Client Profile
Shougang Hierro Perú, a subsidiary of China’s Shougang Group, operates an iron ore mine located in the Marcona District of Nazca, Ica Province, approximately 520 kilometers southeast of Lima, the capital of Peru. The site is a critical asset in the region’s mining sector, with efficient and safe tailings management being essential to its continuous operations.
Challenge
The transportation of iron ore tailings presented significant technical difficulties for the client. The abrasive and corrosive nature of the slurry, combined with the potential for static electricity buildup during high-flow transport, demanded a pipeline solution that could ensure:
Exceptional abrasion resistance to withstand prolonged exposure to solid particles.
High corrosion resistance to handle chemically active tailings and varying pH levels.
Effective anti-static properties to mitigate safety risks associated with static discharge.
Long-term reliability and low maintenance in a remote, demanding environment.
Solution
Shandong Siffo Plastic Technology Co., Ltd. provided a tailored pipeline system utilizing our specially engineered HDPE mining pipes. The solution featured pipes with an inner layer designed for superior wear resistance, specifically formulated to address the extreme abrasion of iron ore tailings.
Inner Layer: Specially formulated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) liner with exceptional wear resistance (ASTM D4020 compliant).
Middle Layer: Reinforced HDPE structural wall for pressure rating up to PN16.
Outer Layer: UV-stabilized, anti-static HDPE with conductive carbon black additive (surface resistance <10⁶ Ω).
Pipe Sizes Supplied: 200mm to 315mm diameter, catering to the project’s flow rate and pressure requirements.
Connection System: Electrofusion couplers ensuring leak-free joints.
Material Excellence: The HDPE pipes offer outstanding natural corrosion resistance against the slurry, eliminating the rust and degradation common with metal alternatives.
Integrated Anti-static Design: Our pipes were manufactured with properties to safely dissipate static electricity, addressing a critical safety concern.
Durability & Service Life: The abrasion-resistant inner liner significantly extends the pipeline’s operational lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and associated downtime.
Lightweight & Installation Efficiency: Compared to traditional steel pipes, our HDPE pipes are much lighter, simplifying logistics and installation in the challenging terrain of the Nazca region.
Leak-Free Joints: The use of heat-fusion joining techniques created seamless, robust connections, eliminating leakage points.
Implementation Results
Since installation in Q3 2023, the Siffo piping system has demonstrated outstanding performance:
Zero Leakage: Continuous operation for 18+ months without maintenance issues.
Abrasion Resistance: Inner layer shows minimal wear after transporting 2.3 million tons of tailings.
Safety Compliance: Full adherence to mining safety standards for static control.
Production Uptime: Eliminated unplanned downtime related to pipe failures.
Environmental Protection: Secure containment prevents any seepage risks.
Customer Testimonial
"The Siffo anti-static wear-resistant HDPE pipes have transformed our tailings transportation operations. After struggling with frequent pipe replacements, we've now achieved uninterrupted production for over a year. The technical team's expertise in understanding our specific challenges and delivering a tailored solution has exceeded our expectations. This partnership significantly improves our operational efficiency and safety standards."
— Mining Operations Manager, Shougang Hierro Peru
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Siffo’s capability to deliver specialized industrial pipeline solutions for the mining sector’s most demanding applications. By combining material science with practical engineering, we provided Shougang Hierro Perú with a safe, durable, and cost-effective system, supporting sustainable and efficient mining operations in Peru.
About Shandong Siffo Plastic Technology Co., Ltd.
Shandong Siffo is a leading manufacturer of specialized plastic piping solutions for industrial applications, with:
15+ years of mining sector expertise
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications
Export experience to 40+ countries
Custom R&D capabilities for extreme operating conditions
Comprehensive technical support from design to installation
