Pumped for change: How Truflo and Aquaflo are turning smarter dewatering into a competitive edge for Aussie mine sites

In the high-stakes world of Australian mining, where downtime can cost millions and conditions test even the toughest machinery, one company is redefining how mine sites manage water and turn dewatering from a necessary burden into a strategic advantage.

That company is Truflo Pumps, a family-owned business based in Bathurst, New South Wales, that has evolved from modest beginnings into a global player in heavy-duty pump systems. In recent years, Truflo Pumps’ acquisition and rebranding of Stratquip into Aquaflo Hire has given the company a compelling one-two punch: custom-built pump systems supported by a rapidly deployable hire fleet.

Truflo Pumps’ spokesperson Martin Hygemann says the complementary nature of Truflo and Aquaflo is no accident.

“We design, manufacture and sell complete dewatering solutions at Truflo Pumps,” Martin explains to The Rock Wrangler. “Aquaflo Hire, on the other hand, provides fully equipped rental options - pumps, generators, fuel cells, dust suppression units and more - for sites that need flexibility, short-term solutions, or capital-light options. The two businesses reinforce each other.”

Solving problems, not just selling pumps

Originally established as Bathurst Irrigation over 50 years ago, the company evolved into Truflo Pumps in response to demand from central New South Wales mine operators seeking robust, site-ready dewatering systems. Early success with international components prompted a pivotal shift.

“We realised we could design and manufacture our own pumps - pumps built for the harshest mining conditions Australia can throw at them,” says Martin Richardson, Truflo Pumps’ National Sales Manager. “If they could handle that, they’d perform anywhere.”

Today, Truflo Pumps has over 70 employees and serves markets across Oceania, Europe, the Americas, and the Subcontinent. Its core strength lies in custom-built solutions, designed and engineered in-house, with mounting options including trailer, skid, or pontoon; diesel or electric powertrains; and units rated for explosion risk, high salinity, or acidic water.

“Access issues, harsh water chemistry, extreme lift and distance requirements. These are the day-to-day challenges we help solve,” Martin notes. “We don’t sell pumps. We solve problems.”

Rental synergies for responsive mine operations

Aquaflo Hire - formerly Stratquip - is now integrated into Truflo Pumps’ broader operations and plays a key role in delivering rapid deployment capabilities. With over 270 pumping systems in its inventory, plus access to Truflo Pumps’ design and R&D team, Aquaflo Hire helps operators respond to changing conditions on the ground.

“It’s common for mining sites to use a mix of owned and hired equipment. That’s the beauty of the model,” Martin R says. “We can drop in a hire unit while a custom system is being built, or back up a purchased system with short-term support gear like pontoons, pipe floats, or evaporator fans.”

“Hiring equipment frees up capital for diggers, trucks - gear that earns money,” Martin adds. “Meanwhile, we keep the water moving.”

Smart tech: Introducing AquaBoss

A standout innovation from Truflo Pumps’ R&D team is the AquaBoss Asset Protection control panel - a next-generation controller developed over three years of internal research. AquaBoss is designed to monitor and optimise pump performance in real time using intelligent curve mapping.

“The panel doesn’t just control the system - it protects it,” says Martin. “By constantly assessing performance metrics, AquaBoss ensures the pump and engine stay within safe and efficient operating parameters.”

The system proactively minimises the chance of cavitation and other performance issues, extends component life, and reduces unplanned downtime. AquaBoss also supports scheduled servicing by flagging maintenance needs in advance, rather than waiting for breakdowns to occur.

“It means fewer surprises, fewer interruptions, and for mining operations, that’s gold,” Martin R says.

With a user-friendly traffic light interface, the AquaBoss system simplifies operation for field personnel, reducing training time and minimising the risk of user error.

Remote monitoring and asset management

Both Truflo Pumps and Aquaflo Hire dewatering systems can be remotely monitored via a secure portal. Operators can access real-time data on asset status, flow rates, fuel levels, engine hours, and water levels from anywhere with a connection.

“This isn’t just about keeping pumps running,” Martin R explains. “It’s about full visibility across your water management system - so you can make better, faster decisions.”

That capability has proved particularly valuable for sites with minimal personnel on-site or remote operations where physical checks are costly and slow.

A stronger focus on sustainability

Like many suppliers to the mining sector, Truflo Pumps has seen a marked shift in customer priorities toward energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

“Health, safety and environmental considerations are now front and centre for mining clients,” says Martin R. “We’re seeing greater demand for quieter, more efficient, and cleaner-operating systems.”

Truflo Pumps’ electric pump range offers significant reductions in energy use and noise, while still delivering the high throughput required in mining environments. In the diesel range, AquaBoss contributes by optimising fuel consumption and extending equipment life. These are key metrics for any decarbonisation roadmap.

“Every litre of diesel you don’t use, every part you don’t need to replace. That’s money saved, and emissions avoided,” Martin notes. “We build our systems with that in mind.”

Service, expansion and strategic growth

Both companies offer full after-sales support, with facilities in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. Service includes everything from scheduled maintenance to emergency overhauls and parts replacement.

“We’re doubling our Queensland footprint with a brand-new facility opening later this year along with a growing workshop team,” Martin H shares. “Bathurst is expanding as well.”

A major partnership with ITT Blakers has added a new service centre in Western Australia, strengthening support for Truflo’s WA customers with localised repairs, overhauls, and certified OEM part access.

“That alliance puts our expertise on the ground where it’s needed most,” says Martin R. “It’s all about reducing downtime and delivering responsive support.”

On the horizon: More AquaBoss, more custom options

Looking ahead, the company is preparing to launch the AquaBoss Core. This a streamlined version of its flagship panel designed to match power with simplicity, while retaining the key monitoring and protection features.

“It’s about giving smaller or more straightforward operations access to the same intelligent control platform, without overengineering,” says Martin R.

Meanwhile, Truflo Pumps’ wet-end development program continues apace, with new configurations and performance upgrades in the pipeline.

“We’re always pushing for better efficiency, more durability, and smarter design. Our aim is to give miners confidence that whatever the water management challenge, we have a solution that works on time and on spec.”

From tailored engineering to rapid response

For Australian miners, water management isn’t just about compliance. It’s about cost, continuity, and control. With a dual strategy that combines engineered pump systems and agile hire solutions, Truflo Pumps and Aquaflo Hire are showing how local ingenuity, strategic investment, and smart tech can turn water into a competitive advantage.

“Whether it’s a two-week dewatering job or a long-term site solution, we’ve got the expertise, the equipment and the people to keep your operations flowing,” Martin H concludes.

In an industry where downtime costs millions, it’s a proposition that makes more sense than ever.