FQM Contributes $3.46 Billion to Zambia’s Economy in 2025
First Quantum Minerals Reports $3.46 Billion Economic Contribution to Zambia Through Taxes, Jobs and Procurement in 2025
Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals has reported a total economic contribution of approximately $3.46 billion to Zambia in 2025, according to its latest Tax Transparency and Economic Contributions Report.
The report highlights the company’s significant role in the Zambian economy through taxation, employment, procurement, and community investment activities across its mining operations.
During the year, First Quantum Minerals employed more than 12,000 people in Zambia and engaged over 11,500 contractors, while also working with more than 1,500 local suppliers.
The company says these partnerships are central to its strategy of generating long-term, shared economic value.
A major highlight of the year was the completion and commissioning of the Kansanshi S3 expansion project in Solwezi, which the company says will strengthen copper production capacity and enhance long-term contributions to employment and government revenues.
Zambia country director Anthony Mukutuma said the expansion marks an important milestone for both the company and the national economy, particularly in supporting mining output and fiscal inflows.
Of the total contribution, about $902 million was paid to the government in the form of taxes, including royalties, import duties, consumption taxes, and Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) deductions.
The company also paid $63.4 million in royalties to ZCCM Investments Holdings, alongside contributions of $3.5 million to Kalumbila Town Council and $3.6 million to Solwezi Municipal Council.
In addition, First Quantum Minerals reported spending approximately $2.14 billion on procurement from Zambian-registered suppliers, paying $389 million in salaries and wages, and investing more than $23 million in community development and social responsibility programmes.
Its key Zambian operations Kansanshi Mine and FQM Trident contributed $236 million and $139 million respectively in taxes and royalties.
The report, prepared in line with Canada’s Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act and other international reporting standards, provides a detailed breakdown of payments made to government institutions in Zambia.
Mukutuma said the findings reflect the company’s commitment to transparency and long-term partnership with Zambia.
He added that First Quantum’s operations remain central not only to the company’s global business but also to Zambia’s economic performance, with disclosures covering employment, procurement, and broader economic contributions to national development.
