Historic Shinkolobwe Mine

The historic Shinkolobwe Mine in the Haut-Katanga province is globally renowned for its exceptionally high-grade deposits of uranium. Discovered in 1915, the site reached its peak geopolitical significance during World War II. Uranium extracted from Shinkolobwe provided the primary raw material for the United States' Manhattan Project, which resulted in the development of the first atomic bombs. The ore concentration at Shinkolobwe was significantly higher than any other uranium deposit known in the world at the time, making it indispensable for the Allied war effort. After the war, the mine remained a tightly guarded strategic asset throughout the early Cold War until it was officially sealed in 1960. Despite its formal closure and status as a restricted zone, illegal artisanal mining by the local population persisted for decades. In 2004, following a major tunnel collapse, the government ordered a complete evacuation to mitigate radiological hazards and curb the illicit trade of radioactive materials.

Nearby cities

Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi is the mining capital of the DR Congo and the second-largest city, located in the southeastern part of the country.

Likasi

Likasi is a major industrial city in the Upper Katanga Province, significantly involved in the processing of minerals.

Kipushi

Kipushi is a town in the Upper Katanga Province, situated right on the border with Zambia, known for its deep mine.

Kambove

Kambove is a historical mining town in Haut-Katanga province.

Pweto

Pweto is located at the northern end of Lake Mweru on the border with Zambia.

Kasumbalesa

Kasumbalesa is a border town in Upper Katanga Province, serving as a vital crossing point between DR Congo and Zambia.

Sakania

Sakania is the southernmost town of the DR Congo on the border with Zambia.

History & landmarks

University of Lubumbashi (Belvédère)

The distinctive campus buildings of the University of Lubumbashi, a center for education in the south.

Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium

A major sports stadium in Lubumbashi, formerly known as Stade de la Kenya.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

The Cathédrale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul in Lubumbashi is a grand Romanesque-style cathedral and a landmark of the mining capital.

Palais de Justice Lubumbashi

The Palais de Justice in Lubumbashi is a notable colonial-era building that houses the high courts of the region.

National Museum of Lubumbashi

The Musée National de Lubumbashi displays a rich collection of archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic works from the Katanga region.

Stade TP Mazembe

The Stade TP Mazembe is the private stadium of the famous Tout Puissant Mazembe football club in Lubumbashi.

More places

Shinkolobwe Uranium Mine

The Shinkolobwe mine supplied the high-grade uranium used in the Manhattan Project for the first atomic bombs during World War II.

Jadotville (Likasi)

Likasi, formerly Jadotville, was the site of the famous 1961 Siege of Jadotville, where Irish UN troops fought Katangese secessionists.

Lufira Valley Cattle Ranching

A significant area for cattle ranching in Haut-Katanga, favored by vast grassy plains.

Lofoi Falls

One of the highest waterfalls in Africa, where the water plunges over 340 meters.

Kipushi Mine

A historic zinc and copper mine near the Zambian border that has been modernized.

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Lubumbashi Children's Park

Children's parks in Lubumbashi offer safe and fun environments for the city's youth to play and socialize.

Luiswishi Mine

A high-grade copper and cobalt mine not far from Lubumbashi in the resource-rich south.

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Kinsevere Mine

Kinsevere is a significant copper mine located near Lubumbashi in the Upper Katanga Province.