Local developer and manu- facturer of mining pumps and generic spares Unique Engineering is experiencing a rapid increase in the demand for replacement components.

“In some instances, customers are saving as much as 40%. We believe that, owing to the weak rand, this trend will continue, and this is where our growth is heading,” says Unique Engineering sales director Peet Hartman.

Over and above the high cost of imported products, the eco-helical positive displacement pumps and spares perform well and, in some instances, better than other pumps. The pumps have been designed to operate specifically under local conditions.

This specific pump range was launched to the mining and general industry in 2007. “It has proven its worth, as many units are operating in various areas other than mining, such as water, sewage, effluent, dosing plants, and the explosives and chemicals industries,” says Hartman.

Unique Engineering says its units are used extensively in mining applications in flocculant dosing and dewatering plants. These two units are also used in areas where waste-activated and deactivated sludge water is present.

During 2012, the company introduced a custom-made unit for efficient dispensing and transporta- tion of explosive emulsion used to charge blast- ing holes. It is used for underground and opencast applications.

The mobile, mounted helical rotor positive displacement pump is manufactured complete with tanks. It is only available from explosive chemicals suppliers that assisted the company in the research and development of the product.

The company also manufactures the Wilfo double diaphragm DD 25 and DD 50 pump range, known as the ‘workhorse’ of the mining industry. It was developed and manufactured locally almost 30 years ago, which the company says is part of its success.

In the past year, this unit has been redesigned to create a lube-free pump. The major benefit is that it is now environment friendly and nonhazardous. No oil is required to run it, which also reduces costs.

“Our order book from the South African mining sector has shown good results over the past five years,” concludes Hartman.