Manganese Mine Boosts Screening Efficiency with Metso's Rubber Screen Media

A significant increase in screening efficiency has been reported at a manganese ore processing plant following the implementation of Metso Oyj's Trellex® 300LS modular rubber screen media. The facility, which handles 1.5 million tons annually, has seen its screening efficiency rise by more than 15%, with clogging rates now near zero.

Previously, the plant struggled with severe screen blinding, especially during rainy seasons, which reduced screening efficiency to between 60% and 70%. The polyurethane screen media in use required replacement every 2-3 months, leading to high costs for materials and labor, alongside increased safety risks.

The Metso Trellex® 300LS rubber panels addressed the blinding and material adhesion problems. Their design, combining injection-molded modules with natural rubber, provides a high percentage of open area and prevents material from sticking. The T40 high-elasticity rubber material also enhances wear resistance and the passage of fine particles.

According to the mine manager, replacing a modular rubber screen panel now takes only 3 minutes, a drastic reduction from the 4 hours previously needed for polyurethane panels. This change has significantly cut downtime and maintenance expenses. After nearly 11 months of operation, the rubber panels have performed reliably without needing replacement, improving both screening throughput and accuracy.