- Home
- Companies
- Earth Shield Environmental Co., Ltd.
- Articles
- Mongolia Copper Mine Project Using ...
Mongolia Copper Mine Project Using 2.0mm HDPE Geomembrane by EarthShield
Geomembranes used in copper mining generally refer to impermeable geomembranes used in copper mining, heap leaching, tailings, and wastewater management systems. Their core function is simply leak prevention, but the requirements are extremely stringent. Mongolia is one of the fastest-growing and most closely watched regions in the global copper mining landscape, particularly in the South Gobi region, attracting investment from large international mining companies.
In copper mining projects, geomembranes are almost a standard material. Common applications include:
Heap Leaching Pad: Copper is often extracted using sulfuric acid leaching, which requires extremely high impermeability to prevent acid leakage and groundwater contamination.
Pregnant Leach Solution (PLS) / Raffinate Pond: These ponds are in long-term contact with acidic solutions and require excellent chemical resistance.
Tailings Pond: To prevent the leakage of heavy metals and pollutants; these are often large-scale, long-term projects.
Process Water Ponds / Emergency Ponds: Require impermeability and aging resistance, especially in regions with strong ultraviolet radiation (e.g., Africa, South America).
HDPE geomembrane (High-density polyethylene) – the preferred choice, and the most widely used and proven solution in copper mining projects.
The reasons are simple:
- Extremely strong acid resistance (resistant to sulfuric acid and copper ion solutions)
- Strong resistance to chemical corrosion
- Resistance to UV aging (can be enhanced with 2-3% carbon black)
- Long service life (20-50 years)
- Mature GRI-GM13 standard, recognized by the international mining industry
In copper mining projects, more than 90% of copper mining contractors specify HDPE geomembranes.
How to choose the appropriate thickness of geomembrane? (This is crucial for the success of the copper mining project.)
Application Area: Recommended Thickness
- Heap Leaching Pad: 1.5mm / 2.0mm
- Pregnant Solution Pond, Barren Solution Pond: 1.5mm – 2.0mm
- Tailings Dam: 2.0mm (mainstream)
- Temporary Pond/Auxiliary Pond: 1.0mm – 1.5mm
In actual copper mining projects:
Copper mines in Africa and South America → tend to prefer 2.0mm
Design firms/owners often specify directly: HDPE 2.0mm, GM13
Many copper mining projects only inquire about geomembrane thickness during procurement, but the real factors determining the success or failure of a copper mining project are these points:
Must be made of virgin material (100% Virgin HDPE)
Excellent oxidation resistance (OIT ≥ standard requirements)
Qualified carbon black dispersion and content
Good welding performance (crucial for on-site construction)
SGS / TRI / GRI-GM13 test reports are required
Mining clients are very concerned about long-term risks; a low price for the geomembrane is not enough.
This copper mine project is located in the Umnugovi province of Mongolia, a region known for its harsh continental climate, with large diurnal temperature variations, intense ultraviolet radiation, and prolonged exposure to acidic leaching solutions.
To protect groundwater resources and ensure safe mine operations, the client required a high-performance containment system for their heap leaching pads and solution ponds.
The copper mine client found us through Google. Their initial requirements included chemical and acid resistance of the geomembrane, long-term durability under extreme UV and low-temperature conditions, compliance with international geomembrane standards, and the use of 100% virgin raw materials. We provided the client with free geomembrane samples. After technical comparison and sample testing, the client ultimately selected EarthShield 2.0mm HDPE geomembrane as the final lining solution for their copper mine project.
Project Type: Copper Mining Project
Project Location: Southern Mongolia
Application: Heap Leaching Pad and Solution Pond Lining
Geomembrane Type: HDPE Geomembrane
Geomembrane Thickness: 2.0 mm
Total Geomembrane Quantity: 350,000 square meters
Geomembrane Brand: EarthShield Geosynthetics
This Mongolian copper mining project demonstrates that EarthShield 2.0mm HDPE geomembrane is a reliable and cost-effective lining solution for copper heap leaching pads and mining solution ponds. Its durability, chemical resistance, and proven performance make it an ideal choice for mining projects in Central Asia, Africa, and South America. If you have needs for copper, gold, or other mining projects, please contact us. Our technical engineers are available 24/7 and can provide you with free geomembrane samples for project testing.