41 MAY 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Water, Water, Everywhere . . . Adapted from Information by Sulzer Management Ltd Water is critical for every mine site - without it, mines could not operate. But at the same time, because many mine working areas are below the water table, removal of water can be a major challenge. Mine water can be categorized in two different streams of water: mine dewatering, which is removal of water from the mine area; and process dewatering, which is removal of water from the process. Mine water can originate from several sources, such as precipitation, floodwater, or melting snow, generally affecting aboveground mining, while underground mines are affected by subterranean waterways, ore bodies with pockets of water, or long-term rise of the water table due to precipitation. Water removed from a mine to gain or facilitate access to an ore body is known as mine water. Minerals processing, however, requires the addition of water at various stages; this can either be reclaimed water from within the mine or water brought in from external sources. Because mine operations are harsh environments, mine water can range from dirty water to water containing mud, clay, grit, or stones, creating the need to handle an abrasive and sometimes corrosive product. To determine the most suitable dewatering method for a specific type of mine, some challenges and conditions should be considered: the mine type, location, incoming volume of water, mine depth, water properties, the expected life of the mine, and the cost budget. Basically, there are two types of mine dewatering: active dewatering to reduce ingress and seepage of water into the mine areas, and reactive dewatering to remove water from working areas. For active dewatering, multistage, deep well pumping or well pointing technology is used. For reactive dewatering, multiple technologies can be used: submersible, vertical, end-suction, multistage, or volumetric pumps. Process dewatering generally refers to the separation of water from solids toward the latter part of minerals processing. Slurry pumps are normally used to pump process water to various types of filters or into thickening and settlement tanks. Because large quantities of water may be required in minerals processing, water quality is critical, so some type of treatment is needed before it enters the process. A combination of vertical, horizontal, and submersible pumps may be used in the treatment process. Since intake water stations may transport water into the mine from various sources, the technology requirements will vary accordingly. Vertical turbines and horizontal end-suction pumps are most commonly used. When reclaimed water from tailings ponds, lagoons, and the downstream of minerals processing is used, usually vertical, horizontal, and submersible pumps are employed with the water being treated prior to use. Sulzer submersible dewatering pump. MIN
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