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.

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.

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.