Pump Applications in the Minerals Industry

The minerals industry places some of the toughest demands on pumping equipment. Whether it’s mining, quarrying, or mineral processing, the minerals industry requires pumps that can endure abrasion, corrosion, high solids content, and remote operating environments.

Pumps are essential throughout the extraction and production cycle—from transporting slurry and managing groundwater to handling tailings and dosing chemical reagents. With the right pump technology, operations can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and support environmental compliance across challenging field and plant conditions.

Minerals Industry Key Applications

1. Slurry Transport

Slurry transfer is one of the most critical and demanding tasks in the minerals industry. These mixtures of water and crushed ore, often containing sharp or abrasive particles, require specialised pumps that resist erosion. Heavy-duty centrifugal, peristaltic, and progressive cavity pumps are used to move slurry over long distances with minimal maintenance and wear.

2. Dewatering and Pit Drainage

Open-pit and underground mines often accumulate large volumes of groundwater and rain. Reliable dewatering systems are essential to prevent flooding, stabilise mine walls, and allow equipment to operate safely. Submersible, self-priming, or high-head centrifugal pumps are commonly used in these scenarios, many powered by diesel for use in off-grid locations.

3. Tailings and Waste Handling

After mineral extraction, waste materials—known as tailings—must be transported to containment areas or processing plants. These slurries are thick and often corrosive. Pumps designed for tailings must offer extreme abrasion resistance and the ability to move high-density mixtures without blockage or excessive wear.

4. Chemical Dosing and Reagent Transfer

The minerals industry relies on a range of chemical reagents to optimise separation and recovery processes. Dosing pumps provide accurate, repeatable delivery of pH adjusters, flocculants, and collectors. Diaphragm and peristaltic metering pumps are particularly valued for their precision and chemical compatibility.

5. Grit and Sand Handling

In sand and aggregate production, pumps must handle coarse materials like gravel, silt, and grit. These applications require pumps with wide clearances and durable internals. Self-priming, recessed impeller, or vortex-style pumps are ideal for handling abrasive loads without clogging or rapid component wear.

6. Water Supply and Recycling

Water management is a major challenge in the minerals industry. Pumps are used to supply clean water for dust suppression, equipment cleaning, and mineral processing. Recirculation systems are also employed to reduce consumption and minimise discharge. Energy-efficient multistage and end-suction pumps help sites meet sustainability targets and lower operating costs.

The minerals industry often operates in remote or extreme conditions, where downtime is costly and service access is limited. This makes equipment reliability and ease of maintenance essential. Pumps must operate continuously under harsh environmental pressures—extreme temperatures, vibration, abrasive fluids, and chemical exposure.

To improve longevity, many operations invest in lined pump designs or utilise advanced wear-resistant materials such as hardened steel, rubber coatings, or ceramics. Smart systems that monitor flow, vibration, or wear can further extend service life and reduce the risk of failure.

Learn more about water use and sustainability in mining by visiting the UK Government’s mining waste and water guidance.