The SGS metals and minerals trade commodities group is building a new, state-of-the-art laboratory to meet rising demand for testing services.

The expansion, which is expected to be completed by December 2021, will double the capacity and improve the turnaround time of current operations – ensuring a best-in-class service for all clients.

The SGS laboratory in Spijkenisse, near the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, already offers a broad range of testing services for the metals and minerals industry, including analyses on non-ferrous and ferrous products such as ores, industrial minerals, concentrates, intermediate products and high purity metals. Services include sample preparation, TML/FMP, wet chemistry analysis, XRF, ICP OES, AAS, electrogravimetry and fire assay. “By continuing to invest in the laboratory’s facilities, we are committing to increase our operational excellence and provide our customers with fast and wide-ranging testing services,” said Frans van Croonenborg, SGS Business Manager Natural Resources, Minerals Commodities, Benelux and Germany. “Our employees are excited about the new facility and SGS’s continued commitment to offer the latest technologies to the global industry.”

The first gold pour from Thor Explorations’ Segilola Gold Mine in Osun State, Nigeria, took place on the morning of 30 July 2021.

The process plant ramp up will continue over the next six weeks with commercial production targeted for September. At commercial production, the plant will run at a processing rate of 715,000 tonnes per annum, targeting c.85,000 ounces of gold per annum.

“The first gold pour at Segilola, our first mine and the first commercial gold mine in Nigeria, is a significant achievement for the company,” said Segun Lawson, President & CEO. “This mine has been built in line with the budget and largely on schedule through a global pandemic. The Segilola mine is a high-grade, open pit mine that has a projected life of mine all in sustaining cost of $685 per ounce, providing strong cash flows over the life of mine. “I want to take this opportunity to once again commend our team’s commitment and hard work in achieving this milestone, especially given COVID-19 related restrictions. We look forward to hosting an on-site inauguration ceremony of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine with state and federal authorities in the coming months.” Thor Explorations holds a 100% interest in the Segilola Gold Project and has a 70% economic interest in the Douta Gold Project in south-eastern Senegal.