WATER MANAGEMENT teams . As dewatering pumps is Sykes primary focus we understand what is required from a dewatering pump when it comes down to form fit and function . The ability to offer our pumps in various build specifications such as our BR – Basic Range , SR – Standard Range , PR Premium Range , SW - Sewage Range – YR – Yakka Range , AR – Acoustic Range , ER – Electric Range and HR – Hydraulic Range caters for all industries that require dewatering pumps . Having a full range of pumps that cover Low Head , Medium Head , High Head and Extra High Head ensures we have a pump to suit your dewatering needs .
Q If you were to select the mining companies and contractors top factors in their decision making when selecting pump solutions , what would they be and why ? A Experience in pump design and expertise to tailor solutions , as no mine is identical and they often have bespoke requirements . But in general they look for reputation in the industry and proven ability to deliver ; product range specialisation ; quality of product ; material options ; diversity of product range ; spare part aftermarket and service support ; and having locations and a distribution network worldwide .
Q Mines have a choice in pump supplier - what are the Sykes differentiators - the fundamental pump design , quality of materials , market experience , service offering , or a combination of these ? A Sykes have been manufacturing and supplying dewatering pumps and solutions since 1967 . Our designs and innovation have stood the test of time and continue to lead the industry . When contractors and mine sites are looking for a pump they ask for a Sykes pump . We will engineer bespoke solutions and continue to innovate . A great recent example is the supply of containerised Variable Speed Drive ( VSD ) pumps to a remote iron ore mine site located in the Pilbara region in Australia
process and mechanical engineers to meet the required discharge standards using a modified Ludzack-Ettinger treatment process . As such , the plant utilises an activated sludge system with nitrogen-reducing capacity .
During the process , the wastewater is pumped through an upfront screenings box and then enters a concrete buffer tank designed to contain that operates in extreme weather conditions . A key of the Sykes design is its exceptional shaft stiffness . With a stiffness ratio of 0.28 , far surpassing the industry standard of 1.5 to 2.5 , it ensures resilience against bending , even when operating outside designed parameters . This robustness is crucial , considering the varied and often demanding applications in mining environments . The ratio , calculated as L3 / D4 ( length from front bearing to impeller centre line over shaft diameter ), epitomises the pump ’ s engineering excellence , aligning with standards used in highly demanding applications . The Sykes pump adaptability is further evidenced by its range of material options . The standard configuration includes 316 SS impeller , wear plates and SG Iron volute , priming tee , and NRV . Additional options like Full 316 SS , CS340 , CS500 , H7A SS , CD4MCU , SAF2205 , and SAF2507 cater to varied operational environments , ensuring durability and performance in diverse mining conditions . All Sykes pump models incorporate front and rear wear plates , capable of handling silt and large solids which is crucial for mining operations where water is rarely clean . Pumping solids laden liquids means pumps can be subjected to wear and loss of efficiency because of this . Sykes unique feature of removeable shims or gaskets between the front adaptor plate and the casing allows for up to 5 mm of clearance adjustment between the impeller and wear plate . Such adjustability negates the need for major overhauls , enabling quick and efficient maintenance to regain pump efficiency . Sykes Pumps are supported with parts , commissioning , training and service worldwide through our own service centres and our dealer network . This global footprint is crucial for providing timely and effective solutions , regardless of the mine location . Since becoming part of the Atlas Copco Group in December 2023 , Sykes ’ ability to service its global customers has expanded even further .
peaks and avoid overloading of the biological reactor .
The bioreactor , specifically designed by WEC Water , is comprised of two zones – the anoxicand aerobic zones – and includes an integrated clarifier . The screened wastewater is pumped into the anoxic zone of the reactor where a submersible mixer maintains constant mixing of the anoxic mixed liquor . An air-lift pump transfers mixed liquor to the aerobic zone , which induces the A-recycle for nitrogen removal . Air diffusers , fed by blowers , drives air into the reactor to maintain the biological oxidation and continuous mixing effect . Sludge recirculation retains healthy sludge in the system and periodic wasting to drying beds ensures a consistent sludge retention within the reactor .
Aluminium sulphate is dosed during the process to enable compliance with local phosphate limits and disinfection is achieved by dosing a hypochlorite solution into the clarifier overflow before entering the chlorine contact tank . Once disinfected , the treated effluent is stored in a lagoon for subsequent reuse as dust suppression , irrigation water or for safe environmental discharge .
Nigel Birchall , Senior Contracts and Project Manager at WEC Water , says : “ One of the major challenges of this project arose due to the mine ’ s remote location . This required considerable logistical expertise to ensure the safe delivery of the complete plant to site without damage . The packaged design of the plant simplified the process as most of the plant was built within the footprint of standard shipping containers .”
Several WEC Water personnel were on site during the construction and commissioning phases of the project including process , mechanical , and commissioning engineers , who provided oversight during the installation phase and ensured the plant was successfully installed and commissioned .
BQE Water tackling cyanide and selenium
IM also spoke to David Kratochvil , BQE Water President & CEO . Historically , mining projects using cyanide have either been permitted as zero liquid discharge or used large tailings ponds for natural degradation and / or dilution of residual cyanide prior to discharge into the environment . Kratochvil says this practice is changing as new mines need to reduce their footprint , stop relying on dilution , and minimise risks exacerbated by severe and difficult to predict climate .
“ Consequently , conventional cyanide destruction plants producing 0.5 to 50 mg / L residual cyanide effluents are not always an option anymore . Instead , a new generation of treatment systems capable of treating leach solution for direct environmental discharge with residual cyanide below 20 ppb and all other
MARCH 2025 | International Mining