Expansion of Geochemistry Laboratories into Saudi Arabia

We are pleased to announce that we have signed a joint venture agreement with Golden Compass, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest exploration and mining consultancy and service providers, to open and operate a new geochemistry laboratory in Saudi Arabia. This lab will provide sample preparation and geochemistry analysis to the mining and minerals industry in the country.

A commitment to develop the mining industry in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is committed to the development of the mining and minerals industry, as part of its Vision 2030. The country is home to a largely unexplored landmass, with geological resources estimated to exceed USD 2.5 trillion. More than 48 minerals have been identified, including base metals, precious metals, industrial metals and rare earth elements.

Our new commercial laboratory will support the country's growing mining ambitions and ensure that local explorers and mining operators have access to world class testing services. The joint venture will maximize the strengths of SGS's analytical experience and our services across the mining lifecycle, in addition to Golden Compass's mining operations and drilling and exploration consultancy services.

"We are excited to build on SGS's established presence in Saudi Arabia by adding geochemistry services, especially at a time when there is significant growth in the mining and minerals industry. Together with our joint venture partner, we look forward to helping exploration and mining companies identify, quantify and realize the full potential of their mineral deposits." Lawrence Ng, Global Vice President, Geochemistry at SGS.

State-of-the-art geochemistry laboratory

The new commercial laboratory, operated by SGS experts, will be located in Jeddah. It is expected to open in Q4 2024 and will provide:

• Sample preparation, including drying, crushing, pulverizing and sieving
• Fire assays with AAS and gravimetric finish
• Multi-element testing
• ICP-OES
• ICP-MS
• Carbon and sulfur analysis

This laboratory will have the latest equipment and follow our strict quality assurance and quality control standards to maintain the same high level of analysis expected of SGS worldwide.

Commenting on the agreement, Meshary AlAli AlDehashi, CEO of Golden Compass, said: "This investment will contribute to achieving SGS – Golden Compass investment goals to support and enhance local content by localizing some mining services.

"This will help realize the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on transforming the kingdom into a major mining hub."

Our geochemistry services

Our geochemistry team is ready to provide tailored solutions to meet our clients' needs. Our full range of services adhere to SGS' trusted methodologies and high-quality control standards. With more than 500 commercial, mobile and onsite laboratories around the world, as well as a team of geological and metallurgy experts, we support you through the value chain to ensure you get the most value from your deposit.

SGS in Saudi Arabia

SGS established its first office in Saudi Arabia in 1980. We now have seven offices strategically located across the country, in Jubail, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Ras Tanura, Yanbu and Rabigh, with dedicated teams delivering exceptional services across multiple industries.

For further information, please contact:

Irma Jansen van Rensburg
Natural Resources
Regional Business Development Manager
Geochem AWE
t: +27118001000