First Quantum faces strike threat in Panama

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (FM-TSX) is facing the threat of a strike at noon on September 9, 2023 if workers at its mining operation in Panama do not reach a deal with the company on a new collective agreement published reports say.

Union leader Michael Camacho told Bloomberg in a telephone interview that was published in a Scotiabank investment report that negotiations are stuck on two points: a salary raise and a bonus for workers based on mineral production.

The union proposes raising salaries by an additional $8.00 per hour and has notified its strike plans to the government, which has in turn informed the company.

On Wednesday, First Quantum shares were virtually unchanged after falling by almost 6.0% or $2.18 to $34.91 in September 5, 2023. The shares are currently trading in a 52-week range of $39.13 and $20.11.

First Quantum is a diversified mining company that is engaged in the production of copper, nickel, gold and zinc. It has operating mines in Zambia, Finland, Turkey, Spain and Mauritania. The company’s portfolio of assets includes the Kansanshi mine in Zambia, which ranks as the largest copper mine in Africa.

Cobre Panama is First Quantum’s flagship operation. It is a huge open-pit copper project located in the Panama jungle, about 120 kilometres west of Panama City and ranks as First Quantum’s key asset.

On March 8, 2023, First Quantum and the government of Panama reached an agreement covering terms and conditions for a refreshed concession contract at Cobre Panama. Under the agreement, payments to cover taxes and royalties up to year-end 2022 of approximately US$395 million were expected to be made within 30 days of the refreshed concession contract being enacted into law.

In addition, past due amounts payable for 2023 corporate tax instalments, withholding taxes and quarterly royalty payments were also due 30 days after the refreshed concession contract was enacted into law without penalty or interest.

The company recently said production at its three major copper operations is expected to be higher in the second half of the 2023 following a challenging start to the year.

Guidance for copper, gold and nickel production remains unchanged; however, full year production for each metal is expected to be towards the lower end of guidance to reflect year to date production.

The company also said full year cash and all-in-sustaining costs for copper and nickel are expected to be toward the upper end of its forecasts.

The company posted net earnings of US$93 million (13 cents per share) in the second quarter ended June 30, 2023, and adjusted earnings of US$85 million (12 cents per share).