As African mines go deeper and rainfall patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, dewatering has moved beyond being a support function to become a strategic discipline. The choice between diesel-driven and electric submersible pumps is now influenced by evolving risk profiles, both underground and on surface, as well as by considerations around energy efficiency, maintenance and mobility.
On surface mines, the challenge is amplified by heavier storm bursts and the need to keep haul roads and pit floors stable. Short intense downpours can cause sudden pit-lake rises and flooding that demand rapid response. In these situations, high throughput diesel-driven pumps mounted on trailers or skids are often favoured, as they can be moved quickly to different locations without relying on fixed electrical infrastructure. The ability of auto-priming diesel pumps to handle fluctuating inflows without priming delays makes them indispensable for these unpredictable surface applications.
Mobility is a further consideration. Production teams require equipment that can follow the work, particularly in operations where water inflow points shift as pits expand. Diesel-driven solutions with built-in fuel tanks and controls reduce setup times and allow small teams to respond effectively. Pontoon-mounted units also provide reliable suction conditions despite fluctuating water levels, reducing the risk of cavitation and protecting pump performance. With surface water often carrying abrasive silt and fines, durability is critical making pumps with robust wear resistant components an important investment.
Underground mines, however, face a different set of challenges. Longer declines, wetter stopes and tighter control over electricity usage are driving demand for efficient submersible pumps that can operate continuously and reliably. Rising energy costs mean that submersibles sized precisely to their duty offer significant advantages, especially when coupled with automated level controls and start/stop systems to reduce unnecessary run hours. The compact design of submersibles also makes them well-suited to confined underground environments, eliminating the need for suction lines and reducing potential trip hazards.
In many cases, underground water is not only abundant but also dirty or chemically aggressive. Pumps must therefore be equipped with seals, cooling systems and materials that can handle abrasive fines and corrosive conditions without frequent retrieval for maintenance. Built-in motor protection, leakage sensors and durable cabling extend operational life and reduce downtime.
Choosing between diesel-driven and submersible pumps is ultimately a matter of application. Diesel-driven auto-priming pumps are ideal for emergency bypasses, stormwater management and pit-lake dewatering where mobility and independence from the grid are crucial. Submersibles, by contrast, excel in routine and continuous underground operations or fixed surface installations where reliable electrical power is available.
The decision is further influenced by total cost of ownership. While diesel pumps bring fuel and engine servicing costs, they eliminate the need for electrical infrastructure. Submersibles, meanwhile, generally offer lower energy costs and fewer moving parts but require correct protection systems and monitoring to achieve maximum lifespan.
Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, stresses the importance of not treating dewatering as an afterthought. “The best dewatering outcomes come from pairing proven technology with a clear understanding of each mine’s hydraulic realities,” he explains. “That is why we supply world class brands with long African track records – Grindex for electric submersibles and Godwin for diesel-driven auto-priming units – and the local application know-how to specify them correctly for reliable long term performance supported by localised support across the region.”
Specification errors can be costly. An undersized pump may result in flooding and lost production, while an oversized pump wastes energy and accelerates wear. Mines also operate in remote locations where logistical challenges mean that access to spares and technical support is critical.
Marsh highlights this as another reason why the supplier relationship is so important: “Mines need pumps that start every time, run to duty and keep running. Grindex submersible pumps and Godwin diesel-driven units have earned their reputations in Africa for exactly that – reliability in tough conditions. Our job is to combine these technologies with rapid support, correctly specified accessories and a spares pipeline that keeps risk low and output high.”
Integrated Pump Technology’s approach focuses on ensuring mines receive not only the right pump but the complete solution. This includes correctly matched accessories such as pipework, valves and strainers as well as service models that balance cost and flexibility. Commenting on rental options, he says this are often best suited to seasonal peaks or emergency response, while ownership works for long term predictable duties.
Further, controls, monitoring and telemetry are increasingly integrated into solutions to provide real-time feedback on pump performance, ensuring issues can be addressed before they become failures.
“With climate variability, deeper mining operations and increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, dewatering in Africa is undergoing significant change. Selecting the appropriate pump is no longer a matter of preference but of detailed engineering and risk management,” Jordan says.
“By working with a reputable established company like Integrated Pump Technology – offering proven global brands such as Grindex and Godwin, backed by local expertise – mines can ensure they have reliable efficient dewatering solutions that safeguard production and protect profitability,” Marsh concludes.
