PODCAST: Young Zambians are betting on the copper boom. Will it be different this time?

In Zambia's copper town of Kitwe, young Zambians are placing their hopes on the mining industry for prosperity. The global copper prices are surging, and the mines are hiring, drawing a new generation to the sector. However, the promise of a brighter future is marred by pollution, outdated infrastructure, and opaque deals that could repeat the resource curse.

At Copperbelt University, the number of students studying mining has quadrupled in the past five years. They are eager to escape poverty and bring prosperity to their country. Despite the challenges, like outdated facilities and a lack of resources, the students remain optimistic. They believe that with their determination, they can turn the industry's potential into tangible benefits for Zambia.

But the path is not without obstacles. In Wusakile township, young men are mining copper without permits in the shadow of Black Mountain, a massive pile of mine waste that has contaminated the environment for nearly a century. The government has promised to legalize their activities, but none of the miners have received permits yet.

Moreover, recent events have highlighted the risks associated with mining. In February of last year, a tailings dam burst, releasing millions of liters of acidic waste into the Kafue River, affecting nearly 700,000 people's water supply. Despite the incident, some residents still do not feel confident drinking tap water.

Experts warn that while strong laws exist on paper, without proper transparency and accountability, the people and environment of Zambia will continue to suffer. The question remains: will this new generation of Zambians break the resource curse and ensure a sustainable future for their country?