Integrated Pump Technology has been at the forefront of helping mining operations deal with the persistent challenges posed by groundwater ingress, both at surface and underground. Groundwater can cause significant disruptions to mining activities, particularly during the rainy season, which varies across different regions of Africa. From heavy seasonal downpours to localised conditions in different geographic and geological environments, mining operations need effective dewatering strategies to ensure productivity and safety.
Managing Director, Jordan Marsh explains that, as the authorised distributor of Grindex electric submersible pumps and Godwin diesel-driven self-priming pumps, Integrated Pump Technology provides a range of reliable dewatering solutions tailored to various application.
“Both these pump ranges are well-known global brands that are designed to handle the often harsh and unpredictable conditions that mines face across the continent. Mining operations in many parts of Africa, where dewatering is mission-critical, have been quick to adopt dewatering solutions from us, knowing that our team understands the requirements and the support is in place to ensure reliable operation,” he says.
The uptake being experienced is a reflection of Integrated Pump Technology’s strategic drive to expand its footprint in key markets. One of the most notable success stories comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. The increasing global demand for copper, driven by the world’s push toward a lower-carbon future, has led to an expansion of mining activities in these regions. Many of the copper mines in the DRC, known as some of the wettest in the world, present a unique challenge when it comes to managing water ingress.
Marsh highlights that dewatering has become an indispensable task for these mining operations. “Our Grindex submersible pumps have long been the go-to solution for dewatering in these extremely wet mines, and with the addition last year of the diesel driven Godwin pump range to our portfolio we have seen increased demand for these units, whether skid or trailer mounted,” he says.
Integrated Pump Technology is committed to establishing and maintaining robust sales and support channels through local distributors, and this is seen by end-users as vital to the service being offered.
Commenting on the application of Grindex submersible pumps, Marsh says that many Southern African copper mines are not only expanding but also going deeper underground which exposes them to greater volumes of groundwater. “Grindex pumps, known for their durability and effectiveness, are playing a pivotal role in keeping these deeper mining operations operational and safe. Significantly, the demand is for both smaller pumps (3.7 kW and 5.6 kW) and larger units (up to 90 kW),” he notes.
Beyond the DRC and Zambia, Integrated Pump Technology continues to make inroads into other areas including East and West Africa. Central to Integrated Pump Technology’s success is its commitment to building a comprehensive distributor network across the continent. This network ensures that mining operations in countries such as Angola, DRC, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda are supported with the necessary expertise and equipment to meet their specific challenges.
“Our business development drive into these African territories is yielding exciting progress,” Marsh concludes.
