Johannesburg-based dewatering pump specialist IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) has again extended its reach into Africa, supplying equipment to a global customer in the oil and gas sector who is operating off the Southern African coastline. 

According to Ruaan Venter, IPR’s Business Development Manager, the company has supplied two Atlas Copco R150DP dry prime pumps – to be located on the deck of an ocean-going vessel. 

“This is certainly quite an unusual application but is one that is critical for the safe operation of the vessel, and for which our Atlas Copco dry prime pumps are ideally suited,” says Venter. “The pumps will be used to maintain the ballast on the vessel, by pumping water efficiently into or out of the vessel as conditions require.”

In this application, he says, there is a need for high flow to ensure rapid filling and emptying of ballast as well as high suction lifts to move water from the ocean level into the vessel. The Atlas Copco R150DP unit is capable of easily achieving a suction lift of up to 10 metres at sea level.

“The primary feature of the dry prime pump in this application is its capability to efficiently remove air from the system and initiate water flow. Dry prime, or priming-assisted, pumps achieve this through a dedicated priming mechanism, such as a vacuum pump, which evacuates air from the pump casing and suction line.”

Venter explains that this allows these Atlas Copco pumps to be used in applications where they can be run intermittently, being turned on and off frequently without affecting the health or performance of the units. Maintaining the ballast is a critical function to keep the vessel safely afloat and upright as changing cargo loads, fuel consumption and other factors affect the vessel’s balance. 

“For this reason, the customer needed pumps with proven reliability, and chose Atlas Copco,” says Venter. IPR, part of Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division, provides pump and dewatering solutions across a range of industries and applications. 

He highlights that the Atlas Copco R150DP pumps also boast a high Best Efficiency Point (BEP) of 77%, underpinning the performance of these robust pumps. The semi-open impeller allows solids handling up to 76 mm, which in this application mitigates against the risk of inlet blockages from sea life or ocean pollution. 

The pumps’ stainless steel internals ensure high resistance to abrasive liquids and turbid sandy waters. To ensure no contamination of the environment, they are fitted with rotary vane vacuum pumps that are lubricated with oil recovery systems and coalescing filters. Venter highlights the critical role of IPR’s specialist dewatering pump experience and expertise in understanding each customer’s requirement and specifying the most appropriate solution. 

“With our knowledge of pumping applications and technology, and our inventory of Atlas Copco dewatering pump solutions, we responded rapidly to this customer and provided equipment they can rely on to meet their needs – with peace of mind and the necessary high performance,” he concludes.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is notorious for its harsh mining conditions, with heavy seasonal rainfall and remote mining locations creating formidable obstacles for operations. One of the biggest challenges mining companies face in the region is managing water—particularly the need for efficient dewatering systems to keep mining sites operational. IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) is playing a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges by providing reliable, high performance dewatering pump solutions specifically designed for extreme environments like those found in the DRC.

Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, says that mining in the DRC is not for the faint-hearted and robust solutions are needed when tackling heavy rainfall. “The region experiences substantial seasonal rainfall that can lead to flooding, making effective water management a top priority for mining operators,” he explains. “During these times, poorly equipped mining sites can find themselves overwhelmed by water, leading to downtime and costly disruptions.”

IPR’s dewatering solutions, which include Atlas Copco submersible pumps, have proven themselves indispensable in managing water levels. Du Toit says these pumps are known for their durability and efficiency, even in the most challenging conditions, ensuring continuous operation. 

“In addition to submersibles, we have supplied diesel-driven auto-priming and self-priming dewatering pumps, which are essential in applications where electric power may not be readily available, a common issue in the remote DRC,” he says. 

Operating in the DRC requires more than just standard dewatering pumps—equipment needs to be designed with extreme conditions in mind. “At IPR, we understand the unique demands that the DRC’s mining sector places on its machinery, from dealing with abrasive slurries to tackling tough terrains and inconsistent power supply. The pumps we supply are robust and engineered to consistently perform under intense pressure, and this is why we believe there has been an increased demand from customers in the region who need to ensure that mining operations can continue smoothly despite the weather and environmental conditions.”

Another critical issue in the DRC is the need to maintain sufficient water storage capacity during the rainy season, and this is where IPR’s innovative SlurrySucker dredging units have been instrumental in desilting water reservoirs and storage facilities at mining sites. These dredging systems ensure that water storage facilities are free from sediment build-up, allowing them to store the maximum amount of water needed for operations during both the dry and rainy seasons.

Regular desilting of these facilities is not just a practical consideration but a strategic necessity. By maintaining optimal storage capacity, mining companies can ensure they have enough water for processing, dust suppression and other operational needs when the rains come. 

He says that while the mining environment in the DRC may be harsh, IPR’s dewatering pump solutions have been engineered to withstand the most challenging conditions. 

“With a track record of success, including the supply of Atlas Copco submersible pumps, diesel-driven pumps and our innovative SlurrySucker dredging units, we are proving to be an invaluable partner for mining operations across the region. Our focus on reliability and performance ensures that mining operators in the DRC can manage water efficiently, helping to keep their sites operational despite the extreme conditions,” Du Toit concludes. 

Dredging operations, whether in marine or mining environments, demand robust and reliable equipment engineered to withstand tough and abrasive conditions. Among the most trusted solutions in this field is the Toyo Heavy Duty Slurry Pump, which includes a hydraulically driven option for extreme conditions.

Available through Integrated Pump Rental (IPR), the official Southern African distributor and leading dewatering and dredging company, the Toyo pump range is specifically designed to manage slurries with high solids content.

Ruaan Venter, Business Development Manager at IPR, highlights the pump’s versatility and resilience in harsh environments. “Constructed from wear-resistant materials such as high-chrome alloys, the Toyo pumps withstand prolonged exposure to abrasive slurries, reducing maintenance needs and extending operational life,” says Venter. 

This robust design allows the pump to perform efficiently in environments characterised by heavy sediment, sand, gravel, and other dense materials. He highlights the benefits of the hydraulically driven pumps in Toyo’s heavy duty slurry pump offering, which are known for their durability under extreme operating conditions.  

“Hydraulic pumps are better suited for environments with fluctuating operating conditions, such as variable flow rates, abrasive materials or irregular suction points,” he explains. “Their robust design and ability to handle constant pressure and torque – without compromising performance – make them less prone to damage.”

Dredging applications require pumps capable of handling significant suction depths and resisting clogging. According to Venter, the Toyo hydraulic pump  is well suited to deep pumping applications.  

“The use of hydraulic power means they can work effectively at significant depths,” he says. “This capability is especially beneficial in mining, dredging and deep excavation projects.”

Other mining applications include open pit mines, tailings ponds and settling dams where the removal of water and dense sediment is a constant challenge. Venter emphasises that the pump’s high performance design delivers consistent results while minimising the need for frequent servicing. He also points to the advantage of hydraulic pumps in avoiding overheating.

“The hydraulic fluid in the system not only powers the pump but also acts as a coolant,” he says. “This allows the pump to operate continuously without overheating, even in challenging environments.” 

Their flexibility in terms of power sources also means that hydraulic submersible slurry pumps can be used on sites where electrical power is not available. The hydraulic power pack can be diesel-driven or powered by other portable sources such as excavators.

“These pumps are available with cutters or augers, which are typically used to break up very dense and compacted material such as clay, silt or hard packed sand,” says Venter. “With its advanced impeller design, optimised for high heads and above-average flow rates, the pumps can handle slurries with high solids content – making  them indispensable for demanding tasks in marine and mining operations.”

In marine dredging, the Toyo pump is a vital tool for applications such as harbour maintenance, beach replenishment and deep-sea mining. These tasks often involve pumping extremely abrasive slurries containing sand and gravel. 

“The pump’s efficient material handling capabilities and consistent flow rates under extreme conditions make it invaluable in these applications,” Venter notes. The pump ensures reliable performance while minimising operational downtime, making it ideal for maintaining navigable waterways and extracting valuable resources from the ocean floor.

Selecting the right pump for the right application is critical for effective water management in quarries and open pit mines. Dredging and pump specialist, IPR (Integrated Pump Rental), advises that the selection process should consider a number of key factors, and chief among them are brand reputation, supplier’s expertise, site parameters and the customer’s financial situation. 

While it is true that the selection of a dewatering pump for a mine or quarry largely hinges on specific site or application requirements, Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, believes that the supplier’s expertise should be a principal factor. 

“Each of our installations starts with a detailed assessment of site-specific dewatering requirements. Through that process, IPR’s technical experts get a clear understanding of the unique conditions of the mine, such as water volume, pit dimensions and site-specific challenges. After this, the IPR team is able to recommend the most appropriate equipment and strategies for dewatering, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency for the customer,” says Du Toit. 

According to Lee Vine MD of IPR, site-specific conditions, such as volume of water to be pumped and the rate at which it accumulates, will inform parameters such as head (the height at which a pump can raise the fluid up) and flow (the amount of water the pump can move at a given time) which, in turn, determine the size and type of pump or pumps required.

Dealing with a supplier that can offer a wide range of choices means that operations can get all their dewatering pump needs from one place. For example, IPR offers both diesel-driven and submersible dewatering pumps. Designed to be fully submerged in water during operation, submersible pumps are ideal for operations where continuous dewatering is required. IPR’s self-priming diesel driven pump sets are suitable for dewatering applications where power is not readily available. 

“The next consideration should be the capital situation for the customer. The financial position of the mine or quarry determines whether to buy or to rent a dewatering pump solution. If capital outlay is an issue, rental will be ideal because it eliminates the need for a substantial upfront capital expenditure, freeing up the much needed budget for other pressing needs,” says Vine. 

In addition, says Vine, rental costs can be classified as operational expenses and this is especially important where dewatering is a critical necessity, yet there is no capex available. In a scenario where the project is long term and capital is available, outright purchase makes sense.

In conclusion, says Du Toit, when choosing vitally important assets such as dewatering pumps it is also important to consider the reputation of the brand and the aftermarket support behind it. IPR is part of the Specialty Rental division within the Power Technique Business Area of Atlas Copco and supplies the premium Atlas Copco product, which is known for its reliability, good warranty terms and, more importantly, parts availability from IPR. The company is also the official distributor for Toyo heavy-duty slurry pumps and supplies the locally manufactured SlurrySucker dredging solution. 

Leading dewatering pump solutions provider, IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) is taking a significant step forward in its service offering following its acquisition by Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division. With this strategic move, IPR is poised to bring the same rapid-response service that its South African customers have come to rely on, to mining sectors across Southern Africa.

Mining operations across Southern Africa are often challenged by heavy rainfall, groundwater infiltration and operational water management issues. Efficient and reliable dewatering solutions are critical for minimising disruptions, safeguarding operational continuity and maximising productivity. IPR’s newly expanded footprint, supported by Atlas Copco’s vast resources and regional presence, ensures that mining clients in neighbouring countries will now have easier access to high quality pump rental services, faster response times and broader technical support.

Leveraging Atlas Copco’s Strengths

Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division is known globally for its comprehensive service offerings, providing critical equipment for various industries including mining. Through this acquisition, IPR is now able to leverage Atlas Copco’s extensive regional footprint, advanced logistics and strong presence in Southern Africa’s mining hubs. This allows IPR to provide rapid service responses to customers in remote mining locations with greater efficiency.

Customers will benefit from faster access to dewatering pumps and solutions as the acquisition enhances IPR’s ability to deliver both diesel-driven surface and electric submersible pumps quickly across borders, minimising downtime for mines experiencing water management challenges.

Wider service coverage is now a given with Atlas Copco’s established operations and networks across Southern Africa. This will allow IPR to deliver its services to regions that were previously harder to reach, supporting mines from Angola and Zambia to Namibia and Mozambique.

IPR will also tap into Atlas Copco’s extensive engineering expertise, further enhancing the level of technical support available to customers across the region. This will ensure that customers receive not just the equipment, but also the best advice and after-sales support, helping mines optimise their water management and minimise operational risks. 

In South Africa, IPR has built a solid reputation for providing rental solutions for short, medium and long-term dewatering needs. Its product range includes Atlas Copco diesel-driven pump sets as well as electric submersible pumps, Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps and SlurrySucker dredging units, which are critical for desilting operations in dams and reservoirs. By being under the Atlas Copco umbrella, IPR now extends this level of reliable tailored service to mining operations across the broader region.

“We are excited to bring our efficient dewatering solutions to more mining operations across Southern Africa,” says Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR. “By leveraging Atlas Copco’s well-established presence, we can ensure faster delivery, better service and superior support to our customers. This means minimised downtime and maximum productivity, wherever they are located.”

As mining operations across Southern Africa continue to face unpredictable weather patterns and growing demands for operational efficiency, IPR’s expanded reach promises a significant improvement in the management of dewatering challenges. With the backing of Atlas Copco’s vast resources, the future looks bright for mines looking for dependable dewatering solutions delivered with speed and expertise.

The acquisition of IPR by Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division is a win for the Southern African mining sector. With faster access to top-tier dewatering equipment and support, mines across the region can now expect the same level of service excellence that has defined IPR’s operations in South Africa. This expanded footprint and enhanced response capability underscore IPR’s commitment to providing timely, reliable dewatering solutions to mining operations, no matter how remote.

In an environment where capital is not always available, renting dewatering pumps from IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) allows cash-strapped quarries and mines to save money, access the newest technology and benefit from the unmatched flexibility and scalability. 

Due to their ability to ensure efficient water management, dewatering pumps are an essential part of the quarrying and open pit mining value chain. Given the cyclic nature of the industry, renting dewatering pumps enables operations to weather economic storms, especially during bust periods. 

IPR is part of the Specialty Rental division within the Power Technique Business Area of Atlas Copco, and Managing Director Lee Vine says that one of the biggest benefits of pump rental is that it allows mines and quarries to sidestep the need for hefty upfront capital investments. 

“Instead of having to make large-ticket purchases via a capital expense on their accounting books, rental allows them to categorise the expense as operating costs that do not necessarily impact the company’s capital expenditures. As a result, mines can allocate the capital to other pressing matters of the business, while having peace of mind that their dewatering needs are catered for.” 

Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, says rental also provides unmatched flexibility and scalability. Given that pumping requirements can vary in scope and duration, pump rental allows operations to match the right pump to the specific task at hand. 

“In addition, rental provides mines and quarries with access to the very latest pumping technology,” says Du Toit. “This is particularly beneficial, especially in an environment where technology is advancing at a rapid pace. IPR offers the latest dewatering technology, which means customers have access to efficient, safe and productive equipment without having to break the bank.”

Another great benefit to renting is that it affords quarries and mines the chance to put the dewatering pump technology through its paces before committing to a purchase. Observations from the ‘trial’ period therefore offer insights into whether or not a piece of equipment is worth buying.

Investing in dewatering pumps can be a costly exercise, especially for many small to medium-sized operations, and most businesses don’t realise that this is a long term investment as it requires services and maintenance. 

“Operations that rent their dewatering pumps from trusted suppliers such as IPR can be confident that their equipment is always dependable and operates at peak performance because all repairs and servicing are done in-house by IPR’s expert technicians,” says Du Toit. 

“We perform regular maintenance on our rented equipment, which minimises downtime and ensures operational efficiency. Our 24/7 technical support through our experienced field service personnel means that we can attend to any breakdowns in a timely manner, reducing downtime for customers. Most of our pumps have 250 hour service intervals, which means that we are constantly on customer sites to ensure that equipment runs optimally all the time,” concludes Vine.

Two treatment plants for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) near Johannesburg have received a boost to their efficiency, thanks to IPR’s innovative SlurrySucker dredging unit. 

The problem of AMD has beset historic mining areas around Johannesburg, where water in deep underground mining areas has become contaminated through its contact with broken rock containing sulphur-bearing minerals. As it rises and decants on surface, it poses a serious health risk – and contaminates other water resources. 

As part of the treatment process, this highly acidic water is treated with lime and flows through two reactors at the AMD plant, where sediment settles and gradually fills up the concrete channels of each reactor. According to Ruaan Venter, Business Development Manager at IPR, this was causing extensive downtime for the plant, as each reactor had to be emptied of water before the acidic silt could be excavated.

“To allow one reactor to be cleaned, it had to be closed off – reducing plant throughput and placing extra strain on the other reactor,” Venter explains. “The customer needed a solution that would allow them to gain more uptime from the plant, as digging out the silt was disruptive and time consuming.”

IPR’s SlurrySucker is a dredging system that suspends a heavy duty submersible slurry pump from a specially designed flotation raft, allowing continuous dredging with minimal supervision. For the AMD plant, a customised solution was required due to the specific structure of the reactors. Initially, IPR had made a standard version of its smaller unit – the Mini SlurrySucker – available on rental to the plant. This proved itself in the application, and the plant chose to invest in its own unit, but required some special adaptations to be made – especially to improve mobility.

“Using our depth of in-house design and engineering expertise, we created a custom version of our Mini SlurrySucker,” he explains. “A key aspect of the customer’s requirement was that the unit would not require any lifting by an on-site crane, from one part of the reactor to another.”

As a result, the custom-engineered Mini SlurrySucker was designed to pass under the walkways of the reactor, allowing it to manoeuvre through the channels. To resist the acidic water, the construction frame is stainless steel. 

“We equipped the unit with a Toyo heavy duty GR20 submersible slurry pump, which is part of our range – as the official distributor in Southern Africa,” he says. “This heavy duty pump, with its solids handling capability of up to 30 mm particles, is ideally suited to this application, where the slurry comprises about 60% water and 40% solids.”

This 15 kW pump can deliver up to 190 m³ an hour at a maximum head of 30 metres, although the plant will be required to meet the volume limits of the downstream gold processing plant. This model was chosen due to its robust performance and low maintenance requirements, which deliver low total cost of ownership to the user. 

In addition to this, the SlurrySucker is equipped with an Atlas Copco Weda D50 pump which will be used to force clean water to the main slurry pump assisting with agitating the slurry. This unit is capable of handling dirty water with a specific density of up to 1,1 and has a solids handling capability up to 12 mm particles. 

In what is probably the most exciting development in the dewatering pump industry is the news that IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) has become part of Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division within the Power Technique Business Area. Announced just ahead of Electra Mining Africa, this acquisition is expected to bring significant benefits to the mining sector. 

Lee Vine, Managing Director of IPR, says the mining industry, known for its complex and demanding operations, relies heavily on effective water management solutions to ensure operational efficiency and safety. 

“We have seen a shift where dewatering pumps, essential for managing water ingress and maintaining dry working conditions, are increasingly being rented with appropriate accessories,” he says. “This trend is driven by several factors that reflect the evolving needs and challenges of the mining sector and our recent acquisition by Atlas Copco will allow us to continue to grow both our geographic footprint in Africa while increasing our already comprehensive dewatering pump rental fleet.” 

The company’s recent participation at Electra Mining Africa highlighted some of the pumps within its extensive range. This included Atlas Copco diesel self-priming pumps and submersible units as well as the range of Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps and IPR’s in-house designed SlurrySucker dredging unit.

“It is a fact that renting dewatering pumps offers mining companies a significant degree of flexibility,” Vine explains. “Instead of committing substantial capital to purchase equipment, companies can allocate resources more efficiently by renting dewatering pumps as needed. This approach allows for better financial planning and reduces the burden of maintenance and storage costs associated with owning dewatering equipment.”

Vine says the rental market for dewatering pumps is highly competitive, and IPR has stayed ahead of the curve by continuously updating its rental fleet to include the latest technological advancements. This, he says, means end-users benefit from access to state-of-the-art pumps that offer improved efficiency, reliability and environmental performance. 

“Feedback from our customers underscores the major advantage that renting offers in terms of being able to leverage the newest technology without the need for frequent capital expenditures,” he says. 

Another important advantage when renting dewatering and other pump solutions is that the mining operations can choose pumps that are tailored to the specific requirements of their projects. Whether the need is for high volume water removal, handling abrasive materials or operating in challenging conditions, IPR offers a diverse range of pump types and configurations which ensures that the most suitable equipment is selected for specific application needs.

IPR offers the market the advantage of comprehensive maintenance and support services, ensuring rented pumps and ancillary equipment remain in optimal working condition. “This reduces downtime and the risk of operational disruptions due to equipment failure,” Vine says. “Additionally, our experienced and skills team can provide valuable insights and assistance, further enhancing the efficiency of dewatering operations.” 

“The ability to scale dewatering solutions up or down based on project demands is another significant advantage when renting pumps. This is important for both underground and surface mining operations, which often face fluctuating water management needs, as they can quickly adjust their dewatering capacity by renting additional pumps or returning underutilised equipment,” he continues. This scalability ensures that mining companies can respond rapidly to changing conditions without the delays associated with procuring new equipment.

The IPR rental fleet comprises modern dewatering pumps designed to meet stringent environmental and regulatory standards. By renting newer models, mining companies can ensure compliance with environmental regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and contributing to sustainable mining practices. Advanced features such as energy-efficient motors and reduced emissions are increasingly called for, and the company can accommodate these requirements. 

In the challenging environment of open pit mining, efficient water management is crucial to maintaining operations and ensuring the safety and productivity of the site. IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) stands out as a key partner for surface mines, offering customised dewatering solutions designed to meet the specific needs of each site.

Managing director, Lee Vine says by conducting thorough assessments and providing correctly specified equipment, IPR ensures that mines can rely on effective and dependable dewatering systems.

“IPR’s approach begins with a detailed assessment of each individual application. This involves understanding the unique conditions and requirements of the mine such as water volume, pit dimensions and site-specific challenges,” Vine says By doing so, this leading dewatering pump solutions provider can recommend the most appropriate equipment and strategies for dewatering, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.

The backbone of IPR’s dewatering solutions is its extensive range of high-quality dewatering pumps and accessories. This includes the well-known Atlas Copco range of diesel driven and submersible pumps with the company being the Master Distributor across southern Africa for this dependable brand. The company also represents the Toyo range of heavy-duty slurry pumps.

Vine says both pump brands are engineered to handle the demanding conditions of open pit mining, providing robust and reliable performance.

The solution chosen for a specific dewatering project would be dependent on the on-site requirements. As an example, he says that one option would be pontoon-mounted pumps which . allow the pumps to remain operational even as water levels fluctuate. This eliminates the need to frequently relocate the installation as the water level drops, reducing downtime and labour costs.

On the other hand, for mines that require flexibility and mobility, IPR offers skid or trailer mounted dewatering pump sets. These systems can be easily installed at the side of open pits and moved as needed within the mining operation. This mobility ensures that dewatering can be efficiently managed across different areas of the mine, adapting to changing conditions and requirements.

Understanding the financial considerations of mining operations, IPR provides both rental and outright purchase options for its dewatering solutions. Renting dewatering equipment can be an attractive option for mines looking to manage capital expenditure or requiring temporary solutions.

“IPR’s rental services offer mines the flexibility to access the latest technology and equipment without the long term commitment of ownership. However, for mines with ongoing dewatering needs, purchasing equipment outright may be more cost effective in the long run,” Vine says. IPR offers competitive pricing and comprehensive support for purchased equipment, ensuring mines receive the best value for their investment.

IPR’s commitment to its customers extends beyond providing equipment. The company offers comprehensive support services including installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. This ensures that dewatering systems remain operational and effective, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.

“Our expertise in dewatering solutions, combined with our team’s tailored approach to each mining site, makes IPR an invaluable partner for surface mine dewatering projects. By offering a range of reliable equipment, innovative solutions like pontoon mounted pumps and flexible acquisition options, we help mines manage water effectively, ensuring smooth and efficient operations,” Vine concludes.

Cost effective and agile rental solutions for dewatering will take centre stage at IPR’s (Integrated Pump Rental) exhibition stand at Electra Mining Africa this year, as well as its quality range of slurry and sludge pumping equipment.

“Showcasing our growing range of rental pump dewatering options, we will also be celebrating our partnerships with world leading pump OEMs Atlas Copco and Toyo,” says Lee Vine, Managing Director at IPR. “The past year has seen us grow our formal collaboration with Atlas Copco and the great results are there for all to see.”

Featuring strongly at IPR’s stand will be the range of Atlas Copco diesel self-priming pumps and submersible units, says Vine, which the local market has embraced for its quality and performance. Also on show will be the range of Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps, and IPR’s in-house designed SlurrySucker dredging unit.

“There has never been a better time for mines, industry and other sectors to rent their pumping solutions from IPR,” he explains. “Pump rental allows companies to conserve their capital, and avoid high interest rates when borrowing for equipment purchases. Other key advantages are that customers incur no overhead costs with rental, and can rely on us to keep everything running smoothly.”

Vine emphasises that IPR has continued to grow its fleet in partnership with its OEM partners – whose own experts will be joining IPR’s technical and sales team at the Electra Mining Africa exhibition stand. 

Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, points out that the event remains an important forum to engage with the market face to face – and to share insights and experience to improve customers’ business efficiency. 

“Having a selection of our exciting products on the stand, combined with our depth of expertise, helps to facilitate valuable discussions and problem-solving with visitors,” says du Toit. “The presence of our OEM partners reinforces the strength of our partnerships – which benefit the customer through quality, performance and rapid support.”

He also highlights IPR’s in-house design and engineering capability, which underpins its customised solutions for specific challenges that mines face. This capacity is well proven through its pioneering SlurrySucker dredging unit; equipped with a Toyo heavy duty submersible pump, IRP recently upgraded its SlurrySucker to a Mk III model.

“We expect high levels of interest in water management challenges among Electra Mining Africa visitors, as we have seen how regulations are becoming more stringent,” he continues. “As retention ponds silt up over time, for example, mines face a growing risk of spillage which can cause environmental damage. There are similar problems facing wastewater treatment plants and other industrial sectors.”

Vine says that visitors to the exhibition will be impressed by IPR’s range of pumping solutions – with diesel units mainly for remote and opencast sites with no power supply and submersible electrically-powered units for underground and plant applications. 

“We welcome visitors bringing their on-site challenges to us,” he says. “With our world class products and OEM partnerships, we have the hardware and experience to know what will work best for them.”

Visit IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) at stand number – YE13