Mining

Discover GF Piping Systems' sustainable solutions for mining. Our corrosion-resistant and cost-efficient solutions ensure safety and efficiency in a variety of mining applications.

Shaping the World

From mobile phones to electric cars, mining provides essential materials for our daily lives like nickel, copper, lithium and others. Modern-day mining requires innovative, sustainable and more automated solutions to cope with the energy intensity from extraction to ore benefication to mineral processing while meeting environmental regulations. Plastic piping systems have been used for decades in mining applications to convey water for transporting slurries or hazardous liquids, such as sulphuric acid, sodium cyanide, hydrogen chloride, sodium hydroxide, carboxymethyl and other chemicals. With the focus on sustainability within the mining industry, GF Piping Systems provides long-lasting, reliable and corrosion free piping solutions consisting of pipes, fittings, valves, tools, jointing, as well as measurement and control instrumentation for a variety of mining applications.

Main Benefits

Corrosion Free and Low Maintenance

The plastic piping systems from GF Piping Systems are non-corrosive, result in no incrustation and tuberculation ensures the same flow rate throughout a useful lifespan of over 25 years. Therefore, they contribute to the increased reliability of the system while lowering maintenance costs and staff requirements.

Excellent Chemical Resistance to Chemicals

The aggressive environment of mining sites presents a particular challenge for piping systems. The superior resistance of GF Piping Systems' solutions to various chemicals at comprehensive temperature range, make them ideal for fluids and chemical conveyance. Our piping systems are excellently suited for applications involving sewage water, acids, leaches, and other chemicals, as well as abrasive compounds. Our Chemical Resistance tool and our expert teams offer support and advice in selecting the right material for your needs. 

Automated Solutions for Chemical Processes

GF Piping Systems provides comprehensive solutions for chemical processes within mining, focusing strongly on manual and actuated valves, and measurement solutions such as flow, pH/ORP, conductivity, temperature, pressure, level, dissolved oxygen (DO), free chlorine as well as monitors, transmitters and controllers for the safe management of liquid processess. Automating and measuring relevant processes like chemical dosing provides mining operators peace of mind, increases efficiency, prevents environmental pollutions, reduces employee accidents, and ensure higher end-product quality and plant availability.

Improved Operational and Environmental Safety

By developing highly engineered products in accordance with international standards, pioneering jointing technologies, and industry-leading training capabilities, we create sustainable solutions that will enhance operational safety and enable our customers to avoid accidents, leakages, and operation interruption. GF jointing technologies and testing tools ensure optimum quality, fast and easy installation with excellent welding outcome, while supporting a safe welding process with no risk of fire caused injuries.

Customized Solutions and Engineering Support

To further facilitate the design process and increase the operational safety of each system, GF Piping Systems offers digital libraries (CAD/BIM), engineering services, as well as customization. We offer training, on-site services as well as prefabrication to improve and speed up project execution times for customers around the globe.

Success Stories

Sustainable Lithium Recovery

Saltworks Technologies Inc., Canada

The Canadian company Saltworks Technologies Inc. specializes in industrial wastewater treatment and lithium refining. Its modernized thermal, membrane, and chemical process skids can treat industrial wastewaters, process brines for lithium refining to battery-grade solids, or extract valuable raw materials such as lithium, nickel, or cobalt. To ensure consistently high quality, Saltworks chooses to install complete Process Automation solutions by GF Piping Systems in their skids and containers.

Improving Sand Mining in the North Sea

Van Ouwerkerk BV, Netherlands

Sand is an essential raw material for many industries and is used for concrete and asphalt production. Therefore, companies like Van Ouwerkerk BV have specialized in mining sand throughout extraction sites in the North Sea. In order to make the process as efficient as possible, Van Ouwerkerk uses ships with specialized technology to dredge the seabed. The Dutch company’s latest addition to its fleet, the MS Zeeburg, uses the polyethylene solution ecoFIT by GF Piping Systems to provide long-lasting and corrosion-free jet lines for the dredging system.

Sub-Industries

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Specialized Solutions

We support our customers throughout all phases of their mining projects from planning to commissioning.

FAQs

What different methods are used in mining?

Mining is the process of extracting useful minerals from the Earth, and it can be categorized into several types based on the methods and locations of extraction. Here are the main types of mining:

  1. Underground Mining: This method involves creating tunnels or shafts into the Earth to reach buried mineral deposits. It’s often used for mining metals, coal, and precious stones.
  2. Surface Mining: Also known as open-pit mining, surface mining involves removing soil and rock to reach mineral deposits near the surface. Strip mining is mainly for coal extraction when overburden is stripped away to reveal the mineral deposits. Mountaintop removal is a mining method that involves removing the tops of mountains to access the minerals below. Open-pit mining describes the technique of digging large pits into the ground to extract the ore.
  3. Placer Mining: This type involves the extraction of minerals from alluvial deposits, such as sand or gravel, which contain valuable metals like gold. Miners use water to separate the precious minerals from the sediment.
  4. In-Situ Mining: This method involves pumping a solution into the ore body that dissolves the minerals, which are then pumped out to the surface. It is also known as in-situ leaching.
  5. Underwater Mining: This is a less common method that involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor.

Each mining method has its own techniques, tools, and environmental impacts, and the choice of method depends on the type of mineral being extracted, its location, economic factors, and sustainability considerations.

What is the purpose of piping systems in mining?

In mining, piping systems play a vital role as they are the industry’s arteries, transporting essential materials throughout the operation. They carry water for powering equipment, for cooling and cleaning, convey air for ventilation and drilling, and transport slurry for backfill support systems and mineral concentrate. These systems ensure the efficient, safe, and continuous flow of these materials, which is critical for the productivity and environmental stewardship of mining activities. Properly designed and maintained piping systems are essential for protecting pipes from corrosion, abrasion, impact, and other hazards that can compromise their performance and safety.

Can I use one type of plastic for all mining applications?

You cannot use one type of plastic pipe for all process applications. GF Piping Systems offers a variety of piping systems in different materials tailored for specific applications, depending on the required chemical resistance, high purity, and UV exposure. Each type of piping systems is engineered to meet the unique requirements of different industrial processes, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

What is the life expectancy of thermoplastic piping systems for mining applications?

Thermoplastic pipes have been used for decades in mining applications. Specifically those offered by GF Piping Systems are designed to have a lifespan of 25 years or more. The materials used, such as PE100 or better known as HDPE, are known for their durability, flexibility,  and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These features contribute to a long service life, making them a reliable and corrosion-free choice for demanding mining environments.

In Mineral Processing a variety of chemicals are being used for different process steps and applications. It is key to use piping systems which are completely reliable in regards to chemical resistance to ensure the safety of mining employess and the environment alike. As GF Piping Systems provides pipes, fittings and valves in a variety of materials like PE, PVC, PP as well as an extensive measurement and control portfolio, we provide the right mining piping systems for various applications.

Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd

Ebnatstrasse 111

8201 Schaffhausen

Switzerland

GF logo on the headquarters building