Steel Storage Tanks for Mining Operations
Mining operations run on water — process water, leach solutions, tailings slurry, reagent chemicals, potable water for camp facilities, and fire protection water for surface and underground operations. Every tank operates in demanding conditions: remote sites, extreme weather, corrosive chemistry, abrasive suspended solids, seismic zones, and regulatory scrutiny from both mining and environmental agencies.
MMI Tank builds bolted and field-welded steel tanks for mining operations across the western United States. Our MSHA-certified field crews are experienced with mine site safety protocols, remote mobilization, and the permitting and environmental compliance requirements that govern tank construction in active mining environments.
Mining Tank Applications
Process Water Storage
Large-volume water storage for mineral processing circuits — grinding, flotation, leaching, and washing. API 650 field-welded or AWWA D103 bolted construction depending on capacity, schedule, and site access. Coatings specified for your specific water chemistry. See our coating selection guide.
Heap Leach Solution
Pregnant leach solution (PLS), intermediate leach solution (ILS), and barren leach solution storage for heap leach gold, copper, and uranium operations. Chemical-resistant coatings for acidic (H₂SO₄) or alkaline (NaCN) leach circuits. Secondary containment and leak detection per SPCC and state mining regulations.
Tailings and Thickener
High-density thickener underflow, tailings slurry, and paste storage. Heavy-duty construction with abrasion-resistant coatings and reinforced floor slopes for viscous, high-solids fluids. Field-welded for custom diameters; bolted for moderate sizes with factory coatings that resist the abrasive and corrosive combination.
Reagent and Chemical Storage
Bulk reagent storage — sulfuric acid, sodium cyanide, lime slurry, flocculant, frother, collector, and activated carbon. Material selection and coatings specified for each chemical’s concentration, temperature, and exposure. ASME-coded vessels for pressurized reagent service.
Potable Water and Camp Facilities
Drinking water storage for mine camps, accommodations, and permanent facilities in remote locations. AWWA D103 bolted tanks with NSF/ANSI 61 potable water coatings. Bolted construction is ideal — panels ship to remote sites on standard trailers.
Fire Protection Water
NFPA 22-compliant fire water storage for surface facilities, mill buildings, and underground refuge stations. Bolted and welded construction sized to site-specific fire flow requirements.
Dust Suppression Water
Water storage for haul road dust control, crusher dust suppression, and drill water supply. Typically coated carbon steel bolted tanks positioned near dust generation points.
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Treatment
Neutralization tanks, settling basins, and treated water storage for AMD management. Tanks engineered for low-pH, high-metals environments with chemical-resistant interior linings.
Codes, Standards, and Compliance
| Standard | Application |
|---|---|
| API 650 | Field-erected welded tanks for process and industrial water |
| AWWA D100 / D103 | Potable water and fire protection water |
| ASME BPVC Sec. VIII | Pressure-rated reagent vessels |
| NFPA 22 | Fire protection water storage |
| SPCC / EPA 40 CFR 112 | Spill prevention for oil and chemical storage |
| MSHA 30 CFR | Mine Safety and Health Administration regulations |
| State mining/environmental permits | Varies by jurisdiction and permit conditions |
Remote Site Logistics
Mine sites are rarely easy to get to. MMI’s approach:
- Bolted panel shipment — flat-packed on standard trailers. No oversize loads, no pilot cars. Critical for sites with narrow haul roads, switchbacks, and elevation gains.
- Self-contained field crews — MSHA-certified, HAZWOPER trained, equipped with mobile cranes (to 60,000 lbs), welding rigs, and crew support.
- Seasonal scheduling — we plan around snow loads, monsoon season, and construction windows dictated by mine operating schedules.
- Foundation services — our foundations team pours ringwalls and slabs on site, keeping foundation and tank under one contract.
Mining Tank FAQ
Does MMI have MSHA-certified crews?
Yes. Our field crews hold current MSHA certifications (30 CFR Part 46 and Part 48 as applicable) and are experienced with mine site safety protocols including ground control, equipment lockout/tagout, and emergency response procedures.
What coatings work for acid leach solutions?
For sulfuric acid leach circuits, we typically specify vinyl ester or high-build novolac epoxy linings depending on acid concentration and temperature. Glass-fused-to-steel is effective for moderate acid concentrations. Our coatings team specifies based on your actual solution chemistry.
Can a bolted tank be used at a remote mine site?
Yes — bolted tanks are often the best option for remote mines. Panels ship flat on standard trailers (no oversize loads), assemble with a crane and hand tools (no welding), and can be relocated when the mine plan changes.
Does MMI handle secondary containment for mining?
Yes. We design and build steel containment dikes, double-wall tanks, and liner-compatible foundations to meet SPCC, state mining, and environmental permit requirements.
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Related: Bolted Tanks · Field-Erected Welded Tanks · Coating Selection Guide · Wastewater Tanks · Water Treatment Tanks
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