South Africa’s leading pump manufacturer and supplier, KSB Pumps and Valves (Pty) Ltd, is making significant inroads into African markets where exploding mining activities are feeding an ever-growing demand for fluid handling solutions.
With new operations constantly being undertaken in remote locations, mining firms are seeking reliable equipment which is fully supported by reputable companies.
Speaking of the growing KSB installed-base throughout the continent, KSB product Manager for slurry pumps, Mohamed Trabelsi, says the availability of a comprehensive range of slurry, process, and water pumps as well as valves has allowed mines to standardize on their products and enjoy a single-source of equipment, spares, and service.
The company has invested R-millions to meet growing demands with the formation of a dedicated mining division, manufacturing plant expansions and increased stock holding to meet customer requirements.
“Mining in Africa is huge at the moment with vast potential for growth particularly in Central and West Africa. We are selling more equipment across our borders than ever before and have grown our product range to meet all slurry and water pumping requirements of our clients,” he disclosed.

KSB also like to add value by sharing their slurry pumping knowledge with our customers.
“We offer a comprehensive choice of training courses which teach proven methods to maximize performance and efficiency using KSB slurry pumping products,” adds Mohamed.
These efforts have contributed towards a growing KSB pump population in Africa. Mines such as Vale in Mozambique, Geita Gold in Tanzania, Marampa in Sierra Leone and Bissa Mine in Burkina Faso, to name just a few, have shown their satisfaction with our US designed and locally manufactured slurry products,” explains Mohamed.
A new mill discharge pump at Bissa goldmine in Burkina Faso is good example of how African mines are making use of world-leading technology to improve production efficiency.
The energy efficient extra-heavy discharge MDX pump is the first new generation pump of its type on the continent and allows lower lifecycle costs as a result of reduced wear rate, its low-maintenance design, as well as improved performance and low-energy requirements.
In addition, the mine uses KSB pumps throughout the rest of the process in order to standardize on parts, training and service requirements.
Geita Gold in Tanzania also makes use of a full KSB solution. All pumps on the mine from slurry, water and waste, to chemical are supplied and serviced by KSB through its local dealership.
Further South, Vale coal mine in Mozambique is especially interesting, as water for the mine is obtained from a dedicated borehole and pumped via a 22km long high pressure pipeline. This is done using the company’s large diameter UPA Borehole pumps and MTC Multistage pumps which allow water to be brought to the mine for operational purposes.
Reliability and uptime in this instance is critical, as without a constant supply, the mine will be forced to stop operating. In addition, KSB offers a comprehensive slurry package to the mine, which also includes 14 of the newly launched LCV slurry vertical spindle pump.
“These are just some examples of mines making use of our products. It highlights the importance that mines place on being able to deal with an African manufacturer that has sufficient infrastructure to support their installed pumps and to provide training to mine technicians on the correct operation and maintenance of their pumps,” Mohamed details.
The reason for KSB’s successful expansion in Africa is a direct result of their understanding of African conditions and the ability to meet requirements for world-class, certified products that are cost effective and well supported.
“Despite the rural nature of many of our customers across Africa, we ensure that they are able to uphold high levels of productivity thanks to our reliable and well supported fluid transfer solutions,” Mohamed concludes.
KSB has an established presence on the continent with a local manufacturing operation that is able to design and build pumps that are suited to Africa’s harsh operating conditions.