Integrated Pump Rental (IPR) has joined Atlas Copco’s specialty rental division within the Power Technique business area.

IPR MD Lee Vine says the mining industry, known for its complex and demanding operations, relies heavily on effective water management solutions to ensure operational efficiency and safety.

“We have seen a shift where dewatering pumps, essential for managing water ingress and maintaining dry working conditions, are increasingly being rented with appropriate accessories,” he says. “This trend is driven by several factors that reflect the evolving needs and challenges of the mining sector and our recent acquisition by Atlas Copco will allow us to continue to grow both our geographic footprint in Africa while increasing our already comprehensive dewatering pump rental fleet.”

The company’s range includes Atlas Copco diesel self-priming pumps and submersible units, Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps and IPR’s in-house designed SlurrySucker dredging unit.

“It is a fact that renting dewatering pumps offers mining companies a significant degree of flexibility,” Vine explains. “Instead of committing substantial capital to purchase equipment, companies can allocate resources more efficiently by renting dewatering pumps as needed. This approach allows for better financial planning and reduces the burden of maintenance and storage costs associated with owning dewatering equipment.”

Vine says that the company continuously updates its rental fleet to include the latest technological advancements, giving customers access to state-of-the-art pumps that offer improved efficiency, reliability and environmental performance.

Another advantage when renting dewatering and other pump solutions is that the mining operations can choose pumps that are tailored to a project’s specific requirements. Whether the need is for high volume water removal, handling abrasive materials or operating in challenging conditions, a range of pump types and configurations are available to ensure that the most suitable equipment is selected for specific application needs.

In addition, IPR offers maintenance and support services to ensure that rented pumps and ancillary equipment remain in optimal working condition. “This reduces downtime and the risk of operational disruptions due to equipment failure,” Vine says. “Additionally, our experienced and skilled team can provide valuable insights and assistance, further enhancing the efficiency of dewatering operations.”

“The ability to scale dewatering solutions up or down based on project demands is another significant advantage when renting pumps. This is important for both underground and surface mining operations, which often face fluctuating water management needs, as they can quickly adjust their dewatering capacity by renting additional pumps or returning underutilised equipment,” he continues. This scalability allows mining companies to respond rapidly to changing conditions without the delays associated with procuring new equipment.

IPR notes that its rental fleet comprises modern dewatering pumps with advanced features such as energy-efficient motors and reduced emissions, designed to meet environmental and regulatory standards. By renting newer models, mining companies can ensure compliance with environmental regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and contributing to sustainable mining practices.