Black Mountain Slag Dump

The Black Mountain in Kitwe is a massive slag dump accumulated over decades of smelting activities at the Nkana copper refinery. It is one of the most prominent industrial landmarks in the Copperbelt Province and contains significant amounts of residual copper and cobalt. For many years, the dump was a flashpoint for informal small-scale mining by local youths known as 'Jerabos.' In 2022, the Zambian government handed over a substantial portion of the mountain to a consortium of local youth and women’s groups to promote economic empowerment and local participation in the mining sector. Extracting metals from this slag is technologically demanding but provides a crucial source of income for thousands of people in Kitwe. Despite the economic opportunities, there have been serious concerns regarding safety and the environmental impact of dust and leaching on nearby residential areas. The Black Mountain represents both the challenges of managing mining legacy waste and the potential for repurposing industrial by-products. Modern processing techniques are being introduced to ensure safer and more efficient mineral recovery.

Nearby cities

Kitwe

Kitwe is one of the most developed commercial and industrial areas in the nation, alongside Ndola.

Ndola

Ndola is the third largest city in Zambia and the industrial and commercial center of the Copperbelt.

Chingola

Chingola is a city in Zambia's Copperbelt Province, known for having one of the largest open-cast mines in the world.

Luanshya

Luanshya is a town in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, established in the early 20th century.

Mufulira

Mufulira is a mining town in the Copperbelt Province, highly dependent on the Mufulira Mine.

Chililabombwe

Chililabombwe is a copper mining town in the Copperbelt Province, located very close to the DRC border.

Kalulushi

Kalulushi is a town founded in 1953 as a residential area for mine workers in the Copperbelt.

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Chambishi

An industrial town in the Copperbelt province known for its large copper mining operations.

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Lufwanyama

A district town in the Copperbelt, recognized for its natural resources and mining potential.

History & landmarks

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Arthur Davies Stadium

Another significant sports stadium in Kitwe, named after a promoter of Zambian sports.

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Nkana Stadium

A traditional football stadium in Kitwe that is the home of Nkana FC.

Mukuba Mall

One of the largest and most modern shopping centers in Ndola and the entire Copperbelt Province.

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Nchanga Stadium

A versatile stadium in Chingola, primarily used by the Nchanga Rangers as their home ground.

More places

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Chibuluma Copper Mine

A historically significant mine in the Zambian Copperbelt.

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Chambishi Metals Refinery

A major metallurgical center for the refining of cobalt and copper.

Mopani Copper Mines

One of the largest copper mines in Africa, located in Mufulira.

Roan Antelope Discovery Site

The location in Luanshya where William Collier famously discovered copper deposits in 1902.

Luanshya Copper Mines

A mining complex that contributed significantly to the development of the city of Luanshya.

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Dangote Cement Plant

A modern cement plant supplying the construction market in Zambia and neighboring countries.

Indeni Petroleum Refinery

Zambia's only petroleum refinery, processing crude oil for the national market.

Bwana Mkubwa Mine

One of Zambia's oldest copper mines, used today mainly for ore processing.