A delegation from the British High Commission led by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa Mr. John Humphrey visited Kansanshi Mining Plc in Solwezi, Northwestern Province to appreciate the Mining operations and the level of investment required to run a successful Mining operation.
The delegation retaliated the need for good policies within the Zambian Mining sector for the industry to thrive.
The visit is part of the three days familiarization tour of the Country.
Mr Humphrey, said “The greatest take away from our visit was to appreciate the level of investment required, difficulties around logistics, long term nature of investments and how you need stability in terms of government policy and economics in order to be successful.”
Mr. Humphrey praised the Mine for its initiative to train local people, saying that would ensure a steady flow of skilled labour is available employment.
“The local support and training that Kansanshi Mine is undertaking is very important. You need people to run and maintain these mines over time. It’s not just a question of building them; they’re actually long term features.
First Quantum Minerals been here since 2001, that gives perspective into how long these sort of projects can last.”
Earlier Kansanshi Mining PLC General Manager, Anthony Mutukuma gave insight into how the mine has expanded not only in terms of operations and Copper output but also in the level of support to local communities and its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Other members of the British Commission delegation were;
Mr. Sam Waldock – Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, BHC
Ms. Vichaya Chungu – Country Director (UK Department of International Trade), BHC
Ms. Marissa Thring – Network Support Manager, BHC
Mr Jonathan Siame – Communications Officer , BHC
Ms. Tremayne Stanton Kennedy – Regional Climate Lead, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO),BHC
Ms. Suman Gamin – Economic advisor, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office,BHC
Mr. Tresford Mumba Political Officer, BHC
The FQM team was led by
Mr. Anthony Mukutuma – General Manager, KMP other FQM team members included;
Ms Kyansenga Chitoshi – Corporate Affairs Manager , KMP
Mr Colin du Plessis – Project Manager , FQMO
Mr Crosby Chongo – Metallurgical Manager, KMP
Mr Matt Hind – Assistant Finance Manager
Mr George Nzoma – Chief Mining Engineer
