The University of Zambia (UNZA) and First Quantum Minerals Trident Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will see the institutions collaborate in research and development, staff training as well as student support programmes.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Kalumbila, the University of Zambia Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mundia Muya, said the signed agreement offers an excellent opportunity to expand the educational and training cooperation between the two institutions, particularly in the areas of geology, mining engineering, metallurgy, and mineral processing, as well as social and economic issues related to mining.
Prof. Muya said UNZA recognizes the value of the connection between the two institutions. “As you might be aware, the University of Zambia works with over 150 universities and organizations worldwide and, through the School of Mines, provides education and training in geology, mining engineering, and metallurgical engineering at levels ranging from bachelor through masters to doctorate degrees. It also provides research and consultancy services in the same areas to local (e.g., mining companies, government, NGOs), regional, and international organizations (e.g., SADC COMESA, World Bank, EU, SIDA, FINNIDA, and DANNIDA,” he said.
Prof. Muya said the School of Mines also provides training, at the postgraduate level, in water resources as well as sustainable mining under the USDA program. He further revealed that the UNZA has been offering certificate programs such as onsite certificates in metallurgical engineering at FQM and other mines such as Lumwana, Kansashi Mine, and Lubambe Mine, and so far about 31 students from Trident Mine have graduated from the program since 2020. “The School of Mine has also been running short courses such as hazmat and carbon footprinting for Trident Mine for several years now. It is pleasing to see that all this collaboration work has culminated in the signing of this MOU,” he said.
Prof Muya revealed that under the agreement signed by the two institutions, both parties will undertake to promote and develop academic and industry cooperation by providing top-performing students in their last two years of study in geology, mining engineering and metallurgy, with paid industry training attachment opportunities to put to practice what they have learnt and gain hands-on job experience, support deserving students with financial sponsorship to cover costs of tuition and other expenses based on academic merit, extracurricular activities, provide graduates with paid internship opportunities to gain real-world experience and help them become more competitive in the job market as well as award top graduating students in geology, mining engineering and metallurgy with various monetary and non-monetary awards as well as possible employment opportunities.
Prof. Muya said the other areas of cooperation include promoting staff exchange and capacity-building programs within FQM Trident operation areas for lecturers, researchers, and technicians trained in specific skills and research areas; joint supervision of students between UNZA and FQM Trident on mutually agreed topics; promoting mining process improvement research projects in geology, mining engineering, and metallurgy; and facilitating short-term visits to FQM Trident operation areas by lecturers and students for the purpose of learning, training, and research.
“The other areas of cooperation will include the development of short courses or tailor-made training in specific areas, support other forms of academic cooperation to which the parties agree, and cooperation and collaboration in the achievement of specific areas of mutual interest defined in this MoU,” he said.
Prof. Muya said further that UNZA will endeavour to work with Trident to organize short course meetings, workshops, seminars, and conferences on subjects of mutual interest.
“I wish to state that this new bilateral cooperation between UNZA, the School of Mines, and Trident Mine will enhance the efforts of the global community to train and research and to resolve the many challenges and problems facing the mining industry and the country as a whole. I look forward to watching the relationship between the two institutions grow and flourish over the coming years and produce fruits,” he said.
And FQM Trident Limited General Manager Mr. Gordon White said collaborating with UNZA in various areas of cooperation marked a significant milestone for the mine.
“As you might be aware, this is not the first time that we have collaborated with the University of Zambia. We have had various successful initiatives, such as the current onsite certificate program in metallurgical engineering for our employees, industrial attachments for students, internship placement, and a graduate trainee program. Therefore, the signing of this MOU aims to cement our partnership and commitment to investing in the future skills development of Zambia.
“At First Quantum Minerals, we believe that the cornerstone of sustainable development lies in education and knowledge-sharing. This MOU is a testament to our dedication to fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Zambia,” he said.
Mr White said through this alliance, the mine aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia by creating a symbiotic relationship where both entities can thrive.
“We recognize the importance of equipping the next generation with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the mining sector and beyond. Through internships, scholarships, and joint training programs, we will provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to industry best practices,” he said.
Mr. White added that research and development will also be a cornerstone of the collaboration. “By working together, we can tackle some of the pressing challenges faced by the mining industry today, such as environmental sustainability, resource management, and technological advancements.
“Thus our combined efforts will not only enhance our operations but also contribute to the global body of knowledge in the mining sector through curriculum enhancement and alignment to ensure that the degree programs being offered are current, relevant, and adaptive to industry standards, statutory requirements, and international standards,” he said.
Mr. White further said this partnership underscores the commitment to community engagement. “We believe that a successful business is one that contributes positively to the community it operates in,” he said.
Speaking at the same function, the Dean of the School of Mines at UNZA, Prof. Emmanuel Chanda, said the signed MoU establishes the functional relationship between UNZA, the School of Mines, and Trident Mine. “This MoU is an important cooperation agreement between these two important institutions. As a school, we sincerely welcome and acknowledge this MoU as a significant step forward. The MoU is also timely in solving the many challenges facing the nation as well as the mining industry,” he said.
Prof. Chanda said the platform created by the signing of the MoU will further enhance the exchange of ideas to improve the working relationship between the two institutions. “Through this collaboration, I am sure we will also be able to create synergy and sparkle of innovative ideas, sowing the seeds that one day will bring forth long-term benefits to both institutions,” he said.
Prof. Chanda thanked the two institutions for the initiative. “As a school, we will make use of this MoU as an important step to improve the status and visibility of the school and UNZA at large,” he said.