In a gold industry that is positively plagued by broken promises and missed opportunities, Yamana Gold Inc. (USA) (NYSE: AUY ) continues to earn special distinction as the most effective and reliable operator in the business. Goldcorp Inc. (USA) (NYSE: GG ) takes a close second, even with the uncharacteristic challenges that company faced ( and overcame ) during 2012. Primero Mining Corp (NYSE:PPP) takes honorable mention, and will soon join their ranks if former IAMGOLD Corporation (USA) (NYSE: IAG ) CEO Joe Conway continues apace with his outstanding, value-multiplying achievements. For his part, Yamana CEO Peter Marrone proved once again that his rather lucrative compensation package is money well spent. Yamana met consensus estimates for the fourth quarter of 2012 with adjusted earnings of $0.26 per share.