Barrick supports higher education, community development in Zambia

MINING.com Editor | May 21, 2020 | 12:43 pm Careers Education Top Companies Africa

British firm plans to invest $100 million in Zambia mine expansion

Mining accounts for more than 70% of Zambia’s foreign exchange earnings. (Image from Needpix)

Barrick Gold (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX), owner and operator of the Lumwana copper mine, announced Thursday it has donated 10 computers to the University of Zambia School of Mines and agreed to help repair the Kakayindu Police Post, in line with its commitment of creating long-term value for its host countries and communities.

Established in 1973, the University of Zambia School of Mines offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in geology, mining engineering, metallurgy and mineral processing.

Willem Jacobs, Barrick’s chief operating officer for Africa and the Middle East, said enrolment at the School has increased over the years, creating the need for an expansion of its infrastructure.

“Barrick is driven by a commitment to contribute positively to the development of our host countries and communities,” Jacobs said, noting that in 2019 Lumwana employed 3,498 Zambians and contributed $272 million to the country’s economy through taxes, salaries, procurement and community investments.