Mines and geology · National Directorate of Geology
Approval of a mineral analysis laboratory
A laboratory assaying mineral substances on behalf of third parties has to be accredited. The application is assessed by a panel of experts from outside the administration, who visit the laboratory and deliver a reasoned report, criterion by criterion. The decision remains the administration’s.
Version 1
What it allows
To carry out and certify assays of mineral substances that may be relied on against the administration and third parties, in the accredited methods, for the term of the accreditation.
Who may apply
Any legal entity operating a laboratory established on national territory, with a qualified technical manager and a documented quality system.
A company
At a glance
National Directorate of Geology
120 days
36 months
Renewable, from 120 days before it ends
What it costs
- Filing feeGNF 2,250,000
- Assessment and visit feeGNF 6,000,000
Total, filing and issueGNF 8,250,000
What to bring
Some of these depend on your answers; the list narrows as you fill the form in.
- Receipt for the filing fee
- Quality manual
- Technical manager’s diploma
- ISO/IEC 17025 certificate
Before you start
- The laboratory’s address and the assay methods you are applying to be accredited for
- Your technical manager’s name and qualifications
- Your quality manual and your calibration procedures
- Availability for the panel’s visit: it is required, and you are given at least ten working days’ notice
How it is handled
- Admissibility
- Assessment panel
- Decision
- Signature
- Notification
If the answer is no
The decision and the panel’s report are notified to you together. An appeal may be made to the Director-General of Mines and Geology within two months, and then to the administrative court. The panel’s opinion does not bind the administration; where the decision departs from it, it says why.