Dredge pumps in Australia’s mining industry
Australia’s mining exports is one of many industries relying heavily on the stability of coastal infrastructure such as ports, terminals and transport corridors that connect mines to global markets. As coastal erosion, sedimentation and extreme weather events increase, maintaining these assets has become a strategic priority. Central to this effort are high performance dredge pumps, which support reclamation and dredging works that protect and preserve essential infrastructure.
KSB’s GIW® range of dredge pumps is widely used in applications where durability, reliability and high throughput are critical. These pumps are built to handle abrasive slurries in harsh environments, making them well suited to coastal protection, tailings transport and desedimentation activities linked to mining operations.
Why Beach Reclamation Matters to Mining
Beach reclamation, the process of restoring eroded shorelines by pumping dredged sand onto beaches, is more than a coastal management tool. For Australia’s mining industry, it is a vital strategy to protect infrastructure.
Many major mining hubs such as those in the Pilbara, Bowen Basin and Upper Spencer Gulf rely on ports and marine facilities to move product to market. If these assets are compromised by erosion, storm damage or sediment build up, the impact can ripple across supply chains.
Projects such as channel deepening, bw erth maintenance and shoreline stabilisation are therefore essential to safeguarding port accessibility, extending infrastructure life and reducing weather related disruptions.
In recent years, coastal restoration has also gained traction around infrastructure corridors and mine adjacent developments, especially where rail or road access runs close to the waterline.
GIW® dredge pumps built for harsh Australian conditions
KSB’s GIW® dredge pumps are engineered for high performance in extreme environments. They are designed to move large volumes of abrasive material such as sand, silt and gravel with minimal wear and maximum efficiency.
Key benefits include:
- High wear resistance: GIW® pumps are constructed from white iron alloys and designed to withstand continuous abrasive loading.
- Hydraulic efficiency: Advanced impeller designs reduce energy consumption and improve slurry handling.
- System versatility: Available for cutter suction dredgers, hopper dredgers, booster stations and floating or land based pipeline systems.
These characteristics make GIW® pumps an effective choice not only for marine reclamation, but also for tailings transport, dewatering, and pit or dam desedimentation across Australian mine sites.
Supporting critical mining infrastructure
Dredging is a constant requirement at bulk export terminals, where sediment build up can affect vessel access and berth availability. In ports handling iron ore, coal and mineral concentrates, regular dredging helps ensure reliability and reduce shipping delays.
On site, pumps are critical to managing tailings storage facilities, maintaining water levels in mine dams and removing sediment from ponds or channels. KSB’s GIW® LSA and LCC series pumps are used in these settings, offering excellent throughput and long service life, even under highly abrasive conditions.
Built for maintainability and lifecycle value
In remote mining operations, reliability and ease of maintenance is essential. GIW® pumps are designed with these priorities in mind.
Features include:
- Replaceable wear components to reduce downtime
- Modular assemblies for efficient servicing
- Access points for performance inspection and maintenance
These design elements help lower total cost of ownership by extending wear part life, improving service intervals and ensuring equipment remains productive in the field.
Local support backed by global expertise
KSB Australia provides local technical support, spare parts availability and pump performance monitoring across the full lifecycle of GIW® dredge equipment. With service centres in key mining regions, operators benefit from rapid response, expert consultation and tailored solutions for dredging and slurry transport.
As the pressure grows to future proof coastal and water infrastructure, the ability to manage abrasive flow reliably is becoming increasingly important. Mining companies are seeking proven equipment partners with both technical depth and local presence, and KSB is well positioned to deliver on both fronts.
From offshore ports to inland tailings dams, KSB’s GIW® dredge pumps support the resilience and functionality of mining infrastructure across Australia. With robust materials, high performance design and strong local backing, these pumps provide a dependable solution for demanding slurry applications in both coastal and site-based environments.
To learn more, visit www.ksb.com.au
SOURCE:
KSB Australia
P: 1300 073 887
