MINING IN ZAMBIA

Mining is a very important industry in Zambia. There are a number of minerals mined in Zambia. Some of
the minerals are exported to other countries while others are mined only local use.
IMPORTANCE OF MINING
-It provides raw materials to other industries.
-It earns the country the much needed foreign exchange.
-It provides employment to a lot of people.
-It leads to the development of the country
-It is a stimulant to other industries e.g. Kafironda Explosive manufacturing.
COPPER
Copper is Zambias most important mineral and is the countrys export value.
COPPER PRODUCTION
Copper is found in rocks which also contain other minerals. These rocks are called copper ore.
EXAMPLES OF COPPER ORE
-Chalopyite; a sulphite of copper and iron
-Chororite; a copper sulphate
-Malachite; a hydrated copper carbonate
-Cuprite; a copper dioxide
-Tenorite; a black oxide of copper
METHOD OF MINING
Two methods of mining are used in mining the mineral ores. These are open pit and shaft underground
mining.
OPEN PIT MINING
This is a method used when the ores lie close to the surface. Nchanga mine is an example of an open pit
mine. It is the worlds largest open pit .Other examples of open pit mines are;
-Chambishi
-Bwana Mukubwa
UNDERGROUND OR SHAFT MINING
This is the method used when the ore is found very deep underground. Examples of mines are;
-Nkana
-Mufulira
-Roan Antelope
PROCESSING OF COPPER
Ore small pieces fine powder slurry matter blister copper electrolyte copper anode
copper
SUMMARY OF COPPER PROCESSING
Copper ores are curiprite, malachite and Tenorite which can be processed by smelting ore treated by
another process called electrorisis.
USES OF COPPER
1. It is used for making alloys such as brass and bronze.
2. It is used in electrical wiring - Telephone wires, radio, television sets and vehicles.
3. It is used as a good conductor of electricity
4. It used to make things like- ornaments, water pipes, roofing materials, car radios.
BY PRODUCTS OF COPPER

-cobalt
-silver
LEAD AND ZINC
Lead and Zinc were mined in Kabwe. Production of lead and zinc started in 1904, first by open pit
andlatery shaft mining. The power used in the Kabwe lead and zinc mine was from Mulungushi and
Lusemfwa H.E.P stations. Lead and Zinc mine was officially closed in June 1994.
Reasons for closure were;
a. Production had reduced over years due to falling lead and zinc content in the ore.
b. The prices of lead and zinc world-wide were falling leading to very high production costs.
QUALITIES OF LEAD
-Lead is a soft and dense grey metal.
- It is malleable and can be rolled on hammered into thin sheets.
USES OF LEAD
-making bullets
-making electric storage batteries
-in the chemical industry as a lining for storage tanks
-used as a protective shield against radiation
-in piping
-in alloys and it can be mixed with iron to make sockets
PROPERTIES OF ZINC
-Zinc is a soft white metal.
-It is malleable and resistant to rust.
USES OF ZINC
- making roofing materials
-in piping
-casting for dry materials
COAL
-Coal deposits were discovered in the Gwembe basin in 1952. These coal deposits were not mined
immediately after discovery because of the cheap market prices. In 1966, the production of coal started at
Nkandabwe. Open cast method was used. This coal was transported by railway line to Batoka. In 1968,
Nkandabwe mine was closed due to flooding.
Another mine was opened later in Maamba. The Maamba coal mine is still in operation and it is also an
open pit mine. Because of the hilly nature of the area, coal is transported by aerial ropeway up the
escarpment to the rail head of the branch line from Choma. Other areas were coal deposits are found are the
Kafue trough, Luano and Luangwa valley. These deposits are yet to be exploited.
USES OF COAL
-Used in the production of thermal energy.
-Used in the production of cement
- Can be burnt to produce heat.
LIMESTONE
Limestone quarries are at Shimabala south of Lusaka and Itawa swamp near Ndola. Limestone is used in
the production of cement at Chilanga and in Ndola.
PRODUCTION OF CEMENT
Limestone and clay are crushed and then mixed with water and then burnt in a large kiln. Gypsum is then
added and the mixture is crushed into fine powder called cement.

USES OF CEMENT
-Limestone is mainly used in the construction industry.
-It is used in the mining industry as flax separating minerals from wastes in the smelting process.
GOLD, SILVER AND SELENIUM
These minerals are mined as by-products of copper.
GOLD
This is a shinny yellow metal that never loses its colour or brilliance and does not rust or deteriorate. It is
also malleable. Gold deposits are found in Mwembeshi, Mumbwa and Chongwe. Mining of gold started in
2005 in Chongwe at a place called Chumbwe.
USES OF GOLD
-It used to make jewelry, ornaments, coins and medals.
SILVER
Sliver deposits are also found in Mumbwa, Solwezi and Kalengwa in Mufumbwe area.
OTHER MINERALS MINED IN ZAMBIA
-Cobalt: This is obtained as a by-product of copper.
-Manganese
-Iron
-Calcium
-Mica etc.
GEMSTONE
Zambia has a variety of gemstones. These are;
-Emeralds
-Amethysts
-Aquamarine
-Garnet
-Diamonds
-Malachite
These minerals are exported mostly in rough form since they are very few. This mining sector (gemstone
mining) was run by small companies and individuals but now it is open to big private companies.
PROBLEMS FACED BY THE MINING INDUSTRY
-Accidents from heavy rains, floods and curvy ins.
-Political interference.
-High production costs
-Low market prices
PHYSICAL IMPACTS OF MINING
-Disfigures the surrounding landscape.
-Mine dumps take up the much needed valuable space which can be used for other economic activities such
as settlements and agriculture.
-Mines are dangerous. In some cases, they are sources of disastrous land slides like at Nchanga in 2001.
-Mines cause air pollution.
-Vegetation is affected by acid rain formed by the mining processes.
POSSIBLE EXAM QUESTIONS
Account for the recent decline in the Mining activities on the copperbelt (3)
Give two reasons why Chilanga cement is located near Shimabala. (2)
Suggest three ways in which the Mining industry has influenced the growth of manufacturing
industries in Zambia. (3)
4. State two ways government policy measures taken in recent years that have influenced the
operation of mines in Zambia. (2)
5. Name two mining regions in Zambia. (2)
1.
2.
3.