First Quantum Minerals (FQM) last week reported Q1 2011 production of 74,900 t of copper and 49,100 oz of gold. Lower overall copper production, compared to Q1 2010, reflects the forced shutdown of operations at the Frontier mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo in August 2010. International Mining’s Great Mines series on Newmont Mining comes to an end with the June issue. The next series, from July to the end of the year, will examine FQM in detail – mines like Kansanshi and the upcoming Sentinel in Zambia and FQM’s leap into nickel, Kevitsa in Finland and Ravensthorpe in Australia.FQM’s finished copper inventory at March 31, 2011 increased to approximately 40,100 t of copper (Kansanshi 28,900 t, Guelb Moghrein 11,100 t, Frontier 100 t (at dispatch port)), from the December 31, 2010 level of 37,000 t. Nickel production will start soon.

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