Our Services

Upgrading resources or assessing the value of a potential investment usually involves a detailed examination of the geological and assay data bases. Smee and Associates can assist an evaluation team by reviewing the integrity of the underlying assay or geochemical data bases upon which the value of the project is based. Potential problem areas can be outlined prior to performing detailed resource modeling.

Many geoscientists do not really understand what happens to samples in the laboratory, or more importantly, what should happen to the samples. Before beginning an exploration program, both the primary and the secondary laboratory should be examined by the geological team.

The regulatory authorities require that the project’s QP or CP sign off on the appropriateness of the methods used and if the methods are acceptable to the Best Practices requirements. In order to comply, the laboratories must be examined by a QP experienced with lab methods.

However, the Codes of Ethics of the regulatory organizations do not permit QP’s to practice outside of their field of expertise. There are few engineers or geologists who are competent to review laboratories. This is the “Catch 22”.
These seminars will provide the necessary information and details to allow the project geologist to assess the laboratory being examined and ask pertinent questions to the laboratory staff.

A robust quality control (QC) program is essential in modern mineral exploration, required by regulations such as Canada’s NI 43-101. With proper planning, QC detects contamination, sampling errors, and laboratory biases while measuring accuracy and precision to reduce project risk. With over 40 years of experience, Smee & Associates has designed and implemented QC systems that meet the most stringent audit standards on major exploration projects worldwide.

Weak chemical extractions are widely used in exploration to detect mineralization hidden beneath cover. These techniques are applied across diverse terrains, often without considering soil or substrate variations. With over 35 years of experience, Smee & Associates has successfully applied weak extraction methods to locate sulphide mineralization through significant overburden.

Quality control programs must prove that laboratory analyses are accurate, usually by using geological standards. Advanced projects require property-specific standards matched to rock and mineral types. Smee & Associates partners with producers to select materials, oversee preparation, ensure homogeneity, and manage certification for reliable monitoring.

SAC is associated with GMAR Development LLC based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Mr. Glenn Marshall, Manager has 25 years of experience in laboratory operation and design. Glenn uses the most modern equipment and technology in the construction and installation of remote sample preparation laboratories, mine laboratories, and smaller scale full geochemical and assay laboratories in an efficient and cost effective manner.