Exploration has resulted in micro diamonds and kimberlitic minerals being found at several localities. One diamond mine has been established. Other potentially exploitable minerals include large reserves of kyanite in the north-east, vermiculite, apatite, magnetite and resources of high quality ornamental granite. Zambia Copper is the mainstay of the mining industry, but production has steadily fallen in recent years, the production of cobalt, a valuable by-product, has however risen. Lead and zinc output is small.
Copper is produced by open pit and underground mining.
Iron ore deposits are delineated at Chisasa in north west Zambia, but no domestic industry has developed. Zaire Mining is under state control in Zaire, but there are an increasing number of joint ventures with international mining companies . Copper is the mainstay of the industry, but production has fallen progressively. Angola Angola is mineral rich, but unfortunately the civil war has prevented development of the countries mineral industry. If the peace holds, Angola will probably emerge as an interesting minerals story.