case studies

Mineral Deposits, Kazakhstan

Location
Kazakhstan
Year
2021

Project Details

The Raigorodok Deposits project in the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan represents a significant initiative for the safe containment of gold mining wastes. The project was commissioned by RG Gold through their local representative, Gidrokor Kazakhstan, with the primary objective of using high-performance ATARFIL HDPE geomembranes to ensure the environmental safety and regulatory compliance of the waste containment system during the gold mining process.

Project Timeline

  • End of 2020: Purchase orders were issued and manufacturing was completed.
  • Spring 2021: Deliveries commenced after a transport period of 2–3 months.
  • Summer 2021: Installation of the geomembrane system was successfully executed on-site.

Scope and Application

At the Raigorodok site, the ATARFIL HDPE geomembranes were specifically selected to serve as the primary barrier for the safe containment of gold mining wastes. The geomembrane plays a critical role in preventing contaminant leakage from waste storage areas, thereby protecting the surrounding environment and groundwater resources. The overall project not only aims to manage the by-products of gold mining efficiently but also ensures the long-term sustainability and safety of the mining operations.

Technical and Environmental Considerations

  • Containment Efficiency: The selected ATARFIL HDPE geomembranes provide a reliable barrier to the hazardous by-products of gold mining, ensuring that no leakage occurs that might lead to environmental contamination.
  • Material Performance: The geomembranes were specifically engineered to withstand the mechanical and chemical stresses encountered at the site, including exposure to aggressive mining wastes.
  • Installation and Quality Assurance: Detailed pre-installation testing and quality control measures were implemented to ensure the integrity of the installed geomembrane. Photographic documentation (provided by the client) confirms the high quality of installation and adherence to design specifications.

Conclusion

The Raigorodok Deposits project is a prime example of how advanced geomembrane technology can be effectively applied in demanding mining operations. By utilizing ATARFIL HDPE geomembranes, RG Gold and Gidrokor Kazakhstan have set a high standard for environmental protection and operational safety in the gold mining industry.

The careful selection of materials, rigorous quality control during installation, and comprehensive project management have all contributed to the successful containment of gold mining wastes at the site, ensuring compliance with both local and international environmental standards.

Materials

QualityInstalationMaterialYear
1,050,000 m2 (11,302,106 ft2)Containment areaAtarfil HD 1.00 mm (40 mils)2021
300,000 m2 (32,29,173 ft2)Containment areaAtarfil HD 1.50 mm (60 mils)2021