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Mine dewatering refers to the removal of excess groundwater from pits, underground tunnels and other mining areas. Excess water management is critical to safely and efficiently extracting minerals from the ground.

By digging deeper rather than reaching the surface, it can minimize disturbance to wildlife habitat, agriculture and other land amenities and extend the viability of existing mines.

Mine operators rely on dewatering pumps to keep operations efficient and safe for workers, neighbors and the environment.

Mine water pump

This is the importance of dewatering pumps to the mining industry. In the pursuit of more reliable, powerful and efficient dewatering pumps, many innovations have been born in the mining industry (steam engines are one of them).

Mine drainage problems

Problems caused by excessive or uncontrolled mine dewatering may include lowering of water tables, resulting in possible drying of aquifers or lowering of water levels in streams and rivers. A well-planned pumping system can return clean water to its natural receiver rather than allowing it to bypass drought-sensitive areas through gravity drainage.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a contemporary problem facing historic abandoned metal mines. Old mining techniques were not as efficient as today, leaving large amounts of minerals underground that polluted the water. Over time, the groundwater that floods these exposed rocks absorbs the metal sulfides (lead, zinc, copper, etc.) found in them, damaging the water environment downstream. Iron deposits suffocate river beds, while highly acidic, toxic, sulfur-rich water is a killer of aquatic life. In fast-flowing rivers, even inert silt like sand can block life-giving sunlight.

Mine water can be contaminated with sand, gravel and rock particles, causing premature pump wear and blockage. Mine dewatering pumps are made of wear-resistant materials and are designed to allow the passage of silt-thickened water and pebbles. If the solids content reaches mud levels, miners will use special mud pumps.

Mine water management

Mining pumps not only enable mining operations to continue to be profitable on site, but also to continue to improve sustainability and environmental benefits. By controlling mine water, it can be monitored, treated and pumped where needed to reduce flood and drought risks, prevent water pollution and support aquatic life.

Tailings are waste materials generated during the mining process and represent both an environmental and cost challenge for mineral processing companies. Pumps are integral to tailings management, including the transportation, storage and disposal of tailings. Tailings can be concentrated using specialized pumps, allowing for more efficient transport and reducing the need for large storage facilities. In addition, pumps help generate tailings slurry, which can be piped to designated storage areas for dewatering or used for backfill.