SGS expands labs in Saudi Arabia with Golden Compass joint venture

SGS  has signed a joint venture 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.

The new SGS 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 country is embarking on Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on transforming the kingdom into a major mining hub.

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,” said  Lawrence Ng, global VP geochemistry at SGS.

The new lab, operated by SGS experts, will be located in Jeddah. It is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2024. Services will include sample preparation, including drying, crushing, pulverizing and sieving; fire assays with AAS and gravimetric finish; and multi-element testing (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, carbon and sulfur analysis).

This lab will have the latest equipment and follow the 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.”

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

Learn more about SGS and its capabilities at www.SGS.com.