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Mineral samples from Zambia and across the region could increasingly stay closer to the mines they come from, with Alfred H Knight (AHK) expanding its analytical footprint through a new geochemistry laboratory in Kitwe. The facility strengthens Zambia’s capacity to provide locally based mineral analysis for mining and exploration companies operating across the Copperbelt and other African markets, reducing the need to move samples across international borders for specialised testing.
Located within AHK’s existing Kitwe facility, the laboratory adds dedicated geochemical testing to the company’s established inspection, sampling and analytical services in Zambia. For exploration companies advancing projects across Africa, overseas sample testing can add logistical complexity, handling requirements, costs and longer turnaround times, particularly where large sample volumes or remote operations are involved.
The new laboratory brings a broader range of analytical capabilities closer to mining operations, including sample preparation, multi-element analysis by ICP-OES, precious metals analysis by fire assay, acid-soluble copper and cobalt analysis, sulphur and carbon analysis, specific gravity determination and lithium analysis. The Kitwe operation forms part of AHK’s wider network of laboratories and technical operations across Africa, with the company positioning the facility as a regional geochemistry hub supporting projects across the mining lifecycle.
“This is more than an expansion of our existing Zambia laboratory. It represents the development of a regional geochemistry infrastructure hub, strengthening our ISO/IEC 17025–accredited analytical capability and connecting it with a network of remote and client-specific sample preparation units across the continent. By integrating these mobile and decentralised prep facilities with a central, high-capacity geochemistry lab, we bring customised solutions closer to your operations, reduce logistics risk and turnaround time and provide Africa’s mining industry with Africa-based capacity, expertise and long-term support,” said Maxime François, Regional General Manager for AHK Africa and Middle East.
The Head of Geochemistry for AHK – MEA, Toinette Viljoen, said the expansion was aimed at strengthening analytical capacity in line with the changing requirements of Africa’s mining industry. “Our aim is to strengthen geochemistry capability across Africa in line with the growing and evolving needs of the continent’s mining industry. By expanding our capabilities in Zambia, we can support clients throughout the mining lifecycle, from early-stage exploration to ongoing operations, with a broader range of analytical services, reduced sample movement and regionally based technical expertise,” noted Viljoen.
The investment comes as exploration and mining activity continues to generate demand for faster, accessible and specialised analytical services. By combining central laboratory capacity with decentralised sample preparation facilities, AHK is building a more locally integrated testing network designed to support mining operations closer to where samples are generated.
