FQM strengthens local content strategy by awarding full load-and-haul contract to Zambian-owned Mineral Link
First Quantum Minerals (FQM), through its subsidiary FQM Trident Limited, has reinforced its commitment to Zambia’s socio-economic development by transferring key mining operations to a local contractor, Mineral Link Limited. The move represents a significant step in advancing Zambia’s local content agenda and building long-term domestic capacity within the mining sector.
Under the new arrangement, Mineral Link—a second-generation, family-owned company based in Chingola—will take full responsibility for enterprise load-and-haul operations that were previously managed internally by FQM. The transition marks a shift from conventional service contracting to full contract mining, placing operational control squarely in the hands of a Zambian enterprise.
According to Thomas Lungu, Superintendent of Commercial Contracts at FQM Trident Limited, the strategy goes beyond procurement and focuses on sustainable skills development and ownership.
“Local content at FQM Trident means sourcing goods and services within the Zambian supply chain,” Lungu said. “By handing full operational responsibility to a local contractor—without reducing scope—we are creating an employment pipeline and building long-term capacity.”
Rapid Growth Driven by Opportunity and Performance
Mineral Link’s expansion highlights the potential of Zambian companies when given meaningful opportunities. Founded in 2022 as a small dozer-support provider with just 25 employees, the company has grown to over 200 staff and expects to recruit at least 150 additional employees as new contracts come on stream.
Musamba Karabasis, Director of Operations at Mineral Link, credited the company’s growth to consistent performance, strong safety standards, and the confidence placed in the business by FQM.
“FQM Trident helped us evolve from a small service provider into a contractor trusted with major mining operations,” Karabasis said. “We are proving that Zambian companies can deliver to world-class standards.”
Building a Fully Zambian Workforce
Mineral Link operates with a 100% Zambian workforce, challenging the industry’s historical reliance on expatriate labour for critical operational roles. To sustain this approach, the company has partnered with local training institutions, including Mbola Trade School and Luanshya Business Trades College, to develop technical skills and industry readiness.
An apprenticeship programme for articulated dump-truck operators has already produced graduates who have transitioned into permanent employment, strengthening local skills retention.
For employees such as Joseph Mbomena from Kisasa, the impact has been life-changing.
“The improvement in my income has transformed my family’s life,” Mbomena said. “My children are now in better schools, and we are seeing real progress in our community.”
Multiplying Economic Impact Beyond the Mine
FQM’s local content approach is designed to create a broader economic multiplier effect by prioritising locally sourced goods and services. In line with this philosophy, Mineral Link has committed to procuring equipment through Zambian suppliers such as Automotive Equipment, ensuring that value remains within the national economy.
Lungu noted that this model equips Zambian contractors to compete beyond domestic borders, including in emerging mining markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Once capable local vendors are established, they gain choices and access to markets beyond a single mine,” he said.
Setting the Benchmark for Local Content Implementation
FQM Trident maintains that mining success and community development are inseparable. By empowering local businesses and investing in skills development, the company aims to leave behind a resilient, industrialised economy long after mining operations conclude.
As Zambia prepares to implement the Mining Local Content Statutory Instrument in January 2026, FQM says its partnership with Mineral Link provides a practical example of how genuine local capacity-building can be achieved.
“When international companies invest meaningfully in local capability, the result is not just a contract fulfilled,” FQM stated. “It is a nation empowered.”
