First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is almost doubling the mammoth tree planting exercise at its Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi.
The company is this season planting 30,000 trees and rehabilitating over 35 hectares of mine disturbed land. Last year Kansanshi planted 18,000 trees as part of its commitment to sustainable mining practices and efforts towards environmental conservation.
Arnold Malambo, Manager Environment at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi said: “As a company, we endeavour to extract resources responsibly and attach great importance to the conservation of nature. For example, in the case where the cutting of trees and clearance of vegetation at the mine site is required, it goes through a rigorous approval process. Among the conditions given is to strip and store the topsoil for land rehabilitation at a later time. This comes at a significant cost but is very important to us. We recognise that our activities may lead to disturbance of land and if not remedied, can have an impact on the broader environment within our catchment area. Progressive mine rehabilitation through tree planting is part of our strategy for sustainability and social responsibility.”
“We are doubling our tree planting effort because we know that trees take a very long time to grow and our desire is that forests that have been disturbed within our area of operations be fully re-established at the time of mine closure. We do this because preserving and maintaining nature’s ecosystems, aside from combating the effects of adverse climate change, hold great benefits for communities; among them food security and water retention. Trees and grass play a vital role in soil conservation, preventing erosion, and promoting fertility, which is essential for sustainable agriculture. They further contribute to food security by helping maintain soil integrity and providing valuable resources such as wild fruits, nuts, wood, and other non-wood products.”
During the official launch of the season’s provincial tree planting initiative at the mine earlier this year, North-Western Provincial Minister Robert Lihefu said: “Government firmly believes that tree planting is one of the most effective mitigations against climate change and ensure food security for the present and future generations as they are crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. As government, we recognise the efforts undertaken towards this.”
“I am aware of the various initiatives by Kansanshi Mine such as establishing sustainable agroforestry systems like the fruit tree programmes in the two chiefdoms of Kapijimpanga and Mumena. These efforts will not only improve the environmental conditions but also create numerous business opportunities for local residents,” he said.
The minister called for the trees to be protected because over time, they would provide various non-wood forest products for the local people such as honey, caterpillars, and mushrooms.
Speaking at the same event, North-Western Province Council of Chiefs Chairperson Chief Mumena bemoaned the increased deforestation rate in the province.
“Tree planting must not only end today but let us do it at our homes. I find it very disheartening that along our highways, you will find so many bags of charcoal, an indication that we have too many trees being cut down. Let us come up with sustainable livelihoods and not for people to depend on cutting down trees in order to send our children to school. We need to have sustainable programmes so that we don’t cut down all the trees,” he said.
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) believes collaboration is key to protecting Zambia’s biodiversity. The mining firm has invested over US$6 million in its environmental protection programmes, which are aimed at reducing the carbon impact of its mining activities on the environment and communities.