Heap Leach Solutions
2025 Technical Program
Sunday, October 19, 2025
7:30 - 17:00
Registration
8:00 - 17:00
Short Course
Comprehensive technical training on heap leach fundamentals and advanced practices.
12:00 - 16:00
Exhibitor Set-up
Vendor booth setup and preparation for exhibition.
17:00 - 20:00
Icebreaker Welcome Reception
Welcome reception with networking opportunities and refreshments.
Monday, October 20, 2025
7:30 - 8:30
Registration
Conference registration and materials distribution.
9:00 - 17:00
Exhibit Hours
Vendor exhibition open throughout the day.
8:30 - 8:45
Introduction, Welcome and Safety Share
Conference opening and safety briefing.
8:45 - 9:45
Keynote Speaker: Mark Smith
Mark, lead editor of the upcoming "Guidelines for Heap and Dump Leach Design and Operations," will present insights from this groundbreaking work, including:
• A synopsis of the crucial Chapter 3 on stability rating and hazard classification
• Sneak peek into the broader Guidelines, set for 2026 publication
• Lessons learned from recent industry incidents in Canada and Turkey
• A synopsis of the crucial Chapter 3 on stability rating and hazard classification
• Sneak peek into the broader Guidelines, set for 2026 publication
• Lessons learned from recent industry incidents in Canada and Turkey
9:45 - 10:15
Refreshment Break
Morning coffee break and networking.
10:15 - 12:15
Technical Session 1.1 - Operations
Chair: Dirk van Zyl
Decrepitation of Crushed Leach Copper Ore Under Sulfuric Acid Leaching Conditions – Part 1 - Michael Grass
Decrepitation of Crushed Leach Copper Ore Under Sulfuric Acid Leaching Conditions – Part 2 - Vashish Taukoor
Consequence Classification Approach for Heap Leach Pad Design - Franco Manuel Sanchez Romero
Opportunities to Improve Heap Leaching Operations - Percy Mayta
Shaping the Future of Heap Leach Facility Management: Closing the Governance Gap - Marvin Silva
Technical Session 1.2 - Heap Leach Hydrology
Chair: Barry Carlson
X-Ray Tomography of Heap Leach Columns to Evaluate Pore Network Properties - Aaron Young
Optimizing Heap Leach Performance Through an Integrated Characterization Approach - Amado Guzman
Understanding and Addressing Low Permeability in Heap Leaching - Stefan Robertson
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch
Networking lunch break.
13:15 - 14:15
Panel 1: Economics of Heap Leaching vs. Milling
Moderator: Dan Kappes
Panel discussion on economic considerations between heap leaching and traditional milling approaches.
14:15 - 14:45
Refreshment Break
Afternoon coffee break and networking.
14:45 - 16:45
Technical Session 2.1 - Gold, Copper, Nickel, Uranium and Other Metal Leaching 1
Chair: Cristian Caro
16S Microbial Profiling of Two Arizona Heaps Reveals Depth-Based Differences in Genus Distribution - Sydney Cunningham
Extraction of Rare Earth Elements from Appalachian Coarse Coal Refuse through Heap Leaching - Nathan DePriest
Eco-Efficient Nickel: Heap Leaching as a Game-Changer for Indonesia's Nickel Industry - Achmad Fauzi Trinanda
Closure and Post-Closure Case Study: San Manuel Heap Leach Facility, Arizona, USA - Terry Braun
Recent Developments in the Heap Leaching of Chalcopyrite Ores - Nontobeko Nxumalo
Catalyzing Change: Is it Time for a Paradigm Shift in Sulfide Leaching? - Sasha Milshteyn
Technical Session 2.2 - Modelling
Chair: Michael Milczarek
Unlocking Value: Economic Modeling and Optimization Strategies for Heap Leach Pads - Pratt Rogers
Innovative Drain Down Modelling for Heap Leach Systems Using Hydrus 1D and Python - Imanol Vega
Criticality of 3D Numerical Modelling for Assessing Heap Leach Pad Stability and Integration with Monitoring Data Including InSAR - Francesco Meloni
Steady-State Infiltration Analysis in Heap Leach dumps under Saturated Conditions Using Finite Element Modeling - Andres Leon
Determining the Interpretive Yield of Heap Leaching Technologies - Aaron Young
18:00 - 20:00
Reception
Evening reception with cocktails and networking.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
7:30 - 8:30
Registration and Refreshments
Morning registration and continental breakfast.
9:00 - 17:00
Exhibit Hours
Vendor exhibition open throughout the day.
8:30 - 8:40
Introduction, Welcome and Safety Share
Daily welcome and safety briefing.
8:40 - 9:45
Panel 2: Stacking and Leachate Application of Heaps with Permeability in Mind
Panelists: Dan Kappes, Jeff Coffin, Mark Smith | Moderator: Mike Milczarek
Panel discussion on heap stacking techniques and leachate application considering permeability factors.
9:45 - 10:15
Refreshment Break
Morning coffee break and networking.
10:15 - 12:15
Technical Session 3.1 - Gold, Copper, Nickel, Uranium and Other Metal Leaching 2
Chair: Steve Boyce
Heap Leach Closure Strategies in Semi-Arid Conditions: A Data-Driven Approach at the Öksüt Gold Mine - Mertcan Ozbakir
Geotechnical Monitoring and Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential of a Heap Leach Facility in Türkiye - Hulya Salihoglu Erturk
Optimizing Gold Heap Leaching Performance: A Field Trial of Ionquest® 479 for Effective Scale Control - Jeremy Rodefer
Reinforcement and Stabilization of Ripios Dumps Platforms Using Leached Ripios Fill and Geocells. - Guillermo Torres
Two Level Solution Collection System: Case History - Marvin Silva
Technical Session 3.2 - Project Development
Chair: Matt Soderman
Integrating the Risk Management of TSFs, WRFs, and HLFs - Emilio Lopez
Consideration of Shear Strains in Design and Construction of Heap Leach Facilities - Peter Yuan
Design and Installation of Liner Systems for Heap Leach Facilities with Steep Slopes - Andres Leon
GCL-LLDPE Geomembrane Interface Friction Angle Evaluation and Stability Analysis of a Valley Fill Leach Pad Project - Daniel Zúñiga RodrÃguez
Changes in Gold Heap Leach Fluid Chemistry after 30 Years of Closure - Glenn Miller
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch Break
Networking lunch break.
13:15 - 14:15
Panel 3: Risk Reduction and Closure
Moderator: Jeff Parshley
Panel discussion on risk management and closure strategies for heap leach facilities.
14:15 - 15:15
Closing Refreshment Break
Final networking break and conference conclusion.
Heap Leach Solutions
2025 Technical Program
Sunday, October 19, 2025
7:30 - 17:00
Registration
8:00 - 17:00
Short Course
Comprehensive technical training on heap leach fundamentals and advanced practices.
12:00 - 16:00
Exhibitor Set-up
Vendor booth setup and preparation for exhibition.
17:00 - 20:00
Icebreaker Welcome Reception
Welcome reception with networking opportunities and refreshments.
Monday, October 20, 2025
7:30 - 8:30
Registration
Conference registration and materials distribution.
9:00 - 17:00
Exhibit Hours
Vendor exhibition open throughout the day.
8:30 - 8:45
Introduction, Welcome and Safety Share
Conference opening and safety briefing.
8:45 - 9:45
Keynote Speaker: Mark Smith
Mark, lead editor of the upcoming "Guidelines for Heap and Dump Leach Design and Operations," will present insights from this groundbreaking work, including:
• A synopsis of the crucial Chapter 3 on stability rating and hazard classification
• Sneak peek into the broader Guidelines, set for 2026 publication
• Lessons learned from recent industry incidents in Canada and Turkey
• A synopsis of the crucial Chapter 3 on stability rating and hazard classification
• Sneak peek into the broader Guidelines, set for 2026 publication
• Lessons learned from recent industry incidents in Canada and Turkey
9:45 - 10:15
Refreshment Break
Morning coffee break and networking.
10:15 - 12:15
Technical Session 1.1 - Operations
Chair: Dirk van Zyl
Decrepitation of Crushed Leach Copper Ore Under Sulfuric Acid Leaching Conditions – Part 1 - Michael Grass
Decrepitation of Crushed Leach Copper Ore Under Sulfuric Acid Leaching Conditions – Part 2 - Vashish Taukoor
Consequence Classification Approach for Heap Leach Pad Design - Franco Manuel Sanchez Romero
Opportunities to Improve Heap Leaching Operations - Percy Mayta
Shaping the Future of Heap Leach Facility Management: Closing the Governance Gap - Marvin Silva
Technical Session 1.2 - Heap Leach Hydrology
Chair: Barry Carlson
X-Ray Tomography of Heap Leach Columns to Evaluate Pore Network Properties - Aaron Young
Optimizing Heap Leach Performance Through an Integrated Characterization Approach - Amado Guzman
Understanding and Addressing Low Permeability in Heap Leaching - Stefan Robertson
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch
Networking lunch break.
13:15 - 14:15
Panel 1: Economics of Heap Leaching vs. Milling
Moderator: Dan Kappes
Panel discussion on economic considerations between heap leaching and traditional milling approaches.
14:15 - 14:45
Refreshment Break
Afternoon coffee break and networking.
14:45 - 16:45
Technical Session 2.1 - Gold, Copper, Nickel, Uranium and Other Metal Leaching 1
Chair: Cristian Caro
16S Microbial Profiling of Two Arizona Heaps Reveals Depth-Based Differences in Genus Distribution - Sydney Cunningham
Extraction of Rare Earth Elements from Appalachian Coarse Coal Refuse through Heap Leaching - Nathan DePriest
Eco-Efficient Nickel: Heap Leaching as a Game-Changer for Indonesia's Nickel Industry - Achmad Fauzi Trinanda
Closure and Post-Closure Case Study: San Manuel Heap Leach Facility, Arizona, USA - Terry Braun
Recent Developments in the Heap Leaching of Chalcopyrite Ores - Nontobeko Nxumalo
Catalyzing Change: Is it Time for a Paradigm Shift in Sulfide Leaching? - Sasha Milshteyn
Technical Session 2.2 - Modelling
Chair: Michael Milczarek
Unlocking Value: Economic Modeling and Optimization Strategies for Heap Leach Pads - Pratt Rogers
Innovative Drain Down Modelling for Heap Leach Systems Using Hydrus 1D and Python - Imanol Vega
Criticality of 3D Numerical Modelling for Assessing Heap Leach Pad Stability and Integration with Monitoring Data Including InSAR - Francesco Meloni
Steady-State Infiltration Analysis in Heap Leach dumps under Saturated Conditions Using Finite Element Modeling - Andres Leon
Determining the Interpretive Yield of Heap Leaching Technologies - Aaron Young
18:00 - 20:00
Reception
Evening reception with cocktails and networking.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
7:30 - 8:30
Registration and Refreshments
Morning registration and continental breakfast.
9:00 - 17:00
Exhibit Hours
Vendor exhibition open throughout the day.
8:30 - 8:40
Introduction, Welcome and Safety Share
Daily welcome and safety briefing.
8:40 - 9:45
Panel 2: Stacking and Leachate Application of Heaps with Permeability in Mind
Panelists: Dan Kappes, Jeff Coffin, Mark Smith | Moderator: Mike Milczarek
Panel discussion on heap stacking techniques and leachate application considering permeability factors.
9:45 - 10:15
Refreshment Break
Morning coffee break and networking.
10:15 - 12:15
Technical Session 3.1 - Gold, Copper, Nickel, Uranium and Other Metal Leaching 2
Chair: Steve Boyce
Heap Leach Closure Strategies in Semi-Arid Conditions: A Data-Driven Approach at the Öksüt Gold Mine - Mertcan Ozbakir
Geotechnical Monitoring and Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential of a Heap Leach Facility in Türkiye - Hulya Salihoglu Erturk
Optimizing Gold Heap Leaching Performance: A Field Trial of Ionquest® 479 for Effective Scale Control - Jeremy Rodefer
Reinforcement and Stabilization of Ripios Dumps Platforms Using Leached Ripios Fill and Geocells. - Guillermo Torres
Two Level Solution Collection System: Case History - Marvin Silva
Technical Session 3.2 - Project Development
Chair: Matt Soderman
Integrating the Risk Management of TSFs, WRFs, and HLFs - Emilio Lopez
Consideration of Shear Strains in Design and Construction of Heap Leach Facilities - Peter Yuan
Design and Installation of Liner Systems for Heap Leach Facilities with Steep Slopes - Andres Leon
GCL-LLDPE Geomembrane Interface Friction Angle Evaluation and Stability Analysis of a Valley Fill Leach Pad Project - Daniel Zúñiga RodrÃguez
Changes in Gold Heap Leach Fluid Chemistry after 30 Years of Closure - Glenn Miller
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch Break
Networking lunch break.
13:15 - 14:15
Panel 3: Risk Reduction and Closure
Moderator: Jeff Parshley
Panel discussion on risk management and closure strategies for heap leach facilities.
14:15 - 15:15
Closing Refreshment Break
Final networking break and conference conclusion.
Heap Leach Solutions
2025 Technical Program
Sunday, October 19, 2025
7:30 - 17:00
Registration
8:00 - 17:00
Short Course
Comprehensive technical training on heap leach fundamentals and advanced practices.
12:00 - 16:00
Exhibitor Set-up
Vendor booth setup and preparation for exhibition.
17:00 - 20:00
Icebreaker Welcome Reception
Welcome reception with networking opportunities and refreshments.
Monday, October 20, 2025
7:30 - 8:30
Registration
Conference registration and materials distribution.
9:00 - 17:00
Exhibit Hours
Vendor exhibition open throughout the day.
8:30 - 8:45
Introduction, Welcome and Safety Share
Conference opening and safety briefing.
8:45 - 9:45
Keynote Speaker: Mark Smith
Mark, lead editor of the upcoming "Guidelines for Heap and Dump Leach Design and Operations," will present insights from this groundbreaking work, including:
• A synopsis of the crucial Chapter 3 on stability rating and hazard classification
• Sneak peek into the broader Guidelines, set for 2026 publication
• Lessons learned from recent industry incidents in Canada and Turkey
• A synopsis of the crucial Chapter 3 on stability rating and hazard classification
• Sneak peek into the broader Guidelines, set for 2026 publication
• Lessons learned from recent industry incidents in Canada and Turkey
9:45 - 10:15
Refreshment Break
Morning coffee break and networking.
10:15 - 12:15
Technical Session 1.1 - Operations
Chair: Dirk van Zyl
Decrepitation of Crushed Leach Copper Ore Under Sulfuric Acid Leaching Conditions – Part 1 - Michael Grass
Decrepitation of Crushed Leach Copper Ore Under Sulfuric Acid Leaching Conditions – Part 2 - Vashish Taukoor
Consequence Classification Approach for Heap Leach Pad Design - Franco Manuel Sanchez Romero
Opportunities to Improve Heap Leaching Operations - Percy Mayta
Shaping the Future of Heap Leach Facility Management: Closing the Governance Gap - Marvin Silva
Technical Session 1.2 - Heap Leach Hydrology
Chair: Barry Carlson
X-Ray Tomography of Heap Leach Columns to Evaluate Pore Network Properties - Aaron Young
Optimizing Heap Leach Performance Through an Integrated Characterization Approach - Amado Guzman
Understanding and Addressing Low Permeability in Heap Leaching - Stefan Robertson
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch
Networking lunch break.
13:15 - 14:15
Panel 1: Economics of Heap Leaching vs. Milling
Moderator: Dan Kappes
Panel discussion on economic considerations between heap leaching and traditional milling approaches.
14:15 - 14:45
Refreshment Break
Afternoon coffee break and networking.
14:45 - 16:45
Technical Session 2.1 - Gold, Copper, Nickel, Uranium and Other Metal Leaching 1
Chair: Cristian Caro
16S Microbial Profiling of Two Arizona Heaps Reveals Depth-Based Differences in Genus Distribution - Sydney Cunningham
Extraction of Rare Earth Elements from Appalachian Coarse Coal Refuse through Heap Leaching - Nathan DePriest
Eco-Efficient Nickel: Heap Leaching as a Game-Changer for Indonesia's Nickel Industry - Achmad Fauzi Trinanda
Closure and Post-Closure Case Study: San Manuel Heap Leach Facility, Arizona, USA - Terry Braun
Recent Developments in the Heap Leaching of Chalcopyrite Ores - Nontobeko Nxumalo
Catalyzing Change: Is it Time for a Paradigm Shift in Sulfide Leaching? - Sasha Milshteyn
Technical Session 2.2 - Modelling
Chair: Michael Milczarek
Unlocking Value: Economic Modeling and Optimization Strategies for Heap Leach Pads - Pratt Rogers
Innovative Drain Down Modelling for Heap Leach Systems Using Hydrus 1D and Python - Imanol Vega
Criticality of 3D Numerical Modelling for Assessing Heap Leach Pad Stability and Integration with Monitoring Data Including InSAR - Francesco Meloni
Steady-State Infiltration Analysis in Heap Leach dumps under Saturated Conditions Using Finite Element Modeling - Andres Leon
Determining the Interpretive Yield of Heap Leaching Technologies - Aaron Young
18:00 - 20:00
Reception
Evening reception with cocktails and networking.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
7:30 - 8:30
Registration and Refreshments
Morning registration and continental breakfast.
9:00 - 17:00
Exhibit Hours
Vendor exhibition open throughout the day.
8:30 - 8:40
Introduction, Welcome and Safety Share
Daily welcome and safety briefing.
8:40 - 9:45
Panel 2: Stacking and Leachate Application of Heaps with Permeability in Mind
Panelists: Dan Kappes, Jeff Coffin, Mark Smith | Moderator: Mike Milczarek
Panel discussion on heap stacking techniques and leachate application considering permeability factors.
9:45 - 10:15
Refreshment Break
Morning coffee break and networking.
10:15 - 12:15
Technical Session 3.1 - Gold, Copper, Nickel, Uranium and Other Metal Leaching 2
Chair: Steve Boyce
Heap Leach Closure Strategies in Semi-Arid Conditions: A Data-Driven Approach at the Öksüt Gold Mine - Mertcan Ozbakir
Geotechnical Monitoring and Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential of a Heap Leach Facility in Türkiye - Hulya Salihoglu Erturk
Optimizing Gold Heap Leaching Performance: A Field Trial of Ionquest® 479 for Effective Scale Control - Jeremy Rodefer
Reinforcement and Stabilization of Ripios Dumps Platforms Using Leached Ripios Fill and Geocells. - Guillermo Torres
Two Level Solution Collection System: Case History - Marvin Silva
Technical Session 3.2 - Project Development
Chair: Matt Soderman
Integrating the Risk Management of TSFs, WRFs, and HLFs - Emilio Lopez
Consideration of Shear Strains in Design and Construction of Heap Leach Facilities - Peter Yuan
Design and Installation of Liner Systems for Heap Leach Facilities with Steep Slopes - Andres Leon
GCL-LLDPE Geomembrane Interface Friction Angle Evaluation and Stability Analysis of a Valley Fill Leach Pad Project - Daniel Zúñiga RodrÃguez
Changes in Gold Heap Leach Fluid Chemistry after 30 Years of Closure - Glenn Miller
12:15 - 13:15
Lunch Break
Networking lunch break.
13:15 - 14:15
Panel 3: Risk Reduction and Closure
Moderator: Jeff Parshley
Panel discussion on risk management and closure strategies for heap leach facilities.
14:15 - 15:15
Closing Refreshment Break
Final networking break and conference conclusion.