FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
APRIL 8, 2025
FQM URGES EIZ DELEGATES TO CREATE
WORLD-CLASS ENGINEERS
LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has called on engineers to look beyond conventional approaches to addressing challenges in the mining sector and nurture professionals who can compete on the world stage.
Speaking at the 2025 Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) Annual General Meeting and Symposium in Livingstone, FQM Trident Safety Manager Atkins Sitwala challenged engineering professionals to adopt an innovative, proactive mindset and become creators of solutions to address pressing national issues, including climate change, energy security, and infrastructure development.
The symposium, themed “Sustainable Engineering Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation,” brought together leading figures to discuss the path forward for the profession. Key speakers from industry, government, and the EIZ itself emphasised the critical role engineers must play in shaping the nation’s future.
“Are we merely reacting to challenges, or are we actively involved in engineering solutions for the future that demands innovation, adaptability, and foresight?” questioned Mr Sitwala.
Advocating for an “off-the-grid mindset,” encouraging engineers to become self-starters and innovators, creating new industries and employment opportunities rather than seeking them, he told delegates: “The world does not need more job seekers. It requires job creators. Let us work together and become the grid ourselves.”
Mr Sitwala highlighted FQM’s commitment to nurturing talent through career events, sponsoring higher education, supporting trade schools like Kwambula and the new Poly Training Trade School in Kalumbila, and facilitating international exposure for local technicians.
He stressed the urgency of aligning academic curricula with current industry needs, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and called for a focus on developing “world-class engineers who can compete on a global stage” to meet Zambia’s ambitious copper production targets and address infrastructure shortcomings.
Speaking at the same event, Public Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Charles Milupi, acknowledged the impact of climate change on Zambia, manifesting as increased flooding, prolonged dry spells, and unpredictable weather patterns straining infrastructure and the economy.
He said that the symposium’s theme resonated with the government’s agenda and that the engineering profession stands at the heart of finding sustainable solutions to the challenges that come with climate change.
“The New Dawn Government, is currently overseeing several strategic infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life of Zambian, and increasing economic growth reflected in resilience to climate change,” he said.
First Quantum believes there is need for immediate action, innovation, and collaboration, and the company recognises the role of shaping the next generation of engineers, which it is actively building.
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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 2024, First Quantum globally produced 431,000 tonnes of copper, 139,000 ounces of gold and 24,000 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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