Establishment of a laboratory accredition system within the mining industry

Abstract

Both metals and minerals are of pivotal importance to modem lifestyles and this situation will continue for the foreseeable future. Despite this obvious need for metals, people have a fear of the polluting emissions caused by the mining industry. Legislation now exists which will help to generate trust among the public. But compliance with regulations is only as good and as credible as the accuracy and the quality of the analysis. Laboratory Accreditation is a formal recognition that a laboratory is competent to carry out specified tests. The National Accreditation Board is the competent authority in Ireland to carry out accreditation in accordance with European Standards. This study will identify the need for a laboratory accreditation system within the mining industry and propose a schedule for implementation of same.