About
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a Canadian-headquartered global mining company and Zambia's largest copper producer, operating Africa's two biggest copper mines by production: the Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi and the FQM Trident (formerly Sentinel) Mine in Kalumbila, North Western Province. Kansanshi is Africa's single largest copper mine by output, producing approximately 250,000 tonnes of copper per year alongside significant gold. The Trident operation adds a further 200,000+ tonnes of copper annually, making FQM responsible for the majority of Zambia's total copper production. First Quantum also operates the Ravensthorpe Nickel Mine in Australia and previously operated the giant Cobre Panama copper mine, which was suspended in 2023 following community protests. In 2023, FQM launched the $2 billion Kansanshi S3 expansion to extend mine life and increase throughput as ore grades transition to deeper sulphide zones. FQM employs approximately 11,000 people in Zambia, with over 96% being Zambian nationals, and has contributed nearly $3 billion to the Zambian economy through taxes, royalties and local procurement since 2019.
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