Pries, J, Bishop, D & Hayes, S 2008, 'The Use of Geosynthetics in Mining Works', in AB Fourie (ed.), Rock Dumps 2008: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on the Management of Rock Dumps, Stockpiles and Heap Leach Pads, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 57-64, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/802_5
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/802_5_Pries/)
Abstract: Heap leach facilities are some of the largest man-made fill structures in the world. The design and 
construction of heap leach facilities have to follow the existing regulations to protect the environment 
against the very harsh and hazardous conditions.  
A very important but also critical component in the design, construction and operation of heap leach 
facilities is the liner system. It has to be designed to guarantee a sufficient quality, in consideration of the 
long-term responsibility for the environment, as well as in consideration of enhancing solution recovery and 
therewith operational benefit. Due to the long-term requirements of environmental protection, the 
surrounding climate and weather conditions in the area of a heap leach facility can lead to the requirement 
of a capping sealing system upon completion of the mining activities. 
This paper presents a summary of common heap leach pad designs using geosynthetic components. It shows 
the design and operation-related requirements for the single components of a heap leach pad lining system 
(low permeability soil, geomembrane, mineral drainage layer) and the interaction of the layers by project-
specific boundary conditions.  
This paper does not include any design requirements or recommendations for the solution collection piping 
and the air injecting piping. The authors do not want to introduce themselves as mine experts, but with a 
large experience in landfill lining systems and geosynthetics.