In May 2021, SGS opened a brand new laboratory for mineral concentrates and diesel testing in Matarani, Arequipa in Peru. This is Peru’s first port-based laboratory for diesel testing, and the first port-based laboratory for the testing of mineral concentrates in all of Latin America. The company states: “Our Matarani laboratory offers analyses of mineral concentrates and diesel product samples. Our experts can analyse samples of mineral concentrates for copper, silver, arsenic, iron, zinc, and moisture. They can also conduct detailed bacteria tests and particle counts for diesel samples.”
The laboratory is 190 m2 and employs five full time staff. Strategically located, it provides rapid turnaround times 24/7, in line with customers’ expectations. SGS adds: “When trading, ensuring the quality of your commodities is key to maintaining a successful operation. The new laboratory allows SGS to continue to help customers ensure the quality of their commodities while meeting local and international regulations and contractual obligations. Its location within the port itself allows samples to be drawn from bulk cargo and testing to be done then and there, helping to prevent transportation processes and time consuming delays. Detailed analyses are delivered quickly and efficiently, so our customers can make crucial business decisions prior to cargo loading, ensuring any quality issues are addressed before it is too late.”
Ernesto Labarthe, Business Manager for SGS in Peru said: “The new laboratory allows us to conduct diesel and mineral concentrates testing right in the heart of Matarani’s port. This cuts the time hugely, as we no longer need to transport samples to our site in Callao, enabling us to provide customers with prompt expert analysis that informs key business decisions.” Thanks to the new Matarani laboratory, SGS in Peru says it will now be able to provide even greater value to all its global minerals and diesel customers who operate in the region.
