The Zambian government has praised First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for its continued efforts to advance gender equality within the mining sector, ensuring women and girls have equal opportunities to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
During the 2025 International Women’s Day celebrations, themed “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango lauded FQM for creating more job opportunities for women, particularly noting the increasing number of women employed as equipment operators at the company.
Mrs. Nalumango reaffirmed the government’s dedication to gender-responsive policies aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women and girls. “We are committed to ending child marriage, promoting girls’ education, and supporting early childhood rehabilitation,” she stated. She also highlighted progress in maternal and child healthcare, emphasizing improvements in reproductive health services.
The Vice President further underscored the government’s efforts to strengthen legal frameworks supporting survivors of gender-based violence and ensure a more inclusive healthcare system.
FQM’s Government Relations Superintendent, Winnie Kakunta, emphasized the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, recognizing them as essential drivers of innovation and long-term sustainability. “We actively empower women and girls through skills training, educational initiatives, health programs, and leadership development,” she explained.
Kakunta also highlighted the various training and learning opportunities FQM provides to women, helping them advance within the mining sector, as well as the company’s policies aimed at increasing female representation in leadership roles.
Zanaco CEO Mukwandi Chibesakunda acknowledged the progress made in gender equality across Africa but stressed that there is still more work to be done. “We commend the United Nations for its commitment to addressing gender inequality, as outlined in the 2023 National Gender Policy. We assure you of our continued support,” she stated.
FQM has been a significant player in Zambia’s mining industry for nearly 30 years, operating two of the country’s largest mines—Kansanshi Mining PLC and FQM Trident Limited. With over 19,000 employees, the company makes a substantial contribution to Zambia’s economy, particularly in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces. In 2024, FQM contributed nearly USD 374 million in taxes and mineral royalties to the national treasury.
As Zambia continues to advocate for greater gender inclusivity, the collaboration between the government and the private sector remains vital in ensuring that women and girls can thrive in all industries, including mining.
