First Quantum Temporarily Suspends Operations at Its Guelb Moghrein Mine

NEWS RELEASE 12-16 July 17, 2012 www.first-quantum.com

FIRST QUANTUM TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS OPERATIONS AT ITS GUELB MOGHREIN MINE

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or the “Company”, TSX Symbol “FM”, LSE Symbol “FQM”) today announced that it has temporarily suspended normal operations at its Guelb Moghrein copper-gold mine in Mauritania due to illegal strike action by some unionized employees.

The Company continues to work through a government-facilitated mediation process to achieve a resolution to the illegal strike and will update stakeholders as warranted.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors 12g3-2b-82-4461 of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Listed in Standard and Poor’s G. Clive Newall President For further information visit our web site at www.first-quantum.com

North American contact: Sharon Loung, Director, Investor Relations Tel: (647) 346-3934 Fax: (604) 688-3818 Toll Free: 1 (888) 688-6577 E-Mail: [email protected]

United Kingdom contacts: Clive Newall, President Tel: +44 140 327 3484 Fax: +44 140 327 3494 E-Mail: [email protected]