Our sample preparation facilities are equipped to handle materials from small bench-scale quantities to multi-tonne bulk samples, with a strong focus on precise record keeping and clear, timely communication. We stage-crush material to specified top sizes, blend batches to generate representative and repeatable test charges, and maintain strict contamination control throughout the process.

Our facilities include crushing, grinding, and pulverisation equipment, and a full suite of screening tools for detailed particle size analysis. These capabilities ensure high-quality, consistent samples to support test programs incorporating full process and tailings flowsheets.

P&C provides slurry rheological characterisation test work, typically completed across a range of solids concentrations, to support slurry pipeline and process design. We cater for a range of different testing requirements, from bench top rheology up to large large-diameter pipe loop test facilities which allow evaluation of hydraulic performance and minimum velocity requirements for slurry transport. The rheology and pipe loop tests provide the critical data needed to define the limitations and design of slurry pipelines, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable pipeline operation.

We provide comprehensive backfill test programs to optimise paste and cemented tailings for underground mining. Our work includes particle size modification, binder screening, and the addition of aggregates to improve mix properties. Strength and performance testing—such as unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and triaxial testing—provides the critical data needed to define design parameters and support reliable numerical modeling for high-strength backfill solutions.

We offer comprehensive thickening test work, including both static and dynamic programs, to support the design and optimisation of thickening systems. Our dynamic thickener tests simulate continuous settling to provide accurate measurements of underflow density, overflow clarity, rake torque, solids flux, and settling rate, while static tests evaluate batch settling performance under controlled conditions to optimise flocculant dosing and feed dilution.

By assessing variables such as feed concentration, flocculant type and dose, and solids loading, we help clients define operational performance windows, improve water recovery, and bridge the gap between laboratory results and full-scale industrial performance.

P&C provides comprehensive solid–liquid separation testing and pilot services across a broad range of mining applications. Our capabilities include flocculation screening and optimisation, clarification and thickening studies (conventional, high-rate, CCD, and hybrid), viscosity characterisation, vacuum and pressure filtration testing, screening, cycloning, and chemical precipitation evaluation. We also conduct small-scale pilot programs to optimise process flows and offer field laboratory testing with portable equipment—delivering the data and insights needed to design efficient, reliable separation processes.

The vacuum and pressure filtration test work are designed to produce results that can be used to size full scale filtration equipment regardless of supplier or brand, and to map out the expected filter operating performance window.

We provide a comprehensive range of flotation testing services designed to tackle complex separation challenges and inform the development of efficient, practical flowsheets. Our mineral processing laboratories are fully equipped with multiple Denver flotation machines and a large-capacity flotation cell. With deep expertise in flotation performance, reagent optimisation, and circuit design, our team delivers reliable, data-driven insights to support robust solutions for sulfide, REE, or industrial minerals processing

Leach test work is a critical step in evaluating recovery potential, and P&C offers a full suite of testing options to support both conventional and heap leach process development. Our laboratories conduct bench-scale testing to simulate CIC/CIP/CIL processing as well as pilot scale heap leach amenability by controlling material top size and testing a wide range of operating parameters. We can assess the effects of aeration, reagent concentration, pH, and reagent additions to optimise leaching performance.

Our capabilities also include qualitative agglomeration evaluations, extraction projections for coarse ore programs, and elemental analysis to generate representative metallurgical data for reliable flowsheet design.

Complementing our broader metallurgical test programs, P&C offers comprehensive gravity separation testing using our Knelson laboratory concentrator. These capabilities integrate seamlessly with our flotation, cyanidation, and process testing services to support robust, well-informed flowsheet development.

P&C offers flexible pilot plant services to help clients validate flowsheets, de-risk process designs, and generate bulk samples for downstream evaluation. Our continuous pilot plant equipment can be configured to support a wide range of ore types and processing flowsheets, providing a practical bridge between laboratory testing and full-scale implementation. The system is fully mobile, allowing P&C to conduct pilot campaigns either within our laboratories or directly at a client’s facility or mine site.

Whether you require performance verification, process optimisation, or bulk concentrate or tailings production, our team is equipped to support your pilot-scale testing needs.

We offer pilot-scale cyclone testing providing full-scale results that eliminate scale-up risks. We can test multiple cyclone makes—including Weir’s Cavex®, FLSmidth’s Krebs, and others—using a variety of vortex finders, spigots, and cone angles to match client preferences.

Our cyclone rigs maintain consistent solids concentration and particle size distribution, allowing overflow and underflow samples to accurately reflect performance. Testing establishes optimal cyclone parameters and produces sufficient material for downstream test work, with performance typically evaluated via laser diffraction or wet sieving.

Our in-house laboratory provides rapid, accurate analysis to support your programs, with methods tailored to your rock types and target metals. Services include elemental analysis of solutions and solids. Project-specific inquiries are welcome.