American Assay Laboratories (AAL) is an independent, full-service geochemical analytical testing laboratory based in Sparks, Nevada—at the heart of 80% of U.S. gold production. With decades of experience, we’ve become one of the most trusted names in gold, silver, and precious metal assays, serving clients across the globe.
AAL is committed to serving a diverse range of client needs. We have the ability to pick up samples anywhere in the state of Nevada. AAL receives tens of thousands of samples and reports thousands of jobs each year. We process these samples with the wide variety of preparation and digestion methods uniquely developed through decades of experience. Our modern technology and expert chemists allow us to process reliable data in a streamlined and structured manner. We deliver top-tier quality and results. Clients can take ease in knowing they can store their samples at our large facility and can track their reports through our secure cloud-based system. AAL is known for its exceptional customer service in providing accurate results, with fast turn-around and consistent communication.
We pride ourselves on being the most comprehensive assay laboratory in the greater Nevada area, housing an extensive line-up of analytical instrumentation including ICP-OES, ICP-MS, C/S analyzer, XRF, SEM, DMA and CIC. Such a variety of analytical options provides additional information to help solve specialized problems.
We were one of the first labs to switch from AAS to ICP-OES/ MS because we understood how quantifying a spectrum of analytes can ensure that samples are properly being prepped and digested. In addition, multi-analyte analysis can help improve quality because it can quantify how adjustments to digestion parameters or instrumental calibrations directly impact QC performance. AAL has maintained a close relationship with our instrumental providers for years. We work with them to troubleshoot performance issues and implement the most up-to-date maintenance practices. This dynamic relationship gives us a niche understanding of our equipment. Our technicians are constantly looking for improvements in method development, instrumentation specification and modern equipment implementation. Such research can improve the process in both quality and productivity for accurate analyses and rapid turn-around times.
Part of our process improvement includes the clients we serve. As part of our ISO Accreditation, as well as our commitment to communicate with experts in the mining and geological industries, we continually seek all types of feedback, internal and external. Transparent communication with our clients is essential in improving our process development and ensures that our clients have a clear understanding of the data we provide. The broad scope of instruments and services can provide our clients with a comprehensive understanding of the rocks and ores they submit. Broad geochemical data can help guide clients when making mining and exploration decisions for their various projects. As with all scientific endeavors, empirical testing and process improvement ensures that our laboratory remains at the cutting-edge of science and technology so that we can continually adapt to the advancing mining and exploration industries.
We have invested heavily in developing a state-of-the-art integrated system to run our operation. Our company had faced many challenges when implementing our LIMS due to the nature of our niche industry and the software development options available at the time. In 2022, we partnered with a new software development team who introduced us to the agile approach. In this approach, we are able to develop and test segments of our LIMS program before releasing it for production. This program, i.e. Olympus, is empirically built for optimal efficiency and user friendliness.
Olympus is a modern LIMS program, designed to streamline workflows, track important lab information and improve data accessibility and integrity. Olympus will include instrumental integration, allowing for data to get tied back to the sample records. This will enable QC to identify samples that meet criteria, while flagging samples that do not meet criteria to be reissued for reanalysis. The LIMS system will also enhance our Quality Management System by generating reports/dash boards, tracking instrumental CRM performance, managing inventory and complying with regulatory requirements. Clients will be able to view the progress of their samples and access their report results in real time.
As we build Olympus, we appreciate client suggestions so that their needs and expectations are met. We are actively working to improve productivity and quality by incorporating a modern LIMS system for our laboratory and operational staff. Since this system is built through empirical testing, we are able to directly address user interface concerns. This also gives our clients the unique opportunity to offer suggestions for improvements in their Client Portal experience or offer industry specific advice for quality considerations.
Whether you have specific requirements or need expert guidance, we’re here to help.