The impact of the mining industry on the environment has become a major focus for many organisations. Businesses are now looking for initiatives that allow them to limit the damage to their surroundings and the environment at large. In today’s competitive market, it has also become increasingly important for organisations to introduce solutions that are low-cost and efficient.
Much of Australia’s mining industry operates from remote sites; the need to move large-scale and heavy equipment from site to site is costly, time consuming and in many cases has a negative impact on the environment.
One aspect of the mining operation where these issues are particularly apparent is when carting hundreds of tonnes of concrete to remote sites to create walkways and roadways. This process, while being costly and inefficient, also leads to the erosion of local habitat and remediation on demobilisation.
A Plus Plastics, one of Australia’s leading plastic manufacturers, has developed a unique and innovative ground stabilisation solution to replace concrete roadways and walkways in the remote mining industry.
A safe and cost-effective solution
The GEOHEX Erosion Control System is an Australian made plastic grid turf and substrate stabiliser from high impact resistant 100% recycled and recyclable co-polymer and polypropylene. It has been engineered for use in multiple applications ranging from soil and turf stabilisation for the enhancement of water saving measures to the reinforcement of roads in and around mine construction sites.
With the potential to improve feasibility of marginal sites across the mining industry, as well as boost profitability on brownfield locations, the benefits of introducing GEOHEX into remote mining operations are numerous.
The GEOHEX is suitable for just about any type of ground and geological conditions and in comparison to concrete solutions, costs per square metre are reduced by 1/3.
It has also been designed so that it’s easy to install, with two lightweight pieces required to make one square metre and minimum ground preparation required – it can be installed very quickly and efficiently, removing the need to induct and mobilise specialist workers to site.
In addition, the GEOHEX is much safer than using concrete or dirt. As it creates an even surface it helps to eliminate trip hazards.
Environmental advantage
There are many environmental benefits in using the GEOHEX system, with less material being moved to the site there is a reduction in carbon emissions. The recycled plastic replaces environmentally unfriendly concrete and a further advantage is that the design uses excess local infill materials already found onsite, saving cost and the environment.
With its innovative plastic matting construction and unique connection system, GEOHEX Erosion Control System is a cost-effective, safe and environmentally friendly solution for the remote mining industry. For more information, visit: www.geohex.com.au.