Cotecna Del Perú Promotes Innovation, Accuracy and Reliability in Key Analytical Processes for Modern Mining

By José Antonio Tord León, Country Manager of Cotecna Peru 

Laboratories in the mining industry play a fundamental role in the evaluation and quality control of extracted minerals, directly impacting the profitability, safety and sustainability of operations in this sector. 

Its main functions include chemical assays of mineral samples by the classical route and instrumental tests such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and ICP-OES; metallurgical tests to evaluate the recovery of minerals; geotechnical tests to study the stability of the ground; and environmental control to measure the impact of mining activity. It should be noted that these processes require high-precision equipment, standardized standards and personnel with technical competence. 

José Antonio Tord León, General Manager of Cotecna del Perú S.A., stressed that laboratories are key in improving efficiency and productivity in mining, as they allow a fast and accurate testing of extracted minerals. "Thanks to these tests, operations can be adjusted in real time to optimize performance and minimize losses."

Other benefits include reduced operating costs by allowing better use of the ore, greater efficiency in metallurgical and refining processes, compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and support in the innovation of new mining technologies.

In turn, sample assays allow metallurgical processes to be optimized by providing accurate data on the chemical and physical composition of the minerals extracted, which facilitates their classification and proper processing, maximizing their value and reducing waste.

"During the exploration phase, the laboratories help to classify and evaluate the mineral resources, which makes it possible to determine their economic viability and facilitate decision-making on the exploitation of the deposit," he stressed.

For better results, he said, mining laboratories must be accessible and efficient to ensure the constant flow of information for decision-making. For example, having a strategic location within or near the deposits to reduce analysis times, process automation to speed up obtaining results, and implementation of digital systems for data management and storage.

Regarding the accreditation that mining laboratories must have, he mentioned ISO 17025, which guarantees the technical competence of personnel and reliability of test results. In addition, he noted, some companies require additional certifications in safety and the environment, depending on the jurisdiction and local regulations.

"Laboratories in the mining sector are usually subject to periodic inspections and audits, to ensure compliance with quality, safety and good practices standards in physicochemical tests and operating procedures," he said.

 Professionalism

José Antonio Tord stressed that the professionalism in the mining laboratories is reflected in the quality of the work carried out by the specialists and in compliance with international regulations. This includes ongoing training of staff in new analytical techniques; accreditation of laboratories, such as ISO 17025, which guarantee the reliability of the results; and application of safety protocols to minimize risks in the handling of chemical substances and specialized equipment. "Investment in technology and staff training is essential to maintain competitiveness in the sector."

Over the past two years, he added, the mining laboratories segment has seen significant growth driven by technological advancements, automation, and increased demand for accurate and rapid analysis to improve operational efficiency.

"Laboratories in the mining industry are a key piece for the success and sustainability of operations. Its correct operation, practicality, professionalism and usefulness allow improving efficiency, reducing risks and guaranteeing compliance with regulations," he remarked.

Global experience

Cotecna del Perú S.A. is part of the Cotecna Inspection Group based in Switzerland, a company with 50 years of experience in testing, inspection and certification services. Currently, it operates in more than 140 offices globally, acting as a trade and supply chain facilitator, mainly in the agriculture, food, consumer goods, and metals and minerals sectors.

For the latter sector, they offer primary analysis of concentrates, minerals and dore bars, moisture determination, sample preparation, pour point determination, transportable moisture limit (TML), bulk density, stowage factor and angle of repose, and particle size studies, as well as fire tests, instrumental and wet analysis tests,  preparation of standard samples and reference materials, supervision of mine dispatch, deliveries to deposits and shipments of mineral concentrate, among others.

Among its most innovative products are the EDOX and COTECNA EYE applications. The first is an application to remotely and online validate the authenticity of analysis reports and inspection reports. While the second is used in real-time inspection operational tracking. It also provides digital reporting of all inspection/receiving operations, transfers, local sales and exports of concentrates and minerals.

Currently, the company works with Minera Chinalco Perú S.A, Grupo Volcan, Grupo Minsur, Grupo Nexa, Compañía Minera Antamina, Sociedad Minera Brocal, Compañía Minera Lincuna, Minera Titan del Perú, Compañía Minera Horizonte/Cori Puno, Compañía Minera Condestable, Emproyec; CODELCO; TECK; METCO; Trading Partners Peru; Andina Trade; Minera Shouxin; NEXA; IXM; among others.

In turn, Cotecna del Perú has a presence in the ports of Chancay, Callao, Marcona, Matarani and Ilo, as well as in the warehouses of Impala, Perubar, IXM, Logisminsa, Ares, among others. "We have an office and a Central laboratory in the Cercado de Lima in Lima, with a total area of 1900m2 where our primary and analytical laboratory operates," said Tord León.

It should be noted that the company currently has ISO/IE 17025 accreditation referenced to the following NTPs: NTP/ISO 12743 and NTP/ISO 122.013 moisture test sampling; Humidity test in accordance with NTP/ISO 10251 and ISO NTP/ISO 122.015; and Methods accredited under ISO 17025 in the categories of Major Elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Au, Ag, Mo, etc.), and Minor Elements (As, Cu, Pb, Zn etc.).

Finally, José Antonio Tord highlighted that Cotecna's after-sales service includes detailed reports, technical consultancy, training in physicochemical tests, technical audits, management of complaints and claims, updating of regulations and maintenance programs. "Our after-sales service is a key aspect to ensure the trust and satisfaction of our customers."

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.