This open pit mine in Rajasthan, India has a production capacity of 6 MTPA since it’s commencement in 2006.
Enhancing Dewatering Operations at a Rajasthan Underground Mine with Goodwin India's Submersible Slurry Pumps
Since commencing operations in 2006, a major open pit and underground mining facility in Rajasthan, India, has maintained a robust production capacity of 6 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). As one of India’s largest underground mines, the facility plays a critical role in the country’s mineral production sector. However, as operations expanded deeper underground, the site began to face significant challenges related to groundwater management and dewatering efficiency.
In mining, preventing flooding is vital for ensuring both worker safety and the protection of expensive underground equipment. Excessive groundwater seepage can stall operations, create hazardous conditions, and lead to costly production delays. As such, efficient dewatering systems are crucial not just for environmental control but also for maintaining uninterrupted productivity.
The Problem: Ineffective Dewatering and Pump Failures
In one of the facility’s production centers, locally manufactured sump pumps were being used to manage underground groundwater and ore slurry accumulation. These pumps were not designed to withstand the high abrasiveness and density of groundwater mixed with ore fines and mud, leading to:
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Frequent pump failures and breakdowns.
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High maintenance costs due to the need for constant repairs and replacements.
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Increased downtime, slowing production and jeopardizing safety.
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Unreliable dewatering, resulting in waterlogged pits and unsafe working conditions.
The situation called for a robust and efficient slurry handling solution that could manage the abrasive, high-solid-content slurry found in the mine’s sumps.
Introducing Goodwin India’s NZE Submersible Slurry Pumps
Recognizing the need for a long-term solution, the site’s maintenance manager—who had previously used Goodwin pumps in another mining operation—invited the Goodwin India engineering team to evaluate the facility. After conducting a comprehensive site audit, the Goodwin team identified the accumulation of mud, ore particles, and groundwater in sump pits as the primary issue.
To solve this, Goodwin recommended installing a range of NZE Series submersible slurry pumps, including:
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100mm NZE pumps for compact sump locations and spot cleaning.
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150mm NZE pumps for medium flow rate and head conditions.
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200mm NZE pumps for high-capacity dewatering and slurry transfer operations.
These pumps are specially designed to handle abrasive, high-density, and corrosive slurries in harsh underground environments.
Deployment and Site Support
In total, eight Goodwin submersible slurry pumps were installed throughout various points in the mine’s dewatering network. The pumps were strategically placed to optimize the flow of groundwater and slurry out of key sump locations.
To ensure successful implementation, Goodwin India’s engineers provided on-site technical support, including:
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Supervision of the installation and commissioning process.
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Training for the mine’s operations and maintenance staff on routine pump handling.
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Troubleshooting and ongoing system performance assessments.
This hands-on collaboration ensured a seamless transition from the older pump systems to Goodwin’s high-efficiency solution.
The Key Benefits Realized
The introduction of Goodwin NZE submersible slurry pumps brought about notable improvements in both operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
1. Reliable Dewatering Operations
The NZE pumps delivered consistent, high-performance dewatering, even in the presence of dense, abrasive slurry. This resulted in:
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Stable and dry working environments.
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Elimination of flooding risks in critical underground areas.
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Improved safety conditions for all underground personnel.
2. Reduced Downtime and Higher Productivity
Frequent breakdowns and service interruptions had previously hampered output. With the NZE pumps:
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Unplanned downtimes were minimized.
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Pump reliability improved cycle times for slurry removal.
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Production targets were met consistently, without pump-related delays.
3. Cost Savings on Maintenance and Spare Parts
Thanks to the durable construction of Goodwin pumps using Ni-Hard and stainless steel components, the mine saw a:
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Significant drop in spare parts consumption.
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Reduced pump replacement frequency.
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Lower labor costs associated with maintenance and emergency repairs.
4. Environmental and Operational Compliance
Efficient sump management helped the mine maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations, including:
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Controlled water table levels, reducing environmental impact.
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Cleaner mine environments, reducing the risk of contamination.
Technology and Design Superiority
Goodwin’s NZE series pumps are engineered for longevity and resilience. Their key design features include:
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Hard iron and abrasion-resistant wet ends.
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High chrome content in critical components.
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Capable of dry running, a feature essential in mining operations.
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Heavy-duty motors and seals designed for prolonged submersion and abrasive exposure.
These design features make them ideal for demanding underground operations, where ordinary pumps fail prematurely.
Client Endorsement and Future Expansion
Following the successful deployment, the site manager and senior operations personnel expressed high satisfaction with the reliability and performance of the Goodwin pumps. Due to their experience and operational results:
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The mine has named Goodwin India as their preferred supplier for future pump requirements.
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Plans are underway to expand the use of NZE pumps to other production centers.
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Workshops are being held within the mining group to share the success story and technical learnings across sites.
Operational Benefits Achieved
A Strategic Advancement in Mine Dewatering
The integration of Goodwin India’s NZE 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm submersible slurry pumps at this underground mining facility in Rajasthan has proven to be a game-changing solution. These pumps addressed the root causes of sump flooding and dewatering inefficiencies, delivering:
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Reliable and continuous operation in highly abrasive conditions.
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Significant cost reductions in maintenance and downtime.
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Improved safety and environmental compliance.
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Increased operational efficiency and production reliability.
With Goodwin India’s on-site technical expertise and commitment to customer support, the mine now benefits from a more resilient, productive, and cost-effective dewatering system, setting a new benchmark for underground mining operations in India.
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."
