Geomembranes are used in mining to line tailings dams, heap leach pads, and waste containment facilities. Typically, the types of geomembranes used are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
HDPE is the most common due to its high chemical resistance, durability, and strength, making it ideal for harsh mining environments. LLDPE is much more flexible compared to HDPE, which is beneficial in applications requiring better conformability to uneven surfaces. PVC geomembranes are easily installed and have good flexibility, although they have lower chemical resistance than polyethylene-based geomembranes.
