Summary

This review describe the the current state of technology of geosynthetic materials used at mine sites. Topics covered include regulations, design guidance, issues in the use of geosynthetics in mining, and geosynthetics fo uranium wastes.

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INTRODUCTION

Geosynthetics may be used at mines during operation in liners for surface water ponds (including storm-water, non-storm-water, and sediment ponds), process solution ponds (including pregnant or barren solution ponds and recycle ponds), heap leach pads, waste rock dumps, and tailings impoundments. Geosynthetics may be used at mines at closure in the covers of heap leach pads, waste rock dumps, and tailings impoundments.

Geosynthetics are used in mine facilities to limit infiltration of gas and water to the closed waste facilities, control seepage of water and potentially contaminating constituents from the operating and closed waste facilities, and provide for drainage of liquids from the operating and closed facilities.