08 Sep ICON Group joins Solmax in Burkina Faso to install linings at a large tailings dam
8 September 2022: Bulk earthworks, demolitions, and civil services provider ICON Group is installing a massive 200 000 square meter, 1.5mm high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geosynthetics lining on a mining site in Burkina Faso.
ICON Group was appointed as the HDPE installer in early 2022 by one of the most experienced geosynthetics service provider in West Africa, Solmax. Jaco Potgieter, head of linings operations at ICON Group, explains that it speaks volumes of the professionalism and service quality of ICON Group to partner with such an established company.
Solmax Africa manager Johan Behrens highlights the importance of HDPE lining in waste management. “Geosynthetics are used globally in all leach pads and tailings facilities. It is the best solution to stop mine water from mixing and contaminating the groundwater.”
Potgieter adds that mines produce unimaginable amounts of waste. The waste needs to be contained and disposed of in an environmentally friendly and efficient way.
Considering the mine’s impact on the environment and the regions where it operates, contracting the best companies with the best products and the best installers to contain the mining waste for up to 20 years in a safe manner is vital for the mining house and the community in which it operates, says Behrens. “Therefore, Solmax designed, together with consulting engineers, and manufactured a specific geosynthetic product to meet the exact needs of the mining client. The material is impermeable, puncture resistant, and has excellent UV protection and outstanding chemical corrosion resistance,” he adds.
Installation at thousands of square meters a day
Solmax then appointed the proven services of ICON Group to move their always-ready machinery across borders to Burkina Faso and professionally install and test the product which was already on site.
“We have significant experience completing large, complex civil and mining projects across Africa. However, this is our first time in Burkina Faso. Therefore, it is great to be entrusted with installing this significant project by an experienced company on the African continent, such as Solmax,” says Potgieter.
The ICON Group team installs up to 10 000 square meters per day, considering the embankments of the tailings dam are 35m long and has a 40-degree slope, is 15m high with a gradual 20-degree inward slope.
“In addition, ICON Group contributes to the upliftment of the specific mining community by training and employing locals to assist with the specialised, yet laborious installation work, which is still three months from completion,” adds Potgieter.
The HDPE linings are also perfect solutions for roads, ponds, dams, and river projects. And as with the large Burkina Faso mining installation, any environmental project such as landfills or chemical and storage tanks – the application can be tailored according to the specific client and project needs with professional and safe preparation and installation services guaranteed.
“ICON Group’s ability to deliver its services across the border and work with the local community on this large project is a testament to its vision of becoming the civil contractor of choice in Africa. This partnership is the right step toward achieving their vision,” concludes Potgieter.
About ICON Group
The ICON Group, established over 30 years ago, is the trusted provider of bulk earthworks, demolitions and other related civil engineering and construction services that are needed to get a commercial, industrial or mining site into an ideal state of build readiness. The ICON Group has an unrivalled reputation for delivering on specification and well within the deadlines provided.
Contact:
Wayne Neary, Managing Director
010 591 6828
Media Contact:
Charles Poulter | SWM Communications
charles@swmcommunications.co.za
076 812 8429