ANALYSIS
The automated system will process a mix of geochemical mining & pit control samples, metallurgical control samples & a dedicated line to process near mine geochemical exploration samples which is unique to this particular laboratory.
Worldwide lab news
Bureau Veritas Minerals recently achieved ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation at its Analytical Laboratory in Hermosillo, Mexico.“ This achievement ensures our equipment, methods, quality control and quality assurance practices meet the highest standards set by the industry. The main scope of the initial accreditation relates to the competence of Mineral Analysis Testing and Mineral Assaying( CAN-P-1579).”
“ Attaining our accreditation has been a tremendous achievement for our Hermosillo Assay Laboratory,” said Hugo Martinez, Quality Manager, Mexico, Guatemala & Nicaragua.“ The entire team has been working day and night to establish and execute every aspect of our new quality management system, without ever jeopardising the high standard of service to the customer throughout the process.”
“ I am very proud of our team in Mexico for this achievement, especially in such a tight time frame. Although our lab has operated under strict protocols with oversight from our accredited Vancouver laboratory, in today’ s world having ISO accreditation definitely raises the portfolio. Hugo and the team in Mexico worked very hard to make this happen. Bureau Veritas prides itself in offering the best service in our industry; this is a reflection of that culture,” said Angelo Karitsiotis, Director of Business Development, NANLA.
The laboratory will offer an extensive range of testing capabilities for the Exploration and Mining industry, including the introduction of: n A full scope of Determination of Au by lead Collection Fire Assay with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Finish( FA430 / FA450) n A full scope of Determination of Au by Lead Collection Fire Assay with Gravimetric Finish( FA530 / FA550) n Customised methods for the needs of local customers. ALS division ALS Inspection’ s strategic focus“ is to expand its global network and the scale of the business; to develop inspection and analytical service capability in major producing( mining) and smelting nations around the globe in order to be strategically placed to service the trade flows of raw materials and products( finished and semifinished) between these regions.”
With this in mind two key developments have taken positive steps forward. In Chile as of 1 August 2016, Ramiro Blanch joined ALS Inspection in the position of General Manager ALS Inspection, Chile. Ramiro is now based in the ALS facility in Colina, Santiago, where he is
establishing an ALS inspection network and laboratory capability within Chile. It is envisaged that the existing ALS geochemical and metallurgical laboratory in Colina will be developed to be able to undertake commercial( party / umpire) analytical testing and service the local markets.“ There will be strong coordination and interaction with the ALS Inspection UK Laboratory and technical staff to ensure we standardise and systemise existing Inspection methodology, techniques and quality control.”
The company said that Blanch brings a wealth of industry knowledge, experience and contacts to ALS after working for 32 years for Codelco in their Santiago headquarters holding senior management positions such as Sales Vice- Presidency and Quality and Technical Manager. Post-leaving Codelco he was operating within the ALS Metallurgical business in Santiago.
“ It is also envisaged that the growth of an inspection network will benefit from the existing ALS network of facilities in Chile. To compliment this, ALS have signed a formal Alliance Agreement with local Chilean based group Marss. Marss are a well-established, highly regarded marine inspection and superintending service provider within the Chilean market with a geographic spread of surveyors covering major ports such as Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Valparaiso, San Antonio, Talcahuano and Puerto Montt.“
In Australia, in September 2016, ALS Inspection established its first operation in Australia with the opening of a branch in Townsville. As of 12 September 2016, Geoff Prince joined ALS in the position of Operations Manager ALS Inspection, Australia. This will be ALS Inspection’ s first staff appointment in Australia and the first step to developing an Australian inspection network. He will be based in the
SGS is one of the clear leaders in analysis and sampling services to the mining industry, and cites improving market conditions
existing ALS facility in Townsville, Australia.
Prince“ brings to ALS a wealth of direct industry knowledge and technical experience in the provision of inspection, sampling and supervision services directly relating to ALS Inspection core commodities( with significant experience relating to the sampling of bulk commodities), having worked for the last 14 years focused on the inspection and sampling of bulk concentrates and bullion materials moving through the port of Townsville.”
SGS in South Africa last year announced that it had opened a new coal sampling laboratory at Richards Bay Coal Terminal( RBCT). In operation for 40 years, RBCT is one of the leading coal export terminals in the world. This new 2,203 m 2, state-of-the-art laboratory is more than twice the size of the previous laboratory and will support efficient coal preparation, sampling and certification. The new laboratory is designed to service RBCT’ s requirements up to 110 Mt of coal per annum and will improve sampling and testing turnaround time by 25 %.
Fred Herren, SGS, COO Africa, said that as far as coal sampling is concerned, this laboratory sets a new benchmark.“ We want this lab to be a showcase. Special emphasis has been placed on new technology and a high quality of execution.”
SGS assisted with the design and build and is providing operation and maintenance of the laboratory, ensuring commitment to increased throughput capacity and improved turnaround times. Sampling and certification will be provided for 55,000 samples per year from rail consignments and shipments coming in and out of RBCT. IM
66 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2017