By Derrick Silimina
FQM Trident, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM) claimed four awards at the 2024 Zambia Chamber of Mines annual gala in Livingstone.
The mining firm scooped four awards, including the Mining Company of the Year, Best Performer in Social Investment, Local Content, and Best Mining Employer.
“We share this success, knowing that our daily efforts are making a difference for our host community and for the future of FQM,” said FQM Trident General Manager Scott Whitehead.
In 2021, FQM Trident won the Best Performer in Environmental Management Award at the awards gala.
The mining firm also made ripples at the 3rd Zambia Corporate Social Responsibility Business Awards in 2022 after scooping several awards, including the Environmental Stewardship Award for notable animal and fish restocking efforts, as well as their environmental education initiatives targeting local school pupils in the mining company’s catchment area.
In 2023, the mining firm further dominated the 7th Zambia Chamber of Mines Occupational Health Awards, winning five of the top awards including Best in Social Investment, while Kansanshi Mining Plc walked away with the Mining Company of the Year, Employer of the Year, Best in Environmental Management, and Best Performer in Occupational Health awards.
PERFORMANCE
Whitehead noted that FQM Trident’s Mining Company of the Year Award signified the company’s performance and innovation within the mining industry, “This is the first time Trident has won this award, which recognises all the great work we are doing.”
Mining experts say these awards demonstrate FQM Trident’s dedication to not only extracting valuable resources but also giving back to the community and preserving the environment for future generations.
The 8th edition of the ZCM awards gala saw the addition of Kagem and Mabiza Resources to the bandwagon of other notable mining giants including FQM’s Kansanshi Mine, Konkola Copper Mines, Mopani Copper Mine and Lubambe Copper Mine among other key players in the industry to showcase their achievements, create business linkages and share experiences.
Conceived as a platform to promote service and excellence in the mining industry in Zambia, the Annual Mining Awards Gala has attracted participants from major mining houses, policymakers, mining technocrats, and enthusiasts alike for a nail-biting annual mining contest.
Among notable personalities who walked away with awards for their dedication to duty was Konkola Copper Mines’ Sibongile Kanyangu who scooped the 2024 Mining Woman of the Year while Patrick Akayombokwa from Mopani Copper Mine grabbed the Mining Personality of the Year Award.
Another winner was Lubambe Copper Mine which won the Best Performer in Environmental Management category. The Best Performer in Innovations award went to Mopani while Konkola Copper Mines bagged the Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety award.
ACHIEVEMENTS
As FQM continues to lead in corporate responsibility, environmental stewardship, and empowering local businesses, the 2024 edition of the Zambia Chamber of Mines Awards celebrated achievements in the mining sector, with the government reaffirming its support for sustainable growth towards the goal of three million metric tonnes of copper annually.
Speaking earlier when he graced the Zambia Chamber of Mines, 8th National Occupational Health Safety and Environment—Vision Zero Conference at Avani Hotel in Livingstone, Southern Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa said the government is making sure that it creates a conducive and optimal investment climate so that the ongoing mining projects can be sustainable and ensure the country’s revenue base deliver maximum shared benefits, both at the national level and more importantly to the communities surrounding the projects.
“I wish to state that the government is committed to ensuring that the mining industry meets a target of 3 million metric tons for copper in the coming years. We have already started to put in place measures that will support this core by making sure that the mining industry is stable and predictable,” Nanjuwa said.
ATTRACT
He reiterated that the government was moving to attract investment and support the participation of Zambians and small-scale miners in the mining value chain adding that increased investment in exploration will support increased production.
Nanjuwa further urged mining companies to support Zambian companies participating in the supply of goods and services as local content is cardinal to uplifting Zambian entrepreneurs.
“I am pleased to note that some mining companies have put up initiatives such as business accelerator programmes, training of local contractors, collaboration with local chambers of business and upskilling of local contractors in the bidding processes. I urge Zambian companies to rise to the challenge and take up opportunities existing in the mining and allied industries.”
In the meantime, Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta outlined the conference as an ideal platform for companies to evaluate their practices.
“Let me reaffirm the Government of Zambia and every committee fostering a mining industry that prioritises the health and well-being of every worker while maintaining environmental sustainability,” Dr Kabeta said.
