We are expanding our geochemistry network with a new sample preparation laboratory in Adelaide, Australia, strengthening regional support capability for mining and exploration projects across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
This investment is designed to improve turnaround performance and analytical workflow efficiency by reducing logistical bottlenecks earlier in the sample preparation process.
Strengthening regional capability and turnaround performance
As exploration activity continues to grow across Australia, mining companies are placing increasing focus on turnaround times, logistics efficiency and access to reliable analytical data.
Transporting large, unprepared samples interstate can increase freight costs, extend handling times and delay the flow of results between drilling and operational decision-making.
The Adelaide sample preparation facility has been established to address these challenges by enabling samples to be processed closer to site before being transferred into our broader analytical laboratory network.
Using semi-automated crushing systems, the facility will reduce 3-5 kg ore samples to approximately 0.5 kg preparation splits for transport and analysis.
Operational benefits include:
- Reduced freight volumes and associated transport costs
- Improved turnaround performance through more efficient sample routing
- Strengthened regional servicing capability and network flexibility
- Lower emissions associated with interstate sample transport
Supporting future PhotonAssay™ capability
The Adelaide expansion also supports the planned introduction of PhotonAssay™ capability in early 2027, further strengthening our regional gold, silver and copper analytical capability across South Australia and neighboring mining regions.
PhotonAssay™ uses high-energy X-rays to rapidly analyze larger sample volumes and supports faster analytical workflows for many gold applications.
Until PhotonAssay™ capability becomes operational in Adelaide, prepared samples will continue to be routed through our existing PhotonAssay™ network, which includes facilities in Perth, Kalgoorlie and Orange.
Lower-impact analytical workflows
The Adelaide expansion aligns with broader industry demand for lower-impact analytical workflows and more sustainable operational practices.
An independent assessment conducted by GHD in partnership with Chrysos Corporation and SGS found PhotonAssay™ delivered measurable reductions in energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and hazardous lead waste when compared with traditional fire assay workflows using operational data from our Kalgoorlie, Australia laboratory.
Online sample tracking and real-time geochemistry results
Samples prepared in Adelaide will be integrated into our broader geochemistry network, which includes laboratories in Perth, Kalgoorlie and Orange, supporting continuity of analysis and consistent quality across locations.
Clients will also benefit from real-time workflow visibility through SGS MyLab, our digital platform for tracking samples, accessing results and monitoring progress from sample receipt through to final reporting.
The platform supports greater transparency, improved communication and more efficient management of multisite exploration and drilling programs.
Supporting the future of Australian mining
“This investment strengthens our ability to support mining and exploration projects with faster, more connected analytical workflows,” said Juan Smith, General Manager, Natural Resources, SGS in Australia.
“By bringing sample preparation capability closer to operations, we can improve turnaround performance, increase routing flexibility across our national geochemistry network and helping clients access reliable analytical data faster.”
The Adelaide facility forms part of our broader strategy to strengthen regional geochemistry capability, improve operational efficiency and support the evolving needs of Australia’s mining sector.
Our geochemistry services
We deliver industry-leading geochemistry solutions across the mining value chain, through a global network of commercial, mobile and onsite laboratories. Our accredited methods, advanced technologies and technical expertise provide reliable analytical data to support exploration, resource definition and operational decision-making.
Learn more about our geochemistry services.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
