Advancing slurry handling in Australia’s hard rock sector

KSB offers comprehensive services to help relieve the pressure and reduce the life cycle cost of your most challenging pump problems.

Keeping slurry moving efficiently is one of the toughest challenges in mining. Abrasive materials, variable flow conditions and harsh environments can quickly wear down equipment and disrupt operations. To help operators overcome these challenges, KSB has developed the new GIW^® VMD vertical slurry pump, designed to deliver reliable performance and simplified maintenance across demanding mine site applications.

“Mining and industrial operations run under challenging conditions that require efficient processes and minimal downtime,” says Tyler Ferguson, Engineering Product Manager at KSB GIW^®. “The VMD was engineered with that reality in mind. Its rugged, customisable design provides customers with a pump that is both dependable and adaptable to changing environments.”

The GIW^® VMD features a modular design that allows operators to adapt the pump to different conditions, simplifying maintenance and part replacement. Built from high chrome alloy materials, it offers wear resistance and long service life in abrasive duties. The vertical cantilever design removes the need for submerged bearings, reducing the risk of failure and lowering service demands.

An innovative dual suction arrangement at both the top and bottom of the pump maximises clearing and ensures smooth operation in high-concentration slurry conditions. Additional features such as a semi-open impeller and keyed impeller system enhance reliability and make servicing easier, helping reduce downtime and overall operating costs.

According to Brett Lewis, KSB Australia’s National Mining Manager, the VMD directly addresses the challenges operators face on local mine sites.

“Sump pumps are used in some of the harshest pumping applications,” Lewis explains. “They’re often dealing with large particle sizes and high concentrations of solids, while at other times operating dry. The KSB GIW^® VMD sump pump was designed with these challenges in mind to help operators improve reliability, extend operating life and enhance serviceability.”

Lewis says the pump’s biggest impact will be in the hard rock sector.

“Being a severe-duty sump pump, it will tackle the toughest slurry applications where durability is critical,” he says. “The KSB GIW^® VMD provides a dependable solution for all mining process plants.”

With KSB Australia carrying local inventory and spare parts, operators can also expect faster support and streamlined maintenance.

“Not only did KSB Australia have input into the design of the VMD,” Lewis notes, “but we’ll also hold all inventory and spares locally to help our customers maintain and manage their operations efficiently.”

As Australian mines continue to pursue greater productivity and reduced downtime, the GIW^® VMD brings a new level of reliability to slurry handling, combining proven global technology with local expertise and support.