Environmental Solutions
Mining Heap Leach Pads
Protecting liner systems and supporting reliable containment in demanding mining applications.
Geotextiles in Heap Leach Pad Systems
Mining heap leach pads are designed to contain and collect process liquids as they move through stacked ore. In these demanding environments, the liner system must remain protected from heavy loads, sharp aggregate, installation activity and long-term settlement movements.
Our needle-punched nonwoven geotextiles are used as protection layers in heap leach pad systems. Installed above, below or around geomembranes and other barrier layers, the geotextile helps protect sensitive liners from puncture, abrasion and localised mechanical stress.
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
- Protects geomembranes and liner systems from puncture and abrasion
- Acts as a cushioning layer beneath drainage aggregate and ore loads
- Helps reduce localised stress on sensitive containment barriers
- Separates liner, soil, aggregate and drainage layers where required
- Supports filtration by retaining fine particles while allowing controlled liquid flow
- Contributes to effective drainage and process liquid collection
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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