Weir, a global provider of mining technology and engineering solutions, has completed the installation of China’s largest mill circuit slurry pump at a copper mining operation located in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The project involved the supply and commissioning of six WARMAN® MCR® 650 pumps and two WARMAN® MCR® 750 pumps, designed to support high-capacity mineral processing operations.
The installation site sits at an altitude of approximately 5,300 metres above sea level, presenting challenging operating conditions for both equipment and personnel. Low oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, and difficult terrain created a demanding environment for the installation process.
Despite these conditions, Weir’s service and engineering teams successfully completed the project according to schedule. The work involved the precise lifting, positioning, and alignment of multiple large-scale slurry pumps, along with the integration of associated pipeline connections. The installation required careful planning and specialised procedures to ensure safety and operational reliability in the high-altitude setting.
Angela Wang, Managing Director for Weir in China, described the project as a significant milestone for the company’s operations in the region. She noted that delivering and installing the largest slurry pumps currently operating in China represents a major engineering accomplishment, particularly given the environmental challenges associated with the remote high-altitude location.
She added that the Chinese slurry pump market is highly competitive, with numerous local manufacturers offering equipment for mining operations. However, Wang emphasised that long-term operational reliability and proven performance remain critical considerations for mining companies. She pointed to Weir’s extensive installed base, advanced manufacturing and testing facilities, and global service network as factors that continue to position the company as a preferred partner for large-scale mining projects in China.
Elias Aho, Pump Optimisation Director at Weir, highlighted the growing importance of large-capacity mill pumps in modern mining operations. As ore grades decline and production demands increase, processing plants are required to handle larger volumes of slurry, making high-capacity pumping solutions essential for maintaining throughput and operational efficiency.
Mr Aho noted that the WARMAN® MCR® 750 pumps installed at the site represent some of the highest-capacity mill pumps currently available in the industry. The installation marks an important step in expanding the use of these advanced pumping systems within the Chinese mining sector. He also explained that projects at extreme altitudes present unique engineering and logistical challenges.
However, Weir’s global engineering expertise and decades of experience in supporting complex mining operations enable the company to deliver reliable solutions even in demanding environments. The successful completion of the project demonstrates the capability of large-scale slurry pump technology to support high-performance mineral processing operations in some of the world’s most challenging mining locations.
