Bogotá, January 12, 2017

With a 10% increase in production and a 16% increase in exports as compared to 2015, reaching 28.4 and 32.6 million tons respectively, Drummond Ltd. ended 2016 with record numbers, with coal sales to continents such as Asia, the Americas and Europe.

As a result of the company’s investments in state-of-the-art technology since the start of its operations in Colombia, generating efficiencies in its operations both in the mines and at the port, and developing initiatives aimed at mitigating its environmental impact and promoting exemplary compensation projects, this milestone in exports is a testimony to the hard work of its more than 9,000 direct and indirect workers who work every day on properly executed mining operations that generate social and economic development for the country.

“In a complex international market and with the challenges presented by the local economic environment, it is very gratifying for the company to show record numbers for its exports and to have Colombian coal reach 24 countries in 2016. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to performing sustainable, properly-performed mining,” said José Miguel Linares, president of Drummond Ltd.

Other Drummond Ltd. milestones in 2016 include the signing of collective bargaining agreements with four union organizations: Sintramienergética, Sintradrummond, Agretritrenes and Sintramineros. These agreements included improvements in wage conditions and labor benefits for a three-year term.

Drummond also earned the OHSAS 18001:2007 certification last year, awarded by Lloyd’s Register –LRQA– an international classification company and risk analysis organization.  After a series of audits, Lloyd´s Register was able to confirm the high safety standards and compliance with the requirements set by the standard. This recognition is the result of Drummond´s various risk management efforts in health and safety applied to the workplace and operations.

From an environmental perspective, the Autonomous Corporation of Cesar (CORPOCESAR) gave special recognition to the forestry compensation program that is being implemented in the Serranía del Perijá, with technical support from the Pro Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta Foundation. This environmental authority has highlighted Drummond’s commitment to regional environmental management.

On social matters, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting the peace process and, among other initiatives as part of our work to support our neighboring communities and promote human rights, we signed an agreement with the DPS to develop projects focused on the fight against extreme poverty.

After a year of great challenges and a difficult international market for coal sales, Drummond Ltd. will continue to work in 2017 to maintain its production, develop an optimal combination of export destinations and move forward in developing initiatives that are aligned with its Corporate Social Responsibility policy, for the benefit of the country and its people.