Business
SGS : Strengthening Geochemical Capabilities with New Adelaide Sample Preparation Laboratory
SGS : Strengthening Geochemical Capabilities with New Adelaide Sample Preparation
About this update from Sgs Sa
We are expanding our geochemistry network with a new sample preparation laboratory in Adelaide, Australia, strengthening regional support capability for mining and exploration projects across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. This investment is designed to improve turnaround performance and analytical workflow efficiency by reducing logistical bottlenecks earlier in the sample preparation process. Strengthening regional capability and turnaround performance As exploration activity continues to grow across Australia, mining companies are placing increasing focus on turnaround times, logistics efficiency and access to reliable analytical data. Transporting large, unprepared samples interstate can increase freight costs, extend handling times and delay the flow of results between drilling and operational decision-making. The Adelaide sample preparation facility has been established to address these challenges by enabling samples to be processed closer to site before being transferred into our broader analytical laboratory network. Using semi-automated crushing systems, the facility will reduce 3-5 kg ore samples to approximately 0.5 kg preparation splits for transport and analysis. Operational benefits include: Reduced freight volumes and associated transport costs Improved turnaround performance through more efficient sample routing Strengthened regional servicing capability and network flexibility Lower emissions associated with interstate sample transport Supporting future PhotonAssay™ capability The Adelaide expansion also supports the planned introduction of PhotonAssay™ capability in early 2027, further strengthening our regional gold, silver and copper analytical capability across South Australia and neighboring mining regions. PhotonAssay™ uses high-energy X-rays to rapidly analyze larger sample volumes and supports faster analytical workflows for many gold applications. Until PhotonAssay™ capability becomes operational in Adelaide, prepared samples will continue to be routed through our existing PhotonAssay™ network, which includes facilities in Perth, Kalgoorlie and Orange. Lower-impact analytical workflows The Adelaide expansion aligns with broader industry demand for lower-impact analytical workflows and more sustainable operational practices. An independent assessment conducted by GHD in partnership with Chry...