Buenaventura Announces Strike at Orcopampa Mine

LIMA, Peru, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. ("the Company" or "Buenaventura") (NYSE: BVN; Lima Stock Exchange: BUE.LM), announced today that, within the frame of the annual collective negotiations, the Orcopampa Union has begun a strike at 00.00 hours on May 24, 2011.

The Peruvian Ministry of Labor has denied the proceeding of this strike, at first instance.

The Company will keep the market posted of any developments or changes as they occur.

Company Description

Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. is Peru's largest, publicly-traded precious metals company and a major holder of mining rights in Peru. The Company is engaged in the mining, processing, development and exploration of gold and silver and other metals via wholly-owned mines as well as through its participation in joint exploration projects.

Buenaventura currently operates several mines in Peru (Orcopampa, Uchucchacua, La Zanja, Antapite, Julcani and Recuperada) and also has controlling interests in two mining companies (CEDIMIN and El Brocal) as well as a minority interest in several other mining companies in Peru.  The Company owns 43.65% in Minera Yanacocha S.R.L, an important precious metal producer, 19.26% in Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, an important Peruvian copper producer and 49% in Canteras del Hallazgo, the owner of Chucapaca project.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding future mining or permitting activities. Where Buenaventura expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include those concerning the Company's, Yanacocha's and Cerro Verde's costs and expenses, results of exploration, the continued improving efficiency of operations, prevailing market prices of gold, silver and other metals mined, the success of joint ventures, estimates of future explorations, development and production, subsidiaries' plans for capital expenditures, estimates of reserves and Peruvian political, economical, legal and social developments. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, see the company's 2006 Annual Report on Form 20-F, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the company's other SEC filings. Buenaventura does not undertake any obligation to release publicly revisions to any "forward-looking statement," to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Contacts in Lima:
Roque Benavides / Carlos Galvez
Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.
Tel: (511) 419-2538 / 419-2540
Investor Relations: Daniel Dominguez
Tel: (511) 419-2536
Email: [email protected]

Contacts in New York:
Peter Majeski
i-advize Corporate Communications, Inc.
Tel: (212) 406-3694
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A.