The new laboratory also offers flexibility for handling specialty samples and analyses by either semi-automated or manual mode. Data handling and transfer is accomplished by “StarLIMS” system, a commercially available Laboratory Information Management System. The CASC was commissioned in the first quarter of 2006. By year end 2006, the laboratory operation had reached design capacity for blast hole sample throughput of 1,000 samples/day. The CASC, which operates on a 24/7 schedule, represents the most advanced and automated chemical production laboratory in the copper industry and achieves considerable savings in operating cost, reduced sample preparation errors and significantly increased analytical quality.

IMP Automation South Africa utilized its South African based team to supply and manage this turnkey automated laboratory. “This was a truly global project with key role players managed by IMP Automation, utilising its worldwide network of suppliers including such companies as Herzog-Maschinenfabrik (Germany), Nucomat (Belgium), Thermo-Electron (Switzerland), Indutherm (Germany), M3 Engineering (USA), MC Tec (Netherlands), LabMark (South Africa), and Autopac (South Africa).”

IMP wishes to thank the Phelps Dodge directors and management for this ground breaking opportunity to again demonstrate their expertise in the field of turnkey automated laboratory design and project management.