Operations Halted at Kansanshi Copper Mine After Fatal Incident

First Quantum Suspends Kansanshi Operations Following Fatal Accident

First Quantum Minerals has temporarily suspended operations at its Kansanshi copper mine in northwestern Zambia due to a fatal incident. Details regarding the resumption of operations or the impact on copper production remain unclear.

The Kansanshi mine is a key copper producer, reporting an output of 41,500 metric tons in Q2 2023, a nearly 20% increase year-on-year. In 2022, it contributed 134,827 metric tons of copper and 68,970 ounces of gold to First Quantum’s overall mining operations.

Concerns for Global Copper Supply

First Quantum, which operates several major mines globally, including Cobre Panama and the Sentinel mine in Zambia, had forecasted copper production of 370,000 to 420,000 metric tons for 2024. However, the suspension at Kansanshi raises concerns about the company’s ability to meet these targets. The mining industry is closely monitoring the situation’s impact on both local and global copper supply chains.