FQM CHAMPIONS HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND INCLUSIVITY AT ABSA MARATHON
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has demonstrated its determination to promote healthy lifestyles through sport, not only for its employees but also for the communities surrounding its mining operations, as the official sponsor of the 2025 Absa Marathon.
The event saw record-breaking participation and highlighted the powerful connection between sport, community, and national development.
Speaking at the event, FQM Country Director Anthony Mukutuma underscored the company’s belief in the power of sport.
“At FQM, we believe sport embodies the very principles that drive progress, discipline, teamwork, endurance, and determination. These are the same qualities that define our people and our operations across Zambia,” he said.
Mukutuma highlighted FQM’s inclusive approach to sponsorship, noting, “Supporting this marathon is therefore not just about sponsorship; it reflects our commitment to investing in the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
He further revealed that First Quantum had supported ten athletes with disabilities from Solwezi, providing six wheelchairs and four sets of crutches to enable their participation, and an additional twelve athletes from the Kansanshi Athletics Club and over 100 FQM employees from across all company sites competed.
The FQM Country Director also celebrated the achievements of Elizabeth Mukoloma, Zambia’s current women’s marathon record holder, who the Kansanshi Athletics Club supports. Mukoloma recently finished 18th at the prestigious Comrades Marathon, the best performance ever by a Zambian at the event.
“And I am proud to announce that Elizabeth has broken her personal best of 2 hours 46 minutes after clocking 2 hours 37 minutes and 29 seconds at the 2025 ABSA Marathon. Her story is proof of what dedication and opportunity can achieve,” Mukutuma said.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Tourism Rodney Malindi Sikumba, representing Minister of Sport Elvis Nkandu, highlighted the marathon’s significant social and economic impact.
“We ran for a purpose. The purpose we ran for is for the girl child. That marginalised girl child who we need to uplift,” he said.
Mr Sikumba further noted that the partnership between Absa and World Vision had raised nearly K300,000, which will benefit almost 5,000 vulnerable girls in rural communities.
The Minister also spoke of the event’s role in promoting sports tourism.
“We have our visitors from South Africa who are running… We have people who have driven as far as Livingstone, Lusaka. They are here. And all the rooms and restaurants are already fully booked. That is tourism for us,” he explained.
Absa Bank Zambia Board Chairperson Dr Austin Mwape celebrated the record turnout, with over 7,650 registered participants.
“This is the largest marathon ever. Absa Bank PLC is proud to be behind Zambia’s only World Athletics Certified Marathon. The Bank remains committed to promoting health and wellness,” he said.
Dr Mwape thanked the sponsors for their contributions, which brought the event’s total cost to K12 million.
Zambia Athletics President Major Bernard Bwalya praised the growth of the event.
“As Zambia Athletics, we are proud to be part of this event. We have seen it from its infancy to now, where it is,” he said.
Major Bwalya further highlighted the marathon’s contribution to the national economy and announced the “Catch Them Young” programme, which aims to identify and expose talented runners to world-class events.
-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’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/
For media inquiries please contact:
Gillian Langmead at Langmead & Baker Ltd;
+260 979 060705;
info@langmead.com