Copper
Copper mining in Africa is as old as the hills. In the Middle Ages, Africans used copper for many purposes, including art, currency, and the making of bronze. Today, this precious resource is used in construction, art, decor, and electrical systems. It is the second-most electrically conductive metal apart from pure gold. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the leading copper producer in Africa, producing about 1 million tons a year. Another major producer of this red metal is Zambia, which produces between 900,000 and 915,000 tons every year.
