Coal analysis firm Umzamo Analytical Services (UAS) opened a containerised analysis laboratory last month at junior coal miner ACC Coal’s Overlooked colliery, in Bethal, Mpumalanga, to provide real-time, on-site analysis.
“The . . . laboratory complements our existing footprint of laboratories in Mpumalanga, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to our clients in the region,” says UAS CEO and founder Audrey Ndlovu.
The laboratory will be staffed by 14 laboratory technicians and client liaison personnel. The facility has been constructed within a container and its setup has been customised to the colliery’s requirements.
“We believe in investing in infrastructure that will benefit our clients. Understanding the nature of the coal industry, we know how great the benefits of a fast turnaround time are, as well as having your results available on site and having the opportunity to consult directly with the analysis technicians,” Ndlovu asserts.
The Overlooked laboratory is now fully operational, providing UAS’s full range of services. “On site we [provide] reports for staff at Overlooked every three hours, which is a remarkable improvement on turnaround time. Off-site sampling and analysis can take up to a full working day due to various logistical factors,” explains Ndlovu.
On-site laboratories provide opportunities for mines to have continued analysis services on their premises, making information immediately available to make sound day-to-day operational decisions.
With six laboratory sites in place, Ndlovu says UAS is well equipped to provide clients with precise analysis and monitoring, thus enabling them to accurately market and value their coal.
“Having increased our staff complement by 20% over the past year, we are able to keep overall turnaround times to a minimum,” she concludes.