We are proud to announce the expansion of our laboratory capabilities to offer PhotonAssay and sodium peroxide total digestion to support growing demand for high-precision rare earth elements (REEs) and critical metals analysis. These advanced testing methods provide the mining and exploration industries with faster, more accurate and environmentally friendly solutions for resource analysis.
PhotonAssay: a game-changer in gold and precious metal analysis
PhotonAssay is an innovative and non-destructive technique that is revolutionising gold and precious metal analysis. Unlike traditional fire assay methods, which require complex sample preparation and chemical digestion, PhotonAssay:
- Provides fast, high-throughput results with no need for sample destruction
- Reduces hazardous chemicals, making it a safer and more sustainable alternative
- Delivers precise, repeatable results for gold, silver and copper, improving exploration and mining operations efficiency
With the PhotonAssay technique now available in New Zealand, mining and exploration companies can benefit from rapid turnaround times and cost-effective gold analysis to enhance decision-making and operational success.
Sodium peroxide total digestion: unlocking rare earth elements and critical metals
Sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂) total digestion is a powerful oxidising fusion technique designed for the complete decomposition of refractory minerals, ensuring precise quantification of REEs and critical metals such as:
- Rare earth elements (REEs): Neodymium (Nd), Dysprosium (Dy), Yttrium (Y), Lanthanum (La), and more
- Critical metals: Lithium (Li), and Beryllium (Be)
This method is ideal for:
- Geochemical exploration & mining applications – provides full dissolution of challenging minerals like Monazite, Bastnäsite, and Xenotime
- Accurate elemental analysis – used with ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) to detect low-level concentrations of critical elements
- Superior to acid digestions – unlike traditional acid digestions, sodium peroxide fusion ensures complete recovery of refractory metals, avoiding issues with partial dissolution
Enhancing the future of mining & exploration in New Zealand
New Zealand’s new capabilities underscore our commitment to providing world-class analytical solutions for the mining and mineral exploration industries by achieving faster, more reliable results for mineral exploration and extraction, enhancing sustainability through reduced chemical waste and improved safety and ensuring regulatory compliance with the highest industry standards.
With the demand for REEs and critical metals increasing globally, we are leading the way in delivering analytical excellence to help drive resource sustainability and economic growth.
Learn more about our advanced laboratory services in New Zealand and how we can support your mining and exploration projects.
For further information, please contact:
Caitlin Meredith
Business Development Executive
Natural Resources
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 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 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 trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
