First Quantum Temporarily Suspends Operations at Its Guelb Moghrein Mine

Juli 17 13:10 2012

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — (Marketwire) — 07/17/12 — First Quantum Minerals Ltd. („First Quantum“ or the „Company“) (TSX: FM)(LSE: FQM) today announced that it has temporarily suspended normal operations at its Guelb Moghrein copper-gold mine in Mauritania due to illegal strike action by some unionized employees.

The Company continues to work through a government-facilitated mediation process to achieve a resolution to the illegal strike and will update stakeholders as warranted.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

G. Clive Newall, President

12g3-2b-82-4461

Listed in Standard and Poor-s

Contacts:
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. – North American contact
Sharon Loung
Director, Investor Relations
(647) 346-3934 or Toll Free: 1 (888) 688-6577
(604) 688-3818 (FAX)

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. – United Kingdom contacts
Clive Newall
President
+44 140 327 3484
+44 140 327 3494 (FAX)