By Pauline Ngozoh
Kansanshi Mining Plc scooped four awards and dominated the Zambia Chamber of Mines 2023 awards ceremony held soon after the Seventh Occupational Health Safety and Environment (OHSE) Conference that took place at Protea Hotel in Ndola from October 26 to 27.
Kansanshi Mining PLC emerged as Mining Company of the Year, Employer of the Year, Best in Environmental Management and Best Performer in Occupational Health categories while FQM Trident bagged the top award in Social Investment.
The same event saw geologist Dr Sixtus Mulenga, Founder and Executive Chairman of Masamu Resources Limited, also receiving the President’s Special Personality Award for his outstanding service to the mining industry. Masamu Resources Limited, a manganese mine based in the Chipili District of Luapula Province, is a wholly-owned indigenous company.
The award for the outstanding Woman Miner of the Year went to Carol Nampungwe of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) with Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) winning an award through Maambo Chooya in the Mining Personality of the Year category.
Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo commended the Zambia Chamber of Mines for the awards which he said came at a time when the country and the world were battling the issues of reducing carbon emissions. The Minister was happy that women were also being recognized for their roles in a male-dominated sector.
The government was labouring to create an investment climate that could sustain ongoing mining projects and deliver maximum shared benefits both at national and community levels. He appealed to the mining companies to support Zambian local suppliers and help train local contractors.
Zambia Chamber of Mines President and Country Manager of First Quantum Minerals, Dr Godwin Beene said the objective of the awards was to provide a forum for recognizing the previously unnoticed service and excellence of individuals and member companies in the mining industry.
The event was attended by chief executive officers of mining companies.
