Local Contractors and Suppliers Hail Barrick Lumwana move

The announcement by Barrick Lumwana Mine that it plans to engage more than 150 contractors in its expansion project has been received with open arms by local contractors and suppliers who have described it as a positive move.

Speaking in an interview recently, Association for Mine Contractors and Suppliers of Zambia, President Costa Mwaba said the decision by Lumwana who already have a local content drive through Kalonga Logistics will go a long way in assisting local contractors. Mr Mwaba said his associa tion has since engaged Lumwana with a view to see the modalities that the mine will use to engage local contractors and suppliers in the value chain.

“Besides the 150 targeted, we need to get more suppliers to do non-value adding products which, nevertheless, are being consumed. Meaning on the consumption side, we get more local firms supplying the mine with goods and services and then on the production side which is the mining, we get more local people to get empowered with skills and  joint ventures so that Zambian contractors can  also have the muscle to stand and do any project,” Mr Mwaba said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mwaba has said that as the nation also receives news of more minerals being discovered in Zambia, the emphasis should also be on supplier- contractor development in the mines strategic plans.

“If we don’t see these in the plans, these discoveries will still just be a show and our people will remain an mining sector, the country should continue negotiating for significant shareholding so that when there are in abject poverty. We’re engaging with Government and the mine owners so  that locals are fully engaged by participating in the core business within the mining value chain,” he said.

Mr Mwaba added that with more prominent mining firms investing in the Zam bishocks, the nation can be able to stand based on the upper hand shareholding pedestal.

A few weeks ago, Barrick Lumwana Mine  announced plans of engaging 150 local contractors and suppliers during its USD 2 billion  expansion project.

Lumwana Mine General Manager Herbert Carwood revealed that the mine will identify 150 contractors and suppliers from its business accelerator programme which is meant to enhance capacity among local contractors.

Barrick has a global policy of sourcing its suppliers locally and last year it spent US$ 432 million on procurement from Zambian suppliers and contractors; this constitutes 83% of its total procurement.

Barrick  has also launched a Business Accelerator Programme aimed at building business capacity for the Zambian contractors in Lumwana’s supply chain, and to support them in   effecting their own growth plans. It is also partnering with the country’s Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to support the development of these businesses.

Mr Carwood told the  media that the mine had set up the business accelerator programme to help grow the capacity of contractors and suppliers that want to participate in the mines’ expansion.

He, however, emphasized that Lumwana Mine will only engage contractors and suppliers that have the capacity during the expansion of the mine.

This follows the Canadian mining giants’ initial plans to invest around over US$ 2 billion to expand the Lumwana Copper Mine in order to increase annual production.

The investment will increase Lumwana‘s  production by around 240,000 tonnes of copper from a 50 million tonne per annum capacity process plant, over a 36-year life of mine.

Barrick Gold Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Bristow  said: “Barrick believes that its host countries are its key stakeholders and that partnering with them creates sustainable value for both. In Zambia, as elsewhere in our global network, we seek to share the economic benefits  generated by our mines with the countries’ governments and people, notably our neighbouring communities.”

The Barrick Gold Corporation website reported in July of 2023, that its drive to transform the Lumwana Copper Mine into a Tier One1 asset with a life extending beyond 2060 had also picked up speed.

A Tier One asset is one that has a reserve potential greater than five million tonnes of copper. The mine currently has 2.3 million tonnes of copper in its reserves.

Mr Bristow said Barrick had re-focused its strategy in Africa in 2019 by making Lumwana Mine a key element in the expansion of its strategic copper portfolio.

Mr Bristow said the mine’s full potential was only now being revealed. Additional  expansion opportunities, identified through an updated geological model, are currently being assessed.

“The Lumwana pre-feasibility study is progressing in line with our plans to  transform its long-term copper profile through the delivery of the envisioned super pit. Since Barrick refocused its strategy in Africa in 2019, Lumwana has become a key element in the expansion of our strategic copper portfolio and a significant contribu-tor to our bottom line. At the same time its importance to Zambia has grown,” Mr Bristow said.

“Barrick’s Super Pit expansion project has since  been accelerated with first production now scheduled for 2028.”

 “Since Barrick took over operations at Lumwana in 2019, the mine has contributed almost USD3 billion to the Zambian economy in the form of  taxes, royalties, salaries

 and the procurement of goods and services. In addition to its local procurement policy, the company is also committed to local employment creation, and 99.3% of Lumwanas’ current workforce are Zambian nationals,” Mr Bristow said.

He said Zambia is now in a much better position economically following the debt restructuring.

He told the media that the debt restructuring deal has given investors confidence to invest in Zambia. Mr Bristow also noted that the successful negotiations of Zambia’s debt have given Barrick Lumwana Mine confidence in the country’s policies.

Komba Malukutila, the name resonates with power, humility, and a vision as clear as the Zambian sky. At 35, he stands as the youngest CEO to ever helm MTN Zambia Fintech, one of the nation’s payment systems giants. But Komba’s ascent is not a fairy tale; it’s a testament to resilience, unwavering drive, and a heart brimming with empathy.

His journey began on the Copperbelt, not in boardrooms, but on dusty streets.

Born in 1988 at Nchanga Mine Hospital on the Copperbelt, Komba, whose full name is Kombalume, is the 1st born in a family of 4. His Sir-name, Malukutila, is that of his stepfather.

Loss shaped him early, claiming both his mother and step-father within months. Yet, the seeds of leadership sown by his mother before her demise blossomed. He understood the weight of responsibility, the need to care for his siblings, and the unwavering belief that he could rise.

“My aunt and uncle were incredible,” Komba emphasizes, his voice laced with gratitude. “They became my guardians after my mother passed, and they filled my life with love and support.”

But Komba knew his role in their household wasn’t simply to receive. His mother, before her passing, had instilled in him the importance of contributing, of adding value wherever he landed. So, each morning, Komba rose before the sun, eager to tackle chores and responsibilities. He wasn’t just tidying; he was weaving himself into the fabric of their home, offering his small hands and willing heart as a silent thank you for their unwavering care. Is there anything else I can do?” became his constant phrase.

Komba would later graduate high school and get a scholarship to study at ZCAS in Lusaka as he was a part orphan. Though ZCAS is predominantly a school where most children are from well to do homes, he never felt out of place studying there because to him, it did not matter that he came from an ordinary background, but that he was there to learn and be the best he could possibly be. And so, he worked hard   putting in the hours into his studies and graduated with a degree in computer science.

Whilst still studying, he designed a portal for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that would match employees to employers, a gig which paid him so well that he bought his very 1st car with the money and gave some of it to his grandmother to buy farming inputs.

Fresh out of university, Komba landed his first job at Africast. There, he gained crucial marketing skills and valuable exposure to the corporate world. His wage, just under K2000, couldn’t hold him back from his ambitions. With his first paycheck, he printed 100 CVs and hit the streets, hand-delivering them to companies. Out of a hundred shots, only 3 responded: MTN, Airtel, and PWC. MTN saw the spark in him and offered him a chance.

Stepping into the imposing 5-story MTN building at 20, Komba made a silent vow: CEO. A decade later, at 30, it became reality. He did not just walk through the door; he threw himself into work with an unyielding energy, impossible to ignore.

But the climb did not inflate his ego. Despite reaching the pinnacle of MTN, Komba remains surprisingly grounded. He wears his title with humility, acknowledging the village that supported his journey. “Bosses, mentors, coaches, family – it took a whole village to raise me to where I am today,” he says with genuine gratitude.

On Experience and Youth:

“Sure, CEOs are often chosen for their years under their belt,” Komba acknowledges. “But when someone young gets such a responsibility, it is a call to double down on effort and embrace support. You cannot replace hard work – early mornings, late nights, building systems to empower your team. But you also cannot go it alone. Mentors, coaches, advisors – that’s how young leaders take flight.”

Leading with Care and Inspiration:

Komba’s eyes crinkle as he talks about his team. “I prioritize checking in, knowing how families are doing, what challenges they face. When people feel cared for, their loyalty and dedication blossom. Leaders can face resistance, but it is our job to inspire, not just command. People do not leave companies – they leave bad bosses. Be someone they want to follow, learn from, be like.”

Faith, Family, and Values:

A smile softens Komba’s face as he mentions his faith. “Gratitude sets the tone for my day, thanking God for life, my family, my blessings. Raising my sons, I want to instill kindness, respect, and resilience strength to pick themselves up when life throws punches. And above all, I teach them to treat everyone, especially women, with respect and fairness.”

On Gender Equality and Female Empowerment:

“I’ am a vocal advocate for women,” Komba declares. “The world demands more from them, often neglecting their physical differences and unique challenges. Men cannot truly grasp the intricacies of menstruation, menopause, or childbirth. That is why empathy is crucial. Women naturally care for their communities, multiplying resources and sharing generously. Men, meanwhile, tend to focus on individual advancement.”

Leadership Through Inclusion and Investment:

At MTN Fintech, Komba strives for gender balance, consciously favoring women when qualifications are close. He understands that societal constraints may have limited their opportunities, and proactively provides support. “Real wealth,” he says, “is not material possessions but investing in people.”

Finding Joy Beyond Work:

While Komba loves his job, he prioritizes family and fitness. His one regret – Missing some moments with his growing children. He cherishes travel, relishing the culture, diversity, and food of Europe and East Africa. But Cape Town holds his heart, with its coast, vineyards, and, yes, fine wine.

The Journey, Not the Destination:

Has he arrived – Komba laughs. “Absolutely not! Success is the journey, not the endpoint. Complacency is the killer. I will never be satisfied, always striving to grow.” His core purpose – Helping others discover their own.

Goal Achievement for All:

New Years’ resolutions – Komba advocates for SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. “Do not set yourself up for frustration,” he advises. This year, his goals are time management, increased family time, and completing his MBA.

Beyond the Glitz:

For Komba, success is not just the CEO title, the fancy car, or the big house. It is the countless nights of work, the sacrifices made and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

His first home – A leaky servant’s quarter with one mattress and a cooker. Yet, he embraced his freedom and knew he was building people. He sees their potential hampered by entitlement, a career-limiting attitude. So, he mentors them, sharing invaluable lessons: “Do your research, work hard, be humble, and do not take anyone or anything for granted.”

The Price of Success:

Finally, Komba asks a sobering question: “Are you willing to pay the price of success? The sleepless nights, the missed family moments, the constant hustle? If you are, then you’re on the path to something truly remarkable.”

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