The Mining & Minerals Processing industry requires tough, reliable machinery capable of carrying out the versatile operations involved across the sector. Our vacuum lifters’ quality engineering and robust vacuum technology provide a strong, durable lifting solution. From open-pit mines and underground operations to processing plants and tailings facilities, mining sites place extreme demands on every piece of equipment used onsite. Vlentec vacuum lifters are designed to perform reliably in dusty, abrasive, and vibration-heavy environments, helping mining operators move pipes and components quickly without compromising safety or productivity.
For Mining & Minerals Processing
The Mining & Minerals Processing industry is fast-paced and often requires temporary pipelines to be installed and removed within tight time frames. Vacuum lifting is proven to operate between 8-12 times faster than conventional lifting methods, ensuring optimal operational efficiency for your business.
Mining operations rely heavily on long, frequently relocated pipeline networks for slurry transport, dewatering, water supply, and tailings management. These pipelines are typically built from HDPE or steel pipes that need to be assembled, repositioned, and dismantled as the mining face advances. Manual handling with chains and slings on uneven terrain is slow, dangerous, and labour-intensive. A Vlentec vacuum lifter mounted on an excavator or crane allows a single operator to lift, position, and connect pipes in a fraction of the time, dramatically reducing the manpower required and keeping crews out of the load’s danger zone.
Beyond pipeline relocation, vacuum lifting also adds value during the construction and maintenance of processing facilities. Heavy steel sections, large-diameter line pipes, and prefabricated components can all be handled with a single lifter, eliminating the need for multiple rigging tools and reducing damage to expensive coatings and surface finishes. With both diesel-powered and electric configurations available, our vacuum lifters can be deployed in remote pit areas without grid access, as well as inside processing plants where emissions and noise must be kept to a minimum.
Typical Mining & Minerals Processing applications include the installation and removal of temporary slurry pipelines, the relocation of dewatering and water supply lines, the handling of HDPE and steel pipes around tailings dams, and the lifting of large process components inside ore handling and beneficiation plants. Whether the work happens on a remote haul road or inside a controlled processing environment, Vlentec vacuum lifters help mining operators improve cycle times, reduce downtime, and maintain a strong safety record.
We are passionate about innovation and working together to engineer and deliver lifting solutions to elevate your business.
Why Vacuum Lifting?
Vacuum lifting has transformed the heavy-duty lifting industry and has provided a conclusion to the pursuit of a safe, efficient and sustainable heavy-duty lifting method. In Mining & Minerals Processing, where pipelines are constantly being moved as the mining face progresses, conventional methods using chains, slings, or hooks are simply too slow and too dangerous to keep up with operational demands. Each manual rigging cycle exposes operators to suspended loads, slows down equipment relocation, and risks damage to pipes that may need to be reused dozens of times throughout their lifecycle.
Vacuum lifting solves these issues by securing pipes through controlled suction across a large contact surface, providing a firm and uniform grip without contact with edges or coatings. Operators stay clear of the load, lifting cycles become significantly faster, and pipes remain in better condition for repeated use. The result is a lifting method that lowers operational costs, extends material lifespan, and supports the high-tempo, around-the-clock nature of modern mining operations.
About Vlentec
We have been pioneers within the vacuum lifting industry since 1983 and are now the leading global expert in the field. Our team of highly qualified, experienced engineers and our dedication to transparent customer communication has enabled our business to continue to innovate and elevate the pipe lifting industry. From our headquarters in the Netherlands, we serve customers worldwide with vacuum lifting equipment that is engineered, tested, and certified entirely in-house.
For the Mining & Minerals Processing sector, this means decades of experience in handling some of the toughest jobsite conditions on earth, from desert open-pit mines to high-altitude operations and remote underground sites. We work closely with mining contractors, EPC firms, and operators to specify the right vacuum lifter for their pipe diameters, terrain, and operational tempo. From the first consultation through installation, operator training, and long-term service support, we partner with our customers to make every lifting operation safer, faster, and more profitable.
Our Product Range
Our standard product range offers a selection of electric and diesel powered vacuum pipe lifters engineered to elevate your load lifting. For Mining & Minerals Processing applications, we offer vacuum lifters in three standard capacities: 12,500 kg available in electric and diesel, 25,000 kg available in electric and diesel, and 32,000 kg in a diesel configuration for the heaviest pipes and components. Each model can be combined with a wide range of attachments to suit specific pipe diameters, materials such as HDPE or steel, and the harsh operating conditions typical of mining sites. For projects with non-standard requirements, our engineering team develops custom-built vacuum lifting solutions, while rental and pre-owned units are available for short-term assignments and budget-sensitive operations.
Get In Touch
Are you ready to take your load lifting to the next level? Get in contact with our expert team today and we can get to work engineering the lifting solution to elevate your business. Whether you need to specify a vacuum lifter for relocating slurry pipelines at an active mine, plan equipment for a new tailings or dewatering project, or organize rental equipment for a short-term contract, our specialists are ready to help you find the most suitable configuration for your operation.
