FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
MARCH 25, 2025
GOVERNMENT COMMENDS FQM FOR ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY IN THE MINING SECTOR
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The government has commended First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for its efforts in fostering a mining sector where women and girls have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s economic growth and development.
Vice President W. K. Mutale Nalumango stated that the government recognizes the significant progress made by the private sector, particularly FQM, in creating employment opportunities for women.
“There are now many women employed as equipment operators at FQM,” Mrs. Nalumango noted.
Speaking at the 2025 International Women’s Day celebrations, themed ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,’ the Vice President emphasized the government’s commitment to gender-responsive policies that address critical issues such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
“Significant strides have been made in reducing the gender gap in education, ensuring that all girls have access to quality schooling. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ending child marriage, promoting girls’ education, and supporting early childhood rehabilitation. In maternal and child healthcare, advancements in reproductive health rights and medical services have greatly improved the well-being of women and girls,” she said.
Mrs. Nalumango also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen legal frameworks, provide support services for survivors of gender-based violence, and create a more equitable healthcare system.
At the same event, FQM Government Relations Superintendent Winnie Kakunta underscored the importance of inclusivity in the mining sector, emphasizing its role in driving innovation, diversity, and long-term sustainability.
“We actively support the empowerment of women and girls through skills training, educational initiatives, health programs, and leadership development. We engage with our operators and the surrounding communities to promote inclusivity.
We celebrate the contributions of women in mining and remain dedicated to creating an equitable workplace for all. From promoting women’s leadership in our operations to implementing policies that support women’s rights, we are committed to fostering an environment where women are respected, empowered, and valued,” she said.
Ms. Kakunta further explained that FQM has introduced programs aimed at increasing women’s participation at various levels of the mining industry. The company has also established training and advanced learning opportunities for women at different career stages.
Zanaco Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda acknowledged the progress made in promoting gender equality across the African continent but emphasized that more work remains.
“We commend the United Nations for its unwavering commitment to addressing gender inequality, as outlined in the 2023 National Gender Policy. This dedication to building a just and equitable society, where women’s achievements are recognized, is commendable. We assure you of our continued and growing support,” she said.
First Quantum Minerals has been a proud member of the Zambian community, championing gender equality in the mining sector for nearly 30 years. The company operates two of Zambia’s largest mines—Kansanshi Mining PLC and FQM Trident Limited—both located in the North-Western Province.
FQM employs over 19,000 people and contributes significantly to economic activity in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces. In the 2024 financial year, the company paid nearly USD 374 million in taxes and mineral royalties to the national treasury.
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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2024, First Quantum globally produced 431,000 tonnes of copper, 139,000 ounces of gold and 24,000 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/
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