First Quantum Minerals – FQM – has recorded a 2,180 tonnes decrease in its copper production at its Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi for the second quarter of 2022.
Kansanshi’s copper production was 39,719 tonnes, while the company’s copper production at its Sentinel mine in Kalumbila was on target after producing 52,447 tonnes .
A combined production from the two mines was lower than the previous quarter.
FQM’s Chief Executive Officer, TRISTAN PASCALL has explained in a statement that the results at the company’s Kansanshi mine were affected by lower feed grades caused by current mining conditions.
Other factors include an extended rainy season, higher than anticipated water levels restricted mining deployment, which required supplementary plant feed from a low grade stockpiles.
Mr. PASCALL also disclosed that FQM’s Sentinel’s mine in Kalumbila production of ore and waste remained behind the planned schedule in the second quarter of 2022, although progress had been made on preparing the pit for an improved second half of the year.
He said low truck availability and a backlog of truck maintenance continued from the first quarter thereby affecting copper production.
