In a significant milestone for international mining support solutions, Henan Zongxiang Heavy Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer of mining equipment, has successfully exported a batch of 46mm split set stabilizers to Colombia. This shipment, comprising high-quality friction rock bolts designed for underground mine support, underscores Zongxiang's growing presence in Latin American markets and its commitment to enhancing global mining safety standards. The export, finalized in early October 2025, arrives at a pivotal time for Colombia's burgeoning mining sector, where demand for reliable ground control systems is surging amid expanded copper and gold operations.

Zongxiang, established in 1997 as part of the ZongXiang Steel Group, has built a reputation over two decades for producing robust mine tunnel support products. Headquartered in Henan Province, the company operates four modern production facilities specializing in items like steel rails, U-steel arches, wire mesh, and rock bolts. With an annual output capacity exceeding 50,000 pieces per day for split sets alone, Zongxiang employs over 300 personnel dedicated to quality assurance and rapid fulfillment. Their products, compliant with GB standards and crafted from high-strength carbon steel, are rigorously tested for tensile strength and radial pressure—key attributes for the 46mm variant, which measures 46mm in diameter and is optimized for boreholes slightly smaller than its profile.

The 46mm split set stabilizer represents a pinnacle of friction bolt technology. Unlike traditional expansion shell anchors, this design features a longitudinally slit steel tube formed from a folded metal strip. Installation is straightforward: the bolt is driven into a pre-drilled hole using a simple driver tool fitted to a jackleg drill or stoper. As it advances, the tube compresses, partially closing the slot and generating uniform radial forces along its entire length. This creates a frictional grip that actively reinforces the surrounding rock, preventing delamination and rockfalls. Complementing the tube is a bearing plate that distributes load and enhances stability. Pull tests conducted post-installation confirm capacities often exceeding 20 tons, making it ideal for dynamic mining environments.

This batch, tailored for a major Colombian copper mine in the Andean region, addresses specific challenges in unstable strata common to the country's geology. Colombia's mining industry, contributing over 2% to its GDP, faces increasing pressure from deeper excavations and seismic activity. "Our 46mm stabilizers provide immediate, three-dimensional support—radial pressure, frictional hold, and plate bearing—that traditional methods can't match," noted Li Wei, Zongxiang's Export Director. "This export not only bolsters safety but also reduces downtime, allowing miners to focus on productivity." The shipment includes 1,000 units, each 1.5-3 meters long, accompanied by domed plates and dolly pushers for seamless integration.

The journey to this export began with a site visit by Colombian engineers to Zongxiang's Zhengzhou facility in mid-2024. Impressed by ISO-certified production lines and on-site demonstrations, they placed the order following successful trials in simulated Andean conditions. Logistics were meticulously coordinated: the batch departed from Qingdao Port via a 28-day sea route to Cartagena, Colombia, navigating Panama Canal efficiencies to ensure timely delivery. Customs clearance was expedited through Zongxiang's established trade partnerships, reflecting China's Belt and Road Initiative ties with Latin America.

This deal builds on Zongxiang's expanding footprint, with prior exports to Russia, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. In Colombia alone, Zongxiang now supplies over a dozen operations, fostering local training programs on bolt installation and maintenance. "We're not just shipping products; we're partnering for sustainable mining," Wei added. As global demand for eco-friendly, high-efficiency supports rises—driven by stricter OSHA-like regulations—the 46mm stabilizer positions Zongxiang as a trusted ally.

Looking ahead, Zongxiang plans to introduce galvanized variants for corrosive environments, potentially increasing export volumes by 30% next year. This Colombia shipment exemplifies how innovative engineering meets real-world needs, safeguarding lives and propelling industry progress. In an era of resource scarcity, such advancements ensure mining's vital role endures responsibly.