FQM invests 5.7 million Kwacha in hospital upgrade

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has invested 5.7 million Kwacha in upgrading the Emergency Department at Trident Mine Hospital in Kalumbila District. The upgrade includes a specialised resuscitation room for complex medical interventions and a fully equipped emergency room with…

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has invested 5.7 million Kwacha in upgrading the Emergency Department at Trident Mine Hospital in Kalumbila District.

The upgrade includes a specialised resuscitation room for complex medical interventions and a fully equipped emergency room with additional bed capacity.

The facility currently handles more than 40,000 consultations annually, serving employees, their dependents and members of the public.

First Quantum Minerals Trident General Manager Scott Whitehead said the investment is part of the company’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness as mining operations continue to expand.

Mr Whitehead said the growing workforce and increased demand for support services make it important to enhance emergency care capacity.

He said the upgrade introduces a state-of-the-art emergency department to serve thousands of workers and local residents, ensuring Kalumbila’s critical healthcare keeps pace with the nation’s drive to produce 3 million tonnes of copper by 2030.

As Zambia pushes towards its 3 million-tonne copper production milestone, partnerships between mining companies and healthcare providers are proving vital.

He was speaking in a news release made available to the media in Kalumbila today.

Meanwhile, FQM Health and Wellness Manager Kylie van der Merwe said the facility was designed with input from medical stakeholders to ensure it meets the needs of the growing industrial community.

And Trident Mine Hospital Chief Medical Officer Jaianth Ramnath said the expansion was necessary to improve patient flow and accommodate complex medical cases.

Dr Ramnath said the increased bed space and improved emergency facilities will enhance the hospital’s ability to provide timely and quality care.

Meanwhile, Trident Mine Hospital Manager Dynesty Musonda said the upgraded Emergency Department will strengthen emergency response and improve patient outcomes.

Mr Musonda said every minute matters in emergency medicine and the new facility will help save lives.

First Quantum Minerals is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel with operating mines in Zambia, Turkey and Mauritania.

The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and in 2025 produced 396,000 tonnes of copper 152,000 ounces of gold and 23,000 tonnes of nickel globally.

In Zambia, First Quantum Minerals operates the Kansanshi Mine and Smelter in Solwezi as well as the Sentinel Copper Mine and Enterprise Nickel Mine in Kalumbila District.