Water Management in Mining Operations

KELAIR Pumps Australia have provided pumping solutions to many major mining organisations throughout Australia and specialise in pumps for mineral processing and hard rock mining.

Pumps play an integral role across the mining sector, essential in moving material from one point to another. In the world of hard rock mining, this is done with the aid of water or other solutions.

In this edition of Australian Mining Review, we offer solutions to several significant areas of application within the mining sector.

Key applications and types of pumps

1. Dewatering

According to Kelair Pumps Australia General Manager Myro Bratkovic, the ideal pump for harsh mine dewatering applications would be one that is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, easy to maintain and able to pass large solids through the system.

Mr Bratkovic identified the Sandpiper HD20F as the next generation in mine dewatering. “The design combination is unique and has all the advantages of a Sandpiper metallic flap valve pump while being free from corrosion, “he said.

Flap-check valves and unique side access ports not found on any other dewatering pump allow access to the pump without dismantling it allowing for simple maintenance while the very low air consumption in comparison to other major brand 2inch plastic pumps offers significant energy savings.

2. Wastewater systems

Mine sites with any amount of workers onsite need efficient, safe and straightforward sewage treatment systems.

Kelair Pumps is revolutionising sewerage treatment with the Kelair-Blivet, a stand-alone packaged sewage treatment plant that quickly turns effluent into usable irrigation water.

With a footprint of only 10.9m x 2.27m, multiple units can be installed in a staged manner to cater for increased demand as the project expands. This unique system comprises primary settlement sludge storage, aeration via the aerator drum system, an aerobic zone, and final settlement (humus tank).

“Low power use, simple installation and portability make this an attractive system, especially for remote locations,” Mr Bratkovic said.

3. Fire safety pumps

Mine sites generally have a large workforce and costly operation critical equipment in harsh conditions that are in vast, difficult to access environments.

With a dedicated Building and Fire Division, Kelair Pumps recognises the importance of a site-specific fire safety system and offers an extensive range of pump sets that are fully compliant with each mine site’s requirements.

Kelair Pumps Australia Regional Sales Manager Michael Charnley highlighted Kelair Pumps containerised units as a key choice for mining operations. “Some of these fire pumps are placed into containers, including sea containers, requiring a high level of engineering based on what has to be built; its robustness and durability; and the delivery over long distance.”

Compact, prefabricated and completely packaged, these containerised pump sets are easily mobilised and transported to site. Kelair offers on-site commissioning and testing together with ongoing field support and maintenance for the life of the product.

4. Abrasive tailings transfer

Because of their highly abrasive and harsh chemical properties, the transfer of tailings and waste along with the large volumes of water used in tailing applications, mining operations face significant environmental and economic pressures.

For the efficient handling of paste and mud tailing Abel Pumps offer two pumping design alternatives, the SH and HMQ series.

Both pumps can handle conventional tailings, cemented and uncemented tailings pastes with yield stress values of more than 350pa. The maximum flow rate for the Abel HMQ is up to 450 m3/h and pressures to 230 bar. The Abel SH has a maximum flow rate up to 110 m3/h and pressures to 160 bar.

Kelair Pumps

Since 1975, Kelair Pumps have specialised in providing pumps and pump packages to mining operations across Australia.

While the mining sector has diverse needs, Kelair Pumps Australia has the diverse range, first-class service, and expert knowledge to meet any mine sites pumping requirements.