First Quantum Minerals subsidiary Kansanshi Mine has recorded a ten percent rise in copper production from 58,706 tonnes in the third quarter of 2017 to 64,800 tonnes in the fourth quarter, to cap off a successful year.
The mining firm recorded an end-of-year production figure of 250,801 tonnes of copper and sold 267,700 tonnes of the metal by drawing on inventory in stock. Total copper production and sales for the last 12 months beat the prior year’s targets by around six percent and eight percent, respectively.
The company’s newer Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila reported a seven percent rise in production for the quarter, to 57,190 tonnes, compared with 53,533 tonnes in the fourth quarter.
FQM Country Manager General Kingsley Chinkuli who disclosed the development in a statement obtained by ZANIS in Lusaka today, added that the figures reinforced the important role that mining companies play in the Zambian economy, and underscores the importance of an open and honest relationship between the mining industry and government.
He added that a balance must be sought to ensure that all Zambians get their fair share of the profits.
“Despite the global and local challenges the mining sector faced in 2017, we are pleased with our fourth quarter results for last year and we remain optimistic that the momentum of the previous 12 months can be carried into the first quarter of 2018,” said Gen. Chinkuli.
He said that Zambia needed to strive towards achieving a sustainable and viable mining sector to continue the significant contribution made towards economic development and foreign exchange earnings.
“Over the past few months, we have seen the price of copper increase, which is good for a company that mines low-grade copper ore. And we hope to continue to invest in the latest hardware, exploration and modernization techniques,” he said.
The FQM Country Manager further stated that when the world’s economy presented challenges, such as the recent global financial crisis, or as a result of the commodity super-cycle, it is even more important for governments to make their jurisdictions most attractive in which to invest.
“Taxes paid by FQM in Zambia now amount to more than US$3.5 billion; dividends paid to ZCCM-IH in excess of US$200 million, and an investment in corporate social responsibility of US$100 million, meaning a total investment in Zambia in excess of US$5 billion, and delivering tangible social improvement to thousands of Zambians.” “These are the irrefutable facts: what is good for the investor is good for Zambia,” he said.
The mining firm, which is the country’s largest taxpayer, emphasized that a key element of making Zambia competitive is a stable tax and royalty regime, stability in major costs such as electricity and fuel, stability in labour and reliable refund of VAT.
The company believes that fundamental to long-term private sector investment is knowing what the costs will be for the life of its investment in Zambia, and that a natural equilibrium must be sought to ensure equitable benefits between investors, government and communities.
But we know, the govt also knows, a large by-product of kasanshi mine is gold. Never ever has information on gold production been given. The official title for this mine, in earlier records is kasanshi copper and gold mine. Conviniently, neither managemebt nor govt talks about the gold part. When did kasanshi mine stop producing gold. All mine workers, residents of solwezi, security/govt know gold is produced in good commercial quantities. The gold is flown out of solwezi to where only God knows. Muzunga must be blessing his gods for the sleeping pipo we are.
Sorry but have you read the FQM financial reports? Their gold production is clearly stated
There’s a Zambian at the head of giant mining. Hope Harry Kalaba can advise Zambians to emulate this great Zambian.
Talk to me Mukuma, all the gold Kansanshi produces is refined at a company I work for in South Africa, and I can give the number 200% accurately
I hope Gen. Chinkuli is up to his word as Country manager. QFM should not boast that it is the largest payer of taxes to the treasury? No even a guy who pays VAT on a 2kg of sugar in Kapepa compound in Solwezi is also a big payer. It depends on what type of business one does. If its on a fully blown large scale like QFM then they have have pay high taxes based on their production volumes and exports earnings. Paying taxes to the govt is a statutotaty obligation and there are no two ways about it. What Gen. Chinkuli should be telling the nation is plans QFM have put in place with those open pits after mining operation ceases. Are they going to cover them up or will just remain like that for our future children to look at as mesuems? When Gen. Chinkuli says that low grade copper ores. Does…