Twenty-three students ("Mineral processing" specialty), together with the teaching staff of the local college, visited and got acquainted with the work of SGS’s laboratory in Balkhash.
The main direction of the laboratory is analytical research of raw materials, ores, concentrates, cathode copper and geological samples. Methods of wet chemistry, assay and spectral analysis are used for testing.
The event was held in compliance with all safety measures (protective suits, goggles, masks). Guests were also given a preliminary briefing before the start of the excursion.
Laboratory staff covered the following topics for students:
- Rules of acceptance and registration of samples
- Methods of sample preparation
- The art of assay analysis: fusing, cupelling and obtaining a gold-silver bead
- Basics of wet chemistry
- Instrumental methods of analysis
After the excursion, a Q&A session was organized, during which SGS staff answered questions from the students.
Soon, these college students will undertake short-term internships in the laboratory during which they will be assigned experienced mentors-leaders from among the company's employees who will support, guide and them during the internship.
Such positive examples of cooperation between private business and an educational institution are beneficial to both parties. Students have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge in practice, to get acquainted with the work of SGS employees, and the company has the ability to directly recruit local skilled workers.
SGS Kazakhstan plans to expand the scale of such cooperation with educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including scientific and educational practice, in other regions of the country.
The laboratory in Balkhash opened in the summer of 2020 and began to actively provide services for the Balkhash Concentration Plant, Balkhash Copper Smelter and sample processing for Kazakhmys Barlau LLP.
This project is a striking example of cooperation between the largest Kazakh metallurgical holding Kazakhmys and SGS, a global provider of laboratory services.
About SGS
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