As Africa’s mining sector continues on a strong and consistent growth trajectory, the use of high performance, efficient and reliable dewatering solutions have become non-negotiable to ensure safe working environments, minimal downtime and enhanced productivity.

The mining sector on the continent is expanding, with many companies investing in operations across commodities in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Senegal and Tanzania, besides others.

This is translating into increasingly deeper, complex and challenging mines, which are, in many cases, located in remote regions and in environments prone to intense seasonal rainfall and extreme weather, says Integrated Pump Technology key accounts manager Justin Bawden.

In addition, there has been a shift toward sustainability, with mining companies seeking dewatering solutions that minimise waste in water and energy consumption, while maximising return on investment.

He tells Mining Weekly that Integrated Pump Technology is well positioned, with support from its original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors, to mitigate some of the dewatering challenges faced by its clients.

“We have a product range specifically engineered to overcome many obstacles. They are very durable, efficient and low maintenance solutions.”

Integrated Pump Technology is an authorised distributor of Grindex electric submersible pumps and Godwin diesel-driven self-priming pumps.

“We leverage our partnerships with our OEMs, Grindex and Godwin, as well as our distributors, to provide custom tailored dewatering solutions across the whole of the Copper Belt.”

Product Deployment

Any deployment by Integrated Pump Technology starts with a thorough site assessment to ensure the right pump solution is selected for the application.

“We take into account every single factor that could play a role in the pumping system,” he says, pointing out that up to 90% of pump failures occur owing to an improper pump selection process.

In regions with unreliable electricity, Godwin diesel-powered pumps offer a flexible, autonomous solution that does not rely on an electrical connection.

“The self-priming diesel units are ideal for areas without power. They offer mobility, autonomy and high volume pumping. They are suitable for emergency dewatering as well.”

Further, many operations are pumping abrasive and corrosive materials, a challenge Integrated Pump Technology solves for by incorporating stainless steel internal components into the Godwin range, enhancing durability and reducing downtime.

When it comes to underground dewatering, Grindex submersible electric pumps are also built to operate in the tough environments.

These units come equipped with air release valves and level regulators, allowing them to operate autonomously.

Should another pump fail and water levels rise unexpectedly, the Grindex unit will automatically activate, restoring safe working conditions without human intervention.

A standout feature of Grindex is the plug-and-play design, Bawden says.

They can run dry, and a smart unit kicks in to shut the pump off if it overheats, protecting it from damage.

“Through our partnerships with Grindex and Godwin, we can offer a level of service and support that sets us apart,” he emphasises.

Further, reducing lead times is a key part of Integrated Pump Technology’s strategy.

By holding stock locally, Integrated Pump Technology ensures that lead times are reduced from weeks to hours, which is critical in remote regions or during emergency dewatering situations.

The company has distributors that are based in and around mining operations, allowing them to be on-site quickly, provide technical expertise and support, identify potential challenges and hazards, and offer real-time solutions.

Technical training and knowledge transfer are also key to Integrated Pump Technology’s distributor development model. Integrated Pump Technology trains its distributors extensively, ensuring they are equipped to deliver support to mining customers.

Africa Expansion

Integrated Pump Technology is taking a deliberate, strategic approach to expanding its African footprint.

With distributors already active in Zambia, DRC and Botswana, besides others, the company is now exploring opportunities in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.

“We are looking to achieve that by delivering robust, reliable and responsive pump solutions to mining and industrial customers operating throughout Africa.”

The focus is on finding like-minded partners who share Integrated Pump Technology’s values of quality, reliability and service excellence.

A key objective is to ensure reliable, strong and technically experienced distributors in each of these countries, equipped to offer on the ground product knowledge, localised stock holding of fast moving units and spares, and trained technical teams for installation, servicing and commissioning.

Integrated Pump Technology is not in a rush to expand. Instead, the focus is on doing it right by selecting the right partners and deploying the right solutions.