FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURE
FEBRUARY 7, 2023

NORDIC DIPLOMATS FOLLOW-UP ON CUTTING-EDGE CONTRIBUTIONS TO FQM

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – World-class technology was showcased last week as diplomats from Sweden and Finland toured First Quantum Minerals’ two mines in North-Western Province to gain insight into how their nations’ equipment is helping the mine unlock Zambia’s copper resources.

Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Saana Halinen and Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg, accompanied by Swedish First Secretary – Head of Political and Commercial Section Emanuel Lundin visited FQM’s Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila and Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi.

Finland and Sweden have a long history in mineral exploration and extraction and are home to some of the world’s leading suppliers of cutting-edge, environmentally conscious mining equipment, this familiarisation trip was arranged to showcase FQM Zambia’s contribution to the mining sector and the success of the partnership between Zambia and the two countries in the industry.

With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to sustainable mining practices, FQM continues to leverage this strong relationship between Zambia and Sweden and Finland. The company invests heavily in ultra-modern products and services that not only optimise its operations and increase productivity but also improve safety, ensuring that Zambia’s economic and mineral output targets remain in sight.

Speaking during his presentation of the mine’s operations, Sentinel Mine operator FQM Trident’s General Manager Junior Keyser said, “At FQM, we pride ourselves in our ability to build complex operations well. Balancing economic viability as a low grade-high volume operation with proactive environmental protection and consistent community engagement is key to the way we run our mine.”

Discussions throughout the two-day tour were focused as much on the scale and productivity of the two mine sites as on the sustainability of their operations. Kansanshi Mining General Manager Anthony Mukutuma highlighted the great lengths to which the mines have gone to ensure that their communities are kept safe and that resettlements, where necessary, are done fairly and in a manner that upholds the rights of the affected families.

“Our big focus now is on people – developing and investing in not only our employees but also in the people living within the catchment area of our operations. The legacy we leave is important to us,” he said.

Both the Swedish and Finnish ambassadors expressed their gratitude to FQM Zambia for the warm welcome and informative tours of these key mining operations in Zambia.

“The mining industry is the backbone of the Zambian economy and an important sector for many Swedish companies in Zambia. The visit this week was very useful to gain a better understanding of FQM’s operations in two of Zambia’s largest mines,” said Ambassador Hallenborg.

“Finnish mining sector service providers have a keen interest in Zambia and already a good presence here. The visit also gave us a good insight into the wider impact of the mining sector for the surrounding communities in terms of sustainability and employment,” added Ambassador Halinen.

To conclude their visit, the delegates met with members of staff at Kansanshi Mining-supported Trident College and Kansanshi Foundation to gain further insight into the investments that FQM Zambia makes in education, agriculture and skills development as well.

Ends

About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and zinc. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2021, First Quantum globally produced 816,435 tonnes of copper, 312,492 ounces of gold and 16,818 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi and the Sentinel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/

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