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that a technical breakthrough was achieved that
made the mining of the then Northern Rhodesia’s
‘red gold’ highly profitable.
After the initial boom of the industry in the 1920s, the
Great Depression of the 1930’s negatively impacted
the continued growth of the industry. Increasing
international hostilities resulting in the outbreak of
World War II created a new economic boom in the
region, which lasted until the early 1970s.
It was copper that instigated infrastructure develop-
ment in Zambia, and shaped colonial policies towards
the former Federation of Northern Rhodesia (Zam-
bia), Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland
(Malawi). It was also copper that created the socioec-
onomic tensions that forged the need for trade unions,
and the eventual birth of Zambian Nationalism.
GETTING THERE
Proflight offers daily scheduled flights from Lusaka
to Kitwe or Ndola (approximately 45 minute flights).
By road, the Copperbelt is easily reached from Lu-
saka. Take the Great North Road to Kabwe, Kapiri
Mposhi, then onwards to Ndola (approximately a 4
hour drive).
Kawambwa-Lumangwe fall
Fishing on lake Mweru-Nchelenge
Name plate at the old HippoMine, Kafue.
NDOLA
Ndola lies some 320 kilometres north of Lusaka. It is
the gateway to the mineral producing region of the
country. Like Lusaka, the development of Ndola has
been rapid and extensive.
There are many manufacturing industries and copper
mines. Although copper is still the mainstay of the na-
tional economy, the city of Ndola has established itself
as a commercial and light industrial centre of consid-
erable importance, all in addition to being the hub and
distribution centre of the Copperbelt region.
LUANSHYA
Luanshya, to the West of Ndola is the site of some
of the oldest copper mining sites in Zambia. There is
little of interest to the tourist here but its charm lies in
the picturesque old colonial buildings that character-
ize its main streets. The collier monument here com-
memorates the site where William Collier discovered
copper while hunting a roan antelope in 1902.
CHINGOLA
Chingola is the most picturesque of the Copperbelt
towns, home to a cornucopia of trees and flowers.
Although well-laid plans are in the works to design
even larger mining operations, Chingola is home to
larges present day open-pit mine in Africa, operated
by Konkola Copper Mines.