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First Quantum Minerals Reports Fourth Quarter 2025 Results

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First Quantum Minerals Reports Fourth Quarter 2025 Results

 

 

 

 

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSX: FM) reports results for the three months and year-ended December 31, 2025 of net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company of $25 million ($0.03 earnings per share) and adjusted earnings1 of $5 million ($0.01 adjusted earnings per share2) for the fourth quarter.

 

“We began 2025 with clear priorities and made strong progress against these objectives throughout the year. We proactively managed our balance sheet by extending debt maturities and reducing our cost of capital, and we completed a $1 billion streaming transaction that further strengthened our balance sheet and enhanced our financial flexibility. Our hedging program fulfilled its intended role as risk mitigation during the construction of the Kansanshi S3 Expansion (“S3”) and is now planned to reduce, allowing us to regain full exposure to spot copper prices by the second half of the year. I am particularly pleased with the successful delivery of S3, which declared commercial production in December 2025 and continues to ramp up well. These achievements were only possible with the commitment and hard work of our entire team at First Quantum, for which I am deeply grateful,” said Tristan Pascall, Chief Executive Officer of First Quantum. “2026 has begun on strong footing and I remain confident in the outlook for the Company with copper prices reaching record highs amid supply challenges and the metal’s increasing strategic importance. At Cobre Panamá, President José Raúl Mulino announced that the Government of Panama will approve the removal and processing of stockpiled ore. This marks a positive step forward for ongoing responsible environmental stewardship of the mine in regards to water and tailings management. This will involve the immediate creation of over 1,000 direct jobs and will bring benefits to Panama through royalties on a national resource that belongs to the country. The processing of stockpiled ore is not a reopening of the mine and we echo the President’s call for transparency and engagement. We remain committed to dialogue to achieve an amicable and durable resolution at Cobre Panamá for the country and the Panamanian people.”

 

Q4 2025 SUMMARY

 

In Q4 2025, First Quantum reported gross profit of $416 million, EBITDA1 of $464 million, net earnings attributable to shareholders of $0.03 per share, and adjusted earnings per share2 of $0.01. Relative to the third quarter of 2025 (“Q3 2025”), fourth quarter financial results benefitted from stronger realized copper and gold prices2.

 

Along with fourth quarter results, the Company provides the following updates:

  • The Company has signed a new $2.2 billion Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. This new Facility replaces the existing $1.84 billion Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility due to mature in April 2027. The refinancing defers near-term, material debt maturities and extends the Revolving Credit Facility through to February 2029, providing additional liquidity headroom and financial flexibility. This refinancing continues management’s practice of proactively addressing debt maturities and further demonstrates the Company’s access to a diverse range of funding sources.

 

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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 Realized metal prices and adjusted earnings (loss) 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”.

 

Q4 2025 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Total copper production for the fourth quarter was 100,374 tonnes, a 4% decrease from Q3 2025 as a result of lower production mainly from Sentinel and Guelb Moghrein. Copper C1 cash cost3 was $0.26 per lb higher quarter-over-quarter at $2.21 per lb, reflecting lower copper production volumes and higher power costs in Zambia. Copper sales volumes totalled 108,118 tonnes, approximately 7,744 tonnes higher than production.

  • Kansanshi reported copper production of 47,655 tonnes in Q4 2025, an increase of 774 tonnes from the previous quarter due to the successful ramp up of S3, which resulted in higher overall milled throughput. Kansanshi achieved its record monthly milled tonnes in October 2025. Following a successful commissioning period with all production key performance indicators exceeding forecasted targets, S3 declared commercial production on December 1, 2025. The stability of the S3 concentrator improved significantly over the quarter with an improvement in uptime following enhancements on the conveyor routes of the crushing and milling circuit. Capital works on Tailings Storage Facility 2 (“TSF2”) are well advanced and remain on schedule for completion in the second quarter of 2026. Copper C1 cash cost1 of $1.63 per lb was $0.29 higher quarter-over-quarter due to higher power costs. Copper production for 2026 is guided at 175,000 – 205,000 tonnes, while gold production guidance is 110,000 – 120,000 ounces. S3 is expected to contribute over 84,000 tonnes of copper in 2026, with feed sourced evenly from low-grade stockpiles and fresh higher-grade ore from the South East Dome deposit.
  • Sentinel reported copper production of 48,235 tonnes in Q4 2025, 3,101 tonnes lower than the previous quarter due to lower throughput and grades. Ongoing maintenance on Ball Mill 2 related to managing the fatigue in the flange bolts impacted throughput while grades were impacted by lower-grade material from Stage 3. Copper C1 cash cost1 of $2.84 per lb was $0.31 higher than the preceding quarter as a result of lower production volumes and higher power and maintenance costs. Production guidance for 2026 is 190,000 – 220,000 tonnes of copper. The focus at Sentinel in 2026 will continue to be on increasing total throughput with various ongoing initiatives to optimize blast fragmentation, maintain consistency of the stockpiled ore volumes, and improve milling rates and flotation recovery. In 2026, grades are expected to be slightly higher than 2025, reflecting the mining of previously sterilized ore from Stage 1 and Stage 2 following crusher relocations. Stage 3 will continue to supply the majority of the ore, with Stage 4 expected to contribute ore from the second half of 2026. As mining progresses to deeper levels in Stage 3, the quality of the ore is expected to continue to improve as weathering impacts reduce. In addition, In-Pit Crusher 4 is scheduled to be decommissioned during the first quarter to facilitate its relocation. Commissioning of the crusher in its new location is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026, supporting continued mining optimization and enhancing long-term flexibility at Sentinel. In collaboration with the original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) and specialist engineering consultants, a long-term management strategy has been established to address the fatigue in the Ball Mill 2 flange bolts, with the recommendation to continue managing the fatigue through 2026. Full remedial work will be scheduled for 2027 when parts become available and will be scheduled during planned downtimes to mitigate the impact to production. Planning is underway, which will include the replacement of a segment of the third can and the discharge end with a new OEM design. This approach is expected to ensure continued mill performance and reliability in the interim, while delivering a permanent engineered solution through the planned upgrade. A review of Ball Mill 1 is also underway.
  • In the fourth quarter of 2025, Enterprise achieved record quarterly production, producing 8,750 tonnes of nickel, a 52% increase over the previous quarter due to higher grades and recoveries. During the quarter, mining was focused on higher grade areas from lower elevations of the pit in the Stage 3 area. Nickel C1 cash cost1 of $3.12 per lb is $1.05 lower than the previous quarter due to higher production volumes. Production guidance for 2026 is expected to be in the range of 30,000 – 40,000 contained tonnes of nickel at a nickel unit cost guidance of $3.25 – 4.25 per lb. The focus at Enterprise remains on maximizing ore supply and improving comminution efficiency to increase throughput and reduce unit operating costs. The mining strategy will focus on maintaining an optimum level of stockpiled ore at the run-of-mine pad to support blending and consistent ore supply. The grade control drilling program will continue to support metallurgical studies aimed at managing grade dilution and improving recovery rates. Plant optimization efforts will continue, with key focus on MgO, mill rate and nickel load management strategies.
  • At Cobre Panamá, detailed inspections of the mobile fleet with OEM specialists continued in the fourth quarter, with reviews of ultra class haul trucks, production drills, and rope shovels completed during the quarter. The findings are being incorporated to refine and optimize preservation strategies, ensuring ongoing asset safety and integrity. Preservation and Safe Management (“P&SM”) costs during the fourth quarter averaged approximately $15 million per month. In January 2026, President José Raúl Mulino announced that the GOP will authorize the removal, processing and export of stockpiled ore. The Company awaits formal approvals to undertake these activities, which will be carried out in coordination with the GOP and in strict compliance with the P&SM plan. The processing of stockpiled ore does not constitute a mine reopening. On a preliminary basis, it is currently anticipated that processing of stockpiled ore could commence about three months after receiving official regulatory notice to proceed and would require approximately one year to process the stockpiled ore. Approximately 70,000 tonnes of copper could be produced from the stockpiled ore. Estimated costs at Cobre Panamá will continue to be approximately $15 – $17 million per month, but is expected to increase upon formal approval to process the stockpiled ore. Cash outflows related to the processing of stockpiled ore, largely non‑recurring, are expected to include plant and equipment recommissioning, warehouse inventory replenishment, and sustaining capital, with costs currently estimated at approximately $90 – $100 million for commissioning, $40 – $50 million for inventory, and $100 – $130 million in sustaining capital. Operating costs associated with the processing of stockpiled ore are expected to be approximately $12.00  –  $12.50 per tonne milled, with unit costs expected to be higher during initial operations.

 

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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 the suspension of Cobre Panamá.

  • Gross profit for the fourth quarter of $416 million was $56 million higher than Q3 2025, while EBITDA1 of $464 million for the same period was $29 million higher, benefitting from higher realized copper and gold prices2.
  • Cash outflows from operating activities of $36 million ($0.04 per share2) for the quarter is attributable to adverse movements in working capital as a result of the timing of shipments and the impact of copper price movements on derivative instruments related to provisionally priced sales contracts.
  • Net debt3 increased by $441 million during the quarter to $5,192 million with total debt at $5,836 million as at December 31, 2025. Net debt2 increased due to to working capital outflows of $298 million and capital expenditures of $301 million.

 

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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, and realized metal prices 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 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”.

 

NEW SYNDICATED BANK FACILITY

 

On February 10, 2026, the Company has signed a new $2.2 billion Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. This new Facility replaces the existing $1.84 billion Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility due to mature in April 2027. The new $2.2 billion Facility comprises a $0.7 billion Term Loan Facility, a $1.5 billion Revolving Credit Facility and an uncommitted option for a $0.5 billion accordion facility. The Facility has an initial maturity of February 2029 with an extension option of one year exercisable by the Company subject to lender consent and the satisfaction of certain criteria. The Facility is syndicated to a group of long-standing, and several new banks, following a highly oversubscribed process. The Facility will be used to fully prepay and cancel amounts outstanding under the existing facility and for general corporate purposes. The availability of the Facility is subject to the completion of customary conditions precedent. BNP Paribas and ING acted as Coordinating Bookrunners.

 

The refinancing defers near-term, material debt maturities and extends the Revolving Credit Facility through to February 2029, providing additional liquidity headroom and financial flexibility. The Facility increases the net leverage4 covenant to 4.75x Net Debt/EBITDA until September 30, 2026 (compared to 4.25x and 3.75x during 2026 in the existing facility), reducing over the course of 2027 to a level of 3.50x for the quarter ending September 30, 2027 and until the maturity of the facility. This refinancing continues management’s practice of proactively addressing debt maturities and further demonstrates the Company’s access to a diverse range of funding sources. The Facility includes a mechanism, subject to certain conditions, allowing some further flexibility and a lower interest margin following a restart of operations at the Cobre Panamá mine.

 

HEDGING PROGRAM

 

During the quarter, the Company did not enter into new derivative contracts under its hedging program.

 

As at February 10, 2026, the Company had zero cost copper collar contracts outstanding for 82,517 tonnes at weighted average prices of $4.13 per lb to $4.62 per lb with maturities to June 2026. Approximately 20% of planned production and sales for the remainder of full year 2026, and approximately 50% of the remainder for the first half of 2026, are hedged from spot copper price movements. In addition, as at February 10, 2026, the Company had zero cost gold contracts outstanding for 38,276 ounces at weighted average prices of $2,970 per oz to $4,266 per oz with maturities to June 2026.

 

REALIZED METAL PRICES1

  QUARTERLY
  Q4 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2024
Average LME copper cash price (per lb) $5.03   $4.44   $4.17  
Realized copper price1 (per lb) $4.89   $4.38   $4.17  
Treatment/refining charges (“TC/RC”) (per lb) ($0.04 ) ($0.04 ) ($0.04 )
Freight charges (per lb) ($0.03 ) ($0.04 ) ($0.05 )
Net realized copper price1 (per lb) $4.82   $4.30   $4.08  
Average LBMA cash price (per oz) $4,141   $3,455   $2,664  
Net realized gold price1,2 (per oz) $4,007   $3,358   $2,545  
Average LME nickel cash price (per lb) $6.75   $6.81   $7.27  
Net realized nickel price1 (per lb) $6.42   $6.86   $6.74  

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.

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4 Net leverage is the ratio of Total Debt (less Cash or Cash Equivalent Investments) on the last day of the relevant period, to EBITDA in respect of the relevant period, in each case as defined in the facility agreement.

 

CONSOLIDATED OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

  QUARTERLY
  Q4 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2024
Copper production (tonnes)1,7   100,374     104,626   111,602
Kansanshi   47,655     46,881   48,139
Sentinel   48,235     51,336   56,560
Other Sites2   4,484     6,409   6,903
Copper sales (tonnes)3   108,118     118,825   111,613
Cobre Panamá   (227 )   24,306  
Kansanshi3   56,282     38,170   49,141
Sentinel   47,120     48,410   55,117
Other Sites2   4,943     7,939   7,355
Gold production (ounces)   37,377     36,463   38,784
Kansanshi   30,637     27,854   29,787
Guelb Moghrein   5,904     7,832   8,428
Other sites4   836     777   569
Gold sales (ounces)5   42,119     43,658   40,762
Cobre Panamá   101     11,071  
Kansanshi   35,302     24,313   31,747
Guelb Moghrein   6,042     7,575   8,658
Other sites4   674     699   357
Nickel production (contained tonnes)   8,750     5,767   3,720
Nickel sales (contained tonnes)   8,877     2,917   5,578
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)3,6 $2.21   $1.95 $1.68
C1 (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá3,6 $2.21   $1.95 $1.68
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)3,6 $3.44   $3.22 $2.72
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)3,6 $3.45   $3.07 $2.58
AISC (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá3,6 $3.37   $3.00 $2.50

1 Production is presented on a contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter.
2 Other sites (copper) includes Guelb Moghrein and Çayeli.
3 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 2,446 tonnes in Q4 2025 (5,994 tonnes in Q4 2024).
4 Other sites (gold) includes Çayeli and Pyhäsalmi.
5 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see “Precious Metal Stream Arrangement”).
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”.
7 Kansanshi S3 Expansion project declared commercial production on December 1, 2025.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

  QUARTERLY
  Q4 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2024
Sales revenues   1,475     1,346     1,256  
Gross profit   416     360     405  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company   25     (48 )   99  
Basic net earnings (loss) per share $0.03   ($0.06 ) $0.12  
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share $0.03   ($0.06 ) $0.12  
Cash flows from operating activities   (36 )   1,195     583  
Net debt1   5,192     4,751     5,530  
EBITDA1,2   464     435     455  
Adjusted earnings (loss)1   5     (16 )   31  
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share3 $0.01   $(0.02 ) $0.04  
Cash cost of copper production excluding Cobre Panamá (C1) (per lb)3,4 $2.21   $1.95   $1.68  
Total cost of copper production excluding Cobre Panamá (C3) (per lb)3,4 $3.37   $3.17   $2.83  
Copper all-in sustaining cost excluding Cobre Panamá (AISC) (per lb)3,4 $3.37   $3.00   $2.50  
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)3,4 $2.21   $1.95   $1.68  
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)3,4 $3.44   $3.22   $2.72  
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)3,4 $3.45   $3.07   $2.58  
Realized copper price (per lb)3 $4.89   $4.38   $4.17  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company   25     (48 )   99  
Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company:      
Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian value-added tax (“VAT”)   (35 )   (8 )   (35 )
Modification and redemption of liabilities   (126 )   25     (100 )
Total adjustments to EBITDA1 excluding depreciation2   (35 )   16     (58 )
Tax adjustments   48         (12 )
Minority interest adjustments   128     (1 )   140  
Adjusted earnings (loss)1   5     (16 )   31  

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 2025 relate principally to impairment reversal in respect of assets at Ravensthorpe (2024 – impairment expense and a credit relating to changes 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) 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 2,446tonnes for the three months and year-ended December 31, 2025 (5,994 tonnes for the three months and year-ended December 31, 2024).

 

COBRE PANAMÁ UPDATE

 

On May 30, 2025, the GOP approved and formally instructed the execution of the P&SM plan.

 

In October 2025, the Ministry of Environment issued the order for SGS Panama Control Services Inc. to proceed with the integral audit. Under the coordination of MiAmbiente and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, SGS commenced the process and, to date, documentary verification and field visit inspections have been completed as scheduled. The audit is expected to be concluded in April 2026.

 

In addition to the integral audit, the authorities have continued with the statutory bi-annual audits of Cobre Panamá’s compliance with its commitments under the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. The most recently published audit achieved 100% compliance, with no findings related to the execution of the P&SM plan. The 12th external audit field phase was completed in November with the final report expected during the first quarter of 2026.

 

The execution of the P&SM plan also included the import of fuel and the restart of Cobre Panamá’s power plant. In November, commissioning tests for Unit 2 of the power plant were completed and one supply shipment was received, allowing the conveying system to reach its nominal capacity. Unit 2 was then hot-commissioned and synchronized to the grid. It maintained stable operation and successfully increased output to its maximum capacity of 150 MW in December. The plant is operating at an average output of 120 MW based on the power requirements of the P&SM activities and the demands of the national power grid. The second supply shipment arrived in mid-January 2026. The commissioning of Unit 1 is ongoing and, to date, performance has been normal.

 

In the State of the Nation address on January 2, 2026, President José Raúl Mulino announced that the GOP will authorize the removal, processing and export of stockpiled ore at Cobre Panamá that was previously extracted before operations were suspended. Processing of the stockpiled ore will mitigate environmental and operational risks associated with its prolonged storage, such as acid rock drainage, and provide important feed material to the tailings management facility (“TMF”). The Company awaits formal approvals to undertake these activities, which will be carried out in coordination with the GOP and in strict compliance with the P&SM plan. The processing of stockpiled ore does not constitute a mine reopening and will not require any new extraction, drilling, blasting, or mine operational reactivation. Processing of the stockpiled ore is anticipated to result in more than 1,000 new direct jobs beyond the current staffing of 1,600 jobs. It is also expected to generate further contractor hires and broader indirect employment as well as economic benefits in local procurement, such as equipment supply, transportation, logistics, food services, and other sectors.

 

The Company further reinforced its engagement with local governments in surrounding municipalities. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, Cobre Panamá achieved over 12,000 in-person interactions across the mine’s surrounding communities, double the number recorded in 2024, with positive perceptions toward mine reactivation reaching 80% among men and 75% among women. More than 220 community donations were delivered, which were primarily transportation services. Over 9,000 people benefited from social investments in aqueduct maintenance, solar panel installations, road repairs, agricultural support, school transportation, and productive workshops. The Company’s support to local schools through providing high-quality nutrition, supported over 3,500 children in over 40 local schools during the year. Nationally, more than 700 entrepreneurs completed a development and training program supported by the Company.

 

KANSANSHI NEAR-SURFACE GOLD ZONE

 

During the fourth quarter, the Company continued the program to evaluate the new near-surface gold zone occurrences in the South East Dome area at Kansanshi. Test-work commenced at the end of 2025 to assist with the understanding of in-situ grade estimation and possible recoveries.

 

ZAMBIAN POWER SUPPLY

 

During the fourth quarter of 2025, Zambia’s national power system continued to be constrained and the force majeure declared by ZESCO, the national electricity utility, in early 2024 remained in effect. Early rainy-season conditions were positive, with improving river inflows into the Kariba basin, although these have not yet translated into a material increase in hydropower availability.

 

To ensure operational continuity, the Company maintained its diversified power-sourcing strategy. During the fourth quarter of 2025, Zambia’s emergency power framework shifted towards a predominantly trader-based replacement structure applied across the mining sector, while a reduced level of state utility-supplied power was retained. These arrangements were implemented in coordination with the Zambian government, the state utility, and the Chamber of Mines and intended to support grid stability, limit further depletion of Lake Kariba, and improve domestic load-shedding outcomes for the broader population. ZESCO has redirected domestically sourced power to Zambian residential customers, which has reduced load shedding in Lusaka and elsewhere in the country.

 

During the quarter, progress was made on medium and long-term solutions. Development of the previously announced wind and solar power project, from which the Company intends to offtake power, remains on track. Joint grid-stability initiatives with the state power utility advanced, with orders placed for critical long-lead stabilization devices scheduled for installation in the first half of 2027.

 

Supplementary power-sourcing arrangements are expected to continue through mid-2027 as hydropower resources recover and structural constraints on the national grid continue to ease. The extent to which state utility-supplied power can be progressively reinstated from the second quarter of 2026 will depend on the performance of the current rainy season.

 

ZAMBIA 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET

 

The 2026 Zambian National Budget was presented on September 26, 2025 by the Minister of Finance and National Planning under the theme “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia’’. There were no significant changes announced to the mining tax regime.

 

During the fourth quarter, the Government of Zambia introduced legislative changes relating to local content and currency requirements. Under Statutory Instrument No. 68, mining companies will be required to procure at least 20% of core mining goods and services and 100% of non‑core mining goods and services from companies with a minimum of 25% Zambian ownership. In addition, a directive from the Bank of Zambia will require Zambian entities to effect payments in Zambian kwacha. The Company continues to engage with the relevant authorities as it reviews these requirements and undertakes the implementation of the systems and processes necessary to demonstrate compliance as these changes transition into effect. In line with Zambia’s new local content regulations, the Company expanded supplier support to strengthen technical capability, compliance and competitiveness to improve market readiness among Zambian suppliers.

 

SALE OF COBRE LAS CRUCES

 

On December 23, 2025, the Company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cobre Las Cruces S.A.U. entered into a binding agreement to sell the Las Cruces mine in Spain to Global Panduro, S.L.U., a company controlled by funds managed by Resource Capital Funds, for consideration up to $190 million plus a contingent earn-out, comprising of a loan note, milestone-based deferred payments, and a completion payment at closing of $45 million, subject to settlement by the Company of a closing cash balance of $135 million. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2026 subject to customary approvals. The sale agreement extinguishes the Company’s Asset Retirement Obligations related to the historical open pit operation.

 

GUIDANCE

 

Guidance is based on a number of assumptions and estimates as of December 31, 2025, 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, C1 cash cost7 and capital expenditure guidance for 2026 to 2028 remain unchanged from the News Release “First Quantum Minerals Announces 2025 Preliminary Production and 2026 – 2028 Guidance” dated January 15, 2026.

 

Guidance for 2026 to 2028 is presented with Cobre Panamá remaining in a phase of P&SM and Ravensthorpe in a phase of care and maintenance.

 

Interest expense on debt for the full year 2026 is expected to be approximately $550 – $575 million and excludes finance cost accretion on related party loans to Cobre Panamá and Ravensthorpe, finance cost accreted on the precious metal streaming arrangement and on the Prepayment Agreement, capitalized interest expense and accretion on asset retirement obligation.

 

Cash outflow on interest paid is expected to be approximately $525 – $550 million for the full year 2026. This figure excludes capitalized interest paid.

 

The adjusted effective tax rate for 2026, excluding Cobre Panamá and interest expense, is expected to be approximately 30% – 35%.

 

The full year 2026 depreciation expense excluding Cobre Panamá is expected to be between $700 – $750 million. While under P&SM, depreciation at Cobre Panamá is expected to be approximately $50 – $70 million on an annualized basis, which does not include any depreciation associated to the potential processing of stockpiled ore. Depreciation associated with the processing of stockpiled ore would approximately be an additional $130 million.

 

7 C1 cash cost (C1) is a non-GAAP ratio, and 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”.

 

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

 

000’s 2026 2027 2028
Copper (tonnes) 375 – 435 410 – 470 430 – 490
Gold (ounces) 175 – 200 185 – 205 190 – 210
Nickel (contained tonnes) 30 – 40 30 – 40 20 – 30

 

 

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE BY OPERATION1

 

Copper production guidance (000’s tonnes) 2026 2027 2028
Kansanshi 175 – 205 210 – 240 230 – 260
Trident – Sentinel 190 – 220 190 – 220 190 – 220
Other sites 10 10 10
Gold production guidance (000’s ounces)      
Kansanshi 110 – 120 125 – 135 140 – 150
Guelb Moghrein 65 – 80 60 – 70 50 – 60
Nickel production guidance (000’s tonnes)      
Trident – Enterprise 30 – 40 30 – 40 20 – 30

1 Production is stated on a 100% basis as the Company consolidates all operations.

 

 

CASH COST1 AND ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST1

 

Total Copper 2026 2027 2028
C1 (per lb)1 $1.95 – $2.20 $1.85 – $2.10 $1.85 – $2.10
AISC (per lb)1 $3.25 – $3.55 $3.10 – $3.40 $3.00 – $3.30

 

Total Nickel 2026 2027 2028
C1 (per lb)1 $3.25 – $4.25 $3.00 – $4.00 $3.75 – $4.75
AISC (per lb)1 $4.25 – $5.25 $4.25 – $5.25 $5.25 – $6.25

1 C1 cash cost (C1), and all-in sustaining cost (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”.

 

 

PURCHASE AND DEPOSITS ON PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

 

  2026 2027 2028
Project capital1 410 – 460 150 – 180 100 – 130
Sustaining capital1 360 – 410 380 – 420 350 – 380
Capitalized stripping1 230 – 280 320 – 350 300 – 340
Total capital expenditure 1,000 – 1,150 850 – 950 750 – 850

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

 

Health & Safety: The health and safety of the Company’s employees and contractors is a top priority and the Company is focused on the continuous strengthening and improvement of the safety culture at all of its operations.  The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rates is an area of continued focus and a key performance metric for the Company. The Company’s rolling 12-month LTIFR is 0.03 per 200,000 hours worked as of December 31, 2025 (2024: 0.04).

 

Strengthening local supplier participation in Zambia: At First Quantum’s Zambian operations, the Company continues to advance local content development by supporting Zambian-owned micro, small and medium enterprises through targeted training and market-readiness initiatives. In line with Zambia’s new local content regulations introduced in December 2025, which require increased participation of Zambian enterprises in mining procurement, the Company expanded supplier support to strengthen technical capability, compliance and competitiveness. The Local Business Development Program delivered training and workshops to improve market readiness among Zambian suppliers. These efforts reinforce First Quantum’s commitment to inclusive procurement and the development of sustainable local supply chains.

 

COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The complete Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months and year-ended December 31, 2025 are available at www.first-quantum.com and at www.sedarplus.com and should be read in conjunction with this news release.

 

ANNUAL DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS

 

The Company’s 2025 Annual Information Form has been filed on Sedar+ (www.sedarplus.com) and will also be available on the Company’s website at https://www.first-quantum.com/investors/2025-annual-general-meeting/.

 

 

Posted February 11, 2026

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