Suspension of Normal Operations at Guelb Moghrein

FIRST QUANTUM MINERALS SUSPENDS OPERATIONS

AT ITS GUELB MOGHREIN MINE

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company", TSX Symbol "FM", LSE Symbol "FQM") today announced that it has temporarily suspended normal operations at its Guelb Moghrein copper-gold mine in Mauritania due to strike action by some unionized employees.

 The Company has sought a negotiated resolution. While these efforts continue, steps are now being undertaken to further scale back management resources at site until a decision to restart normal operations is made.

The Company will provide further updates as warranted.

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 website at www.first-quantum.com

North American contact: Sharon Loung, Director, Investor RelationsTel: (647) 346-3934 Fax: (604) 688-3818 Toll Free: 1 (888) 688-6577 E-Mail: [email protected] United Kingdom contact: Clive Newall, PresidentTel: +44 140 327 3484 Fax: +44 140 327 3494 E-Mail: [email protected]