The Chemical-Analytical Laboratory of the Siberian School of Geosciences of INRTU Was Accredited In the “UKARGEO” System

The chemical-analytical laboratory of the Siberian School of Geosciences (SSG) of INRTU, opened under the Priority-2030 program, has successfully passed certification in the leading industry system “UKARGEO”. This confirms that the laboratory complies with Russian and international standards in subsoil use. The obtained certificate expands the opportunities for cooperation of the university with the companies of mining and geological industry, especially with the companies that go to the level of resource estimation and calculation of mineral reserves.

The laboratory performs chemical and analytical research in the interests of the largest companies in the mining and geological industry. The scientific program is aimed at optimizing chemical-analytical support for geological prospecting and mining projects in hard-to-reach areas. INRTU's scientists develop new techniques, strategies, and equipment to increase productivity and reduce the cost of analytical work. Monthly productivity of the laboratory is up to 4 thousand samples, depending on the type of analysis.

From December 2023 to July 2024 the laboratory underwent the certification procedure in “UKARGEO”. The system of voluntary certification of laboratories and quality systems of organizations in the field of subsoil use was established by the All-Russian Research Institute of Mineral Raw Materials named after N.M. Fedorovsky (VIMS).

As noted by Alexander Parshin, the founder of SSG, this system is one of the most reputable in the domestic mining industry, so the availability of the relevant certificate is maximally quoted in the field of subsoil use. Now the high quality of the results of research of rocks and ores, products of their primary processing, as well as soils, plants and bottom sediments is documented. The results of the analysis of rocks and ores for gold, silver and associated metals can be accepted by the territorial bodies of the State Commission for Reserves.

“Having the “UKARGEO” certificate allows us to expand our cooperation with several large customers entering the reserves estimation stage or already exploiting deposits. They are planning or already mining gold, silver, as well as copper, molybdenum, tantalum-niobates,” commented Alexander Parshin.

The certificate is issued for five years, and once a year the laboratory will be visited by an expert to confirm the competence of the personnel.

According to Olga Kachor, the scientific supervisor of the chemical-analytical laboratory and Head of the Department of Geo-ecology at SSG, accreditation is a very complicated process. It lasted six months and involved checking the entire quality management system, including requirements for premises, equipment, personnel qualifications and quality of work. At the first stage, the package of documents was evaluated in Moscow. 

Then an expert from VIMS handed over encrypted samples to the laboratory for analysis. He monitored the actions of each employee of the laboratory, evaluated all processes - from sample acceptance and preparation to processing of analysis results and issuance of protocols.

It should be noted that five highly qualified specialists work in the laboratory, and about 10 more students-chemists, geologists and hydrogeologists are involved in research. This year, a significant amount of funds received from commercial projects, including the laboratory itself, is being allocated for the development of the unit. The funding is aimed at repairing new premises, creating air conditioning and ventilation systems, purchasing and developing new equipment for sample preparation. The laboratory area has been doubled since the beginning of the year. The nearest plans are to organize a modern crushing shop.