VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Jan. 4, 2012) - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSX:FM)(LSE:FQM) ("First Quantum" or the "Company") today confirmed that production at its Kansanshi copper/gold mine in Zambia is currently suspended due to a labour dispute which started on January 3, 2012.

"Every effort is being made to understand and resolve the issues behind the dispute and we will keep our stakeholders informed of developments as warranted," commented Philip Pascall, First Quantum's Chairman and CEO.

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

G. Clive Newall, President

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Listed in Standard and Poor's


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
        First Quantum Minerals Ltd. - North American Contact
        Sharon Loung
        Director, Investor Relations
        (647) 346-3934 or Toll Free: 1 (888) 688-6577
        Fax: (604) 688-3818(FAX)
        sharon.loung@fqml.com

        First Quantum Minerals Ltd. - United Kingdom Contact
        Clive Newall
        President
        +44 140 327 3484
        Fax: +44 140 327 3494(FAX)
        clive.newall@fqml.com
        www.first-quantum.com

        Maitland - United Kingdom Contact
        Brian Cattell
        +44 207 379 5151
        bcattell@maitland.co.uk

        Maitland - United Kingdom Contact
        James Devas
        +44 207 379 5151
        Fax: +44 20 7379 6161(FAX)
        jdevas@maitland.co.uk

Source: First Quantum Minerals Ltd.