Zimbabwe Presidential River Rehabilitation & Protection Program

Geosynthetics Africa supplied 210,000m² of JuteSoilLock™ 292 erosion control blankets in support of Zimbabwe’s Presidential River Rehabilitation and Protection Program - a national initiative aimed at restoring river systems severely degraded by illegal mining activities.

The project required rapid deployment of high-performance erosion control solutions to stabilise exposed soils, prevent further degradation, and support long-term ecological recovery.

Project Overview

• Location: Zimbabwe
• Application: Riverbank stabilisation & environmental rehabilitation
• Scope: Supply + technical guidance
• Product: JuteSoilLock™ 292 Erosion Control Blanket
• Volume: 210,000m²

This was a large-scale, high-impact environmental project, requiring both product integrity and supply reliability.

The Challenge - Spec Compliance in a Distorted Market

One of the biggest risks in erosion control projects across Africa is the widespread availability of under-spec materials, typically around 250 GSM, being supplied as compliant erosion control blankets.

For this project, the requirements were clear:

• Genuine 292 GSM jute blankets
• Proven erosion control performance under field conditions
• Large-format rolls suitable for rapid installation
• Immediate availability to meet urgent rehabilitation timelines
• Reliable cross-border delivery into Zimbabwe
• Technical support beyond basic supply

Failure to meet these requirements would result in premature degradation, slope failure, and ineffective rehabilitation outcomes.

Geosynthetics Africa Solution

1. Supply of Genuine JuteSoilLock™ 292

Geosynthetics Africa supplied its standard  JuteSoilLock™ 292 erosion control blankets, manufactured to verified GSM specifications - not downgraded low quality alternatives in the gray market for 250gsm.

This ensured:

• Higher tensile strength and durability
• Effective soil retention on riverbanks and slopes
• Controlled biodegradation supporting vegetation establishment
• Reliable performance in high-risk erosion zones

2. Large Format Roll Supply for Scale Efficiency

Material was supplied in large-format rolls of 100m lengths, enabling:

• Faster installation across large areas
• Reduced overlap requirements
• Lower material wastage
• Improved continuity on slopes and irregular terrain

3. Immediate Stock Availability

Unlike project-based procurement models that rely on imports, Geosynthetics Africa supplied directly from available stock, ensuring:

• No project delays
• Rapid mobilisation
• Immediate deployment on site

This was critical given the urgency of the rehabilitation program.

4. Cross-Border Logistics Capability

Geosynthetics Africa managed the full export and delivery process into Zimbabwe, including:

• Transport coordination
• Export documentation
• Border clearance
• Direct-to-site delivery

This eliminated intermediary markups and delays, ensuring cost efficiency and execution certainty.

5. Technical Guidance & Application Support

Geosynthetics Africa provided technical installation guidance, positioning the company as a solutions partner rather than a commodity supplier.

Support included:

• Installation methodology recommendations
• Overlap and anchoring guidance
• Best practices for riverbank stabilisation
• Application-specific deployment strategies

Product Specification - JuteSoilLock™ 292

• Material: Natural jute fibre
• Mass: 292 gsm
• Function: Erosion control and soil stabilisation
• Application: Riverbanks, slopes, rehabilitation zones

✔ Fully biodegradable
✔ Environmentally sustainable
✔ Designed to support vegetation establishment

Project Outcome

• Successful large-scale deployment across targeted river systems
• Stabilisation of erosion-prone and degraded zones
• Improved conditions for vegetation regrowth
• Rapid execution enabled through stock availability and logistics capability

Strategic Impact - Why This Project Matters

This project clearly demonstrates Geosynthetics Africa’s ability to deliver:

✔ Spec-Driven Supply

No substitution, no compromise - only verified, compliant materials

✔ Pan-African Logistics Execution

Seamless cross-border delivery across Southern Africa

✔ Immediate Availability Model

Stock-driven supply enabling rapid deployment

✔ Technical Partnership Approach

Providing guidance and engineering insight - not just product

Geosynthetics Africa - Beyond Supply

We do not compete on price alone.
We compete on:

• Performance
• Compliance
• Execution certainty

From river rehabilitation to large-scale mining and infrastructure projects, Geosynthetics Africa delivers solutions that perform in real African conditions.

JuteSoilLock™ 292 is not just an erosion control blanket - it is a specification-driven solution engineered for performance.

Geosynthetics Africa ensures that what is specified is what is delivered -
every time, across Africa.

Project: West Wits Mining - ROM Ore Pads
Location: South Africa
Completion Date: February 2026
Contractor: Geosynthetics South Africa Pty Ltd

Geosynthetics Africa was engaged to deliver a fully engineered geomembrane containment system for ROM ore pads, including supply, logistics, installation, and full QA/QC verification.

The project required a load-bearing, puncture-resistant containment solution capable of withstanding:

• Continuous heavy equipment traffic
• High static and dynamic ore loads
• Environmental exposure
• Strict containment compliance

ENGINEERED SYSTEM DESIGN

This was not a standard liner installation , it was a multi-layer engineered containment system designed for mining operations.

System Cross-Section (Bottom to Top)

✔ Designed for high load mining environments
✔ Engineered to prevent puncture, deformation, and leakage
✔ Fully aligned with GRI-GM13 geomembrane standards

CRITICAL ENGINEERING FEATURES

1. Anchor Trench System

• 150 × 150 mm anchor trench on three sides
• Provides long-term liner restraint
• Prevents uplift and edge instability

2. Drainage Control System

• Perimeter drainage trench (lined)
• Controls runoff and prevents contamination migration

3. Concrete Hump Interface 

Engineering Purpose:

• Controls surface water ingress
• Protects liner at high-risk entry zone
• Provides traffic transition from haul road to lined pad
• Acts as a termination and interface boundary

Geosynthetics Africa integrated the geomembrane system into this feature, ensuring:

• Controlled liner termination
• Protection against shear stress
• Long-term durability at the most critical interface

MATERIALS SUPPLIED & INSTALLED

Geomembrane

• Product: GSE HDPE Geomembrane
• Thickness: 1.5 mm (approved upgrade from 1.25 mm)
• Standard: GRI-GM13 compliant
• Manufacturer: GSE / Solmax

Geotextile Protection

• Product: MIRAFI S82 Nonwoven
• Function: Cushioning + puncture resistance + separation

TRACEABILITY & MATERIAL CONTROL

All materials were:

• Manufactured in ISO-certified facilities
• Fully batch traceable
• Delivered in original labelled rolls
• Verified against factory QA documentation

📌 Full traceability records maintained in QA system

INSTALLATION METHODOLOGY

• GSE Manufacturer Guidelines
• Group IAGI Installer Member: Geosynthetics Africa holds the membership, and Geosynthetics South Africa follows the group's installation and QA/QC procedures.
• Project-Specific Method Statements

Execution Sequence

1. Subgrade Preparation

• Inspection and approval of prepared surface
• Removal of sharp materials
• Placement of controlled sand bedding

2. Liner Deployment

• Panels installed along wind direction
• Minimum 100 mm overlaps

3. Welding Operations

• Dual-track hot wedge welding
• Extrusion welding for details and repairs

4. Protection Layer Installation

• MIRAFI S82 placed over liner
• Ensured full coverage prior to loading

5. Final Layer Placement

• Controlled placement of sand and crushed material

WELDING & QA/QC CONTROL

Equipment

• Leister Hot Wedge Welders
• Leister Extrusion Welders
• Vacuum Testing Units
• Air Pressure Testing Systems

Welding Procedure

• Six trial welds performed
• Optimal parameters selected (temperature, speed, pressure)
• Continuous monitoring and recalibration

📌 Trial weld optimisation confirmed before production

QUALITY ASSURANCE & TESTING

• Air Pressure Testing (double seam)
• Vacuum Box Testing
• Visual Inspection
• Trial Weld Testing

Acceptance Criteria

• Continuous weld integrity
• Zero leakage
• No voids or defects

Results

• 100% seam testing completed
• One localized defect repaired and retested
• Full system integrity confirmed

📌 Installation certified compliant post-testing

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

• Zero incidents recorded
• Full PPE compliance
• Controlled work zones
• Strict liner protection protocols

PROJECT OUTCOME

✔ Fully engineered containment system delivered
✔ Installation compliant with international standards
✔ Integrated civil + geosynthetic system executed successfully
✔ System approved for operational use

📌 Final sign-off confirms compliance with all specifications

STRATEGIC PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE

This project demonstrates Geosynthetics Africa’s capability to deliver:

1. Load-Bearing Mining Containment Systems

Not just liners - engineered operational platforms

2. Civil + Geosynthetic Integration

• Concrete interface (hump)
• Drainage systems
• Anchor trench systems

3. Full Lifecycle QA/QC

• Material traceability
• Installation QA
• Testing verification

Why choose Geosynthetics South Africa?

We are a specialist geosynthetics engineering contractor delivering:

• HDPE Geomembrane Systems (GSE / Solmax)
• Geotextile Protection Systems (MIRAFI)
• IAGI-Compliant Installation
• Pan-African Delivery Capability

Applications

• ROM Pads
• Heap Leach Pads
• Tailings Storage Facilities
• Water Containment Systems

Geosynthetics Africa delivers engineered containment systems - not just liners.

From material supply to final QA certification, we ensure:

✔ Structural performance
✔ Environmental compliance
✔ Long-term durability

Trusted by mines. Proven in the field. Built for Africa.

GCL & HDPE Geocell Lining of Stormwater Attenuation Pond

Total Fuel Depot Expansion - South Africa

Project Overview

As part of the Total Fuel Depot Expansion in South Africa, a new stormwater attenuation pond was required to manage runoff and ensure environmentally compliant containment within a sensitive fuel storage and handling facility. The project demanded a high-integrity containment solution capable of accommodating steep side slopes, strict environmental controls, and long-term performance requirements.

Geosynthetics Africa was appointed to supply, deliver, and install the complete lining system, including a reinforced geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) and HDPE geocell slope stabilisation, executed by a qualified installation crew under IAGI-aligned installation procedures.

Engineering & Environmental Challenges

The attenuation pond design presented several technical challenges:

• Steep embankment slopes, requiring slope stabilisation and erosion control

• Requirement for perfect containment, with zero tolerance for leakage due to proximity to fuel infrastructure

• Stormwater management compliance, aligned with civil drainage and environmental specifications

• Need for rapid mobilisation, supported by immediate material availability

• Installation to be completed by a competent, experienced geosynthetics contractor

Traditional unreinforced clay lining systems were unsuitable due to slope geometry and constructability risks. A composite geosynthetic solution was therefore adopted.

Geosynthetics Africa Solution

High-Performance GCL Containment

The primary containment layer comprised Eurobent® EB4000, a reinforced geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) incorporating sodium bentonite encapsulated between geotextiles and mechanically reinforced to enhance internal shear strength.

This provided:

• Low hydraulic conductivity for stormwater containment

• Excellent self-sealing performance around penetrations and minor damage

• Compatibility with steep slope applications

• Rapid installation compared to compacted clay alternatives

HDPE Geocell Slope Stabilisation

To address slope stability and long-term erosion control, HDPE geocell was installed over the GCL on the embankments. The geocell system allowed:

• Load confinement and slope stabilisation

• Placement of topsoil infill to support vegetation

• Long-term erosion resistance under stormwater flow conditions

• Protection of the underlying GCL from UV exposure and mechanical damage

This combined system delivered both structural stability and environmental integration, essential for fuel depot infrastructure.

Installation & Quality Assurance

The project required qualified installers and strict adherence to best-practice installation standards.

Geosynthetics Africa provided:

• Immediate stock availability of Eurobent® EB4000 GCL and HDPE geocell from regional inventory

• A trained and experienced installation crew

• Installation procedures aligned with IAGI (International Association of Geosynthetic Installers) guidelines

• Controlled placement, seaming, and anchorage of the GCL

• Careful coordination between GCL installation and geocell deployment on steep slopes

This ensured the attenuation pond was constructed to meet engineering design intent, environmental compliance requirements, and long-term durability expectations.

Project Outcomes

• ✔ Fully lined stormwater attenuation pond with high-integrity containment

• ✔ Stable, vegetated slopes achieved using HDPE geocell

• ✔ Compliance with civil, environmental, and fuel depot infrastructure standards

• ✔ Rapid execution supported by immediate material availability

• ✔ Installation delivered by a qualified, IAGI-aligned contractor

The project demonstrates Geosynthetics Africa’s capability to deliver complex containment systems for fuel, energy, and industrial infrastructure projects across Southern Africa.

Products Used on This Project

Group expertise through Geosynthetics South Africa

Geosynthetics Africa supplies and installs high-performance geosynthetic solutions for fuel, mining, water, waste, and infrastructure projects across Africa. With regional stockholding, technically qualified installation teams, and IAGI-aligned installation processes, the company supports both planned works and time-critical projects requiring assured quality and compliance.

Lucara Diamonds - Rapid Response & Critical Stock Availability

Geosynthetics Africa supplied GSE® 1.5 mm HDPE geomembrane liners for critical mining process infrastructure works at Lucara Diamonds in Botswana, supporting urgent operational requirements through immediate stock availability, high-specification materials, flexible commercial support, and competitive pricing.

This project demonstrates Geosynthetics Africa’s ability to respond rapidly to time-sensitive mining requirements in Southern Africa, particularly during shutdown periods where access to compliant materials and responsive technical support is critical.

Project Overview

Client: Lucara Diamonds
Location: Botswana
Industry: Mining
Application: Mining process plant containment and infrastructure
Product Supplied: GSE® HDPE Geomembrane Liner - 1.5 mm thickness
Supplier: Geosynthetics Africa

Mining process infrastructure operates under strict environmental, operational, and compliance constraints. The client required immediate access to globally recognised HDPE geomembrane liners to support urgent works within a constrained timeframe.

Client Requirements

Lucara Diamonds required a supplier capable of delivering:

• Immediate availability of HDPE geomembrane liners from stock

• High-specification, globally recognised products suitable for mining process environments

• Commercial flexibility and competitive pricing

• Support during a December shutdown period, when many suppliers are unavailable

• Fast, clear communication and access to decision-makers

• Confidence in quality, compliance, and material traceability

Long international manufacturing lead times and limited year-end supplier availability made many traditional supply routes unsuitable.

Geosynthetics Africa Response

Immediate Stock Availability

Geosynthetics Africa supplied GSE® 1.5 mm HDPE geomembrane liners from African-held inventory, enabling the client to proceed without waiting for overseas manufacturing or extended lead times.

This instant availability proved critical in maintaining momentum on urgent process infrastructure works.

High-Specification GSE® HDPE Geomembranes

The supplied liners were GSE® HDPE geomembranes manufactured to global standards, offering:

• Proven chemical resistance suitable for mining process conditions

• Robust mechanical performance

• UV stability for exposed installation phases

• Long-term durability and compliance confidence

This ensured alignment with Lucara Diamonds’ quality and performance expectations.

Agility, Flexibility & Competitive Pricing

The project required commercial agility and flexibility, particularly during a shutdown period. Geosynthetics Africa supported the client through:

• Rapid confirmation of stock availability

• Flexible engagement aligned to urgent site needs

• Competitive pricing, delivering cost-effective access to premium geomembrane products

• Clear, direct communication throughout the decision and procurement process

Responsive Support During Shutdown Period

A key differentiator was the availability of critical staff during the December shutdown period. Quick, efficient communication and responsiveness ensured that decisions were made without delay, supporting the client’s tight operational window.

Project Outcomes

• ✔ Urgent process infrastructure works supported without delay

• ✔ Immediate access to GSE® HDPE geomembrane liners from stock

• ✔ Compliance with mining quality and performance requirements

• ✔ Cost-effective supply of premium geomembrane materials

• ✔ Superior responsiveness during a traditionally constrained shutdown period

Proven Mining Supply Capability in Botswana

This Lucara Diamonds project reinforces Geosynthetics Africa’s role as a reliable supplier of high-specification HDPE geomembrane liners for mining applications in Botswana, particularly where:

• Time is critical

• Stock availability determines project success

• Quality and compliance cannot be compromised

• Flexible, responsive engagement is required

Together with other mining supplies in Botswana, this project confirms Geosynthetics Africa’s ability to support process plant, containment, and infrastructure requirements across Southern Africa.

Group expertise through Geosynthetics South Africa

Geosynthetics Africa supplies HDPE geomembrane liners and geosynthetic solutions for mining, municipal water, waste, and infrastructure projects across Africa. With regional stockholding, technical expertise, and responsive commercial support, the company assists clients in executing both planned works and time-critical operational requirements.

Amsterdam Bulk Water Supply Scheme - Phase 4

Project Overview

The Amsterdam Bulk Water Supply Scheme - Phase 4 forms part of a critical municipal infrastructure programme aimed at strengthening long-term water security through major civil and earthworks construction.
As with many bulk water and municipal infrastructure projects in South Africa, construction activities were required to proceed over variable and locally weak subgrade soils, presenting challenges related to load support, constructability, and material efficiency.

To address these challenges, Tensar® Biaxial Geogrid TGSG 20 was deployed as a soil stabilisation and ground improvement solution, enabling improved subgrade performance while optimising the use of imported aggregates.

Engineering Challenge: Weak Subgrades & Material Efficiency

Bulk water infrastructure projects typically involve:

• Extensive earthworks and platform construction

• Heavy construction traffic and plant movement

• Access roads, working platforms, and structural layers built over marginal soils

On this project, untreated subgrade conditions presented a risk of:

• Excessive rutting and deformation

• Reduced bearing capacity under construction loads

• Increased dependence on thick aggregate layers to achieve stability

Traditional “dig-and-replace” approaches would have resulted in higher aggregate volumes, increased haulage, extended construction timeframes, and elevated project costs.

Geotechnical Solution: Tensar® Biaxial Geogrid TGSG 20

To mitigate these risks, Tensar® Biaxial Geogrid TGSG 20 was incorporated into the pavement and working platform build-up to form a Mechanically Stabilised Layer (MSL).

Why Tensar TGSG 20

Tensar TGSG 20 is a biaxial polypropylene geogrid engineered to stabilise soils and aggregates by:

• Promoting mechanical interlock between aggregate particles

• Restricting lateral movement under applied loads

• Increasing the effective stiffness of the composite soil-aggregate layer

• Improving load distribution across weaker subgrades

This performance mechanism is well documented by Tensar International for roads, working platforms, access routes, and infrastructure foundations.

Application & Installation Overview

The geogrid was installed directly over prepared subgrade surfaces, followed by placement and compaction of engineered aggregate layers in accordance with recognised geosynthetics installation practices.

Typical installation methodology included:

1. Subgrade preparation to line and level

2. Placement of Tensar TGSG 20 biaxial geogrid over weak soils

3. Correct overlap and alignment to ensure continuity of reinforcement

4. Placement of aggregate cover layer

5. Compaction to specification to activate interlock

This approach allowed the formation of a stable working platform capable of supporting construction loads while limiting deformation.

Performance Outcomes

Improved Soil Stability

The use of Tensar TGSG 20 significantly enhanced subgrade performance by creating a reinforced composite layer that improved bearing capacity and resistance to deformation.

Optimised Aggregate Usage

Consistent with Tensar International design guidance, the stabilised layer enabled reduced reliance on excessive aggregate thicknesses when compared to unreinforced construction over weak soils.
This translated into material efficiency benefits without compromising performance.

Tensar International documentation confirms that biaxial geogrids are routinely used to reduce aggregate demand and improve pavement efficiency on weak subgrades; however, achievable reductions are project-specific and design-dependent.

Enhanced Constructability

Stable working platforms improved site trafficability, reduced construction delays, and supported efficient progress of civil works.

Long-Term Infrastructure Performance

Improved load distribution and confinement contribute to the durability and serviceability of infrastructure layers over the design life of the asset.

Role of Geosynthetics Africa

Geosynthetics Africa supplied Tensar® Biaxial Geogrid TGSG 20 as part of its broader capability to support soil stabilisation, ground improvement, and civil infrastructure projects across South Africa and the African continent.

With extensive experience in geogrids, geomembranes, geotextiles, and engineered geosynthetic systems, Geosynthetics Africa supports projects from design alignment through to material supply and technical support, ensuring solutions are aligned with international best practice.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates the proven effectiveness of Tensar® Biaxial Geogrid TGSG 20 for soil stabilisation in municipal bulk water infrastructure applications.
By reinforcing weak subgrades and optimising aggregate usage, the geogrid solution delivered improved constructability, material efficiency, and long-term performance.

Geogrid-based stabilisation remains a cost-effective, technically robust solution for civil, municipal, mining, and infrastructure projects across Southern Africa.

Products Supplied

Ikongwe Iron Ore Mine - Pan-African Supply & Logistics Execution

Geosynthetics Africa supplied HDPE geomembrane liners for a Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at Ikongwe Iron Ore Mine in Botswana, supporting critical mining containment requirements through immediate stock availability, preferential African-origin supply, competitive pricing, and optimised cross-border logistics execution.

This project further demonstrates Geosynthetics Africa’s capability to deliver time-critical HDPE liner solutions for mining operations across Botswana and Southern Africa, particularly where schedule certainty, environmental compliance, and cost optimisation are essential.

Project Overview

Client: Ikongwe Iron Ore Mine
Location: Botswana
Industry: Mining
Application: Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) lining
Products Supplied: HDPE Geomembrane Liners
Supplier: Geosynthetics Africa

Tailings Storage Facilities require high-integrity containment systems designed to manage environmental risk, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational performance. The Ikongwe Iron Ore Mine required a supplier capable of delivering proven HDPE geomembrane solutions without delay, aligned to active TSF construction schedules.

Project Requirements & Challenges

The project presented several critical commercial and logistical requirements:

• Immediate HDPE liner availability to prevent delays to TSF construction

• Preference for African-origin HDPE geomembranes

• Competitive pricing in a cost-sensitive mining environment

• Optimised delivery scheduling aligned with site construction sequencing

• Reliable cross-border logistics into Botswana

Traditional offshore procurement routes were unsuitable due to long lead times and higher landed costs.

Geosynthetics Africa Solution

Immediate Stock Availability

Geosynthetics Africa supplied HDPE geomembrane liners from African-held inventory, eliminating reliance on overseas manufacturing and enabling rapid mobilisation in line with site requirements.

Mining-Grade HDPE Geomembrane Performance

The supplied HDPE geomembranes were suitable for TSF containment applications, offering:

• High resistance to tailings constituents and process fluids

• Robust mechanical strength for mining environments

• UV stability for exposed installation phases

• Long-term containment reliability

Pan-African Logistics & Trade Optimisation

A key requirement was the supply of preferential African-origin HDPE geomembranes, enabling:

• Reduced import duties and taxes under regional trade frameworks

• Improved landed cost competitiveness

• Predictable customs clearance and delivery timelines

Geosynthetics Africa coordinated cross-border delivery into Botswana, sequencing deliveries to match construction progress and avoid onsite congestion or storage constraints.

Project Supply Summary - Products, Categories & Applications

The combination of mining-grade HDPE geomembrane liners and pan-African logistics execution enabled the project to meet urgent TSF construction timelines while achieving cost efficiencies through African-origin supply and optimised delivery.

Project Outcomes

• ✔ TSF liner supply delivered without construction delays

• ✔ Immediate stock availability supported critical mining schedules

• ✔ Competitive pricing achieved through regional sourcing

• ✔ Reduced landed cost via African-origin trade compliance

• ✔ Delivery sequencing aligned with site construction progress

Proven Mining HDPE Liner Supply Capability in Botswana

The Ikongwe Iron Ore Mine TSF project reinforces Geosynthetics Africa’s ability to support mining containment systems across Botswana, including:

• Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs)

• Mining water and containment infrastructure

• New mine developments and expansion works

• Time-critical liner supply under constrained schedules

Together with other mining supplies in Botswana, this project confirms Geosynthetics Africa’s position as a reliable pan-African supplier of HDPE geomembrane liners for mining applications.

Group expertise through Geosynthetics South Africa

Geosynthetics Africa supplies HDPE geomembrane liners and geosynthetic solutions for mining, municipal water, waste, and infrastructure projects across Africa. With regional stockholding and deep cross-border logistics expertise, the company supports both planned developments and urgent, time-sensitive project requirements.