FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
APRIL 12, 2025
FQM’S CAREERS FAIR INSPIRES FUTURE LEADERS IN ZAMBIA’S MINING SECTOR
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has partnered with the Ministry of Education to host Careers Fairs aimed at sparking early interest in and reshaping perceptions among young learners about the mining industry. The first fair – one of the many to come – took place in Lusaka and attracted 25 schools, further underscoring the vital role of industry engagement in cultivating a new generation of skilled, diverse, and innovative professionals, while empowering students with knowledge on the rewarding career opportunities available in this dynamic sector spanning from geology, engineering to finance, environmental science, and community relations.
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Education Principal Education Standards Officer, Ms Beenzu Mwanashimbala, said FQM’s partnership with the Ministry complements government’s efforts in shaping the future of Zambia’s youth. She noted that the career fairs double up as an inspiration to the young students and a support for government’s human development goals for educating and upskilling its citizens to meet current and global human capital needs through initiatives such as free education and TEVET.
“I wish to appreciate First Quantum Minerals Limited for the support they are giving to the Ministry of Education. This event is crucial for the future careers of our learners, as it introduces them to diverse opportunities within Zambia’s mining industry. We are deeply grateful to FQM for offering our learners this invaluable platform to interact with actual industry experts. Such initiatives inspire informed career choices and align with the Ministry’s commitment to providing quality education for all,” said Ms Mwanashimbala.
Highlighting the importance of career guidance as part of character building and personal development, Ms Mwanashimbala emphasised the need for learners to pursue their passions by leveraging state resources such as the Government’s Free Education Policy, which ensures equal opportunities for all, as well as other educational resources available to them.
She further encouraged them to dream big, take risks, and develop transferable skills that will serve them across various industries.
“The Ministry of Education greatly values partnerships like this with FQM, which complement our efforts to guide learners towards fulfilling careers. We urge other companies to emulate this example and collaborate with educational institutions to nurture future talent,” Ms Mwanashimbala added.
Speaking at the same event, FQM Country Director, Anthony Mukutuma, shared his personal journey in the mining sector, urging learners to aim high, follow their passion, and commit to lifelong learning.
“I would rather you aim high and miss the mark than to aim low and hit the mark. If your passion is in security, you could choose to be a security guard—nothing wrong with that—or you could aim to be the army general of the Zambia Army. In medicine, you might choose to be a nurse or a top surgeon. My advice is simple: aim high,” he said.
Mr Mukutuma however, cautioned the pupils against chasing careers solely for financial gain, and dismissed the notion that financial gain should dictate career choices, adding that monetary rewards fluctuated over time.
Mr Mukutuma also highlighted that ultimately the choice of career should take into account the importance of making a positive impact as an individual and in the organisations we choose to work for, pointing to FQM’s positive impact in the communities where it operates, particularly in education and youth development.
“Beyond copper production, our greatest achievement is empowering young lives through scholarships, school infrastructure, and initiatives like this Careers Fair. We want you to look back and say FQM helped shape your future,” he continued.
The event concluded with a call to action for learners to seize opportunities, network, and make informed career decisions. Both the Government and FQM reaffirmed their shared commitment to nurturing Zambia’s next generation of professionals.
First Quantum has invested over US$150 million in sustainability and community development programmes, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
FQM’s extensive education programmes at its two mines in North-Western Province, Zambia, support this goal. These programmes include the Kansanshi Quality Education Improvement Programme (KanEQuIP), support for Early Childhood Education, Solwezi Trades Training programmes, and various school projects. And the company believes that the introduction of the Careers Fairs will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the mining industry and potential talent.
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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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