First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or the "Company”)
(TSX: FM) today reports results for the three months ended March
31, 2024 (“Q1 2024” or the "first quarter") of a net loss
attributable to shareholders of the Company of $159 million ($0.21
loss per share) and an adjusted loss1 of $154 million ($0.20
adjusted loss per share2).
“The successful completion of a comprehensive
refinancing package during the first quarter of this year has
strengthened the Company’s balance sheet significantly and it has
unlocked the time and financial headroom needed to secure the
successful delivery of the Kansanshi S3 Expansion. The Company’s
outlook reflects First Quantum’s enduring commitment to the success
of our Zambian operations. We recognize the challenges Zambia faces
from the drought this year, particularly in regard to food
security, even as we are pleased to be finalizing agreements to
ensure adequate power supply to Trident and Kansanshi. Beyond this,
the Company remains focused on evaluating additional measures to
manage its balance sheet ever more prudently,” commented Tristan
Pascall, Chief Executive Officer of First Quantum. "Panama holds
its presidential election in early May and a new president will be
inaugurated in July. Clearly, throughout this period of change, the
environmental stability and asset integrity of Cobre Panamá remains
a priority for the Company. First Quantum will continue to work
with the current administration to implement the Cobre Panamá
Preservation and Safe Management plan."
Q1 2024 SUMMARY
In Q1 2024, First Quantum reported gross profit
of $156 million, EBITDA1 of $180 million, a net loss
attributable to shareholders of $0.21 per share, and an adjusted
loss per share2 of $0.20. Relative to the fourth quarter of 2023
(“Q4 2023”), first quarter financial results were negatively
impacted by the disruptions experienced at the Cobre Panamá mine
which led to the mine being placed in a phase of Preservation and
Safe Management ("P&SM") since November 2023.
Along with the Q1 2024 financial and operational
results, there were a number of developments during the quarter
that are detailed in the news release.
- Due to a
National Emergency in Zambia, in response to a drought aggravated
by El Niño, ZESCO revealed a plan to reduce power supply to the
mining sector over the period from May 1, 2024 to December 31,
2024. First Quantum received a force majeure notice from ZESCO to
formalize their request for power reductions. This procedural step
will allow First Quantum to secure power independently from
alternative sources. First Quantum is in the process of finalizing
binding offtake agreements with third party traders for power
sourced from the Southern African Power Pool for a total of 80 MW
currently, which may be expanded if forecasts of power reductions
in Zambia change. The Company anticipates that it will be able to
substitute the power curtailed by ZESCO with imports, thereby
avoiding any major interruptions to its Zambian operations.
- The previously
announced comprehensive refinancing and balance sheet strengthening
initiatives were completed, providing the Company with much
stronger liquidity and a solid financial position on which to
deliver its operational objectives.
- Cobre Panamá
continues to work on the P&SM program. Approximately 121
thousand dry metric tonnes of copper concentrate remains onsite.
The Attorney General of Panama, Rigoberto González, advised on
January 29, 2024, that “minerals extracted through mining
concessions granted in accordance with the Mining Code belong to
the concessionaire”.
- The Kansanshi S3 Expansion project
continued on track during the quarter. The first quarter of 2024
has been focused on site construction activities with the
installation of large mechanical equipment (e.g. SAG Mill, primary
crusher) commenced. Site activities were unaffected by the rainy
season. The majority of the capital spend on the S3 Expansion is
expected to occur in 2024, with first production expected in
2025.
1 EBITDA and adjusted earnings (loss) are non-GAAP
financial measures. 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 Adjusted earnings (loss) per share 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”.
Q1 2024 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
With Cobre Panamá in a phase of P&SM, total
copper production for the first quarter was 100,605 tonnes, a 37%
decrease from Q4 2023. Copper sales volumes totaled 101,776 tonnes,
approximately 1,171 tonnes higher than production. Copper C1 cash
cost1 was $0.20 per lb higher quarter-over-quarter to $2.02
per lb due to the lower production. Excluding Cobre Panamá, copper
production was 3,021 tonnes higher quarter-over-quarter resulting
from improved mining conditions at Sentinel, while copper C1 cash
cost1 were lower by $0.06 per lb at $2.01 per lb.
- Kansanshi’s
copper production of 31,473 tonnes in Q1 2024 was 414 tonnes lower
than the previous quarter as a result of weaker grades, partially
offset by improved throughput. Grades were weaker
quarter-over-quarter due to an unplanned smelter shutdown in
February, which impacted acid stock availability and restricted the
ability to treat high-grade ore. Despite lower production volumes,
copper C1 cash cost1 of $2.34 per lb was $0.09 lower
quarter-over-quarter mainly due to the absence of a one-time
catch-up charge on new electricity rates in Q4 2023 following a new
ten-year power supply agreement with ZESCO that was entered into at
the end of 2023. Production guidance for 2024 is maintained at
130,000 to 150,000 tonnes of copper and 65,000 to 75,000 ounces of
gold. Copper grades are expected to improve over the course of the
year as mining progresses at higher elevation areas with
higher-grade material from M15 and M17 cutbacks.
- Sentinel
reported copper production of 62,225 tonnes in Q1 2024 was 2,261
tonnes higher than the previous quarter mainly due to an
improvement in grades as mining activity was able to progress as
planned with ore accessed from the bottom of Stage 1 and the
high-grade material from the saddle zone between Stage 1 and Stage
2. Throughput, however, was lower than the fourth quarter of 2023
due to a planned total plant shutdown that occurred in January 2024
that was deferred from 2023. Despite the higher production volumes
in Q1 2024, copper C1 cash cost1 of $1.85 per lb is unchanged from
the preceding quarter, reflecting higher electricity rates from the
new power supply agreement with ZESCO and higher freight costs
associated with the higher volumes of concentrate sold during the
quarter. Copper production guidance for 2024 is maintained at
220,000 to 250,000 tonnes. Copper grades are expected to normalize
for the remainder of the year after an exceptionally strong first
quarter, while throughput is expected to improve over the course of
the year with the development of Stage 3 (Western Cut-back)
progressing well that will enable improved mining productivities
and increased availability of softer material from higher
elevations.
- Enterprise
produced 4,031 tonnes of nickel during the first quarter, an
increase from 2,751 tonnes in Q4 2023, reflecting a ramp up of
mining operations. In the first quarter, additional equipment was
mobilized to increase mining volumes. The Jameson cell and one of
the two additional columns to expand the cleaner circuit have been
commissioned with a noticeable improvement in recovery. The second
column is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter. The
focus remains on the stripping of waste and the final ramp-up of
the process plant to full production capacity, which has been
challenged by the metallurgical characteristics of the shallow ore.
Recovery and concentrate quality are continuously improving as
supply of the fresher sulphide ore increases, consistent with
expectations from the geo-metallurgical understanding of the
deposit. Commercial production and full plant throughput is
expected later in 2024. Production guidance in 2024 is 10,000 to
20,000 contained tonnes of nickel.
1 C1 cash cost (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”
- Cobre Panamá
currently remains in a phase of P&SM. During the quarter, the
process plant went through a 14-day preservation and maintenance
cycle, with equipment being run and monitored for periods to help
maintain the equipment in good working condition. Furthermore, all
the major ultra-class mobile equipment is in a maintenance cycle
that involves daily inspections and weekly start-up and running of
the assets. This equipment will be required as part of the P&SM
plan that is awaiting approval by the Ministry of Commerce and
Industries (“MICI"). Through the course of the first quarter of
2024, Cobre Panamá sent to the National Authority of Public
Services (“ASEP”), the request to extend the Auto-generator
certificate, which is required to put the generation units of the
power plant into operation. The restart of the power plant is a
critical area for the ongoing implementation of the P&SM plan
and the Company is actively engaged with ASEP in this respect.
Excluding one-time severance charges for employees, the costs for
the P&SM program in the first quarter were approximately $20
million per month, which included labor, maintenance spares,
contractor’s services, electricity, and other general expenses. For
the remainder of the year, P&SM expenses are expected to range
from $15 - $20 million per month, depending on the level of
environmental stability and asset integrity programs. The Company
is actively managing the P&SM costs of Cobre Panamá and will
adjust the level of employment and cost of these activities
according to the conditions on the ground in Panama.
- At Ravensthorpe,
nickel production for the first quarter totaled 3,740 contained
tonnes of nickel. Production for the quarter was lower than
expected mainly due to lower throughput rates and leach extractions
which was predominantly limited by capacity constraints on the
Atmospheric Leach. Despite the transition to a new operating
strategy announced subsequent to the year-end, maintenance
challenges continue to impact production certainty and weak nickel
prices, lower payabilities and high operating costs have continued
to result in significant margin pressure. Production guidance
remains at 12,000 – 17,000 contained tonnes of nickel per
annum.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial results continue to be impacted by
Cobre Panamá in a phase of P&SM.
- Gross profit for
the first quarter of $156 million was $69 million higher than the
fourth quarter of last year, while EBITDA1 of $180 million for
the same period was $93 million lower.
- Cash flows from
operating activities of $411 million ($0.55 per share2) for the
quarter were $596 million higher than the fourth quarter of last
year.
The previously disclosed comprehensive
refinancing and balance sheet strengthening initiatives were
completed in the first quarter, providing the Company with strong
liquidity, sustainable leverage, and a solid financial position on
which to deliver its operational objectives. These transactions
include:
- Execution of a
copper prepayment agreement with Jiangxi Copper, resulting in gross
proceeds of $500 million.
- Amendments to
the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility, providing additional
liquidity headroom and increases the net leverage covenant from
3.50x to 5.75x Net Debt/EBITDA until June 30, 2025. The net
leverage covenant will be reduced to 5.00x between July 1, 2025 and
December 31, 2025; 4.25x between January 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026;
and 3.75x thereafter.
- Completion of
the offering of $1,600 million 9.375% senior secured second-lien
notes due 2029, along with the bought deal equity offering detailed
below, allowing the Company to redeem in full its $1,050 million
and $1,000 million aggregate principal amount senior notes that
were due in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
- Issuance of
139,932,000 common shares (including an over-allotment option) from
the previously disclosed bought deal equity offering resulting in
gross proceeds of approximately $1,150 million (C$1,553
million).
1 EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure 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”.2 Cash flows from
operating activities per share 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”.
The completion of the above refinancing
transactions, offset by changes in working capital, resulted in a
decrease in the Company's net debt1 position by $1,143 million
during the quarter, taking net debt1 to $5,277 million and total
debt to $5,988 million as at March 31, 2024 (net debt1 was $6,420
million and total debt was $7,379 million at December 31,
2023).
The Company continues to pursue previously
announced measures to prudently manage the balance sheet for
optionality and flexibility, including a sales process for the Las
Cruces mine in Spain, as well as a potential minority investment in
the Company's Zambian business.
1Net debt is a supplementary financial measure
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”.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
|
QUARTERLY |
|
Q1 2024 |
|
Q4 2023 |
|
Q1 2023 |
|
Sales revenues |
1,036 |
|
1,218 |
|
1,558 |
|
Gross profit |
156 |
|
87 |
|
280 |
|
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the
Company |
(159 |
) |
(1,447 |
) |
75 |
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share |
($0.21 |
) |
($2.09 |
) |
$0.11 |
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
($0.21 |
) |
($2.09 |
) |
$0.11 |
|
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities3 |
411 |
|
(185 |
) |
299 |
|
Net debt1 |
5,277 |
|
6,420 |
|
5,780 |
|
EBITDA1,2 |
180 |
|
273 |
|
518 |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss)1 |
(154 |
) |
(259 |
) |
76 |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share3 |
($0.20 |
) |
($0.37 |
) |
$0.11 |
|
Realized copper price (per lb)3 |
$3.78 |
|
$3.62 |
|
$3.95 |
|
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the
Company |
(159 |
) |
(1,447 |
) |
75 |
|
Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: |
|
|
|
Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian value-added tax
(“VAT”) |
(10 |
) |
20 |
|
(23 |
) |
Loss on redemption of debt |
10 |
|
– |
|
– |
|
Ravensthorpe deferred tax charge |
– |
|
160 |
|
– |
|
Total adjustments to EBITDA1excluding depreciation2 |
3 |
|
1,031 |
|
22 |
|
Tax adjustments |
3 |
|
273 |
|
2 |
|
Minority interest adjustments |
(1 |
) |
(296 |
) |
– |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss)1 |
(154 |
) |
(259 |
) |
76 |
|
1 EBITDA and adjusted earnings (loss) are
non-GAAP financial measures, and net debt is a supplementary
financial measure. These measures do not have a standardized
meaning under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial
measures disclosed by other issuers. Adjusted earnings (loss) have
been adjusted to exclude items from the corresponding IFRS measure,
net earnings (loss) 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 financial measures disclosed by other
issuers. The use of adjusted earnings (loss) and EBITDA represents
the Company’s adjusted earnings (loss) metrics. See “Regulatory
Disclosures”. 2 Adjustments to EBITDA in 2024 relate
principally to foreign exchange revaluations and an impairment
expense of $10 million and a restructuring expense of $6 million
(2023 - impairment, foreign exchange revaluations, royalties and
restructuring expense).3 Adjusted earnings (loss) per share,
realized metal prices, and cash flows from operating activities per
share 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”.
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
|
QUARTERLY |
|
Q1 2024 |
Q4 2023 |
Q1 2023 |
Copper production (tonnes)1 |
100,605 |
160,200 |
138,753 |
Cobre Panamá |
– |
62,616 |
65,427 |
Kansanshi |
31,473 |
31,887 |
28,683 |
Sentinel |
62,225 |
59,964 |
36,232 |
Other Sites |
6,907 |
5,733 |
8,411 |
Copper sales (tonnes)2 |
101,776 |
127,721 |
150,287 |
Cobre Panamá |
– |
35,809 |
70,028 |
Kansanshi2 |
31,683 |
31,295 |
31,538 |
Sentinel |
62,899 |
55,112 |
40,313 |
Other Sites |
7,194 |
5,505 |
8,408 |
Gold production (ounces) |
26,984 |
53,325 |
47,874 |
Cobre Panamá |
– |
30,986 |
23,878 |
Kansanshi |
20,082 |
16,718 |
15,960 |
Guelb Moghrein |
6,285 |
5,327 |
7,585 |
Other sites |
617 |
294 |
451 |
Gold sales (ounces)3 |
29,778 |
45,365 |
51,941 |
Cobre Panamá |
– |
19,861 |
28,853 |
Kansanshi |
20,523 |
19,396 |
17,244 |
Guelb Moghrein |
9,015 |
5,539 |
5,482 |
Other sites |
240 |
569 |
362 |
Nickel production (contained tonnes)4 |
7,771 |
7,313 |
5,917 |
Nickel sales (contained tonnes)5 |
8,211 |
5,719 |
5,846 |
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)2,6 |
$2.02 |
$1.82 |
$2.24 |
C1 (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá2,6 |
$2.01 |
$2.07 |
$2.78 |
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)2,6 |
$3.04 |
$2.77 |
$3.30 |
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)2,6 |
$2.85 |
$2.52 |
$2.87 |
AISC (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá2,6 |
$2.77 |
$2.97 |
$3.57 |
1 Production is presented on a contained basis,
and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi
smelter.2 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 5,790
tonnes for the three months ended March 31, 2024, respectively,
(9,120 tonnes for the three months ended March 31, 2023).3 Excludes
refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the
precious metal streaming arrangement (see “Precious Metal Stream
Arrangement”).4 Nickel production includes 4,031 tonnes tonnes of
pre-commercial production from Enterprise for the three months
ended March 31, 2024, which is not included in earnings (loss) or
C1, C3 and AISC calculations. (nil tonnes for the three months
ended March 31, 2023).
5 Nickel sales (contained tonnes) includes 4,346
tonnes tonnes of pre-commercial sales from Enterprise for the three
months ended March 31, 2024, (nil tonnes for the three months ended
March 31, 2023.)6 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 “Regulatory
Disclosures”.
REALIZED METAL PRICES7
|
QUARTERLY |
|
Q1 2024 |
|
Q4 2023 |
|
Q1 2023 |
|
Average LME copper cash price (per lb) |
$3.83 |
|
$3.70 |
|
$4.05 |
|
Realized copper price1(per lb) |
$3.78 |
|
$3.62 |
|
$3.95 |
|
Treatment/refining charges (“TC/RC”) (per lb) |
($0.10 |
) |
($0.13 |
) |
($0.14 |
) |
Freight charges (per lb) |
($0.07 |
) |
($0.05 |
) |
($0.02 |
) |
Net realized copper price1(per lb) |
$3.61 |
|
$3.44 |
|
$3.79 |
|
Average LBMA cash price (per oz) |
$2,070 |
|
$1,974 |
|
$1,890 |
|
Net realized gold price1,2(per oz) |
$1,930 |
|
$1,835 |
|
$1,766 |
|
Average LME nickel cash price (per lb) |
$7.52 |
|
$7.82 |
|
$11.79 |
|
Net realized nickel price1(per lb) |
$7.40 |
|
$7.53 |
|
$10.25 |
|
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.
ZAMBIA POWER UPDATE
On February 29, 2024, Zambia’s President
Hakainde Hichilema declared a National Emergency in response to a
drought aggravated by El Niño. In response to reduced water levels
in the Kafue River and Zambezi basins, ZESCO announced a
comprehensive power management plan. This plan involves a targeted
reduction in power generation across the country as a whole by a
total of 700 MW to mitigate the impact of the drought on the
nation's power supply.
Starting March 11, 2024, ZESCO implemented
8-hour daily load shedding for its retail customers. Additionally,
after the National Emergency was declared, ZESCO began a series of
consultations on a bilateral basis with Zambia’s mining companies.
During these consultations, ZESCO revealed a plan to reduce power
supply to the mining sector by a total of 150 MW, over the period
from May 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. First Quantum's combined
operations are expected to have its power curtailed by
approximately 80 MW over this period. Consequently, on April 11,
2024, First Quantum received a force majeure notice from ZESCO to
formalize their request for power reductions. This procedural step
will allow First Quantum to secure power independently from
alternative sources.
In anticipation of these challenges, First
Quantum is in the process of finalizing binding offtake agreements
with third party traders for power sourced from the Southern
African Power Pool for a total of 80 MW currently, which may be
expanded if forecasts of power reductions in Zambia change. These
vendors are securing the necessary power required by the Company’s
Zambian operations from Mozambique's Electricidade de Moçambique
and Namibia's NamPower. The Company estimates that impact of
sourcing of power from these other sources would be $25 million for
the remainder of the year, approximately $0.03 per lb impact on
cash costs1.
First Quantum has also signed a letter of intent
with ZESCO to support improved power quality across the national
grid. Under the terms of the arrangement, First Quantum will
provide upfront funding for ZESCO to install Static VAR Compensator
units which are expected to improve the quality and availability of
power on the national grid. The funding will be recovered by
deductions on ZESCO’s monthly invoices to Trident and
Kansanshi.
The Company is advancing a 430 MW of solar and
wind project with TotalEnergies and Chariot Energy. The expected
commissioning date of the solar and wind component is 2026 and
2027, respectively. Furthermore, the Company is in advanced
discussions with Zambian hydro scheme project developers with sites
in Northwest and Northern Provinces of Zambia. The combined
baseload power of these projects is 50MW. These sites have more
favorable hydrology than Zambia’s south, where most of Zambia’s
current generation are located.
At this stage, based on current power supply and
demand forecasts, the Company anticipates that it will be able to
substitute the power curtailed by ZESCO with imports, thereby
avoiding any major interruptions to its Zambian operations.
1 Realized metal price, C1 cash cost (C1),
and All-in sustaining cost (AISC) are 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”.
COBRE PANAMÁ UPDATE
Cobre Panamá experienced illegal blockades in
November 2023 at the Punta Rincón port and at the roads to the site
that prevented the delivery of supplies that were necessary to
operate the power plant, which led to the suspension of production
at the end of November 2023 and placed the mine into a phase of
P&SM. Cobre Panamá currently remains in a phase of P&SM
with approximately 1,400 workers remaining on site to run the
program. Previous illegal blockages around the mine have since
dissipated, allowing for the delivery by road and at port of
necessary supplies to conduct the P&SM program. The Company is
actively managing the P&SM costs of Cobre Panamá and will
adjust the level of employment and cost of these activities
according to the conditions on the ground in Panama.
The Company is working with the Ministry of
Commerce and Industries (“MICI”) to implement environmental
stability and asset integrity measures. As part of these measures,
a phase of environmental P&SM was established until June 2024,
during which intervening period independent audits, review and
planning activities would be undertaken. It was noted by the
Government of Panama (“GOP”) that the planning would take up to two
years, and 10 years or more to implement.
At the request of MICI, Cobre Panamá delivered a
preliminary draft for the first phase of P&SM on January 16,
2024. Consequently, on February 27, 2024, MICI issued a resolution
indicating that the Ministries of Labor, Safety, Health, Industries
and Commerce, and Environment would carefully review the plan. In
early March 2024, MICI requested some clarifications and additional
information with respect to the P&SM plan, to which Cobre
Panamá submitted an updated and expanded preservation plan at the
end of March 2024. Subsequently, in early April 2024, government
delegations, including representation from various ministries
undertook site inspection and verification visits.
Steps towards two arbitration proceedings have
been taken by the Company, one under the Canada-Panama Free Trade
Agreement ("FTA"), and another one as per the arbitration clause of
the Refreshed Concession Contract.
- On November 29,
2023, the Company initiated arbitration before the International
Chamber of Commerce’s International Court of Arbitration (“ICC”)
pursuant to the ICC’s Rules of Arbitration and Clause 46 of the
Refreshed Concession Contract, to protect its rights under
Panamanian law and the Refreshed Concession Contract that the
Government of Panama ("GOP") agreed to in October 2023. The
arbitration clause of the contract provides for arbitration in
Miami, Florida.
- On November 14,
2023, First Quantum submitted a notice of intent to the GOP
initiating the consultation period required under the FTA. First
Quantum submitted an updated notice of intent on February 7, 2024.
Under the terms of the FTA, First Quantum may initiate arbitration
after at least six months have elapsed since the events giving rise
to a claim. First Quantum is entitled to seek any and all relief
appropriate in arbitration, including but not limited to damages
and reparation for Panama’s breaches of the Canada-Panama FTA.
These breaches include, among other things, the GOP's failure to
permit MPSA to lawfully operate the Cobre Panamá mine prior to the
Supreme Court’s November 2023 decision, and the GOP's
pronouncements and actions concerning closure plans and P&SM at
Cobre Panamá.
2024 GUIDANCE
Guidance is based on a number of assumptions and
estimates as of March 31, 2024, including among other things,
assumptions about metal prices and anticipated costs and
expenditures. Guidance involves estimates of known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual
results to be materially different.
All previously provided guidance remains
unchanged.
PRODUCTION GUIDANCE
000’s |
2024 |
Copper (tonnes) |
370 – 420 |
Gold (ounces) |
95 – 115 |
Nickel (contained tonnes) |
22 – 37 |
PRODUCTION GUIDANCE BY OPERATION1
Copper production guidance (000’s tonnes) |
2024 |
Kansanshi |
130 – 150 |
Trident - Sentinel |
220 – 250 |
Other sites |
20 |
Gold production guidance (000’s ounces) |
|
Kansanshi |
65 – 75 |
Guelb Moghrein |
28 – 38 |
Other sites |
2 |
Nickel production guidance (000’s contained
tonnes) |
|
Ravensthorpe |
12 – 17 |
Trident - Enterprise |
10 – 20 |
1 Production is stated on a 100% basis as the
Company consolidates all operations.
CASH COST1 AND ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST1
Total Copper |
2024 |
C1 (per lb)1 |
$1.80 – $2.05 |
AISC (per lb)1 |
$2.70 – $3.00 |
Total Nickel |
2024 |
C1 (per lb)1 |
$7.00 – $8.50 |
AISC (per lb)1 |
$8.40 – $10.40 |
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”.
PURCHASE AND DEPOSITS ON PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
|
2024 |
Capitalized stripping1 |
180 – 230 |
Sustaining capital1 |
260 – 290 |
Project capital1 |
810 – 880 |
Total capital expenditure |
1,250 – 1,400 |
1 Capitalized stripping, sustaining capital and project capital
are non-GAAP financial measures 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”.
BROWNFIELD PROJECTS
At the Kansanshi S3 Expansion project, having
completed the majority of detailed engineering and the long lead
procurement during 2023, the first quarter of 2024 has been focused
on site construction activities. Deliveries of major long lead
equipment will continue through to the second quarter of 2024 and
the remaining equipment and materials deliveries will be sequenced
to match the construction progression. Construction continues
across all disciplines with the installation of large mechanical
equipment (e.g. SAG Mill, primary crusher) having started during
the quarter. The primary crusher excavation has been completed and
the construction of the boxcut walls has commenced. The project has
a strong focus on cost control whilst ensuring quality of
construction execution. The majority of the capital spend on the S3
Expansion is expected to occur in 2024, with first production
expected in 2025.
ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”)
The latest sustainability reports can be found
in the ESG Analyst Centre on the Company’s website:
https://www.first-quantum.com. These include the TCFD-aligned
Climate Change Reports, ESG Reports, Tax Transparency and
Contributions to Government Reports, as well as Company’s
sustainability policies.
The Company expects to publish the 2023 ESG
Climate and Tax Transparency Reports in the second quarter.
COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The complete Consolidated Financial Statements
and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended
March 31, 2024 are available at www.first-quantum.com and at
www.sedarplus.com and should be read in conjunction with this news
release.
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
The Company will host a conference call and
webcast to discuss the results on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9:00
am (EST).
Conference call and webcast details:Toll-free
North America: 1-800-319-4610Toll-free International:
+1-604-638-5340Webcast: Direct link or on our website
A replay of the webcast will be available on the
First Quantum website.
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) 688-6577E-Mail: info@fqml.com
REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
EBITDA, ADJUSTED EARNINGS (LOSS) AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS (LOSS)
PER SHARE
EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) and adjusted
earnings (loss) per share exclude certain impacts which the Company
believes are not reflective of the Company’s underlying performance
for the reporting period. These include impairment and related
charges, foreign exchange revaluation gains and losses, gains and
losses on disposal of assets and liabilities, one-time costs
related to acquisitions, dispositions, restructuring and other
transactions, revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at
closed sites, debt extinguishment and modification gains and
losses, the tax effect on unrealized movements in the fair value of
derivatives designated as hedged instruments, and adjustments for
expected phasing of Zambian VAT.
|
QUARTERLY |
|
Q1 2024 |
|
Q4 2023 |
|
Q1 2023 |
|
Operating profit (loss) |
20 |
|
(984 |
) |
225 |
|
Depreciation |
157 |
|
226 |
|
271 |
|
Other adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange loss (gain) |
(20 |
) |
43 |
|
16 |
|
Impairment expense |
10 |
|
900 |
|
– |
|
Share of results of joint venture |
1 |
|
35 |
|
– |
|
Royalty payable |
– |
|
28 |
|
– |
|
Restructuring expense |
6 |
|
18 |
|
– |
|
Other expense |
7 |
|
11 |
|
6 |
|
Revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed
sites |
(1 |
) |
(4 |
) |
– |
|
Total adjustments excluding depreciation |
3 |
|
1,031 |
|
22 |
|
EBITDA |
180 |
|
273 |
|
518 |
|
|
QUARTERLY |
|
Q1 2024 |
|
Q4 2023 |
|
Q1 2023 |
|
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the
Company |
(159 |
) |
(1,447 |
) |
75 |
|
Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: |
|
|
|
Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT |
(10 |
) |
20 |
|
(23 |
) |
Loss on redemption of debt |
10 |
|
– |
|
– |
|
Total adjustments to EBITDA excluding depreciation |
3 |
|
1,031 |
|
22 |
|
Ravensthorpe deferred tax charge |
– |
|
160 |
|
– |
|
Tax adjustments |
3 |
|
273 |
|
2 |
|
Minority interest adjustments |
(1 |
) |
(296 |
) |
– |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss) |
(154 |
) |
(259 |
) |
76 |
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share as reported |
($0.21 |
) |
($2.09 |
) |
$0.11 |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share |
($0.20 |
) |
($0.37 |
) |
$0.11 |
|
REALIZED METAL PRICES
Realized metal prices are used by the Company to
enable management to better evaluate sales revenues in each
reporting period. Realized metal prices are calculated as gross
metal sales revenues divided by the volume of metal sold in lbs.
Net realized metal price is inclusive of the treatment and refining
charges (TC/RC) and freight charges per lb.
OPERATING CASHFLOW PER SHARE
In calculating the operating cash flow per
share, the operating cash flow calculated for IFRS purposes is
divided by the basic weighted average common shares outstanding for
the respective period.
NET DEBT
Net debt is comprised of bank overdrafts and
total debt less unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.
CASH COST, ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST, TOTAL COST
The consolidated cash cost (C1), all-in
sustaining cost (AISC) and total cost (C3) presented by the Company
are measures that are prepared on a basis consistent with the
industry standard definitions by the World Gold Council and Brook
Hunt cost guidelines but are not measures recognized under IFRS. In
calculating the C1 cash cost, AISC and C3, total cost for each
segment, the costs are measured on the same basis as the segmented
financial information that is contained in the financial
statements.
C1 cash cost includes all mining and processing
costs less any profits from by-products such as gold, silver, zinc,
pyrite, cobalt, sulphuric acid, or iron magnetite and is used by
management to evaluate operating performance. TC/RC and freight
deductions on metal sales, which are typically recognized as a
component of sales revenues, are added to C1 cash cost to arrive at
an approximate cost of finished metal.
AISC is defined as cash cost (C1) plus general
and administrative expenses, sustaining capital expenditure,
deferred stripping, royalties and lease payments and is used by
management to evaluate performance inclusive of sustaining
expenditure required to maintain current production levels.
C3 total cost is defined as AISC less sustaining
capital expenditure, deferred stripping and general and
administrative expenses net of insurance, plus depreciation and
exploration. This metric is used by management to evaluate the
operating performance inclusive of costs not classified as
sustaining in nature such as exploration and depreciation.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 |
Cobre Panamá |
Kansanshi |
Sentinel |
Guelb Moghrein |
Las Cruces |
Çayeli |
Pyhäsalmi |
Copper |
Corporate & other |
Ravensthorpe |
Enterprise |
Total |
Cost of sales1 |
(13 |
) |
|
(327 |
) |
|
(331 |
) |
|
(54 |
) |
(2 |
) |
|
(13 |
) |
(5 |
) |
|
(745 |
) |
(6 |
) |
|
(73 |
) |
(56 |
) |
(880 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
13 |
|
|
56 |
|
|
77 |
|
|
6 |
|
– |
|
|
1 |
|
– |
|
|
153 |
|
2 |
|
|
2 |
|
– |
|
157 |
|
By-product credits |
(2 |
) |
|
41 |
|
|
– |
|
|
27 |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
5 |
|
|
71 |
|
– |
|
|
2 |
|
– |
|
73 |
|
Royalties |
– |
|
|
27 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
2 |
|
– |
|
|
2 |
|
– |
|
|
61 |
|
– |
|
|
1 |
|
– |
|
62 |
|
Treatment and refining charges |
(1 |
) |
|
(4 |
) |
|
(16 |
) |
|
(3 |
) |
– |
|
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
|
(25 |
) |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
(25 |
) |
Freight costs |
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
(15 |
) |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
(15 |
) |
Finished goods |
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
9 |
|
|
6 |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
15 |
|
– |
|
|
1 |
|
56 |
|
72 |
|
Other4 |
1 |
|
|
49 |
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
50 |
|
4 |
|
|
1 |
|
– |
|
55 |
|
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
(2 |
) |
|
(158 |
) |
|
(246 |
) |
|
(16 |
) |
(2 |
) |
|
(11 |
) |
– |
|
|
(435 |
) |
– |
|
|
(66 |
) |
– |
|
(501 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) |
(12 |
) |
|
(58 |
) |
|
(76 |
) |
|
(5 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(153 |
) |
(2 |
) |
|
1 |
|
– |
|
(154 |
) |
Royalties |
– |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
(30 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(61 |
) |
– |
|
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(62 |
) |
Other |
– |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
(5 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(7 |
) |
Total cost (C3)2,4 |
(14 |
) |
|
(246 |
) |
|
(354 |
) |
|
(23 |
) |
(2 |
) |
|
(15 |
) |
– |
|
|
(654 |
) |
(2 |
) |
|
(68 |
) |
– |
|
(724 |
) |
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
(2 |
) |
|
(158 |
) |
|
(246 |
) |
|
(16 |
) |
(2 |
) |
|
(11 |
) |
– |
|
|
(435 |
) |
– |
|
|
(66 |
) |
– |
|
(501 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses |
(13 |
) |
|
(6 |
) |
|
(10 |
) |
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
(29 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(31 |
) |
Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 |
(2 |
) |
|
(35 |
) |
|
(44 |
) |
|
(5 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(88 |
) |
– |
|
|
(8 |
) |
– |
|
(96 |
) |
Royalties |
– |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
(30 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(61 |
) |
– |
|
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(62 |
) |
Lease payments |
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
AISC2,4 |
(17 |
) |
|
(226 |
) |
|
(330 |
) |
|
(23 |
) |
(2 |
) |
|
(15 |
) |
– |
|
|
(613 |
) |
– |
|
|
(77 |
) |
– |
|
(690 |
) |
AISC (per lb)2,4 |
– |
|
$3.33 |
|
$2.48 |
|
$3.08 |
|
– |
|
$2.70 |
|
– |
|
$2.85 |
|
– |
|
$12.51 |
|
– |
|
|
Cash cost – (C1)(per lb)2,4 |
– |
|
$2.34 |
|
$1.85 |
|
$2.19 |
|
– |
|
$1.96 |
|
– |
|
$2.02 |
|
– |
|
$10.72 |
|
– |
|
|
Total cost – (C3)(per lb)2,4 |
– |
|
$3.62 |
|
$2.66 |
|
$3.06 |
|
– |
|
$2.54 |
|
– |
|
$3.04 |
|
– |
|
$11.10 |
|
– |
|
|
1 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated
Statement of Earnings (loss) in the Company’s unaudited condensed
interim consolidated financial statements.2 C1 cash cost (C1),
total costs (C3), 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”.3 Sustaining
capital expenditure and deferred stripping are non-GAAP financial
measures 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”.4 Excludes purchases of copper concentrate from
third parties treated through the Kansanshi Smelter.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 |
Cobre Panamá |
Kansanshi |
Sentinel |
Guelb Moghrein |
Las Cruces |
Çayeli |
Pyhäsalmi |
Copper |
Corporate & other |
Ravensthorpe |
Enterprise |
Total |
Cost of sales1 |
(425 |
) |
|
(365 |
) |
|
(263 |
) |
|
(56 |
) |
(24 |
) |
|
(17 |
) |
|
(6 |
) |
|
(1,156 |
) |
(8 |
) |
|
(114 |
) |
– |
(1,278 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
133 |
|
|
54 |
|
|
60 |
|
|
3 |
|
– |
|
|
4 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
255 |
|
1 |
|
|
15 |
|
– |
271 |
|
By-product credits |
44 |
|
|
33 |
|
|
– |
|
|
33 |
|
– |
|
|
2 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
116 |
|
– |
|
|
3 |
|
– |
119 |
|
Royalties |
12 |
|
|
21 |
|
|
23 |
|
|
2 |
|
– |
|
|
2 |
|
|
– |
|
|
60 |
|
– |
|
|
5 |
|
– |
65 |
|
Treatment and refining charges |
(36 |
) |
|
(6 |
) |
|
(8 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
(53 |
) |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
(53 |
) |
Freight costs |
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
(3 |
) |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
(3 |
) |
Finished goods |
10 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
3 |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
(9 |
) |
– |
|
|
1 |
|
– |
(8 |
) |
Other4 |
27 |
|
|
81 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
1 |
|
5 |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
117 |
|
7 |
|
|
1 |
|
– |
125 |
|
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
(235 |
) |
|
(178 |
) |
|
(212 |
) |
|
(16 |
) |
(19 |
) |
|
(12 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
(673 |
) |
– |
|
|
(89 |
) |
– |
(762 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) |
(129 |
) |
|
(52 |
) |
|
(64 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
(252 |
) |
– |
|
|
(14 |
) |
– |
(266 |
) |
Royalties |
(12 |
) |
|
(21 |
) |
|
(23 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
(60 |
) |
– |
|
|
(5 |
) |
– |
(65 |
) |
Other |
(3 |
) |
|
(3 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
(9 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
– |
(11 |
) |
Total cost (C3)2,4 |
(379 |
) |
|
(254 |
) |
|
(301 |
) |
|
(21 |
) |
(19 |
) |
|
(18 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
(994 |
) |
– |
|
|
(110 |
) |
– |
(1,104 |
) |
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
(235 |
) |
|
(178 |
) |
|
(212 |
) |
|
(16 |
) |
(19 |
) |
|
(12 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
(673 |
) |
– |
|
|
(89 |
) |
– |
(762 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses |
(11 |
) |
|
(7 |
) |
|
(9 |
) |
|
– |
|
(1 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
(29 |
) |
– |
|
|
(4 |
) |
– |
(33 |
) |
Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 |
(39 |
) |
|
(30 |
) |
|
(30 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
(101 |
) |
– |
|
|
(6 |
) |
– |
(107 |
) |
Royalties |
(12 |
) |
|
(21 |
) |
|
(23 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
(60 |
) |
– |
|
|
(5 |
) |
– |
(65 |
) |
Lease payments |
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
|
– |
|
– |
(1 |
) |
AISC2,4 |
(298 |
) |
|
(236 |
) |
|
(274 |
) |
|
(19 |
) |
(20 |
) |
|
(16 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
(864 |
) |
– |
|
|
(104 |
) |
– |
(968 |
) |
AISC (per lb)2,4 |
$2.09 |
|
$3.80 |
|
$3.47 |
|
$2.62 |
|
$4.42 |
|
$2.55 |
|
$0.00 |
|
$2.87 |
|
– |
|
$10.97 |
|
– |
|
Cash cost – (C1)(per lb)2,4 |
$1.65 |
|
$2.88 |
|
$2.70 |
|
$2.20 |
|
$4.09 |
|
$1.92 |
|
$0.00 |
|
$2.24 |
|
– |
|
$9.34 |
|
– |
|
Total cost – (C3)(per lb)2,4 |
$2.66 |
|
$4.08 |
|
$3.82 |
|
$2.88 |
|
$4.19 |
|
$2.96 |
|
$0.00 |
|
$3.30 |
|
– |
|
$11.54 |
|
– |
|
1 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated
Statement of Earnings (loss) in the Company’s unaudited condensed
interim consolidated financial statements.2 C1 cash cost (C1),
total costs (C3) 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”.3 Sustaining
capital expenditure and deferred stripping are non-GAAP financial
measures 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”.4 Excludes purchases of copper concentrate from
third parties treated through the Kansanshi Smelter.
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 include estimates, forecasts and statements as to the
Company’s expectations of production and sales volumes; the status
of Cobre Panamá and the P&SM program and the closure of Cobre
Panamá, including the timing and operating expenses thereof; the
effect, timing, capital expenditures and production of the S3
Expansion; the increase in throughput capacity of the Kansanshi
smelter, including the timing and effects thereof and the timing of
general maintenance and refurbishment works; development and
operation of the Company’s projects, including timing of achieving
commercial production at Enterprise, the wind farm project at
Ravensthorpe and construction of the CIL plant at Guelb Moghrein;
the sale process for Cobre Las Cruces; the timing of approvals and
permits required for Taca Taca, including the ESIA and water use
permits; the amount and timing of the Company’s expenditures at La
Granja and the Company’s plans for community engagement and
completion of an engineering study for La Granja; the curtailment
of power supply in Zambia and the Company’s ability to secure
sufficient power to substitute curtailments and avoid interruptions
to operations; the timing of approval of the renewal application at
Haquira and the Company’s goals regarding its drilling program; the
estimates regarding the interest expense on the Company’s debt,
cash flow on interest paid, capitalized interest and depreciation
expense; the expected effective tax rate for the Company for 2024;
the effect of foreign exchange on the Company’s cost of sales; the
effect of seasonality on the Company’s results; potential
production, operational, labour or marketing disruptions; capital
expenditure and mine production costs; the outcome of mine
permitting and other required permitting; the outcome of legal and
arbitration proceedings which involve the Company; information with
respect to the future price of certain precious and base metals;
estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources; the Company’s
project pipeline, development and growth plans and exploration and
development program, future expenses and exploration and
development capital requirements; plans, targets and commitments
regarding climate change-related physical and transition risks and
opportunities (including intended actions to address such risks and
opportunities); greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency;
future reporting regarding climate change and environmental
matters; and the timing of the presidential and national
legislative elections in Panama. Often, but not always,
forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the
use of words such as “aims”, “plans”, “expects” or “does not
expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”,
“forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or
“believes” or variations of such words and phrases or statements
that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”,
“might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.
With respect to forward-looking statements and
information contained herein, the Company has made numerous
assumptions including among other things, assumptions about the
geopolitical, economic, permitting and legal climate in which the
Company operates; continuing production at all operating
facilities; the price of copper, gold, nickel, silver, iron,
cobalt, pyrite, zinc and sulphuric acid; exchange rates;
anticipated costs and expenditure; the Company’s ability to secure
sufficient power to avoid interruption resulting from power
curtailment at its Zambian operations; mineral reserve and mineral
resource estimates; the timing and sufficiency of deliveries
required for the Company’s development and expansion plans; the
success of Company’s actions and plans to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and carbon intensity of its operations; and the ability
to achieve the Company’s goals. 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, or industry
results, 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, future production volumes and costs, the
temporary or permanent closure of uneconomic operations, costs for
inputs such as oil, power and sulphur, political stability in
Panama, Zambia, Peru, Mauritania, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Argentina
and Australia, adverse weather conditions in Panama, Zambia,
Finland, Spain, Turkey, Mauritania, and Australia, labour
disruptions, potential social and environmental challenges
(including the impact of climate change), power supply, mechanical
failures, water supply, procurement and delivery of parts and
supplies to the operations, the production of off-spec material and
events generally impacting global economic, political and social
stability and legislative and regulatory reform. For mineral
resource and mineral reserve figures appearing or referred to
herein, varying cut-off grades have been used depending on the
mine, method of extraction and type of ore contained in the
orebody.
See the Company’s Annual Information Form for
additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors
relating to the forward-looking statements and information.
Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would
cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from
those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information,
there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances,
achievements or events not as anticipated, estimated or intended.
Also, many of these factors are beyond First Quantum’s control.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes
no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or
information as a result of new information or events after the date
hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking
statements made and information contained herein are qualified by
this cautionary statement.
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