ANALYSIS
Paul Moore looks at the analysis market which is soldiering on despite challenging conditions, with things picking up in late 2016, while in technology new analysis equipment continues to push boundaries
Actioning assays
Sampling and analysis is a part of the industry that very much follows the fate of mining in terms of levels of mineral exploration activity, the fortunes of bulk commodities and the number of new mines being built. On the lab analysis side, while it is an increasingly small world due to the level of consolidation that has occurred, with groups like SGS, ALS, Intertek and Bureau Veritas continuing to dominate( both through their branded labs but also multiple locations where they have acquired and kept local names), there are a lot of highly successful regional labs that have gained industry respect for their independence and local service, from Certimin in Peru, to Labtium in Finland, and many others. This is not to mention many high quality on-site labs run by minesites themselves, though many now outsource the operation and staffing of these to the big players.
ALS states:“ The state-of-the-art equipment used in ALS Mine Site laboratories is consistent with that in ALS commercial analytical geochemistry laboratories, ensuring the same reliable and superior outcomes are delivered. Applying ALS principles, procedures and quality standards to the operation of mine site laboratories offers clients the assurance and convenience that demands will be met with the utmost of customer care. ALS understands the importance of providing critical operational, metallurgical and environmental data to optimise mining and mineral processing production. ALS
prides itself on turnaround compliance, accurate, independent and reliable analytical data to ensure that site operations are optimised around the clock. ALS delivers extensive mine site expertise to assist in the achievement of targets and seamless project operation. Mine site laboratories are considered to be of great strategic value to operations, and outsourcing these to ALS allows the client to focus resources and capital on the core mining and mineral processing operation of the business. Flexible solutions to enable laboratory facilities to be either leased or purchased outright are available. This provides flexibility and cost effective solutions to clients to pay for the laboratory from their operating budgets or
ALS is a leader in supplying outsourced lab solutions to mines
The Olympus Vanta analyser is the successor to the DELTA ® portable XRF, which has been a trusted tool for hundreds of mining and exploration companies over the last five years
commit the full capital cost upfront.”
A take on the industry performance from SGS as an example of one of the major players, the company in its first half 2016 report states:“ Geochem laboratories delivered strong doubledigit growth with sample volumes increasing 16 % over prior year from solid performance in West Africa, Russia and Turkey, despite an overall reduced exploration expenditure in the mining sector. Demand for laboratory outsourcing continues to grow with three new
60 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2017