First Quantum Minerals Begins Commissioning at Kansanshi Copper-
2004-11-11 15:14 (New York)
Gold Mine, Zambia
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 2004
ZESCO Energizes Power Line at Kansanshi
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSX:FM) (LSE:FQM) is pleased to
announce that the new ZESCO Limited 330KV power line linking the
cities of Chingola and Solwezi has been completed and energized. A
link to the new substation at the Kansanshi mine site has also been
completed and the first 65KV transformer is available for use at
Kansanshi.
Commissioning is underway. Waste stripping and ore stockpiling
have commenced. During the remainder of 2004 and the first quarter of
2005, activation of the mill, flotation, leach, filtration, solvent
extraction, and electrowinning facilities will take place as well as
build-up of in circuit inventory. Commissioning will be prioritized,
with the staged introduction of water and ore through the plant,
commencing with the sulphide circuit, and followed by the oxide
circuit. Commercial production is expected to begin in March of 2005.
Philip Pascall, Chairman and CEO commented, "We are very pleased
with the on time delivery of electricity to the Kansanshi mine. We
have been extremely impressed with the efforts of ZESCO, China Henan
International Cooperation Group Co Limited (sub station construction)
and Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (power line construction). We
are delighted with the support that we have received from President
Mwanawasa and the Government of the Republic of Zambia. We recognize
the importance of both the new power line and the Kansanshi mine to
the people of the North-Western Province. First Quantum Minerals is a
committed long term investor in Zambia and we believe that the
development of new low cost copper deposits, like Kansanshi, will play
an increasingly important role in the future of Zambia's copper
industry." |
