LUSAKA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- First Quantum Minerals Ltd., a Canada-based global copper company, has declared commercial production at its nickel mining project in northwestern Zambia.
The company said in a statement Wednesday that it produced 6,147 metric tons of nickel during the second quarter of 2024, up from 4,031 metric tons during the first quarter.
"The first half of the year has yielded consistently positive results, meeting expectations and supporting the recommendation to declare commercial production," the statement said, noting that mining volumes were steadily improving.
The nickel production has added 929 more jobs, bringing the total number of employees at the mining firm to 8,505, declared the company.
Anthony Mukutuma, the First Quantum Minerals' director for Zambia, said the commercialization at its nickel project and expansion works at its other operations in the country were a demonstration of the company's long-term commitment to Zambia.
He also said the company plans to complete construction of the smelter plant by the first half of 2025 in order to commence ore processing.
The company approved its nickel project in 2022 alongside the smelter project following the commitment by the Zambian government to reform the mining sector and establish a platform for more stable, durable and responsible mining in the country.
