As mines face increasing water management challenges due to unpredictable and intense rainfall, IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) is offering a comprehensive dewatering solution to ensure uninterrupted operations for both surface and underground mines.

IPR Managing Director Lee Vine notes that many mines struggle with insufficiently robust dewatering systems, leading to emergency interventions.

“While we often assist during crises, more mining operations are now seeking a proactive outsourced dewatering strategy,” he says. “By partnering with a specialist like IPR, they can concentrate on mining while we handle the full dewatering process, ensuring efficiency and reliability.”

A member of Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division, IPR provides a full range of dewatering solutions including Atlas Copco electric submersible pumps and Atlas Copco diesel-driven pump sets as well as Toyo heavy-duty slurry pumps and IPR’s SlurrySucker dredging units for effective slurry management.

“The complexity of mine dewatering is increasing as weather patterns become more unpredictable, placing greater demands on both personnel and equipment,” Vine explains. “With our extensive expertise, we develop tailored solutions that mitigate flooding risks and maintain productivity.”

IPR’s turnkey rental solutions go beyond supplying pumps - they include installation, operation and maintenance, ensuring optimal system performance. Correctly specifying pump capacity and duty requirements is critical, as misaligned equipment can lead to unnecessary failures and costly downtime.

“Our skilled teams conduct rapid site assessments and deploy the best-fit dewatering solutions from our extensive rental fleet,” Vine states. “Proper system planning is crucial - not just for immediate needs but for long term mine development.”

With a nationwide branch network in Kathu, Rustenburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Sasolburg, IPR provides fast local support to its customers. IPR further enhances its offering through sister company Rand Air, supplying generator sets and lighting towers to support dewatering installations.

“Our goal is to be the go-to dewatering solutions provider,” Vine concludes. “With our in-depth expertise and support from Atlas Copco’s global network, we offer unmatched dewatering reliability.”