Abstract. This study examined the effect of adding metalloid is a type as a modifier on changes in the mechanical properties, microstructure, and wear mechanism of high-Mn steel. Several tests were carried out with different metalloid contents in the austenitized state. Microstructural changes were assessed using optical microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope (Fe–SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) detector. Analysis was carried out for changes in mechanical properties. Metalloid had a positive effect on the results of all mechanical tests, with particularly distinctive performance observed in the impact, tensile and friction tests. Industrial tests were carried out, the teeth of the mining excavator were cast from this steel composition and submitted for industrial testing. The readings of the shipped rock and the remaining length of the nose of the teeth served as indicators for assessing the efficiency. The final conclusion of the industrial tests was an increase in the productivity of excavator teeth made of modified steel high-Mn by more than 40% compared to standard teeth.