Effects of Social Sustainability Initiatives on Community Well being: A Case Study of First Quantum Minerals Trident Limited, Kalumbila, Zambia

Muma Mumbi and Dr. Kasonde Mundende
Additional contact information
Muma Mumbi: The University of Zambia
Dr. Kasonde Mundende: Kwame Nkrumah University, Kabwe, Zambia

African Journal of Commercial Studies, 2025, vol. 6, issue 2

Abstract: This study examines the impact Social Sustainability Initiatives (SSI) undertaken by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Trident Limited in Kalumbila District, Zambia. Using a pragmatic mixed‑methods sequential explanatory design, data were collected from 272 questionnaire respondents including community members, FQM employees, and local leaders. This research also conducted 42 semi‑structured interviews with key stakeholders. Quantitative analyses (descriptive statistics, chi‑square tests, multiple regression) and thematic qualitative analysis reveal that FQM’s investments have yielded measurable improvements in education (35% rise in girls’ enrollment) and health (25% reduction in maternal mortality), yet have fallen short in sustaining infrastructure and broad‑based economic empowerment (only 37% of projected beneficiaries reached). Qualitative themes such as participatory gaps, tokenistic deployment, and spatial inequities, further explain uneven outcomes. Recommendations include the formation of co‑chaired community advisory boards, mandatory independent social and environmental audits with a dedicated maintenance fund, and the establishment of demand‑driven vocational training centers in partnership with local government and NGOs. Findings aim to inform mining sector practitioners, policymakers, and academic researchers on designing SSIs that are both responsive and sustainable.

Keywords: Social Sustainability Initiatives; Mining; Community Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L72 O13 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://ijcsacademia.com/index.php/journal/article/view/240

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cwk:ajocsk:2025-50

DOI: 10.59413/ajocs/v6.i2.17

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in African Journal of Commercial Studies from African Journal of Commercial Studies
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Charles G. Kamau ().