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

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.