First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced that a land slippage occurred on the slope of the northern zone of the open pit mine in the Cobre Las Cruces, located in the municipality of Gerena (Seville province) Spain. The Company can now report that, subject to regulatory approvals, a start-up of the mill is expected to commence sometime in February to process the existing stockpiles while developing a plan to mine Phase 6 of the operation is established and submitted for regulatory approvals. The stockpiles are lower grade and are expected to continue to be processed until the mining of Phase 6 can commence. Phase 6 ore is not impacted by the slippage and is accessible by the southern ramp which is not affected. The Company will provide further updates as more information is available.