Dewatering trends shaping pump choices in Africa
Dewatering on African mines is being reshaped by deeper underground workings, unpredictable rainfall and rising energy costs, influencing whether diesel-driven or submersible pump solutions are most suitable. Integrated Pump Technology’s Jordan Marsh explains.
A s African mines go deeper and rainfall patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, dewatering has moved beyond being a support function to become a strategic discipline. The choice between diesel-driven and electric submersible pumps is now influenced by evolving risk profiles, both underground and on the surface, as well as considerations of energy efficiency, maintenance and mobility. On surface mines, the challenge is ampli- fied by heavier storm bursts and the need to keep haul roads and pit floors stable. Short, intense downpours can cause sudden pit- lake rises and flooding that demand rapid response. In these situations, high-throughput diesel-driven pumps mounted on trailers or skids are often favoured, as they can be moved quickly to different locations without relying on fixed electrical infrastructure. The ability of auto-priming diesel pumps to handle fluc - tuating inflows without priming delays makes them indispensable for these unpredictable surface applications. Mobility is a further consideration. Production teams require equipment that can follow the work, particularly in operations where water inflow points shift as pits expand. Diesel-driven solutions with built-in fuel tanks and controls reduce setup time and enable small teams to respond effectively. Pontoon- mounted units also provide reliable suction conditions despite fluctuating water levels, reducing the risk of cavitation and protecting pump performance. With surface water often carrying abrasive silt and fines, durability is critical, making pumps with robust wear-re- sistant components an important investment. Underground mines, however, face a different set of challenges. Longer declines, wetter stopes and tighter control over elec- tricity usage are driving demand for efficient submersible pumps that can operate continu- ously and reliably. Rising energy costs mean that submersibles sized precisely to their duty offer significant advantages, especially when coupled with automated level controls and start/stop systems to reduce unnecessary run hours. The compact design of submersibles also makes them well-suited to confined underground environments, eliminating the need for suction lines and reducing potential
Integrated Pump Technology supports mines with high-performance dewatering solutions designed to keep operations stable during heavy rainfall and changing pit conditions.
trip hazards. In many cases, underground water is not only abundant but also dirty or chemically ag- gressive. Pumps must therefore be equipped with seals, cooling systems, and materials that can withstand abrasive fines and corrosive conditions without frequent maintenance. Built-in motor protection, leakage sensors and durable cabling extend operational life and reduce downtime. Choosing between diesel-driven and sub- mersible pumps ultimately comes down to the application. Diesel-driven auto-priming pumps are ideal for emergency bypasses, stormwater management and pit-lake dewa- tering where mobility and independence from the grid are crucial. Submersibles, by contrast, excel at routine, continuous underground op- erations or fixed surface installations where reliable electrical power is available. The total cost of ownership further influ - ences the decision. While diesel pumps bring fuel and engine servicing costs, they elimi- nate the need for electrical infrastructure. Submersibles, meanwhile, generally offer lower energy costs and fewer moving parts but require correct protection systems and monitoring to achieve maximum lifespan. Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, stresses the importance of not treating dewatering as an afterthought. “The best dewatering outcomes come from pairing proven technology with a
clear understanding of each mine’s hydraulic realities,” he explains. “That is why we supply world-class brands with long African track records – Grindex for electric submersibles and Godwin for diesel-driven auto-priming units – and the local application know-how to specify them correctly for reliable long-term performance supported by localised support across the region.” Specification errors can be costly. An un - dersized pump may result in flooding and lost production, while an oversized pump wastes energy and accelerates wear. Mines also operate in remote locations where logistical challenges make access to spares and techni- cal support critical. Marsh highlights this as another reason why the supplier relationship is so important: “Mines need pumps that start every time, run to duty and keep running. Grindex submers- ible pumps and Godwin diesel-driven units have earned their reputations in Africa for exactly that, reliability in tough conditions. Our job is to combine these technologies with rapid support, correctly specified accessories and a spares pipeline that keeps risk low and output high.” Integrated Pump Technology’s approach focuses on ensuring mines receive not only the right pump but the complete solution. This includes correctly matched accessories such as pipework, valves and strainers as well as service models that balance cost and
10 ¦ MechChem Africa • March-April 2026
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