Amid growing concerns over resource conservation and operational efficiency, the mining sector is increasingly turning to advanced valve solutions to optimise water and air consumption, says industrial valve solutions provider Ultra Control Valves MD Peter Telle.

He adds that the company has seen a rise in demand for its products as mines seek cost-effective and sustainable ways to manage these critical resources.

The company’s innovative valve systems, Telle points out, are designed to reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance safety, which are all factors that are becoming essential as mining operations face tighter environmental regulations and increasing pressure to reduce operational costs.

In conversation with Mining Weekly, Telle notes that one of the key ways Ultra Control Valves helps mining companies conserve resources is through its Stope Isolating System, which automatically closes valves to working sections during downtime.

“This prevents unnecessary water and air losses and ensures a controlled reopening process, either manually or automatically,” he notes, adding that this system has reduced leaks and has also played a role in improving mine safety by mitigating the risk of mudslides.

Another solution, the Maric flow control valve, regulates flow into specific sections, preventing excessive water use.

“This valve has demonstrated tangible results in reducing water wastage and encouraging better operational discipline among mining staff,” says Telle.

The Maric valve is also used to optimise cooling systems, such as bulk air coolers and cooling cars, ensuring they operate efficiently while lowering water consumption.

The Maric valve’s technology extends beyond mining operations, with applications in hostel shower systems to balance water distribution and reduce overall water use. By controlling the flow of water in these applications, mines can cut costs and also reduce their environmental impact.

Considering that efficiency and reliability are critical in mining environments, where infrastructure is subject to harsh conditions, Telle highlights the advantages of the company’s ratio reducing valves and Maric flow control valves, which he says, are designed to be “mine-proof” by eliminating vulnerable components susceptible to tampering or theft.

He explains that unlike traditional pilot- operated control valves, which can be prone to breakage and interference, the company’s solutions offer a robust alternative that requires low maintenance.

“While Ultra Control Valves still supplies conventional options, the shift toward these more resilient designs reflects a broader industry trend of prioritising long-term durability and cost savings,” he says.

Beyond their durability, these valves also contribute to improving mine productivity by ensuring consistent water and air pressure levels.

Telle explains that when pressure is regulated effectively, mining equipment operates more efficiently, thereby reducing the likelihood of unplanned downtime owing to system failures or maintenance issues.

However, as mining companies face stricter environmental regulations regarding water and air consumption, effective pipeline management has become a key priority.

Telle notes that Ultra Control Valves’ range of control valves and air release valves plays an essential role in preventing pressure surges and water hammer effects, which are two common issues that can lead to pipeline failures.

“Properly designed valve systems help eliminate pipe breakages, ensuring compliance with regulations and reducing costly disruptions,” he says, noting that this aligns with the broader industry push toward sustainable mining practices, where efficient resource management is not only a regulatory requirement but also a cost-saving measure.

Pressure surges or water hammers, caused by sudden changes in fluid pressure, are significant issues in mining and industrial operations, Telle says, adding that if left unchecked, can result in damaged pipelines, leaks and increased maintenance costs.

“Through sophisticated software analysis, Ultra Control Valves helps mining companies assess their systems and implement preventative measures to avoid these costly issues,” he explains.

Rising Demand

The demand for advanced valve solutions is growing across South Africa and neighbouring countries, particularly in the mining and water industries.

Locally, Telle says that Ultra Control Valves has seen a significant increase in interest for its ratio reducing and Maric flow control valves.

“Our products are widely used across the region, and local demand continues to grow as companies recognise the benefits of better water and air management,” Telle states.

He explains that this surge in demand is driven not only by cost-saving initiatives, but also by the need for environmentally responsible solutions.

“With water scarcity becoming an increasing concern in many mining regions, companies are looking for technologies that help them reduce consumption without compromising operations.”

Further, while innovation in valve design is ongoing, Telle emphasises that application engineering, rather than just product development, is where significant progress is being made.

Ultra Control Valves provides design assistance and water hammer analysis using sophisticated software, helping mining companies implement tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, he says, adding that by customising valve applications to the specific needs of each mine, the company ensures that water and air resources are used optimally, reducing unnecessary waste and improving overall system performance.

Looking ahead, Telle foresees a key trend in valve technology as the growing integration of smart monitoring systems, which enables mines to track water and air consumption in real time.

By collecting data on flow rates, pressure levels and potential leaks, he says these systems enable proactive maintenance and more efficient resource allocation.

Another area of potential advancement is the development of more energy-efficient valve materials. As sustainability becomes a bigger focus, manufacturers are exploring lighter, more durable materials that require less energy to operate while maintaining high levels of performance.

Telle anticipates further advancements in ratio reducing valve designs, which he believes, will be adapted in various formats to meet evolving industry needs.

“As pipeline systems become more complex, the role of adaptable, high-performance valves will only become more critical,” he concludes.