By NATION REPORTER
FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) has maintained its trend of increasing production in the third quarter of 2023, propelled by the mining firm’s execution of new agreements with the Zambian government last year.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”4,5,6″ ihc_mb_template=”2″ ]
During the quarter, FQM marked a significant milestone by making its first concentrate sale from the newly established enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
Additionally, the company has continued to advance steadily with the S3 expansion project at its Kansanshi mine in Solwezi.
FQM Country Manager, Godwin Beene, said this performance was also a result of mining fleet deployment changes, allowing for the opening up of new mining areas and a reduced reliance on variable-grade ore stockpiles.
“Enterprise is pleased to announce the successful achievement of its first concentrate sale during the third quarter of 2023. The primary focus remains on waste stripping and the final ramp-up of the process plant to reach full production capacity.
“This process was challenged by the metallurgical characteristics of the shallow ore, which impacted recoveries. However, a deeper understanding of the process impact of this material has been developed, leading to continuous improvements,” Dr Beene said.
In response to the challenges faced, Dr Beene revealed that the production guidance for enterprise in 2023 has been adjusted to a range of 3, 000 to 5, 000 tonnes of nickel, a revision from the earlier projection of 5, 000 to 10, 000 metric tonnes.
Dr Beene further said that progress was going well at the sulphide 3 (S3) expansion project, with the detailed design expected to be largely completed by the end of this year, and that key equipment deliveries for the long-lead mining fleet and process plant had already begun.
“The site has seen the commissioning of the first ultra-class trucks, and initial components for the mills and primary crusher have been dispatched. Deliveries will continue through the second quarter of 2024. And by the end of the quarter, approximately 90 percent of all mechanical equipment has been ordered, and the overall project procurement has reached around 55 percent commitment,” he said.
He added that, most of the capital expenditure for the S3 expansion was anticipated in 2024, and the first production is expected in 2025.
[/ihc-hide-content]
