Buenaventura; a mining company resumes its operation at the Orcopampa mine

Peru’s largest, publicly traded, precious metals mining company, Buenaventura, told the press that operations at the Orcopampa operating unit resumed at 3:00 pm local time on July 16, 2008 after the Chilcaymarca community suspended the blockade of the access road to the mine.

The Chilcaymarca community and the Company, with the participation of the Mining and Energy Ministry, are negotiating to avoid similar disruptions going forward. Due to this event, the Orcopampa operating unit was unable to produce approximately 4,000 gold ounces.

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, Antapite, Julcani, Recuperada and Caraveli) 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. (a partnership with Newmont Mining Corporation), an important precious metal producer, and 18.50% in Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, an important Peruvian copper producer.

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: ddominguez@buenaventura.com.pe

Contacts in New York:
Maria Barona / Peter Majeski
i-advize Corporate Communications, Inc.
Tel: (212) 406-3690
Email: buenaventura@i-advize.com

Source: Compania de Minas Buenaventura S. A. A.