Kinross Manh Choh Gold Mine

Application Snapshot:

Installation: Kinross Manh Choh Gold Mine
Location: Tok, Alaska
Purpose: Gold Mine Process Ponds and Ditches
Product Used: 9146 XR-5® ULT Geomembrane by Seaman Corporation
Fabricator: AccuGeo Liner
Installer: ACF West, Inc. and EnviroCon Systems
Design Engineer:  Respec
General Contractor: Kiewit
Date Installed: September 2023

Challenge

Kinross, a global mining company known for its commitment to sustainability and responsible land use, needed a containment solution for its Manh Choh Project in Tok, Alaska. The difficulties of extreme Alaskan weather and remote site access demanded a liner that could perform under pressure—while also safeguarding surrounding ecosystems and supporting long-term sustainability goals. Manh Choh underwent a rigorous, multi-year permitting process to meet federal environmental requirements, including compliance with the Clean Water Act, which governs activities affecting U.S. waters and wetlands. This reinforced the need for a proven, high performance solution that could support both regulatory approval and Kinross’s environmental commitments.

Solution

To meet these demanding conditions, 9146 XR-5® ULT was specified, our most
advanced geomembrane. Engineered for Ultra Low Temperature (ULT) environments,
this material offers superior flexibility, chemical resistance, and UV protection. Its proven
performance in extreme climates made it the ideal choice for this remote,
environmentally sensitive location. RESPEC selected our product for its superior cold-weather performance, featuring a cold crack resistance of -50°F (-46°C) (tested in accordance with ASTM D2136), ensuring excellent workability in extreme conditions, and a ball tip puncture resistance of 1,100 pounds (ASTM D751), providing exceptional puncture durability.

AccuGeo Liner completed the fabrication of the geomembrane, while ACF West, Inc.
installed the geomembrane for ditches and EnviroCon Systems handled the fabrication and installation of the impoundment geomembranes. Their coordinated efforts ensured the system was implemented to the highest standards of quality and performance.

Benefit

With XR-5 ULT in place, the Manh Choh site is now protected by a high-integrity
containment liner that aligns with and advances Kinross’s sustainability and
environmental stewardship goals. Approximately 830,000 square feet (19 acres) of geomembrane
material was used to line retention ditches and a brine pond designed primarily for
stormwater collection—creating a robust barrier system that significantly reduces the
risk of seepage and environmental contamination.

The material’s superior chemical resistance, flexibility in sub-zero temperatures, and
long-term durability help ensure the system meets regulatory compliance requirements
for mine water management. This installation not only supports operational reliability but
also reinforces Kinross’s reputation as a responsible leader in environmental
performance.