Minerals from Zambia

Mining has been a large part of Zambias history – prior to colonisation surface working was done for copper deposits. British colonisation of the area known as Northern Rhodesia created the beginnings of industrial mineral extraction via the British South Africa Company.

Zambia formed in 1964 upon its independence from the UK, from what was then Northern Rhodesia (1910-1964). It is possible some older mineral specimens will be labelled as Rhodesia.

Zambia hosted the largest lead mine in Africa, which was eventually closed in 1994. The Copperbelt region was of critical importance to Zambias economy until the decline of copper prices in the 1970s.

Zambia exports a wide range of minerals, including copper, cobalt, gold, nickel, manganese, uranium, etc.

In the future, it is possible the transition to green technologies will be of tremendous benefit to Zambias mining industry as cobalt, copper and rare earth minerals become more important.

In terms of mineral specimens and gemstones, Zambia is probably best known for its Emeralds, some of which rival Colombian Emeralds in their quality. Specimens from the Kafubu emerald mining district are well known worldwide by collectors.

Zambia is also well known for citrine, malachite, azurite, topaz, rutile, native copper, meta-torbernite and more, although it is perhaps overshadowed by other African nations in many of these.

It is difficult to list ‘the most famous’ locales of a country; but I would definitely consider looking at locales within the Copperbelt province, which includes the small Emerald mining district which produces a number of gemstones.

The Kagem mine has now produced several of the worlds largest Emeralds, including the Chimembele, Insofu, and Inkalamu emeralds – meaning rhino, elephant, and lion respectively in the language of the Bemba people.

For other specimens from Zambia, see the links below.

Zambia