First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQML) hit a record-breaking 605,853 metric tonnes in copper production last year, preliminary data shows.

According to a news release issued by the mining giant, data shows that FQM recorded a staggering 605,853 metric tonnes in copper production in 2018, up from 573,963 tonnes produced in 2017.

Data reveals that FQM’s Solwezi-based Kansanshi Mining Plc produced the highest amount of copper last year of 251,522 tonnes from 250,801 tonnes recorded in the previous corresponding period, while the Sentinel Copper Mine in Kalumbila District equally hit record-breaking output of 223,656 tonnes from 190,683 tonnes produced in 2017.

This means that out of FQM’s six global copper-producing operations, Kansanshi and Kalumbila have continued to record the most copper output year-on-year.

The record output means that the Canadian miner’s Zambian operations have contributed an estimated combined amount of nearly half a million tonnes of copper to Zambia’s total copper production last year from just two assets.