In a landmark achievement for the global mining support industry, ZongXiang Steel Group, a premier Chinese manufacturer of high-quality underground mining products, has recently exported a substantial batch of 15.2mm cable bolts to Zambia. This shipment, comprising thousands of units tailored for robust rock reinforcement, underscores ZongXiang's commitment to delivering reliable, innovative solutions to Africa's burgeoning mining sector. Established in 1997, ZongXiang has built a reputation as a one-stop provider of mine support essentials, including rock bolts, wire mesh, U steel arches, and specialized cable bolts, all produced under stringent quality controls to meet international standards.

Zambia's mining landscape, dominated by copper and cobalt operations in the Copperbelt region, faces unique geological challenges. Deep shafts, unstable strata, and seismic activities demand advanced ground control measures to ensure worker safety and operational continuity. The 15.2mm cable bolts, fabricated from stress-relieved, low-relaxation, high-strength 7-wire steel strands, are ideally suited for these conditions. With a nominal diameter of 15.2mm, these plain cable bolts offer exceptional tensile strength—up to 1860 MPa—allowing them to serve as long tendons for strata reinforcement in temporary and semi-permanent applications. Their lightweight design (approximately 1.4 kg per meter) facilitates easy handling in confined underground spaces, while their high load-bearing capacity minimizes the need for excessive support density, optimizing costs for mine operators.

This export batch was meticulously prepared at ZongXiang's state-of-the-art facility in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Each bolt underwent rigorous testing for uniformity, including ultrasonic inspections for strand integrity and pull-out tests simulating real-world installation stresses. The bolts feature optional enhancements like factory-installed injection hoses for subsequent grouting with cement or resin, ensuring superior anchorage via plate-and-wedge or press-sleeve systems. Tensioning is streamlined without specialized tools, promoting rapid deployment. In total, the shipment exceeded 20 tons, packaged in robust, weather-resistant coils to withstand the long sea voyage via the Port of Shanghai to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, followed by overland transport to Lusaka and Kitwe.

The order stemmed from a strategic partnership with a leading Zambian mining contractor, forged during ZongXiang's participation in the 2024 Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town. Recognizing the limitations of traditional friction bolts in Zambia's variable rock formations, the client specified 15.2mm cable bolts for their ability to distribute loads evenly across expansive roof and rib areas. "These bolts represent a game-changer for our underground stability programs," noted a project engineer from the recipient firm. "ZongXiang's products not only meet ISO 9001 certifications but also exceed local regulatory requirements under Zambia's Mines Safety Department." Delivery was executed on schedule in early October 2025, with ZongXiang's logistics team coordinating customs clearance and providing on-site installation training via virtual sessions.

This export not only bolsters ZongXiang's footprint in sub-Saharan Africa—where it now supplies over 15 countries—but also aligns with sustainable mining goals. The bolts' durable construction reduces replacement frequency, cutting waste and downtime. Environmentally, their compatibility with resin grouts minimizes chemical runoff, supporting Zambia's push toward greener extraction practices amid global demands for ethical copper sourcing. Economically, the deal injects vital foreign exchange into Zambia's economy, projected to grow 4.3% in 2025 per IMF forecasts, largely driven by mining expansions at sites like Konkola Copper Mines.

Looking ahead, ZongXiang plans to deepen ties with Zambian stakeholders through localized warehousing in Lusaka and R&D collaborations for customized bolt variants, such as those with integrated sensors for real-time stress monitoring. This initiative exemplifies how targeted exports can empower global mining safety. As ZongXiang's export volume surges 25% year-over-year, the Zambia shipment serves as a testament to innovation bridging continents, fostering safer, more efficient underground frontiers.