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Atlas Copco water transfer solutions for mine tailings - Atlas Copco Australia

Atlas Copco water transfer solutions for mine tailings

In the demanding world of mining, tailings management isn’t just a technical necessity, it’s a cornerstone of efficient responsibility.

In mining, once the minerals are taken out, you end up with tailings — basically, the leftover mix of slurry and water. To manage that, you need to move big volumes of water around, either back into the process, to treatment plants, or into ponds.

At the heart of this process lies water transfer: the movement of slurry, a dense mixture of water, fine particles, and chemical residues, across various stages of containment, treatment, and reuse.

From transporting tailings from mineral processing units to impoundments, to reclaiming water from tailings ponds for reuse, and even dewatering for dry stacking or paste backfill, each step requires precision and power. The goal is clear—ensuresafe, efficient, and sustainable handling of mining byproducts.

Powering tailings transfer with centrifugal pump technology

Atlas Copco leads the charge with pump solutions engineered for the rigors of tailings applications. Centrifugal pumps are the backbone of slurry movement, offering the versatility and durability needed for high-volume operations. Whether it’s dry-prime centrifugal pumps for continuous-duty tasks, submersible slurry pumps for submerged environments, or diesel-driven units for remote, off-grid sites, Atlas Copco delivers performance where it matters most.

The PAC and PAS series pumps are built to handle liquids containing solids up to 3 inches in diameter—perfect for the abrasive nature of tailings. These pumps are designed to thrive in the harshest conditions, ensuring uninterrupted flow and minimal downtime while still being easy to maintain and deploy.

Tailored pump selection for mining environments

Choosing the right pump isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about understanding the unique challenges of each site. Key factors include:

• Solids content: Tailings often contain abrasive particles, demanding wear-resistant materials.
• Flow rate and head: Pump capacity must match both volume and elevation changes.
• Chemical compatibility: Materials must withstand corrosive agents present in slurry.
• Duty cycle: Pumps must operate continuously without overheating or clogging.
• Mobility and setup: Rugged terrain calls for easy transport and fast deployment.

Atlas Copco’s pumps are engineered with these challenges in mind, offering robust solutions that adapt to the dynamic needs of mining operations.

Built for Performance: Atlas Copco Pump Highlights

• PAC F88 E 150HP: Delivers up to 2,640 GPM and heads up to 166 ft—ideal for high-volume tailings transfer.
• PAC H Series: Handles solids up to 3", making it a top choice for mining, oil & gas, and municipal water transfer.
• PAS Series: Dry-prime centrifugal pumps with float switches for automatic operation, perfect for unattended sites.

With features like hinged doors, forklift pockets, and lifting beams, Atlas Copco pumps are designed for fast, hassle-free deployment, even in the most challenging environments.