Zambia is the world's seventh largest producer of copper, accounting for almost 4% of global production, and the world's ninth largest producer of cobalt, accounting for 2.6% of global production.
Ironically, the country is unable to make much profit from its mining activities. This is due to poor mining policies and incentives for investors, making the economy more vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on copper mining. This is evidenced by falling copper prices and production shortfalls as a result of limited investment in the mining industry.
The radio documentary focuses on Konkola Copper Mines, Zambia's largest mining project, and examines the conditions that led to the demise of this mining giant. The report also examines the total tax revenue that Zambia may have lost to the Indian investor, Vedanta. What is the way forward for this mining giant? How has this affected Zambia's economy? Can the Zambian government find a new investor? It also highlights and exposes the alleged corrupt practices of dishonest individuals and bureaucrats.
Photo credit: BlueSalo, From Wikimedia Commons.
