Overview
The mining industry is possibly the toughest industry on pumping equipment. The extremely harsh conditions compile several hazards even the most reliable equipment can struggle with, such as:
- Corrosion caused by a highly saline environment
- Impacts and crushing from larger machinery
- Heat
- Blockages and choking caused by drilling and shotcrete debris
These threats to a pump’s performance can end in expensive repairs or replacements and can affect the overall productivity of the mine.
Another concern is the mining mentality to have a standardised fleet.
This is where the same size pump is used for different applications around the mine to reduce the number of spares required.
However different application and locations around the mine changes the required performance and thus puts excessive strain on an undersized pump or inefficiently oversizes a pump for a job.
These are all challenges we came up against in an underground nickel mine just outside of Kalgoorlie Western Australia.
Existing pumps on site were on average breaking down every three months resulting in reduced productivity and unnecessary expense.
Tsurumi's Approach
Site Audit
Water Sample
Pump Selection
Additional Protection & Maintenance
Results & Benefits
- Lower upfront cost, around 30% cheaper than competitors.
- Double the lifespan of standardpumps.
- Reduced servicing and repair costs
Conclusion
As one of Australia’s core businesses the underground mining sector is on a steady increase and given how competitive mine dewatering is Tsurumi pumps are delivering great results into the industry.
