First Quantum Receives Approval for Cobre Panama Preservation Program

Core Insights - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (FQVLF) announced that its subsidiary Minera Panamá received government approval for its Preservation and Safe Management program at the Cobre Panamá mine, allowing the company to proceed with essential preservation and environmental measures [1][9] - The program will be funded through the export of 121,000 dry metric tons of copper concentrate stockpiled at the site, reinforcing FQVLF's commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management [2][9] - The company agreed to discontinue one arbitration proceeding and suspend another related to the Cobre Panamá mine, marking progress in resolving outstanding issues since the mine's shutdown in December 2023 [3][4] Company Operations - The Cobre Panamá mine was suspended following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the operating contract unconstitutional, leading to a halt in operations due to a blockade affecting supply deliveries [5][6] - In December 2023, Panama's trade and industry ministry ordered the cessation of all activities related to the extraction and processing at the Cobre Panamá mine, which accounted for approximately 40% of FQVLF's revenues and 1.5% of the global copper supply in 2022 [7] Stock Performance - FQVLF's shares have increased by 16.8% over the past year, contrasting with a 26.2% decline in the industry [8]