Nkana is a section of the city of Kitwe, Copperbelt Province, Zambia which started off in the early part of the 20th century as a railway station to support the growing complex of copper mining operations. It was named after Chief Nkana, the local traditional ruler. The copper mines of Nkana (South Ore Body, Nkana Mine and Mindola Shaft) were originally owned by the Anglo-American Corporation of South Africa. A large smelter was built at the site of the Nkana Mine. The mines in Nkana were among the largest copper mines in the world employing in excess of 20,000 people.