Introduction to the Copper Tour
During colonial times the economy of Northern Rhodesia, now known as Zambia, was geared towards producing copper for the markets of the industrialising countries in Europe and the rest of the world. Copper and its alloys were demanded for their electrical and heat conductivity properties. The colonial administration granted the rights to mine to the British South African Mining Company under the leadership of Cecil Rhodes. They contracted out the extraction to two companies South African Anglo American Corporation and the Roan Selection Trust. These two companies were early multinational enterprises.
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As you can see from the Rural Life and Agriculture Tour much of the fertile land was given to European settlers to produce maize for the growing population required by the mining industry which was growing up in the area known as the Copperbelt. Large-scale migration of labour occurred as people were 'encouraged' to move to the copper mines. Pull factors such as the attraction of wages and push factors such as the imposition of hut taxes in rural areas both contributed to the rapid urbanisation.
The economy of Northern Rhodesia was very much a vehicle to produce commodities needed for industrialising countries of Europe.
Since Independence in 1964 and the establishment of modern Zambia the economy continues to be dependent on the production and export of copper and, although the demand for its copper is falling, it is still a commodity that is high demand around the world. Many of the houses in which you live will have copper wiring transmitting electricity.
The migration to the towns is still occurring. Despite having a overall low population density of 10 per square km the country has one of the highest urban population in Africa with over 50% of the population living in towns.
Copper had been dug in the area for hundreds of years in Zambia but it is only since 1920's that copper and its by product Cobalt, could be profitably extracted. In 1969 Zambia was the third largest copper producer after the US and the USSR.
Currently Zambia produces 2.6% of world mine recoverable copper. Its reserves will ensure that it continues to produce for many years to come. However, how important the mineral will be is less certain. The government recognises the vulnerability of the country when so dependent on the export of one commodity and is looking to diversify the economy.
