The first Skills Competition for Local Employees of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd.'s Enterprises in Zambia came to a fruitful conclusion at Sino-Zam Vocational College of Science and Technology in Luanshya, Zambia, on Sept. 12 local time.
Hosted by China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. (CNMC), with the support of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Talent Center, and undertaken by CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines Plc. (CLM), the two-day event featured intense yet orderly contests across five skills categories.
Nearly 100 local employees from CNMC's subsidiaries operating in Zambia demonstrated strong technical expertise, agility in operations, and a solid sense of teamwork during the competition.
The gold medals for the five categories, namely team leaders, laboratory technicians, electricians, fitters, and welders, were claimed by Nambo Maron from NFC Africa Mining Plc. (NFCA), Nawezhi Jackson from CLM, Fred Sakala from CLM, Olack Kumwenda from the African subsidiary of China 15th Metallurgical Construction Group Co., Ltd. (15MCC), and Patric Miswalo from 15MCC, respectively.
In addition, 27 contestants won silver and bronze medals.
CLM earned the best teamwork award and the outstanding contribution award, NFCA and the African subsidiary of 15MCC received the outstanding organization award, while Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Ltd. was honored with another outstanding contribution award.
Representatives from CNMC's regional headquarters for Central and Southern Africa, China Nonferrous Metals Industry Talent Center, and CNMC's subsidiaries operating in Zambia—including CLM, NFCA, Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Ltd. Chambishi Copper Smelter Ltd. (CCS), and 15MCC—attended the closing ceremony of the competition.
At the closing ceremony, Wang Nan, deputy general manager of China Nonferrous Metals Industry Talent Center, provided a technical summary of the event, emphasizing that it not only offered an arena for skills competition but also served as a platform for fostering exchanges, mutual learning, and deeper friendship between China and Zambia.
During the competition, contestants supported one another and worked closely together, igniting the venue with the excitement of competition and the warmth of teamwork, Wang noted.
The competition tested contestants on both basic skills and applied knowledge, Wang said, highlighting that the results provide a key reference for talent selection.
He also noted that the contestants demonstrated a strong desire to learn and actively absorbed technical details, showcasing the great potential of Zambia's skilled workforce.
Huang Rongman, executive deputy director of the competition organizing committee, gave a closing summary of the event, saying that the event embodied CNMC's commitment to advancing its strategy to deepen the localization of its overseas employees as well as the group's principle of "empowering development through skills."
Describing the competition as a comprehensive review of skills, a vivid example of China-Africa collaboration, and a milestone in talent growth, Huang expressed hope that this competition would serve as a starting point for regular skill enhancement.
By placing skilled local employees at the heart of the talent localization strategy, CNMC stands ready to make concerted efforts with relevant parties to write a new chapter for its overseas operations and the career development of Zambian employees, Huang noted.
CNMC has always adhered to its talent localization strategy, and laid great emphasis on systematic training and practical skill-building tailored to the actual needs of employees.
The competition was deemed a success, not only in enhancing employees' professional skills but also in fostering a stronger culture of learning, exchange, and teamwork within the participating enterprises.
Going forward, CNMC will continue to advance diversified training and practice programs and provide local employees with platforms for long-term development, so as to promote the simultaneous development of both employees and the group and inject lasting momentum into its international operations.
A Zambian employee shares his ideas about the first Skills Competition for Local Employees of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd.'s Enterprises in Zambia, held at Sino-Zam Vocational College of Science and Technology in Luanshya, Zambia, Sept. 12, 2025 local time. (Photo/Luo Chunhui, Cheng Xiaomin)
Two winning contestants pose for a photo with their medals at the closing ceremony of the first Skills Competition for Local Employees of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd.'s Enterprises in Zambia, held at Sino-Zam Vocational College of Science and Technology in Luanshya, Zambia, Sept. 12, 2025 local time. (Photo/Luo Chunhui, Cheng Xiaomin)
A contestant poses for a photo with her medal at the closing ceremony of the first Skills Competition for Local Employees of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd.'s Enterprises in Zambia, held at Sino-Zam Vocational College of Science and Technology in Luanshya, Zambia, Sept. 12, 2025 local time. (Photo/Luo Chunhui, Cheng Xiaomin)
Participants in the closing ceremony of the first Skills Competition for Local Employees of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd.'s Enterprises in Zambia pose for a group photo at Sino-Zam Vocational College of Science and Technology in Luanshya, Zambia, Sept. 12, 2025 local time. (Photo/Luo Chunhui, Cheng Xiaomin)
