RE-INVENTING THE

LABORATORY FOR THE

DIGITAL AGE

Hugh de Souza, Alexander Seyfarth, Peta Hughes,

SGS MINERALS (North America)

November 20th 2018 Creative Disruption Annual Forum

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SGS GROUP

GLOBAL LEADER

◼ Verification, inspection and monitoring

◼ Sampling and testing

◼ Risk management

PUBLIC COMPANY

◼ Revenue (2017) – CHF 6 349 million

◼ +97,000 people

◼ 9 lines of business

◼ +2400 locations

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SGS MINERALS SERVICES

◼ Over 14,000 people in total

◼ Revenues of CHF 684 million (2017) with AOP 104.6 and a 15.3 % Margin

TESTING FACILITIES

◼ Geochemistry labs (site and commercial)

◼ Coal / Energy (site and commercial)

◼ Trade facilities

◼ Fertilizer labs

◼ Metallurgy facilities

◼ Mineralogy labs

◼ Mine tailings and effluent treatment engineering facilities

◼ Plant design and engineering facilities

◼ Certified reference material manufacturing facility, LQSi

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SGS MINERALS 2018

Laboratory numbers and location actual as per 2018

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EVOLUTION OF THE SGS MINERALS

GEOCHEMISTRY LABORATORY PORTFOLIO

◼ Large commercial labs▪ State of the art

instrumentation

▪ Wide range of methods

▪ Significant recent

investment

◼ On-site labs▪ Specific methods &

equipment

▪ Large global footprint

currently

◼ Mobile sample

preparation units▪ Containers can be moved to

remote locations for project

specific activities

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Dispatch Preparation

Digestion Analysis +

QC

Data Reporting

CURRENT SAMPLE PROCESSING TRACK

Time: 10 days +

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NEW TECHNOLOGIES

◼ Lab technology is always in flux

◼ Key development is the explosion in portable and

benchtop analytical technologies over the last decade

enabled by smart chips, shrinking components and

electronics, funded in part by extra-terrestrial

exploration.

◼ Different combinations can be used for optimal ore

characterization

◼ Sample requirements range from pulps to reject

material

◼ What we discuss here is how and where portable

technology can be most effectively deployed to

ensure fit-for-purpose data and why it enables us to

re-invent lab service delivery

pFTIR spectrometer (Agilent)

LIBS spectrometer (IVEA)

µRaman spectrometer ( J. Jehlička)

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KEY FIELD PORTABLE TECHNOLOGIES FOR

ON-SITE APPLICATIONS

◼ Portable or Benchtop XRF

◼ FTIR

◼ Benchtop NIR

◼ Hyperspectral & XRF

core scanners

◼ Provides elemental data on pulp

samples. Automated data

reduction

◼ Quant mineralogy on pulps for

clays & other IR responsive

species

◼ Alteration minerals on rejects.

Spectra require interpretation

and knowledgable spectral

geologist

◼ Texture, digital photos, alteration

mineralogy, chemistry, geotech

data on core samples

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OTHER POTENTIAL PORTABLE TECHNOLOGY

◼ X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

◼ Mid IR diffuse reflectance

◼ uRaman spectroscopy

◼ LIBS

◼ Automated Mineral

Analyzers (AMICS)

◼ Mineralogy (Semi-quant)

on pulp samples for most

minerals

◼ Carbon compound ID on

rejects when preg robbing

is an issue

◼ Silicates and carbon

compound ID

◼ Trace element analysis

esp light elements such

as Li

◼ Mineralogy and texture

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ON-SITE CORE SCANNING SYSTEMS

• X-ray core logging

• Hyperspectral IR core scanners

• Lab-at-rig XRF & XRD

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NEW SAMPLE PROCESSING PARADIGM

Rapid data acquisition from portable device

Transmission to SGS cloud

Data acquisition

Portable instrumentation used on pulp or reject at on-site lab or MSPU. High volume, low cost

Data Transmission

Data in small packets to SGS cloud for QC and data analytics and ultimately near real time delivery

Modelling

Transfer to modelling software. Update model within 24 hrs

Drillhole/Trench

New Targets

Prospectivity0-10

10-2525-3535-4545-60≥60

100 m

Eleonore

N

FAST: Field Analytical Services and Testing

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ANALYTICAL RELIABILITY

◼ Sydney Abbey of the GSC who was a prime mover in

developing reference materials once remarked that

“the reliability of a result depends more on who produced it than

on how it was done” (Abbey 1981)

◼ Labs have distilled their experience in producing reliable

results, using a variety of instrumental approaches, into

QA programs constructed from rigorous standard

operation procedures. A critical aspect of this QA is that

method limitations are clearly delineated.

◼ This lab expertise is transferred to the portable

technologies

◼ Essential that this is coupled with the use of analysts

trained in the operation of sometimes sophisticated

instruments within a comprehensive health & safety

framework.

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SAMPLE PREPARATION IS 90% TOWARDS A

GOOD RESULT…

◼ The sample preparation and management process is

the most critical step in the analytical procedure when

analyzing geochem materials

◼ For quantitative results we need some sort of prep to

ensure a representative sample in a state to give the best

analytical response – generally a pulp, but maybe rejects

for pNIR

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QUALITY BY DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL

CONSISTENCY

◼ Prep stage: local prep blanks, sizing, sieve analysis;

vessel and crusher wear checks

◼ Blanks, QC samples and instrument monitors

▪ In lieu of PTP -> cross check of samples with

“mothership” lab on a regular basis

◼ LIMS: standardized checks to ensure inter operator

/ validation consistency (Global procedures e.g.

GP21). Validation of data is cloud/remote access

based as this requires higher trained personnel

◼ “Localized” training for on-site teams

▪ “bootcamp” using videos; hands on and computer

aided training as “personnel changes”

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OVERVIEW – FAST V1: THE TECHNOLOGIES

◼ The following are the three (3) initial technologies we are implementing under

FAST V1:

▪ FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed)

▪ pXRF (Portable XRF)

▪ XRF core scanning (Minalyzer CS)

◼ Depending on project requirements and stage of development, these

technologies will have a different role to play in assisting our clients meet their

operating needs, and the FAST packages are developed to reflect these varying

needs

◼ Technologies have been chosen after technical and operational vetting for

robustness and reliability in field conditions

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MINERALOGY ON-SITE … FTIR

◼ New Generation of ruggedized and sealed small benchtop FTIR

enables use in “non” laboratory environment.

◼ pulp is well suited for “ATR” based analysis which allows the use

of quantitative calibration models following along the same lines

as pXRF:

▪ Matrix type calibration e.g. Li Ore from Pegmatite's; Bauxites; Soils

using traditional quantification approach

▪ Site specific calibrations with local samples traceable to XRD,

QEMSCAN (chemometrics based) or classic mineralogy

◼ Instrument have built in “OQ”, “PQ” as developed for the

pharmaceutical regulated environment making QC a breeze.

◼ Calibration models are transferrable from unit to unit (even field

deployable) yet protected against reverse engineering and

tampering …

Images courtesy BRUKER

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◼ Development has occurred in the following mineral-group application

areas within SGS Minerals:

▪ Clays• Total Clay Content

• Clay speciation

▪ Kaolinite, smectite, illite & chlorite

• Clay Binding Capacity

• Weathering Index/Profile

• Brittleness Index

▪ Lithium• Phase Mineralogy Identification

• Ore Body Characterisation

• Ionic Bonding Capacity

• Production Control

FTIR - APPLICATIONS

• Bauxite– Phase Mineralogy Identification

» Inc: Available Al, Reactive Si, Total Al, Total

Si & Total Fe

– Production Control

Diagrams courtesy of Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 271 (2008) 278-291

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FTIR – THE VALUE

◼ Direct mineralogical identification and quantification

◼ Calibrated to a wide range of mineral and rock types

▪ Identification of proxies /pathfinders for targeting

▪ Correlation between drill holes

◼ Enables clay speciation, without additional preparation steps

◼ Robust, bench-mounted design that is ideal for on-site deployment

◼ Low-cost, rapid-turnaround method that facilitates generation of high-

volume data density, for developing robust geological models

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PORTABLE XRF – THE TECHNOLOGY

◼ SGS has taken existing pXRF technologies and increased the

confidence of the data through the application of stringent site-specific

calibration and QA/QC protocols

◼ Bruker (S1 Titan or CTX) and Olympus (Vanta) have facilitated access

for SGS to the hardware calibration routine to facilitate this custom

calibration:

Images courtesy of Bruker & Olympus

Bruker S1 Titan;

Hand-held ‘gun’-style unit for contact

analysis or for use in shielded stand.

Bruker CTX;

Bench-mounted XRF unit, for fully-

shielded, production-style analysis

Olympus Vanta;

Hand-held, ‘gun-style’ unit for

contact analysis, or for use in a

shielded stand.

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PORTABLE XRF – DATA QUALITY

MANAGEMENT

◼ By taking the steps of:

▪ Site-specific calibrations, and lab crosschecks

▪ Representative sampling through on-site preparation in an MSPU

◼ SGS’ pXRF service takes into account matrix, mineralogy and sampling

artefacts to provide higher-quality and high confidence pXRF data for

drill programs, suitable for use in operational decision-making

Element Range Element Range Element Range Element Range

Al2O3 1-68 % Fe 0.05-67.0 % Pb 0.005-4.0 % Th 0.005-0.5 %

As 0.05-2.0 % Ga 0.005-0.05 % Rb 0.001-0.1 % Ti 0.05-7.0%

Ba 0.05-10.0 % K2O 0.1-15.0 % S 0.01-41.0 % U 0.01-0.2 %

Bi 0.005-0.3 % La 0.1-0.5% Sb 0.05-19.0 % V 0.05-10.0 %

Ca 0.05-31.0 % MgO 5-70 % Se 0.005-0.1 % W 0.05-1.0 %

Ce 0.1-4.0 % Mn 0.05-45.0 % SiO2 1-100 % Y 0.001-0.1 %

Cl 0.1-4.0 % Mo 0.01-1.5 % Sn 0.05-1.0 % Zn 0.005-19.0 %

Co 0.05-0.3 % Nb 0.005-42.0 % Sr 0.001-0.5 % Zr 0.005-2.5 %

Cr 0.05-3.0 % Ni 0.005-3.0 % Ta 0.01-0.2 %

Cu 0.005-6.0 % P 0.05-13.0 % Te 0.01-0.05 %

Loose or pressed pellet preparation of pulp

Application: Sample analysis

GE PXRF73V-

SOIL/EXPLORATION

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XRF CORE SCANNING

◼ XRF Core Scanning (XRF CS) provides clients access to;

▪ Rapid, non-destructive, objective & standardised chemical testing & core

logging

▪ Continuous XRF results (composited over user-defined range; 10cm to m),

▪ Timely geochemical data, use in daily workflow and decision making;

including facilitating informed sample selection

▪ High resolution core photography to;

• assist the geological logging process, and

• provide long-term digital record of the core

◼ The readily-portable, self-contained

Minalyzer Core Scanning (CS) Technology

(pictured right being moved by a standard forklift), is

an industry-tested technology, providing

in-field support

Image courtesy of Minalyze AB

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GLOBAL COLLABORATION

◼ The Minalyzer Core Scanning (CS)

technology has been developed by

Minalyze AB; a Swedish company

founded in 2009 in response to an

industry-initiated, and funded,

program to develop a core scanning

technology which could provide

value from drilling-related activities,

in a more meaningful timeframe

◼ SGS and Minalyze AS are working jointly to make the Minalyzer CS

technology available to industry via the SGS global network of Commercial

and Onsite Laboratories

◼ With over ninety (90) onsite laboratory management contracts currently in its

portfolio, SGS will use this extensive industry experience to provide clients

with in-field, calibrated, lab-standardised geochemical results

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MINALYZER CS – ELEMENTAL DETECTION

RANGE

◼ Elements depicted in orange

in the periodic table are those

that can be detected by the

Minalyzer CS technology,

(under standard

measurement parameters)

◼ Elements in blue may be

possible, with changes to the

measurement conditions

◼ Elemental detection limits

can be optimised via

measurement parameters

and custom-calibration

protocols

◼ Achievable detection is a

function of the geochemistry

of each depositOrange – detectable under normal operating conditions

Blue – possibly detectable; will be a function of local geology & instrument parameters

Black – not detectable by this method / technology

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CS XRF VS. LABORATORY ASSAY

COMPARISON

Image courtesy of Minalyze AB

Continuous XRF scan

Min al yze9

381.5

382.0

382.5

383.0

383.5

384.0

0 5

10

15

20

Si %

0 1 2 3

K %

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

Mn %

0 5

10

15

20

Fe %

0

10

20

30

40

Zn %

0

10

20

30

40

Pb %

Do

wnho

le d

ep

th m

Minalyze XRF

SGS XRF

NQ core

10 cm samples

Surface scan

vs.

Full core

Collaborative

laboratory

comparison

Generic CS XRF calibration

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XRF CS – OTHER DATA DELIVERABLES

◼ In addition to elemental data, the Minalyzer CS technology provides the

following data sets:

Images courtesy of Minalyze AB

3D topographic

model of core

Ability to perform

structural logging on

oriented core

High resolution Core

Photography (10 pixels per mm)

Rock quality

determinations

Specific gravity

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XRF CS – VISUALISATION OF RESULTS

◼ Results can be provided as composite

intervals* from 10cm and up; as

appropriate to client needs

◼ Data are provided in .csv format for

ease of input into modelling programs

(eg. GENESISTM); and images in

JPEG format for use in presentations

and reports

◼ Data and image files are globally

available for review via Minalyze’s

cloud-based software forum:

Minalogger

Minalogger Image courtesy of Minalyze AB

www.minalogger.com

GENESISTM

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MINALOGGER - EXAMPLE OF VISUAL

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SUMMARY

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DIGITAL AND INNOVATION

◼ Convenience

▪ SGS Online Portal for rapid and convenient ordering

◼ Security

▪ Cybersecurity

▪ Protecting Internet of Things (IoT) ‘smart’-sensors

◼ Compliance: health, safety and environmental

▪ Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)

▪ Joint initiative between SGS Minerals and EHS businesses globally

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DIGITAL AND INNOVATION

◼ Scalability and efficiency

▪ Machine learning and artificial intelligence ensure we have the top technical

expertise on hand for every job

▪ SGS crowd connects and activates all 97,000 boots (and brains) on the

ground creating new opportunities for customers and employees

◼ Tracking new technology

▪ Blockchain to minimise waste and maximise trust in the supply chain – is pit

to product the future?

▪ Drones and machine learning for Agri and ore type analysis

◼ Innovation

▪ Fresh ideas like DNA testing of oil

▪ Consumer facing products online and physical

▪ Connecting digital to the real world, safely for the benefit of all

▪ Partnering with Swisscom / Vodaphone and Microsoft to deliver IoT

capabilities in Africa

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INSPECTIONVERIFICATIONTESTINGCERTIFICATIONCONSULTANCY

TRAININGOUTSOURCING

GLOBAL SERVICES TAILORED

TO INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES

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Trusting that the life-saving

medicines you take are safe and

effective is vital for your health.

You can feel secure in the

knowledge that SGS is using its

expertise and state-of-the-art

technology to help test the latest

treatments.

Today’s consumers want

to know where their food

comes from.

Our services provide

confidence throughout

food supply chains,

as well as for those who

buy the end product.

It's the quality of service

that keeps you coming

back to your favourite

hotel. SGS helps make

sure you always get the

standards you are

expecting.

Knowing that wooden

products have really come

from lawful timber is

important to consumers.

Our Timber Traceability

and Legality solution

makes this possible.

Everyone wants to live

and work in ergonomically

designed buildings. With

SGS’ Building Information

Modelling (BIM) this is

becoming ever more likely.

From your smartphone screens to

electric car batteries, the

technology of the future will

increasingly rely on rare earth

elements (REE). SGS’ services

for REE help bring these products

to market.

When driving your car, you

want to be sure it is in

good condition. Our

regulated vehicle

inspection ensures your

car is roadworthy.

You want clothes that are

comfortable, durable and

perform as expected (e.g.

waterproof etc.) SGS

checks that clothes on

sale in stores are fit for

use.

SGS’ ballast water

sampling

helps prevent damage to

marine eco-systems;

preserving them for future

generations.

Customers at petrol

stations don’t think about

fuel quality or pump

calibration – until there is a

problem. Our services

help companies reduce

risk.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

A GOOD NIGHT’S

SLEEP GUARANTEED

BUILDING

SUSTAINABLE HOMES

MODELLING YOUR

BUILDING

DELIVERING THE FUTURE

SAFE HOMEPAYING FOR GOOD

QUALITY PRODUCTS

SAVING ECOSYSTEMS

KEEPING YOU ON THE

ROAD

QUALITY OF MEDICINES

EMPOWERING DAILY-LIFE