First Quantum Announces the Resumption of Operations at Its Guelb Moghrein Mine

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 26, 2012) - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company") (TSX:FM)(LSE:FQM) today announced that the majority of the workforce at its Guelb Moghrein copper-gold mine in Mauritania has returned to work and operations have resumed.

As a result of the temporary suspension of operations due to illegal strike action, the mine lost 12 production days. The Company continues to work through a government-facilitated mediation process to resolve the differences with the unions.

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

G. Clive Newall, President

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