Safety and durability: The heart of our solutions

Pexgol and Fresnillo: Allies in innovative piping solutions for mining.

Case Study Nº

153 Customer

Minera Fresnillo

Mexico

2021

Working Conditions

Pressure: 130 psi (pump pressure) | Temperature: Ambient 35°C / 95°F | Fluid: Slurry (tailings), concentration 55%

Pexgol Pipes

Pexgol 280 mm (12″), SDR 11

Application

Tailings transportation

Lenght

4800 m / 15748 ft

The Challenge

Fresnillo, a leader in silver and gold production in Mexico, faced significant issues with its existing HDPE pipeline in its mining unit. Frequent failures in mechanical joints, including detachments of stub ends, failures in thermal fusions and flanges, created a potential risk of tailings spills, raising concerns for safety and environmental impact.

Pexgol Solution

Pexgol addressed this challenge with its scientifically proven and abrasion-resistant PE-X pipes, being up to four times more resistant than HDPE.

The electrofusion joints in Pexgol pipes ensured double safety, significantly reducing the risk of leaks. The installation was remarkably efficient, with each 120-meter roll laid out in just 20 minutes, allowing for rapid progress without compromising safety or quality.

A crucial aspect of Pexgol’s service was the comprehensive training provided to Fresnillo mine staff. This training ensured that the personnel were skilled in handling and installing Pexgol pipes, particularly mastering the electrofusion process. This skill development initiative not only facilitated smoother installations but also empowered the mine team with the knowledge and confidence to maintain pipeline integrity, reflecting Pexgol’s commitment to excellence and collaboration in every project.