GNV News, 22 July 2026

On July 21, 2026, the international NGO Global Witness released an investigative report alleging that Canadian mining giant First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has, over the past 20 years, conducted covert influence operations targeting Zambia’s democracy.　

Zambia’s economy is heavily dependent on copper mining, with copper accounting for 74% of export earnings and 25% of government revenue. FQM is the country’s largest copper producer and also its largest taxpayer. According to the report, FQM and its associates are said to have financially supported the political party of Hakainde Hichilema, who became president in 2021, across multiple past elections, and ahead of the general election scheduled for August 2026, they allegedly pledged up to 500 million US dollars in support (FQM has completely denied this claim).

Hichilema has also built a long-standing, close relationship with the Brenthurst Foundation, a policy think tank established by the Oppenheimer family. The foundation is said to have provided him with both financial and technical support while he was in opposition, and to have drafted the economic policies introduced after he took office. Furthermore, the lobbying firm SABI Strategy, which was involved in the UK’s “Vote Leave” campaign, has, since 2015, reportedly led Hichilema’s social media strategy and carried out targeted information operations aimed at voters.　

After the Hichilema administration took office, FQM is said to have benefited significantly. Due to reforms in Zambia’s mining tax regime, an independent analysis indicates that from 2022 to 2025 the company received an estimated tax reduction of US$771 million. In addition, in 2022 a confidential agreement was concluded with the state-owned mining investment company ZCCM-IH, and multiple lawsuits were withdrawn.

In December 2025, there were also reports that, in connection with the vote on a controversial constitutional amendment (Bill No. 7), opposition and independent MPs were secretly invited to a luxury lodge and allegedly offered cash in exchange for casting a vote in favor..

The report frames this case as an example of the vulnerability of democracy in resource-rich countries. It warns that large extractive industries can exploit weaknesses in democratic institutions and, by linking up with consulting firms and the influence networks of wealthy individuals, may undermine a just energy transition, a healthy information environment, and even climate action itself.　

For its part, FQM has totally rejected these allegations as “baseless speculation with no factual foundation.” The company says it undergoes independent audits of its compliance systems and emphasizes that it has not been involved in bribery or any other corrupt practices. In Zambia, presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for August 13, and there is keen interest in what impact this latest report will have.

Learn more about Canadian mining companies → “Canadian Mining Companies: Behind Their Global Expansion”

Learn more about Zambia’s economic situation → “Zambia’s Shifting Economy”