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The minerals industry places some of the toughest demands on pumping equipment. Whether in mining, quarrying, or mineral processing, pumps must handle abrasive slurries, high solids content, corrosive fluids, and demanding operating conditions. From raw material extraction to dewatering and tailings management, pumps are critical to keeping mineral operations productive, safe, and efficient.

Key Applications

1. Slurry Transport
Mining and processing operations generate abrasive slurries made up of water and finely ground ore or waste. Heavy-duty slurry pumps—such as centrifugal, peristaltic, and progressive cavity types—are used to move these materials through pipelines without clogging or excessive wear.

2. Dewatering and Pit Drainage
Surface and underground mining sites often require constant removal of water to keep pits and tunnels safe and operational. Submersible and high-head centrifugal pumps are deployed for efficient groundwater and rainwater removal, even in remote or harsh conditions.

3. Tailings and Waste Handling
After valuable minerals are extracted, tailings—mixtures of water, sand, and residual ore—must be pumped to storage facilities or treatment plants. Abrasion-resistant pumps are essential for managing these high-solids, often corrosive mixtures.

4. Chemical Dosing and Reagent Transfer
Mineral processing often involves the addition of reagents, flocculants, and pH adjusters. Metering and diaphragm pumps provide precise chemical dosing to maintain optimal processing conditions and recovery rates.

5. Grit and Sand Handling
Quarrying and sand extraction operations require pumps that can manage coarse, heavy materials. Self-priming, vortex, or recessed impeller pumps are well-suited to these applications thanks to their solids handling capabilities.

6. Water Supply and Recycling
To support ongoing operations, many mineral sites use pumps to manage water supply and recirculation for processing, dust suppression, and equipment cleaning. Efficient, rugged pump systems help conserve water and minimise environmental impact.

Industry Demands

  • Abrasion Resistance: Pumps must endure continuous exposure to hard, gritty, and sharp particles.

  • High Solids Handling: Many applications involve fluids with very high solids content.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Process water and slurries can be chemically aggressive.

  • Reliability in Harsh Conditions: Equipment must perform reliably in remote, dusty, and heavy-duty environments.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With over a century of experience in pump distribution and engineering solutions, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd supports the minerals industry with rugged, high-performance pump systems built for harsh environments. As a distributor for trusted pump manufacturers worldwide, we offer solutions tailored to abrasive slurries, dewatering needs, and chemical dosing processes.

Our in-house team of technical experts can assist with:

  • Pump selection and specification for slurry, dewatering, and tailings management

  • Abrasion- and corrosion-resistant pump technologies

  • On-site consultations and troubleshooting

  • Bespoke pump builds and modifications

  • Full aftersales support, including servicing and repairs

Whether you’re operating a mine, quarry, or mineral processing facility, Tomlinson Hall delivers reliable pump solutions designed for tough conditions.

Need help finding the right pump for your mineral application?
Get in touch with our team today—we’re here to help.