In the demanding conditions of Southern African mining, dewatering is not just a support function - it is mission critical. IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) has built its reputation on recognising this reality, setting itself apart from conventional pump rental providers by forming close partnerships with its customers and offering technically sound application-specific solutions backed by responsive service and support. The company is part of Atlas Copco's Specialty Rental Division.

According to Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, the company’s focus has always been on collaboration. “We don’t just rent out pumps. We engage with our customers at every step to understand the actual challenge they are facing. We visit the site, analyse the water conditions, solids content and infrastructure limitations, and then develop a tailored solution. It is a process that is as much about engineering expertise as it is about service.”

He emphasises that the first and most critical step in solving any dewatering problem is conducting a detailed on-site assessment. “Without that, it’s guesswork. The wrong pump - whether under- or over-specified - can cause inefficiencies, higher operating costs or outright failure. We often encounter sites where legacy equipment is simply no longer suited to the job, but no one has reassessed the requirements in years. We recently helped a mine overcome exactly that challenge. They were using an outdated and oversized pump setup. Our assessment allowed us to replace it with a new correctly sized unit, which delivered the same performance with far less energy consumption and downtime.”

IPR also plays a key advisory role in helping mining customers decide whether to rent or purchase dewatering equipment. “We look at where the mine is in its lifecycle and the nature of the dewatering requirement,” says du Toit. “If it is a permanent and consistent need, purchase might make more sense. But if the operation is still developing or if the requirement is short-term or fluctuates seasonally, then renting a dewatering pump offers a more flexible and cost effective solution.”

Where IPR continues to differentiate itself is in the level of after-sales and rental support it offers - particularly important when dealing with remote or high-risk sites. “Once the pump is delivered, our job isn’t done,” says du Toit. “We stay involved, conduct regular site visits and make sure our team is available for any technical support needed. Our rental customers often comment on how proactive we are - checking in before there is a problem rather than waiting for a breakdown.”

Pump-based dewatering remains a niche discipline, requiring more than just an understanding of flow rates and pump curves. IPR brings a deep understanding of the challenges that Southern African mines face, be it silt-heavy water, unpredictable rainfall or logistical complexities of operating in remote locations. This knowledge informs every recommendation the team makes.

To meet this wide range of challenges, IPR maintains a robust and versatile rental fleet that includes Atlas Copco diesel-driven pump sets and submersible pumps, Toyo heavy-duty slurry pumps for tough solids-handling applications and the company’s own SlurrySucker dredging units for desilting dams and water storage facilities.

As mines expand, change layout or encounter new geological conditions, IPR adapts its solution accordingly. “The dewatering system that works today might not be the right one in six months’ time,” explains du Toit. “We keep pace with the mine’s evolution and our flexibility - whether in equipment, configuration or service - is a big part of the value we offer.”

Through technical excellence, tailored support and a partnership mindset, IPR continues to raise the bar for dewatering solutions across the continent, ensuring its customers are not only equipped for today, but prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.