Peru, a leading global metals producer, said on Thursday that output for key metals rose in 2008 from 2007, despite softer global prices for minerals. The Andean country's mining and energy ministry said production surged to record highs for copper, zinc, silver and gold. Peru is the world's top producer of silver, No. 2 in copper and zinc, and often ranks fifth in gold output. For much of 2008, metals prices were sky- high, but they crashed near the middle of last year as the global economic crisis dragged down prices for most commodities. In December, Peru's copper, zinc and silver outputs rose, while gold production fell from the same month in 2007. Mining exports account for more than half of Peru's total exports and are the government's biggest source of revenue. Gold jewelry fabrication fell 11% in 2008. World jewelry fabrication fell by 11 percent ( 262 tons) in 2008, which took the total to its lowest level since 1989, according to a report released Thursday. Record and volatile gold prices, combined with a deteriorating economic backdrop, were the key reasons behind the poor performance. However, as Gold Survey 2008 – Update 2 reports, there was some brief respite in the third quarter, when lower gold prices, in several key currencies, produced a 30 percent rise in jewelry fabrication, compared with the April to June period. The report by precious metals consultant GFMS, based in London, offers estimates on developments in global gold supply and demand for the full year 2008, as well as forecasts covering the first half of 2009. When excluding scrap, a trend in jewelry fabrication, demand last year fell by a more severe 20 percent, or 306 tons, compared with 2007, to its lowest level since 1988, according to the report. Jewelry fabrication ( including scrap) in just four countries, India, Italy, Turkey, and the United States, accounted for 69 percent of the gross decline in 2008, the London- based firm said in its report. The largest traditionally price-sensitive market, India, produced the greatest fall last year. This was almost entirely a product of high and volatile local prices, which also accounted for the decline seen in Turkey. These factors also accounted for much of the weakness in several key Western markets. In particular, the sharp drop in U. S. jewelry consumption, which was also affected by the domestic economic slowdown, not only affected the country's jewelry manufacturing, but was an important reason for the fall in Italian offtake, which is estimated to have dropped by around 18 percent, according to the report. The one significant positive note was the growth in Chinese fabrication, which grew for the sixth year in succession, in the process setting a new record in excess of 300 tons. Looking to the first six months of this year, GFMS is forecasting an 11 percent year- over-year fall in jewelry fabrication, which is actually positive compared to a particularly weak first half 2008. " Given our expectation of higher prices and a poor economic outlook, it is not surprising that we are forecasting lower jewelry fabrication in every region in the first half of this year," said Philip Klapwijk, GFMS' executive chairman. " In fact, if we take the comparison back further, and look at the first half of 2007, just two years ago, jewelry fabrication then was 400 tons higher than we are predicting for the first six months of 2009." Peru's key metals production rises in 2008 As diamond traders in Mumbai and Surat are struggling to keep their business afloat, the situation in Antwerp and Russia is not different. Antwerp, world headquarters of diamond rough trade, is feeling the pinch now with demand falling to unimaginable levels. Russia's diamond trade is also suffering huge losses and there are no buyers for diamonds now. It is a clear hint that during the time of crisis people have decided to say good bye to luxuries. But, gold has still managed to stay afloat because of its investment safe haven tag. According to media reports, Russia is registering the biggest fall in diamond production in the world. Moreover, several big diamond majors are also slashing production. The trigger for this decision was 40- per cent decline in De Beers' output. In Russia, following the global meltdown, gold and cut diamond sales dropped by 40 per cent. According to reports quoting Antwerp World Diamond Centre, an organization representing the Belgian diamond industry, the cut in financing would lead to the world's top miners, De Beers and Russia's Alrosa, slashing production of rough diamonds by up to 40%. Banks usually finance two parts of a diamond business balance sheet, the receivables and the purchases — in these present circumstances, it is extremely difficult for the banks to finance both. Antwerp handles around 80% of the world's rough diamonds and half of all polished diamonds each year. ABN Amro, the world's biggest diamond financier, was aquired by the Belgian government in October after its parent company Fortis Bank had to be bailed out. Another big diamond financier, Antwerp Diamond Bank, said last month the company was already seeing a recessionary impact on consumer spending and the capacity to service debt could come under strain. De Beers, which accounts for about 40% of global rough diamond supply and is 45% owned by mining group Anglo American, said last month it will cut output at two of its new Canadian mines by 10- 20 percent. Gold, diamond sales crash by 40% in Russia April 2009 | The Brink's Journal | Page 13 Brink's Global News | News

Brink's in South Africa With a commitment to safety and security, Brink's South Africa boasts brand- new, custom- designed armored trucks, including armored escort vehicles in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Also, vehicles for the new Brink's facility in Port Elizabeth have been custom designed for optimal operation in the extreme South African climate and can accommodate shipments of hazardous materials, demonstrating Brink's commitment to innovation and security. With more than 60 staff members, Brink's South Africa consists of a diverse team. In fact, the Brink's staff is multilingual and can speak all eleven official languages of South Africa. And, Brink's will be able to offer more services to more locations throughout South Africa with its newly opened facility in Kimberly. A Durban office is scheduled to open later this year. History of Brink's South Africa In 1996, Brink's South Africa opened as a Brink's United Kingdom branch office with a staff of two. Organizing collections and deliveries, the duo quickly recognized the local business potential warranted full- fledged operations. Initially, the local road transport was handled through dedicated vehicles from a subcontracting CIT company. Beginning as a one truck operation, Brink's South Africa was managing three trucks and two Johannesburg offices by 2001. As business progressed, Brink's offered services across the country through the same subcontractor and opened a Cape Town office in 2004. As volume and value increased, the risk also increased. To better manage risk from door- to- door, Brink's took control of the entire supply chain to ensure strict security from pick up to delivery. Brink's South Africa incorporated efficient processes and operations utilizing highly trained guards and armored vehicles. As a worldwide leader in secure logistics, Brink's offers a multitude of services throughout our extensive footprint and networked organization in South Africa. With operations in Botswana, Mauritius, Reunion and Madagascar, Brink's regional and global knowledge, expertise and customer service are unsurpassed. In addition, Brink's South Africa services countries such as Namibia, Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo. Brink's South Africa Today, Brink's South Africa manages the entire logistics process, including: • Safely transporting valuables from mines to dealers, polishers, manufacturers and wholesalers • Shipping rough and polished diamonds to grading institutes, either round- trip or one way • Customs clearance and transport services • Secure storage and inventory management • Pick & pack window services, and inspection rooms • Trade show services, such as: ? ? secure transportation to and from the show ? ? customs clearance in the country of origin and at the show ? ? overnight storage and pick- up, during and after the show Page 14 Brink's Highlight