:: Kansanshi Commissioning Started

First Quantum Minerals has announced the start of commissioning at its Kansanshi copper-gold mine in Zambia, with waste stripping and ore stockpiling under way. The milling, flotation, leach, solvent extraction and electrowinning facilities will be activated during the remainder of 2004 and the first quarter of 2004, starting with the sulphide circuit and followed by the oxide circuit. Commercial production is expected to begin in March 2005.