The Mining and Minerals laboratories provide sampling and analytical services to the mining industry in South Africa, specifically at sites located in major mining areas, export ports and areas of mineral ore utilisation. Although the laboratories can service the broader mining market, the greater part of the business is in sampling and analysis in the coal and iron ore sectors.

INDUSTRIES SERVED
Coal Mining; Iron Ore Mining

SABS Mining and Minerals department is at the forefront in offering services such as testing on different minerals which include Coal, Coal Ash, Coke, Char, Charcoal, Biomass, and Shale. These materials are tested in accredited laboratories using the cutting-edge techniques which include: Total Moisture, Proximate analysis (ISO Ash Content, Moisture in analysis sample and Volatile Matter), Fixed Carbon,  Calorific Value, Total Sulphur, Gross Calorific Value, Net Calorific Value, Ultimate analysis (C, H, and N), Oxygen by difference, Sulphur Trioxide, Crucible Swelling Index, Abrasive Index, Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI), Phosphorus Pentoxide, and Ash Fusion Temperature (AFT) to mention but few. The department also performs analysis but not limited to Minor and Major constituents, Forms of Sulphur, Bulk Density, Boron, Fluorine and Chlorine as well as Karl Fischer. 

Additional tests such as Petrographic analysis which include: - standard petrographic analysis covering “Reflectance” and “Maceral” analyses; specialised petrographic analysis covering – Microlithotypes and Carbominerite, Char morphology, Coke organic composition, Mineral group and Condition/Weathering analyses. Additional activities that the department also conduct include sampling, sample preparation and beneficiation (washability for fines and raw) on coal. The department also performs ROGA Index, Drop Shatter as well as Micum Drum. The sampling is conducted on stockpiles, trains, trucks, sampling plant, and at the harbour prior to material being loaded for export.