Technical Centers

What is aN SNF Mining Technical Center?

A Technical Center is more than a laboratory

SNF Mining Technical Centers are an extension of the processing plant, without production constraints.

These centers are designed to:

Reproduce real operating conditions
Support customers in complex technical decisions
Validate performance before implementation at mine sites

For mining companies, SNF technical centers provide a controlled environment where solutions can be tested, compared, and optimized using real samples and real process conditions.

A global network, close to mining operations

SNF Mining Technical Center LOCATIONS

SNF Mining operates Technical Centers strategically located in major mining regions to ensure proximity, responsiveness, and local relevance:

Toronto, Canada
Henderson, USA
Ouro Preto, Brazil
Vizag, India
Jakarta, Indonesia
Perth, Australia
Andrézieux, France

This geographic presence ensures that expertise is available close to operations, while remaining connected to SNF’s global knowledge base.

Technical capabilities and areas of expertise

SNF Mining Technical Centers offer a comprehensive range of laboratory and pilot capabilities, including:

Dynamic Rig Testing

Evaluation of thickener performance under realistic operating conditions.

Filtration Testing

Assessment of filtration technologies to improve dewatering efficiency.

Rheology Testing

Measurement and control of slurry viscosity for optimized transport and separation.

Antiscalant Testing

Laboratory evaluation to prevent scaling in hydrometallurgical circuits.

Agglomeration Trials

Pilot stations for briquetting, pelletizing, and extrusion.

These capabilities address significant operational challenges, including tailings management, filtration, flotation, water management, dust control, and material handling.

Purpose and philosophy of the Technical Centers

The philosophy behind SNF Mining Technical Centers is built on four pillars:

Innovation: adapting solutions to the technical realities of each mining operation
Expertise: multidisciplinary teams from mining, engineering, and chemistry backgrounds
Customer support: site audits and process optimization recommendations
Training: programs designed to improve process understanding and operational control

Innovation here is not theoretical; it is validated, documented, and actionable.

From testing to decision-making: what Technical Centers enable

Reducing risk and accelerating projects

Technical Centers enable mining companies to move faster and with greater confidence by shifting testing upstream of plant implementation. This allows multiple technical approaches to be compared objectively under controlled conditions, with recommendations grounded in measured results rather than assumptions. As a result, technical, operational and economic risks are significantly reduced.

Turning operational challenges into validated solutions

Mining Technical Centers transform operational pain points into reliable decisions by:

Working with real ores, tailings and process water
Reproducing process constraints under controlled conditions
Translating test results into site-ready recommendations

Global expertise, applied locally

What differentiates SNF Mining Technical Centers

The objective is to solve an industrial problem — not to promote a product.

Technical Centers combine:

• Global SNF expertise and methodologies
• Local understanding of ores, climate, and regulatory constraints

Process-oriented teams

Teams include application engineers, process specialists, and solid/liquid separation experts focused on operational outcomes.

Concrete means and infrastructure

Each Technical Center is equipped with:
• Characterization laboratories
• Application testing areas
• Pilot zones
• Full sample management (reception, preparation, storage, traceability)

Focus example