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First Quantum Minerals

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FY2020 Annual Report · First Quantum Minerals
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SUSTAINABLE
GROWTH

2 0 2 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

COBRE PANAMA | Colón Province, PANAMA

Ownership

Primary

90%

Copper

Secondary

Gold, molybdenum, silver

2020 Production Copper 206kt, Gold 85koz

PYHÄSALMI | Pyhäjärvi, FINLAND
100%
Ownership

Primary

Copper

Secondary

Pyrite, Zinc

2020 Production Copper 4kt, Zinc 3kt

GUELB MOGHREIN | Akjoujt, MAURITANIA
Ownership

100%

Primary

Secondary

Copper

Gold

2020 Production

Copper 28kt, Gold 48koz

HAQUIRA | Apurimac Region, PERU

ENTERPRISE | North-Western Province, ZAMBIA

TACA TACA | Salta Province, ARGENTINA

CONTENTS

Our Properties

Letter to Shareholders

Financial Report

Board of Directors

Corporate Information

IFC

2

5

120

122

2020 Production

2020 Production

779,000
779,000
tonnes Cu
tonnes Cu

LAS CRUCES | Sevilla Province, SPAIN

LAS CRUCES | Sevilla Province, SPAIN

Ownership

Ownership

100%

100%

Primary

Primary

Copper

Copper

2020 Production

2020 Production

Copper 54kt 

Copper 54kt 

ÇAYELI | Rize Province, TURKEY

ÇAYELI | Rize Province, TURKEY

Ownership

Ownership

100%

100%

Primary

Primary

Copper

Copper

Secondary

Secondary

Zinc

Zinc

2020 Production

2020 Production

Copper 13kt, Zinc 5kt

Copper 13kt, Zinc 5kt

KANSANSHI | North-Western Province, ZAMBIA

KANSANSHI | North-Western Province, ZAMBIA

Ownership

Ownership

80%

80%

Primary

Primary

Copper

Copper

Secondary

Secondary

Gold

Gold

2020 Production

2020 Production

Copper 221kt, Gold 128koz

Copper 221kt, Gold 128koz

SENTINEL | North-Western Province, ZAMBIA

SENTINEL | North-Western Province, ZAMBIA

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

First Quantum is a global mining company 
primarily producing copper, with secondary 
production in gold, nickel, zinc 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 
We are well known for our “can do” attitude 
and specialist technical, engineering, 
and specialist technical, engineering, 
construction and operational skills, which 
construction and operational skills, which 
allow us to develop and successfully run 
allow us to develop and successfully run 
complex mines and processing plants.
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.

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.

Ownership

Ownership

100%

100%

Primary

Primary

Copper

Copper

2020 Production

2020 Production

Copper 251kt

Copper 251kt

RAVENSTHORPE | Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

RAVENSTHORPE | Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Ownership

Ownership

100%

100%

Primary

Primary

Nickel

Nickel

Secondary

Secondary

Cobalt

Cobalt

2020 Production

2020 Production

Nickel 13kt

Nickel 13kt

LEGEND

LEGEND

Operations

Operations

Development Project

Development Project

Advanced Exploration Projects

Advanced Exploration Projects

Letter to Shareholders

Despite the challenges of the past 

year, First Quantum achieved record 

annual production with our costs at 

the lowest level in four years. Our 2020 

total production of 778,911 tonnes of 

copper represents an 11% increase on 

the previous year. This is a remarkable 

achievement for our shareholders.

PHILIP PASCALL
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

At the end of a tumultuous year in the global economy, we can 

I strongly applaud the dedication and commitment of our 

look forward to significant opportunities for First Quantum in 

people over many months, and thank the relevant authorities 

2021 and beyond. Although we intend to maintain a defensive 

for their support. Without all these efforts we would not have 

stance on health and sanitary protocols, we do expect that  

finished 2020 in such a strong position and be as well prepared 

the impact of COVID-19 will begin to reduce following the 

for continued growth in 2021.

world-wide roll-out of vaccines.

First Quantum achieved several important milestones during 

Global demand for our key commodities – copper and 

the year. Acknowledging the global challenges in protecting 

nickel – is looking strong. We expect demand to strengthen 

the environment, we have recently formalised our approach 

further as governments in many nations seek to stimulate 

to climate change. Our Climate Change Position Statement 

their economic recovery via infrastructure and other stimulus 

was published in early 2021 and is part of our broader 

spending. Pent up global consumer demand is also likely 

commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 

to have a positive bearing on our commodity prices as 

reporting and communications. We know that mining has a 

households spend again, after a period of reduced activity 

significant impact on the environment through the emission 

caused by COVID-19 lockdowns in many countries.

of greenhouse gases and we recognise our obligation to 

Although we were touched by tragedy in the loss of colleagues 

during the pandemic, First Quantum’s shareholders can 

make creative improvements, and to report on our actions to 

address climate change.

be proud of our response to protect our workforce and the 

Copper and nickel are now widely recognised as being essential 

many communities in which we operate as the challenges 

components in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy. 

of COVID-19 became apparent. We developed the necessary 

As this transition gathers pace around the world, it is exciting to 

processes and procedures so that we could protect our 

know that our minerals production will play an important part 

people and their families, as well as assisting in the response 

in delivering lower carbon-intensive economies.

of our host nations. We also formed strong partnerships 

with various health authorities and community support 

institutions, as we all learned to push back the contagion.

First Quantum has been finding innovative ways to improve 

efficiency and hence reduce the environmental impact of  

our operations. This is resulting in decreased energy use, 

The impact of the virus on our operations manifested itself 

waste reduction and lowered greenhouse gas emissions. 

differently in different countries, due to varied government 

In some areas we lead the way in the development of new 

responses, changes to border and quarantine controls, and 

mining technology and production processes. These are 

the differing capacity of health systems. First Quantum was 

improving our performance and can be adopted by others  

agile in understanding the challenges and the only major 

in the mining sector.

operational impact was a relatively short period of  

shutdown at Cobre Panama.

2

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

The First Quantum approach to climate change is to set tangible 

and production. Mill throughput continues to ramp up towards 

targets and focus on the identification and execution of projects 

the 2021 target rate of 85 million tonnes per year (mtpa). The 

which produce real outcomes. During 2021 and subsequent 

brownfields expansion of Cobre Panama to the 100 mtpa 

periods we will be setting clear, progressive and realistic targets 

throughput level is expected in 2023.

with an identified pathway to achievement. Our intent is to 

deliver meaningful change through our business.

The Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (RNO) in Western Australia 

re-opened and commenced exporting in early 2020. We 

Despite the challenges of the past year, First Quantum  

commenced the expansion of the mine with the development 

achieved record annual production with our costs at the lowest 

of the Shoemaker-Levy deposit. This new orebody, with its 

level in four years. Our 2020 total production of 778,911 tonnes  

infrastructure, will extend the life of the mine by 20 years. The 

of copper represents an 11% increase on the previous year.  

first blast to open the new pit was undertaken just a few days 

This is a remarkable achievement for our shareholders.

before the end of 2020. It is expected that the target production 

Kansanshi remains a consistent producer, demonstrating 

flexibility and adaptability. Production rates are expected to 

rate of 2,500 tonnes per month will be achieved later in 2021 

after Shoemaker-Levy comes on stream.

be similar in 2021. Work will begin on upgrading the smelter 

All the other operations performed to expectation. A highlight was 

to be able to treat higher volumes of concentrate from both 

the contribution from Guelb Moghrein. This mine was particularly 

Sentinel and Kansanshi. The decision to move ahead with the 

hard-hit by travel restrictions. I’m pleased to say that our local 

brownfield S3 expansion at Kansanshi remains dependent on 

workforce and our resolute expat staff showed remarkable 

financial outcomes and reaching agreement with the Zambian 

tenacity and delivered record low costs for the year 2020.

Government on investment stability. We continue regular, 

constructive discussions with the Government in this regard.

With our confidence in the strengthening long-term prospects 

for copper, we continue to advance our development projects at 

We closed the year at Sentinel with a strong fourth quarter. 

Taca Taca in Salta Province, Argentina, and Haquira in Apurimac, 

Sentinel achieved throughput of 57 million tonnes in 2020 

Southern Peru. Gradual progress continues on these projects 

and we expect to continue at these rates in 2021. A fourth 

with various studies and negotiations, which will lead in time to 

in-pit crusher is to be commissioned during 2021 which will 

their construction and production.

provide to Sentinel an incremental increase in throughput. 

Unit costs improved from the previous year as a result 

of lower maintenance and fuel costs and some foreign 

exchange benefits.

First Quantum continues to be a major economic contributor 

to many nations via employment, business generation and tax 

and royalty contributions. Our latest assessment shows that our 

2019 annual direct contribution to governments now totals more 

Cobre Panama had returned to normal operations by the end 

than $1 billion with much of this amount being received by the 

of the fourth quarter and achieved records for mill throughput 

Zambian Government.

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 3

Our company aims to make a 

tangible, long-term difference to 

people in many countries around 

the world. I refer each year to the 

significant financial contribution we 

make, and the support we provide 

for: health and education, small 

business development, empowering 

women, biodiversity programs, and 

numerous other activities. 

My special thanks go to Morris, who still provides some consulting 
support and who has been with First Quantum for more than 
23 years. Sean Egner, the manager of our Electrical Construction 
Division, has taken up the position of GM for Sentinel.

At the end of the year, Tristan Pascall was appointed as our 
Chief Operating Officer, following several senior roles and 
achievements within First Quantum, including his leadership 
and contribution to the development of Cobre Panama.

Finally, my deep personal thanks to Clive Newall, who is one 
of the founders of First Quantum and has been instrumental 
to the Company’s success since 1996. During 2020, Clive 
relinquished his long-standing executive responsibilities within 
the Company. I am pleased that he will remain a member of 
our Board of Directors.

I would like to conclude by thanking our employees who make 
all of this possible. Your response to the uniquely difficult 
circumstances of 2020 was without parallel. Without you, we 
wouldn’t be in such a strong position ready for the future.

Thank you also to our shareholders. We value your support and 
continued faith in our ability and our vision. We have overcome 
many challenges in addition to COVID-19 and we will continue to 
do so with your support.

I strongly believe First Quantum is well-positioned to grow in  

a rapidly improving global economy.

In Panama, our mining operation now generates 

approximately 4% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product 

(GDP). This contribution is especially important after the 

impact of COVID-19 on the broader Panamanian economy.  

We continue to work closely with the Panamanian 

Government to provide employment, training and additional 

community benefits. We are also actively working with local 

regional communities, supporting them at ground-level.

Our Company aims to make a tangible, long-term difference 

to people in many countries around the world. I refer each 

year to the significant financial contribution we make, and 

the support we provide for: health and education, small 

business development, empowering women, biodiversity 

programs, and numerous other activities. In 2020, all these 

programs continued to deliver major benefits. I am most 

proud of the many additional COVID-19-related contributions 

we have made, which included new special health facilities, 

and even the education of children via radio after their 

classrooms had been closed.

I would particularly like to highlight important changes for 

our senior personnel during the year.

Firstly, I was delighted to appoint Anthony Mukutuma as 

General Manager at Kansanshi. His appointment is significant 

for First Quantum and for Zambia. Anthony is the first 

Zambian national to head a major mining operation in  

that country, having risen steadily through the ranks at  

First Quantum over many years on the basis of his 

demonstrated capability and expertise. He replaced David  

de Vries who took Anthony’s place as GM for Ravensthorpe.

Morris Rowe retired during 2020, after his significant 

Philip Pascall

contribution stabilising our Sentinel operations.  

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

4

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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 

66 

67 

72 

77 

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  construction 
activity at Cobre Panama and are subject to the impact of ore grades on future production, the potential of production 
disruptions, potential production, operational, labour or marketing disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic 
(including but not limited to the temporary suspension of labour activities at Cobre Panama implemented in April 2020), 
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,  nickel, 
silver,  iron,  cobalt,  pyrite,  zinc  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, nickel, silver, iron, cobalt, pyrite, zinc 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, Australia 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.

5

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2020 

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, 2020. 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 Annual 
Information Form) 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 Annual 
Information Form. This MD&A has been prepared as of February 16, 2021.

OVERVIEW
Although 2020 was a challenging year, the Company’s operations demonstrated resilience in dealing with the challenges 
brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company moved quickly to introduce health and sanitation protocols across its 
sites in compliance with both local and international guidelines, and continues to focus on ensuring the health and safety of the 
workforce and managing the necessary country-by-country restrictions in order to assist in the protection of the workforce and 
the wider community. 

Despite the additional challenges faced in the year, the Company achieved its highest ever annual copper production, attributable 
to record-breaking production at Sentinel and strong contribution from Cobre Panama. The cash cost of production (“C1”)1 for the 
year was at its lowest level in four years, with Sentinel and Guelb Moghrein showing record low annual copper all-in sustaining 
cost (“AISC”)1 and C1 cash costs.

Cobre Panama, in its first full-year of commercial production, was placed on preservation and safe maintenance in April and 
operated at much reduced levels of activity for most of the second quarter and into the start of the third quarter. The operation 
successfully ramped up ahead of expectation in August, and in the fourth quarter set new quarterly mill throughput and copper 
production records.

In September, the Company filed an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for Kansanshi. Updated Mineral Reserve and Resource 
estimates show an increase of 70% and 40%, respectively, over Mineral Reserves and Resources reported in the last update 
in May 2015, and extends the mine life to 24 years. In addition to the processing plant expansion and upgrades, the Kansanshi 
smelter capacity will be increased. Whilst Kansanshi’s copper production for 2020 was 5% lower than 2019, it was able to reduce 
the impact of lower grades by achieving a 5% increase in throughput.

The Ravensthorpe nickel mine recommenced operations in the first quarter of 2020, with the first shipment of nickel in May. The 
focus for 2021 is on incremental increases in nickel production achieved by higher availability, better utilization and improved 
recovery. The planning and optimization of the existing plant to allow for the transition to Shoemaker Levy is progressing. First 
ore from Shoemaker Levy is expected to be delivered to the existing plant in the second quarter of 2021.

There was a significant increase in comparative EBITDA1 to $2,152 million with operating cash flow of $1,613 million and a 
reduction in net debt1 of $266 million, despite the challenges during the year. 

The Company continuously manages its capital structure and assesses its liquidity and financing sources regularly. Following 
the bond issuance in January 2020, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining $300 million of the senior notes 
due February 2021. On October 1, 2020, the Company completed the offering of $1.5 billion of Senior Notes due 2027, and the 
proceeds of the offering were used towards the partial repayment of the Company’s existing revolving credit facility, and the 
redemption in full of the Company’s outstanding Senior Notes due 2022. 

6

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTThe Company utilizes a hedge program to manage commodity price risk and to provide pricing certainty for a proportion of future 
cash receipts in support of the Company’s commitment to materially reduce project related debt. The market price for copper 
fluctuated during the year from a low of $2.09 per lb to a high of $3.61 per lb on the London Metal Exchange (“LME”). The average 
copper price for the year was $2.80 per lb, 3% higher than 2019. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had 152,125 tonnes of 
unmargined copper forward sales contracts at an average price of $2.86 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to December 
2021. In addition, the Company had 174,400 tonnes of unmargined zero cost copper collar sales contracts with maturities 
to December 2021 at weighted average floor and ceiling prices of $2.83 per lb to $3.07 per lb, respectively, outstanding. The 
Company also had unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 3,213 tonnes at an average price of $6.89 per lb outstanding, 
with maturities to October 2021. Due to already significant carry forward tax losses in Canada, the jurisdiction in which the 
Company’s hedging program is located, any losses realized are not subject to tax relief.

In November, the Company filed an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Taca Taca Project, including an updated Mineral 
Resource statement and a maiden Mineral Reserve for the project. This increases the Company’s total Mineral Reserves base to 
over 29 million tonnes of contained copper, which represents one of the largest Mineral Reserve positions amongst global copper 
producers and substantially increases the geographic diversification of the Company’s Mineral Reserves.

1  C1, ASIC, comparative EBITDA and net debt 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 46 for further information and reconciliations to the IFRS measures.

FULL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

Operational and financial
 • Total copper production for the year was 778,911 tonnes, an increase of 11% from 2019 and within the guidance range. 
 • Sentinel had an outstanding year and achieved record copper production of 251,216 tonnes, delivering a significant increase 

in throughput and operating at record low unit C1 cash cost of $1.40 per lb. Sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2020 were 
48% higher than the comparable period and included an additional 50,000 dry metric tonnes (“DMT”) of copper concentrate 
export sales.

 • Performance at Cobre Panama was strong, despite the temporary suspension of labour activities that began in April due to 

COVID-19. Cobre Panama was placed on preservation and safe maintenance, operating at much reduced levels of activity in 
the second quarter. Operations successfully ramped up ahead of expectation in August, setting a daily record for crushing 
and copper production in December. Copper production in the year was 39% higher than 2019, including pre-commercial 
production, and in the fourth quarter the operation set new quarterly records for both mill throughput and copper production.

 • Kansanshi performed consistently during the year. Copper production was lower as a result of reduced grades and recoveries, 

but throughput increased as a result of improvement initiatives. The Kansanshi smelter processed 1,320,238 DMT of copper 
concentrate, produced 323,667 tonnes of copper anode and 1,262,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid with recoveries of 98% for  
the year.

 • Total gold production for 2020 was 265,112 ounces, 3% higher than 2019. This reflected increased gold production at Cobre 

Panama despite reduced production levels as a result of COVID-19 restrictions in the second quarter of 2020.

 • Ravensthorpe recommenced operations in the first quarter of 2020, with the first shipment of nickel in May. Nickel production 

for the year was 12,695 contained tonnes. As the plant continued to stabilize post start-up, nickel recoveries increased to  
78% in the fourth quarter, from 68% in the second quarter of 2020. 

 • C1 cash cost of $1.21 per lb for the year was at its lowest level in four years with almost all copper operations delivering a 

reduction. AISC for 2020 was $1.63 per lb, a $0.15 per lb decrease compared to 2019. Sentinel achieved a record low AISC  
for the year of $1.92 per lb, and C1 cash cost of $1.40 per lb. There was also a notable reduction in C1 and AISC cash cost at 
Guelb Moghrein in 2020 to $0.38 per lb and $0.70 per lb, respectively, the lowest reported annual C1 cash cost and AISC.

 • Gross profit of $1,077 million and comparative EBITDA of $2,152 million for 2020 reflected the strong operational performance 

and were both significantly higher than 2019 with increased sales volumes, higher metal prices and lower costs. 

7

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued) • Net debt decreased by $266 million during 2020 and cash flows from operating activities were $1,613 million  

($2.34 per share). There was a significant increase in trade receivable balances at the year-end, due principally to the timing  
of shipments in the final week of December, cash was received in January 2021. Capital expenditure of $610 million was  
$65 million below guidance.

 • Financial results include comparative loss of $46 million ($0.07 comparative loss per share) and net loss attributable to 

shareholders of the Company of $180 million ($0.26 loss per share). Net loss attributable to shareholders of the Company 
includes a net finance expense of $738 million, compared to $248 million in 2019, where $549 million of finance costs were 
capitalized. Following declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama effective September 1, 2019, finance costs are 
now expensed. For a reconciliation of comparative earnings (loss), see page 52.

 • On October 1, 2020, the Company completed the offering of $1.5 billion of Senior Notes due 2027. The proceeds of the Offering 

were used towards the partial repayment of the Company’s existing revolving credit facility, and the redemption in full of the 
Company’s outstanding Senior Notes due 2022.

 • At February 16, 2021, the Company had unmargined copper forward sales contracts for 128,625 tonnes at an average price 

of $2.86 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to December 2021. In addition, the Company has zero cost copper collar 
unmargined sales contracts for 198,500 tonnes at weighted average prices of $2.93 per lb to $3.25 per lb outstanding with 
maturities to December 2021. This represents approximately 40% of the Company’s expected sales for the next 12 months.

CONSOLIDATED INFORMATION

Copper production (tonnes) 2, 3

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) 7

Gold production (ounces) 2

Gold sales (ounces) 2, 8

Nickel production (contained tonnes)

Nickel sales (contained tonnes)

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

203,171

217,041

211,396

197,533

$

$

$

$

1.28 

2.20 

1.77 

2.97 

68,747

70,905

5,603

5,343

$

$

$

$

1.07 

1.97 

1.48 

2.77 

72,926

78,013

5,113

4,986

$

$

$

$

Q4 2019

204,270

205,964

1.24 

2.07 

1.73 

2.62 

77,789

79,409

–

–

$

$

$

$

2020

778,911

764,471

1.21 

2.11 

1.63 

2.74 

265,112

277,291

12,695

12,120

$

$

$

$

2019

702,148

689,386

1.31 

2.16 

1.78 

2.70 

256,913

254,785

–

–

8

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION 2

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

Sales revenues

Gross profit

Net earnings (loss) attributable to  
shareholders of the Company

Basic and diluted earnings (loss)  
per share

Comparative EBITDA 1 , 9

Comparative earnings (loss) 1

1,601

443

9

1,402

346

29

1,284

259

2020

5,199

1,077

2019

4,067

790

(115)

(180)

(57)

$

0.01 

$

0.04 

$

(0.17)

$

(0.26)

$

(0.08)

725

53

641

64

511

35

2,152

(46)

Comparative earnings (loss) per share 1

$

0.08 

$

0.09 

$

0.05 

$

(0.07)

$

Net earnings (loss) attributable to  
shareholders of the Company

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

9

29

(115)

Adjustments attributable to shareholders of the Company:

Adjustment for expected phasing of  
Zambian value-added tax (“VAT”) receipts 

Other, including loss on debt instruments

Total adjustments to comparative  
EBITDA excluding depreciation 9

Tax and minority interest comparative 
adjustments

Comparative earnings (loss) 1

(5)

8 

42 

(1)

53 

(16)

–

61 

(10)

64 

22 

4 

152 

(28)

35 

2020

(180)

(80)

10 

240 

(36)

(46)

1,609

249

0.36 

2019

(57)

182 

23 

228 

(127)

249 

1  Comparative earnings (loss) have been adjusted to exclude items from the corresponding IFRS measure, net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company, 
which are not considered by management to be reflective of underlying performance. Comparative earnings (loss), comparative earnings (loss) 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 46 for a reconciliation of comparative EBITDA and comparative earnings (loss) to the IFRS measures. The use of comparative earnings (loss) and comparative EBITDA 
represents the Company’s adjusted earnings (loss) metrics.

2  Cobre Panama declared commercial production effective September 1, 2019. Copper production volumes includes pre-commercial production from Cobre Panama of nil 

and 67,704 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively. Copper sales volumes include pre-commercial sales from Cobre Panama of nil and 
48,967 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively. Gold production volumes includes pre-commercial production from Cobre Panama 
of nil and 24,120 ounces for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively. Gold sales volumes include pre-commercial sales from Cobre Panama of nil 
and 18,659 ounces for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively. Pre-commercial production and sales volumes at Cobre Panama are not included 
in earnings, C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

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

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 for year ended December 31, 2020 (nil and 1,182 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively). 

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 46.

7 Realized metal prices are not recognized under IFRS and defined within the “Regulatory Disclosures” section from page 46.

8 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see page 42).

9  Adjustments to comparative EBITDA in 2020 relate principally to foreign exchange revaluations (foreign exchange revaluations and impairment  

of assets in 2019).

9

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)FULL YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Sales revenues boosted by record-breaking production at Sentinel and contribution  
from Cobre Panama
 • Sales revenues of $5,199 million for the full year were 28% higher than 2019. Commercial copper and gold sales volumes from 

Cobre Panama and increased sales volumes at Sentinel drove the increase, as well as higher realized copper and gold prices. 

 • Realized price for copper of $2.74 per lb for the year was slightly higher than $2.70 per lb in 2019. This compares to an increase 

in the average LME price of copper of 3% for the same period to $2.80 per lb. The Company’s copper sales hedge program 
reduced sales revenues in the year by $59 million, or $0.04 per lb, compared to an addition of $44 million, $0.03 per lb, in 
2019. The Company’s nickel sales hedge program increased sales revenues by $11 million in 2020.

Comparative EBITDA increased by 34% to $2,152 million
 • Comparative EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased to $2,152 million, compared to $1,609 million for 

2019. Results benefited from higher revenue and lower cash costs. A reconciliation of comparative EBITDA is included on 
pages 51 and 52. The most significant adjustment was a foreign exchange loss of $225 million, principally attributable to 
Zambian Kwacha (“ZMW”) denominated VAT receivable balances.

GROSS PROFIT – $287 MILLION HIGHER BASED ON IMPROVED METAL PRICES, HIGHER CONTRIBUTION 
FROM COBRE PANAMA AND LOWER OPERATING COSTS

Gross profit in 2019

Higher metal prices 

Movement in hedge program

Higher sales volumes

Lower by-product contribution 

Lower cash costs

Increase in depreciation

Positive impact of foreign exchange on operating costs

Gross profit in 2020 1

790 

334 

(92)

209 

(34)

74 

(310)

106 

1,077

1  Gross profit is reconciled to comparative EBITDA by including exploration costs of $15 million, general and administrative costs of $99 million, share of loss in joint venture 
of $45 million, and adding back depreciation of $1,217 million and other expense of $17 million (a reconciliation of comparative EBITDA is included on pages 51 and 52). 

Comparative loss of $46 million and net loss attributable to shareholders of $180 million
 • Comparative loss for the year of $46 million is a decrease from comparative earnings of $249 million in 2019. Net finance 

expense in 2020 was $738 million, compared to $248 million in 2019, where $549 million of finance costs were capitalized.  
A reconciliation of comparative metrics is included on pages 51 and 52. 

 • Net loss attributable to shareholders is $180 million in 2020, compared to a net loss attributable to shareholders of $57 million 

in 2019. The 2020 result includes a foreign exchange loss of $225 million primarily due to the depreciation of the ZMW against 
the US dollar (“USD”) and the impact on the VAT balances due to Kansanshi and Sentinel. An $80 million credit adjustment 
for Zambian VAT receipts was recognized, representing the expected phasing of receipts, and the impact of foreign exchange, 
using a ZMW risk-free rate. The 2019 result included a charge of $182 million for expected phasing of Zambian VAT receipts, 
$101 million in impairments and $11 million write-off of assets and other costs, and $96 million in foreign exchange losses.

10

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)FOURTH QUARTER FINANCIAL SUMMARY
 • Sales revenues in the fourth quarter of $1,601 million were 25% higher than the same period in 2019 reflecting increased sales 

volumes, particularly at Sentinel and Cobre Panama, as well as higher metal prices. 

GROSS PROFIT – $184 MILLION HIGHER BASED ON IMPROVED METAL PRICES  
AND LOWER OPERATING COSTS

Gross profit in Q4 2019

Higher metal prices 

Movement in hedge program

Higher sales volumes

Lower by-product contribution 

Lower cash costs

Increase in depreciation

Positive impact of foreign exchange on operating costs

Gross profit in Q4 2020 1

259 

283 

(113)

25 

(26)

19 

(36)

32 

443 

1  Gross profit is reconciled to comparative EBITDA by including exploration costs of $6 million, general and administrative costs of $29 million, other expenses of $7 million, 
share of loss in joint venture of $4 million, and adding back depreciation of $326 million and revisions in estimates of restoration provision at closed sites of $2 million  
(a reconciliation of comparative EBITDA is included on pages 51 and 52). 

Comparative earnings of $53 million and net earnings attributable to shareholders of $9 million
 • Comparative earnings for the fourth quarter of $53 million is an increase of 51% compared to comparative earnings of 

$35 million in the same period of 2019. A reconciliation of comparative metrics to the consolidated financial statements is 
included on pages 51 and 52. 

 • Net earnings attributable to shareholders of $9 million for the quarter compared to a net loss attributable to shareholders 

of $115 million in the same period in 2019. The fourth quarter of 2020 included an adjustment of $5 million for expected 
phasing of Zambian VAT receipts, and foreign exchange losses of $32 million. The fourth quarter of 2019 included impairments 
of $101 million, an adjustment of $22 million for expected phasing of Zambian VAT receipts, and foreign exchange losses of 
$32 million.

FINANCIAL POSITION AND OPERATING CASH FLOW
 • At December 31, 2020, the Company had 152,125 tonnes of unmargined copper forward sales contracts at an average price 

of $2.86 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to December 2021. In addition, the Company had 174,400 tonnes of 
unmargined zero cost copper collar sales contracts with maturities to December 2021 at weighted average prices of $2.83 
per lb to $3.07 per lb outstanding. The Company also had unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 3,213 tonnes at an 
average price of $6.89 per lb outstanding, with maturities to October 2021.

 • The Company actively manages all capital spending and operating costs while maintaining a high level of safety and 

productivity. Operating costs at all sites have been and are continuously being reviewed to identify opportunities to further 
reduce costs. As at December 31, 2020, the Company has hedged 60 million litres of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (“ULSD”) at an 
average price of $0.34 per litre with maturities to April 2021, as part of the companywide cost management strategy.

 • On October 1, 2020, the Company completed the offering of $1.5 billion of Senior Notes due 2027. Interest is accrued at the 

rate of 6.875% per annum and will be payable semi-annually. The proceeds of the Offering were used towards the partial 
repayment of the Company’s existing revolving credit facility, and the redemption in full of the Company’s outstanding Senior 
Notes due 2022. 

11

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued) • Net debt decreased during the year by $266 million to $7,409 million at December 31, 2020. Taking into account forecast 

operating cash inflows, capital expenditure outflows and available funds, 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, including through strategic initiatives and use of the copper sales hedge program. 

COVID-19
When COVID-19 was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization in late January, the 
Company moved quickly to introduce health and sanitary protocols across its sites in compliance with both local and international 
guidelines. These health protocol measures continue to be reviewed and adjusted as needed. The Company continues to maintain 
defensive health and sanitary protocols and to support the government health authorities in each jurisdiction according to the 
needs across all of its sites and operations to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

In Panama, the Company is supporting the wider community with donations of medical equipment and supplies, as well as 
responding to the Panamanian Government’s request to support families in need with food and supplies. In Zambia, the Company 
has provided COVID-19 testing equipment and treatment and isolation facilities for the community, and pledged financial support 
for the provision of medical logistics support in the Solwezi and Kalumbila districts of North-Western Zambia. 

In addition to increased medical facility resilience initiatives at the mine clinics in Mauritania, Zambia and Panama, COVID-19 
protective measures to minimize person-to-person transmission in the workplace and protect business continuity have been 
implemented across all operations. 

COVID-19 had a direct impact at Cobre Panama where the operation was placed on preservation and safe maintenance beginning 
April 7, 2020 following Panamanian government restrictions related to COVID-19. On July 7, 2020, the Company announced the 
resumption of normal operations and successfully ramped up ahead of expectation, on August 8, 2020. Cobre Panama continues 
to operate while adhering to the strictest protocols that have been implemented to protect the health of the workforce and 
communities. The Company’s other operations have not been significantly impacted by restrictions arising from COVID-19. 

The Company is working to manage the logistical challenges presented by the closure of trade borders, using alternative routes 
where feasible. Some sales shipments were delayed in the fourth quarter due to COVID-19 related port restrictions and similar 
delays have also been experienced to date in 2021. The Company has also experienced some disruption and additional costs 
on freight shipments out of Asia. The Company has not experienced any other major disruptions to supply chains and product 
shipments since the onset of the pandemic and has no immediate expectation of further disruption other than port delays and 
additional shipping costs noted above. 

As the pandemic has worsened globally, the Company has identified cases amongst the workforce. All of the cases have been 
effectively contained and isolated, according to the established protocols and in coordination with local health authorities, with 
limited impact to operations. The Company will continue to employ measures to ensure minimal spread of the contagion and the 
health and wellbeing of our workforce continues to be a priority. 

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 0.06 per 
200,000 hours worked on average over the 12-month period to December 31, 2020 (2019: 0.05). 

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Dividends

In recent years, the Company has invested heavily in the construction of Cobre Panama. During this period, a policy of paying only 
nominal dividends was adopted. 

12

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)With the successful ramp-up of Cobre Panama and overall higher production, the Company anticipates stronger future cash flow 
and expects to be in a position to support increased dividend payments within the next two years. Actual distributions will be 
determined by annual free cash flow after prioritizing the reduction of the absolute levels of debt and providing for projected 
capital expenditure plans. 

The Company has declared a final dividend of CDN$0.005 per share, in respect of the financial year ended December 31, 2020. 
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 2020 
financial year.

Zambian tax regime

Following the 2021 National Budget, presented on September 25 2020, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (“GRZ”) has 
enacted the proposed changes into law, with effect from January 1, 2021. There were no material changes to the mining tax and 
royalty regimes announced. Mineral royalties continue to be non-deductible for tax, and tax rates remain unchanged.

Two previously unannounced changes were introduced by statutory instruments. Firstly, a zero rating order for VAT on petrol and 
diesel, to reduce the VAT charged to 0%, previously charged at a rate of 16%. Secondly, the excise duty on petrol and diesel was 
suspended from January 15, 2021, until October 1, 2021. The Energy Regulation Board has also communicated increases of other 
tariffs charged on fuel. Overall, these changes do not appear to have a material impact on the overall cost of fuel, however, the 
Company is continuing to refine its assessment of the estimated impact of the proposed changes. 

Zambian VAT

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received offsets of $110 million and cash receipts of $1 million with 
respect to VAT receivable balances (year-ended December 31, 2019, $8 million and $3 million, respectively). For a detailed 
summary of the VAT receivable balance due to the Company’s Zambian operations please see page 40.

Zambian power supply

Construction on the 750MW Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station is nearing completion despite having suffered additional recent 
delays. Commissioning of the first of five 150MW hydro-generation units is underway and it is expected to generate commercially 
available power by the end of February 2021. However, similar to Lake Kariba, the Itezhi Tezhi Dam which serves the Kafue Gorge 
Lower Power Station, continues to recover from previous lows. Kariba Dam water levels also continue to recover steadily, but 
remain below multi-year expectations. This year’s rains in Zambia have been good, and recovery is expected to be satisfactory. 
No power restrictions are currently in place for the Company’s mining operations.

EXPLORATION
The Company’s global exploration program is 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.

At Taca Taca, located in the Salta province of Argentina, the Company is continuing with the project pre-development and 
feasibility activities. 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 2019. On November 30, 2020, the 
Company filed an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Taca Taca Project, including an updated Mineral Resource statement 
and a maiden Mineral Reserve for the project. This increases the Company’s total Mineral Reserves to over 29 million tonnes of 
contained copper which is one of the largest copper Mineral Reserve bases, globally, and substantially increases the geographic 
diversification of the Company’s copper reserves. 

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

The Company is engaged in the assessment and early stage exploration of a number of properties around the world, particularly 
focused on the Andean porphyry belt of Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, as well as specific targets in other 
jurisdictions, including Australia and Papua New Guinea. Near-mine exploration programs are restricted to Las Cruces, in Spain, 
as well as on satellite targets around Kansanshi, in Zambia.

13

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)During the second half of 2020, travel restrictions and lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic gradually eased in 
most jurisdictions. In Zambia, exploration activities have continued unaffected throughout the year, with several drill programs 
continuing into the fourth quarter ahead of the annual rainy season. Drill programs to test high priority porphyry prospects 
in Papua New Guinea, Argentina and Chile were active during the fourth quarter and will continue into 2021, together with 
commencement of drilling on a new target in Southern Peru. 

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, 2020, 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. The unprecedented 
challenges presented by COVID-19 pose some additional risk to the accuracy of forward-looking information. Production guidance 
and cost guidance includes current assumptions on the impact of COVID-19 on operations. 

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

000’s

Copper (tonnes)

Gold (ounces)

Nickel (contained tonnes)

PRODUCTION GUIDANCE BY OPERATION

Copper

000’s tonnes

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Other sites

Gold

000’s ounces

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Other sites

Nickel

000’s tonnes

Ravensthorpe

14

2021

2022

2023

785 - 850

805 - 860

820 - 880

280 - 300

280 - 300

290 - 310

23 - 27

25 - 30

27 - 32

2021

2022

2023

300 - 330

310 - 340

330 - 360

210 - 225

200 - 210

210 - 220

230 - 250

265 - 280

270 - 290

45

30

10

2021

120 - 130

120 - 130

40

2022

2023

135 - 145

145 - 155

115 - 125

115 - 125

30

30

2021

23 - 27

2022

25 - 30

2023

27 - 32

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)CASH COST AND ALL-IN SUSTAINING COST

Copper

C1 (per lb)

AISC (per lb)

Nickel

C1 (per lb)

AISC (per lb)

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Capitalized stripping

Sustaining capital and other projects

Total capital expenditure

2021

2022

2023

$1.20 - $1.40 

$1.20 - $1.40

$1.20 - $1.40

$1.70 - $1.85

$1.70 - $1.85

$1.70 - $1.85

2021

2022

2023

$5.00 - $5.50 

$4.40 - $4.90

$4.20 - $4.70

$5.50 - $6.00

$4.90 - $5.40

$4.70 - $5.20

2021

250

700

950

2022

250

700

950

2023

250

800

1,050

Capital expenditure in 2020 was $65 million lower than the previously issued guidance of $675 million.

Capital expenditure of $950 million is expected in 2021 and 2022, which includes $40 million in each year on the smelter 
expansion at Kansanshi. 2021 and 2022 also includes a total of approximately $100 million in capital expenditures deferred  
from 2020. Other projects in 2021 include Shoemaker Levy development at Ravensthorpe and some spend on the fourth crusher 
at Sentinel.

In 2023, capital expenditure is expected to be $1,050 million and includes $270 million for the proposed S3 expansion at 
Kansanshi. This project is subject to board approval and the timing could be accelerated or delayed depending on capital 
availability, commodity prices and the Zambian fiscal regime. Project capital expenditure across the three years also provides for 
the expansion to 100 million tonnes per annum (“mtpa”) at Cobre Panama. The majority of this capital is for pre-strip and mine 
fleet for Colina pit and process plant upgrades including the secondary crushing screening plant and the sixth ball mill. Sustaining 
capital expenditure is on average approximately $250 million per year, but is expected to be up to $40 million higher in 2021 with 
planned maintenance of the Kansanshi smelter.

Interest 

Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020, was $738 million. A significant proportion of the Company’s interest 
expense is incurred in jurisdictions where no tax credit is recognized. Interest expense for the full year 2021 is expected to range 
between $740 million and $780 million. This includes interest accrued on related party loans to Cobre Panama and a finance cost 
accreted on the precious metal streaming arrangement.

Cash outflow on interest paid for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $574 million and is expected to be approximately 
$525 million for the full year 2021. This figure excludes interest paid on related party loans to Cobre Panama.

15

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Tax

Excluding the impact of interest expense, the effective tax rate for 2020 was 33%. Excluding the impact of interest expense, the 
effective tax rate for 2021 is expected to be approximately 30%.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1,217 million. The full year 2021 depreciation expense is 
expected to be approximately $1,125 million.

OPERATING REVIEW

PRODUCTION SUMMARY

Copper production (tonnes) 1

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

2019

65,520

52,630

62,993

10,234

7,369

3,534

891

62,055

54,430

70,829

12,259

6,702

4,199

922

60,338

60,808

50,874

17,611

8,220

4,725

1,694

205,548

221,487

251,216

54,352

28,491

13,334

4,483

79,776

232,243

220,006

48,090

29,620

16,706

8,003

Total copper production (tonnes) –  
excluding pre-commercial production

203,171

211,396

204,270

778,911

634,444

Cobre Panama - pre-commercial

–

–

–

–

67,704

Total copper production (tonnes) – 
including pre-commercial production

Gold production (ounces)

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Guelb Moghrein

Other sites 2

Total gold production (ounces) –  
excluding pre-commercial production

Cobre Panama – pre-commercial

Total gold production (ounces) –  
including pre-commercial production

Nickel production (contained tonnes) –  
Ravensthorpe

203,171

211,396

204,270

778,911

702,148

25,295

29,515

13,115

822

68,747

–

28,346

31,715

11,620

1,245

72,926

–

28,040

36,105

12,027

1,617

77,789

84,667

128,409

47,637

4,399

35,954

145,386

44,673

6,780

265,112

232,793

–

–

24,120

68,747

72,926

77,789

265,112

256,913

5,603

5,113

–

12,695

–

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

2 Other sites include Çayeli and Pyhäsalmi.

16

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Fourth quarter 

Copper production in the fourth quarter was comparable to the same period in 2019. Strong performance at Sentinel and Cobre 
Panama was offset by lower production at Kansanshi. 

Sentinel achieved quarterly production of 62,993, a 24% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, reflecting higher 
throughput, grade and recoveries. Cobre Panama set new quarterly records for both mill throughput and copper production,  
and saw an increase of 9% in copper production from the comparable period, despite a 7-day planned maintenance shutdown  
in October. 

Lower grades and lower sulphide and oxide recoveries impacted Kansanshi copper production in the quarter, which was  
13% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019. 

Total gold production was 12% lower than the comparable period in 2019. Cobre Panama produced 25,295 ounces of gold in the 
fourth quarter of 2020, a 10% decrease compared to fourth quarter of 2019, due to lower grade. Gold production at Kansanshi 
was 18% lower due to lower gravity recoverable gold produced and processing of stockpiled ore. 

Ravensthorpe continued to ramp-up and produced 5,603 contained tonnes of nickel in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with 
5,113 contained tonnes in the third quarter of 2020. 

Full year

Copper production in the year ended December 31, 2020, was 11% higher than 2019, including pre-commercial production, due 
to exceptionally strong performance at Sentinel, which achieved annual production at 251,216 tonnes, and the contribution 
from Cobre Panama. Copper production at Cobre Panama was impacted, in particular during the second quarter of 2020, when 
it was placed on preservation and safe maintenance as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. In August, Cobre Panama ramped up 
successfully ahead of expectation, reaching a daily record for crushing and copper production at the end of December. Cobre 
Panama operations achieved annual copper production of 205,548 tonnes. Copper production at Las Cruces increased by  
13% compared to 2019, as the first half of 2019 was impacted by a land slippage.

Total gold production for 2020 was 3% higher than 2019, including pre-commercial production at Cobre Panama. Cobre Panama 
produced 84,667 ounces of gold in 2020, compared to 60,074 ounces of gold in 2019, despite significantly reduced production 
levels as a result of COVID-19 restrictions in the second and third quarters of 2020. Gold production at Kansanshi was 12% lower, 
mainly as a result of a decline in the gold concentrates produced by the gravity concentrates and processing of stockpiled oxide 
ore, which yields less gold. 

Ravensthorpe recommenced operations with the first nickel production in late-April. The first high pressure acid leach (“HPAL”) 
circuit was brought online in April, followed by the second circuit in May as the operation ramped up. Nickel production for the 
year was 12,695 contained tonnes. 

17

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)SALES VOLUME SUMMARY

Copper sales volume (tonnes) 1

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi 1

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

2019

65,770

51,265

78,975

9,915

7,365

2,672

1,079

61,049

56,290

55,515

12,646

6,715

4,451

867

48,841

73,986

53,272

16,284

6,010

5,553

2,018

208,787

223,147

231,731

54,852

29,899

11,443

4,612

83,897

235,381

218,282

48,244

28,046

18,118

8,451

Total copper sales (tonnes) –  
excluding pre-commercial sales

217,041

197,533

205,964

764,471

640,419

Cobre Panama – pre-commercial

–

–

–

–

48,967

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

Gold sales volume (ounces)

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Guelb Moghrein

Other sites 2

Total gold sales (ounces) –  
excluding pre-commercial sales

Cobre Panama – pre-commercial

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

Nickel sales volume (contained tonnes) –  
Ravensthorpe

217,041

197,533

205,964

764,471

689,386

25,669

29,021

14,885

1,330

70,905

–

27,182

37,524

11,698

1,609

78,013

–

23,336

45,342

8,415

2,316

86,862

131,248

53,217

5,964

36,410

146,363

44,946

8,407

79,409

277,291

236,126

–

–

18,659

70,905

78,013

79,409

277,291

254,785

5,343

4,986

–

12,120

–

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 for the year ended December 31, 2020 (nil and 1,182 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively).

2 Other sites include Çayeli and Pyhäsalmi.

3 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see page 42).

Fourth quarter

Total copper sales volumes were 5% higher than the comparable period in 2019, due to increased copper sales volumes at Sentinel 
and at Cobre Panama. 

Sentinel sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2020 were 48% higher than the comparable period and included concentrate 
export sales of copper concentrate. In September 2020, following a third-party smelter maintenance shutdown, Sentinel received 
a permit from the Zambian Ministry of Mines to export up to approximately 100,000 DMT copper concentrate to sell down the 
inventory buildup. Fourth quarter sales included over 50,000 DMT of copper concentrate which was sufficient to successfully 
reduce inventory levels. 

Gold sales volumes decreased by 11% in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, mainly due to 
decreased gold production at Kansanshi.

Nickel sales volumes at Ravensthorpe were 5,343 contained tonnes for the quarter.

18

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year

Copper sales in the period were 11% higher compared to the same period in 2019, including pre-commercial sales from  
Cobre Panama. This reflects the record annual copper production at Sentinel as well as strong contribution from Cobre Panama  
in 2020.

Gold sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by 9% compared to 2019 including pre-commercial sales, 
reflecting the contribution from Cobre Panama.

UNIT COST SUMMARY

Copper C1 cash cost ($ per lb ) 1 , 4

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi 2

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Other sites 3

Total copper C1 cash cost ($ per lb) 1 , 2

Copper AISC ($ per lb) 1

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Other sites 3

Total copper AISC ($ per lb) 1 , 2

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

2019

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.34 

1.01 

1.44 

1.56 

0.42 

1.28 

1.72 

1.59 

2.04 

1.70 

0.72 

1.77 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.06 

1.04 

1.25 

1.12 

0.68 

1.07 

1.31 

1.61 

1.77 

1.22 

0.90 

1.48 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.28 

1.03 

1.71 

0.73 

1.16 

1.24 

1.48 

2.22 

1.85 

0.91 

1.51 

1.73 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.31 

1.09 

1.40 

1.05 

0.68 

1.21 

1.60 

1.60 

1.92 

1.15 

0.97 

1.63 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.29 

1.13 

1.61 

1.17 

1.05 

1.31 

1.78 

1.65 

2.12 

1.35 

1.33 

1.78 

1 C1 cash cost and AISC are not recognized under IFRS. Refer to “Regulatory Disclosures” section from page 46. 

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 Other sites include Guelb Moghrein, Çayeli and Pyhäsalmi.

4  Copper production for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019 includes nil and 67,704 tonnes, respectively, of pre-commercial production from Cobre Panama, 

which is not included in C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

Fourth quarter

Total copper C1 cash costs of $1.28 per lb for the fourth quarter of 2020 is $0.04 per lb higher than the same period in 2019. 
C1 cash costs at Cobre Panama was $0.06 per lb higher in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, 
reflecting additional operating costs associated with increased health and safety protocols in response to COVID-19. Sentinel and 
Kansanshi saw decreases to C1 cash costs reflecting favourable foreign exchange impacts and lower fuel costs. Guelb Moghrein 
reported quarterly C1 cash cost of $0.09, the lowest level in a decade, through major cost reduction initiatives, along with higher 
realized gold prices. Guelb Moghrein achieved its lowest recorded quarterly AISC of $0.36 per lb. 

Total copper AISC for the quarter of $1.77 per lb is $0.04 per lb higher than the comparable period in 2019, reflecting the higher 
C1 cash costs. Higher Zambian royalties on the increased copper price were offset by lower sustaining capital expenditure and 
deferred stripping.

19

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year

Total copper C1 cash cost of $1.21 per lb for the year ended December 31, 2020 was the lowest in four years, and was $0.10 
per lb lower than 2019. In 2020, Sentinel achieved a record low C1 cash cost of $1.40 per lb, a $0.21 per lb decrease from 2019, 
reflecting significantly higher production as well as favourable foreign exchange impacts, and lower maintenance and fuel costs. 
C1 cash cost at Kansanshi of $1.09 per lb was $0.04 per lb lower than the previous year, as a result of higher by-product credits 
and favourable foreign exchange impacts. There was a notable reduction in C1 cash cost at Guelb Moghrein in 2020 to $0.38 per 
lb, the lowest reported annual C1 cash cost and AISC. In addition, C1 cash cost at Las Cruces was significantly lower with higher 
production and cost reductions. There was a full year contribution from Cobre Panama at $1.31 per lb, which included reduced 
production levels during the period of preservation and safe maintenance between April and July.

Total copper AISC of $1.63 per lb was $0.15 per lb lower than the comparable period of 2019 due to decreased C1 cash costs as 
well as lower sustaining capex at Kansanshi and Sentinel.

OPERATIONS

COBRE PANAMA

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

2019

2019 4

Post-commercial 
production

Pre-commercial 
production

Copper ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

17,697

14,661

16,493

54,457

20,930

17,653

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper recovery (%)

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Gold production (ounces)

Gold sales (ounces) 2

0.41

91

65,520

65,770

25,295

25,669

0.47

90

62,055

61,049

28,346

27,182

0.41

89

60,338

48,841

28,040

23,336

0.42

90

205,548

208,787

84,667

86,862

0.43

89

79,776

83,897

35,954

36,410

0.47

85

67,704

48,967

24,120

18,659

Silver production (ounces)

500,806

501,012

452,663

1,595,561

604,906

527,341

Silver sales (ounces) 2

504,002

470,989

354,689

1,581,881

626,463

406,135

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

$

$

$

1.72 

1.34 

2.22 

510

163

268

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.31 

1.06 

2.03 

440

115

230

$

$

$

$

$

$

1.85 

1.28 

2.12 

314

56

136

1.60 

1.31 

2.30 

1,455

274

667

1.78 

1.29 

2.15 

524

92

203

–

–

–

–

–

–

2 Excludes refinery-backed gold and silver credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (see page 42).

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

4 Pre-commercial production and sales volumes at Cobre Panama are not included in earnings, C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

20

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Fourth quarter
During the quarter, approximately 17.7 million tonnes of ore with an average grade of 0.41% were processed and recoveries of 
91% were achieved, which resulted in copper production of 65,520 tonnes. Cobre Panama operations set new quarterly records 
for both mill throughput and copper production despite the challenges faced during the year.

Operations continued under strict protocols in line with COVID-19 guidelines from MINSA. There was a continued focus on waste 
mining and addressing the backlog of non-critical maintenance caused by the COVID-19 related restrictions during the first half 
of 2020. Cobre Panama operations were impacted in October by a planned 7-day, infrequent but normal, maintenance shutdown 
of the SAG mills and SAG mill feeder system which reduced monthly throughput. However, throughput improved to record high 
levels for the year in November and December, driven by increased mill rates due to higher secondary crushing utilization and 
consistent pebble crushing operations. A daily record for crushing and copper production was reached at the end of December, 
of 301,000 tonnes and 1,301 tonnes contained copper, respectively. Recoveries and concentrate grades continued to improve, 
benefiting from consistent and stable operations. 

AISC and C1 cash cost for the fourth quarter were $1.72 per lb and $1.34 per lb, respectively. C1 cash cost at Cobre Panama was 
$0.06 per lb higher in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting additional operating costs 
associated with increased health and safety protocols in response to COVID-19. AISC of $1.72 per lb is $0.13 per lb lower than the 
same period in 2019, due to lower sustaining capex and deferred stripping. Included within C1 cash costs and AISC are $10 million 
in increased operating costs, reflected within C1 cash costs, associated with increased health and safety protocols in response  
to COVID-19.

The fourth quarter was the strongest quarter to date for Cobre Panama. Sales revenues for the quarter were $510 million, 
benefitting from high metal prices and increased sales volumes. A record high of 65,770 tonnes of contained copper were sold in 
the fourth quarter. Comparative EBITDA for the quarter was $268 million, and gross profit was $163 million.

Full year
During the first quarter of 2020, throughput was impacted by unplanned downtime of the crusher circuit. On April 6, 2020, 
MINSA ordered the temporary suspension of labour activities on site due to COVID-19, as a result, the Company placed Cobre 
Panama on preservation and safe maintenance beginning April 7, 2020, operating at much reduced levels of activity consistent 
with ensuring safety and the protection of the environment and the assets. Operations successfully ramped up ahead of 
expectation in August. In the fourth quarter, throughput continued to improve, setting new quarterly mill throughput and copper 
production records despite a 7-day planned maintenance shutdown to the milling circuit in October.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 54.5 million tonnes of ore with an average grade of 0.42% were processed, 
and recoveries of 90% were achieved, resulting in copper and gold production of 205,548 tonnes and 84,667 ounces, respectively. 

AISC and C1 cash cost were $1.60 per lb and $1.31 per lb, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Sales revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, were $1,455 million and a total of 208,787 tonnes of contained copper 
were sold in this period. Comparative EBITDA was $667 million and gross profit for the same period was $274 million. 

Outlook
The priority for Cobre Panama remains the health and safety of the workforce and surrounding communities. The operation 
continues to work towards improving throughput and finding efficiencies, with a focus on managing costs. 

Cobre Panama is expected to achieve 85 million tonnes of mill throughput and annual production of between 300,000 and 
330,000 tonnes of copper and between 120,000 and 130,000 ounces of gold in 2021.

21

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)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 (%)

Copper production (tonnes) 2

Copper smelter

Concentrate processed 1 , 3

Copper anodes 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 cost (C1) (per lb) 6 , 7

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

Sales revenues

Gross profit 

Comparative EBITDA 6

1 DMT

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

3,491

0.79

90

1,987

0.96

81

1,654

1.02

75

3,415

0.85

91

2,053

1.03

79

2,079

0.80

70

3,211

0.95

93

1,900

1.11

79

1,893

1.07

79

2020

13,527

0.83

92

8,167

1.00

81

7,440

0.93

76

2019

12,908

0.89

91

7,699

1.05

77

7,201

1.12

82

52,630

54,430

60,808

221,487

232,243

354,155

87,392

99

341

51,265

29,515

29,021

1.59 

1.01 

1.81 

416

161

216

$

$

$

362,554

89,090

98

342

56,290

31,715

37,524

1.61 

1.04 

1.85 

423

151

213

$

$

$

342,550

1,320,328

1,317,826

86,690

323,667

324,281

97

327

73,986

36,105

45,342

1.48 

1.03 

1.68 

495

166

232

98

1,262

223,147

128,409

131,248

1.60 

1.09 

1.86 

1,539

464

712

$

$

$

97

1,236

235,381

145,386

146,363

1.65 

1.13 

1.84

1,581

472

705

$

$

$

$

$

$

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. There was no third-party purchased copper concentrate treated for the year ended December 31, 2020 (nil and 1,881 DMT for the three 
months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively).

4  Sales of copper anode attributable to anode produced from third-party purchased concentrate are excluded. There were no sales of copper anode produced from 

purchased concentrate for the year ended December 31, 2020 (nil and 1,182 tonnes for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively). 

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.

22

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Kansanshi Mining Operations 

Fourth quarter
Copper production for the fourth quarter of 2020 was 13% lower than the comparable period in 2019, mainly due to lower feed 
grades. The lower ore grade negatively impacted sulphide and oxide recoveries. The decline in the oxide ore grade was expected 
due to the depletion of higher-grade areas as the mine ages. Mixed recovery benefitted from the treatment of tarnished  
copper sulphides. 

Gold production was 18% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, mainly as a result of a decline in the gold concentrates produced 
by the gravity concentrators and processing of stockpiled oxide ore, which yields less gold.

AISC of $1.59 per lb was $0.11 per lb higher than that of the same period in 2019, due to the increased royalty rate associated with 
higher copper price. C1 cash cost was $0.02 per lb lower than the same period in 2019, mainly due to the depreciation of the ZMW 
and lower fuel prices. 

Sales revenues of $416 million were 16% lower for the same period in 2019, reflecting lower copper and gold sales volumes. Gross 
profit of $161 million was 3% lower than the same period in 2019 due to lower costs offsetting the lower revenues.

Full year
On September 14, 2020, the Company filed an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report for Kansanshi. Updated Mineral Reserve and 
Resource estimates show an increase of 70% and 40%, respectively, over those reported in the last update in May 2015, and 
extends the mine life to 24 years. In addition to the processing plant expansion and upgrades, the Kansanshi smelter capacity will 
be increased. 

Copper production during the year was 5% lower compared to 2019, mainly due to lower grade. Throughput was 5% higher than 
2019, reflecting the successful implementation of throughput improvement projects.

Gold production was 12% lower than 2019, mainly as a result of a decline in the gold concentrates produced by the gravity 
concentrators and processing of stockpiled oxide ore, which yields less gold. 

AISC of $1.60 per lb was $0.05 per lb lower than 2019, due to lower C1 cash costs and reduced capex, partially offset by increased 
royalty rates as a result of the higher copper price. C1 cash cost was $0.04 per lb lower than the same period in 2019, as a result 
of higher by-product credits, the depreciation of the ZMW and lower fuel prices.

Sales revenues of $1,539 million were 3% lower than 2019, reflecting lower copper and gold volumes sold, partially offset by the 
higher realized gold and copper prices, excluding the impact of the corporate sales hedge program. Gross profit of $464 million 
was comparable to the same period in 2019.

Kansanshi Copper Smelter

Fourth quarter
The smelter treated 354,155 DMT of concentrate, 3% higher than the same period of 2019, and produced 87,392 tonnes of copper 
anode and 341,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid. 

Full year
The smelter treated 1,320,238 DMT of concentrate, produced 323,667 tonnes of copper in anode and 1,262,000 tonnes of 
sulphuric acid and maintained a consistent overall copper recovery rate of 98%, in line with 2019 performance.

Outlook
Production in 2021 is expected to be between 210,000 and 225,000 tonnes of copper, and between 120,000 and  
130,000 ounces of gold.

23

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)The NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on September 14, 2020 includes the plan for a 25 mtpa expansion of the sulphide ore 
processing facility and associated increase in mining capacity, increasing annual throughout to 52 mtpa (the “S3 Expansion”).  
The timing of capital expenditure for the S3 Expansion is proposed for 2023-2024 and requires board approval. In addition to the 
processing plant expansion and upgrades, the Kansanshi smelter will be increased to 1.65 mtpa capacity, an increase from the 
current capacity level of 1.38 mtpa. The capacity increase will be achieved partly through enhancing copper concentrate grades by 
lowering the carbon and pyrite content of the Kansanshi and Sentinel concentrate feeds. Concentrate processing capacity will be 
further expanded through modifications to the existing HPL circuit. Capital expenditure in 2021 and 2022 includes $40 million in 
each year on the smelter expansion.

SENTINEL

Copper ore milled (000’s tonnes) 1

13,816

14,669

12,385

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

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

1 DMT

0.51

90

62,993

78,975

2.04 

1.44 

2.28 

526

194

277

$

$

$

0.53

90

70,829

55,515

1.77 

1.25 

1.98 

340

110

167

0.47

87

50,874

53,272

2.22 

1.71 

2.45 

281

25

86

$

$

$

$

$

$

2020

56,589

0.49

90

251,216

231,731

1.92 

1.40 

2.14 

1,353

363

614

$

$

$

2019

48,858

0.50

91

220,006

218,282

2.12 

1.61 

2.34 

1,199

176

423

$

$

$

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

Fourth quarter
Copper production for the quarter increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2019, reflecting higher throughput, grade 
and recoveries. A higher proportion of softer ore from the Eastern cutback contributed to the enhanced throughput rates. Feed 
grade improved due to higher grade from the deeper mining areas as the pit progresses through the transitional ore. 

AISC of $2.04 per lb was $0.18 per lb lower than the same period in 2019, reflecting lower C1 cash cost partially offset by the 
increased royalty rate associated with higher copper price. C1 cash cost was $0.27 per lb lower than the comparable period of 
2019 reflecting the depreciation of the ZMW and lower fuel costs. 

Sales revenues of $526 million for the quarter were 87% higher than the same period in 2019 due to increased copper sales 
volumes combined with higher realized copper prices, excluding the impact of the corporate sales hedge program. In September 
2020, following a third-party smelter maintenance shutdown, Sentinel received a permit from the Zambian Ministry of Mines to 
export up to approximately 100,000 DMT copper concentrate to sell down the inventory buildup. The sell down of inventory was 
successfully completed during the quarter, and was made up of concentrate export sales of over 50,000 DMT and regular  
in-country sales. Sales revenues comprised sales of both concentrate as well as anode, with a higher proportion of revenue 
realized from copper anode. Gross profit of $194 million was $169 million higher than the comparable period in 2019, reflecting 
higher revenues and lower costs.

24

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year
Sentinel achieved record copper production of 251,216 tonnes for the full year, 14% higher than 2019, reflecting a significant 
increase in throughput to 57 million tonnes in 2020.

Sentinel achieved a record low AISC and C1 cash cost. AISC of $1.92 per lb was $0.20 per lb lower than 2019, reflecting lower C1 
cash cost and sustaining capital expenditure, somewhat offset by higher capitalized stripping and higher royalties. C1 cash cost 
was $0.21 per lb lower than 2019, mainly due to the depreciation of the ZMW, and lower fuel and maintenance costs. 

Sales revenues of $1,353 million were 13% higher than 2019, attributable to both higher sales volumes and realized copper prices, 
excluding the impact of the corporate sales hedge program. Sales revenues comprised sales of both concentrate and anode, with 
a higher proportion of revenue realized from copper anode. Gross profit of $363 million was 106% higher than the comparable 
period in 2019, reflecting both higher sales revenues and lower costs.

Outlook
Copper production in 2021 is expected to be between 230,000 and 250,000 tonnes.

Throughput rates are expected to be maintained with secondary crushing and consistent ore supply. The focus will be on 
maintaining consistent ore feed as well as the development of the pocket for the fourth in-pit crusher. Mining will continue to 
focus on operational improvements with expansion of the trolley assist system onto the north waste dump as well as extension 
into the Stage 1 pit. The fourth in-pit crusher is expected to be commissioned during the second half of 2021. The fourth in-pit 
crusher will enable the plant to ramp-up throughput towards 62 mtpa in 2022.

GUELB MOGHREIN

Sulphide ore tonnes milled (000’s) 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 cost (C1) (per lb) 3

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 3

Sales revenues

Gross profit

Comparative EBITDA 3

1 DMT

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

986

0.82

91

7,369

7,365

13,115

14,885

114,128

136,316

0.36 

0.09 

1.07 

84

38

45

$

$

$

889

0.87

86

6,702

6,715

11,620

11,698

175,237

138,582

0.47 

0.24 

0.94 

71

30

38

$

$

$

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

$

$

$

2020

3,788

0.85

89

28,491

29,899

47,637

53,217

579,572

590,013

0.70 

0.38 

1.20 

300

103

139

$

$

$

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

$

$

$

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. 

25

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Fourth quarter and full year
Copper production for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 was 10% and 4% lower, respectively, than the same 
periods in 2019 as a result of lower grade and lower throughput. Gold production for the quarter and year ended December 
31, 2020 was 9% and 7% higher, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2019. Increased gold production resulted from 
higher gold recoveries due to improvements in flotation and gravity gold operations, in addition to improved mineralogy with the 
introduction of ore from the Oriental deposit during the year.

The magnetite plant production for the quarter was 25% lower than the same period in 2019 due to lower throughput and 
recovery. The magnetite plant production for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 7% higher due to higher throughput for the 
full year as a result of steady plant operations.

AISC for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 decreased by $1.01 per lb and $0.66 per lb, respectively, compared 
to the same periods in 2019, mainly driven by lower C1 cash costs for the periods. C1 cost for the quarter and year ended 
December 31, 2020 benefited from major cost reduction initiatives, in addition to higher gold and magnetite sales and higher 
realized gold prices.

Sales revenues for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 were 68% and 23% higher respectively compared to 
the same period in 2019 due to higher sales volumes and realized metal prices. Gross profit for the quarter and year ended 
December 31, 2020 was $29 million and $58 million higher than the comparable periods in 2019, reflecting the lower costs and 
higher sales revenues. 

Outlook 
Production in 2021 is expected to be approximately 20,000 tonnes of copper, 40,000 ounces of gold, and 400,000 WMT of 
magnetite concentrate. 

Open pit mining is expected to conclude during 2021, and the operation will transition to treatment of lower grade stockpiled 
materials. The focus will be on improving efficiency and plant operations to maximize operating hours and recovery from the 
stockpile feed. Several major cost initiatives were concluded in 2020 which successfully reduced costs. Further initiatives will 
continue into 2021.

LAS CRUCES

Ore tonnes milled (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

1 DMT

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

381

3.22

83

10,234

9,915

1.70 

1.56 

3.76 

70 

(11)

35 

$

$

$

343

4.24

84

12,259

12,646

1.22 

1.12 

3.24 

82 

(6)

52 

364

5.71

85

17,611

16,284

0.91 

0.73 

2.43 

97 

7 

71 

$

$

$

$

$

$

2020

1,462

4.35

85

54,352

54,852

1.15 

1.05 

2.88 

332 

(13)

204 

2019

1,354

4.17

85

48,090

48,244

1.35 

1.17 

3.08 

291 

(38)

167 

$

$

$

$

$

$

2 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. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Fourth quarter and full year
In August, after 12 years of operations, mining activities ended with the depletion of ore in Phase VI. The plant was fed surface 
stockpiles from August. The stockpiled ore has impacted plant throughput, grade and recoveries during the last part of the year, 
due to challenges of processing sticky ore and lower grades than previously fed fresh ore.

Copper production for the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased by 42% compared to the same period in 2019, due to lower ore grade 
processed and decreased recoveries related to mineral characteristics. Copper production for 2020 increased by 13% compared 
to 2019. In 2020, plant production returned to normal throughput levels following the land slippage in January 2019. Plant 
throughput in 2019 was further impacted by the ball mill failure in September.

AISC of $1.70 per lb for the quarter was $0.79 per lb higher than the same period in 2019, reflecting higher C1 cash cost. The  
C1 cash cost was impacted by lower copper production. This was partially mitigated by lower total operating costs. AISC of  
$1.15 per lb for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $0.20 per lb lower than 2019, reflecting lower C1 cash cost driven by 
higher copper production, lower operating costs and lower deferred stripping.

Sales revenues for the quarter of $70 million were 28% lower than the comparable period in 2019, due to lower sales volumes, 
excluding the impact of the corporate sales hedge program. The decrease in sales revenues resulted in a gross loss of $11 million 
in the quarter, compared to a gross profit of $7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Sales revenues of $332 million for the year were 14% higher compared to 2019, due to higher sales volumes and higher realized 
copper prices, excluding the impact of the corporate sales hedge program. The increase in revenues resulted in a gross loss of  
$13 million in 2020, compared to a gross loss of $38 million in 2019. 

Backfilling activities related to the restoration plan continue. 

Outlook
2020 was the final year of production for the open-pit. In the beginning of 2021, ore in surface was processed. Current mine 
life has been extended through the re-processing of high grade tailings which commenced in February 2021 and is expected to 
continue until the end of 2022.

Production in 2021 is 12,000 tonnes of copper, with cost optimization being the focus.

The technical and study work on the polymetallic refinery project is expected to continue, as well as work to obtain permits 
required to carry out the project. The Company is also in the process of exploring the potential for commercial agreements with 
other mines in the region to enhance the value of the project. Environmental permits were received in 2020 and water permits 
are expected to be granted during 2021.

27

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)ÇAYELI

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc production (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 1

Cash cost (C1) (per lb) 1

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 1

Sales revenues

Gross profit

Comparative EBITDA 1

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

3,534

2,672

1,943

1,882

1.37 

0.96 

1.52 

18

6

9

$

$

$

4,199

4,451

951

1,625

1.29 

1.07 

1.91 

25

5

12

$

$

$

4,725

5,553

1,896

2,046

1.51 

1.11 

1.60 

32

11

16

$

$

$

$

$

$

2020

13,334

11,443

4,512

5,364

1.53 

1.24 

2.14 

64

6

26

2019

16,706

18,118

5,252

3,879

1.65 

1.35 

2.16 

95

22

55

$

$

$

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

Fourth quarter and full year
Copper production for the fourth quarter was 25% lower than the same period in 2019 due to lower throughput, grade, and 
recovery. For the year ended December 31, 2020, copper production was 20% lower than 2019 due to lower throughput related 
to 26 days of shutdown resulting from a strike in the second quarter of 2020 which was resolved on June 6, 2020, the main ramp 
rehabilitation during the first quarter, as well as lower copper ore grade through the end of the life of mine.

AISC for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 decreased by $0.14 per lb and $0.12 per lb, respectively, compared to the 
same periods in 2019, mainly driven by lower C1 cash cost, and lower sustaining capital expenditure for the year. C1 cash costs for 
the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 benefited from the depreciation of the Turkish lira, lower fuel costs and higher 
by-product credits.

Sales revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020, were $14 million lower, compared to the same period in 2019 due to lower sales 
volumes and grades, which resulted in a gross profit of $6 million. Sales revenues for the year were $31 million lower compared  
to 2019 due to lower sales volumes as a result of lower production and lower realized copper and zinc prices.

Outlook
Production for 2021 is expected to be 11,000 tonnes of copper and 3,000 tonnes of zinc, reflecting a declining number of work 
areas as the mine approaches reserve depletion in 2024. 

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.

28

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)PYHÄSALMI

Copper production (tonnes)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc production (tonnes) 1

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 

Comparative EBITDA 2

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

891

1,079

–

–

132,415

119,593

2.21 

2.06 

2.93 

12

3

4

$

$

$

922

867

380

377

124,913

99,386

1.90 

1.82 

2.33 

10

1

2

$

$

$

1,694

2,018

566

933

120,687

110,823

2.11 

2.02 

2.17 

17

5

5

$

$

$

2020

4,483

4,612

2,536

2,230

462,160

460,878

1.55 

1.48 

2.03 

46

8

12

$

$

$

2019

8,003

8,451

12,080

12,493

553,644

423,330

0.55 

0.51 

1.77 

90

24

45

$

$

$

1  Zinc production for the three months ended September 30, 2020 has been adjusted from 521 tonnes to 380 tonnes, and for the year-ended December 31, 2020 has been 

adjusted from 2,677 tonnes to 2,536 tonnes.

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

Fourth quarter and full year
Copper production was lower for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same periods in 2019, mainly 
due to lower copper grade and throughput. The lower throughput and grades in 2020 reflect the nearly depleted mineral reserve 
and the constraint on available work areas at this stage of the mine life. 

AISC of $2.21 per lb and $1.55 per lb for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, were higher than  
the comparable periods in 2019 mainly due to higher C1 cash cost, which reflected lower by-product credits and lower  
copper production.

Sales revenues for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, of $12 million and $46 million, respectively, were lower  
than the comparable periods, due to lower copper and zinc sales volumes, resulting in lower gross profit in both periods.

Outlook 
Production guidance for 2021 is 2,000 tonnes of copper, 1,000 ounces of gold and 500 tonnes of zinc. The operation is also 
expected to produce approximately 250,000 tonnes of pyrite. Mining is expected to continue into the second half of 2021.

29

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)RAVENSTHORPE 

Beneficiated ore tonnes processed (000’s)

Beneficiated ore grade processed (%)

Nickel recovery (%)

Nickel production (contained tonnes)

Nickel sales (contained tonnes)

Nickel production (payable tonnes)

Nickel sales (payable tonnes)

All-in sustaining cost (AISC) (per lb) 1

Cash cost (C1) (per lb) 1

Total cost (C3) (per lb) 1

Sales revenues

Gross profit (loss)

Comparative EBITDA 1

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

728

0.99

78

5,603

5,343

4,534

4,342

6.09 

5.39 

6.78 

75

7

15

$

$

$

769

1.01

73

5,113

4,986

4,102

4,016

6.53 

5.88 

7.36 

62 

(8)

(2)

$

$

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(18)

(17)

$

$

$

2020

1,954

0.98

74

12,695

12,120

10,215

9,787

6.46 

5.72 

7.19 

156 

(68)

(48)

2019

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(38)

(33)

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

Fourth quarter and full year
Ravensthorpe recommenced operations in the first quarter of 2020. Nickel production for the fourth quarter was 5,603 contained 
tonnes of nickel with the focus continuing on stabilizing plant operations, already resulting in recovery increases from 73% in the 
third quarter to 78% in the fourth quarter. Despite a power outage in October, nickel production for the fourth quarter was higher 
than the previous quarter.

Sales revenues in the fourth quarter of 2020 were $75 million with the average LME nickel price of $7.11 per lb. Sales revenue for 
the twelve months were $156 million with the average LME nickel price of $6.25 per lb. 

C1 cash cost of $5.39 per lb for the fourth quarter is lower than the third quarter of $5.88 per lb due to increased production. 
Gross loss of $68 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, excluded commissioning costs of $56 million associated with 
restarting the operation in the first half of the year. 

Construction of the Shoemaker Levy Project continued during the fourth quarter with further steel work at the primary crusher 
and sizer building at 40% complete, over 90% of the overland conveyor installed and belt splicing commenced. Work commenced 
on the earthworks and concrete for the mining fleet maintenance workshop and administration facilities. Civil works are well 
advanced for the overland conveyor system.

Mining operations at Shoemaker Levy included pre stripping, grade control and production drilling and the maiden blast took 
place late in the quarter. 

Outlook
Production in 2021 is expected to be between 23,000 and 27,000 tonnes of nickel. Shipments for offtake are scheduled for 
each month in 2021. The focus for 2021 is on incremental increases in nickel production achieved by higher availability, better 
utilization and improved recovery. 

30

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Shoemaker Levy is now at peak and the material deliveries, previously impacted by COVID-19 related shipping demands, have 
been resolved. The metallurgical test work of the Shoemaker Levy drilling indicate encouraging results. The planning and 
optimization of the existing plant to allow for the transition to Shoemaker Levy is progressing and the associated risks have been 
mitigated. First ore from Shoemaker Levy is expected to be delivered to the existing plant in the second quarter of 2021.

SALES REVENUES

- copper

Cobre Panama 2

- gold

Kansanshi 

- other

- copper

- gold

- acid

Sentinel

- copper

Las Cruces

- copper

- copper

Guelb Moghrein

- gold

Çayeli

- magnetite

- copper

- other 

- copper

Pyhäsalmi

- zinc

Ravensthorpe

Corporate 1

Sales revenues

- other

- nickel

- cobalt

Copper

Gold

Nickel

Other

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

432

65

13

361

55

–

526

70

47

27

10

14

4

9

–

3

71

4

(110)

1,601

1,348

147

68

38

362

66

12

352

71

–

340

82

38

21

12

22

3

5

–

5

59

3

(51)

1,402

1,150

158

61

33

253

53

8

424

65

6

281

97

30

12

8

26

6

10

1

6

–

–

(2)

1,284

1,120

132

–

32

2020

1,202

214

39

1,309

229

1

1,353

332

161

89

50

53

11

26

2

18

148

8

(46)

5,199

4,377

537

159

126

2019

431

79

14

1,363

197

21

1,199

291

145

58

40

85

10

45

22

23

–

–

44 

4,067

3,603

342

–

122

2018

–

–

–

1,491

160

21

1,454

470

154

58

23

87

13

70

45

29

–

–

(109)

3,966

3,616

228

–

122

1,601

1,402

1,284

5,199

4,067

3,966

1 Corporate sales include copper and nickel 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.

31

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year
Sales revenues of $5,199 million were 28%, or $1,132 million, higher than 2019, reflecting a full twelve months of commercial 
sales at Cobre Panama, where commercial production commenced September 1, 2019, and $159 million of nickel sales revenues 
following the restart of Ravensthorpe. 

Copper sales revenues were 21%, or $774 million, higher than 2019 reflecting a 19% increase in commercial sales volumes, 
following the contribution from Cobre Panama, and a 2% higher net realized copper price. Copper sales revenues include a  
$59 million loss on the copper sales hedge program, compared with a gain of $44 million in 2019. 

Gold sales revenues were 57%, or $195 million, higher than 2019, reflecting a 17% increase in commercial gold sales volumes, 
attributable to Cobre Panama, which contributed $214 million, as well as higher realized gold prices in the period compared to 
2019. Cobre Panama gold and silver revenues of $253 million include $87 million of gold and silver revenues recognized under the 
precious metal stream, with an associated $129 million cost of purchase of refinery-backed gold and silver credits to satisfy the 
obligation recognized within cost of sales.

Nickel sales revenues of $159 million have been recognized in the year ended December 31, 2020, reflecting continued ramp-up at 
Ravensthorpe and include an $11 million gain on the nickel sales hedge program.

Fourth quarter
Sales revenues of $1,601 million for the quarter were 25%, or $317 million higher than the comparable period in 2019, driven by 
higher sales volumes at Cobre Panama and Sentinel, higher realized copper and gold prices, and nickel revenue contribution from 
Ravensthorpe.

Copper sales revenues were 20%, or $228 million, higher than the comparable period of 2019 reflecting a $60 million increase in 
sales volumes, and $168 million increase from higher net realized price. The net realized copper price of $2.82 per lb for the fourth 
quarter of 2020 was $0.35 higher than the same period in 2019, and includes the impact of a $111 million loss on the copper sales 
hedge program, compared with a loss of $1 million in 2019.

Gold sales revenues of $147 million were 11%, or $15 million, higher than the comparable period of 2019, as the higher realized 
gold prices in the period more than offset the reduction in sales volumes. Cobre Panama gold and silver revenues of $78 million 
include $24 million of gold and silver revenues recognized under the precious metal stream, with an associated $39 million cost of 
purchase of refinery-backed gold and silver credits to satisfy the obligation recognized within cost of sales.

Nickel sales revenues of $68 million have been recognized in the quarter, reflecting continued ramp-up at the Ravensthorpe 
operation and include a $3 million loss on the nickel sales hedge program.

32

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)REALIZED PRICES
Realized metal prices are not measures recognized under IFRS. Refer to “Regulatory Disclosures” section from page 46.

COPPER SELLING PRICE (PER LB)

Average LME cash price

Realized copper price 

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

Net realized copper price

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

$

$

$

$

3.20

2.97

(0.15)

2.82

$

$

$

$

2.96

2.77

(0.13)

2.64

$

$

$

$

2.67

2.62

(0.15)

2.47

$

$

$

$

2020

2.80

2.74

(0.14)

2.60

$

$

$

$

2019

2.72

2.70

(0.15)

2.55 

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 resulted in losses of $111 million and $59 million to the copper revenues in the quarter and full 
year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, compared with a loss of $1 million and gain of $44 million in the comparable periods 
of 2019. The impact on net realized copper price was a decrease of $0.23 per lb and $0.04 per lb for the quarter and the full year 
ended December 31, 2020, respectively, and an increase of $0.03 per lb for the full year of 2019.

Details of the Company’s hedging program and the contracts held are included on pages 38 and 39.

NICKEL SELLING PRICE (PER PAYABLE LB)

Average LME cash price

Net realized nickel price

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

$

$

7.11

7.11

$

$

6.45

6.88

$

$

7.01

–

$

$

2020

6.25 

7.37 

$

$

2019

6.32 

–

Given the volatility in nickel prices, significant variances can arise between average LME cash price and net realized prices due to 
the timing of sales during the period.

The nickel sales hedging program resulted in losses of $3 million and gains of $11 million to the nickel revenues in the quarter and 
year, respectively. This included the $10 million impact of ineffective hedges for the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of 
the timing of the ramp-up of the Ravensthorpe production. The impact of the sales hedging program on net realized nickel price 
was a decrease of $0.32 per lb and an increase of $0.51 per lb for the quarter and the full year, respectively. 

33

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)SUMMARY FINANCIAL RESULTS 1

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

2019

2018

Gross profit (loss) 

Cobre Panama 1

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate 2

Total gross profit 

Exploration

General and administrative

Impairment

Share of loss in joint venture

Other expense

Net finance expense

Loss on redemption of senior notes

Adjustment for expected phasing  
of Zambian VAT receipts

Income tax credit (expense)

Net earnings (loss)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to: 

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders of the Company

Comparative earnings (loss) 

Earnings (loss) per share 

163

161

194

(11)

38 

6 

3 

7 

(118)

443

(6)

(29)

–

(4)

(47)

(189)

(3)

5

(147)

23

14

9

53

115

151

110

(6)

30

5

1

(8)

(52)

346

(3)

(24)

–

(5)

(57)

(179)

–

16

(62)

32

3

29

64

56 

166 

25 

7 

9 

11 

5 

(18)

(2)

259 

(7)

(25)

(101)

(10)

(47)

(187)

–

(22)

17 

(123)

(8)

(115)

35 

274

464

363

(13)

103

6

8

(68)

(60)

1,077

(15)

(99)

–

(45)

(223)

(738)

(5)

80 

(256)

(224)

(44)

(180)

(46)

92 

472 

176 

(38)

45 

22 

24 

(38)

35 

790 

(19)

(82)

(101)

(11)

(103)

(248)

(25)

(182)

(70)

(51)

6

(57)

249

–

623 

288 

116 

30 

23 

40 

(16)

(126)

978 

(26)

(74)

–

–

(69)

(13)

–

(5)

(283)

508

67

441

487

Basic 

Diluted 

Comparative 

$

$

$

0.01

0.01

0.08

$

$

$

0.04

0.04

0.09

$

$

$

(0.17)

(0.17)

0.05 

$

$

$

(0.26)

(0.26)

(0.07)

$

$

$

(0.08)

(0.08)

0.36

$

$

$

0.64 

0.64 

0.71 

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

688,939

688,806

688,083

688,469

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. 

34

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Full year
Gross profit of $1,077 million for the year was $287 million, or 36% higher than 2019, principally due to an increase in sales 
revenues and lower operating costs, including lower fuel costs and favourable impact of foreign exchange rates. A loss of  
$48 million was recognized on the corporate copper and nickel sales hedge program compared to a $44 million gain in the 
comparable period of 2019. 

Net loss attributable to shareholders of the Company of $180 million includes net finance expense of $738 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 effective September 1, 2019. Other expense of $223 million includes a foreign exchange 
loss of $225 million, principally attributable to ZMW denominated VAT receivable balances.

An $80 million credit adjustment for Zambian VAT receipts was recognized, representing the expected phasing of receipts, 
and the impact of foreign exchange, using a ZMW risk-free rate. A $45 million share of the loss in KPMC was recognized in 
the period resulting from lower site earnings, driven by reduced Cobre Panama production during the period of preservation 
and safe maintenance, and shareholder loan interest expense. In the year ended December 31, 2019, $7 million of general and 
administrative costs were capitalized to the Cobre Panama project.

An income tax expense of $256 million has been recognized compared with an income tax expense of $70 million recognized 
in the comparable period of 2019, reflecting applicable statutory tax rates, which range from 20% to 35% for the Company’s 
operations. The effective tax rate for the period, excluding the net interest expense was 33%. No tax credits have been recognized 
with respect to net losses of $48 million realized under the Company’s copper and nickel sales hedge program. 

Fourth quarter
Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2020 of $443 million was $184 million, or 71% higher than the same period of 2019, driven 
by higher copper sales volumes, higher realized prices and lower operating costs. A net loss of $114 million was recognized in the 
quarter on the corporate copper and nickel sales hedge program compared to a loss of $1 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. 

Net profit attributable to shareholders of the Company of $9 million included net finance expense of $189 million, $2 million 
higher than the fourth quarter of 2019. 

A $5 million credit adjustment for Zambian VAT receipts was recognized, compared with an expense of $22 million recognized in 
the fourth quarter of 2019. Movements in the current quarter have largely been driven by the USD/ZMW exchange rate, which 
further depreciated during the quarter. Other expense of $47 million includes a foreign exchange loss of $32 million, principally 
attributable to ZMW denominated VAT receivable balances.

An income tax expense of $147 million has been recognized in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with an income tax credit 
of $17 million recognized in the fourth quarter of 2019, reflecting applicable statutory tax rates, which range from 20% to 35% 
for the Company’s operations. No tax credits have been recognized with respect to net losses of $114 million realized under the 
Company’s copper and nickel sales hedge program. 

35

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash flows from operating activities

533

452  

400 

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

1,613 

2019

889 

2018

1,980 

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

Interest paid

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 debt 1

Cash flows from operating  
activities per share 1

(172)

–

(100)

27 

(143)

(85)

–

(63)

2 

(1)

914

24,236

2,435

11,766

7,409

(138)

(325)

(610)

(1,455)

(2,143)

–

–

6 

(84)

(197)

–

(7)

1 

33 

915

–

(100)

9 

203 

(87)

–

17 

–

117 

523 

–

(100)

37 

103 

(574)

–

(72)

(6)

391 

914 

(388)

(100)

23 

883 

(181)

(14)

78 

–

(265)

523 

(441)

(185)

17 

948 

–

–

(68)

(22)

86 

788 

24,092

2,873

10,943

7,545

24,747 

24,236 

24,747 

23,537 

2,523 

11,562 

7,675 

2,435 

11,766 

7,409 

2,523 

11,562 

7,675 

1,644 

11,171 

6,497 

$

0.77 

$

$0.66 

$

0.58 

$

2.34 

$

1.29 

$

2.88 

1  Cash flows per share and Net debt are not recognized under IFRS. Net debt comprises unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, bank overdrafts and total debt. See 

“Regulatory Disclosures” for further information. 

Net debt decreased by $266 million during the year, and by $136 million in the fourth quarter, to $7,409 million. Trade receivables 
balances increased by 45% in the quarter to $583 million at the year-end. This was principally attributable to the timing of 
shipments in the final week of December, as well as movements in provisional pricing for the increased copper price. Cash receipts 
relating to these shipments were received in January 2021.

Cash flows from operating activities in the year were $724 million higher than 2019, reflecting higher comparative EBITDA and 
lower working capital outflows. 

Capital expenditure of $610 million is $845 million lower than 2019, following completion of the Cobre Panama project 
construction and commissioning by the end of 2019. Cash flows used by investing activities also include $100 million penultimate 
instalment payment in respect of the acquisition of KPMC in 2017. 

36

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Following the declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama, effective September 1, 2019, and the cessation of 
capitalization of interest, interest paid of $574 million is included within cash flows from financing activities in the year, 
comparable to $181 million of interest paid and $388 million of interest paid and capitalized under investing activities in 2019. 
Cash flows used by financing activities include redemptions of the remaining 2021 and 2022 Notes, issuance of additional 2023 
and 2025 Notes, and $1,500 million 2027 Notes issued in October 2020. 

Liquidity outlook
At December 31, 2020, the Company had $914 million in net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and current working capital 
of $1,107 million. 

The Company continues to actively manage all site operating costs while focusing on productivity and cost efficiency. 
Operating costs at all sites have and are continuing to be reviewed to identify opportunities to further reduce costs and as at 
December 31, 2020, the Company has hedged 60 million litres of ULSD with maturities to April 2021 at an average price of  
$0.34 per litre. 

Foreign exchange risk arises from transactions denominated in currencies other than USD. The USD/ZMW exchange rate has 
had the greatest impact on the Company’s cost of sales, as measured in USD. A 10% movement in the USD/ZMW exchange rate 
would impact the Company’s cost of sales by approximately $20 million per annum. Furthermore, movements in the USD/ZMW 
exchange rate would also result in the revaluation of balance sheet items, including the VAT receivable by the Company’s  
Zambian operations.

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. At February 16, 2021, the Company had unmargined copper forward sales contracts  
for 128,625 tonnes at an average price of $2.86 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to December 2021. In addition, the 
Company has zero cost copper collar unmargined sales contracts for 198,500 tonnes at weighted average prices of $2.93 per lb 
to $3.25 per lb outstanding with maturities to December 2021. Furthermore, subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company 
realized, in January 2021, unmargined copper forward sales contracts for 23,500 tonnes and zero cost copper collar unmargined 
sales contracts for 15,900 tonnes, at an average price of $2.91 per lb.

At February 16, 2021, the Company also had unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 2,251 tonnes at an average price of 
$6.96 per lb outstanding with maturities to October 2021. In addition, the Company has zero cost nickel collar unmargined sales 
contracts for 600 tonnes at weighted average prices of $7.50 per lb to $8.55 per lb outstanding with maturities to August 2021. 

COPPER SALES HEDGE PROFILE - FEBRUARY 16, 2021

140,000

120,000

100,000

58,950

60,825

s
e
n
n
o
T

80,000

60,000

2.92

2.84

2.96

2.82

40,000

20,000

-

63,000

45,000

3.49

3.12

38,250

12,500

3.60

3.40

3.20

3.00

2.80

2.60

2.40

2.20

b
l
/
$

3.21

2.99

56,375

31,625

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

Q4 2021

Collars

Swaps

Floor

Potential Upside

37

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Approximately 40% of expected copper sales for the next 12 months are hedged to unmargined forward and zero cost collar sales 
contracts, at an average floor price of $2.90 per lb.

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, 2020, and expects to remain  
in compliance throughout the next 12 months.

On April 22, 2020, the Company announced the amendment of financial covenants under the senior Term Loan and Revolving 
Credit Facility (“RCF”) in response to uncertainty related to COVID-19. The Net Debt to EBITDA Ratio has been increased to  
5.00 for the third and fourth quarters of 2020, to 4.75 for the first and second quarters of 2021 and to 4.50 for the third and 
fourth quarters of 2021. The Debt Service Cover Ratio has been decreased to 1.00 for the second, third and fourth quarters of 
2020 and to 1.10 for all quarters of 2021. The financial covenants will revert to the original ratios from 2022.

At December 31, 2020, the Company had total commitments of $50 million, all of which related to the 12 months following  
the period end. 

Contractual and other obligations as at December 31, 2020 are as follows:

Carrying 
Value

Contractual 
Cashflows

< 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

Thereafter

Debt – principal repayments

8,012

Debt – finance charges

Trading facilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative instruments

–

311

762

452

8,061

2,147

311

762

452

Liability to joint venture 1

1,327

2,387

Joint venture consideration

Current taxes payable

Deferred payments

Leases

Commitments

Restoration provisions

94

164

50

30

–

821

12,023

100

164

50

34

50

1,147

15,665

561

513

311

762

452

–

100

164

5

9

50

40

2,800

869

2,200

524

–

–

–

–

–

–

10

14

–

49

–

–

–

–

–

–

10

6

–

48

2,967

3,742

2,788

2,500

241

–

–

–

2,387

–

–

25

5

–

1,010

6,168

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 and nickel sales, future fuel purchase, 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.

38

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)COMMODITY CONTRACTS

Asset position 

Liability position 

COMMODITY CONTRACTS

Copper forward

Copper zero cost collar

Nickel forward

Fuel forward

December 31,  
2020

December 31,  
2019

8

(452)

9

(31)

Open Positions
(tonnes/ozs)

Average  
Contract Price

Closing  
Market Price

Maturities 
Through

152,125

$

2.86/lb

174,400

$2.83 - $3.07/lb

3,213

60,408,600

$

$

6.89/lb

0.34/lt

$

$

$

$

3.51/lb

December 2021

3.51/lb

December 2021

7.50/lb

October 2021

0.38/lt

April 2021

During the year ended December 31, 2020, a loss for settled hedges of $48 million was realized through sales revenues. Fair value 
losses on outstanding contracts of $401 million have been recognized as a net derivative liability at December 31, 2020.

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, 2020, the following derivative positions in provisionally priced sales and commodity contracts not designated 
as hedged instruments were outstanding:

Open Positions
(tonnes/ozs)

Average  
Contract Price

Closing  
Market Price

Maturities 
Through

Embedded derivatives in provisionally  
priced sales contracts:

Copper 

Gold 

Nickel

Commodity contracts:

Copper 

Gold 

Nickel

146,677

43,103

3,176

146,174

42,730

3,174

$

$

$

$

$

$

3.46/lb

1,829/oz

7.55/lb

3.46/lb

1,829/oz

7.55/lb

$

$

$

$

$

$

3.51/lb

April 2021

1,891/oz

April 2021

7.50/lb

February 2021

3.51/lb

April 2021

1,891/oz

April 2021

7.50/lb

February 2021

As at December 31, 2020, substantially all of the Company’s metal sales contracts subject to pricing adjustments were hedged by 
offsetting derivative contracts.

39

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Zambian VAT

The total VAT receivable accrued by the Company’s Zambian operations at December 31, 2020, was $349 million, of which  
$178 million relates to Kansanshi. 

Offsets of $110 million against other taxes due have been granted and cash recoveries of $1 million were received during the year 
ended December 31, 2020. In the year-ended December 31, 2019, offsets of $8 million were granted and cash recoveries of  
$3 million received. Future recoveries of Zambian VAT receivable balances due to the Company may be received in cash, offset  
of other tax liabilities or similar forms.

The Company considers that the outstanding VAT claims are fully recoverable and has reclassified all VAT balances due to the 
Zambian operations as noncurrent. The Minister of Finance has reaffirmed that the Government of the Republic of Zambia (“GRZ”) 
remains committed to settling outstanding VAT claims and the Company continues to engage in regular discussions with the 
relevant government authorities.

An $80 million credit adjustment for Zambian VAT receipts was recognized, representing the expected phasing of receipts, and 
the impact of foreign exchange, using a ZMW risk-free rate. A charge of $182 million had previously been recognized in the twelve 
months ended December 31, 2019. An unrealized foreign exchange loss of $137 million has been recognized against the receivable 
in the year ended December 31, 2020.

ZAMBIAN VAT

Receivable at date of claim

Impact of depreciation of Zambian Kwacha against U.S. dollar

Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT receipts

Total VAT receivable from Zambian operations

Consisting: 

Current portion, included within trade and other receivables

Non-current VAT receivable

AGING ANALYSIS OF VAT RECEIVABLE FOR THE COMPANY’S ZAMBIAN OPERATIONS

Receivable at date of claim

Impact of depreciation of Zambian  
Kwacha against U.S. dollar

Non-current VAT due

Adjustment for expected phasing  
of Zambian VAT receipts

Total VAT receivable from Zambian  
operations

< 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

5-8 years

167 

(24)

143 

(36)

107 

373 

(154)

219 

(60)

159 

107 

(59)

48 

(13)

35 

208 

(142)

66 

(18)

48 

40

December 31, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

855 

(379)

476 

(127)

349 

–

349

847 

(242)

605 

(207)

398 

2

396

Total

855 

(379)

476 

(127)

349 

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Changes to Zambian VAT regime 
Following the 2021 National Budget, presented on September 25 2020, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (“GRZ”) has 
enacted the proposed changes into law, with effect from January 1, 2021. There were no material changes to the mining tax and 
royalty regimes announced. Mineral royalties continue to be non-deductible for tax, and tax rates remain unchanged.

Two previously unannounced changes were introduced by statutory instruments. Firstly, a zero rating order for VAT on petrol and 
diesel, to reduce the VAT charged to 0%, previously charged at a rate of 16%. Secondly, the excise duty on petrol and diesel was 
suspended from January 15, 2021, until October 1, 2021. The Energy Regulation Board has also communicated increases of other 
tariffs charged on fuel. Overall, these changes do not appear to have a material impact on the overall cost of fuel, however, the 
Company is continuing to refine its assessment of the estimated impact of the proposed changes. 

On March 27, 2020, changes to the Zambian tax regime were announced by the Minister of Finance, as part of the tax relief 
provisions in the statement on the impact of COVID-19 on the Zambian economy. These proposed changes include partial removal 
of the provisions introduced in January 2020 that deny claims of VAT on office costs, lubricants and spare parts. In addition to the 
changes in the Zambian VAT regime, the suspension of export duties, currently at a rate of 15%, on precious metals such as gold 
was also announced with the changes being enacted into law on April 27, 2020. The impact of the 2020 Budget changes on Group 
C1 and AISC was previously estimated at approximately $0.04 per lb. With the recent COVID-19 changes the revised estimated 
impact of the 2020 Budget changes on Group C1 and AISC is approximately $0.03 per lb. 

Pre-February 2015 VAT Receivable
In February 2015, the GRZ implemented a change in the Statutory Instrument regarding VAT on exports from Zambia. Claims 
totalling ZMW 1,387 million (currently equivalent to $66 million) made by Kansanshi prior to this date remain outstanding. 
ZMW 357 million (currently equivalent to $17 million) of the VAT refunds for this period remain under dispute, stemming from 
the application of discretionary rules established and applied by the Zambia Revenue Authority. The Company is in regular 
discussions with the relevant government authorities and continues to consider that the outstanding claims are fully recoverable. 
ZMW 122 million (currently equivalent to $6 million) of offsets received in the fourth quarter of 2020 were allocated to pre 
February 2015 outstanding refunds. Cash and offsets totalling ZMW 3,379 million (equivalent to $299 million, based on the 
receivable value at date of claim) have been received to date for claims subsequent to February 2015 by Kansanshi.

EQUITY
At the date of this report, the Company had 690,316,773 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, 2020  
(year ended December 31, 2019: $100 million). The remaining consideration is payable in November 2021 and included within 
trade and other payables.

A $544 million investment in the joint venture representing the discounted consideration value and the Company’s proportionate 
share of the loss in KPMC to date. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the loss attributable to KPMC was $90 million 
(December 31, 2019: $22 million). The loss in KPMC relates 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 $269 million, shareholder 
loans receivable from the Company and shareholder loans payable of $1,327 million due to the Company and its joint venture 
partner KORES.

At December 31, 2020, the Company’s subsidiary, Minera Panama SA., owed to KPMC $1,327 million  
(December 31, 2019: $1,238 million and December 31, 2018: $946 million). Interest is accrued at an annual interest rate of  
9%, unpaid interest is capitalized to the outstanding loan on a semi-annual basis. The loan matures on June 30, 2029.

41

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)PRECIOUS METAL STREAM ARRANGEMENT

Arrangement overview

The Company, through its subsidiary, MPSA, has a precious metal streaming arrangement with Franco-Nevada. The arrangement 
comprises two tranches. Under the first phase of deliveries under the first tranche (“Tranche 1”) Cobre Panama will supply Franco-
Nevada 120 ounces of gold and 1,376 ounces of silver for each 1 million pounds of copper produced, deliverable within 5 days 
of eligible copper concentrate sales. Under the first phase of deliveries under the second tranche (“Tranche 2”) Cobre Panama 
will supply Franco-Nevada a further 30 ounces of gold and 344 ounces of silver for each 1 million pounds of copper produced, 
deliverable within 5 days of eligible copper concentrate sales.

Tranche 1 was amended and restated on October 5, 2015, which provided for $1 billion of funding to the Cobre Panama project. 
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. Tranche 2 was finalized on March 16, 2018, and $356 million was 
received on completion. Proceeds received under the terms of the precious metal streaming arrangement are accounted for as 
deferred revenue.

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 under the terms of the arrangement in September 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 34 years. The amount of precious metals deliverable under both tranches is indexed to total  
copper-in-concentrate sold by Cobre Panama. 

GOLD STREAM

Delivered (oz)

Delivery terms

Threshold

Tranche 1

0 to 808,000 

Tranche 2

0 to 202,000 

120 oz of gold per one million  
pounds of copper

30 oz of gold per one million 
pounds of copper

First 1,341,000 oz

First 604,000 oz

Ongoing cash payment

$437.37/oz (+1.5% inflation)

20% market price

SILVER STREAM

Delivered (oz)

Delivery terms

Threshold

Tranche 1

0 to 9,842,000 

Tranche 2

0 to 2,460,500 

1,376 oz of silver per one million 
pounds of copper

344 oz of silver per one million  
pounds of copper

First 21,510,000 oz

First 9,618,000 oz

Ongoing cash payment

$6.56/oz (+1.5% inflation)

20% market price

Under the first threshold of deliveries, the above Tranche 1 ongoing cash payment terms are for approximately the first 20 years 
of expected deliveries, thereafter the greater of $437.37 per oz for gold and $6.56 per oz for silver, subject to an adjustment for 
inflation, and one half of the then prevailing market price. Under the first threshold of deliveries, the above Tranche 2 ongoing 
cash payment terms are for approximately the first 25 years of production, and thereafter the ongoing cash payment per ounce 
rises to 50% of the spot price of gold and silver.

42

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Accounting

Gold and silver produced by the mine, either contained in copper concentrate or in doré form, are sold to off-takers and revenue 
recognized accordingly. Cobre Panama gold and silver revenues consist of revenues derived from the sale of metals produced by 
the mine, and also revenues recognized from the amortization of the precious metal stream arrangement.

Gold and silver revenues recognized under the terms of the precious metal streaming arrangement are indexed to copper sold 
from the Cobre Panama mine, and not gold or silver production. Gold and silver revenues recognized in relation to the precious 
metal streaming arrangement comprise two principal elements; 

 • the non-cash amortization of the deferred revenue balance, 
 • the ongoing cash payments received, as outlined in the above section. 

Obligations under the precious metal streaming arrangement are satisfied with the purchase of refinery-backed gold and silver 
credits, the cost of which is recognized within cost of sales. Refinery-backed credits purchased and delivered are excluded from 
the gold and silver sales volumes disclosed and realized price calculations.

C1 and AISC include the impact of by-product credits which include both gold and silver revenues earned under the precious metal 
stream arrangement and revenues earned on the sales of mine production of gold and silver. Also included is the cost of refinery-
backed gold and silver credits, purchased at market price, to give a net gold and silver by-product credit.

Gold and silver revenue – cash

Gold and silver revenue – non cash  
amortization

Total gold and silver revenues –  
precious metal stream

Cost of refinery-backed credits for  
precious metal stream included in  
cost of sales

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

2019

9

15

24

8

15

23

9

17

26

31

56

87

12

24

36

(39)

(38)

(33)

(129)

(44)

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.

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.

43

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)In respect of the Supreme Court ruling on Law 9, which remains subject to various procedural processes, the Company notes  
the following:

 • 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  

environmental petitions.

 • In reviewing the process of approval of Law 9 of 1997, the Supreme Court found that the National Assembly had failed to 

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

 • The applicable Cabinet Decree of 1969, which was repealed in 1997 by Law 9, required the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 

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

 • The Attorney General of Panama has provided two formal opinions favourable to the constitutionality of Law 9 as required in 

this type of proceedings by Panamanian law.

 • The Supreme Court ruling did not make a declaration as to the annulment of the MPSA mining concession contract.

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 current 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.

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 June 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. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic the 
hearing, originally scheduled for the week of June 15, 2020 was rescheduled for the week of February 15, 2021. Kansanshi 
continues to be supported by the English Court Order against reductions in power supply until the arbitration dispute is resolved. 
Due to the continuing COVID-19 restrictions, the hearing has again been rescheduled for July 2021 in London.

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.

44

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)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 US$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’ resisted this application. Both applications had an oral 
hearing in October 2019.

However, after the October 2019 hearing, ZCCM pursued a challenge to the registration of the Arbitral Award on grounds that it 
was not enforceable because it had complied with the costs payment order of the Arbitral Award. KMP opposed ZCCM’s challenge 
and made submissions to the Registrar that an Arbitration Award is eligible for registration despite compliance with costs 
orders. On February 13, 2020, the Registrar accepted KMP’s position and dismissed ZCCM’s challenge to the registration of the 
Arbitration Award. Accordingly, the Lusaka High Court proceeded to rule on the abuse of process application. By way of a ruling 
dated March 23, 2020, the Lusaka High Court agreed with KMP’s application that the process, if it were to be allowed to continue 
before it, would risk conflicting judgments and would be res judicata. Accordingly, ZCCM’s derivative action case was dismissed, 
with costs awarded to KMP against ZCCM. On April 6, 2020, ZCCM sought permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal on grounds 
that the High Court judge erred in fact and in law. KMP objects to the appeal, and the matter remains pending. The Court of 
Appeal has delivered its judgment on January 13, 2021, dismissing all grounds of appeal with the exception of one ground raised 
by the ZCCM-IH and awarded costs to the defendants. With regards to the remaining ground, the Court of Appeal held that the 
determination of this ground of appeal would be inconsequential as the matter should have been determined earlier than now 
and is therefore now moot. On February 9, 2021, ZCCM sought leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme 
Court of Zambia. The defendants challenge the leave application.

45

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)In addition, on November 11, 2019, Kansanshi Holding Ltd (KHL) filed a UNCITRAL Rules based Request for Arbitration against 
ZCCM and KMP (as Nominal Respondent) in connection with a Cash Management Services Agreement dated August 19, 2019. KHL 
seeks a declaration that the CMSA is an arm’s length contract. The CMSA provides for cash management services whereby KMP 
would deposit with the Group’s treasury subsidiary certain of its cash balances for management by FQML’s treasury function. 
All cash managed and deposited is callable on demand by KMP and attracts commercial interest rates. Under the shareholder 
agreement between the Group and ZCCM, related party transactions are required to be on arm’s length basis. This arbitration 
was held virtually in a hearing between October 19 to 23, 2020. On February 15, 2021, the Tribunal issued a Partial Final Award 
regarding contractual requirements for arm’s length transactions. The partial decision is being reviewed and the parties await the 
Tribunal’s subsequent directions in respect of the remaining issues.

Kansanshi development agreement

On May 19, 2020, KMP filed a Request for Arbitration against the Government of the Republic of Zambia (“GRZ”) with the 
International Centre for Settlement of International Disputes (“ICSID”). This arbitration is confidential. KMP’s claims concern 
breaches of certain contractual provisions of a development agreement between GRZ and KMP (the “Development Agreement”) 
and international law. The amount in dispute is to be quantified at a later stage, however it is believed to be material. The Tribunal 
is now fully consisted and has held its first Case Management Conference, setting the hearing date for the adjudication of the 
merits for March 14 to 18, 2022. KMP submitted its Memorial and corresponding documents on January 25, 2021.

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, realized metal prices, 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. 

46

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)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.

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 

Project capital expenditure

Pre-commercial costs

Total capital expenditure

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

2020

172

100

72

–

172

138

84

54

–

138

325

123

202

–

325

610

322

288

–

610

2019

1,455

412

1,134

(91)

1,455

47

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)The following tables provide a reconciliation of C1, C3 and AISC to the consolidated financial statements:

Cobre 

Panama Kansanshi

Sentinel

Las 
Cruces

Guelb 
Moghrein

Çayeli Pyhäsalmi

Copper

Corporate 
& other

Ravens-
thorpe

(347)

(255)

(332)

(81)

(46)

(12)

(9)

(1,082)

(8) 

(68)

For the three months ended
December 31, 2020
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:

107 

78 

9 

(24)

(1)

(12)

3 

60 

54 

30 

(6)

–

(1)

4 

90 

–

45 

(17)

(18)

26 

1 

(187)

(114)

(205)

(110)

(57)

(75)

(9)

(3)

(309)

(187)

(30)

(3)

(204)

(114)

(45)

(2)

(327)

(205)

General and administrative 
expenses

(8)

(5)

(10)

Sustaining capital  
expenditure and  
deferred stripping

Royalties

Lease payments

Other

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

(35)

(29)

(9)

(1)

–

(240)

1.72 

1.34 

2.22 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(30)

–

(1)

(179)

1.59 

1.01 

1.81 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(34)

(45)

(1)

–

(295)

2.04 

1.44 

2.28 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

48 

–

1 

–

–

(1)

(2)

(35)

(49)

(1)

1 

(84)

(35)

(3)

–

(1)

–

–

(39)

1.70 

1.56 

3.76 

9 

37 

4 

(3)

–

–

(3)

(2)

(11)

(4)

1 

(16)

(2)

1 

(1)

(4)

–

–

(6)

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.36 

0.09 

1.07 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3 

3 

1 

(1)

(1)

(2)

1 

(8)

(3)

(1)

1 

(11)

(8)

–

(1)

(1)

–

–

1 

5 

–

(1)

–

–

1 

(3)

(1)

–

(1)

(5)

(3)

–

–

–

–

–

(10)

1.37 

0.96 

1.52 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(3)

2.21 

2.06 

2.93 

$ 

$ 

$ 

318 

177 

90 

(52)

(20)

10 

5 

(554)

(306)

(90)

(6)

(956)

(554)

(25)

(100)

(90)

(2)

(1)

(772)

1.77 

1.28 

2.20 

–

–

–

–

–

–

8 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8 

4 

3 

–

–

(2)

1 

(54)

(9)

(3)

(1)

(67)

(54)

(3)

–

(3)

(1)

(1)

(62)

6.09 

5.39 

6.78 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Total

(1,158)

326 

181 

93 

(52)

(20)

8 

14 

(608)

(315)

(93)

(7)

(1,023)

(608)

(28)

(100)

(93)

(3)

(2)

(834)

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

48

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Cobre 

Panama Kansanshi

Sentinel Las Cruces

Guelb 
Moghrein

Çayeli Pyhäsalmi

Copper

Corporate 
& other

Ravens-
thorpe

Total

(1,181)

(1,075)

(990)

(345)

(197)

(58)

(38)

(3,884)

(14)

(224)

(4,122)

400 

253 

24 

(79)

(4)

–

18 

247 

229 

111 

(34)

(11)

13 

6 

261 

–

112 

(48)

(40)

(18)

(11)

215 

–

5 

–

(1)

–

1 

40 

139 

9 

(13)

–

1 

1 

22 

10 

2 

(5)

(4)

(3)

1 

5 

20 

–

(3)

–

1 

1 

1,190 

651 

263 

(182)

(60)

(6)

17 

(569)

(514)

(734)

(125)

(20)

(35)

(14)

(2,011)

For the year ended
December 31, 2020
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:

(400)

(246)

(270)

(215)

(24)

(10)

(1,003)

(569)

(111)

(11)

(882)

(514)

(112)

(6)

(1,122)

(734)

General and administrative 
expenses

(26)

(24)

(34)

Sustaining capital  
expenditure and  
deferred stripping

Royalties

Lease payments

Other

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

(74)

(105)

(126)

(24)

(3)

–

(696)

1.60 

1.31 

2.30 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(111)

(3)

(2)

(759)

1.60 

1.09 

1.86 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(112)

(2)

–

(1,008)

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.92 

1.40 

2.14 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(40)

(9)

(1)

(70)

(20)

(1)

(10)

(9)

–

–

(23)

(2)

1 

(59)

(35)

(1)

(4)

(2)

–

–

(5)

(1,199)

–

–

(19)

(14)

–

–

–

–

–

(263)

(27)

(3,500)

(2,011)

(93)

(319)

(263)

(9)

(2)

(5)

–

(345)

(125)

(7)

–

(5)

(1)

–

(138)

1.15 

1.05 

2.88 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(40)

0.70 

0.38 

1.20 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(42)

1.53 

1.24 

2.14 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(14)

1.55 

1.48 

2.03 

(2,697)

1.63 

1.21 

2.11 

$ 

$ 

$ 

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

2 Includes restart costs at Ravensthorpe.

3 

–

–

–

–

–

11 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

24 

8 

7 

–

–

(2)

582 

1,217 

659 

270 

(182)

(60)

(8)

86 

(129)

(2,140)

(25)

(1,224)

(270)

(29)

(3,663)

(2,140)

(99)

(322)

(270)

(10)

(3)

(2,844)

(7)

(2)

(163)

(129)

(6)

(3)

(7)

(1)

(1)

(147)

6.46 

5.72 

7.19 

$ 

$ 

$ 

49

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Kansanshi

Sentinel

Panama Las Cruces

Cobre 

Guelb 
Moghrein

Çayeli Pyhäsalmi

Copper

Corporate 
& other

Ravens-
thorpe

Total

(329)

(256)

(258)

(90)

(41)

(21)

(12)

(1,007)

For the three months ended 
December 31, 2019
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:

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)

(59)

(59)

(96)

(29)

(3)

(219)

(128)

(22)

(1)

(268)

(186)

(6)

(4)

(266)

(160)

(64)

(1)

(2)

(95)

(28)

(2)

(4)

(1)

–

(10)

(2)

(1)

(33)

(20)

(1)

(3)

(2)

–

6 

6 

1 

(3)

(2)

3 

(1)

(11)

(4)

(1)

–

(16)

(11)

–

(3)

(1)

–

1 

7 

–

(2)

–

1 

(2)

(7)

–

–

–

(7)

(7)

–

–

–

–

(35)

0.91 

0.73 

2.43 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(26)

1.37 

0.98 

1.78 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(15)

1.51 

1.11 

1.60 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(7)

2.11 

2.02 

2.17 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

288 

165 

61 

(58)

(14)

10 

15 

(540)

(292)

(61)

(11)

(904)

(540)

(25)

(123)

(61)

(3)

(752)

1.73 

1.24 

2.07 

General and administrative 
expenses

(6)

(9)

(7)

Sustaining capital  
expenditure and  
deferred stripping

Royalties

Lease payments

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

(29)

(26)

(58)

(29)

(1)

(193)

1.48 

1.03 

1.68 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(22)

(1)

(244)

2.22 

1.71 

2.45 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(6)

(1)

(232)

1.85 

1.28 

2.12 

$ 

$ 

$ 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(18)

(1,025)

290 

165 

61 

(58)

(14)

10 

31 

(540)

(294)

(61)

(11)

(906)

(540)

(25)

(123)

(61)

(3)

(752)

2 

–

–

–

–

–

16 

–

(2)

–

–

(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. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Kansanshi 1

Sentinel

Panama Las Cruces

Cobre 

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:

Depreciation (excluding 
depreciation in  
finished goods)

Royalties

Other

Total cost (C3) 

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 

(558)

(752)

(216)

(124)

44 

98 

8 

(16)

–

(3)

1 

(66)

(240)

(250)

(131)

(198)

(44)

(108)

(7)

(913)

(558)

(88)

(5)

(1,095)

(752)

(9)

(6)

(362)

(216)

(4)

(2)

(328)

(124)

(6)

(8)

(4)

(1)

(8)

(2)

(120)

(66)

(3)

(9)

(8)

(2)

27 

10 

2 

(10)

(6)

1 

1 

(48)

(26)

(2)

–

(76)

(48)

(2)

(6)

(2)

–

21 

45 

–

(6)

(1)

–

–

(7)

899 

464 

219 

(164)

(47)

56 

32 

(1,771)

(21)

(910)

–

–

(28)

(7)

–

–

–

–

(219)

(22)

(2,922)

(1,771)

(82)

(326)

(219)

(11)

(143)

1.35 

1.17 

3.08 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(88)

1.36 

1.00 

1.87 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(58)

1.65 

1.35 

2.16 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(7)

0.55 

0.51 

1.77 

(2,409)

1.78 

1.31 

2.16 

$ 

$ 

$ 

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)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

General and administrative 
expenses

(26)

(35)

(10)

Sustaining capital  
expenditure and  
deferred stripping

Royalties

Lease payments

AISC

AISC (per lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

Total cost – (C3) (per lb)

(124)

(115)

(64)

(108)

(4)

(820)

1.65 

1.13 

1.84 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(88)

(3)

(993)

2.12 

1.61 

2.34 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(9)

(1)

(300)

1.78 

1.29 

2.15 

$ 

$ 

$ 

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.

Realized metal prices

Realized metal prices are used by the Company to enable management to better evaluate sales revenues in each reporting period. 
Realized metal prices are calculated as gross metal sales revenues divided by the volume of metal sold in lb. Net realized metal 
price is inclusive of the treatment and refining charges (TC/RC) and freight charges per lb. 

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. 

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. 

51

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)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 revaluation gains and losses, gains and losses on disposal of assets and liabilities, one-time 
costs related to acquisitions, dispositions, restructuring and other transactions, revisions in estimates of restoration provisions  
at closed sites, debt extinguishment and modification gains and losses, the tax effect on unrealized movements in the fair value  
of derivatives designated as hedged instruments, and adjustments for expected phasing of Zambian VAT receipts.

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

Q4 2018

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank overdraft

Current debt

Debt

Net debt

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

Other expense

Revisions in estimates of restoration  
provisions at closed sites 

Total adjustments excluding depreciation

Comparative EBITDA

Net earnings (loss) attributable to  
shareholders of the Company                               

Adjustments attributable to shareholders  
of the Company:

Adjustment for expected phasing  
of Zambian VAT receipts

Other, including loss on debt instruments

Total adjustments to comparative  
EBITDA excluding depreciation                          

Tax and minority interest comparative 
adjustments

Comparative earnings (loss)

Earnings (loss) per share as reported

Comparative earnings (loss) per share

52

950

36

871

7,452

7,409

942

27

1,774

6,686

7,545

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

357

326

–

32

8

2

42

725

257

323

–

60

1

–

61

641

69

290

99

47

1

5

152

511

Q4 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2019

9 

29 

(115)

(5)

8 

42 

(1)

53 

(16)

–

61 

(10)

64 

22 

4 

152 

(28)

35 

1,138

615

838

7,360

7,675

2020

695

1,217

–

225

15

–

240

2,152

2020

(180)

(80)

10 

240 

(36)

(46)

1,255

467

174

7,111

6,497

2019

474

907

112

96

12

8

228

1,609

2019

(57)

182 

23 

228 

(127)

249 

$0.01 

$0.08 

$0.04 

$0.09 

($0.17)

$0.05 

($0.26)

($0.07)

($0.08)

$0.36 

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)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: 

will continue; 

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

53

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued) • 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 judgment 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.

 • Assessment of impairment indicators

Management applies significant judgment 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 cash generating units (“CGU”) 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 2020, qualitative factors 
such as new terms and changes to the existing lending group were considered for both the Company’s tap issuance in 
January and for the issuance of $1,500 million 2027 bonds in October (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. 

54

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)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 CGU.

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.

 • 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 $81 million at December 31, 2020.

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, certain assumptions are determined by 
management in calculating the present value of these recoveries regarding the timing of recoveries. In assessing the 
timing of recoveries, management considers publicly available information with respect to the fiscal situation in Zambia 
as well as the level of refunds and offsets provided historically, and a Zambian risk-free rate is then applied to calculate 
the valuation to calculate the present value. 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, 2020, would lead to a 
decrease to the carrying value and an increase to finance costs of $36 million. The carrying amount of the Company’s 
VAT receivables is disclosed in note 4b.

55

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (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, 2020, 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. 33% of the Company’s trade 
receivables are outstanding from three customers together representing 27% 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, Sentinel, Panama and Çayeli 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, prepaid taxes and amounts held in  
broker accounts. 

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, 2020, and December 31, 2019. 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 VAT receivable due from government authorities includes $349 million at December 31, 2020, which is past due 
(December 31, 2019: $396 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, 2020, 
amount to nil.

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.

56

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)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, 2020, a fair value loss of $401 million (2019: fair value gain of $8 million) has been recognized 
on derivatives designated as hedged instruments through accumulated other comprehensive income and a fair value loss of 
$48 million (2019: fair value gain of $44 million) has been recognized through sales revenues. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had unmargined copper forward sales contracts for 152,125 tonnes at an 
average price of $2.86 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to December 2021. In addition, the Company has zero cost 
collar unmargined sales contracts for 174,400 tonnes at weighted average prices of $2.83 per lb to $3.07 per lb outstanding with 
maturities to December 2021. The Company also had unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 3,213 tonnes at an average 
price of $6.89 per lb outstanding with maturities to October 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, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company had not entered into any sulphur 
derivatives. At December 31, 2020, the Company had entered into fuel forward contracts over 60,408,600 litres at an average 
price of $0.34 per litre.

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. 

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, 2020, and December 31 2019, the 
Company held no floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps. 

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, 2020, 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.

57

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)Since the December 31, 2020 evaluation, there have been no adverse changes to the Company’s controls and procedures and they 
continue to remain effective.

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.

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:

 • 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 

accordance with IFRS;

 • ensure the Company’s receipts and expenditures are made only in accordance with authorization of management and the 

Company’s directors; and

 • provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized transactions that could have 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, 2020 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 period ended December 31, 2020, that have materially 
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.

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.

58

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

Q1 20

Q2 20

Q3 20

Q4 20

2020

Sales revenues

Copper

Gold

Nickel

Other

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

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

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) 2

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) 2

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

Total cost – copper (C3) (per lb) 2

Nickel statistics

Nickel produced (contained tonnes) 

Nickel produced (payable tonnes)

Nickel sales (contained tonnes)

Nickel sales (payable tonnes)

Net realized price (per payable lb)

Cash cost – (C1) (per lb)

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

Total cost – nickel (C3) (per lb)

Gold statistics

Total gold production (ounces)

Total gold sales (ounces) 4 

$  3,616 

$ 

228

–

$ 

122

$  3,966

978 

1,737 

441 

487 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

770  $ 

836  $ 

877  $ 

1,120  $  3,603 

57

–

30

857

$ 

$ 

$ 

67

–

36

939

$ 

$ 

$ 

86

–

24

987

$ 

132

$ 

342

–

32

–

$ 

122

1,284

$  4,067

$ 

$ 

185  $ 

196  $ 

150  $ 

259  $ 

790 

368  $ 

376  $ 

354  $ 

511  $ 

1,609 

53  $ 

78  $ 

(73)

$ 

(115)

$ 

(57)

95  $ 

87  $ 

32  $ 

35  $ 

249 

0.64  $ 

0.08  $ 

0.11  $ 

(0.11)

$ 

(0.17)

$ 

(0.08)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.71 

0.64 

$ 

$ 

0.14  $ 

0.13  $ 

0.05  $ 

0.05  $ 

0.36  $ 

(0.11)

0.08  $ 

0.11  $ 

(0.11)

$ 

(0.17)

$ 

(0.08)

$ 

(0.09)

1,015  $ 

864  $ 

1,150  $ 

1,348  $  4,377 

134

3

30

1,182

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

98

27

25

1,014

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

158

61

33

1,402

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

147

68

38

1,601

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

537

159

126

5,199

147  $ 

141  $ 

346  $ 

443  $ 

1,077 

434  $ 

352  $ 

641  $ 

725  $ 

2,152 

(62)

$ 

(156)

$ 

29  $ 

9  $ 

(180)

(79)

(0.09)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(84)

(0.23)

(0.12)

(0.23)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

64  $ 

53  $ 

(46)

0.04  $ 

0.01  $ 

(0.26)

0.09  $ 

0.08  $ 

(0.07)

0.04  $ 

0.01  $ 

(0.26)

$  0.010

$  0.005 

–

$  0.005 

–

$  0.010  $  0.005 

–

$  0.005 

–

$  0.010 

686,747

687,100

687,130

688,425

688,083

687,596

688,093

688,123

688,806

688,939

688,469

$ 

2.88  $ 

0.23  $ 

0.26  $ 

0.22  $ 

0.58  $ 

1.29  $ 

0.69 

$0.23  $ 

0.66  $ 

0.77  $ 

2.34 

605,853

596,513

136,969

168,399

192,510

204,270

130,262

149,333

203,827

205,964

702,148

689,386

195,285

169,059

211,396

189,953

159,944

197,533

203,171

217,041

778,911

764,471

2.84  $ 

2.79  $ 

2.80  $ 

2.62  $ 

2.62  $ 

2.70  $ 

2.56  $ 

2.60  $ 

2.77  $ 

2.97  $ 

2.74 

(0.08)

(0.05)

$ 

$ 

(0.09)

(0.04)

$ 

$ 

(0.10)

(0.04)

$ 

$ 

(0.12)

(0.04)

$ 

$ 

(0.12)

(0.03)

$ 

$ 

(0.11)

(0.04)

$ 

$ 

(0.11)

(0.03)

$ 

$ 

(0.10)

(0.05)

$ 

$ 

(0.10)

(0.03)

$ 

$ 

(0.11)

(0.04)

$ 

$ 

(0.10)

(0.04)

2.71  $ 

2.66  $ 

2.66  $ 

2.46  $ 

2.47  $ 

2.55  $ 

2.42  $ 

2.45  $ 

2.64  $ 

2.82  $ 

2.60 

1.28  $ 

1.34  $ 

1.32  $ 

1.36  $ 

1.24  $ 

1.31  $ 

1.30  $ 

1.20  $ 

1.07  $ 

1.28  $ 

1.74  $ 

1.77  $ 

1.77  $ 

1.86  $ 

1.73  $ 

1.78  $ 

1.64  $ 

1.62  $ 

1.48  $ 

1.77  $ 

2.11  $ 

2.21  $ 

2.17  $ 

2.20  $ 

2.07  $ 

2.16  $ 

2.19  $ 

2.08  $ 

1.97  $ 

2.20  $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,979

1,579

1,791

1,429

5,113

4,102

4,986

4,016

5,603

4,534

5,343

4,342

8.51  $ 

6.88  $ 

7.11  $ 

6.26  $ 

5.88  $ 

5.39  $ 

7.30  $ 

6.53  $ 

6.09  $ 

6.46 

7.93  $ 

7.36  $ 

6.78  $ 

7.19 

1.21 

1.63 

2.11 

12,695

10,215

12,120

9,787

7.37 

5.72 

185,414

193,072

49,357

46,790

59,647

56,922

70,120

71,664

77,789

256,913

79,409

254,785

68,788

73,782

54,651

54,591

72,926

78,013

68,747

70,905

265,112

277,291

Net realized gold price (per ounce)

$ 

1,181  $ 

1,226  $ 

1,235  $ 

1,388  $ 

1,380  $ 

1,318  $ 

1,488  $ 

1,604  $ 

1,766  $ 

1,771  $ 

1,662 

Zinc statistics
Zinc production (tonnes) 5

Zinc sales (tonnes)

26,807

26,112

6,318

6,646

4,123

4,450

4,429

2,297

2,462

2,979

17,332

16,372

1,837

2,881

1,937

829

1,331

2,002

1,943

1,882

7,048

7,594

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

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

results at Cobre Panama are not included in earnings or C1, C3 and AISC calculations.

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

4 Excludes refinery-backed gold credits purchased and delivered under the precious metal streaming arrangement (page 42).

59

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued) 
 
 
COBRE PANAMA STATISTICS

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes)

Processing

Copper ore milled (000’s tonnes) 

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Copper recovery (%)

Concentrate grade (%)

Q3 19 1

Q3 19 1

Q4 19

2019

Q1 20

Q2 20

Q3 20

Q4 20

2020

Pre- 
commercial 
production 

Post- 
commercial 
production 

9,579

7,767

3,636

5,252

15,950

18,439

66,570

51,879

12,255

18,933

1,467

6,426

8,355

12,576

13,317

20,348

34,653

59,024

8,375

4,437

16,493

38,583

15,942

6,157

14,661

17,697

54,457

0.51

86

22.0

0.49

89

21.8

0.41

89

22.1

0.44

86

21.9

0.39

91

23.9

0.41

86

22.9

0.47

90

25.6

0.41

91

26.6

0.42

90

25.1

Copper in concentrate produced (tonnes)

36,783

19,438

60,338

147,480

56,240

21,733

62,055

65,520

205,548

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 - mine production

Gold - precious metal stream

Silver - mine production

Silver - precious metal stream

Total sales revenues

Cost of refinery - backed credits for precious metal stream

13,570

7,914

28,040

60,074

23,232

7,794

28,346

25,295

84,667

269,800

152,243

452,663

1,132,247

429,294

164,449

501,012

500,806

1,595,561

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.44 

0.46 

0.38 

0.32 

(0.26)

1.34 

1.56 

2.28 

178 

18

8

4

2

210 

(11)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.33 

0.57 

0.29 

0.36 

(0.27)

1.28 

1.85 

2.12 

253 

30

23

5

3

314 

(33)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.36 

0.54 

0.31 

0.34 

(0.26)

1.29 

1.78 

2.15 

431 

48

31

9

5

524 

(44)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.39 

0.65 

0.29 

0.32 

(0.27)

1.38 

1.61 

2.44 

324 

40

24

6

4

398 

(37)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.44 

0.73 

0.46 

0.30 

(0.21)

1.72 

2.03 

2.99 

84 

8

11

3

1

107 

(15)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.38 

0.48 

0.23 

0.26 

(0.29)

1.06 

1.31 

2.03 

362 

46

20

9

3

440 

(38)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.27 

0.77 

0.31 

0.27 

(0.28)

1.34 

1.72 

2.22 

432 

44

21

10

3

510 

(39)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.36 

0.64 

0.30 

0.28 

(0.27)

1.31 

1.60 

2.30 

1,202 

138

76

28

11

1,455 

(129)

Copper sales (tonnes)

Gold sales (ounces) 2

Silver sales (ounces) 2

42,425

35,056

48,841

132,864

16,032

13,074

23,336

55,069

64,136

27,337

17,832

61,049

65,770

208,787

6,674

27,182

25,669

86,862

350,982

271,774

354,689

1,032,598

480,524

126,366

470,989

504,002

1,581,881

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

2 Excludes refinery-backed gold and silver credits purchased and delivered under precious metal streaming arrangement (page 42).

60

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)KANSANSHI STATISTICS

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes)

Processing

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

Q1 20

Q2 20

Q3 20

Q4 20

2020

48,719

38,481

10,249

7,363

12,210

11,252

17,232

8,995

13,077

8,715

Sulphide ore milled (000’s tonnes) 

12,978

Sulphide ore grade processed (%)

Sulphide ore recovery (%)

Sulphide concentrate grade (%)

Mixed ore milled (000’s tonnes)

Mixed ore grade processed (%)

Mixed ore recovery (%)

Mixed concentrate grade (%)

Oxide ore milled (000’s tonnes) 

Oxide ore grade processed (%)

Oxide ore recovery (%)

Oxide concentrate grade (%)

0.78

91

22.8

8,186

1.06

82

29.3

6,916

1.44

89

29.4

3,084

0.90

89

21.5

1,870

1.00

75

25.7

1,534

1.14

87

25.0

3,312

0.85

91

21.7

1,990

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

3,211

0.95

93

23.3

1,900

1.11

79

28.0

1,893

1.07

79

24.5

52,768

36,325

12,908

0.89

91

22.5

7,699

1.05

77

27.3

7,201

1.12

82

25.9

12,491

7,420

16,897

10,303

19,103

8,479

13,481

8,221

61,972

34,423

3,321

0.89

93

23.3

1,967

0.99

82

26.2

1,697

0.97

73

22.7

3,300

0.80

93

22.4

2,160

1.03

82

28.0

2,010

0.96

84

19.8

3,415

0.85

91

22.5

2,053

1.03

79

25.6

2,079

0.80

70

18.4

3,491

13,527

0.79

90

24.3

1,987

0.96

81

24.1

1,654

1.02

75

22.8

0.83

92

23.1

8,167

1.00

81

26.0

7,440

0.93

76

20.8

Copper cathode produced (tonnes) 

72,394

10,705

11,325

11,526

11,490

45,046

9,976

16,007

12,672

13,298

51,953

Copper in concentrate produced 
(tonnes) 

Total copper production (tonnes)

Gold produced (ounces)

Smelting 1
Concentrate processed (DMT) 1

179,128

43,208

47,309

47,362

49,318

187,197

45,636

42,808

41,758

39,332

169,534

251,522

130,019

53,913

34,743

58,634

35,613

58,888

60,808

232,243

38,925

36,105

145,386

55,612

33,002

58,815

34,177

54,430

31,715

52,630

221,487

29,515

128,409

1,381,637

342,307

351,169

281,800

342,550

1,317,826

329,946

273,673

362,554

354,155

1,320,328

Copper anodes produced (tonnes) 1

347,037

83,134

84,505

69,952

86,690

324,281

80,280

66,905

89,090

87,392

323,667

Smelter copper recovery (%)

Acid tonnes produced (000’s)

Cash Costs (per lb) 

Mining

Processing

Site administration

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

Total sales revenues

Copper cathode sales (tonnes)

Copper anode sales (tonnes) 2

Copper in concentrate sales (tonnes)

Total copper sales (tonnes)

Gold sales (ounces)

97

1,255

0.55 

0.49 

0.09 

0.14 

(0.34)

0.10 

1.03 

1.55 

1.74 

97

322

0.64 

0.58 

0.11 

0.16 

(0.38)

0.13 

1.24 

1.73 

1.98 

97

323

0.64 

0.49 

0.10 

0.18 

(0.38)

0.12 

1.15 

1.66 

1.87 

97

264

0.68 

0.50 

0.10 

0.14 

(0.46)

0.14 

1.10 

1.74 

1.84 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

97

327

0.59 

0.45 

0.14 

0.14 

(0.43)

0.14 

1.03 

1.48 

1.68 

97

1,236

0.64 

0.51 

0.11 

0.15 

(0.41)

0.13 

1.13 

1.65 

1.84 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

452 

1,029

$ 

$ 

10 $ 

160 $ 

21

1,672 

$ 

$ 

57  $ 

71  $ 

65  $ 

78  $ 

271 

245

17

39

6

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

252

$ 

200

$ 

346

32

48

5

$ 

$ 

–

45

4

$ 

$ 

–

65

6

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,043

49

197

21

364  $ 

408  $ 

314  $ 

495  $ 

1,581 

97

315

0.74 

0.50 

0.08 

0.15 

(0.41)

0.16 

1.22 

1.65 

1.97 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

97

264

0.57 

0.50 

0.09 

0.19 

(0.39)

0.13 

1.09 

1.56 

1.82 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

98

342

0.61 

0.60 

0.10 

0.16 

(0.55)

0.12 

1.04 

1.61 

1.85 

99

341

0.60 

0.55 

0.07 

0.12 

(0.48)

0.15 

1.01 

1.59 

1.81 

98

1,262

0.62 

0.54 

0.09 

0.16 

(0.46)

0.14 

1.09 

1.60 

1.86 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

42  $ 

79  $ 

88  $ 

94  $ 

303 

$ 

$ 

$ 

244

12

50

1

$ 

$ 

$ 

165

54

53

–

237

$ 

267

27

71

–

$ 

–

55

–

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

913

93

229

1

349  $ 

351  $ 

423  $ 

416  $ 

1,539

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

70,665

157,663

1,504

229,832

134,890

9,452

40,220

3,361

53,033

31,082

12,160

42,610

6,454

61,224

37,917

11,412

35,726

–

47,138

32,022

13,285

60,701

–

73,986

45,342

46,309

179,257

9,815

235,381

146,363

7,610

44,807

2,913

55,330

32,694

15,304

32,785

12,173

60,262

32,009

13,854

37,503

4,933

56,290

37,524

13,115

38,150

49,883

153,245

–

20,019

51,265

29,021

223,147

131,248

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

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

61

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)SENTINEL STATISTICS

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes)

Processing

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

Q1 20

Q2 20

Q3 20

Q4 20

2020

95,607

45,518

19,335

11,507

23,609

12,017

24,970

12,704

24,912

14,035

92,826

50,263

24,849

22,480

24,489

15,667

15,230

15,199

26,152

14,002

97,970

60,098

Copper ore milled (000’s tonnes)

48,750

11,581

11,887

13,005

12,385

48,858

14,107

13,997

14,669

13,816

56,589

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Recovery (%)

Copper 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

0.50

91

0.54

92

0.50

92

0.47

91

0.47

87

0.50

91

0.45

89

0.49

89

0.53

90

0.51

90

0.49

90

223,656

57,716

54,977

56,439

50,874

220,006

56,633

60,761

70,829

62,993

251,216

25.0

26.9

26.5

26.3

26.6

26.6

26.2

26.5

26.8

26.7

26.6

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.58 

0.67

0.10

0.23

0.12

1.70 

2.22 

2.42 

1,169 

285 

1,454 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.55 

0.61

0.09

0.23

0.12

1.60 

2.07 

2.34 

237 

59 

296 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.51 

0.61

0.09

0.23

0.11

1.55 

2.06 

2.29 

251 

68 

319 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.47 

0.61

0.13

0.28

0.09

1.58 

2.12 

2.29 

198 

105 

303 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.53 

0.70

0.12

0.27

0.09

1.71 

2.22 

2.45 

190 

91 

281 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.52 

0.63

0.11

0.25

0.10

1.61 

2.12 

2.34 

876 

323 

1,199 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.46 

0.61

0.17

0.23

0.08

1.55 

2.02 

2.27 

178 

57 

235 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.42 

0.59

0.01

0.25

0.09

1.36 

1.86 

2.02 

176 

76 

252 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.38 

0.51

0.07

0.20

0.09

1.25 

1.77 

1.98 

275 

65 

340 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.40 

0.60

$ 

$ 

0.43 

0.57

0.10

$  0.08

0.27

0.07

1.44 

2.04 

2.28 

350 

176 

526 

$ 

0.24

$  0.08

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.40 

1.92 

2.14 

979 

374 

1,353 

Copper anode sales (tonnes)

Copper concentrate sales (tonnes)

183,372

54,839

38,815

12,372

42,410

13,212

35,087

23,114

32,974

20,298

149,286

68,996

32,914

12,269

33,859

18,199

42,936

12,579

49,772

29,203

159,481

72,250

62

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)GUELB MOGHREIN STATISTICS

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

Q1 20

Q2 20

Q3 20

Q4 20

2020

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes)

Processing

Sulphide ore milled (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)

Copper in concentrates

Gold

Magnetite concentrate

Total sales revenues

Copper sales (tonnes)

Gold sales (ounces)

15,062

1,590

3,684

0.85

90

28,137

45,974

3,581

953

994

0.85

88

7,447

12,498

3,107

1,345

1,018

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

0.89

89

8,220

12,027

3,851

0.87

89

29,620

44,673

3,204

936

898

0.88

89

7,028

11,237

3,502

1,079

1,015

0.83

88

7,392

11,665

2,578

1,150

889

0.87

86

6,702

11,620

906

1,189

986

0.82

91

7,369

13,115

10,190

4,354

3,788

0.85

89

28,491

47,637

425,389

119,169

163,555

106,634

152,202

541,560

129,773

160,434

175,237

114,128

579,572

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.82 

1.09 

0.19 

0.54 

(1.14)

1.50 

1.93 

2.46 

154 

58

23

235 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.78 

0.87 

0.18 

0.49 

(1.21)

1.11 

1.37 

2.22 

42 

16

6

64 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.57 

1.00 

0.18 

0.35 

(1.19)

0.91 

1.19 

1.65 

43 

18

16

77 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.52 

1.06 

0.22 

0.35 

(1.04)

1.11 

1.62 

1.93 

30 

12

10

52 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.38 

0.96 

0.16 

0.58 

(1.10)

0.98 

1.37 

1.78 

30 

12

8

50 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.55 

0.97 

0.18 

0.44 

(1.14)

1.00 

1.36 

1.87 

145 

58

40

243 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.41 

1.06 

0.18 

0.31 

(1.30)

0.66 

1.07 

1.42 

37 

18

12

67 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.33 

1.02 

0.17 

0.37 

(1.41)

0.48 

0.87 

1.34 

39 

23

16

78 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.30 

1.13 

0.19 

0.45 

(1.83)

0.24 

0.47 

0.94 

38 

21

12

71 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.36 

1.08 

0.16 

0.26 

(1.77)

0.09 

0.36 

1.07 

47 

27

10

84 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.36 

1.07 

0.18 

0.34 

(1.57)

0.38 

0.70 

1.20 

161 

89

50

300 

27,366

48,195

7,924

13,301

8,143

14,156

5,969

9,074

6,010

8,415

28,046

44,946

7,649

12,106

8,170

14,528

6,715

11,698

7,365

14,885

29,899

53,217

Magnetite concentrate sold (WMT)

376,956

89,631

222,762

123,274

90,032

525,699

135,008

180,107

138,582

136,316

590,013

LAS CRUCES STATISTICS

Mining

Waste mined (000’s tonnes)

Ore mined (000’s tonnes)

Processing

Copper ore milled (000’s tonnes)

Copper ore grade processed (%)

Recovery (%)

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

Q1 20

Q2 20

Q3 20

Q4 20

2020

14,936

1,682

1,544

4.95

93

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

194

361

355

4.97

87

219

271

383

4.99

87

613

189

343

4.24

84

108

–

381

3.22

83

1,134

821

1,462

4.35

85

Copper cathode produced (tonnes) 

70,738

10,634

10,366

9,479

17,611

48,090

15,293

16,566

12,259

10,234

54,352

Cash Costs (per lb)

Cash cost (C1) (per lb)

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

Total cost (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper cathode

$ 

$ 

$ 

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 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.87 

0.96 

2.42 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.84 

0.93 

2.50 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.12 

1.22 

3.24 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.56 

1.70 

3.76 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.05 

1.15 

2.88 

$ 

470 

$ 

71 

$ 

62 

$ 

61 

$ 

97 

$ 

291 

$ 

83 

$ 

97 

$ 

82 

$ 

70 

$ 

332 

Copper cathode sales (tonnes)

71,523

11,443

10,112

10,405

16,284

48,244

14,473

17,818

12,646

9,915

54,852

63

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued)ÇAYELI STATISTICS

Copper produced (tonnes) 

Zinc produced (tonnes)

Cash Costs (per lb)

Cash cost – Copper (C1) (per lb)

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

Total cost – Copper (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper 

Zinc

Other

Total sales revenues

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

PYHÄSALMI STATISTICS

2018

19,896

4,091

Q1 19

4,891

752

Q2 19

3,872

1,428

Q3 19

3,218

1,176

Q4 19

4,725

1,896

2019

16,706

5,252

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.21

1.48

2.03

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.42

1.68

2.32

87

$ 

8

5

100

$ 

18

–

–

18

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.32

1.54

2.25

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.82

2.12

2.83

28

$ 

3

1

32

$ 

13

–

–

13

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.11

1.51

1.60

26

3

3

32

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.35

1.65

2.16

85

6

4

95

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Q1 20

2,990

765

1.62

1.94

2.77

6

2

1

9

Q2 20

2,611

853

1.39

1.61

2.60

11

–

1

12

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Q3 20

4,199

951

1.07

1.29

1.91

22

1

2

25

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Q4 20

3,534

1,943

0.96

1.37

1.52

14

3

1

18

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2020

13,334

4,512

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.24

1.53

2.14

53

6

5

64

17,397

4,313

3,814

–

5,817

1,833

2,934

–

5,553

2,046

18,118

3,879

1,776

1,857

2,544

–

4,451

1,625

2,672

1,882

11,443

5,364

Copper produced (tonnes) 

Zinc produced (tonnes) 1

2018

11,904

22,716

Q1 19

2,343

5,566

Q2 19

1,904

2,695

Q3 19

2,062

3,253

Q4 19

1,694

566

2019

8,003

12,080

Q1 20

1,489

1,072

Q2 20

1,181

1,084

Q3 20

Q4 20

922

380

891

–

2020

4,483

2,536

Pyrite produced (tonnes)

645,885

152,475

152,522

127,960

120,687

553,644

96,503

108,329

124,913

132,415

462,160

Cash Costs (per lb)

Cash cost – Copper (C1) (per lb)

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

Total cost – Copper (C3) (per lb)

Revenues ($ millions)

Copper

Zinc

Pyrite

Other

Total sales revenues

Copper sales (tonnes)

Zinc sales (tonnes)

Pyrite sales (tonnes)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.46)

(0.46)

1.70 

70

45

17

12

144

12,184

21,799

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(0.39)

(0.39)

1.67

16

12

4

4

36

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.21

0.25

1.75

10

7

3

1

21

2,861

6,646

1,873

2,617

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.61

0.64

1.62

9

2

3

2

16

1,699

2,297

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.02

2.11

2.17

10

1

3

3

17

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.51

0.55

1.77

45

22

13

10

90

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

0.86

0.89

1.07

6

1

3

3

13

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.55

1.62

2.30

6

1

3

1

11

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.82

1.90

2.33

5

–

2

3

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

2.06

2.21

2.93

9

–

3

–

10

$ 

12

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1.48

1.55

2.03

26

2

11

7

46

2,018

933

8,451

12,493

1,406

1,024

1,260

829

867

377

1,079

–

4,612

2,230

445,181

124,667

97,221

90,619

110,823

423,330

124,140

117,759

99,386

119,593

460,878

1  Zinc production for the three months ended September 30, 2020 has been adjusted from 521 tonnes to 380 tonnes, and for the year-ended December 31, 2020 has been 

adjusted from 2,677 tonnes to 2,536 tonnes.

64

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTManagement’s Discussion and Analysis (continued) 
RAVENSTHORPE STATISTICS

2018

Q1 19

Q2 19

Q3 19

Q4 19

2019

Q1 20

Q2 20

Q3 20

Q4 20

2020

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)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

457

0.93

68

1,979

1,579

2.57

3.13

0.71

0.20

(0.35)

6.26

7.30

7.93

18

1

19

1,791

1,429

769

1.01

73

5,113

4,102

1.89

3.51

0.57

0.25

(0.34)

5.88

6.53

7.36

59

3

62

4,986

4,016

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

728

0.99

78

5,603

4,534

1.77

3.30

0.45

0.25

(0.38)

5.39

6.09

6.78

71

4

75

5,343

4,342

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,954

0.98

74

12,695

10,215

1.94

3.36

0.54

0.24

(0.36)

5.72

6.46

7.19

148

8

156

12,120

9,787

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

65

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

Hannes Meyer
Chief Financial Officer

February 16, 2021

66

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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, 2020 and its financial performance 

and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 

International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS).

What we have audited

The Company’s consolidated financial statements comprise:

 • the consolidated statement of earnings (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2020;
 • the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2020;
 • the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2020;
 • the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020;
 • the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2020; and
 • the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include significant accounting policies and other  

explanatory information.

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.

KEY AUDIT MATTERS
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated 

financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the 

consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on 

these matters.

KEY AUDIT MATTER: HOW OUR AUDIT ADDRESSED THE KEY AUDIT MATTER

Goodwill impairment assessment

Refer to note 2 – Significant accounting policies, note 3 – Significant judgments, estimates and assumptions and note 7 – 

Goodwill to the consolidated financial statements. 

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. The recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which 

goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment at the same time every year. Goodwill of $237 million was assigned to the Cobre 

Panama cash-generating unit (CGU). The annual impairment test has been performed as of December 31, 2020. For the purposes of 

67

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTthe goodwill impairment test, the recoverable amount of Cobre Panama CGU has been determined by management using a fair value 

less costs of disposal calculation based on a discounted cash flow model over a period of 34 years, 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 the following key assumptions which included: ore reserves and resources estimates, commodity 

prices, discount rate, future production costs and future capital expenditure. Ore reserves and resources are estimated based on the 

National Instrument 43-101 compliant report produced by qualified persons (management’s experts).

We considered this a key audit matter due to the subjectivity and complexity in applying audit procedures to test the key 

assumptions used by management in determining the recoverable amount of the Cobre Panama CGU, which involved significant 

judgment from management. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge in the field of valuation assisted in performing 

certain procedures. 

Our approach to addressing the matter included the following procedures, among others:

 • Evaluated how management determined the recoverable amount of the Cobre Panama CGU, which included the following:
• Tested the appropriateness of the fair value less costs of disposal calculation and the mathematical accuracy of the 

discounted cash flow model.

• Tested the underlying data used in the discounted cash flow model.
• The work of management’s experts was used in performing the procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the 

assumptions associated with the ore reserves and resources estimates. As a basis for using this work, management’s 

experts’ competence, capability and objectivity were evaluated, their work performed was understood and the 

appropriateness of their work as audit evidence was evaluated by considering the relevance and reasonableness 

of the assumptions, methods and findings. The procedures performed also included tests of relevant data used by 

management’s experts.

• Evaluated the reasonableness of key assumptions by (i) comparing commodity prices with external market and industry 

data; and (ii) comparing future production costs and future capital expenditure against current and past performance of 

the Cobre Panama CGU.

• Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge in the field of valuation assisted in assessing the reasonableness of 

the discount rate.

• Tested the disclosures made in the consolidated financial statements.
Assessment of impairment indicators for property, plant and equipment

Refer to note 2 – Significant accounting policies, note 3 – Significant judgements, estimates and assumptions and note 6 – 

Property, plant and equipment to the consolidated financial statements. 

The Company’s property, plant and equipment (PP&E) carrying value was $19,468 million as of December 31, 2020 covering 

multiple cash-generating units (CGUs) of the Company. Management applies significant judgement in assessing CGUs and assets 

for the existence of indicators of impairment at the reporting date that would necessitate impairment testing. Internal and 

external factors are considered in assessing whether indicators of impairment are present that would necessitate impairment 

testing. Factors regarding commodity prices, production, operating costs, capital expenditures and discount rates are used in 

determining whether there are any indicators of impairment.

We considered this a key audit matter due to the significance of the PP&E and subjectivity in applying procedures to evaluate 

audit evidence relating to the significant judgments made by management in its assessment of indicators of impairment.

68

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTOur approach to addressing the matter included the following procedures, among others:

 • Evaluated management’s assessment of indicators of impairment, which included the following:

• Assessed the completeness of external or internal factors that could be considered as indicators of impairment of the 

Company’s PP&E, by considering evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.

• Assessed changes in commodity prices and discount rates, by comparing to external market and industry data and 

changes in production, operating costs and capital expenditures by considering the current and past performance of the 

CGUs and evidence obtained in other areas of the audit, as applicable.

COMPARATIVE INFORMATION
The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2019 were audited by another auditor 

who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on February 13, 2020.

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.

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. 

69

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT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.

 • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in 

the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.

 • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 

disclosures made by management.

 • 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 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.

 • 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.

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.

70

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTFrom the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most 

significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. 

We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, 

in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse 

consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is James Lusby.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

Toronto, Ontario 
February 16, 2021

71

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Statements of Earnings (Loss)
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except where indicated and share and per share amounts)

Sales revenues

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Exploration

General and administrative

Impairments and related charges

Other expense

Operating profit 

Finance income

Finance costs

Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT

Loss on redemption of senior notes

Earnings before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net loss

Net loss attributable to: 

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders of the Company

Loss per common share attributable to  
the shareholders of the Company

Net loss ($ per share)

Basic

Diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding (000’s)

Basic

Diluted

Total shares issued and outstanding (000’s)

Note

17

18

20

22

21

4c

10

13

15

15

15

15

15

14a

2020

5,199

(4,122)

1,077

(15)

(99)

–

(268)

695

66

(804)

80

(5)

32

(256)

(224)

(44)

(180)

2019

4,067

(3,277)

790

(19)

(82)

(101)

(114)

474

37

(285)

(182)

(25)

19

(70)

(51)

6

(57)

(0.26)

(0.26)

(0.08)

(0.08)

688,469

688,469

690,317

687,596

687,596

689,401

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

72

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)

Net loss

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Items that have been/may subsequently be reclassified to net earnings (loss):

Cash flow hedges reclassified to net loss

Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges arising during the year

Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to net earnings (loss):

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments 

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year attributable to: 

Non-controlling interests

Shareholders of the Company

Total comprehensive loss for the year

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Note

2020

(224)

2019

(51)

24

8

(8)

(401)

(1)

(634)

(44)

(590)

(634)

(27)

8

1

(69)

6

(75)

(69)

73

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)

Note

2020

2019

Cash flows from operating activities

Net loss 

Adjustments for

Depreciation

Income tax expense

Share-based compensation expense

Impairment and related charges

Net finance expense

Adjustment for expected phasing of Zambian VAT

Unrealized foreign exchange loss

Loss on redemption of senior notes

Deferred revenue amortization

Share of loss in joint venture

Other

Taxes paid

Movements in non-cash working capital

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in inventories 

Increase in trade and other payables

Long term incentive plans

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 (used by) 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)

Interest paid to joint venture (KPMC shareholder loan)

Payments to joint venture (KPMC)

Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

Interest paid

Other

Net cash from (used by) 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

18, 19

13

16

20

4c

10

12

9, 22

6, 23

9

6

10

9, 11b

9, 11b

9, 11b

(224)

1,217

256

31

–

738

(80)

180

5

(56)

45

17

2,129

(313)

(227)

(2)

43

(17)

1,613

(610)

(100)

–

37

(673)

49

(11)

4,017

(3,963)

–

28

(54)

(14)

(5)

(2)

(574)

(14)

(543)

397

523

(6)

914

950

(36)

(51)

907

70

23

101

248

182

89

25

(38)

11

28

1,595

(251)

(404)

(146)

97

(2)

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)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

74

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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

Cash and cash equivalents – restricted cash

Non-current VAT receivable

Property, plant and equipment 

Goodwill

Investment in joint venture

Deferred income tax assets

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

Approved by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on February 16, 2021.

Note

December 31, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

4

5

8

4b

6

7

9

13

8

10

11

10

11

12

13

14

950

737

1,333

88

3,108

40

349

19,468

237

544

152

338

1,138

512

1,367

135

3,152

27

396

19,972

237

589

93

281

24,236

24,747

36

762

164

871

602

615

737

141

838

192

2,435

2,523

7,452

2,286

1,433

595

14,201

5,629

3,695

(455)

8,869

1,166

10,035

24,236

7,360

2,172

1,421

609

14,085

5,615

3,880

(45)

9,450

1,212

10,662

24,747

Simon Scott, Director 

Robert Harding, Director

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

75

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT  
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)

Share capital

Retained 
earnings

5,615

3,880

–

–

–

31

(23)

6

–

(180)

–

(180)

–

–

–

(5)

Accumulated 
other  
comprehensive 
loss

Total equity 
attributable to 
shareholders of 
the Company

Non- 
controlling  
interests

Total Equity

(45)

–

(410)

(410)

–

–

–

–

9,450

1,212

10,662

(180)

(410)

(590)

31

(23)

6

(5)

(44)

–

(44)

–

–

–

(2)

(224)

(410)

(634)

31

(23)

6

(7)

5,629

3,695

(455)

8,869

1,166

10,035

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

Balance at  
December 31, 2019

Net loss

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive loss

Share-based compensation 
expense

Acquisition of treasury 
shares

Net cash from share awards

Dividends

Balance at  
December 31, 2020

Balance at  
December 31, 2018

Net earnings (loss)

 Other comprehensive 
income (loss)

Total comprehensive income 
(loss)

Share-based compensation 
expense1

Dividends

Balance at  
December 31, 2019

1 Net of capitalized amounts

76

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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, silver, zinc 
and acid, and related activities including exploration and development. The Company has operating mines located in Zambia, 
Panama, Finland, Turkey, Spain, Australia and Mauritania. The Company is progressing the Taca Taca copper-gold-molybdenum 
project in Argentina and is exploring the Haquira copper deposit in Peru.

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 Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre, P.O. Box 49314, 
595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7X 1L3.

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, 2020.

Following the declaration on March 11, 2020, of a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the restrictions imposed by 
governments around the world has had a significant impact on the global economy and commodity prices, which have impacted 
the Company. Expected credit losses on financial assets remain immaterial at December 31, 2020. Commodity price risk continues 
to be managed through the Company’s hedging program (see note 24).

On July 3, 2020, the Company received notice from the Panama Ministry of Health of the lifting of the previously imposed 
temporary suspension of labour activities, which resulted in the operation being placed on preservation and safe maintenance in 
early April. The operation reached full production on the three SAG mill trains on August 8, 2020.

All of the Company’s other mines continue to operate. The Company has not experienced any significant disruption to supply 
chains and product shipments since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company is working to manage the logistical 
challenges presented by the closure of trade borders, using alternative routes where feasible. Border restrictions, if ongoing, 
could result in supply chain delays.

On April 22, 2020, the Company announced the amendment of financial covenants under the senior Term Loan and RCF in 
response to uncertainty related to COVID-19. The Net Debt to EBITDA ratio was increased and the Debt Service Cover Ratio was 
decreased, for the remainder of 2020 and 2021. 

At December 31, 2020, the Company had $600 million of committed undrawn senior debt facilities and $914 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, 2020.

77

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT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”), FQM Australia Nickel Pty Limited (“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 subsidiaries 
include Minera Antares Peru S.A.C. (“Haquira”) as well as the subsidiary, Corriente Argentina S.A. (“Taca Taca”) which relates to 
the Taca Taca project. 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.

Non-controlling interests
At December 31, 2020, 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.

78

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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.

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. 

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 when control is obtained. 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.

79

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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. 

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, nickel, silver 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. 

80

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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.

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.

81

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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, with a corresponding increase  
in equity.

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.

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 and other 
receivables, investments, trade and other payables, derivative instruments, debt and amounts due to joint ventures.

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 and other 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.

82

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)(iii) Investments
Investments are designated as FVOCI. Fair value is determined in the manner described in note 24. Unrealized gains and losses 
are recognized in other comprehensive income. 

(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.

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 time value of hedges for the year-ended December 31, 2020 of $3 million (December 31, 2019: 
$nil million) is also 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)’. A loss on ineffective hedges of $30 million was 
recognized in the year ended December 31, 2020, of which $20 million and $10 million related to copper and nickel forwards, 
respectively (December 31, 2019: nil). These losses were due to the interruption to sales as a result of Cobre Panama being placed 
on preservation and safe maintenance in April 2020, and the timing of the restart of Ravensthorpe production, respectively.  
Full levels of production were resumed at Cobre Panama in August 2020. 

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.

83

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)(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) Accounting standards issued but not yet effective

Standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective up to the date of issuance of the financial statements are listed 
below. This listing of standards and interpretations issued are those that the Company reasonably expects to have an impact on 
disclosures, financial position or performance when applied at a future date.

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – IBOR ‘phase 2’ (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16) 

 • Effective on January 1, 2021, Amendments to IFRS 7, IFRS 9 and IAS 39 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform. The amendments to 

IFRS 9 and IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement provide a number of reliefs, which apply to all hedging 
relationships that are directly affected by interest rate benchmark reform (IBOR). A hedging relationship is affected if the 
reform gives rise to uncertainty about the timing and/or amount of benchmark-based cash flows of the hedged item or the 
hedging instrument. The Senior debt facility and the Kalumbila term loan are subject to USD LIBOR and will be impacted by 
IBOR reform.

Amendments to IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment—Proceeds before Intended Use

 • Effective on January 1, 2022, the amendments to IAS 16 require that entities are no longer able to deduct the net proceeds 

from selling any items from an asset’s carrying amount before it is capable of operating in the manner intended by 
management. Instead, the proceeds should be recognized in accordance with applicable standards and in particular applying 
the measurement requirements of IAS 2 for the cost of those items. The Amendments to IAS 16 may impact the Company’s 
development projects. 

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020 Cycle- Amendments to IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of International Standards, 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IFRS 16 Leases, and IAS 41 Agriculture

 • Effective on January 1, 2022, the amendments include an update to IFRS 9 regarding fees included in the quantitative test 

used to determine whether an exchange of debt instruments or modification of terms is accounted for as an extinguishment 
or a modification. The fees are to include only fees paid or received between the borrower and lender or received by either the 
borrower or lender on the other’s behalf. The Company regularly reviews its financing arrangements and further modifications 
or exchanges will be assessed under the updated quantitative test.

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 

84

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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 ore reserves and resources 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.

 • 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 agreement was completed on 
March 26, 2018, with an additional $356 million received from Franco-Nevada.

85

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Management has determined that under the terms of the agreements 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 
agreements. 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.

 • Assessment of impairment indicators

Management applies significant judgement in assessing the 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.

(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).

86

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) • Review of asset carrying values and impairment charges 

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.

 • 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. 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 
$81 million at December 31, 2020.

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, certain assumptions are determined by management 
in calculating the adjustment for expected phasing of VAT receipts. In assessing the expected phasing adjustment, 
management considers publicly available information with respect to the fiscal situation in Zambia as well as the level of 
refunds and offsets provided historically, and a Zambian risk-free rate is then applied to calculate the phasing adjustment. 
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, 2020, would lead to a decrease to the carrying value and an increase to finance 
costs of $36 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

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

583

13

141

737

369

20

123

512

87

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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. dollar1

Adjustment for expected phasing for non-current portion2

Total receivable 

Consisting: 

Current portion, included within trade and other receivables

Non-current VAT receivable

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

178

154

17

349

7

4

2

362

(13)

349

233

141

24

398

10

5

3

416

(20)

396

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

855

(379)

476

(127)

349

–

349

847

(242)

605

(207)

398

2

396

1  The impact of depreciation of the Zambian kwacha against the U.S. dollar in the year ended December 31, 2020 on the Company’s Zambian operations VAT receivable is 

included within other expense in the Statement of Earnings (Loss).

2  The adjustment for expected phasing of $80 million has been recognized in the year-ended December 31, 2020, (year-ended December 31, 2019: $182 million charge), 
representing the expected phasing of the Zambian VAT receivable. Discussions with the relevant government authorities are ongoing and management continues to 
consider that the outstanding VAT claims are fully recoverable.

d) Aging analysis of VAT receivable for the Company’s Zambian operations

Receivable at date of claim 1

Impact of depreciation of Zambian kwacha 
against U.S. dollar

Non-current VAT due

Adjustment for expected phasing

Total VAT receivable from Zambian 
operations

< 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

5-8 years

167

(24)

143

(36)

107

373

(154)

219

(60)

159

107

(59)

48

(13)

35

208

(142)

66

(18)

48

Total

855

(379)

476

(127)

349

1  The movement in VAT receivable at date of claim is net of offsets and cash receipts received in the year-ended December 31, 2020, of $110 million and $1 million (year-ended 

December 31, 2019, $8 million and $3 million).

88

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
5. INVENTORIES

Ore in stockpiles

Work-in-progress

Finished product

Total product inventory

Consumable stores 

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

196

29

313

538

795

1,333

6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Mineral properties and mine 
development costs

Plant and 
equipment

Capital work-
in-progress

Operating 
mines

Development 
projects

Net book value, as at January 1, 2020

10,802

Additions

Disposals

Transfers between categories

Restoration provision (note 11c)

Depreciation charge (note 18)

Net book value, as at December 31, 2020

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

–

(17)

340

–

(847)

10,278

15,627

(5,349)

851

605

–

(652)

–

–

804

804

–

7,182

1,137

–

–

302

107

(352)

7,239

9,470

(2,231)

–

–

10

–

–

1,147

1,147

–

Mineral properties and mine 
development costs

Plant and 
equipment

Capital work-
in-progress

Operating 
mines

Development 
projects

Net book value, as at January 1, 2019

4,634

Change in accounting policy – IFRS 16

Additions

Disposals

Impairments (note 20)

20

–

(32)

(76)

10,125

–

1,274

–

–

Transfers between categories

6,897

(11,097)

Restoration provision (note 11c)

Capitalized interest (note 21)

Depreciation charge (note 18)

Net book value, as at December 31, 2019

Cost

Accumulated depreciation

–

–

(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

–

267

27

284

578

789

1,367

Total

19,972

605

(17)

–

107

(1,199)

19,468

27,048

(7,580)

Total

19,098

20

1,274

(32)

(101)

–

96

549

(932)

19,972

26,420

(6,448)

89

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Following declaration of commercial production at Cobre Panama on September 1, 2019, capitalization of qualifying finance costs 
ceased. During the year ended December 31, 2020, no interest (December 31, 2019: $549 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% to the accumulated qualifying expenditures. 

Included within capital work-in-progress and mineral properties – operating mines at December 31, 2020, is an amount of 
$720 million related to capitalized deferred stripping costs (December 31, 2019: $682 million).

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 the Cobre Panama cash-generating unit at December 31, 2020, was $10,473 million inclusive of deferred 
revenue (December 31, 2019: $10,611 million).

The annual impairment test has been performed at December 31, 2020. For the purposes of the goodwill impairment test, the 
recoverable amount of the Cobre Panama cash-generating unit has been determined using a fair value less costs of disposal 
calculation based on a discounted cash flow model over a period of 34 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 the following key assumptions which included: 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 9.0% 
(December 31, 2019: 9.5%) 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, 2020, and therefore no impairment charge has been recognized.

8. OTHER ASSETS 

Prepaid expenses

KPMC shareholder loan 

Other investments

Derivative instruments (note 24)

Total other assets 

Less: current portion of other assets

90

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

110

292

16

8

426

(88)

338

142

246

19

9

416

(135)

281

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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, 2020 (year 
ended December 31, 2019: $100 million). The remaining consideration is payable in November 2021. 

A $544 million investment in the joint venture representing the discounted consideration value and the Company’s proportionate 
share of the loss in KPMC of $45 million (note 22) is recognized. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the loss attributable 
to KPMC was $90 million (December 31, 2019: $22 million). The loss in KPMC relates 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 
$269 million, shareholder loans receivable from the Company (note 11b) and shareholder loans payable of $1,327 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. 6.875% due October 2027

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,
2020

December 31,
2019

–

–

1,599

845

1,346

993

1,487

1,632

110

311

–

8,323

(871)

7,452

600

129

298

846

1,093

843

1,091

991

–

2,422

341

262

11

8,198

(838)

7,360

250

138

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

(k)

(h)

(j)

The movement in total debt of $125 million is inclusive of deferred charges that are consequently not reflected in financing activities in the Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows.

91

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)a) First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 7.00% due February 2021

The notes were part of the senior obligations of the Company and were guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. 
Interest was payable semi-annually. 

The Company could 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 indicated the 
existence of an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative was not significant.

The Company was subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, and incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of 
preferred stock. 

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 issued a notice of redemption of the remaining 2021 Notes. The 2021 Notes were redeemed  
at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date on February 15, 2020. 

b) First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 7.25% due May 2022

The notes were part of the senior obligations of the Company and were guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. 
Interest was payable semi-annually. 

The Company could 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 indicated the 
existence of an embedded derivative, the value of this derivative was not significant.

The Company was subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, and incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of 
preferred stock.

On September 18, 2020, the Company issued a notice of redemption of the remaining 2022 Notes. The Notes were redeemed at 
100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, to the redemption date on October 19, 2020, the next business 
day following the redemption date.

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 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 priced at 102.50%. The new Notes represent 
an additional offering of the Company’s existing 2023 Notes, issued under the same indentures. 

The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time on or after April 1, 2020, at redemption prices ranging from 
103.625% 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.

d) First Quantum Minerals Ltd. 6.50% due March 2024

In February 2018, the Company issued $850 million in senior notes due in 2024, bearing interest at an annual rate of 6.50%. 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions on asset sales, payments, incurrence of indebtedness and 
issuance of preferred stock.

92

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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 September 2022, plus accrued interest. Prior to 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 indicated 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 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 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.

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 priced at 103.00%. The Notes represent an 
additional offering of the Company’s existing 2025 Notes, issued under the same indentures.

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%.
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. 6.875% due October 2027

On September 17, 2020, the Company announced the offering and pricing of $1,500 million of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2027 at 
an issue price of 100.00%. Settlement took place on October 1, 2020. 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 October 15, 2023, at redemption prices ranging from 
103.44% in the first year to 100% from October 2025, plus accrued interest. In addition, until October 15, 2023, 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.

93

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)h) 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, 2020, $600 million of the RCF has been drawn, leaving $600 million available for the Company to draw.

i)  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, with a repayment of $57 million and a further repayment of the same amount in June 2020. 

This loan was partly repaid on November 27, 2020, with $175 million repaying in full or part, the existing lenders, and a reduced 
commitment of $111 million agreed. While the termination date is December 31, 2021, Kalumbila Minerals Limited has the right 
to request an extension of one further year, subject to lender consent. The full principal outstanding at December 31, 2020, 
$111 million, is due within 12 months.

j)  Trading facilities

The Company’s metal marketing division has five uncommitted borrowing facilities totalling $440 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.

k)  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 was secured by equipment that was purchased from Caterpillar, incurs 
interest at LIBOR plus a margin and amounts were repayable over a period to December 2020. 

In March 2020, the financing arrangement with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation was fully repaid and cancelled.

94

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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) 1

Restoration provisions  (note 11c)

Derivative instruments (note 24)

Non-current consideration for acquisition of joint venture 2 (note 9)

Leases

Retirement provisions

Deferred revenue (note 12)

Other deferred revenue

Other

Total other liabilities

Less: current portion

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

1,327

821

452

–

30

50

91

22

95

2,888

(602)

2,286

1,238

699

31

82

36

40

95

31

112

2,364

(192)

2,172

1 The shareholder loan is due from the Company’s Cobre Panama operation to KPMC, a 50:50 joint venture between the Company and KORES.

2 The current portion of the consideration for acquisition of joint venture of $100 million (December 31, 2019: $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 interest

  Funding provided to MPSA for the development of Cobre Panama

  Interest accrued

Balance at end of year due to KPMC

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

1,238

(54)

28

115

1,327

946

–

190

102

1,238

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, 2020, the accrual for interest payable is $387 million (December 31, 2019: $326 million) and is included in the 
carrying value of the amount owed to the joint venture. Amounts due to KPMC are specifically excluded from the calculation of 
net debt as defined under the Company’s banking covenant ratios.

95

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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

2020

699

107

–

4

11

821

(5)

816

2019

585

96

8

(4)

14

699

(4)

695

The Company has issued letters of credit which are guaranteed by cash deposits, classified as restricted cash on the balance 
sheet at December 31, 2020, totalling $12 million (December 31, 2019: $10 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 0.2% and 1.7% 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 34 years, with the majority payable in the years following the 
cessation of mining operations.

12. DEFERRED REVENUE

Balance at the beginning of the year

  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,
2020

December 31,
2019

1,516

64

(56)

1,524

(91)

1,433

1,490

64

(38)

1,516

(95)

1,421

The Company, through its subsidiary, MPSA, has a precious metal streaming arrangement with Franco-Nevada. The arrangement 
comprises two tranches. Under the first phase of deliveries under the first tranche (“Tranche 1”) Cobre Panama will supply Franco-
Nevada 120 ounces of gold and 1,376 ounces of silver for each 1 million pounds of copper produced, deliverable within 5 days 
of eligible copper concentrate sales. Under the first phase of deliveries under the second tranche (“Tranche 2”) Cobre Panama 
will supply Franco-Nevada a further 30 ounces of gold and 344 ounces of silver for each 1 million pounds of copper produced, 
deliverable within 5 days of eligible copper concentrate sales.

Tranche 1 was finalized on October 5, 2015 which provided for $1 billion of funding to the Cobre Panama project. 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. Tranche 2 was finalized on March 16, 2018, and $356 million was received on completion. 
Proceeds received under the terms of the precious metals streaming arrangement are accounted for as deferred revenue.

96

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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 $437.37 per 
oz gold and $6.56 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 $437.37 per oz for gold and 
$6.56 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. 

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 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 34 years. The Company uses refinery-backed credits as the mechanism for satisfying its delivery obligations 
under the arrangement. In the year ended December 31, 2020, $129 million was recognized in cost of sales, in the year ended 
December 31, 2019, $44 million. 

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

2020

334

(78)

256

2019

270

(200)

70

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 

2020

2019

Amount $

%

Amount $

32

9

(5)

114

172

(34)

256

27

(16)

356

538

(106)

800

19

5

1

46

32

(14)

70

%

27

5

242

168

(74)

369

Losses not recognized consist largely of hedge losses and financing costs incurred in Canada, where such losses cannot be used to 
offset operating income in other countries. 

The deferred income tax assets and liabilities included on the balance sheet are as follows:

Deferred income tax assets

Deferred income tax liabilities

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

152

(595)

(443)

93

(609)

(516)

97

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The significant components of the Company’s deferred income taxes are as follows:

Temporary differences relating to property, plant and equipment 

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

2020

(1,198)

438

120

23

148

26

(443)

2019

(1,353)

554

112

11

134

26

(516)

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 $4,101 million (December 31, 2019: $3,659 million) expiring between 2025 and 2040, and in 
the United States of America totalling $19 million (December 31, 2019: $22 million) expiring between 2021 and 2038.

The Company also has unrecognized deductible temporary differences relating to restoration provisions of $70 million in Canada 
(December 31, 2019: $57 million) and $37 million in Finland (December 31, 2019: $33 million).

The Company has non-Canadian resident subsidiaries that have undistributed earnings of $3,737 million (December 31, 2019: 
$3,458 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, 2019

Shares issued through Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Shares issued through Share Option Plan

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Number  
of shares
(000’s)

689,401

10

906

690,317

The balance of share capital at December 31, 2020 was $5,642 million (December 31, 2019: $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. 

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.

98

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Balance as at January 1, 2019

Shares purchased

Shares vested

Balance as at December 31, 2019

Shares purchased 

Shares vested

Balance as at December 31, 2020

Number of 
shares
(000’s)

4,153

–

(1,791)

2,362

1,618

(1,792)

2,188

The balance of shares held in the trust as at December 31, 2020 was $114 million (December 31, 2019: $114 million).

c)  Dividends

On February 16, 2021, the Company declared a final dividend of CDN$0.005 per share, in respect of the financial year ended 
December 31, 2020 (February 13, 2020: CDN$0.005 per share or $3 million) to be paid on May 6, 2021 to shareholders of record 
on April 15, 2021.

On July 28, 2020, the Company declared an interim dividend of CDN$0.005 per share, in respect of the financial year ended 
December 31, 2020 (July 29, 2019: CDN$0.005 per share or $2 million), paid on September 21, 2020 to shareholders of record on 
August 28, 2020.

15. LOSS PER SHARE 

Basic and diluted loss 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)

Loss per common share – basic (expressed in $ per share)

Loss per common share – diluted (expressed in $ per share)

2020

(180)

2019

(57)

688,469

687,596

–

–

688,469

687,596

(0.26)

(0.26)

(0.08)

(0.08)

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 $19 million (December 31, 2019: $13 million) related to this Plan.

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. 

99

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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, 2019: 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. Included in 
general and administrative expense is share-based compensation expense of $8 million (December 31, 2019: $13 million) related 
to this Plan.

The Company will meet its obligations under the scheme through market purchases. Full details of the scheme are contained in 
the Management Information Circular.

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

2020

2019

Number of 
units
(000’s)

Number of 
units
(000’s)

3,130

1,641

(705)

(446)

3,620

3,411

2,891

(1,010)

(264)

5,028

4,400

2,280

6,680

3,079

1,458

(803)

(604)

3,130

2,868

1,936

(1,181)

(212)

3,411

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

100

2020

0.18%

3 years

46.3%

4%

57.1%

2019

1.74%

3 years

55.2%

4%

51.8%

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) 
b) Share option plan

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.

Share options

Outstanding - beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding – end of year

Exercisable – end of year

2020

Number  
of options  
(000’s)

2019

Number  
of options  
(000’s)

4,333

–

(906)

(94)

3,333

2,035

2,676

1,703

–

(46)

4,333

1,941

Share options grants have been measured using the binomial pricing model. The weighted average inputs of options granted in 
the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows. No options were granted in the year ended December 31, 2020.

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%

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, 2019: $4 million) related to equity-settled share-based 
payments on share options issued under the above plan for the year ended December 31, 2020.

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

2020

2019

4

1

5

10

4

2

5

11

101

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)d) Other related party transactions

Amounts paid to related parties were incurred in the normal course of business and on an arm’s length basis. During the year, 
$6 million (December 31, 2019: $9 million) was paid to parties related to key management for chartering aircraft, accommodation, 
machinery and services. As at December 31, 2020, nil (December 31, 2019: nil) was included in trade and other payables 
concerning related party amounts payable.

17. SALES REVENUES 

Copper

Gold

Nickel

Silver

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

Fuel

Utilities

Freight

Refinery credits 1

Travel

Change in inventories

Copper concentrate purchases

Other

2020

4,377

537

159

44

8

74

2019

3,603

342

–

20

28

74

5,199

4,067

2020

(2,902)

(1,199)

(3)

(18)

(4,122)

2020

(1,217)

(855)

(762)

(275)

(270)

(212)

(203)

(203)

(129)

(19)

(3)

–

(89)

2019

(2,287)

(932)

(83)

25

(3,277)

2019

(907)

(697)

(567)

(278)

(219)

(199)

(200)

(139)

(44)

(18)

(83)

(7)

(20)

Expenses presented above include cost of sales, general and administrative and exploration expenses.

1 Refinery-backed credits are used to satisfy the delivery obligations under the Franco-Nevada streaming arrangement, details of which are disclosed in note 12.

(4,237)

(3,378)

102

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)20. IMPAIRMENT AND RELATED CHARGES

Las Cruces

Other

Impairment of Las Cruces

2020

–

–

–

2019

(97)

(4)

(101)

Impairment indicators were identified in relation to the Las Cruces mine in the year ended December 31, 2019, following 
finalization of the mine plan after a land slippage occurred. 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. An impairment 
charge of $97 million was recognized against property, plant and equipment. The remaining carrying value of non-current assets 
is disclosed in note 23. The fair value is classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see note 24).

21. FINANCE COSTS

Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortized cost

Finance cost accretion on deferred revenue

Accretion on restoration provision (note 11c)

Total finance costs

Less: interest capitalized (note 6)

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

2020

(729)

(64)

(11)

(804)

–

(804)

2020

(225)

–

(45)

2

(268)

2019

(756)

(64)

(14)

(834)

549

(285)

2019

(96)

(8)

(11)

1

(114)

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 report 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. 

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.

103

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Earnings by segment

For the year ended December 31, 2020, segmented information for the statement of earnings (loss) is presented as follows:

Cobre Panama 2

Kansanshi 3

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other 4

Total

Cost of sales 
(excluding 
depreciation)

Revenue

Depreciation

Other

Operating 
profit (loss) 1

Income tax 
(expense) 
credit

1,455

1,539

1,353

332

300

64

46

156

(46)

5,199

(781)

(828)

(729)

(130)

(157)

(36)

(33)

(200)

(11)

(400)

(247)

(261)

(215)

(40)

(22)

(5)

(24)

(3)

(2,905)

(1,217)

(13)

(119)

(96)

(23)

(8)

1

2

(7)

(119)

(382)

261

345

267

(36)

95

7

10

(75)

(179)

695

–

(142)

(106)

8

(22)

(25)

(2)

28

5

(256)

1 Operating profit (loss) less net finance costs and taxes equals net earnings (loss) for the year on the consolidated statement of earnings.

2 Cobre Panama declared commercial production September 1, 2019. Prior to this date, revenue and development costs were capitalized.

3 Kansanshi Mining Plc, the most significant contributor to the Kansanshi segment, is 20% owned by ZCCM, a Zambian government owned entity.

4 Revenue includes hedge gains recognized on forward copper sales and zero cost collar options and forward nickel sales.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, segmented information for the statement of earnings is presented as follows:

Cobre Panama 2

Kansanshi 3

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other 4

Total

Cost of sales 
(excluding 
depreciation)

Revenue

Depreciation

Other

Operating 
profit (loss) 1

Income tax 
(expense) 
credit

524

1,581

1,199

291

243

95

90

–

44

(319)

(865)

(771)

(131)

(154)

(46)

(45)

(32)

(7)

(113)

(244)

(252)

(198)

(44)

(27)

(21)

(6)

(2)

4,067

(2,370)

(907)

(2)

(76)

(39)

(98)

(7)

6

2

(1)

(101)

(316)

90

396

137

(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 Cobre Panama declared commercial production September 1, 2019. Prior to this date, revenue and development costs were capitalized.

3 Kansanshi Mining Plc, the most significant contributor to the Kansanshi segment, is 20% owned by ZCCM, a Zambian government owned entity.

4 Revenue includes hedge losses recognized on forward copper sales and zero cost collar options.

104

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Balance sheet by segment

Segmented information on balance sheet items is presented as follows:

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Non-current 
assets1

11,919

2,488

2,945

32

48

64

10

802

1,483

19,791

Total  
assets

12,505

4,052

3,485

102

154

105

34

963

2,836

24,236

Total  
liabilities

3,201

840

488

153

48

37

46

255

9,133

14,201

Non-current 
assets 1

12,006

2,641

3,056

213

89

83

11

710

1,427

20,236

Total  
assets

12,623

3,939

3,633

848

190

132

79

812

2,491

24,747

Total  
liabilities

3,124

923

623

194

50

28

45

173

8,925

14,085

Cobre Panama 2

Kansanshi 3

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Pyhäsalmi

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other 4

Total

1  Non-current assets include $19,468 million of property plant and equipment (December 31, 2019: $19,972 million) and exclude financial instruments, deferred tax assets, VAT 

receivable and goodwill.

2 Cobre Panama is 20% owned by KPMC, a joint venture.

3  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.

4  Included within the corporate segment are assets relating to the Haquira project, $692 million (December 31, 2019: $689 million), and to the Taca Taca project, $445 million 

(December 31, 2019: $441 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:

Cobre Panama

Kansanshi

Sentinel

Las Cruces

Guelb Moghrein

Çayeli

Ravensthorpe

Corporate & other

Total

2020

267

111

148

2

10

4

55

13

610

2019

1,082

150

154

24

9

6

6

24

1,455

105

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Geographical information

Revenue by destination 1

China

Singapore

Zambia

Spain

India

South Africa

South Korea

Japan

Brazil

Barbados

Bulgaria

Germany

Belgium

Egypt

Finland

Tanzania

Taiwan

Mexico

Italy

The Philippines

DR Congo

Other

Hedge gains (losses) 2

2020

1,985

615

518

505

342

247

188

144

125

87

80

72

60

52

49

46

44

27

24

–

1

36

(48)

5,199

2019

1,415

351

486

383

389

379

12

22

–

36

31

29

190

70

88

–

40

24

–

51

23

4

44

4,067

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.

106

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

11,919

5,422

808

690

445

32

48

64

10

353

19,791

1,337

21,128

12,006

5,685

716

686

440

177

89

83

11

343

20,236

1,360

21,596

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 as at 
December 31, 2020:

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

Derivative instruments in designated hedge relationships

Other derivative instruments 2

Leases

Liability to joint venture

Debt 

Amortized  
cost

Fair value 
through  
profit or loss

Fair value 
through OCI

141

292

–

–

–

762

–

–

30

1,327

8,323

583

–

–

5

–

–

–

48

–

–

–

–

–

3

–

16

–

404

–

–

–

–

Total

724

292

3

5

16

762

404

48

30

1,327

8,323

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.

107

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The following provides a comparison of carrying and fair values of each classification of financial instrument as 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.

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.

108

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on the balance sheet at  
December 31, 2020 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

4

–

16

24

–

–

4

–

–

428

–

–

–

–

–

4

4

16

24

428

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.

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on the balance sheet at  
December 31, 2019, 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

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.

109

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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, 2020, 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. 33% of the Company’s trade receivables 
are outstanding from three customers together representing 27% 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, Sentinel, Panama and Çayeli 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, prepaid taxes and amounts held in broker accounts.

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, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

724

362

1,086

492

416

908

The VAT receivable due from government authorities includes $349 million at December 31, 2020, which is past due 
(December 31, 2019: $396 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, 2020, 
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.

110

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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, 2020, and December 31, 2019. 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 1

Undrawn debt facilities (note 10)

December 31, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

914

1,107

729

523

994

388

1  Working capital includes trade and other receivables (note 4), inventories (note 5), current prepaid expenses (note 8), current trade and other payables, current taxes 

payable, current leases (note 11) and current deferred revenue (note 11).

Contractual and other obligations as at December 31, 2020 are as follows:

Debt – principal repayments

Debt – finance charges

Trading facilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative instruments

Carrying
Value

8,012

–

311

762

452

Contractual 
Cashflows

8,061

2,147

311

762

452

Liability to joint venture 1

1,327

2,387

Joint venture consideration

Current taxes payable

Deferred payments

Leases

Commitments

Restoration provisions

94

164

50

30

–

821

12,023

100

164

50

34

50

1,147

15,665

< 1 
year

561

513

311

762

452

–

100

164

5

9

50

40

1-3 
years

2,800

869

3-5 
years

2,200

524

Thereafter

2,500

241

–

–

–

–

–

–

10

14

–

49

–

–

–

–

–

–

10

6

–

48

–

–

–

2,387

–

–

25

5

–

1,010

6,168

2,967

3,742

2,788

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.

111

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Contractual and other obligations as at December 31, 2019 are as follows:

Carrying 
Value

Contractual 
Cashflows

Debt – principal repayments

7,936

Debt – finance charges

Trading facilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative instruments

Liability to joint venture 1

Joint venture consideration

Current taxes payable

Deferred payments

Leases

Commitments

Restoration provisions

–

262

637

31

1,238

182

141

42

36

–

699

11,204

8,004

2,014

262

637

31

2,312

200

141

42

41

137

1,103

14,924

< 1 
year

804

544

262

637

31

–

100

141

4

14

137

9

1-3 
years

3,150

901

–

–

–

–

100

–

8

13

–

81

2,683

4,253

3-5 
years

1,950

425

–

–

–

–

–

–

8

8

–

51

2,442

Thereafter

2,100

144

–

–

–

2,312

–

–

22

6

–

962

5,546

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, 2020, a fair value loss of $401 million (2019: fair value gain of $8 million) has been recognized  
on derivatives designated as hedged instruments through accumulated other comprehensive income and a fair value loss of  
$48 million (2019: fair value gain of $44 million) has been recognized through sales revenues. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had unmargined copper forward sales contracts for 152,125 tonnes at an 
average price of $2.86 per lb outstanding with periods of maturity to December 2021. In addition, the Company has zero cost 
collar unmargined sales contracts for 174,400 tonnes at weighted average prices of $2.83 per lb to $3.07 per lb outstanding with 
maturities to December 2021. The Company also had unmargined nickel forward sales contracts for 3,213 tonnes at an average 
price of $6.89 per lb outstanding with maturities to October 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, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the Company had not entered into any sulphur 
derivatives. At December 31, 2020, the Company had entered into fuel forward contracts over 60,408,600 litres at an average 
price of $0.34 per litre.

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.

112

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 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, 2020, were as follows:

Commodity contracts:

Copper forward

Copper zero cost collar

Nickel forward

Fuel forward

Open Positions
(tonnes/ozs)

Average  
Contract price

Closing Market 
price

Maturities 
Through

152,125

$

2.86/lb

174,400

$2.83 - $3.07/lb

3,213

60,408,600

$

$

6.89/lb

0.34/lt

$

$

$

$

3.51/lb

December 2021

3.51/lb

December 2021

7.50/lb

0.38/lt

October 2021

April 2021

As at December 31, 2019, the following commodity contracts were outstanding:

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, 2020, and December 31, 2019, 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, 2020, 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 

Nickel

Commodity contracts:

Copper 

Gold 

Nickel

146,677

43,103

3,176

146,174

42,730

3,174

$

$

$

$

$

$

3.46/lb

1,829/oz

7.55/lb

3.46/lb

1,829/oz

7.55/lb

$

$

$

$

$

$

3.51/lb

1,891/oz

April 2021

April 2021

7.50/lb

February 2021

3.51/lb

1,891/oz

April 2021

April 2021

7.50/lb

February 2021

113

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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

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, 
2020

December 31, 
2019

8

(452)

9

(31)

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, 2020. There is no impact of these changes on other 
comprehensive income except indirectly through the impact on the fair value of 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

2020

3.46/lb

1,829/oz

7.55/lb

$

$

$

$

$

2019

2.71/lb

1,502/oz

–

2020

2019

–

–

–

1

–

–

Copper

Gold

Nickel

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. 

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, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the 
Company held no floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps. 

114

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)At December 31, 2020, 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, 
2020

Impact of interest rate change  
on net earnings

100 basis point 
increase

100 basis point 
decrease

914

2,053

7

(27)

(7)

27

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

c)  Foreign exchange risk  

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

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, 2020, the Company is exposed to currency risk through the following assets and liabilities denominated in 
currencies other than USD: 

CAD

GBP

AUD

ZMW

EUR

TRY

ZAR

MRU

Total

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Investments

Financial  
liabilities

2

1

9

3

17

–

3

–

35

3

–

4

6

9

–

–

–

22

–

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

1

2

7

52

14

44

4

8

–

131

Based on the above net exposures as at December 31, 2020, 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 $nil million increase or decrease in 
the Company’s other comprehensive income.

115

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)As at December 31, 2019, the Company is exposed to currency risk through the following assets and liabilities denominated in 
currencies other than USD: 

CAD

GBP

AUD

ZMW

EUR

TRY

ZAR

MRU

Total

Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Investments

Financial  
liabilities

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.

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 $50 million (December 31, 2019: $137 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. 

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

116

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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.

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:

 • 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  

environmental petitions.

 • In reviewing the process of approval of Law 9 of 1997, the Supreme Court found that the National Assembly had failed to 

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

 • The applicable Cabinet Decree of 1969, which was repealed in 1997 by Law 9, required the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 

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

 • The Attorney General of Panama has provided two formal opinions favourable to the constitutionality of Law 9 as required in 

this type of proceedings by Panamanian law.

 • The Supreme Court ruling did not make a declaration as to the annulment of the MPSA mining concession contract.
 • 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 current 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.

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.

117

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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 US$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 resisted this application. Both applications had an oral 
hearing in October 2019.

However, after the October 2019 hearing, ZCCM pursued a challenge to the registration of the Arbitral Award on grounds that it 
was not enforceable because it had complied with the costs payment order of the Arbitral Award. KMP opposed ZCCM’s challenge 
and made submissions to the Registrar that an Arbitration Award is eligible for registration despite compliance with costs 
orders. On February 13, 2020, the Registrar accepted KMP’s position and dismissed ZCCM’s challenge to the registration of the 
Arbitration Award. Accordingly, the Lusaka High Court proceeded to rule on the abuse of process application. By way of a ruling 
dated March 23, 2020, the Lusaka High Court agreed with KMP’s application that the process, if it were to be allowed to continue 
before it, would risk conflicting judgements and would be res judicata. Accordingly, ZCCM’s derivative action case was dismissed, 
with costs awarded to KMP against ZCCM. On April 6, 2020, ZCCM sought permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal on grounds 
that the High Court judge erred in fact and in law. KMP objects to the appeal, and the matter remains pending. The Court of 
Appeal has delivered its judgment on January 13, 2021, dismissing all grounds of appeal with the exception of one ground raised 
by the ZCCM-IH and awarded costs to the defendants. With regards to the remaining ground, the Court of Appeal held that the 
determination of this ground of appeal would be inconsequential as the matter should have been determined earlier than now 
and is therefore now moot. On 9 February 2021, ZCCM sought leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme 
Court of Zambia. The defendants challenge the leave application.

In addition, on November 11, 2019, Kansanshi Holding Ltd (KHL) filed a UNCITRAL Rules based Request for Arbitration against 
ZCCM and KMP (as Nominal Respondent) in connection with a Cash Management Services Agreement dated August 19, 2019.  
KHL seeks a declaration that the CMSA is an arm’s length contract. The CMSA provides for cash management services whereby 
KMP would deposit with the Group’s treasury subsidiary certain of its cash balances for management by FQML’s treasury 
function. All cash managed and deposited is callable on demand by KMP and attracts commercial interest rates. Under the 
shareholder agreement between the Group and ZCCM, related party transactions are required to be on arm’s length basis. This 
arbitration was held virtually in a hearing between October 19 to 23, 2020. On February 15, 2021, the Tribunal issued a Partial 
Final Award regarding contractual requirements for arm’s length transactions. The partial decision is being reviewed and the 
parties await the Tribunal’s subsequent directions in respect of the remaining issues.

118

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)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, 2020. 
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 2020 
financial year.

Sale of Mopani

On January 19, 2021, Glencore announced that its subsidiary Carlisa Investments Corp. (“Carlisa”) has signed an agreement  
with ZCCM Investments Holding plc (“ZCCM”) to transfer its 90% interest in Mopani Copper Mines plc (“Mopani”) to ZCCM.  
The Company owns 18.8% of Carlisa resulting in an effective ownership interest of 16.9% in Mopani.

Completion of the sale is conditional on receipt of regulatory approvals in Zambia and approvals of both shareholders and the 
board of directors of ZCCM.

119

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORTNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)Directors

PHILIP PASCALL
Chairman of the Board  
and Chief Executive Officer

ROBERT HARDING
Lead Independent Director,  
Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee

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.

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 retired from the Board of Brookfield Asset Management, 
where he was Chairman from 1997–2010, in 2019.

ANDREW ADAMS
Independent Director, Chair of Compensation Committee

CLIVE NEWALL
President and 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. He was Chairman of TMAC Resources Inc until February 
2021. Currently, he serves as an independent non-executive 
Director of Torex Gold Resources.

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.

120

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

KATHLEEN HOGENSON
Independent Director,  
Chair of EHS & CSR Committee

SIMON SCOTT
Independent Director,  
Chair of the Audit 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 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

JOANNE WARNER
Independent Director

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.

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 and Deterra Royalties Limited, a mining royalty 
company listed on the ASX. 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 the University of Oxford, England. 

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

121

Shareholder Information

MANAGEMENT AND OFFICERS 
OF THE COMPANY

TRANSFER AGENT  
AND REGISTRAR

PHILIP PASCALL
Chairman of the Board, 
Chief Executive Officer

CLIVE NEWALL1
President

WYATT BUCK2
Director, Operations

HANNES MEYER
Chief Financial Officer

SARAH ROBERTSON
Corporate Secretary

JULIET WALL
General Manager Finance

ZENON WOZNIAK
Director, Projects

TRISTAN PASCALL3
Director, Strategy

1  Retired December 2020 

2  Retired September 2020

3	 	Appointed	Chief	Operations	Officer	 

on January 1, 2021.

COMPUTERSHARE 
INVESTOR SERVICES INC.
510 Burrard Street, 3rd Floor 
Vancouver, British Columbia 
Canada V6C 3B9

Email: service@computershare.com
Toll-free in North America 
Outside of North America 

+1 800 564 6253
+1 514 982 7555

AUDITORS

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PwC Tower

18 York Street, Suite 2600

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 0B2

EXCHANGE LISTINGS

Common Shares

Toronto Stock Exchange 

Symbol: FM

Depository Receipts

Lusaka Stock Exchange 

Symbol: FQMZ

ANNUAL MEETING  
OF SHAREHOLDERS

Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 08:00am EDT

Virtual

122

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Corporate Directory

CONTACT US

www.first-quantum.com

info@fqml.com

REGISTERED OFFICE
Suite 2600, Three Bentall Centre

P.O. Box 49314

595 Burrard Street, Vancouver

British Columbia, Canada V7X 1L3

Tel 

+1 416 361 6400 

Toll-free  +1 888 688 65777 

Fax 

+1 416 368 4692

HEAD OFFICE

CANADA

330 Bay Street, Suite 1101 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 2S8

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

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