Evolving Mine Operations with Pexgol Piping

The Robust & Flexible Answer to Constantly Changing Mine Surfaces.

Case Study Nº

150 Customer

Peña Colorada

Mexico

2023

Working Conditions

Temperature: Ambient Flow: 410 m^3/h | Pressure: 7 bar | Fluid components: Rainwater Pipe exposed to the sun

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 10″, SDR 11

Application

Mine Dewatering

Lenght

500 m / 1640 ft

The Challenge

Peña Colorada, a leading company dedicated to the exploration, exploitation, and beneficiation of iron ore, met with a unique operational hurdle at their open-pit mine in Mexico. Historically, they employed HDPE piping systems for mine drainage.

However, as the mine’s surface continuously evolved, they faced the challenge of constantly relocating their pumps and piping. Each relocation with their steel pipes required a significant workforce, two cranes, and a special transportation mechanism for the pipe. Furthermore, they had to ensure very broad curves to prevent leakage at the joints.

Pexgol Solution

Pexgol, recognizing the inherent challenges with the existing piping system, introduced their 10” SDR 11 pipes. These were designed not only to address the drainage needs but to offer unmatched flexibility in a mining environment where surfaces change frequently. The Pexgol pipes could be easily dragged for relocation across the mine’s floor without compromising operational pressures. Moreover, these pipes could effortlessly follow any path necessary for optimal drainage.

During installation, as the pipe was being unrolled, it was simultaneously positioned where it was to be installed, connecting the pump to the discharge pipe. The entire process was completed in a single shift without any special surface preparation. The mine, which notably produces steel and even manufactures steel pipes, chose Pexgol due to its superior corrosion resistance and installation flexibility.