FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
DECEMBER 15, 2025
Zambia to Make History as Kansanshi Mine Hosts Mine Rescue Training Ahead of 2026 World Competition
SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA – First Quantum’s Kansanshi Mine has successfully hosted an intensive rope rescue and first aid training exercise for mine rescue teams from eight leading mining companies in Zambia, as part of its routine annual and quarterly emergency response training programme and in preparation for the 2026 International Mine Rescue Competition, which will be hosted in Zambia, marking the first time the prestigious global event will be held in an African country.
The two-day training brought together 64 participants from Lubambe, Nchanga, Konkola (KCM), Luanshya, Nampundwe, Chambishi (NFCA), Mufulira (Mopani) and Nkana (Mopani), underscoring strong industry collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing mine safety standards.
Scheduled to take place from 28th April to 4th May 2026, the International Mine Rescue Competition will be co-hosted by the mining towns of Kitwe and Solwezi, placing Zambia and Africa firmly on the global mining safety map.
Speaking after the training, Zambia Mine Rescue President, Gabriel Zulu said the programme was particularly impactful due to Kansanshi Mine’s advanced facilities and expertise.
“This programme has been particularly impactful because Kansanshi Mine is equipped with the best rope training facilities and skilled Emergency Response Team trainers,” he said.
He added that the continued investment in emergency response infrastructure and personnel reflects First Quantum’s strong leadership in safety.
“The investment in ERT facilities and personnel training is testament to First Quantum’s management commitment to emergency preparedness. This commitment sets a strong example for the entire mining industry and demonstrates that safety is not just a priority, but a core value.”
Highlighting the dual benefit of the initiative, First Quantum Africa Group Safety Manager, Eric Cousins said the training is strengthening both external and internal emergency response capacity.
“Not only are we training teams to be part of the International Mine Rescue competition next year, we are also training our own people at the same time. So, we are using our ERT specialists that have here and are already way advanced in the training programmes, they are being used as trainers of these teams in readiness for the competition in 2026,” he added.
The training was conducted by Kansanshi Mine’s highly qualified safety and rescue personnel, using the mine’s state-of-the-art rescue facilities. This focus on excellence in equipment, skills development, and preparedness contributed to Kansanshi Mine being selected to co-host the international competition, an honour that also reflects Zambia’s readiness to host a world-class event on behalf of the African continent.
Commenting further on the upcoming competition, Mr Eric Cousins that the event should serve as a benchmark for strengthening emergency response standards across the mining industry.
“Something that First Quantum strongly believes in is being proactive when it comes to emergency response. So as a result, the company has gone ahead and prepared these facilities to train not only our own people but even people from Solwezi town, the community as well as the mine rescue teams from the Copperbelt,” he said.
The World Mine Rescue Competition brings together the world’s best mine rescue teams to demonstrate their preparedness, teamwork, and technical expertise under simulated emergency conditions. Zambia’s selection as host nation marks a historic milestone for Africa, showcasing the continent’s growing capacity for mining excellence and safety leadership.
Closing the event, Mr Zulu thanked Kansanshi Mine for hosting the training and expressed appreciation to all participating rescue teams.
“I commend each participant for their commitment, discipline, and courage. You are the backbone of mine safety, and your efforts inspire confidence across our industry,” he said.
First Quantum’s Kansanshi Mine continues to set the standard for mining safety and emergency preparedness in Zambia and across the region, as it prepares to welcome the world’s best mine rescue teams to Africa for the first time in 2026.
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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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