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First Quantum’s Kansanshi Mine has successfully hosted an intensive rope rescue and first aid training exercise for mine rescue teams from eight leading mining companies in Zambia, as part of its routine annual and quarterly emergency response training programme and in preparation for the 2026 International Mine Rescue Competition.
The competition will be hosted in Zambia, marking the first time the prestigious global event will be held in an African country.
The two-day training brought together 64 participants from Lubambe, Nchanga, Konkola (KCM), Luanshya, Nampundwe, Chambishi (NFCA), Mufulira (Mopani) and Nkana (Mopani), underscoring strong industry collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing mine safety standards.
Scheduled to take place from 28th April to 4th May 2026, the International Mine Rescue Competition will be co-hosted by the mining towns of Kitwe and Solwezi, placing Zambia and Africa firmly on the global mining safety map.
Speaking after the training, Zambia Mine Rescue President, Gabriel Zulu said the programme was particularly impactful due to Kansanshi Mine’s advanced facilities and expertise.
“This programme has been particularly impactful because Kansanshi Mine is equipped with the best rope training facilities and skilled Emergency Response Team trainers,” he said.
He added that the continued investment in emergency response infrastructure and personnel reflects First Quantum’s strong leadership in safety.
“The investment in ERT facilities and personnel training is testament to First Quantum’s management commitment to emergency preparedness. This commitment sets a strong example for the entire mining industry and demonstrates that safety is not just a priority, but a core value.”
Highlighting the dual benefit of the initiative, First Quantum Africa Group Safety Manager, Eric Cousins said the training is strengthening both external and internal emergency response capacity.
“Not only are we training teams to be part of the International Mine Rescue competition next year, we are also training our own people at the same time. So, we are using our ERT specialists that have here and are already way advanced in the training programmes, they are being used as trainers of these teams in readiness for the competition in 2026,” he added.
The training was conducted by Kansanshi Mine’s safety and rescue personnel, using the mine’s state-of-the-art rescue facilities.
Commenting further on the upcoming competition, Eric Cousins that the event should serve as a benchmark for strengthening emergency response standards across the mining industry.
“Something that First Quantum strongly believes in is being proactive when it comes to emergency response. So as a result, the company has gone ahead and prepared these facilities to train not only our own people but even people from Solwezi town, the community as well as the mine rescue teams from the Copperbelt,” he said.
The World Mine Rescue Competition brings together the world’s best mine rescue teams to demonstrate their preparedness, teamwork, and technical expertise under simulated emergency conditions. Zambia’s selection as host nation marks a historic milestone for Africa, showcasing the continent’s growing capacity for mining excellence and safety leadership.
First Quantum’s Kansanshi Mine continues to set the standard for mining safety and emergency preparedness in Zambia and across the region, as it prepares to welcome the world’s best mine rescue teams to Africa for the first time in 2026.
