BPM Geosynthetics is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, production and sales of geosynthetics, headquartered in Tai’an, Shandong Province. Our main products include geomembranes (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE), geotextiles, composite geomembranes, waterproofing sheets, etc., which are widely used in the fields of environmental protection, water conservancy, transportation, mining and municipal engineering.
With advanced production equipment and perfect quality management system, BPM products have passed ISO 9001, CE, GRI-GM13 and other international certifications, and conform to ASTM, GB/T and other standards. With stable product quality and professional service, Jialutong products are exported both at home and abroad, with excellent performance in landfills, tailing ponds, artificial lakes and other projects, trusted by customers.
1. What is the geomembrane sheet?
A geomembrane sheet is a synthetic, impermeable membrane liner or barrier used primarily in environmental and geotechnical engineering to control fluid or gas migration in structures, systems, or projects. Made from durable polymers, geomembranes are designed for long-term performance in harsh conditions.
2. How To Choose Right Geomembrane Seet for For Mining Project? Analyze from the following aspects:
2.1 Material Types:
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Most common; excellent chemical/UV resistance.
LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene): More flexible than HDPE.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Easily welded, good for temporary uses.
EPDM (Rubber-Based): Highly elastic, ideal for covers.
2.2 Geomembrane Sheet Functions:
Containment: Prevents leaks in landfills, mining leach pads, or wastewater ponds.
Protection: Acts as a barrier against pollutants, seepage, or evaporation.
Reinforcement: Stabilizes soil in dams, tunnels, or canals.
2.3 Geomembrane Sheet Advantages:
High tensile strength, chemical resistance, and longevity (20–50+ years).
Customizable thickness (0.5–3.0 mm) and textures (smooth/rough).
Geomembranes Sheets are critical for sustainable infrastructure, ensuring environmental safety and engineering reliability.
2.4 Geomembrane Sheet Thickness & Durability
Geomembrane Sheet Standard range: 0.5mm to 3.0mm (20–120 mils).
Mining applications typically require:
1.5mm–2.5mm (60–100 mils) for leach pads & tailings.
Thicker (≥2.0mm) for high-abrasion areas (e.g., heap leaching).
2.4.1 Standard Thickness Guidelines for Mining Applications
Application | Recommended Thickness | Material | Key Reasons |
Heap Leach Pads | 1.5–2.5 mm (60–100 mils) | HDPE/LLDPE | Resists chemical corrosion (acid/cyanide) and mechanical stress from ore piles. |
Tailings Storage (Dams/Ponds) | 1.5–3.0 mm (60–120 mils) | HDPE | Handles high hydraulic pressure, puncture risks, and long-term containment. |
Evaporation Ponds | 1.0–2.0 mm (40–80 mils) | HDPE/LLDPE | Balances UV resistance and cost efficiency. Thicker liners for aggressive chemicals. |
Secondary Liners | 0.75–1.5 mm (30–60 mils) | LLDPE/PVC | Flexible backup layer; thinner than primary liners. |
Covers/Caps | 1.0–2.0 mm (40–80 mils) | HDPE/EPDM | Prevents seepage and gas emission; EPDM for flexibility. |
2.4.2 Factors Influencing Thickness Selection:
Chemical Exposure: Thicker geomembranes sheet (≥2.0 mm) for acidic/alkaline leachates (e.g., gold/copper mining).
Puncture Risks: High-stress areas (e.g., under ore piles) require ≥2.0 mm HDPE geomembrane sheet with geotextile protection.
UV Exposure: Projects in high-sunlight regions may need UV-stabilized HDPE (1.5 mm+).
Regulations: Some jurisdictions mandate minimum geomembrane sheet thickness (e.g., 1.5 mm for primary liners in tailings dams).
2.4.3 Geomembrane Sheet Exception Cases
LLDPE (1.0–1.5 mm): Used for uneven subgrades due to flexibility.
Reinforced Liners: For steep slopes or high-tension areas (e.g., heap leach pad slopes).
3. Why HDPE Geomembrane Sheet Dominates Mining Projects?
Durability: 50+ years lifespan under harsh conditions.
Chemical Resistance: Impermeable to sulfuric acid, cyanide, and heavy metals.
Cost-Effectiveness: Lower long-term costs despite higher initial investment.
3.1 Cost vs. Lifespan Analysis
HDPE geomembrane sheet : Lower cost, long lifespan (50+ years if properly installed).
PVC/EPDM: Higher initial cost but easier installation.
Total cost = Material + Installation + Maintenance.
3.2 Case-Specific Needs
Heap Leach Pads: HDPE geomembrane sheet (2.0mm+) with textured surface for slope stability.
Tailings Storage: HDPE geomembrane sheet with high puncture resistance.
Evaporation Ponds: UV-stabilized LLDPE or white HDPE to reflect heat.
Final Recommendation
For most mining projects, HDPE geomembrane sheets (1.5–2.5mm) are the default choice due to their chemical resistance and durability. However, conduct a site-specific evaluation considering the above factors to optimize performance and cost.
4. What are the advantages of choosing a geomembrane for mining?
4.1 Excellent anti-seepage performance
Extremely low permeability: The permeability coefficient of HDPE geomembrane sheet and other geomembranes is ≤ 10 ⁻¹² cm/s, completely blocking the infiltration of harmful liquids (such as acidic mine water and cyanide solutions) into the ground, preventing soil and groundwater pollution.
Chemical stability: resistant to strong acids (such as sulfuric acid), strong bases, and heavy metal ions (such as copper and lead), suitable for high-risk areas such as heap leach pads and tailings ponds.
4.2 High strength and durability of geomembrane
Anti puncture/tear: Geomembrane sheet with a thickness of 1.5-3.0 mm can withstand ore pile pressure and mechanical wear (such as tailings sand erosion), extending its service life (more than 50 years).
UV/climate tolerance: Geomembrane sheet with added anti UV agents are suitable for open-pit mines, resisting sun exposure and extreme temperature differences.
4.3 Environmental compliance and risk control
Meet regulatory requirements: comply with international standards (such as EPA, ICMM) and China’s “General Industrial Solid Waste Storage Site Pollution Control Standards” (GB 18599) to avoid environmental penalties.
Pollution isolation: prevent the spread of toxic substances and reduce the cost of ecological restoration.
4.4 Significant economic benefits of geomembrane
Low cost maintenance: One installation can be used for a long time, reducing the cost of leak repair.
Convenient construction: Mature welding techniques (such as hot melt welding and extrusion welding), suitable for complex terrains (such as steep slopes and irregular mines).
4.5 Multi functional application scenarios
Heap leaching site: HDPE geomembrane for acid corrosion prevention and recycling of precious metal solutions.
Tailings pond: Composite geomembrane (membrane+geotextile) enhances impermeability and stability.
Evaporation pool: White HDPE geomembrane reflects sunlight and reduces water evaporation.
Summary
Geomembrane sheet is the core material for seepage control in the mining industry, based on HDPE (1.5-3.0mm thick), with ultra-low permeability (≤10-¹² cm/s) and excellent chemical resistance (resistant to acids, alkalis, and heavy metals), effectively blocking the pollution of pit water and tailing liquids. Its high-strength properties are resistant to mechanical abrasion and have a lifespan of more than 50 years, which is significantly better than concrete/clay solutions.
About BPM
BPM own state-of-the-art manufacturing factory is located in Taian City, the famous tourist city near the expressway from Beijing to Shanghai, Shandong Province, China. In recent years, we had invested more than 20000000 dollars to improve the basic production facilities, working conditions, employee salary and welfare, technical and teamwork training, etc.
Our professional geommebrane factory is equipped with advanced processing machines and production lines, which give us the power to keep high product quality, shorter delivery time and competitive cost to meet the demands of our worldwide customers. Most of our products had been kept up with the international forefront counterparts, some of them have enjoyed leading position, especially smooth HPDE Landfill Liner. We also can manufacture according to your special requirements, ODM, OEM, customization are also available.
BPM Geosynthetics， are passionate about all things geosynthetics, from new product development, enhanced testing methodologies, production, to after-sale servicing. The group has focused on the development and production of high-quality Landfill Liner, nonwoven geotextiles, woven geotextiles, geonet and drainage geocomposites, geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) and geogrids. Today, BPM Geosynthetics is a team of over 100 professionals working to serve clients from all around the world.
