With the closure of First Quantum Minerals' Cobre mine in Panama, the company's copper and nickel assets in Zambia have become essential to its growth. 

The company CFO Ryan MacWilliam said they will not rush into selling a minority shares in its Zambian copper mines. This Canadian mining company wants to search for a long-term partner at its Zambian mines and there is no particular timeline for its sale. 

Since last October, Saudi Arabian mining company Manara has been in business talks with First Quantum in order to acquire 15% to 20% equity in its Zambian assets. First Quantum stated that the funds are required to support the expansion of production at its Kansanshi operation in the country's northwest. 

MacWilliam said they want to make a win-win deal that benefits both investors and the Zambian government, which owns 20% shares in the assets.