Geochemical, Geometallurgical Analyses Optimize Resource Use

Q: What does SGS offer to the mining sector and how important is the Mexican mining market for the company?
A: The mining sector is quite important for the Mexican economy because its many projects generate wealth for the country. We support the sector with geochemical and geometallurgical analysis and testing, which mining companies can use to identify the quantity and quality of the minerals in their deposits. We are world leaders in the field of laboratory analysis and certifications. We have close to 98,000 employees worldwide and we are present in more than 140 countries. In Latin America, we have offices in Chile, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, and Argentina.

Q: Which of your services have been the most requested and which do you expect to be in higher demand in the future?
A: Our main service is geochemical analysis, followed by analysis of concentrates for traders and mining companies. In the coming years, we expect growth in demand for geometallurgical analysis, which will allow companies to be more efficient in mineral recovery. This type of analysis makes a company more productive and environmentally efficient. Geometallurgical analysis allows clients to choose methods that use less water and fewer natural resources.

Q: How does SGS create synergies between its global labs and how does this synergy benefit the mining sector? 
A: As a world leader, we have the best experts in our various research centers in Canada, South Africa, Australia, and many more locations. Being part of this global network allows us to have this wealth of knowledge and experience. For example, if a mining client had a specific problem for which we did not have the expertise in Mexico, we could look for a solution in a different country.

At SGS, we have five business units, two of which benefit the mining sector. One is the natural resources area, where our main mining services are. The other is the industrial and environmental unit, which provides services related to mining, such as the construction of new plants. We seek to help make the country safer and more interconnected through our services and our network.

Q: What role does your lab in Sonora play within SGS’s operations? 
A: Northern Mexico is a key mining area. The laboratory in Sonora is doing well thanks to its large capacity. We also have a laboratory in Durango. Together, these two labs give us a competitive advantage because we have all the necessary facilities to cover all the geochemical and geometallurgical needs of the companies. This allows us to be more agile in the delivery of results and to ensure a high level of quality and accuracy.

Q: What have been the latest changes in ESG standards for the mining sector and how do they impact the company’s offer? 
A: We have a clear sustainability plan that is aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 goals agenda. Over 50% of our portfolio supports our customers' environmental impact reduction strategies. We have key strategies for carbon and water footprint reduction. We also help companies to comply with Mexican standards as we believe that sustainability in the sector is not only important but urgent. Our ESG solutions were developed by capable and highly trained people who understand the needs of our clients, especially in their surrounding communities.

Q: What experiences from other industries helped SGS to thrive in the mining sector? 
A: The company has existed for over 140 years and has been present in Mexico for 72 years. We participate in all economic sectors, which gives us experience in different technical areas. For example, gas and wind operations have high standards regarding safety. Our experience in those sectors allows us to implement these standards in other industries, such as mining. This wide knowledge allows us to offer more complete solutions and position ourselves as market leaders.

Q: What are the plans for SGS for the next six years? 
A: We are ambitious and want to continue growing. This year, we are making significant investments in our labs in Sonora and Durango, while also creating new methodologies to offer new services.  We are bringing metallurgical experts from Chile and Canada to Mexico to help the sector take the next step and become more productive, efficient, socially responsible, and sustainable. The advances made in Canada and Chile have enabled customers to boost profits, but also to improve their relationship with the communities and the environment.  We want this for Mexico as well. We believe that as a world-class regional and global TIC (testing, inspection, and certification) company, we can help the country in these aspects.

Mexico needs a deeper understanding of geochemical and geometallurgical analysis, as this knowledge will allow companies to know what minerals are there and how to extract more of them using fewer resources in a more sustainable way. These methods and technologies will bring enormous benefits to both industry and society, as they will boost wealth. We want to support the mining sector in its growth and transformation process, which we know is very complex. 

SGS is the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company. With over 98,000 employees and a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, it works to enable a better, safer, and more interconnected world.


 

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