By John Chola

Zambia’s journalists experienced firsthand the scale and sophistication of First Quantum Minerals’ (FQM) Trident Mine operations today, expressing awe at the massive investments positioning Zambia among the globe’s top modern mining destinations.

A groundbreaking US$10 million Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) described as potentially “one of a kind in the world.”

Accompanied by FQM Country Manager Dr. Godwin Beene and Trident’s top management, the media tour delved deep into the mine’s environmental stewardship and cutting-edge systems, many believed to be unprecedented in Zambia.

A Deep Dive into Environmental Excellence and the State-of-the-Art TSF

The day began with a strong emphasis on safety and environmental management.

After arrival at Kalumbila Airport and a safety briefing on the bus covering THINK principles and fatigue management, the tour proceeded directly to key environmental and TSF sites.

At the TSF offices, Derek McGregor, Manager of TSF and Water Dams, took center stage.

Derek who included Mark Ross – TSF and Water Dams Superintendent and Thembi Ndhlovu – TSF and Water Dams Civil Engineer presented a comprehensive briefing on the facility’s emergency preparedness and response protocols, assuring journalists of the robust systems in place to protect both the environment and downstream communities.

McGregor and team supported by various company top brace among them Environmental and Operations departments then guided the group to the TSF Decant point, showcasing the operational heart of the facility.

McGregor’s presentation illuminated the TSF’s advanced design and monitoring, directly linking to the ambitious 2025 TSF Work Plan visible in operational activities:

Unprecedented Monitoring: He detailed the installation of 20 tiltmeters connected to satellites, 26 kilometers of fiber optic cable with cabinets, and 35 Vibrating Wire Piezometers (VWP) feeding into satellite systems – providing real-time, remote structural and seepage monitoring.

Proactive Risk Management: McGregor explained the crucial ongoing work, including preparing an updated Dam Break Analysis model (last done in 2020), completing a numerical groundwater model, and conducting Factor of Safety (FoS) analysis on 27 cross-sections using final borehole drilling results.

Infrastructure & Stability: The work plan’s focus on stability was evident, with McGregor referencing the development of designs for buttressing, the ongoing construction of a 400m buttress on the SF quadrant, and the completion of the pressure Relief System and finger drains.

Water Management & Efficiency: He highlighted the recent update of the TSF water balance model and the installation of flowmeters and pressure transducers to optimize water management and process load through new cyclones and spigots.

“The takeway from here is that for FQM environmental responsibility and facility integrity are non-negotiable,” Dr Beene stated. “This TSF represents not just significant investment, but a commitment to deploying the most advanced monitoring, safety, and water management technologies available globally, operating under the strictest protocols.”

Beyond the TSF: Community and Investment Showcased

The tour extended beyond the TSF, encompassing the Sentinel Bottling Plant, the Sentinel Pit (featuring the fatigue break room), and significant community investment sites:

Kalumbila Town Development:
Journalists toured town housing and interacted with local SMEs and contractors (Nvumabaranda Group, Mpuka, WOGLA) at Ndimi, facilitated by the Kalumbila Town Development Corporation (KTDC) and Trident Foundation.

Social Infrastructure visits were also extended to the Business Incubation Centre under the Trident Foundation Limited and the CEEC.

Economic Diversification: A briefing on the Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) highlighted new development opportunities with private mining related companies already processing while more rhan 20 companies are on the cards to set up.

Business and People Focus

Generally during transit, journalists received business updates covering production, employment, Kalumbila Town, and the MFEZ.
Human Resources Manager Mark Silimi detailed local and national employment initiatives** and employee upskilling programs, reinforcing the message of national capacity building.

A Model for Modern Mining

Concluding at the Trident Country Club with lunch and a final debrief, the overwhelming sentiment from journalists was one of profound respect for the technological prowess and scale of investment demonstrated by FQM Trident.

The US$10 million TSF, under Derek McGregor’s stewardship and guided by a rigorous, technology-driven work plan, stood out as a tangible symbol of Zambia’s place at the forefront of safe, efficient, and environmentally conscious modern mining.

The integration of world-class engineering, relentless monitoring, and deep community engagement presented a compelling model for the industry’s future in Africa.