In the United States, the mining industry plays a crucial role in supplying power as well as in delivering much-needed materials to manufacturers of consumer goods. One example of this is that it takes over 65 types of minerals to produce a computer. Earth-sourced elements are used to create many of the tech gadgets we use daily, and coal generates much of the power to charge them.
The products we use rely on mining, but what materials do the mining industry depend on? Industrial metal wire mesh products are crucial for extracting minerals, rocks, and other valuable geological materials from the earth.
Why Does the Mining Industry Rely on Wire Mesh?
Due to the strength and versatility of stainless steel hardware cloth and mesh, the material serves many purposes for the industry.
Stainless steel wire mesh is:
- Available in many sizes, diameters, widths, and weaves
- Exceedingly strong and sturdy
- Incredibly durable and resilient
- Resistant to abrasion and rust
- Resistant to corrosion from salt and seawater
- Resistant to extreme heat and below-freezing temperatures
Welded, sintered, and plain stainless steel in T-304 and T-316 alloys play key roles in various mining operations. One notable area is the safety of underground roofing.
Wire Mesh Reinforces Underground Roofing to Improve Safety
Mining is a hazardous occupation. When working in underground environments, miners spend a substantial amount of time beneath precarious rock roofs.
The CDC estimates 500 rock fall injuries a year in the U.S., 99% of which were caused by heavy pieces falling from unsecured underground roofing. Not only that, but the mining industry sees more than five times the number of fatalities than other markets. There were 24 mining fatalities in 2019, which is only the fifth time the number has been under 30.
When installed on bolting cycles, wire mesh reinforcement acts as a roof screen in below-ground mining environments. This makes the job safer by keeping loose rocks in place and reducing the number of injuries and fatalities. On average, these rocks weigh 280 pounds, but many are much heavier. Heavy-duty stainless steel welded wire mesh has a substantial load capacity. It's strong enough to hold up both the small and large pieces and help prevent mining incidents.
How Else Is Wire Mesh Used in the Mining Industry?
In addition to roof screens, mesh materials are commonly used for filtration in the mining industry. Woven wire mesh works as screening media for sieving, separating, shaking, grading, sizing, and cleaning extracted ores.
The material can also help prevent contamination. Woven metal screens can remove unwanted minerals, metal slag, twigs, plants, rocks, and other debris from mined substances.
Industrial Welded Wire Mesh Materials from TWP Inc.
TWP Inc. has been a premier supplier of wire mesh for industrial applications for over 50 years. We carry many different stainless steel products, including welded, sintered, and PTFE coated, as well as T-304 and T-316 alloys.
Our woman-owned company holds an A+ rating from the Better Businesses Bureau (BBB), and we're proud to be certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). TWP Inc.'s ISO 9001 certification means we've established top-quality systems as a fabricator and distributor of metal mesh products.
Our ISO certification also confirms we:
- Adhere to the best quality-control standards
- Are an industry leader in management and principles
- Continuously work to improve our practices
- Maintain first-rate efficiency
Request a quote for a custom size or quantity of stainless steel wire screens, or contact us to learn more about our offerings.
To discover trends and read news about how wire mesh is used in your industry, connect with TWP Inc. on LinkedIn.
