FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURE
APRIL 7, 2025
FQM LAUNCHES SCHOOL CONSERVATION CLUBS TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL AND WILDLIFE AWARENESS IN NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE
SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering ecocentric values amongst the youth of North-Western Province with the launch of the School Conservation Clubs in the province. The initiative aims to equip the young people in the catchment areas surrounding its mines with the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to protect Zambia’s ecological heritage.
North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Col. Grandson Katambi (Retd) hailed the initiative, highlighting the need for a generation that is acutely aware of the environmental challenges the country is facing – deforestation, poaching, pollution, bushfires, and the overarching threat of climate change – and for them to take on a mindset geared towards sustainability for a greener future.
In a speech, read on his behalf by North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi, Col. Katambi said: “The initiative speaks volumes about FQM’s commitment to not only economic prosperity, but also to environmental stewardship and the well-being of our communities. The School Conservation Clubs provide an invaluable platform for our children to become part of the solution, to become agents of positive change – both within their schools and within the communities where they live.
These clubs will empower them to be leaders, driving positive environmental action and informing responsible decision-making.”
The School Conservation Clubs initiative aligns with FQM’s broader ESG policies and goals which seek both the continual protection of the environment and the long-term economic opportunities and social well-being of the local people through investments in education, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, sports, health etc.
Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil, on behalf of Kansanshi Mining PLC General Manager Meiring Burger, explained that the initiative is a key part of this strategy: “By introducing and supporting structured conservation clubs in schools, the mining firm aims to equip the younger generation with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to address pressing environmental challenges.”
He acknowledged the potential impact of mining activities on biodiversity and reaffirmed FQM’s commitment to achieving a net positive impact through ambitious strategies that integrate habitat restoration, sustainable practices, and community engagement: “As a company, we are deeply aware of the responsibility we bear not only to extract resources responsibly but also to contribute meaningfully to the communities and environments in which we operate. The School Conservation Clubs initiative is a natural extension of these efforts,” he said.
The comprehensive project’s scope to achieve a green conscious community includes establishing and supporting conservation clubs in schools to increasing conservation awareness among children; training and capacity building; stakeholder engagement and partners partner collaboration to promote conservation; rigorous monitoring and evaluation; and introducing sustainable livelihood initiatives within the clubs among others.
And North-Western Province Provincial Education Officer Frederick Munkinyi, who was conferred the role of patron general for the Clubs, praised the FQM’s partnership with the education sector, stating that today’s rapidly changing environment called for an education that extends beyond the traditional classroom and that must inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and instil a sense of responsibility towards our planet.
“First Quantum Minerals has long been a champion of sustainable development, and their commitment to conservation is evident in this initiative.
Through the School Conservation Clubs, students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, explore the wonders of nature, and contribute to meaningful conservation projects. These clubs will serve as platforms for learning, innovation, and action, enabling our students to become active participants in the preservation of our natural heritage,” said Mr Munkinyi.
He encouraged educators and students to embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of protecting Zambia’s abundant natural resources for future generations.
And Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia, Environmental Education Officer, Juliet Namukoko, said the launch is a significant step in advancing environmental education and conservation.
“A special thanks to Quantum Minerals for their support and partnership with the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia, together with the Ministry of Education, who made it possible for us to conduct the training for teachers regarding the establishment and management of our Chongololo and Chipembele conservation clubs in schools. This launch is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and empower the next generation of environmental stewardship,” she said.
FQM has to date conducted trainings for teachers from 11 schools in Solwezi and 7 schools in Kalumbila meant to empower the patrons/matrons with knowledge and skills of running the initiative. The trainings are also part of its overall sustainability program on capacity building in communities around its areas of operation.
Anticipated outcomes of the School Conservation Clubs over the years include increased conservation awareness, enhanced capacity to implement conservation projects, a reduction in uncontrolled bush burning, a more positive perception of natural resource conservation, increased afforestation, a growing number of conservation stewards, and the widespread adoption of the 3R’s – reduce, reuse, recycle – in schools and communities even as the members share their knowledge at home and within their spheres of influence.
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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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