First Quantum Wins Zambia’s Best Mining Investor Award at 2025 Invest Zambia International Conference
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has been awarded the title of Zambia’s Best Investor in Mining – 2025 at the inaugural Invest Zambia International Conference (IZIC), held in Lusaka.
The accolade acknowledges FQM’s decades-long commitment to Zambia’s mining industry and its contribution to the country’s economic transformation.
Themed “Driving Generational Transformative Investments through Joint Ventures and Partnerships,” the conference brought together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore Zambia’s growing investment opportunities.
Accepting the award, FQM Country Manager Dr. Godwin Beene emphasized that the conference theme mirrors Zambia’s current development trajectory and the need for long-term, sustainable partnerships.
“It’s about time we began to think of Zambia in the long term—in a sustainable, collaborative way that fuels inclusive growth,” Dr. Beene said.
FQM’s investment journey in Zambia began nearly 30 years ago with the Bwana Mkubwa project, later expanding to include the Trident project and the $1.25 billion S3 expansion at Kansanshi Mine.
The S3 expansion is expected to extend the life of the Kansanshi operation to 2046 and significantly increase copper production.
Dr. Beene also highlighted the company’s commitment to value addition, skills development, and inclusive economic growth—priorities that align with Zambia’s national agenda.
“We believe Zambia is a strategic partner in shaping the future of critical industries,” he added.
FQM’s investments extend beyond copper, with the development of the Enterprise nickel mine, reinforcing its role in supporting Zambia’s diversification and broader economic transformation.
Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, also attended the conference and praised the role of private investment in driving national growth.
“We have enacted structural reforms to ensure macroeconomic stability, promote value addition, and drive export-led growth,” said Mutati.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the private sector, calling it a key engine of economic progress.
The award solidifies FQM’s status as a cornerstone of Zambia’s mining sector and a leading advocate for responsible, long-term investment.
As the global demand for copper and critical minerals rises, FQM’s deep-rooted presence in Zambia positions it as a central player in the country’s economic future.
