ZCM LAUNCHES MEDIA OUTREACH CAMPAIGN FOR 2026 INTERNATIONAL MINES RESCUE COMPETITION
The Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) has launched a robust media outreach campaign ahead of the 2026 International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC), scheduled to take place in Zambia from 25th April to 7th May 2026.
The IMRC is a biennial global event that brings together elite mine rescue teams from around the world to showcase best practice, advanced techniques, and innovations in mine rescue and emergency response. Zambia will become the first African country to host the Competition, which has been in existence for more than 100 years.
Speaking at the national media launch of the 2026 IMRC held at Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe on Wednesday, 21st January 2026, ZCM Chief Executive Officer Eng. Sokwani Chilembo described the hosting rights as a historic milestone for the country and the continent of Africa.
“I am excited to announce that for the first time in the 100-year history of the IMRC, this globally respected event will be held on African soil – right here in Zambia – from 25th April to 7th May 2026. This decision reflects the global confidence and trust in Zambia’s mining industry, its governance and institutions, and its strong commitment to safety excellence,” Eng. Chilembo said.
The 2026 IMRC will be hosted across four towns. The official opening ceremony will take place at Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe, while competition scenarios will be held in Mufulira at the Mopani Central Training Centre (MCTC) and in Solwezi at FQM Kansanshi Mine. The closing ceremony will be hosted in Livingstone at the Avani Resort Hotel.
Eng. Chilembo emphasised that IMRC 2026 presents a broader national opportunity beyond mine rescue competition. “While the IMRC is fundamentally about mine rescue and emergency response, IMRC 2026 is far more than a competition for us – it is a national showcasing opportunity. It allows us to market and expose Zambia’s rich culture, hospitality, and tourism potential to more than 500 international delegates expected to attend,” he added.
Delegates will include elite mine rescue teams, technical experts, mining executives, and global decision-makers from countries such as Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Australia, Poland, India, China, and Côte d’Ivoire. Zambia will be represented by four mine rescue teams from Mopani Copper Mines PLC, NFCA, Lubambe Copper Mine, and Konkola Copper Mines.
Mopani Copper Mines PLC Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Charles Sakanya said preparations at MCTC had reached an advanced stage, with the company working around the clock in collaboration with its majority shareholder, International Resources Holding (IRH), to ensure completion of critical infrastructure on schedule.
“Together with IRH, we are fully committed to collaborating with the Chamber to deliver a world-class competition that meets international standards. We are investing in critical infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art control centre that will serve as the nerve centre of the Competition, as well as a modern waiting and briefing facility for competing teams,” Eng. Sakanya said.
FQM Country Manager, Dr. Godwin Beene, commended the International Mines Rescue Body (IMRB) for awarding Zambia the hosting rights and for extending mine rescue protocols to include open-pit operations.
“Historically, mine rescue has focused largely on underground operations. I am particularly pleased that we are now broadening this focus to open-pit mining emergencies. Kansanshi volunteered to co-host this Competition with Mopani, and significant progress has been made in preparing the facilities and grounds,” Dr. Beene noted.
IMRB Director, Mr. Shawn Rideout, commended ZCM, Mopani, and FQM for the progress achieved in preparing for the Competition.
“As much as the IMRC showcases mine rescue and emergency response capabilities, it’s [hosting the Competition] a very proactive commitment by Mopani and FQM to demonstrate that safety remains the top priority in mining. We are extremely excited as the IMRB to host this Competition for the first time in Zambia and on African soil,” Mr. Rideout said.
Following a week-long inspection tour of the host facilities, Mr. Rideout expressed strong confidence in Zambia’s readiness.
“I have been blown away by the level of investment and effort put into developing world-class emergency response training centres. The venues selected to challenge global mine rescue teams are second to none. I am confident that participants will leave equally impressed by what Zambia offers in mining, emergency response, and overall commitment to safety,” he said.
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