Geomembranes liners can be employed to create containment areas for the storage of contaminated materials generated during the closure process. This can include waste rock, tailings, or other hazardous substances. By constructing lined containment cells or pits using geomembranes, this greatly reduces the risk of contaminants migrating into the surrounding environment. Closing a mine often involves managing and treating water on the mine site. Geomembranes can be used to line and stabilize water storage structures such as ponds, basins, or evaporation ponds. These liners help prevent water seepage and ensure containment.
If a mine has waste storage facilities like tail impoundments or heap leach pads, geomembranes are often used in their closure. This involves covering the waste materials with a geomembrane cap to prevent water infiltration, control leachate generation, and minimize the release of potentially harmful substances.
