PP PAN AMERICAN SILVER POSTS RECORD FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 2011
The Company Produced 21.9 Million Ounces of Silver and 78,426 Ounces of Gold in 2011
 (All amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated and all production figures are approximate)
 

Vancouver, B.C. � February 23, 2012 � Pan American Silver Corp.(NASDAQ: PAAS; TSX: PAA) (the �Company�, or �Pan American�), today reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter of 2011 and new all-time Company records for sales, net income, mine operating earnings and cash flow from operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  In addition, the Company provided an update on its operations, a forecast for consolidated production and cash costs for 2012, as well as further information with respect to Management�s expectations for the completion of the proposed acquisition of Minefinders Corporation Ltd. ("Minefinders").   

⁽¹⁾Financial information in this news release is based on International Financial Reporting Standards (�IFRS�); results are unaudited; percentages compare period-on-period.
⁽²⁾ Cash costs per payable ounce of silver is a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes that in addition to production costs, depreciation and amortization, and royalties, cash costs per ounce is a useful and complementary benchmark that investors use to evaluate the Company�s performance and ability to generate cash flow and is well understood and widely reported in the silver mining industry.  However, cash costs per ounce does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS as an indicator of performance.  Investors are cautioned that cash costs per ounce should not be construed as an alternative to production costs, depreciation and amortization, and royalties determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of performance. The Company�s method of calculating cash costs per ounce may differ from the methods used by other entities and, accordingly, the Company�s cash costs per ounce may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.  See �Financial and Operating Highlights� below for a reconciliation of this measure to the Company�s production costs, depreciation and amortization, and royalties.
 ⁽³⁾ Mine operating earnings is a non-GAAP measure used by the Company to assess the performance of its silver mining operations.  Mine operating earnings is calculated as revenue less production costs, depreciation and amortization and royalties.  The Company and certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company�s performance.   
⁽⁴⁾Adjusted earnings  is a non-GAAP measure calculated as net earnings for the period adjusting for the gain or loss recorded on fair market value adjustments on the Company�s outstanding warrants. The Company considers this measure to better reflect normalized earnings as it does not include unrealized gains or losses from outstanding warrants, which may be volatile from period to period.
 ⁽⁵⁾Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital is a non-GAAP measure. This non-GAAP measure is used by the Company to manage and evaluate operating performance and the Company considers this measure to better reflect normalized cash flow generated by operations. Cash flow from operations per share is a non-GAAP measure. Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital per share is used as a measure of return on capital and is calculated using cash flow from operations, before working capital changes, divided by basic weighted average shares outstanding. 
⁽⁶⁾Percentage refers to the total number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company at the beginning of the normal course issuer bid.  
⁽⁷⁾To illustrate the potential positive impact from the Minefinders acquisition, the forecast represents Pan American�s 2012 planned production consolidated with Dolores� actual production achieved in the last nine months of 2011.
 
Commenting on the fourth quarter and fiscal 2011 results, Geoff Burns, President and CEO said; �The fourth quarter was not our best production quarter, but we still generated very respectable earnings and cash flows.  As for the full year, the results speak for themselves, record sales, record operating cash flows, and record earnings�.  Burns added, �We have resolved the fourth quarter production issues at Manantial Espejo and Alamo Dorado to start 2012 in excellent shape and in spite of the rising cost trend that the whole industry is facing, our operating margins remain strong and we are poised to repeat the financial success we enjoyed in 2011.�

Financial Results
Pan American posted strong adjusted earnings and cash flows for the fourth quarter of 2011.  Adjusted earnings generated by the Company�s seven operations rose 15% from the last quarter of 2010 to $64.5 million, or $0.61 per share.  The increase was directly attributable to higher realized prices for all metals produced by the Company and lower taxes, partially offset by increased production costs and depreciation and amortization expenses.  For the full year 2011, the Company�s consolidated adjusted earnings grew more than three-fold to a record $252.3 million, or $2.37 per share.  Earnings were boosted by higher realized metals prices for all metals sold by the Company, which more than offset higher direct operating costs and increased depreciation and amortization charges.

The Company�s revenue during the fourth quarter of 2011 rose to $212.4 million, 9% higher as compared to sales recorded in the last quarter of 2010.  The increase resulted from significantly higher metal prices, partially offset by lower quantities of metals sold.  Revenue for the full year 2011 surged to a record $855.3 million, or 32% higher than in the previous year. 

In 2011, the Company realized average prices for silver and gold of $35.03 per ounce and $1,568 per ounce respectively, an increase of 76% and 29% over 2010, respectively.  Realized prices for all base metals produced by the Company also trended higher with copper, zinc and lead averaging $8,625 per tonne, $2,208 per tonne and $2,402 per tonne, respectively.  On an annualized basis, silver accounted for 74% and gold accounted for 12% of the Company�s revenue, while zinc, lead and copper contributed a combined 14% of total revenue.

Mine operating earnings generated during the final quarter of 2011 were $88.3 million, 2% less than in the comparable period of 2010.  The slight decline was mainly the result of lower quantities of precious metals sold, and by higher operating costs resulting from higher labour and energy expenses at the Peruvian, Argentinean and Bolivian operations.  Mine operating earnings for the full year 2011 were $409.1 million, an all-time high and an increase of 70% as compared to 2010. 

Cash flow from operations, before changes in operating working capital was $79.2 million, or $0.74 per shareduring the fourth quarter of 2011, similar to the comparative period of 2010.  2011 annual cash flow from operations, before changes in operating working capital, rose 60% from the previous year to an all-time record of $347.4 million, or $3.26 per share. 
At December 31, 2011, Pan American had cash and short term investments of $491.2 millionand the Company�s working capital grew by approximately $136.5 million to $566.4 million.  The Company remains debt free, except for some minor capital leases for facilities and equipment in the amount of $31.6 million.

Additionally, during the last quarter of 2011 the Company repurchased approximately 2.6 million shares under its normal course issuer bid for total consideration of approximately $66 million.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company had executed 66.4% of the total allowed under the 12-month program, decreasing the Company�s issued and outstanding shares to 104,492,743.      

The Company�s effective tax rates vary considerably between periods and from the amounts that would result from applying the Canadian statutory income tax rates to earnings before income taxes.  The main factors which have affected the effective tax rates for the quarter (18%) and year ended December 31, 2011 (25%) and the comparable periods of 2010 (118% & 84% respectively) were the unrealized gains and losses on the Company�s warrants position, foreign income tax rate differentials and foreign exchange gains and losses.  Although these and other factors will continue to cause volatility in the future, the Company expects that the effective tax rate for 2012 would be between 30% - 35%.

Production and Operations
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company produced 5.3 million ouncesof silver and 17,239 ouncesof gold, a decrease of 6% and 10%, respectively from the last quarter of 2010.  Production was below expectations primarily due to three events: (i) a two-week unplanned plant shutdown to facilitate the repair of the trunion bearing of the primary ball mill at Manantial Espejo, (ii) poor mobile mine equipment availability due to the heightened restrictions on imports in Argentina, which impaired the flow of spare parts for mobile equipment and resulted in a reduction in mined tonnage at Manantial Espejo, and (iii) a decision to complete the in-pit Phase 3 exploration drilling program at Alamo Dorado, which restricted our ability to mine fresh ore.
 
The Company�s Mexican operations continued to be Pan American�s largest silver producers with Alamo Dorado producing 1.2 million ounces and La Colorada a close second with silver production of 1.1 million ounces during the current quarter.

Pan American�s Peruvian operations produced a total of 1.4 million ounces of silver, 37% below production during the 4^th quarter of 2010, but within management�s revised forecast following the Company�s decision to demobilize a significant number of contractors at Huaron and Morococha.  At Huaron, silver production for the fourth quarter of 2011 was essentially flat as compared to 2010, with reduced throughput rates offset by higher silver grades and recoveries. 

At Morococha, silver production fell 35% to 0.4 million ounces on lower mining rates and reduced ore grades, as efforts focused on miner training, in-fill drilling, infrastructure improvements and, more importantly, increased development rates.  Underground development rates at Morococha increased to over 4,300 meters during the fourth quarter of 2011, a 20% increase from the third quarter of 2011.  In January 2012, both Huaron and Morococha posted improving results, producing approximately 0.3 and 0.2 million ounces of silver, respectively.  

During the last quarter of 2011, the San Vicente mine increased silver production by 25% compared to the same quarter of 2010 to 0.8 million ounces, in large part due to higher throughput.
    
Due to the issues previously mentioned, fourth quarter production at Manantial Espejo was 0.8 million ounces of silver and 11,114 ounces of gold, or 18% and 11% less than a year ago, respectively and well below expectations.  However, with the repair to the ball mill complete, January 2012 production was back to normal levels at approximately 0.3 million ounces of silver and 5,200 ounces of gold.

In 2011, Pan American�s silver production reached 21.9 million ounces.  As was the case in 2010, Alamo Dorado and La Colorada were the Company�s largest silver producers with output of 5.3 million ounces and 4.3 million ounces, respectively.  Manantial Espejo and San Vicente contributed 3.8 million ounces and 3.1 million ounces of silver, while Huaron, Morococha, and Quiruvilca contributed 2.8 million, 1.7 million and 0.9 million ounces of silver, respectively.

Gold production in 2011 was 78,426 ounces, a decrease of 12% in comparison to 2010, primarily due to the plant shut down and poor mobile equipment availability at Manantial Espejo.  Consolidated base metal production during 2011 was 37,234 tonnes of zinc, 12,701 tonnes of lead, both about 5% above expectations, and 4,544 tonnes of copper, which was in-line with expectations.

Consolidated cash costs for the fourth quarter of 2011 rose to $11.18per ounce of silver, net of by-product creditsdue to a 17% increase in operating costs and a 6% reduction in ounces of silver produced.  2011 consolidated cash costs were $9.44 per ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, a 66% increase from the $5.69 recorded in 2010 and a direct reflection of the cost escalation that has been affecting the entire mining industry in addition to the increases in tariffs and royalties that Pan American pays primarily in Bolivia and Argentina, which increase when the price of silver increases.

2012 Outlook � Current Operations
In 2012 the Company expects silver production to be between 21.5 and 22.5 million ounces, as planned increases in production at Manantial Espejo and San Vicente will likely be offset by a slight decline in production at Alamo Dorado.  Inflationary cost pressures, led by increasing labor demands, increasing smelter charges and increased royalties are expected to continue throughout 2012 and management estimates that direct site operating expenses will rise approximately 10% on a consolidated basis.  In addition, management is forecasting a modest decline in the Company�s base metal by-product production, partially off-set by a small increase in gold production.  The combined effect of the increased operating expenses and slight decline in by-product credits means that the Company expects an increase in cash costs to between $12.50 and $13.50 per ounce of silver in 2012, net of by-product credits. 
In 2012, the Company is also forecasting production of 75,000 to 80,000 ounces of gold, 33,000 to 34,000 tonnes of zinc, 11,000 to 11,500 tonnes of lead and 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes of copper.  Planned silver production and cash costs for each of Pan American�s existing operations are detailed below:

 
⁽¹⁾For purposes of estimating 2012�s cash costs, the Company assumed the following price levels for its by-product production: Zn $1,900/tonne; Pb $2,000/tonne; Cu $7,300/tonne; Au $1,600/oz.
⁽²⁾  The forecast for Quiruvilca only includes estimates for the first quarter of 2012.  The Company is currently assessing strategic alternatives for the mine, which may include continued operations, divestiture, or placing the mine on care and maintenance.
 
Growth Projects
At the Navidad project in the province of Chubut, Argentina, the Company invested $16.4 million in project development during the fourth quarter of 2011.  Work focused on activities geared towards the completion of a Feasibility Study and included: the completion of the expanded 2011 exploration program to carry out infill drilling of known deposits, updating Mineral Resource estimates, the completion of additional metallurgical tests, project design and production plan optimization, and the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment.  In addition, the Company continued to invest in community relations and support initiatives to improve communication with the public, expand the understanding of mining activities and their potential impact and help the local communities that continue to endure the prolonged effects of ash fall from a volcanic eruption.  During 2011, Pan American invested a total of $33.2 million in development activities at Navidad, not including $17 million the Company spent to purchase equipment for the future Navidad processing plant.

The province of Chubut still prohibits the open pit exploitation of mineral deposits.  However, the legislative environment is improving, as evidenced by the fact that in January of 2012, the neighbouring province of Rio Negro, where Pan American�s Calcatreu gold deposit is located, revoked the ban on the use of sodium cyanide in mineral processing.  There is no doubt that the Central Meseta region, which straddles the border between Chubut and Rio Negro, would greatly benefit from the investment and related economic activity that the responsible development of mining projects like Navidad would provide.  The Company remains confident that the restrictive legislation in Chubut will be amended during 2012 to allow for the development of Navidad.  In 2012, Pan American expects to invest $22.8 million to complete a Feasibility Study for Navidad.

At the La Preciosa joint-venture project in Mexico, the Company invested $0.7 million during the last three months of 2011 to complete an alternative development evaluation in advance of completing a full Feasibility Study in 2012.  During 2011, Pan American invested a total of $2.4 million at La Preciosa and management expects to invest approximately $1 million in the first quarter of 2012 to advance the project�s Feasibility Study.     

In 2012, Pan American is planning to invest approximately $87.7 million in sustaining capital at its seven operating mines, including $15.5 million for brownfield exploration.  In addition, the Company expects to spend another $7.8 million in selected greenfield exploration activities.

Proposed Acquisition of Minefinders
On January 23, 2012, Pan American and Minefinders announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement (the �Arrangement Agreement�) pursuant to which Pan American will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Minefinders by way of a plan of arrangement.  Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Minefinders shareholders will be entitled to elect to receive, in exchange for each Minefinders share held, either: (i) 0.55 shares of Pan American and CDN$1.84 in cash; or (ii) 0.6235 shares of Pan American; or (iii) CDN$15.60 in cash, subject to pro-ration under total aggregate cash and share pools.  The consideration represents a total offer value of CDN$15.60 per Minefinders share and implies a total transaction value of CDN$1.38 billion.  Following completion of the transaction, former Minefinders securityholders will own up to approximately 32% of Pan American, on a fully-diluted basis.  The Arrangement Agreement was amended by Pan American and Minefinders pursuant to an amendment agreement dated February 14, 2012 (the �Amendment Agreement�).  The Arrangement Agreement and the Amendment Agreement can be obtained under Pan American�s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

The proposed acquisition is subject to approval by Pan American�s shareholders and Mindefinders� securityholders, and the terms and conditions for the proposed transaction will be summarized in the management information circulars to be provided to Pan American�s shareholders and Minefinders� securityholders.  The Company expects that its management information circular relating to the acquisition will be mailed out to its shareholders on or about Friday, February 24, 2012 and that a special meeting of the Company�s shareholders will take place on March 26^th, 2012.  If approved by Pan American�s shareholders and Minefinders� securityholders, the Company expects to complete the proposed transaction on or about March 30, 2012.

Management and the Company�s Board of Directors fully support the proposed acquisition and, assuming all necessary approvals are obtained and the transaction completes, believe that significant strategic benefits to Pan American�s shareholders resulting from the acquisition will include: (i) enhanced operating and development portfolio diversification towards producing assets, (ii) additional near-term cash flow, (iii) creation of the leading growth profile in the silver sector, (iv) a meaningful reduction our average silver cash costs across our production portfolio, (v) addition of significant silver and gold mineral reserves and resources with excellent potential to increase even further through exploration (vi) a number of attractive near-term opportunities to drive production growth, and (vii) a strong balance sheet and access to capital; and (viii) increases the Company�s exposure to the prices of silver and gold. 

Assuming the necessary approvals are obtained and the transaction completes, the addition of the Dolores mine�s production to Pan American�s current portfolio of producing assets should have a significant positive impact on the Company�s 2012 forecast (Note: technical information contained in this press release relating to Minefinders has been reviewed by Mark H. Bailey, M.Sc. P.Geo., who is Minefinders� Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101).  The additional ounces from Dolores are also expected to meaningfully reduce Pan American�s silver cash costs.  To illustrate the potential positive impact to silver and gold production, the following table shows Pan American�s forecasted production for 2012, consolidated with Dolores� actual production achieved in the last nine months of 2011:
 

 
⁽¹⁾Assuming a March 30, 2012 closing, Pan American will only consolidate 9 months of Dolores� mine production in 2012 and as such are using the Dolores� mine actual production for the nine-month period from April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.  The production figures contained in this press release relating to the Dolores mine are based on actual production figures announced by Minefinders by way of a news release dated January 9, 2012.

On a silver-equivalent basis, using a silver-gold ratio of 53 to one (at assumed prices of $30 per ounce of silver and $1,600 per ounce of gold), Pan American�s 2012 consolidated silver-equivalent production would rise from approximately 26 to 27 million ounces to approximately 31 to 32 million ounces.

Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Geoff Burns, President & CEO, said, �This is very much a strategic de-risking transaction for Pan American.  Acquiring Minefinders, with its Dolores property adds a proven, long-life, low-cost operating mine with significant reserves and resources and outstanding exploration and expansion potential.  It clearly increases and diversifies our operating and cash flow base into a highly preferred mining jurisdiction�.

***

About Pan American Silver
Pan American Silver�s mission is to be the world�s largest and lowest cost primary silver mining company by increasing its low cost silver production and silver Mineral Reserves.  The Company has seven operating mines in Mexico, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia.  Pan American also owns the Navidad silver development project in Chubut, Argentina, the Calcatreu gold project in Rio Negro, Argentina and is the operator of the La Preciosa joint venture project in Durango, Mexico.

Technical information contained in this news release with respect to Pan American has been reviewed by Michael Steinmann, P.Geo., Executive VP Geology & Exploration, and Martin Wafforn, P.Eng., VP Technical Services, who are the Company�s Qualified Personsfor the purposes of NI 43-101. Neither Pan American nor Messrs. Steinmann or Wafforn accept any responsibility in respect of technical information of Minefinders contained in this press release.

Pan American will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 11:00 am ET (08:00 am PT).  To access the conference, North American participants dial toll free 1-800-319-4610.  International participants dial 1-604-638-5340.  A live audio webcast can be accessed athttps://services.choruscall.com/links/pan120223.html  Listeners may also gain access by logging on at www.panamericansilver.com.  The call will be available for replay for one week after the call by dialing 1-604-638-9010 and entering code 6218 followed by # sign.
 

Information Contact
Kettina Cordero
Coordinator, Investor Relations
(604) 684-1175
info@panamericansilver.com
www.panamericansilver.com
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute �forward-looking statements� within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and �forward-looking information� within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.  When used in this news release the words, �believes�, �expects�, �intends�, �plans�, �forecast�, �objective�, �OUTLOOK�, �POSITIONING�, �POTENTIAL�, �ANTICIPATED�, �budget�, and other similar words and expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information.  These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: future production of silver, gold and other metals and the timing of such production; future cash costs per ounce of silver; the price of silver and other metals; THE EFFECTS OF LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES AFFECTING PAN AMERICAN�S OPERATIONS OR POTENTIAL FUTURE OPERATIONS, INClUDING But NOT LIMITED TO, pan american�s shareholders and minefinders� securityholders approving the acquisition of minefinders by pan american and the completion of the acquisition; LAWS IN THE PROVINCE OF CHUBUT, Argentina, WHICH, currently have significant restrictions on mining; the recent changes to the laws of bolivia with respect to mining, and laws in Argentina which impact pan american�s ability to repatriate funds; the ability of the companies to maintain and repair equipment necessary to operate their mines, particularly for example, in light of recent changes to import and export restrictions in Argentina; future successful expansion of minefinders� dolores mine and development of the navidad project, the la preciosa project, and other  development projects of the companies, including the addition of a mill at minefinders� dolores mine; the sufficiency of the Company�s current working capital, anticipated operating cash flow or its ability to raise necessary funds; timing ofrelease of technical or other reports; the estimates of expected or anticipated economic returns from the Company�s mining projects; estimated exploration expenditures to be incurred on the Company�s various properties; forecast capital and non-operating spending; future sales of the metals, concentrates or other products produced by the Company; and the Company�s plans and expectations for its properties and operations.
 
These statements reflect the Company�s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.  Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this News Release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors.  Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in spot and forward markets for silver, gold, base metals and certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar, Peruvian sol, Mexican peso, Argentine peso and Bolivian boliviano versus the U.S. dollar); risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Company�s business; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations including among others, changes to import and export regulations and laws relating to the repatriation of capital and foreign currency controls; political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia or other countries where the Company may carry on business in the future; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); RISKS RELATING TO THE CREDIT WORTHINESS OR FINANCIAL CONDITION OF SUPPLIERS, REFINERS AND OTHER PARTIES WITH WHOM THE COMPANY DOES BUSINESS; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; RELATIONSHIPS WITH AND CLAIMS BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits AND THE PRESENCE OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS THAT MAY IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON MINING, INCLUDING THOSE CURRENTLY IN THE PROVINCE OF CHUBUT, Argentina; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; global financial conditions; the Company�s ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions AND TO MITIGATE OTHER BUSINESS COMBINATION RISKS; challenges to, OR DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING, the Company�s title to properties AND CONTINUED OWNERSHIP THEREOF; the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors; increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their costs; and those factors identified under the caption �Risks Related to Pan American�s Business� in the Company�s most recent Form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities.  Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements.  Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended.  The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.