FQM investments in mining activities exceed US$6bn

Kansanshi Mines FIRST Quantum has invested in excess of US$5.7 billion in its Sentinel and Kansanshi Mines and the Kansanshi Smelter, and paying more than US$3.5 billion in taxes in the last 11 years, transforming the economy of NorthWestern Province, FQM country manager General Kingsley Chinkuli has said.

Gen Chinkuli however emphasised the importance the company attached to maintaining integrity and trust in its relations with communities, local leaders and the government.

“First Quantum sets out to be a responsible investor at all its operations globally; it is enormously important that we are a force for good in the communities in which we operate,” he said.

Gen Chinkuli was speaking when he welcomed the Australian High Commissioner to Zambia, Suzanne McCourt and her diplomatic colleagues from the United Kingdom and United States when they toured First Quantum Minerals’ Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila.

He said the visit would enable them to see at first-hand how the company was contributing to the economic, social and environmental development of Zambia. Ms McCourt said Australia had a strong tradition at the forefront of the global mining industry and that it was important that it maintained links with companies such as First Quantum Minerals, who were investing in cutting-edge technology and expertise.

“It is also gratifying to see how First Quantum Minerals is using their know-how to build Zambia’s economic prosperity and support communities at the grassroots,” she said.

Ms McCourt was particularly interested to hear about FQM’s contribution to Zambia in terms of jobcreation, with many thousands more working under contract with suppliers and in the ancillary businesses spawned by the mine.

The delegation also heard about the Trident Foundation’s support for health, education and livelihoods in the communities surrounding the mines, and visited a conservation farming demonstration plot.