Heap leach pads are specially designed areas for mineral recovery through controlled liquid extraction processes. In this context, geosynthetics play a critical role by acting as impermeable barriers for the safe containment of leaching solutions, while also functioning as efficient drainage systems, thereby ensuring environmental protection.
Products used
Polyethylene geomembranes (HDPE–LLDPE)
GCL
Drainage geocomposite
Geotextile
Polyethylene geomembranes (HDPE–LLDPE)
GCL
Drainage geocomposite
Geotextile
Application sectors
Mining
Mining
Mining
Selected projects
Waterproofing of Pad 1 – Phase III, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, Arequipa, Peru
Waterproofing of Pad 1 – Phase III, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, Arequipa, Peru
Waterproofing of Pad 1 – Phase III, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, Arequipa, Peru
With approximately 75 hectares waterproofed, Phase III of Heap Leach Pad 1 at Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, located in the district of Uchumayo, Arequipa, represents a key advancement in ensuring operational and environmental safety for copper and molybdenum production processes.
During this phase, a waterproofing system combining geomembranes and GCLs was implemented, providing a highly effective hydraulic barrier against liquid and gas seepage, exceeding the performance of low-permeability soils.
The ease of installation—without the need for compaction or transportation of large volumes of clay significantly reduced execution times and earthmoving- related costs. In addition, the GCL was installed on steep rocky slopes beneath the geomembrane, further enhancing the waterproofing performance of the project.
Waterproofing of Pad 1 – Phase III, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, Arequipa, Peru
With approximately 75 hectares waterproofed, Phase III of Heap Leach Pad 1 at Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, located in the district of Uchumayo, Arequipa, represents a key advancement in ensuring operational and environmental safety for copper and molybdenum production processes.
During this phase, a waterproofing system combining geomembranes and GCLs was implemented, providing a highly effective hydraulic barrier against liquid and gas seepage, exceeding the performance of low-permeability soils.
The ease of installation—without the need for compaction or transportation of large volumes of clay significantly reduced execution times and earthmoving- related costs. In addition, the GCL was installed on steep rocky slopes beneath the geomembrane, further enhancing the waterproofing performance of the project.
Need advice?
Our team of experts is ready to advise you and help you find the best option for your project.
Success stories
Dynamic Barriers Against Debris Flows – Chosica, Lima, Peru
stability and containment
The Problem In recent years, the district of Chosica in Lima has been affected by debris flows (huaicos) generated in its ravines. In 2015 alone, nine fatalities were reported, 341...
TDM’s Geosynthetics Division Joins Geoquest to Strengthen Its Capabilities and Expand Its Reach Across Latin America
GeosyntheticsLATAM
TDM announces that its geosynthetics division has joined Geoquest, a geotechnical engineering company and part of Soletanche Freyssinet, a VINCI Group company, following the agreement announced in June 2026 and...
Dynamic Barriers Against Debris Flows – Chosica, Lima, Peru
stability and containment
The Problem In recent years, the district of Chosica in Lima has been affected by debris flows (huaicos) generated in its ravines. In 2015 alone, nine fatalities were reported, 341...
TDM’s Geosynthetics Division Joins Geoquest to Strengthen Its Capabilities and Expand Its Reach Across Latin America
GeosyntheticsLATAM
TDM announces that its geosynthetics division has joined Geoquest, a geotechnical engineering company and part of Soletanche Freyssinet, a VINCI Group company, following the agreement announced in June 2026 and...