Mining

The serious problems at the nuclear power plant in Japan have raised new doubts about the safety of nuclear energy. New exploration has yet to resume in the Gulf of Mexico after last year’s blowout of a BP oil well. And coal plants have been under a shadow because of their contribution to global warming. Meanwhile, natural gas has overcome two of its biggest hurdles -- volatile prices and questionable supplies. Learn more here.;

During the Geo-Frontiers 2011 conference, there was some whispering that Mark Smith, who founded Vector Engineering (now Ausenco Vector) would be coming out of retirement to retake the reins of his old firm. This is not true, Mark reports. While he may be taking up more engineering-related speaking engagements in 2011, he is not retaking a management role at Vector. He continues to be most active with the Smith International Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to opening dialogs between the resource industries and the communities they affect. Visit the Foundation on Facebook. Learn more here.;

Atlantic Poly Liners Inc. has been awarded a CAD $1.2 million contract for the supply of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane liner. The liner will be used for a multi-mine waste rock capping project. The 20-year-old company is well-involved in installation and supply of geosynthetics, though for this particular project the company reports that it will not be involved on the installation side. Learn more here.;

The former limestone quarry in Batavia, Illinois has been leaking 250,000 gallons per day despite the thick soil and clay layers beneath the 43,000 square foot swimming area. Removal of a Fox River dam has changed the hydrostatic pressure acting on the site and lowered water levels, thus increasing the leakage. Engineers from AECOM have recommended installation of a geomembrane. Learn more here.;

From 10-14 December 2012, the next Geosynthetics Asia will be held. Organized by IGS Thailand and the Asian Center for Soil Improvement and Geosynthetics (ACSIG), and held under the auspices of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), the event's theme will be "Geosynthetics for Sustainable Adaptation to Climate Change." Abstracts are due by 31 May 2011. Download the call in PDF. Learn more here.;

Following the press release of 15 November 2010, Ten Cate Geosynthetics Asia announces the successful closing of the acquisition of the geosynthetics activities of Emas Kiara Industries Berhad, a publicly listed company based in Rawang, Malaysia. The completion of this transaction provides TenCate Geosynthetics with a significantly larger position in the supply of geosynthetics solutions to the Southeast Asian markets.

Dr. Ian. D. Peggs, P.E., P.Eng., of the Ocean Ridge, Florida-based geosynthetics design and consulting engineering firm, I-CORP INTERNATIONAL, Inc., announces the sale of the company's geosynthetica.net division to a Texas-based media group. The move is in line with I-CORP's general philosophy of finding new technologies for introduction to the geosynthetics sector, developing them, providing them as a service, teaching others how to use them, then moving on to find the next new technology. Learn more here.;

Raven Industries Engineered Films Division announces Dura-Skrim® Textured K-Series; a new geomembrane product line specifically engineered for the geosynthetic industry. Dura-Skrim Textured K-Series is a unique textured reinforced geomembrane available in polyethylene or flexible polypropylene and is the first of this type in the industry. Dura-Skrim Textured K-Series is manufactured utilizing a cast extrusion process to achieve a consistent core thickness with uniform asperity heights. Raven's exclusive GeoGrip™ surface technology consists of a durable random spike pattern with bidirectional bars to provide uniform stabilization and an increased friction between various soil and geosynthetic layers allowing for steeper slope designs. Dura-Skrim Textured K-Series is designed for applications requiring exceptional slope stability such as landfill caps, mining leach pads and containment ponds to name a few.

The Netherlands-based Royal Ten Cate has announced a net profit increase of 92% in 2010. The Geosynthetics and Grass sector played a substantial role, with EBITA having increased by 87%. With its Georgia-based American opertaions leading the way, the company reports seeing recovery in the American geosynthetics market, which in terms of size is Ten Cate's most important. In its release, Ten Cate notes that, "The improvement resulted from an increase in the number of infrastructure projects and intensive targeting of the South American market. Sales in the Asian geosynthetics market continued to grow (autonomous+7%). In Europe sales remained stable, although the number of infrastructure projects declined." Read more. Learn more here.;

TenCate Geosynthetics (Booth 607) will release new products, design software and details of their new paving warranty during Geo-Frontiers 2011. To learn more, visit one of their many mini-sessions, to be held in the TenCate exhibit hall booth on March 15 and 16. The schedule includes GeoDetect® (Tues. 1:00-1:30 pm, Wed. 10:00-10:30 am), RSi Intro (Tues. 2:00-2:30 pm, Wed. 11:00-11:30 am), MiraSpec (Tues. 3:00-3:30 pm, Wed. 12:00-12:30pm), and Warranty (Tues. 4:00-4:30pm, Wed. 1:00-1:30 pm). Learn more here.;

On 21 March 2011, I-CORP INTERNATIONAL, Inc. marks 20 years of international geosynthetic materials performance consulting work that has taken us to more than 35 countries--from Alaska to Australia, India to Israel, China, Namibia, South Africa and elsewhere. Now that we can look back with 20/20 vision, we've identified 20 defining moments in those 20 years.

Management consulting, publishing and training firm ZweigWhite is pleased to announce the acquisition of Stagnito Media's Engineering Group--its architectural and engineering resources--through a new wholly-owned subsidiary, ZweigWhite Media, LLC. Included in the acquisition is CE News. Read more.

In May, TRI Geosynthetics Services will offer more Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) Training courses and affiliated certification in Australia. The group last provided these essential professional development and business-improving events in November 2010. The new courses will be delivered on May 9 and 13 in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales to bookend the events of the Waste 2011 Conference (10-12 May 2011, Coffs Harbour). Learn more.

With the support of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Geo-Institute, the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), Geo-Frontiers 2011 is a can't-miss event. To keep readers abreast of the latest news leading up to the event and to highlight some of the conference and trade show's notable presentations and products, Geosynthetica.net has launched a Geo-Frontiers 2011 information page and e-newsletter.

HUESKER, a global leader in the manufacture of high-quality geosynthetics, is celebrating two milestone anniversaries in 2011. The Germany-based HUESKER Synthetic, GmbH marks 150 years of progressive materials manufacturing and the Charlotte, North Carolina-based center for the company's North American operations, HUESKER inc., celebrates its 20th anniversary as a distributor and producer of geosynthetics for construction, civil engineering, mining and other major sectors.

In recognition of the Presidents Day holiday here in the United States, the Early Registration Deadline for Geo-Frontiers 2011 has been extended. Please register by 23 February to receive the best pricing. Learn more here.;

Geo-Frontiers 2011 brings together the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Geo-Institute, the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). REGISTER by February 21 to get the best rates for Geo-Frontiers 2011 (www.geofrontiers11.com). Learn more here.;

Immediately following Geo-Frontiers 2011, TRI/Environmental will host two days of liner integrity survey training at its Austin, Texas campus (March 17-18). Liner integrity survey remains a strong need in geosynthetics installations. These technologies are used to confirm the quality of geomembrane installations or identify areas in which damage may have occurred to a facility. Construction quality assurance (CQA) firms adept with these technologies are creating new revenue centers for themselves while providing these much-needed services to their clients. Learn more and register online. Learn more here.;

Standards and Specifications are vital to design and material selection. Engineers and Designers use them daily - but may not be getting the most out of the information presented. By joining this ASTM short course Designers will extend their understanding of materials, properties and corresponding values - allowing them to maximize their use of the data in their specifications. Learn more about this Sunday, March 13, short course. Learn more here.;

In the latest issue of Engineering and Mining Journal, European Editor Simon Walker looks at heap-leaching technology and how mining companies are extending its application range. The article includes a section ("From the Bottom Up") on the growth of geosynthetic lining systems in heap leaching operations, with source credits to Allan Breitenbach and a paper co-authored by Mark Smith. Also, CETCO's composite lining system technologies are mentioned. (Photograph of site use currently available only in the print edition.) Read it online. Learn more here.;

takes place 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. This seminal event includes multiple short Geo-Frontiers 2011 courses, 90 sessions within 10 technical tracks, student programs, networking events, awards programs, and the Geosynthetic Institute's GRI-24 conference, as well as four highly regarded plenary sessions: H. Bolton Seed Lecture, Peck Lecture, Terzaghi Lecture, and the Mercer Lecture. In addition to the educational component of Geo-Frontiers the event will feature an exhibit hall with over 120 geotechnical products and services exhibitors. Geosynthetica encourages its readers to take advantage of the early registration offer. The deadline for early registration is February 21. Learn more and register at the Geo-Froniters 2011 home page. Learn more here.;

Geo-Frontiers 2011 takes place 13-16 March 2011 in Dallas, Texas. In addition to the various technical sessions, short courses and trade show, Geo-Frontiers will also host a Student Poster Competition. This competition provides students with the opportunity to present a poster on a geotechnical engineering-related topic or project of their choice. Students are allowed to participate individually or as teams of two. The competition will consist of the presented poster and a brief (3 minute) presentation followed by questions from the judges. Interested participants should submit a one-page abstract up to 400 words that details the topic and include one graphic figure. Also, a submission form should be emailed to GIstudents@civil.tamu.edu by February 15. Notification of acceptance will be given by February 18. Learn more at the conference website. Learn more here.;

The deadline for submitting abstracts to Mine Closure 2011 is February 15. Erosion control and closure/capping systems will be among the key concepts discussed. Geosynthetica encourages its readers to submit. The 6th International Mine Closure Conference (MC 2011) will be held 18-21 September 2011 in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. This conference is a not-for-profit conference and is presented annually in various parts of the world by the Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG) and the Centre for Land Rehabilitation (CLR).

In March, the first Geo-Frontiers in 6 years will take place in Dallas, Texas (March 13-16), bringing together the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS), North American Geosynthetics Society (NAGS), the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Geo-Institute, the Geosynthetic Institute (GSI), and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), which manages the biennial Geosynthetics conference series. Immediately following this important gathering, TRI/Environmental will host two days of liner integrity survey training at its Austin, Texas campus (March 17-18).

On April 7, GSE will host a "Geosynthetics 4 Success" technical seminar in Orlando, Florida. This dynamic seminar will address the latest developments in geosynthetics and the use of geosynthetics in solid waste, hazardous waste, liquid and coal ash containment. In addition to presenters from GSE, guest experts will include JP Giroud, Don Hullings and Richard Brachman. Learn more here.;