Kansanshi mine details Solwezi community development footprint at 98th Agricultural & Commercial Show

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Kansanshi Mining Plc […]

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Kansanshi Mining Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable and responsible mining by advancing a multi-faceted community development agenda aimed at balancing operational growth with environmental stewardship, infrastructure development, and social empowerment across Solwezi District.

 Speaking at the 98th Agricultural and Commercial Show, Grace Kombe, Corporate Affairs Superintendent at FQM’s Kansanshi Mining PLC, said through its broad Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, Kansanshi Mining continues to demonstrate how resource extraction can serve as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic development, directly supporting local health, education, agriculture, and supply chain localization. In an effort to transform local agriculture and food security, Kombe detailed the mine’s intervention program currently supporting nearly 4,000 local farmers in Solwezi with critical inputs including fertilizers, high-yield seeds.

 She noted that to tackle growing environmental variability, the company has trained over 7,000 smallholder farmers in climate-smart agriculture. The initiative equips rural producers with conservation farming methods to boost yields while safeguarding biodiversity and soil quality.

Highlighting the commitment to human capital development, Kansanshi presented updates on its signature KAN EQUIP (Education Quality Improvement Programme), which has trained over 880 teachers and placed 600+ students on full scholarship programs. “The mine supports 35 regional schools and feeds more than 9,000 primary school pupils daily—a long-running social safety net designed to boost school attendance and nutritional wellness.”

 Kombe also highlighted the Company’s recent handover of K12.9 million in school infrastructure within Solwezi, alongside 33 clean water reticulation systems deployed to improve public sanitation and institutional health across the district. Aligning directly with the show’s focus on trade and infrastructure development, Kansanshi highlighted its K105 million Mitech–Boom Gate Road project—a 50-50 public-private partnership executed with the local municipal council to streamline transport routes and boost regional commerce.

In addition, the mine highlighted its supplier development model, which has enabled local companies like E-B Stitch and T-Zone Africa to join the mining supply chain by manufacturing safety gear and industrial boots locally. Addressing modern mining standards, Kansanshi outlined its environmental conservation model.

The mine maintains an 1,800-hectare game reserve directly within its mining lease—accounting for 10% of its landholding—which provides sanctuary to over 30 wildlife species. The company also highlighted the broader social impact of the annual Kansanshi Marathon, which hosted over 2,500 runners and raised over $200,000, positioning Solwezi as a hub for sports tourism and health awareness in North-Western Province.

Article by ZBT Analyst