Cornish Metals Inc has installed the second submersible pump to dewater the mine at the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall.
COMMISSIONING
The pumps, in New Cooks Kitchen shaft, are for stage I of the two-stage mine dewatering programme.
The specialist high-head 950 kW vertical submersible pumps manufactured by KSB in Germany are controlled by variable speed drives which have started two-week commissioning.
Located immediately below the 195 fathom level (360m below surface), the pumps will maintain the 25,000 cubic metres per day pumping rate to the mine water treatment plant as the water level drops and the pumping head increases.
Once the variable speed drives are commissioned, the mine water treatment plant will be commissioned during August.
Dewatering of the mine is expected to begin before the end of the Summer.
The Canadian company has also signed a 15-month contract with NPower for 100% renewable generated power for the operations.
PRODUCTION
“These are all significant milestones for the project as we advance South Crofty towards a production decision,” said chief executive officer Richard Williams.
“The team at site has done an excellent job installing the second pump ahead of the estimated timeframe.
“Also, securing a 100% renewable power contract was important as we demonstrate our commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gases from the project as much as possible.”