The Prospector News

First Quantum Minerals Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

You have opened a direct link to the current edition PDF

Open PDF Close
Uncategorized

Share this news article

First Quantum Minerals Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

 

 

 

 

 

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSX: FM) reports results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 of a net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company of $136 million ($0.16 earnings per share) and an adjusted loss1 of $106 million ($0.13 adjusted loss per share2) for the second quarter.

 

“During the second quarter, we continued to deliver steady operations and we remain well positioned for improved production for the second half of the year with continued strong performance from the S3 circuit at Kansanshi, debottlenecking work at Sentinel and the processing of stockpiled ore at Cobre Panamá. With our hedging program concluded, we are once again fully exposed to copper prices. Alongside stronger production, this will position the Company for improved free cash flow generation at current copper prices. At Cobre Panamá, site preparation for the processing of stockpiled ore advanced well during the quarter with the successful commissioning of one of the three processing circuits, allowing for first concentrate production to be achieved earlier than expected,” said Tristan Pascall, Chief Executive Officer of First Quantum. “In Panama, we are encouraged by the progress achieved during the quarter, notably the release of the final audit report and the formation of the inter-institutional ministerial committee to review its findings. The final audit reported that the mine is broadly compliant, achieving an overall rating of 87.7%. 361 out of 370 commitments were fulfilled with only seven areas being in partial compliance with no areas fundamentally absent. We remain ready to engage constructively with the Government of Panama to achieve a fair and durable resolution that serves the best interests of the country and its people as well as our stakeholders.”

 

Q2 2026 SUMMARY

 

In Q2 2026, First Quantum reported gross profit of $297 million, EBITDA1 of $400 million, net earnings attributable to shareholders of $0.16 per share, and an adjusted loss per share2 of $0.13. Relative to the first quarter of 2026, second quarter financial results benefitted from strong copper sales volumes and higher realized copper prices. EBITDA1 of $400 million includes losses of $164 million realized under the Company’s sales hedge program and a negative EBITDA1 contribution of $51 million from Cobre Panamá associated with P&SM costs prior to the commencement of production. There are no derivative contracts outstanding beyond June 30, 2026.

 

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

  • Cobre Panama achieved concentrate production earlier than expected with the successful commissioning and restart of one of the three milling circuits.
  • The S3 circuit at Kansanshi continued to deliver throughput above design capacity, achieving the highest monthly processing rate in May 2026.
  • The sale of the Çayeli mine and the Cobre Las Cruces project closed during the second quarter.
  • 2026 guidance remains unchanged. However, the Company continues to note a potential impact to C1 copper cash costs2 of approximately $0.25 per lb to reflect the year-to-date impact of higher fuel prices and Zambian kwacha rates as well as potential further impact if current fuel prices and Zambian kwacha rates persist for the remainder of the year.

 

Q2 2026 OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Total copper production for the second quarter was 100,487 tonnes, a 4% increase from Q1 2026 mainly due to higher production at Sentinel and production of 3,216 tonnes of copper from Cobre Panamá with the commencement of stockpiled ore processing in May 2026, partially offset by the disposition of Çayeli on April 30, 2026. Excluding Cobre Panamá, C1 copper cash cost1 was $0.03 lower quarter-over-quarter at $2.48 per lb, benefitting from improved production volumes at Sentinel and higher capitalized stripping costs, which offset the impact of higher fuel prices and lower gold by-product credits as a result of the weakening gold price. Including Cobre Panamá, copper C1 cash cost1 was $0.03 higher quarter-over-quarter at $2.54 per lb, reflecting higher cost production from Cobre Panamá. Copper sales volumes totaled 93,300 tonnes, approximately 7,187 tonnes lower than production. Sales volumes were lower than production in the quarter due to timing differences between sales and production. There were no sales from Cobre Panamá in the second quarter of 2026.

  • At Cobre Panamá, the removal, processing, and export of stockpiled ore was authorized on April 7, 2026 by the Government of Panama through Resolution No. 27. The processing of stockpiled ore is intended to mitigate environmental and operational risks associated with prolonged on‑site storage. The first of three milling circuits was successfully commissioned in May, followed by the commencement of stockpile processing and the production of the first copper concentrate of 3,216 tonnes. Approximately 2.1 million tonnes of ore was processed at an average head grade of 0.23% and recoveries of 67%. The total stockpile is estimated at approximately 38 million tonnes of mineralized ore at varying grades, containing approximately 70,000 tonnes of recoverable copper, sufficient to support twelve months of processing at current rates. Total site employment increased from approximately 2,350 employees in early April to 3,000 employees by the end of June, supporting commissioning, maintenance, and operational activities. Copper production from the processing of stockpiled ore at Cobre Panamá remains unchanged at 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes in 2026. Following the successful commencement of stockpiled ore processing during the second quarter, the Company’s focus has shifted towards stabilizing the first processing train while progressing the sequential refurbishment, maintenance backlogs and commissioning of other required plant equipment. Concentrate grades are expected to remain low while inspection, repairs and preventive maintenance continue on the regrind and columns area of the process plant. With the power station fully recommissioned, incremental power plant costs are now being partially offset by the sale of excess power to support the national grid. Environmental stewardship remains a core priority. All processing activities will continue to be conducted in accordance with the approved P&SM plan, applicable permits, and environmental commitments, while maintaining close coordination with the GOP. The required capital is estimated at approximately $250 million, primarily comprised of working capital to replenish inventories. Cash outflows are expected to include plant and equipment recommissioning, warehouse inventory replenishment, and sustaining capital1, with costs currently estimated at approximately $90 million to $100 million for commissioning, $40 million to $50 million for inventory, and $75 million to $100 million in sustaining capital3. As of the second quarter of 2026, cash outflows in relation to these costs is approximately $60 million.
  • Kansanshi reported copper production of 43,997 tonnes in Q2 2026, a decrease of 1,348 tonnes from the previous quarter due to lower throughput, partially offset by higher grades. Throughput was lower in the quarter due to planned maintenance of the S3 and mixed circuits. S3 throughput was sustained above design capacity in the second quarter, achieving the highest monthly processed tonnes in May 2026 since commissioning in August 2025, driven by higher operating time, strong utilization and milling rates. This supported increased processing of long‑term, lower‑grade stockpiles. S3 continues to take a high proportion of feed from surface stockpiles which are tarnished and lower in grade than fresh mined ore. Copper C1 cash cost1 of $2.16 per lb was $0.47 higher quarter-over-quarter due to higher fuel and consumable costs and lower gold by-product credits. Copper production guidance for 2026 remains unchanged at 175,000 to 205,000 tonnes, while gold production guidance is maintained at 110,000 to 120,000 ounces. This is supported by higher S3 throughput sourced from low‑grade lower-recovery stockpiles following year-to-date performance and the rescheduling of crusher concave reline to next year. While ore will be predominately sourced from low-grade stockpiles, fresh ore from the South East Dome, that is harder and higher grade, will be gradually introduced in the S3 circuit in the second half of the year. The smelter optimization continues towards 1.6Mtpa as feed quality improves. Through proactive management of feed blends and acid inventories, acid sales in the second quarter totaled approximately 36,000 tonnes and are expected to continue in the third quarter, benefitting from increased acid prices. The surplus acid available for third-party sales totaled $12 million during the second quarter, benefitting from higher global and regional sulphuric acid prices to capture additional margin and generate incremental revenue while maintaining operational flexibility.
  • Sentinel reported copper production of 50,335 tonnes in Q2 2026, 5,083 tonnes higher than the previous quarter as higher grades and recoveries offset lower throughput. Throughput was impacted by the annual planned total plant shutdown at Trident that was completed in June. Mitigation strategies for ball mill flange bolt fatigue are ongoing in collaboration with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”) and engineering consultants. Planning continues for a major upgrade in 2027, which will involve replacing a section of the discharge end with a new OEM design, providing a permanent engineered solution. Copper C1 cash cost1 of $2.84 per lb was $0.60 lower than the preceding quarter primarily as a result of higher production volumes. While higher diesel prices impacted costs in the second quarter, this was offset by lower employee costs. Production guidance for 2026 remains unchanged at 190,000 to 220,000 tonnes of copper. The focus at Sentinel remains on increasing mill throughput and improving recoveries through initiatives to optimize feed grade, blast fragmentation, stockpile management, milling performance, and flotation efficiency. Grades are expected to improve in the second half of 2026 as mining progresses within Stage 2. Stage 3 ore will increasingly supplement feed from Stage 1 and Stage 2.
  • Enterprise produced 11,246 tonnes of nickel in the second quarter of 2026, a 9% decrease from the previous quarter mainly due to the annual planned total plant shutdown at Trident, which was successfully completed during June. Nickel C1 cash cost1 of $2.75 per lb is $0.23 higher than the previous quarter due to lower production volumes. Production guidance for 2026 is maintained at 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes of contained nickel at a nickel unit cost guidance of $3.25 to $4.25 per lb. Operational priorities remain focused on improving ore quality and grade control through ongoing RC drilling. Mining practices are being refined, including reduced ore bench heights, to minimize dilution and enhance recovery. Ore grades are expected to be lower in the third quarter, in-line with the mine plan. The development of permanent ramps is underway to improve mining productivity. The pit dewatering Stage Tank Pad is scheduled to be handed over to Projects in early July, after which mining activities will focus on increasing the ore footprint through lowering current cutbacks, sump development, and South Wall mining in preparation for the rainy season.
  • At Guelb Moghrein, copper and gold production totalled 2,031 tonnes and 6,310 ounces, respectively. Production guidance for 2026 is maintained at 7,000 tonnes of copper and 30,000 to 40,000 ounces of gold. The operation will continue processing sulphide copper ores plus gold containing tailings through CIL during 2026, with intermittent stockpiled oxide gold ore treatment to support the most favourable transition to full oxide ore gold production.

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Financial results for the second quarter of 2026 include:

  • Gross profit for the second quarter of $297 million was $19 million higher than Q1 2026, and EBITDA4 of $400 million for the same period was $74 million higher, due to higher copper sales volumes and realized copper prices. A gross loss of $44 million from Cobre Panamá was included in the second quarter results.
  • EBITDA1 of $400 million, includes losses of $164 million realized under the Company’s sales hedge program and a negative EBITDA1 contribution from Cobre Panamá of $51 million associated with P&SM costs prior to the commencement of production. As at June 30, 2026, all sales hedges were completed and the Company has no commodity contracts designated as hedged instruments.
  • Cash flow from operating activities of $130 million ($0.16 per share5) for the quarter is attributable to net earnings of $78 million along with favourable movements in working capital.
  • Net debt6 increased by $123 million during the quarter to $5,407 million at June 30, 2026, primarily attributable to capital expenditures of $322 million and taxes paid of $199 million, partially offset by EBITDA7 contributions of $400 million.

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

  QUARTERLY
  Q2 2026   Q1 2026   Q2 2025  
Sales revenues 1,522   1,404   1,226  
Gross profit 297   278   351  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company 136   (196 ) 18  
Basic net earnings (loss) per share $0.16   ($0.24 ) $0.02  
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share $0.16   ($0.24 ) $0.02  
Cash flows from operating activities 130   420   780  
Net debt1 5,407   5,284   5,453  
EBITDA1,2 400   326   400  
Adjusted earnings (loss)1 (106 ) (147 ) 17  
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share3 ($0.13 ) $(0.18 ) $0.02  
Cash cost of copper production excluding Cobre Panamá (C1) (per lb)3,4 $2.48   $2.51   $2.00  
Total cost of copper production excluding Cobre Panamá (C3) (per lb)3,4 $3.91   $4.07   $3.05  
Copper all-in sustaining cost excluding Cobre Panamá (AISC) (per lb)3,4 $4.14   $3.96   $3.18  
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)3,4 $2.54   $2.51   $2.00  
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)3,4 $4.12   $4.20   $3.11  
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)3,4 $4.27   $4.05   $3.28  
Realized copper price (per lb)3 $5.34   $5.16   $4.30  
Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company 136   (196 ) 18  
Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company:      
Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian value-added tax (“VAT”)   (31 ) (19 )
Modification and redemption of liabilities   90    
Total adjustments to EBITDA1excluding depreciation2 (237 ) (31 ) 8  
Tax adjustments 3   23   12  
Minority interest adjustments (8 ) (2 ) (2 )
Adjusted earnings (loss)1 (106 ) (147 ) 17  

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 2026 relate principally to a $271 million gain on disposal of group companies, a $50 million foreign exchange gain and $42 million of commissioning costs at Cobre Panamá (2025 – the adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT and the tax effect on unrealized movements in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments).
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 12,207 tonnes and 20,152 tonnes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 (2,211 tonnes and 8,609 tonnes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025).

 

REALIZED METAL PRICES1

 

  QUARTERLY
  Q2 2026   Q1 2026   Q2 2025  
Average LME copper cash price (per lb) $6.05   $5.83   $4.32  
Realized copper price1,3(per lb) $5.34   $5.16   $4.30  
Treatment/refining charges (“TC/RC”) (per lb) ($0.03 ) ($0.03 ) ($0.04 )
Freight charges (per lb) ($0.01 ) ($0.02 ) ($0.01 )
Net realized copper price1(per lb) $5.30   $5.11   $4.25  
Average LBMA cash price (per oz) $4,506   $4,875   $3,281  
Net realized gold price1,2(per oz) $4,113   $4,516   $3,166  
Average LME nickel cash price (per lb) $8.22   $7.87   $6.88  
Net realized nickel price1(per lb) $7.94   $7.46   $6.11  

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.
3 Realized Copper price includes hedge losses of $158 million, or $0.77 per lb on the copper sales hedge program, for the three months ended June 30, 2026, and $287 million, or $0.71, for the six months ended June 30, 2026.

 

CONSOLIDATED OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

 

  QUARTERLY
  Q2 2026   Q1 2026   Q2 2025  
Copper production (tonnes)1,6 100,487   96,469   91,069  
Cobre Panamá 3,216      
Kansanshi 43,997   45,345   40,103  
Sentinel 50,335   45,252   43,108  
Other Sites2 2,939   5,872   7,858  
Copper sales (tonnes)3 93,300   90,049   101,173  
Cobre Panamá   14   8,248  
Kansanshi3 44,864   39,364   43,291  
Sentinel 44,779   45,195   43,241  
Other Sites2 3,657   5,476   6,393  
Gold production (ounces) 32,029   33,988   37,419  
Cobre Panamá 805      
Kansanshi 24,586   25,355   27,764  
Guelb Moghrein 6,310   7,722   8,887  
Çayeli 328   911   768  
Gold sales (ounces)4 32,121   35,250   46,687  
Cobre Panamá   168   3,759  
Kansanshi 26,955   26,778   31,584  
Guelb Moghrein 4,925   6,831   11,121  
Çayeli 241   1,473   223  
Nickel production (contained tonnes) 11,246   12,340   4,018  
Nickel sales (contained tonnes) 8,809   9,955   6,383  
Cash cost of copper production (C1) (per lb)3,5 $2.54   $2.51   $2.00  
C1 (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá3,5 $2.48   $2.51   $2.00  
Total cost of copper production (C3) (per lb)3,5 $4.12   $4.20   $3.11  
Copper all-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)3,5 $4.27   $4.05   $3.28  
AISC (per lb) excluding Cobre Panamá3,5 $4.14   $3.96   $3.18  

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 12,207 tonnes and 20,152 tonnes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 (2,211 tonnes and 8,609 tonnes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025).
4 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see “Precious Metal Stream Arrangement”).
5 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”.
6 Kansanshi S3 Expansion project declared commercial production on December 1, 2025.

 

COBRE PANAMÁ UPDATE

 

In August 2025, the Ministry of Environment (“MiAmbiente”) launched a process to contract an independent expert to conduct an integral audit of the Cobre Panamá mine. The integral audit was completed in the second quarter and on June 19, 2026, MiAmbiente published SGS’ final integral audit report, confirming that 361 of 370 environmental commitments were fulfilled, representing an overall compliance score of 87.7%. The independent assessment identified seven partial compliances, primarily related to opportunities for further enhancement of biodiversity management and ecological restoration measures. The report also noted three non-compliances associated with reforestation programs that have remained suspended since 2023 following the suspension of operations. The non-compliances and partial compliances are related primarily to long-term reforestation, biodiversity, and restoration programs that are correctable and not considered acute environmental incidents. No areas were fundamentally absent or unimplemented.

 

During the quarter, the GOP established a high-level ministerial commission comprising the Ministers of Commerce and Industries, Economy and Finance, and Environment to evaluate matters relating to the future of the Cobre Panamá mine, including consideration of the independent audit findings and associated economic, environmental, and legal implications. The Company remains ready to engage constructively with the GOP to achieve a fair and durable resolution for the mine.

 

A key development during the quarter was the continued progress of the “Suma tu Talento” recruitment initiative to support hiring of staff for the preservation activities, with over 50% from communities in the mine’s area of influence and 17% female participation. At the end of the second quarter, direct employment at Cobre Panamá reached approximately 3,000 employees.

 

Public outreach efforts also continued in the second quarter, with the Company conducting more than 180 activities in the quarter. Since 2024, outreach has directly engaged over 420,000 Panamanians in direct person-to-person engagement. Digital engagement also expanded with the launch of a new virtual reality simulator, enhancing transparency and engagement.

 

Community engagement and social investment programs also continued to advance. The “Escuela Feliz” program now benefits more than 4,000 students, while “Cobre Emprende” has graduated over 1,000 entrepreneurs to date. During the quarter, the Company also relaunched its scholarship program, and reactivated its technical training program, reaching 150 participants in surrounding communities. In addition, the Company launched “Guardianes Verdes”, a new environmental education initiative in partnership with the FEDHPA Foundation, which is expected to reach more than 50,000 students across Panama.

 

FUEL SUPPLY AND PRICES

 

After several weeks of improving diesel availability and gradually easing prices, recent developments subsequent to the second quarter, including ongoing oil refinery disruptions in the Middle East, Russia’s suspension of diesel exports, and renewed uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, have re-introduced volatility into global diesel markets and increased supply risk for import-dependent consumers in East Africa. The Company’s regular supply chain contains sufficient diesel for at least two months of operations and, with close monitoring, may extend coverage beyond this timeframe. The Company continues to evaluate alternative supply routes with the possibility to extend coverage if the escalation continues. Costs in the third quarter are expected to continue to be impacted by higher fuel pricing.

 

ZAMBIAN POWER SUPPLY

 

During the second quarter of 2026, Zambia’s national power system continued to recover, although the force majeure declared by ZESCO, the state power utility, in early 2024 remained in effect. Hydrological conditions improved materially through the wet season, with Lake Kariba reaching approximately 48% usable storage in late June 2026, compared with approximately 23% at the same time in 2025. The state power utility continues to manage the reservoir conservatively while storage levels continue to rebuild to mitigate the system from future drought risk.

 

The Company experienced no material power-related production impact during the quarter. To ensure operational continuity, the Company maintained its diversified power-sourcing strategy. During the quarter, approximately 80% of the Company’s Zambian power requirements was sourced from imports and domestic independent power producers, with approximately 20% supplied by ZESCO. These arrangements, implemented in coordination with the state power utility and other stakeholders, support grid stability, reduce reliance on Kariba-based generation, and allow for continued rebuilding of reservoir levels.

 

During the quarter, progress was made on medium- and long-term power sourcing 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 also advanced. For the Kansanshi STATCOM project, major equipment orders have been placed, manufacturing is underway, and site installation is scheduled to commence in early 2027.

 

Supplementary power-sourcing arrangements are expected to remain in place through mid-2027 as hydropower resources recover and structural constraints on the national grid continue to ease. While ZESCO-supplied power is expected to be progressively reinstated as reservoir levels rebuild, the Company expects to maintain a diversified supply mix to support operational reliability and manage system risk.

 

LA GRANJA

 

An updated 43-101 Technical Report for the La Granja project, including an updated Mineral Resource estimate was filed on May 11, 2026. With an updated Mineral Resource of approximately 4.831 billion tonnes of Measured and Indicated Resources at 0.48% copper, comprising 23.0 million tonnes of contained copper, 600 million ounces of silver, and 6.7 million ounces of gold. The project ranks as the second-largest greenfield copper resource in the world, with the potential to become a Tier 1, multi-generational copper mine.

 

La Granja comprises a large-scale copper porphyry–skarn–epithermal system that is amenable to conventional large-scale open pit mining using drill and blast and load and haul operations. The Company’s geological work to date demonstrates that a significant portion of the arsenic is structurally controlled and associated with high copper grades, lending itself to a conventional flotation flow sheet in the process plant. It is expected that arsenic can be managed by segregation, blending and through commercial offtake arrangements. A Technical Report on Reserves is expected to be filed in 2027.

 

TACA TACA

 

At Taca Taca, the Company continues to work constructively with the provincial authorities, and approval of the Mining ESIA is expected in 2026, following completion of the public consultation process. Ongoing water supply assessments are focused on evaluating incremental supply opportunities to create greater flexibility for future overall water strategies. In April, the Water Resources Secretariat issued the hydrological feasibility certificate, permitting sufficient water to support the first stage of the project. The certificate will be converted into a water concession upon ESIA approval. The Company is finalizing its Argentina Incentive Regime for Large Investments application with an intention to submit it after receiving ESIA approval and water use concessions.

 

ASSET SALES

 

The sale of the Çayeli mine and Cobre Las Cruces project closed in the second quarter. The sales resulted in a $271 million gain on disposal of group companies. The completion payments totalled $390 million, with total net proceeds on disposal of $212 million recognized, of which $162 million was received in the second quarter.

 

GUIDANCE

 

Guidance provided below is based on a number of assumptions and estimates as of June 30, 2026, 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.

 

2026 guidance remains unchanged.

 

Given the continued uncertainty surrounding ongoing developments in the Middle East, the Company’s cost guidance continues to be based on the market prices assumed in guidance at the start of the year, namely a gold price of $4,000 per ounce, average Brent crude oil price of $70 per barrel, Zambian kwacha/United States (“US”) dollar exchange rate of 25 and royalties based on consensus copper prices. However, the Company notes a potential impact to C1 copper cash costs of approximately $0.25 per lb to reflect the year-to-date impact of higher fuel prices and Zambian kwacha rates as well as potential further impact if current fuel prices and Zambian kwacha rates persists for the remainder of the year.

 

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

 

000’s 2026 Current Guidance
Copper (tonnes) 405 – 475
Gold (ounces) 150 – 175
Nickel (tonnes) 30 – 40
 

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE BY OPERATION1

Copper production guidance (000’s tonnes) 2026 Current Guidance
Cobre Panamá 30 – 40
Kansanshi 175 – 205
Trident – Sentinel 190 – 220
Other sites 10
Gold production guidance (000’s ounces)  
Cobre Panamá 10 – 15
Kansanshi 110 – 120
Guelb Moghrein 30 – 40
Nickel production guidance (000’s tonnes)  
Trident – Enterprise 30 – 40

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

CASH COST1 AND ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST1

Total Copper 2026 Current Guidance
C1 (per lb)1 $2.15 – $2.40
AISC (per lb)1 $3.50 – $3.80
 

 

Total Nickel 2026 Current Guidance
C1 (per lb)1 $3.25 – $4.25
AISC (per lb)1 $4.25 – $5.25
 

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 Current Guidance
Project capital1 410 – 460
Sustaining capital1 435 – 510
Capitalized stripping1 230 – 280
Total capital expenditure 1,075 – 1,250

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 0.06 per 200,000 hours worked as at June 30, 2026 (2025: 0.02).

 

ESG Reporting: On May 14, 2026, the Company published its primary sustainability report, the 2025 ESG Report, the 2025 Climate Change Report, the 2025 ESG Data Book and the 2025 Tax Transparency and Economic Contributions Report. These reports, together with the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act Report, the Modern Slavery Report and the Company’s sustainability policies, can be found in the ESG Analyst Centre on the Company’s website, under Sustainability.

 

Alignment with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management: In the 2025 ESG Report, the Company announced its commitment to align its tailings storage facilities with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management, a globally recognized framework for responsible tailings management. The Company will adopt a risk-based approach to alignment, prioritizing facilities classified under GISTM as higher risk for potential accelerated alignment. All facilities are expected to align with the GISTM by the end of 2030. This commitment reinforces the Company’s approach to governance, independent technical oversight, and lifecycle management across its operations.

 

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, 2026 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/2026-annual-general-meeting/.

 

About First Quantum

 

First Quantum is engaged in the production of copper, nickel and gold, and related activities including exploration and development. The Company has operating mines located in Zambia and Mauritania. The Company’s Cobre Panamá mine was placed into a phase of Preservation and Safe Management in November 2023. The Company’s Ravensthorpe mine was placed into a care and maintenance process in May 2024. The Company is progressing the Taca Taca copper-gold-molybdenum project in Argentina and is exploring the La Granja and Haquira copper deposits in Peru.

 

Posted July 29, 2026

Share this news article

MORE or "UNCATEGORIZED"


Precipitate Reports Results for 2,050 metre Diamond Drill Program at Pueblo Grande Norte Target, Dominican Republic

Precipitate Gold Corp. (TSX-V: PRG) (OTCQB: PREIF) announces th... READ MORE

July 29, 2026

American Tungsten Advances Resource Expansion Drilling, Confirms Over 900 Feet of Strike Length on the No. 5 and No. 7 Veins, and Highlights Broader Development Potential at the Ima Mine

American Tungsten Corp. (TSX-V: TUNG) (OTCQB: TUNGF) (FSE: RK90) ... READ MORE

July 29, 2026

Abitibi Metals Intersects New Potential VMS Zone 1.5 Kilometres West of the B26 Deposit

Regional Exploration Confirms VMS Cluster Potential Beyond B26 in Proven... READ MORE

July 29, 2026

Morocco Strategic Minerals Reports 14.88% Copper and 696 g/t Silver at Ouneine and up to 4.16 g/t Gold at Aït Zekri

Morocco Strategic Minerals Corporation (TSX-V: MCC) is pleased to... READ MORE

July 29, 2026

Hudbay Delivers Strong Second Quarter 2026 Results and Improves Cash Cost Guidance

Hudbay Minerals Inc. (TSXHBM) (NYSE: HBM) released its second qua... READ MORE

July 29, 2026

Copyright 2026 The Prospector News