Metso introduced the Sampo Cell, an innovation in coarse particle flotation that enhances recovery of coarse particles without compromising fine particle recovery, helping mining companies improve the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of their operations.
"Mining companies are under increasing pressure to process more complex ores, improve recovery and reduce their environmental footprint," said Teemu Kaarniemi, senior vice president of separation at Metso. "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."
Coarse Particle Flotation
Traditional flotation circuits require extensive grinding to bring particles into an optimal range for efficient recovery. The coarse particle flotation changes this paradigm by expanding flotation performance to significantly coarser and less liberated particle sizes.
Based on a froth-feeding principle, the Sampo Cell technology gently feeds slurry directly into the froth phase, where separation takes place under low-turbulence conditions. This minimizes particle detachment and enables efficient recovery of particles that are typically lost in conventional flotation circuits. The Sampo Cell 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, fluidization 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, making implementation straightforward for plant operators, accordign to Metso.
Industrial-Scale Success in Chile
Since March 2026, the Sampo Cell has been in continuous 24/7 operation in industrial-scale scavenger duty at a copper mine in Chile. Operated by the customer, the technology has demonstrated a significant increase in total plant recovery by capturing particles typically lost in conventional flotation cells.
"The industrial-scale operation in Chile has validated both the performance and scalability of the Sampo Cell," said Antti Rinne, vice president of flotation at Metso. "The results show how customers can improve overall plant recovery without major changes to the existing flotation circuit."
Comprehensive Flotation Expertise
The launch of the Sampo Cell further strengthens Metso's leadership in flotation technology. Metso offers one of the industry's most comprehensive flotation portfolios, covering mechanical flotation, pneumatic flotation, flotation services, process expertise, digital optimization tools and aftermarket support.
Combined with Metso's crushing, screening, grinding, filtration, thickening and tailings solutions, customers benefit from an integrated approach that optimizes performance across the entire minerals processing flowsheet.
