MINING PUMPS
administrative operations in new facilities in the district of Quilicura, Santiago de Chile.
As part of a modernisation process of both its manufacturing and quality control, VOGT decided to implement a more ergonomic, mechanised, specific and automated test bench that would allow VOGT to speed up tests and improve their accuracy. On the other hand, the new test bench offers customers the possibility of observing in real time and remotely the execution of the hydraulic tests of each of their equipment.
Atlas Copco WEDA pumps in Chilean lithium sector
A mine in northern Chile has doubled its lithium extraction rate since installing Atlas Copco’ s WEDA drainage pumps. Operators at the South American mine wanted to improve their lithium extraction process and turned to Atlas Copco’ s distribution partner, TRILE, for expert advice and a reliable solution. In addition to optimising its process, the mine has also reduced its maintenance costs by 60 %.
Battery-grade lithium carbonate is produced by refining brine. Lithium extraction involves pumping brine from underground reservoirs to the surface and through a series of evaporation ponds. The brine level in each pond must be carefully controlled to achieve efficient rates of evaporation. Rapid evaporation is crucial to facilitating lithium’ s concentration, and shallower ponds have a faster rate of evaporation.
A mine in northern Chile has doubled its lithium extraction rate since installing Atlas Copco’ s WEDA drainage pumps
The Chilean mine was achieving brine depths of 25 cm in its ponds using existing dewatering pumps but wanted to reduce this level to improve operational efficiencies and optimise its lithium extraction process. Those responsible of the mine approached Atlas’ s Copco’ s regional distribution partner, TRILE, to find the most suitable solution.
Atlas Copco says it worked closely with the mining client to fully understand their requirements.“ Product reliability in reaching low brine levels was key. We have vast experience with Atlas Copco‘ s submersible
46 drainage pumps and were able to design an optimal solution based on the WEDA D line for this application.”
TRILE suggested the mine used Atlas Copco’ s WEDA D80N submersible pumps as they incorporate state-of-the-art wear deflector technology to deliver best-inclass performance over a long lifetime. This pump is designed to minimise wear in its key components, which enables exceptional performance and a low total cost of ownership. The WEDA D80N features design innovations such as high chrome( 55 HRC) vanes that, combined with its solid-redirecting auxiliary vanes, protect the wear-resistant impeller, reducing operational downtime and significantly extending the model’ s average lifetime.
“ The WEDA drainage pumps handle either clean or dirty water, even with small solids, with reliable performance and efficiency,” says Pablo Romero, Sales Manager Dewatering Pumps South America at Atlas Copco.“ The repairability of our products is also integrated from the design phase. This minimises downtime and reduces the environmental footprint, proof of our commitment to sustainability as a company.”
The drainage pumps have been built to last with maintenance and serviceability top of mind.“ Thanks to the smart modular design and a unique sealing system, the pumps are among the most flexible on the market. Users can install the pumps themselves, easily carrying out inspections and maintenance, reducing downtime and associated costs.”
The WEDA D80N model has a maximum pumping height of up to 40 m, a maximum flow rate of 100 l / sec, and can transport solids up to 12 mm. Considering the challenges in the Chilean mine, it was decided that one pump would be installed in each pond, for a potential installation of 200 operative units.
Since installing the WEDA pumps, the mine has been able to reduce the level of the brine in the ponds to just 15 cm, which enables faster evaporation and increased lithium production. The mine has also been able to reduce maintenance and associated costs by 60 %.
“ Throughout the process, we have maintained the objective of providing the best solution to our client’ s needs. Our knowledge and experience in mining, as well as Atlas Copco’ s expert technical support, allowed us to deliver a solution that was not only successful but also exceeded the client’ s expectations. Aligning our objectives allowed us to make a difference,” explained Enzo Altamore.
The mine operator has been impressed with the performance of these submersible units and is now looking to further optimise the extraction process by scaling it up with the larger WEDA D100N pumps on site too. The WEDA D100N has a maximum pumping height of up to 42 m with a maximum flow rate of 280 l / sec. The technical support that we have been able to provide in conjunction with TRILE’ s commercial expertise has been essential to the project’ s success.
Schurco Slurry pumps deployed in Northern Cape
In a significant development for the mining industry, Schurco Slurry, a leading heavyduty centrifugal slurry pump manufacturer, has recently successfully supplied 20 new pumps to a copper mine in the Northern Cape. This milestone is accompanied by a substantial order of spares valued at over ZAR600,000 from a prominent copper company in Zambia. The products provided are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the operations of both clients, spanning copper processing and tailings facilities management.
Schurco Slurry says its success can be attributed to its commitment to innovation and high-quality materials.“ The recent surge in demand in Zambia has prompted the company’ s local supplier to maintain a substantial stock of various components, reflecting the industry’ s growing reliance on Schurco Slurry’ s offerings.”
The supplied equipment, including pumps, liners, impellers, and other spares, is tailored for the harsh and corrosive environments encountered in copper processing. Notably, Schurco Slurry says it specialises in the use of polyurethane, a proven material known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
The wet-end spares are manufactured from Schurco Slurry’ s proprietary polyurethane compound, boasting a wear life approximately 66 % longer than alternative linings available on the market. The manufacturing and research processes take place at Schurco Slurry’ s state-of-the-art facilities in the US and South Africa.
Marc Young, Schurco Slurry Pump Applications and Projects Manager, emphasises the company’ s dedication to addressing the challenges posed by variable minerals processing. He notes that Schurco’ s slurry pumps are customised for each mine and application, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
The South African branch, located in Johannesburg, and the US holding company maintain extensive stocks to meet the demands of global markets. In addition to serving clients in Zambia and the Northern Cape, Schurco Slurry supplies copper mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South America, and Eastern Europe.
The company is actively planning an expansion into African territories and has
International Mining | JUNE 2025