Submersible pumps are regarded as important tools in keeping deeper mining areas operational and safe, and local pump distributor Integrated Pump Technology says that it has seen significant growth in the Southern Africa export markets, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.

“With many of these mines being among the wettest in the world, dewatering is a vital duty that is well served by our quality Grindex pumps,” says Integrated Pump Technology MD Jordan Marsh. “Since we established sales and support channels with well-placed distributors in these regions, we have seen sizeable orders coming through for our equipment.”

He notes that many copper mines in Southern Africa are expanding and mining deeper, and in countries such as the DRC, Zambia and Tanzania this means much more water being encountered in mining operations.

“Demand (is) growing for both ends of our pump spectrum – on the smaller side, we see the 3.7 kW and 5.6 kW pumps are popular and the larger pumps we have supplied include 10 kW, 18 kW, 37 kW, 80 kW and 90 kW units.”

These are supplied mainly in the Grindex H model range, which incorporate the high head pumps, with a number also being supplied from the Grindex N model range for more flow at lower heads.

Marsh adds that Botswana has also become a focus for Integrated Pump Technology, especially the country’s diamond and copper mines, and that progress is being made in proposing efficient dewatering systems using the Grindex range.

The company also highlights that it has recently boosted its sales resources in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, which is seen as a growth area for mining. 

“Our business development drive into new African territories includes countries such as Angola, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, and in some of these we are already making exciting progress,” concluded Marsh.