Mining

Integrated Pump Technology named Grindex distributor for West Africa

Integrated Pump Technology appointed Grindex distributor in West Africa, boosting dewatering support across mining operations. (Image source: Integrated Pump Technology)

Integrated Pump Technology has officially been appointed as the distributor for Grindex submersible pumps in West Africa, strengthening its presence in the region and marking another milestone for the South African-based dewatering specialist

Effective July 2025, the appointment comes after the company was recognised as the largest Grindex distributor worldwide, a distinction earned through sustained growth and performance in key African mining markets. The company already has a significant footprint across South, Central and East Africa with its Grindex electric submersible dewatering pumps and Godwin diesel-driven pump solutions. Securing distribution rights for West Africa is described as the next logical expansion.

“We see substantial opportunity in the West African market which is characterised by high rainfall and a large number of wet mining operations,” remarked Jordan Marsh, managing director of Integrated Pump Technology. “The need for reliable and efficient dewatering is continuous and we are well positioned to support customers with proven technology and deep application expertise.”

The distributorship covers all West African countries except Ghana. However, a bonded warehouse has been set up in Ghana to ensure quick turnaround and minimise lead times. The first consignment of Grindex pumps is already on its way to the facility. Marsh explains that stock selection was guided by close collaboration with mining customers across the region and a strong understanding of daily dewatering requirements.

Among the first shipment are high performance models such as the Grindex Maxi, rated at 37 kW, designed for moderate to high flow applications in both underground and surface mines. Also included is the Grindex Mega, a 90 kW unit built for the most demanding dewatering tasks, including deep level mines. Both machines have proven their reliability in Africa’s harsh mining environments, valued for their durable design, low maintenance needs and energy efficiency.

In addition to electric submersible solutions, Integrated Pump Technology will continue serving West African clients with its established range of Godwin diesel or electric driven dewatering pumps. One example, the Godwin HL150, is already in operation at an open pit mine in Senegal, providing dependable high head dewatering performance under tough site conditions.

“The Godwin and Grindex ranges give us a comprehensive dewatering portfolio to meet virtually any pumping requirement, from high volume pit dewatering to underground sump clearance,” commented Marsh. “Our approach in West Africa mirrors our successful operating model in Southern and Central Africa which includes local stockholding, rapid technical support and a strong customer-first philosophy.”

With mining operations in West Africa expanding and deepening, demand for reliable and efficient dewatering solutions is expected to grow significantly. Integrated Pump Technology’s appointment as Grindex distributor reinforces its ability to supply world class equipment backed by technical support and service excellence that mining operations can depend on.

Hydrogen peroxide explosives for SADC mining

The new partnership will aid the shift to more sustainable mining in the SADC region (Image source: Hypex Bio)

Omnia Holdings company BME and Sweden-based Hypex Bio Explosives Technology are set to roll out the world’s first commercially available hydrogen peroxide explosives (HPEs) across the southern African mining market

The two companies have advanced their partnership beyond existing cooperation in Canada by initiating an infrastructure and product development programme for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

BME and Hypex Bio will now gradually introduce the HPEs in the SADC mining market for various blasting applications over time.

BME’s managing director Ralf Hennecke said the move was in line with BME’s focus on supporting customers with future-fit solutions, which provide a safe, sustainable and efficient alternative to ammonium nitrate-based explosives.

He noted that providing customers with access to hydrogen peroxide emulsion products is a clear testament to an ongoing commitment to innovation and customer value.

“The SADC mining industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions due to international trade policies, climate change commitments as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) imperatives,” he said.

“Therefore, through this partnership between BME and Hypex Bio, we will continue to respond to our customers’ challenges.”

It marks a significant step forward, underpinned by Hypex Bio’s ongoing progress in rolling out hydrogen peroxide products tailored to the SADC climate and its challenging mining environment.

The development also builds on the established partnership between BME and Hypex Bio to enhance the ongoing development and introduction of hydrogen peroxide emulsions in key markets, while providing Omnia Holdings – a minority equity stakeholder in Hypex Bio – with access to cutting-edge technology.

While the southern African region’s abundant mineral resources position SADC as a key player in shaping the future of clean energy and sustainable development, the mining of these critical minerals presents multifaceted challenges, including environmental dimensions.

Hennecke added that hydrogen peroxide products complement BME’s existing product portfolio and enhance its standing as a leader in the supply of sustainable bulk emulsions.

“Packaged emulsion cartridges and bulk emulsion products will evolve from this infrastructure and product development programme,” he said.

Hennecke also noted that the technology had the potential to change the explosives supply industry by reducing the total greenhouse gas emission footprint by up to 90%, where implemented.

Considering that hydrogen peroxide-based explosives decompose into water and oxygen, pollutants, such as nitrates, are eliminated.

This, in turn, reduces the need for costly water-treatment and ventilation, while also facilitating faster blast cycles and increased efficiency.

Manufacturing these emulsions is also less energy intensive than the process involved in producing ammonium nitrate-based emulsions, further reducing the carbon footprint of the mining value chain.

Additionally, testing has shown that hydrogen peroxide emulsions perform similar to nitrate-based types – even outperforming them in some instances.

Thomas Gustavsson, CEO of Hypex Bio, said that hydrogen peroxide explosive represented a paradigm shift in blasting operations, a critical step in mining, quarrying and construction.

“The partnership between Hypex Bio and BME will play a significant role in the shift to more sustainable mining in SADC, while also establishing the standard for next generation blasting in the region – essential for the sustainable industries and societies of the future,” he said.

“Environmentally friendly explosives are a natural way to extract and build, driving improved supply chains for raw materials and infrastructure.”

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Sandvik secures major equipment deal for Botswana mine

Sandvik to supply 32 underground units to support JCHX at MMG’s expanding Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana. (Image source: Sandvik)

JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd., a global mining contractor headquartered in China, has awarded a significant equipment supply contract to Sandvik Mining

The agreement involves the delivery of a 32-unit underground mining equipment fleet to support operations at MMG's Khoemacau Copper Mine (KCM) in Botswana.

The order, confirmed in Q3 2025, includes a diverse and high-capacity fleet: 12 Toro TH663i trucks, 10 Toro LH621i loaders, eight Sandvik DD422i development drills, one Sandvik DL432i longhole drill, and one Sandvik Rhino 100 raise borer. Additionally, the contract incorporates Remote Monitoring Service to deliver critical operational data aimed at optimizing fleet performance. Equipment deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q3 2025 and will continue through Q2 2026.

“We are proud to partner with JCHX in delivering safe and productive operations at Khoemacau Copper Mine,” said Mats Eriksson, president of Sandvik Mining. “Our advanced underground technologies and digital solutions will help enable efficiency and performance as the site ramps up production in the coming years.”

Situated in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt, Khoemacau Copper Mine is a significant underground mining operation currently undergoing major expansion. Since acquiring the mine in March 2024, operator MMG has advanced its development plans, aiming to boost annual copper production to 60,000 tonnes within two years. This goal will be supported by the existing 3.65 Mtpa process plant, with improved access to higher-grade ore zones enhancing operational flexibility and output.

Looking ahead, MMG plans to further scale up copper production to 130,000 tonnes per year by constructing a new 4.5 Mtpa processing plant. This long-term strategy includes expanding Zone 5 production and developing nearby deposits. Early-stage works for the expansion are already underway, with full construction expected to begin in 2026 and first concentrate production targeted for 2028.

“We’re proud to partner with Sandvik for this important contract,” said Xiancheng Wang, chairman of JCHX Mining Management Group. “Sandvik’s reputation for high-performance equipment and strong aftermarket support was key in our decision. This fleet will play a vital role in helping us deliver operational excellence and meet the ambitious production targets set for the Khoemacau site.”

JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. is a publicly listed company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, boasting nearly 30 years of global mining experience. The company employs more than 16,000 people worldwide, including 8,000 across Africa, and provides contract mining, engineering, and mine construction services across multiple continents.

TOMRA sorting technology stars in lithium project

Delivering results in lithium sorting. (Image source: TOMRA Mining)

A year after Pilbara Minerals commissioned the world’s largest lithium ore sorting plant in Australia, TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based sorting technology is delivering measurable value — with clear significance for the Africa market

The technology is now delivering measurable value at the Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia, contributing to the strongest quarterly production of FY25, significantly reduced costs and enhanced resource utilisation.

As investors get to grips with Africa’s strategic importance in critical minerals, including lithium, the search is on for effective, powerful solutions and innovations that can streamline and boost productivity.

Powered by TOMRA Mining’s advanced sensor-based sorting technology, the Pilgangoora Operation has achieved impressive results, boosting production, reducing costs and unlocking value from previously uneconomical ore.

In its June Quarter FY25 results, Pilbara Minerals reported a 77% increase in production volume and a 10% reduction in unit operating costs (FOB) compared to the previous quarter.

These gains stem from the ramp-up of the P1000 expansion and the integration of TOMRA Mining’s cutting-edge sorting technology.

“The June Quarter marked the strongest performance of the year, clearly demonstrating the impact that TOMRA’s technology can deliver at scale,” said Gavin Rech, area sales and technical manager Australia at TOMRA Mining.

“By unlocking value from lower-grade contact ore previously considered uneconomical, the operation now accesses more lithia units from the pit, enhancing resource utilisation and mine flexibility.”

Commissioned in August 2024 as part of the P680 Expansion Project, the crushing and sorting plant is the largest lithium ore sorting facility in the world, with a capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes per hour.

TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based technology enables early waste rejection, significantly improving lithium recovery and final product quality while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

The sorting plant successfully addresses a key challenge in lithium mining: managing spodumene ore within barren host rock.

It includes 10 high-precision TOMRA sorters – four TOMRA COM Tertiary XRT for fines, three TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 for mid-sized particles, and three TOMRA PRO Primary Color for coarse-sized particles.

By removing barren material upstream, the plant enhances the efficiency of downstream processes, reduces energy use by 8–15 GWh annually, and ensures consistent product quality.

This success is the result of several years of collaboration between TOMRA Mining, Pilbara Minerals and engineering partner DRA Global.

The project was delivered on time and on budget, following extensive testwork at TOMRA’s Sydney Test Centre that demonstrated the technology’s capability to deliver high lithium recovery and effective waste separation across varied ore domains.

This strategic choice also supports Pilbara Minerals’ long-term goals of cost optimisation and sustainable growth.

The ore sorting facility boosts Pilgangoora’s production capacity and lays the foundation for future expansions under the P2000 project.

As the lithium market evolves, the company is well-positioned to lead through innovation and resilience.

With the P1000 expansion now complete and the P2000 feasibility study underway, TOMRA Mining’s proven technology and industry-leading expertise continue to support Pilbara Minerals’ long-term strategy for scalable, cost-efficient and responsible lithium production.

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Côte d’Ivoire launches bold partnership to reform artisanal gold mining

World Bank and gold council back Côte d’Ivoire’s small-scale mining transformation

In a decisive move to tackle the challenges of illicit gold trade and formalise its artisanal mining sector, Côte d’Ivoire has partnered with the World Bank and the World Gold Council in a new initiative aimed at transforming small-scale gold mining into a safer, more transparent, and economically beneficial industry

The Multistakeholder Partnership for Sustainable and Responsible Small-Scale Mining (MSPI), launched today, brings together major players including Endeavor Mining, Perseus Mining, and the Chamber of Mines of Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative seeks to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners into a regulated, traceable gold supply chain.

“Côte d’Ivoire is leading the way in transforming artisanal and small-scale mining into a more professional, regulated sector,” said Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, minister of mines, petroleum, and energy of Côte d’Ivoire. He described the partnership as a “crucial step” toward making small-scale mining “safer, more transparent, and a driver of development, growth, and job creation.”

The reform comes in response to the sector’s longstanding issues with smuggling, environmental degradation, and weak regulation. In 2022 alone, the country lost an estimated 40 tons of gold—worth more than US$2bn at the time—due to illegal exports.

The MSPI initiative aims to address these challenges by improving mine sites, processing infrastructure, and legal market access for small-scale miners. It also outlines collaborative mechanisms between large-scale industrial operators and artisanal miners. These include training, assistance with adopting international environmental and social standards, and support in accessing legitimate trading channels.

“Artisanal mining holds enormous potential to add tremendous value to Côte d’Ivoire’s economy and to lift people out of poverty, but only if it is made safe, legal, and sustainable,” said Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, World Bank Division Director for Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo. “This is a truly innovative mechanism for bringing together large mining companies and small artisanal miners, providing opportunities for additional domestic resources to support development and create decent jobs for youth and women.”

The World Bank will assist the Ivorian government in aligning its practices with international gold production standards. Meanwhile, the World Gold Council will work with companies to establish model small-scale mines, improve supply chain infrastructure, and ensure traceability through partnerships with institutions like the London Bullion Market Association.

Terry Heymann, chief strategy officer of the World Gold Council, called the agreement “a groundbreaking and innovative approach” to responsible mining. “By fostering collaboration between industrial and artisanal miners, we can raise environmental and social standards, exclude illicit actors, and deliver shared benefits for governments, communities, miners, and the global gold market.”

Although Barrick Mining Corporation has contributed to the initiative’s development through its Tongon mine, it is not currently a participant due to ongoing sale negotiations. However, Barrick has stated it will encourage the new owner to engage with the partnership.

As countries across West Africa continue to navigate the complexities of artisanal mining, Côte d’Ivoire’s MSPI could serve as a regional blueprint for integrating informal mining into the formal economy while supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands.

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