Can you introduce ITAK?

After the 2008 global financial crisis, we decided to produce certified reference materials (CRMs). This product is used for checking whether a chemical analysis result is correct and for chemical instruments calibration. Each CRM is accompanied by a certificate, which allows the clients to compare their results with the certificate and ensure that their results are correct. Geologists use CRMs as blind samples to ensure the accuracy of their thousands of samples’ analysis results.

We have a wide variety of CRMs available made from ores and rocks worldwide. It is important to choose a CRM made from a geochemical matrix similar to the samples analyzed. It is not recommended to use a CRM different from the samples. If we analyze samples of iron ore in a Brazilian mine, for example, the using of a CRM made from an Australian iron ore may affect the accuracy checking. ITAK can produce CRMs by demand, to geologists or labs, using their own materials such as rocks, ores or concentrates. We have produced a large stock of CRMs which allows us to sell products to geologists, chemical labs and for arbitration processes deciding materials and commodities prices, which reduces the risk of fraud. 

ITAK also provides proficiency testing services in the mineral field, where labs analyze blind samples sent by ITAK (reference materials). After receiving the results, ITAK carries out a statistical treatment and issues a robust and detailed technical report, evaluating trueness and precision, informing if the participants analysis results are proficient or not through their analytical results.

ITAK also has its own chemical lab offering XRF analyses.

What are the leading demand trends for your services?

Client demands are urgent due to accelerated projects development. Many companies have reactivated old projects and are seeking immediate responses. Our revenues doubled since 2022, and historically, they have increased at least 30% yearly. I believe this market behavior shift is due to the pandemic.

Have you seen changes in demand due to the boom in critical minerals?

We are always looking for new materials. In terms of chemical analysis, labs have been facing increasing difficulties due to low ore grades. These low grades require them to review and update methodologies, and for reliability checking, they need CRMs. The industry has more demand for new materials such as lithium and nickel. We decided to focus on a specific material by interacting and communicating with clients, ensuring that we meet their needs.

How can mining companies manage slow turnaround times at labs?

There are less than five large lab company groups worldwide. I believe that there are insufficient companies to meet the demand. Launching or starting a company is challenging, especially in chemical analysis labs, because you need highly specialized people. 
The best way to solve slow turnaround times for a mine that is currently producing is to develop an internal lab at its premises. With an internal lab that can deliver reliable results and is also able to analyze drilling samples and exploration inputs, the turnaround time problem for a mine can be solved. They also help the labs on the market to be able to deliver results promptly by lowering demand.
Additionally, I also recommend that junior companies develop a physical preparation lab. It could solve a logistical and the turnaround problem because they would send samples in pulps which would cut down the lengthy process at the chemical lab. 

What is your strategic focus for the coming years?

ITAK currently attends clients in more than 60 countries delivering products and services. We have some strategic objectives: The first is to serve more countries, developing a wider variety of products continually, not only in geology or in labs, but also producing more solutions for labs, such as CRM calibration kits. Another important goal is to be accredited with ISO 17034 as a CRM producer.

The most important factor of a CRM is the homogeneity and the reliability. ITAK offers a reliable process with a high level of homogenization. We combine proficiency tests and CRM production. In that sense, we have a database of information on the best and most reliable labs. By combining these solutions, having  a large experience and updating the processes and the team interaction, I can see a prosperous future for ITAK and its stakeholders.