FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
DECEMBER 22, 2025
FROM A BICYCLE TO CROSS-BORDER AMBITIONS: HOW A LOCAL SECURITY FIRM EMBODIES FQM’S COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DRIVE
KALUMBILA, ZAMBIA – In 2014, Howard Mutambakyalo started a security company with a bicycle, three guards, and a dream that many dismissed as folly. A decade later, Mukoleku Security Services employs over 500 people, holds a major contract with First Quantum Minerals’ subsidiary FQM Trident Limited, and boasts a fleet of vehicles and advanced security technology. This remarkable ascent is not just a business success story; it is a direct result of one man’s audacious vision and FQM’s deliberate and sustained commitment to local procurement and enterprise development.
“We are one of 35 companies trained by FQM, and one of two selected from the Musele Chiefdom. We started with three security guards in November 2015. Right now, we have more than 500 employees,” Mr Mutambakyalo explained.
This growth trajectory was fuelled by FQM’s local procurement policy, which prioritises awarding contracts to businesses within its host communities. For Mukoleku, this evolved from a small external perimeter contract to a substantial agreement encompassing the mine’s interior operations.
“We were not given an opportunity to work inside at first because we were just starting out as a local company. But from 2022, we grew from 62 to 290 officers on that site. We have now been given a new contract for more than 345 guards,” Mr Mutambakyalo recalls.
More Than a Contract: A Foundation for Growth
FQM’s support extended beyond merely awarding tenders. The company facilitated access to crucial business management training and financial literacy through its local business development arm, the Trident Foundation.
“The challenge we had was people were laughing at us. Even in terms of food delivery to our team, it was very difficult…as we used to deliver food using a bicycle. But FQM gave us an opportunity to get a loan under the Foundation. The Foundation…has made us to be the way we are today. They are still supporting us,” he continued, recalling the early days of using a bicycle for operations.
He credits this holistic support with transforming his approach to business growth and continuity: “We have done a lot of trainings on how to manage the business and how to be an entrepreneur… They have been telling us, if you are getting money, that is not your money. It’s money for the workers. You must make sure you have something in the account.”
The Ripple Effect: Empowering a community
The impact of this partnership radiates far beyond the company’s balance sheet. Mukoleku’s expansion has created widespread employment, with a conscious effort to hire local chiefdoms. Furthermore, the company now supports other local subcontractors and even engages in philanthropy, such as donating a bus to Kisasa rural health centre.
“What we’ve been getting from FQM, we’ve been able to share with those who are in need,” Mr Mutambakyalo revealed.
This sentiment is echoed by his employees.
Rose Lemba, the company secretary, and a trained primary teacher who initially struggled to find employment, found her opportunity with Mukoleku.
“After graduating, I couldn’t find employment. I had to look for a job to sustain myself and ended up finding a spot here… With the coming in of FQM to allow the locals also to take part in such contracts, it has really helped so many individuals,” Ms Lemba said.
She highlighted that the contract enables them to hire not just those with advanced qualifications, but also individuals with Grade 9 certificates, broadening the circle of opportunity.
“This has encouraged the locals that indeed education is not the only thing that can make them have a living, but even with their workmanship they are able to make a living,” she added.
For long-serving guard Kabwi Kushemi, 65, the impact is profoundly personal.
“I have 14 children. And through working with Mukoleku Security, I’ve managed to take my children to even private schools… I just want to appreciate First Quantum Minerals for giving me and others from the community the opportunity,” he said.
A Model for the Future
FQM Trident’s Senior Public Relations Specialist, Mirriam Harmon, emphasised the company’s philosophy.
“Our local procurement strategy is fundamental to our social licence to operate. It’s about creating sustainable, long-term economic value within our host communities. Investing in local enterprises like Mukoleku Security builds capacity, fosters entrepreneurship, and ensures the wealth generated here has a multiplier effect locally. Their success is our success,” she said.
Now equipped with body cameras, solar technology, and a reputation for excellence that rivals that of international firms, Mukoleku is looking to expand into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Howard Mutambakyalo’s final message to FQM is one of gratitude and an appeal for continuity: “They should not end here. Let them continue helping the locals… As they trained Mukoleku for security, let them also train others who can do it the way we are doing it.”
From a solitary bicycle to cross-border ambitions, Mukoleku Security’s journey is a testament to how a mining giant’s commitment to local empowerment can catalyse transformation, one contract at a time.
With the Mining Local Content Statutory Instrument (SI), authorised by President Hakainde Hichilema to take effect in January 2026, First Quantum regards collaborations with local enterprises like Mukoleku as beacons of possibility and proof that when multinational corporations genuinely invest in local capacity, the result is not merely a delivered service, but an empowered nation.
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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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