Kalulushi

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Kalulushi is a town in the Copperbelt Province in north central Zambia.^[1] It is located on the M18 road, just west of Kitwe. The population of Kalulushi District was 170,701 at the 2022 census. Kalulushi emerged as a planned company town with the development of mining Companies in the mid-20th century - initially housing the main offices for the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines. Economic activity in Kalulushi (as well as the surrounding area) declined severely with the closure of 2 Shaft and 7 Shaft Mining sites.

Kalulushi was named after a local river. The name "Kalulushi" is derived from the Lamba language, spoken by the indigenous people of the area. It refers to the Kalulushi River, which flows through the region. The river's name is believed to come from the word "kalulu," meaning "hare" in the Lamba language, symbolizing the abundant wildlife that once lived along the river. Over time, the area surrounding the river developed into a mining town, but the name has remained rooted in the natural landscape.

Kalulushi was established in 1953 as a company town for workers at the nearby Chibuluma copper and cobalt mine, and it became a public town in 1958. It is located 14 km (9 mi) west of Kitwe, the nearest rail station, at an altitude of 1,260 m (4,130 ft). The city's major employer is Chambishi metals. The Chati Forest Reserve west of the city manages large plantations of eucalyptus, tropical pine, and other exotic tree species supplying wood for the mining industry. The Woods are also supplied to ZESCO an electricity company.