Stockton Mine, New Zealand’s largest opencast operation, sits in one of the country’s highest rainfall zones, with over five metres of rain each year. Managing this water is a constant engineering requirement: without reliable dewatering, pit access, production schedules, and environmental compliance are all at risk. This case study outlines the pumping systems applied at Stockton, the operational conditions they address, and the performance outcomes achieved in day-to-day mining operations.
Located in the Buller Coalfield on New Zealand's West Coast, Stockton Mine is the country's largest opencast mining operation. The region receives 5-6 metres of rainfall annually, creating serious water management challenges.
The Client: Bathurst Resources
Stockton Mine's vast open pits collect massive volumes of water during the West Coast's intense rainfall events. Without proper water removal, the mine would breach environmental compliance requirements and lose its operating licence.
The operation requires pumping systems capable of rapidly removing water from deep mining pits during extreme weather events. These pumps must move large volumes to designated treatment and containment areas while operating reliably in harsh mining conditions.
We supplied Grindex submersible pumps to handle Stockton Mine's demanding water management requirements. The installation includes a Grindex Maxi submersible pump for handling low-density solids and a Grindex Senior pump, both strategically positioned to manage water removal from the mine's sumps.
The Grindex pump range offers the durability required for mining applications. Their advanced engineering includes run-dry technology, built-in thermal protection, and modular construction for efficient maintenance. This design proves particularly valuable in mining environments where equipment faces constant operational demands.
The pump systems have operated successfully for several years, providing the reliable water management Stockton Mine requires to maintain environmental compliance. The pumps have demonstrated their durability in the challenging mining environment, with straightforward installation and operation procedures.
Our local presence ensures quick turnaround times when maintenance is required. We also provide hire pumps as backup solutions, ensuring operations can continue during equipment maintenance. This comprehensive service approach gives mine operators confidence in their water management systems.
The project demonstrates how reliable pumping solutions enable large-scale mining operations to manage extreme rainfall while maintaining environmental compliance. For Stockton Mine, this water management capability directly supports their continued operations.
To discuss solutions for your operation, get in touch with our team.