Environmental Solutions
Heap leaching facilities and mining tailings ponds
Protecting liner systems and supporting reliable containment in demanding mining applications.
Geotextiles in Heap Leach Pad Systems
In heap leach pads, the stresses placed on the geosynthetic are among the most severe of all: high vertical loads due to the height of the ore heaps, the chemical aggressiveness of the leach solutions (e.g. sulphuric acid or cyanide) and a high risk of puncturing the underlying geomembrane.
In this context, non-woven geotextiles play two key roles: Our needle-punched non-woven geotextiles are used as protective layers in heap leach pad systems. Installed above, below or around geomembranes and other barrier layers, the geotextile helps to protect sensitive membranes from punctures, abrasion and localised mechanical stresses.
Without a suitable protection layer, geomembranes can be exposed to damage from rough subgrades, drainage aggregate or the weight of the ore heap above. This can affect the integrity of the containment system and increase the risk of unwanted liquid migration.
By acting as a cushioning and protective layer, our geotextiles help preserve liner performance in mining conditions. Depending on the project design, they can also support separation, filtration and drainage functions within the heap leach pad structure.
Key Benefits
- Protection of the geomembrane against puncturing by crushed ore and the sub-base.
- Separation and filtration to prevent the return of fine particles that could block the drainage and recovery systems for the pregnant leach solution.
Example of a Layer Structure
In mining heap leach pads, nonwoven geotextiles are commonly installed next to the geomembrane or liner system. Their position depends on the pad design, load conditions and protection requirements of the project.
- Ore heap
The stacked ore material through which the leaching solution moves during the extraction process. - Drainage or solution collection layer
A mineral or geosynthetic drainage layer designed to collect and guide process liquids toward the recovery system. - Upper nonwoven geotextile protection layer
Installed above the geomembrane to protect it from drainage aggregate, ore loads and installation-related damage. - Geomembrane or barrier layer
The primary containment liner designed to prevent unwanted liquid migration into the surrounding environment. - Lower nonwoven geotextile protection layer
Where required, installed beneath the geomembrane to protect it from puncture, abrasion and stress caused by the prepared subgrade. - Prepared subgrade or foundation soil
The compacted and shaped base that supports the heap leach pad system.
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