A Better Way to Seal Stockpiles: The Story of Bauxite and DirtGlue®
At the heart of the deep south, a mountain bauxite sat exposed. The ore, raw source of aluminum metal, waited in massive stockpiles, destined for smelters. But with every passing storm cloud, an old problem returned: rain. For stockpiled bauxite, rain is no minor nuisance. Absorbed water drives up moisture content, triggering processing issues, higher transportation costs, and smelting delays. Industry standards reject ore loads above 17% moisture. Keeping the pile dry meant a constant battle, labor crews dragging heavy tarps, old truck tires were used to secure wind-flapped edges, crews worked to patch tears after every storm.
Global Environmental Solutions (GES), lead the deployment of DirtGlue®, a polymer-based surface sealant, on exposed bauxite stockpiles. Applied easily with a hydro-seeder, DirtGlue® cured to form a flexible, water-resistant crust, locking moisture out. The early results were striking: DirtGlue® not only reduced water uptake, it also eliminated the daily tarp struggle, cutting labor needs and costs. Additionally, the DirtGlue® seal was easily broken up with excavation equipment and additional material processing.
Technology Spotlight: Why DirtGlue® Outperforms Traditional Tarps
In industries as varied as aggregates, metals, and road maintenance, stockpile protection is a constant operational headache. Whether you’re storing:
- Road salt
- Gypsum
- Ferrosilicon
- Sand
- Bauxite
- Coal fines
- Coke Fines
- Aggregates
- Cementitious Materials
- Other water sensitive or dust prone materials
Using traditional tarps are a clumsy solution as they are:
- Labor-intensive to deploy
- Prone to wind damage and tearing
- Require constant adjustment and repairs
- Difficult to manage on large or irregular piles
- Unsafe in poor weather conditions
DirtGlue® changes the game.
This eco-friendly, water-based polymer is applied directly to the stockpile surface using a standard hydroseeder or spray equipment. Once cured, it forms a durable, breathable crust that:
- Seals out rainwater, reducing moisture absorption
- Resists wind and weather, with no need for re-tightening
- Eliminates tarp labor, saving both time and money
- Improves worker safety, with no climbing or tarp handling required
- Eliminates wind blown dust, keeping material onsite
Proven Results in Real-World Applications
Bauxite stockpiles, and other materials, have shown incredible results using DirtGlue® instead of tarps. The treated piles resisted rain penetration far more effectively than uncovered material and with none of the operational headaches of tarps.
Similar success has been achieved on stockpiles of:
- Road salt for DOT and municipal yards (preventing clumping and runoff)
- Ferrosilicon and other metal ores (protecting product quality)
- Gypsum (minimizing handling losses)
- Fine sands and aggregates (maintaining consistency for ready-mix applications)
Fast, Simple Application
DirtGlue® requires no exotic equipment. Any crew equipped with a hydroseeder or standard spray rig can apply the product. One treatment can provide several months to a few years of protection, depending on climate and stockpile turnover.
The Smart Replacement for Tarps
Across industries, savvy operators are moving away from tarp-based stockpile protection. DirtGlue® offers a modern, efficient, and cost-saving alternative keeping valuable materials dry, minimizing environmental impacts, and reducing operational hassle.
If your operation is still fighting with tarps, it’s time for an upgrade. Contact Global Environmental Solutions today to learn how DirtGlue® can simplify your stockpile management and cut costs from day one.