Grindex pumps tackle Copperbelt dewatering challenges

Mining operations across Zambia’s Copperbelt continue to face complex dewatering, slurry and sludge management challenges, and Integrated Pump Technology’s range of Grindex pumps is proving well suited to these harsh conditions.

Designed for reliability and durability, the Grindex dewatering, slurry and sludge pump range is gaining traction among mining companies operating in demanding underground and surface environments.

Highlighting the diverse capabilities of Grindex submersible pumps, Alfred Kelsey, Sales Manager at Integrated Pump Technology, notes the strong performance of the equipment in applications such as desludging underground dams.

A recent project delivered through Kitwe based distributor IES saw the 14 kW Grindex Bravo 400 successfully address severe sludge accumulation that had significantly reduced dam capacity.

“Our customer faced a serious challenge, with sediment accumulation drastically reducing the capacity of their underground dams,” Kelsey explains.

“Conventional dewatering pumps aren’t designed for handling this slurry density, but the submersible Grindex Bravo 400 proved ideal.”

Built with robust hard iron construction, high abrasion resistance and an integrated agitator, the Bravo 400 is engineered to re suspend settled material, enabling efficient pumping of dense sludge. The pump’s IP68 ingress protection also allows safe and reliable operation at depths of up to 20 metres, making it suitable for demanding underground applications.

Demand for Grindex submersible dewatering pumps is also increasing across the Copperbelt, driven by the need for dependable, easy to deploy equipment, Kelsey says.

“The reliability and quality of Grindex pumps are major drawcards, complemented by the integrated smart systems on the 2.2 kW to 18 kW models, offering genuine plug and play functionality,” Kelsey notes. “This feature allows for fully automatic operation with comprehensive built in protections.”

For higher capacity applications, Integrated Pump Technology supplies external control and monitoring panels for Grindex units ranging from 25 kW to 90 kW.

According to Kelsey, the pump range offers flexibility to suit a wide variety of abrasive operating conditions.

“Customers can specify nitrile rubber or polyurethane linings to handle highly abrasive environments,” he adds. “A popular choice is internal polyurethane inserts paired with a lightweight, corrosion resistant stainless-steel casing.”

The stainless-steel construction significantly reduces pump weight, an important advantage for underground operations where equipment often needs to be manually transported and handled. Portability is further enhanced by the split handle design, allowing pumps to be carried by two people when required.

“Our rapid response capability sets us apart in the Copperbelt region,” Kelsey emphasises. “Through our close partnership with IES, we ensure technicians remain highly skilled, aligned with OEM standards and equipped with a first-class workshop.”

This local support capability enables fast turnaround times for repairs, ranging from complete pump rebuilds to minor cable repairs, as well as on-site technical assistance when required.

Kelsey also highlights the importance of managing local inventory levels to ensure the continuous availability of critical spare parts and minimise operational downtime.