As a major base metal mining country of over 80 years standing, Zambia
has over the years developed an extensive and impressive array of
processing facilities.
The copper, lead and zinc ores, are not only
mined and beneficiated but smelted and refined into metals prior to
export. In addition, the precious metals plant in Ndola, Copperbelt
recovers bullion and other metals from the slurries. Cobalt is recovered
through a leaching process. Copper metal fabrication into cables, though
small, is an important industry. Foundries produce mill balls from scrap
iron while calcination of lime and cement production constitute
important industrial mineral related activities.
The growth of the
gemstone mining sector has now led to the establishment of lapidaries. ZEIL (Zambia Emerald Industries Ltd) is one of the largest emerald
processing and cutting plants in the world with over 50 cutters under
one roof. Some of the other mineral related industries include
manufactures of explosives, glass, sulphuric acid, dry cells,
fertiliser, paint, putty, bricks, tiles, ceramics, roofing sheets and
pesticides.
