FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2023 RESULTS (In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise)
NEWS RELEASE
23-29
October 24, 2023
www.first-quantum.com
FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2023 RESULTS
(In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise)
Toronto, Ontario (October 24, 2023) - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or “the Company”) (TSX: FM)
today reports results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 (“Q3 2023” or the "third quarter") of net
earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company of $325 million ( $0.47 earnings per share) and adjusted
earnings1 of $359 million ($0.52 adjusted earnings per share2).
“It was pleasing that production continued to improve during the third quarter at each of our three main copper
operations. The ramp-up of the CP100 Exp ansion project is progressing well, allowing the Cobre Panamá mine to
achieve another record in quarterly production. This continued strong performance, together with the recent
finalization of the legal framework for the mine provides a solid foundation f or Cobre Panamá's future. Similarly, in
Zambia, where we concluded new agreements with the government last year, we achieved first concentrate sale
from the new Enterprise nickel mine in the quarter and continued to make steady progress on the S3 Expansion .
With the volatile global economic outlook, we continue to build resilience to the challenging macro environment by
staying focused on project execution, operational excellence and improving the balance sheet, ” commented Tristan
Pascall, Chief Executive O fficer. “The passing of Philip Pascall in September, one of First Quantum ’s co-founders
and Chair, was felt profoundly across the Company as he was a friend, mentor and inspirational leader to many. I
am pleased that Robert Harding will be taking on the ro le of Chair of the Board. Mr. Harding has been a valuable
member of the Board of First Quantum, who has made significant contributions to guide the Company to where it is
today. This, combined with his previous executive and board roles, makes him ideal for the Chair role.”
“Over the many years under Philip ’s leadership, First Quantum grew to become the company that it is today by
challenging conventional thinking. This created a unique culture and distinctive approach, “the First Quantum way”,
which is de eply embedded within the Company. While Philip's passing is a great loss for the Company and the
industry, I am confident that with its strong management team and world class assets, the Company is very well
positioned to build on Philip’s legacy.” said Robert Harding, Chair of the Board.
Q3 2023 SUMMARY
In Q3 2023, First Quantum reported gross profit of $660 million, EBITDA 1 of $969 million, net earnings attributable
to shareholders of $0.47 per share, and adjusted earnings of $0.52 per share2. Relative to the second quarter of this
year (“Q2 2023”), third quarter financial results benefitted from higher copper and gold sales volumes and stabilized
input costs, which was partially offset by lower realized copper prices.
2023 guidance has been updated for c opper, gold and nickel production to reflect the performance -to-date and the
outlook for the remainder of the year. Copper production guidance has been reduced to 745,000 - 775,000 tonnes
(from 770,000 - 840,000 tonnes), mainly attributable to Sentinel wit h production guidance reduced to 220,000 -
230,000 tonnes (from 260,000 - 280,000 tonnes). Gold production has been reduced to 230,000 - 250,000 ounces
(from 265,000 - 295,000 ounces), while nickel production has been reduced to 25,000 - 29,000 contained tonnes
(from 28,000 - 38,000 contained tonnes). Copper C1 cash cost 2 has been narrowed to $1.75 - $1.85 per lb (from
$1.65 - $1.85 per lb), to reflect revised production guidance.
1 EBITDA and adjusted earnings are non -GAAP financial measures. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be c omparable to
similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures”.
2 Adjusted earnings per share, copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and all -in sustaining costs (AISC) are non -GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed
by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures”.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-29
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CHAIR OF THE BOARD
First Quantum was deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its founders and Chair, Philip Pascall, on
September 19, 2023. Philip passed away peacefully at home in Perth, Western Australia. Philip co -founded First
Quantum in 1996, serving as the Ch air since its inception and Chief Executive Officer until 2022. Under his
leadership, Philip instilled an entrepreneurial and bold culture that saw the Company grow from a 10,000 tonnes
tailings re-processor with the Bwana Mkubwa project in Zambia to one o f the world’s largest copper producers with
operations spanning five continents and employing more than 20,000 people globally.
On the same day, the Board of Directors voted to elect Robert Harding, Lead Independent Director, as the Company’s
Interim Chair and more recently approved the appointment of Mr. Harding into the role of Chair of the Company. Mr.
Harding has been a Director of the Company since 2013 and has a full understanding of the Company ’s operations
and unique culture. Mr. Harding has also served as Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee on the Board.
Mr. Harding began his career at a major accounting firm before joining Brookfield Asset Management where he
served in progressively senior roles and ultimately, Chief Executive Officer i n 1992. He retired from the Board of
Brookfield, where he was Chairman from 1997 to 2010, in 2019.
Q3 2023 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Total copper production for the third quarter was 221,550 tonnes, an 18% increase from Q2 2023. The quarter-over-
quarter increase in production was attributable to an improvement in throughput and grades at the Company's three
largest mines, particularly at Cobre Panamá with the continued strong ramp -up of the CP100 Expansion project.
Copper sales volumes in Q3 2023 totalled 218,946 tonnes, 2,604 tonnes lower than production.
Copper C1 cash cost1 of $1.42 per lb for Q3 2023 was $0.56 per lb lower than Q2 2023. The improvement in copper
C1 cash costs1 was primarily related to improved production volumes.
• Cobre Panamá produced 1 12,734 tonnes of copper in Q3 2023, an increase of 22,648 tonnes from the
previous quarter as the current quarter saw improved grades and higher tonnes milled from the continued
successful ramp-up of the CP100 Expansion project, which achieved a throughput rate of 24.5 million tonnes
during the period. Copper C1 cash cost 1 of $1.19 per lb was $0.52 per lb lower than the previous quarter
due to higher copper production volumes and higher gold by -product credits. 2023 Production guidance for
Cobre Panamá has been narrowed to 365,000 – 375,000 tonnes (from 350,000 – 380,000 tonnes) of copper
and lowered to 135,000 – 150,000 ounces (from 140,000 – 160,000 ounces) of gold. Full year 2023 grades
and recoveries are expected to be broadly consistent with 2022, with some fluctuations from quarter to
quarter. Ramp-up of the CP100 Expansion facilities continue and the expansion to 100 Mtpa remains on
schedule for the end of 2023. Significant progress has been made on the pre -strip work for the Colina pit
and earthworks for the associated overland conveyor and in -pit crushing facility. The first crusher at Colina
is expected to be commissioned in 2024. In addition, the construction of the molybdenum recovery circuit is
progressing well with commissioning and commercial production anticipated in 2024.
• Kansanshi’s copper production of 39,600 tonnes in Q3 2023 was 4,943 tonnes higher than the previous
quarter as mining was focused on cutbacks at elevated benches with historically higher grades where
mineralization is predominantly in stratigraphy and with wider veins. Copper C1 cash cost 1 of $1.63 per lb
was $0.73 lower than Q2 2023 mainly due to improved production volumes. Production in 2023 has been
narrowed to 130,000 – 140,000 tonnes (from 130,000 – 150,000 tonnes) of copper. Guidance for gold
production has been reduced to 65,000 – 70,000 ounces (from 95,000 – 105,000 ounces) of gold. Mining
fleet deployment changes have enabled the operation to open up mining areas, placing less reliance on
variable-grade ore stockpiles. Additionally, mining will continue to focus on cutbacks M15 and M17 at upper
elevations in the main pit, where mineralization is predominantly disseminated in stratigraphy and with wider
veins, and therefore higher grades that will benefit production through the rest of 2023. Additional in-fill and
targeted drilling in areas of vein mineralization has continued, thereby significantly improving decision -
making at each stage of the mining value chain.
1 C1 cash costs (C1) is a non-GAAP ratio which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed
by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures”.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-29
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• Sentinel reported copper production of 63,805 tonnes in Q3 2023, 9,760 tonnes higher than the previous
quarter as the operation saw steady improvement after the impact of record heavy rains experienced earlier
this year. Higher grades were accessed in the third quarter, however, mining was impacted by very hard rock
from lower levels in Stages 1 and 2 of the open pit, which increased blast requirements and also hampered
crushing reliabilities and milling efficiencies. Copper C1 cash cost 1 of $1.65 per lb was $0.39 per lb lower
than the preceding quarter, reflecting higher production volumes. As a result of the challenges encountered
year-to-date, copper production guidance for 2023 has been lowered to 220,000 – 230,000 tonnes (from
260,000 – 280,000 tonnes). Whilst mining conditions have improved and drill an d blast volumes increased,
the ramp up has been slower than expected due to very hard rock conditions from Stages 1 and 2, which
are expected to continue into the fourth quarter of 2023. Stage 3 (Western Cut-back) mining will commence
in the fourth quarter of 2023, which will enable more favourable mining conditions with softer material and
shorter haul distances and aid overall mining efficiencies. However, first substantial ore from Stage 3 is only
expected to start contributing towards the end of the second quarter of 2024.
• At Enterprise, first concentrate sale occurred in the third quarter of 2023. The focus remains on stripping of
waste and the final ramp -up of the process plant to full production capacity, which was challenged by the
metallurgical characteristics of the shallow ore and impacted recoveries. However, a good understanding of
the process impact of this material has been developed. Plant recovery and concentrate quality are
continuously improving as the sulphide ore quality increases, as exp ected from the geometallurgical
understanding of the deposit. Production guidance in 2023 for Enterprise has been reduced to 3,000 – 5,000
contained tonnes of nickel (from 5,000 – 10,000 tonnes).
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
• Gross profit for th e third quarter of $660 million was 149% higher than Q2 2023, while EBITDA 1 of $969
million for the same period was 71% higher due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by lower realized
metal prices.
• Cash flows from operating activities of $594 million ($0.86 per share2) for the quarter were $125 million lower
than Q2 2023 due mainly to unfavourable working capital movements.
• Net debt1 decreased by $13 million during the quarter, taking the net debt 1 balance to $5,637 million as at
September 30, 2023. As at September 30, 2023, total debt was $6,892 million (June 30, 2023, total debt
was $6,528 million).
• An interim dividend of CDN$0.08 per share, in respect of the financial year ended December 31, 2023 (July
26, 2022: CDN$0.16 per share) was paid on September 19, 2023 to shareholders of record on August 28,
2023.
1 EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measures and net debt is a supplementary financial measure. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and
might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures”
2 Cash flows from operating activities per share, copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and copper all -in sustaining cost (copper AISC ) are non -GAAP ratios which do not have a
standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures”.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-29
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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
QUARTERLY
Q3 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2022
Sales revenues 2,029 1,651 1,727
Gross profit 660 265 302
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 325 93 113
Basic earnings per share $0.47 $0.13 $0.16
Diluted earnings per share $0.47 $0.13 $0.16
Cash flows from operating activities 594 719 525
Net debt1 5,637 5,650 5,329
EBITDA2,3 969 568 583
Adjusted earnings2 359 85 96
Adjusted earnings per share4 $0.52 $0.12 $0.14
Realized copper price (per lb)4 $3.70 $3.75 $3.43
Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company 325 93 113
Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company:
Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian value-added tax (“VAT”) receipts (15) (31) 6
Total adjustments to EBITDA2 excluding depreciation 61 15 (26)
Tax and minority interest adjustments (12) 8 3
Adjusted earnings2 359 85 96
1 Net debt is a supplementary financial measure which does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS, and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed
by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures.
2 EBITDA and adjusted earnings are non -GAAP financial measures, which do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial
measures disclosed by other issuers. Adjusted earnings have been adjusted to exclude items fr om the corresponding IFRS measure, net earnings attributable to shareholders
of the Company, which are not considered by management to be reflective of underlying performance. The Company has disclosed these measures to assist with the
understanding of results and to provide further financial information about the results to investors and may not be comparable to similar financi al measures disclosed by other
issuers. The use of adjusted earnings and EBITDA represents the Company’s adjusted earnings metrics. See “Regulatory Disclosures”.
3 Adjustments to EBITDA in 2023 relate principally to royalties payable to ZCCM -IH for the year ended December 31, 2022, foreign exchange revaluations and a restructuring
expense (2022 - foreign exchange revaluations).
4 Adjusted earnings per share, realized metal prices, copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC), copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and total cost of copper (copper C3) are non -
GAAP ratios which do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might no t be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See
“Regulatory Disclosures”.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-29
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CONSOLIDATED OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
QUARTERLY
Q3 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2022
Copper production (tonnes)1 221,550 187,175 194,974
Cobre Panamá 112,734 90,086 91,671
Kansanshi 39,600 34,657 29,862
Sentinel 63,805 54,045 64,120
Other Sites 5,411 8,387 9,321
Copper sales (tonnes) 218,946 177,362 198,980
Cobre Panamá 113,616 86,964 92,665
Kansanshi2 41,820 30,732 37,305
Sentinel 58,600 51,135 60,058
Other Sites 4,910 8,531 8,952
Gold production (ounces) 73,125 52,561 67,417
Cobre Panamá 45,996 28,994 34,571
Kansanshi 19,946 16,346 24,561
Guelb Moghrein 6,765 6,686 7,439
Other sites 418 535 846
Gold sales (ounces)3 77,106 48,640 65,014
Cobre Panamá 45,959 26,881 35,033
Kansanshi 23,704 15,825 19,256
Guelb Moghrein 7,292 5,233 9,754
Other sites 151 701 971
Nickel production (contained tonnes)4 7,046 5,976 5,849
Nickel sales (contained tonnes) 5,749 5,906 5,992
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)5,6 $1.42 $1.98 $1.82
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)5,6,7 $2.29 $2.92 $2.75
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)5,6,7 $2.02 $2.64 $2.34
1 Production is presented on a contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter.
2 Sales include third -party sales of concentrate, cathode and anode attributable to Kansanshi. Sales exclude the sale of copper anode produced from third-party concentrate
purchased at Kansanshi. Sales of copper anode attributable to third party concentrate purchases were 11,228 tonnes for the th ree months ended September 30, 2023 (4,148
tonnes for the three months ended September 30, 2022).
3 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see “Precious Metal Stream Arrangement”).
4 Nickel production for the three months ended September 30, 2023 includes 1,556 tonnes of pre-commercial production from Enterprise, which is not included in earnings or
C1, C3 and AISC calculations. (nil tonnes for the three months ended September 30, 2022).
5 Copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC), copper C1 cash cost (copper C1), and total cost of copper (copper C3) are non -GAAP ratios, which do not have a standardized
meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Regulat ory Disclosures”.
6 Excludes the sale of copper anode produced from third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi. Sales of copper anode attributable to third party concentrate purchases were
11,228 tonnes for the three months ended September 30, 2023 (4,148 tonnes for the three months ended September 30, 2022).
7 Copper C3 and AISC for the three months ended June 30, 2023 exclude $18 million royalty attributable to ZCCM-IH relating to the year ended December 31, 2022.
REALIZED METAL PRICES1
QUARTERLY
Q3 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2022
Average LME copper cash price (per lb) $3.79 $3.84 $3.51
Realized copper price (per lb) $3.70 $3.75 $3.43
Treatment/refining charges (“TC/RC”) (per lb) ($0.15) ($0.15) ($0.12)
Freight charges (per lb) ($0.02) ($0.03) ($0.03)
Net realized copper price1 (per lb) $3.53 $3.57 $3.28
Average LBMA cash price (per oz) $1,929 $1,976 $1,729
Net realized gold price1,2 (per oz) $1,764 $1,797 $1,546
Average LME nickel cash price $9.23 $10.12 $10.01
Net realized nickel price1 $8.96 $9.50 $9.76
1 Realized metal prices are a non-GAAP ratio, do not have standardized meanings under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other
issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.
2 Excludes gold revenues recognized under the precious metal stream arrangement.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-29
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2023 GUIDANCE
Guidance has been updated for copper, gold and nickel production to reflect the performance to date and the outlook
for the remainder of the year. Copper production guidance has been reduced to 745,000 - 775,000 tonnes (from
770,000 - 840,000 tonnes) with fourth quarter production levels expected to be similar with the third quarter. Gold
production has been reduced to 230,000 - 250,000 ounces (from 265,000 - 295,000 ounces) principally due to lower
production at Kansanshi. Nickel production has been lowere d to 25,000 - 29,000 tonnes (from 28,000 - 38,000
tonnes) to reflect the performance-to-date at Ravensthorpe and Enterprise.
C1 cash cost 1 of copper has been narrowed to $1.75 - $1.85 per lb (from $1.65 - $1.85 per lb), to reflect revised
production guidance.
Any non-profit based top -up tax payment to meet the minimum contribution at Cobre Panamá is expected to be
recognized within operating profit and AISC 1. The AISC1 range has been revised to an upper end of $2.50 per lb to
reflect the lowered overall group production guidance and accommodate a non -profit based top up tax impact at
Cobre Panamá of between $0.00 per lb and $0.05 per lb.
C1 cash cost1 and AISC1 for Ravensthorpe nickel has increased to reflect reduced production as well as higher costs
related to labour, contractors and maintenance costs.
Guidance for total capital expenditure has been reduced by $50 million to $1,550 million, based on latest expected
timing of capitalized stripping with a portion now expected to be incurred in 2024.
Interest expense on debt for the full year 2023 is expected to be approximately $550 million and excludes interest
accrued on related party loans to Cobre Panamá and Ravensthorpe, a finance cost accreted on the precious metal
streaming arrangement, capitalized interest expense and accretion on asset retirement obligation. Cash outflow on
interest paid is expected to be approximately $505 million for the full year 2023.
The full year 2023 depreciation expense is expected to be between $1,230 million to $1,250 million.
At current consensus pricing, the adjusted effective tax rate for the full year 2023 is expected to be between 40%
and 45%. It is anticipated that the effective tax rate for the Group in the final quarter of the year will be higher as the
income tax expense is adjusted to the full year rate under the Concession Contract in Panamá, rather than the Law
9 basis used in the current quarter.
PRODUCTION GUIDANCE
000’s 2023 2023
Previous Guidance Updated Guidance
Copper (tonnes) 770 – 840 745 – 775
Gold (ounces) 265 – 295 230 – 250
Nickel (contained tonnes) 28 – 38 25 – 29
1 C1 cash cost (C1), and all-in sustaining cost (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios, and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar
financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures”
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-29
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PRODUCTION GUIDANCE BY OPERATION1
Copper production guidance (000’s tonnes) 2023 2023
Previous
Guidance
Updated
Guidance
Cobre Panamá 350 – 380 365 – 375
Kansanshi 130 – 150 130 – 140
Sentinel 260 – 280 220 – 230
Other sites 30 30
Gold production guidance (000’s ounces)
Cobre Panamá 140 – 160 135 – 150
Kansanshi 95 – 105 65 – 70
Other sites 30 30
Nickel production guidance (000’s contained tonnes)
Ravensthorpe 23 – 28 22 – 24
Enterprise 5 – 10 3 – 5
1 Production is stated on a 100% basis as the Company consolidates all operations.
CASH COST AND ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST1
Copper
2023
Previous
Guidance
2023
Updated
Guidance
C11 (per lb) $1.65 – $1.85 $1.75 – $1.85
AISC1 (per lb) $2.25 – $2.45 $2.40 – $2.50
Ravensthorpe Nickel
2023
Previous
Guidance
2023
Updated
Guidance
C11 (per lb) $7.00 – $8.50 $9.20 – $9.70
AISC1 (per lb) $9.00 – $10.50 $11.00 – $11.90
1 C1 cash cost (C1), and all-in sustaining cost (AISC) are non-GAAP ratios, and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar
financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Regulatory Disclosures”
COBRE PANAMÁ UPDATE
On October 20, 2023, the National Assembly in Panamá approved Bill 1100, being the proposal for approval of the
Concession Contract for the Cobre Panamá mine, in the third debate of the plenary session with a vote of 47 in
favour out of a total of 55 votes registered. On the same day, President Laurentino Cortizo sanctioned Bill 1100 into
Law 406 and this was subsequently published in the Official Gazette. The enactment of Law 406 marks the final step
in revising the legal framework for the Cobre Panamá mine.
With publication in the Official Gazette, payments to cover taxes and royalties up to the year -end 2022 of
approximately $395 million and certain amounts payable for 2023 corporate tax instalments, withholding taxes and
quarterly royalty payments will be due within 30 days.
BROWNFIELD PROJECTS
At the S3 Expansion, detailed design is progressing well and will be largely complete by the end of this year. Long -
lead mining fleet and long -lead process plant equipment deliveries have commenced, with first ultra -class trucks
commissioned on site and initial components of the mills and primary crusher dispatched. Deliveries will continue
until the second quarter of 2024. As at the end of the quarter, approximately 90% of all mechanical equipment have
been ordered and overall project procurement is approximately 55% committed. Construction continues with
earthworks, buried pipe and electrical services, while concrete works and first steelwork and platework installation
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-29
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have commenced. The majority of the capital spend on the S3 Expansion is expected in 2024, with first production
expected in 2025.
At Enterprise, all major infrastructures are complete or nearing completion ahead of the onset of the wet season.
Additional eq uipment is being mobilized to the mining operation and additional flotation capacity construction is
progressing towards commissioning in early 2024. Commercial production and full plant throughput is expected in
2024 with a focus on providing greater exposure to less weathered ore in the mine.
At the Las Cruces Underground Project, work continues to advance the release of the NI 43 -101 Technical Report
on Reserves and Resources expected later in the year. The Las Cruces Underground Project is awaiting Boa rd
approval, which is not expected before the end of 2023 and will take into consideration prevailing economic
conditions and the Company's debt reduction objectives.
GREENFIELD PROJECTS
At Taca Taca, the Company is continuing with project pre -development and feasibility activities. In June 2023, the
Company received a second set of observations to the ESIA from the mining authority and submitted its responses
in October 2023. The Company now expects ESIA approval to be in 2024.
At La Granja, as announced o n August 27, 2023, the Company finalized an agreement with Rio Tinto to progress
the copper project in northern Peru and a resource definition drilling program commenced in October 2023.
At Haquira, negotiations for land access to support a drill program were resumed during the second quarter and
agreements were reached with three local communities. This enabled a drilling campaign to start at the Haquira East
deposit in September 2023. The current exploration permit is being renewed and amended to enable further drilling.
As part of this process, the Company successfully conducted in August 2023, together with representatives from
competent mining authority and local communities, a public participation workshop as required by applicable law.
The Company has resumed dialogue with the remaining communities with the aim to extend the drilling program into
Haquira West and other targets in the area of the project.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Panamá Canal
A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall in the catchment area of the Panamá Canal has led to restrictions and
longer queuing for ships transiting the canal. Mitigations such as adopting longer shipping routes or shipping more
concentrate to Atlantic accessible customers are available in the event the trend continues. Currently, the only impact
on Cobre Panamá are slightly longer voyage times for concentrate shipments to customers based in Asia that have
not opted for alternative shipping routes. Based on the contracts with these customers, revenue recognition for these
shipments are not impacted by these longer voyage times. While freight rates through the Panamá Canal remain
competitive at this time, there is upside risk to these rates if the current situation with the canal remains protracted.
Disposal of investment in African Energy
The Company disposed of its investment in African Energy, a company holding exploration projects in Botswana,
including the Sese coal power project. The Company had previously announced in January 2022, its intention not to
develop this project.