Mining and exploration companies operating across Africa have gained additional regional capacity to test copper, cobalt, gold, lithium, and other mineral samples following the opening of a new geochemistry laboratory in Zambia’s Copperbelt.
Independent testing and inspection company Alfred H Knight (AHK) has expanded its existing Kitwe facility to include dedicated geochemical analysis, positioning the laboratory to handle samples from exploration and mining projects beyond Zambia.
The expansion aims partly to reduce the need for African exploration companies to send samples across international borders or overseas for analysis, a process that can increase costs and extend the time between drilling and receiving assay results.
For exploration companies, laboratory turnaround times can be critical because assay results determine where subsequent drilling should be directed, whether mineralisation warrants further investigation, and how exploration programmes should be adjusted.
AHK said the Kitwe facility will provide sample preparation and multi-element analysis using ICP-OES, as well as fire-assay testing for precious metals.
It will also analyse acid-soluble copper and cobalt, sulphur and carbon, determine specific gravity and provide lithium analysis.
The combination makes the facility relevant to several commodities currently attracting exploration expenditure across southern Africa, including copper, gold and lithium.
AHK regional general manager for Africa and the Middle East Maxime François said the expansion was intended to establish Kitwe as more than a conventional laboratory.
“This is more than an expansion of our existing Zambia laboratory. It represents the development of a regional geochemistry infrastructure hub, strengthening our ISO/IEC 17025–accredited analytical capability and connecting it with a network of remote and client-specific sample preparation units across the continent,” François said.
He said linking decentralised sample-preparation facilities with a central geochemistry laboratory could reduce logistics risks and turnaround times while expanding Africa-based analytical capacity.
The model could allow samples to be prepared closer to exploration sites before material requiring analysis is transferred to the central laboratory.
AHK did not disclose the investment made to expand the Kitwe facility, its testing capacity, or the number of additional employees associated with the expansion.
It also did not identify individual mining or exploration companies that will use the laboratory.
AHK head of geochemistry for the Middle East and Africa Toinette Viljoen, said the company was expanding its analytical capabilities in response to the changing requirements of Africa’s mining industry.
“Our aim is to strengthen geochemistry capability across Africa in line with the growing and evolving needs of the continent’s mining industry,” Viljoen said.
“By expanding our capabilities in Zambia, we can support clients throughout the mining lifecycle, from early-stage exploration to ongoing operations, with a broader range of analytical services, reduced sample movement and regionally based technical expertise.”
The new facility is housed within AHK’s existing operation in Kitwe and forms part of its wider network of laboratories, inspection operations and sampling services across Africa.
The company describes itself as an independent provider of inspection, testing and analytical services to the mining and commodities industries.
