Annual Report 2008 - Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines

Laboratories’ activity
The laboratories’ activity in 2008 was especially
marked by the renewal of ISO 9001 version
2000 certification as a result of the first follow
up and monitoring auditing. The provisions of
services related to mineralogical, chemical and
mineralurgical studies concerned samples from
ONHYM worksites and third parties.
Certification maintained
As part of the preparation of the follow up
and monitoring auditing for ISO 9001 version
2000 certification, obtained in March 2007, the
following actions were undertaken :
• Updating of documentation related to quality
system management ;
• Implementation of in-house audits ;
• Assessment of 2007 objectives and of
process performance indicators ;
• Conduct of a customer satisfaction survey
and interviews with clients on the site ;
• Preparation of the clients’ claims report and
corrective and preventive actions ;
• Preparation of the objectives planning and the
training plan for the year.
Mineralogy
Sample preparation
In the course of this year, a total of 518 samples
divided into 213 of thin plates, polished plates,
101 polished sections, 124 alluvional and
artificial concentrates were prepared.
Activity Report 2008
Petrographical and mineralogical analyses
Petrographical and mineralogical studies
involved 269 samples broken down into
144 petrographical studies, 125 studies of
alluvional and artificial concentrates. The
studies concentrated on samples from ONHYM
prospects and more specifically those of rare
earth projects.
Mineral processing
In 2008, the number of samples prepared for
chemical analysis reached 14 796 and were
distributed as follows :
Worksite Number of samples
ONHYM projects 12.356
Subsidiaries and third parties 2.104
Tests 336
Total 14.796
Concentration tests by gravity and magnetic
separation were carried out on the ore Ta, Nb,
U and rare earth of Glibat Lafhouda.
Flotation tests were carried out, in pilot plants,
on behalf of CMG, SMI and AGM.These tests
involved 50 days of pilot plant in operation.
Mineralogical chemistry
The number of ore grade assays conducted
by the Mineral Chemistry Department in 2008
reached 199 780.
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