Chibombo, Zambia – A gargantuan piece of mining equipment, known as the Cold Box Unit, has embarked on an impressive trek from the Katima Mulilo Border in Western Zambia to Solwezi’s Kansanshi Mine in North Western Province. Spanning 64 meters in length, 5.7 meters in width, and 7.2 meters in height, the Cold Box Unit weighs a remarkable 154 metric tonnes, with a Gross Vehicle Mass of 224 metric tonnes. This makes it one of the largest loads to traverse Zambia’s roadways.
The Cold Box Unit is crucial for mining operations, and its transport is being carefully managed by the Road Development Agency (RDA). To ensure its safe passage and minimal disruption to traffic, the journey has been meticulously coordinated, with the unit making overnight stops at toll plazas and safe locations to allow for logistical efficiency and road safety.
On its latest leg, the Cold Box traveled 18 kilometers from near Twalumba Resort and Hotels at 11 miles to the Katuba Toll Plaza in Chibombo District. After a night’s rest, the Cold Box resumed its journey this morning, heading toward its final destination, Kansanshi Mine.
The RDA has strategically mapped out a route that minimizes congestion, ensuring the Cold Box avoids the Lusaka CBD through the 70/70 Bypass Road. The agency is also working in close coordination with the Zambia Police Service, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), and local authorities to ensure the safety of road users. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, maintain a safe distance, and refrain from climbing onto the machinery as it passes through various towns.
Over recent days, the Cold Box has traveled through several towns, including Mazabuka, Kafue, and Choma, making regular stops. The journey is expected to continue through key locations such as Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, and Ndola before reaching Solwezi. Public safety remains a priority, with the RDA regularly updating the public about potential delays.
The Cold Box Unit’s monumental journey underscores Zambia’s commitment to supporting its mining sector while managing the complexities of transporting oversized equipment across the country’s road network. The sight of this massive load has also attracted large crowds of curious onlookers, demonstrating the public’s fascination with the journey.
As the Cold Box makes its way through Zambia, it serves as a reminder of the scale of mining operations in the country and the efforts required to keep such operations running smoothly.
