As one of the most recognised and consistently high-impact exhibitors at this leading mining industry event, Integrated Pump Technology will once again use its presence at Electra Mining Africa to demonstrate why its dewatering solutions continue to deliver results across some of the continent’s toughest mining environments.

From emergency flood response and unexpected groundwater ingress to the design and implementation of long term mine dewatering strategies, the company has built an enviable reputation for understanding complex applications and providing solutions that work in the real world.

According to Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, dewatering is rarely a one-size-fits-all exercise and success depends on understanding the specific realities of each operation.

“Every mine presents different challenges, from seasonal flooding and pit dewatering to underground water management and high-volume transfer applications,” Marsh says. “Success depends on selecting the right technology, sizing equipment correctly and ensuring rapid deployment when production is at risk. Our role is to make sure customers have a solution that is practical, reliable and aligned to both their immediate and long-term operational requirements.”

Integrated Pump Technology’s team has extensive experience across Africa in supporting mines facing exactly these challenges. Whether responding to urgent operational crises where downtime carries major financial consequences or working with customers to develop scalable long term pumping infrastructure, the company focuses on practical application-driven solutions.

At Electra Mining Africa 2026, visitors will be able to engage directly with these dewatering specialists to discuss their own site challenges and explore the most effective options for both immediate and future requirements.

On display will be pumps from the world-class brands represented by the company including Godwin diesel-driven pumps and Grindex electric submersible pumps. Together, these product ranges cover the full spectrum of dewatering requirements across mining, quarrying, construction and industrial applications.

Godwin diesel-driven pump sets are well known for their reliability, rapid deployment capability and performance in demanding open pit and emergency dewatering applications, while Grindex electric submersible pumps provide robust and efficient solutions for underground operations, high-head duties and continuous heavy-duty pumping requirements.

This combination allows Integrated Pump Technology to offer customers the flexibility of both short-term emergency intervention and permanent dewatering strategies designed to evolve with the mine over time.

In South Africa, customers are supported through a strong strategic distributor network that ensures fast and easy access to pumps, spare parts and technical support. This local accessibility is critical in dewatering applications where response times can directly affect production continuity and site safety.

Across the rest of Africa, Integrated Pump Technology has concluded several agreements with trusted regional partners, positioning the business to strengthen customer support while continuing to expand its footprint across key mining territories.

“Our intention is clear – we want to be the leading dewatering pump specialist in Africa,” Marsh says. “That is not simply about supplying pumps, it is about being responsive to customer needs, understanding their operating conditions and ensuring they have access to the right equipment, parts and technical expertise wherever they operate.”

He adds that Electra Mining Africa remains one of the most valuable platforms for face-to-face engagement with customers and industry stakeholders.

“This exhibition allows us to have meaningful technical conversations with customers who are dealing with real operational challenges,” he says. “It is an opportunity to demonstrate that successful dewatering starts with specialist knowledge and that the right partner can make a significant difference to productivity, safety and profitability.”

For operations where water management directly impacts performance, Integrated Pump Technology’s message is clear – reliable dewatering is built on expertise, responsiveness and partnerships that deliver long after the equipment is installed.

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According to Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, the company’s focus has always been on collaboration. “We don’t just rent out pumps. We engage with our customers at every step to understand the actual challenge they are facing. We visit the site, analyse the water conditions, solids content and infrastructure limitations, and then develop a tailored solution. It is a process that is as much about engineering expertise as it is about service.”

He emphasises that the first and most critical step in solving any dewatering problem is conducting a detailed on-site assessment. “Without that, it’s guesswork. The wrong pump – whether under- or over-specified – can cause inefficiencies, higher operating costs or outright failure. We often encounter sites where legacy equipment is simply no longer suited to the job, but no one has reassessed the requirements in years. We recently helped a mine overcome exactly that challenge. They were using an outdated and oversized pump setup. Our assessment allowed us to replace it with a new correctly sized unit, which delivered the same performance with far less energy consumption and downtime.”

IPR also plays a key advisory role in helping mining customers decide whether to rent or purchase dewatering equipment. “We look at where the mine is in its lifecycle and the nature of the dewatering requirement,” says du Toit. “If it is a permanent and consistent need, purchase might make more sense. But if the operation is still developing or if the requirement is short-term or fluctuates seasonally, then renting a dewatering pump offers a more flexible and cost effective solution.”

Where IPR continues to differentiate itself is in the level of after-sales and rental support it offers – particularly important when dealing with remote or high-risk sites. “Once the pump is delivered, our job isn’t done,” says du Toit. “We stay involved, conduct regular site visits and make sure our team is available for any technical support needed. Our rental customers often comment on how proactive we are – checking in before there is a problem rather than waiting for a breakdown.”

Pump-based dewatering remains a niche discipline, requiring more than just an understanding of flow rates and pump curves. IPR brings a deep understanding of the challenges that Southern African mines face, be it silt-heavy water, unpredictable rainfall or logistical complexities of operating in remote locations. This knowledge informs every recommendation the team makes.

To meet this wide range of challenges, IPR maintains a robust and versatile rental fleet that includes Atlas Copco diesel-driven pump sets and submersible pumps, Toyo heavy-duty slurry pumps for tough solids-handling applications and the company’s own SlurrySucker dredging units for desilting dams and water storage facilities.

As mines expand, change layout or encounter new geological conditions, IPR adapts its solution accordingly. “The dewatering system that works today might not be the right one in six months’ time,” explains du Toit. “We keep pace with the mine’s evolution and our flexibility – whether in equipment, configuration or service – is a big part of the value we offer.”

Through technical excellence, tailored support and a partnership mindset, IPR continues to raise the bar for dewatering solutions across the continent, ensuring its customers are not only equipped for today, but prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.

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While it is true that the selection of a dewatering pump for a mine or quarry largely hinges on specific site or application requirements, Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, believes that the supplier’s expertise should be a principal factor.

“Each of our installations starts with a detailed assessment of site-specific dewatering requirements. Through that process, IPR’s technical experts get a clear understanding of the unique conditions of the mine, such as water volume, pit dimensions and site-specific challenges. After this, the IPR team is able to recommend the most appropriate equipment and strategies for dewatering, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency for the customer,” says Du Toit.

Choosing the right pumps

According to Lee Vine MD of IPR, site-specific conditions, such as volume of water to be pumped and the rate at which it accumulates, will inform parameters such as head (the height at which a pump can raise the fluid up) and flow (the amount of water the pump can move at a given time) which, in turn, determine the size and type of pump or pumps required.

Dealing with a supplier that can offer a wide range of choices means that operations can get all their dewatering pump needs from one place. For example, IPR offers both diesel-driven and submersible dewatering pumps. Designed to be fully submerged in water during operation, submersible pumps are ideal for operations where continuous dewatering is required. IPR’s self-priming diesel driven pump sets are suitable for dewatering applications where power is not readily available.

“The next consideration should be the capital situation for the customer. The financial position of the mine or quarry determines whether to buy or to rent a dewatering pump solution. If capital outlay is an issue, rental will be ideal because it eliminates the need for a substantial upfront capital expenditure, freeing up the much needed budget for other pressing needs,” says Vine.

In addition, says Vine, rental costs can be classified as operational expenses and this is especially important where dewatering is a critical necessity, yet there is no capex available. In a scenario where the project is long term and capital is available, outright purchase makes sense.

In conclusion, says Du Toit, when choosing vitally important assets such as dewatering pumps it is also important to consider the reputation of the brand and the aftermarket support behind it. IPR is part of the Specialty Rental division within the Power Technique Business Area of Atlas Copco and supplies the premium Atlas Copco product, which is known for its reliability, good warranty terms and, more importantly, parts availability from IPR. The company is also the official distributor for Toyo heavy-duty slurry pumps and supplies the locally manufactured SlurrySucker dredging solution.

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Mining operations across Southern Africa are often challenged by heavy rainfall, groundwater infiltration and operational water management issues. Efficient and reliable dewatering solutions are critical for minimising disruptions, safeguarding operational continuity and maximising productivity.

IPR’s newly expanded footprint, supported by Atlas Copco’s vast resources and regional presence, ensures that mining clients in neighbouring countries will now have easier access to high quality pump rental services, faster response times and broader technical support.

Leveraging Atlas Copco’s Strengths

Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division is known globally for its comprehensive service offerings, providing critical equipment for various industries including mining. Through this acquisition, IPR is now able to leverage Atlas Copco’s extensive regional footprint, advanced logistics and strong presence in Southern Africa’s mining hubs. This allows IPR to provide rapid service responses to customers in remote mining locations with greater efficiency.

Customers will benefit from faster access to dewatering pumps and solutions as the acquisition enhances IPR’s ability to deliver both diesel-driven surface and electric submersible pumps quickly across borders, minimising downtime for mines experiencing water management challenges.

Wider service coverage is now a given with Atlas Copco’s established operations and networks across Southern Africa. This will allow IPR to deliver its services to regions that were previously harder to reach, supporting mines from Angola and Zambia to Namibia and Mozambique.

IPR will also tap into Atlas Copco’s extensive engineering expertise, further enhancing the level of technical support available to customers across the region. This will ensure that customers receive not just the equipment, but also the best advice and after-sales support, helping mines optimize their water management and minimise operational risks.

In South Africa, IPR has built a solid reputation for providing rental solutions for short, medium and long-term dewatering needs. Its product range includes Atlas Copco diesel-driven pump sets as well as electric submersible pumps, Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps and SlurrySucker dredging units, which are critical for desilting operations in dams and reservoirs. By being under the Atlas Copco umbrella, IPR now extends this level of reliable tailored service to mining operations across the broader region.

“We are excited to bring our efficient dewatering solutions to more mining operations across Southern Africa,” says Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR. “By leveraging Atlas Copco’s well- established presence, we can ensure faster delivery, better service and superior support to our customers. This means minimised downtime and maximum productivity, wherever they are located.”

As mining operations across Southern Africa continue to face unpredictable weather patterns and growing demands for operational efficiency, IPR’s expanded reach promises a significant improvement in the management of dewatering challenges. With the backing of Atlas Copco’s vast resources, the future looks bright for mines looking for dependable dewatering solutions delivered with speed and expertise.

The acquisition of IPR by Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division is a win for the Southern African mining sector. With faster access to top-tier dewatering equipment and support, mines across the region can now expect the same level of service excellence that has defined IPR’s operations in

South Africa. This expanded footprint and enhanced response capability underscore IPR’s commitment to providing timely, reliable dewatering solutions to mining operations, no matter how remote.

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This is according to Henru Strydom, Operations Manager at IPR, who says that the company’s pump rebuild facility plays a pivotal role in the lifecycle management of pumping equipment, offering a cost effective alternative to the outright purchase of new equipment.

“The significant investment in our facility underscores our commitment to supporting industries like mining, quarrying, water and wastewater management, oil and gas, and manufacturing through the repair and refurbishment of various types of pumps,” Strydom says.

Pump rebuild solutions

Refurbishing pumps, Strydom says, offers an opportunity to extend equipment lifespan significantly, and at a far lower cost. “Through expert repair and refurbishment, pumps that might otherwise be decommissioned can continue to operate effectively, delivering value well beyond their expected service life. This not only maximises the return on the original investment but also contributes to operational continuity and reliability.”

The process of rebuilding a pump involves disassembling it, cleaning all components and then inspecting each part for wear and damage. Worn or defective parts are repaired or replaced, where deemed necessary, and significant upgrades can be made to improve the pump’s performance. This meticulous process ensures that the rebuilt pump is not just restored to its original condition but is often enhanced to offer better efficiency and reliability.

“During the rebuild process, pumps can be tailored to meet specific operational requirements or upgraded with the latest technologies to improve performance and efficiency. This level of customisation allows businesses to adapt their pumping equipment to changing needs or advancements in technology without the need for entirely new purchases,” he explains.

Before a rebuilt pump is deemed ready for return to service, it undergoes rigorous performance testing ensuring adherence to original specifications. The company’s facility boasts a test tank designed to simulate operational conditions, and this allows the evaluation of key performance parameters such as flow rate, pressure, power consumption, efficiency and overall reliability of the pump.

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Ruaan Venter, Rental Development Manager at IPR, says that while engineers have various solutions at their fingertips submersible pumps often stand out especially when compared to vertical spindle pumps. So, what gives these submersible devices their edge?

“First and foremost, submersible pumps are known for their superior energy efficiency,” Venter says. “This elevated efficiency not only makes them outperform their vertical spindle counterparts, but it also leads to significant cost savings in the long run.”

Space is often at a premium in many dewatering setups, and this is where submersible pumps have the upper hand. Their direct placement in the fluid they handle means there is no need for extended piping or additional external infrastructure. This innate compactness becomes a boon, especially in locations where space is tight.

Maintenance

Maintenance is also a recurring concern in any wastewater, mining or industrial environment and Venter says that submersibles come out on top here as well. With fewer moving parts than vertical spindle pumps, which often come with above-ground mechanical setups, submersible pumps are less prone to wear. This reduced wear translates into more dependable performance, ensuring a smoother operational experience.

Fluid handling is the core of any pump, and submersible pumps excel in this domain. Venter explains that due to their fully submerged operation, these pumps are essentially immune to issues like cavitation or airlocks, which sometimes plague vertical spindle pumps. This submerged state ensures a consistent and smooth pumping process, offering significantly enhanced reliability.

“But it’s not just about efficiency and reliability. Submersible pumps also promise a quieter operational experience. Their underwater functioning naturally dampens sound and curtails vibrations, offering a noise-free solution,” he continues.

Moreover, submersible pumps are stalwarts when it comes to reliability, even in challenging environments. Their underwater operation shields them from many external factors, ensuring they last longer and operate with unwavering reliability, even when conditions turn hostile.

But what if the fluid isn’t clear water? Submersible pumps have got that covered too. They are adept at processing an array of fluids, even those riddled with abrasive solids. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for varied tasks, be it sewage or other wastewater pumping applications or dewatering in intricate mining operations or sumps in buildings or other structures.

Safety is paramount, and submersible pumps dont skimp on this aspect either. Their positioning underwater diminishes risks linked with rotating parts and potential leaks, issues that are often more glaring with above-ground pumps.

In today’s age, where environmental consciousness is key, submersible pumps rise to the occasion. Many can be customised to avert fluid leaks, ensuring they operate with minimal environmental impact, adhering to contemporary ecological regulations and sustainability goals.

Lastly, their design boasts flexibility. Depending on the depth requirements, these pumps can be adapted, ensuring a fluid handling system that aligns perfectly with specific operational demands.

“The decision between submersible pumps and vertical spindle pumps really comes down to the unique demands of the application in question, but given the vast array of benefits submersibles bring to the table – from energy efficiency to environmental safety – they undeniably present a compelling argument for their widespread adoption across various sectors,” Venter concludes.

IPR is the master distributor for the full range of Atlas Copco submersible dewatering pumps, as well the Toyo range of heavy-duty slurry pumps. The company has an extensive reference base and offers its pumps for outright purchase or on a rental basis. Its skilled team can assess an individual application and propose the most appropriate solution that will ensure the lowest total operating cost for a customer.

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Available from Integrated Pump Technology, the Southern African distributor for this quality international pump brand, there are three distinct configurations – the Magnum L for low head, Magnum N for normal head and Magnum H for high head applications.

Justin Bawden, Key Account Manager at Integrated Pump Technology, says that despite its robust industrial strength, a notable feature of the Magnum pump is its surprising portability. “The ergonomic design of the pump facilitates easy and straightforward handling which aids ease of installation and movement from site to site.”

Features

Further, its streamlined construction, characterised by fewer components, simplifies maintenance inspections and servicing, making these not only quicker but also more cost effective. Grindex has incorporated a cutting-edge hydraulic design into the pump, ensuring it not only provides high wear resistance but also minimises performance decline after prolonged use.

Significantly, according to Bawden, this pump boasts up to three times the wear resistance of its competitors, thanks to this optimised hydraulic design. Adding to its resilience, the Magnum pump features an air valve specifically designed to prevent overheating by cooling the equipment during dry runs. This innovative measure ensures prolonged pump life and uninterrupted performance, even under challenging conditions. The Magnum pump’s dependable design combined with its ease of maintenance has earned it a favoured position among hundreds of customers worldwide and is available in both 50hz and 60hz variants.

When it comes to environments and applications that demand resilience and efficiency, such as construction sites, tunnels, mines and quarries, Grindex’s Magnum pump stands out as an unparalleled asset. “In essence, for industries that prioritise reliability and a proven track record, the Grindex Magnum pump remains unmatched,” Bawden concludes.

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In fact, 90% of pump failures are from putting the wrong pump into the application. This is the view of Justin Bawden, Key Account Manager at Integrated Pump Technology, local distributors of Grindex submersible pumps. Being aware of the factors and influences of each application is vital to providing a suitable and lasting solution – which will mitigate the risk of flooding and consequent loss of life, equipment and production.

“Where dewatering activity is conducted, it is imperative that monitoring and forecasting of water inflows is done – whether on opencast or underground mines,” says Bawden. “This will allow for the necessary planning and specification of the correct capacity of pumping equipment, as well as hose sizes and materials.”

On one site, he says, a customer was able to meet dewatering requirements with just two 37kW pumps for most of the year. With the rainy season, they had to add another four of these units, based on their previous experience. He points out that Integrated Pump Technology understands these changing needs, and keeps the right pumps and quantities in stock.

Pumping solution

“Another challenge is that mines will generally have multiple pumps located around their operations, and these are frequently moved from one location to another as needs change,” he says. “Personnel can lose track of which models and capacities are needed where – and the size and condition of the pipelines in place may not always suit the application.”

When responding to customer requests, Integrated Pump Technology is careful to ensure that the existing pipeline on site is suited to the scale of the pumping solution. This means being clear on the pipeline’s diameter, length, material of construction, age and condition – as well as valves or bends that may affect flow.

Technological innovation is also helping to mitigate risk of pump failure, he explains. The smart unit on Grindex pumps, for instance, protects them against overheating, phase rotation and phase loss. There is also the air release valve, making Grindex pumps capable of running dry for extended periods of time.

He also recommends the regular performance testing of dewatering pumps to ensure they are still operating on their rated curve. This will give added peace of mind that these units will deliver the expected duty in critical dewatering functions. The tests should also confirm the energy efficiency of the pumps, to control operating costs.

The long term benefit of such tests is significant, he explains, as timeous maintenance interventions will ensure a longer product lifecycle. As part of its service offering, Integrated Pump Technology can run these specialised tests for customers on a range of pumps. Keeping sites effectively dewatered needs quick service turnaround too, so critical parts and basic repair kits are readily available for Grindex submersible pumps, notes Bawden.

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Ruaan Venter, Business Development Manager at IPR – the official distributor of Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps in southern Africa, sheds light on the functions and applications of these components, offering valuable insights into their importance in pump systems.

Cutter Fans: Enhancing Agitation and Solids Handling

The cutter fan, also known as an agitator, has revolutionized heavy-duty submersible dredge pumps. Toyo Pumps was the pioneering manufacturer to incorporate this type of agitation into its designs. Venter says that their patented curved three-blade stirring attachment, threaded onto the pump shaft just below the suction inlet, became a gamechanger in handling solids-laden slurries.

The primary function of the cutter fan is to dislodge and re-suspend solids, creating a slurry. As fluid flows towards the pump suction, the cutter fan redirects a portion of the fluid away from the pump, generating a fanning effect. This redirection and cyclic process result in a concentrated “pocket” of high solids content slurry directly in front of the pump suction inlet. This maximises the pumping efficiency and effectiveness, making it an essential feature for dredge pumps.

To protect the cutter fan, a stand is attached to the bottom of the pump. For larger pumps, an additional stub shaft is placed between the pump’s main shaft and the cutter fan, providing extra protection and stability during operation.

Differentiating Between Cutter Fans and Other Components

During pump installation, it is crucial to differentiate the cutter fan from other components. Operating the pump with a reversed rotation can lead to unscrewing of components during operation, resulting in potential damages and costly repairs.

To identify a cutter fan correctly, it is advisable to consult the pump’s rotational arrow. The cutter fan is easily visible and recognisable, as it pushes fluid away from the pump for agitation purposes. Observing the marked arrow during pump wiring ensures the correct rotation and installation of the cutter fan.

Cutter fans have significantly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of pump systems, particularly in managing solids and enhancing agitation. With a deeper understanding of the roles played by the cutter fan’s ability to redirect fluid and maximise solids management exemplify the advancements in pump technology. By correctly identifying and using cutter fans, pump operators can ensure optimal performance and avoid unnecessary operational issues,” Venter concludes.

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