

In the second quarter of 2018, 23,726 metres of drilling (49 holes) was completed at the Odyssey Zone and 27,549 metres of drilling (41 holes and 12 deviation wedges) was completed at the East Malartic and Sheehan zones.

Lapa – Operations Now Expected to Extend into the Fourth Quarter of 2018

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

In the second quarter of 2018, the Lapa mill processed ore for 61 days as the mine approaches the end of operations, therefore, the operating statistics in the above table are not meaningfully comparable to the prior-year period.

In the first six months of 2018, the Lapa mill processed ore for 73 days as the mine approaches the end of operations, therefore, the operating statistics in the above table are not meaningfully comparable to the prior-year period.

Mining operations at Lapa are now forecast to continue into the fourth quarter of 2018.  Ore from Lapa will be batch processed with ore from LZ5 until the end of 2018.  As a result, gold production from Lapa for the full year 2018 is now forecast to be 25,000 ounces (previous guidance was 10,000 ounces).  Total cash costs per ounce for 2018, are expected to be in line with those in second quarter of 2018.

Goldex – Drilling on Deep 2 and Deep 3 Zone Expected to Increase Mineral Resources at Year End 2018

The 100% owned Goldex mine in northwestern Quebec began production from the M and E satellite zones in September 2013.  Commercial production from the Deep 1 Zone commenced on July 1, 2017.

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher contractor and consumable costs, partially offset by higher throughput levels (after deducting development ore tonnage from pre-commercial production at the Deep 1 Zone in the second quarter of 2017).  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods and the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production (after deducting pre-commercial ounces in the second quarter of 2017).

Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput.  As stope development in the Deep 1 area matures through 2018, Rail-Veyor utilization is expected to increase.  This is expected to lead to a reduction in unit costs.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher contractor and consumable costs, partially offset by higher throughput levels (after deducting development ore tonnage from pre-commercial production at the Deep 1 Zone in the first six months of 2017).  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods and the reasons described above, partially offset by higher production (after deducting pre-commercial ounces in the first six months of 2017).

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

Gold production in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher throughput.

Drilling and development is ongoing in the South Zone, which is accessible from the Deep 1 Zone infrastructure.  The South Zone consists of quartz veins that have higher grades than those in the primary mineralized zones at Goldex.  The Company is evaluating the potential for the South Zone to provide incremental ore feed to the Goldex mill.  A test stope in the South Zone is now expected to be mined in the fourth quarter of 2018 (previously August 2018).  The delay is due to a re-prioritization of development elsewhere in the mine, primarily related to advancement of the ramp to access Deep 2 and 3.

In the third quarter of 2018, there will be a two-week scheduled shutdown at Goldex to update the hoist drive controls, which will affect underground operations.  During this downtime, there will be a one-week scheduled shutdown to carry out mill maintenance.  Stockpiled ore will be milled during one week of the underground shutdown.

Akasaba West Update

The Company acquired the Akasaba West gold-copper deposit in January 2014.  Located less than 30 kilometres from Goldex, the Akasaba West deposit could create flexibility and synergies for the Company's operations in the Abitibi region by using extra milling capacity at both Goldex and LaRonde, while reducing overall unit costs.

In a decision issued on June 27, 2018, the Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that the Akasaba West project is not likely to cause significant environmental effects and can proceed.  The decision was subject to several conditions which will be implemented by the Company.  This was followed on June 28, 2018, by the approval of the Decree for the project by the Quebec Ministers in Council.  The Company will now proceed with applications for the Certificate of Authorization and the mining lease.

The Company is reviewing the timeline for the integration of the Akasaba West project into the Goldex production profile.  Over a five-year mine life, total production is expected to be approximately 115,000 ounces of gold and 21,000 tonnes of copper at total cash costs per ounce of $550 to $600.

Deep 2 Zone Extended to East and West

The main target of exploration at Goldex continues to be the Deep 2 Zone, which is the part of the Deep Zone between 1,200 metres and 1,500 metres depth, as well as the Deep 3 Zone (below 1,500 metres).  The Deep 2 Zone is estimated to have indicated mineral resources of 213,000 ounces of gold (2.9 million tonnes grading 2.27 g/t gold) and inferred mineral resources of 322,000 ounces of gold (7.2 million tonnes grading 1.39 g/t gold) as of December 31, 2017.  Exploration results from Goldex were last reported in the Company's news release dated February 11, 2015.

Drilling of the Deep 2 and Deep 3 zones is being done from the Deep 1 Zone on level 120 and from the exploration ramp, which has now reached level 125.  Drilling of the Deep 2 and Deep 3 zones began in February 2018.  In the first half of 2018, 46 holes (15,107 metres) were drilled; assays are pending for many of the holes.

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

Recent exploration drill results from the Deep 2 and Deep 3 zones at the Goldex mine

[Goldex Mine Composite Longitudinal Section]

Of particular interest are the results of two holes that fanned downward from level 120, confirming the known indicated mineral resources in a location where there had been no previous drilling, between level 125 and level 140 (1,250 to 1,400 metres depth).  Hole GD120-250 intersected 1.7 g/t gold over 70.0 metres at 1,260 metres depth, while hole GD120-251 intersected 1.5 g/t gold over 45.0 metres at 1,310 metres depth.  These results have the potential to expand and/or upgrade  the indicated mineral resources in this area.

Other recent drilling has intersected gold mineralization outside the current mineral resources envelope, which has the potential to increase the inferred mineral resources of the Deep 2 Zone.  In the central part of the deposit, hole GD120-258 intersected 1.5 g/t gold over 11.0 metres at 1,360 metres depth; the same hole had a higher-grade intercept at depth, intersecting 3.4 g/t gold over 23.0 metres at 1,580 metres depth.  In the western part of the deposit, hole GD120-266 intersected 2.3 g/t gold over 15.0 metres at 1,570 metres depth.  The results of this program are expected to enlarge the mineral resources estimate for the Deep 2 and Deep 3 zones in the year-end mineral resource update.

The 2018 exploration program is budgeted at $1.1 million, including 10,000 metres of drilling focused on the Deep 3 Zone and on the adjacent Joubi property.  The conversion program in 2018 is budgeted at $5.2 million, including 63,900 metres of drilling focused on the Deep 1, Deep 2 and South zones.

Kirkland Lake Project Update – 2018 Drilling Program Has Commenced

The Kirkland Lake project in northeastern Ontario covers approximately 27,312 hectares, and mineral reserves and mineral resources have been outlined on several properties.  The properties have been owned 100% by Agnico Eagle since March 28, 2018, when the Company completed the acquisition of Yamana's indirect 50% interest in the Canadian exploration assets of Canadian Malartic Corporation ("CMC") that it did not previously own.  Deposits in the Kirkland Lake project include: Upper Beaver, Upper Canada, Anoki and McBean, and Amalgamated Kirkland.

At Kirkland Lake, an initial $5.4 million exploration program consisting of 20,000 metres of drilling is planned for 2018.  The drilling commenced in July.  The primary exploration focus at the Kirkland Lake project in 2018 will be extending the Upper Beaver deposit at depth, and testing for satellite targets around the Upper Canada deposit.  In addition, the Company is completing a technical review of all exploration data for the Upper Beaver deposit to determine the next steps at the property.  An advanced exploration program is being prepared to validate the technical aspects and the extended potential of the Upper Beaver property.  The Company is evaluating potential synergies between the Upper Beaver and Upper Canada projects and its other Abitibi operations.  An early-stage study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

NUNAVUT REGION

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

Meadowbank – Production and Costs Expected to Improve in the Second Half of 2018

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

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased maintenance costs on excavation and drilling equipment, lower throughput levels and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased maintenance costs on excavation and drilling equipment and lower throughput levels.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to anticipated lower grades and processing ore that was harder than previously anticipated at the Vault pit, which resulted in lower throughput levels.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased maintenance costs on excavation and drilling equipment, lower throughput levels and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to increased maintenance costs on excavation and drilling equipment and lower throughput levels.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production and the strengthening of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Gold production in the first six months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to anticipated lower grades and processing ore that was harder than previously anticipated at the Vault pit, which resulted in lower throughput levels.

Amaruq Project – Construction Activities Commence Following Receipt of Whale Tail Type A Water Licence

Agnico Eagle has a 100% interest in the Amaruq project, approximately 50 kilometres northwest of the Meadowbank mine.  Amaruq is situated on a 99,878-hectare property, almost adjacent to the 68,735-hectare Meadowbank property.  Development of the Amaruq project was approved in February 2017 by the Company's Board of Directors as a satellite deposit to supply ore to the existing Meadowbank mill, pending the receipt of the required permits.

On July 11, 2018, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (formerly Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada) approved Agnico Eagle's Type A Water Licence for the Whale Tail pit, which had been issued by the Nunavut Water Board on May 30, 2018.  This approval authorizes the Company to commence development activities on the Whale Tail pit.

In late July 2018, the Company began construction activities related to the Whale Tail dike (rock fill had already been stockpiled for use as approved in the pre-development licence) and progressive overburden and waste stripping for Phase 1 of the Whale Tail Pit.

The Amaruq project remains on budget with capital expenditures in 2018 forecast to be approximately $175 million.  For additional details, please see the Company news release dated July 16, 2018.

Meliadine Project – Boat Sealift Underway, Construction Activities are on Schedule and on Budget; Drilling Extends Mineralization at Tiriganiaq

Located near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada, the Meliadine project was acquired in July 2010, and is Agnico Eagle's largest gold deposit in terms of mineral resources.  The Company owns 100% of the 111,358 hectare property.  In February 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved the construction of the Meliadine project.

Underground development and surface construction at Meliadine continued through the second quarter of 2018 and the project remains on schedule and on budget for the commencement of production in the second quarter of 2019.  The estimated capital budget for 2018 is unchanged at $398 million.

On July 9, 2018, the first vessel of the sealift shipping season arrived in Rankin Inlet.  The first boat has been unloaded and shipping activities are expected to continue into October 2018.

Second Quarter 2018 Activities and Additional Opportunities to Create Value at Meliadine

Recent development/construction highlights include:

• At end of the second quarter of 2018, construction was 74% complete
• The mine dry, offices and the multi-service building were delivered to operations in the second quarter of 2018
• The second phase of construction involving civil works at the crusher and paste plant was started in the second quarter of 2018
• Mechanical/Piping/Electrical/Instrumentation (MPEI) at both the process plant and power plant were essentially completed by the end of the second quarter of 2018.  The remaining components required for completion of these two plants are expected to be delivered during the 2018 sea lift
• Commissioning of the process plant is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2019
• In the second quarter of 2018, approximately 2,143 metres of lateral underground development was completed, which was slightly ahead of budget.  The main development focus was on the lower levels and Ramp 3
• In the second quarter of 2018, the Portal #2 production down ramp was connected with the up ramp from Portal #1
• In the second quarter of 2018, approximately 6,707 metres of underground delineation drilling was completed, which is in line with the budget.  As a result, 100% of the stopes that will be mined in 2018 have been delineated.  Stope delineation for 2019 is progressing as expected
• Results from the delineation drilling have generally been in line with the block model
• Production equipment (drilling and blasting) is being shipped to site in the current barge season.  This equipment will be used to begin mining of the delineated stopes in the fourth quarter of 2018

The Company believes that there are numerous opportunities to create additional value at Meliadine, both at the mine and on the large regional land package.  These include:

• Optimization of the current mine plan by advancing the Phase 2 expansion through either open pit development and/or deepening the underground mine
• Potential to optimize labour costs once the mine is in operation (via improved use of telecommunications or automation)
• Minesite exploration upside through mineral resource conversion and expansion of known ore zones (most zones are open below a vertical depth of 450 metres)
• Potential for the discovery of new deposits along the prospective 80-kilometre-long greenstone belt

Drilling Extends Mineralization at Tiriganiaq and Shows Potential to Increase Mineral Resources

The Meliadine project includes seven gold deposits, six of which are part of the current mine plan.  Tiriganiaq is the largest of the deposits with the bulk of the mineral reserves; it has a strike length of approximately 3.0 kilometres at surface and a depth of slightly more than 700 metres.

The current interpretation is that Tiriganiaq is an orogenic deposit made of numerous quartz veins, as well as folded and thrust-faulted mineralized iron formation.  The main lode in terms of gold content at Meliadine is Tiriganiaq's lode 1000, which is a decimetre- to metre-wide quartz-carbonate vein located along the Lower Fault, a regional structure along the contact of sedimentary rock with mafic volcanics.  Lodes 1100, 1150s and 1250s are interpreted to be folded/thrust iron formation injected by quartz-carbonate veins and arsenopyrite mineralization.

Exploration resumed at the Tiriganiaq deposit in January 2018 after a three-year hiatus while the Company evaluated the project and initial development work began.  In the first six months of 2018, the Company drilled 4,625 metres in eight exploration drill holes and 8,667 metres in 25 conversion drill holes at the Meliadine project, part of the 19,000 metres of conversion drilling and 10,000 metres of exploration drilling budgeted in 2018.  Exploration results at Meliadine were last reported in the Company's news release dated July 30, 2014.

Selected recent intercepts from the project are set out in the table below.  The drill hole collar coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  The pierce points are shown on the Meliadine project composite longitudinal section.  All intercepts reported for the Meliadine project show uncapped and capped grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that is being updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Tiriganiaq deposit, Meliadine project

[Meliadine Project Composite Longitudinal Section]

The conversion drill program is expected to result in an increase of both the indicated mineral resources and the probable mineral reserves of the Tiriganiaq deposit.  Drilling has confirmed the continuity of the mineralization in the deeper portions of the Tiriganiaq deposit.  Hole M18-2438 returned an impressive 27.3 g/t gold over 12.8 metres at 483 metres depth that is expected to extend the inferred mineral resources envelope of the 1250s lodes.  The same hole returned 19.6 g/t gold over 10.2 metres (lode 1100) at 535 metres depth, while approximately 400 metres to the west hole M18-2434W2 intersected 11.5 g/t gold over 2.8 metres at 597 metres depth in the 1100 lode.

Recent results from the exploration program at Tiriganiaq include hole M18-2441W1, approximately 700 metres east of hole M18-2438, that intersected 7.9 g/t gold over 3.0 metres at 711 metres depth in an area approximately 300 metres below the current mineral resources envelope, which opens up a new area for exploration and enhances the underground potential of the deposit.  This intercept is in the same lode (1000) that was intersected approximately 900 metres to the west by conversion hole M18-2434 that yielded 6.1 g/t gold over 6.9 metres at 655 metres depth.

The plan in the second half of 2018 is to continue the conversion program with another 8,300 metres of drilling in the inferred mineral resources located below the mineral reserves envelope, with follow-ups to holes M18-2434, M18-2434W2 and M18-2438 at conversion spacing.  The exploration program will continue, with another 7,400 metres of drilling at depth below these three holes.  The area between hole M18-2441W1 and the other holes located to the west will be investigated.

FINLAND AND SWEDEN

Agnico Eagle's Kittila mine in Finland is the largest primary gold producer in Europe and hosts the Company's largest mineral reserves.  Exploration activities continue to expand the mineral reserves and mineral resources and the Company has approved an expansion to add an underground shaft and increase expected mill throughput by 25 percent to 2.0 million tonnes per annum ("mtpa").  In Sweden, the Company has a 55% interest in the Barsele exploration project.

Kittila – Expansion of Roura Main Zone, Sisar Top and Central Areas and Rimpi Deep Area

The 100% owned Kittila mine in northern Finland achieved commercial production in 2009.

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher contractor costs and lower throughput levels.  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production and the strengthening of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.

Gold production was lower in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the prior-year period as a result of lower grades and recoveries.  The lower grade resulted from a delay in accessing higher grade Roura stopes due to a re-prioritization of underground development.  As a result, marginal stopes (that were already developed) were mined in the second quarter of 2018 to manage stockpile flexibility.  Development is expected to be back on schedule in the third quarter of 2018, and the higher grade stopes are expected to be mined in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019.  Recoveries were slightly below forecast in the second quarter of 2018 due to higher than expected thiocyanate concentrations in the reclaim water pond.  Thiocyanate levels are expected to decline during the summer months and a new water treatment strategy is being developed to address this issue.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the strengthening of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 were essentially the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the strengthening of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar between periods.

Production was lower in the six months of 2018 compared to the prior-year period as a result of lower grades and recoveries, as further described above.

In February 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved an expansion to increase throughput rates at Kittila to 2.0 mtpa from the current rate of 1.6 mtpa.  This expansion includes the construction of a 1,044 metre deep shaft, a processing plant expansion as well as other infrastructure and service upgrades over a period from 2018 to 2021.

This expansion project is expected to increase the efficiency of the mine and decrease or maintain current operating costs while providing access to the deeper mining horizons.  In addition, the shaft is expected to provide access to the mineral resources located below 1,150 metres, where recent exploration programs have shown promising results.

The Kittila shaft/mill expansion is progressing on schedule and on budget.  Major contracts have been signed, mobilization is complete and permitting is underway.

The pilot hole for the shaft has been drilled to a depth of 325 metres and development to provide access on the 350 level has been completed.  Shaft raise boring is expected to start in the third quarter of 2018 and the hoist has been ordered.

Phase 1 of the mill expansion is underway with engineering expected to be finalized in August 2018 followed by the commencement of site work.  The first mill tie-ins are expected to be completed during a scheduled mill shutdown in the spring of 2019.  Structural work is underway on the Rimpi Paste plant and the underground paste line will be started in the second half of 2018.  The Rimpi Paste plant is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

Capital expenditures for the expansion project in 2018 remain on budget at €21 million.

Drilling Expected to Increase and Upgrade Kittila Mineral Resources in Multiple Zones

The main target of exploration at Kittila continues to be the Sisar Zone, which is subparallel to and slightly east of the main Kittila mineralization.  Sisar forms a roughly triangular shape located between approximately 775 metres and 1,910 metres below surface along a 1,900-metre north-south strike length; the zone remains open at depth and along strike.  Mineral reserves in the Sisar Zone form part of the total Kittila mineral reserves estimate.  Note that "Sisar Top" is approximately 775 to 1,000 metres below surface, and "Sisar Central" is between 1,100 and 1,300 metres below the surface.  Some of the Sisar mineralized lenses extend from the Top to the Central sections.

The main exploration ramp is the platform now used for testing the extensions of the Roura and Rimpi zones.  Two internal ramps are being driven off the main exploration ramp for converting and exploring the Sisar Top Zone and Rimpi Deep mineral resources between 800 and 1,000 metres below surface.  Exploration from Kittila was last reported in the Company's news release dated February 14, 2018.

In the first half of 2018, 41 holes (16,466 metres) were drilled in the Sisar Top and Sisar Central zones, Roura Zone and Rimpi Deep Zone; assays are pending for many of the holes.

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

Recent exploration drill results from the Sisar and Roura zones and Rimpi Deep area at the Kittila mine

[Kittla Composite Longitudinal Section]

Exploration drilling of the Rimpi Deep area from the exploration ramp continued in the first half of 2018.  Recent intercepts have confirmed the Main Zone at Rimpi and extended it northward at approximately 950 metres below surface.  Hole RIE17-616 intersected 4.9 g/t gold over 5.6 metres at 925 metres depth, while hole RIE18-604 intersected 4.9 g/t gold over 3.1 metres at 998 metres depth.  These two intercepts extend the Main Zone mineralization approximately 50 metres to the north in this area.

Three other holes have confirmed Main Zone mineral resources at Rimpi at a similar depth.  Hole RIE17-620 intersected 3.9 g/t gold over 3.0 metres at 918 metres depth, confirming the current Main Zone mineral resources at Rimpi.  Hole RIE18-600 intersected two lenses of the Rimpi Main Zone: 4.5 g/t gold over 16.3 metres at 940 metres depth and 4.1 g/t gold over 3.3 metres at 947 metres depth.  Exploration hole RIE18-601 intersected a wide and variably mineralized zone, yielding 3.5 g/t gold over 23.6 metres at 978 metres depth.  The same hole intersected another lens approximately 55 metres to the east of the first intercept, yielding 8.5 g/t gold over 3.4 metres at 1,006 metres depth, outside of the current mineral resources.

Recent drilling has also extended the Sisar Zone northward at approximately 1,100 metres depth.  Hole RIE18-600 intersected 3.0 g/t gold over 18.3 metres at 1,013 metres depth, including 5.7 g/t gold over 2.9 metres at the northern extent of the Sisar Top Zone.  Hole RIE17-625 intersected 3.1 g/t gold over 4.2 metres at 1,113 metres depth, approximately 250 metres east of the Main Zone.  This intercept may represent a northward extension of the Sisar Central Zone, similar to and 100 metres north of hole RIE17-618 that intersected 3.2 g/t gold over 3.2 metres at 1,076 metres depth (previously reported in the Company's February 14, 2018 news release).

A deep exploration hole drilled from the ramp intersected mineralization 200 metres east of the Main Zone.  Hole RIE17-701 intersected 3.4 g/t gold over 3.0 metres at 1,330 metres depth.  This intercept may represent a 120-metre northward extension of the Sisar Central Zone at this depth.

Drilling of the Roura area from the exploration ramp continues.  Recent intercepts have confirmed the Sisar Top Zone mineral reserves and mineral resources in this area.  Exploration hole ROU18-615 returned 8.3 g/t gold over 5.6 metres at 1,019 metres depth.  At a slightly higher elevation, exploration hole ROU18-613 intersected 3.6 g/t gold over 10.6 metres at 931 metres depth, while exploration hole ROU18-600 returned 3.9 g/t gold over 7.9 metres at 888 metres depth.

Deep exploration has confirmed and extended the mineral reserves and mineral resources at the Main Zone in the Roura area.  Hole ROD17-700H intersected 11.7 g/t gold over 3.5 metres at 1,347 metres depth, while hole ROD17-700I intersected 4.3 g/t gold over 4.6 metres at 1,192 metres depth.

The 2018 exploration program is budgeted at $9.2 million, including 36,000 metres of drilling focused on extending the Roura and Rimpi zones.

SOUTHERN BUSINESS REVIEW

Agnico Eagle's Southern Business operations are focused in Mexico.  These operations have been a solid source of precious metals production (gold and silver) with stable operating costs and strong free cash flow since 2009.

Pinos Altos – Drilling at Reyna de Plata Expected to Upgrade Mineral Resources

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

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput, higher costs associated with underground mining and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due lower gold production and the reasons described above.

Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production and lower by-product revenues.

Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput and lower grades.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput, higher costs associated with underground mining and the timing of unsold inventory.  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, the strengthening of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar between periods and lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above, lower gold production, the strengthening of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar between periods and lower by-product revenue.

Gold production in the first six months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower throughput and lower gold grades.

In 2018, Pinos Altos is transitioning into a predominantly underground mining operation, with associated higher costs.  The development of satellite deposits provides an opportunity to lower unit costs by filling available capacity at the processing and heap leaching facility.  Optimization opportunities are being studied to reduce unit costs.

A key priority in the second quarter of 2018 was on the continued advancement of the Sinter and Cubiro satellite deposits at Pinos Altos.  The Sinter deposit will be mined from underground and a small open pit.  At Sinter, earthwork was carried out to allow ramp development to begin in the third quarter of 2018.  Initial production from Sinter is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2018.

At the Cubiro deposit, which could potentially supply high-grade ore to the Pinos Altos processing facilities, site activities (road construction and ramp preparation) are approximately 25% complete.  Portal and ramp development will be initiated once the access road is complete; 420 metres of underground development is planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2018.  Underground exploration and delineation drilling is expected to commence in 2019.

Exploration in the Second Quarter of 2018 Focused on Reyna de Plata Deposit

The Reyna de Plata deposit is an opportunity for another satellite source of ore on the Pinos Altos property, approximately 1,200 metres north of the Oberon de Weber pit.  The Company is studying different mining options to advance the deposit into the Pinos Altos production schedule.

The Reyna de Plata deposit hosts inferred mineral resources of 110,000 ounces gold and 3.9 million ounces silver (5.8 million tonnes grading 0.59 g/t gold and 21.14 g/t silver) at open pit depth, as well as 93,000 ounces gold and 1.4 million ounces silver (1.2 million tonnes grading 2.35 g/t gold and 35.11 g/t silver) at underground depth.  These inferred mineral resources formed part of the total Pinos Altos mineral resources estimate as of December 31, 2017.  The current exploration program is part of the activities to increase the mineral resources at Reyna de Plata.

Exploration permits were received for the Reyna de Plata deposit in the fourth quarter of 2017, and a drill program commenced in mid-January 2018.  In the second quarter of 2018, exploration included 5,802 metres (58 holes) of infill drilling focused on converting inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources within the current resources pit model, and step-out drilling to extend the mineral resources beyond the current pit model.  Total drilling in the first half of 2018 was 9,252 metres.  Drilling results for Reyna de Plata were last reported in the Company's news release dated April 26, 2018.

Exploration drilling at the Pinos Altos complex in the second quarter of 2018 totaled 13,901 metres (105 holes) including the drilling at Reyna de Plata (noted above) as well as 2,094 metres (13 holes) at Bravo and 6,005 metres (34 holes) at Madrono.  The Pinos Altos site exploration drilling in the first six months of 2018 total 22,901 metres, of the 31,000 metres of drilling budgeted for the year.

Selected recent drill results from the Reyna de Plata deposit are set out in the table below and drill hole coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  The collars are also located on the Pinos Altos Local Geology Map.  All intercepts reported for the Reyna de Plata Zone show uncapped and capped gold and silver grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Reyna de Plata Deposit at the Pinos Altos mine

[Pinos Altos Local Geology Map]

The Reyna de Plata deposit lies along the Reyna de Plata Fault, as does the Sinter Zone, approximately 1,740 metres to the northwest.  The Reyna de Plata deposit consists of low-sulphidation epithermal vein-style mineralization over a 2.5-kilometre strike length in an east-west direction.  The gold and silver mineralization is accompanied by green-clear-white quartz and calcite in veins, stockwork and breccia.

Recent drilling has yielded significant shallow intercepts such as hole RP18-100 that intersected 2.8 g/t gold and 33 g/t silver over 12.8 metres at 18 metres depth and 2.1 g/t gold and 27 g/t silver over 4.7 metres at 73 metres depth.  Approximately 370 metres to the southeast, hole RP18-081 intersected 1.7 g/t gold and 58 g/t silver over 23.6 metres at 68 metres depth and 3.3 g/t gold and 39 g/t silver over 7.0 metres at 100 metres depth.  The favourable lengths and grades of intercepts from this program appear to extend the mineralization and confirm mineralization in the central portion of the deposit. These results are expected to increase the mineral resources and allow for the conversion to indicated mineral resources at Reyna de Plata in the year-end mineral resources estimate.

There is growth potential down-dip from the 2.5-kilometre-long deposit and along an additional 1.5 kilometres of structure immediately to the east of the deposit.

Creston Mascota – Drilling Extends Madrono Mineralization

The Creston Mascota heap leach has been operating as a satellite operation to the Pinos Altos mine since late 2010.  In the first six months of 2018, the mine has been preparing to transition operations to the new Bravo pit and expanding the existing heap leach pad facility.

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed and the timing of unsold inventory, and have also been impacted by longer hauling distances and higher stripping volumes.  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above and lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to the reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and the reasons described above.

Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed and was impacted by delays in accessing the main Bravo pit as a result of slower than expected pre-stripping activities.  These activities are now expected to be completed in August 2018.  In the meantime, lower-grade ore is being sourced from the Calera zone at the Bravo deposit.  The Company expects to return to more normal production levels and gold grades by early in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed and the timing of unsold inventory, and have also been impacted by longer hauling distances and higher stripping volumes.  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to slightly lower gold production, the strengthening of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar between periods and the reasons described above.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to reasons described above.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production, the strengthening of the Mexican peso relative to the U.S. dollar between periods and the reasons described above.

Gold production in the first six months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower tonnes processed and delays in accessing the main Bravo pit as a result of slower than expected pre-stripping activities as further described above.

A new waste rock storage site has been located closer to the Bravo deposit, which is expected to reduce waste haulage costs.  Permits for this new waste dump are expected to be received by the end of 2018.

The Phase V heap leach pad expansion is proceeding on time and on budget with completion expected at the end of August 2018.

Drilling Continues to Expand Mineralized Zones at Madrono

Exploration at the high-grade Madrono Zone, immediately southeast of the Creston Mascota pit, began in early 2016 and, at the end of 2017, a total of 33,045 metres (162 holes) had been drilled on the zone.  The initial indicated mineral resources at the Madrono zone are 56,000 ounces gold and 863,000 ounces silver (858,000 tonnes grading 2.03 g/t gold and 31.3 g/t silver) all at underground depth; the inferred mineral resources are 144,000 ounces gold and 2.6 million ounces silver (1,941,000 tonnes grading 2.31 g/t gold and 41.0 g/t silver), all at underground depth.  The Madrono zone's mineral resources form part of the total Pinos Altos mineral resources estimate as of December 31, 2017.

Drilling in the second quarter of 2018 totalled 6,005 metres of infill and step-out exploration drilling in 34 holes (a total of 11,078 metres drilling in the first six months of 2018).  The Madrono Zone is a potential satellite mining opportunity to provide mill feed to extend the mine life at Pinos Altos.

Drilling results for Madrono were last reported in the Company's news release dated April 26, 2018.

Selected recent drill results from the Madrono Zone are set out in the table below; drill hole collar coordinates are set out in the Appendix of this news release.  The collars are also located on the Pinos Altos Local Geology Map.  All intercepts reported for the Madrono Zone show uncapped and capped gold and silver grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Recent exploration drill results from the Madrono Zone at the Creston Mascota mine

[Pinos Altos Local Geology Map]

Recent results at Madrono are encouraging for the potential of open pit deposits in the Madrono, Santa Martha and Madera veins, as well as significant high gold grades supporting a potential underground mining scenario.  Intercepts in this area include hole MAD18-154 that intersected 2.5 g/t gold and 62 g/t silver over 15.7 metres at 42 metres depth and 2.9 g/t gold and 63 g/t silver over 9.3 metres at 54 metres depth.  Two and a half kilometres to the southeast, hole MAD18-167 intersected 4.4 g/t gold and 186 g/t silver over 9.9 metres at 40 metres depth.  Approximately 150 metres to the southeast of hole MAD18-154, hole MAD18-161 intersected 3.7 g/t gold and 61 g/t silver over 3.9 metres at 54 metres depth and 3.0 g/t gold and 34 g/t silver over 4.3 metres at 97 metres depth.  These intercepts confirm the presence of an ore shoot plunging to the southwest with potential to grow at depth and laterally.

The one-kilometre-long, east-west-striking El Salto vein just south of the Madera vein represents an opportunity to expand mineral resources.  Hole MAD18-170 intersected 5.9 g/t gold and 8 g/t silver over 7.0 metres at 23 metres depth, including 8.2 g/t gold and 9 g/t silver over 4.2 metres at the east end of the El Salto vein.

The Madrono Zone, including the El Salto vein, continues to be open at depth.  Mineral resources are expected to be updated at the end of this year considering various mining scenarios.

La India – Drilling Expands Scope of El Realito Satellite Deposit

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

Production costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher consumable costs to facilitate a higher amount of tonnes of ore processed.

Minesite costs per tonne in the second quarter of 2018 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period primarily due to lower by-product revenues.

Gold production in the second quarter of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to higher tonnes processed.

Production costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Production costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production.

Minesite costs per tonne in the first six months of 2018 were the same when compared to the prior-year period.  Total cash costs per ounce in the first six months of 2018 increased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower gold production and lower by-product revenues.

Gold production in the first six months of 2018 decreased when compared to the prior-year period due to lower recoveries.

Optimization work on the La India adsorption, desorption and recovery (ADR) plant continued in the second quarter of 2018.  Civil works have been completed in preparation for a new carbon regeneration kiln, which is expected to arrive at site in August 2018.  Full commissioning of the carbon regeneration kiln is planned for September 2018.

La India Exploration Focused on El Realito

Mine-site exploration at the La India property in the second quarter of 2018 included 4,311 metres (31 holes) at El Realito, 2,823 metres (24 holes) at Los Tubos, 1,426 metres (36 holes) at El Cochi and 3,026 metres (28 holes) at the Main Zone, totalling 11,586 metres (119 holes); the total mine-site drilling in the first half of 2018 was 18,419 metres, which form a portion of the budget of 26,000 metres for 2018.  Drilling results for the La India property were last reported in the Company's news release dated April 26, 2018.

In addition, exploration at the La India property in the second quarter of 2018 included drilling, mapping and surface sampling and metallurgical testing at the Chipriona regional target.  To date, 3,600 metres has been drilled with the aim of better understanding the geometry of the mineralized veins along the Chipriona corridor.

Nine kilometres northwest of the mine site is the Tarachi deposit where a bulk mineable type of mineralization was previously identified.  Tarachi has indicated mineral resources of 294,000 ounces gold (22.7 million tonnes grading 0.40 g/t gold) and inferred mineral resources of 68,000 ounces gold (6.5 million tonnes grading 0.33 g/t gold) as of December 31, 2017.  The mineral resources at Tarachi are separate from the mineral resources estimate for La India.  A 6,000-metre diamond drill program will commence in the third quarter of 2018, aimed at expanding the mineralized zones and testing new prospective areas within the deposit.

Selected recent drill results from the La India property are set out in the table below, and drill-hole collar coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  The collars are located on the La India Area Property and Location Map.  The intercepts reported for the La India property show uncapped and capped gold and silver grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Additional drilling is planned in the El Realito, Los Tubos, El Cochi, Main Zone, Chipriona and Tarachi areas over the remainder of 2018.

Recent exploration drill results from the La India property

[La India Local Geology Map]

Encouraging results at El Realito Zone, Open to the Northeast and Southwest

Exploration drilling is defining and extending the mineralization at the El Realito satellite project, which is approximately 1.5 kilometres east of the North and La India zones, to evaluate the potential to increase mineral resources in close proximity to the existing La India mining operations, with encouraging results.  Initial indicated mineral resources have been declared at El Realito of 112,000 ounces gold and 642,000 ounces silver (5.0 million tonnes grading 0.70 g/t gold and 4.0 g/t silver); inferred mineral resources are 18,000 ounces gold and 97,000 ounces silver (1.4 million tonnes grading 0.40 g/t gold and 2.2 g/t silver).  The mineral resources at El Realito formed part of the total mineral resources estimate for La India as of December 31, 2017.

The El Realito mineralization is found in northeast-striking subvertical parallel structural corridors of breccia that appear to have acted as conduits, bringing gold and silver mineralization into the favourable subhorizontal volcanic rock layers (the lower porphyritic dacite).

An infill drill program at El Realito in the first half of 2018 has confirmed the lateral extent of the zone, with high-grade intersections associated with vertical feeders.  Hole INER18-149 intersected 7.9 g/t gold and 31 g/t silver over 7.1 metres at 101 metres depth.  Nearby, hole INER18-155 intersected three mineralized structures: 1.9 g/t gold and 2 g/t silver over 4.9 metres at 56 metres depth, 3.2 g/t gold and 14 g/t silver over 4.2 metres at 123 metres depth and 4.1 g/t gold and 4 g/t silver over 3.1 metres at 136 metres depth.  The gold and silver mineralization is related to hydrothermal breccia structures that strike northeast and dip steeply to the southeast.

Approximately 350 metres to the north of these two holes, hole INER18-144 intersected 2.2 g/t gold and 12 g/t silver over 10.9 metres at 16 metres depth and 1.3 g/t gold and 4 g/t silver over 7.4 metres at 55 metres depth.  These intervals confirm that the gold-silver mineralization is associated with vertical feeder structures, with metal values and favourable alteration increasing close to the breccia.  Work in the second half of 2018 will focus on step-out and exploration drilling.  El Realito remains open to the northeast and southwest.

Santa Gertrudis – Drilling Confirms Known Mineralized Areas and Presence of Higher Grade Feeder Zones

Agnico Eagle acquired its 100% interest in the Santa Gertrudis gold property in November 2017 from GoGold Resources Inc. ("GoGold").  The 42,000-hectare property is located approximately 180 kilometres north of Hermosillo in Sonora, Mexico.

The property was the site of a historical heap leach operation that produced approximately 565,000 ounces of gold at a grade of 2.1 g/t gold from 1991 to 1994 and includes substantial surface infrastructure already in place, including pre-stripped pits, haul roads, water sources and buildings.

Three favourable geological trends with a potential strike length of 18 kilometres have been identified on the property with limited drilling between deposits.  In addition, GoGold had previously reported high-grade mineralization along northeast-trending structures.

Although 2,600 drill holes were completed in the past, this news release represents the initial drill results reported by Agnico Eagle from the Santa Gertrudis project.  Drilling by the Company started at Santa Gertrudis during April 2018 using portable drill rigs with the purpose of confirming and extending the mineral resources estimated by previous owners.  As of the end of the second quarter of 2018, 9,152 metres has been drilled in 54 holes mainly in three zones: Corral, Greta and Cristina.  The 2018 exploration program at the project consists of 28,000 metres at a budget of approximately $7.2 million.

Gold and silver grades of recent intercepts from the ongoing drilling campaign at Santa Gertrudis are set out in the table below and drill hole coordinates are set out in a table in the Appendix of this news release.  Drill collars are also shown on the Santa Gertrudis project local geology map.  All intercepts reported for the Santa Gertrudis project show uncapped gold and silver grades over estimated true widths, based on a preliminary geological interpretation that will be updated as new information becomes available with further drilling.

Selected recent exploration drill results from the Santa Gertrudis project