Mining industry services

Ore exploration in Carajas, Brazil. Photo:

Innovative material technologies now permit more effective material-input-per-service unit (MIPS) and decreased environmental effects. Yet, even as material technologies and recycling become more efficient, they can never fully replace primary mineral production. Thus, the minerals industry still needs to focus on discovery of new deposits through and ways to deal with intractable ore types.

In many countries, mining and quarrying has played a key role in community and infrastructure development (e.g. in establishing urban facilities, as well as transport, water, power and telecommunications systems). Mining generates public and export revenues that can contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth. The minerals industry has a positive impact on downstream economies: a job in mine production generates additional jobs in the supply and service sectors. In developing countries, mineral commodities often represent the sole resources readily available for export.

Mining is highly dependent upon innovative problem-solving approaches and technologies to enhance exploration success, productivity and environmental performance. GTK offers a wide spectrum of confidential and customized services for each phase in the production chain and mine life-cycle. Today, after preliminary assessment phase and preparation of a comprehensive information package, targets identified by GTK as favourable for follow-up exploration are offered for public tender via international competitive bidding by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Considering entire mine life and beyond

Prefeasibility studies: Environmental baseline studies, data and information for environmental impact assessments, assistance in the permitting process and site studies for tailings and byproduct containment. Process mineralogical studies and beneficiation tests from bench scale to pilot plant and assisting in process planning.

Mine operation: Set-up and operation of mine site laboratories for process and grade control. Expert mineral processing consulting services in concentration plant monitoring, modifications and environmental performance.

Closure: Studies for alternative land use, site reclamation and environmental monitoring.

Metallurgy and materials science: Textural, chemical and mineralogical characterization of materials: metals, alloys, ceramics, glasses, thin films, etc.