First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQM) handed over approximately 517 hectares of land to various recipients, including the government, Chief Chiwala, the community, and its employees. The land handover comes as part of FQM’s exit plan following the closure of its Bwana Mkubwa mine site, where it had been conducting mining activities since the 1990s.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Elijah Muchima, presided over the land handover ceremony in Munkulungwe Ward of Bwana Mkubwa Constituency. Expressing gratitude, Minister Muchima commended FQM for its decision to provide land to the community and its employees. He revealed that his ministry would be sending surveyors to demarcate the land for the 338 employees who will receive 114 hectares.
Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo also lauded FQM for empowering its employees with 135 hectares of land, emphasizing that the company’s gesture demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of its workforce. The land allocation of 106 hectares to Chief Chiwala will further contribute to the development of the local community.
FQM Country Manager, Godwin Beene, reiterated the company’s belief in putting people first. In his address, he urged the recipients not to waste the land and emphasized the significance of responsible land management for the benefit of all stakeholders.
During the ceremony, FQM Immediate Past Country Manager, General Kingsley Chinkuli, appealed to the recipients to use the land appropriately to bring prosperity to the community. The land distribution also included allocations of 116 hectares to ex-servicemen, 10 hectares to the NGO called ZAPA, and 36 hectares to Kafubu Water.
Minister Muchima issued a stern warning against any illegal land allocation and stressed the need for proper land management. He emphasized that surveyors would analyze the land, and those engaging in unlawful activities could face serious consequences.
The handover of land by FQM has been met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the community and local representatives. Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament, Warren Mwambazi, expressed hope that the land handover would help resolve land wrangles in Munkulungwe Ward. Minister Matambo highlighted the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the people as FQM surrendered its land to the government and Chiwala Chiefdom.
In addition to the land allocation, FQM Country Manager, Dr. Godwin Beene, emphasized that the company was also preserving certain heritage sites in the area, showing their commitment to environmental and cultural preservation.
After extracting minerals worth trillions from your land, they now hand the land back after all minerals have been extracted. You can now have the worthless land back you villagers, they say
There are 2 important institutions whose presence was required at this function, the Mines Safety Department and the Zambia Environmental Management Authority. Both MSD and ZEMA must confirm whether the Environmental Management Plan has been complied with before innocent people are exposed to hazards and the government inheriting huge environmental liabilities. Why have these important institutions been excluded? Isn’t this mine flooded? Let’s not get too excited about receiving crumbs
That couldn’t happen under PF’s jerabos.
I bet there was no corruption involved
Such handovers should be backed by strigent social act policies and envromental due dilengence checked/ticked as stated by Blogger Ayatallah not seen as mere Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). By social act I mean building roads, amenities for the people you are handing over the land you depleted. This here is what is going to happen to our future generations when another proposed open pit mine Lower Zambezi Mine is mined out like Bwana Mkubwa Mine, the investors will simply hand back a huge pot hole move to the next one like hungry termites and some Polticians will be celebrating shamelessly with nothing to show for to the young ones
There’s always an environmental audit report in place. It’s meant to monitor the demobilization process and is done at appropriate intervals. This mine was closed in 2008 and there has never been any update except the current one whereby the land is being passed on to innocent people in the strategic absence of oversight institutions. Later it’ll be like the case of Ministry of Local Government and that of Transport. Zambia Railways has sold land within 50 metres of the rail line. Councils are failing to monitor structures being built because that’s not within their jurisdiction while the Ministry of Transport doesn’t have the mandate to monitor such activities. We’re stuck! This is Zambia.
How can foreigners ‘donate’ land to local people. I think that statement must be rephrased.