#Canada #SGS #Rare Earths #Lakefield

SGS Celebrates 85th Anniversary

In 2026, SGS is commemorating 85 years of service at its Metallurgical Centre of Excellence in Lakefield, Ontario. This milestone coincides with a pivotal moment in Canada's mining sector where critical minerals and rare earth elements are gaining unprecedented attention. Recognized as a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, SGS is uniquely positioned to influence the future of the mining industry in Canada.

A New Era for Mining in Canada

Experts from SGS assert that critical minerals are poised to be the new “gold rush” for Canada. As the country’s government and various industries rally to enhance mining operations for these valuable resources, SGS will provide vital advisory support. With the world's largest mining conference, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), taking place in Toronto soon, the spotlight is shining brighter on the essential role these minerals will play in both the economy and sustainable development.

The metallurgical center has a history that stretches back to 1941, contributing greatly not just to Canadian mining but to global operations as well. Senior Technical Director Niels Verbaan notes the acknowledgement the industry is receiving in media outlets, emphasizing the discussions surrounding rare earths and critical minerals are influencing public and private sectors alike.

Significant Contributions to Mining

Over the years, the Lakefield lab has been vital in helping mining companies maximize the potential of their metal ores and critical minerals. Their legacy includes pivotal contributions like –

• - The SART process for cyanide recovery – This technology reintroduces cyanide into the leaching process.
• - The development of hybrid BIOX® + POX flowsheet for refractory gold – This new approach improves gold extraction methods.
• - Pilot plant operations for REE processing – Encompassing essential processes like flotation and the production of rare earth oxides.

SGS's capabilities extend even further, showcasing innovative solutions such as high-purity scandium oxide extraction from low-grade feeds and pilot-scale HPAL for nickel laterites. They also utilize advanced risk reduction methodologies to de-risk projects in a complex industry landscape.

A Legacy of Commitment and Innovation

SGS Lakefield's impact can be highlighted through its work on over 22,000 projects, establishing a network of relationships where experts have thrived or selected SGS as a crucial technical ally. Senior Director, Stephen Mackie, emphasizes that SGS’s strength lies in its comprehensive metallurgical expertise and the capability to conduct large-scale piloting alongside independent consulting, all integrated under one roof. This distinctive feature places SGS as a cornerstone in the mining sector.

Looking ahead, Mackie remarks on the beautiful environment of Lakefield and how it's gaining prominence for its role in critical minerals. The SGS team eagerly anticipates advancing services that align with both industry growth and government initiatives, tailor-fit for emerging needs.

Commitment to Sustainability

The growing importance of critical minerals synergizes with SGS’s Strategy 27, aiming to drive growth while fostering trust and integrity within its operations. This strategy reflects a commitment to innovation, addressing the demands of new technologies, and supporting the renewable energy transition linked with the increasing demand for these minerals.

SGS’s efforts to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations signify a forward-thinking approach that promises to benefit the mining industry profoundly over the next decade and beyond.

About SGS

As the world's foremost testing, inspection, and certification organization, SGS operates an extensive network comprising over 2,500 locations across 115 countries. With more than 145 years of excellence, SGS combines precision and reliability reflective of its Swiss roots. The company remains committed to enabling clients to achieve superior standards of quality and sustainability across their operations.

In conclusion, the celebration of SGS’s 85th anniversary not only underscores its historical importance but also signals a forward-looking vision to support the critical minerals sector as Canada embarks on a new journey of growth and innovation.