This mine is one of Australia’s largest gold mining operations. In the 2023 fiscal year, it produced 597 Koz of gold and has future ore reserves of 17 Moz of gold and 3.6 Mt of copper. The operation is located near the rural town of Orange in Central New South Wales, Australia.
How the Goodwin ANZE 200mm submersible slurry pump increased running reliability during gold processing at a mine in New South Wales, Australia
One of Australia’s largest gold mining operations, located near the rural town of Orange in Central New South Wales, has been a major producer of gold and copper. In the 2023 fiscal year, the mine produced 597 Koz of gold, with future ore reserves of 17 Moz of gold and 3.6 Mt of copper. However, challenges in sump management within the comminution process were affecting operational efficiency and reliability.
To address these concerns, the mine’s engineering team collaborated with Goodwin Australia to replace their existing 110kW cantilever sump pump, which had been struggling to cope with the demanding application. The solution was the deployment of two Goodwin ANZE 200mm submersible slurry pumps, configured in a duty standby system, to handle the trommel underflow and prevent flooding from heavy rainfall events. This article highlights the benefits of the 200ANZE model for mine site managers overseeing gold processing operations.
Challenges in the Existing Pumping System
The gold processing mine had been experiencing serious issues with their 110kW cantilever sump pump, which had been originally specified in the comminution circuit design.
The problems included:
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Frequent sump overflows, interrupting operations and causing delays.
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Flooding risks due to excessive rainwater inflow.
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Unreliable pump performance, as the cantilever pump would often become fully submerged during heavy rain events.
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High maintenance costs, as frequent breakdowns required constant spare parts inventory and repairs.
These issues prompted the mine to seek a more robust and efficient pumping solution that could handle the extreme operating conditions of the gold processing environment.
Goodwin’s Tailored Solution: The 200ANZE Submersible Slurry Pump
After reviewing the site’s engineering change drawings, sump modifications, and piping data, Goodwin conducted pump curve simulations to determine the best solution. The Goodwin 200ANZE 200mm, 112kW heavy-duty slurry pump was selected for its ability to withstand high-density slurries and extreme abrasion conditions.
The mine proceeded with the installation of two 200ANZE pumps in a duty standby configuration, ensuring continuous operation and redundancy. Goodwin’s team provided on-site assistance during the installation and commissioning process, ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.
The Performance and Benefits of the 200ANZE Pump
Following the commissioning of the Goodwin 200ANZE pumps, the mine observed several key benefits, greatly improving operational efficiency and reliability.
1. Superior Reliability and Reduced Downtime
Unlike the previous cantilever pump, which frequently failed, the Goodwin 200ANZE submersible slurry pump has operated continuously without failure. This has led to a drastic reduction in downtime, allowing for uninterrupted processing and increased throughput.
2. Increased Sump Capacity and Flood Prevention
By enlarging the sump and installing two Goodwin pumps, the mine has successfully prevented sump overflows and flooding events. This has ensured smooth operations, even during heavy rainfall.
3. Significant Cost Savings on Maintenance and Spare Parts
The Goodwin 200ANZE pumps are engineered with high-durability wet-end components, significantly reducing wear and tear. After an initial 3,000 hours of operation, a wet-end strip-down inspection revealed only <30% uniform wear, eliminating the need for spare parts replacement. This translates to substantial cost savings for the mine.
4. Extended Wear Life and High Efficiency
Given the fine slurry and gravel abrasion in the sump, Goodwin pumps exhibited excellent wear resistance. Based on the initial inspection, a 6,000-hour wet-end life expectancy was set for future maintenance planning, allowing for optimized scheduling and reduced downtime.
5. On-Site Training and Technical Support
Goodwin’s personnel provided on-site assistance during both the installation phase and maintenance inspections, offering hands-on training to the mine’s team. This ensured that maintenance staff were well-equipped to handle routine servicing and inspections.
"Two 200ANZE pumps were installed and commissioned together with the on-site assistance provided by Goodwin."
Encouraged by the performance and reliability of the 200ANZE pumps, the mine is now considering installing additional Goodwin submersible pumps in other critical sumps across the plant. The success of this project has positioned Goodwin Submersible Pumps Australia as a trusted partner in the gold processing industry.
A Smart Investment for Gold Mine Processing
For the mine site managers responsible for ensuring efficient gold processing operations, investing in a Goodwin 200ANZE submersible slurry pump provides a proven, cost-effective solution. The superior wear resistance, reduced downtime, and increased sump reliability of the 200ANZE pump make it an essential asset for handling high-density, abrasive gold slurry applications.
By implementing Goodwin’s heavy-duty pumping solutions, mining operations can achieve:
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Greater efficiency in sump management.
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Significant cost reductions in spare parts and maintenance.
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Extended operational lifespan of critical pumping equipment.
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Improved compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
With future expansion plans in place, the Goodwin 200ANZE continues to demonstrate its value and performance in one of Australia’s largest gold processing operations.
