View of a fully automated zinc laboratory
Covid-19-related disruptions to the mining sector, such as restrictions on movement and requisite physical distancing, have led to a renewed demand for automated laboratory offerings.
Laboratory services company, FLSmidth, states that its hands-off technology helps to keep laboratory personnel safe from infection. The company explains that its highly automated operating system reduces the need for a large group of operating personnel to be present, allowing it to continue delivering its services within the parameters of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
In addition, the company uses its technology to implement remote signing-off by technical signatories, in line with ISO-accredited standards for third-party verification, as well as compliance with Covid-19 regulations. In addition, data is stored in the cloud, allowing clients to remotely view any required information.
The company anticipates an even greater demand for its services in the near future as mines look for ways to further protect employees from unsafe working conditions, including exposure to the Covid-19 virus. In addition to optimising mineral recoveries, FLSmidth’s automated laboratories aim to reduce the virus transmission by limiting the physical presence and proximity of employees.