In the bustling industrial landscape of Henan Province, China, Henan Zongxiang Heavy Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd.—commonly known as ZongXiang—has long been a cornerstone of mining and rail infrastructure solutions. Established by a team of seasoned experts in rail and track engineering, the company specializes in high-quality steel products, including rails, fasteners, and critical mine support systems. Among its flagship offerings are split set stabilizers, also referred to as friction rock bolts, which have become indispensable in underground mining operations worldwide. These innovative devices, designed to provide immediate and reliable ground support, are now making waves in Southeast Asia, as ZongXiang announces the successful export of a substantial batch to Malaysia.

The shipment, comprising thousands of 39mm, 42mm, and 46mm split set stabilizers, departed from ZongXiang's state-of-the-art facility in Zhengzhou on October 5, 2025, bound for Port Klang in Malaysia. Valued at approximately $250,000, this order represents one of the largest single consignments of mine support products from China to Malaysia this quarter. The stabilizers, crafted from premium low-carbon steel, feature a unique slotted tube design that allows for easy installation into boreholes slightly smaller than the tube's diameter. Upon insertion using a simple drill-fitted driver tool, the tube compresses, generating radial pressure and friction that binds the surrounding rock, preventing collapses and ensuring worker safety. This friction-based mechanism eliminates the need for additional grout or resin, making them faster to deploy and more cost-effective than traditional anchoring systems.

ZongXiang's split set stabilizers have earned a reputation for durability and performance, with a production capacity exceeding 50,000 pieces per day. Each unit undergoes rigorous quality checks, including pull tests to verify load-bearing capacity—often exceeding 15 tons per bolt—ensuring compliance with international standards like GB/T and ISO. The Malaysia-bound batch includes domed bearing plates for enhanced load distribution and is tailored for high-stress environments, such as those encountered in deep shaft mining and tunnel excavations. "This export not only boosts our partnership with Malaysian mining firms but also underscores our commitment to delivering robust solutions that enhance operational efficiency," stated Li Wei, ZongXiang's Export Director, during a press briefing.

Malaysia's mining sector, a vital component of its economy, is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by surging global demand for commodities like bauxite, iron ore, and rare earth elements. The country, with its rich deposits in states like Pahang and Kelantan, faces unique geological challenges, including unstable rock formations in tropical climates prone to heavy monsoons. Traditional support methods have often fallen short, leading to delays and safety incidents. Enter ZongXiang's split set stabilizers: their slotted design allows for quick retrofitting in wet conditions, reducing installation time by up to 70% compared to resin bolts. The recipient, a consortium of Malaysian mining companies led by Perak Transit Berhad, plans to deploy these stabilizers in the expansion of the Kuantan bauxite mines, where they will stabilize highwalls and underground drifts, potentially increasing production output by 20%.

This deal builds on ZongXiang's established footprint in Malaysia, following previous exports of A75 rails and square bars that fortified the nation's rail and construction sectors. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade between China and Malaysia in mining equipment topped $1.2 billion, with ZongXiang contributing over 5% through consistent deliveries. The transaction was facilitated under the China-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement, which slashed tariffs on steel imports to just 2%, making Chinese products even more competitive. Logistics played a pivotal role; the batch was containerized in reinforced steel crates to withstand the 3,500-kilometer sea voyage, arriving intact and ready for immediate use.

Beyond the immediate economic impact—creating 150 temporary jobs in packaging and shipping at ZongXiang—the export highlights broader sustainability trends. Split set stabilizers promote eco-friendly mining by minimizing waste from chemical grouts and enabling reusable installations. In Malaysia, where environmental regulations under the National Mineral Industry Act emphasize reduced ecological footprint, these bolts align perfectly, supporting green initiatives like the Green Technology Master Plan 2030. ZongXiang has also incorporated recycled steel content—up to 25%—in this batch, appealing to buyers' ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.

Looking ahead, this partnership opens doors for future collaborations. ZongXiang is in talks for follow-on orders, including U-steel arches and welded mesh panels, to outfit Malaysia's burgeoning hydropower tunnels. As global mining shifts toward deeper, more complex operations, products like these stabilizers will be crucial. For ZongXiang, this milestone reinforces its global stature, exporting to over 50 countries and generating $50 million in annual revenue. In an era of supply chain resilience, such exports not only bridge continents but also fortify the foundations—literally—of tomorrow's industries.