Having supplied about 60 of its Battlemax heavy-duty slurry pumps to a Tanzania gold mine, slurry pumps supplier and pumps solution specialist Pump & Abrasion Technologies will also assist in commissioning the pumps at the mine’s expansion project.

Pump & Abrasion Technologies was involved in the mine’s expansion project from the design phase to supply and delivery of the slurry pumps. The company completed delivery of the multimillion-rand order in August last year.

“Commissioning of the pumps at the expansion project is due to start in the fourth quarter of this year,” says company marketing director James Pienaar.

The Battlemax range of heavy-duty slurry pumps includes quick-release pumps, vertical spindle pumps, high-head dewatering pumps and gravel pumps, he says, adding that the range offers an extensive life span and efficient operation.

“The range is also supported by maintenance features that are designed to provide longer service life and easy access for clients, which results in a lower total cost of operation.”

Pienaar adds that the company will supply the necessary operational spares to support continuous production at the mines.

“Owing to the abrasive applications, the mine will require technical assistance and spare pump components once the project is in full operation,” he points out, adding that the company will supply after-sales service for the next two years, according to the contract.

Pump & Abrasion Technologies has also increased its stockholding significantly in the past year, which has enabled the company to have at least 90% of products available to customers ex-stock.

Pienaar notes that the Tanzania mining industry’s support for local suppliers is encouraging; however, he emphasises that supplying pumps to the mining industry remains a very specific offering – hence, the need for specialist suppliers.

“Nevertheless, as local suppliers are contacted first, Tanzania mines may source the first available product at the best price, which may increase the risk of purchasing poorer-quality brands,” he says.

Pienaar further points out that several multinational mines operating in Tanzania have moved away from centralised South African sourcing and procurement and are starting to manage procurement locally in Tanzania to increase employment of local staff and local content sourcing.

Pump & Abrasion Technologies, therefore, acknowledges the importance of establishing business relationships with local distributors and is currently in talks with a local Tanzanian distributor, which will be able to assist clients in the same manner as any other original-equipment manufacturer and supplier while supplying superior-quality products, he says.

Although depressed markets and lower commodity prices over the past two years have resulted in several mining projects and expansions being placed on hold, the mining industry in Tanzania remains a key focus area for Pump & Abrasion Technologies, Pienaar emphasises.

The company expects the mining industry to grow and projects to continue as soon as the market and commodity prices strengthen, says Pienaar, highlighting business potential in the southern region of Tanzania, where the company is positioned to supply products to existing and future platinum, diamond and chrome mines.

“These new projects will also enable Pump & Abrasion Technologies to spearhead its further expansion in Tanzania,” he adds.

Tanzania is the fourth-largest gold producer in Africa, with gold production in the country currently standing at about 40 t/y. The country produces about 2 980 t/y of copper, 10 t/y of silver and 112 670 ct/y of diamonds, according to the Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy website.