5 Uses for Woven Wire Mesh in the Mining & Metals Industry

 The mining and metals industry focuses on locating and extracting metal and mineral reserves from all across the globe. The material plays a critical role in this industry due to its incredible strength and versatility.

Wire mesh products are:

Available in myriad metals, sizes, wire diameters, and weaves

Exceedingly sturdy and long-lasting

Resilient in below-freezing temps and extreme heat

Resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and rust

Versatile and able to be used in a variety of applications

Mineral and metal reserves are mined around the world. The collected substances are used to make everything from jewelry to coal-generated power.

Many mined substances have multiple uses. For instance, diamonds are one of the most valuable minerals. In addition to jewelry, the exceedingly strong gemstone can be used to create specialized cutting tools.

Types of Mined Metals

There are two types of mined metals: precious and industrial. Precious metals, such as gold and silver, are rare and valuable. Industrial metals are more often used for manufacturing, construction, and tech. Such metals can include copper, zinc, aluminum, and steel.

How Industrial Wire Mesh Is Used for Mining

The primary use for Woven Wire Mesh in the mining and metals industry is for different types of filtration. However, it's also a go-to for underground roofing. Here's what you should know.

Underground Roofing

Mining is one of the most dangerous occupations, especially in below-ground environments. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 500 injuries caused by falling rocks each year in the United States. What's more, 99% of these incidents were a result of unsecured underground roofing.

Heavy-duty welded wire mesh is installed on bolting cycles in below-ground mines. The screen acts as a roof reinforcement, making the job safer by keeping loose rocks contained.

Mineral Extraction

Abrasion-resistant galvanized hardware cloth is known for holding up in corrosive environments. This makes it ideal for extracting diamonds and other minerals from the earth, which are often highly abrasive.

Wire Mesh for Screening Media

Metal hardware cloth is commonly used as screening media. Both rigid and flexible meshes work to separate, grade, shake, size, refine, and clean extracted ores.

Contamination Prevention

Wire mesh filter discs play a big role in protecting mined substances from contamination. The round screens are designed to filter out rocks, twigs, grass, metal slag, and other debris, as well as unwanted minerals.

Mine Sieving

Metal filter discs are also used for mine sieving. The technique involves separating mined particles by size or removing coarse particles from fine particles.