Analytical services for mining industry - Mining
Maxxam provides the mining industry with comprehensive analytical testing services including water, soil and air quality parameters. Analytical testing ranges from metal leaching and acid rock drainage, to Ecotoxicology services and environmental chemistry. We are accredited for specific analytical tests related to mining test regulations and requirements. Along with being accredited for tests such as environmental chemistry and acid mine drainage, below is an excerpt of the laboratory’s current scope of accreditations:
Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation ...
- Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation Inc. (CALA) – ISO 17025: 2005
- Enhanced Water Quality Assurance, UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory
- Medicine – Microbiology scope of testing
- Standards Council of Canada (SCC)– ISO 17025: 2005
- American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) – IHLAP
In 2008, Maxxam completed an extensive upgrade and expansion of its Acid Rock Drainage and Ecotoxicology Facilities.
The new 5000 square ft space features:
- 9 temperature & photoperiod controlled rooms
- 2 growth chambers
- 560 square ft of dedicated fish testing space
- Soil & sediment preparation room
These upgrades significantly enhance Maxxam’s Acid Rock Drainage and Ecotoxicology testing capabilities.
Acid Rock Drainage & Metal Leaching
Acid Rock Drainage & Metal Leaching
- Geochemical characterization
- Static testing including acid base accounting
- Kinetic testing including humidity cell and column testing
- Customized ARD & metal leaching studies
Ecotoxicology Services
- Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER) – acute & sublethal toxicity testing
- Effluent permit toxicity testing
Environmental Chemistry & Other Services
- Effluent analysis for permit compliance
- Soil and water analysis in support of contaminated site assessment, remediation and monitoring projects
- Drinking water quality assessment including microbiology
- Particulate, heavy metal, organics and asbestos analyses in air
- Compressed breathing air assessment
Specialized Mining Testing Capabilities
- Maxxam has the ability to construct and operate customized ARD and Ecotoxicology test methods for a variety of industries, including mining. Investigations can be designed to address clients’ specific environmental objectives.
- ARD & metal column leaching studies to simulate sub-aerial and subaqueous deposition of mine waste
- Sequential or batch leaching studies
- Modification of static and kinetic test procedures to satisfy site specific conditions
- Site specific water quality criteria
- Water effects ratio (WER) testing
- Toxicity identification and reduction evaluations (TIEs & TREs)