FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
APRIL 16, 2025
SOLWEZI’S MUSHITALA PRIMARY SCHOOL GETS K1.95M INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE
SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA – Mushitala Primary School in Solwezi is set to benefit from improved access to quality education as First Quantum Minerals (FQM), through its subsidiary Kansanshi Mining PLC, officially handed over new school infrastructure valued at K1.95 million to the Ministry of Education.
The infrastructure includes a new 1X3 classroom block, a strong room and head teacher’s office, 90 new desks, and with exterior painting work done. The increased capacity will enable the school to accommodate more learners.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Luckon Mulumbi highlighted government’s dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education, noting the impact of the free education policy in removing financial barriers. He commended FQM’s role in enhancing educational access in the Province; one that is built on the strategic partnerships that are essential in driving national development.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a structure but also the promise of a brighter future for the learners of Mushtala school,” he said and urged the school administration, teachers, parents, and learners to take ownership of the new facilities and protect them from vandalism.
He further stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between government, the private sector, and the community in advancing education and called upon other corporate entities to do also their part in order to create a conducive learning environment for even more learners.
“It is investments like these that help us realise the vision of delivering quality education and creating opportunities for all children regardless of their background,” he added.
Kansanshi Mining PLC Assistant General Manager Axel Köttgen, in a speech read on his behalf by Kansanshi mine Corporate Affairs Superintendent, Ryan Ellis, reiterated the mine’s dedication to education through programmes such as the Kansanshi Education Quality Improvement Programme (KanEQuIP).
“For years, we have been developing the instructional leadership and management training capacities surrounding Kansanshi including teacher improvement initiatives, educational resources and early childhood education support, literacy, communication and sporting initiatives,” he said.
Mr Köttgen further noted that Mushitala is one of Kansanshi Mines’ closest and valued neighbours, adding that the school plays a vital role in educating pupils who will become the future workforce, the future leaders of the mine.
“The ongoing S3 developments and mine expansion currently underway, increased the lifespan of this mine by another 20 years; the wonderful thing about this is that the young faces we see here today will reach adulthood and enter the workforce to find this mine still operating. I would like to therefore thank the Ministry of Education and the local authorities and stakeholders for their collaboration throughout this project,” he continued.
Solwezi District Education Standards Officer, Felix Luputa emphasised the critical need for additional school infrastructure in the district owing to an overflow in eager learners.
Speaking on behalf of her peers, Grade Seven pupil Faith Chella expressed gratitude to the mining firm for its unwavering support and investment in their education. She also thanked the teachers for their dedication and the parents and community for their support.
“To Kansanshi Mining PLC, we are always short of words. Your commitment to our education has been instrumental in shaping our future. This classroom block will go a long way in creating more space and a conducive learning environment for a Mushitala child,” she said.
Past support by FQM to Mushitala has included the drilling of a borehole; the building of an ablution block and the GCE centre that it also furnished and a play park; the construction and furnishing of a 1X5 classroom block, painting of the school interiors, training of teachers, donation of staffroom furniture, and the introduction of the school feeding programme.
FQM’s extensive education programmes at its two mines in North-Western Province, include the KanEQuIP, support for Early Childhood Education, Solwezi Trades Training programmes, and others.
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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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