Skip to main content
search

The mining industry demands exceptionally robust and efficient pump systems capable of handling the harshest environments. Whether it’s for underground dewatering, slurry transport, or reagent dosing, reliable fluid movement is essential to safe, sustainable mining operations.

Across both open-pit and underground mining, the right pump technology supports productivity, reduces environmental risks, and helps meet increasingly strict regulatory requirements. From abrasive slurries to corrosive chemical mixtures, pumps used in the mining industry must combine durability, precision, and long service life.

Mining Industry Key Applications

1. Slurry Handling and Transport

Mining processes produce slurries composed of crushed rock, minerals, and water. These abrasive mixtures can quickly damage standard equipment. In the mining industry, heavy-duty centrifugal, peristaltic, and progressive cavity pumps are selected for their wear resistance and ability to move dense, viscous slurries over long distances. These pumps are often lined with rubber or hardened metals to maximise service life.

2. Dewatering and Mine Drainage

Groundwater ingress and heavy rainfall can severely disrupt mining activity. Submersible, vertical turbine, and high-head centrifugal pumps are used to manage mine water, keeping pits, tunnels, and shafts dry. These pumps are often deployed in multi-stage configurations or paired with monitoring systems to maintain consistent flow and prevent flooding during operations.

3. Tailings Disposal

Once minerals are extracted, tailings must be transferred to holding areas or treatment facilities. These mixtures often contain high solids content and chemical residues. Pumps used in tailings handling must be both abrasion- and corrosion-resistant, ensuring they can process thick slurries continuously without frequent maintenance.

4. Chemical Reagent Dosing

Precise chemical dosing is essential to support mineral recovery processes and water treatment. Metering and diaphragm pumps are commonly used in the mining industry to inject flocculants, lime, acid, or pH adjusters. These pumps offer accurate dosing with excellent chemical compatibility, helping maintain operational stability and compliance.

5. Heap Leaching and Solvent Extraction

In leaching processes such as heap leaching or solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW), pumps are used to move leaching solutions and metal-rich electrolytes. These fluids are often acidic and corrosive, requiring specialist materials like Hastelloy or polymer linings. Flow consistency is also critical to maximise metal recovery and reduce downtime.

6. Dust Suppression and Water Supply

The mining industry also uses pumps for site maintenance, including road dust suppression, equipment washing, and water supply for remote areas. Diesel-driven, solar-powered, or trailer-mounted units are often chosen for their mobility and off-grid operation. These pumps must be rugged and simple to maintain in challenging terrain.

Environmental and regulatory demands on the mining industry are increasing. Pumps must help reduce water waste, prevent leaks, and support cleaner operations. Modern mining operations are turning to smart pump technologies that provide monitoring data, reduce energy use, and optimise lifecycle cost.

For more guidance on mine water treatment and environmental compliance, view the UK Government’s official mining waste strategy.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With decades of experience serving the mining industry, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd provides rugged, reliable pump solutions for high-solids, corrosive, and remote-site applications.

We offer comprehensive support across mining dewatering, slurry pumping, and chemical dosing—from selecting the right pump to providing field-ready solutions and long-term maintenance services.

Our mining support includes:

  • Heavy-duty pump systems for slurry, tailings, and leachate handling
  • Portable and fixed dewatering systems for pit, shaft, and tunnel drainage
  • Precision dosing pumps for flocculants, acids, and reagents
  • Corrosion- and abrasion-resistant designs suited to extreme environments
  • Installation guidance, on-site troubleshooting, and aftersales service

Whether you operate surface or subsurface mining, our team delivers pump solutions built to endure.

Need help selecting a pump for your mining operation?
Get in touch with our team today — we’re ready to support your project.

Close Menu