Unveiling Saudi Arabia’s Geochemical Future: SGS and Golden Compass Join Forces

In a landmark move set to revolutionize Saudi Arabia’s mining sector, SGS has announced a strategic joint venture with Golden Compass, one of the nation’s leading exploration and mining consultancy firms. This partnership heralds the launch of a state-of-the-art geochemistry laboratory in Jeddah, slated to open in the final quarter of 2024. This new facility promises to provide unparalleled sample preparation and geochemical analysis to the burgeoning mining industry in Saudi Arabia.

A Visionary Commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Mining Industry

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its mining sector is a cornerstone of the ambitious Vision 2030. With vast, largely untapped geological resources estimated to exceed a staggering USD 2.5 trillion, the kingdom is poised to become a global mining hub. The discovery of over 48 minerals, including base metals, precious metals, industrial metals, and rare earth elements, underscores the immense potential that lies beneath the desert sands.

The establishment of this cutting-edge laboratory is a direct response to Saudi Arabia’s growing mining ambitions. It aims to ensure that local exploration and mining operators have access to world-class testing services, thereby unlocking the full potential of their mineral deposits. This joint venture will leverage SGS’s extensive analytical expertise and Golden Compass’s proficiency in mining operations and consultancy.

“We are excited to build on SGS’s established presence in Saudi Arabia by adding geochemistry services, especially at a time when there is significant growth in the mining and minerals industry. Together with our joint venture partner, we look forward to helping exploration and mining companies identify, quantify, and realize the full potential of their mineral deposits,” stated Lawrence Ng, Global Vice President of Geochemistry at SGS.

State-of-the-Art Geochemistry Laboratory in Jeddah

The upcoming laboratory in Jeddah, operated by SGS experts, will set a new standard for geochemical analysis in the region. The facility will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including:

• Sample Preparation: Drying, crushing, pulverizing, and sieving.
• Fire Assays: With Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and gravimetric finish.
• Multi-Element Testing: Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Carbon and Sulfur Analysis.

Equipped with the latest technology and adhering to SGS’s stringent quality assurance and control standards, the Jeddah laboratory will provide reliable and precise analyses that meet global benchmarks.

Meshary AlAli AlDehashi, CEO of Golden Compass, emphasized the significance of this venture: “This investment will contribute to achieving SGS – Golden Compass investment goals to support and enhance local content by localizing some mining services. This will help realize the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on transforming the kingdom into a major mining hub.”

Comprehensive Geochemistry Services

SGS’s geochemistry team is prepared to deliver customized solutions that cater to the specific needs of its clients. Upholding SGS’s trusted methodologies and high-quality control standards, the team offers a full spectrum of services. With over 500 commercial, mobile, and onsite laboratories worldwide and a dedicated team of geological and metallurgical experts, SGS ensures that clients maximize the value of their deposits at every stage of the mining lifecycle.

SGS’s Legacy in Saudi Arabia

SGS’s relationship with Saudi Arabia dates back to 1980 when it opened its first office in the country. Today, SGS boasts a robust presence with seven strategically located offices in Jubail, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Ras Tanura, Yanbu, and Rabigh. These offices are staffed by dedicated teams delivering exceptional services across multiple industries, from oil and gas to agriculture and now, significantly, mining.

This latest venture with Golden Compass is a testament to SGS’s unwavering commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth and diversification. By providing world-class geochemical services, SGS is poised to play a pivotal role in the kingdom’s journey towards becoming a leading mining powerhouse.

As Saudi Arabia continues to unlock its vast mineral wealth, the new geochemistry laboratory in Jeddah will serve as a beacon of scientific excellence and industry innovation. It represents a significant step forward in the realization of Vision 2030, promising a future where Saudi Arabia stands at the forefront of the global mining industry.

Source: www.sgs.com