FQM launch new website to to publicise opportunities for local businesses.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) and the Musele Chamber of Commerce in North-Western Province have partnered to launch a new website to publicise opportunities for local businesses.

The online membership database portal will display tenders posted by FQM subsidiary Kalumbila Minerals Limited (KML), which operates the Sentinel Mine.

The move is part of the mining company’s quest to increase the capacity of North-Western Province businesses, enabling them to meet safety and operational requirements, and qualify for contracts.

Speaking during the launch Mr. Kapita said The Launch of the Musele Chamber of Commerce Website has come at the right time when the government of the Republic of Zambia is promoting inclusion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Mr. Kapita said current mining practices offering opportunities for the growth of other sectors through local supply chain development, which can contribute to the diversification of the economy.

He said that the launch of the website will bring together businessmen and women including farmers to sell and find markets for their products and services.

Mr. Kapita said FQM has again proved that they are a partner in development by supporting government’s local content strategy encouraging mining companies to procure goods and services locally.

He said KML’s Trident Foundation has supported the website to help provide opportunities for local businesses as part of the mining firm’s pledge to increase the amount of goods and services it buys from local suppliers.

And Trident Foundation Manager Garth Lappeman said ultimately they will also post procurement statistics on the website, together with reports of KML’s business development activities.

Mr. Lappeman said Sentinel mine procured US$2.062 billion of goods and services in Zambia from 2011 to 2016, of which US$480 million was spent in North-Western Province.