In the latest episode of a continuous struggle against nature and machinery, gold miner Tony Beets encountered a significant setback when a crucial water pump, which had been in operation for over 30 years, suddenly failed. This breakdown halted operations at his gold mining plant, putting urgent pressure on Beets and his team to act swiftly as the winter season looms.
The failed pump, essential for supplying water to sluice gold, lost all its pressure, leading to a critical reduction in the plant’s operational capabilities. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Tony Beets decided it was time to retire the old and bring in the new—a robust 12-cylinder marine engine-powered pump capable of delivering 250 psi and pumping an additional 2,000 gallons of water per minute.
The installation of this new powerhouse was not straightforward. It required precise modifications to the existing setup. Beets and his team embarked on a meticulous process involving cutting, welding, and realigning steel beams to ensure the new pump fit perfectly in the designated space. These adjustments were critical in accommodating the new unit’s size and power, highlighting the ingenuity and resilience often required in remote mining operations.
The operational downtime caused by the pump failure translated into lost mining days—each day without water means a significant loss in potential gold yield. The urgency of the situation was palpable as the team worked tirelessly to get the new pump up and running. This scenario underscores the importance of preparedness in such an unpredictable industry, where having spare parts on hand can mean the difference between a minor setback and a major operational shutdown.
