Meeting the demanding conditions of Zambia's Copperbelt head-on, Integrated Pump Technology’s range of Grindex dewatering, slurry and sludge pumps continues to gain traction among mining companies.

Highlighting the diverse capabilities of Grindex submersible pumps, Alfred Kelsey, Sales Manager at Integrated Pump Technology, notes the significant success in applications such as desludging underground dams. A recent standout example, facilitated through Kitwe-based distributor IES, saw the 14 kW Grindex Bravo 400 effectively tackling severe sludge accumulation.

“Our customer faced a serious challenge, with sediment accumulation drastically reducing the capacity of their underground dams,” Kelsey explains. “Conventional dewatering pumps aren’t designed for handling this slurry density, but the submersible Grindex Bravo 400 proved ideal.”

With its robust hard-iron construction, abrasion resistance and integrated agitator, the Bravo 400 effectively re-suspended settled material, allowing efficient pumping out of sludge. Its IP68 ingress protection further enables safe operation at depths of up to 20 metres.

Demand for Grindex submersible dewatering pumps is also rising sharply across the Copperbelt, Kelsey says.

“The reliability and quality of Grindex pumps are major drawcards, complemented by the integrated smart systems on the 2.2 kW to 18 kW models, offering genuine plug-and-play functionality,” Kelsey notes. “This feature allows for fully automatic operation with comprehensive built-in protections.”

For higher-capacity Grindex units ranging from 25 kW to 90 kW, Integrated Pump Technology supplies external control and monitoring panels. Kelsey highlights the pump range's versatility in addressing varying abrasive conditions.

“Customers can specify nitrile rubber or polyurethane linings to handle highly abrasive environments,” he adds. “A popular choice is internal polyurethane inserts paired with a lightweight, corrosion-resistant stainless steel casing.”

The stainless steel construction notably reduces weight which is a crucial benefit for underground operations where pumps often need manual transport and handling. The split handle design also enhances portability, enabling two-person carrying.

“Our rapid response capability sets us apart in the Copperbelt region,” Kelsey emphasises. “Through our close partnership with IES, we ensure technicians remain highly skilled, aligned with OEM standards and equipped with a first-class workshop.”

This proactive approach means fast turnaround times for repairs - from complete rebuilds to minor cable repairs - and even on-site technical support when needed. Kelsey also highlights the strategic management of local inventory levels, ensuring continuous availability of essential spare parts for efficient workshop operations.