Location
Finland
Industry
Mining
The gold mine chose Minto for four key reasons:
• Heavy-duty, robust, and abrasionresistant pumps at competitive prices.
• A complete range covering power output, head, flow, solids passage, impeller types, and discharge positions.
• Full control of the supply chain, ensuring short lead times and minimal downtime.
• Local presence and weekly site visits by a dedicated distributor offering technical support.
Mining is one of the most demanding sectors when it comes to equipment durability and reliability. Underground and surface operations expose pumps to abrasive slurries, high solids content, and extreme working conditions. Downtime is costly, and every component must perform under pressure.
Vaikon proposed its own range of Minto heavy-duty submersible pumps as a more suitable alternative.
Challenge
A global gold mining company based in Finland with operations across three continents was looking to optimize its underground and above-ground dewatering pump operations.
The goal was to level or improve pump build quality and lifetime while reducing operational expenditure (OPEX) and, more importantly, capital expenditure (CAPEX).
After a thorough pump and application assessment by Vaikon’s local Finnish distributor, it was found that Grindex pumps with hard iron wet end parts and stainless steel or aluminium casings were being used. These pumps, while functional, did not meet the durability and cost-efficiency targets required for such demanding applications.
Solution
Vaikon proposed its own range of Minto heavy-duty submersible pumps as a more suitable alternative. The Minto range is divided into four subcategories.
Spyro
Submersible pumps with high-chrome wear parts, and integrated agitators for highly solid-laden fluids such as sludge, sediment, and mud.
Vektor
High-capacity and high-head pumps designed for construction sites, pits, and demanding drainage jobs.
Raptor
Compact and portable pumps for quick water removal in utility spaces, job sites
and domestic use.
Gyrox
Reliable wastewater pumps built to handle solids, fibrous waste, and challenging
sewage flows.
The complete Minto range ensures there is always a pump fit for the job, regardless of the slurry’s abrasiveness or the task’s complexity
Result
After extensive testing, the gold mine decided to phase out 350 Grindex pumps and fully transition to Minto submersibles.
The results were clear:
• Lower OPEX and CAPEX due to fewer spare parts and new pumps needed.
• Reduced downtime and maintenance requirements.
• Shorter lead times thanks to local stock and supply chain control.
• Improved pump lifetime and reliability.
• Dedicated local support for implementation and ongoing service.
• Vaikon’s integrated approach, from selection to commissioning, delivered a robust, cost-effective solution that ensures process continuity in one of the world’s most demanding industries.
Vaikon’s solution didn’t just fix the problem, it improved the entire process. Reliable, efficient and built to last.