Children of the Copper

Three lives, and one mining town

Beneath Chingola’s soil lies copper worth millions. But for some young people, the search for a share of that wealth comes at a heartbreaking price — their lives.

In dangerous mining pits, young people risk death just to put food on the table. Some have lost friends. Others have never returned home.

Meet Big Charlie, a Grade 12 school leaver who continues searching for copper despite losing friends in the pits.

Lenatus Mwila, a 25-year-old councillor fighting for better opportunities for young people.

And Starface, a musician questioning why communities surrounded by copper wealth continue to struggle.

Three lives, and three different paths. One pressing question: Who really benefits from Chingola’s copper wealth?

In Children of the Copper, MakanDay investigates the human cost of copper mining and the struggle for a better future.

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