LUMWANA Meaning and
Definition
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"Lumwana" is a proper noun that refers to a locality and a copper mine in the Solwezi District of Northwestern Province, Zambia. The term gained prominence with the establishment of Lumwana Copper Mine, one of the largest copper-producing operations in Africa.
The Lumwana Copper Mine is an open-pit mine that extracts copper ore from the ground. It is situated in the Lumwana West region, approximately 65 kilometers to the west of Solwezi, the provincial capital. The mine, owned and operated by Barrick Gold Corporation, a Canadian multinational company, contains vast deposits of copper, gold, and uranium. It plays a crucial role in Zambia's economy as one of the leading contributors to the country's copper output.
Apart from its mining significance, Lumwana is also recognized as a local community and settlement. People residing in the region, including mine staff, their families, and local residents, refer to themselves as Lumwana inhabitants. The community has developed over time to accommodate the growing mining operations and provide essential services and amenities.
As a term used in a geographical context, "Lumwana" signifies both a specific location and the mining activities conducted in that area. It has become synonymous with large-scale copper extraction and the associated economic and social implications in Northwestern Zambia.
Etymology of LUMWANA
The word "Lumwana" is derived from the Bemba language, which is spoken by the Bemba people of Zambia. "Lumwana" itself does not have a specific meaning in Bemba. However, Lumwana is the name of a district, an open-pit copper mine, and a village in Zambia. The Bemba language is a major ethnic language in Zambia, and several place names and personal names are derived from this language.
