Magnets are used in a myriad of ways to make mining practices—specifically collection and sorting—seamless, safe, and profitable. More specifically, they are often used to filter out or remove tramp metal, which is the metallic scrap that can end up on conveyor belts or get mixed in with other materials during excavation regardless of whether it's machine or person-led. In the long run, it can cause serious and costly damage.  Fortunately, you can use magnets to prevent this kind of damage, protect sorting and sizing equipment, and prevent scrap and tramp metal from winding up in the final substance or product. In other words, magnets improve your quality of output and cost of equipment upkeep.

From Big to Small: Magnetic Separators 

Typically, the system of separation will work, so it attempts to filter out and remove larger pieces of tramp such early on (e.g., pieces of tools, bolts, screws, bucket teeth, etc.). Further down the line, you’ll likely focus on isolating or redirecting smaller and smaller sizes and amounts of ferrous impurities.  Types of magnetic separators used in mining: 
  • Suspended plate magnets: suspended above the conveyor belt, these separators (can be electromagnetic or permanent magnet) pull and pick up ferrous material as it passes underneath
  • Cross belt separators: these are similar to the suspended plate magnet; however, cross belt separators are self-cleaning and have a belt running over the magnet, moving the tramp metal away from the head pulley and into a receptacle
  • Magnetic drum separators: this self-cleaning rollers (made of ceramic or rare earth magnets) are best for high levels of ferrous and paramagnetic scrap, which is attracted to the outer drum and separated away from output
Depending on the application and the size of the product being moved, mining companies may opt to use electromagnets. However, for smaller operations, or when consistent magnetism is required even when power may be lost, permanent magnets (typically ceramic or neodymium) are the best option.

Gold Mining

Magnets are also used in more old-school, traditional mining like gold panning. One of our customers from Eureka Gold Panning says he saves his customers money by using our magnets as a primary separator tool. They remove the ferrous minerals that hinder prospectors from isolating their gold. 

Apex Magnets & Mining

Whether you’re a purchasing manager for a mining company or someone working for a smaller operation like Eureka Gold, you may have questions. We love talking to people about the ways they can use their magnets most efficiently. Order any time of the day or call at 1-304-257-1193.