Industrial copper production began in the Copperbelt in 1908. Although copper had been produced at Kansanshi and Bwana Mkubwa in 1908 and 1911, respectively, the first commercial mine in Zambia was established in Luanshya in 1928. From 1928 to 1969, just two private mining firms operated: Rhodesia Selection Trust and Anglo American Corporation.
By 1964, Zambia was a major player in the world copper industry, contributing over 12% of global output. In December 1964, in line with the constitutional changes enacted with the country’s independence, the Rhodesian Selection Trust changed its name to Roan Selection Trust. Revenue from the growing mining sector filtered into other areas, including transport, construction and manufacturing. By 1969, Zambia had one of the highest GDPs on the continent and copper production peaked at 720 000 tonnes that year.
In the early 1970’s, after decades of being run as a private industry, the Zambian government began making moves to nationalise mining, a process that was complete by 1973 when Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) was created.
But, while this ambitious development drive took centre stage, capital investment in the industry was neglected. Despite being the source of the revenue on which the government depended, it was the growth of the mining industry itself that suffered. Ageing machinery wasn’t replaced and, while declining mineral grades necessitated mining further below ground, there was often insufficient investment in technology to enable this. Where mining did progress to deeper levels in the underground mines, this increased the cost of production, and output declined overall. Meanwhile, the oil crises of 1974 and 1979 sent copper prices spiralling downwards.
Commerce & Industry
Stamps and Postal Products
1964 Independence First Definitive Issue – 10s Copper Mining
1969 50th Anniversary of the International Labour Organization
Postcards/Lettercards/Letter Folders
1971 – SAPRA Studio (RZ Series/Type 1) No.100-139
References
- Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy vol.116 n.6 Johannesburg Jun. 2016 – J. Sikamo, A. Mwanza, C. Mweemba
- Mining for Zambia