In a significant stride for Namibia’s scientific and industrial landscape, we have officially received accreditation for our Metallurgical Laboratory (TEA MET), just one year after commencing operations in 2023.
The laboratory, which forms part of our broader scientific service offering, was established with a clear purpose: to provide accurate, timely, and reliable metallurgical and analytical testing services to industries across the country—most notably focusing on the mining, energy, and environmental sectors.
The accreditation marks a pivotal moment not only for the organization but for Namibia at large, underscoring the country’s growing capacity for homegrown, world-class laboratory services and its technical capabilities to compete in an international market. The team described the achievement as a “milestone rooted in purpose, precision, and national pride.”
“From the outset, our goal was to reduce Namibia’s reliance on foreign laboratories and to deliver quality results within our borders,” said Wensia Ruiters, Managing Director. “This accreditation affirms our commitment to scientific excellence and strengthens our role in supporting national development.”
A Commitment to Quality and Service
Accreditation, awarded based on adherence to internationally recognized standards for testing and quality assurance, validates our operational integrity, technical competence, and reliability of results. The process involved rigorous audits, assessments, and alignment with global best practices.
Our metallurgical division offers a suite of services tailored to the needs of the country’s growing industrial and mining activities. The accredited scope covers the analysis of critical metals, uranium, water, and soil quality parameters and thus supports key phases in environmental monitoring, mining, and exploration, such as resource estimation, mineral processing and optimization, materials characterization, and quality control. By aligning our work with the mining value chain, we not only support compliance and operational efficiency but also provide the trusted data needed to make confident, informed decisions.
Strengthening Namibia’s Scientific Infrastructure
In recent years, Namibia has prioritized the development of local capacity in science and technology. TEA Labs’ achievement is a concrete step toward that vision, reflecting the country’s ability to build and sustain advanced technical infrastructure.
Our laboratory’s quick turnaround—achieving accreditation in over 12 months—highlights the dedication of the technical team and the effectiveness of its internal systems.
“This is not just about recognition; it’s about responsiveness,” stated Kevin Mwashuma, Operations Director. “Our clients rely on us for results that inform real-time decisions. Accreditation ensures that the trust they place in us is well-founded.”
Looking Ahead
As we continue to expand our operations, the focus remains on innovation, collaboration, and national impact. Here, at TEA Labs, we plan to deepen partnerships with government institutions, private industry, and academia to further enhance Namibia’s research and development ecosystem.
“We are proud of what this means for Namibia,” said Wensia Ruiters. “It’s a win for science, for business, and for our collective future.”