Coal producers are requiring greater depth and breadth of service to achieve production and profit targets in the face of greater regulatory control, constrained infrastructure and skills shortages.

For Analytical Testing Service providers to the mining industry, scaling up to meet demand requires not just more analytical instruments, but the ability to invest in people, new facilities, new technologies and support systems is necessary to service the Industry.

There are a range of testing services to the resources industry across Australia that are currently being undertaken:

• Providing specialist services to the black coal industry such as coal sampling and analysis and the certification of export cargoes.
• Diverse environmental testing providing services such as certified electronics testing to assist computer, electronics and consumer product manufactures to identify possible micro contaminants and meet environmental regulations.
• Analytical laboratory services to test geological materials for the global mining and exploration industries as well as providing Mineralogy services using rapid SEM-based quantitative mineralogy technology that automatically identifies minerals and derives quantitative mineralogical reports for exploration geologists and mineral processors.
• Providing the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors with testing, inspection and asset care services.
• The ability for an independent assessment of the suitability and condition of lubricating oils, greases, coolants and fuels for equipment operation, preventative maintenance and diagnostic purposes.

Investment in technology
A continual heavy investment into R&D as well as offering contract services to the industry and in-house technical advances is now a must to service the Mining Industry. Automation projects have delivered a range of innovative sample preparation and analysis equipment which have greatly reduced turnaround times and improved quality. It is important R&D work on such projects as advances in coal preparation and analysis with the view of improving our ability to understand coal quality from exploration to end use.

Investment in people
Along with the expansion of services, a continual injection of knowledge and skills into staff to address workload increases and skills shortages requires dedicated training experts managing an in-house, competency-based training program that delivers more than just training, delivering a skilled, motivated workforce, with nationally recognised certification. Coupled with nationally recognised coal technologists, the ability to transform new entrants to the industry to competent coal testing technicians and consultants is essential.

Analytical servicers provide the coal industry with services such as:

Borecore and exploration services
Borecore and exploration services can assist clients in developing a borecore program specifically tailored to the clients’ needs, providing a comprehensive picture of in-ground coal resources and potential products.

Superintending and certification
Providing fast, reliable, independent cargo sampling and analysis and quality determinations with integrity and accuracy.

Production
Production services assist mines achieving optimal coal quality management along the production and transportation chain. Services include the provision of accredited sampling and testing services from either a local laboratory or the development and management of an on-site laboratory.

Coke Quality & Carbonisation
Small scale and pilot scale coke making services with complimentary coke testing facilities including reactivity testing and the full suite of drum indices.

Education and training
Delivering industry recognised courses in various formats.

Gas analysis
Fast, accurate and reliable mine air and diesel exhaust gas analysis to the underground mining industry, ensuring the safety of all workers.

Environmental monitoring
Expert sampling staff that provide accurate and reliable environmental monitoring and testing services for all compliance and discharge events.

Occupational hygiene monitoring
Occupational hygiene monitoring and consulting services to assist coal mines meet all regulatory and best practice requirements.

By Jason Hubbard www.alsglobal.com