Analytical Laboratory Services
Rapid turnaround high precision analysis to support hydrometallurgical testwork.
Our analytical laboratory is equipped with advanced instrumentation and specialised sample preparation facilities designed to deliver fast, accurate, and reliable data.
Whether supporting in-house testwork and piloting or external client projects, our team provides the analytical confidence needed to make informed decisions.
The Simulus Analytical Laboratory Services provide:
- High purity and/or high-grade sample and product analysis, and customised and specialised analytical methods to suit metallurgical samples rather than bulk resource and geochemical sample analysis.
- In-house laboratory capabilities mean faster turnaround times for testwork, and the ability to change and optimise test parameters throughput a metallurgical programme to achieve the best outcomes, rather than getting results at the end when it is too late!
- Dedicated analytical laboratory team providing near real time assays during piloting campaigns to identify surprises early and achieve steady state sooner.
Specialised Sample Preparation
Our laboratory provides a full suite of preparation techniques to handle a diverse range of samples, including refractory, high silica, sulphide, and high-grade materials. Have you got something unusual? Our previous samples include unprocessed ores through to high purity graphite, high purity alumina, LME metals, battery grade salts and everything in between. Our analytical techniques include:
- Splitting, screening, crushing, grinding, pulverising
- Sodium peroxide fusion
- Four‑acid digest
- Aqua regia digest
- Nickel sulphide fire assay for PGM determination
Custom preparation methods can be developed and optimised to suit unique sample types or project requirements. Can you assay for radionuclides? Yes, we hold a NORM licence.
Method Development and Optimisation
Each sample is unique and so are its analytical challenges. Our team can develop, optimise and validate methods tailored to specific sample types to ensure consistently reliable results.
Our advanced instrumentation capabilities include:
ICP Analysis
ICP Analysis
We offer comprehensive multi element analysis using industry leading technologies:
- ICP‑MS – ultra trace detection
- ICP‑OES – robust analysis for major and minor elements
Together these instruments analyse our full suite of elements over a range of concentrations from low ppm up to % range. We analyse all the elements you could possibly want, from rare earth elements (REEs) to platinum group metals (PGMs) and more.
Send us an email for an up-to-date list of elements we can analyse for.
Accuracy and Reliability
We use robust QA/QC systems to ensure accurate and reliable data.
- Instrument internal standards and performance checks
- Certified reference materials
- Blank and replicate QC samples
- Calibration checks
Carbon and Sulphur Analysis
Our ELTRA CSi analyser provides rapid and precise determination of:
- Total Carbon
- Total Sulphur
We also have sample preparation methods available to perform carbon and sulphur speciation.
Particle Size Analysis
We utilise the Microtrac SYNC, combining one red and two blue lasers for exceptional resolution and repeatability.
- Particle size range: 0.01 – 2000 µm
This capability supports comminution testwork, leach optimisation, and slurry characterisation.
Wet chemistry & Physical Testing
We complement instrumental analysis with a range of classical and physical measurements:
- Titrations
- Density testing for solids, slurries and solutions.
- Rheological testing using a Haake VT550 viscometer, including:
- Vane yield stress measurements
- Cup‑and‑bob viscosity profiling (shear stress vs. shear rate rheogram)
