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First Quantum Minerals

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FY2019 Annual Report · First Quantum Minerals
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Annual Report 2019

RELIABLE
GROWTH

COBRE PANAMA | Colón Province, PANAMA

Ownership

Primary

90%

Copper

Secondary

Gold, molybdenum, silver

2019 Production Copper 147kt, Gold 60koz

PYHÄSALMI | Pyhäjärvi, FINLAND

Ownership

Primary

100%

Copper

Secondary
2019 Production Copper 8kt, Zinc 12kt

Pyrite, Zinc

GUELB MOGHREIN | Akjoujt, MAURITANIA

Ownership

Primary

Secondary

100%

Copper

Gold

2019 Production

Copper 30kt, Gold 45koz

HAQUIRA | Apurimac Region, PERU

TACA TACA | Salta Province, ARGENTINA

CONTENTS

Our Properties

Letter to Shareholders

Financial Report

Board of Directors

Corporate Information

IFC

2

5

114

116

Cu  Production
Growth in 2019
16%

LAS CRUCES | Sevilla Province, SPAIN

Ownership

Primary

100%

Copper

2019 Production

Copper 48kt

ÇAYELI | Rize Province, TURKEY

Ownership

Primary

Secondary

100%

Copper

Zinc

2019 Production

Copper 17kt, Zinc 5kt

SENTINEL | North-Western Province, ZAMBIA

Ownership

Primary

100%

Copper

2019 Production

Copper 220kt

KANSANSHI | North-Western Province, ZAMBIA

Ownership

Primary

Secondary

80%

Copper

Gold

2019 Production

 Copper 232kt, Gold 145koz

RAVENSTHORPE | Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Ownership

Primary

Secondary

100%

Nickel

Cobalt

Care and maintenance

First Quantum is a global mining 
company primarily producing copper, 
with secondary production of gold and 
zinc and inventories of nickel and cobalt. 
We operate long life mines in several 
countries and employ approximately 
20,000 people worldwide.

We are well known for our “can do” 
attitude and specialist technical, 
engineering, construction and operational 
skills, which allow us to develop and 
successfully run complex mines and 
processing plants.

After 25 years of operations we are 
now one of the world’s top 10 copper 
producers, exporting millions of tonnes 
of concentrate from multiple countries 
to customers worldwide. We are focused 
on providing a tangible benefit from 
everything we do for investors, employees 
and the many communities that surround 
our operations.

LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

In the early years of First Quantum 

we set a goal of becoming a leading 

copper-focused mining and metals 

company and the success at Cobre 

Panama is a significant step toward 

that objective. This allowed us to deliver 

record production and to set a new 

annual record for copper production.

PHILIP PASCALL
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

2019 was an important year for First Quantum. The 
Company’s largest development project to date, 
Cobre Panama, achieved commercial production in 
September, less than seven months after the introduction 
of first ore into the milling circuit. In the early years 
of First Quantum we set a goal of becoming a leading 
copper-focused mining and metals company and the 
success at Cobre Panama is a significant step toward that 
objective. This allowed us to deliver record production 
and to set a new annual record for copper production.

First Quantum was born out of a belief in the enduring 
value of copper. After 20 years we remain even more 
convinced of copper’s importance to the modern world. In 
2019, we produced over 702,000 tonnes of copper and we 
expect growth in copper production to continue in 2020 
as Cobre Panama continues its ramp-up. In 2020,  
we expect total copper production to be between  
830,000 and 880,000 tonnes, an increase of at least 18%.

We have certainly had our share of ups and downs, but 
importantly we have learned from every development 
and continue to improve our operations. We are now 
running some of the finest copper mines in the world. 
After we bring Ravensthorpe (our nickel and cobalt 
mine in Australia), back into production in the first 
quarter of 2020, First Quantum will have eight operating 
mines in seven countries. We also have two significant 
development projects in our project pipeline.

We are determined that each of our mines and projects 
should be a valued partner to the community where it 
operates. This is part of an overall sustainability strategy, 
built on four key pillars: economically viable investments, 

technically innovative operations, environmentally sound 
practices, and socially responsible actions. At each 
project, we prioritize local community engagement as we 
strive to minimize our impact on the environment, and 
to find practical ways to improve the lives of the people 
we work amongst and alongside. Our environmental 
and social programs are developed to meet the unique 
requirements at every site.

Our Health & Safety systems and our Environmental 
Management Systems are now both well developed in 
the group and undergo regular external compliance 
audits. Since 2015, we have recorded and reported site 
level environmental incidents according to a proprietary 
five-level classification system. From 2015 to 2019 we have 
seen a steady and continuous reduction in environmental 
incidents and improvement of overall environmental 
compliance across the group. We have reviewed the risks 
and management of our tailings storage facilities and 
these are subjected to regular inspection and reporting 
by independent experts. The group safety performance 
also continued to show improvement in 2019, with a  
0.05 rolling 12-month Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate. 
This is an improvement from 0.06 in 2018 and 0.11 in 2017. 
There were no workplace fatalities in 2019. We continue to 
do all we can to ensure that every employee gets home 
safely after every shift.

We prioritize biodiversity protection and we recognize 
that a focussed approach is required to meet the needs 
of each site. Our community enhancement, agricultural, 
health, education, infrastructure and other projects are 
undertaken to assist each community, and to help them 

2

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTbecome healthier, safer and more prosperous long  
after mining operations have stopped. Disclosure of these 
programs and the results of our safety, environmental 
and sustainability efforts are covered by our latest  
report, the 2019 Environmental, Safety and Social Data 
Report. This was issued during 2019 and can be found  
on our website.

By working together, I believe First Quantum has made 
a tangible, long-term difference to people in many 
countries around the world. I am very proud of the lives 
that have been improved through health, education and 
training delivered as a consequence of our operations; 
especially to the communities within which we live.

We also recognize that the composition of the Board 
needs to be refreshed as long-standing directors move 
on. In 2019, we welcomed Joanne Warner as our newest 
board member. She brings significant experience and 
a valuable skill set. Paul Brunner has indicated he will 
not be standing for re-election at the 2020 Annual and 
Special Meeting of Shareholders. We thank Paul for his 
huge contribution and his practical insight over a long 
period to the Board and its committees. We will continue 
to seek suitable opportunities to enhance and diversify 
our Board of Directors.

As urbanisation in developing countries continues to 
gather pace, copper use will continue to increase. As 
developed countries move to an increasingly connected, 
networked and new energy future, copper will remain 
in demand because of its fundamental importance to 
networks, electronics and energy storage and delivery. 

As urbanisation in developing countries 

continues to gather pace, copper use 

will continue to increase. As developed 

countries move to an increasingly 

connected, networked and new energy 

future, copper will remain in demand 

because of its fundamental importance 

to networks, electronics and energy 

storage and delivery.

There are not many known new projects that might help 
meet that demand in the future. First Quantum is well 
positioned with its large operating mines, and a pipeline 
of new potential.

The commodity markets for copper were very volatile 
throughout 2019 hitting a low of $2.51 per pound and a 
high of $2.98 per pound on the London Metal Exchange 
(LME). The LME average copper price for the year was  
$2.72 per pound, 8% lower than the average in 2018.

We achieved record production in 2019 with over 702,000 
tonnes of copper marking an eighth consecutive year of 
growth in copper output. This represents a 16% increase 
over 2018. The increase from Cobre Panama offset lower 
production from Kansanshi and Las Cruces. The group’s 
2019 unit costs remained at the low end of the industry 
cost curve and we expect this to continue through 2020.

3

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTWe achieved record production in 2019 

with over 702,000 tonnes of copper 

marking an eighth consecutive year of 

growth in copper output. This represents 

a 16% increase over 2018.

Gold production for the year increased by 

39% over 2018 to almost 257,000 ounces. 

This is largely attributed to Cobre Panama, 

which produced just over 60,000 ounces.

Gold production for the year increased by 39% over 2018 
to almost 257,000 ounces. This is largely attributed to 
Cobre Panama which produced just over 60,000 ounces.

Our Las Cruces mine recovered during the year (after 
the January 2019 land slippage) to return to normal 
operations by July. The development of a proprietary 
process for the recovery of copper, zinc, silver, and 
lead from primary chalcopyrite ore remains a valued 
technology. The performance of this technology is now 
well established, and the initial underground mining 
has confirmed continuation of the resource. We are 
now working to determine the practical and commercial 
feasibility of a long-term underground mine.

We have an attractive pipeline of advanced exploration 
projects in South America. The most advanced is Taca 
Taca located in the Puna region of the Salta province in 
Argentina. Work on the Environmental Impact Assessment 
and other studies, along with stakeholder engagement, 
continues to advance the project towards a construction 
decision. Next is Haquira, located in Apurimac in southern 
Peru, adjacent to the Las Bambas operation. Our current 
focus is to relocate some small local communities, with 
whom we have recently made good progress towards 
obtaining agreements. Our aim is then to complete 
an evaluation of the deposit and advance towards a 
production decision.

Meanwhile our Exploration Division continues to focus on 
a number of very promising higher grade deposits. The 
objective is to develop projects without the enormous 
capital demands of low-grade mines.

4

Overall these projects provide First Quantum with great 
long-term potential. However, we emphasise that our  
priority in the short-to-medium-term is to deleverage  
our balance sheet so that we can provide a reliable return  
to shareholders.

Our focus in 2020 will primarily be on managing our 
commodity risk and to establish cash flow stability amid 
the continuing commodity price uncertainty and volatility. 
We will consolidate our operations and we will continue 
to explore options available to us to bring in partners in 
some aspects that would accelerate the deleveraging. In 
summary, I am very positive about our outlook over the 
next few years.

Finally, 2019 was a year of extraordinary achievements 
in First Quantum. I would like, once again, to thank all 
our employees who made this possible. I would also 
like to express my appreciation to our shareholders for 
their continued support, particularly those who have 
been long-term supporters. They have believed not only 
in our vision, but also in our ability to deliver projects 
where others have struggled and to overcome challenges 
that others have balked at. We believe First Quantum is 
a strong company that is positioned well to cope with 
the current global uncertainties and it will thrive when 
economic conditions improve.

Philip Pascall
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTFinancial REPORT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis  

Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

6

64 

65

68

73

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 
of production and sales volumes, and expected timing of completion of project development at Enterprise and 
post completion of construction activity at Cobre Panama and are subject to the impact of ore grades on future 
production, the potential of production disruptions (including at Cobre Las Cruces as a result of the land slippage 
in January 2019), capital expenditure and mine production costs, the outcome of mine permitting, other required 
permitting, the outcome of legal proceedings which involve the Company, information with respect to the future 
price of copper, gold, silver, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, estimated mineral reserves and 
mineral resources, First Quantum’s exploration and development program, estimated future expenses, exploration 
and development capital requirements, the Company’s hedging policy, and goals and strategies. Often, but not 
always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as “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 continuing production at all operating facilities, the 
price of copper, gold, silver, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, anticipated costs and expenditures 
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 Zambia, 
Peru, Mauritania, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Australia, adverse weather conditions in Zambia, 
Finland, Spain, Turkey, Mauritania and Panama, labour disruptions, 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, the production of off-spec material and events generally impacting global 
economic, political and social stability.

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  to  be  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 and information made herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2019 

in United States dollars, with tabular amounts in millions, except where noted

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial 

statements of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or “the Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2019. The 

Company’s results have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by 

the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and are presented in United States dollars, tabular amounts in millions, 

except where noted.

For further information on First Quantum, reference should be made to its public filings (including its most recently filed AIF) which 

are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Information is also available on the Company’s website at www.first-quantum.com.  
This MD&A contains forward-looking information that is subject to risk factors, see “Cautionary statement on forward-looking 
information” for further discussion. Information on risks associated with investing in the Company’s securities and technical 
and scientific information under National Instrument 43-101 concerning the Company’s material properties, including 

information about mineral resources and reserves, are contained in its most recently filed AIF. This MD&A has been prepared  

as of February 13, 2020.

Overview
2019 has been a transformative year for the Company as its largest development project to date, Cobre Panama, reached 

commercial production in September, less than seven months after first introduction of ore to the milling circuit. Following 

the first ore to the Cobre Panama processing plant in the first quarter, operations ramped up with the commissioning of three 

milling trains, comprising seven mills, and an eighth mill introduced in December. In June, the first shipment of concentrate 

was dispatched from the operation’s port. For the full year, Cobre Panama contributed 147,480 tonnes of copper, of which 

79,776 tonnes were commercial production, and 60,074 ounces of gold, of which 35,954 ounces was commercial production, 

and post-commercial production revenues of $524 million.

The start of commercial operations at Cobre Panama has accelerated several of First Quantum’s strategic objectives. 

The Company’s vision to be a leading copper-focused metals and mining company is greatly advanced. Copper production in 

2019 was the highest in its history, with 702,148 contained tonnes of copper produced. This is expected to increase to between 

830,000 and 880,000 tonnes next year. In 2020, the Company’s geographic production base will begin to shift, with a third 

of the Company’s expected copper production to come from Panama in the next two years reflecting the addition and scale 

of Cobre Panama.

The Company continuously manages its capital structure and assesses its liquidity and financing sources regularly. Pricing, 

covenant flexibility and prevailing market conditions are all among considerations that are analyzed when assessing the 

Company’s funding sources. Consistent with these efforts, in February 2019, the Company signed a new $2.7 billion Term Loan 

and Revolving Credit Facility, replacing the previous $1.5 billion Revolving Credit Facility. The new Facility was used to repay 

$821 million of the 7.00% Senior Notes due February 2021 with the remainder used for general corporate purposes. More 

recently, in January 2020, the Company issued $750 million in Senior Notes, using the proceeds to repay and cancel the 

remaining $300 million 7.00% Senior Notes due February 2021, and to repay but not cancel $450 million due under the senior 

Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, with its forecasted reduction in capital expenditures, compared to the previous seven 

years, the Company expects that it will be in a position to begin executing on its stated commitment of deleveraging its 

balance sheet.

The Company utilizes a hedge program to manage operational and commodity price risk and ensure stability of cash flows 

while maintaining financial covenant compliance. The market price for copper fluctuated during the year from a low of 

$2.51 per lb to a high of $2.98 per lb on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”). The average copper price for the year was 

$2.72 per lb, 8% lower than 2018.

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company’s Ravensthorpe nickel mine is planned to restart operations. Production of between 

15,000 to 20,000 tonnes of nickel is expected for the full year 2020 increasing to between 25,000 to 28,000 for the following 

two years.

6

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTEffective January 1, 2019, a new Zambian fiscal regime was introduced which included increased mineral royalties, removal 

of their associated tax deductibility and imposed export levies on precious metals. Two other elements of the 2019 National 

Budget, the abolition of the value-added (“VAT”) and implementation of a goods and services tax were not enacted during 

the year and later abandoned in the 2020 National Budget in favour of amending the existing VAT regime.

An amicable settlement agreement was reached with the Zambian Revenue Authority (“ZRA”) in July 2019, with respect to 

the assessment claim on Kalumbila duties, in line with the Company’s expectations.

Full Year Highlights

OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL

 • Copper production for the year was a record 702,148 tonnes, an increase of 16% or 96,295 tonnes from 2018, and within 

guidance range, reflecting a contribution of 147,480 tonnes from Cobre Panama, of which 79,776 tonnes were commercial.

 • Cobre Panama achieved a successful ramp-up in the year, including the declaration of commercial production from 

September 1, 2019 and the eighth mill coming on line in mid-December, which will increase annualized milling capacity to 
approximately 85 million tonnes.

 • Copper production at Las Cruces and Kansanshi was lower in the year compared with 2018. At Las Cruces, production was 

impacted by an interruption to mining activity until July from a land slippage in January 2019 and a ball mill failure in September. 
Lower Kansanshi copper production was attributable to lower oxide ore grades and recoveries.

 • The Kansanshi smelter processed 1,317,826 dry metric tonnes (“DMT”) of copper concentrate, produced 324,281 tonnes of copper 

anode and 1,236,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid and maintained a 97% recovery rate for the year, which included a planned 
two-week maintenance shutdown of the smelter acid plant in the third quarter.

 • Total gold production of 256,913 ounces was 39% higher than in 2018, reflecting Cobre Panama’s contribution of 60,074 ounces 

and higher gold production at Kansanshi following operational enhancements.

 • Gross profit of $790 million and comparative EBITDA7 of $1,609 million for the full year 2019 include the contribution of $92 million 

and $203 million, respectively, from Cobre Panama subsequent to the declaration of commercial production. Also reflected are 
a 5% decrease in the realized copper price compared with 2018 and a $44 million gain realized by the corporate copper sales 
hedge program.

 • Following finalization of the Las Cruces post-land slippage mine plan, 2020 is expected to be the final year of production for the 

open-pit operation. As a result, and with the volatility in the short-term copper price, an impairment charge of $97 million has 
been recognized.

 • Financial results include comparative earnings of $2497 million ($0.36 per share7) , net loss attributable to shareholders 

of the Company of $57 million ($0.08 per share), and cash flows from operating activities of $889 million ($1.29 per share).

Comparative earnings include net interest expense of $250 million, of which a significant proportion would previously 

have been eligible for capitalization but is now expensed following declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama 

on September 1, 2019. Net loss attributable to shareholders includes a $182 million charge for the discounting of Zambian  

VAT balances as well as the $97 million impairment charge recognized on Las Cruces.

 • Copper all-in sustaining cost (“AISC”) was $1.78 per lb and cash cost of copper production (“C1”) was $1.31 per lb for the year, 

a $0.04 per lb and $0.03 per lb increase, respectively, compared to 2018. The AISC and C1 cash cost reflects four months of 

commercial production at Cobre Panama as well as the impact of lower production at Las Cruces and Kansanshi.

7

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Consolidated Operational Information

Copper production (tonnes) 1,2

Copper sales (tonnes) 2,4

Cash cost of copper production 
(C1)(per lb) 5,6

Total cost of copper production 
(C3)(per lb) 5,6

All-in sustaining cost (AISC)(per lb) 5,6

Realized copper price (per lb) 2

Gold production (ounces) 2

Gold sales (ounces) 2,3

Copper production (tonnes) – 
commercial

Copper production (tonnes) – 
pre-commercial

Copper production (tonnes)

Gold production (ounces) – 
commercial

Gold production (ounces) – 
pre-commercial

Gold production (ounces)

$

$

$

$

Q4 2019

204,270

205,964

1.24

2.07

1.73

2.62

77,789

79,409

Q4 2019

204,270

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

$

$

$

$

192,510

203,827

1.36

2.20

1.86

2.62

70,120

71,664

$

$

$

$

158,304

156,212

1.23

2.04

1.68

2.83

48,039

53,221

2019

702,148

689,386

1.31

2.16

1.78

2.70

256,913

254,785

$

$

$

$

2018

605,853

596,513

1.28

2.11

1.74

2.84

185,414

193,072

$

$

$

$

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

2019

2018

155,727

158,304

634,444

605,853

–

36,783

–

204,270

77,789

–

77,789

192,510

158,304

56,550

48,039

13,570

70,120

–

48,039

Consolidated Financial Information

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

Sales revenues

Gross profit

Net earnings (loss) attributable to 
shareholders of the Company

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) 
per share

Comparative EBITDA 7, 8

Comparative earnings 7

1,284

259

(115)

987

150

(73)

$

(0.17)

$

(0.11)

$

511

35

354

32

Comparative earnings per share 7

$

0.05

$

0.05

$

1,054

280

198

0.29

481

182

0.26

8

67,704

702,148

232,793

24,120

256,913

2019

4,067

790

(57)

–

605,853

185,414

–

185,414

2018

3,966

978

441

$

(0.08)

$

0.64

1,609

249

0.36

$

1,737

487

0.71

$

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Net earnings (loss) attributable to 
shareholders of the Company

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

(115)

(73)

198

Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company:

Finance charge on 
discounting Zambian VAT

(Gain) loss on debt instruments

Total adjustments to comparative 
EBITDA excluding depreciation 8

Tax and minority interest relating 
to foreign exchange revaluation and 
comparative adjustments 

Comparative earnings

22

4

152

(28)

35

160

(3)

21

(73)

32

5

–

(3)

(18)

182

2019

(57)

182

23

228

(127)

249

2018

441

5

–

64

(23)

487

1 Production is presented on a contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter.

2  Copper production volumes includes production from Cobre Panama of 60,338 tonnes and 147,480 tonnes for the three months and year ended 

December 31, 2019, respectively (nil production to December 31, 2018). Copper sales volumes include sales from Cobre Panama of 48,841 tonnes and 
132,864 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively (nil sales to December 31, 2018). Gold production volumes include 
production from Cobre Panama of 28,040 ounces and 60,074 ounces for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively (nil production 
to December 31, 2018). Gold sales volumes include sales from Cobre Panama of 23,336 ounces and 55,069 ounces for the three months and year ended 
December 31, 2019, respectively (nil sales to December 31, 2018).

The Company determined that commercial production at Cobre Panama commenced effective September 1, 2019, therefore, revenue and operating costs 
at Cobre Panama have been recorded for the period September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings 
(Loss). Consequently, production and sales at Cobre Panama that are pre-commercial production are excluded from earnings, C1 cash cost, AISC and  
C3 total cost and net realized copper price. Please see Cobre Panama operation summary on page 26 below for further discussion.

3 Excludes purchased gold delivered to Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) under precious metal streaming arrangement.

4  Copper 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 nil and 1,182 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, (5,884 tonnes and 
7,349 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, respectively). There were no sales of copper anode attributable to third-party 
concentrate purchases in the three months to September 30, 2019.

5  C1 cash cost, C3 total cost, AISC exclude third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi.

6  C1 cash cost, C3 total cost, AISC are not recognized under IFRS. These measures are disclosed as they reflect those used by the Company’s management 
in reviewing operational performance. A reconciliation of these measures to the costs disclosed in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings 
(Loss) is included within the “Regulatory Disclosures” section from page 49. 

7  Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company has been adjusted to exclude items which are not considered by management to be 

reflective of underlying performance to arrive at comparative earnings. Comparative earnings, comparative earnings per share, comparative EBITDA and 
cash flows per share are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The Company has disclosed 
these measures to assist with the understanding of results and to provide further financial information about the results to investors. See “Regulatory 
Disclosures” from page 49 for a reconciliation of comparative EBITDA and comparative earnings to the IFRS measures. The use of comparative earnings 
and comparative EBITDA represents the Company’s adjusted earnings metrics.

8  Adjustments to comparative EBITDA relate principally to foreign exchange, impairments, write-off of assets and costs associated with the land slippage  

at Las Cruces, and also include other losses on disposal of assets, and movements in restoration provision estimates at closed sites.

9

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full Year Financial Summary

COBRE PANAMA BOOSTS SALES REVENUES

 • Sales revenues of $4,067 million in the year exceeded the 2018 level by $101 million. Gold sales revenues drove the increase 

on account of a 22% increase in commercial gold sales volumes, due principally to the declaration of commercial production 

at Cobre Panama, and a higher realized gold price. Copper sales revenues were broadly in line with 2018, with 7% higher 

commercial copper sales volumes mitigating the lower realized copper price.

 • The Company’s realized price for copper of $2.70 per lb for 2019 was 5% lower than in 2018. This compares to a decrease 

of 8% in the average LME price of copper for the same period. The Company’s copper sales hedge program contributed 

$44 million, $0.03 per lb, to sales revenues in the year compared to a $110 million sales hedge loss, $0.08 per lb in 2018.

COMPARATIVE EBITDA OF $1,609 MILLION

 • Comparative EBITDA was $1,609 million compared to $1,737 million in 2018. This result excludes impairments and write-off 

of assets and other costs of $112 million, foreign exchange losses of $96 million, loss on disposal of assets and associated 

costs of $12 million and revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed sites of $8 million.

Gross profit – Cobre Panama contribution offset mostly by lower realized copper prices and Las Cruces

Gross profit in 2018

Lower realized metal prices

Movement in hedge program

Change in sales volumes mix

Lower by-product contribution

Cobre Panama contribution (excluding depreciation)

Las Cruces movement (excluding depreciation)

Movement in cash costs (excluding Zambian royalties)

Increase in depreciation

Increase in Zambian royalty rate

Ravensthorpe restart preparations

Positive impact of foreign exchange on operating costs

Gross profit in 2019 1

978

(258)

154

(88)

(14)

205

(136)

(11)

(43)

(40)

(15)

58

790

1  Gross profit is reconciled to comparative EBITDA by including exploration costs of $19 million, general and administrative costs of $82 million, other 

income of $13 million, adding back depreciation of $907 million (a reconciliation of comparative EBITDA is included on page 54).

COMPARATIVE EARNINGS OF $249 MILLION

 • Comparative earnings for 2019 of $249 million compares to $487 million in 2018. A reconciliation of comparative metrics 

is included on page 54. The principal driver for the reduction was net interest cost included within comparative earnings 

totalling $250 million for the year, following the cessation of capitalization of interest expense upon the declaration of 

commercial production at Cobre Panama on September 1, 2019. $549 million was capitalized to the Cobre Panama project 

with respect to interest expense incurred by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2019 ($653m for the year 

ended December 31, 2018).

 • Net loss attributable to shareholders of $57 million for the year compared to net earnings attributable to shareholders  

of $441 million in 2018. The 2019 result included $182 million with respect to the discounting of Zambian VAT balances,  

$101 million in impairments and $11 million write-off of assets and other costs, $96 million in foreign exchange losses, 

$23 million in debt modification and extinguishment losses, $12 million losses on disposal of assets, $8 million in closed 

property restoration costs and $127 million in tax and minority interest adjustments relating to foreign exchange revaluation 

and other comparative adjustments.

10

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Fourth Quarter Financial Summary
 • Sales revenues of $1,284 million were 22% higher than the same period in 2018 reflecting a $314 million contribution from 

Cobre Panama in its first full quarter of commercial production.

Gross profit of $259 million

Gross profit in Q4 2018

Lower realized metal prices

Movement in hedge program

Change in sales volumes mix

Lower by-product contribution

Panama contribution (excluding depreciation)

Las Cruces movement (excluding depreciation)

Movement in cash costs (excluding Zambian royalties)

Increase in depreciation

Increase in Zambian royalty rate

Ravensthorpe restart preparations

Positive impact of foreign exchange on operating costs

Gross profit in Q4 2019 1

280

(31)

(26)

(14)

(7)

137

(1)

(3)

(66)

(10)

(13)

13

259

1  Gross profit is reconciled to comparative EBITDA by including exploration costs of $7 million, general and administrative costs of $25 million, other 

expenses of $6 million, adding back depreciation of $290 million (a reconciliation of comparative EBITDA is included on page 54).

COMPARATIVE EARNINGS OF $35 MILLION

 • Comparative earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, of $35 million compared to $182 million in the comparable 

period of 2018. A reconciliation of comparative metrics to the consolidated financial statements is included on pages 54.  

The decrease was largely attributable to a net interest expense of $183 million that was expensed in the current quarter 

rather than capitalized following the declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama on September 1, 2019.

 • Net loss attributable to shareholders of $115 million for the quarter compared to net earnings attributable to shareholders 

of $198 million in the same period in 2018. The 2019 result included impairments of $101 million, discounting of Zambian VAT 

balances of $22 million, foreign exchange losses of $47 million and a $4 million modification loss on the senior Revolving 

Credit Facility, $5 million closed property restoration expense and a $28 million tax and minority interest adjustment relating 

to foreign exchange revaluation and other comparative adjustments.

Financial Position and Operating Cash Flow
 • The Company ended the year with $523 million of net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents in addition to $250 million  
 • On January 13, 2020, the Company issued an additional $500 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes due 

of committed undrawn senior debt facilities and was in full compliance with all financial covenants.

2023 (the “2023 New Notes”) and an additional $250 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Notes due 2025  
(the “2025 New Notes”, collectively the “Notes”). The 2023 New Notes were priced at 102.50%, representing a yield to maturity 
of 6.373%, and the 2025 New Notes were priced at 103.00%, representing a yield to maturity of 6.804%. The Notes represent 
an additional offering to the Company’s existing $1.1 billion of Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Existing 2023 Notes”), and the 
existing $1.1 billion of Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Existing 2025 Notes”) issued under the same indentures. 
The Company intends to use the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to redeem in full the outstanding $300 million  
of 7.00% Senior Notes due February 15, 2021, including the payment of accrued and unpaid interest, and to repay  
(but not cancel commitments) $450 million of amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.  
On January 16, 2020, the Company issued notice of redemption of the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2021.

11

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued) • At December 31, 2019, the Company had 80,000 tonnes of unmargined zero cost copper collar sales contracts with  

weighted average prices of $2.65 to $2.91 per lb outstanding with maturities to December 2020, 30,000 tonnes of  
outstanding unmargined copper forward sales contracts at an average price of $2.81 per lb at December 31, 2019,  
with maturities to June 2020, and unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 12,046 tonnes at an average price  
of $6.77 per lb outstanding with maturities to February 2021.

 • Taking into account forecast operating cash inflows, capital expenditure outflows and available committed facilities,  

the Company expects to have sufficient liquidity through the next 12 months to carry out its operating and capital 
expenditure plans and remain in full compliance with financial covenants. The Company continues to take action to  
manage operational and price risk and further strengthen the balance sheet.

Other Developments

CHANGES TO THE ZAMBIAN TAX REGIME

Following the 2020 National Budget, presented on September 27 2019, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (“GRZ”) has 
enacted the proposed changes into law, with effect from January 1, 2020. No material changes have been made to the provisions 
previously announced. The preliminary estimated impact of these changes on Group C1 and AISC is approximately $0.04 per lb.

Further guidance on these changes is still expected and the Company is continuing to refine its assessment of the estimated 
impact of the proposed changes.

The Company’s Zambian operations have continued to accrue VAT receivable amounts during the quarter with no cash refunds 
received and limited offsets to other tax liabilities approved. The Company considers that the outstanding VAT claims are fully 
recoverable and has reclassified all VAT balances due to the Zambian operations as non-current. A finance charge of  
$182 million has been recognized in the year-ended December 31, 2019, representing the discounting over the expected 
timeframe to repayment. The Minister reaffirmed that the GRZ remains committed to settling outstanding VAT claims and 
the Company continues to engage in regular discussions with the relevant government authorities. See additional disclosure 
Liquidity and Capital Resources on page 38. The total amount of discounted VAT accrued by the Company’s Zambian operations 
at December 31, 2019, was $398 million, of which $233 million is related to Kansanshi.

ZAMBIAN POWER SUPPLY

Low water levels in the Kariba Dam have resulted in the country’s state-owned power company (“ZESCO”) implementing load 
shedding for domestic users, however, no restrictions are currently in place for the Company’s mining operations.

DIVIDENDS

First Quantum has declared a final dividend of CDN$0.005 per share, in respect of the financial year ended December 31, 2019. 
The final dividend together with the interim dividend of CDN$0.005 per share is a total of CDN$0.01 per share for the  
2019 financial year.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, 10,000 common shares (7,000 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2018) 
were issued through the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.

Material Legal Proceedings

PANAMA CONSTITUTIONAL PROCEEDINGS

In February 1996, the Republic of Panama and Minera Panama SA (“MPSA”), now a Panamanian subsidiary of the Company, 
entered into a mining concession contract in respect of the Cobre Panama project.

On February 26, 1997, Contract-Law No. 9 (“Law 9”) was passed by the Panamanian National Assembly. Law 9 granted the  
status of national law to the mining concession contract, establishing a statutory legal and fiscal regime for the development  
of the Cobre Panama project. On December 30, 2016, the Government of Panama signed and issued Resolution No. 128 by  
which it extended the mining concession contract held by MPSA for a second 20-year term commencing March 1, 2017  
up to February 28, 2037. The Company remains eligible for consideration of a third 20-year term of the MPSA mining  
concession contract commencing March 1, 2037.

12

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)In September 2018, the Company became aware of a ruling of the Supreme Court of Panama (“Supreme Court”) in relation 

to the constitutionality of Law 9. The Company understands that the ruling of the Supreme Court with respect to the 

constitutionality of Law 9 relates to the enactment of Law 9 and does not affect the legality of the MPSA mining concession 

contract itself, which remains in effect, and allows continuation of the development and operation of the Cobre Panama  

project by MPSA.

In respect of the Supreme Court ruling on Law 9, which remains subject to various procedural processes, the Company  

notes the following:

environmental petitions.

to consider whether Law 9 complied with applicable legislation at the time, namely Cabinet Decree 267 of 1969.

 • The ruling is not yet in effect.
 • The Supreme Court decision was in respect of ongoing legal filings made since 2009 with regard to specific  
 • In reviewing the process of approval of Law 9 of 1997, the Supreme Court found that the National Assembly had failed  
 • The applicable Cabinet Decree of 1969, which was repealed in 1997 by Law 9, required the Ministry of Commerce  
 • The Attorney General of Panama has provided two formal opinions favourable to the constitutionality of Law 9  
 • The Supreme Court ruling did not make a declaration as to the annulment of the MPSA mining concession contract.

and Industry (“MICI”) to issue a request for proposals before awarding the Law 9 mining concession.

as required in this type of proceedings by Panamanian law.

Subsequently, MPSA has submitted filings to the Supreme Court for ruling, which it has accepted, prior to the ruling in relation 

to the constitutionality of Law 9 taking effect. On September 26, 2018, the Government of Panama issued a news release 

affirming support for Cobre Panama. The release confirmed that MICI considers that the MPSA mining concession contract, 

and its extension, remains in effect in all its parts while the Company seeks to clarify the legal position. (The MICI release is 

available at www.twitter.com/MICIPMA/status/1044915730209222657).

The newly elected Government of Panama, inaugurated on July 1, 2019, has established a multidisciplinary high-level 

commission including the Minister of Commerce and Industries (mining regulator), Minister of Environment, and Minister of 

Employment to discuss the Law 9 matter and seek resolution. Based on support from the Government of Panama, the Chamber 

of Commerce and Industries of Panama, the Panamanian Mining Chamber, other Panamanian business and industry chambers 

and its legal advice, the Company is confident of resolving the Law 9 matter in the near-medium term.

ZAMBIAN POWER

In June 2018, without any warning, ZESCO reduced power supply to the Kansanshi operation. The reduction was due to 

Kansanshi and Sentinel’s rejection of ZESCO’s demand for payment of higher tariffs, contrary to the existing contractual 

agreements between the parties.

On June 26, 2018, Kansanshi sought an injunction against ZESCO before the English courts, as the contracts on tariff are governed 

by English law. On June 28, 2018, ZESCO resisted the application and requested an extension to respond. On July 6, 2018, the 

Court awarded Kansanshi’s request by way of a sanctioned consent order (“Order”) which requires ZESCO to restore the full 

capacity as demanded by Kansanshi. In turn, Kansanshi is required to deposit the difference between the contractual tariff 

and the disputed higher tariff into a segregated account until an arbitration between Kansanshi and ZESCO on these facts are 

concluded. The Order continues to apply as ZESCO is restrained from making any reductions without incurring further sanction 

from the Court.

13

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)On August 22, 2018, Kansanshi served on ZESCO a Notice of Arbitration in respect of these facts. A procedural timetable  

of the arbitration has been agreed, with the merits hearing set for summer 2020. Pursuant to the Procedural Order, Kansanshi 

has submitted its Statement of Claim and ZESCO has submitted its response and the parties have exchanged evidence. 

Following exchange of documents, witness statements were submitted on January 31, 2020 and expert evidence is planned  

to be submitted on February 21, 2020. A hearing on the merits is scheduled for the week of June 15, 2020.

Despite this dispute, the Company’s operations generally maintain a constructive relationship with ZESCO, particularly with 

regards to the management of technical and supply issues. Operational and technical dialogue between the parties is  

expected to continue in the normal course.

KANSANSHI MINORITY PARTNER

In October 2016, the Company, through its subsidiary Kansanshi Holdings Limited, received a Notice of Arbitration from  

ZCCM International Holdings PLC (“ZCCM”) under the Kansanshi Mining PLC (“KMP”) Shareholders Agreement. ZCCM is a  

20% shareholder in KMP and filed the Notice of Arbitration against Kansanshi Holdings Limited (“KHL”), the 80% shareholder, 

and against KMP. The Company also received a Statement of Claim filed in the Lusaka High Court naming additional defendants, 

including the Company, and certain directors and an executive of the named corporate defendants. Aside from the parties,  

the allegations made in the Notice of Arbitration and the High Court for Zambia were the same. The Company is firmly of  

the view that the allegations are in their nature inflammatory, vexatious and untrue.

The dispute was stated as a request for a derivative action, requiring ZCCM to obtain permission to proceed in each forum  

of the Arbitration and the Lusaka High Court. The dispute arose from facts originating in 2007, and concerned the rate of 

interest paid on select deposits by KMP with the Company. The deposits were primarily retained for planned investment by  

KMP in Zambia. In particular, KMP deposits were used to fund a major investment program at Kansanshi, including the 

successful construction and commissioning of the Kansanshi smelter and expansion of the processing plant and mining 

operations. The entirety of the deposit sums has been paid down from the Company to KMP, with interest. The interest was 

based on an assessment of an arm’s length fair market rate, which is supported by independent third-party analysis.  

ZCCM disputed that interest rate paid to KMP on the deposits was sufficient.

In July 2019, the Arbitral Tribunal issued a final award in favour of KMP. The parties have reached an agreement on costs,  

in total exceeding $1 million payable by ZCCM, bringing this particular matter to an end.

In parallel, several preliminary procedural applications to dismiss the High Court Action were lodged on behalf of the Company, 

and other defendants, in the Lusaka High Court. By a decision dated January 25, 2018, the Lusaka High Court used its discretion 

to rectify ZCCM’s procedural errors. The Court granted leave to the Company, FQM Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 

the Company, and the individual defendants to appeal against this decision and the litigants have agreed to a stay pending 

the appeal. The appeal hearing took place on November 21, 2018, with submissions made by all parties. The Court of Appeal 

delivered judgment on January 11, 2019, dismissing the appeal. An appeal to the Supreme Court of Zambia was heard on  

April 24, 2019, and has been dismissed. The High Court was scheduled to resume hearing two further procedural applications, 

including whether ZCCM is allowed to maintain the derivative action. However, before these hearings could take place the 

defendants brought an application requesting dismissal of the case on grounds of abuse of process/ res judicata, on the basis 

that the action cannot be allowed to continue for risk of producing conflicting judgment from the London arbitration, which 

has already adjudicated the facts of this particular complaint. ZCCM objected to the defendants’ application. ZCCM also tried to 

bring an application to set aside the registration of the Arbitral award in Zambia. The defendants’ have resisted this application. 

Both applications have now had an oral hearing, in October 2019, and the parties are awaiting a decision of the High Court.

14

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Development Activities

COBRE PANAMA PROJECT, PANAMA

Please also see Cobre Panama operating review on page 26 below.

The final mill in Cobre Panama (the eighth mill), came on line in mid-December, providing additional capacity on  

the third milling train. Annual milling throughput can now ramp up to 85 million tonnes. Milled throughput for the  

month of December was 6.6 million tonnes.

Key milestones achieved through the fourth quarter of 2019 include:

 • Completed flotation upgrades to support 100 million tonnes per annum (“mtpa”) operation,
 • Achieved daily peak mill throughput of 251,000 tonnes per day,
 • Tailings management facility sand embankment building is now operational, and
 • Mine trolley assist line commissioned and operational.

Project construction and commissioning is essentially complete. The molybdenum plant is expected to be commissioned  

in 2020 and associated capital expenditure of approximately $12 million is included in total capital expenditure guidance. 

There was significant demobilization of the construction workforce during the quarter.

The operational workforce is in place, of which approximately 82% has been contracted as permanent employees with the 

remainder providing supplementary skills and labour from construction and commissioning assisting with initial operations. 

Approximately 88% of the current workforce is Panamanian.

The total project capital expenditure for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $697 million (First Quantum’s share  

$662 million). Project spending to completion amounted to $6.77 billion, including $2.1 billion contributed by third parties. 

The Company’s share of project capital expenditure increased following the acquisition from LS-Nikko of its 50% share in  

Korea Panama Mining Corporation (“KPMC”) in November 2017.

Further to these capital expenditures, $549 million was capitalized to the Cobre Panama project with respect to interest 

expense incurred by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2019. Subsequent to the declaration of commercial 

production on September 1, 2019, capitalization of interest to the project ceased. The net interest expense recognized by  

the Company in the income statement for the year was $248 million.

Exploration
A global exploration program continues to be focused on identifying high quality porphyry and sediment hosted copper 

deposits in prospective belts around the world. This program includes work at advanced stage exploration projects  

at Taca Taca in Argentina and Haquira in Peru as well as near-mine resource expansion around Las Cruces and Kansanshi.

In recent years, early stage exploration has expanded to cover systematic investigation of properties throughout the Andean 

belt in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia but also includes evaluation of high priority targets in several other 

jurisdictions. Exploration in the fourth quarter of 2019 included drill programs to test greenfield targets in Argentina, Chile, 

Zambia, Ireland and Papua New Guinea. Some encouraging results from prospects in Argentina and Papua New Guinea  

in particular, will require more detailed follow up drilling during 2020.

15

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)At Taca Taca, located in the Salta province of Argentina, the Company is continuing with the project pre-development and 

feasibility activities, focusing on confirming the mineral resource, metallurgical sampling and test work, and other technical 

work required to increase the definition of project engineering, cost and operating estimates. Confirmatory work for project 

water supply is continuing with additional drilling and pump testing of bore holes, and aquifer modeling and bore field 

simulation. The primary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the project, which covers the principal proposed 

project sites, was submitted to the Secretariat of Mining of Salta Province in February 2019.

At the Haquira project, located in the Apurímac region of Peru, the focus remains on community and environmental aspects. 

The environmental Impact Assessment studies continue and formal negotiations with the communities with respect to their 

resettlement have now commenced.

Near-mine exploration programs are planned to continue at Las Cruces, in Spain, as well as on satellite targets around 

Kansanshi, in Zambia.

Health & Safety
The health and safety of all of the Company’s employees and contractors is our top priority and the Company is focused on  

the continual strengthening and improvement of the safety culture at all of our operations. The Lost Time Injury Frequency 

Rates (“LTIFR”) is an area of continued focus and a key performance metric for the Company, our rolling 12-month LTIFR is  

0.05 per 200,000 hours worked on average over the 12-month period to December 31, 2019 (2018: 0.06).

16

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Guidance
Guidance for the three years following is given once a year as part of year-end reporting. On a quarterly basis, guidance  

for the current year will be updated as necessary or reaffirmed.

Guidance provided below is based on a number of assumptions and estimates as of December 31, 2019, 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

000’s

Copper (tonnes)

Gold (ounces)

Nickel (tonnes)

Production guidance by operation

Copper

000’s tonnes

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Other sites

Gold

000’s ounces

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Other sites

Nickel

000’s tonnes

Ravensthorpe

Cash cost and all-in sustaining cost

Copper

C1 (per lb)

AISC (per lb)

2020

830 - 880

280 - 300

15 - 20

2021

2022

800 - 850

800 - 850

280 - 300

280 - 300

25 - 28

25 - 28

2020

285 - 310

220 - 235

230 - 240

52

43

2020

120 - 130

120 - 130

40

2020

15 - 20

2021

2022

310 - 330

310 - 340

220 - 235

220 - 230

240 - 255

250 - 260

–

30

–

20

2021

2022

125 - 135

135 - 145

120 - 130

120 - 130

35

25

2021

25 - 28

2022

25 - 28

2020

2021

2022

$1.20 - $1.40

$1.20 - $1.40

$1.20 - $1.40

$1.70 - $1.85

$1.70 - $1.85

$1.70 - $1.85

17

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Nickel

Production at Ravensthorpe is expected to ramp-up through 2020. In the first two full years of production, 2021 and 2022,  

C1 and all-in sustaining costs are expected to be between $4.60 per lb to $4.80 per lb, and $5.10 per lb to $5.40 per lb, 

respectively.

Capital expenditure

Capitalized stripping

Sustaining capital and other projects

Total capital expenditure

2020

250

600

850

2021

250

600

850

2022

250

600

850

Guidance for the Company’s sustaining capital and other projects includes expenditure relating to Cobre Panama for the 

completion of construction and commissioning of the molybdenum plant, continuation of construction work for the tailings 

management facility and ongoing development work associated with the expansion to 100 mtpa capacity. Other projects in  

2020 include: the fourth crusher at Sentinel and construction work on the Shoemaker Levy deposit at Ravensthorpe.  

Underlying sustaining capital expenditure is expected to average approximately $250 million per annum.

INTEREST 

Interest has largely been capitalized in the period prior to declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama.  

Interest expense of $549 million was capitalized to the Cobre Panama project for the eight months ended August 31, 2019.  

From September 1, 2019, the date of declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama, all interest was expensed to  

the income statement rather than capitalized. Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019, was $248 million.  

The majority of the Company’s interest expense is incurred by Canadian entities, where no tax credit is recognized. Interest 

expense for the full year 2020 is expected to range between $770 million and $810 million, this includes interest accrued on 

related party loans to Cobre Panama and a finance cost accreted on the precious metal streaming arrangement.

TAX

Excluding Cobre Panama, the impact of the changes to the Zambian mining tax regime, and the impact of interest expense, 

the effective tax rate for 2020 is expected to be approximately 30%. Excluding these items but including Cobre Panama it is 

expected to be approximately 15%.

Including the impact of the changes to the Zambian mining tax regime, which increased mineral royalties by 1.5% and made 

them non-deductible for tax purposes, and excluding the impact of interest being expensed following the declaration of 

commercial production at Cobre Panama, the expected effective rate is approximately 20%.

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $907 million, including Cobre Panama. The full year 2020 

depreciation expense is expected to range between $1,300 million and $1,350 million. The increase from 2019 reflects a full 

twelve months of depreciation expense from Cobre Panama.

Cobre Panama depreciation expense commenced in September 2019 following the declaration of commercial production.  

The depreciation expense was $113 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and is expected to be approximately  

$500 million for the full year 2020.

OTHER

The recent coronavirus outbreak in China has affected short term LME commodity prices, though the Company has not 

experienced any disruption to the sale of metals. The Company will continue to monitor the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

18

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Operating Review

Production summary

Copper production (tonnes) 1

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Cobre Panama

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

2019

2018

60,808

50,874

60,338

17,611

8,220

4,725

1,694

58,888

56,439

19,438

9,479

6,203

3,218

2,062

61,780

60,840

–

18,470

8,319

5,931

2,964

232,243

220,006

79,776

48,090

29,620

16,706

8,003

251,522

223,656

–

70,738

28,137

19,896

11,904

Total copper production (tonnes) –  
   commercial

204,270

155,727

158,304

634,444

605,853

Cobre Panama – pre-commercial

–

36,783

–

Total copper production (tonnes) –  
   including pre-commercial

Total gold production (ounces) –  
   commercial 2

Cobre Panama – pre-commercial

Total gold production (ounces) –  
   including pre-commercial

Total zinc production (tonnes)

204,270

192,510

158,304

77,789

–

77,789

2,462

56,550

48,039

13,570

70,120

4,429

–

48,039

7,687

67,704

702,148

232,793

24,120

256,913

17,332

–

605,853

185,414

–

185,414

26,807

1 Production is presented on a contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter.

2  Commercial gold production for the year ended December 31, 2019, includes 35,954 ounces from Cobre Panama, which was declared in commercial 

production September 1, 2019.

FULL YEAR

The Company achieved record copper production in the year of 702,148 tonnes, 16% higher than 2018 and including  

147,480 tonnes from Cobre Panama, of which 79,776 tonnes were commercial. Following first production in March 2019,  

Cobre Panama completed a successful ramp-up to commercial production, which was declared effective September 1, 2019. 

Lower production at Las Cruces and Kansanshi was mitigated by the contribution from Cobre Panama.

Copper production at Las Cruces was 32% lower than the prior year, as a result of continued processing of lower grade ore 

stockpiles until July, following the land slippage that halted mining in January 2019. This was followed by a ball mill failure 

in September 2019 that resulted in the loss of several days of production. Fourth quarter production was close to pre-land 

slippage levels of the comparable quarter of 2018.

Higher sulphide grade ore mined at Kansanshi in 2019 was accompanied by lower oxide grade ore and lower recoveries  

on the oxide and mixed ore circuits. These combined with the processing of higher acid-consuming ores, and resulted  

in 8% lower copper production in the year compared with 2018.

Copper production at Sentinel was 2% below the prior year, mainly due to lower grade and recoveries resulting from the mining 

of transitional ore in the fourth quarter. Lower copper production at Çayeli was attributable to decreased throughput and grade. 

At Pyhäsalmi, production was impacted by lower copper grade, throughput and copper recoveries.

Gold production was 39% higher than the prior year due to Cobre Panama, which contributed 60,074 ounces to total gold 

production in the year, and the benefits from operational enhancements at Kansanshi.

19

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Ravensthorpe remained on care and maintenance throughout the year following the suspension of operations at the mine 
in October 2017. Operational readiness works began in the third quarter and the mining contract was awarded in the fourth 
quarter, in preparation for restart of operations planned for the first quarter of 2020.

FOURTH QUARTER

Copper production was 29% higher than the comparable period of 2018 reflecting the contribution from Cobre Panama  
in the quarter, which more than offset lower production at Sentinel. Production at Cobre Panama continued to ramp-up,  
with copper production of 60,338 tonnes in its first full quarter of commercial production, following the declaration  
effective September 1, 2019.

Las Cruces and Kansanshi production in the quarter recovered from lower copper production earlier in the year, and copper 
production volumes were broadly in line with the same period in 2018. This reflected mining and processing being fully 
operational at Las Cruces in the fourth quarter, and, at Kansanshi, higher sulphide grade ore and recoveries and higher  
mixed ore grade were limited by lower oxide grade and recoveries compared to the same period in 2018.

Sentinel copper production was 16% below that of the same period in 2018, due to lower grade ore from the areas mined  
as well as lower recoveries due to a higher volume of transitional ore mined from the east cutback.

Copper production at Çayeli was affected by lower throughput and ore grade and copper recoveries.

Gold production was 62% higher than the comparable quarter in 2018. Cobre Panama produced 28,040 ounces of gold  
in the quarter while Kansanshi benefited from operational enhancements.

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

2019

2018

Sales Volume Summary

Copper sales volume (tonnes)

Kansanshi 1

Sentinel

Cobre Panama

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

73,986

53,272

48,841

16,284

6,010

5,553

2,018

47,138

58,201

35,056

10,405

5,969

2,934

1,699

161,402

42,425

56,330

60,257

–

18,345

9,099

9,153

3,028

156,212

–

Total copper sales (tonnes) – commercial

205,964

Cobre Panama – pre-commercial

–

Total copper sales volume (tonnes) –  
including pre-commercial

Total gold sales volume (ounces) –  
commercial 2, 3

Cobre Panama – pre-commercial

Total gold sales volume (ounces) –  
including pre-commercial 3

Total zinc sales volume (tonnes)

205,964

203,827

156,212

79,409

–

79,409

2,979

55,632

16,032

71,664

2,297

53,221

–

53,221

8,268

235,381

218,282

83,897

48,244

28,046

18,118

8,451

640,419

48,967

689,386

236,126

18,659

254,785

16,372

229,832

238,211

–

71,523

27,366

17,397

12,184

596,513

–

596,513

193,072

–

193,072

26,112

1  Copper 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 nil and 1,182 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively, (5,884 tonnes and 
7,349 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, respectively). There were no sales of copper anode attributable to third-party 
concentrate purchases in the three months to September 30, 2019.

2  Commercial gold sales for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, includes 23,336 ounces and 36,410 ounces, respectively, from  

Cobre Panama that was declared in commercial production September 1, 2019.

3 Excludes purchased gold delivered to Franco-Nevada under precious metal streaming arrangement.

20

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)FULL YEAR

Commercial copper sales volumes were 7% higher for the year compared with 2018, primarily reflecting the sales volumes  

from Cobre Panama. Cobre Panama recorded copper and gold sales volumes of 83,897 tonnes and 36,410 ounces, respectively, 

in the four-month period September to December 2019, following the declaration of commercial production effective 

September 1, 2019.

Sales volumes from Las Cruces and Sentinel were below 2018 due to lower copper production at both operations.

FOURTH QUARTER

Copper sales volumes were 32% higher than in the same period of 2018, reflecting the contribution from Cobre Panama.

Unit Cost Summary

Copper C1 1 cash cost ($ per lb)

Kansanshi 2

Sentinel

Cobre Panama 3

Las Cruces

Other sites 4

Total copper C1 cash cost ($ per lb) 2

Copper AISC 1 ($ per lb)

Kansanshi 2

Sentinel

Cobre Panama 3

Las Cruces

Other sites 4

Total copper AISC ($ per lb) 2

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

2019

2018

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.03

1.71

1.28

0.73

1.16

1.24

1.48

2.22

1.85

0.91

1.51

1.73

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.10

1.58

1.34

1.46

1.23

1.36

1.74

2.12

1.56

1.74

1.60

1.86

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.04

1.55

–

0.94

1.23

1.23

1.61

2.02

–

1.16

1.40

1.68

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.13

1.61

1.29

1.17

1.05

1.31

1.65

2.12

1.78

1.35

1.33

1.78

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.03

1.70

–

0.90

0.96

1.28

1.55

2.22

–

1.16

1.26

1.74

1  Copper production for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes 67,704 tonnes of pre-commercial production from Cobre Panama, which is not included 

in C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

2  Copper C1 cash cost and AISC for Kansanshi and total copper exclude purchases of copper concentrate from third parties treated through the Kansanshi 

smelter.

3 Copper C1 cash cost and AISC for Cobre Panama are calculated from the date of commercial production, September 1, 2019.

4 Other sites include Guelb Moghrein, Çayeli and Pyhäsalmi.

21

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)FULL YEAR

Total C1 cash cost of $1.31 per lb in the year was $0.03 per lb higher than the prior year, and includes the impact of four months 

of commercial production at Cobre Panama from September 1, 2019 of $1.29 per lb. The higher C1 cash cost reflects lower 

production at Las Cruces, which resulted in an increase to its C1 cash cost of $0.27 per lb in the year and increased total C1 cash 

cost by $0.04 per lb. Lower copper production resulted in an increase of $0.10 per lb to the Kansanshi C1 cash cost compared 

to 2018 and which resulted in an increase of $0.04 per lb to total C1 cash cost. These increases were mitigated by a $0.09 per lb 

decrease in Sentinel C1 cash cost due to various cost improvements mainly in fuel, consumables and employee costs.

Total AISC of $1.78 per lb includes AISC at Cobre Panama of $1.78 per lb from the date of commercial production. Total AISC  

was $0.04 per lb higher compared to 2018, reflecting the higher C1 cash cost. Total AISC for 2019 also includes a $0.01 per lb 
increase with respect to lease payments following the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases, which is matched by a corresponding 
decrease to C1 cash cost.

FOURTH QUARTER

Total copper C1 cash cost of $1.24 per lb in the fourth quarter includes the impact of a full quarter of commercial production  

at Cobre Panama of $1.28 per lb. Total C1 cash cost was $0.01 per lb higher than the same period in 2018, reflecting the impact  

of lower copper production at Sentinel, mitigated by lower C1 cash cost at Las Cruces, attributed to cost reduction efforts.

Total AISC of $1.73 per lb includes AISC for Cobre Panama of $1.85 per lb for the quarter. Total AISC was $0.05 per lb higher than 

the same period in 2018, reflecting the higher total C1 cash cost and the deferred stripping activity at Cobre Panama. Lower 

sustaining capital expenditure at Kansanshi and Las Cruces as well as lower deferred stripping costs at Las Cruces, reduced 

total AISC.

Total AISC for the fourth quarter of 2019 includes a $0.01 per lb increase with respect to lease payments following the adoption 

of IFRS 16 Leases, which is matched by a corresponding decrease to C1 cash cost.

22

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Operations

KANSANSHI

Sulphide ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

Sulphide ore grade processed (%)

Sulphide copper recovery (%)

Mixed ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

Mixed ore grade processed (%)

Mixed copper recovery (%)

Oxide ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

Oxide ore grade processed (%)

Oxide copper recovery (%)

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

3,211

0.95

93

1,900

1.11

79

1,893

1.07

79

3,301

0.86

92

1,939

1.02

81

1,918

1.04

85

3,301

0.81

88

2,165

1.08

76

1,668

1.33

92

2019

12,908

0.89

91

7,699

1.05

77

7,201

1.12

82

2018

12,978

0.78

91

8,186

1.06

82

6,916

1.44

89

Copper production (tonnes) 2

60,808

58,888

61,780

232,243

251,522

Copper smelter

Concentrate processed (DMT) 3

Copper anode produced (tonnes) 3

Smelter copper recovery (%)

Acid tonnes produced (000’s)

Copper sales (tonnes) 4, 5

Gold production (ounces)

Gold sales (ounces)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 6,7

Cash costs (C1) (per lb) 6,7

Total costs (C3) (per lb) 6,7

Sales revenues

Gross profit

Comparative EBITDA 6

1 DMT

342,550

86,690

97

327

73,986

36,105

45,342

1.48

1.03

1.68

495

166

232

$

$

$

281,800

69,952

97

264

47,138

38,925

32,022

1.74

1.10

1.84

314

74

126

$

$

$

349,424

89,894

97

320

56,330

33,465

35,616

1.61

1.04

1.71

417

140

198

$

$

$

1,317,826

324,281

97

1,236

235,381

145,386

146,363

1.65

1.13

1.84

1,581

472

705

$

$

$

1,381,637

347,037

97

1,255

229,832

130,019

134,890

1.55

1.03

1.74

1,672

623

859

$

$

$

2 Production presented on a copper concentrate basis, i.e.. mine production only. Production does not include output from the smelter.

3  Concentrate processed in smelter and copper anodes produced are disclosed on a 100% basis, inclusive of Sentinel and third-party concentrate 
processed. Concentrate processed is measured in DMT. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, nil and 1,881 DMT of third-party 
purchased copper concentrate was treated, respectively (9,402 DMT and 11,682 DMT for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, respectively). 
There was no third-party purchased concentrate treated for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

4  Sales of copper anode attributable to anode produced from third-party purchased concentrate are excluded. For the three months and year ended 

December 31, 2019, sales of copper anode produced from purchased concentrate were nil and 1,182 tonnes, respectively, (5,884 tonnes and 7,349 tonnes 
for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018, respectively). There were no sales of copper anode attributable to third-party concentrate 
purchases in the three months to September 30, 2019.

5 Sales include third-party sales of concentrate, cathode and anode attributable to Kansanshi (excluding copper anode sales attributable to Sentinel).
6 AISC, C1 cash cost, and C3 total cost and comparative EBITDA are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.
7 Excluding purchases of copper concentrate from third parties treated through the Kansanshi smelter.

23

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Kansanshi Mining Operations

Full year

Copper production during the year was 8% lower compared to 2018, mainly due to lower grade ore processed through  

the oxide circuit and lower plant recoveries in the oxide and mixed ore circuits, reflecting high acid-consuming ore mined  

and the restriction of acid consumption to the acid available from the smelter. Higher grade ore on the sulphide circuit 

mitigated some of the impact to production.

Gold production was 12% higher than the same period of 2018, reflecting the impact of operational enhancements achieved 

through projects commissioned during the second quarter of 2019.

AISC of $1.65 per lb was $0.10 per lb higher than 2018, due to higher C1 cash costs. C1 cash cost was $0.10 per lb higher than  

the same period in 2018, reflecting the impact of lower copper production and movements in the value of ore stockpiles 

processed during the current year. Higher by-product credits and lower fuel costs mitigated some of the impact of the above.

Sales revenues of $1,581 million were 5% lower year-over-year, reflecting lower realized copper prices, excluding the impact of 

the corporate sales hedge program. Higher gold sales volumes and realized gold prices provided some mitigation to the above.

Gross profit of $472 million was 24% below 2018, reflecting the decrease in sales revenues, the negative impact of the higher 

royalty rates introduced by the Zambian government from January 1, 2019, of $21 million, and movements in the value of ore 

stockpiles processed in the period.

Fourth quarter

Copper production was 2% below that of the comparable period in 2018, mainly due to lower ore grade and plant recoveries 

on the oxide circuit, and lower throughput on the mixed ore and sulphide circuits, though higher ore grade and recoveries on 

the sulphide and mixed ore circuits limited the impact. The decline in the oxide ore grade was expected due to the depletion 

of higher-grade areas as the mine ages. Lower oxide ore grade combined with high acid-consuming ore impacted the leach 

efficiencies and circuit recovery on the oxide circuit. The high-pressure leach unit was in partial use during the quarter  

with one autoclave in operation.

Gold production was 8% higher than the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting the impact of operational enhancements achieved 

through projects commissioned during the second quarter.

AISC of $1.48 per lb was $0.13 per lb below that of the same period in 2018, due to lower sustaining capital expenditure.

Sales revenues of $495 million were 19% above the same period in 2018, reflecting higher copper and gold sales volumes and 

higher realized gold prices.

Gross profit of $166 million was 19% above the same period in 2018, reflecting higher sales revenues. The increase was in spite 

of the $5 million impact of the higher royalty rates introduced by the Zambian government from January 1, 2019.

Kansanshi Copper Smelter

Full year

The smelter treated 1,317,826 DMT of concentrate, produced 324,281 tonnes of copper in anode and 1,236,000 tonnes of sulphuric 

acid and maintained a consistent overall copper recovery rate of 97%. The volume of concentrate was 5% lower than 2018 on 

account of a two-week shutdown in the third quarter of 2019.

Fourth quarter

The smelter treated 342,550 DMT of concentrate, 2% lower than the same period of 2018, and produced 86,690 tonnes of copper 

anode and 327,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid. The concentrate grade treated in the quarter was 25.2%.

Outlook

Production in 2020 is expected to be between 220,000 and 235,000 tonnes of copper, and between 120,000 and 130,000 ounces 

of gold.

24

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)SENTINEL

Copper ore processed (000’s tonnes) 1

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper recovery (%)

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 2

Cash cost (C1) (per lb) 2

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 2

Sales revenues

Gross profit

Comparative EBITDA 2

Q4 2019

12,385

0.47

87

50,874

53,272

2.22

1.71

2.45

281

25

86

$

$

$

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

13,005

12,434

0.47

91

56,439

58,201

2.12

1.58

2.29

303

40

110

0.53

92

60,840

60,257

$2.02

1.55

2.26

344

72

141

$

$

$

$

$

$

2019

48,858

0.50

91

220,006

218,282

2.12

1.61

2.34

1,199

176

423

$

$

$

2018

48,750

0.50

91

223,656

238,211

2.22

1.70

2.42

1,454

288

553

$

$

$

1 DMT
2 AISC, C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and comparative EBITDA are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.

Full year

Sentinel achieved record throughput in 2019. The mining of transitional ore in the fourth quarter, however, resulted in lower 

grade ore and recoveries, resulting in full year copper production that was 2% lower than 2018.

AISC of $2.12 per lb was $0.10 per lb below 2018, despite higher royalties, reflecting lower C1 cash cost and sustaining capital 

expenditure. C1 cash cost was $0.09 per lb lower than 2018, due to cost improvements mainly in fuel, consumables, employee 

and contractor costs.

Sales revenues of $1,199 million were 18% below 2018 due to both lower realized copper prices, excluding the impact of the 

corporate sales hedge program, and lower sales volumes. Sales revenues comprised sales of both concentrate and anode,  

with a higher proportion of revenue realized from copper anode. The lower sales revenues together with the negative impact  

of higher royalty rates introduced by the Zambian government from January 1, 2019, of $19 million resulted in a 39% decrease  

in gross profit.

Fourth quarter

Copper production was 16% lower than the comparable 2018 quarter as a result of lower processed feed ore grade and 

recoveries. The lower feed ore grade resulted from mining of the south east extent of the main pit while recoveries were 

impacted by the increased transitional ore feed from the east cutback. Mill throughput was in line with the comparable  

period of 2018 despite the non-availability of secondary crushing during periods of competent ore treatment.

AISC of $2.22 per lb was $0.20 per lb above the same period of 2018, reflecting higher C1 cash cost and increased Zambian 

royalty rate, though sustaining capital expenditure was lower. C1 cash cost was $0.16 per lb higher than the comparable period 

of 2018 due to the lower production and higher selling costs attributable to an increased proportion of third party copper 

concentrate in the sales ratio.

Sales revenues of $281 million were 18% lower than the same period in 2018 due to lower realized copper prices, excluding the 

impact of the corporate sales hedge program, and lower sales volumes. Sales revenues comprised sales of both concentrate 

and anode, with a higher proportion of revenue realized from copper anode. Gross profit was 65% lower than the same period 

in 2018, reflecting the decrease in sales revenues and a $5 million negative impact of the higher royalty rates enacted as of 

January 1, 2019.

25

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Outlook

Copper production in 2020 is expected to be between 230,000 and 240,000 tonnes.

Copper production during 2020 is expected to benefit from increased and consistent ore supply from the east cutback  

as well as improved ore grades during the second half of the year, and improved process operations and treatment of 

transitional ore. Mining will continue to focus on operational improvements with expansion of the trolley assist program 

planned, as well as improved fleet availability and reliability. The remaining secondary crusher is expected to be  

re-commissioned during the second quarter.

A five-day planned maintenance shutdown has been scheduled for July 2020.

COBRE PANAMA

Copper ore processed  
(000’s tonnes)1

Copper ore grade  
processed (%)

Copper recovery (%)

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Gold production (ounces)

Gold sales (ounces) 2

Silver production (ounces)

Silver sales (ounces) 2

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) 
(per lb) 3

Cash cost (C1) (per lb) 3

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 3

Sales revenues

Gross profit

Comparative EBITDA 3

1 DMT

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

2019

2019

2018

Post- 
commercial 
production

Pre- 
commercial 
production

Post- 
commercial 
production

Pre- 
commercial 
production

16,493

4,437

8,375

0.41

89

60,338

48,841

28,040

23,336

452,663

354,689

0.49

89

19,438

35,056

7,914

13,074

0.51

86

36,783

42,425

13,570

16,032

152,243

269,800

271,774

350,982

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.85

1.28

2.12

314

56

136

1.56

1.34

2.28

210

36

67

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20,930

17,653

0.43

89

0.47

85

79,776

67,704

83,897

48,967

35,954

24,120

36,410

18,659

604,906

527,341

626,463

406,135

$

$

$

1.78

1.29

2.15

524

92

203

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2 Excludes purchased gold delivered to Franco-Nevada under precious metal streaming arrangement.
3 AISC, C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and comparative EBITDA are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.

26

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year

Cobre Panama achieved a successful ramp-up to commercial production in the year, following first copper production in  

March 2019. Commercial production was declared from September 1, 2019, with 79,776 tonnes and 35,954 ounces of commercial 

copper and gold production, respectively, to December 31, 2019.

Cobre Panama’s eighth and final mill came on line in mid-December, providing additional capacity on the third milling  

train. Mill throughput can now ramp up to annualized throughput of 85 million tonnes. Mill throughput for the month  

of December was 6.6 million tonnes.

Revenue and operating costs have been recorded for the period from September 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, in the  

Statement of Earnings. Comparative financial information has not been presented as all pre-commercial production  

revenue and costs have been capitalized.

AISC and C1 cash cost for the post-commercial production period to December 31, 2019 were $1.78 and $1.29 per lb, respectively, 

in line with expectations.

Sales revenues for the period September 1 to December 31, 2019, post-declaration of commercial production, amounted to  

$524 million. Gross profit for the same period was $92 million, with comparative EBITDA of $203 million. Cobre Panama 

successfully dispatched 20 concentrate shipments during 2019, reflecting a total of 132,864 tonnes of contained copper sold, 

including 83,897 tonnes in the post-commercial production period.

Fourth quarter

Production at Cobre Panama continued to ramp up during the fourth quarter, with copper and gold production of  

60,338 tonnes and 28,040 ounces, respectively. During the quarter, 16.5 million tonnes of ore with a grade of 0.41% were 

processed, and recoveries of 89% were achieved.

AISC and C1 cash cost of $1.85 per lb and $1.28 per lb, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2019 were  

in line with expectations.

Sales revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2019, were $314 million. Gross profit for the same period  

was $56 million, with comparative EBITDA of $136 million. A total of 48,841 tonnes of contained copper were sold  

in the fourth quarter.

Outlook

Production ramp-up and reliability is expected to progress through the first quarter of 2020 and across the first half of 2020 

according to plan, and throughput rates are expected to reach steady state consistency by the second half of 2020.  

Cobre Panama remains on track to achieve the expected annual production of between 285,000 and 310,000 tonnes  

of copper and between 120,000 and 130,000 ounces of gold in 2020.

The National Instrument 43-101 technical report released in March 2019 includes the plan for expansion of Cobre Panama from 

85 Mtpa to 100 Mtpa starting in 2023. There has been no change in this development plan and the assumptions used in the 

National Instrument 43-101 technical report, including the provisions for development capital. A final decision to proceed with 

the capital deployment and upgrades to the mobile fleet and equipment is expected within the timeframe required to meet the 

2023 project schedule. At the 100 Mtpa throughput rate Cobre Panama is expected to reach estimated copper production of over 

350,000 tonnes per year.

27

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)LAS CRUCES

Copper ore processed (000’s tonnes) 1

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper recovery (%)

Copper cathode production (tonnes)

Copper cathode sales (tonnes)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 2

Cash cost (C1) (per lb) 2

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 2

Sales revenues

Gross profit (loss)

Comparative EBITDA 2

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

364

5.71

85

17,611

16,284

$0.91

$0.73

$2.43

97

7

71

$

$

$

305

3.73

83

9,479

10,405

1.74

1.46

3.61

61

(20)

29

$

$

$

400

5.00

93

18,470

18,345

1.16

0.94

2.28

113

19

76

$

$

$

2019

1,354

4.17

85

48,090

48,244

1.35

1.17

3.08

291

(38)

167

$

$

$

$

$

$

2018

1,544

4.95

93

70,738

71,523

1.16

0.90

2.25

470

116

326

1 DMT
2 AISC, C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and comparative EBITDA are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.

Full year

Copper production for 2019 decreased by 32% compared to 2018 as a result of the interruption to mining from the land slippage 

in January. Mining activities recommenced in July following the receipt of the required regulatory approvals. A remediation 

plan was implemented during the suspension of mining activities and plant production continued using available low-grade 

stockpiles until August, when fresh ore was available from the mine. Plant throughput, grade and recoveries were further 

impacted by problems caused by sticky ore feed and the ball mill failure in September caused by wearing in its cylinder,  

which is planned to be replaced in the first quarter of 2020.

AISC of $1.35 per lb was $0.19 per lb higher compared to same period in 2018, mainly due to higher C1 cash cost driven by lower 

production. This was caused by the land slippage and the ball mill failure in September which had a $0.26 per lb impact on  

C1 cash cost, with some mitigation provided by cost reduction efforts.

Sales revenues of $291 million was 38% below that of 2018, due to lower sales volumes and realized copper prices, excluding 

the impact of the corporate sales hedge program. The lower revenues contributed to a gross loss of $38 million for the year.

A $97 million impairment charge was recognized in 2019 as well as an $11 million charge relating to the write-off of specific 

assets and other costs associated with the land slippage.

Fourth quarter

Copper production decreased by 5% compared to the 2018 quarter. Following the repair of the ball mill cylinder and the 

resumption of mining fresh ore in August, production in the fourth quarter was close to design capacity and benefited from 

higher grade ore processed. However, plant throughput and recoveries in the quarter continued to be impacted by challenges 

of processing sticky ore.

AISC of $0.91 per lb for the quarter was $0.25 per lb below the comparative 2018 quarter reflecting lower C1 cash cost driven  

by cost reduction efforts and lower deferred stripping and sustaining capital expenditure.

Sales revenues of $97 million were 14% lower compared with same period in 2018 due to lower realized copper prices, excluding 

the impact of the corporate sales hedge program, and lower copper sales volumes. Gross profit of $7 million in the quarter 

compared to $19 million in same period in 2018 reflects the lower sales revenue. An impairment of $97 million was recognized 

as Las Cruces enters its expected final year of open-pit mining following finalization of the post-land slippage mine plan and 

the short-term volatility in the copper price.

28

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Outlook

2020 is expected to be the final year of production for the open-pit. Copper production guidance for 2020 is 52,000 tonnes.

Ongoing remediation of the mine and cost optimization are expected to be the focus in 2020. Remediation activities in the pit 

are expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2020.

Research on the technical and economic feasibility of the polymetallic refinery project is progressing, as well as permits 

required to carry out this project in the medium term.

GUELB MOGHREIN

Sulphide ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

Sulphide ore grade processed (%)

Sulphide copper recovery (%)

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Gold production (ounces)

Gold sales (ounces)

Magnetite concentrate production (WMT) 2

Magnetite concentrate sales (WMT) 2

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 3

Cash costs (C1) (per lb) 3

Total costs (C3) (per lb) 3

Sales revenues

Gross profit (loss)

Comparative EBITDA 3

1 DMT

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

1,029

0.89

89

8,220

6,010

12,027

8,415

152,202

90,032

1.37

0.98

1.78

50

9

16

$

$

$

810

0.88

87

6,203

5,969

8,187

9,074

106,634

123,274

1.62

1.11

1.93

52

12

19

$

$

$

983

0.93

91

8,319

9,099

12,236

14,224

97,052

85,914

1.95

1.73

2.79

70

1

13

$

$

$

2019

3,851

0.87

89

29,620

28,046

44,673

44,946

541,560

525,699

1.36

1.00

1.87

243

45

87

$

$

$

2018

3,684

0.85

90

28,137

27,366

45,974

48,195

425,389

376,956

1.93

1.50

2.46

235

30

66

$

$

$

2 Magnetite concentrate production and sales volumes are measured in wet metric tonnes (“WMT”).
3 AISC, C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and comparative EBITDA are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.

Full year and fourth quarter

Copper production for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019 was 5% higher and 1% lower, respectively, than the 

same periods in 2018. Higher copper production for the year resulted from improvements in plant throughput and higher feed 

grade. The lower production in the fourth quarter was due to lower ore grade and copper recovery, despite higher throughput.

Gold production for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, decreased by 3% and 2%, respectively, compared  

to the same periods in 2018, primarily due to lower gold circuit recovery and, for the fourth quarter, lower ore grade. The lower 

recoveries resulted from higher magnetite content in the ore.

The magnetite plant produced 541,560 WMT in the year and 152,202 WMT in the quarter, representing a 27% and 57% increase, 

respectively, over the comparable periods of 2018. The higher production reflected higher magnetite ore grade and overall 

improvements in the magnetite plant performance.

29

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)AISC for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, were $0.57 per lb and $0.58 per lb lower, respectively, than the 

same periods in 2018, primarily reflecting lower C1 cash cost, although there were higher deferred stripping costs relating to 

waste development of the Oriental pit, and for the year, increased mineral royalty costs. C1 cash cost for the year and three 

months ended December 31, 2019, were $0.50 per lb and $0.75 per lb lower, respectively, than the same periods in 2018,  

due to higher magnetite by-product credits and lower fuel and personnel costs, as well as other cost improvement initiatives 

including mining sequencing, fleet reduction and productivity improvements.

Sales revenues for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, were 3% higher and 29% lower, respectively, than  

the comparable periods of 2018. Sales revenues were higher for the year despite lower realized copper prices, excluding the 

impact of the corporate copper sales hedge program, due to higher copper and magnetite sales volumes. Lower sales revenues 

in the quarter were impacted by lower copper and gold sales volumes, and lower realized copper prices. Gross profit of  

$45 million and $9 million for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, respectively, were higher than the  

same periods in 2018, with the quarter benefiting from lower costs.

Outlook

Production in 2020 is expected to be 25,000 tonnes of copper, 40,000 ounces of gold, and 500,000 WMT of concentrate  

of magnetite.

The focus for the year will be on optimizing plant operations, improving gold recovery, mining cost reductions and  

productivity improvement.

ÇAYELI

Copper ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper recovery (%)

Zinc ore grade processed (%)

Zinc recovery (%)

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc production (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 2

Cash cost (C1) (per lb) 2

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 2

Sales revenues

Gross profit (loss)

Comparative EBITDA 2

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

236

2.29

87

1.94

42

4,725

5,553

1,896

2,046

1.51

1.11

1.60

32

11

16

$

$

$

$

$

$

207

1.78

87

1.37

41

3,218

2,934

1,176

–

2.12

1.82

2.83

13

(1)

4

$

$

$

252

2.64

89

1.50

27

5,931

9,153

1,034

2,154

1.28

1.09

1.75

52

19

30

2019

916

2.07

88

1.51

38

16,706

18,118

5,252

3,879

1.65

1.35

2.16

95

22

55

$

$

$

2018

1,007

2.26

88

1.40

29

19,896

17,397

4,091

4,313

1.48

1.21

2.03

100

23

51

$

$

$

1 DMT
2 AISC, C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and comparative EBITDA are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.

30

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year and fourth quarter

Copper production for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, was 16% and 20% lower, respectively, compared 

to the same periods in 2018 due to lower throughput as a result of production from fewer mining locations and smaller stope 

dimensions, as well as lower copper ore grade. Lower copper recovery further impacted production in the fourth quarter.

Zinc production for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019 was 28% and 83% higher, respectively, compared  

to the same periods in 2018, reflecting higher zinc grades and recovery. Continuous operation of the zinc circuit has yielded 

improved zinc recovery rates for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, compared with 2018.

AISC for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, increased by $0.17 per lb and $0.23 per lb, respectively, compared 

to the same periods in 2018, mainly driven by higher C1 cash cost, and higher sustaining capital expenditure for the year.  

C1 cash cost was higher by $0.14 per lb and $0.02 per lb, respectively, for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2019, 

compared to the same periods in 2018 mainly due to impact of lower copper production.

Sales revenues of $95 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and $32 million in the fourth quarter were 5% and  

38% lower compared to the same periods in 2018, mainly due to lower realized metal prices excluding the impact of the 

corporate sales hedge program, though copper sales volumes were higher for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the 

quarter, the 38% lower sales revenues was a result of approximately 60% of the prior years sales occurring in the fourth  

quarter combined with the lower realized metal prices in 2019, excluding the impact of the corporate sales hedge program.

Gross profit for the year and quarter ended December 31, 2019, was below the same periods in 2018, mainly due to the lower 

sales revenues.

Outlook

Production for 2020 is expected to be 15,000 tonnes of copper and 6,000 tonnes of zinc, reflecting a declining number of work 

areas as the mine approaches reserve depletion in 2023.

Production is expected to be challenging due to poor ground conditions in the areas planned to be mined, therefore ground 

stabilization will continue to be critical to achieving the expected production levels.

31

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)PYHÄSALMI

Copper ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper recovery (%)

Zinc ore grade processed (%)

Zinc recovery (%)

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc production (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

Pyrite production (tonnes)

Pyrite sales (tonnes)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 2

Cash cost (C1) (per lb) 2

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 2

Sales revenues

Gross profit (loss)

Comparative EBITDA 2

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

230

0.77

95

0.33

75

1,694

2,018

566

933

248

0.90

94

1.50

88

2,062

1,699

3,253

2,297

312

0.98

97

2.35

91

2,964

3,028

6,653

6,114

120,687

110,823

127,960

90,619

168,881

124,109

$

$

$

$

$

$

2.11

2.02

2.17

17

5

5

$

$

$

0.64

0.61

1.62

16

3

7

$

$

$

(0.59)

(0.59)

1.57

34

9

23

2019

1,066

0.83

91

1.27

89

8,003

8,451

12,080

12,493

553,644

423,330

0.55

0.51

1.77

90

24

45

2018

1,248

0.99

96

2.01

91

11,904

12,184

22,716

21,799

645,885

445,181

(0.46)

(0.46)

1.70

144

40

94

$

$

$

1 DMT
2 AISC, C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and comparative EBITDA are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.

Full year and fourth quarter

Copper production decreased by 33% and 43% in the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, respectively, compared 

to the same periods in 2018, mainly due to lower copper grade, throughput and copper recovery. Zinc production was lower 

in the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same periods in 2018 due to lower zinc grade and 

recovery. The lower throughput and grades in 2019 reflect the nearly depleted mineral reserve and the constraint on available 

work areas at this stage of the mine life.

AISC of $0.55 per lb and $2.11 per lb for the year and three months ended December 31, 2019, respectively, were higher than  

the comparable periods in 2018 mainly due to higher C1 cash cost, which reflected lower by-product credits and lower  

copper production.

Sales revenues of $90 million and $17 million were 38% and 50% lower, respectively, for the year and three months ended 

December 31, 2019. Lower copper and zinc sales volumes and realized metal prices, excluding the impact of the corporate sales 

hedge program, were the main drivers of lower sales revenues. Gross profit of $24 million and $5 million for the year and fourth 

quarter were lower than the same periods in 2018, mainly reflecting the lower sales revenues.

32

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Outlook

The life of the mine has been extended into June 2021 with an assumed lower copper cut-off grade. Production guidance  

for the year 2020 is 3,000 tonnes of copper, 2,000 ounces of gold and 1,000 tonnes of zinc. The operation is also expected  

to produce 450,000 tonnes of pyrite.

Throughput is expected to be 700,000 tonnes in 2020 in line with the anticipated depletion of economic ore.

A total of 167 days of shutdown time is planned for 2020 to optimize plant throughput, reflecting two weeks of shutdown  

each month.

RAVENSTHORPE

Ravensthorpe remained on care and maintenance during the year, and continued operational readiness works during  

the fourth quarter in preparation for the restart of operations in the first quarter of 2020. During the quarter, the mining 

contract was awarded, and commissioning works on crushing, beneficiation and acid leaching circuits continued.  

Also, recruitment of personnel commenced. Costs in the fourth quarter and twelve months of 2019 were $18 million  

and $38 million, respectively, reflecting the increase in operational readiness work and activities.

Outlook

The mining contractor mobilized and commenced mine production early in the first quarter of 2020. On the process plant, 

commissioning works and recruitment of operations personnel are planned to continue to ramp up ahead of expected first 

nickel and cobalt production during the quarter. The first two shipments of sulphur, a critical process reagent, were received  

in January 2020.

Following restart, Ravensthorpe is expected to produce between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes of nickel in 2020.

Engineering design and the relevant governmental approval process for development of the Shoemaker Levy orebody  

is ongoing ahead of a capital works program, expected to commence in 2020, to bring Shoemaker Levy into production,  

with first ore to the plant scheduled for early 2021.

33

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Sales Revenues

Kansanshi

- copper

- gold

- acid

Sentinel

- copper

- copper

Cobre Panama 2

- gold

- other

Las Cruces

- copper

- copper

Guelb Moghrein

- gold

Çayeli

- magnetite

- copper

- zinc, gold and silver

- copper

Pyhäsalmi

- zinc

- pyrite, gold and silver

Corporate 1

Sales revenues 2

Copper

Gold

Zinc

Other

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

424

65

6

281

253

53

8

97

30

12

8

26

6

10

1

6

(2)

1,284

1,120

132

4

28

1,284

265

45

4

303

178

26

6

61

30

12

10

13

–

9

2

5

18

987

877

86

2

22

987

371

41

5

344

–

–

–

113

48

17

5

44

8

17

11

6

24

1,054

963

61

15

15

2019

1,363

197

21

1,199

431

79

14

291

145

58

40

85

10

45

22

23

44

4,067

3,603

342

28

94

2018

1,491

160

21

1,454

–

–

–

470

154

58

23

87

13

70

45

29

(109)

3,966

3,616

228

53

69

3,966

1,054

4,067

1 Corporate sales include sales hedges (see “Hedging programs” for further discussion).
2  The Company determined that commercial production at Cobre Panama commenced effective September 1, 2019. Pre-commercial sales revenues 

attributable to Cobre Panama are capitalized and are excluded from earnings.

Full year

Total sales revenues were 3% higher than 2018, including sales at Cobre Panama, following declaration of commercial 

production on September 1, 2019, which contributed $431 million and $79 million in copper and gold sales revenues, 

respectively, in the year. Copper sales revenues were in line with 2018, reflecting the contribution by Cobre Panama 

notwithstanding the impact of a 5% decrease in the realized copper price. Included within copper sales revenues is  

$44 million realized gain on the corporate copper sales hedge program, compared with a $110 million loss in 2018.

34

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Gold revenues, which include Cobre Panama, increased by $114 million compared to 2018 and benefited from a 23% increase  

to the realized gold price which increased gold sales revenues by $63 million compared to 2018. The higher gold sales volumes, 

inclusive of Cobre Panama, represented $51 million of the increased gold sales revenues.

Fourth quarter

Total sales revenues were $230 million higher than the comparable period of 2018 benefiting from the first full quarter  

of commercial production at Cobre Panama, which contributed $314 million.

Copper sales volumes for the quarter were 32% higher than the same period of 2018 which resulted in a $260 million increase 

to copper sales revenues, despite a 7% decrease in the realized copper price which reduced copper sales revenues by  

$101 million. Included within copper sales revenues was a $1 million loss of the copper sales hedge program, compared  

with a $25 million gain in 2018.

Gold sales revenues were $71 million higher than the comparable period of 2018, reflecting a 49% increase in gold sales 

volumes, mainly attributable to Cobre Panama which contributed $53 million, as well as the impact of higher realized gold 

prices in the period compared to 2018.

Realized Prices

Copper selling price (per lb)

Average LME cash price

Realized copper price 

Treatment/refining charges (“TC/RC”)  
and freight

Net realized copper price

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

$

$

$

$

2.67

2.62

(0.15)

2.47

$

$

$

$

2.63

2.62

(0.16)

2.46

$

$

$

$

2.80

2.83

(0.14)

2.69

$

$

$

$

2019

2.72

2.70

(0.15)

2.55

$

$

$

$

2018

2.96

2.84

(0.13)

2.71

Given the volatility in copper prices, significant variances can arise between average LME cash price and net realized prices due 

to the timing of sales during the period.

The copper sales hedging program added $44 million to the full year, an impact of $0.03 per lb on the net realized copper price. 

The impact on the quarter was a hedge loss of $1 million but with a modest impact on the net realized copper price achieved.

Details of the Company’s hedging program and the contracts held are included on page 41.

35

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Summary Financial Results 1

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

2019

2018

Gross profit (loss)

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Cobre Panama

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate 2

Total gross profit

Exploration

General and administrative

Impairment 

Other income (expense)

Net finance expense

Loss on partial redemption  
of senior notes 

Finance charge on discounting  
of Zambian VAT

Income tax credit (expense)

Net earnings (loss)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders of the Company

Comparative earnings

Earnings (loss) per share

Basic 

Diluted 

Comparative 

166

25

56

7

9

11

5

(18)

(2)

259

(7)

(25)

(101)

(57)

(187)

–

(22)

17

(123)

(8)

(115)

35

$

$

$

(0.17)

(0.17)

0.05

$

$

$

74

40

36

(20)

12

(1)

3

(8)

14

150

(4)

(21)

–

(17)

(59)

–

(160)

33

(78)

(5)

(73)

32

(0.11)

(0.11)

0.05

$

$

$

140

72

–

19

1

19

9

(4)

24

280

(7)

(19)

–

6

(1)

–

(5)

(41)

213

15

198

182

0.29

0.29

0.26

472

176

92

(38)

45

22

24

(38)

35

790

(19)

(82)

(101)

(114)

(248)

(25)

(182)

(70)

(51)

6

(57)

249

$

$

$

(0.08)

(0.08)

0.36

$

$

$

623

288

–

116

30

23

40

(16)

(126)

978

(26)

(74)

–

(69)

(13)

–

(5)

(283)

508

67

441

487

0.64

0.64

0.71

Basic weighted average number of shares  
(in 000’s)

688,083

688,425

687,074

687,596

686,747

1  The Company determined that commercial production at Cobre Panama commenced effective September 1, 2019. Pre-commercial production operating 

results attributable to Cobre Panama are capitalized and are excluded from earnings.

2 Corporate gross profit (loss) relates primarily to the sales hedge contracts.

36

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year

Gross profit, inclusive of a $92 million contribution from Cobre Panama, was 19% lower than the comparable period of 2018 due 

principally to lower realized copper prices and lower sales volumes at Las Cruces and Sentinel, and increased Zambian mineral 

royalty rates. These were mitigated by the positive contribution of Cobre Panama, gains on the copper sales hedge program  

and a positive impact of foreign exchange on operational costs.

In 2018 there was a sell-down of Sentinel inventory resulting in a comparatively lower copper sales volume in 2019, although 

aligned to production levels. Lower copper sales volumes at Las Cruces were due to the interruption to mining from January 

until July 2019, as well as the ball mill failure in September that impacted production.

An impairment charge of $101 million was recognized which includes $97 million at Las Cruces resulting from volatility  

in the short-term copper price, reflecting production for 2020 following finalization of the post-land slippage mine plan,  

which is expected to be the final year of production for the open-pit operation. This is in addition to specific asset write-offs 

and associated costs of $11 million, included in other expenses, that were recognized following the land slippage that occurred 

in January 2019.

Other expense for 2019 includes a foreign exchange loss of $96 million, primarily due to the depreciation of the Zambian 

kwacha against the US dollar and the impact on the VAT balances due to Kansanshi and Sentinel. This compared with a  

$64 million loss in the same period of 2018. In 2019, an $11 million loss representing the equity share of earnings from  

the KPMC joint venture has been included in other expense, this represents the share of earnings from the Cobre Panama mine.

Following declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama on September 1, 2019, the Company ceased capitalization  

of interest costs to the project and a net interest expense of $248 million was reported in the statement of earnings, compared 

with $13 million in 2018. Interest expense for 2019 also includes a modification gain of $3 million on the senior Revolving Credit 

Facility, as a result of adjustments to the timings of drawdowns on the facility.

A $25 million loss on partial redemption of the Company’s 7.00% Notes due February 2021, was recognized in the first  

quarter of 2019.

Included within the net loss of $51 million for the year is a finance charge of $182 million with respect to the discounting  

of Zambian VAT balances. The tax expense of $70 million reflects the applicable statutory tax rates, which range from 20% to 

35% for the Company’s operations. No tax charge has been recognized with respect to the gain realized on the Company’s 

copper sales hedge program, the modification gain on the senior Revolving Credit Facility, or the loss on partial redemption  

of the senior notes.

The effective tax rate, excluding the sales hedge program, comparative finance charges, and the impact of Zambian mining tax 

regime changes effective January 1, 2019, which increased mineral royalties by 1.5% and made them non-deductible for tax,  

and the impact of interest that would previously have been eligible for capitalization but is now expensed following declaration 

of commercial production at Cobre Panama on September 1, 2019, was approximately 15%. The effective tax rate, including the 

impact of the Zambian mining tax regime changes effective January 1, 2019, and excluding interest expense for the four months 

ended December 31, 2019, was approximately 30%.

Fourth quarter

Gross profit for the quarter of $259 million including Cobre Panama, which contributed $56 million following the declaration  

of commercial production on September 1, 2019, was 8% lower than the comparable quarter of 2018, as a result of a lower 

realized copper price and increased Zambian mineral royalty rates.

A $97 million impairment charge was recognized at Las Cruces, resulting from volatility in the short-term copper price,  

reflecting production for 2020 following finalization of the post-land slippage mine plan, which is expected to be the final year 

of production for the open-pit operation. A $4 million impairment charge with respect to Ecuadorean exploration assets was  

also recognized in the period. Included within other expense is a $47 million foreign exchange loss, mainly attributable to  

the depreciation of the Zambian kwacha against the US dollar and the impact on the locally denominated VAT balances  

37

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)due to Kansanshi and Sentinel, compared with a $13 million gain in the comparable period of 2018. A $4 million modification 

loss was recognized in the quarter on the senior revolving credit facility, as a result of adjustments to the timings of drawdowns 

on the senior Revolving Credit Facility.

Net loss of $123 million included a finance charge of $22 million with respect to the discounting of Zambian VAT balances  

and net interest expense of $187 million. Also included is a tax credit of $17 million reflecting applicable statutory tax rates, 

which range from 20% to 35% for the Company’s operations. No tax charge has been recognized with respect to the gain 

realized on the Company’s copper sales hedge program or the modification loss on the senior revolving credit facility.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Q4 2019

400

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

151

338

2019

889

2018

1,980

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from (used by)  
investing activities

Payments and deposits for property,  
plant and equipment

Capitalized borrowing costs paid in cash

Acquisition of KPMC

Other investing activities

Cash flows from (used by)  
financing activities

Net movement in debt  
and trading facilities

Early redemption costs on senior notes

Other financing activities

Exchange gains (losses) on cash  
and cash equivalents

Net cash inflow (outflow)

Cash balance

Total assets

Total current liabilities

Total long-term liabilities

Net debt1

(606)

(1,455)

(2,143)

(325)

–

(100)

9

203

–

(70)

–

117

523

24,747

2,523

11,562

7,675

(270)

(101)

–

2

(122)

–

(56)

–

(396)

406

24,453

2,081

11,614

7,579

(49)

(80)

6

413

–

19

(6)

35

788

23,537

1,644

11,171

6,497

(388)

(100)

23

883

(14)

(103)

–

(265)

523

24,747

2,523

11,562

7,675

(441)

(185)

17

948

–

(68)

(22)

86

788

23,537

1,644

11,171

6,497

2.88

Cash flows from operating activities  
per share 1

$

0.58

$

0.22

$

0.49

$

1.29

$

1 Cash flows per share and Net debt are not recognized under IFRS. See “Regulatory Disclosures” for further information.

Cash flows from operating activities in the year were $1,091 million lower than 2018. The prior period included receipts from 

Franco-Nevada of $630 million under the precious metal stream arrangement. Comparative EBITDA was $128 million lower in 

2019 compared to 2018 which flowed through to operating activities and working capital outflows were $294 million higher,  

due to VAT claims in Zambia and higher trade receivables from increased revenue in the respective final quarters. Cashflows 

used by investing activities included $100 million instalment paid with respect to the acquisition of KPMC in 2017.

38

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)The total VAT receivable accrued by the Company’s Zambian operations at December 31, 2019, was $398 million, of which  
$233 million relates to Kansanshi. A finance charge of $160 million had previously been recognized in the nine months ended 
September 30, 2019, to reflect the impact of discounting the balance over the expected timeframe to repayment. A further  
$22 million finance charge was recognized in the quarter ended December 31, 2019, representing the discounting of all Zambian 
VAT balances over the expected timeframe to repayment, using a Zambian kwacha risk-free rate. As at December 31, 2018, the 
impact of discounting non-current VAT was $25 million. In February 2015, the GRZ implemented a change in the Statutory 
Instrument regarding VAT. Claims totalling Zambian kwacha 1,585 million (currently equivalent to $113 million) made by 
Kansanshi prior to this date remain outstanding. Cash totalling $99 million has been received to date for claims subsequent 
to February 2015. The accrual for historical VAT receivables stems from the application of discretionary rules established and 
applied by the Commissioner General relating to exports from Zambia. The Company is in regular discussions with the relevant 
government authorities and continues to consider that the outstanding claims are fully recoverable.

Zambian VAT

Receivable at date of claim

Impact of depreciation of Zambian kwacha against US$

Impact of discounting non-current portion

Total receivable 

Comprising: 

Current portion, included within trade and other receivables 

Non-current VAT receivable

December 31, 
2019

December 31, 
2018

847

(242)

605

(207)

398

2

396

645

(177)

468

(25)

443

334

109

Cash flows used by investing activities in 2019 included capital expenditure of $1,455 million compared to $2,143 million for 
the same period in 2018, mostly related to bringing the Cobre Panama operation into commercial production. Interest paid 
and capitalized to property, plant and equipment of $388 million compares to $441 million in 2018. Following the declaration 
of commercial production at Cobre Panama, effective September 1, 2019, and the cessation of capitalization, interest paid is 
included within cash flows from financing activities.

Cash inflows from financing activities of $766 million (2018: $880 million) included net proceeds from debt of $726 million  
and interest paid of $181 million compared with $1,022 million and $22 million in 2018, respectively.

Liquidity outlook

At December 31, 2019, the Company had $250 million of committed undrawn senior debt facilities, $523 million in net 
unrestricted cash, and current working capital of $994 million. These, together with expected future cash flows, support  
the Company’s belief in its ability to meet current obligations as they become due. The Company was in full compliance  
with all its financial covenants at December 31, 2019, and expects to remain in compliance throughout the next 12 months.

On January 13, 2020, the Company issued an additional $500 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes  
due 2023 (the “2023 New Notes”) and an additional $250 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Notes due 2025  
(the “2025 New Notes”, collectively the “Notes”). The 2023 New Notes were priced at 102.50% and the 2025 New Notes were 
priced at 103.00%. The Notes represent an additional offering to the Company’s existing $1.1 billion of Senior Notes due 2023 
(the “Existing 2023 Notes”), and the existing $1.1 billion of Senior Notes due 2025 (the “Existing 2025 Notes”) issued under  
the same indentures.

Interest on the 2023 New Notes will accrue from October 1, 2019 at a rate of 7.25% per annum and will be payable semi-annually. 
Interest on the 2025 New Notes will accrue from October 1, 2019 at a rate of 7.50% per annum and will be payable semi-annually. 
The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will be guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries.

39

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)The Company intends to use the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to redeem in full the outstanding $300 million  

of 7.00% Senior Notes due February 15, 2021, including the payment of accrued and unpaid interest, and to repay (but not  

cancel commitments) $450 million of amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility. On January 16, 2020, 

the Company issued notice of redemption of the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2021.

On July 18, 2019, Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) reaffirmed a B rating with a stable outlook for both the Long-Term Issuer Default Rating 

and Senior Unsecured Rating. On September 6, 2019, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) lowered the rating from B to B- with a stable 

outlook following a downgrade in the sovereign credit rating from CCC+ as the Company’s rating is currently capped at one 

notch above the Zambia sovereign rating. The rating of the Company published by Moody’s is unsolicited and non-participating.

At December 31, 2019, the Company had total commitments of $137 million, all of which related to the 12 months following the 

period end.

Contractual and other obligations as at December 31, 2019, are as follows:

Contractual and other obligations as at December 31, 2019

Carrying 
value

Contractual 
cashflows

< 1 year

1 – 3 years

3 – 5 years

Thereafter

Debt – principal  
repayments

Debt – finance charges

Trading facilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative instruments

7,936

–

262

637

31

Liability to joint venture 1

1,238

Joint venture  
consideration

Current taxes payable

Deferred payments

Leases

Commitments

Restoration provisions

182

141

42

36

–

699

8,004

2,014

262

637

31

2,312

200

141

42

41

137

1,103

804

544

262

637

31

–

100

141

4

14

137

9

3,150

901

–

–

–

–

100

–

8

13

–

81

1,950

425

–

–

–

–

–

–

8

8

–

2,100

144

–

–

–

2,312

–

–

22

6

–

51

962

1  Refers to distributions to KPMC, a joint venture that holds a 20% non-controlling interest in MPSA of which the Company has joint control, and not 

scheduled repayments.

Hedging programs

The Company has hedging programs in respect of future copper sales and provisionally priced sales contracts. Below is  

a summary of the fair values of unsettled derivative financial instruments for commodity contracts recorded on the 

consolidated balance sheet.

Commodity contracts

Asset position 

Liability position 

40

December 31, 
2019

December 31, 
2018

9

(31)

43

(3)

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)The Company has entered into derivative contracts to ensure that the exposure to the price of copper on future sales is 

managed to ensure stability of cash flows as the Company expects to be in a position to begin deleveraging its balance sheet, 

while maintaining compliance with financial covenants.

At February 13, 2020, the Company has 160,000 tonnes of unmargined zero cost copper collar sales contracts with maturities 

to January 2021 at weighted average prices of $2.66 per lb to $2.92 per lb. In addition, the Company has 55,000 tonnes of 

unmargined copper forward sales contracts at an average price of $2.81 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to January 

2021. The Company also has unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 12,046 tonnes at an average price of $6.77 per lb 

outstanding with maturities to February 2021.

Approximately a third of expected copper sales in the first half of 2020, are hedged to unmargined forward and zero cost collar 

sales contracts, at an average floor price of $2.71 per lb.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, a gain for settled hedges of $44 million was realized through sales revenues.  

Fair value gains on outstanding contracts of $8 million have been recognized as a derivative asset at December 31, 2019.

Provisional pricing and derivative contracts

A portion of the Company’s metal sales is sold on a provisional pricing basis whereby sales are recognized at prevailing metal 

prices when title transfers to the customer and final pricing is not determined until a subsequent date, typically two months 

later. The difference between final price and provisional invoice price is recognized in net earnings. In order to mitigate the 

impact of these adjustments on net earnings, the Company enters into derivative contracts to directly offset the pricing 

exposure on the provisionally priced contracts. The provisional pricing gains or losses and offsetting derivative gains or losses 

are both recognized as a component of cost of sales. Derivative assets are presented in other assets and derivative liabilities 

are presented in other liabilities with the exception of copper and gold embedded derivatives which are included within 

accounts receivable.

As at December 31, 2019, the following derivative positions in provisionally priced sales and commodity contracts not 

designated as hedged instruments were outstanding:

Embedded derivatives in provisionally priced sales contracts:

Copper 

Gold 

Commodity contracts:

Copper 

Gold 

Open  
positions 
(tonnes/ozs)

Average 
contract 
price

Closing 
market price

Maturities 
through

119,336

$ 

2.71/lb

28,333

$  1,502/oz

119,550

$ 

2.71/lb

28,336

$  1,502/oz

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.79/lb

April 2020

1,523/oz

April 2020

2.79/lb

April 2020

1,523/oz

April 2020

As at December 31, 2019, substantially all of the Company’s metal sales contracts subject to pricing adjustments were hedged by 

offsetting derivative contracts.

41

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Equity
At the date of this report, the Company had 689,401,007 shares outstanding.

Joint Venture
On November 8, 2017, the Company completed the purchase of a 50% interest in KPMC from LS-Nikko Copper Inc. KPMC is jointly 

owned and controlled with Korea Resources Corporation (“KORES”) and holds a 20% interest in Cobre Panama. The purchase 

consideration of $664 million comprised the acquisition consideration of $635 million and the reimbursement of cash advances 

of $29 million with $179 million paid on closing. Consideration of $100 million was paid in the year ended December 31, 2019 

(year ended December 31, 2018: $185 million). The remaining consideration is payable in two instalments to November 2021. 

$100 million is included within trade and other payables and $82 million within other non-current liabilities (note 11).

A $589 million investment in the joint venture representing the discounted consideration value and the Company’s 

proportionate share of the loss in KPMC of $11 million (note 22) is recognized. The earnings in KPMC relate to the 20% equity 

accounted share of loss reported by MPSA, a subsidiary of the Company. The material assets and liabilities of KPMC are an 

investment in MPSA of $359 million, shareholder loans receivable from the Company (note 11b) and shareholder loans payable 

of $1,238 million due to the Company and its joint venture partner KORES.

Franco-Nevada Stream
The Company, through its subsidiary, MPSA, has a precious metal streaming arrangement with Franco-Nevada. The arrangement 

comprises two tranches, the first of which (“Tranche 1”) was finalized on October 5, 2015. Under the terms of Tranche 1,  

Franco-Nevada, through a wholly owned subsidiary, agreed to provide a $1 billion deposit to be funded on a pro-rata basis  

of 1:3 with the Company’s 80% share of the capital costs of Cobre Panama in excess of $1 billion. The full Tranche 1 deposit 

amount has been fully funded to MPSA. The second tranche (“Tranche 2”) was finalized on March 16, 2018, and $356 million  

was received on completion. Proceeds received from Franco-Nevada under the terms of the precious metals streaming 

arrangement are accounted for as deferred revenue.

The amount of precious metals deliverable under both tranches is indexed to total copper-in-concentrate sold by  

Cobre Panama. Under the terms of Tranche 1 the ongoing payment of the Fixed Payment Stream is fixed per ounce payments  

of $430.91 per oz gold and $6.46 per oz silver subject to an annual inflation adjustment for the first 1,341,000 ounces of gold  

and 21,510,000 ounces of silver (approximately the first 20 years of expected deliveries). Thereafter the greater of $430.91 per 

oz for gold and $6.46 per oz for silver, subject to an adjustment for inflation, and one half of the then prevailing market price. 

Under Tranche 2 the ongoing price per ounce for deliveries is 20% of the spot price for the first 604,000 ounces of gold and 

9,618,000 ounces of silver (approximately the first 25 years of production), and thereafter the price per ounce rises  

to 50% of the spot price of gold and silver.

Although the market price feature represents an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not material. In all cases 

the amount paid is not to exceed the prevailing market price per ounce of gold and silver.

The Company commenced the recognition of delivery obligations to Franco-Nevada under the terms of the arrangement in  

June 2019 following the first sale of copper concentrate. Deferred revenue will continue to be recognized as revenue over  

the life of the mine, which is expected to be 35 years.

42

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Summary of Results
The following unaudited tables set out a summary of quarterly and annual results for the Company:

Consolidated Operations

2017

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

Sales revenues

Copper

Nickel

Gold

Zinc and other elements

Total sales revenues 

Gross profit

Comparative EBITDA

Net earnings (loss) attributable to  
shareholders of the Company 

Comparative earnings (loss)

Basic earnings (loss) per share 

Comparative earnings (loss)  
per share

$  2,802

$ 

798

$ 

951

$ 

904

$ 

963

$ 

3,616

$ 

770

$ 

836

$ 

877

$ 

1,120

$  3,603

148

236

124

3,310

335

1,154

(316)

(111)

$ 

(0.46)

$ 

(0.16)

–

61

26

885

181

363

47

49

0.07

0.07

0.07

–

59

39

1,049

271

466

135

128

0.20

0.19

0.20

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

–

47

27

978

246

427

61

128

0.09

0.19

0.09

–

61

30

1,054

280

481

198

182

0.29

0.26

0.29

–

228

122

3,966

978

1,737

441

487

0.64

0.71

0.64

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

–

57

30

857

185

368

53

95

0.08

0.14

0.08

$ 

$ 

$ 

–

67

36

939

196

376

78

87

–

86

24

987

150

354

(73)

32

–

132

32

1,284

259

511

(115)

35

–

342

122

4,067

790

1,609

(57)

249

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.11

$ 

(0.11)

$ 

(0.17)

$ 

(0.08)

0.13

$ 

0.05

$ 

0.05

$ 

0.36

0.11

$ 

(0.11)

$ 

(0.17)

$ 

(0.08)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

$ 

(0.46)

Dividends declared per common 
share (CDN$ per share)

Basic weighted average shares 
(000’s) 1

Cash flows per share from  
operating activities

Copper statistics

Total copper production (tonnes) 3

Total copper sales (tonnes) 3

Realized copper price (per lb)

TC/RC (per lb)

Freight charges (per lb)

Net realized copper price (per lb)

Cash cost – copper (C1) (per lb) 3

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 3

Total cost – copper (C3) (per lb) 3

Nickel statistics

$  0.010

$  0.005

–

$  0.005

–

$  0.010

$  0.005

–

$  0.005

–

$  0.010

685,936

686,387

686,423

687,108

687,074

686,747

687,100

687,130

688,425

688,083

687,596

$ 

1.33

$ 

1.16

$ 

0.59

$ 

0.64

$ 

0.49

$ 

2.88

$ 

0.23

$ 

0.26

$ 

0.22

$ 

0.58

$ 

1.29

573,963

580,130

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.33

(0.09)

(0.05)

2.19

1.23

1.65

2.06

145,358

150,950

151,241

158,304

605,853

136,969

168,399

192,510

204,270

138,021

152,403

149,877 2

156,212 2

596,513 2

130,262 2

149,333

203,827

205,964

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.74

(0.07)

(0.05)

2.62

1.27

1.72

2.16

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.95

(0.08)

(0.04)

2.83

1.28

1.76

2.11

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.84

(0.09)

(0.04)

2.71

1.31

1.80

2.11

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.83

(0.09)

(0.05)

2.69

1.23

1.68

2.04

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.84

(0.08)

(0.05)

2.71

1.28

1.74

2.11

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.79

(0.09)

(0.04)

2.66

1.34

1.77

2.21

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.80

(0.10)

(0.04)

2.66

1.32

1.77

2.17

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.62

(0.12)

(0.04)

2.46

1.36

1.86

2.20

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.62

(0.12)

(0.03)

2.47

1.24

1.73

2.07

702,148

689,386 2

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.70

(0.11)

(0.04)

2.55

1.31

1.78

2.16

Nickel produced (contained tonnes) 

Nickel sales (contained tonnes)

Nickel produced (payable tonnes)

Nickel sales (payable tonnes)

17,837

18,683

13,694

14,338

Realized nickel price (per payable lb)

$ 

4.67

 TC/RC (per payable lb)

Net realized price (per payable lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost – nickel (C3) (per lb)

–

4.67

4.45

5.29

6.17

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Gold statistics

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total gold production (ounces)

Total gold sales (ounces) 4

199,736

201,376

45,929

48,815

46,467

48,172

44,979

42,864

48,039

53,221

185,414

193,072

49,357

46,790

59,647

56,922

70,120

71,664

77,789

79,409

256,913

254,785

Net realized gold price (per ounce)

$ 

1,174

$ 

1,249

$ 

1,227

$ 

1,086

$ 

1,151

$ 

1,181

$ 

1,226

$ 

1,235

$ 

1,388

$ 

1,380

$ 

1,318

Zinc statistics

Zinc production (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

20,723

21,851

5,227

4,810

6,545

6,856

7,348

6,178

7,687

8,268

26,807

26,112

6,318

6,646

4,123

4,450

4,429

2,297

2,462

2,979

17,332

16,372

1 Fluctuations in average weighted shares between quarters reflects shares issued and changes in levels of treasury shares held for performance share units.

2 Sales of copper anode attributable to anode produced from third-party purchased concentrate are excluded. 

3  The Company determined that commercial production at Cobre Panama commenced effective September 1, 2019. Copper production for the three and twelve months ended December 
31, 2019, includes commercial production from Cobre Panama of 60,338 tonnes and 79,776 tonnes, respectively. Copper sales for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 
includes commercial sales from Cobre Panama of 48,841 tonnes and 83,897 tonnes, respectively. Pre-commercial production and sales volumes and operating results at Cobre Panama  
are not included in earnings or C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

4 Excludes purchased gold delivered to Franco-Nevada under precious metal streaming arrangement.

43

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)2017

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

55,255

36,603

10,941

9,846

14,692

10,082

13,175

9,631

9,911

8,922

48,719

38,481

10,249

7,363

12,210

11,252

17,232

8,995

13,077

8,715

52,768

36,325

12,970

3,182

3,105

3,390

3,301

12,978

3,084

3,312

3,211

12,908

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)

Kansanshi statistics

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes)

Processing

Sulphide ore processed  
(000’s tonnes) 

Sulphide ore grade processed (%)

Sulphide ore recovery (%)

Sulphide concentrate grade (%)

Mixed ore processed (000’s tonnes)

Mixed ore grade processed (%)

Mixed ore recovery (%)

Mixed concentrate grade (%)

Oxide ore processed (000’s tonnes) 

Oxide ore grade processed (%)

Oxide ore recovery (%)

Oxide concentrate grade (%)

0.75

91

22.2

7,997

1.05

85

30.4

6,916

1.51

87

31.3

0.79

88

22.5

0.81

91

23.2

0.72

95

23.3

2,009

1,930

2,082

1.16

81

30.3

1,791

1.59

80

32.2

0.93

87

25.7

1,708

1.53

92

28.9

1.04

86

31.2

1,749

1.31

95

27.8

0.81

88

22.1

2,165

1.08

76

29.9

1,668

1.33

92

28.5

Copper cathode produced (tonnes) 

78,742

22,514

18,528

16,303

15,049

Copper in concentrate produced 
(tonnes) 

Total copper production (tonnes)

Gold produced (ounces)

Smelting 1

172,059

250,801

140,595

41,071

43,942

47,384

46,731

63,585

32,080

62,470

33,536

63,687

30,938

61,780

33,465

Concentrate processed (DMT) 1

1,211,740

350,591

326,187

355,435

349,424

Copper anodes produced (tonnes) 1

297,553

86,777

80,097

90,269

89,894

Smelter copper recovery (%)

Acid tonnes produced (000’s)

Cash Costs (per lb) 

Mining

Processing

Site administration 2

TC/RC and freight charges

By-product credits

Total smelter costs 

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper cathodes

Copper anode

Copper in concentrates

Gold

Acid

96

1,128

$ 

0.54

$ 

0.49

–

0.18

(0.27)

0.11

1.05

1.54

1.71

481

972

121

166

–

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

97

325

0.56

0.49

0.08

0.14

$ 

97

291

0.58

0.49

0.09

0.14

$ 

97

319

0.52

0.47

0.10

0.14

$ 

97

320

0.53

0.49

0.11

0.14

(0.36)

(0.38)

(0.27)

(0.33)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.09

1.00

1.46

1.82

145

194

10

42

2

0.10

1.02

1.55

1.70

128

251

–

41

8

0.10

1.06

1.59

1.73

$ 

$ 

$ 

97

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

295

–

36

6

0.10

1.04

1.61

1.71

82

289

–

41

5

0.9

89

21.5

0.85

91

21.7

1,870

1,990

1.00

75

25.7

1,534

1.14

87

25

1.06

74

26.5

1,856

1.24

76

26.3

3,301

0.86

92

23.3

1,939

1.02

81

28.8

1,918

1.04

85

27.7

0.95

93

23.3

1,900

1.11

79

28.0

1,893

1.07

79

24.5

10,705

11,325

11,526

11,490

43,208

47,309

47,362

49,318

53,913

34,743

58,634

35,613

58,888

38,925

60,808

36,105

342,307

351,169

281,800

342,550

83,134

84,505

69,952

86,690

97

322

97

323

97

264

97

327

0.89

91

22.5

7,699

1.05

77

27.3

7,201

1.12

82

25.9

45,046

187,197

232,243

145,386

1,317,826

324,281

97

1,236

0.78

91

22.8

8,186

1.06

82

29.3

6,916

1.44

89

29.4

72,394

179,128

251,522

130,019

1,381,637

347,037

97

1,255

$ 

0.55

$ 

0.64

$ 

0.64

$ 

0.68

$ 

0.59

$ 

0.64

0.49

0.09

0.14

(0.34)

0.10

1.03

1.55

1.74

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.58

0.11

0.16

0.49

0.10

0.18

0.5

0.10

0.14

0.45

0.14

0.14

(0.38)

(0.38)

(0.46)

(0.43)

0.13

1.24

1.73

1.98

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.12

1.15

1.66

1.87

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.14

1.10

1.74

1.84

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.14

1.03

1.48

1.68

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.51

0.11

0.15

(0.41)

0.13

1.13

1.65

1.84

$ 

452

$ 

57

$ 

71

$ 

65

$ 

78

$ 

271

1,029

10

160

21

245

17

39

6

252

32

48

5

200

–

45

4

346

–

65

6

1,043

49

197

21

Total sales revenues

$ 

1,740

$ 

393

$ 

428

$ 

434

$ 

417

$ 

1,672

$ 

364

$ 

408

$ 

314

$ 

495

$ 

1,581

Copper cathode sales (tonnes)

Copper anode sales (tonnes) 3

79,735

163,560

21,334

28,846

19,172

37,828

16,461

48,357

13,698

42,632

70,665

157,663

9,452

40,220

12,160

42,610

11,412

35,726

13,285

60,701

46,309

179,257

Copper in concentrate sales 
(tonnes)

Total copper sales (tonnes)

Gold sales (ounces)

24,405

1,504

–

–

–

1,504

3,361

6,454

–

–

9,815

267,700

139,735

51,684

33,666

57,000

32,902

64,818

32,706

56,330

35,616

229,832

134,890

53,033

31,082

61,224

37,917

47,138

32,022

73,986

45,342

235,381

146,363

1 Concentrate processed in smelter and copper anodes produced are disclosed on a 100% basis, inclusive of Sentinel and third-party concentrate processed. 

2 Includes movements in previously recognized operational provisions in 2017 that are not expected to continue in future periods.

3 Sales of copper anode attributable to anode produced from third-party purchased concentrate are excluded.

44

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Sentinel statistics

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes) 

Processing

Copper ore processed  
(000’s tonnes)

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Recovery (%)

Copper in concentrate produced 
(tonnes)

Concentrate grade (%)

Cash Costs (per lb)

Mining 

Processing

Site administration

TC/RC and freight charges

Total smelter costs

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper anode

Copper in concentrates

Total sales revenues

2017

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

88,495

44,644

21,611

10,172

23,744

11,996

25,931

11,334

24,321

12,016

95,607

45,518

19,335

11,507

23,609

12,017

24,970

12,704

24,912

14,035

92,826

50,263

42,087

11,735

11,979

12,602

12,434

48,750

11,581

11,887

13,005

12,385

48,858

0.52

87

0.47

91

0.51

92

0.49

91

0.53

92

0.50

91

0.54

92

0.50

92

0.47

91

0.47

87

0.50

91

190,683

50,310

56,080

56,426

60,840

223,656

57,716

54,977

56,439

50,874

220,006

24.4

24.9

25.6

25.3

24.5

25.0

26.9

26.5

26.3

26.6

26.6

$ 

0.67

$ 

0.71

$ 

0.62

$ 

0.61

$ 

0.42

$ 

0.58

$ 

0.55

$ 

0.51

$ 

0.47

$ 

0.53

$ 

0.52

0.62

0.05

0.22

0.14

1.70

2.19

2.45

851

175

1,026

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.68

0.10

0.21

0.13

1.83

2.36

2.60

328

57

385

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.66

0.10

0.23

0.13

1.74

2.29

2.46

321

71

392

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.65

0.10

0.25

0.11

1.72

2.25

2.39

254

79

333

0.68

0.10

0.24

0.11

1.55

2.02

2.26

266

78

344

0.67

0.10

0.23

0.12

1.70

2.22

2.42

1,169

285

1,454

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.61

0.09

0.23

0.12

1.60

2.07

2.34

237

59

296

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.61

0.09

0.23

0.11

1.55

2.06

2.29

251

68

319

0.61

0.13

0.28

0.09

1.58

2.12

2.29

198

105

303

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.70

0.12

0.27

0.09

1.71

2.22

2.45

190

91

281

0.63

0.11

0.25

0.10

1.61

2.12

2.34

876

323

1,199

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Copper anode sales (tonnes)

Copper concentrate sales (tonnes)

142,394

34,966

48,227

10,115

47,947

12,596

42,557

16,512

44,641

15,616

183,372

54,839

38,815

12,372

42,410

13,212

35,087

23,114

32,974

20,298

149,286

68,996

45

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)

Cobre Panama statistics

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes) 

Processing

Copper ore processed (000’s tonnes)

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper Recovery (%)

Concentrate grade (%)

Copper in concentrate produced (tonnes)

Gold produced (ounces)

Silver produced (ounces)

Cash Costs (per lb)

Mining 

Processing

Site administration

TC/RC and freight charges

By-product credits

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper in concentrates

Gold

Silver

Total sales revenues

Copper sales (tonnes)

Gold sales (ounces) 2

Silver sales (ounces) 2

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19 1

Q3 19 1

Q4 19

2019

Pre- 
commercial 
production

Post- 
commercial 
production

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

18,815

18,590

8,841

11,580

9,579

7,767

3,636

5,252

15,950

18,439

66,570

51,879

1,055

8,223

8,375

4,437

16,493

38,583

–

–

–

25

–

0.43

82

21.5

30,896

10,550

0.51

86

22.0

36,783

13,570

0.49

89

21.8

0.41

89

22.1

19,438

60,338

7,914

28,040

175

257,366

269,800

152,243

452,663

0.44

86

21.9

147,480

60,074

1,132,247

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$ 

0.44

$ 

0.33

$ 

0.36

0.46

0.38

0.32

0.57

0.29

0.36

0.54

0.31

0.34

(0.26)

(0.27)

(0.26)

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.34

1.56

2.28

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.28

1.85

2.12

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.29

1.78

2.15

$ 

178

$ 

253

$ 

431

26

6

53

8

79

14

$ 

210

$ 

314

$ 

524

6,542

2,627

42,425

16,032

35,056

48,841

13,074

23,336

132,864

55,069

55,153

350,982

271,774

354,689

1,032,598

1 The Company determined that commercial production at Cobre Panama commenced effective September 1, 2019.

2 Excludes purchased gold and silver delivered to Franco-Nevada under precious metal streaming arrangement.

Las Cruces statistics

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes) 

Processing

Copper ore processed  
(000’s tonnes)

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Recovery (%)

2017

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

14,589

2,422

1,619

5.07

90

1,631

648

390

5.07

92

4,835

368

6,268

410

2,202

256

14,936

1,682

416

4.87

93

338

4.84

93

400

5.00

93

1,544

4.95

93

70,738

460

96

325

3.75

87

–

–

360

3.35

86

2,082

355

305

3.73

83

342

446

364

5.71

85

2,884

897

1,354

4.17

85

10,634

10,366

9,479

17,611

48,090

Copper cathode produced (tonnes)

73,664

18,238

18,849

15,181

18,470

Cash Costs (per lb)

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.86

1.06

2.15

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.86

1.03

2.15

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.83

1.09

2.11

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.02

1.41

2.50

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.94

1.16

2.28

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.90

1.16

2.25

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.31

1.46

3.19

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.51

1.65

3.59

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.46

1.74

3.61

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.73

0.91

2.43

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.17

1.35

3.08

Copper cathode

$ 

461

$ 

131

$ 

133

$ 

93

$ 

113

$ 

470

$ 

71

$ 

62

$ 

61

$ 

97

$ 

291

Copper cathode sales (tonnes)

74,664

18,771

19,269

15,138

18,345

71,523

11,443

10,112

10,405

16,284

48,244

46

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Guelb Moghrein statistics

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes) 

Processing

Sulphide ore processed  
(000’s tonnes)

Sulphide ore grade processed (%)

Recovery (%)

Copper produced (tonnes)

Gold produced (ounces)

Magnetite concentrate produced 
(WMT)

Cash Costs (per lb)

Mining 

Processing

Site administration

TC/RC and freight charges

Gold and magnetite credit

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

2017

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

14,052

3,104

3,389

0.93

92

28,791

49,213

3,961

97

2,737

296

4,277

445

4,087

752

15,062

1,590

3,581

953

3,107

1,345

861

0.79

90

6,135

11,740

938

0.73

85

5,781

10,354

902

0.94

94

7,902

11,644

983

0.93

91

8,319

12,236

3,684

0.85

90

28,137

45,974

994

1,018

0.85

88

7,447

12,498

0.84

90

7,750

11,961

2,528

1,265

810

0.88

87

6,203

8,187

1,917

1,561

11,133

5,124

1,029

3,851

0.89

89

8,220

12,027

0.87

89

29,620

44,673

–

93,472

123,100

111,765

97,052

425,389

119,169

163,555

106,634

152,202

541,560

$ 

0.66

$ 

$ 

1.11

$ 

0.66

$ 

1.02

$ 

0.82

$ 

0.78

$ 

0.57

$ 

0.52

$ 

0.38

$ 

0.55

0.93

0.18

0.51

(1.00)

1.28

1.65

2.13

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.23

0.24

0.41

1.10

0.17

0.66

0.98

0.17

0.52

(1.39)

(1.24)

(1.02)

(0.96)

1.75

2.16

2.84

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.57

1.93

2.42

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.73

1.95

2.79

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.09

0.19

0.54

(1.14)

1.50

1.93

2.46

0.51

1.07

0.19

0.61

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.99

1.84

1.86

39

16

5

60

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Copper in concentrates

$ 

150

Gold

Magnetite concentrate

Total sales revenues

Copper sales (tonnes)

Gold sales (ounces)

Magnetite concentrate sold (WMT)

60

7

$ 

217

$ 

28,999

50,453

–

40

16

8

64

$ 

27

$ 

9

5

$ 

41

$ 

48

17

5

70

6,387

13,008

6,772

12,863

5,108

8,100

9,099

14,224

79,560

150,167

61,315

85,914

$ 

154

58

23

$ 

235

$ 

27,366

48,195

376,956

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.87

0.18

0.49

(1.21)

1.11

1.37

2.22

42

16

6

64

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.00

0.18

0.35

(1.19)

0.91

1.19

1.65

43

18

16

77

1.06

0.22

0.35

(1.04)

1.11

1.62

1.93

30

12

10

52

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.96

0.16

0.58

(1.10)

0.98

1.37

1.78

30

12

8

50

7,924

13,301

8,143

14,156

5,969

9,074

6,010

8,415

89,631

222,762

123,274

90,032

0.97

0.18

0.44

(1.14)

1.00

1.36

1.87

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

145

58

40

$ 

243

28,046

44,946

525,699

Çayeli statistics

Mining

Ore mined (000’s tonnes) 

Processing

Ore milled (000’s tonnes)

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper ore Recovery (%)

Zinc ore grade processed (%)

Zinc ore Recovery (%)

Copper produced (tonnes)

Zinc produced (tonnes)

Cash Costs (per lb)

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper

Zinc

Other

Total sales revenues

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2017

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

941

943

1.96

89

1.05

34

16,523

3,326

259

250

242

249

1,000

242

236

218

234

257

1.88

88

1.05

26

4,225

701

255

2.13

86

1.37

30

4,684

1,051

243

2.39

87

1.69

32

5,056

1,305

252

2.64

89

1.50

27

5,931

1,034

1,007

2.26

88

1.40

29

19,896

4,091

241

2.25

90

1.19

26

4,891

752

232

1.92

87

1.55

40

3,872

1,428

207

1.78

87

1.37

41

3,218

1,176

236

2.29

87

1.94

42

4,725

1,896

930

916

2.07

88

1.51

38

16,706

5,252

1.50

1.75

2.37

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.31

1.56

2.14

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.29

1.59

2.15

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.18

1.45

2.05

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.09

1.28

1.75

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.21

1.48

2.03

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.42

1.68

2.32

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.32

1.54

2.25

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.82

2.12

2.83

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.11

1.51

1.60

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.35

1.65

2.16

87

$ 

(1)

$ 

31

$ 

13

$ 

44

$ 

87

$ 

18

$ 

28

$ 

13

$ 

26

$ 

9

2

–

–

4

1

–

–

$ 

98

$ 

(1)

$ 

36

$ 

13

$ 

17,716

4,435

–

–

5,491

2,159

2,753

–

4

4

52

9,153

2,154

85

6

4

95

8

5

–

–

3

1

–

–

3

3

$ 

100

$ 

18

$ 

32

$ 

13

$ 

32

$ 

17,397

4,313

3,814

–

5,817

1,833

2,934

–

5,553

2,046

18,118

3,879

47

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Management’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)

Pyhäsalmi statistics

Mining

Ore mined (000’s tonnes) 

Processing

Ore milled (000’s tonnes)

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper ore Recovery (%)

Zinc ore grade processed (%)

Zinc ore Recovery (%)

Copper produced (tonnes)

Zinc produced (tonnes)

Pyrite produced (tonnes)

Cash Costs (per lb)

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper

Zinc

Pyrite

Other

Total sales revenues

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

Pyrite sales (tonnes)

2017

1,315

1,260

1.11

97

1.55

89

13,501

17,397

692,124

(0.26)

(0.26)

2.06

74

37

16

16

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

323

299

318

297

301

0.98

97

1.66

91

2,865

4,526

315

1.02

96

1.94

90

3,086

5,494

320

0.98

95

2.07

91

2,989

6,043

312

0.98

97

2.35

91

2,964

6,653

145,975

159,674

171,355

168,881

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.81)

(0.81)

1.24

16

12

6

4

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.02)

(0.02)

2.23

21

12

3

2

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.48)

(0.48)

1.67

16

10

4

4

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.59)

(0.59)

1.57

17

11

4

2

34

2018

1,237

1,248

0.99

96

2.01

91

11,904

22,716

645,885

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.46)

(0.46)

1.70

70

45

17

12

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

292

267

264

213

1,036

303

0.91

85

2.04

90

2,343

5,566

285

0.74

90

1.05

90

1,904

2,695

248

0.90

94

1.50

88

2,062

3,253

230

0.77

95

0.33

75

1,694

566

152,475

152,522

127,960

120,687

1,066

0.83

91

1.27

89

8,003

12,080

553,644

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.39)

(0.39)

1.67

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.21

0.25

1.75

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.61

0.64

1.62

16

12

4

4

$ 

10

$ 

7

3

1

9

2

3

2

2.02

2.11

2.17

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.51

0.55

1.77

10

$ 

1

3

3

45

22

13

10

90

$ 

143

$ 

38

$ 

38

$ 

34

$ 

$ 

144

$ 

36

$ 

21

$ 

16

$ 

17

$ 

13,691

17,416

418,743

2,837

4,810

3,328

4,697

2,991

6,178

3,028

6,114

120,572

99,606

100,894

124,109

12,184

21,799

445,181

2,861

6,646

1,873

2,617

1,699

2,297

2,018

933

124,667

97,221

90,619

110,823

8,451

12,493

423,330

Ravensthorpe statistics

Processing

Beneficiated ore (000’s tonnes) 

Beneficiated ore grade (%)

Nickel recovery – leach feed to 
Nickel produced (%)

Nickel produced (contained tonnes) 

Nickel produced (payable tonnes)

Cash Costs (per lb)

Mining

Processing

Site administration

TC/RC and freight charges

Cobalt credit

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb)

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Nickel

Cobalt

Total sales revenues

Nickel sales (contained tonnes)

Nickel sales (payable tonnes)

2017

2,211

1.11

79

17,837

13,694

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.12

3.25

0.37

0.27

(0.56)

4.45

5.29

6.17

$ 

146

17

$ 

163

18,683

14,338

Q1 18

Q2 18

Q3 18

Q4 18

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

48

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Regulatory Disclosures

SEASONALITY

The Company’s results as discussed in this MD&A are subject to seasonal aspects, in particular the wet season in Zambia.  

The wet season in Zambia generally starts in November and continues through April, with the heaviest rainfall normally 

experienced in the months of December, January, February and March. As a result of the wet season, pit access and the ability 

to mine ore is lower in the first quarter of the year than other quarters and the cost of mining is higher.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of the date of this report.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This document refers to cash cost (C1), all-in sustaining cost (AISC) and total cost (C3) per unit of payable production, operating 

cash flow per share, comparative EBITDA, Net debt and comparative earnings, which are not measures recognized under IFRS, 

do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by 

other issuers. These measures are used internally by management in measuring the performance of the Company’s operations 

and serve to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation to measures prepared under IFRS.

C1, AISC and C3 are measures based on production and sales volumes for which there is no directly comparable measure under 

IFRS, though a reconciliation from the cost of sales, as stated in the Company’s financial statements, and which should be read 

in conjunction with this Management Discussion and Analysis, to C1, AISC and C3 can be found on the following pages.  

These reconciliations set out the components of each of these measures in relation to the cost of sales for the Company  

as per the consolidated financial statements.

The calculation of these measures is described below, and may differ from those used by other issuers. The Company  

discloses these measures in order to provide assistance in understanding the results of the operations and to provide 

additional information to investors.

CALCULATION OF CASH COST, ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST, TOTAL COST, SUSTAINING CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURE AND DEFERRED STRIPPING COSTS CAPITALIZED

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 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.

Sustaining capital expenditure is defined as capital expenditure during the production phase, incurred to sustain and maintain 

the existing assets to achieve constant planned levels of production, from which future economic benefits will be derived. 

This includes expenditure for assets to retain their existing productive capacity, and to enhance assets to minimum reliability, 

environmental and safety standards.

49

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Deferred stripping costs capitalized are defined as waste material stripping costs in excess of the strip ratio, for the production 

phase, and from which future economic benefits will be derived from future access to ore. Deferred stripping costs are 

capitalized to the mineral property, and will be depreciated on a units-of-production basis.

Purchase and deposits on property, plant and equipment

Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping 
excluding Cobre Panama

Sustaining capital expenditure and deferred stripping – 
Cobre Panama

Project capital expenditure – Cobre Panama development

Project capital expenditure – other 1 

Pre-commercial costs

Total capital expenditure

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

 Q4 2018

325

65

58

143

59

–

325

270

87

6

183

131

(137)

270

606

32

–

212

255

107

606

2019

1,455

262

150

697

437

(91)

1,455

2018

2,143

320

–

1,332

384

107

2,143

1  Represents other project capital expenditure at all sites including expenditure at Cobre Panama to enable commencement of the expansion to 100mtpa 

capacity, including the initial development and engineering work allowing mining to proceed to the Colina pit. 

The following tables provide a reconciliation of C1, C3 and AISC to the consolidated financial statements:

For the three months ended
December 31, 2019

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Cobre 
Panama

Las 
Cruces

Guelb 
Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Copper

Corporate 
& other

Ravens-
thorpe

Total

(329)

(256)

(258)

(90)

(41)

(21)

(12)

(1,007)

– 

(18)

(1,025)

Cost of sales 1

Adjustments:

Depreciation

By-product credits

Royalties

Treatment and refining 
charges 

Freight costs

Finished goods

Other

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

Depreciation (excluding 
depreciation in finished 
goods)

Royalties

Other

Total cost (C3) 

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

General and administrative 
expenses

Sustaining capital expendi-
ture and deferred stripping

Royalties

Lease payments

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

$ 

$ 

$ 

70

71

29

(11)

1

39

2

62

–

22

(15)

(10)

2

9

81

61

6

(23)

(2)

(29)

4

61

–

1

–

(1)

(2)

3

7

20

2

(4)

–

(4)

–

(128)

(186)

(160)

(28)

(20)

6

6

1

(3)

(2)

3

(1)

(11)

(59)

(59)

(96)

(64)

(10)

(4)

(29)

(3)

(219)

(128)

(6)

(29)

(29)

(1)

(193)

1.48

1.03

1.68

$ 

$ 

$ 

(22)

(1)

(268)

(186)

(9)

(26)

(22)

(1)

(244)

2.22

1.71

2.45

$ 

$ 

$ 

(6)

(4)

(266)

(160)

(7)

(58)

(6)

(1)

(232)

1.85

1.28

(1)

(2)

(95)

(28)

(2)

(4)

(1)

–

(35)

$  0.91

$  0.73

2.12

$  2.43

(2)

(1)

(33)

(20)

(1)

(3)

(2)

–

(1)

–

(16)

(11)

–

(3)

(1)

–

(26)

1.37

0.98

1.78

(15)

1.51

1.11

1.60

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(7)

2.11

2.02

2.17

1

7

–

(2)

–

1

(2)

(7)

–

–

–

(7)

(7)

–

–

–

–

288

165

61

(58)

(14)

10

15

(540)

(292)

(61)

(11)

(904)

(540)

(25)

(123)

(61)

(3)

(752)

$ 

$ 

1.73

1.24

$  2.07

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

16

–

290

165

61

(58)

(14)

10

31

(540)

(2)

(294)

(61)

(11)

(906)

(540)

(25)

(123)

(61)

(3)

(752)

–

–

(2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) in the Company’s annual audited financial statements.

50

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Kansanshi 1

Sentinel

Cobre 
Panama

Las 
Cruces

Guelb 
Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Copper

Corporate 
& other

Ravens-
thorpe

Total

(1,109)

(1,023)

(432)

(329)

(198)

(73)

(66)

(3,230)

(9)

(38)

(3,277)

For the year ended
December 31, 2019

Cost of sales 2

Adjustments:

Depreciation

By-product credits

Royalties

Treatment and refining 
charges 

Freight costs

Finished goods

Other

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

244

218

108

(38)

(3)

15

7

252

–

88

(57)

(34)

8

14

113

93

9

(37)

(2)

34

6

198

–

4

–

(1)

1

3

44

98

8

(16)

–

(3)

1

27

10

2

(10)

(6)

1

1

(558)

(752)

(216)

(124)

(66)

(48)

Depreciation (excluding  
depreciation in finished goods)

(240)

(250)

(131)

(198)

Royalties

Other

Total cost (C3) 

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

General and administrative 
expenses

Sustaining capital expenditure 
and deferred stripping

Royalties

Lease payments

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

$ 

$ 

$ 

(108)

(7)

(913)

(558)

(88)

(5)

(1,095)

(752)

(26)

(35)

(124)

(108)

(4)

(820)

1.65

1.13

1.84

$ 

$ 

$ 

(115)

(88)

(3)

(993)

2.12

1.61

2.34

(9)

(6)

(362)

(216)

(10)

(64)

(9)

(1)

(4)

(2)

(328)

(124)

(6)

(8)

(4)

(1)

(44)

(8)

(2)

(120)

(66)

(3)

(9)

(8)

(2)

(26)

(2)

–

(76)

(48)

(2)

(6)

(2)

–

(300)

(143)

(88)

(58)

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.78

1.29

2.15

$  1.35

$ 

1.17

$  3.08

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.36

1.00

1.87

$  1.65

$ 

1.35

$  2.16

$ 

$ 

$ 

(7)

(2,409)

0.55

0.51

1.77

$  1.78

$ 

1.31

$  2.16

1 C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and AISC exclude third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi.

2 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) in the Company’s annual audited financial statements.

21

45

–

(6)

(1)

–

–

(7)

(21)

–

–

(28)

(7)

–

–

–

–

899

464

219

(164)

(47)

56

32

(1,771)

(910)

(219)

(22)

(2,922)

(1,771)

(82)

(326)

(219)

(11)

2

–

–

–

–

–

7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

907

464

219

(164)

(47)

56

71

(1,771)

(916)

(219)

(22)

(2,928)

(1,771)

(82)

(326)

(219)

(11)

(2,409)

6

–

–

–

–

–

32

–

(6)

–

–

(6)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

51

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Kansanshi1

Sentinel

(277)

(272)

Cobre 
Panama

Las 
Cruces

Guelb 
Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Copper

Corporate 
& other

Ravens-
thorpe

Total

For the three months ended
December 31, 2018

Cost of sales 2

Adjustments:

Depreciation

By-product credits

Royalties

Treatment and refining charges 

Freight costs

Finished goods

Other1

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

Depreciation (excluding 
depreciation in finished goods)

Royalties

Other

Total cost (C3) 

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

General and administrative 
expenses

Sustaining capital expenditure 
and deferred stripping

Royalties

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

$ 

$ 

$ 

60

46

23

(6)

6

(19)

29

69

–

22

(15)

(8)

3

1

(138)

(200)

(62)

(23)

(2)

(225)

(138)

(68)

(22)

(2)

(292)

(200)

(7)

(9)

(43)

(23)

(211)

1.61

1.04

1.71

$ 

$ 

$ 

(31)

(22)

(262)

2.02

1.55

2.26

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(94)

(69)

(33)

(25)

(770)

53

–

4

–

(2)

1

–

16

22

1

(5)

–

4

1

11

8

–

(6)

(3)

7

1

(38)

(30)

(15)

13

19

–

(2)

–

(2)

1

4

222

95

50

(34)

(7)

(6)

33

(417)

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

(4)

(774)

1

–

–

–

–

–

3

–

224

95

50

(34)

(7)

(6)

35

(417)

(17)

(8)

(13)

(220)

(1)

(1)

(222)

(52)

(4)

2

(92)

(38)

(1)

(5)

(4)

(1)

(1)

(49)

(30)

(1)

(2)

(1)

–

–

(23)

(15)

(1)

(2)

–

–

–

(9)

4

–

–

–

4

(50)

(3)

(690)

(417)

(19)

(83)

(50)

(569)

(48)

(34)

(18)

$ 

1.16

$  0.94

$  2.28

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.95

$  1.28

1.73

$  1.09

2.79

$  1.75

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.59)

(0.59)

$ 

$ 

1.68

1.23

1.57

$  2.04

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(50)

(2)

(1)

(691)

–

(417)

(19)

(83)

(50)

(569)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1 C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and AISC exclude third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi.

2 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) in the Company’s annual audited financial statements.

52

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)For the year ended
December 31, 2018

Cost of sales 2

Adjustments:

Depreciation

By-product credits

Royalties

Treatment and refining charges 

Freight costs

Finished goods

Other 1

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

Depreciation (excluding 
depreciation in finished goods)

Royalties

Other

Total cost (C3) 

Cash cost (C1) 

Adjustments:

General and administrative 
expenses

Sustaining capital expenditure 
and deferred stripping

Royalties

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

$ 

$ 

$ 

Kansanshi1

Sentinel

(1,049)

(1,166)

Cobre 
Panama

Las 
Cruces

Guelb 
Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Copper

Corporate 
& other

Ravens-
thorpe

Total

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(354)

(205)

(77)

(104)

(2,955)

(17)

(16)

(2,988)

203

–

9

–

(2)

1

2

45

81

6

30

13

2

(16)

(11)

–

(4)

2

(5)

(3)

1

(141)

(91)

(50)

54

76

–

(8)

(1)

(2)

(2)

13

858

351

210

(118)

(46)

–

47

(1,653)

1

–

–

–

–

–

16

–

5

–

–

–

–

–

11

–

864

351

210

(118)

(46)

–

74

(1,653)

(201)

(49)

(31)

(54)

(850)

(1)

(5)

(856)

(9)

1

(350)

(141)

(6)

(27)

(9)

(6)

(2)

(148)

(91)

(4)

(15)

(6)

(2)

–

(83)

(50)

(2)

(7)

(2)

–

–

(41)

13

–

–

–

(210)

(14)

(2,727)

(1,653)

(74)

(320)

(210)

(183)

(116)

(61)

13

(2,257)

$  1.16

$  0.90

$  2.25

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.93

$  1.48

1.50

$  1.21

2.46

$  2.03

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.46)

(0.46)

1.70

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.74

1.28

2.11

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(210)

(13)

(2,732)

(1,653)

(74)

(320)

(210)

(2,257)

–

–

(5)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

250

181

105

(24)

(11)

(53)

40

276

–

88

(59)

(27)

61

4

(561)

(823)

(263)

(252)

(105)

(7)

(936)

(561)

(88)

(6)

(1,169)

(823)

(26)

(36)

(141)

(130)

(105)

(833)

1.55

1.03

1.74

(88)

(1,077)

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.22

1.70

2.42

1 C1 cash cost, C3 total cost and AISC exclude third-party concentrate purchased at Kansanshi.

2 Total cost of sales per the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss) in the Company’s annual audited financial statements. 

COMPARATIVE EBITDA AND COMPARATIVE EARNINGS

Comparative EBITDA and comparative earnings are the Company’s adjusted earnings metrics, and are used to evaluate 

operating performance by management. The Company believes that the comparative metrics presented are useful as the 

adjusted items do not reflect the underlying operating performance of its current business and are not necessarily indicative  

of future operating results.

CALCULATION OF OPERATING CASH FLOW PER SHARE, NET DEBT, COMPARATIVE EBITDA  
AND COMPARATIVE EARNINGS

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.

53

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Net debt comprises unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts and total debt. Comparative EBITDA, comparative 

earnings and comparative earnings per share are non-GAAP measures which measure the performance of the Company. 

Comparative EBITDA, comparative earnings and comparative earnings 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 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, and discounting of non-current VAT.

Operating profit

Depreciation

Other adjustments

Impairment charges, write-off of assets and other costs 
associated with the mine interruption at Las Cruces

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets and liabilities

Other expense

Revisions in estimates of restoration provisions at closed sites

Total adjustments excluding depreciation

Comparative EBITDA

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

69

290

99

47

1

–

5

152

511

108

225

–

12

8

–

1

21

354

260

224

–

(13)

2

8

–

(3)

481

Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders  
of the Company

Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company:

Finance charge on discounting Zambian VAT

(Gain) loss on debt instruments

Total adjustments to comparative EBITDA excluding 
depreciation

Tax and minority interest relating to foreign exchange 
revaluation and comparative adjustments

Comparative earnings

Earnings (loss) per share as reported

Comparative earnings per share

Q4 2019

Q3 2019

Q4 2018

(115)

(73)

198

22

4

152

(28)

35

(0.17)

0.05

$ 

$ 

160

(3)

21

(73)

32

$ 

$ 

(0.11)

0.05

$ 

$ 

5

–

(3)

(18)

182

0.29

0.26

$ 

$ 

2019

474

907

112

96

12

–

8

228

1,609

2019

(57)

182

23

228

(127)

249

(0.08)

0.36

$ 

$ 

2018

809

864

–

64

(6)

8

(2)

64

1,737

2018

441

5

–

64

(23)

487

0.64

0.71

54

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)ADOPTION OF NEW STANDARDS

IFRS 16 Leases

The Company has adopted IFRS 16 – Leases (IFRS 16) as of January 1, 2019. In accordance with the transitional provisions 
within IFRS 16, the Company has elected to apply the modified transition approach and therefore the comparative 

information has not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. The details of accounting policies 

under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 are disclosed separately if they are different from those under IFRS 16.

The details and quantitative impact of the changes in accounting policies are disclosed below.

Policy applicable from January 1, 2019

At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains a lease  

if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.  

To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Company assesses whether:

 • The contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be 

physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a 

substantive substitution right, the asset is not identified.

the period of use.

 • The Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout  
 • The Company has the right to direct the use of the asset (such as the decision-making rights).

Policy applicable before January 1, 2019

For contracts entered into before January 1, 2019, the Company determined whether the arrangement was or contained  

a lease based on the assessment of whether:

 • Fulfilment of the arrangement was dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets.
 • The arrangement had conveyed a right to use the asset. An arrangement conveyed the right to use the asset if one  

of the following was met:

• The Company had the ability or right to operate the asset while obtaining or controlling more than an insignificant 

amount of the amount; or

• The Company had the ability or right to control physical access to the asset while obtaining or controlling more  

than an insignificant amount of the output.

(i) Measurement of leases

All leases are accounted for by recognizing a right-of-use asset and a lease liability with the exception of short-term leases  

and low-value assets. If the Company deems a lease to be short-term or low-value, the Company recognizes the lease 

payments associated with these leases as an expense on either a straight-line basis over the lease term or another 

systematic basis.

The lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor over the lease term, 

with the discount rate determined by reference to the rate inherent in the lease. If that rate cannot be determined, the 

Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used. Variable lease payments are only included in the measurement of the lease 

liability if they depend on an index or rate. In such cases, the initial measurement of the lease liability assumes the variable 

element will remain unchanged throughout the lease term. Other variable lease payments are expensed in the period to 

which they relate.

55

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Right-of-use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, reduced for any lease incentives received,  
and increased for:

 • Lease payments made at or before commencement of the lease;
 • Initial direct costs incurred, and
 • The amount of any provision recognized where the Company is contractually required to dismantle, remove or restore  

the leased asset.

Subsequent to initial measurement lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance 
outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made. The interest rate used to calculate the interest charged is determined 
by the jurisdiction of the lease and the length of the lease. Right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the 
remaining term of the lease or over the remaining economic life of the asset if, rarely, this is judged to be shorter than the lease 
term. When the Company revises its estimate of the term of any lease (because, for example, it re-assesses the probability of 
a lessee extension or termination option being exercised), it adjusts the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect the 
payments to make over the revised term, which are discounted at the same discount rate that applied on lease commencement. 
The carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised when the variable element of future lease payments dependent on a 
rate or index is revised. In both cases an equivalent adjustment is made to the carrying value of the right-of-use asset, with the 
revised carrying amount being amortized over the remaining (revised) lease term.

(ii) Quantitative analysis

The details and quantitative impact of the changes in accounting policy are disclosed below:

 • The Company has recognized lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating 

leases’ under the principle of IAS 17. The Company has elected to apply practical expedients of IFRS 16 in relation to 
applying the same discount rate to leases with reasonably similar characteristics, relying on previous assessments 
of onerous leases, not recognizing leases for which the lease term ended within 12 months of the date of initial 
application, and by excluding initial direct costs from the measurement of right-of-use assets at the date of initial 
application. Through the adoption of IFRS 16, an extensive detailed review of the Company’s leases resulted in 
increases to property, plant and equipment (note 6) and provisions and other liabilities (note 11) on 1 January, 2019  
of $20 million.

 • The total cash outflow for leases in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $29 million.
 • Additions to right-of-use assets in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $27 million, inclusive of the $20 million  

recognized on adoption of IFRS 16. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate for lease liabilities initially  
recognized as of December 31, 2019 is 8.8%.

Operating lease commitments disclosed in the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2018 of $32 million are 
different to the lease liabilities recognized on the initial application of $20 million due to non-inclusion of short-term leases, 
non-capital payments and payments for low value assets, and are after the impact of discounting at the incremental borrowing 
rate, or if readily available, the interest rate implicit in the lease.

SIGNIFICANT JUDGMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Many of the amounts disclosed in the financial statements involve the use of judgments, estimates and assumptions.  
These judgments and estimates are based on management’s knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances  
at the time, having regard to prior experience, and are continually evaluated.

56

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)(i) Significant judgments

 • Determination of ore reserves and resources

Judgments about the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s properties 
are made by management using a range of geological, technical and economic factors, history of conversion of mineral 
deposits to proven and probable reserves as well as data regarding quantities, grades, production techniques, recovery 
rates, production costs, transport costs, commodity demand, commodity prices and exchange rates. This process may 
require complex and difficult geological judgments to interpret the data. The Company uses qualified persons  
(as defined by the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101) to compile this data.

Changes in the judgments surrounding proven and probable reserves may impact the carrying value of property, plant 
and equipment (note 6), restoration provisions included in provisions and other liabilities (note 11), recognition of 
deferred income tax amounts (note 13) and depreciation (note 6).

 • Achievement of commercial production

Once a mine or smelter reaches the operating levels intended by management, depreciation of capitalized costs 
begins. Significant judgment is required to determine when certain of the Company’s assets reach this level.

Management considers several factors, including, but not limited to the following:

• completion of a reasonable period of commissioning;
• consistent operating results achieved at a pre-determined level of design capacity and indications exist that this 

level will continue;

• mineral recoveries at or near expected levels;
• and the transfer of operations from development personnel to operational personnel has been completed.  

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company concluded that the Cobre Panama mine, was operating  
in a manner intended by management and commercial production was achieved from September 1, 2019.

 • Taxes

Judgment is required in determining the recognition and measurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities 
on the balance sheet. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to assessment by taxation authorities 
in various jurisdictions. These authorities may have different interpretations of tax legislation or tax agreements than 
those applied by the Company in computing current and deferred income taxes. These different judgments may alter 
the timing or amounts of taxable income or deductions. The final amount of taxes to be paid or recovered depends 
on a number of factors including the outcome of audits, appeals and negotiation. Amounts to be recovered and the 
timings of recoveries with respect to indirect taxes, such as VAT, are subject to judgment which, in the instance of a 
change of circumstances, could result in material adjustments

The Company operates in a specialized industry and in a number of tax jurisdictions. As a result, its income is 
subject to various rates of taxation. The breadth of its operations and the global complexity and interpretation of tax 
regulations require assessment and judgement of uncertainties and of the taxes that the Company will ultimately pay. 
These are dependent on many factors, including negotiations with tax authorities in various jurisdictions, outcomes 
of tax litigation and resolution of disputes. The resolution of these uncertainties may result in adjustments to the 
Company’s tax assets and liabilities.

Management assesses the likelihood and timing of taxable earnings in future periods in recognizing deferred income 
tax assets on unutilized tax losses. Future taxable income is based on forecast cash flows from operations and the 
application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. Forecast cash flows are based on life of mine projections.

57

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from forecasts, the ability of the Company 
to realize the net deferred income tax assets recorded at the balance sheet date could be impacted. In addition, future 
changes in tax laws could limit the ability of the Company to obtain tax deductions in future periods from deferred 
income tax assets are disclosed in note 13.

 • Precious metal stream arrangement

On October 5, 2015, the Company finalized an agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) for 
the delivery of precious metals from the Cobre Panama project. Franco-Nevada have provided $1 billion deposit to 
the Cobre Panama project against future deliveries of gold and silver produced by the mine. A further stream was 
completed on March 26, 2018, with an additional $356 million received from Franco-Nevada.

Management has determined that the under the terms of the agreement the Company meets the ‘own-use’ exemption 
criteria under IFRS 9: Financial Instruments. The Company also retains significant business risk relating to the 
operation of the mine and as such has accounted for the proceeds received as deferred revenue.

Management has exercised judgement in determining the appropriate accounting treatment for the Franco-Nevada 

streaming agreement. Management has determined, with reference to the agreed contractual terms in conjunction 

with the Cobre Panama reserves and mine plan, that funds received from Franco-Nevada constitute a prepayment  

of revenues deliverable from future Cobre Panama production.

Following the first sale of copper concentrate by Cobre Panama in June 2019, the Company commenced deliveries  

of gold and silver to Franco-Nevada under the terms of the arrangement.

 • Assessment of impairment indicators

Management applies significant judgement in assessing each cash-generating units and assets for the existence of 

indicators of impairment at the reporting date. Internal and external factors are considered in assessing whether 

indicators of impairment are present that would necessitate impairment testing. Significant assumptions regarding 

commodity prices, production, operating costs, capital expenditures and discount rates are used in determining 

whether there are any indicators of impairment. These assumptions are reviewed regularly by senior management  

and compared, where applicable, to relevant market consensus views.

The Company’s most significant CGUs are longer-term assets and therefore their value is assessed on the basis 

of longer-term pricing assumptions. Shorter-term assets are more sensitive to short term commodity prices 

assumptions that are used in the review of impairment indicators.

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment and goodwill at the balance sheet date is disclosed in note 6  

and note 7 respectively, and by mine location in note 23.

Asset impairments are disclosed in note 20.

 • Derecognition of financial liabilities

Judgment is required when determining if an exchange of instruments or modification of debt constitute an 

extinguishment of the original financial liability and establishment of a new financial liability. In 2019, qualitative 

factors such as new terms and changes to the existing lending group were considered for the Company’s senior debt 

facility and were judged to constitute an extinguishment of the previous $1.5 billion RCF (see note 10).

(ii) Significant accounting estimates

Estimates are inherently uncertain and therefore actual results may differ from the amounts included in the financial 

statements, potentially having a material future effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The estimates 

and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and 

liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below:

58

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued) • Determination of ore reserves and life of mine plan

Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s 

properties. Estimating the quantity and/or grade of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies or fields 

to be determined by analyzing geological data such as drilling samples. Following this, the quantity of ore that can be 

extracted in an economical manner is calculated using data regarding the life of mine plans and forecast sales prices 

(based on current and long-term historical average price trends).

The majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated lives of the assets 

on a units-of-production basis. The calculation of the units-of-production rate, and therefore the annual depreciation 

expense could be materially affected by changes in the underlying estimates which are driven by the life of mine 

plans. Changes in estimates can be the result of actual future production differing from current forecasts of future 

production, expansion of mineral reserves through exploration activities, differences between estimated and actual 

costs of mining and differences in the commodity prices used in the estimation of mineral reserves.

Management made significant estimates of the strip ratio for each production phase. Waste material stripping costs 

in excess of this ratio, and from which future economic benefit will be derived from future access to ore, will be 

capitalized mineral property and depreciated on a units-of-production basis.

Changes in the proven and probable reserves estimates may impact the carrying value of property, plant and 

equipment (note 6), restoration provisions (note 11), recognition of deferred income tax amounts (note 13) and 

depreciation (note 6).

 • Review of asset carrying values and impairment charges

The Company reviews the carrying value of assets each reporting period to determine whether there is any indication 

of impairment using both internal and external sources of information. The Company has determined that each mining 

operation and smelter is a cash-generating unit.

External sources of information regarding indications of impairment include considering the changes in market, 

economic and legal environment in which the Company operates that are not within its control and affect the 

recoverable amount of, or the timing of economic benefits from mining assets. Internal sources of information include 

changes to the life of mine plans and economic performance of the assets.

Management’s determination of recoverable amounts includes estimates of mineral prices, recoverable reserves,  

and operating, capital and restoration costs are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may affect the 

recoverability of mineral property costs. The calculation of the recoverable amount can also include assumptions 

regarding the appropriate discount rate and inflation and exchange rates. Although management has made its 

best estimate of these factors, it is possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect 

management’s estimate of the net cash flow to be generated from its projects.

An impairment was recognized on Las Cruces at December 31, 2019. A 5% change in the production and short-term 

copper price would result in a $24 million change to the impairment value recognized.

 • Estimation of the amount and timing of restoration and remediation costs

Accounting for restoration provisions requires management to make estimates of the future costs the Company 

will incur to complete the restoration and remediation work required to comply with existing laws, regulations 

and agreements in place at each mining operation and any environmental and social principles the Company is in 

compliance with. The calculation of the present value of these costs also includes assumptions regarding the timing 

of restoration and remediation work, applicable risk-free interest rate for discounting those future cash outflows, 

inflation and foreign exchange rates and assumptions relating to probabilities of alternative estimates of future cash 

outflows. Actual costs incurred may differ from those amounts estimated. Also, future changes to environmental laws 

59

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)and regulations could increase the extent of restoration work required to be performed by the Company. Increases in 

future costs could materially impact the amounts charged to operations for restoration. A 10% increase in costs would 

result in an increase to restoration provisions of $90 million at December 31, 2019.

The provision represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future restoration and remediation 

costs. The actual future expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided; any increase in future costs 

could materially impact the amounts included in the liability disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet. The carrying 

amount of the Company’s restoration provision is disclosed in note 11c.

 • Estimation and assumptions relating to the timing of VAT receivables in Zambia

In addition to the recoverability of VAT receivables being a key judgment, calculating the present value of these 

recoveries also includes assumptions regarding the timing of recoveries. Changes to the timings could materially 

impact the amounts charged to finance costs. The impact of repayments being one year later than estimated at 

December 31, 2019 would lead to a decrease to the carrying value and an increase to finance costs of $43 million.  

The carrying amount of the Company’s VAT receivables is disclosed in note 4b.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS RISK EXPOSURE

The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of risks arising from financial instruments. These risks, and management’s 

objectives, policies and procedures for managing these risks are disclosed as follows:

Credit risk

The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and bank balances, short-term deposits, derivative instruments  

and trade and other receivables. The Company’s exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each class  

of financial assets, including commodity contracts, recorded in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company limits its credit exposure on cash held in bank accounts by holding its key transactional bank accounts with 

highly rated financial institutions. The Company manages its credit risk on short-term deposits by only investing with 

counterparties that carry investment grade ratings as assessed by external rating agencies and spreading the investments 

across these counterparties. Under the Company’s risk management policy, allowable counterparty exposure limits are 

determined by the level of the rating unless exceptional circumstances apply. A rating of investment grade or equivalent  

is the minimum allowable rating required as assessed by international credit rating agencies. Likewise, it is the Company’s 

policy to deal with banking counterparties for derivatives who are rated investment grade or above by international credit 

rating agencies and graduated counterparty limits are applied depending upon the rating.

Exceptions to the policy for dealing with relationship banks with ratings below investment grade are reported to, and approved 

by, the Audit Committee. As at December 31, 2019, substantially all cash and short-term deposits are with counterparties of 

investment grade.

The Company’s credit risk associated with trade accounts receivable is managed through establishing long-term contractual 

relationships with international trading companies using industry-standard contract terms. 36% of the Company’s trade 

receivables are outstanding from three customers together representing 23% of the total sales for the year. No amounts were 

past due from these customers at the balance sheet date. The Company continues to trade with these customers. Revenues 

earned from these customers are included within the Kansanshi and Sentinel segments. Other accounts receivable consist 

of amounts owing from government authorities in relation to the refund of value-added taxes applying to inputs for the 

production process and property, plant and equipment expenditures and prepaid taxes.

60

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Liquidity risk

The Company manages liquidity risk by maintaining cash and cash equivalent balances and available credit facilities to ensure 

that it is able to meet its short-term and long-term obligations as and when they fall due. Company-wide cash projections are 

managed centrally and regularly updated to reflect the dynamic nature of the business and fluctuations caused by commodity 

price and exchange rate movements.

In addition, the Company was obligated under its corporate revolving credit and term loan facility to maintain liquidity and 

satisfy various covenant ratio tests on a historical cash flow basis. These ratios were in compliance during the year ended 

December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018. If the Company breaches a covenant in its Financing Agreements, this would be  

an event of default which, if un-addressed, would entitle the lenders to make the related borrowings immediately due  

and payable and if made immediately due and payable all other borrowings would also be due and payable.

MARKET RISKS

Commodity price risk

The Company is subject to commodity price risk from fluctuations in the market prices of copper, gold, nickel, zinc  

and other elements.

As part of the hedging program, the Company has elected to apply hedge accounting for a portion of copper and nickel sales. 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, a fair value gain of $8 million (2018: fair value gain of $27 million) has been recognized 

on derivatives designated as hedged instruments through accumulated other comprehensive income and a fair value gain of 

$44 million (2018: fair value loss of $110 million) has been recognized through sales revenues.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company had unmargined copper forward sales contracts for 30,000 tonnes at an 

average price of $2.81 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to June 2020. In addition, the Company has zero cost collar 

unmargined sales contracts for 80,000 tonnes at weighted average prices of $2.65 per lb to $2.91 per lb outstanding with 

maturities to December 2020. The Company also had unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 12,046 tonnes at  

an average price of $6.77 per lb outstanding with maturities to February 2021.

The Company is also exposed to commodity price risk on diesel fuel required for mining operations and sulphur required  

for acid production. The Company’s risk management policy allows for the management of these exposures through  

the use of derivative financial instruments. As at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Company had not entered  

into any diesel or sulphur derivatives.

The Company’s commodity price risk related to changes in fair value of embedded derivatives in accounts receivable reflecting 

copper, nickel, gold and zinc sales provisionally priced based on the forward price curve at the end of each quarter.

Interest rate risk

The majority of the Company’s interest expense is fixed however it is also exposed to an interest rate risk arising from interest 

paid on floating rate debt and the interest received on cash and short-term deposits. The majority of interest charges were 

capitalized in 2019 until commencement of commercial production in Panama on September 1, 2019, and therefore the risk 

exposure is primarily on cash, and net earnings in relation to the depreciation of capitalized interest charges.

Deposits are invested on a short-term basis to ensure adequate liquidity for payment of operational and capital expenditures. 

To date, no interest rate management products are used in relation to deposits.

The Company manages its interest rate risk on borrowings on a net basis. The Company has a policy allowing floating-to-fixed 

interest rate swaps targeting 50% of exposure over a five-year period. As at December 31, 2019, and December 31 2018,  

the Company held no floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps.

61

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Foreign exchange risk

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is USD. As virtually all of the Company’s revenues are derived in USD  

and the majority of its business is conducted in USD, foreign exchange risk arises from transactions denominated in currencies 

other than USD. Commodity sales are denominated in USD, the majority of borrowings are denominated in USD and the 

majority of operating expenses are denominated in USD. The Company’s primary foreign exchange exposures are to the local 

currencies in the countries where the Company’s operations are located, principally the Zambian kwacha (“ZMW”), Australian 

dollar (“A$”) Mauritanian ouguiya (“MRU”), the euro (“EUR”) and the Turkish lira (“TRY”); and to the local currencies suppliers 

who provide capital equipment for project development, principally the A$, EUR and the South African rand (“ZAR”).

The Company’s risk management policy allows for the management of exposure to local currencies through the use of financial 

instruments at a targeted amount of up to 100% for exposures within one year down to 50% for exposures in five years.

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that all relevant information 

is communicated to senior management, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under the rules of the 

Canadian Securities Administration, was conducted as of December 31, 2019, under the supervision of the Company’s Audit 

Committee and with the participation of management. Based on the results of the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and 

Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the 

period covered by this report in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the Company’s 

annual filings, interim filings or other reports filed or submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, 

summarized and reported in accordance with the securities legislation.

Since the December 31, 2019 evaluation, there have been no adverse changes to the Company’s controls and procedures  

and they continue to remain effective.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Company’s 

financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in compliance with IFRS. The Company’s internal control over 

financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

accordance with IFRS;

 • pertain to the maintenance of records that accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the Company;
 • provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
 • ensure the Company’s receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorization of management  
 • provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized transactions that could have  

and the Company’s directors; and

a material effect on the annual or interim financial statements.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was conducted as of  

December 31, 2019 by the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,  

based on the Control–Integrated Framework (2013) established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO)  

of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that the Company’s internal controls  

over financial reporting were effective.

There were no changes in the Company’s business activities during the year-ended December 31, 2019, that have materially 

affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.

62

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)LIMITATIONS OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believe that any disclosure 

controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide 

only reasonable and not absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control 

system reflects the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their 

costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, they cannot provide absolute assurance that all control issues 

and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the 

realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. 

Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by 

unauthorized override of the control. The design of any systems of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions 

about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated 

goals under all potential future conditions. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, 

misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

63

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Management’s Responsibility for Financial Reporting

The consolidated financial statements of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. and the information contained in the annual report 

have been prepared by and are the responsibility of the Company’s management. The consolidated financial statements 

have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International 

Accounting Standards Board and, where appropriate, reflect management’s best estimates and judgments based on currently 

available information.

Management has developed and is maintaining a system of internal controls to obtain reasonable assurance that the 

Company’s assets are safeguarded, transactions are authorized and financial information is reliable.

The Company’s independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, who are appointed by the shareholders, conduct an audit  

in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Their report outlines the scope of their audit and gives 

their opinion on the consolidated financial statements.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors meets periodically with management and the independent auditors to review 

the scope and results of the annual audit, and to review the consolidated financial statements and related financial reporting 

matters prior to approval of the consolidated financial statements.

Philip K.R. Pascall 

Hannes Meyer

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

Chief Financial Officer

February 13, 2020

64

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT  
Independent Auditor’s Report
To the Shareholders of First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

Our opinion
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 

position of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and 

its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

WHAT WE HAVE AUDITED

 • The Company’s consolidated financial statements comprise:
 • the Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2019 and 2018;
 • the Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss) for the years then ended;
 • the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years then ended;
 • the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years then ended;
 • the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years then ended; and
 • the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Our responsibilities under those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements section 
of our report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

INDEPENDENCE

We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the 

consolidated financial statements in Canada. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with  

these requirements.

Other information
Management is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the Management’s Discussion and 

Analysis, which we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report and the information, other than the consolidated financial 

statements and our auditor’s report thereon, included in the annual report, which is expected to be made available to us after 

that date.

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express 

an opinion or any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information 

identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated 

financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, 

we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have 

nothing to report in this regard. When we read the information, other than the consolidated financial statements and our 

auditor’s report thereon, included in the annual report, if we conclude that there is a material misstatement therein, we are 

required to communicate the matter to those charged with governance.

65

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTResponsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the  
consolidated financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance 

with IFRS, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated 

financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue 

as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting 

unless management either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process. 

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are 

free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Canadian 

generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from 

fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 

the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, we exercise professional judgment and 

maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud 

or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and 

appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is 

higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, 

or the override of internal control.

the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.

 • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in 
 • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 
 • Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 

evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt 

disclosures made by management.

on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required 

to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such 

disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the 

date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going 

concern. Because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, our conclusions are not a guarantee as to the 

Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 • Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, 

and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that 

achieves fair presentation.

 • Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities 

within the Company to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, 

supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

66

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTWe communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the 

audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements 

regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought  

to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Jason Burkitt.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

London, United Kingdom 

February 13, 2020

67

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except where indicated and share and per share amounts)

Note

17

18

20

22

21

4c

10

13

15

15

15

15

15

14a

2019

4,067

(3,277)

790

(19)

(82)

(101)

(114)

474

37

(285)

(182)

(25)

19

(70)

(51)

6

(57)

2018

3,966

(2,988)

978

(26)

(74)

–

(69)

809

20

(33)

(5)

–

791

(283)

508

67

441

(0.08)

(0.08)

687,596

687,596

689,401

0.64

0.64

686,747

689,387

689,391

Sales revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Exploration

General and administrative

Impairments and related charges

Other income (expense)

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance costs

Finance charge on Zambian VAT discount

Loss on partial redemption of senior notes

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net earnings (loss)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to: 

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders of the Company

Earnings (loss) per common share attributable to  
the shareholders of the Company

Net earnings (loss) ($ per share)

Basic

Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding (000’s)

Basic

Diluted

Total shares issued and outstanding (000’s)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

68

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)

Net earnings (loss) for the year

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Items that have been/may subsequently be reclassified to net earnings (loss):

Cash flow hedges reclassified to net earnings (loss)

Gains on cash flow hedges arising during the year

Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to net earnings (loss):

Loss on termination of Pebble framework agreement 1

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments

Other

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year attributable to:

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders of the Company

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year

Note

2019

(51)

2018

508

24

8

(27)

8

–

1

–

(69)

6

(75)

(69)

228

27

(38)

(7)

12

730

67

663

730

1  In May 2018, the Company and Northern Dynasty Minerals elected to terminate their framework agreement, announced on December 15, 2017, in 

accordance with its terms after being unable to reach agreement on the contemplated option and partnership transaction on the Pebble project.  
A $38 million fair value loss on the investment was recognized in other comprehensive income.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

69

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)

Cash flows from operating activities

Net earnings (loss)

Adjustments for

Depreciation

Income tax expense

Impairment and related charges

Net finance expense

Finance charge on Zambian VAT discount

Unrealized foreign exchange loss

Loss on partial redemption of senior notes

Other

Taxes paid

Franco–Nevada Corporation precious metal stream arrangement

Movements in non–cash operating working capital

Net cash from operating activities
Cash flows used by investing activities

Purchase and deposits on property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of Korea Panama Mining Corp (“KPMC”)

Interest paid and capitalized to property, plant and equipment

Other

Net cash used by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities

Net movement in trading facility

Movement in restricted cash

Proceeds from debt

Repayments of debt

Early redemption costs on senior notes

Proceeds from joint venture (KPMC shareholder loan)

Repayments to joint venture (KPMC shareholder loan)

Proceeds from joint venture (KPMC)

Repayments to joint venture (KPMC)

Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company

Dividends paid to non–controlling interest

Interest paid

Other

Net cash from financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts – beginning of year

Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts – end of year

Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts comprising:

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank overdrafts

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

70

Note

18, 19

13

20

4c

10

12

6, 23

9

6

10

9, 11b

9, 11b

9, 11b

9, 11b

2019

(51)

907

70

101

248

182

89

25

24

1,595

(251)

–

(455)

889

(1,455)

(100)

(388)

23

(1,920)

157

51

3,045

(2,319)

(14)

159

–

–

(102)

(5)

(9)

(181)

(16)

766

(265)

788

–

523

1,138

(615)

2018

508

864

283

–

13

5

92
–
31

1,796

(285)

630

(161)

1,980

(2,143)

(185)

(441)

17

(2,752)

(74)

10

3,146

(2,124)

–

178

(152)

304

(356)

(5)

(20)

(22)

(5)

880

108

702

(22)

788

1,255

(467)

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Balance Sheets
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Current portion of other assets

Non-current assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents - restricted cash

Non-current VAT receivable

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill

Investment in joint venture

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Bank overdraft

Trade and other payables

Current taxes payable

Current debt

Current portion of provisions and other liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Debt

Provisions and other liabilities

Deferred revenue

Deferred income tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

Commitments & contingencies

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Approved by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on February 13, 2020.

December 31, 
2019

December 31, 
2018

Note

1,138

512

1,367

135

3,152

27

396

19,972

237

589

374

24,747

615

737

141

838

192

2,523

7,360

2,172

1,421

609

14,085

5,615

3,880

(45)

9,450

1,212

10,662

24,747

1,255

658

1,196

155

3,264

78

109

19,098

237

600

151

23,537

467

731

125

174

147

1,644

7,111

1,818

1,452

790

12,815

5,592

3,942

(27)

9,507

1,215

10,722

23,537

4

5

8

4b

6

7

9

8

10

11

10

11

12

13

14

25

Simon Scott, Director 

Robert Harding, Director

71

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT  
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)

Share capital

Retained 
earnings

5,592

3,942

–

–

–

23

–

(57)

–

(57)

–

(5)

Accumulated 
other  
comprehensive 
loss

Total equity 
attributable to 
shareholders of 
the Company

Non- 
controlling  
interests

Total Equity

(27)

–

(18)

(18)

–

–

9,507

1,215

10,722

(57)

(18)

(75)

23

(5)

6

–

6

–

(9)

(51)

(18)

(69)

23

(14)

5,615

3,880

(45)

9,450

1,212

10,662

Share capital

Retained 
earnings

Accumulated 
other  
comprehensive 
loss

Total equity 
attributable to 
shareholders of 
the Company

Non- 
controlling  
interests

Total Equity

5,575

3,612

–

(106)

5,575

3,506

–

–

–

17

–

441

–

441

–

(5)

(227)

(22)

(249)

–

222

222

–

–

8,960

1,168

10,128

(128)

–

(128)

8,832

1,168

10,000

441

222

663

17

(5)

67

–

67

–

(20)

1,215

508

222

730

17

(25)

10,722

5,592

3,942

(27)

9,507

Balance at  
December 31, 2018

Net earnings (loss)

Other comprehensive 
income (loss)

Total comprehensive 
income (loss)

Share-based  
compensation expense 1

Dividends

Balance at  
December 31, 2019

1 Net of capitalized amounts

Balance at  
December 31, 2017

IFRS 9 and IFRS 15  
transition adjustments

Balance at  
January 1, 2018

Net earnings

Other comprehensive 
income

Total comprehensive  
income

Share-based  
compensation expense 1

Dividends

Balance at  
December 31, 2018

1 Net of capitalized amounts

72

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except where indicated and share and per share amounts)

1.  Nature of Operations
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or “the Company”) is engaged in the production of copper, nickel, gold, zinc and 

acid, and related activities including exploration and development. The Company has operating mines located in Zambia, 

Panama, Finland, Turkey, Spain and Mauritania. The Company’s Ravensthorpe mine in Australia, which was placed under care 

and maintenance in October 2017, is currently undergoing re-commissioning work, with production expected to re-commence 

first quarter 2020. The Company is exploring the Haquira copper deposit in Peru and the Taca Taca copper-gold-molybdenum 

deposit in Argentina.

The Company’s shares are publicly listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange and has Depository Receipts listed on the 

Lusaka Stock Exchange.

The Company is registered and domiciled in Canada, and its registered office is the 14th Floor – 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, 

BC, Canada, V6C 1X8.

2.  Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are described below.

a)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(“IFRS”). For these purposes, IFRS comprise the standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and 

Interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (“IFRICs”).

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of 

derivative assets and liabilities and investments which are measured at fair value.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In making the assessment that the 

Company is a going concern, management have taken into account all available information about the future, which is at least, 

but is not limited to, twelve months from December 31, 2019.

At December 31, 2019, the Company had $250 million of committed undrawn senior debt facilities and $523 million of net 

unrestricted cash (inclusive of overdrafts), as well as future cash flows in order to meet all current obligations as they become 

due. The Company was in compliance with all existing facility covenants as at December 31, 2019.

b) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the 

Company (its “subsidiaries”). Control is achieved where the Company has the right to variable returns from its involvement with 

the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The results of subsidiaries acquired 

or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of earnings from the effective date of acquisition or 

up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

The principal operating subsidiaries are Kansanshi Mining Plc (“Kansanshi”), Minera Panama S.A. (“MPSA” or “Cobre Panama”), 

Kalumbila Minerals Limited (“Sentinel”), First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited (“FQMO”), Mauritanian Copper Mines 

SARL (“Guelb Moghrein”), Ravensthorpe Nickel Operations Pty Ltd. (“Ravensthorpe”), Cobre Las Cruces S.A. (“Las Cruces”), Çayeli 

Bakir Isletmeleri A.S. (“Çayeli”), Pyhäsalmi Mine Oy (“Pyhäsalmi”) and Metal Corp Trading AG (“Metal Corp”). The exploration 

and development subsidiaries include Minera Antares Peru S.A.C. (“Haquira”) and Corriente Argentina S.A. (“Taca Taca”). All the 

above operating subsidiaries are 100% owned, with the exception of Kansanshi (80%) and Cobre Panama, in which the Company 

holds a 90% interest, 10% of which is held indirectly through the joint venture, Korea Panama Mining Corp (“KPMC”), a jointly 

controlled Canadian entity acquired in November 2017.

73

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNon-controlling interests

At December 31, 2019, ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (“ZCCM”, a Zambian government controlled entity) owned 20% of 

Kansanshi and KPMC owned 20% of Cobre Panama. A non-controlling interest is held by African Energy Resources Ltd, a publicly 

listed entity, in the Company’s consolidated subsidiary, African Energy Holdings SRL.

Through the operations in Zambia and Panama, there are a number of transactions with the respective governments in the 

ordinary course of business, including taxes, royalties, utilities and power. The Company is limited in its ability to use the assets 

of Kansanshi and Cobre Panama as a result of the agreement with the other owners of these subsidiaries.

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Company’s equity 

therein. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination  

and the non-controlling interest’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination.

c)  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Foreign currency translation

The presentation currency and the functional currency of the Company and all of the Company’s operations is the USD. The 

Company’s foreign currency transactions are translated into USD at the rate of exchange in effect at the date of the transaction. 

Monetary assets and liabilities are translated using period end exchange rates with any gains and losses included in the 

determination of net earnings. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated using historical rates.

Inventories

Product inventories comprise ore in stockpiles, work-in-progress and finished goods. Product inventories are recorded at 

the lower of average cost and net realizable value. Cost includes materials, direct labour, other direct costs and production 

overheads and depreciation of plant, equipment and mineral properties directly involved in the mining and production 

processes. Costs are determined primarily on the basis of average costs for ore in stockpiles and on a first-in first-out basis  

for work-in-progress and finished goods.

Waste material stripping costs related to production at, or below, the life-of-phase strip ratio are inventoried as incurred,  

with the excess capitalized to mineral property and depreciated in future periods.

When inventories have been written down to net realizable value, a new assessment of net realizable value is made at each 

subsequent reporting date that the inventory is still held.

Consumable stores are valued at the lower of purchase cost and net realizable value and recorded as a current asset.

Property, plant and equipment

(i) Mineral properties and mine development costs

Exploration and evaluation costs are expensed in the period incurred. Property acquisition costs and amounts paid under 

development option agreements are capitalized. Development costs relating to specific properties are capitalized once 

management determines a property will be developed. A development decision is made based upon consideration of project 

economics, including future metal prices, reserves and resources, and estimated operating and capital costs. Capitalization of 

costs incurred and proceeds received during the development phase ceases when the property is capable of operating at levels 

intended by management.

Property acquisition and mine development costs, including costs incurred during the production phase to increase future 

output by providing access to additional reserves (deferred stripping costs), are deferred and depreciated on a units-of-

production basis over the component of the reserves to which they relate.

(ii) Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs recorded for assets under 

construction include all expenditures incurred in connection with the development and construction of the assets.  

No depreciation is recorded until the assets are substantially complete and ready for productive use. Where relevant,  

the Company has estimated residual values on certain plant and equipment.

74

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Property, plant and equipment are depreciated using either the straight-line or units-of-production basis over the shorter of 

the estimated useful life of the asset or the life of mine. Depreciation calculated on a straight-line basis is as follows for major 

asset categories:

Office equipment

Furniture and fittings

Infrastructure and buildings

Motor vehicles

33%

15%

2%- 5%

20%-25%

Depreciation on equipment utilized in the development of assets, including open pit and underground mine development,  

is depreciated and recapitalized as development costs attributable to the related asset.

(iii) Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the 

cost of the asset until such time as the asset is substantially complete and ready for its intended use or sale. Where funds have 

been borrowed specifically to finance an asset, the amount capitalized is the actual borrowing costs incurred. Where the funds 

are used to finance an asset form part of general borrowings, the amount capitalized is calculated using a weighted average of 

rates applicable to relevant general borrowings of the Company during the period. With Cobre Panama achieving commercial 

production on September 1, 2019, capitalization of qualifying finance costs ceased.

Business combinations and goodwill

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business 

combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets 

transferred by the Company. The results of businesses acquired during the year are included in the consolidated financial 

statements from the effective date of acquisition. The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the business 

which can be measured reliably are recorded at provisional fair values at the date of acquisition. Provisional fair values are 

finalized within twelve months of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Goodwill arising in a business combination is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred and the 

amount of any non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Asset impairment

(i) Property, plant and equipment

The Company performs impairment tests on property, plant and equipment, mineral properties and mine development costs 

when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate the assets may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists, 

the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not 

possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, for example due to no distinctive cashflows, the Company 

estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the assets belong. Cash-generating units are individual 

operating mines, smelters or exploration projects.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. Fair value less costs of disposal 

is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm’s length transaction between 

knowledgeable and willing parties. For mining assets this would generally be determined based on the present value of the 

estimated future cash flows arising from the continued development, use or eventual disposal of the asset. In assessing these 

cash flows and discounting them to present value, assumptions used are those that an independent market participant would 

consider appropriate. Value in use is the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of the assets in 

their present form and from their disposal, discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current 

market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. The Company generally adopts the fair value 

less costs of disposal when accounting for impairment.

75

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 

amount of the asset or cash-generating unit is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized 

immediately in net earnings.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or cash-generating unit is increased to the 

revised estimate of its recoverable amount, such that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that 

would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset or cash-generating unit in prior years.  

A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized in net earnings immediately.

(ii) Goodwill

Goodwill arising on business combinations is allocated to each of the Company’s cash-generating units (or groups of cash-

generating units) that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Goodwill is allocated to the lowest level 

at which the goodwill is monitored by the Company’s board of directors for internal management purposes. The recoverable 

amount of the cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment at the same time every year.

Any impairment loss is recognized in net earnings immediately. Impairment of goodwill is not subsequently reversed.

Restoration provisions

The Company recognizes liabilities for constructive or legislative and regulatory obligations, including those associated with 

the reclamation of mineral properties and property, plant and equipment, when those obligations result from the acquisition, 

construction, development or normal operation of assets. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expected 

expenditures required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax discount rate reflecting the time value of money and risks 

specific to the liability. The liability is increased for accretion expense, representing the unwinding of the discount applied to 

the provision, and adjusted for changes to the current market-based risk-free discount rate, and the amount or timing of the 

underlying cash flows needed to settle the obligation. The associated restoration costs are capitalized as part of the carrying 

amount of the related long-lived asset and depreciated over the expected useful life of the asset or expensed in the period for 

closed sites.

Revenue recognition

The Company produces copper, gold and zinc products which are sold under pricing arrangements where final prices are set at 

a specified date based on market prices.

The Company identifies contracts with customers, the performance obligations within it, the transaction price and its allocation 

to the performance obligations.

Revenues are recognized when control of the product passes to the customer and are measured based on expected 

consideration. Control typically passes on transfer of key shipping documents which typically occurs around the shipment 

date. Shipping services provided are a separate performance obligation and the revenue for these services is recognized 

over time. For bill-and-hold arrangements, whereby the Company invoices but retains physical possession of products, 

revenue recognition is also subject to the arrangement being substantive, as well as the product concerned being separately 

identifiable, ready for transfer and not transferable to another customer.

For provisionally priced sales, changes between the prices recorded upon recognition of revenue and the final price due 

to fluctuations in metal market prices result in the existence of an embedded derivative in the accounts receivable. This is 

recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value classified as a component of cost of sales.

The Company recognizes deferred revenue in the event it receives payments from customers before a sale meets criteria for 

revenue recognition. The transaction price is adjusted to reflect any significant financing component at the rate that reflects  

the credit characteristics of the entity receiving the financing.

Current and deferred income taxes

Tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the income statement, except to the extent 

that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in 

other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

76

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Current tax expense is calculated using income tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 

date. Periodically, the positions taken by the Company with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to 

interpretation are evaluated to establish provisions, where appropriate, on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the  

tax authorities.

Deferred income tax is recognized on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial 

statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and are accounted for using the liability 

method. Deferred income tax liabilities are generally recognized for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred income 

tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable 

profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Such assets and liabilities are 

not recognized if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a 

transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are not 

recognized in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates where 

the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled by the Company and it is probable that temporary 

differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is 

no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which 

the liability is settled or the asset realized, based on income tax rates and income tax laws that have been enacted or 

substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. The measurement of deferred income tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax 

consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of its 

assets and liabilities.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets 

against current tax liabilities, and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company 

intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Share-based compensation

The grant-date fair value of equity-settled share-based payment arrangements granted to employees is generally recognized 

as an expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the vesting period of the options. The amount recognized as an 

expense is adjusted to reflect the number of options for which the related service and non-market performance conditions 

are expected to be met, such that the amount ultimately recognized is based on the number of options that meet the related 

service and non-market performance conditions at the vesting date.

For share-based payment options with non-vesting conditions, the grant-date fair value of the share-based payment is 

measured to reflect such conditions and there is no true-up for differences between expected and actual outcomes.

The Company grants stock options under its stock option plan and performance stock units (“PSUs”), restricted stock units 

(“RSUs”) and key restricted stock units (“KRSUs”) under its long-term incentive plan to directors and employees. The Company 

expenses the fair value of stock options, PSUs, RSUs and KRSUs granted over the vesting period.

The fair value of stock options is determined using an option pricing model that takes into account, as of the grant date, the 

exercise price, the expected life of the option, the current price of the underlying stock and its expected volatility, expected 

dividends on the stock, and the risk-free interest rate over the expected life of the option. Cash consideration received from 

employees when they exercise the options is credited to capital stock.

PSUs typically vest at the end of a three-year period if certain performance and vesting criteria, based on the Company’s 

share price performance relative to a representative group of other mining companies, have been met. The fair value of 

PSUs is determined using a valuation model that takes into account, as of the grant date, the expected life of the PSU, 

expected volatility, expected dividend yield, and the risk-free interest rate over the life of the PSU to generate potential 

outcomes for share prices, which are used to estimate the probability of the PSUs vesting at the end of the performance 

measurement period.

77

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)RSUs typically vest at the end of a three-year period and the fair value of RSUs is determined by reference to the share price of 

the Company at the date of grant.

KRSUs vest in tranches over a four to eight-year period and the fair value of RSUs is determined by reference to the share price 

of the Company at the date of grant.

Details of share-based compensation are disclosed in note 16.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share are calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Shares acquired 

under the long-term incentive plan are treated as treasury shares and are deducted from the number of shares outstanding for 

the calculation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share are calculated using the treasury share method whereby all 

“in the money” share-based arrangements are assumed to have been exercised at the beginning of the period and the proceeds 

from the exercise are assumed to have been used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period.

Financial instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts, restricted cash, trade receivables, 

investments, trade payables, debt and derivative instruments.

Financial assets are classified as measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) and fair 

value through profit and loss (“FVTPL”). Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost or FVTPL.

(i) Cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts and restricted cash

Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts comprise cash at banks and on hand and other short-term investments with 

initial maturities of less than three months. Restricted cash comprises cash deposits used to guarantee letters of credit issued 

by the Company or held for escrow purposes.

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are measured at amortized cost. Cash pooling arrangements are presented on  

a gross basis unless physical cash settlement of balances has been made at the balance sheet date.

(ii) Trade receivables

Provisionally priced sales included in trade and other receivables are classified as FVTPL. All other trade receivables are 

classified as amortized cost financial assets and are recorded at the transaction price, net of transaction costs incurred and 

expected credit losses.

(iii) Investments

Investments are designated as fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”). Fair value is determined in the 

manner described in note 24. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income. Dividends on equity 

investments are recognized in the income statement when the right to receive payment is established.

(iv) Derivatives and hedging

A portion of the Company’s metal sales are sold on a provisional basis whereby sales are recognized at prevailing metal prices 

when title transfers to the customer and final pricing is not determined until a subsequent date, typically two months later. 

The Company enters into derivative contracts to directly offset the exposure to final pricing adjustments on the provisionally 

priced sales contracts. The Company also periodically enters into derivative instruments to mitigate cash flow exposure to 

commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates. Derivative financial instruments, including embedded derivatives 

related to the provisionally priced sales contracts, are classified as fair value through profit or loss and measured at fair value 

as determined by active market prices and valuation models, as appropriate. Valuation models require the use of assumptions 

concerning the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and discount rates. In determining these assumptions, the 

Company uses readily observable market inputs where available or, where not available, inputs generated by the Company. 

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in net earnings.

78

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)At the inception of a designated hedging relationship, the Company documents the relationship between hedging instruments 

and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The 

Company also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether derivatives that are 

used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is 

recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately  

in the Statements of Earnings within ‘Other income (expense)’. No ineffective hedges were recognized in the year ended 

December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018: nil).

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to the Statements of Earnings in the periods when the hedged item affects  

net earnings.

(v) Trade and other payables, debt and amounts due to joint ventures

Trade payables, debt and amounts due to joint ventures are classified as amortized cost financial liabilities and are recognized 

initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and are subsequently stated at amortized cost. For debt, any difference 

between the amounts originally received, net of transaction costs, and the redemption value is recognized in net earnings over 

the period to maturity using the effective interest rate method.

Exchanges of instruments and modifications to debt are assessed using quantitative and qualitative factors to consider 

whether the exchange or modification constitutes an extinguishment of the original financial liability and establishment of a 

new financial liability. In the case of extinguishment, any fees or costs incurred are recognized in the Statement of Earnings. 

Where the terms in an exchange or modification are not assessed to be substantially different, a modification gain or loss is 

recognized at an amount equal to the difference between the modified cash flows discounted at the original effective interest 

rate and the carrying value of the debt. The carrying value of the debt is adjusted for this modification gain or loss, directly 

attributable transaction costs, and any cash paid to or received from the debt holder.

(vi) Impairment of financial assets

Expected credit losses (“ECL”) are recognized for financial assets held at amortized cost. This is based on credit losses that 

result from default events that are possible within a 12-month period, except for trade receivables, whose ECLs are on a 

simplified lifetime basis, and any financial assets for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial 

recognition, for which ECLs over the lifetime are recognized.

Investments in joint ventures

Joint arrangements whereby joint control exists are accounted for using the equity method and presented separately in the 

balance sheet. The investment is initially recognized at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition share of profit or 

loss. Further detail of the investment in joint venture is provided in note 9.

d) ADOPTION OF NEW STANDARDS

IFRS 16 Leases

The Company has adopted IFRS 16 - Leases (IFRS 16) as of January 1, 2019. In accordance with the transitional provisions within 
IFRS 16, the Company has elected to apply the modified transition approach and therefore the comparative information has not 

been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. The details of accounting policies under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 

are disclosed separately if they are different from those under IFRS 16.

The details and quantitative impact of the changes in accounting policies are disclosed below.

Policy applicable from January 1, 2019

At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains a lease  

if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.  

To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Company assesses whether:

79

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) • The contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically 

distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive 

substitution right, the asset is not identified.

the period of use.

 • The Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout  
 • The Company has the right to direct the use of the asset (such as the decision-making rights).

Policy applicable before January 1, 2019

For contracts entered into before January 1, 2019, the Company determined whether the arrangement was or contained a lease 

based on the assessment of whether:

 • Fulfilment of the arrangement was dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets.
 • The arrangement had conveyed a right to use the asset. An arrangement conveyed the right to use the asset if one of the 

following was met:

• The Company had the ability or right to operate the asset while obtaining or controlling more than an insignificant 

amount of the amount; or

• The Company had the ability or right to control physical access to the asset while obtaining or controlling more than 

an insignificant amount of the output.

(i) Measurement of leases

All leases are accounted for by recognizing a right-of-use asset and a lease liability with the exception of short-term leases and 

low-value assets. If the Company deems a lease to be short-term or low-value, the Company recognizes the lease payments 

associated with these leases as an expense on either a straight-line basis over the lease term or another systematic basis.

The lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor over the lease term, with 

the discount rate determined by reference to the rate inherent in the lease. If that rate cannot be determined, the Company’s 

incremental borrowing rate is used. Variable lease payments are only included in the measurement of the lease liability if they 

depend on an index or rate. In such cases, the initial measurement of the lease liability assumes the variable element will 

remain unchanged throughout the lease term. Other variable lease payments are expensed in the period to which they relate.

Right-of-use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, reduced for any lease incentives received, and 

increased for:

 • Lease payments made at or before commencement of the lease;
 • Initial direct costs incurred; and
 • The amount of any provision recognized where the Company is contractually required to dismantle, remove or restore the 

leased asset.

Subsequent to initial measurement, lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance 

outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made. The interest rate used to calculate the interest charged is determined 

by the jurisdiction of the lease and the length of the lease. Right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over 

the remaining term of the lease or over the remaining economic life of the asset if, rarely, this is judged to be shorter than 

the lease term. When the Company revises its estimate of the term of any lease (because, for example, it re-assesses the 

probability of a lessee extension or termination option being exercised), it adjusts the carrying amount of the lease liability 

to reflect the payments to make over the revised term, which are discounted at the same discount rate that applied on lease 

commencement. The carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised when the variable element of future lease payments 

dependent on a rate or index is revised. In both cases an equivalent adjustment is made to the carrying value of the right-of-

use asset, with the revised carrying amount being amortized over the remaining (revised) lease term.

80

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)(ii) Quantitative analysis

The details and quantitative impact of the changes in accounting policy are disclosed below:

 • The Company has recognized lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ 

under the principle of IAS 17. The Company has elected to apply practical expedients of IFRS 16 in relation to applying the 

same discount rate to leases with reasonably similar characteristics, relying on previous assessments of onerous leases, not 

recognizing leases for which the lease term ended within 12 months of the date of initial application, and by excluding initial 

direct costs from the measurement of right-of-use assets at the date of initial application. Through the adoption of IFRS 16, 

an extensive detailed review of the Company’s leases resulted in increases to property, plant and equipment (note 6) and 

provisions and other liabilities (note 11) on January 1, 2019 of $20 million.

 • The total cash outflow for leases in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $29 million.
 • Additions to right-of-use assets in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $27 million, inclusive of the $20 million recognized 

on adoption of IFRS 16. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate for lease liabilities initially recognized as of 

December 31, 2019 is 8.8%.

Operating lease commitments disclosed in the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2018 of $32 million are 

different to the lease liabilities recognized on the initial application of $20 million due to non-inclusion of short-term leases, 

non-capital payments and payments for low value assets, and are after the impact of discounting at the incremental borrowing 

rate, or if readily available, the interest rate implicit in the lease.

3.  Significant Judgments, Estimates and Assumptions
Many of the amounts disclosed in the financial statements involve the use of judgments, estimates and assumptions. These 

judgments and estimates are based on management’s knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances at the time, having 

regard to prior experience, and are continually evaluated.

(i) SIGNIFICANT JUDGMENTS

 • Determination of ore reserves and resources

Judgments about the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s properties are 

made by management using a range of geological, technical and economic factors, history of conversion of mineral deposits 

to proven and probable reserves as well as data regarding quantities, grades, production techniques, recovery rates, 

production costs, transport costs, commodity demand, commodity prices and exchange rates. This process may require 

complex and difficult geological judgments to interpret the data. The Company uses qualified persons (as defined by the 

Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Instrument 43-101) to compile this data.

Changes in the judgments surrounding proven and probable reserves may impact the carrying value of property, plant and 

equipment (note 6), restoration provisions included in provisions and other liabilities (note 11), recognition of deferred 

income tax amounts (note 13) and depreciation (note 6).

 • Achievement of commercial production

Once a mine or smelter reaches the operating levels intended by management, depreciation of capitalized costs begins. 

Significant judgment is required to determine when certain of the Company’s assets reach this level.

Management considers several factors, including, but not limited to the following:

• completion of a reasonable period of commissioning;
• consistent operating results achieved at a pre-determined level of design capacity and indications exist that this level 

will continue;

• mineral recoveries at or near expected levels; and
• the transfer of operations from development personnel to operational personnel has been completed.

81

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company concluded that the Cobre Panama mine, was operating in a manner 

intended by management and commercial production was achieved from September 1, 2019.

 • Taxes

Judgment is required in determining the recognition and measurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities on the 

balance sheet. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to assessment by taxation authorities in various 

jurisdictions. These authorities may have different interpretations of tax legislation or tax agreements than those applied by 

the Company in computing current and deferred income taxes. These different judgments may alter the timing or amounts 

of taxable income or deductions. The final amount of taxes to be paid or recovered depends on a number of factors 

including the outcome of audits, appeals and negotiation. Amounts to be recovered and the timings of recoveries with 

respect to indirect taxes, such as VAT, are subject to judgment which, in the instance of a change of circumstances, could 

result in material adjustments.

The Company operates in a specialized industry and in a number of tax jurisdictions. As a result, its income is subject to 

various rates of taxation. The breadth of its operations and the global complexity and interpretation of tax regulations 

require assessment and judgement of uncertainties and of the taxes that the Company will ultimately pay. These are 

dependent on many factors, including negotiations with tax authorities in various jurisdictions, outcomes of tax litigation 

and resolution of disputes. The resolution of these uncertainties may result in adjustments to the Company’s tax assets  

and liabilities.

Management assesses the likelihood and timing of taxable earnings in future periods in recognizing deferred income tax 

assets on unutilized tax losses. Future taxable income is based on forecast cash flows from operations and the application 

of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. Forecast cash flows are based on life of mine projections.

To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from forecasts, the ability of the Company 

to realize the net deferred income tax assets recorded at the balance sheet date could be impacted. In addition, future 

changes in tax laws could limit the ability of the Company to obtain tax deductions in future periods from deferred income 

tax assets are disclosed in note 13.

 • Precious metal stream arrangement

On October 5, 2015, the Company finalized an agreement with Franco-Nevada Corporation (“Franco-Nevada”) for the delivery 

of precious metals from the Cobre Panama project. Franco-Nevada have provided $1 billion deposit to the Cobre Panama 

project against future deliveries of gold and silver produced by the mine. A further stream was completed on March 26, 2018, 

with an additional $356 million received from Franco-Nevada.

Management has determined that the under the terms of the agreement the Company meets the ‘own-use’ exemption 
criteria under IFRS 9: Financial Instruments. The Company also retains significant business risk relating to the operation of 
the mine and as such has accounted for the proceeds received as deferred revenue.

Management has exercised judgement in determining the appropriate accounting treatment for the Franco-Nevada 

streaming agreement. Management has determined, with reference to the agreed contractual terms in conjunction with 

the Cobre Panama reserves and mine plan, that funds received from Franco-Nevada constitute a prepayment of revenues 

deliverable from future Cobre Panama production.

Following the first sale of copper concentrate by Cobre Panama in June 2019, the Company commenced deliveries of gold 

and silver to Franco-Nevada under the terms of the arrangement.

 • Assessment of impairment indicators

Management applies significant judgement in assessing each cash-generating units and assets for the existence of 

indicators of impairment at the reporting date. Internal and external factors are considered in assessing whether indicators 

of impairment are present that would necessitate impairment testing. Significant assumptions regarding commodity 

prices, production, operating costs, capital expenditures and discount rates are used in determining whether there are 

any indicators of impairment. These assumptions are reviewed regularly by senior management and compared, where 

applicable, to relevant market consensus views.

82

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The Company’s most significant CGUs are longer-term assets and therefore their value is assessed on the basis of  

longer-term pricing assumptions. Shorter-term assets are more sensitive to short term commodity prices assumptions  

that are used in the review of impairment indicators.

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment and goodwill at the balance sheet date is disclosed in note 6  

and note 7 respectively, and by mine location in note 23.

Asset impairments are disclosed in note 20.

 • Derecognition of financial liabilities

Judgment is required when determining if an exchange of instruments or modification of debt constitute an extinguishment 

of the original financial liability and establishment of a new financial liability. In 2019, qualitative factors such as new terms 

and changes to the existing lending group were considered for the Company’s senior debt facility and were judged to 

constitute an extinguishment of the previous $1.5 billion RCF (see note 10).

(ii) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Estimates are inherently uncertain and therefore actual results may differ from the amounts included in the financial 

statements, potentially having a material future effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The estimates 

and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 

within the next financial year are addressed below:

 • Determination of ore reserves and life of mine plan

Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from the Company’s 

properties. Estimating the quantity and/or grade of reserves requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies or fields to be 

determined by analyzing geological data such as drilling samples. Following this, the quantity of ore that can be extracted in 

an economical manner is calculated using data regarding the life of mine plans and forecast sales prices (based on current 

and long-term historical average price trends).

The majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment are depreciated over the estimated lives of the assets on a 

units-of-production basis. The calculation of the units-of-production rate, and therefore the annual depreciation expense 

could be materially affected by changes in the underlying estimates which are driven by the life of mine plans. Changes in 

estimates can be the result of actual future production differing from current forecasts of future production, expansion of 

mineral reserves through exploration activities, differences between estimated and actual costs of mining and differences in 

the commodity prices used in the estimation of mineral reserves.

Management made significant estimates of the strip ratio for each production phase. Waste material stripping costs in 

excess of this ratio, and from which future economic benefit will be derived from future access to ore, will be capitalized to 

mineral property and depreciated on a units-of-production basis.

Changes in the proven and probable reserves estimates may impact the carrying value of property, plant and equipment 

(note 6), restoration provisions (note 11), recognition of deferred income tax amounts (note 13) and depreciation (note 6).

 • Review of asset carrying values and impairment charges

The Company reviews the carrying value of assets each reporting period to determine whether there is any indication 

of impairment using both internal and external sources of information. The Company has determined that each mining 

operation and smelter is a cash-generating unit.

External sources of information regarding indications of impairment include considering the changes in market, economic 

and legal environment in which the Company operates that are not within its control and affect the recoverable amount of, 

or the timing of economic benefits from mining assets. Internal sources of information include changes to the life of mine 

plans and economic performance of the assets.

83

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Management’s determination of recoverable amounts includes estimates of mineral prices, recoverable reserves, and 

operating, capital and restoration costs are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may affect the recoverability of 

mineral property costs. The calculation of the recoverable amount can also include assumptions regarding the appropriate 

discount rate and inflation and exchange rates. Although management has made its best estimate of these factors, it is 

possible that changes could occur in the near term that could adversely affect management’s estimate of the net cash flow 

to be generated from its projects.

An impairment was recognized on Las Cruces at December 31, 2019 (note 20). A 5% change in the production and short-term 

copper price would result in a $24 million change to the impairment value recognized.

 • Estimation of the amount and timing of restoration and remediation costs

Accounting for restoration provisions requires management to make estimates of the future costs the Company will incur to 

complete the restoration and remediation work required to comply with existing laws, regulations and agreements in place 

at each mining operation and any environmental and social principles the Company is in compliance with. The calculation 

of the present value of these costs also includes assumptions regarding the timing of restoration and remediation work, 

applicable risk-free interest rate for discounting those future cash outflows, inflation and foreign exchange rates and 

assumptions relating to probabilities of alternative estimates of future cash outflows. Actual costs incurred may differ 

from those amounts estimated. Also, future changes to environmental laws and regulations could increase the extent of 

restoration work required to be performed by the Company. Increases in future costs could materially impact the amounts 

charged to operations for restoration. A 10% increase in costs would result in an increase to restoration provisions of  

$90 million at December 31, 2019.

The provision represents management’s best estimate of the present value of the future restoration and remediation costs. 

The actual future expenditures may differ from the amounts currently provided; any increase in future costs could materially 

impact the amounts included in the liability disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet. The carrying amount of the 

Company’s restoration provision is disclosed in note 11c.

 • Estimation and assumptions relating to the timing of VAT receivables in Zambia

In addition to the recoverability of VAT receivables being a key judgment, calculating the present value of these recoveries 

also includes assumptions regarding the timing of recoveries. Changes to the timings could materially impact the amounts 

charged to finance costs. The impact of repayments being one year later than estimated at December 31, 2019 would lead to 

a decrease to the carrying value and an increase to finance costs of $43 million. The carrying amount of the Company’s VAT 

receivables is disclosed in note 4b.

4.  Trade Receivables

a)  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables

VAT receivable (current)

Other receivables

84

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

369

20

123

512

241

353

64

658

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)b) VAT RECEIVABLE

Kansanshi Mining PLC

Kalumbila Minerals Limited

First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited (Zambia)

VAT receivable from the Company’s Zambian operations

Cobre Las Cruces SA

Çayeli Bakır İşletmeleri A.Ş.

Other

Total VAT receivable

Less: current portion, included within trade and other receivables 

Non–current VAT receivable

c)  VAT RECEIVABLE BY THE COMPANY’S ZAMBIAN OPERATIONS

Receivable at date of claim

Impact of depreciation of Zambian kwacha against U.S. dollar 1

Impact of discounting non-current portion 2

Total receivable 

Consisting: 

Current portion, included within trade and other receivables

Non-current VAT receivable

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

233

141

24

398

10

5

3

416

(20)

396

282

137

24

443

11

5

3

462

(353)

109

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

847

(242)

605

(207)

398

2

396

645

(177)

468

(25)

443

334

109

1  The impact of depreciation of the Zambian kwacha against the U.S. dollar in the year ended December 31, 2019 on the Company’s Zambian operations VAT 

receivable is included within other expense in the Statement of Earnings.

2  A finance charge of $182 million has been recognized in the year–ended December 31, 2019, (year–ended December 31, 2018: $5 million), representing the 
discounting over the expected timeframe to repayment. Discussions with the relevant government authorities are ongoing and management continues to 
consider that the outstanding VAT claims are fully recoverable.

5.  Inventories

Ore in stockpiles

Work-in-progress

Finished product

Total product inventory

Consumable stores 

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

267

27

284

578

789

1,367

250

26

259

535

661

1,196

85

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
6.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Net book value, as at January 1, 2019

Change in accounting policy – IFRS 16

Additions

Disposals

Impairments (note 20)

Transfers between categories

Restoration provision (note 11c)

Capitalized interest (note 21)

Depreciation charge (note 18)

Net book value, as at December 31, 2019

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

Mineral properties and mine 
development costs

Plant and 
equipment

Capital work-
in-progress

Operating 
mines

Development 
projects

4,634

20

–

(32)

(76)

10,125

–

1,274

–

–

6,897

(11,097)

–

–

(641)

10,802

15,371

(4,569)

–

549

–

851

851

–

2,097

2,242

–

–

–

(25)

5,305

96

–

(291)

7,182

9,061

(1,879)

–

–

–

–

(1,105)

–

–

–

1,137

1,137

–

Mineral properties and mine 
development costs

Plant and 
equipment

Capital work-
in-progress

Operating 
mines

Development 
projects

Net book value, as at January 1, 2018

4,686

Additions

Disposals

Transfers between categories

Restoration provision

Capitalized interest

Depreciation charge

Net book value, as at December 31, 2018

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

–

(9)

538 

–

–

(581)

4,634

8,638

(4,004)

7,881

2,166

–

(575)

–

653 

–

10,125

10,125

–

2,374

2,232

–

–

42

(50)

–

(269)

2,097

3,672

(1,575)

–

–

(5)

15

–

–

2,242

2,242

–

Total

19,098

20

1,274

(32)

(101)

–

96

549

(932)

19,972

26,420

(6,448)

Total

17,173

2,166

(9)

–

(35)

653

(850)

19,098

24,677

(5,579)

During the year ended December 31, 2019, $549 million of interest (December 31, 2018: $653 million) was capitalized relating to 

the development of Cobre Panama. The amount capitalized to December 31, 2019, was determined by applying the weighted 

average cost of borrowings of 6.8% (December 31, 2018: 7.2%) to the accumulated qualifying expenditures. With commercial 

production achieved September 1, 2019, capitalization of qualifying finance costs ceased.

Included within capital work-in-progress and mineral properties – operating mines at December 31, 2019, is an amount of  

$682 million related to capitalized deferred stripping costs (December 31, 2018: $632 million).

Disposals during the year ended December 31, 2019 include a $9 million write-off of assets as a result of a land slippage at the 

Las Cruces mine in January 2019.

86

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
7.  Goodwill
Goodwill of $237 million arose through the acquisition of Inmet Mining Corporation (“Inmet”) in 2013 after the application of 

IAS 12 – Income taxes, due to the requirement to recognize a deferred tax liability calculated as the tax effect of the difference 

between the fair value of the assets acquired and their respective tax bases. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The 

goodwill was assigned to the Cobre Panama cash-generating unit.

The carrying value of Cobre Panama at December 31, 2019, was $10,611 million inclusive of deferred revenue (December 31, 2018: 

$9,327 million).

The annual impairment test has been performed at December 31, 2019. For the purposes of the goodwill impairment test, the 

recoverable amount of Cobre Panama has been determined using a fair value less costs of disposal calculation based on a 

discounted cash flow model over a period of 35 years, which uses a post-tax discount rate, taking account of assumptions that 

would be made by market participants. The future cash flows used in this model are inherently uncertain and could materially 

change over time as a result of changes to ore reserves and resources estimates, commodity prices, discount rates, future 

production costs and future capital expenditure. Reserves and resources are estimated based on the National Instrument  

43-101 compliant report produced by qualified persons. The production profile used in the cash flow model is consistent with 

the reserves and resource volumes approved as part of the Company’s process for the estimation of proven and probable 

reserves. Such production volumes are dependent on a number of variables, including the recovery of metal from the ore, 

production costs, duration of mining rights, and the selling price of extracted minerals. Commodity prices are management’s 

estimates of the views of market participants, including a long-term copper price of $3.00 per lb. The estimates are derived 

from the median of consensus forecasts. A nominal discount rate of 9.5% (December 31, 2018: 11%) has been applied to future 

cash flows, derived from Cobre Panama’s weighted average cost of capital (in nominal terms). Future production costs and 

future capital expenditure are based on the latest available engineering reports and are consistent with technical reports 

prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The measurement is 

classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see note 24).

The calculated recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit exceeds the carrying value of Cobre Panama at December 31, 2019, 

and therefore no impairment charge has been recognized.

8.  Other assets

Prepaid expenses

KPMC shareholder loan 

Other investments

Deferred income tax assets (note 13)

Derivative instruments (note 24)

Total other assets 

Less: current portion of other assets

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

142

246

19

93

9

509

(135)

374

109

62

18

74

43

306

(155)

151

Included within prepaid expenses is $28 million (December 31, 2018: $28 million) in relation to Sentinel which will be recovered 

through deductions on electricity invoices from ZESCO under the terms of the agreement to transfer powerline ownership.

87

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)9.  Joint Venture
On November 8, 2017, the Company completed the purchase of a 50% interest in KPMC from LS-Nikko Copper Inc. KPMC is jointly 

owned and controlled with Korea Resources Corporation (“KORES”) and holds a 20% interest in Cobre Panama. The purchase 

consideration of $664 million comprised the acquisition consideration of $635 million and the reimbursement of cash advances 

of $29 million with $179 million paid on closing. Consideration of $100 million was paid in the year ended December 31, 2019 

(year ended December 31, 2018: $185 million). The remaining consideration is payable in two instalments to November 2021. 

$100 million is included within trade and other payables and $82 million within other non-current liabilities (note 11).

A $589 million investment in the joint venture representing the discounted consideration value and the Company’s 

proportionate share of the loss in KPMC of $11 million (note 22) is recognized. The earnings in KPMC relate to the 20% equity 

accounted share of loss reported by MPSA, a subsidiary of the Company. The material assets and liabilities of KPMC are an 

investment in MPSA of $359 million, shareholder loans receivable from the Company (note 11b) and shareholder loans payable 

of $1,238 million due to the Company and its joint venture partner KORES.

10. Debt

Drawn debt 
Senior notes:

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 7.00% due February 2021

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 7.25% due May 2022

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 7.25% due April 2023

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 6.50% due March 2024

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 7.50% due April 2025

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 6.875% due March 2026

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. senior debt facility

Kalumbila term loan

Trading facilities

Equipment financing

Total debt 

Less: current maturities and short term debt

Undrawn debt

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. senior debt facility

Trading facilities

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

298

846

1,093

843

1,091

991

2,422

341

262

11

8,198

(838)

7,360

250

138

1,105

844

1,090

842

1,089

990

800

397

106

22

7,285

(174)

7,111

700

229

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(g)

(i)

The movement in total debt of $913 million is inclusive of deferred charges that are consequently not reflected in financing activities in the Consolidated 
Statement of Cash Flows.

a)  FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD. 7.00% DUE FEBRUARY 2021

The notes are part of the senior obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. 

Interest is payable semi-annually.

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after February 15, 2018, at redemption prices ranging from 

103.5% in the first year to 100% in the final year, plus accrued interest. Although part of this redemption feature indicates the 

existence of an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not significant

The Company is subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, and incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of 

preferred stock.

88

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)In March 2019, the Company made a partial redemption of $821 million of the notes at a redemption price of 101.75%.  

The redemption premium is presented within cash flows from financing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows. The loss 

arising from the partial redemption of senior notes of $25 million has been recognized in earnings before income taxes in  

the Statement of Earnings.

On January 16, 2020, the Company gave notice of redemption of the remaining 2021 Notes at 100% of principal (see note 26).

b) FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD. 7.25% DUE MAY 2022

The notes are part of the senior obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. 

Interest is payable semi-annually.

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after May 15, 2017 at redemption prices ranging from 

105.438% in the first year to 100% from 2020, plus accrued interest. Although part of this redemption feature indicates the 

existence of an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not significant.

The Company is subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, and incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of 

preferred stock.

c)  FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD. 7.25% DUE APRIL 2023

The notes are part of the senior obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. 

Interest is payable semi-annually.

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after October 1, 2019, at redemption prices ranging from 

105.438% in the first six months to 100% in the final year, plus accrued interest. Although part of this redemption feature 

indicates the existence of an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not significant.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, incurrence of indebtedness  

and issuance of preferred stock.

On January 13, 2020, the Company issued an additional $500 million of 2023 Notes (see note 26).

d) FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD. 6.50% DUE FEBRUARY 2024

In February 2018, the Company issued $850 million in senior notes due in 2024, bearing interest at an annual rate of 6.50%. 

These senior notes have certain restrictions on the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries are  

subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock.

The notes are part of the senior obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. 

Interest is payable semi-annually.

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after September 1, 2020, at redemption prices ranging 

from 103.25% in the first year to 100% from 2022, plus accrued interest. In addition, until September 1, 2020, the Company may 

redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of notes, in an amount not greater than the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, 

at a redemption price of 106.50% plus accrued interest. Although part of this redemption feature indicates the existence of an 

embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not significant.

e)  FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD. 7.50% DUE APRIL 2025

The notes are part of the senior obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. 

Interest is payable semi-annually.

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after April 1, 2020, at redemption prices ranging from 

105.625% in the first year to 100% from 2023, plus accrued interest. Although part of this redemption feature indicates the 

existence of an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not significant. Prior to April 1, 2020, the notes may be 

redeemed at 100% plus a make-whole premium, and accrued interest. In addition, until April 1, 2020, the Company may redeem 

up to 35% of the principal amount of notes, in an amount not greater than the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a 

redemption price of 107.50% plus accrued interest.

89

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, incurrence of indebtedness and 

issuance of preferred stock.

On January 13, 2020, the Company issued an additional $250 million of 2025 Notes (see note 26).

f)  FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD. 6.875% DUE MARCH 2026

In February 2018, the Company issued $1 billion in senior notes due in 2026, bearing interest at an annual rate of 6.875%. These 

senior notes have certain restrictions on the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to 

certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock.

The notes are part of the senior obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. 

Interest is payable semi-annually.

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after March 1, 2021, at redemption prices ranging from 

105.156% in the first year to 100% from 2024, plus accrued interest. In addition, until March 1, 2021, the Company may redeem 

up to 35% of the principal amount of notes, in an amount not greater than the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at a 

redemption price of 106.875% plus accrued interest. Although part of this redemption feature indicates the existence of an 

embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not significant.

g)  FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS LTD. SENIOR DEBT FACILITY

On February 6, 2019, the Company signed a Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”, together “The 2019 Facility”)  

replacing the previous $1.5 billion RCF, which was extinguished with no extinguishment gain or loss. The 2019 Facility has an 

accordion feature to increase it to $3.0 billion before the end of June 2020 and comprises a $1.5 billion Term Loan Facility and 

a $1.2 billion RCF (which can be upsized to $1.5 billion if the accordion feature is activated), maturing on December 31, 2022. 

Interest is charged at LIBOR plus a margin. This margin can change relative to certain financial ratios of the Company.

Transaction costs for the new facilities have been deducted from the principal drawn on initial recognition.

At December 31, 2019, $950 million of the RCF has been drawn, leaving $250 million available for the Company to draw.

h) KALUMBILA TERM LOAN

On February 5, 2018, Kalumbila Minerals Limited, the owner of the Sentinel copper mine, signed a $230 million unsecured term 

loan facility (the “Kalumbila Facility”) with an initial termination date of December 31, 2020 (with the right of Kalumbila Minerals 

Limited to request an extension of one or two years subject to lender consent). The facility was upsized to $400 million in 

March 2018 in accordance with the accordion feature of the facility agreement. Repayments on the facility commenced in 

December 2019. Of the principal outstanding at December 31, 2019 of $343 million, $114 million is due within 12 months.

i)  TRADING FACILITIES

The Company’s metal marketing division has four uncommitted borrowing facilities totalling $400 million. The facilities are 

used to finance purchases and the term hedging of copper, gold and other metals, undertaken by the metal marketing division. 

Interest on the facilities is calculated at the bank’s benchmark rate plus a margin. The loans are collateralized by physical 

inventories.

j)  EQUIPMENT FINANCING

In April 2014, Sentinel entered into an agreement with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation (“Caterpillar”) to finance 

equipment purchases up to $102 million. The agreement is secured by equipment that was purchased from Caterpillar, incurs 

interest at LIBOR plus a margin and amounts are repayable over a period to December 2020. The full amount outstanding at 

December 31, 2019 of $11 million is due within twelve months of the balance sheet date (December 31, 2018: $11 million).

90

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)11. Provisions and Other Liabilities

a)  PROVISIONS AND OTHER LIABILITIES

Amount owed to joint venture (note 11b)

Restoration provisions (note 11c)

Derivative instruments (note 24)

Non-current consideration for acquisition of joint venture1 (note 9)

Leases

Retirement provisions

Deferred revenue (note 12)

Other deferred revenue

Other

Total other liabilities

Less: current portion

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

1,238

699

31

82

36

40

95

31

112

2,364

(192)

2,172

946

585

3

164

17

51

38

18

143

1,965

(147)

1,818

1  The current portion of the consideration for acquisition of joint venture of $100 million (December 31, 2018: $100 million) has been included in trade and 

other payables.

b) AMOUNT OWED TO JOINT VENTURE

Balance at the beginning of the year

 Repayment of shareholder loans

 Funding provided to MPSA for the development of Cobre Panama

 Interest accrued

Balance at end of year due to KPMC

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

946

–

190

102

1,238

925

(356)

304

73

946

In September 2013, the Company and KPMC entered into a shareholder loan agreement with Minera Panama S.A (“MPSA”) for 

development of the Cobre Panama project, in which KPMC is a 20% shareholder. Interest is calculated semi-annually at an annual 

rate of 9%. In November 2017, the Company acquired a 50% interest in KPMC from LS-Nikko Copper Inc. inclusive of the above 

shareholder loans. The assets and liabilities of KPMC are an investment in MPSA, a subsidiary of the Company, a loan receivable 

from MPSA, and loans due to shareholders. Interest income and expense earned on these loans are on the same terms.

Following completion of the additional precious metal streaming agreement with Franco-Nevada, the receipt of $356 million 

proceeds by MPSA was used entirely to repay shareholder loans by MPSA to KPMC. Of this $356 million shareholder loan 

repayment, $178 million was received by the Company.

As at December 31, 2019, the accrual for interest payable is $326 million (December 31, 2018: $224 million) and is included in the 

carrying value of the amount owed to the joint venture, as this has been deferred under the loan agreement. Amounts due to 

KPMC are specifically excluded from the calculation of net debt as defined under the Company’s banking covenant ratios.

91

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)c)  RESTORATION PROVISIONS

The Company has restoration and remediation obligations associated with its operating mines, processing facilities, closed 

sites and development projects. The following table summarizes the movements in the restoration provisions:

As at January 1

Changes in estimate – operating sites (note 6)

Changes in estimate – closed sites (note 22)

Other adjustments

Accretion expense (note 21)

As at December 31

Less: current portion

2019

585

96

8

(4)

14

699

(4)

695

2018

618

(27)

(10)

(10)

14

585

(5)

580

The Company has issued letters of credit which are guaranteed by cash deposits, classified as restricted cash on the balance 

sheet at December 31, 2019, totalling $10 million (December 31, 2018: $71 million).

The restoration provisions have been recorded initially as a liability based on management’s best estimate of cash flows, using 

a risk-free discount rate between 1.6% and 2.5% and an inflation factor between 1.5% and 7.0%. Reclamation activity is expected 

to occur over the life of each of the operating mines, a period of up to 35 years, with the majority payable in the years following 

the cessation of mining operations.

12. Deferred Revenue

Balance at the beginning of the year

 Change in accounting policy – IFRS 15

Balance at the beginning of the year, as adjusted

 Cash deposits received from Franco-Nevada – Tranche 1

 Cash deposits received from Franco-Nevada – Tranche 2

 Accretion of finance costs

 Amortization of gold and silver revenue

Balance at the end of the year

Less: current portion (included within provisions and other liabilities)

Non–current deferred revenue

FRANCO-NEVADA PRECIOUS METAL STREAM ARRANGEMENT

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

1,490

–

1,490

–

–

64

(38)

1,516

(95)

1,421

726

74

800

274

356

60

–

1,490

(38)

1,452

The Company, through its subsidiary, MPSA, has a precious metal streaming arrangement with Franco-Nevada. The arrangement 

comprises two tranches, the first of which (“Tranche 1”) was finalized on October 5, 2015. Under the terms of Tranche 1,  

Franco-Nevada, through a wholly owned subsidiary, agreed to provide a $1 billion deposit to be funded on a pro-rata basis 

of 1:3 with the Company’s 80% share of the capital costs of Cobre Panama in excess of $1 billion. The full Tranche 1 deposit 

amount has been fully funded to MPSA. The second tranche (“Tranche 2”) was finalized on March 16, 2018, and $356 million was 

received on completion. Proceeds received from Franco-Nevada under the terms of the precious metals streaming agreement 

are accounted for as deferred revenue.

92

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The amount of precious metals deliverable under both tranches is indexed to total copper-in-concentrate sold by  

Cobre Panama. Under the terms of Tranche 1 the ongoing payment of the Fixed Payment Stream is fixed per ounce payments 

of $430.91/oz gold and $6.46/oz silver subject to an annual inflation adjustment for the first 1,341,000 ounces of gold and 

21,510,000 ounces of silver (approximately the first 20 years of expected deliveries). Thereafter the greater of $430.91oz for gold 

and $6.46/oz for silver, subject to an adjustment for inflation, and one half of the then prevailing market price. Under Tranche 2 

the ongoing price per ounce for deliveries is 20% of the spot price for the first 604,000 ounces of gold and 9,618,000 ounces of 

silver (approximately the first 25 years of production), and thereafter the price per ounce rises to 50% of the spot price of gold 

and silver.

Although the market price feature represents an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative is not material. In all cases 

the amount paid is not to exceed the prevailing market price per ounce of gold and silver.

The Company commenced the recognition of delivery obligations to Franco-Nevada under the terms of the arrangement in June 

2019 following the first sale of copper concentrate. Deferred revenue will continue to be recognized as revenue over the life of 

the mine, which is expected to be 35 years. The Company recognized the first delivery obligation to Franco-Nevada under the 

terms of the arrangement in June 2019 following the first sale of copper concentrate. The amortization of the deferred revenue 

balance and the ongoing payments due from Franco-Nevada are included within gold and silver revenues. The Company uses 

refinery credits as the mechanism for satisfying its delivery obligations under the arrangement. These are included within cost 

of sales.

13. Income Tax Expense
The significant components of the Company’s income tax expense are as follows:

Current income tax expense 

Deferred income tax credit

2019

270

(200)

70

2018

315

(32)

283

The income taxes shown in the consolidated statements of earnings differ from the amounts obtained by applying statutory 

rates to the earnings before income taxes due to the following:

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense at Canadian statutory rates

Difference in foreign tax rates

Non-deductible expenses

Losses not recognized

Impact of foreign exchange and other

Income tax expense 

2019

Amount $

19

5

1

46

32

(14)

70

%

27

5

242

168

(74)

369

2018

Amount $

791

214

7

4

43

15

283

%

27

1

1

5

2

36

Losses not recognized consists largely of hedge losses and financing costs incurred in Canada, where such losses cannot be 

used to offset operating income in other countries.

93

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The deferred income tax assets and liabilities included on the balance sheet are as follows:

Deferred income tax assets

Deferred income tax liabilities

The significant components of the Company’s deferred income taxes are as follows:

Temporary differences relating to property, plant and equipment and finance leases

Unused operating losses

Temporary differences relating to non–current liabilities (including restoration provisions)

Temporary differences relating to inventory

Unrealized foreign exchange loss and discounting on Zambian VAT receivable

Other

Net deferred income tax liabilities

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

93

(609)

(516)

2019

(1,353)

554

112

11

134

26

(516)

74

(790)

(716)

2018

(1,402)

518

97

6

39

26

(716)

The Company believes that it is probable that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize 
the above noted deferred income tax assets.

The Company has unrecognized deductible temporary differences relating to operating loss carryforwards that may be available 
for tax purposes in Canada totalling $3,659 million (December 31, 2018: $3,463 million) expiring between 2025 and 2039, and in 
the United States of America totalling $22 million (December 31, 2018: $37 million) expiring between 2020 and 2038.

The Company also has unrecognized deductible temporary differences relating to restoration provisions of $57 million in 
Canada (December 31, 2018: $47 million) and $33 million in Finland (December 31, 2018: $29 million).

The Company has non-Canadian resident subsidiaries that have undistributed earnings of $3,458 million (December 31, 2018: 
$3,676 million). These undistributed earnings are not expected to be repatriated in the foreseeable future and the Company has 
control over the timing of such, therefore taxes that may apply on repatriation have not been provided for.

14. Share Capital

a)  COMMON SHARES

Authorized 

Unlimited common shares without par value

Issued

Balance as at December 31, 2018

Shares issued through Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Balance as at December 31, 2019

Number  
of shares
(000’s)

689,391

10

689,401

The balance of share capital at December 31, 2019 was $5,642 million (December 31, 2018: $5,642 million).

On January 6, 2020, the Company announced adoption of a Shareholders Rights Plan. The Shareholders Rights Plan (“the Rights Plan”) applies in the event 
of any person or persons acting in concert having beneficial ownership of 20 per cent or more of the Company’s outstanding common shares without 
having complied with bid provisions under the Rights Plan. In the occurrence of such an event, each outstanding common share has a right attached to it 
to purchase additional common shares of the Company, at a substantial discount to the then market price.

94

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)b) TREASURY SHARES

The Company established an independent trust to purchase, on the open market, the common shares pursuant to the  

long-term incentive plan (note 16a). The Company consolidates the trust as it is subject to control by the Company. 

Consequently, shares purchased by the trust to satisfy obligations under the long-term incentive plan are recorded as treasury 

shares in shareholders’ equity. Generally, dividends received on shares held in the trust will be paid to plan participants in cash 

as received.

Balance as at January 1, 2018

Shares purchased

Shares vested

Balance as at December 31, 2018

Shares purchased 

Shares vested

Balance as at December 31, 2019

Number of 
shares
(000’s)

5,366

–

(1,213)

4,153

–

(1,791)

2,362

The balance of shares held in the trust as at December 31, 2019 was $114 million (December 31, 2018: $125 million).

c)  DIVIDENDS

On February 13, 2020, the Company declared a final dividend of CDN$0.005 per share, in respect of the financial year ended 

December 31, 2019 (February 14, 2019: CDN$0.005 per share or $3 million) to be paid on May 7, 2020 to shareholders of record  

on April 16, 2020.

On July 29, 2019, the Company declared an interim dividend of CDN$0.005 per share, or $2 million, in respect of the financial 

year ended December 31, 2019 (July 30, 2018: CDN$0.005 per share or $2 million) to be paid on September 19, 2019 to 

shareholders of record on August 28, 2019.

15. Earnings (Loss) per Share

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding
(000’s of shares)

Potential dilutive securities:

Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (000’s of shares)

Earnings (loss) per common share – basic
(expressed in $ per share)

Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted
(expressed in $ per share)

2019

(57)

687,596

–

687,596

(0.08)

(0.08)

2018

441

686,747

2,640

689,387

0.64

0.64

16. Share-Based Compensation and Related Party Transactions 

a)  LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

The Company has a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”), which provides for the issuance of performance stock units (“PSUs”), 

restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in such amounts as approved by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Included in general and 

administrative expense is share-based compensation expense of $13 million (December 31, 2018: $12 million) related to this Plan.

95

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Under the Plan, each PSU entitles participants, which includes directors, officers, and employees, to receive up to  

one-and-a-half common shares of the Company at the end of a three-year period if certain performance and vesting criteria, 

which are based on the Company’s performance relative to a representative group of other mining companies, have been 

met. The fair value of each PSU is recorded as compensation expense over the vesting period. The fair value of each PSU 

is estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation approach. A Monte Carlo Simulation is a technique used to approximate the 

probability of certain outcomes, called simulations, based on normally distributed random variables and highly subjective 

assumptions. This model generates potential outcomes for stock prices and allows for the simulation of multiple stocks in 

tandem resulting in an estimated probability of vesting.

Under the Plan, each RSU entitles the participant to receive one common share of the Company subject to vesting criteria.  

RSU grants typically vest fully at the end of the three-year period. The fair value of each RSU is recorded as compensation 

expense over the vesting period. The fair value of each RSU is estimated based on the market value of the Company’s shares  

at the grant date and an estimated forfeiture rate of 11.5% (December 31, 2018: 11.5%).

The Company has a long term compensation scheme for the next generation of operational business leaders (current directors 

do not participate in the scheme), KRSUs. The scheme allows for full vesting over eight years with partial vesting commencing in 

the fourth year. The objectives of the scheme are to promote a long-term strategic focus amongst participants and to facilitate 

the Company’s management succession plans as the roles of the founding directors transition during the scheme period.

The Company will meet its obligations under the scheme through market purchases. Full details of the scheme are contained  

in the Management Information Circular.

96

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Performance stock units

Outstanding – beginning of year

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding – end of year

Restricted stock units

Outstanding – beginning of year

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding – end of year

Key restricted stock units

Outstanding – beginning of year

Granted

Outstanding – end of year

2019

2018

Number of 
units
(000’s)

Number of 
units
(000’s)

3,079

1,458

(803)

(604)

3,130

2,868

1,936

(1,181)

(212)

3,411

4,400

–

4,400

3,677

745

(460)

(883)

3,079

3,231

690

(837)

(216)

2,868

–

4,400

4,400

The following assumptions were used in the Monte Carlo Simulation model to calculate compensation expense in respect of 

the PSUs granted in the following years:

Risk-free interest rate

Vesting period

Expected volatility

Expected forfeiture per annum

Weighted average probability of vesting

b) SHARE OPTION PLAN

2019

1.74%

3 years

55.2%

4%

51.8%

2018

2.63%

3 years

81.6%

4%

33.4%

Share options for common shares in the Company are granted to certain key management. Options are exercisable at a price 

equal to the closing quoted price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. The vesting period varies from one to three 

years. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Company before the options vest. If the options remain unexercised 

after a period of five years from the grant date the options expire.

Each share option converts into one common share on exercise. An amount equal to the share price at the date of grant is 

payable by the recipient on the exercise of each option. The options carry neither rights to dividends nor voting rights.

Options may be exercised at any time from the date of vesting to the date of their expiry.

97

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
Share options

Outstanding – beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding – end of year

Exercisable – end of year

2019

2018

Number  
of options  
(000’s)

Number  
of options  

(000’s)

2,676

1,703

–

(46)

4,333

1,941

2,190

600

(72)

(42)

2,676

1,156

Share options grants have been measured using the binomial pricing model. The weighted average inputs of options granted in 

the year are as follows:

Fair value of option

Exercise price (Canadian dollars)

Expected volatility

Expected life

Risk-free rate

Expected dividend yields

2019

3.99

13.72

52.0%

5 years

1.35%

0.1%

2018

9.96

21.95

67.0%

5 years

2.25%

0.1%

Volatility was calculated with reference to the Company’s historical share price volatility up to the grant date to reflect a term 

approximate to the expected life of the option.

The Company recognized total expenses of $4 million (December 31, 2018: $4 million) related to equity-settled share-based 

payments on share options issued under the above plan for the year ended December 31, 2019.

c)  KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

Key management personnel include the members of the senior management team and directors.

Salaries, fees and other benefits

Bonus payments

Share-based compensation

Total compensation paid to key management

d) OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

2019

2018

4

2

5

11

4

2

8

14

Amounts paid to related parties were incurred in the normal course of business and on an arm’s length basis. During 

the year, $9 million (December 31, 2018: $8 million) was paid to parties related to key management for chartering aircraft, 

accommodation, machinery and services. As at December 31, 2019, nil (December 31, 2018: nil) was included in trade and other 

payables concerning related party amounts payable.

98

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)17.  Sales Revenues

Copper

Gold

Zinc

Other

18. Cost of Sales

Costs of production

Depreciation

Movement in inventory 

Movement in depreciation in inventory

19. Expenses by Nature

Depreciation

Employment costs, benefits and contractor

Raw materials and consumables

Repairs and maintenance

Royalties

Utilities

Fuel

Freight

Change in inventories

Travel

Copper concentrate purchases

Other

2019

3,603

342

28

94

4,067

2019

(2,287)

(932)

(83)

25

(3,277)

2019

(907)

(697)

(567)

(278)

(219)

(200)

(199)

(139)

(83)

(18)

(7)

(64)

2018

3,616

228

53

69

3,966

2018

(2,127)

(850)

3 

(14)

(2,988)

2018

(864) 

(625) 

(453) 

(235) 

(210) 

(211) 

(202) 

(114) 

3 

(15) 

(40) 

(122) 

Expenses presented above include cost of sales, general and administrative and exploration expenses.

(3,378)

(3,088)

20. Impairment and Related Charges
As at December 31, 2019, a detailed review of impairment indicators was performed by management across all operations, 

development projects and investments. Management continues to monitor commodity prices, discount rates, operating costs, 

capital expenditure, in addition to any other key factors that may result in an indicator of impairment.

It should be noted that, particularly given the current volatility in commodity markets, the Company’s longer life assets and 

operations are more likely to be impacted by changes in long-term commodity prices.

This review resulted in the identification of impairment indicators in relation to the Las Cruces mine as at December 31, 2019.

99

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Las Cruces

Other

2019

97

4

101

2018

–

–

–

Impairment of Las Cruces
Following finalization of the Las Cruces post-land slippage mine plan, 2020 is expected to be the final year of production for 

the open-pit. As a result, and with the volatility in the short-term copper price and given the purchase price allocated to Las 

Cruces property, plant and equipment following the acquisition of Inmet Mining Corporation in 2013, a full impairment test 

was performed using a discounted cashflow model based on estimated future cashflows and a copper price of $2.75 per lb 

consistent with market consensus. Since other inputs were unobservable, the fair value is classified as level 3 in the fair value 

hierarchy (see note 24). An impairment charge of $97 million was recognized against property, plant and equipment due to the 

recoverable amount being lower than the carrying amount. The remaining carrying value of non-current assets is disclosed in 

note 23. Sensitivity to key assumptions is disclosed within significant accounting estimates in note 3.

21. Finance Costs

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

Accretion on restoration provision (note 11c)

Total finance costs

Less: interest capitalized (note 6)

2019

(820)

(14)

(834)

549

(285)

2018

(672)

(14)

(686)

653

(33)

$549 million was capitalized to the Cobre Panama development project for the year ended December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018: 

$653 million). Following declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama, effective September 1, 2019, and in the absence 

of any major capital projects, the Company ceased capitalization of interest expense.

22. Other Income (Expense)

Foreign exchange losses 1 

Change in restoration provision for closed properties (note 11c)

Share of loss in joint venture (note 9)

Other income

2019

(96)

(8)

(11)

1

(114)

2018

(64)

(10)

–

5

(69)

1  The majority of foreign exchange losses are unrealized and arise on translating Zambian Kwacha monetary assets, in particular VAT receivables  

(see note 4c), at the period end exchange rate.

23. Segmented Information
The Company’s reportable operating segments are individual mine development projects or mine operations. Each of the mines 

and development projects reports information separately to the CEO, the chief operating decision maker.

The Corporate & other segment is responsible for the evaluation and acquisition of new mineral properties, regulatory 

reporting, treasury and finance and corporate administration. Included in the Corporate & other segment is the Company’s 

metal marketing division which purchases and sells third party material, and the exploration projects.

100

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The Company’s operations are subject to seasonal aspects, in particular the rain season in Zambia. The rain season in Zambia 

generally starts in November and continues through April, with the heaviest rainfall normally experienced in the months of 

January, February and March. As a result of the rain season, mine pit access and the ability to mine ore is lower in the first 

quarter of the year than other quarters and the cost of mining is higher.

EARNINGS BY SEGMENT

For the year ended December 31, 2019, segmented information for the statement of earnings (loss) is presented as follows:

Cost of sales 
(excluding 
depreciation)

Revenue

Depreciation

Other

Operating 
profit (loss) 1

Income tax 
(expense) 
credit

Kansanshi 2

Sentinel

Cobre Panama 3

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other 4

1,581

1,199

524

291

243

95

90

–

44

(865)

(771)

(319)

(131)

(154)

(46)

(45)

(32)

(7)

(244)

(252)

(113)

(198)

(44)

(27)

(21)

(6)

(2)

Total

4,067

(2,370)

(907)

(76)

(39)

(2)

(98)

(7)

6

2

(1)

(101)

(316)

396

137

90

(136)

38

28

26

(39)

(66)

474

(102)

(17)

–

68

(12)

(18)

5

13

(7)

(70)

1 Operating profit (loss) less net finance costs and taxes equals net earnings (loss) for the year on the consolidated statement of earnings.

2 Kansanshi Mining Plc, the most significant contributor to the Kansanshi segment, is 20% owned by ZCCM, a Zambian government owned entity.

3 Cobre Panama declared commercial production September 1, 2019. Prior to this date, revenue and development costs were capitalized.

4 Revenue includes hedge gains recognized on forward copper sales and zero cost collar options.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, segmented information for the statement of earnings is presented as follows:

Kansanshi 2

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other 3,4

Total

Cost of sales 
(excluding 
depreciation)

Revenue

Depreciation

Other

Operating 
profit (loss) 1

Income tax 
(expense) 
credit

1,672

1,454

470

235

100

144

–

(109)

3,966

(799)

(890)

(151)

(160)

(47)

(50)

(11)

(16)

(250)

(276)

(203)

(45)

(30)

(54)

(5)

(1)

(2,124)

(864)

(68)

(28)

4

(9)

1

7

1

(77)

(169)

555

260

120

21

24

47

(15)

(203)

809

(145)

(63)

(18)

(5)

(31)

(5)

7

(23)

(283)

1 Operating profit (loss) less net finance costs and taxes equals net earnings (loss) for the year on the consolidated statement of earnings.

2 Kansanshi Mining Plc, the most significant contributor to the Kansanshi segment, is 20% owned by ZCCM, a Zambian government owned entity.

3  No segmented information for Cobre Panama is disclosed for the statement of earnings, as the project is under development. The development  

costs for this project are capitalized.

4 Revenue includes hedge losses recognized on forward copper sales and zero cost collar options.

101

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)BALANCE SHEET BY SEGMENT

Segmented information on balance sheet items is presented as follows:

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Non-current 
assets1

2,641

3,056

12,006

213

89

83

11

710

1,427

20,236

Total  
assets

3,939

3,633

12,623

848

190

132

79

812

2,491

24,747

Total  
liabilities

Non-current 
assets1

923

623

3,124

194

50

28

45

173

8,925

14,085

2,706

3,150

10,640

499

126

104

28

689

1,212

19,154

Total  
assets

4,490

3,673

10,992

1,077

228

150

92

776

2,059

23,537

Total  
liabilities

944

711

2,745

308

36

43

56

142

7,830

12,815

Kansanshi 2

Sentinel

Cobre Panama 3

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other 4

Total

1  Non-current assets include $19,972 million of property plant and equipment (December 31, 2018: $19,098 million) and exclude financial instruments, 

deferred tax assets, VAT receivable and goodwill.

2  Kansanshi Mining Plc, the most significant contributor to the Kansanshi segment, is 20% owned by ZCCM, a Zambian government owned entity.  

This segment includes the Kansanshi smelter.

3 Cobre Panama is 20% owned by KPMC, a joint venture.

4  Included within the corporate segment are assets relating to the Haquira project, $689 million (December 31, 2018: $683 million), and to the  

Taca Taca project, $441 million (December 31, 2018: $434 million).

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY SEGMENT

Additions to non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets and goodwill represent additions to 

property, plant and equipment, for which capital expenditure is presented as follows:

2019

150

154

1,082

24

9

6

–

6

24

1,455

2018

194 

236 

1,640

34 

15 

6 

–

4

14

2,143

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Cobre Panama

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other

Total

102

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Revenue by destination 1

China

Zambia

India

Spain

South Africa

Singapore

Belgium

Finland

Egypt

The Philippines

Taiwan

Barbados

Bulgaria

Germany

Mexico

DR Congo

Other

Hedge gains (losses) 2

2019

1,415

486

389

383

379

351

190

88

70

51

40

36

31

29

24

23

38

44

4,067

2018

1,476

368

147

472

504

539

–

144

36

–

36

–

16

268

14

15

41

(110)

3,966

1  Presented based on the ultimate destination of the product if known. If the eventual destination of the product sold through traders is not known, then 

revenue is allocated to the location of the product at the time when control passes.

2 Relates to hedge gains (losses) recognized on forward sales and zero cost collar options.

Non-current assets by location

Panama

Zambia

Australia

Peru

Argentina

Spain

Mauritania

Turkey

Finland

Other

Investments, deferred income tax assets, goodwill, restricted cash,  
other deposits and VAT receivable

December 31, 
2019

December 31, 
2018

12,006

5,685

10,640

5,844

716

686

440

177

89

83

11

343

20,236

1,360

21,596

694

680

432

463

126

104

28

143

19,154

1,119

20,273

103

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)24. Financial Instruments
The Company classifies its financial assets as amortized cost, FVOCI or FVTPL. Financial liabilities are measured at amortized 
cost or FVTPL. 

The following provides a comparison of carrying and fair values of each classification of financial instrument at  
December 31, 2019:

Financial assets

Trade and other receivables 1

Due from KPMC (note 8)

Derivative instruments in designated hedge relationships

Other derivative instruments 2

Investments 3

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Other derivative instruments 2

Leases

Liability to joint venture

Debt 

Amortized  
cost

Fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Fair value 
through OCI

123

246

–

–

–

737

–

36

1,238

8,198

369

–

–

1

–

–

31

–

–

–

–

–

8

–

19

–

–

–

–

–

Total

492

246

8

1

19

737

31

36

1,238

8,198

1  Commodity products are sold under pricing arrangements where final prices are set at a specified future date based on market commodity prices. 

Changes between the prices recorded upon recognition of revenue and the final price due to fluctuations in commodity market prices give rise to an 
embedded derivative in the accounts receivable related to the provisionally priced sales contracts.

2  Other derivative instruments related to provisionally priced sales contracts are classified as fair value through profit or loss and recorded at fair value, 

with changes in fair value recognized as a component of cost of sales.

3 Investments held by the Company are held at fair value through other comprehensive income.

The following provides a comparison of carrying and fair values of each classification of financial instruments at  
December 31, 2018, on the same classification basis as above:

Financial assets

Trade and other receivables 1

Derivative instruments in designated hedge relationships

Other derivative instruments 2

Investments 3

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Other derivative instruments 2

Finance leases

Liability to joint venture

Debt 

Amortized  
cost

Fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Fair value 
through OCI

64

–

–

–

731

–

17

946

7,285

241

27

16

–

–

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

18

–

–

–

–

–

Total

305

27

16

18

731

3

17

946

7,285

1  Commodity products are sold under pricing arrangements where final prices are set at a specified future date based on market commodity prices. 

Changes between the prices recorded upon recognition of revenue and the final price due to fluctuations in commodity market prices give rise to an 
embedded derivative in the accounts receivable related to the provisionally priced sales contracts.

2  Other derivative instruments related to provisionally priced sales contracts are classified as fair value through profit or loss and recorded at fair value, 

with changes in fair value recognized as a component of cost of sales.

3 The Company holds investments in privately held entities which were measured at cost prior to the adoption of IFRS 9.

104

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)FAIR VALUES

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the 

highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the 

lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 

 Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 

indirectly.

Level 3 

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on the balance sheet at December 31, 2019:

Financial assets

Derivative instruments – LME contracts 1

Derivative instruments – OTC contracts 2

Investments 3

Financial liabilities

Derivative instruments – LME contracts 1

Derivative instruments – OTC contracts 2

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total  
fair value

1

–

19

17

–

–

8

–

–

14

–

–

–

–

–

1

8

19

17

14

1  Futures for copper, gold and zinc were purchased on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”) and London Bullion Market and have direct quoted prices, 

therefore these contracts are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

2  The Company’s derivative instruments are valued by the Company’s brokers using pricing models based on active market prices. All forward swap 
contracts held by the Company are OTC and therefore the valuation models require the use of assumptions concerning the amount and timing of 
estimated future cash flows and discount rates using inputs which can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment. Such 
instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Derivative assets are included within other assets on the balance sheet and derivative 
liabilities are included within provisions and other liabilities on the balance sheet.

3  The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within 

Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the marketable equity securities is calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable security 
multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on the balance sheet at  

December 31, 2018, in the fair value hierarchy:

Financial assets

Derivative instruments – LME contracts 1

Derivative instruments – OTC contracts 2

Investments 3

Financial liabilities

Derivative instruments – LME contracts 1

Derivative instruments – OTC contracts 2

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total  
fair value

14

–

18

2

–

–

29

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

14

29

18

2

1

1  Futures for copper, nickel, gold and zinc were purchased on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”) and London Bullion Market and have direct quoted prices, 

therefore these contracts are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

2  The Company’s derivative instruments are valued by the Company’s brokers using pricing models based on active market prices. All forward swap 
contracts held by the Company are OTC and therefore the valuation models require the use of assumptions concerning the amount and timing of 
estimated future cash flows and discount rates using inputs which can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment. Such 
instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Derivative assets are included within other assets on the balance sheet and derivative 
liabilities are included within provisions and other liabilities on the balance sheet.

3  The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified within 

Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the marketable equity securities is calculated as the quoted market price of the marketable security 
multiplied by the quantity of shares held by the Company.

105

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Credit risk

The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to cash and bank balances, short-term deposits, derivative instruments  

and trade and other receivables. The Company’s exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each class  

of financial assets, including commodity contracts, recorded in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company limits its credit exposure on cash held in bank accounts by holding its key transactional bank accounts with 

highly rated financial institutions. The Company manages its credit risk on short-term deposits by only investing with 

counterparties that carry investment grade ratings as assessed by external rating agencies and spreading the investments 

across these counterparties. Under the Company’s risk management policy, allowable counterparty exposure limits are 

determined by the level of the rating unless exceptional circumstances apply. A rating of investment grade or equivalent is  

the minimum allowable rating required as assessed by international credit rating agencies. Likewise, it is the Company’s policy 

to deal with banking counterparties for derivatives who are rated investment grade or above by international credit rating 

agencies and graduated counterparty limits are applied depending upon the rating.

Exceptions to the policy for dealing with relationship banks with ratings below investment grade are reported to, and approved 

by, the Audit Committee. As at December 31, 2019, substantially all cash and short-term deposits are with counterparties of 

investment grade.

The Company’s credit risk associated with trade accounts receivable is managed through establishing long-term contractual 

relationships with international trading companies using industry-standard contract terms. 36% of the Company’s trade 

receivables are outstanding from three customers together representing 23% of the total sales for the year. No amounts were 

past due from these customers at the balance sheet date. The Company continues to trade with these customers. Revenues 

earned from these customers are included within the Kansanshi and Sentinel segments. Other accounts receivable consist 

of amounts owing from government authorities in relation to the refund of value-added taxes applying to inputs for the 

production process and property, plant and equipment expenditures and prepaid taxes.

Significant credit risk exposures to any single counterparty or group of counterparties having similar characteristics are as follows:

Commodity traders and smelters (Trade receivables and other receivables)

Government authorities (VAT receivable)

December 31, 
2019

December 31, 
2018

492

416

908

305

462

767

The VAT receivable due from government authorities includes $396 million at December 31, 2019, which is past due  

(December 31, 2018: $109 million). See note 4c.

The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, net of any allowances for losses, represents 

the Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk. Expected credit losses on trade and other receivables at December 31, 2019, 

amount to nil.

Liquidity risk

The Company manages liquidity risk by maintaining cash and cash equivalent balances and available credit facilities to ensure 

that it is able to meet its short-term and long-term obligations as and when they fall due. Company-wide cash projections are 

managed centrally and regularly updated to reflect the dynamic nature of the business and fluctuations caused by commodity 

price and exchange rate movements.

106

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)In addition, the Company was obligated under its corporate revolving credit and term loan facility to maintain liquidity and 

satisfy various covenant ratio tests on a historical cash flow basis. These ratios were in compliance during the year ended 

December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018. If the Company breaches a covenant in its Financing Agreements, this would be an 

event of default which, if un-addressed, would entitle the lenders to make the related borrowings immediately due and payable 

and if made immediately due and payable all other borrowings would also be due and payable.

The Company had the following balances and facilities available to them at the balance sheet dates:

Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts – unrestricted cash

Working capital balance

Undrawn debt facilities (note 10)

Contractual and other obligations as at December 31, 2019 are as follows:

Debt – principal

Debt – finance charges

Trading facilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative instruments

Liability to joint venture1

Joint venture consideration

Current taxes payable

Deferred payments

Leases

Commitments

Restoration provisions

Carrying
Value

7,936

–

262

637

31

1,238

182

141

42

36

–

699

Contractual 
Cashflows

< 1 
year

8,004

2,014

262

637

31

2,312

200

141

42

41

137

1,103

804

544

262

637

31

–

100

141

4

14

137

9

1 – 3 
years

3,150

901

–

–

–

–

100

–

8

13

–

81

December 31, 
2019

December 31, 
2018

523

994

388

3 – 5 
years

1,950

425

–

–

–

–

–

–

8

8

–

788

1,039

929

Thereafter

2,100

144

–

–

–

2,312

–

–

22

6

–

51

962

1  Refers to distributions to KPMC, a joint venture that holds a 20% non–controlling interest in MPSA of which the Company has joint control, and not 

scheduled repayments.

107

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Contractual and other obligations as at December 31, 2018 are as follows:

Debt – principal repayments

Debt – finance charges

Trading facilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative instruments

Liability to joint venture 1

Joint venture consideration

Current taxes payable

Deferred payments

Finance leases

Operating leases

Commitments

Restoration provisions

Carrying  
Value

Contractual 
Cashflows

7,179 

 –

 106 

 631 

 3 

 946 

 264 

 125 

 42

 17 

–

 –

 585 

 7,245 

 2,299 

 106 

 631 

 3 

 1,446 

 300 

 125 

 42

 23 

32

 392 

 1,048 

< 1 
year

 69 

 516 

 106 

 631 

 3 

–

 100 

 125 

 –

 3 

25

 358 

 5 

1 – 3 
years

 2,276 

 897 

 –

 –

 –

–

 200 

 –

 18

 7 

6

 29 

 68 

3 – 5 
years

 1,950 

 563 

 –

 –

 –

 1,446 

 –

 –

 14

 7 

1

 5 

 80 

Thereafter

 2,950 

 323 

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 10

 6 

–

 –

 895 

1  Refers to distributions to KPMC, a joint venture that holds a 20% non–controlling interest in MPSA of which the Company has joint control, and not 

scheduled repayments.

Market risks

a)  Commodity price risk

The Company is subject to commodity price risk from fluctuations in the market prices of copper, gold, nickel, zinc and  
other elements.

As part of the hedging program, the Company has elected to apply hedge accounting for a portion of copper and nickel sales. 
For the year ended December 31, 2019, a fair value gain of $8 million (2018: fair value gain of $27 million) has been recognized 
on derivatives designated as hedged instruments through accumulated other comprehensive income and a fair value gain of 
$44 million (2018: fair value loss of $110 million) has been recognized through sales revenues.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company had unmargined copper forward sales contracts for 30,000 tonnes at an 
average price of $2.81 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to June 2020. In addition, the Company has zero cost collar 
unmargined sales contracts for 80,000 tonnes at weighted average prices of $2.65 per lb to $2.91 per lb outstanding with 
maturities to December 2020. The Company also had unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 12,046 tonnes at an average 
price of $6.77 per lb outstanding with maturities to February 2021.

The Company is also exposed to commodity price risk on diesel fuel required for mining operations and sulphur required for 
acid production. The Company’s risk management policy allows for the management of these exposures through the use of 
derivative financial instruments. As at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Company had not entered into any diesel 
or sulphur derivatives.

The Company’s commodity price risk related to changes in fair value of embedded derivatives in accounts receivable reflecting 
copper, nickel, gold and zinc sales provisionally priced based on the forward price curve at the end of each quarter.

108

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Derivatives designated as hedged instruments

The Company has elected to apply hedge accounting with the following contracts expected to be highly effective in  
offsetting changes in the cash flows of designated future sales. Commodity contracts outstanding as at December 31, 2019,  
were as follows:

Commodity contracts:

Copper forward

Copper zero cost collar

Nickel forward

Other derivatives

Open Positions
(tonnes/ozs)

Average  
Contract price

Closing Market 
price

Maturities 
Through

30,000

$ 

2.81/lb

80,000

$  2.65–2.91/lb

12,046

$ 

6.77/lb

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.79/lb

June 2020

2.79/lb

December 2020

6.35/lb

February 2021

As at December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Company had entered into the following derivative contracts for copper, 

gold and zinc in order to reduce the effects of fluctuations in metal prices between the time of the shipment of metal from the 

mine site when the sale is provisionally priced and the date agreed for pricing the final settlement.

Excluding the copper contracts noted above, as at December 31, 2019, the following derivative positions were outstanding:

Embedded derivatives in provisionally priced sales contracts:

Open Positions
(tonnes/ozs)

Average  
Contract price

Closing Market 
price

Maturities 
Through

Copper 

Gold 

Commodity contracts:

Copper 

Gold 

119,336

28,333

119,550

28,336

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.71/lb

1,502/oz

2.71/lb

1,502/oz

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.79/lb

1,523/oz

2.79/lb

1,523/oz

April 2020

April 2020

April 2020

April 2020

As at December 31, 2018, the following derivative positions were outstanding:

Embedded derivatives in provisionally priced sales contracts:

Open Positions
(tonnes/ozs)

Average  
Contract price

Closing Market 
price

Maturities 
Through

Copper 

Gold 

Zinc

Commodity contracts:

Copper 

Gold 

Zinc

90,633

16,069

2,175

90,425

16,069

2,175

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.78/lb

1,235/oz

1.18/lb

2.78/lb

1,235/oz

1.18/lb

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.71/lb

1,282/oz

April 2019

April 2019

1.14/lb

January 2019

2.71/lb

1,282/oz

April 2019

April 2019

1.14/lb

January 2019

109

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)A summary of the fair values of unsettled derivative financial instruments for commodity contracts recorded on the 

consolidated balance sheet.

Commodity contracts:

Asset position 

Liability position 

December 31, 
2019

December 31, 
2018

9

(31)

43

(3)

The following table shows the impact on net earnings from changes in the fair values of financial instruments of a 10% change 

in the copper and gold commodity prices, based on prices at December 31, 2019. There is no impact of these changes on other 

comprehensive income except indirectly through the impact on the fair value of the available-for-sale investments. The impact 

of a 10% movement in commodity prices is as follows:

Average contract price  
on December 31

Impact of price change  
on net earnings

2019

2.71/lb

1,502/oz

$ 

$ 

2018

2.78/lb

1,235/oz

$ 

$ 

2019

1

–

2018

1

–

Copper

Gold

b) Interest rate risk

The majority of the Company’s interest expense is fixed however it is also exposed to an interest rate risk arising from interest 

paid on floating rate debt and the interest received on cash and short-term deposits. The majority of interest charges were 

capitalized in 2019 until commencement of commercial production in Panama on September 1, 2019, and therefore the risk 

exposure is primarily on cash, and net earnings in relation to the depreciation of capitalized interest charges.

Deposits are invested on a short-term basis to ensure adequate liquidity for payment of operational and capital expenditures. 

To date, no interest rate management products are used in relation to deposits.

The Company manages its interest rate risk on borrowings on a net basis. The Company has a policy allowing floating-to-fixed 

interest rate swaps targeting 50% of exposure over a five-year period. As at December 31, 2019, and December 31 2018, the 

Company held no floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps.

At December 31, 2019, the impact on cash interest payable of a 100 basis point change in interest rate would be as follows:

Interest-bearing deposits, cash at bank and bank overdrafts

Floating rate borrowings drawn

 December 31, 
2019

Impact of interest rate change  
on net earnings

100 basis point 
increase

100 basis point 
decrease

523

3,024

7

(9)

(7)

9

At December 31, 2018, the impact on cash interest payable of a 100 basis point change in interest rate would be as follows:

Interest-bearing deposits and cash at bank

Floating rate borrowings drawn

110

December 31, 
 2018

Impact of interest rate change  
on net earnings

100 basis point 
increase

100 basis point 
decrease

788

1,223

8

(12)

(8)

12

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)c)  Foreign exchange risk

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is USD. As virtually all of the Company’s revenues are derived in USD and the 

majority of its business is conducted in USD, foreign exchange risk arises from transactions denominated in currencies other 

than USD. Commodity sales are denominated in USD, the majority of borrowings are denominated in USD and the majority of 

operating expenses are denominated in USD. The Company’s primary foreign exchange exposures are to the local currencies 

in the countries where the Company’s operations are located, principally the Zambian kwacha (“ZMW”), Australian dollar (“A$”) 

Mauritanian ouguiya (“MRU”), the euro (“EUR”) and the Turkish lira (“TRY”); and to the local currencies suppliers who provide 

capital equipment for project development, principally the A$, EUR and the South African rand (“ZAR”).

The Company’s risk management policy allows for the management of exposure to local currencies through the use of financial 

instruments at a targeted amount of up to 100% for exposures within one year down to 50% for exposures in five years.

As at December 31, 2019, the Company is exposed to currency risk through the following assets and liabilities denominated in 

currencies other than USD:

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Investments

Financial  
liabilities

CAD

GBP

AUD

ZMW

EUR

TRY

ZAR

MRU

Total

1

1

4

5

17

–

4

–

32

–

–

3

4

24

–

–

–

31

4

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

6

2

6

38

11

47

6

5

16

131

Based on the above net exposures as at December 31, 2019, a 10% change in all of the above currencies against the USD would 

result in a $7 million increase or decrease in the Company’s net earnings and would result in a $1 million increase or decrease 

in the Company’s other comprehensive income.

As at December 31, 2018, the Company is exposed to currency risk through the following assets and liabilities denominated in 

currencies other than USD:

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Investments

Financial  
liabilities

CAD

AUD

ZMW

EUR

TRY

ZAR

MRU

Other

Total

13

12

23

25

–

4

–

4

81

–

–

1

51

–

–

1

–

53

4

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

5

–

22

25

52

9

22

16

–

146

Based on the above net exposures as at December 31, 2018, a 10% change in all of the above currencies against the USD would 

result in a $1 million increase or decrease in the Company’s net earnings and would result in a $1 million increase or decrease 

in the Company’s other comprehensive income.

111

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Capital management

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to continue to provide returns for shareholders, and comply with lending 

requirements while safeguarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company considers the items 

included in equity to be capital.

The Company manages the capital structure and makes adjustments in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk 

characteristics of the Company’s assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the 

amount of dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Company uses a combination of short-term and long-term debt to finance its operations and development projects. 

Typically, floating rates of interest are attached to short-term debt, and fixed rates on senior notes.

25. Commitments & Contingencies

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

The Company has committed to $137 million (December 31, 2018: $392 million) in capital expenditures.

Other commitments & contingencies

Due to the size, complexity and nature of the Company’s operations, various legal and tax matters are outstanding from time 

to time. The Company is routinely subject to audit by tax authorities in the countries in which it operates and has received a 

number of tax assessments in various locations, including Zambia, which are currently at various stages of progress with the 

relevant authorities. The outcome of these audits and assessments are uncertain however the Company is confident of its 

position on the various matters under review.

In December 2018, Cobre Panama reached a full and final settlement for an outstanding claim from a third-party which 

included closure of the counterclaim made by the Company.

In October 2016, the Company, through its subsidiary Kansanshi Holdings Limited, received a Notice of Arbitration from  

ZCCM International Holdings PLC (“ZCCM”) under the Kansanshi Mining PLC (“KMP”) Shareholders Agreement. ZCCM is a  

20% shareholder in KMP and filed the Notice of Arbitration against Kansanshi Holdings Limited (“KHL”), the 80% shareholder, 

and against KMP. The Company also received a Statement of Claim filed in the Lusaka High Court naming additional defendants, 

including the Company, and certain directors and an executive of the named corporate defendants. Aside from the parties, the 

allegations made in the Notice of Arbitration and the High Court for Zambia were the same. The Company is firmly of the view 

that the allegations are in their nature inflammatory, vexatious and untrue.

The dispute was stated as a request for a derivative action, requiring ZCCM to obtain permission to proceed in each forum of 

the Arbitration and the Lusaka High Court. The dispute arose from facts originating in 2007, and concerned the rate of interest 

paid on select deposits by KMP with the Company. The deposits were primarily retained for planned investment by KMP in 

Zambia. In particular, KMP deposits were used to fund a major investment program at Kansanshi, including the successful 

construction and commissioning of the Kansanshi smelter and expansion of the processing plant and mining operations. 

The entirety of the deposit sums has been paid down from the Company to KMP, with interest. The interest was based on an 

assessment of an arm’s length fair market rate, which is supported by independent third-party analysis. ZCCM disputed that 

interest rate paid to KMP on the deposits was sufficient.

In July 2019, the Arbitral Tribunal issued a final award in favour of KMP. The parties have reached an agreement on costs,  

in total exceeding $1 million payable by ZCCM, bringing this particular matter to an end.

112

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)In parallel, several preliminary procedural applications to dismiss the High Court Action were lodged on behalf of the Company, 

and other defendants, in the Lusaka High Court. By a decision dated January 25, 2018, the Lusaka High Court used its discretion 

to rectify ZCCM’s procedural errors. The Court granted leave to the Company, FQM Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the 

Company, and the individual defendants to appeal against this decision and the litigants have agreed to a stay pending the 

appeal. The appeal hearing took place on November 21, 2018, with submissions made by all parties. The Court of Appeal delivered 

judgment on January 11, 2019, dismissing the appeal. An appeal to the Supreme Court of Zambia was heard on April 24, 2019, and 

has been dismissed. The High Court was scheduled to resume hearing two further procedural applications, including whether 

ZCCM is allowed to maintain the derivative action. However, before these hearings could take place the defendants brought an 

application requesting dismissal of the case on grounds of abuse of process/ res judicata, on the basis that the action cannot 

be allowed to continue for risk of producing conflicting judgment from the London arbitration, which has already adjudicated 

the facts of this particular complaint. ZCCM objected to the defendants’ application. ZCCM also tried to bring an application to 

set aside the registration of the Arbitral award in Zambia. The defendants have resisted this application. Both applications have 

now had an oral hearing, in October 2019, and the parties are awaiting a decision of the High Court.

26. Post Balance Sheet Events

DIVIDEND DECLARED

The Company has declared a final dividend of CAD$0.005 per share, in respect of the financial year ended December 31, 2019. 

The final dividend together with the interim dividend of CAD$0.005 per share is a total of CAD$0.01 per share for the 2019 

financial year.

SENIOR NOTES TAP ISSUANCE

On January 13, 2020, the Company issued an additional $500 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes  

due 2023 (the “2023 New Notes”) and an additional $250 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Notes due 2025  

(the “2025 New Notes”, collectively the “Notes”). The 2023 New Notes were priced at 102.50% and the 2025 New Notes were 

priced at 103.00%. The new Notes represent an additional offering of the Company’s existing 2023 and 2025 Notes, issued  

under the same indentures.

Interest on the 2023 New Notes will accrue from October 1, 2019 at a rate of 7.25% per annum and will be payable  

semi-annually. Interest on the 2025 New Notes will accrue from October 1, 2019 at a rate of 7.50% per annum and will be  

payable semi-annually. The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will be guaranteed by certain  

of the Company’s subsidiaries.

On January 16, 2020, the Company issued notice of redemption of the 7.00% Senior Notes due 2021 at 100% of principal.

113

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)DIRECTORS

PHILIP PASCALL
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Pascall graduated from Sussex University 
in England with an honours degree in Control 
Engineering, and later completed an MBA at the 
University of Cape Town. He worked in general 
management positions in South Africa from 1973; and 
in the mining industry there from 1977 with RTZ, and 
E.L. Bateman, and from 1981, in Australia. He was the 
Project Manager of the Argyle Diamond Project and 
then Executive Chairman and part-owner of Nedpac 
Engineering between 1982 and 1990.

During this time, Mr. Pascall was involved in a wide 
variety of mineral projects in Australia, New Zealand, 
S.E. Asia, Chile, the United States, and Zimbabwe. 
After selling his share of Nedpac in 1990, Mr. Pascall 
was a consultant in the mining industry, including 
a period with Rio Tinto’s Hamersley Iron, and with 
various projects in Zimbabwe and Zambia. He is 
a co-founder and has been Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of the Company since 1996.

CLIVE NEWALL
President and Director

Mr. Newall graduated from the Royal School of 
Mines, Imperial College, England in 1971 with 
an honours degree in Mining Geology, and was 
awarded an MBA from the Scottish Business School 
at Strathclyde University. He has worked in mining 
and exploration throughout his career, having 
held senior management positions with Amax 

Exploration Inc., the Robertson Group plc. and  
was a non-executive Director of Gemfields plc.  
Mr. Newall is a co-founder and has been President 
and Director of the Company since its start-up in 
1996. He is also a non-executive Director of Baker 
Steel Resource Trust Limited.

ROBERT HARDING
Lead Independent Director, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

Mr. Harding is a well-known and respected  
executive in the Canadian business community.  
He graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics from 
the University of Waterloo in 1980 and received his 
Chartered Accountant designation the following 
year. Mr. Harding began his career at a major 
accounting firm before joining Hees International 

(now Brookfield) where he served in progressively 
senior roles including Controller, Chief Financial 
Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and ultimately, Chief 
Executive Officer in 1992. He currently serves on the 
Board of Brookfield Asset Management (Chairman 
from 1997–2010).

ANDREW ADAMS
Independent Director

Mr. Adams obtained his degree in Social Science 
from Southampton University and qualified as a 
Chartered Accountant in the United Kingdom in 
1981. He worked for the Anglo American group of 
companies for twelve years up to 1999, his final 
position being Vice President and Chief Financial 

Officer of AngloGold North America based in Denver, 
Colorado. Mr. Adams worked for Aber Diamond 
Corporation as Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer from 1999 to 2003. Currently, he serves as an 
independent non-executive Director of Torex Gold 
Resources and TMAC Resources Inc.

114

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

PAUL BRUNNER
Independent Director

Mr. Brunner served as President and CEO of Boart 
Longyear Company (USA), a leading provider of 
drilling services, tools and equipment for the natural 
resource industry, the construction and quarrying 
industries and industrial markets worldwide, from 
2004 to 2008. During his 21-year career with Boart 
Longyear, Mr. Brunner held several senior positions 
including Managing Director – Boart Longyear 
Limited (South Africa); Regional Director – Boart 

Longyear Limitada (Chile/Peru); and, President – 
Boart Canada Ltd. Prior to Boart Longyear, he spent 
most of his career working at mining operations in 
Northern Canada. Mr. Brunner holds an MBA from 
Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration 
and is a mining engineering graduate from the 
Colorado School of Mines. He also attended the 
British Columbia Institute of Technology with a focus 
on mining.

KATHLEEN HOGENSON
Independent Director, Chair of EHS & CSR Committee

Ms. Hogenson has extensive operational, leadership 
and executive experience in the oil and gas sector 
worldwide having served as an executive at Santos 
Limited and Unocal Corporation. Currently, she 
is the Chief Executive Officer of Zone Oil & Gas, a 
company she founded in 2008. Ms. Hogenson is 
also an independent director at Verisk Analytics, a 
New Jersey based publicly traded data analytics and 
risk assessment firm and Cimarex Energy Co., a US 

SIMON SCOTT
Independent Director, Chair of the Audit Committee

exploration and production energy company. She 
previously served on the board of Parallel Petroleum 
LLC and in an advisory role at Samsung Oil & Gas, 
LLC and Samsung C&T from 2008 to 2015. She also 
serves on the Advisory Board of The Women’s Global 
Leadership Conference and was a speaker at the 
Harvard Business School Women’s Conference. Ms. 
Hogenson earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical 
Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Mr. Scott has some 20 years of experience in the 
mining industry. He currently serves as a non-
executive director of AngloGold Ashanti Holdings 
Plc. Between 2010 and 2016, he was Chief Financial 
Officer of Lonmin plc, a London Stock Exchange 
listed platinum mining company and was acting 
CEO between 2012 and 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Scott 
was Chief Financial Officer of Aveng Limited a 
Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed construction 

company providing products and services to the 
mining industry globally. Mr. Scott also held a variety 
of senior management positions in Anglo American 
Platinum Limited including as acting CFO. His early 
career was spent in various financial positions, 
including as CFO Southern Africa for JP Morgan 
Chase. Mr. Scott is a Chartered Accountant and holds 
degrees in both accounting and commerce from the 
University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

PETER ST. GEORGE
Independent Director, Chair of the Compensation Committee

Mr. St. George worked in the investment banking 
industry for over 30 years holding senior positions 
in the United Kingdom and Australia. He was 
Managing Director and Chief Executive/Co-Chief 
Executive Officer of Salomon Smith Barney Australia 
and its predecessor, Natwest Markets Australia, 
from January 1995 to mid-2001. Up to 1994, he was 
the Managing Director Corporate Finance Natwest 
Markets, having previously been a Director of Hill 

Samuel & Co. Limited, both London-headquartered 
merchant and investment banks. He is currently a 
non-executive Director of Dexus Property Group, an 
ASX-listed Australian property group specializing 
in office, industrial and retail properties. He has 
also served on a number of other public and 
private company Boards in Australia. Mr. St. George 
qualified as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa 
and holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town.

JOANNE WARNER
Independent Director

Dr. Warner has considerable global asset 
management experience in the metals, mining and 
energy sectors, having served as Head of Global 
Resources for Colonial First State Global Asset 
Management from 2010 – 2017 (previously the 
Senior Portfolio Manager from 2003 – 2007). She is 
currently a Non-Executive Director of Geo40 Limited, 

a pioneering company focused on the extraction 
of silica and other minerals from geothermal fluids 
associated with power generation. Dr. Warner earned 
a Bachelor of Applied Science (Applied Chemistry) 
from the University of Technology, Sydney and 
holds a D.Phil. in Solid State Chemistry from Oxford 
University, England.

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

115

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

MANAGEMENT AND OFFICERS 
OF THE COMPANY

ANNUAL AND SPECIAL 
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Thursday May 7, 2020 at 09:30am EDT

Vantage Venues

150 King St. West, 27th Floor

Toronto, ON, M5H 1J9

PHILIP PASCALL
Chairman of the Board, 
Chief Executive Officer

CLIVE NEWALL
President

WYATT BUCK
Director, Operations

HANNES MEYER
Chief Financial Officer

SARAH ROBERTSON
Corporate Secretary

JULIET WALL
General Manager Finance

ZENON WOZNIAK
Director, Projects

TRANSFER AGENT & REGISTRAR

COMPUTERSHARE 
INVESTOR SERVICES INC.
510 Burrard Street, 3rd Floor 
Vancouver, British Columbia 
V6C 3B9, Canada

Email: service@computershare.com
Toll-free in North America  +1 800 564 6253
Outside of North America  +1 514 982 7555

AUDITORS

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

1 Embankment Place

London, WC2N 6RH

United Kingdom

EXCHANGE LISTINGS

Common Shares

Toronto Stock Exchange 

Symbol: FM

Depository Receipts

Lusaka Stock Exchange 

Symbol: FQMZ

116

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2019 ANNUAL REPORTCORPORATE DIRECTORY

CONTACT US

www.first-quantum.com

info@fqml.com

REGISTERED OFFICE

14th Floor – 543 Granville Street 

Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1X8

Tel 

+1 604 688 6577 

Toll-free +1 888 688 6577 

Fax 

+1 604 688 3818

HEAD OFFICE

CANADA

330 Bay Street, Suite 1101 

Toronto, ON  M5H 2S8 Canada

Tel 

+1 416 361 6400 

Toll-free +1 877 961 6400 

Fax 

+1 416 368 4692

CORPORATE OFFICES

UNITED KINGDOM

4th Floor, The Charlotte Building 

17 Gresse Street, London W1T 1QL

Tel 

Fax 

+44 207 291 6630 

+44 207 291 6655

AUSTRALIA

Level 1, 24 Outram Street 

West Perth, Western Australia 6005

Tel 

Fax 

+61 (0)8 9346 0100 

+61 (0)8 9226 2522

SOUTH AFRICA

2nd floor, Building 3 

16 Desmond Street, Kramerville 

Johannesburg 2090, South Africa

Tel 

Fax 

+27 11 409 4900 

+27 11 452 5323

101537

This paper has been certified to meet the environmental and social standards 
of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and comes from responsibly 
managed forests and/or verified recycled sources.

www.first-quantum.com