TAIYUAN -- A Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer has made an export breakthrough to Africa by clinching a mining components deal.

Shanxi-based Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Group Co Ltd (TZ) said Tuesday that six sets of casting parts, used on a pull shovel for open-pit mining, have been delivered to South Africa. It is China's first such export to the African continent.

The buyer, Xstrata PLC, had been testing samples of the part since 2011 before it made a formal order, said Cao Keshun, a TZ spokesman.

The casting part is used on shovels with an excavating capacity of over 20 cubic meters per shovel.

Cao said South Africa with abundant resources of coal, iron ore and diamonds is a big market for heavy machinery products. The deal will enhance the reputation of China-made machinery products on the international market.

Founded in 1950, TZ is the first heavy-duty machinery manufacturing firm to be established in China. Its products have been exported to other countries around the world.