Geosynthetics October/November 2023 - 44

FINAL INSPECTION
Lining system supports upgrade
at northern Nevada mine
A
GRU collaborated with a Nevada mine's stakeholders to supply more than
12.2 million square feet (1.1 million m2) of high-density polyethylene
(HDPE) liner to help a mining operation expand its capacity. The project's
proximity to AGRU's regional plant, the AGRU liner's welding edges, and the
flat-die extrusion manufacturing approach were all touted as benefits that have
helped ensure a successful outcome for the project owner.
Installers prepare over 10 million square feet of AGRU 80
mil HDPE double-sided MicroSpike for a new heap leach
pad in Northern Nevada. Photo courtesy AGRU
Challenge
Modern mining operations rely on low-cost, high-efficiency technologies to
keep the project profitable. Often, these mining operations utilize passive heap
leaching to separate desired metals from crushed ores. Designing and implementing
an effective heap leach pad requires careful planning and a robust
and long-term design.
The mine described in this case study results from decades of iteration and
improvements. The latest change saw the introduction of an HDPR crusher
that supports year-round mining operations. The new crusher is expected to
produce a finer product that facilitates cyanide heap leaching of silver and gold
from ore, with an estimated 94% recovery for gold.
To achieve reliable, low-cost operations, both the heap leach pad and process
pond required a durable and long-lasting containment system. Both would also
need to be massive. And to further complicate matters, the expansion occurred
during the global pandemic and a tumultuous time in the liner industry.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
LINING SYSTEM SUPPORTS UPGRADE
AT NORTHERN NEVADA MINE
LOCATION
Northern Nevada
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
High Mark
SUBCONTRACTOR
International Lining Technology
ENGINEER
NewFields
GEOSYNTHETIC PRODUCTS
80 mil double-sided MicroSpike®
200 mil AGRU Geonet
AGRUTEX (AT101)
GEOSYNTHETICS MANUFACTURER
AGRU America, Inc.
44
Geosynthetics | October November 2023
Solution
AGRU worked closely with the mine's stakeholders to supply more than 12.2
million square feet (1.1 million m2) of HDPE liner for the leach pad and process
pond despite industry shortages. AGRU manufactured 80 mil (2 mm) HDPE
double-sided MicroSpike, with about 10.8 million square feet (1.0 million
m2) going toward the new heap leach pad. AGRU also supplied about 600,000
square feet (55,700 m2) of 200 mil (5 mm) geonet for pond drainage as well as
the geotextile specified for use under the riprap in the stormwater diversion
channels and drainage outfall areas.
Because the existing heap leach pad was fast approaching capacity, the mine
owners set an aggressive schedule for completing the new pad. The contractor
and installers worked with large crews to accommodate the schedule and have
consistently beat milestones, thanks in part to the AGRU liner having welding
edges that helped streamline installation. MicroSpike also carries the benefit of
being manufactured with highly consistent asperities that yield more reliable
and predictable interface shear strength.
Outcome
The mine upgrade was completed on November 17, 2021. G
Geosynthetics October/November 2023

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