Stewart Group, an international inspection, analysis and assay group, announced that it has expanded operations in Mongolia. A new fire assay laboratory has been added to the Stewart Mongolia facility in Ulaanbaatar, which can now provide a significantly broader range of services to mining customers in the country. The expansion is the second major development at the Mongolia facility in 12 months, after it became the first internationally owned laboratory in the country to achieve ISO/IEC 17025:2009 accreditation.
Stewart claims as demand for geochemical and solid fuel analysis continues to rise in Mongolia and neighboring countries, it is now able to provide accurate analysis of a wide range of materials, including precious metals and solid fuels, within a minimal timeframe without the need to ship samples out of the country. Customers will benefit from reduced shipping costs and greatly increased sample turnaround times.
In addition to analysis of gold, silver and platinum group metals, the Mongolian site can conduct multi-elemental analysis, coal and solid fuel analysis, trace element analysis by ICPAES, and sample preparation of solid fuel and geochemical materials.
The expansion is the latest stage in the group’s ongoing development of its global network of laboratories. Other recent projects include the opening of new sites in Germany, Liberia and South Africa as well as a partnership with Canadian firm G&T Metallurgical Services.
Timothy Elliott, managing director for geochemical and assay at Stewart Group, said: “We understand that the mining companies in the country are looking for faster and more cost-effective sample preparation and analysis services, and so we endeavor to provide the highest level of service available. Stewart Group can provide a comprehensive service for all key regions in Mongolia.”
