Responsible mining in partnership with the community
At the Kipushi Mine, sustainability is a core pillar of our operational strategy. Following a successful ramp-up, the Mine has established itself as a world-class zinc operation and is positioned among the largest and lowest carbon-intensity producers globally.
Our approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We focus on responsible operations, transparent partnerships, and delivering measurable impact through four sustainability pillars: Governance, People, Prosperity, and Planet.
We are committed to operating responsibly, maintaining transparent relationships with stakeholders, and delivering meaningful, measurable impact in the communities where we work. We are equally dedicated to environmental stewardship, proactively managing our environmental footprint and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
The Kipushi Mine operates alongside an established town and surrounding communities making strong, transparent relationships essential to our success, We would closely with Municipal authorities, traditional leadership and community development committees to ensure ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
Partnership with Communities
Community investment at the Kipushi Mine is guided by Company objectives and the Cahier des Charges, developed in partnership with local authorities and community representatives in accordance with legal regulations.
Community Development Partnerships
Education and skills development are central to building sustainable communities.
Investing in People
We regard access to clean water as a key priority for Kipushi town and our host communities in the Kipushi area.
Water and Essential Services
The Kipushi Mine contributes to local economic participation by working with Congolese suppliers, contractors and community-based enterprises.
Supporting Local Enterprise
Local livelihood development includes support for agricultural programs that provide practical opportunities for income generation.
Community-based Livelihood Initiatives
KICO is committed toward embedding environmental stewardship across every stage of the Mine’s design and operations, as well as to maintaining a strong environmental compliance record with continuous improvement through the use of digital systems to monitor and manage environmental performance.
Responsible Environmental Management
Kipushi forms part of a historic mining region with deep connections between mining and the surrounding community.
A Responsible Approach to the Life of the Project
Partnership with Communities
The Kipushi Mine operates alongside an established town and surrounding communities making strong, transparent relationships essential to our success, We would closely with Municipal authorities, traditional leadership and community development committees to ensure ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
Structured stakeholder engagement processes guide these interactions, helping us understand community priorities, respond to concerns and identify opportunities for partnership.
These processes are supported by accessible grievance mechanisms, ensuring that stakeholders have clear and trusted channels to raise issues and receive feedback.
Community Development Partnerships
Community investment at the Kipushi Mine is guided by Company objectives and the Cahier des Charges, developed in partnership with local authorities and community representatives in accordance with legal regulations.
This framework provides a structured approach to identifying shared priorities and implementing initiatives that support infrastructure, education, livelihoods and social development.
By working through established local structures, these programs are designed to respond to community-identified needs and are implemented collaboratively with the vision of realizing long-term relevance and impact.
Investing in People
Education and skills development are central to building sustainable communities.
Kipushi supports initiatives that create opportunities for students and young people to access education and training in fields such as engineering, technical trades, health sciences and agriculture. Kipushi Mine provides bursaries for up to 100 students each year.
Through partnerships with schools and training institutions, these initiatives aim to strengthen local capacity, support employment pathways, and encourage entrepreneurship within the region.
Water and Essential Services
We regard access to clean water as a key priority for Kipushi town and our host communities in the Kipushi area.
The Mine supports water infrastructure in collaboration with local authorities and health institutions, including maintaining key water systems that serve the town and expanding access to potable water.
These efforts contribute to improved public health outcomes while supporting broader environmental stewardship and responsible resource management.
Supporting Local Enterprise
The Kipushi Mine contributes to local economic participation by working with Congolese suppliers, contractors and community-based enterprises. Through procurement opportunities and targeted support programmes, the Mine contributes to strengthening local businesses and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Community enterprises in areas such as garment production, agriculture, and food supply are supported through skills development, access to markets, and operational opportunities linked to the Mine. Community sewing initiatives supply garments and textile products while building skills in tailoring and small business management. These initiatives help foster entrepreneurship and build resilient local economies.
Community-based Livelihood Initiatives
Local livelihood development includes support for agricultural programs that provide practical opportunities for income generation.
Agricultural programs, including poultry farming, aquaculture, and crop production, support local food systems and create pathways for sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives are designed to empower local entrepreneurs and cooperatives, as well as to strengthen economic resilience.
Responsible Environmental Management
KICO is committed toward embedding environmental stewardship across every stage of the Mine’s design and operations, as well as to maintaining a strong environmental compliance record with continuous improvement through the use of digital systems to monitor and manage environmental performance.
Water stewardship at the Kipushi Mine is managed through a comprehensive strategy supported by an up-to-date water balance model, ensuring responsible use and protection of shared resources and awareness programs for responsible water-use in communities. Biodiversity initiatives focus on tree planting and community-led conservation efforts to support environmental restoration. Tailings management follows global best practices, with strong controls and independent oversight, resulting in zero significant reportable incidents
A Responsible Approach to the Life of the Project
Kipushi forms part of a historic mining region with deep connections between mining and the surrounding community. Throughout the life of the operation, the Mine is committed to maintaining constructive relationships, operating responsibly, and supporting initiatives that deliver lasting value.
By working in partnership with local stakeholders, Kipushi seeks to ensure that its activities respect the environment, respond to community priorities, and contribute positively to shared development outcomes.