In the bustling industrial heart of Henan Province, China, ZongXiang Steel Group—a veteran in mining support solutions since 1997—has marked another milestone in its global outreach. On September 20, 2025, the company dispatched a substantial batch of 33mm galvanized split set bolts to Kenya, destined for critical underground operations in the East African nation's burgeoning mining sector. This export, comprising over 5,000 units meticulously packaged for sea transit via the Port of Mombasa, underscores ZongXiang's commitment to delivering high-quality, corrosion-resistant ground support systems to emerging markets.

Split set bolts, also known as friction stabilizers, represent a pinnacle of innovative rock anchoring technology. Unlike traditional expansion shell bolts that rely on mechanical wedges, split sets are engineered from high-tensile alloy steel strips, roll-formed into a slotted tubular profile. The 33mm variant, with its nominal outer diameter of 33mm and typical wall thickness of 2.3-2.5mm, is particularly suited for hand-held mining applications where agility and immediate support are paramount. Upon insertion into a pre-drilled borehole slightly smaller than the tube's diameter—using the same percussion drill that created the hole—the longitudinal slot partially closes under impact, compressing the bolt and generating radial pressure along its entire length. This friction-based mechanism, combined with a domed bearing plate at the exposed end, creates a three-dimensional stress state in the surrounding rock, effectively preventing slippage and enhancing roof stability without the need for resins or grouts.

What sets this batch apart is the hot-dip galvanization process, applied to meet ASTM A123 standards. The zinc coating, averaging 80-100 microns, shields the steel from the corrosive onslaught of humid, mineral-rich environments common in Kenyan mines. As per ZongXiang's rigorous quality controls, each bolt undergoes tensile testing exceeding 15 kN pull-out strength, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001:2008 and GB/T standards. "Galvanization extends service life by up to 50% in aggressive conditions," notes ZongXiang's Export Manager, Li Wei. "This isn't just about export; it's about empowering safer, more sustainable mining."

Kenya's mining landscape, fueled by Vision 2030's infrastructure pillar, is ripe for such advancements. The sector, which contributed 0.7% to GDP in 2024, is witnessing a renaissance with gold, titanium, and rare earth explorations in regions like Taita Taveta and Kwale. Underground operations, however, face perennial challenges: unstable strata, high humidity, and seismic micro-activity in rift valley formations. Traditional supports often falter, leading to costly delays and safety risks. Enter ZongXiang's split sets—proven in over 136 countries, from Russian coal shafts to Australian gold drifts. This Kenyan consignment targets a mid-tier gold mine in the Kakamega greenstone belt, where operators seek to retrofit 2km of declining tunnels. Preliminary installations have shown a 30% reduction in roof falls, per site feedback, aligning with Kenya's Mining Act 2016 mandates for robust support systems.

The export journey exemplifies seamless international trade. From ZongXiang's state-of-the-art facility in Xinxiang, bolts were inspected for flat surfaces, crack-free welds, and free-moving plates before palletizing—300 units per wooden crate for optimal stacking in 40-foot containers. Compliance with Kenya's import protocols was paramount: export permits from China's Ministry of Commerce, phytosanitary certificates, and pre-shipment verification via SGS ensured adherence to the East African Community's standards. Transit via COSCO's Shanghai-Mombasa route, spanning 10,000 nautical miles, incorporated GPS tracking for real-time visibility. Upon arrival, Kenyan customs at the Port of Mombasa processed the shipment under the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), with duties at 25% for mining machinery, offset by incentives under the Export Processing Zones Authority.

This venture isn't ZongXiang's first foray into Africa; previous shipments to South Africa and Tanzania have forged lasting partnerships. Yet, Kenya holds unique promise. With foreign direct investment in mining surging 15% year-over-year, per the Ministry of Mining, demand for affordable, install-ready supports like these 33mm split sets is projected to grow 20% annually through 2030. ZongXiang's after-sales ethos—24-hour technical support and on-site training—further cements ties. Kenyan engineers, trained via virtual modules on bolt drivers and pull-testing, now integrate these into hybrid systems with wire mesh for enhanced perimeter control.

Beyond commerce, this export embodies a narrative of shared progress. In a nation where artisanal mining employs over 500,000 but claims hundreds of lives yearly from collapses, reliable tools like galvanized split sets are lifelines. ZongXiang's initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 9, fostering resilient infrastructure. As crates unload under the equatorial sun, they carry not just steel, but a blueprint for safer depths—where every bolt driven echoes a step toward industrial sovereignty.

Looking ahead, ZongXiang eyes deeper collaboration: joint ventures for localized assembly, perhaps in Nairobi's special economic zones. For now, this batch stands as a testament to precision engineering meeting global need. In the words of ZongXiang's CEO, Zhang Rui: "We don't just ship products; we stabilize futures." As Kenya delves deeper into its mineral wealth, partners like ZongXiang ensure the ground beneath remains firm.