SGS is one of the most widely recognised independent test labs for minerals and materials. For frac sand destined for Vaca Muerta, an SGS report on attrition and granulometry is effectively a baseline requirement for operator-side qualification. In-Basin Sand's Malargüe silica has been characterised through SGS Minerals (Chile), in line with ISO 13503-2 methodology.
Attrition testing subjects a sand sample to mechanical action that simulates handling wear, transport abrasion and the confined-stress environment of a proppant pack. The output is a fines-generation percentage, quantifying how much particulate is lost to breakage. Low attrition indicates robust grain structure and long-term conductivity retention.
SGS holds ISO 17025 accreditation for minerals testing labs, and its Chile operation is geographically and logistically close to the Argentine silica producer ecosystem. That proximity shortens turnaround and the Spanish-language context facilitates operator-side review.
| Test | Methodology | What it proves |
|---|---|---|
| Granulometry | ISO 13503-2 sieve | Particle size distribution within mesh |
| Attrition | ISO 13503-2 / API 19C | Grain robustness under stress |
| Turbidity | API 19C FTU | Fines and contamination |
Argentine operators and service companies typically review an SGS or equivalent independent report as part of the qualification stage. The SGS Minerals (Chile) report for Malargüe silica has been completed on In-Basin Sand material. Specific test values are shared under NDA with serious counterparties.
The SGS report pairs with API 19C threshold tables to generate a go/no-go qualification outcome. When paired with logistics data (distance, freight, delivery modes), it becomes the commercial package for proppant supply discussions.
In-Basin Sand is running a €150,000 secured convertible bridge closing 29 April 2026. Public landing: https://inbasinsand.com