Project Background
Mongolia, located in the Central Asian metallogenic belt, is rich in gold resources. It is estimated that its gold reserves may exceed 3,000 tons, distributed across several mineralized belts, including the South Gobi, East Gobi, Kentish Mountains, and Khangai Mountains. As a country rich in mineral resources, Mongolia has seen a surge in gold mining projects in recent years. A gold mine, engaged in heap leaching, required the construction of large heap leaching liners to store the cyanide-containing leachate. Because the heap leaching solution is highly corrosive, inadequate anti-seepage measures would not only lead to the loss of precious metals but also pose a serious threat to the fragile plateau ecosystem, severely contaminating the soil and groundwater. This sparked strong opposition from local communities and environmental organizations. Therefore, during the initial inquiry, the client explicitly stated that the heap leaching liner anti-seepage project required the use of high-performance, internationally standardized, anti-seepage geomembrane materials. Furthermore, Mongolia experiences cold winters and short summers, but can experience intense sunlight and UV rays. Therefore, the HDPE geomembrane required a strong UV-resistant additive and resistance to low-temperature embrittlement.
Challenges and Requirements
Geomembranes come into contact with highly corrosive chemical liquids, requiring them to be chemically resistant.
The Mongolian gold mine heap leach pond anti-seepage project is located in a high-altitude climate zone with large temperature swings between day and night, placing high demands on the geomembrane’s aging resistance.
The geomembrane project covers an area of
Geomembrane Solution
After extensive comparisons, the customer ultimately selected EarthShield, a 1.5mm thick HDPE geomembrane from China, paired with a 300 GSM nonwoven geotextile protective layer.
The customer primarily compared geomembrane products from several Chinese suppliers. EarthShield’s key technical advantages include:
Excellent chemical resistance, capable of withstanding long-term cyanide exposure;
High tensile strength and puncture resistance, suitable for the complex subgrade conditions found in heap leach ponds;
Compliance with international standards (GB/T 17643, ASTM), and passing multiple third-party tests;
Strong UV resistance, suitable for the climatic conditions of the Mongolian Plateau.
Case Study of HDPE Geomembrane
Location: Mongolia
Product: 1.5mm HDPE Geomembrane
Application: Gold Mine Heap Leaching Liner Anti-seepage Project
Geomembrane Installation Guidance
The EarthShield construction team used hot-melt welding to ensure strong welds and prevent leaks.
The EarthShield team not only provides high-quality HDPE geomembrane products but also offers geomembrane installation services. The EarthShield geomembrane installation team dispatched three professional geomembrane welders to Mongolia to provide on-site guidance on geomembrane welding. During the installation process, technical engineers provided continuous guidance and conducted spot checks on weld strength to ensure the sealing of every joint. Ultimately, the project successfully completed the anti-seepage project for the gold mine heap leach pond, covering an area of
Project Results
Successfully completed the construction of a 150,000 square meter heap leach pond’s anti-seepage layer;
Achieved zero leakage of heap leachate, effectively protecting groundwater resources;
Significantly extended the heap leach pond’s service life, projecting stable operation for over 15 years;
The project received high praise from the project owner, who plans to continue using HDPE geomembrane in subsequent expansion projects.
Customer Comments
The customer stated, “Choosing the China-made EarthShield HDPE geomembrane was a truly successful decision. The geomembrane is of reliable quality, delivered promptly, and the installation team provided professional and effective technical support, ensuring the swift completion of our gold mining project.”
Summary
HDPE geomembrane, one of the most important anti-seepage materials in mining projects, plays a major role in Mongolia’s gold heap leaching projects. With its excellent corrosion resistance, aging resistance, and sustainable environmental performance, EarthShield HDPE geomembrane helps customers achieve environmentally friendly, green, safe, and sustainable mining projects.
If you have similar anti-seepage needs for mining projects in Mongolia or other countries, please contact the EarthShield team. We believe in “We are the Last Defense for Environmental Protection.” As a Chinese geomembrane manufacturer and wholesaler with over 20 years of experience, we can provide free geomembrane samples, full technical support, and geomembrane installation services. Contact us for 24-hour online technical support!
