Kerte filter press

Panama's Cobre Panama Copper Mine Moves Closer to Restart

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:29:36 +0800

After nearly two years of suspension, Cobre Panama, one of the world's largest copper mines, may soon resume operations. The Panamanian government is considering new partnership models with First Quantum Minerals, marking an important step toward restarting a project that plays a key role in the global copper supply chain.

The mine was shut down in late 2023 after Panama's Supreme Court ruled its long-term mining contract unconstitutional. Public protests over environmental protection and resource management also contributed to the closure. The shutdown significantly affected Panama's economy, reduced employment, and removed more than 1% of global copper production.

Today, changing market conditions are driving a shift in government policy. Strong copper prices, growing demand from renewable energy and electric vehicle industries, and domestic economic pressures have renewed interest in bringing the mine back online.

Officials are currently evaluating two possible operating models. The first would create a state-owned mining company that partners with First Quantum Minerals. Under this plan, the company would continue operating the mine while sharing ownership with the government. The second option would allow the government to retain ownership of the mining rights while leasing the operation to First Quantum, a model already used in several resource-rich countries.

To prepare for a potential restart, the government has approved the sale of previously mined copper concentrate, authorized the restart of the mine's power plant, and completed an environmental audit. A final decision is expected before the end of the year.

The restart of Cobre Panama could strengthen global copper supply at a time of increasing demand. However, long-term success will depend on maintaining strict environmental standards, effective tailings management, and transparent cooperation between mining companies, governments, and local communities.

For modern mining operations, efficient solid-liquid separation is essential. Advanced filter press systems help reduce tailings moisture, recover valuable process water, and improve environmental compliance. As copper producers continue to invest in sustainable mining practices, reliable filtration equipment will play an increasingly important role in supporting productivity, lowering operating costs, and meeting environmental requirements.

How to Select the Right Filter Plate Material: Polypropylene, Rubber, or Stainless Steel?

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:53:22 +0800

Choosing the right filter plate material is critical for filter press performance, service life, and operating cost. The best option depends on your slurry, temperature, abrasiveness, and hygiene requirements.

At KERTE, we manufacture filter plates for a wide range of industrial applications. Below is a simple guide to help you choose between polypropylene (PP), rubber, and stainless steel.

1. Polypropylene (PP) Filter Plates
Polypropylene is the most common choice because it offers strong performance at a reasonable cost.
Advantages
Good resistance to acids and alkalis
Lightweight and durable
Corrosion-resistant
Smooth surface for easy cake release
Low maintenance and cost-effective
Best Applications:Mining tailings dewatering,Mineral concentrate filtration,Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment,Sand washing plants,Chemical processing

PP filter plates are suitable for most processes below about 90°C (194°F).

2. Rubber Filter Plates
Rubber filter plates are ideal for abrasive slurries and harsh working conditions.
Advantages
Excellent wear resistance
Strong impact absorption
Reliable sealing performance
Longer service life in abrasive service
Reduced risk of plate damage
Best Applications:Iron ore processing,Coal slurry dewatering,Copper and gold mining,High-solid-content mineral slurries,Other abrasive mining operations.
Rubber plates usually cost more than PP, but they can lower long-term costs in severe environments.

3. Stainless Steel Filter Plates
Stainless steel is the best choice when temperature, cleanliness, or corrosion resistance is essential.
Advantages
High-temperature resistance
Excellent corrosion resistance
Hygienic and easy to clean
trong and long-lasting
Suitable for sterilization
Best Applications:Iron ore processing,Coal slurry dewatering,Copper and gold mining,High-solid-content mineral slurries,Other abrasive mining operations.

Key Factors to Consider
Chemical compatibility
Operating temperature
Slurry abrasiveness
Filtration pressure
Budget and maintenance needs
Which Filter Plate Is Right for You?

For most industrial uses, polypropylene offers the best value. Rubber is best for abrasive mining slurries. Stainless steel is ideal for hygienic or high-temperature applications.

At KERTE, we can help you select the right filter plate material based on your process conditions and production goals.

Chile Delays Maricunga Lithium Project to 2034

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:41:49 +0800

Chile’s lithium sector has entered a new phase after state-owned mining company Codelco announced that production at its flagship Maricunga Lithium Project will now start in 2034, four years later than the previous 2030 target. As one of the country’s most important battery metal developments, the delay is likely to affect global lithium supply expectations, investment timing, and long-term mining plans across South America.

Chile remains one of the world’s leading lithium producers because of its rich salt lake resources. For years, production has been dominated by major international players such as SQM and Albemarle. To strengthen national participation, the Chilean government introduced its National Lithium Strategy, encouraging state-owned companies to work with global mining firms while keeping tighter control over strategic mineral assets.

Maricunga is a central project in this strategy. Earlier this year, Chile revised Codelco’s operating agreement for lithium development, further confirming the project’s strategic importance. Codelco has also partnered with Rio Tinto to advance the project, highlighting the growing role of international cooperation in Chile’s evolving lithium industry.

At the same time, the updated timeline reflects one of the biggest challenges for mining investment in Chile: long approval cycles. Compared with many mining regions in Australia or Africa, new projects in Chile must pass detailed environmental reviews, regulatory procedures, and community consultations before construction can begin. These steps often extend development schedules and delay new capacity from reaching the market.

For the global lithium market, the postponement may have mixed effects. In the medium term, slower output growth from Maricunga could reduce the pace of new supply between 2030 and 2034, easing oversupply concerns and offering some support to lithium prices. Established producers may also retain their market positions for longer, while new entrants face more extended development periods.

As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage continues to rise, mining companies are focusing more on resource recovery, cost control, and environmental performance throughout mineral processing.

Efficient solid-liquid separation is now a critical part of lithium production. High-performance filter press systems help recover process water, reduce tailings moisture, lower transport costs, and improve sustainable water management, especially in water-scarce regions such as South America’s lithium salt lakes.

KERTE Filter Press delivers reliable dewatering solutions for lithium concentrate, tailings, and industrial wastewater. With advanced automatic filter press technology, high water recovery efficiency, and low cake moisture, KERTE helps lithium producers improve efficiency while supporting responsible and sustainable mining development.

Filter Press Working Principle: Efficient Solid-Liquid Separation Solution by KERTE

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:26:56 +0800

A filter press is one of the most effective solid-liquid separation technologies widely used in mining, wastewater treatment, chemical processing, food production, and other industries. By applying pressure filtration, a filter press separates liquid from solid particles, reduces sludge volume, and produces a drier filter cake for disposal, recycling, or further processing. As an experienced filter press manufacturer, KERTE provides reliable filtration equipment designed for high-efficiency dewatering applications.

How Does a Filter Press Work?

The working principle of a filter press includes four main stages: filling, filtration, cake compression, and discharge.

During the filling stage, slurry containing solid particles and liquid is pumped into chambers formed between filter plates. The feed pump ensures continuous and uniform slurry distribution inside the press.

In the filtration stage, hydraulic pressure forces liquid to pass through filter cloths while solid particles remain on the cloth surface. The filtered liquid flows through drainage channels and can be collected for reuse or treatment. As solids accumulate, a filter cake is gradually formed inside the chambers.

The compression stage improves dewatering performance. Advanced membrane filter presses use flexible membrane plates to apply additional pressure, squeezing more water from the filter cake and achieving lower moisture content. This process helps reduce transportation and disposal costs.

During the discharge stage, the filter plates open, and the dewatered filter cake is released automatically or manually. The equipment then starts a new filtration cycle.

Types of Filter Presses

KERTE offers various filter press solutions for different industries:

Plate and Frame Filter Press:

Suitable for mining tailings, chemical sludge, and high-solid materials, providing stable filtration performance and excellent cake formation.

Recessed Chamber Filter Press:

Designed for fine particle separation, widely used in wastewater treatment, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Membrane Filter Press:

Uses secondary squeezing technology to improve dryness and filtration efficiency, especially suitable for applications requiring higher solid recovery.

Automatic Filter Press:

Equipped with PLC control, automatic plate shifting, and filter cloth washing systems to improve operational efficiency and reduce labor costs.

Factors Affecting Filter Press Performance

Filtration efficiency depends on filter cloth quality, slurry characteristics, feed pressure, pump performance, and chemical conditioning. Proper polymer dosing can improve particle separation, while regular filter cloth cleaning prevents clogging and extends service life.

Why Choose KERTE Filter Press?

With advanced manufacturing technology and customized filtration solutions, KERTE filter presses deliver high efficiency, low energy consumption, and reliable operation. From mining tailings dewatering to industrial wastewater treatment, KERTE helps customers achieve better water recovery, lower waste costs, and more sustainable production.

BHP’s Chile Infrastructure Sale Signals a New Era for Asset-Light Mining and Water Recovery

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:03:09 +0800

BHP’s reported plan to divest its desalination plant and high-voltage transmission assets in northern Chile reflects more than a capital recycling strategy—it highlights a broader transformation across the global mining industry. As major miners increasingly adopt asset-light operating models, investment is shifting toward core mining production, efficiency improvement, and sustainable resource utilization.

For decades, mining companies preferred to own every part of their operations, including water supply systems, power infrastructure, ports, and processing facilities. Today, the focus is changing. By transferring infrastructure assets to specialized operators while securing long-term service agreements, mining companies can reduce capital expenditure, improve return on investment, and concentrate financial resources on expanding strategic mineral production such as copper.

This trend also creates new opportunities for advanced mineral processing technologies. As water becomes an increasingly valuable resource—especially in regions such as Chile's Atacama Desert—efficient solid-liquid separation is no longer simply an operational advantage but a strategic requirement.

At KERTE Filter Press, we believe filtration technology plays a critical role in supporting this transformation. High-performance dewatering systems help mining companies recover process water, reduce freshwater consumption, and lower operating costs while meeting increasingly strict environmental and ESG requirements.

KERTE filter presses are designed for demanding mining applications, including copper concentrates, tailings, lithium projects, iron ore, coal, and other mineral processing operations. With optimized filtration performance, our systems can achieve water recovery rates of up to 80% while producing filter cake moisture as low as 10%, depending on the material and operating conditions. Recovering more process water not only reduces dependence on external water infrastructure but also improves overall plant efficiency and supports sustainable mine operations.

As mining companies continue to prioritize productivity and capital efficiency, reliable filtration equipment becomes an essential investment. Efficient dewatering minimizes tailings volume, lowers transportation costs, reduces storage requirements, and enables greater recycling of valuable process water throughout the production cycle.

The industry's shift toward specialized infrastructure ownership does not reduce the importance of water management—it makes efficient water utilization even more critical. Whether a mine owns its water supply assets or purchases water through long-term agreements, maximizing every cubic meter of water remains a key competitive advantage.

As global demand for copper continues to grow alongside the energy transition, mining companies will increasingly seek technologies that deliver higher productivity with lower environmental impact. KERTE Filter Press remains committed to providing advanced filtration solutions that help mining operators improve resource efficiency, optimize water recovery, and build more sustainable, future-ready mining operations.

How to Maintain the Feed Pump for a Plate-and-Frame Filter Press

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:28:35 +0800

As the application scope of plate-and-frame filter press feed pumps expands, their importance becomes increasingly evident. Serving as an indispensable component of the filter press system, the feed pump plays a critical role that cannot be overlooked. So, what are the proper maintenance and care procedures for these pumps during daily operation?

1. Regularly inspect the pump and motor, and replace wear parts. Even the most precision-engineered equipment experiences component wear during use; timely replacement is essential to ensure optimal performance. Because these feed pumps are precision devices susceptible to deterioration from prolonged friction, parts must be replaced promptly. Avoid the temptation to cut costs with cheap replacements; a single damaged part can alter friction dynamics, potentially damaging other components and leading to overall equipment failure.

2. Perform regular inspections and cleaning. When cleaning the pump, consider the pH levels of both the pump materials and the process media. Use a cleaning agent with the opposite pH to neutralize residues and protect the pump's surface.

3. Maintain the hydraulic system by checking hydraulic components and the integrity of seals at all connection points to ensure smooth, normal operation.

In summary, proper maintenance not only boosts the operational efficiency of the plate-and-frame filter press feed pump but also extends its service life. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions regarding the maintenance of these pumps.

What Chile's Desalination MOU Means for Mining Filtration

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:52:51 +0800

The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chilean Cobalt and Key Mining to advance seawater desalination represents another milestone in sustainable mining. As freshwater resources become increasingly limited across Chile, especially in the Atacama mining region, desalinated seawater is emerging as a reliable alternative for mineral processing and mine operations.

While desalination helps secure a stable water supply, efficient water recycling remains essential for reducing operating costs and minimizing environmental impact. This is where advanced solid-liquid separation technologies play a vital role. High-performance filtration systems enable mining companies to recover process water, reduce tailings volume, and support responsible resource management.

As a leading filter press manufacturer, KERTE Filter Press provides advanced dewatering solutions for copper, cobalt, lithium, gold, iron ore, and other mining applications. Our automatic filter press systems are designed to achieve water recovery rates of up to 80%, helping mines significantly reduce freshwater consumption while improving overall process efficiency.

KERTE filter presses also produce filter cake moisture as low as 10%, making transportation, storage, and dry stack tailings management more economical and environmentally friendly. Lower cake moisture means less residual water in tailings, reduced disposal costs, and greater operational efficiency throughout the mining process.

Many mining projects in Chile are located in mountainous regions where equipment must operate reliably under harsh environmental conditions. KERTE Filter Press systems are engineered for high-altitude mining operations, delivering stable performance, high filtration efficiency, and dependable automatic operation even in demanding environments. Their robust design ensures continuous production with minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for large-scale mining projects.

As seawater desalination becomes increasingly integrated into Chile's mining industry, combining desalination with efficient mining filtration and tailings dewatering technologies will be key to achieving sustainable production goals. Recovering more process water while producing drier filter cakes allows mining companies to maximize resource utilization and comply with stricter environmental regulations.

With over 20 years of experience serving the global mining industry, KERTE Filter Press remains committed to delivering reliable, customized filtration solutions that help customers improve productivity, conserve water resources, and reduce environmental impact. The cooperation between Chilean Cobalt and Key Mining highlights the industry's transition toward greener mining, and KERTE is proud to support that future with advanced filtration technology built for the world's most challenging mining environments.

Linear Flip-flow Screen

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:55:46 +0800

Kerte Linear Flip-Flow Screen is a high-performance screening solution specially engineered for processing wet, sticky, fine, and high-moisture materials that are difficult to separate using conventional vibrating screens. Utilizing advanced dual-mass resonance technology, it effectively prevents screen clogging while delivering exceptional screening efficiency, making it an ideal choice for coal preparation, mining, metallurgy, power generation, coal chemical processing, and building materials industries.

The screen operates on the flip-flow screening principle, where a single drive generates dual vibrations through resonance. While the eccentric exciter produces the primary circular vibration, the floating screen frame creates a secondary vibration. The elastic polyurethane screen panels continuously expand and contract at up to 800 cycles per minute, generating screening acceleration of up to 50G. This high vibration intensity rapidly loosens and stratifies material, allowing fine particles to pass through the screen while preventing blinding and material buildup.

The Kerte Linear Flip-Flow Screen features a robust, heavy-duty structure with a sealed "U"-shaped side plate design that minimizes wear and prevents material leakage. The polyurethane screen panels are secured using wedge-shaped rubber strips instead of bolts, enabling quick replacement and simplified maintenance. The floating frame amplitude can be adjusted to match different material characteristics, ensuring maximum screening performance across various applications.

The machine is supported by durable hollow rubber springs that effectively reduce vibration transmission, lower operating noise, and extend equipment service life. With fewer rotating components than conventional vibrating screens, the Kerte Flip-Flow Screen offers high operational reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, lower energy consumption, and lower total operating costs.

Key Features

Ideal for wet, sticky, and difficult-to-screen materials

Dual-mass resonance technology for superior screening efficiency

Up to 800 screening cycles per minute and 50G vibration intensity

Polyurethane screen panels resist wear, clogging, and material adhesion

Kerte provides reliable Linear Flip-Flow Screens that improve screening efficiency, increase production capacity, and ensure stable performance in the most demanding mineral processing applications worldwide.

Circular Vibrating Screen

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:29:06 +0800

The Kerte Circular Vibrating Screen is a high-performance screening machine designed for efficient material classification, dehydration, desliming, and de-medium processing in mining, construction, energy, chemical, and other industries. With advanced vibration technology and a reliable structural design, it delivers high screening efficiency, strong processing capacity, stable operation, and long service life.

The Kerte Circular Vibrating Screen adopts a cylindrical eccentric shaft exciter with adjustable eccentric blocks to achieve optimized vibration amplitude. The long material travel path and multi-layer screening design allow accurate separation of different particle sizes, improving screening efficiency and production capacity. It is widely used for mineral processing, coal preparation, aggregate production, and other applications requiring precise material classification.

The Kerte Circular Vibrating Screen features a robust screen frame structure. The side plates are manufactured from whole steel plates using cold forming technology without welding, ensuring high strength and excellent durability. The crossbeam and side plates are connected by high-strength anti-torsion bolts, making replacement and maintenance more convenient while improving overall equipment reliability.

Equipped with high-performance rubber springs, the vibration damping system effectively reduces noise, extends service life, and ensures smooth operation through the resonance zone. The flexible coupling between the motor and exciter provides reliable power transmission while reducing impact on the motor and improving operating stability.

Key Features

High screening efficiency with large processing capacity

Strong excitation force and stable vibration performance

Multi-layer screening for accurate particle classification

Low operating noise and reduced energy consumption

Easy maintenance with quick exciter replacement

Long service life under heavy-duty working conditions

Kerte provides reliable Circular Vibrating Screens for mineral processing plants, quarries, and industrial production lines worldwide, helping customers improve screening efficiency and achieve stable, cost-effective operations.

High-frequency Screen

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:06:17 +0800

Kerte High Frequency Screen is a high-performance dewatering screen engineered for efficient tailings dewatering, fine material screening, desliming, and classification in mining and mineral processing industries. Designed with advanced linear vibration technology, it delivers excellent screening efficiency, high processing capacity, and reliable operation for continuous industrial applications.

The screen is powered by two high-performance vibration motors mounted on the excitation beam, generating a stable linear vibration that evenly distributes the exciting force across the screen body. This design enables rapid water removal while effectively separating fine particles, resulting in lower moisture content, improved product quality, and higher recovery efficiency.

Built for demanding operating conditions, the Kerte High Frequency Vibrating Screen features a robust structure with high-strength bolted connections instead of welded joints. This construction enhances structural strength, reduces maintenance requirements, and extends equipment service life. Wear-resistant screen panels further improve durability and maintain consistent screening performance even in abrasive environments.

Available in sizes ranging from 0.9 × 1.8 m to 2.4 × 4.8 m, the Kerte High Frequency Screen can be integrated into automated production lines and customized to meet different plant capacities and process requirements. It is widely used for coal, iron ore, gold, copper, lead-zinc, aggregates, sand washing, metallurgy, building materials, and other fine granular materials.

Key Features

High screening efficiency for fine particle separation

Excellent dewatering performance with reduced moisture content

Powerful dual vibration motors for stable linear vibration

Heavy-duty bolted structure for long service life

Wear-resistant screen panels with low maintenance

Large processing capacity and energy-efficient operation

Easy installation and reliable continuous performance

As a trusted vibrating screen manufacturer, Kerte provides reliable mining screening equipment that helps improve water recovery, increase production efficiency, reduce operating costs, and support sustainable mineral processing operations worldwide.