As part of the 2025 investment programme, a new pumping unit was installed at Pershotravnevyi open pit of Northern Iron Ore. Its operation over nine months has already demonstrated a significant economic effect through energy savings.
In open-pit iron ore mining operations, pumping equipment is used to drain groundwater from the pit bottom, thereby preventing flooding, stabilising slope walls, and ensuring safe extraction. At the lowest point of Pershotravnevyi open pit, there is a pumping station whose equipment performs these functions.
Last year, due to operational needs associated with deepening the pit to a lower level, there arose a need to replace the pumping equipment with higher-capacity units. At that time, a CNS 300-560 pump was in operation at the station. According to its technical specifications, its capacity amounted to 300 m³ of water pumped per hour, providing a head sufficient to lift the water to a height of 560 m, with subsequent transfer to the technical water supply and slurry handling workshops.
To increase the technical capacity of the dewatering system at the lower ore-bearing levels, an investment project was approved for the acquisition of a new, higher-capacity pump. In the autumn of last year, an NSSh 315-630 unit was commissioned. Employees of the pit dewatering section took an active part in the dismantling and installation works.
The performance of the new pump is higher due to the increased throughput, reaching up to 315 m³ of water per hour. It is capable of pumping water to the upper horizons with a head of up to 630 m. At the same time, the energy consumption of the new equipment is equal to that of the previous unit. Both units are fitted with 800 kW motors.
"Last year, the company invested UAH 3.5 mln in the modernisation of Pershotravnevyi open pit pumping equipment. Current energy-saving calculations indicate that, over a full year of operation, the NSSh 315-630 pump will generate an economic benefit sufficient to fully pay off the capital investment and will thereafter deliver net gains for the plant,” said Maksym DANYLOV, Head of Pershotravnevyi open pit at Northern Iron Ore.
