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In recent years with the use of advanced technology, there have been dramatic changes in the processing and uses of potash. We understand that these changes are happening on a consistent basis. As an independent, leading supplier of innovative, technologically advanced services to the potash industry, SGS is uniquely positioned to partner with you to improve your efficiencies and maximize your profitability. All SGS work is done in accordance with internationally accepted standards such as Association of Fertilizer & Phosphate Chemists (AFPC), the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) ), ISO, CEN. SGS is dedicated to providing you with value-added solutions that reduce risk, enhance value and maximize returns at each step in your production chain. Through our global network of operations, SGS can deliver a broad spectrum of independent evaluation services to coal producers worldwide. This is aimed at reducing your risks and maximizing your profits. Through our team of professionally qualified engineers and support staff we can provide you with technical expertise in the areas of:
Prediction of grade and recoverable tonnages is essential for planning and operational purposes. SGS offers computerized mine planning services. Specific areas of expertise are pit optimization and production scheduling in open pits, open cuts or dredging operations. Our pit optimization services can be used at the scoping, prefeasibility, feasibility or productions stages of your project, and have been utilized by producers of various commodities including gold, base metals and industrial minerals worldwide. The same tools and expertise are also applied to underground mine design and production scheduling. SGS engineers and technicians can produce a computer model from data on paper or use existing computerized information. Additionally, we can update on a regular basis any existing computer model with new sampling information or geologic interpretation. Once a resource block model has been constructed, we can conduct pit optimization sensitivity analysis using various types of models, block sizes and shapes, and geological limitations. At SGS, our goal is to optimize your operations, and maximize your return. Leverage our mine planning capabilities and allow us to assist you with:
Advanced Process Control Systems SGS expert systems consist of a knowledge base and a reasoning engine. They are able to mimic the human thought process and make quantified, intelligent and immediate decisions regarding process operations and how best to optimize performance. SGS’ expert systems involve a software package, and the integration of that solution into the processes and culture of your production operation. We have provided advanced solutions for a wide range of unit operations including crushing, grinding, beneficiation, flotation, dewatering, in-duration and drying. Once integrated, your expert system can perform many intelligent functions including:
The key to successful implementation is the integration of your culture into your fertilizer operation. The most powerful expert system will fail if the integration process is ineffective. Our approach ensures that all members of your team recognize the benefits of the expert system and are confident it is improving the performance of your fertilizer operation. We will conduct in-depth interviews and provide on-site commissioning to ensure staff drives the development and implementation of your fertilizer system. The benefits to you include enhanced operational performance and an expert system that encompasses your performance concerns and the unique culture of your fertilizer organization. SGS advanced systems provide expert control solutions backed by proven SGS methodology. We bring a wealth of fertilizer expertise to all projects. Our team members have practical experience on plant floors in operational and metallurgical roles, and are guided by our senior technical staff. Ownership and buy-in are key for all users of the system, as is ongoing education and training. Staff is left knowledgeable with the expert system and the changes it will introduce into your fertilizer operation. Full acceptance and utilization by your staff translates into improved performance and profitability for you. Contact us today. Our advanced process control experts are ready when you are.
SGS technical experts are able to evaluate and audit your potash operations to determine processing problems or inefficiencies. Review followed by operational improvements can improve your grade, recovery, and increase process efficiencies. For new operations our technical team will discuss your options thoroughly, providing practical, cost effective solutions. SGS experts have years of fertilizer processing experience, and will put that to work for you by:
Exploration Program Management Potash and exploration programs are expensive propositions requiring world-class technical and management expertise. SGS can provide specialized technical and supervisory exploration services. Our geologists and engineers have completed successful consulting projects worldwide for those early in exploration to producers expanding their known reserves. SGS maintains strict quality standards on all our sampling work. We advance your project in a cost efficient manner, and ensure proper methodologies in all sampling, drilling, and logging work. We make certain the entire chain-of-custody for your samples and core is secure, and that you receive bankable testing results quickly.
SGS geochemical exploration services use advanced chemical assay techniques in search of new mineral deposits or extensions of existing deposits. Our geochemical analyses are done on rocks, stream sediments, lake sediments, soils, waters, vegetation, or glacial debris. As your technical partner and strategic advisor, we assist your geochemical prospecting efforts with state-of-the-art laboratories staffed by professional chemists who understand the exploration industry. Through our global network of laboratories, we provide you with a broad spectrum of independent geochemical analyses, assays and consultations. Our accredited laboratory work is performed in accordance with the Association of Fertilizer & Phosphate Chemists (AFPC), the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). We are constantly monitoring our quality standards through participation in numerous industry and standards quality assurance programs, such as the Laboratory Quality Services International’s (LQSi) proficiency test program.
Exploration Mineralogy (EXPLOMIN™) EXPLOMIN™ provides you with detailed and automated sample documentation of mineralogy, alteration and textures, allowing for statistically robust comparisons and manipulation in 3D. EXPLOMIN™ utilizes Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technologies. It permits the automated mineralogical measurement of polished samples from drill core, reverse circulation (RC) chips, crushed reject, or channel samples.
SGS has a global network of facilities and personnel capable of providing a wide range of metallurgical expertise. Our bankable metallurgical studies are managed by a project or senior metallurgist and begin with a detailed mineralogical characterization of your ores. Through advanced mineralogical techniques such as EXPLOMIN™, we provide quantitative mineral assessments that help determine how your target minerals manifest themselves within your ores. Once a solid mineralogical foundation is completed we proceed with preliminary flowsheet estimations. Metallurgical analysis quantifies your ore variability and reduces your financial and operating risks. It will prove beneficial to companies in the fertilizer extraction sector, but especially to those in the scoping through to feasibility exploration stages.
Geometallurgy is a cost-effective technique used to optimize mine production through the characterization and quantification of ore variability. Used during any stage of exploration, development or operation, SGS geometallurgy reveals the linkages between geology, mineralogy and metallurgical performance. It quantifies the variability of the ore deposit through process parameters such as ore hardness, flotation, and environmental impact. These parameters are geostatistically applied to your block model or mine plan to assist you in the production of accurate economic parameters such as throughput, grind size, grade, and recovery.
NI 43-101 Technical reports, Resources Audits and certifications SGS has geological engineers who can act as your independent Qualified Persons. They are able to prepare and publish technical reports, and resource audits and certifications compliant with National Instrument 43-101 (Canadian Securities public disclosure guidelines). Our expert services can include a review of your current resource estimate, exploration titles, QA/QC programs, and the quality and integrity of your drill hole database.
Globally, our SGS laboratories can test for fertilizer nutrients including nitrogen, phosphates and potassium. Our professionally staffed laboratories utilize the latest in instrumental methodology as well as classical wet chemistry methods. Our laboratories possess the testing capabilities to perform:
All SGS fertilizer laboratories have standardized methods, method codes and sample preparation techniques. This allows you to have the same methods performed at each of our laboratories on a worldwide basis. With your prior consent, SGS’ global network of laboratories also allows us to move samples from one lab to another during high sample flow time load. SGS laboratories offer a broad range of analytical services to the fertilizer industry. We provide accurate, cost effective analytical services in accordance with international standards to help you minimize your risks and optimize your operations. SGS provides the complete range of analytical testing procedures to meet the requirements of any fertilizer production through the end user. SGS’ laboratory analyses are performed in accordance with the Association of Fertilizer & Phosphate Chemists (AFPC), the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) ), ISO, CEN and/or other international or national methods as prescribed by your own corporate guidelines. This allows us to provide you with complete, accurate and timely fertilizer analysis
SGS provides on-site laboratories that offer high quality and rapid turnaround for a range of analyses which can be tailored to your specific needs. On-site laboratories are niche technical areas that require specific expertise. These labs provide critical operational and environmental data that guide site activities.
MSS’s have several advantages over manual techniques:
Mechanical sampling systems vary in complexity, the simplest consisting of a primary cutter that collects increments either by manual initiation or at pre-determined intervals by either a timer or weight meter. More complex sampling systems may include additional stages of sample division and various stages of particle size reduction. Factors that may determine the type and size of mechanical sampling systems are:
The most common types of mechanical systems used for bulk fertilizer consist of one or two division stages. However, each sampling application should be considered thoroughly before making a selection of the system to be used. It is essential that sampling systems be regularly inspected and audited to ensure correct sampling and compliance to original design and applicable standards. SGS has 25 years of experience designing, installing and commissioning client-dedicated, site-specific mechanical sampling systems. There are 300 SGS-designed systems operating in more than 20 countries worldwide and SGS can design a reliable, bias-free MSS for your fertilizer operation globally. Experienced SGS sampling technicians, familiar with industry standards are located in all major fertilizer producing areas.
In the absence of a mechanical sampling system, manual sampling may be carried out. The fertilizer industry standard specifies sampling techniques for many different substances. Most of these techniques involve a manual method that specifies systematic selection of specific samples of fertilizer according to defined criteria. Whether fertilizers are in shiploads, trains, trucks, piles or bags, our trained sampling technicians have the right equipment to assist you in selecting the best fertilizer sampling technique. Manual sampling involves collecting a representative sample that is consistent with a pre determined set of criteria. SGS often finds that a lack of proper procedure when manually sampling leads to poor results. We can perform technical audits and provide on-going maintenance to ensure the best possible sampling with the existing equipment. Manual sampling can be monitored and controlled by:
We use our global network to provide the best possible service to you, regardless of your location. Our environmental experts have extensive expertise in the fertilizer environmental sector. They speak your language and know the local conditions, business practices, legislation and traditions. Typical work programs for environmental baseline studies include:
Land Reclamation and Closure Planning Land reclamation and closure are an integral part of all fertilizer operations. SGS understands that your fertilizer mining operation is unique and will require technical experts to assist you with reclamation and closure planning. To effectively create these plans, SGS has technical experts with practical mining, geological and geotechnical experience, world renowned theoretical knowledge and the latest computer and software technology. No matter what stage of your fertilizer mining operations, our SGS experts assist with your technical reclamation and closure services including:
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