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Manto CMI

Technical data sheet, measured by heap depth

Manto CMI is measured and validated on site. This is the verified technical detail, level by level.

0 m

CMI

Irrigation surface

Continuous coverage over the heap. Documented case: -84 % evaporation and 79 L/day/m² water recovery. Zero sulfation in the emitter line.

0 – 2 m

CMI

Thermal retention

Measured differential of +6 °C to +13 °C depending on depth and mineralogy; up to +13 °C at 2 m in oxidised ore. Validated in oxide and sulfide heaps.

3.5 / 5 / 7.5 m

Monitoring

Deep sensing

Industrial trial in chloride leaching with sensors at three depths and a real-time dashboard. 18-month contract, Codelco Radomiro Tomic.

Base

Services

Fluid lines and SX-EW

Set-up, lifting and maintenance of HDPE lines, plus operational support for solvent extraction and electrowinning plants.

Manto CMI data sheet

Irrigation uniformity86 % vs 70 %

Water recoveryup to 90 %

Evaporation reduction84 % *

Thermal differential+6 to +13 °C

Sulfation0

Rolls produced (2025)8,500+

Linear metres installed1,500,000

Patents granted14

* Water recovery and evaporation reduction are separate, non-cumulative metrics. Results vary according to mineralogy, heap height and irrigation cycle.

What Manto CMI is

Manto CMI is the Conjunto Manto Irrigador: a patented, sulfation-free technology that covers the surface of the leach heap, integrating the drip irrigation system beneath a high-efficiency thermofilm.

By covering the interface between the heap and the atmosphere, Manto CMI reduces evaporation, retains temperature and protects the irrigation lines, optimising the heap's life cycle.

Each Manto CMI benefits the client's operations according to the actual conditions of each leach heap: mineralogy, ambient temperature and operational conditions.

Key attributes

Application on surfaces and slopes Installable on HEAP and ROM heaps, both on the heap surface and on its slopes.

Sulfation-free Prevents sulfation in the dripper lines, reducing the risk of emitter clogging.

Guaranteed parallel alignment Keeps dripper lines aligned throughout the irrigation cycle, ensuring even distribution.

Two delivery formats Available in RUG and DONUT formats, depending on the deployment method the site requires.

See our products

Delivery formats

RUG format

Compact rolls

Compact rolls for transport, deployment, connection and final overlap with lateral joining between units.

DONUT format

Reel deployment

Manual deployment with a reel, or semi-automatic with skid-steer support, towards the slope and the crown of the heap.

Client benefits

Water efficiency

Recovery of 85 to 90 % of the water lost to evaporation on the heap surface.

Improved leaching kinetics Between 5 and 13 °C additional inside the heap compared with a conventional system with irrigation lines.

Sustained thermal retention More than 8 additional hours of cooling compared with a heap without a mat.

Uniform, protected irrigation Aligned drip lines, free of sulfation and with less emitter clogging.

Operational continuity A single integrated solution of technology plus service, from installation to removal.

Sustainability Lower make-up water consumption and recovery of the mat's value at the end of its service life.

Installation process

Transport and positioning on site.

Manual with a reel or semi-automatic with a skid-steer.

Opening according to geotechnical requirements.

Connection to the irrigation system.

Final overlap, anchoring to the base and lateral joining between units