Over 400 Meters in the First Month! Litian Cutters Support “China Nonferrous No. 2” in Hard-Rock Excavation

September 12, local time — Good news has come from the Chambishi Copper Mine Project in Zambia.

Africa’s first full-face hard-rock TBM designed for non-ferrous metal mining, “China Nonferrous No. 2,” has completed its first month of trial excavation approximately 1,000 meters underground, achieving more than 400 meters of advance in its first month.

This marks an important milestone for the project and provides valuable practical experience for the mechanized and intelligent development of hard-rock excavation in African mines.

As the first TBM of its kind deployed in Africa’s non-ferrous metal mining sector, “China Nonferrous No. 2” carries an important mission in advancing China-Africa infrastructure cooperation and bringing Chinese technology and equipment to overseas markets.

Its stable and efficient performance during the initial underground excavation was made possible by the proven TBM construction expertise and overseas project management experience of China MCC15, together with the reliable coordination and support provided throughout the project.

In this challenging hard-rock excavation environment, Litian TBM Cutters have also played their part, contributing to the project with reliable product performance and continuous on-site technical support.

The tunnel is being excavated primarily through granite, which is characterized by good rock integrity and high hardness, with a quartz content of approximately 55%. These geological conditions place demanding requirements on the wear resistance, impact resistance, and overall adaptability of TBM cutting tools.

For the cutting tools, this project is not only a test of product performance, but also a test of on-site technical support and close coordination with the construction team.

To meet the challenges of complex overseas hard-rock conditions, Litian supplied TBM cutting tools for “China Nonferrous No. 2” based on the specific requirements of the project. Throughout the excavation process, Litian has closely monitored cutter performance under actual operating conditions and actively worked with the project team to provide technical support, helping ensure stable and efficient TBM operation.

This project has further strengthened Litian’s experience in applying cutting tools in overseas hard-rock formations. Based on actual field performance and operating conditions, Litian will continue to optimize both its products and technical services.

Looking ahead, Litian will remain focused on challenging geological conditions, including hard and highly abrasive rock formations, and continue to enhance the adaptability, reliability, and on-site service capabilities of its cutting tools—supporting customers around the world in achieving safer, more efficient, and more reliable rock excavation.