THE ANALYTICAL LABORATORY

Vale Inco Nouvelle-Calédonie operates an analytical laboratory on the industrial site. Its purpose is to carry out the analysis of samples to provide internal clients with the data necessary for the control of operations. Around twenty analysis methods and around forty parameters are currently analysable for concentrations ranging from 1/100 mg/kg to 100%, following parameters and samples. The objectives of the main analyses are explained below.

Analysis for mining and ore preparation :

The objective is to collect data to prepare for exploitation and to control mining operations. The type of analysis involved is the determination of the content of 10 metallic elements such as nickel, cobalt and magnesium in drilling, sterile, face and haulage load samples, and at different parts of the future ore preparation plant. The samples are prepared by the sampling workshop at Plaine du Grand Lac.

Analysis for the production plant :

The objective will be the collection of data to control content during all stages of the process to operate at an optimum level and guarantee end products which meet specifications.
The main type of analysis is the determination of metal content (such as nickel, cobalt, iron, aluminium, magnesium, chromium and manganese), anion content (chlorines) and acid content (sulphuric and hydrochloric) in solutions and solids from the process.

Analysis for environmental monitoring :

The objective is to monitor the environment to prevent potential impact, in agreement with the monitoring programme required by regulations (the ICPE operating permit). The main samples are surface and underground water, analysed for matter in suspension, cations and anions.

Staff, equipments and quality management:

The staff is made of 2 samplers, 4 analysts, 1 supervisor and 1 manager.
Quality controls include equipment follow-up (metrology), analysis of samples in double, analysis of reference samples and blank analysis. Each month, the laboratory takes part to aptitude tests through the interlaboratory comparison.
The objectives for 2008, in addition to common analysis operations, consist in achieving the accreditation (according to ISO 17025), new equipment commissioning and development of new analysis methods.
Then, the objectives will be:

• to set up a complete team (29 people staff), a training (a degree in chemical analysis and buddy system),
• to commission new building and new equipment and,
• the work organization in order to meet the operations needs (the samples quantity will be multiplied by 7)