Black Mountains and White Deserts – Why are copper mining waste materials not utilised for other products and economic diversification in Zambia?

Copper mining negatively affects the natural and human environment, pushes mineral-rich economies towards dependence on the extractive sector and generates vast amounts of waste materials. In Zambia, the focus country for this study, copper mining slag is piled up in enormous black mountains. At the same time, mine tailings are released into whitish lagoons, removing thousands of hectares from other activities. Meanwhile, the local road infrastructure is still poor, and there are many reports about a housing crisis and development based on the potential of the copper treasures, which is invisible. Therefore, inspired by industrial symbiosis, a circular economy model, this report explored why copper mining waste materials are not utilised for producing other goods. Industrial symbiosis is when companies use other firms’ waste or by-product materials. Based on metallurgy and mineral sciences literature, several “destination” products could be made from these waste materials, such as concrete, cement, and ceramics. Semi-structured and unstructured interviews were employed to collect data from mining companies, potential destination firms, experts, and researchers who studied mining and waste materials. Results are presented in different categories (knowledge-related, technological,economic and legal issues) influencing the utilisation of waste materials for other purposes. The main argument and recommendation for policymakers is setting up a mineral content baseline in the materials below, which other industries can use. This intervention would contribute to economic diversification, research and innovation and free mining companies from significant financial and management burdens.