On November 21, Zijin Mining, a leading global metals miner, launched a new bulk carrier on Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania, creating a shipping link between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Tanzania through inland waterway transport. The route is a key part of Zijin’s strategy to support its DRC operations through an eastern logistics corridor in Africa. The vessel, Golden Voyage No.1, was inaugurated in the presence of Tanzania’s Transport Minister, Hon. Prof. Makame Mbarawa.
Built using an innovative “modular fabrication and local assembly” approach, the ship measures 70.08 meters in length and 15 meters in width, with a 2,000-tonne carrying capacity and a cruising range of 1,000 nautical miles. The vessel’s modules were made over an intensive 11-month period in China’s Shandong Province before being shipped to Tanzania in six batches for final assembly. Three additional vessels are under construction and will be delivered later.
Designed with energy efficiency and environmental protection in mind, the vessel’s propulsion system and overall design were optimized for the complex hydrological conditions of Lake Tanganyika—the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake.
Built to International Standards
Throughout the construction process, the project team overcame multiple challenges, including a tight schedule, disruptions in the rainy season, and the complexities of cross-border transport of equipment and supplies. At every milestone, the ship passed inspections by both the China Classification Society (CCS) and the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC). From precise hull alignment and non-destructive testing of welds to equipment installation and commissioning, all steps were carried out in strict accordance with international standards. The vessel’s overall quality ranks among the best in its class.
Senior Tanzanian officials praised the project for its high-quality execution and rapid progress. They highlighted that Zijin has created local jobs and helped ease logistical challenges through the initiative, adding that it will expand shipping services and deliver a significant boost to economic growth across the region.
About Zijin Mining
Zijin Mining is a leading global metals and mining company and one of the world’s largest producers of gold, copper, and zinc. The company has more than 30 large-scale mining operations and projects across 19 countries on 5 continents. Leveraging strong in-house research, engineering, and development capabilities, Zijin maintains high operational efficiency and low costs in both acquisitions and operations. This enables the company to be an industry leader in value creation, underpinned by its philosophy of pursuing development for all and sustained by superior environmental, social, and governance performance. Zijin’s shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 2899) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE: 601899).