Happy TravellerWelcome to Likasi, a bustling city located in the Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Formerly known as Jadotville (French) and Jadotstad (Dutch), Likasi has a rich history and is a hub for industry, especially mining. Here’s what you need to know before planning your trip to Likasi.
Demographics:
Likasi has a population of around 635,000 as of 2015. During the 1990s, the United Nations set up feeding and refugee centers in and around Likasi to assist refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Shaba, which increased the population of the town by 41,000.
History:
Shinkolobwe mine, located 20 km west of Likasi, was described by a 1943 Manhattan Project intelligence report as the most important deposit of uranium yet discovered in the world. The uranium from this mine was used to build the atomic bombs used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. In 1961, during the United Nations intervention in the Katanga conflict, a company of Irish UN troops deployed to Jadotville was besieged and eventually surrendered to troops loyal to the Katangese Prime Minister Moïse Tshombe.
Economy:
Likasi remains a center for industry, especially mining, and is a transport hub for the surrounding region. There are mines and refineries supplied by nearby deposits of copper and cobalt. A $17 million crushing plant was installed in nearby Kamatanda that became operational at the start of 2019. The crushed ore is fed to the Heap Leach Unit in Panda, then the copper-containing solution is taken to the electrolysis room at the Shituru Factories in Likasi, where high-quality copper electrodes are produced. There is also an abandoned gold mine in Likasi, which has been commercially depleted but is still dug by artisanal miners.
Transport:
Likasi is served by a station on the national railway system. The trains are mostly cargo trains and not passenger trains.
Climate:
Likasi has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cwa).
If you’re interested in history, mining, or just want to experience a bustling Congolese city, Likasi is definitely worth a visit. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this unique destination.
