No heat problems unless it is boiling, then keep head pressure on pump to prevent cavitation. More expensive pipe required though. Some plugging issues can occur if the engineer screws up otherwise not very difficult. Plugging only occurs if the pumps stop for long enough for the slurry to settle out and provisions not made to accommodate settling. Gravel guys with dredges pump anything that will enter the cutter head, often 6"-9" and move it a mile or more. That is when you don't want a plug up. Keep enough water moving that is not too dense a slurry and it's a piece of cake. I don't know about energy cost comparisons as I don't have the data handy. The mine would use plastic wear pipe, Sclair is one brand but most should be almost maintenance free for five or more years.

Peter