Pexgol Simplifies Slurry Transportation at Buriticá Mine

Reducing maintenance and increasing safety in hydraulic backfill operations.

Case Study Nº

166 Customer

Zijin — Continental Gold

Colombia

2023

Working Conditions

Temperature: 25°C / 77°F | Pressure: 8 bar | Fluid Components: Sand, water, cement (70% solids)

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 160 mm, class 15

Application

Slurry transport for hydraulic backfill

Lenght

70 m / 229.65 ft

The Challenge

Zijin-Continental Gold, operator of the Buriticá Mine in Colombia, faced a significant challenge in transporting slurry for hydraulic backfill—a complex application due to the abrasive and scaling nature of the fluid, composed of sand, cement, and water.

The previously used HDPE pipes suffered from wear, leakage at connections, and installation difficulties in the underground environment, characterized by limited space, lack of lighting, and scarce resources. A more durable and efficient solution was clearly needed, especially in the section between levels 1140 and 1105, where the velocity on
the slope increased wear on the pipes.

The Solution

To tackle these issues, 160 mm, class 15 Pexgol pipes were installed in a section of the project. Pexgol was selected for its high abrasion resistance and because it is supplied in coils of up to 600 meters, ensuring safe and efficient
installation. The installation was completed over two shifts: during the first shift, the pipe was uncoiled, and in the second shift, it was lowered through the ventilation shaft, with the support system placed at the back of the setup, and transition joints between steel and Pexgol made using flanged couplings.

The implementation of Pexgol pipes at the Buriticá Mine resulted in a quick and efficient installation, eliminating the wear and leakage issues that affected the HDPE pipes. The flexibility of the material allowed for easy adaptation to the underground conditions, with supports required only every 3 meters in the horizontal section and no need for supports in the vertical section. This solution not only improved the durability and efficiency of the slurry transport system but also significantly reduced maintenance costs and enhanced operational safety.

This collaboration highlights how technological solutions can transform mining operations, improving both productivity and safety.