A large diamond mine in Tanzania is one of the oldest diamond mines in the country and has been in operation since 1940. The mine is known for producing high-quality diamonds and has played a significant role in the diamond industry in Tanzania.
How Goodwin Africa's Submersible Slurry Pump Solutions, Improved Operational Efficiency at a Tanzanian Diamond Mine
A large diamond mining facility in Tanzania, one of the oldest in the country, has been in operation since 1940. Renowned for its high-quality pink diamonds, the mine has significantly contributed to the Tanzanian diamond industry. However, like many mining operations, it faced challenges with sump cleaning, process plant spillages, and pit dewatering—all of which impacted production efficiency, cost management, and safety.
To combat these operational hurdles, Goodwin Africa was invited for a site visit in 2018 to introduce their submersible slurry pump solutions. Following a detailed presentation and assessment, the mine decided to purchase and install Goodwin ANZE 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm submersible slurry pumps. The implementation of these pumps transformed operations, reduced costs, and significantly lowered downtime. This article outlines the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the benefits realized through the adoption of Goodwin Africa’s advanced pump technology.
Operational Challenges at the Diamond Mine
Despite its historical success, the diamond mine faced several persistent issues, primarily due to rainwater ingress, process plant spillages, and inefficiencies in reclaiming and re-mining operations. Some of the key challenges included:
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High operational costs due to the use of low-cost diesel pumps, which required frequent maintenance and fuel replenishment.
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Frequent downtime caused by inefficient sump cleaning methods, resulting in production halts.
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Increased safety risks associated with excessive water accumulation in pits and process plants.
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Compromised commodity recovery, with inefficient pumping solutions failing to optimize diamond yield.
Given the demanding nature of mining operations, an effective, long-term pumping solution was required to improve overall efficiency, enhance safety, and lower costs.
Goodwin Africa’s Tailored Slurry Pumping Solutions
After a comprehensive site survey and technical assessment, Goodwin Africa recommended a strategic deployment of ANZE submersible slurry pumps tailored to specific operational requirements. The mine subsequently invested in:
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ANZE 100mm pumps for spillage recovery in the process plant.
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ANZE 150mm pumps on pontoons for reclaiming operations.
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ANZE 200mm pumps for dewatering applications in the mine pit.
100mm Pumps for Spillage Recovery
The 100mm ANZE submersible slurry pumps were installed to manage spillage recovery within the process plant. This was a critical area where frequent slurry buildup disrupted processing and required manual intervention. With Goodwin pumps in place:
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The mine experienced a drastic reduction in manual sump cleaning.
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Spillage recovery efficiency improved, reducing slurry wastage.
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Production uptime increased, leading to higher throughput rates.
150mm Pumps on Pontoons for Reclaiming Operations
To address re-mining and reclaiming inefficiencies, 150mm Goodwin ANZE pumps were installed on custom pontoons. These pumps were strategically deployed to maximize input tonnage to the plant, ensuring:
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Higher material recovery rates, improving overall diamond yield.
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Optimized re-mining processes, reducing material handling inefficiencies.
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Lower operational costs, as the pumps proved far more efficient than previous diesel-driven alternatives.
200mm Pumps for Dewatering the Mine Pit
Flooding in the mine pit was a major operational risk, particularly during rainy seasons. The previous dewatering system struggled to keep pits clear of excess water, leading to unplanned downtime and safety hazards. Goodwin’s 200mm ANZE pumps were installed for pit dewatering, resulting in:
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Continuous mining operations, even during heavy rainfall.
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Improved safety conditions, reducing the risks of pit wall instability.
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Significant cost savings by eliminating the need for constant diesel pump replacements and maintenance.
Goodwin Africa’s Engineers Provided Onsite Support
A key aspect of the project’s success was Goodwin Africa’s on-site technical support. Their engineers were present throughout the installation, commissioning, and training phases, ensuring the mining team was well-equipped to operate and maintain the pumps effectively.
Key contributions included:
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Training sessions for the site’s maintenance team on preventative care and troubleshooting.
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On-site adjustments to optimize pump performance based on real-time operational feedback.
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Periodic inspections and evaluations to ensure long-term reliability and efficiency.
Operational Benefits Achieved
Since the installation of Goodwin pumps, the diamond mine has experienced transformational improvements in efficiency, cost management, and safety.
Key benefits include:
1. Significant Cost Reduction
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Lower maintenance costs due to the pumps’ robust construction and extended operational lifespan.
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Eliminated dependency on costly diesel pumps reducing fuel expenses.
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Fewer spare part replacements minimize ongoing expenditures.
2. Increased Production Efficiency
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Higher slurry recovery rates reduce material loss and increase diamond yield.
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Minimized downtime ensuring continuous plant operations.
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Higher plant throughput improves overall profitability.
3. Enhanced Safety Standards
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Reduced manual intervention in sump cleaning, lowering the risk of injuries.
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Safer mining conditions in flood-prone pits, protecting workers and equipment.
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Improved process plant conditions reducing hazardous slurry overflows.
4. Long-Term Reliability and Durability
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Goodwin ANZE pumps have operated with minimal maintenance needs.
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Extended service life requiring fewer replacements or major overhauls.
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Consistent performance even under harsh mining conditions.
Long-Term Adoption and Expansion
"For the first time in my working life, I had staff come to me and thank me personally for introducing these pumps into the operation which has made their lives so much easier in maintenance and allowing them to spend more time on other tasks."
How the Diamond Mine benefited after implementing Goodwin Africa's Submersible Pumping Solution
The implementation of Goodwin Africa’s submersible slurry pumps at the Tanzanian diamond mine demonstrated how advanced pumping solutions can overcome critical operational challenges. By replacing inefficient diesel pumps with Goodwin ANZE 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm submersible slurry pumps, the mine has successfully:
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Reduced costs associated with fuel, maintenance, and spare parts.
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Lowered downtime ensuring higher production throughput.
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Increased recovery rates improve overall diamond processing efficiency.
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Enhanced worker safety by eliminating hazardous manual sump cleaning practices.
With continued support from Goodwin Africa’s engineering team, the mine is now well-positioned to further expand and optimize its sump management operations. The success of this project has also paved the way for the phased expansion of Goodwin pumps throughout the entire plant, ensuring sustained long-term efficiency gains in Tanzania’s historic diamond mining industry.
