Bituminous geomembranes (BGM) for heap leach pads and dumps for solid wastes in mine construction

Natalie Daly, Ted Aguirre, Bernard Breul, Bertrand Breul, Ben Barfett

Dans les comptes rendus d’articles de la conférence: GeoEdmonton 2018: 71st Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 13th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Geosynthetics II (Walls and Barrier Systems)

ABSTRACT: This paper will describe the structure of a bituminous geomembrane (BGM) and discuss laboratory testing that attest to its performance, and project case studies in mine construction. A BGM is a geomembrane manufactured by impregnating a polyester geotextile and a fiberglass layer with an elastomeric bitumen compound. The geotextile provides the mechanical resistance and a high puncture resistance, thus permitting the dump of ore directly on the geomembrane and permitting the traffic of equipment (trucks, loaders, etc.) directly on the BGM during construction, maturation of wastes or maintenance. The elastomeric bitumen provides the waterproofing properties of the geomembrane and ensures its longevity by protecting the geotextile fibers over the long run. The installation of this geomembrane can be allowed in low temperatures down to -40permitting works for 10 months per year in cold regions or at very high altitudes of 4,600 m. The high friction angle of bitumen of 34 degrees for example provides a strong adherence in steep slopes, allowing a high volume of material storage directly on the geomembrane. Test results of chemical resistance done in Europe, Canada and in Kazakhstan indicates the ability of using BGM in heap leach pad construction. Several examples of applications in mining where BGM was selected over of a more traditional type of geomembrane: a heap leach pad and storage dump for solid wastes at a uranium mine in France in 1976, the Antamina copper mine in Peru, thin Mexico, and other examples in eastern Europe. The advantageous characteristics of BGM reflects on economic benefits, as well as installation in certain weather conditions of fierce winds, light rain, and very cold temperatures.

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