Tag Archives: laboratory

Perenti offloads MinAnalytical to ALS, but retains interest in Chrysos PhotonAssay tech

17th December 2021Automation, Mineral exploration, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining servicesALS, laboratory, Mark Norwell, MinAnalytical, Perenti Group, PhotonAssayDaniel Gleeson

Perenti says it has signed an agreement to divest MinAnalytical Laboratory Services Australia Pty Ltd, a Perenti subsidiary, to ALS Ltd in a deal worth A$43.6 million ($31.2 million).

Of the total consideration for the transaction, A$39 million relates to shares in MinAnalytical, with an additional $4.6 million for prepayments and other financial adjustments. The transaction is anticipated to be completed prior to December 31, 2021.

Mark Norwell, Managing Director and CEO of Perenti, said the divestment was part of the ongoing strategic review of the company’s portfolio, including its services, operating regions and businesses.

“As we continue to focus on optimising the performance of our business and creating long-term sustainable value for our shareholders, we are pleased to have entered into a binding agreement for the divestment of our MinAnalytical business to ALS.”

He added: “ALS is a premier provider of analytical testing data worldwide and has a track record of acquiring and embedding complementary businesses and analytical technology to deliver value for their clients. MinAnalytical, and the significant new technology offering of the Chrysos PhotonAssay machines, is a natural fit for the ALS portfolio and will benefit greatly from the synergies and economies of scale that ALS can offer.”

MinAnalytical has several PhotonAssay units it is using for customers, with a high level of automated sample preparation in place.

Following the transaction, Perenti is to retain our 8% equity holding in Chrysos, Norwell said, explaining: “We, much like ALS, appreciate the significant current and future value proposition that the Chrysos business represents.”

He added: “In line with our significant focus on liquidity and capital management, the net proceeds of this transaction will be allocated across our portfolio to maximise shareholder value. We will continue to evaluate and progress a number of capital management initiatives designed to generate cash flow, streamline our portfolio, liberate cash, sustainably reduce our leverage ratio and efficiently allocate capital across our business.”

Wardell Armstrong expands office and lab space in Cornwall

25th October 2021Metallurgy, Mining equipment, Mining servicesBen Simpson, Cornwall, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Darren Buckley, laboratory, mineralogy, UK, Wardell Armstrong, Wheal Jane Earth Science ParkDaniel Gleeson

To accommodate the increased demand for its mineral processing and metallurgical testing services, Wardell Armstrong says it has expanded its office and laboratory space at Wheal Jane Earth Science Park in Cornwall, England.

The new space now accommodates over 30 specialist staff including engineers, chemists, metallurgists, technicians and support staff who all provide services to a global client base.

Darren Buckley from Cornwall Chamber of Commerce opened the new office space last week, with the expansion highlighting Wardell Armstrong’s continuous investment into the Cornish mining industry, it said.

Wardell Technical Director, Ben Simpson, said: “The opening of this facility cements the departments position as the leading ‘mineral processing testing facility in Europe’. I’m delighted to be part of this exciting growth and expansion of Wardell Armstrong.”

Scott Automation kicks off Koodaideri automated lab construction

7th July 2020Automation, Environmental, IoT, Mineral project development, Mining project news, Mining services, Steel and iron oreIron ore, Kerman Contracting, Koodaideri, laboratory, Pilbara, Pilbara Blend, Rio Tinto, Scott Automation, Western AustraliaDaniel Gleeson

Building work on the Koodaideri automated mine site laboratory in the Pilbara of Western Australia has commenced with site mobilisation now underway, according to Scott Automation.

The company, which was awarded a contract by Rio Tinto to design and build the laboratory back in February, said this important milestone was reached on time, despite COVID-19 restrictions.

“A number of Scott’s design and build activities for the Rio project have been moved to the company’s Australian operations to be closer to the customer,” it added.

The automation and robotics solutions provider’s contract involves the building construction and equipment supply for the robotic sample preparation and analysis laboratory, it said.

The project will be undertaken across multiple Scott manufacturing sites and is scheduled to be installed by mid-2021.

In April, Scott contracted Kerman Contracting for the civil and concrete works, as well as the structural, hydraulic, electrical/communication works and fire protection at the site. The supply, installation and commissioning of robotics equipment are all being undertaken by Scott.

Koodaideri, billed by Rio as an “intelligent mine”, will deliver a new production hub for Rio’s iron ore business in the Pilbara, incorporating a processing plant and infrastructure including a 166 km rail line connecting the mine to the existing network.

Construction on Koodaideri Phase 1 started in 2019 with first production expected in late 2021. Once complete, the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt, underpinning production of the company’s flagship iron ore product, Pilbara Blend.