Wumi Mini Hospital brings healthcare closer to Kalumbila Town

Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t depend on distance. In Kalumbila Town, it no longer has to. First Quantum Minerals (FQM), through collaboration with contractors, the community and government, has handed over the newly built and fully equipped Wumi Mini Hospital to the Government of Zambia – a major step in improving essential health services for communities in North-Western Province.

Mining activity has brought jobs and economic opportunity to Kalumbila. It has also brought people. As the population grew, so did demand for reliable medical support.

The nearest facility offering comparable services was almost 100 kilometres away – too far for families facing an emergency or a complicated birth. The solution was clear: build healthcare capacity where it’s needed most.

The new hospital includes:

• A maternity ward
• Outpatient department
• Laboratory and radiology units
• Mortuary services
• Clean water supply and backup power
• Short stay admission
• Essential support services including laundry and waste management

This ensures that patients can receive comprehensive care close to home, without long and costly travel.

The hospital is a direct example of public and private sectors working toward a shared goal.

Government leaders, including the Minister of Health, highlighted the project as aligned with Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan and its National Health Strategic Plan – bringing care to underserved communities and strengthening regional infrastructure.

Local leaders and private partners also played essential roles. Organisations such as Bulk Mining Explosives Ltd (BME), INZU Mining Ltd and CG Zambia supported delivery. Senior Chief Musele Musokantanda IV and the Kalumbila Housing Pastors Fellowship ensured community voices guided the work.

“Mining prosperity must be shared through tangible social benefits like healthcare.”
Dr. Godwin Beene, FQM Country Manager

The Wumi Mini Hospital is the latest investment under FQM’s Butuntulu Bwa Nyaunda – Health for the Community programme.

So far this includes:

• 5 health facilities constructed in Kalumbila District
• Upgrades at Solwezi General Hospital
• Refurbishment of Kisasa Rural Health Centre
• Annual Indoor Residual Spraying of eleigible structures for malaria prevention, protecting about 128,600 people in kalumbila District and 312,000 in Solwezi and Mushindamo Districts.

Each project reinforces the same belief: FQM’s success depends on the wellbeing of the people and places connected to its operations.

Healthcare builds stronger communities. Stronger communities build long-term value. This new hospital will reduce travel time and costs for medical care, improve maternal and child health outcomes, boost community confidence in local infrastructure and support wider economic development in the region. It is a reminder that responsible mining is about what we give back as much as what we extract. FQML believes that health support is wealth support in host communities where we operate.