First Quantum has announced increased record copper
production and sales for 2018. This is with copper output rising by 6% and
sales by 3%. In a statement released by the company, total copper production
amounted to 605 853 t, compared with 573 963 t in 2017. The company sold 596
513 t in 2018, compared with 580 130 t in 2017.
Kansanshi, in Zambia, increased copper production from 250 801 t in 2017, to 251 552 in 2018. However, its gold production dropped from 140 595 oz in 2017, to 130 019 oz last year. The other Zambian mine, Sentinel, also increased production from 190 683 t in 2017 to 223 656 t.
According to media reports, the Mauritanian operation’s production dipped marginally, producing 28 137 t of copper from 28 791 t in 2017 and 45 974 oz of gold from 49 213 oz in 2017. On the other hand, Turkey-based Çayeli had a gradual improvement producing 19 896 t of copper and 4 091 t of zinc.
Finland-based Pyhäsalmi saw a declines in copper production, from 13 501 t in 2017 to 11 904 t, and sales fell from 13 691 t, from 12 184 t, as well as its pyrite production decreased from 692 124 t to 645 885 t.
Pyrite sales marginally increased to 418 931 t, from 418 743 t in 2017, while zinc production and sales increased significantly to 22 716 t and 21 799 t, respectively, from the previous year’s 17 397 t and 17 416 t
