FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURE
MARCH 25 2022

FQM TEES OFF TEVETA WORLD SKILLS PROGRAMME

Kansanshi Mining partners with TEVETA to improve skills in tertiary institutions

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals through Kansanshi Mining Plc has partnered with TEVETA to sponsor a fundraising golf tournament to raise funds for participants taking part in the World Skills Africa Competition later this month.

World Skills is a global movement that raises the profile and recognition of skilled people, to show how important skills are in achieving economic growth. The competitions are the gold standard of excellence, helping to inspire young competitors to reach new heights, and helping them turn their passion into a profession. Zambia is a member of World Skills through a secretariat housed under TEVETA.

Speaking at the launch of the tournament, Kansanshi Mining Public Relations Manager Godfrey Msiska said Kansanshi mine was happy to partner with TEVETA to fundraise towards the World Skills Competition because the mine valued education and believed there is no substitute for a good education. 

Kansanshi Mining has a long working relationship with the TEVETA, notably the Kwambula project at the Solwezi Trades Training Institute, which has been running from 2011. The mine has committed to upgrading teaching materials and providing state-of-the-art digital equipment for learners at the institution for their skills training. The mine has also built a few workshops where practical skills in metal fabrication, power electrical, heavy equipment repair and instrumentation are taught. 

“We’re all for supporting this initiative as the mine also hires graduates from TEVETA institutions. FQM has contributed K50,000 to help in this cause and we are looking forward to the start of this project which seeks to promote excellence in tertiary and vocational institutions throughout the country. As you know highly skilled people make for a quality and stronger workforce.” Mr Msiska said.

Speaking at the same event, TEVETA Director of Development Division Phyllis Chibuye Kasonkomona expressed her happiness over the collaboration with the mine and went on to thank the other sponsors present at the tournament, including EIZ, ZASTI and the Zambia Army.

Mrs Kasonkomona explained how Zambia’s participation at the World Skills Competition will not only benefit the students and their tutors but will in turn benefit the sponsors and the workforce at large.

“World Skills International where Zambia is subscribed is a platform that looks at how skills can be benchmarked internationally. The World Skills competitions not only provide the showcasing of skills but reward vocational excellence. This will have a spill-over effect into the quality of workmanship that the graduates bring when they join the industry as they will have been certified at international level,” she said.

FQM believes that education is the best solid foundation that anyone can have and is committed to supporting education through a holistic approach. The mine invests at all levels from primary through to university and technical training.

“We believe that this is how we are adding value to the education system and elevating standards. As Kansanshi Mining we have a moral duty to support these institutions and address those gaps in the work they are doing. We have a common objective: we want to produce graduates that are ready to work in a competitive environment. To that end the mine will continue to partner with various institutions like TEVETA and the ministry of education in pushing the agenda for better quality education,” Mr Msiska said.

Working in partnership with renowned trade schools in North-Western and Copperbelt Provinces, the mine has incentivised the diversification of intake to not only focus on mechanical and electrical trades, but also encourage students to move into non-technical fields like administration and occupational health and safety. 

The company has also put in place a provision to allow outstanding students from the mine’s vocational training programmes to have easier access to tertiary level training at some of the country’s most notable colleges.

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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and zinc. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2021, First Quantum globally produced 816,435   tonnes of copper, 312,492 ounces of gold and 16,818 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi and the Sentinel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/

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