Project Details
The Terrafame Nickel Mine project in Finland is a comprehensive waste and water management solution for a large-scale mining operation. The project focuses on ensuring safe containment and effective management of both mining wastes and process liquids. ATARFIL’s geomembrane solutions played a critical role throughout multiple phases of the project—from primary heaps to water treatment ponds—demonstrating the versatility of LLDPE products in extreme operating environments.
Secondary Heap and Capping
In the secondary heap, LLDPE geomembranes have been installed for capping existing heaps. Recent installations include approximately 100,000 m² of LLDPE material in 2024, 350,000 m² of LLDPE in 2025 with additional quantities estimated 1,000,000 m² to be supplied for future capping operations.
Open Pit Operations
At the open pit, core material is extracted from depths of 240 m below the surface, with operations projected to continue to depths of up to 450 m over the next 10–15 years. Robust geomembrane solutions are essential here to address both mechanical and environmental challenges.
Fresh Water and BLS Liquid Ponds
Fresh water ponds at the site are lined with HDPE geomembranes to ensure effective water containment. In contrast, the BLS liquid ponds handle highly acidic treated water (with pH around 2). BLS refers to Black Liquor Solid, which typically contains a mix of iron, aluminium, magnesium, and other metals, along with unreacted sulfuric acid and other chemical compounds used in the leaching process. For these ponds, ATARFIL is evaluating the use of EVO geomembranes following laboratory compatibility tests to confirm their suitability under such harsh chemical conditions.
Technical and Construction Considerations
- Chemical Compatibility: In the BLS liquid ponds, where the acidic environment (pH ≈ 2) is a major factor, ongoing testing is evaluating the performance of EVO geomembranes to ensure long-term durability.
- Installation Efficiency: Despite challenging weather conditions and logistical constraints, the installation process was executed efficiently with tight coordination and effective quality control measures
Challenges and Lessons Learned
- Management of Extreme Thermal Conditions: The high temperatures in the primary pile made it necessary to use specialised geomembranes with proven resistance to high temperatures, underscoring the importance of precise product specifications.
- Chemical Exposure Considerations: The acidic nature of the process liquids in the BLS ponds required additional testing to confirm material compatibility, leading to proposals for EVO geomembranes.
- Long-Term Performance Monitoring: The complexity of the mining environment—from deep open pit operations to extensive capping areas—highlights the need for ongoing performance monitoring and feedback to refine design and material selection further.
Conclusion
The Terrafame Nickel Mine project in Finland is a prime example of how advanced geomembrane technology can be successfully applied in a challenging mining environment. By employing high-performance LLDPE products, the project team has ensured robust containment and long-term environmental protection.
Effective product selection, rigorous quality assurance during installation, and ongoing performance evaluation are critical to the project’s success. This case study demonstrates ATARFIL’s commitment to delivering reliable and durable solutions that meet the demanding conditions of modern mining operations.
