First Quantum Minerals earnings rise to US$325 million in third quarter

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. reported US$325 million in net earnings attributable to shareholders for the third quarter, up from US$113 million a year earlier.

Sales revenues totalled US$2.0 billion, up from US$1.7 billion.

Diluted earnings per share for the Toronto-based company were 47 cents US, up from 37 cents US a year earlier. 

CEO Tristan Pascall says production continued to improve during the third quarter at each of the company's three main copper operations.