PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO RDC

FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO RDC FOLLOWING

FUEL TANKER EXPLOSION

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company", TSX Symbol "FM", LSE Symbol "FQM") and its subsidiaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo ("RDC"), Frontier and Comisa, have responded to a request from the RDC Minister of Health for assistance following a fuel tanker explosion in the eastern region of the country.

The Company has sourced and is in the process of transporting two tonnes of medical supplies from South Africa to Bukavu by a chartered aircraft. The supplies include specialized burns bandages and creams, painkillers, and antibiotics which will assist the local health authorities in their efforts to treat the victims of the explosion.

First Quantum personnel are working with the Governor of South Kivu and local health services to ensure the efficient and effective delivery and utilization of the medical supplies which are expected to be delivered during the afternoon of Thursday 8th July. The Company is also seeking to coordinate its efforts with the UN mission in the region.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors 12g3-2b-82-4461

of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Listed in Standard and Poor's

G. Clive Newall

President

For further information visit our web site at www.first-quantum.com

North American contact: Sharon Loung 8th Floor, 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 1X8 Tel: (647) 346-3934 Fax: (604) 688-3818 Toll Free: 1 (888) 688-6577 E-Mail: [email protected] United Kingdom contact: Clive Newall, President 1st Floor, Mill House, Mill Bay Lane, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1TQ United Kingdom Tel: +44 140 327 3484 Fax: +44 140 327 3494 E-Mail: [email protected] Or Simon Hockridge

Hogarth Partnership Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7357 9477