Toronto, Ontario (16 September 2026) - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company") (TSX: FM), a leading global copper company, is spearheading the evolution of the global mining industry by accelerating the implementation of trolley-assist systems across the Company's operations.
In Summer 2026 this evolution received a significant boost as filings for Quantum Electra-Haul, the Company's proprietary trolley-assist solution, were granted a patent and trademark by the UK Intellectual Property Office ('IPO'). [Further patents for additional aspects of the Quantum Electra-Haul invention are pending with the IPO].
First Quantum is demonstrably moving towards the true decarbonization of its mining fleet through the widespread adoption of Quantum Electra-Haul. With over 14 years of experience in designing, refining and operating trolley-assist systems across its sites, First Quantum has established itself as the industry leader in this transformative technology. 2025 was a record year for the Company's adoption of trolley-assist with almost half a million km under trolley across the group's operations.
Quantum Electra-Haul exemplifies the First Quantum's commitment to innovation and sustainability, further demonstrated by the trialling of the world's first ever Ultra-large Full Battery Dump Truck combined with trolley assist technology, at its Kansanshi copper and gold mine in Zambia. The Kansanshi mine near Solwezi, in the Northwestern Province, has been First Quantum's flagship operation since 2005 and is one of the country's largest mines. The trial, in partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery, commenced in June 2024 and is ongoing. The trial aims to verify the practical performance of all rock haulage operations required of a battery-powered dump truck under actual operating conditions, as well as the verification of dynamic battery charging and discharging cycles. In April 2026, First Quantum and Hitachi hosted the Battery Truck & Electrification Showcase, a technical demonstration of its Full Battery Dump Truck for mining customers, at Kansanshi.
First Quantum are world leaders in trolley system operations. Since 2011, the Company has collaborated closely with original equipment manufacturers, including Liebherr, Hitachi and Komatsu., to develop truck and energy network infrastructure essential for the deployment of this technology.
First Quantum's operations feature multiple trolley lines across different pit areas, with trucks equipped with pantographs that connect to overhead powerlines on the ramps out of the pit. When engaged, the trolley-assist system activates the electric wheel motors, switching off the truck's diesel engine. This results in diesel savings of up to 90% on up-ramps when the trucks are fully laden and consuming the most energy. Trolley assist technology also offers significant timesaving, approximately a 2-minute time saving per trolley-assist stretch, reducing truck fleet requirements and improving safety by minimizing equipment interactions1.. Fewer trucks improve operational efficiency and enhance safety by minimizing equipment interactions.
Gordon White, First Quantum's Director, Mine Operations & Technology, commented:
"The world needs copper to be mined in a responsible manner. Mining is no longer just an extractive industry, and we need to contribute meaningfully to the environment and to the communities around us. Our patented trolley-assist solution, Quantum Electra-Haul, is a key element of this evolution. First Quantum has mastered this technology by working with long-term partners to provide stable platforms with multiple trucks on the overhead line at the same time. In addition, we have worked to design and implement critical hardware such as transformers, E-Houses, and trolley line systems. It's very pleasing for the business to receive this patent and trademark conformation, a strong endorsement of the innovation, precision and creativity that runs throughout First Quantum."
"We designed the Quantum Electra-Haul hardware to be lightweight and mobile, enabling efficient relocation as the mine evolves through various cutbacks. We believe that this technology is pivotal for decarbonizing load and haul operations. First Quantum's long-term life-of-mine plans include significant expansion of trolley assist technology. Currently we have over 15km of trolley-assist installed across our three largest sites, with the ambition to increase this to up to 100% of each up up-ramp cycle. This system is operational, practical and represents an economically feasible solution that will reduce emissions in global mining as other companies look to follow our lead."
The implementation of trolley-assist technology at First Quantum's Zambian mines has led to notable greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. Replacing diesel with renewable energy, this technology saved an estimated 45,000 tonnes of GHG emissions in 2025, which combined with the Company's other pit electrification initiatives yielded savings of more than 130,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent at its Zambian operations.
About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel.
In 2025, First Quantum globally produced 396,000 tonnes of copper, 152,000 ounces of gold and 23,000 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/