Kitwe
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kitwe is the third-largest town in Zambia, with a population of 363,734 (2000 census). It is in the centre of the Copperbelt, Zambia's copper-mining region, in the Province[1] of that name, with a complex of mines on its north-western and western edges.[2]
Kitwe includes a number of townships and suburbs including Nkana, Mindolo, Garneton and Chibuluma.[3] The city is sometimes referred to as Kitwe-Nkana. As well as the mines, the city has light industrial areas manufacturing building materials, furniture and consumer goods.[1]
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[edit] Kitwe-Nkana Mines
There are two main underground mines in Kitwe, Nkana in the south-west and Mindola in the north-west. Nkana includes a concentrator, smelter and refinery, as well as a cobalt plant producing about 1800 tonnes per year, operated by Mopani Copper Mines plc.[4] There are extensive mine tailings around both mines, and two small tailings dams right in the city centre. There are also small-scale emerald mines in the area.
See Copperbelt Province for the history of the copper-mining industry.
[edit] Communications
Kitwe lies at the end of Zambia Railways' passenger services from Livingstone, Lusaka and Ndola, but freight lines continue to the mining towns to the north-west. The main highway through the Copperbelt runs south-east to north-west through the city, to Ndola (as a freeway) in the south-east, and to Nchanga, Chingola and Chililabombwe in the north-west. A laterite road goes west to Kasempa.[3]
Southdowns Airport, Kitwe lies about 12 km south-west of the town but does not currently receive scheduled services. Ndola Airport is 60 km south-east.[2]
[edit] Features of Kitwe
- Obote Ave Market: arts and crafts stalls, including copper craft items.[1]
- Copperbelt University
- Mindolo Ecumenical Centre
- Kitwe Central Hospital
- Kitwe United Football Club
[edit] Around Kitwe
The landscape around Kitwe is an attractive mix of gently undulating woodland, dambos, farmland and rivers such as the Kafue River flowing along Kitwe's eastern and southern edges.
- Mindolo Dam 7km west of the city centre towards Kalulushi has a boating club, swimming pool and bar.[1]
- Makwera Falls 9 km south east just off the Kitwe-Ndola freeway, with a small lake and fish farms. The falls are small but scenic with an attractive pool below.[1]
- Chembe Bird Sanctuary 20 km east on the Kasempa Road has a small lake surrounded by woodland and is excellent for birdwatching, fishing, camping and picnics. The shady lake shore has campsites with a communal amenties block, firewood, and water. Boats are available for hire and fishing is permitted. It is run by the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia.[1]
[edit] Sister Cities
Kitwe's has two sister cities:
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f Camerapix: "Spectrum Guide to Zambia." Camerapix International Publishing, Nairobi, 1996.
- ^ a b Google Earth accessed 2007.
- ^ a b Terracarta/International Travel Maps, Vancouver Canada: "Zambia, 2nd edition", 2000
- ^ Ebizguides website: "Zambia: Mopani Copper Mines" Website accessed 18 March 2007.
