Home Finance Mining pumps are at the forefront of innovation in water management

Mining pumps are at the forefront of innovation in water management

by Eclipsnews
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Today, mining companies are more focused on sustainability than ever before, seeking to protect the land and environments they operate on and in. To that end, water consumption and conservation are moving to the top of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda. ) agendas at large and small mining companies, driving innovation in mining pump design.

Andy Smith, managing director of Atlantic Pumps, says that water conservation, reducing a mine’s impact on the environment and much higher energy costs are driving the innovation developments of pump OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

“The realization that water is a precious resource is still a relatively new concept and requires further education,” says Smith, head of the British manufacturer and supplier of electric and diesel pumps for dirty water and manure.

“However, mine operators must now operate with this in mind, making dewatering and all processes that use water a very different economic model.”

This growing awareness helps drive innovations in both products and processes, Smith believes. “Water costs will continue to rise, meaning lifetime cost models will lead to better pumping and treatment solutions,” he says. Adding water recycling will therefore become increasingly cost-effective.

One of the other key drivers for mining pump innovation highlighted by Smith is that the rise in energy costs facing mining – one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world – appears to be “an enduring trend” .

According to him, this means that efficiency is becoming increasingly important in the design and development of modern pumps.

“Pump specification is generally determined by best fit at commissioning, while live-time running is now seen as the key driver,” says Smith.

Since energy represents between 10% and 40% of the mine’s operating costs, reducing consumption not only goes to mines to reduce their CO2 emissions, but can also play an important role in reducing operational expenses.

Although mining’s largest contribution to energy consumption comes from exploration and extraction – such as digging and drilling equipment – ​​and material handling, today’s pumps can play a notable and increasing role.

Pumps are used from mine dewatering to the enrichment plant and beyond. But Smith is confident that mining pumps, regardless of where they are deployed, will be an ongoing focus of innovation. He says that while there are developments happening across the sector, the three crucial areas are: materials, which last longer and are more sustainable; efficiency, such as their energy needs; and machine learning for improved maintenance support.

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