THE ARANZU SOLUTION:

Aranzu developed a complete packaged supply solution focused on reliability, constructability, and successful installation in a challenging operational environment.

Leveraging extensive mining and mineral processing experience, Aranzu reviewed and refined the detailed design package to ensure compatibility between engineering intent and real-world fabrication capabilities. Where gaps existed between design and manufacturability, Aranzu provided practical engineering input and field-proven solutions to ensure the final deliverables remained robust, functional, and fit for purpose.

The Project Scope Included

• Global sourcing and procurement of specialised equipment and components
• Coordination of multiple local and international suppliers
• Fabrication management and quality verification
• Packaging design suitable for extreme transport conditions into Central Africa
• Site verification inspections prior to manufacturing commencement
• Interface checks against existing infrastructure
• Spare parts and operational spillage allowances
• Supply of underground-suitable installation tooling
• Consolidation into a single coordinated shipment
• Planned on-site supervision during installation

Aranzu understands that mine sites are dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly between design completion and construction execution. To mitigate this risk, Aranzu conducted site and fabrication verification activities to confirm that all interfacing infrastructure remained aligned with the design intent prior to manufacturing.

Aranzu also incorporated appropriate third-party quality verification processes throughout the project. This included non-destructive testing (NDT) of all load-bearing structures and critical fabricated components, performed in accordance with applicable ASME standards and project quality requirements. By integrating independent verification into the supply process, Aranzu provided additional assurance that all structural and mechanical components met the required safety, quality, and operational standards prior to shipment and installation.

This proactive approach significantly reduced installation risk and ensured the supplied package remained compatible with actual site conditions.

The packaging and logistics strategy formed a critical part of the project. With equipment required to travel over long distances on unforgiving roads into remote Central African operations, packaging integrity and load planning were treated as key engineering deliverables rather than an afterthought.

Every item was packaged, protected, and consolidated with the realities of remote mining logistics in mind.

THE BENEFITS:

Reduced Project Risk
Aranzu’s practical mining and fabrication experience ensured that engineering designs translated successfully into manufacturable, installable solutions.

Single-Source Coordination
The client benefited from a single point of responsibility across sourcing, fabrication, verification, packaging, and shipment coordination.

Improved Installation Confidence
Through site verification, fabrication oversight, and interface management, Aranzu provided certainty that supplied components would fit correctly during installation.

Remote Logistics Expertise
The entire package was prepared specifically for transport into challenging Central African mining environments, reducing the risk of damage, delays, and missing components.

Operational Continuity
Adequate spare parts, operational allowances, and installation considerations were incorporated to support rapid commissioning and minimise plant downtime.

Plant upgrades will always present challenges — particularly in remote mining operations where downtime, logistics, and installation risks carry significant operational consequences.

Aranzu has developed its approach through years of hands-on experience across mining and mineral processing projects throughout Africa. We understand where projects typically fail, where compromises can safely be made, and where they cannot.

By combining engineering understanding, fabrication knowledge, operational experience, and practical supply chain coordination, Aranzu delivers packaged solutions that bring confidence to complex upgrade projects.
Your mine. Our time. Problems solved.

When Fritz van Stittert, Aranzu’s Managing Director, recently travelled through Tanzania visiting mine sites with regional partner Cope Investment, the trip became about far more than equipment and process discussions. It became a firsthand look into the realities of operating mines in remote African environments, and the importance of having trusted local partnerships and reliable supply solutions.

From long gravel roads winding through lush countryside to conversations with mine personnel facing real operational pressures, the journey reinforced one key truth: mining operations need responsive partners who understand both the technical challenges and the realities on the ground.

Where Aranzu Adds Value

This is exactly where Aranzu positions itself differently.

Rather than simply supplying equipment, Aranzu focuses on helping mines solve operational problems quickly and efficiently. The Tanzanian visits reinforced how valuable fast turnaround times and dependable supply chains are for mining operations working under pressure.

Whether it’s sourcing process plant equipment, laboratory solutions, sampling systems, valves, or supporting infrastructure, Aranzu’s goal is to minimise downtime by delivering practical solutions with shorter lead times.

For many mines, that responsiveness can make the difference between maintaining production continuity and facing costly operational disruptions.

THE CHALLENGE:

• High moisture content in ore leading to poor flow and blockages
• Inefficient dewatering causing slurry build-up in feed systems
• Frequent wear and failure of conventional gate valves
• Difficult access for maintenance, increasing downtime
• Harsh operating conditions accelerating equipment degradation
• Safety risks during cleaning and manual intervention

THE ARANZU SOLUTION:

Aranzu has developed a purpose-built solution specifically for these harsh mining conditions, the Horizontal Dewatering Slide Gate, installed beneath the ROM SAG mill feed hopper conveyor. This advanced slide gate is engineered to improve dewatering efficiency, reduce maintenance, and increase system reliability.

WHAT THE ARANZU SOLUTUON OFFERS:

• Efficient Dewatering: Integrated sump design allows effective drainage of excess water before material transfer.
• Improved Flow Control: Robust slide gate ensures consistent material discharge.
• Self-Cleaning Capability: Internal spray bar system reduces build-up and blockages.
• Enhanced Maintenance Access: Top-mounted inspection hatches simplify servicing.

WHY IS ARANZU UNIQUELY PLACED:

• Expertise in mining-specific materials handling solutions
• Use of Aranzu proprietary wear-resistant materials for extended lifespan
• Focus on modular, maintainable designs tailored for African mining conditions
• Proven understanding of ROM handling challenges in gold mining environments

THE BENEFITS:

The implementation of the Aranzu Horizontal Dewatering Slide Gate delivers measurable operational improvements such as:

• Reduced Downtime: Fully welded construction minimises failure points.
• Extended Equipment Life: Wear-resistant materials outperform conventional steel designs.
• Improved Throughput: Efficient dewatering reduces blockages and ensures consistent feed.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Easy access and self-cleaning features reduce manual intervention.
• Enhanced Safety: Less need for manual cleaning in hazardous areas.

WHY ARANZU IS THE PERFECT PARTNER IN AFRICA:

• Deep understanding of African mining environments and challenges
• Proven track record in delivering robust, high-performance equipment
• Commitment to innovation and continuous product improvement
• Focus on reducing total cost of ownership for clients
• Strong engineering support and on-the-ground expertise

THE PROBLEM:
Compacted Slimes That Pumps Can’t Move.

Mine water circuits rely on steady reclaim and predictable flow. But sedimentation ponds, storage dams, and process-water basins all suffer from the same issue:

• Solids settle and compact forming dense, immobile layers
  These materials often resist suction, even with high-capacity pumps.
• Pumps choke, cavitate, or run dry
  When solids aren’t mobilised, reclaim efficiency collapses.
• Buildup reduces dam capacity and system performance
  Meaning more frequent dam interventions and higher associated costs.
• Traditional dredging is expensive, disruptive, and risky

Mechanical equipment, divers, or manual clearing poses additional safety challenges.

Operations need a way to continuously mobilise solids, not only when the dam becomes a problem.

THE ARANZU SOLUTION:
Jet-Pump Fluidizer Technology

The Aranzu Fluidizer is a venturi-based jet pump that uses pressurised motive water to break up compacted solids at the dam floor and pull them into slurry suction lines.
It turns settled mud back into pumpable slurry — automatically and continuously.

By injecting high-velocity water through a precision-engineered nozzle, the unit creates intense local turbulence. This:

• breaks up compacted layers,
• lifts solids from the dam floor, and
• keeps them suspended long enough for pumps to transfer them out of the system.

The system can be installed as:

• a single point for focused agitation, or
• a multi-point array for broad coverage in large dams — all linked to an isolation manifold for easy control.

Whether fixed in place or moved as needed, the Aranzu Fluidizer integrates seamlessly with existing pump systems.

WHY IT WORKS SO WELL:

1. Jet-Induced Suction = Reliable Solids Mobilisation
   The venturi effect creates a powerful suction zone that continuously pulls mobilised solids towards the pump inlet.
2. Turbulence Breaks Down Even Hard-Compacted Slimes
   The spray-bar or nozzle assembly generates enough agitation to disrupt settled layers — solving the core problem pumps alone cannot.
3. Modular, Scalable Design
   Units can be deployed wherever solids accumulate, including irregular dam layouts or underground basins.
4. Built to Withstand Harsh Mining Conditions
   All hoses, fittings, and wetted surfaces are made from abrasion- and corrosion-resistant materials chosen for each site’s chemistry and slurry profile.
5. Works With Existing Infrastructure
   The system integrates easily with current reclaim pipelines, pump configurations, and water circuits.

THE BENEFITS:
Cleaner Dams, Fewer Shutdowns, Lower Costs

Aranzu’s fluidization technology delivers measurable operational advantages:

• Continuous or on-demand de-sludging
  No more waiting until the dam becomes a crisis.
• Reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs
  Keeping solids mobilised protects pumps, valves, and screens from overloading or blockage.
• Improved dam capacity and reclaim efficiency
  More of your water becomes usable again without costly dredging campaigns.
• Safer, simpler operations
  No need for divers, heavy mechanical dredgers, or invasive excavation.
• Tailored to your site’s slurry conditions
  Every Aranzu Fluidizer system is engineered for the dam geometry, water chemistry, density, and duty cycle.
• Future-ready integration
  Compatible with manual or automated controls, manifolds, and smart monitoring if required.

CONCLUSION:
A Modern Way to Manage an Old Mining Problem

Compacted slimes will always settle in process-water dams, but with the Aranzu Fluidizer, they no longer have to disrupt operations, reduce capacity, or force costly interventions.

By turning settled solids back into pumpable slurry through controlled jet-induced mixing, Aranzu delivers a high-efficiency, low-maintenance, and scalable solution that keeps dams clean and reclaim lines running smoothly.

CASE STUDY: Knife gate valve seal rings

THE PROBLEM:
One of our mining clients was facing a recurring and costly issue with their knife gate valves operating in a highly abrasive slurry environment. The standard seal rings within these valves were wearing out prematurely due to the coarse nature of the slurry. This rapid wear not only led to frequent seal replacements but also caused damage to the valve body itself—forcing the client to replace entire valve assemblies on a regular basis. The downtime, replacement costs, and operational disruptions were becoming unsustainable.

THE ARANZU PROCESS:
At Aranzu, we believe that even proven technologies can be reimagined to better serve demanding applications. After a detailed review of the operating conditions and valve design, our team evaluated the root causes of the failures and explored opportunities to improve the lifespan and protection of critical valve components.

Rather than suggesting a complete redesign, we focused on upgrading a key element—the seal ring—using advanced materials and better sealing technology to address the heart of the problem.

THE ARANZU SOLUTION:
We developed a custom seal ring solution designed to retrofit directly into the client's existing knife gate valves—eliminating the need for expensive valve replacements. These new seal rings are manufactured from Aranzu’s proprietary cast wear-resistant alloy, specifically engineered to endure aggressive slurry conditions.

To further enhance performance, we integrated a cast polyurethane face seal into the ring. This embedded sealing surface ensures a tight closure while shielding the polyurethane from direct wear, significantly extending its service life.
The result? A longer-lasting seal ring that:

• Protects the valve body from abrasive damage
• Reduces overall valve replacement frequency
• Minimises downtime and maintenance costs
• Offers a drop-in solution compatible with a wide range of knife gate valves

Even the best industrial components can benefit from targeted innovation. Aranzu’s upgraded seal ring design proves that with the right material, science and engineering approach, persistent problems can become long-term solutions.

If you're operating in harsh slurry environments and facing similar issues, our team is ready to help.

Know Your Fill. Plan with Confidence.

Introducing the Aranzu Backfill Monitoring System

In underground mining, backfill strength isn’t just important, it’s critical. Yet, without reliable in-situ data, operators are often forced to take a conservative approach, extending curing times and delaying production in key areas.

At Aranzu, we’re changing that.

Our Backfill Monitoring System provides real-time, high-resolution data on stope fill conditions, delivering the insights needed to make faster, safer, and more informed decisions underground.

Smart Monitoring. Optimised Mining Cycles.

Integrated instrumentation

Using a combination of 1 MPa Total Earth Pressure Cells and 350 kPa Vibrating Wire Piezometers, our system continuously tracks pressure and pore water pressure conditions in freshly poured backfill. Optional temperature sensing is also available, standard with every pressure cell.

Reliable data capture

All signals are routed to a 16-channel data logger housed in an IP65-rated enclosure. From there, data can be exported via USB, PC, or Ethernet connection, or streamed directly to a live server for online monitoring and remote access.

Easy setup, fault-free connections

Pre-terminated pigtails simplify installation, eliminating wiring errors and speeding up deployment in time-critical underground environments.

Reusable panel, disposable sensors

Sensors are single-use per stope and remain embedded once cured. However, the control panel is fully reusable, allowing rapid redeployment to the next location with a fresh sensor set.

Why It Matters

Without accurate backfill data, mine planners often default to conservative strength assumptions, resulting in longer delays before re-entry and unnecessary production hold-ups. The Aranzu system enables you to:

• Optimise curing times with confidence
• Increase backfill area turnaround
• Reduce downtime between stopes
• Enhance overall mine efficiency

Precision Matters. Productivity Follows.

The Aranzu Backfill Monitoring System brings clarity to your fill operations—so you can mine smarter, safer, and faster.

Learn more here or contact us for further information here

Real-Time Flow Data. Anywhere You Need It.

Introducing the Aranzu Mobile Battery Powered Flow Meter Skid

In dynamic mining environments, flexibility is critical, especially when monitoring slurry or water flow to changing stopes or temporary lines. Traditional flow meters, tied to fixed infrastructure and wired power, simply can’t keep up.

That’s why Aranzu has developed the Battery Powered Flow Meter Skid - a fully mobile, self-contained solution for accurate flow measurement in remote or transient applications.

Key Benefits:

True mobility

No wiring. No permanent installation. This rugged skid-mounted unit can be easily deployed to wherever it's needed; from backfill filling stopes to temporary slurry lines, enabling flexible flow monitoring as site needs shift.

Battery-powered convenience

Powered by a high-capacity battery system, the skid operates autonomously in off-grid locations. No external power supply required.

Remote monitoring built in

With Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity, you get real-time access to flow data—anywhere. Monitor and record usage remotely, integrate with existing systems, and share data across departments with ease.

Scalable, versatile and reliable

Whether you're measuring small or large flows, this unit is built to handle a wide range of applications with precision. It’s the go-to tool for temporary measurement needs across your mine.

Why It Matters

To support quick deployment, the following are required:

• Level base or slab for container placement
• Electrical and raw water supply connections at the skid location
• Periodic inspection and basic upkeep (e.g. filter checks, system flushes)

Portable. Powerful. Pump-Safe.

Stopes shift. Temporary slurry pipelines get rerouted. Monitoring shouldn’t be a bottleneck. The Aranzu Battery Powered Flow Meter Skid ensures your team can adapt fast—with reliable flow data in every location.

To learn more about the Aranzu Battery Powered Flow Meter Skid follow this link or contact us here.

Eliminate Downtime. Protect Your Pumps.

With the Aranzu Mobile Gland Service Water Skid.

In remote mining environments, centrifugal pump performance hinges on one often-overlooked detail: a reliable gland service water supply. Without it, pump gland seals fail and unplanned downtime become inevitable. Inconsistent water pressure and poor-quality installations only compound the issue, putting production and equipment at risk.

At Aranzu, we’ve engineered a purpose-built solution. Our containerised Gland Service Water (GSW) Skid is a compact, plug-and-play unit designed to deliver consistent, high-quality water supply to pump stations, anywhere on your site.

Key Benefits:

Reliable water supply, anywhere

Built into a robust containerised frame, the Aranzu GSW Skid delivers pressurised, clean service water for centrifugal pump glands in even the most remote or constrained locations. It minimises maintenance, and extends pump life.

Minimal Site Work. Maximum Efficiency

Preassembled and factory-tested, our GSW unit arrives ready to connect. Just hook up water and power—no complex on-site fabrication or long commissioning times. It’s ideal for projects with tight schedules or constrained resources.

Flexible Control Options

Choose the configuration that works for you. From fully manual to fully automated operation, Aranzu’s GSW Skid is tailored to site requirements and budget. Need local control with redundancy? Or PLC integration into your SCADA system? We’ve got it covered.

Custom-Built to Your Specs

Every mine is different. That’s why we offer full customisation, from flow rates and pressure settings to filtration, tank sizing, and remote telemetry. We design to your exact operational needs.

Cost-Effective & Scalable

Engineered for efficiency, the GSW skid reduces capital and operational costs compared to traditional build-outs. Need to scale up? Just add another unit, no need for rework or redesign.

Site Preparation Requirements

To support quick deployment, the following are required:

• Level base or slab for container placement
• Electrical and raw water supply connections at the skid location
• Periodic inspection and basic upkeep (e.g. filter checks, system flushes)

Portable. Powerful. Pump-Safe.

The Aranzu Gland Service Water Skid is the smart way to maintain pump gland integrity and pump health across your mining operations. Whether you’re looking to improve uptime, simplify setup, or reduce cost, this system is engineered to deliver.

Aranzu is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with COPE International in Tanzania, aimed at expanding access to its specialised engineering solutions for the mining sector.

Through this collaboration, COPE International will act as Aranzu’s official distributor in Tanzania, supplying a range of high-performance products designed specifically for mining operations. This includes Aranzu’s robust jet pumps, wear solutions, and process equipment tailored to the demands of African mining environments.

With COPE International’s strong regional presence and industry expertise, the partnership is set to deliver enhanced operational support and localised service to mining clients across Tanzania.

Together, Aranzu and COPE International are committed to driving reliability, efficiency, and innovation in one of East Africa’s most vital industries.

Contact Us or COPE:

COPE INVESTMENT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED,
P.O. Box 33417,
Dar Es Salaam,
Tanzania
Email: info@ciil.co.tz
Mobile: + 255 (0) 756 444 222  / + 255 (0) 754 580 984

In mining operations, the movement of haul trucks between different zones can unintentionally carry more than just payload. Cross-contamination - whether of ore, concentrate, or hazardous materials - poses a serious risk to process integrity, safety, and compliance.

At Aranzu, we’ve developed a solution that stops contamination at the source. Our Automated Truck Wash Station is designed to quickly and effectively clean mining vehicles before they transition between operational zones.

Key Benefits:

Contamination Control

By removing build-up of material from trucks before they exit or enter critical areas, our system helps prevent the unintentional spread of ore, tailings, chemicals, or dust - ensuring product purity and regulatory compliance.

Powerful, Automated Cleaning

The wash station uses high-pressure jet nozzles to deliver 360° coverage, blasting away debris, mud, and dust from even the most hard-to-reach areas. The process is fully automated, reducing the need for manual labour and ensuring consistent results with every wash.

Water Recycling System

Sustainability is built in. The integrated recycling system captures and reuses wash water - minimising waste and reducing overall water usage. It's a solution that’s both efficient and environmentally responsible.

Rapid Throughput

Designed for the demands of high-traffic mine sites, the Aranzu Wash Station delivers fast cycle times to keep trucks moving and operations on schedule - without compromising on cleaning quality.

Site Preparation Requirements

To ensure successful commissioning, the mine will be required to provide:

• Basic civil works, including concrete slab, drainage, and access points
• Utility connections for water supply and electrical power at the installation site
• Periodic maintenance, including clearing of the solids collection sump to maintain efficiency and avoid blockages

Efficient. Effective. Essential.

The Aranzu Truck Wash Station forms a critical part of your contamination control strategy - keeping your trucks clean, your ore bodies pure, and your site compliant. Clean Trucks. Clean Transfers. Clean Operations.