ZongXiang export a batch of a120 crane rail to Zambia

In a landmark move underscoring China's deepening ties with African infrastructure development, Henan ZongXiang Heavy Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd. (ZongXiang), a premier Chinese manufacturer of steel rails, has successfully exported a substantial batch of A120 crane rails to Zambia. This shipment, comprising thousands of meters of high-grade steel, arrives at a critical juncture for Zambia's mining and logistics sectors, where efficient heavy-lift operations are paramount to economic vitality. As Africa's second-largest copper producer, Zambia relies on robust rail systems to ferry vast mineral hauls from the Copperbelt region's mines to export ports. ZongXiang's A120 rails, engineered for extreme durability, promise to fortify these operations, reducing downtime and enhancing throughput in an industry that contributes over 70% to the nation's foreign exchange earnings.

The A120 crane rail, a flagship product in ZongXiang's portfolio, exemplifies precision engineering tailored for demanding environments. Measuring 120mm in height with a robust head width optimized for load distribution, this rail adheres to stringent GB/T standards, ensuring compatibility with international crane systems. Crafted from high-carbon steel with a tensile strength exceeding 900 MPa, the A120 withstands loads up to 50 tons per axle while resisting wear from abrasive mining debris and corrosive tropical conditions. Its asymmetrical profile minimizes lateral shifts under dynamic forces, a feature proven in harsh applications like port cranes and steel mill gantries. Unlike lighter alternatives, the A120's deeper web and broader base provide superior stability, slashing maintenance costs by up to 30% over a decade-long lifespan. ZongXiang's state-of-the-art rolling mills in Henan employ advanced heat treatment processes, yielding rails with uniform microstructure and minimal residual stresses—qualities rigorously verified through ultrasonic testing and magnetic particle inspections before dispatch.

This export aligns seamlessly with Zambia's ambitious rail modernization agenda, spearheaded by the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). The iconic TAZARA line, a 1,860 km artery linking Zambia's heartland to Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port, has long been the lifeline for copper exports but has suffered from aging infrastructure, causing frequent delays and ballooning logistics expenses. In response, the Zambian government, in partnership with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is injecting $1.4 billion into refurbishments, including track reinforcements and capacity upgrades to handle heavier freight trains. ZongXiang's A120 rails will integrate into key sidings at mining hubs like Kitwe and Ndola, where overhead cranes manage massive ore stockpiles. By bolstering these chokepoints, the rails will accelerate export velocities, potentially shaving days off transit times and unlocking millions in revenue for Zambia's $10 billion annual copper trade.

The logistics of this cross-continental venture highlight ZongXiang's operational prowess. Sourced from eco-friendly electric arc furnaces, the rails underwent meticulous packaging—bundled in anti-corrosion wraps and secured in 40-foot containers—to brave the 10,000 km sea journey via the Indian Ocean. Departing from Qingdao Port, the consignment cleared Zambian customs at Dar es Salaam with expedited protocols under the China-Africa Free Trade framework, arriving via TAZARA just weeks ago. On-site installation, guided by ZongXiang's technical advisors, involves precision alignment with laser-guided bolting systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing QU-series rails. Early feedback from Zambian engineers praises the rails' weldability and fatigue resistance, attributes honed through ZongXiang's ISO 9001-certified processes.

Beyond technical merits, this deal symbolizes burgeoning Sino-Zambian collaboration. China, Zambia's largest trading partner, has poured billions into African Belt and Road Initiative projects, from hydropower dams to highway networks. ZongXiang's foray builds on prior successes, including 20-ton A65 rail shipments to Zambia in 2023 and 60kg/m standard rails last year, cementing its role as a go-to supplier. For ZongXiang, established over two decades ago, the African market now accounts for 15% of exports, rivaling footholds in Saudi Arabia and South America. CEO Li Wei notes, "Our A120 rails aren't just steel—they're enablers of progress, empowering Zambia to mine deeper and trade smarter."

As Zambia eyes diversification into cobalt and emeralds, with global EV demand surging, these rails position the nation as a Southern African logistics powerhouse. Challenges like climate variability and funding gaps persist, but investments like this foster resilience. In essence, ZongXiang's A120 export isn't merely a transaction; it's a catalyst for sustainable growth, weaving stronger threads in the tapestry of global supply chains. With Africa's rail renaissance underway, expect more such partnerships to rail in prosperity.