Skip to content

Overcoming Geotechnical Challenges with Pexgol at Media Luna

Improving drainage in the Media Luna mine with Pexgol.

Case Study Nº

159

Customer

Minera Media Luna
Mexico

|

2023

Working Conditions

Temperature: 25°C / 77°F | Flow: 80 l/sec | Pressure: 28.5 bar

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 8″ SDR 6

Application

Mine Dewatering

Lenght

540 m / 1640.42 ft

Categories

Overcoming Geotechnical Challenges with Pexgol at Media Luna

The Challenge

Torex Gold, an intermediate gold producer with operations in the Guerrero gold belt in Mexico, faced a significant challenge at its Media Luna mine. The need for an effective underground water pumping system was critical to continuing mining operations. The conventional alternative of using steel pipes presented multiple disadvantages, including the high cost of installation and materials, the need for frequent welding every 12 meters, and the requirement for specialized machinery for installation inside the mine, in addition to susceptibility to corrosion due to high humidity in the underground environment.

The Solution

After a thorough analysis, Torex Gold selected 8” SDR 6 Pexgol pipes for a total of 540 metres distributed in two coils of 270 metres each. Pexgol pipes were chosen for their corrosion resistance, the possibility of supplying them in long sections that significantly reduce joints, and their fast and efficient installation. In addition, the lightness and flexibility of the material facilitated its handling and installation in the complex mine environment.
The implementation of the Pexgol solution at Minera Media Luna not only met the operational and technical requirements of the project, but also exceeded expectations in terms of installation efficiency and costs. The ability to supply pipes in long coils allowed for continuous installation without the interruptions and costs associated with welding required by steel pipes. In addition, the mine’s in-house engineering successfully designed the surface base and the clamping platform at the end of the countershaft, ensuring seamless integration of the Pexgol system into the existing infrastructure. This project not only demonstrated the technical and economic viability of Pexgol pipes in challenging mining applications, but also set a precedent for future implementations, highlighting the importance of selecting innovative materials that offer durable and cost-effective solutions in the mining industry.

Related Case Studies

The Robust & Flexible Answer to Constantly Changing Mine Surfaces.

Evolving Mine Operations with Pexgol Piping

Peña Colorada
Mexico

 | 

2023
Монтаж дренажной системы между скважиной и рудничной дамбой.

Дренирование скважины возле рудничной дамбы

CODELCO — Рудник Эль-Тениенте
Чили

 | 

2019
In an engineering challenge, the Pexgol 225 mm (8”) Class 15 pipe proved to be the perfect solution for transporting tailings at the Mina Capela mining complex.

Environmental Protection and Efficiency in Tailings Management

Mina Capella - Grupo Peñoles
Mexico

 | 

2023
Обустройство скважины с секционным монтажом труб в ограниченном пространстве.

Обустройство водозаборной скважины в ограниченном пространстве

Mekorot
Израиль

 | 

2020
Potable Water Supply on Harsh Terrain

Снабжение питьевой водой в труднопроходимой местности

Компания водоснабжения Mekorot / Beit Shemesh Water Company
Израиль

 | 

2017
Pexgol’s Role in Enhancing Guaymas Protein’s Operations.

Transition to Corrosion-Free Diesel Delivery Systems

Guaymas Protein
Mexico

 | 

2023