UPDATE ON THE TRANSPOTATION OF THE “COLD BOX” for Kansashi Mine via the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor
SESHEKE, SIOMA, SENANGA, NALOLO, MONGU AND KAOMA ITS COMING
UPDATE ON THE TRANSPOTATION OF THE “COLD BOX” for Kansashi Mine via the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor.
Namib Times
Vanguards Transportation Operation Delivers Key Consignment for Zambia’s Kansanshi Mine
Eileen van der Schyff
A TRANSPORTATION operation is underway as Vanguards prepares to deliver a specialised consignment from Malaysia destined for the Kansanshi Mine in Zambia, the eighth largest copper mine in the world. The consignment, which includes a “cold box” that produces oxygen from copper, departed from the Walvis Bay harbour this afternoon, and is currently making its way to Zambia and is about 30 kilometers outside of Swakopmund.
In a telephonic interview with the Namib Times, Juan Johnson, Vanguards’ Field Manager and operator of the transportation, provided insights into the importance of this operation. “The consignment, a cold box, is essential for producing oxygen from copper,” Johnson explained. “The entire cold box is 50 meters long, and with the Gold Hover trailer and front and back push-pull trucks, the total length of the consignment measures an impressive 63 meters.”
The journey from Walvis Bay will take the consignment through Otjiwarongo, Rundu, and the Caprivi Strip, eventually arriving at Katima Mulilo before crossing into Zambia. Caution is advised among road users during this transportation. “We advise all road users to exercise caution, as the size of the consignment may pose challenges on the road,” he said.
The “cold box” technology is crucial in the copper production process. The cold box facilitates the production of oxygen from copper using a unique method that involves a chemical reaction. It essentially converts copper into a gas, which is then transformed into oxygen through a cooling process. This method not only enhances the efficiency of copper mining but also contributes to the production of vital oxygen necessary for various industrial applications.
The consignment is being transported on a Hydraulic Modular Trailer (HMT), a specialised platform designed for carrying oversized loads that are difficult to disassemble and often overweight. Johnson described the trailer’s features: “An HMT features swing axles, hydraulic suspension, and independently steerable axles, making it versatile for transporting massive loads.”
These trailers are constructed from high-tensile steel, enabling them to support significant weight with the assistance of one or more ballast tractors, which push and pull the units via a drawbar or gooseneck. This combination of tractor and trailer is referred to as a “heavy hauler.”
