SOLWEZI AND KALUMBILA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals spent US$1.7 billion within Zambia in the last year, latest figures from the company have revealed.
The mining giant’s Kansanshi Mining Plc subsidiary spent US$958,767,110 locally in 2019, while US$659,712,101 was spent by Kalumbila Minerals Ltd at Sentinel mine. This equates to 88% and 80% of the mines’ total spend respectively.
The company’s Roads Division alone spent $152,815,503 within Zambia – 72% of its total expenditure for the year. In partnership with local town councils, it has stabilised roads in Solwezi, Kalumbila and other districts that were previously in a deplorable condition and presented a danger to road users.
The Roads Division is responsible for the construction and continuous maintenance of the roads and infrastructure on all First Quantum Minerals operations in Zambia, as well as development of the roads infrastructure of the communities in which it operates.
FQM Country Manager General Kingsley Chinkuli said that because of the company’s intensive use of infrastructure, FQM has recognised the transport sector as an important component of the economy and a common tool used for development.
“The relationship between the quantity and quality of transport infrastructure and the level of economic development is apparent,” he noted.
He added that to promote transparency and accountability, FQM adheres to the procurement procedures and laws of Zambia and strives to procurement from Zambian registered business.
“It is entirely right and proper that mines are open to scrutiny and held accountable for their actions, and indeed First Quantum goes to great lengths to ensure it is transparent in its corporate operations and sustainability programmes,” said General Chinkuli.
Projects that the company’s Road Division in recent years include a 2,800m runway at Solwezi, another 2,800m runway at Kalumbila, the earthworks and internal roads for the Kansanshi copper smelter, and the earthworks and internal roads for the new Sentinel mine process plant. They also include a 32km access road to the newly developed Sentinel mine at Kalumbila, a 15km access road to the new copper smelter and various roads around Solwezi, including the main access road to Kansanshi Mine.