AGS Cotecna Inaugurates Cutting-Edge Concentrates Laboratory in Coquimbo, Chile

On September 4th, 2025, AGS Cotecna marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Final Products (Concentrates) Laboratory in Coquimbo, Chile. This event, celebrated with distinguished guests and industry leaders, not only showcased the advanced capabilities of the new facility but also reaffirmed Cotecna’s ongoing commitment to quality, excellence, and sustainability in the Metals and Minerals market. 

The ceremony was graced by the presence of AGS Cotecna’s senior management and featured a special guest, Roberto Cordero, LATAM VP, whose inspirational presentation traced the history and achievements of Cotecna and AGS. Together with César Gutierrez, Chile Country Manager & Business Development Manager Latin America, Metals & Minerals, they provided attendees, comprising prominent clients, trusted partners, and key suppliers, with an in-depth overview of the new laboratory’s services and groundbreaking capacities. 

Following the presentations, guests were invited to embark on a guided tour of the new facilities. This immersive experience allowed participants to explore each section of the lab, gain firsthand insights into the advanced technology and cutting-edge equipment being utilized, and understand the laboratory’s role in delivering unparalleled analytical and inspection services. 

Adding to these milestones, AGS Cotecna proudly announced two significant Accreditations for their operations in Chile: 

ISO 17025:2017 Accreditation: Awarded by A2LA, this certification recognizes the lab’s competence in testing copper concentrate, valid through July 31, 2027. The scope of services under this accreditation includes: 

• Determination of Copper (Cu) content - Titrimetric methods (Volumetric) 

• Determination of Silver (Ag) content – Fire, Fusion and Cupellation Test Process – by Gravimetry 

• Determination of Gold (Au) content – Fire, Fusion and Cupellation Test Process – by Gravimetric and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy 

• Determination of Silver (Ag) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy 

• Determination of Arsenic (As) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy 

• Determination of Mercury (Hg) by Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (cold vapor method) 

Type A Inspection Body Accreditation (NCh-ISO 17020:2012): Granted by the Instituto Nacional de Normalización (INN), this accreditation applies to mineral and copper concentrates shipments, covering services such as sampling, sample preparation, weight supervision and moisture determination . 

These accreditations underscore AGS Cotecna’s unwavering dedication to delivering reliable, high-quality results that meet international standards. 

“This incredible project is the culmination of immense effort and dedication from our AGS and Cotecna Chile team. It not only solidifies our position in the Metals and Minerals market in the region, but it also reaffirms our commitment to quality, excellence, and sustainability,” - César Gutierrez, Chile Country Manager & Business Development Manager Latin America, Metals & Minerals  

AGS Cotecna extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended this special occasion—a celebration not only of a new facility but of the trust, collaboration, and commitment shared by clients, partners, and team members alike. 

Discover how our new Coquimbo laboratory and its cutting-edge capabilities can benefit your business. Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about our specialized services in Metals and Minerals. Together, let’s push the boundaries of excellence! 

contacto@cotecna.cl  

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.