Heap leach liner

A method of protecting an environment around a site having low pH, acidic fluids, comprising:

• providing a geosynthetic clay liner by mixing a bentonite barrier composition consisting of a dry mix of
• 90%-99% by weight bentonite particles, and
• 1%-10% by weight high molecular weight cellulose ether polymer particles;
• and
• lining a containment with the geosynthetic clay liner, wherein the geosynthetic clay liner provides separation between low pH, acidic fluids in the containment and a surrounding environment, wherein when hydrated the high molecular weight cellulose ether particles form a gel that clogs open pores between the hydrated bentonite particles, resulting in narrow and tortuous flow paths around said bentonite particles.

A containment for low pH, acidic fluids, comprising:

• a geosynthetic clay liner consisting of a bentonite barrier composition consisting of a dry mix of
• 90%-99% by weight bentonite particles;
• and
• 1%-10% by weight high molecular weight cellulose ether polymer particles;
• and
• a containment area for the fluids, said area being lined with the geosynthetic clay liner, wherein the geosynthetic clay liner provides a barrier between the containment area and a surrounding environment, wherein when hydrated the high molecular weight cellulose ether particles form a gel that clogs open pores in the hydrated bentonite, resulting in narrow and tortuous flow paths around said bentonite particles.