Mining companies are placing greater demands on pump systems as process plants increase throughput, operations become more complex and tailings storage facilities are located further from processing plants, says FLS VP and head: pumps, cyclones and valves Africa Nico Erasmus.

"We continue to invest in research and development based on customer projects and the way mining is evolving," Erasmus says. "Mines are becoming larger, more remote and increasingly complex, so our focus is on increasing throughput, improving reliability and ensuring we have the flexibility to provide the right solution for every application."

The company has expanded its KREBS pump portfolio to offer application-specific solutions aimed at helping mines improve operational efficiency and sustainability while reducing total cost of ownership.

One of the most significant trends influencing pump development is the rapid expansion of large-scale tailings operations, explains Erasmus. He notes that, as mines seek to maximise water recovery, they are transporting increasingly dense slurries over much longer pipeline distances.

"We are seeing growing demand for longer tailings pipelines and larger storage facilities combined with higher slurry densities that require pumping systems capable of delivering much higher pressures," he says.

The company asserts that it is meeting these challenges through continual advances in both hydraulic design and materials engineering.

Erasmus emphasises, however, that technology alone is not sufficient. He notes that, as mining activity expands across Africa, access to skilled local engineering expertise is becoming increasingly important to ensure equipment performs as intended throughout its operating life.

"We continue to strengthen our local technical capabilities in the countries where we operate," he says. "Our West African operation, for example, is staffed entirely by local professionals because we believe the best customer support combines world-class technology with local knowledge, rapid response and long-term partnerships."