First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has announced a significant milestone in its Zambian operations, reporting a 22 percent increase in procurement from local suppliers, with spending surpassing $2.1 billion in 2025.
The company, which operates Kansanshi Mining Plc and FQM Trident mines, recorded global revenues of approximately $4.3 billion last year. Of this total, FQM’s economic contribution to the Zambian economy reached $3.4 billion, including $902 million paid in taxes.
The breakdown of this figure demonstrates FQM’s commitment to local value creation as 62% was allocated to local procurement from Zambian-registered suppliers, 26% was contributed directly to government revenues, and 11% was paid in salaries and wages.
The remaining portion supported community investments and social outreach initiatives. Anthony Mukutuma, Country Director for First Quantum Zambia, emphasized the central role of the company’s Zambian operations, stating, “2025 was a pivotal year for our operations in Zambia.
The completion of the Kansanshi S3 Expansion represents a major milestone, reinforcing the long-term contribution of Kansanshi to copper production, employment, and government revenue.” Mukutuma said across its Zambian operations, First Quantum employed more than 12,000 people, engaged over 11,500 contractors, and partnered with more than 1,500 local suppliers, generating $3.46 billion in direct economic contributions to Zambia, a 30% increase compared to the prior year.
“As Director of First Quantum’s Zambian operations, I recognise the importance of accountability to all our stakeholders,” Mukutuma said. In May 2026, First Quantum published its 2025 Global Tax Transparency and Economic Contributions Report, continuing its commitment to clear and responsible disclosure in line with Canada’s Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act and other international frameworks. “Transparent reporting is a key part of maintaining trust and demonstrating how value generated by our operations is shared. This report reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible resource development and to contributing in a meaningful and sustainable way to Zambia’s economic development over the long term,” Mukutuma added.
Meanwhile, addressing the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) Pre-AGM workshop in Livingstone last month, Kally Kasunka, Finance Superintendent at FQM Kansanshi Mine, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s economic development and building strong partnerships with local stakeholders.
Kasunka also highlighted that 2026 marks FQM’s 30th anniversary of mining in Zambia, reflecting a longstanding partnership that began with the Bwana Mkubwa project in 1996, the acquisition of Kansanshi Mine in 2001, and the commissioning of the Trident project in 2016. In 2025, FQM commissioned the $1.2 billion S3 expansion at Kansanshi, extending the mine’s operational life beyond 2025, a clear indication of the company’s enduring commitment to the country.
First Quantum operates in Zambia through subsidiaries that manage three producing mines in North-Western Province. The Kansanshi copper-gold mine near Solwezi has served as the company’s flagship operation since 2005 and is owned 80% by First Quantum and 20% by ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc, a state-owned enterprise.
Article by Tyndale Muchiya
