WATER supply is arguably the biggest issue facing Australian mining: several recent catastrophic weather events that left the industry reeling, together with state and national regulations governing all facets of water use, have placed the spotlight firmly on the importance of mine dewatering.
Wide-spread flooding in Queensland in January 2011 had severe financial and productivity-related impacts for the state’s mines, highlighting the serious implications of water management on mine sites.
The cost of damaged machinery and infrastructure, coupled with the dangers posed to employee health and safety, had the capacity to threaten hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, impacting exports and regional
and state economies.
According to dewatering specialist Weir Minerals Multifl o’s managing director Paul Avey, one solution to counter the effects of flooding is the company’s latest heavy-duty diesel pumps: the Multifl o MF-90V high flow
pump, with up to 105m head height and capacity of up to 380 litres per second; and the Multiflo MF-210MV high head pump, with up to 210m head height and capacity of up to 160 litres per second.
“No job is too big for these two new pumps, which will keep even the largest open-cut mine dry despite what Mother Nature dishes out,” Mr Avey said. “Both pumps can be customised to suit the needs of individual mines,
will pump water, and will stand up to our international reputation for building reliable and efficient products. “Furthermore, our technology has been built with Australia’s harsh environment and unpredictable weather
in mind, so no matter the size of your operation or the water threat, Weir Minerals Multifl o can help solve your dewatering challenges.”
Mr Avey also said that the business’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility ensured faster product deliveries. “Our Sunshine Coast location means we’re just one delivery day away from key mining regions in Queensland and New South Wales,” he said.
In addition to mine dewatering, Weir Minerals Multifl o’s solutions form an integral part of a mine’s environmental management program by reducing the environmental impact and financial strain of water use and displacement on the mine’s bottom line.
