First Quantum Minerals stock targets longer Zambia mine lives

Published on 11/13/2026 at 22:28 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

First Quantum Minerals stock faces a Zambia growth plan built on mine-life extensions and exploration. Renewable power supports the expansion.

Zambia expansion relies on power

First Quantum is extending mine lives and exploring for additional ore at its Zambian operations.
Kansanshi S3 has extended the mine life to at least 2044, while Sentinel has a current mine life of 12 years.
The company is supporting renewable power projects and targets fully renewable electricity for its Zambian operations.

First Quantum Minerals, CA3359341052, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

First Quantum Minerals is investing in mine-life extensions, exploration and power infrastructure in Zambia as the country seeks to expand copper production. Creamer Media reported the developments on Friday, November 13, citing Zambia director Anthony Mukutuma.

Longer mine lives support growth

First Quantum expects its Kansanshi and Sentinel mines to produce a combined 365,000 to 425,000 tonnes of copper in 2026. Its Zambian copper production guidance stands at 400,000 to 460,000 tonnes for 2027 and 420,000 to 480,000 tonnes for 2028.

The Kansanshi S3 expansion reached commercial production in 2025 and has extended the mine life to at least 2044. Other operations are expected to continue until 2049, while exploration is under way to extend Sentinel's current 12-year mine life.

First Quantum Minerals stock traded at 20.50 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 22:26 CET on Friday, November 13, 2026.

Renewable power remains central

Power supply is a key part of the expansion plan. First Quantum is an offtaker for 430 megawatts of solar and wind projects being developed with TotalEnergies and Chariot Energy, with commissioning expected in 2027. The company also purchases 25 to 35 megawatts from the 100-megawatt Chisamba solar project under a ten-year agreement.

First Quantum says 81 percent of its purchased electricity already comes from renewable sources and its climate transition plan targets 100 percent renewable power for its Zambian operations. The company is also working with ZESCO on grid-stability equipment, with the first unit expected in early 2028.

The Kansanshi smelter supports local processing by converting copper concentrate into 99-percent-pure copper anodes and producing sulphuric acid for oxide-ore leaching. For investors, the expansion plan links production growth to mine-life extensions, exploration success and reliable electricity supply.

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