Proficiency Testing for Mining, Minerals and Agricultural Laboratories

We run 18 minerals and metals schemes, all accredited by SANAS to ISO/IEC 17043 since 2017 (No. PTS0012), plus five agricultural schemes developed in colaboration with AGRILASA.

Ensuring Excellence through Proficiency Testing

Proficiency testing shows that a laboratory’s results can be trusted. Qotho Minerals runs PT schemes for laboratories in mining, metallurgy and agriculture. Each round gives your lab an independent, statistically sound check of its performance, along with evidence that supports ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Our PT Schemes

Two-Monthly Schemes

Six rounds a year · SANAS accredited

  • Chrome — ore, concentrate, slag, ferrochrome
  • Cobalt — concentrate
  • Copper — ore, concentrate, tails
  • Copper Metal — cathode impurities, blister
  • Foundry Sands — coarse, fines
  • Gold — low, medium and high grades
  • Iron — exploration, product high grade
  • Manganese — low- and high-grade ore, alloy, slag
  • PGMs — ore, concentrate, tails
  • Zinc & Lead — zinc ore, concentrate, tails; lead concentrate
Ad-hoc Schemes

Two to four rounds a year · SANAS accredited

  • Aluminium — bauxite ore
  • Heavy Mineral Sands — titanium slag, rutile, ilmenite, zircon
  • Industrial Minerals — quartzite, limestone, dolomite
  • Lithium — low- and high-grade ore
  • Nickel — ore, concentrate
  • Reductants — coke, anthracite, coal
  • Tin & Tantalum — ore, concentrate, tails
  • Vanadium — vanadium pentoxide, nitrovan, ammonium meta vanadate, modified vanadium oxide, ferrovanadium
Agricultural Schemes

Six rounds a year · in collaboration with AgriLASA

  • Animal Feeds
  • Fertilisers — granular, liquid
  • Plants
  • Soil
  • Water — not acidified

Agricultural schemes are not yet within our SANAS scope, so reports carry no accreditation mark. We aim to bring these schemes into scope during 2027.

Agricultural Proficiency Testing Schemes

We developed our agricultural PT schemes together with AGRILASA. They cover fertilisers, soil, water, animal feeds and plants, and they follow AGRILASA’s requirements so participating laboratories can work towards certification with confidence.

The schemes run to the same procedures as our accredited schemes. Consistent, traceable PT performance builds your evidence of competence, supports ISO/IEC 17025 compliance and makes your results more credible for regulatory, commercial and research work.

Important Documents

Minerals & Metals Schemes

The Importance of Proficiency Testing in the Laboratory

  1. Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability: Proficiency testing is a vital tool to verify the accuracy and reliability of a laboratory’s analytical methods. In the mining and minerals sector, where precise measurements are crucial, ensuring the trustworthiness of results is paramount. Proficiency testing helps laboratories identify any potential biases, errors, or uncertainties in their processes, contributing to the production of dependable data which results in a laboratory’s ability to generate high-quality and accurate results.
  2. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Mining and minerals laboratories sometimes face strict regulatory requirements. As stated in ISO/IEC 17025, regulatory organisations frequently need proficiency testing as part of compliance standards. Therefore, proficiency testing is a critical component of quality assurance programs that assist laboratories in not just meeting but exceeding regulatory standards. Compliance with industry and environmental requirements is vital, and proficiency testing offers the required verification of a laboratory’s competency and standard conformance.
  3. Risk Mitigation and Cost Reduction: Accurate and reliable data are fundamental for effective decision-making in mining and minerals operations. Proficiency testing minimizes the risk of producing erroneous results, safeguarding your operations from costly mistakes, and ensuring that decisions are based on sound scientific data. This, in turn, contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness of laboratory operations.
  4. Building Confidence and Reputation: Proficiency testing is a proactive measure that laboratories can take to build confidence among stakeholders, including clients, partners, and regulatory authorities. By consistently participating in and successfully completing proficiency testing programs, laboratories demonstrate their commitment to quality and precision. This commitment enhances the laboratory’s reputation and establishes it as a reliable and trustworthy entity in the industry.
  5. Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Engaging in proficiency testing fosters a culture of continuous improvement within laboratories. Feedback from proficiency testing results together with discussions with industry peers allows laboratories to identify areas for enhancement and implement corrective actions. This iterative process of assessment and improvement not only ensures ongoing compliance with standards but also encourages the adoption of innovative technologies and methodologies, keeping the laboratory at the forefront of industry advancements.

Why Choose Qotho Minerals?

  1. Industry Expertise: Qotho Minerals boasts over a decade of specialised experience in the mining and minerals sector. Our team comprises industry experts who understand the unique challenges and requirements of analytical processes in this field. This depth of knowledge allows us to tailor our proficiency testing programs to address the specific needs of mining and minerals laboratories.
  2. Tailored Solutions: At Qotho Minerals, we recognize that one size does not fit all. Our proficiency testing programs are meticulously designed to be adaptable and cater to the diverse analytical methods employed in the mining and minerals industry. We offer targeted assessments that align with the unique characteristics of your laboratory, ensuring that you receive relevant and insightful feedback.
  3. Global Recognition: Qotho Minerals is globally recognized for its proficiency testing services. We have earned the trust of industry leaders and regulatory bodies alike. Choosing Qotho Minerals means aligning your laboratory with a brand that is synonymous with excellence and competence on a global scale.
  4. Proven Track Record: Our track record speaks for itself and have been ISO/IEC 17043 accredited since 2017. Laboratories that have chosen Qotho Minerals consistently demonstrate excellence in proficiency testing. By aligning with us, you join a community of laboratories that have successfully met and exceeded industry standards, showcasing the reliability and competency of your operations.
  5. Flexibility and Adaptability: Qotho Minerals understands the dynamic nature of the mining and minerals industry. We offer flexible proficiency testing schedules to accommodate the specific needs of your laboratory. Our adaptability ensures that you can seamlessly integrate proficiency testing into your workflow without disruption.
  6. Independence and Objectivity: Qotho Minerals prides itself on its independence and objectivity in proficiency testing. As a third-party provider, we maintain a strict commitment to impartiality. This independence ensures that our assessments are unbiased, providing an objective evaluation of your laboratory’s analytical processes. Qotho Minerals is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, instilling confidence in the reliability of our proficiency testing results.
  7. Cost-Effectiveness: We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness in laboratory operations. Qotho Minerals offers proficiency testing solutions that are not only of the highest quality but also economically viable. Our commitment to efficiency allows us to provide cost-effective proficiency testing programs without compromising on the accuracy and reliability of results. By choosing Qotho Minerals, laboratories can optimize their budgets while still receiving exceptional proficiency testing services.

Take the Next Step Towards Excellence

Join the ranks of industry leaders who trust Qotho Minerals for their proficiency testing needs. Ensure the accuracy and reliability of your analytical results with our tailored solutions designed for the unique challenges of the mining and minerals sector.

Contact us today to discuss how we can elevate the proficiency of your laboratory and contribute to the success of your operations.