Innovative Chemical Processes for Higher Extraction Rates

Q: What was the strategic thinking behind the creation of Aplicaciones Cientificas del Norte in 2002?

A: We are based in the industrial heartland of Nuevo Leon and the company was born out of a desire to provide chemical products to the numerous industrial enterprises operating in the area. We were originally focused locally but over the years we have expanded and now have a strong presence throughout Mexico. We specialize in chemical research and investigation and we began looking closely at the mining sector in 2010 because of the wide range of uses for chemical products in the mineral extraction industry. It has become a vital sector for our business, now representing about 60 percent of total sales.

Although we provide our clients with a host of chemical products, including lead acetate and copper sulfate, the main substance we offer the mining industry is sodium cyanide. We have a deal with the Chinese producer Hebei Chengxin, the world’s second-largest sodium cyanide manufacturer, to import its produce and distribute it to medium-sized mines around Mexico. A small portion of our portfolio, including silver sulfate, is also produced in-house for the pharmaceutical industry.

Q: In what ways do your products help users extract and produce minerals with greater efficiency?

A: The chemical products help companies to extract more ore in less time. We are always careful to choose the highest quality products to add to our portfolio but it is the quality of our customer service that makes us stand out from the competition. If the client so requires, we can carry out chemical analysis, testing and certification, which are services that other chemical distribution companies do not offer.

Q: Given its environmental and health risks, to what extent is the market moving away from the use of sodium cyanide?

A: The mining industry is coming under increasing pressure to reduce its impact on the environment and ecosystem and for that reason there are a number of alternative technologies that are being developed to replace sodium cyanide. In Mexico, the Canadian companies are the most open to trying new solutions. For example, Sandioss is an alternative to sodium cyanide that is environmentally friendly and we are in the process of analyzing this product to assess how efficient it can be in comparison to sodium cyanide. With the help of nanotechnology, biomining is also becoming more and more viable and, in a few years, it could have a great effect on the mining sector by making it far more sustainable. However, these technologies are relatively new in Mexico and it will take some time before they are ready to enter the market

For now, as a sodium cyanide distributor we have a responsibility to handle our produce in a responsible manner that reduces the risk factor as much as possible. We use recyclable containers where possible and we try to avoid associating ourselves with any project that does not place environmental protection at the top of its list of priorities. Our investigation strategy is focused on solving specific problems for our clients. If a mining company has issues with the level of grease produced by its processes, for example, we can come in and design a solution to solve that issue. We also work with ITESM’s Entrepreneur Hub to certify the safety standards of new projects and initiatives.

Q: What have been the main challenges the company has had to overcome during its 15 years of operation?

A: It can be tough to find and retain talent. There is only a limited amount of human capital in Mexico with the necessary skills to work in the industrial chemicals business and often the most qualified individuals are offered more money to join larger, international companies so it is sometimes challenging to attract the people we need to build the business. On the sales side, it can be tricky to access the decision-makers in mining companies so we always try to be present at conventions and other events where we know we can make important contacts.