First Quantum Minerals Announces 2025 Preliminary Production and 2026 - 2028 Guidance

Core Viewpoint - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced preliminary production results for 2025 and provided guidance for production, capital expenditure, and costs for 2026 to 2028, highlighting strong operational performance and ongoing projects like Cobre Panamá and Taca Taca [1][2]. Production Highlights - Annual copper production for 2025 was 396 thousand tonnes, within the revised guidance range of 390 to 410 thousand tonnes, but 35 thousand tonnes lower than 2024 [4][7]. - Gold production for 2025 reached 152 thousand ounces, exceeding the top end of the revised guidance range of 140 to 150 thousand ounces [4][11]. - Nickel production for 2025 was 23.2 thousand tonnes, surpassing the revised guidance range of 18 to 23 thousand tonnes [4][12]. Cobre Panamá Update - The Government of Panama will approve the removal and processing of low-grade ore stockpiles, creating 700 direct jobs and generating royalties for the country [2][33]. - Processing of stockpiles is expected to produce approximately 70 thousand tonnes of copper and will not constitute a mine reopening [35][34]. Taca Taca Update - An updated Technical Report for Taca Taca is expected in Q1 2026, with approvals for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and water permit applications anticipated in the first half of 2026 [6][40]. Three-Year Guidance - Copper production guidance for 2026 is set at 375 to 435 thousand tonnes, with a slight decrease in Kansanshi output due to increased ore hardness [18][19]. - Gold production guidance for 2026 is lowered due to lower grades at Kansanshi, while nickel production guidance remains unchanged [18][21]. Capital Expenditure - Total capital expenditure guidance for 2026 is increased to $1,000 to $1,150 million, reflecting expenditures originally scheduled for 2025 [30][31]. - Approximately $600 million of the three-year capital expenditure is related to sustainability projects aimed at improving cost structure and productivity [31][32]. Cost Guidance - Total copper C1 cash cost and AISC unit cost ranges have increased due to lower production forecasts and changes in methodology [24][26]. - AISC trends are expected to decrease in outer years as production increases and sustaining capital reduces [27].