First Quantum Minerals (FQM) says the company has agreed to be the main sponsor of the 2019 Elephant Epic mountain bike race which seeks to raise funds for wildlife conservation in Zambia.
Around 200 riders are expected in this year’s race on June 22 and proceeds will go towards supporting the raising of orphaned elephants in the care of GRI’s Elephant Orphanage Project.
The Elephant Epic event organised by Game Rangers International (GRI) has grown significantly from 16 riders in 2012 to 137 riders in 2018 when participants took to the tracks and raised US$17,500 for wildlife conservation.
Commenting on the sponsorship, FQ Kalumbila Minerals public relations coordinator Mirriam Harmon said the mining firm believed that effective environmental management is a corporate priority and its efforts in conservation are aimed at leaving a positive legacy.
“One of the company’s conservation projects is supporting government in the restoration and management of the West Lunga Management Area for the next five years at a cost of K91.7 million,” said Harmon.
The mountain bike race will follow a rugged route from Lusaka to the Lower Zambezi, down the escarpment, covering a distance of approximately 75km.
The race aims to create awareness for the realities faced by wildlife and wild spaces and highlight the current worldwide plight of the African Elephant.
GRI’s approach is rooted in the belief that the key to sustainable long-term use of Zambia’s natural wealth is best achieved by the full participation of all stakeholders in managing the country’s eco-systems.
The mine is also conducting capacity-building for communities in and around the West Lunga Management Area (WLMA) to venture into conservation activities that are key to the survival of national wildlife and parks, which can be a source of revenue generated from local and international tourism.
The WLMA once supported large numbers of wildlife species including elephant, buffalo, sable, roan, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, lion, leopard and wild dog. It was also once the stronghold of yellow-backed and blue duiker in Zambia.
