The Grindex and Godwin dewatering solutions distributed by pumps specialist Integrated Pump Technology (IPT) continue to grow in popularity in Africa, especially in copper-rich Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which have some of the wettest mines in the world.

These are, by far, the two largest mining areas supplied by IPT, which is the sole importer and distributor of Grindex submersible pumps in sub-Saharan Africa, says IPT MD Jordan Marsh.

He highlights that the decision to expand the company’s product offering to include the Grindex and Godwin pumps has been integral in helping to sustain strong demand for the company’s products and services from African mining jurisdictions.

“The reputation of the Grindex brand has allowed us to gain traction with distributors cross border, as well as with mines located cross border directly, and we have expanded further into North and West Africa. The market share that we are starting to gain with Grindex has obviously impacted on demand, with Godwin also benefitting on the back of that upswing.”

The Godwin range of diesel-driven, self-priming pumps is tailored toward openpit mines, but IPT’s offering also includes pumps with electric motors suitable for underground mining operations.

“Godwin has really given us a comprehensive dewatering solution and has a very good reputation in the market. In terms of quality, there are many similarities between the products we offer and those produced by the other four or five self-priming diesel pumps manufacturers. At the end of the day, what sets us apart is our higher level of after-sales service and support,” says Marsh.

He explains that the company has experienced tremendous growth in Zambia and the DRC from last year to this year, with IPT almost doubling its revenue from these countries.

As copper miners start to dig deeper, expanding and opening new mines, owing to the increased demand for copper used in the production of new technologies that enable a low-carbon future, he expects reciprocal demand for the company’s dewatering solutions.

“Through Grindex, we have aligned ourselves with a very good product with high-quality components and a company that has years of manufacturing, and research and development under its belt.”

This is particularly important in Zambia and the DRC, where mining takes place under rivers and aquifers and dewatering pumps are treated like consumables, highlights Marsh.

Therefore, the demand for robust, dependable submersible pumps that can contend with these harsh conditions and deliver effective dewatering solutions for flooding or excess groundwater is massive, he says.

Offering accessories – such as pump flotation devices, level regulators that assist with automation and smart systems that allow for automated use and, thereby, improve reliability – IPT can supply submersible pumps that are suited to the operating conditions on specific openpit and underground mining operations.

Equipped with a built-in venturi system, the Godwin pumps are self-priming and do not need to be submerged to move and draw fluids. These pumps can be supplied in four different variants – including a standard cast iron option, as well as 316 stainless-steel and duplex stainless-steel variants – depending on the severity of the operating conditions on site. The end-user can also opt to have the pumps either internally, or completely, protected with wear-resistant material.

Marsh also emphasises that while energy availability is always a concern when operating in remote locations, where electricity is available on site, IPT offers electrically-driven dewatering solutions.

“These electric motors are IE3 rated; they have the necessary specifications regarding energy efficiency. But in many areas, there’s no electricity, requiring diesel units. In these instances, the units we supply can adhere to the necessary performance or emissions standards specified. Although, at present, there is no or limited regulation of emissions in this regard in Africa, it is something end-users should consider moving forward.”

With the wet season upon them, Marsh urges customers in sub-Saharan Africa to pre-plan.

“While forecasting is never easy, what we have done in certain instances, especially when dealing with cross border countries, is to firstly ensure that we have stock to service the local market and that our distributors cross border have stock of fast-moving items.

“We understand what those items are and that mines are more reactive than proactive. We try to educate the end-user as much as possible on what they should and shouldn’t do, and what they should prepare for at the end of the day. However, the onus is also on us to ensure that we have that stock available, knowing that there’s going to be increased demand during the wet season,” he concludes.