Introduction
The mining industry has always been associated with environmental challenges such as dust emissions, stockpile contamination, and carbon footprints. In recent years, a new solution has emerged to address these issues—Climate Domes for Mining. These massive geodesic or structural domes are designed to cover stockpiles, storage areas, and even processing facilities, ensuring environmental protection while boosting operational efficiency.
Latest Developments: Harita Nickel’s Mega Climate Domes (2025)
One of the most recent and groundbreaking applications of climate domes in mining comes from Harita Nickel in Indonesia.
The company has built two gigantic coal storage domes on Obi Island, each 600 meters long and 140 meters wide, with a capacity of 370,000 tons of coal.
The domes are fully enclosed and filled with inert gas, reducing oxygen levels and minimizing the risk of fires while preserving coal quality.
A covered conveyor system connects the domes to the power plant, reducing environmental exposure throughout the transport chain.
According to reports, this initiative has already helped cut 271 tons of CO₂ emissions by reducing open-air coal handling.
This is one of the clearest examples of how climate domes can drastically improve both safety and sustainability in mining.
Global Leaders in Dome Technology
Geometrica
Known for its Freedomes® technology, Geometrica has built large-scale domes worldwide, ranging up to 145 meters in diameter.
Examples include:
Durango, Mexico: A 64m dome for stockpile storage.
Spain’s Aguas Teñidas Mine: Two 59m domes controlling dust and runoff.
Chile’s Caserones Mine: A 145m dome built to withstand extreme snow and wind.
Their domes are used in over 30 countries, helping mines comply with strict environmental standards.
Triodetic
Specializes in custom-engineered domes using steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Their structures are lightweight yet strong enough to support conveyor systems and heavy loads.
Recent projects include domes in Argentina, Canada, Chile, and the U.S., with sizes ranging from 57m to 135m.
Advantages: fast installation, lower costs, and optional translucent panels for natural lighting.
Dome Technology
Built one of the world’s most advanced domes for the Climax Molybdenum Mine in Colorado, USA.
The dome measures 100m in diameter and 32m in height, storing 130,000 tons of ore.
Features include an apex conveyor system and robust design to withstand heavy snow loads.
Environmental and Economic Benefits of Climate Domes
Dust and Pollution Control – Prevents dust from escaping stockpiles and contaminating local air quality.
Climate Protection – Shields stored materials from rain, snow, and wind, reducing losses.
Lower Carbon Emissions – Covered conveyor systems and reduced re-handling cut down CO₂ emissions.
Safety Improvements – Inert gas systems lower fire risks in coal storage.
Cost Efficiency – Reduced material loss and fewer fines for environmental violations.
Future Outlook
With increasing global pressure on mining companies to adopt green and sustainable practices, climate domes are no longer optional—they are becoming essential infrastructure. The latest success by Harita Nickel demonstrates that domes can operate at a massive scale, and with companies like Geometrica, Triodetic, and Dome Technology innovating rapidly, we can expect even larger and more efficient domes in the near future.
Conclusion
Climate Domes for Mining represent the perfect blend of engineering innovation and environmental stewardship. They not only safeguard natural ecosystems from dust, emissions, and contamination but also help mining companies enhance efficiency and safety.
As the mining industry continues to modernize, climate domes stand out as a symbol of sustainable progress, shaping a future where economic growth and environmental responsibility can coexist.
