The closure of a mining operation is perhaps the most critical challenge in the life cycle of a project. It is not simply about dismantling structures, but about ensuring that the ecosystem regains its balance and that the waste generated over decades remains permanently isolated. For environmental directors and sustainability managers in regions such as the Andes or the Amazon, the central concern is acid mine drainage and the infiltration of heavy metals into watershed systems.
In this context, geomembrane installation is not a final operating expense, but rather the core component of a long-term environmental insurance policy. A poorly executed closure capping system can result in leaks that require costly and perpetual water treatment, destroying the company’s reputation and its social license to operate future projects.
A successful mine closure uses a “flow barrier” approach. SAI implements solutions in which the geomembrane works in conjunction with other geosynthetics to maximize geomembrane durability / lifespan.
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Component
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Technical Function
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Importance in Closure
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HDPE Geomembrane
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Absolute impermeable barrier
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Prevents O₂ and H₂O ingress into waste
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Nonwoven Geotextile
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Mechanical protection
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Prevents puncturing by rocks in the cover soil
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Drainage Geonet
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Fluid management
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Reduces saturation of the upper soil, preventing slope instability
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Tailings storage facilities often have steep slopes to optimize space. In these cases, the use of smooth geomembranes is technically unfeasible due to their low friction angle. SAI recommends the use of textured geomembranes, which increase friction with the cover soil and ensure post-closure stability. A sliding failure in a closure cover is one of the most complex and costly repairs in the industry.
Since the cover system will be buried under meters of soil and vegetation, precision during geomembrane installation must be absolute. There will be no opportunity to repair a failed weld once the site has been revegetated.
At SAI, we apply CQA (Construction Quality Assurance) protocols that include destructive and non-destructive testing on every meter of seam. Traceability of every panel deployed in a mine closure is what ensures that the company’s environmental legacy is positive and compliant with international closure standards.
Mine closure is the final act of responsibility for an operator. Choosing a certified installation partner with experience in difficult terrain is the only way to ensure that investments in environmental protection are effective. SAI provides the engineering expertise and precision required for geomembranes to perform their barrier function for decades, transforming an industrial site into a safe environment for future generations.
Do you have a mining project coming? Contact us, SAI is your best ally to maintain quality while protecting your operations.