The Central laboratory

The Central Laboratory (CL) of the State Agency on Geology and Mineral Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic is a state-owned enterprise, specializing in the comprehensive study of minerals.

The CL has been functioning since 1940; it has a considerable professional experience. The CL completed the bulk of the analytical work on all known mineral deposits in Kyrgyzstan.

The Laboratory conducts analyzes of rocks, ores, refined products, minerals, soils and soils of natural water, salines, solid fuels.

The Laboratory staff maintains excellence through continuous learning abroad (Russia, Japan, Kazakhstan) and within the country. The CL constantly expands its range of research methods, participates in implementation of various innovative exploration and mining projects.

The Central Laboratory is recognized as an independent and technically competent entity. It is equipped with the necessary analytical equipment, measuring instruments and resources.

The Centre's laboratory has the accreditation certificate No 417/KTSA.IL.026 KG. This certificate confirms that the Central Laboratory is accredited under the international standards GOST, ISO/IEC 17025-2009. The range of accreditation comprises 57 types of analysis.
The CL also has certificate NoKG 417/KTSA, KMSI.P.0001 recognising it as the coordinating entity in interlaboratory verifications of analysis of ores, rocks and products.

In the course of its studies, the CL uses an extensive bank of reference materials, including self-developed ones, approved at the level of state standards.

The Central Laboratory comprises the following groups:

Processing Test Group

Conducts laboratory and technological research of non-metallic minerals including: testing of clay raw materials for the production of building materials (bricks, pottery), sand and gravel, sand and gravel deposits for the production of aggregates in concrete; gypsum for production of building lime; physical and mechanical testing of natural stone, analysis of specific gravity, bulk density of the samples.

Is engaged in studying and benefication of raw materials:

- develops processing circuits of ore benefication, issuing recommendations on the methods of mineral processing;

- conducts testing of ore samples for flotation, gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic separation, hydrometallurgical methods, including roasting,

- conducts preparation of ore material for tests (sample crushing, quartering, grinding).

- carries out design calculations on the processing section of mineral processing operations for feasibility studies on the deposits.

The Chemical Analysis Group

The Group performs the following:

- analysis of mineral raw materials for gold with a sensitivity from 0.005 g/t, using atomic absorption, chemical and spectral methods;

- analysis of the mineral raw materials for silver with a sensitivity of 0.3 g/t; platinum and palladium - 0.03 g/t;

- analysis of mountainous and argillaceous rocks, ores, refined products, by the silicon content; iron, aluminium, titanium, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulphur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, arsenic, tungsten, antimony, molybdenum, tin, nickel , copper, zinc, lead, cobalt, cadmium, uranium etc.

- Chemical analysis of soil, ground, water-soluble and acid-soluble salts;

- chemical analysis of natural water (fresh or saline) with the analysis for mineralization, hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, pH, bicarbonates, carbonates, nitrates, nitrites, ammonium fluoride, iodine, uranium, iron, mercury, nickel, arsenic, chromium, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium;

- phase analysis of rocks and ores for the content of copper, iron, tungsten, antimony, zinc, lead, tin and sulphur.

Sample Preparation Group

he Group carries out preparation of rock and ore samples. There are appropriate facilities for drying and storage of samples.

The sample preparation unit is equipped with crushers, crushing and splitting apparatus, vibrating grinders, compressors, porcelain mills, mechanical agate mortars. The size of grounded particles can be brought down to 0.05 mm.

The Spectral Analysis Group

Performs atomic emission analysis of solid minerals, dry residues of natural and waste water, metals and alloys by 44 elements of the periodic table.

Mineralogical Testing Group

The Group studies material composition of minerals, produces mineralogical analysis of concentrates, crushed rocks with a preliminary fractionation, petrographic study and description of transparent thin sections, mineral and graphic descriptions of polished sections as well as mineralogical-petrographic analysis of crushed stone, sand and gravel.