JOHANNESBURG, Feb 12 (Reuters) - First Quantum Minerals ( FQVLF )

will not rush into a deal to sell a minority stake in

its Zambian copper mines, CFO Ryan MacWilliam told analysts on

Wednesday after the miner's fourth-quarter results.

The Toronto-based miner wants to secure a long-term partner

at its Zambian mines and there are no "specific timelines" for

the sale, he said.

"We have been consistent throughout that any arrangements we

enter into in Zambia will be for the next 25 years," MacWilliam

said. "It's really about getting the right agreement rather than

a quick agreement."

Saudi Arabian mining company Manara is in advanced talks to

acquire between 15% and 20% equity in First Quantum's Zambian

assets, Reuters reported last October, citing sources. First

Quantum has said it needs the money to finance output expansion

at its Kansanshi operation in the northwest of the country.

The Canadian miner's Zambian copper and nickel assets have

become key to its growth after authorities in Panama shut down

its then flagship Cobre Panama mine.

First Quantum wants a deal that works for its investors as

well as the Zambian government, which owns a 20% stake in the

assets, MacWilliam said.