A significant zinc mining operation in North Queensland operates the largest tailings re-treatment facility in Australia. Ranked among the top 15 global zinc producers, the site produced 118,108 metric tonnes of zinc in FY2022. However, the site faced challenges in maintaining optimal production efficiency due to frequent pipeline blockages, slurry density inconsistencies, and pump failures.
How the Goodwin ANZE 200mm submersible slurry pump reduced pipe line blockages during zinc tailings reprocessing in North Queensland
A significant zinc mining operation in North Queensland operates the largest tailings re-treatment facility in Australia. Ranked among the top 15 global zinc producers, the site produced 118,108 metric tonnes of zinc in FY2022. However, the site faced challenges in maintaining optimal production efficiency due to frequent pipeline blockages, slurry density inconsistencies, and pump failures.
To address these operational issues, Goodwin Submersible Pumps Australia was approached to provide a high-performance pumping solution that would improve slurry density, reduce pipeline blockages, and enhance equipment longevity. This article explores how the Goodwin ANZE 200mm Submersible Slurry Pump significantly improved operational reliability and efficiency at the zinc tailings reprocessing facility.
Challenges in the Existing Pumping System
Originally, the site was using multiple large submersible pumps installed on a purpose-built pontoon. These slurry-winning pumps were being fed zinc tailings slurry via hydro-mining water blast cannons. However, several challenges arose:
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Frequent pump failures due to extreme abrasion and debris accumulation in the tailings.
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Inconsistent slurry density, affecting pipeline flow and processing efficiency.
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High maintenance costs, requiring frequent spare parts replacement.
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Production downtime, as pumps were unable to handle the harsh operating conditions.
Given the high load demands and abrasive nature of the zinc tailings, a more robust and reliable solution was necessary.
Goodwin’s Tailored Solution: The 200ANZE Submersible Slurry Pump
Following an on-site application survey, Goodwin engineers determined that a large-capacity hard iron slurry pump was required. After careful analysis, Goodwin selected the 200ANZE model heavy-duty slurry pump for the task. This pump was chosen for its ability to handle high-density slurries, resist extreme wear, and deliver higher reliability.
Key specifications of the 200ANZE pump include:
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Flow capacity of up to 800m³/h.
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Shut-off head of 40 meters.
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Tungsten Carbide-coated wet-end components for enhanced wear resistance.
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Heavy-duty construction for handling highly abrasive materials.
Due to the urgent nature of the project, two Goodwin 200ANZE pumps were ordered and expedited to the site. These pumps were installed onto the existing pontoon system, replacing the failing units.
Immediate Operational Improvements
Upon installation, the Goodwin 200ANZE pumps immediately delivered several key benefits, including:
1. Increased Slurry Density and Improved Flow Rates
The Goodwin 200ANZE pumps allowed the site to achieve higher-density slurry mixtures, improving pipeline flow efficiency and reducing settling issues. This resulted in higher throughput and better material recovery.
2. Significant Reduction in Pipeline Blockages
Due to better flow control and the ability to handle larger solids, pipeline blockages were significantly reduced. This minimized unplanned downtime and improved overall processing continuity.
3. Improved Equipment Reliability and Lower Maintenance Costs
Unlike the previous pumps, which suffered from rapid wear and frequent breakdowns, the Goodwin 200ANZE pumps demonstrated superior durability. The Tungsten Carbide-coated wet-end components significantly extended pump lifespan, reducing the need for frequent part replacements.
4. Higher Productivity and Reduced Downtime
The robust performance of the Goodwin pumps enabled the facility to operate continuously without interruptions, resulting in a higher production yield and reduced operational costs.
"Because of the successful performance that was achieved enjoyed with the first two pumps they soon added three more 200ANZE pumps bringing the total to five for the zinc tailings retreatment."
Scaling Up: Additional Pump Installations
Encouraged by the success of the first two Goodwin 200ANZE pumps, the site opted to expand their investment in Goodwin technology. An additional three 200ANZE pumps were installed, bringing the total number of Goodwin pumps in operation to five. This expansion further enhanced processing efficiency and ensured greater system redundancy.
For mine site managers looking to optimize tailings reprocessing operations, investing in Goodwin ANZE 200mm Submersible Slurry Pumps provides a proven solution for improving slurry density, reducing pipeline blockages, and enhancing equipment longevity.
By deploying Goodwin’s heavy-duty slurry pumps, mining operations can achieve:
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Higher efficiency in material processing.
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Reduced maintenance and spare parts costs.
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Longer pump service life with superior wear resistance.
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Minimized downtime due to blockages and failures.
With the successful implementation of five Goodwin 200ANZE pumps, the zinc tailings reprocessing facility in North Queensland has set a new benchmark for efficiency and reliability in tailings management.
