How Rental Partners Improve Mining Dewatering Agility

Most mines operate permanent dewatering infrastructure to safeguard operations and safety. Yet, as mines dig deeper and wider for high-quality minerals, contend with extreme weather shifts, and manage water debris and contaminants, dewatering requirements are creeping outside the scope and budgets of established systems.

Normally, this shift would require expensive capital expenditure to expand dewatering capabilities. But rental fleets provide cost-effective and agile alternatives that complement existing dewatering infrastructure and planning.

Dewatering is inherently costly, requiring specialised equipment like high-capacity pumps, filtration systems, and pipelines, as well as ongoing operational and maintenance expenses for handling corrosive and abrasive mine water. Sites need the right pumps for their conditions, supported by key infrastructure such as the appropriate pipelines and power supplies.

These factors make it tough for mines to maintain resilient dewatering systems as market and weather conditions shift.

“Dewatering systems are sensitive to changes in site variables, requiring operators to consider several factors,” says Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing manager at Xylem Africa. “As they go deeper underground, they need to ensure the equipment caters for water table levels, ground water flow, climate changes (particularly heavy rainfall) water quality, explosion\flame proofing and that elements like electric cables and pipe inlets don’t endanger personnel. Many mines, especially open-pit mines, dig wells to help their dewatering. These interventions require planning and design, creating unexpected costs when unexpected things happen.”

Unexpected things are happening. According to the 2019 CDP report, In Too Deep, intensified storms and flooding are already the top two drivers of negative financial impact on mining operations, collectively accounting for over a third of mining disruptions.

Reactively upgrading dewatering infrastructure is unsustainable. Instead, mines need breathing room so they can hone their dewatering plans and budgets. The smart choice is to incorporate rental dewatering fleets into their strategies.

Mines frequently use industrial equipment rentals, a market valued at over US$141 billion. As dewatering expands from routine services to strategic operations, mines have increased their use of rental dewatering fleets and crews.

Rental fleets provide skilled operators and modern equipment, empowering mines to develop flexible dewatering strategies without risking capital expenditure. Rental operators shoulder the responsibility of equipment maintenance and human capital development, recouping their costs through services to multiple clients.

This approach offers significant budget advantages to mines. Renting dewatering equipment delays and even eliminates weighty capital investments. Instead of tying up capital, mines can allocate resources more efficiently by renting pumps and other dewatering equipment on an as-needed basis.

Rental agreements also enable mines to scale their dewatering operations based on fluctuating needs, such as varying water levels, changing project requirements, and emergencies. Reputable rental companies minimise downtime and prevent costly damages. They offer rapid response dewatering solutions, cultivating the resources and expertise to deploy pumps and other equipment in critical dewatering situations.

The best rental fleet operators partner closely with water equipment OEMs, ensuring access to new technologies, the latest training, and optimal maintenance, says Mistry.

“Rental fleet business models can invest in new and varied technologies, ensuring they have the most efficient and suitable options for different environments. This helps their mining clients to remain flexible and plan for the long term.”

Examples include high-capacity centrifugal pumps for large volumes, submersible borehole pumps for deep wells, positive displacement pumps for handling high solids content, pontoon-mounted pumps for open water, and submersible pumps designed for confined spaces. Leading rental companies also have specialised pumps and skills to handle contaminated water and reduce environmental impacts.

Mining operations face harsher weather, changing market demands, and more variable conditions. Agile dewatering opens up space in their budgets and timetables, using rental agreements to create flexibility and scalability, as well as access to advanced technology.

“Mines can tailor rental agreements to match their needs, whether it’s for exploration, emergencies, or managing elements such as slurry dams and environmental concerns,” says Mistry. “Rental fleets enable mines to stay in charge and profitable while reducing their water-related risks.”