The concept of mine dewatering spans from the removal of water from working areas and is applicable to both open-pit and underground mines. Typical applications in open-pit mines are pit dewatering, seepage water removal and flood water relief, while typical applications in underground mines are face dewatering, stage pumping, drainage of shaft bottom sump, ramp and stope pumping, and main mine dewatering. Mine operations are harsh environments with water that can contain abrasive and corrosive liquids.

Mine water management is characterized more as an application-based segment rather than a process-oriented one. Applications can be divided into dewatering, water intake, supply of process water and water treatment.
Mining chart
Open pit mine dewatering
Open pit mine dewatering

Open pit mine dewatering

The mine depth will determine whether single stage or multi stage pumps are required. Pit-installed pumps on pontoons or barges commonly use submersible, vertical turbine or end-suction self-priming pump technologies. Submersible pumps connected in series, single-stage end-suction pumps or multistage pumps can be used for booster stations. These solutions can be provided in containerized units for ease of installation and transportation.

Underground mine dewatering
Underground gold mine pump water station

Underground mine dewatering

There are several applications in underground mines where pumps are utilized. 

  • Face dewatering and stage pumping. Submersible pumps are commonly used to remove water from mine faces and stopes. Water is transported in stages to collection stations where larger pumps are located along the drift and ramp.
  • Shaft bottom drainage. Mine water from all parts of the mine is collected in the shaft bottom sump and then transported to the main drainage pump station by large submersible pumps.
  • Main drainage pump station. Mine water is transported to the ground level in one or several stages by means of either multistage pumps for pre-settled water, or wear-resistant end-suction pumps designed to handle both abrasive and corrosive liquids containing solids are used for more abrasive liquids.  
Water intake and water supply
Sulzer offers a comprehensive portfolio to fulfill most minerals and metals applications.

Water intake and water supply

Water stations transport water into the mine from various sources, and the technology requirements will vary according to the site layout. The Sulzer vertical turbines and horizontal end-suction pumps or a combination of both technologies are the most commonly used solutions depending on the design of the pump station.

Process water & process dewatering

Process water

Process water is required for different applications in the minerals processing industry. The most common pump types used in these applications are end-suction process pumps and vertical pumps. The materials of construction will depend on the water source, e.g. sea water, reclaimed water, etc. 

Process dewatering

Process dewatering generally refers to the separation of solids and liquids within minerals processing. This may be from thickeners, separators or filters, all requiring pumps of some description. End-suction pumps are the most commonly used pumps in this application.

 
Tailings ponds and water reclamation
Tailings ponds and Water reclamation

Tailing ponds and water reclamation

The scarcity and cost of water means that wastewater treatment and recycling for reuse are important processes within mines. Water is reclaimed from tailings ponds, lagoons and the downstream of minerals processing by vertical, horizontal and submersible pumps. In some instances, water treatment may be required prior to use.

Water treatment
Water treatment at copper mine

Water treatment

Minerals processing requires process water feed at various stages. The quality of the water is highly important and therefore some level of treatment is needed before it enters the process. A combination of submersible pumps, horizontal process pumps and vertical pumps is commonly used in the feed to the process.

 
Products & application matrix
Summary of Mine dewatering applications
Products

A solution for most applications

  • Submersible drainage pump XJ 900
    Submersible drainage pump XJ 900
    The innovative design allows this high-efficiency pump to be used both in high-head and high-flow applications. 50 Hz: head max 200 meters, flow max 120 l/s. 60 Hz: head max 230 meters (754 feet), flow max 130 l/s (2'090 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage center-line pump XJC 110
    Submersible drainage center-line pump XJC 110
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 11.8 kW. Head max 52 meters, flow max 54 l/s. 60 Hz: 13.5 kW (18 Hp). Head max 63 meters (207 feet), flow max 55 l/s (873 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage center-line pump XJC 50-80
    Submersible drainage center-line pump XJC 50
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 5.6 kW. Head max 45 meters, flow max 35 l/s. 60 Hz: 6.7 kW (9 Hp). Head max 49 meters (161 feet), flow max 36 l/s (571 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage center-line pump XJC 50-80
    Submersible drainage center-line pump XJC 80
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 8.3 kW. Head max 76 meters, flow max 52 l/s. 60 Hz: 9.8 kW (13 Hp). Head max 94 meters (308 feet), flow max 37 l/s (587 gpm).
  • Submersible sludge pump XJS 40
    Submersible sludge pump XJS 40
    The submersible sludge pump XJS 40 is ideal for pumping sludge and water mixed with solids. 50 Hz: 3.7 kW. Head max 24 meters, flow max 20 l/s. 60 Hz: 4.3 kW (6 Hp). Head max 27 meters (89 feet), flow max 20 l/s (317 gpm).
  • Submersible sludge pump XJS 50
    Submersible sludge pump XJS 50
    The submersible sludge pump XJS 50 is ideal for pumping sludge and water mixed with solids. 50 Hz: 5.6 kW. Head max 28 meters, flow max 25 l/s. 60 Hz: 6.7 kW (9 Hp). Head max 31 meters (102 feet), flow max 26 l/s (413 gpm).
  • Submersible sludge pump XJS 80
    Submersible sludge pump XJS 80
    The submersible sludge pump XJS 80 is ideal for pumping sludge and water mixed with solids. 50 Hz: 8.3 kW. Head max 35 meters, flow max 29 l/s. 60 Hz: 9.8 kW (13 Hp). Head max 38 meters (125 feet), flow max 28.5 l/s (452 gpm).
  • Submersible sludge pump XJS 25
    Submersible sludge pump XJS 25
    The submersible sludge pump XJS 25 is ideal for pumping sludge and water mixed with solids. 50 Hz: 2.5 kW. Head max 18 meters, flow max 16 l/s. 60 Hz: 2.9 kW (4 Hp). Head max 20 meters (66 feet), flow max 16 l/s (254 gpm).
  • Submersible sludge pump XJS 110
    Submersible sludge pump XJS 110
    The submersible sludge pump XJS 110 is ideal for pumping sludge and water mixed with solids. 50 Hz: 11.8 kW. Head max 36 meters, flow max 31 l/s. 60 Hz: 13.5 kW (18 Hp). Head max 40 meters (131 feet), flow max 30 l/s (476 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage pump J 4
    Submersible drainage pumps J 4 J 7
    The small submersible drainage pumps J 4 and J 7 are ready for immediate plug-in with automatic level control start. Head max 15 meters, flow max 5 l/s.
  • Submersible drainage pump J 405 50 Hz
    Submersible drainage pump J 405
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 35 kW. Head max 90 meters, flow max 160 l/s. 60 Hz: 42 kW (55 Hp). Head max 101 meters (331 feet), flow max 160 l/s (2540 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage pump J 12
    Submersible drainage pump J 12
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 0.9 kW. Head max 15 meters, flow max 9 l/s. 60 Hz: 1.1 kW ( 1.5 Hp). Head max 18.5 meters (61 feet), flow max 8.5 l/s (135 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage pump J 12
    Submersible drainage pump J 15
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 1.4 kW. Head max 19 meters, flow max 12 l/s. 60 Hz: 1.7 kW (2.3 Hp). Head max 23 meters (74 feet), flow max 10.5 l/s (166 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage pump J 205
    Submersible drainage pump J 205
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 21 kW. Head max 72 meters, flow max 102 l/s. 60 Hz: 26 kW (35 Hp). Head max 85.5 meters (280 feet), flow max 106 l/s (1683 gpm).
  • Submersible sludge pump JS 4
    Submersible sludge pumps JS 4, JS 7, JS 8
    The robust submersible sludge pumps JS 4, JS 7 and JS 8 are equipped with float switch for level control as standard. Head max 16 meters, flow max 5 l/s.
  • Submersible sludge pump JS 12
    Submersible sludge pump JS 12
    The submersible sludge pump JS 12 is excellent for pumping sludge and water mixed with solids. 50 Hz: 0.9 kW. Head max 13 meters, flow max 7.5 l/s. 60 Hz: 1.1 kW (1.5 Hp). Head max 17 meters (56 feet), flow max 8 l/s (127 gpm).
  • Submersible sludge pump JS 12
    Submersible sludge pump JS 15
    The submersible sludge pump JS 15 is excellent for pumping sludge and water mixed with solids. 50 Hz: 1.4 kW. Head max 16 meters, flow max 7.5 l/s. 60 Hz: 1.7 kW (2.3 Hp). Head max 19 meters (62 feet), flow max 9.5 l/s (151 gpm).
  • Submersible drainage pump J 5
    Submersible drainage center-line pump JC 11 (60Hz US)
    The submersible drainage center-line pump JC 11 is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 1.0 Hp. Head max 59 feet, flow max 93 gpm.
  • Submersible drainage pump J 5
    Submersible drainage center-line pump JC 6 (60Hz US)
    The submersible drainage center-line pump JC 6 is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 0.6 Hp. Head max 40 feet, flow max 63 gpm.
  • Submersible drainage pump JC 34 50 Hz
    Submersible drainage center-line pump JC 34
    The pump is ideal for pumping water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. 50 Hz: 3.0 kW. Head max 34 meters, flow max 16 l/s. 60 Hz: 4.3 kW (6 Hp). Head max 47 meters (155 feet), flow max 18.5 l/s (294 gpm).
  • Submersible sewage pumps type ABS XFP with a Premium Efficiency motor and the unique Contrablock Plus impellers
    Submersible sewage pump type ABS XFP
    The submersible sewage pumps type ABS XFP are the best choice for ensuring efficient and reliable pumping in any wastewater pumping station. The submersible pumps are equipped with Premium Efficiency IE3 motors as standard and with the Contrablock Plus impellers.
  • Submersible drainage pump J MEX (MSHA)
    Full range of MSHA approved J MEX submersible drainage pumps for the US market.
    Submersible dewatering pumps J 10 - 350 MEX in lightweight, portable and robust wear resistant design dedicated to handle dirty water in underground coal mines requesting MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) and D.O.E.R. (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources) approval.
  • AHLSTAR A centrifugal single stage pump
    AHLSTAR A process pump range
    AHLSTAR A end-suction single-stage centrifugal process pumps are used for demanding industrial applications to ensure process reliability, high efficiency and low operating costs. The pump exceeds the requirements of ISO 5199.
  • AHLSTAR_Range_Type_APP_T_whole
    AHLSTAR APT process pump range
    AHLSTAR APT end-suction single-stage centrifugal process pumps are used for demanding industrial applications to ensure process reliability, high efficiency and low operating costs. The pump exceeds the requirements of ISO 5199.
  • AHLSTAR WPP/T range long and close coupled wear resistant end suction single stage cetrifugal pumps
    AHLSTAR WPP/T wear-resistant process pump range
    AHLSTAR WPP/T wear-resistant end-suction single-stage centrifugal pumps are designed for abrasive and erosive pumping applications, such as lime milk and mud, and coating pigments. The pump exceeds the requirements of ISO 5199.
  • SNS end suction single stage pump range
    SNS end-suction single-stage process pump range
    The SNS end-suction pump has been designed to exceed the highest energy efficiency regulations across all industries and also the design requirements of ISO 5199 international standard. The innovative design makes this centrifugal pump more reliable while significantly reducing total cost of ownership.
  • CPE ANSI process pumps range (ANSI/ASME B73.1)
    CPE ANSI process pumps range (ANSI/ASME B73.1)
    CPE ANSI pumps are specifically designed to exceed the strictest energy regulations for all industries as well as the requirements of ASME B73.1. With revolutionary hydraulics and high efficiency, they offer the lowest life cycle costs.
  • MBN multistage ring section pump
    MBN multistage ring section pump
    The MBN pumps are ideal for use in high-pressure applications. They have a big variety of nozzle position options, thus providing flexibility during installation and simplifying the piping design.
  • Scaba top-mounted vertical agitator
    Scaba top mounted agitator
    Scaba top-mounted vertical agitators are used for mixing and agitating process liquids in many industries, including wastewater and industrial applications.
  • SALOMIX L top-mounted vertical agitators
    SALOMIX™ L top mounted vertical agitators
    SALOMIX™ L top-mounted vertical agitators are used for mixing and agitating process liquids in demanding industrial applications.
  • SJT vertical turbine pump
    SJT vertical turbine pump
    SJT pumps are typically used whenever a liquid needs to be pumped upward from ground water tables (deep well pumps), manmade underground storage (caverns) or open bodies of liquid. Fully updated hydraulics and mechanical designs make the SJT highly efficient, cost- effective, and low-maintenance.
  • The JTS vertical turbine pumps are certified with the NSF /ANSI 61 certification
    JTS standard vertical turbine pump
    The JTS vertical turbine pump integrates the tradition of providing Sulzer's highly engineered and reliable vertical turbine pump with the standardization of materials and configurations available in bowl sizes of 180 to 510 mm (7 to 20 inches).
  • SMD potable water treatment pump with drinking water certificates - standard version
    SMD axially split casing double suction pump
    The SMD water pumps are available as standard and configured pumps to meet the demands of different water applications. With a best-in-class hydraulic design, the SMD pumps can take on challenges in raw, clean, sea and brackish water applications. The clean water pumps have ACS and NSF 61 drinking water certifications.
  • ZPP double suction axially split single stage centrifugal pump
    ZPP double suction, axially split single-stage centrifugal pump
    ZPP double-suction axially split single-stage centrifugal pumps are used for demanding high-capacity industrial applications to ensure process reliability, high efficiency, and low operating costs
  • Z22 double suction axially split single stage centrifugal pump
    Z22 double suction axially split single stage centrifugal pump
    Z22 double suction axially split single-stage centrifugal pumps are used for demanding high-capacity industrial applications to ensure process reliability, high efficiency and low operating costs.
Case studies
  • Extending mine pump reliability
    Sulzer pump specialists have helped global miner Anglo American overcome persistent reliability problems at an important iron ore project in Brazil. Since the switch to Sulzer’s range of advanced dewatering pumps, the site has experienced improved reliability and reduced spending on spare parts and maintenance.
  • Dewatering in mine helmets
    Reliable SNS process pump for dewatering applications
    The customer was running slurry pumps in a simple mine dewatering application, but wanted increased capacity and efficiency to reduce costs in the mine. The installation of Sulzer's high-efficiency SNS process pump gave remarkable annual energy savings.
  • With thousands of installations around the world, Sulzer products and services have stood the test of time.
    Pump solutions for mine water management
    Mines require water. At the same time, because many mine working areas are below the water table, the removal of water is a major challenge. Water is critical for every mine site – without water the mine could not operate. Pumps are, therefore, one of the most used machines in mines today. In this article we will review the concepts of mine water and mine water management as well as the most common pumping applications. Read the whole article.
  • Open Pit Gold Mine in Kalgorlie
    Pump systems and total cost of ownership
    As the total cost of ownership of pumping systems comes under greater focus, Harvinder Bhabra, Head of Segment Fertilizers, Metals, Mining and Chemical Process Industries at Sulzer, looks at the typical method of calculating the cost and suggests other considerations that should be made to assess, and manage, an accurate figure. Read the whole article.
  • Typical mine site
    Expert solutions for mining and quarrying
    The mining, quarrying and construction industries present some of the most challenging applications encountered by pumps. The range of process fluids handled varies quite significantly across these processes, ranging from clear water to heavy slurries and from alkaline, pH neutral to highly corrosive fluids. As well as having to deal with the process requirements, products must also be compliant with the environmental and legislative constraints in play across geographies. Read the whole article.
  • Sulzer employee at wastewater facility
    Case studies
    Wherever fluids are pumped, mixed, controlled or applied, we are there. See how our solutions create value for customers and learn how we can make your pumping and mixing processes more efficient and profitable, safeguarding your production and ensuring lasting reliability.
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