What's New

Turnkey QC

The correct implementation of a quality control (QC) program requires immediate evaluation of the analytical data when received from the laboratory. This evaluation must be done by a geologist who is familiar with the sampling, quality control and analytical protocols employed on the project, and who has the knowledge to correctly interpret the QC data.

Smee and Associates can assist exploration programs by providing trained personnel to oversee and interpret QC programs either in the field or remotely by internet contact. Please contact Barry Smee for further information.

 

Provision of Security Seals

For the past five years, Smee & Associates have offered for sale plastic security straps/seals used to secure and identify heavy gauge plastic sample bags for transport from the field to the laboratory. These plastic seals were available in various colours, numbered sequentially, and could be embossed with a company name or logo. Although similar to straps found in most hardware or moving & storage outlets, the shaft of these straps had “gripping teeth”, which, when pulled tight around the top of the bag, made it impossible to remove it from the bag without either destroying the bag or breaking the seal. This ensured chain-of-custody, as well as identifying the sample bag.

Unfortunately, we no longer provide these seals through our website. Some of our clients found that the plastic failed in extreme weather conditions. This was a problem that the manufacturer could not overcome, so rather cause our clients delays -- or worse -- with compromised seals, we discontinued carrying them.

As an alternative to our straps, some clients use the following procedure to ensure that the sample bag is secure and tamper-proof: Using a commonly available plastic strap the sample collector threads the stem through a hole made in the bag with an awl, and then wraps the strap around the top of the bag several times before pulling it through the closure of the strap. Threading it through the hole ensures that the strap cannot come loose from the bag. Barry will be recommending this procedure to his clients who previously purchased plastic straps from us.

We continue to research sources of a reasonably priced security seal/strap with the “gripping teeth” combined with a level of robustness of the plastic (or other material) that would hold up in extreme climate conditions. If we find a good alternative, we’ll let you know. Please contact Barry Smee or Sue Smee for further information.

 

Awards

Barry W. Smee was awarded the J.C. Sproule Memorial Plaque for 2005 by The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum for "a career dedicated to the advancement of geochemistry and mineral exploration..."

Click to contact Barry Smee for further information.