FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
MAY 28, 2026
ZDA APPLAUDS FQM’S CONTRIBUTION TO ZAMBIA’S MINING GROWTH
KITWE, ZAMBIA – The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has applauded First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for its substantial investments and ongoing contributions to the growth of Zambia’s mining sector and the broader national economy.
Speaking during a visit to the FQM pavilion at the recently concluded 2026 CAMINEX Mining Exhibition, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa described FQM as one of Zambia’s most significant investors and the country’s largest taxpayer. He highlighted the strong partnership between the ZDA and FQM in advancing investment opportunities and economic development.
“First Quantum Minerals is a very, very important investor for us. As you are aware, they are the largest taxpayer in this country, and we work with them very closely,” said Mr Halwampa.
He further acknowledged FQM’s major investments under the ZDA investment licence, including the Enterprise Nickel Mine, the Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila, and the Kalumbila Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ), all of which continue to drive Zambia’s industrial and economic transformation.
“ZDA is here to promote, facilitate, and ensure that investments take place. We really appreciate what First Quantum is doing.
We are looking forward to continued collaboration between the Government, the private sector, and FQM to build this economy to the levels required for current and future generations,” he said.
As Zambia pursues its ambition of increasing copper production to three million tonnes annually, the Director General expressed confidence in the continued partnership between Government, the private sector, and FQM in driving sustainable economic growth for future generations.
FQM Trident Limited Senior Public Relations Specialist Mirriam Harmon highlighted the company’s substantial economic footprint, noting that FQM has contributed more than US$3,469 million to the Zambian Government through taxes, royalties, and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) obligations.
“It is a substantial amount. When you come on the ground, what we have done is also invest in our graduates, our young graduates. We have graduate programmes where we are developing talent, extended to fresh graduates who apply across both our operations in various departments and disciplines,” she said.
FQM has collaborated with training institutions such as NORTEC in Ndola, Luanshya Business Technical College, and the newly constructed Nbole Technical College in Kalumbila, the latter in partnership with the Luanshya Technical College, to deliver skills training in heavy duty operation, driver training, business courses, and, increasingly, agriculture.
Ms Harmon further revealed that FQM’s scholarship programme has benefited over 700 individuals, spanning primary school through to tertiary education. Scholars have graduated from universities including Cavendish, UNILUS, and ZICAS, as well as schools of nursing, with graduates returning to serve their home communities as teachers, nurses, and professionals.
In line with Statutory Instrument 68 on local content, FQM has placed local business development at the heart of its community investment strategy. The company provides structured training to host-community businesses, covering how to establish, expand, and sustain operations, and offers ongoing support to ensure these businesses remain competitive, compliant, and confident when tendering for procurement opportunities.
“We train local businesses in our host communities on how to start, expand, and sustain their ventures,” Ms Harmon said.
FQM’s vision for its greenfield acquisitions, which began with the purchase of Kiwara PLC in 2010, extends far beyond the lifespan of its mining assets. Through the development of the Kalumbila MFEZ, FQM is effectively laying the foundations for a sustainable, modern city.
By attracting third-party investment into manufacturing, transport, energy, and telecommunications, the Kalumbila hub is designed to thrive independently of mining activities.
“With the activation of the Lobito Corridor, Kalumbila is uniquely positioned to become a premier regional business hub. For businesses operating into the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kalumbila offers complete utility readiness, power, water, and logistics. We are actively inviting investors to seize the massive opportunities emerging here, particularly in real estate and commercial accommodation,” Ms Harmon said.
-Ends-
About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company has operating mines in Zambia, Turkey and Mauritania.
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/
For media inquiries please contact:
Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd;
+260 979 060705;
info@langmead.com