Luanshya

Luanshya, city in north central Zambia, in Copperbelt Province. Luanshya is located 30 km (19 mi) southwest of Ndola, and 42 km (26 mi) southeast of Kitwe. Mining is its primary industry and metal fabrication, notably copper wire manufacture, dominates a small manufacturing sector. Agriculture in the surrounding area is small-scale and marginal, reflecting the poor quality of soil. A power line from Kariba provides hydroelectricity to Luanshya and other cities in the region. A branch railline to Ndola joins Luanshya to Zambia's national rail network. Luanshya's inhabitants are ethnically diverse, and primarily Bemba-speaking.

Luanshya was established in 1930 to accommodate workers from the Roan Antelope mine, exploiting a rich copper-cobalt deposit discovered in 1926. The city developed around two centers, a company-controlled mine township and an administrative township. During the colonial era, Luanshya miners played a leading role in labor agitation to improve wages and working conditions, and to achieve representative government, ultimately leading to Zambia's independence in 1964. Roan Antelope, now owned by Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines, is still among the most productive mines in the Copperbelt. The large copper smelter was closed in the early 1990s. Population (1999 estimate) 186,372.