SGS Industrial Services was awarded a contract to perform complex Commissioning Services and Management as well as execute various tests in order to ensure a successful start for the Barro Alto Nickel Project in Brazil within its planned schedule by Anglo American Corporation, one of the world’s largest mining companies.

The Barro Alto Nickel Project, located in Goias state, Brazil, consists of extending the existing open pit mine operation and constructing a new ferronickel smelter and refinery. In order to ensure the successful start of the facility operation and proceed with such an extensive project in compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements within schedule, Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies, looked for a reliable inspection, verification, testing and certification company.

In September 2010, SGS Industrial division in Brazil was assigned the contract to provide complex third party services during the commissioning of the Barro Alto Nickel Project due to its extensive experience and competence in projects of this kind.

From September 2010 to September 2011, SGS Industrial Services is performing Commissioning Services and Management as well as executing various tests for the Barro Alto nickel refinery and smelter project.

With Commissioning Services and Management, a team of 92 highly skilled SGS experts at its peak provides a valuable support system that will help to take the facility from construction into operation. Based on its first rate experience and know how with regard to trained personnel, functional equipment and fully tested systems, SGS will manage the commissioning of the plant in order to ensure the project starts operation on schedule and in accordance with all national and international standards and requirements.

Moreover, SGS executes a wide variety of tests to aid transfer of the plant from construction to operation in the areas of instrumentation and power as well as through effective use of the dedicated Commissioning Management Software developed by SGS.

Due to SGS' competence and expertise, the commissioning stage of the Barro Alto Nickel Project, located in a remote region far from major cities, will proceed in accordance with all required and agreed standards and norms within the planned schedule, to the full satisfaction of the client.