FIRST QUANTUM PROVIDES OPERATIONAL UPDATE AT COBRE PANAMA (In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise)
NEWS RELEASE
23-32
November 13, 2023
www.first-quantum.com
FIRST QUANTUM PROVIDES OPERATIONAL UPDATE AT COBRE PANAMA
(In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise)
Toronto, Ontario ( November 13, 2023) - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or “the Company”) (TSX:
FM) today announced th at its subsidiary, Minera Panama S.A. (“MPSA”), has begun to reduce ore processing
operations at the Cobre Panama mine.
Cobre Panama has reduced its processing operations by ramping down one ore processing train while two remain
operational. This disruption to operations is due to an illegal blockade of small boats at the mine’s Punta Rincón port.
The illegal actions at the port ha ve affected the delivery of supplies for the mine’s on-site power generation plant ,
which is necessary for full operations and for safe environmental stewardship, including operation and maintenance
of the tailings management facility . In addition, the illegal actions have hindered the loading of copper concentrate
onto vessels.
First Quantum and MPSA respect the right to protest in a safe and lawful manner, however, the illegal actions at the
port are impacting operations at Cobre Panama just as the illegal blockades by protestors in other parts of the country
over the last three weeks have been impacting the daily lives of Panamanians and the Panamanian economy . The
Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama estimates the cost of the protests and road blockades
across the country at between $60 and $90 million per day. In response to the ongoing protests and the economic
impacts, S&P, Moody’s and Fitch have all taken negative credit actions for Panama in recent weeks.
MPSA is taking a methodical and responsible approach to adapt its operations to these circumstances. The health,
safety and well-being of the workforce, as well as the safe environmental management of the site and tailings storage
facility, are central to MPSA’s approach.
If normal port activities do no t resume, the reduction of ore processing at Cobre Panama will directly impact over
7,000 employees and contractors as well as an additional 40,000 people whose livelihood is directly associated in
providing services to the mine . This is estimated to represent more than 2 percent of the Panamanian national
workforce, who in turn support an estimated 100,000 Panamanians. In addition, the mine will need to significantly
reduce the purchase of supplies and servi ces that are equivalent to $20 million in weekly revenues to more than
2,000 Panamanian companies. Cobre Panam a contributes approximately 5 percent of Panama’s GDP and makes
up 75 percent of the country’s export of goods.
After ten years in Panama, First Quantum remains committed and open to constructive dialogue to address the
concerns raised by the people of Panama and in the interest of establishing a long-term relationship. The Company
reserves the right to protect itself with all options available to it pursuant to its contractual rights and under
international law.
For further information, visit our website at www.first-quantum.com or contact:
Bonita To, Director, Investor Relations
(416) 361-6400 Toll-free: 1 (888) 688-6577
E-Mail: [email protected]
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 23-32
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward -
looking statements and forward -looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward -
looking statements in this news release include statements as to MPSA’s approach to operations, the effect of a
continued blockade on Cobre Panamá, MPSA and the Company, and the Panamanian economy. With respect to
forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions,
including as to the effects of a sustained illegal blockade. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature
are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause
the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward -looking statements or information. These factors include, but
are not limited to, the duration of the illegal blockade at Punta Rincón and resulting impacts on operations at Cobre
Panamá, the political and social situation in Panamá ; potential political, social and environmental challenges; and
events generally impacting global economic, political and social stability. There may also be other factors that cause
actual results, performance, achievements or events not as anticipated, e stimated or intended, including the risks,
uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Information Form. The Company undertakes no
obligation to reissue or update forward -looking statements or information as a result of new informatio n or events
after the date hereof except as maybe required by law.