As one of Papua New Guinea's most vital industries, the mining sector relies on infrastructure that minimises downtime and maximises productivity. Water management—often overlooked in mining discussions—is critical to both safety and profitability.
Truflo Pumps, an Australian-owned and operated company, has maintained a longstanding relationship with PNG, providing dewatering solutions to open-cut and underground mines for over 15 years. Its deep understanding of the region’s unique challenges has made it a trusted partner for some of the country’s largest mining operations.
The PNG Challenge
Water management at mine sites in PNG poses a number of challenges.
“Many of the mine sites are quite inaccessible, the terrain is difficult, and there’s a lot of water—especially in the highlands where it rains most days,” says Paul Power, Truflo Pumps’ International Business Development Manager. “And the water that needs to be moved is often quite dirty and harsh.”
These are not conditions where off-the-shelf solutions suffice. Equipment must be robust, reliable, and specifically engineered for the job at hand.
Purpose-Built Solutions
“That’s where Truflo Pumps excel,” Paul explains. “Our range of wet ends and pump sets are designed to handle the toughest conditions in the world. We have off-the-shelf models available, but we specialise in the design and manufacture of purpose-built pumps. Our in-house design engineers look at all of the variables and design a solution that will do all that you want it to—and more.”
A prime example is the underground dewatering system Truflo designed for Ok Tedi. The pumps needed to move 800 litres per second, with a capability of up to 1,200 litres per second. This provided safe access for vehicles and ensured a secure working environment for underground crews.
Truflo Pumps didn’t just design and supply the system—they also commissioned it and trained operators on-site.
“We often fly team members from Australia to sites in PNG to provide support and training,” Paul says. “It’s part of our commitment to providing the best service and solutions possible.”
Smart Technology, Real Results
Beyond hardware, Truflo Pumps’ technological innovations have transformed dewatering efficiencies across the world’s mining sectors. The AquaBoss Asset Protection Controller, developed over three years in collaboration with pump crews, hydraulic engineers, maintenance teams, and Truflo’s R&D department, has set new benchmarks for dewatering management in the industry.
AquaBoss features a user-friendly interface that allows operators—without needing years of experience—to run pumps safely within recommended parameters. Using a simple traffic light system, real-time monitoring, and automated curve optimisation, the controller protects both the pump’s wet end and engine, reducing wear, tear, and downtime. The controller can also be easily retrofitted to existing Truflo pump sets.
For mining operations, this translates directly to the bottom line—longer equipment life, less downtime, and substantial cost savings.
A Partnership Built on Understanding
What sets Truflo Pumps apart isn’t just engineering expertise—it’s understanding. With more than 35 years of experience in mine dewatering and a long history of supplying solutions to PNG, Truflo knows the terrain, climate, logistics, and pressures that mining operators face.
The company has invested heavily in relationships, training, and ongoing support, recognising that even the most advanced equipment is only as effective as the team operating it.
In a sector where downtime is measured in lost millions, that commitment to partnership and performance makes all the difference.
