FQM TO STRENGTHENS LOCAL OWNERSHIP WITH MINERAL LINK PARTNERSHIP

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Posted by admin on December 5, 2025 at 7:29 AM

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 First Quantum Minerals (FQM), through its subsidiary FQM Trident Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to Zambia’s socio-economic development by transferring key operational responsibilities to Mineral Link Limited, a Zambian-owned contractor.

Mineral Link, a second-generation family business established in Chingola, will now manage enterprise load and haul operations, previously handled internally by FQM.

FQM Trident Superintendent of Commercial Contracts Thomas Lungu said the strategy focuses on sourcing goods and services within Zambia’s supply chain, creating employment pipelines and building long-term capacity.

“From a single dozer support provider in 2022, Mineral Link has grown to over 200 employees, with plans to add 150 more staff as new contracts begin.” He said.

He added that the company runs a fully Zambian workforce, partnering with institutions such as Mbola Trade School and Luanshya Business Trades College to train skilled labour. Apprenticeship schemes for Articulated Dump Truck operators have already produced graduates with permanent jobs.

Employees like Joseph Mbomena of Kisasa credit the partnership with transforming livelihoods, enabling better education and improved family welfare.

Mineral Link has committed to procuring equipment through local firms such as Automotive Equipment, anchoring the value chain in Zambia while positioning contractors to compete for opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mr Lungu emphasized that mining and community development are inseparable, with the goal of leaving behind a resilient, industrialised local economy long after mineral extraction ends.

As Zambia prepares to implement the Mining Local Content Statutory Instrument in January 2026, FQM says the partnership demonstrates the transformative potential of genuine investment in local capacity.

“When international companies invest meaningfully in local capability, the outcome is not just a contract completed. It is a nation empowered,” Mr Lungu stated.