Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reported that it contributed $3.46-billion to the Zambian economy during 2025.

The company’s latest yearly ‘Tax Transparency and Economic Contributions report’, shows that it employed more than 12 000 people in the country and engaged over 11 500 contractors and supported more than 1 500 local suppliers during the year, reinforcing strong linkages with Zambian businesses and communities.

The company says these partnerships underpin its strategy of delivering shared and sustained economic value.

“Completion and commissioning of First Quantum’s Kansanshi S3 expansion project, in Solwezi, represented a major milestone, reinforcing the long-term contribution of Kansanshi to copper production, employment and government revenues,” says FQM Zambia country director Anthony Mukutuma.

The company says its contributions for the year included government revenues, salaries and wages, local procurement from Zambian suppliers, as well as community investment initiatives.

Of the overall contribution, $902-million was in the form of taxes to the government such as royalties, consumption and import taxes and pay-as-you-earn.

First Quantum also paid $63.4-million in royalties to Zambian State-owned investment company ZCCM Investments Holdings, while contributing $3.5-million to the Kalumbila Town Council and $3.6-million to the Solwezi Municipal Council.

In addition, the company notes that it spent $2.14-billion on procurement from Zambian-registered suppliers; paid $389-million in salaries and wages; and invested more than $23-million in community development and social outreach programmes in 2025.

Additionally, the company notes that its Zambian operations – Kansanshi Mining in Solwezi and FQM Trident in Kalumbila – made payments of $236-million and $139-million, respectively, in taxes and royalties to the Zambian government.

The report was prepared in line with Canada’s Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act and other international transparency frameworks. It details taxes, royalties and other reportable payments made to government institutions in Zambia.

The report demonstrated the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability and long-term partnership with Zambia, says Mukutuma.

“First Quantum’s operations in Zambia play a central role in both our business and in the country’s economy.

“This report provides transparency around payments made to government, alongside information on employment, local procurement and other direct economic contributions that support Zambia’s broader economic activity,” he adds.