FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
FQM COMMENCES DISTRIBUTION OF FARMING INPUTS FOR 2024/2025 FARMING SEASON
KALUMBILA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals’ Trident have officially launched the distribution of farming inputs for the 2024/2025 farming season, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and enhancing food security in Zambia. The initiative, valued at $2 million, will benefit over 5,000 farmers across North-Western Province with essential inputs and technical support to address the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable farming practices.
The launch ceremony, held in Kalumbila District, was officiated by the Honourable Minister of Health Elijah Muchima, Senior Chief Musele Musonkantanda, and FQM Trident Assistant General Manager Frederic Wouters and Kalumbila District Commissioner Brenda Sankisa.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Health commended FQM for its significant contribution to Zambia’s food security, stating: “This initiative by First Quantum Minerals is a vital pillar in the fight against food insecurity. By empowering farmers with the resources they need, FQM is playing a key role in strengthening agricultural resilience and driving rural development.”
Senior Chief Musele Musonkantanda echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the programme for local communities: “The farming input distribution not only boosts food security but also uplifts the livelihoods of our farmers. This collaboration between government and the private sector is a clear example of what can be achieved when we work together for the benefit of our people.”
The initiative will see each farmer receive two 50kg bags of basal dressing (Compound D) fertilizer, two 50kg bags of top dressing (Urea) fertiliser, and a 10kg bag of maize seed. In addition to these inputs, FQM provides ongoing conservation farming training, equipping farmers with the skills to enhance yields despite changing weather patterns.
FQM Trident Assistant General Manager Frederic Wouters reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability: “At First Quantum Minerals, we believe in empowering communities to become self-reliant. By providing farming inputs and technical support, we are not only addressing immediate food security needs but also investing in the long-term sustainability of agriculture in North-Western Province.”
The 2024/2025 farming season programme also extends to schools, with 40 institutions receiving inputs including basal and top-dressing fertilisers, soya beans, groundnuts, and maize seeds. This support aims to bolster school feeding programmes while generating additional income for schools to improve learning conditions.
This initiative underscores FQM’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, aligning with national efforts to combat food insecurity and empower rural communities through sustainable development practices.
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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 nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2023, First Quantum globally produced 707,678 tonnes of copper, 226,885 ounces of gold and 26,252 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/
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