Local firm raises profile in region

 A COMPANY established to provide testing and analytical services to the mining, petroleum, health and environment sectors in PNG has gained international recognition in chemical testing.

The National Analytical and Testing Services Ltd (NATSL) is a joint venture between the PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd and PNG University of Technology to become the premier testing laboratory in PNG and in the Pacific region.

NATSL chairman Rex Paki said: “We currently operate from our head office at the University of Technology in Lae where all current analytical tests including environmental, water, soil and pathology are carried out.”

The new Geochem mining and exploration sample preparation and testing operation are located at the Malahang industrial centre in Lae. 

“NATSL envisages this change as a positive step to accommodate and form the basis and become an integral part of training and research in science and technology to both the University of Technology in Lae and the Star Mountain Institute of Technology in Tabubil, PNG.

“After all the hard work and dedication we have finally put it all together and achieve PNGLAS/ISO accreditation,” he said.