Overburden refers to the layer of soil, rock, or other materials that cover a mineral deposit or ore body. It's the material that must be removed or excavated to access the valuable mineral or resource underneath. Geomembranes can be used when dealing with overburden in several ways. The removal of overburden in mining operations can expose a large amount of bare soil and rock surfaces. These exposed surfaces are vulnerable to erosion caused by rainfall, wind, and surface runoff. Geomembranes can be used as erosion control measures to stabilize the exposed overburden and prevent erosion. By covering the surface with a geomembrane layer, soil loss and sediment runoff can be minimized, protecting the site from erosion-related impacts and maintaining the stability of the landscape.
The goal of using geomembranes in relation to overburden is primarily aimed at envrionmental protection, controlling erosion, water management, and mitigating the risk of contamination. By employing geomembranes, mining operations can address the challenges associated with overburden management and minimize the impact of mining activities on surrounding ecosystems and water sources.
