Metso has introduced its new coarse particle flotation technology engineered to enhance recovery of coarse particles without compromising fine particle recovery, aimed at helping mining companies improve operational efficiency, profitability and sustainability. 

“Mining companies are under increasing pressure to process more complex ores, improve recovery and reduce their environmental footprint. The Sampo Cell represents a significant leap forward in flotation technology. By expanding the recoverable particle size range and simplifying coarse particle flotation, customers can unlock additional value from existing operations,” says Metso senior VP: separation Teemu Kaarniemi. 

Kaarniemi explains that traditional flotation circuits typically require extensive grinding to bring particles into an optimal range for efficient recovery, whereas the Sampo Cell innovation in coarse particle flotation expands flotation performance to significantly coarser and less liberated particle sizes. 

Based on a froth-feeding principle, the Sampo Cell gently feeds slurry directly into the froth phase, where separation takes place under low-turbulence conditions. This minimises particle detachment and enables efficient recovery of particles that are typically lost in conventional flotation circuits. The technology can be applied for front-end gangue rejection or as a scavenger stage to recover valuable particles from intermediate or final tailings. 

The design also simplifies coarse particle flotation flowsheets compared to other solutions. It operates without feed classification, fluidisation water, or additional concentrate dewatering stages, reducing equipment requirements and supporting easier integration into existing plants. The Sampo Cell uses familiar flotation controls and instrumentation, enabling simplified implementation for plant operators. 

The company asserts that it offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive flotation portfolios, covering mechanical flotation, pneumatic flotation, flotation services, process expertise, digital optimisation tools, and aftermarket support.  

Combined with its crushing, screening, grinding, filtration, thickening, and tailings solutions, the company says it aims to offer an integrated approach that optimises performance across the entire minerals processing flowsheet.