Pexgol Optimizes Tailings Management at Sherritt’s Moa Nickel Mine

Mining Effluent Transportation in Cuba.

Case Study Nº

169 Customer

Sherritt

Cuba

2020

Working Conditions

Temperature: 90°C / 194°F | Flow Rate: 1,400-1,800 m³/h | Pressure: 4 bar | Fluid Components: Sand, mineral, sulfuric acid. 30-33% solids, pH 1.1 – 1.3, containing various metallic sulfates in solution along with solid-phase oxides, primarily iron oxide (d80 – 84 microns).

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 630 mm (24″) class 12 & 10

Application

Mining Effluent Transportation

Lenght

6300 m / 20669.29 ft

The Challenge

Sherritt, a global leader in nickel and cobalt mining and refining, faced the challenge of implementing an efficient and long-lasting system for transporting mining effluents at its Moa Nickel mine in Cuba. The project required a solution capable of transporting
1,400-1,800 m³/h of tailings at temperatures of 90°C and with a highly acidic pH (1.1 – 1.3), along with abrasive solids such as metal oxides and sulfates in solution.

The pipeline needed to cover a distance of 6.3 km from the processing plant to the tailings deposit, buried 2 meters underground in highly corrosive soil. Alternatives considered, such as stainless steel and fiberglass pipes, were deemed unfeasible due to their high costs. This prompted the search for a solution that balanced durability, chemical resistance, and ease of installation.

The Solution

Sherritt chose 630 mm (24”) Pexgol pipes in Class 12 and Class 10 due to their excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and both external and internal corrosion. Key features that made Pexgol the ideal solution include:

Resistance to Extreme Conditions: The ability to handle highly acidic fluids, high temperatures, and abrasive solids without compromising the integrity of the pipes.
Ease of Handling and Installation: The lightweight material facilitated transportation and installation in complex terrain.
Long-Term Durability: Protection against external corrosion in aggressive soil conditions.

The installation was carried out using pipes supplied in 11.8-meter sections, connected through reinforced Series 1 electrofusion couplings. More than 500 welds were performed, all of which have shown optimal performance to date. To optimize time, three work teams were formed, each consisting of four trained operators, achieving a daily installation rate of 120 to 210 meters.