First Quantum Temporarily Suspends Operations at Its Guelb Moghrein Mine

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 17, 2012) - 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

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