As the diamond mining industry continues to face growing challenges such as resource depletion, rising operational costs and increasing competition from synthetic diamonds, pump supplier Schurco Slurry is offering advanced pump solutions designed to support mining operations in navigating these evolving demands.

Slurry pumps play a vital role in every stage of diamond mining, from transporting diamond-bearing ore and slurries to managing dewatering tasks and tailings logistics.

The ability of these pumps to handle abrasive and corrosive materials is critical to maintaining plant uptime while reducing production losses and increasing recovery rates.

Schurco Slurry provides a comprehensive range of pump solutions engineered for the harsh conditions of diamond mining, with the applicable product line including the S-Series lined horizontal pumps, the U-Series unlined horizontal pumps, the Z-Series gravel pumps, the V-Series vertical spindle pumps, the D-Series dual-discharge vertical spindle pumps and the S-EP Series jet and educator pumps.

These pump systems have seen use across kimberlite, alluvial and offshore diamond mining applications.

Further, the company notes that its solutions are tailored for regional processing needs in Lesotho and Botswana, as well as South Africa’s Gauteng and Northern Cape provinces.

Schurco Slurry’s S-, L- and U-Series pumps handle kimberlite ore, which requires specialised processing including crushing, screening and dense media separation.

Schurco Slurry also points out that its Z-Series gravel pumps are particularly effective in reducing diamond breakage in transportation, while the U-Series and S-EP pumps are widely used in alluvial mining applications along South Africa’s West Coast and in other offshore diamond deposits.

Pump Reliability

Reliable pump performance, Schurco Slurry highlights, directly influences plant efficiency and profitability, with unplanned pump downtime resulting in significant recovery losses and costly delays. An example of this is in dense media separation plants, where underperforming cyclone feed pumps can result in an immediate drop in diamond recovery.

Schurco Slurry states that investing in high-quality pumps lowers maintenance disruptions while reducing total cost of ownership and extending the lifespan of critical equipment.

Moreover, the company emphasises the importance of using certified pumps and spares to ensure consistent performance and enhanced safety. Therefore, fewer equipment failures will lower the frequency of maintenance interventions and lessen the exposure of personnel to operational risks.

Furthermore, having comprehensive staff training will further support safe and efficient operation as well as improved maintenance practices, thereby enhancing overall plant reliability.

Schurco Slurry, through ongoing investment in research and development, aims to deliver advanced technologies that will improve operational efficiency, reduce diamond breakage, and lower maintenance costs, making it a trusted partner for the global diamond processing industry.