Sykes Group Delivers Innovative Dewatering Solution at Gold Fields Ghana
Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL) is a leader in the gold mining sector. The company took over operations of the Tarkwa mine in Ghana in 1993 and in that time Sykes Group and GFGL have developed a strong partnership. The collaboration has been crucial in ensuring the effective and sustainable removal of millions of litres of water from mine pits and has enabled mining activities to operate uninterrupted.
As mining operations at the Tarkwa mine expanded to deeper levels, with current projections requiring dewatering capabilities at a static head of 240 metres and a flow rate of 175 litres per second, GFGL faced a significant challenge. The expansion into deeper pits rendered conventional skid-mounted units impractical due to the lack of a safe installation point. This demanded an innovative and efficient solution.
Creating a Tailored Dewatering Solution
GFGL approached Sykes Group, which resulted in the deployment of the dual XH200 x 375kw series, fitted on a pontoon. This pump not only met the operational requirements but also aligned with GFGL’s requests for an electric-driven pump. The pontoon-mounted setup allows the pump to be safely positioned within the operational area as needed, ensuring efficient and secure dewatering.
The dual XH200 series, operating at a maximum speed of 1470 rpm and capable of achieving a maximum flow rate of 175 litres per second at 300m, is perfectly equipped to handle the expected variations in head and flow during the life of the operations in the pit. This adaptability ensures that the mine’s dewatering needs are consistently met, regardless of the changing conditions.
The successful implementation of the dual XH200 unit has been a testament to the Sykes Group’s commitment to innovative, customer-focused solutions. Recognising the effectiveness of the setup, GFGL has now ordered a second dual XH200 unit, further solidifying their trust in Sykes Group’s capabilities.
Much of the success of this project can be accredited to the close collaboration of Sykes Group’s engineers and Gold Fields’ dewatering and maintenance team. It was paramount that everyone understood the challenges and worked towards a tailored solution. The results delivered immediate success but also offered long-term benefits in terms of wear life, reduced downtime and cost savings.
To find out more about the dual XH200 or to enquire about a tailored dewatering solution, contact the team at Sykes Group. For more than 50 years, Sykes Group has been engineering pumps to solve water management issues worldwide. All our pumps are designed and built by us and can be customised to your exact specifications.
