First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or the "Company”)
(TSX: FM) today reports results for the three months ended June 30,
2024 (“Q2 2024” or the "second quarter") of a net loss attributable
to shareholders of the Company of $46 million ($0.06 loss per
share) and an adjusted loss1 of $13 million ($0.02 adjusted loss
per share2).
“We had another solid quarter in Zambia and with
the work achieved to date, both Kansanshi and Sentinel are set up
well for the remainder of the year. At Enterprise, the continued
successful commissioning and ramp up has enabled the declaration of
commercial production on June 1, 2024 while the S3 Expansion is
progressing well and on track for completion in mid-2025. We also
initiated a copper hedge program as we continue efforts to maintain
the strength of the balance sheet,” commented Tristan Pascall,
Chief Executive Officer of First Quantum. “Finally, it was pleasing
to reach a Shareholder Rights Agreement with Jiangxi Copper, which
formalizes a clear basis for the relationship between us. The
relationship with Jiangxi Copper, who have been a long standing
customer, has solidified since their purchase of First Quantum
shares in 2019. We look forward to Jiangxi Copper's continued
strong support on the strategic direction of the Company.”
Q2 2024 SUMMARY
There were a number of developments during the
second quarter that are also detailed in this news release.
- A Shareholder Rights Agreement with Jiangxi Copper Company
Limited (“Jiangxi Copper”);
- Additional power supply restrictions by the Zambian Electricity
Supply Corporation Limited ("ZESCO");
- Implementation of a copper hedging program;
- Updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for Kansanshi
In Q2 2024, First Quantum reported gross profit
of $333 million, EBITDA1 of $336 million, a net loss attributable
to shareholders of $0.06 per share, and an adjusted loss per share2
of $0.02. Relative to the first quarter of 2024 (“Q1 2024”), second
quarter financial results improved due to higher copper and gold
prices.
Total copper production for the second quarter
was 102,709 tonnes, a 2% increase from Q1 2024 as a result of
higher production at Kansanshi. Copper sales volumes totaled 94,628
tonnes, lagging production due to the timing of shipments and
vessel delays. Copper C1 cash cost3 was $1.73 per lb in the second
quarter, benefiting from strong by-product gold credits. Enterprise
declared commercial production as of June 1, 2024.
2024 guidance remains unchanged for copper and
gold production, while nickel production has narrowed to reflect
year-to-date production at Ravensthorpe. Copper unit cost guidance
remains unchanged.
____________________________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”.3 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”
SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS
AGREEMENT
On July 23, 2024, the Company entered into a
shareholder rights agreement (the “Shareholder Rights Agreement” or
“SRA”) with Jiangxi Copper. The Shareholder Rights Agreement will
formalize and provide structure to the relationship that exists
between the two organizations. Further, the Shareholder Rights
Agreement is also expected to support reasonable sharing of best
practices between the parties across the copper value chain,
including in smelting and refining, in which Jiangxi Copper is a
world leader. The four key provisions of the SRA are:
- Nomination rights:
Jiangxi Copper will have the right to nominate one person for
consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee of the
board of the Company, which will make a recommendation to the board
regarding the appointment or election of the nominee;
- Standstill:
Jiangxi Copper has agreed to customary standstill restrictions
which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibit Jiangxi Copper from
taking certain actions, including, without the consent of the
Company, acquiring shares of the Company during the term of the SRA
and for a period of six months following the termination of the
SRA;
- Restrictions on
dispositions: Jiangxi Copper has agreed to certain
restrictions on the disposition of its shares of the Company which
include, subject to certain exceptions (i) the right of the Company
to designate one or more purchasers of such shares in the event
that Jiangxi Copper proposes to sell a block of 5% or more of the
shares of the Company, and (ii) not selling such shares to any
person that owns, or would own, following completion of such sale,
more than 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company
(allowing for certain ordinary secondary market transactions
executed through the TSX or other stock exchanges on which the
common shares are listed); and,
- Shareholder
support: Jiangxi Copper has agreed that it will not
withhold its vote in respect of the director nominees proposed by
management of the Company or the reappointment of auditors, nor
will it vote against any other matters recommended by the Company’s
board of directors (other than matters relating to an acquisition
of all the shares of the Company by a third party, a sale of a
controlling interest in any material asset of the Company or an
issuance of shares that would result in a person owning more than
10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company).
The SRA will terminate upon the earlier of July
23, 2027 and the date on which Jiangxi Copper’s ownership
percentage of the Company’s shares falls below 10%. Jiangxi Copper
and the Company may terminate the SRA at any time by mutual written
agreement.
ZAMBIA POWER UPDATE
On June 11, 2024, ZESCO informed the mining
sector that power curtailment for all mining customers will
increase from the 20% previously communicated to 40% effective July
1, 2024. In response, First Quantum has strategically decided to
source additional power beyond the formal requirements set by ZESCO
to ensure stable operations and support the grid during this
challenging situation. Effective July 1, 2024, the Company is
sourcing 193 MW, or 52% of its maximum power requirement, from
regional sources. Consequently, the impact on C1 copper cash costs1
is expected to be $0.06 per lb, up from the $0.03 per lb
communicated in the first quarter of 2024. The Company anticipates
it will be able to sufficiently substitute curtailed power with
imports from the region for the duration of the emergency and
thereby avoid operational interruptions.
The energy generation deficit is anticipated to
ease with Zambia’s next rainy season, which, according to
traditional weather patterns, begins in mid-November and lasts
until April. Typically, there is a 3 to 4 month delay before the
rains impact Zambia's hydro-power generation, such that by early
2025, Zambia's hydro generation capabilities should begin to
recover.
In the medium term, the Company is in advanced
discussions with three Independent Power Producers to provide
partial offtake commitments for advanced projects scheduled to come
online in the first and second quarter of 2025. The commercial
operation date of these advanced projects align well with the
commissioning and ramp-up of the S3 Expansion project at
Kansanshi.
Longer term, the Company is advancing offtake
arrangements with independent renewable power producers. This
includes a large scale solar/wind generation project with
commissioning targeted for 2026/2027, and hydro projects in
Zambia's Northwest and Northern Provinces. Additionally, the
Company is following developments related to infrastructure
investments to build transmission lines with Angola and Tanzania,
countries with current and forecast excess power.
____________________________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 UPDATE
On July 1, 2024, the new president of Panama,
José Raúl Mulino, was inaugurated into office. In his inauguration
speech, President Mulino announced that the Government of Panama
("GOP") will conduct, with international experts, a strict
environmental audit of the Cobre Panamá mine. The Company
reiterates that transparency and compliance with environmental
standards have always been fundamental for the development of its
operations and welcomes the audit process to broaden the
understanding of conditions at the mine and the challenges to
environmental management brought about by the abrupt mine
suspension.
Steps towards two arbitration proceedings have
been taken by the Company, one under the Canada-Panama Free Trade
Agreement (“FTA”), and another under the International Chamber of
Commerce (“ICC”) pursuant to the arbitration clause of the
Refreshed Concession Contract.
- ICC Arbitration:
On November 29, 2023, Minera Panamá S.A. ("MPSA") initiated
arbitration before the ICC's International Court of Arbitration
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 GOP
agreed to in October 2023. The arbitration clause of the contract
provides for arbitration in Miami, Florida. A final hearing for
this matter is scheduled for September 2025.
- FTA Arbitration:
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. 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 Preservation and Safe
Management ("P&SM") at Cobre Panamá. The Company has the right
to file its arbitration claim under FTA within three years of
Panama’s breaches of the FTA.
The Company reiterates that arbitration is not
the preferred outcome for the situation in Panama, and it remains
committed to dialogue with the new government of Panama and to
being part of a solution for the country and its people.
KANSANSHI S3 EXPANSION
During the second quarter of 2024, construction
of the S3 Expansion project at Kansanshi continued to focus on
major mechanical equipment assembly and installation, namely the
mills and primary crusher, in parallel with assembly and
installation of structural steel, pipe work and electrical work.
Long lead equipment is being received on site and the last delivery
of flotation cells was completed early in the third quarter of
2024. System configuration of the plant control system has
commenced with a focus on early commissioning of medium voltage
power reticulation and plant services in the milling area. The
majority of the capital spend on the S3 Expansion is expected to
occur in 2024, with first production expected in mid-2025.
KANSANSHI NI 43-101 TECHNICAL REPORT
On July 23, 2024, the Company filed an updated
NI 43-101 Technical Report for Kansanshi. The Kansanshi Technical
Report discloses an updated Mineral Resource estimate which
accounts for mining and processing depletions since the filing of a
previous report in September 2020. The updated Measured and
Indicated Mineral Resource estimate, as at the end of December
2023, now stands at 1,160.9 Mt at an average copper grade of
0.61%TCu (excluding stockpiles). Commensurate with the increase in
the Mineral Resource inventory, and also accounting for depletion,
the end of December 2023 reported Proven and Probable Mineral
Reserve has now risen to 935.2 Mt with an average grade of
0.56%TCu, and with an additional 169.5 Mt stockpiled at an average
grade of 0.40%TCu. The increase in Mineral Reserve extends the
operating life of Kansanshi by 5 years to 2049.
Q2 2024 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Total copper production for the second quarter
was 102,709 tonnes, a 2% increase from Q1 2024. Copper sales
volumes totaled 94,628 tonnes, approximately 8,081 tonnes lower
than production due to the timing of shipments and vessel delays at
Walvis Bay, Namibia and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania related to weather,
port congestion and schedule disruptions. Copper C1 cash cost1 was
$0.29 per lb lower quarter-over-quarter at $1.73 per lb, benefiting
from strong gold by-product credits.
- Kansanshi’s copper production of
41,507 tonnes in Q2 2024 was 10,034 tonnes higher than the previous
quarter as a result of higher feed grades on the sulphide and mixed
circuits. Grades improved due to higher-grade material from the
Main 15 and Main 17 cutbacks, predominately from mining at higher
elevation. Copper C1 cash cost1 of $1.51 per lb was $0.83 lower
quarter-over-quarter due to higher by- product credits as a result
of improved gold production and stronger gold prices. 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 modestly improve over the course of the year as mining
progresses at higher elevation areas with higher-grade material
from the Main 15 and Main 17 cutbacks. A swap of the mixed and
sulphide mills is planned for the third quarter of 2024 in order to
maximize mixed grade through the mills during this period.
- Sentinel reported copper production
of 53,595 tonnes in Q2 2024, approximately 8,630 tonnes lower than
the previous quarter. The decline in production was due to lower
grades in the second quarter, which was expected given the
exceptionally strong grades in Q1 2024. The ongoing Stage 3
(Western Cut-back) development progressed well during the second
quarter with the in-pit crusher successfully commissioned ahead of
schedule and below budget and enabled access to softer ore. Copper
C1 cash cost1 of $1.94 per lb is higher than the preceding quarter,
reflecting lower production volumes. Copper production guidance for
2024 is maintained at 220,000 to 250,000 tonnes. Mining performance
and throughput is expected to continue to improve over the
remainder of the year with the ongoing development of Stage 3,
which will enable improved mining productivities and increased
availability of softer material on shorter haul cycles.
- Enterprise produced 6,147 tonnes of
nickel during the second quarter, an increase from 4,031 tonnes in
Q1 2024. The first half of the year has yielded consistently
positive results, meeting expectations and supporting the
recommendation to declare commercial production as of June 1, 2024.
Mining volumes are steadily improving and ramping up in accordance
with the mobilization strategy and enhanced contractor fleet asset
management. The plant performance has been strong, with increased
fresh feed leading to higher recovery rates and a focus on
optimising recovery for each ore type. An increase in mining
volumes is anticipated through the dry season with a focus on the
South Wall cutback and sinking the pit sump in preparation for the
wet season. Ore variability controls will be prioritized as mixed
oxides with lower feed grade will be primarily processed in
September and October of 2024, but nickel production consistency is
expected to be maintained through higher throughput at full plant
capacity and stable milling rates. Production guidance for 2024 has
been narrowed to 17,000 to 20,000 contained tonnes of nickel
(previously 10,000 to 20,000 tonnes).
- Cobre Panamá currently remains in a
phase of P&SM with production halted and production guidance
suspended. During the second quarter, the process plant
preservation and maintenance cycle was changed from 14 to 28 days,
with equipment being run and monitored. This new maintenance cycle
allows for the completion of outstanding work and corrective
maintenance activities required to maintain the integrity of the
assets. Furthermore, all the major ultra-class mobile equipment is
in a maintenance cycle that adheres to the original equipment
manufacturer's long-term storage recommendations and includes
periodic inspections as well as scheduled startups. This equipment
will be required as part of the P&SM plan that is awaiting
approval by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. The costs for
the P&SM program in the second quarter were approximately $17
million per month. For the remainder of the year, P&SM expenses
are expected to be $15 to $20 million per month, depending on the
level of environmental stability and asset integrity programs.
Approximately 121 thousand dry metric tonnes of copper concentrate
remains onsite. The sale of this concentrate will result in a net
cash inflow of approximately $265 million at current market prices.
Relevant ministries and government agencies (a cross-government
committee) conducted an inspection at site. In the report of this
committee, it was recommended that the copper concentrate be
exported and the power plant be re-started.
- At Ravensthorpe, nickel production
for the second quarter totaled 1,253 contained tonnes of nickel,
compared to 3,740 tonnes in Q1 2024. Ravensthorpe was placed into
care and maintenance from May 2024. Preparation and cleaning of
plant and equipment for care and maintenance that commenced in May
2024 will be finalized in the first few weeks of the third quarter
of 2024. Activity will be focused on execution of preventative
maintenance plans that have been developed with equipment being run
and monitored to help maintain it in good working condition. In
addition, the Company continues to support its personnel and local
regional communities through the change in circumstances at
Ravensthorpe. Care and maintenance costs for Ravensthorpe are
expected to be approximately $5 million per month for the third
quarter and reduce to approximately $2 million per month from the
fourth quarter onwards. Production guidance has been lowered to
5,000 contained tonnes of nickel (previously 12,000 to 17,000
tonnes) to reflect the closure.
____________________________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”
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial results continue to be impacted by Cobre Panamá being
in a phase of P&SM, however, the second quarter benefitted from
strong copper and gold prices.
- Gross profit for the second quarter of $333 million was $177
million higher than Q1 2024, while EBITDA1 of$336 million for the
same period was $156 million higher.
- Cash flows from operating activities of $397 million ($0.48 per
share2) for the quarter were $12 million lower than Q1 2024.
- Net debt3 increased by $160 million during the
quarter, attributable mainly to planned higher capital expenditures
at Kansanshi, bringing the net debt3 level to $5,437 million, with
total debt at $6,313 million, as at June 30, 2024.
HEDGING PROGRAM
During the second quarter, the Company entered
into derivative contracts, in the form of unmargined zero cost
copper collars, as protection from downside price movements,
financed by selling price upside beyond certain levels on a matched
portion of production. More than half of planned production remains
exposed to spot copper prices through the period until
end-2025.
At July 23, 2024, the Company had zero cost
copper collar contracts for 269,650 tonnes at weighted average
prices of $4.24 per lb to $5.00 per lb outstanding with maturities
to December 2025.
____________________________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”.3 Net 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 |
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2023 |
Sales revenues |
|
1,231 |
|
|
1,036 |
|
|
1,651 |
|
Gross profit |
|
333 |
|
|
156 |
|
|
265 |
|
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the
Company |
|
(46 |
) |
|
(159 |
) |
|
93 |
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share |
|
($0.06 |
) |
|
($0.21 |
) |
$0.13 |
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
|
($0.06 |
) |
|
($0.21 |
) |
$0.13 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities3 |
|
397 |
|
|
411 |
|
|
719 |
|
Net debt1 |
|
5,437 |
|
|
5,277 |
|
|
5,650 |
|
EBITDA1,2 |
|
336 |
|
|
180 |
|
|
568 |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss)1 |
|
(13 |
) |
|
(154 |
) |
|
85 |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share3 |
|
($0.02 |
) |
|
($0.20 |
) |
$0.12 |
|
Cash cost of copper production excluding Cobre Panamá (C1) (per
lb)3,4 |
$1.73 |
|
$2.01 |
|
$2.23 |
|
Total cost of copper production excluding CobrePanamá (C3) (per
lb)3,4 |
$2.83 |
|
$2.97 |
|
$3.23 |
|
Copper all-in sustaining cost excluding CobrePanamá (AISC) (per
lb)3,4 |
$2.71 |
|
$2.77 |
|
$3.08 |
|
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)3,4 |
$1.73 |
|
$2.02 |
|
$1.98 |
|
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)3,4 |
$2.87 |
|
$3.04 |
|
$2.92 |
|
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)3,4 |
$2.82 |
|
$2.85 |
|
$2.64 |
|
Realized copper price (per lb)3 |
$4.39 |
|
$3.78 |
|
$3.75 |
|
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the
Company |
|
(46 |
) |
|
(159 |
) |
|
93 |
|
Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: |
|
|
|
Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambianvalue-added tax
(“VAT”) |
|
(27 |
) |
|
(10 |
) |
|
(31 |
) |
Loss on redemption of debt |
|
– |
|
|
10 |
|
|
– |
|
Total adjustments to EBITDA1 excluding depreciation2 |
|
71 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
15 |
|
Tax adjustments |
|
6 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
8 |
|
Minority interest adjustments |
|
(17 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss)1 |
|
(13 |
) |
|
(154 |
) |
|
85 |
|
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
an impairment expense of $71 million, a foreign exchange
revaluations gain of $14m and a restructuring expense of $12
million (2023 - royalties and revisions in estimates of restoration
provision).3 Adjusted earnings (loss) per share, realized metal
prices, copper all-in sustaining cost (copper AISC), copper C1 cash
cost (copper C1), cash flows from operating activities per share
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”.4 Excludes the sale of copper
anode produced from third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi.
Sales of copper anode attributable to third-party concentrate
purchases were 12,100 tonnes for the three months ended June 30,
2024, (8,821 tonnes for the three months ended June 30, 2023).
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
|
QUARTERLY |
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2023 |
Copper production (tonnes)1 |
|
102,709 |
|
100,605 |
|
187,175 |
Cobre Panamá |
|
– |
|
– |
|
90,086 |
Kansanshi |
|
41,507 |
|
31,473 |
|
34,657 |
Sentinel |
|
53,595 |
|
62,225 |
|
54,045 |
Other Sites |
|
7,607 |
|
6,907 |
|
8,387 |
Copper sales (tonnes)2 |
|
94,628 |
|
101,776 |
|
177,362 |
Cobre Panamá |
|
– |
|
– |
|
86,964 |
Kansanshi2 |
|
36,332 |
|
31,683 |
|
30,732 |
Sentinel |
|
51,113 |
|
62,899 |
|
51,135 |
Other Sites |
|
7,183 |
|
7,194 |
|
8,531 |
Gold production (ounces) |
|
32,266 |
|
26,984 |
|
52,561 |
Cobre Panamá |
|
– |
|
– |
|
28,994 |
Kansanshi |
|
23,575 |
|
20,082 |
|
16,346 |
Guelb Moghrein |
|
8,144 |
|
6,285 |
|
6,686 |
Other sites |
|
547 |
|
617 |
|
535 |
Gold sales (ounces)3 |
|
37,140 |
|
29,778 |
|
48,640 |
Cobre Panamá |
|
– |
|
– |
|
26,881 |
Kansanshi |
|
28,860 |
|
20,523 |
|
15,825 |
Guelb Moghrein |
|
7,572 |
|
9,015 |
|
5,233 |
Other sites |
|
708 |
|
240 |
|
701 |
Nickel production (contained tonnes)4 |
|
7,400 |
|
7,771 |
|
5,976 |
Nickel sales (contained tonnes)5 |
|
7,645 |
|
8,211 |
|
5,906 |
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)2,6 |
$1.73 |
$2.02 |
$1.98 |
C1 (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá 2,6 |
$1.73 |
$2.01 |
$2.23 |
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)2,6 |
$2.87 |
$3.04 |
$2.92 |
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)2,6 |
$2.82 |
$2.85 |
$2.64 |
AISC (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá 2,6 |
$2.71 |
$2.77 |
$3.08 |
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 12,100 tonnes for the three
months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, (8,821 tonnes for the
three months ended June 30, 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 6,147 tonnes tonnes of pre-commercial
production from Enterprise for the three months ended June 30,
2024, which is not included in earnings (loss) or C1, C3 and AISC
calculations. (two hundred twenty tonnes for the three months ended
June 30, 2023).5 Nickel sales (contained tonnes) includes 5,044
tonnes tonnes of pre-commercial sales from Enterprise for the three
months ended June 30, 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 PRICES1
|
QUARTERLY |
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2023 |
Average LME copper cash price (per lb) |
$4.42 |
|
$3.83 |
|
$3.84 |
|
Realized copper price1 (per lb) |
$4.39 |
|
$3.78 |
|
$3.75 |
|
Treatment/refining charges (“TC/RC”) (per lb) |
|
($0.06 |
) |
|
($0.10 |
) |
|
($0.15 |
) |
Freight charges (per lb) |
|
($0.05 |
) |
|
($0.07 |
) |
|
($0.03 |
) |
Net realized copper price1 (per lb) |
$4.28 |
|
$3.61 |
|
$3.57 |
|
Average LBMA cash price (per oz) |
$2,338 |
|
$2,070 |
|
$1,976 |
|
Net realized gold price1,2 (per oz) |
$2,207 |
|
$1,930 |
|
$1,797 |
|
Average LME nickel cash price (per lb) |
$8.35 |
|
$7.52 |
|
$10.12 |
|
Net realized nickel price1 (per lb) |
$7.86 |
|
$7.40 |
|
$9.50 |
|
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.
2024 GUIDANCE
Guidance is based on a number of assumptions and
estimates as of June 30, 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.
Production guidance remains unchanged for copper
and gold. Guidance for nickel production has narrowed to between
22,000 and 25,000 tonnes, to reflect year-to-date production at
Ravensthorpe. In addition, Enterprise nickel production guidance
has narrowed to 17,000 and 20,000 tonnes as a result of strong
year-to-date production.
Copper unit cost guidance remains unchanged.
Previous nickel unit cash cost guidance for 2024 was for
Ravensthorpe only and has therefore been withdrawn. Enterprise is
excluded from unit cost guidance for 2024 as operations ramp up
this year.
PRODUCTION GUIDANCE
000’s |
2024 |
Copper (tonnes) |
370 – 420 |
Gold (ounces) |
95 – 115 |
Nickel (contained tonnes) |
22 – 25 |
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 |
5 |
Trident - Enterprise |
17 – 20 |
1 Production is stated on a 100% basis as the
Company consolidates all 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”
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 |
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”.
ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (“ESG”)
Pioneering sustainable mining:
At Kansanshi, the Company’s collaboration with Hitachi Construction
Machinery Co Ltd. (“Hitachi”) and ABB Ltd. to trial a fully
battery-powered dump truck commenced in July 2024. This project
will test the truck's performance and battery management system,
aiming to reduce battery weight and improve load capacity and
efficiency using Hitachi's dynamic charging technology and the
Company’s advanced trolley systems. This trial reflects First
Quantum's commitment to sustainable mining and innovative
technologies that reduce environmental impact and enhance
productivity.
Supporting Zambia’s food security
efforts: First Quantum is supporting Zambia's food
security efforts in response to the severe droughts by contributing
$500,000 towards the transportation costs for imported grain from
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. This initiative underscores the Company’s
commitment to community resilience and aims to enhance food
security during this critical period.
ESG Reporting: The Company
published its primary sustainability report, the 2023 ESG Report,
the 2023 Climate Change Report, the 2023 Tax Transparency and
Contributions to Governments Report as well as the 2023 Modern
Slavery Report in May 2024. 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.
COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The complete Consolidated Financial Statements
and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six
months ended June 30, 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, July 24, 2024 at 9:00
am (EST).
Conference call and webcast details: Toll-free
North America: 1-844-763-8274 Toll-free International:
+1-647-484-8814 Webcast: 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) 688-6577
E-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 |
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2023 |
Operating profit |
117 |
|
20 |
|
252 |
|
Depreciation |
148 |
|
157 |
|
301 |
|
Other adjustments: |
|
|
|
Foreign exchange loss (gain) |
6 |
|
(20 |
) |
(15 |
) |
Impairment expense1 |
61 |
|
10 |
|
– |
|
Royalty payable2 |
– |
|
– |
|
18 |
|
Restructuring expense |
6 |
|
6 |
|
– |
|
Other expense (income) |
(2 |
) |
8 |
|
3 |
|
Revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed
sites |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
9 |
|
Total adjustments excluding depreciation |
71 |
|
3 |
|
15 |
|
EBITDA |
336 |
|
180 |
|
568 |
|
1 The three months ended June 30, 2023, include an impairment
charge of $60 million following the decision to scale back
operations at Ravensthorpe in Q1 and subsequently placing the mine
on care and maintenance in May2 The three months ended June 30,
2023, include royalty attributable due to ZCCM-IH of $18 million
relating to the year ended December 31, 2022.
|
QUARTERLY |
Q2 2024 |
Q1 2024 |
Q2 2023 |
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the
Company |
|
(46 |
) |
|
(159 |
) |
|
93 |
|
Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company: |
|
|
|
Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT |
|
(27 |
) |
|
(10 |
) |
|
(31 |
) |
Loss on redemption of debt |
|
– |
|
|
10 |
|
|
– |
|
Total adjustments to EBITDA excluding depreciation |
|
71 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
15 |
|
Tax adjustments |
|
6 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
8 |
|
Minority interest adjustments |
|
(17 |
) |
|
(1 |
) |
|
– |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss) |
|
(13 |
) |
|
(154 |
) |
|
85 |
|
Basic earnings (loss) per share as reported |
|
($0.06 |
) |
|
($0.21 |
) |
|
$0.13 |
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per share |
|
($0.06 |
) |
|
($0.21 |
) |
|
$0.13 |
|
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share |
|
($0.02 |
) |
|
($0.20 |
) |
|
$0.12 |
|
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 June 30, 2024 |
Cobre Panamá |
Kansanshi |
Sentinel |
Guelb Moghrein |
Las Cruces |
Çayeli |
Pyhäsalmi |
Copper |
|
Ravensthorpe |
|
Enterprise |
Nickel |
|
Corporate& other |
|
Total |
Cost of sales1 |
(9 |
) |
(420 |
) |
(300 |
) |
(48 |
) |
1 |
|
(15 |
) |
(4 |
) |
(795 |
) |
(46 |
) |
(42 |
) |
(88 |
) |
(15 |
) |
(898 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
Depreciation |
9 |
|
60 |
|
70 |
|
4 |
|
– |
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
146 |
|
– |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
(2 |
) |
148 |
|
By-product credits |
(1 |
) |
65 |
|
– |
|
31 |
|
– |
|
5 |
|
3 |
|
103 |
|
1 |
|
– |
|
1 |
|
– |
|
104 |
|
Royalties |
– |
|
46 |
|
36 |
|
2 |
|
– |
|
2 |
|
– |
|
86 |
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
|
– |
|
89 |
|
Treatment and refining charges |
– |
|
(5 |
) |
(8 |
) |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(15 |
) |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(16 |
) |
Freight costs |
– |
|
– |
|
(5 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(7 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
(7 |
) |
Finished goods |
– |
|
(5 |
) |
(15 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
1 |
|
(1 |
) |
(20 |
) |
9 |
|
23 |
|
32 |
|
– |
|
12 |
|
Other4 |
1 |
|
120 |
|
2 |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
1 |
|
– |
|
123 |
|
2 |
|
(1 |
) |
1 |
|
17 |
|
141 |
|
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
– |
|
(139 |
) |
(220 |
) |
(13 |
) |
1 |
|
(8 |
) |
– |
|
(379 |
) |
(34 |
) |
(14 |
) |
(48 |
) |
– |
|
(427 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
|
Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) |
(10 |
) |
(62 |
) |
(74 |
) |
(4 |
) |
1 |
|
(2 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(153 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(3 |
) |
2 |
|
(154 |
) |
Royalties |
– |
|
(46 |
) |
(36 |
) |
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(86 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(3 |
) |
– |
|
(89 |
) |
Other |
– |
|
(3 |
) |
(3 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(7 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
(7 |
) |
Total cost (C3)2,4 |
(10 |
) |
(250 |
) |
(333 |
) |
(19 |
) |
2 |
|
(13 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(625 |
) |
(36 |
) |
(18 |
) |
(54 |
) |
2 |
|
(677 |
) |
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
– |
|
(139 |
) |
(220 |
) |
(13 |
) |
1 |
|
(8 |
) |
– |
|
(379 |
) |
(34 |
) |
(14 |
) |
(48 |
) |
– |
|
(427 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– |
|
|
– |
|
General and administrative expenses |
(18 |
) |
(7 |
) |
(11 |
) |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(39 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(3 |
) |
– |
|
(42 |
) |
Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 |
(4 |
) |
(42 |
) |
(57 |
) |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(106 |
) |
(7 |
) |
(6 |
) |
(13 |
) |
– |
|
(119 |
) |
Royalties |
– |
|
(46 |
) |
(36 |
) |
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(86 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(3 |
) |
– |
|
(89 |
) |
Lease payments |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
(3 |
) |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(4 |
) |
AISC2,4 |
(23 |
) |
(234 |
) |
(325 |
) |
(17 |
) |
– |
|
(14 |
) |
– |
|
(613 |
) |
(45 |
) |
(23 |
) |
(68 |
) |
– |
|
(681 |
) |
AISC (per lb)2,4 |
– |
|
$2.64 |
|
$2.87 |
|
$1.44 |
|
– |
|
$2.46 |
|
– |
|
$2.82 |
|
$18.91 |
|
$5.02 |
|
$9.99 |
|
– |
|
|
Cash cost – (C1)(per lb)2,4 |
– |
|
$1.51 |
|
$1.94 |
|
$1.06 |
|
– |
|
$1.60 |
|
– |
|
$1.73 |
|
$15.25 |
|
$2.96 |
|
$7.35 |
|
– |
|
|
Total cost – (C3) (per lb)2,4 |
– |
|
$2.82 |
|
$2.95 |
|
$1.61 |
|
– |
|
$2.13 |
|
– |
|
$2.87 |
|
$15.97 |
|
$3.81 |
|
$8.16 |
|
– |
|
|
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 June 30, 2023 |
Cobre Panamá |
Kansanshi |
Sentinel |
Guelb Moghrein |
Las Cruces |
Çayeli |
Pyhäsalmi |
Copper |
Corporate & other |
Ravensthorpe |
Total |
Cost of sales1 |
(469 |
) |
(374 |
) |
(334 |
) |
(41 |
) |
(23 |
) |
(19 |
) |
(5 |
) |
(1,265 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(120 |
) |
(1,386 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
149 |
|
56 |
|
74 |
|
2 |
|
– |
|
4 |
|
1 |
|
286 |
|
– |
|
15 |
|
301 |
|
By-product credits |
32 |
|
30 |
|
– |
|
26 |
|
– |
|
3 |
|
5 |
|
96 |
|
– |
|
3 |
|
99 |
|
Royalties |
13 |
|
55 |
|
26 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
– |
|
98 |
|
– |
|
5 |
|
103 |
|
Treatment and refining charges |
(45 |
) |
(5 |
) |
(11 |
) |
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(3 |
) |
– |
|
(66 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
(66 |
) |
Freight costs |
– |
|
– |
|
(6 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(8 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
(8 |
) |
Finished goods |
(5 |
) |
(8 |
) |
13 |
|
(5 |
) |
(1 |
) |
3 |
|
(1 |
) |
(4 |
) |
– |
|
5 |
|
1 |
|
Other4 |
2 |
|
69 |
|
5 |
|
(1 |
) |
3 |
|
1 |
|
– |
|
79 |
|
1 |
|
3 |
|
83 |
|
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
(323 |
) |
(177 |
) |
(233 |
) |
(20 |
) |
(20 |
) |
(11 |
) |
– |
|
(784 |
) |
– |
|
(89 |
) |
(873 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation (excluding depreciation in finished goods) |
(148 |
) |
(55 |
) |
(70 |
) |
(3 |
) |
– |
|
(4 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(281 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(14 |
) |
(296 |
) |
Royalties |
(13 |
) |
(37 |
) |
(26 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(80 |
) |
– |
|
(5 |
) |
(85 |
) |
Other |
(6 |
) |
(2 |
) |
(3 |
) |
1 |
|
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
(10 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
(11 |
) |
Total cost (C3)2,4 |
(490 |
) |
(271 |
) |
(332 |
) |
(23 |
) |
(21 |
) |
(17 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(1,155 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(109 |
) |
(1,265 |
) |
Cash cost (C1)2,4 |
(323 |
) |
(177 |
) |
(233 |
) |
(20 |
) |
(20 |
) |
(11 |
) |
– |
|
(784 |
) |
– |
|
(89 |
) |
(873 |
) |
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses |
(12 |
) |
(7 |
) |
(10 |
) |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
(30 |
) |
– |
|
(3 |
) |
(33 |
) |
Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping3 |
(61 |
) |
(45 |
) |
(40 |
) |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
(148 |
) |
– |
|
(7 |
) |
(155 |
) |
Royalties |
(13 |
) |
(37 |
) |
(26 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(1 |
) |
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(80 |
) |
– |
|
(5 |
) |
(85 |
) |
Lease payments |
(1 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
– |
|
(1 |
) |
– |
|
– |
|
(2 |
) |
– |
|
(1 |
) |
(3 |
) |
AISC2,4 |
(410 |
) |
(266 |
) |
(309 |
) |
(23 |
) |
(22 |
) |
(14 |
) |
– |
|
(1,044 |
) |
– |
|
(105 |
) |
(1,149 |
) |
AISC (per lb)2,4 |
$2.16 |
|
$3.60 |
|
$2.71 |
|
$2.92 |
|
$5.49 |
|
$2.16 |
|
– |
|
$2.64 |
|
– |
|
$11.17 |
|
|
Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)2,4 |
$1.71 |
|
$2.36 |
|
$2.04 |
|
$2.30 |
|
$5.13 |
|
$1.72 |
|
– |
|
$1.98 |
|
– |
|
$9.58 |
|
|
Total cost – (C3) (per lb)2,4 |
$2.59 |
|
$3.68 |
|
$2.91 |
|
$2.83 |
|
$5.23 |
|
$2.59 |
|
– |
|
$2.92 |
|
– |
|
$11.76 |
|
|
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.5 Royalties in C3 and AISC costs exclude the 2022 impact of
$18 million attributable to the 3.1% sale of a gross royalty
interest in KMP to ZCCM-IH
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 regarding production, sales volumes and full
year copper C1 cash costs and AISC; the effect and duration of the
SRA; the status of Cobre Panamá and the P&SM program and the
closure of Cobre Panamá, including the timing and operating
expenses thereof and the time and results of the pending
environmental audit at Cobre Panamá; development and operation of
the Company’s projects; the battery-powered dump truck trial at
Kansanshi; efforts to support food security in Zambia; the expected
carbon intensity of mining at Enterprise; the effect, timing,
capital expenditures and production of the S3 Expansion; the
increase in throughput capacity of the Kansanshi smelter; the
Company’s expectations regarding throughput capacity and mining
performance at Sentinel; anticipated mining volumes and throughput
at Enterprise; construction and commissioning of the CIL plant at
Guelb Moghrein; care and maintenance costs at Ravensthorpe and the
status of environmental approvals for Shoemaker Levy stage 1 and 3,
Tamarine Quarry and SML Stage 2; the timing of approvals and
permits required for Taca Taca, including the ESIA and water use
permits, and the ongoing engineering study; the amount and timing
of the Company’s expenditures at La Granja, project development 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
Company’s future potential offtake arrangements with independent
power producers; 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 and
cash costs; the Company’s hedging programs; the effect of
seasonality on the Company’s results; capital expenditure and mine
production costs; the outcome of mine permitting and other required
permitting; the timing and outcome of legal and arbitration
proceedings which involve the Company; estimates of the future
price of certain precious and base metals; estimated mineral
reserves and mineral resources; mineral grade estimates; 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); and greenhouse gas emissions
and energy efficiency. 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 certain precious and base metals including
copper, gold, nickel, silver, cobalt, pyrite and zinc; 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, Turkey, Argentina and
Australia, adverse weather conditions in Panama, Zambia, Finland,
Turkey, Mauritania, and Australia, 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 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.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59f6f915-561d-4486-93bc-476a2767f416
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