40
MODERN MINING
June 2014
EXPLORATION AND
GEOLOGY
feature
P
robably the first point to make
about MSA is that while its success
has been based on its geological
expertise, it has now moved into
many related areas such as Mineral
Resource estimation, mining studies and en-
vironmental work. In addition, the Group op-
erates two specialised diamond laboratories
– a Heavy Minerals Analysis Laboratory and
a Micro-Diamond Laboratory, the latter run in
conjunction with SGS and reputedly the only
ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facility of its type
in Africa.
MSA – which is based in Johannesburg
– was founded in 1983 by Mike Scott, a geolo-
gist of near legendary status who is still active
today (although he no longer has any links with
the Group). His son, Keith Scott, also a highly-
experienced geologist, was appointed as MD in
MSA – a front-runner
in
Pictured at the MSA Group offices in Johannesburg are (from
left) Dr Brendan Clarke, Jeremy Witley and Dr Ian Haddon
(photo: Arthur Tassell).
Minerals exploration is an activity which can consume large amounts of money, extend over years
(for a particular target) and still fail to produce the goods – as many junior miners and explorers
can attest. While there are no miraculous steps that can eliminate the risks inherent in exploration
or guarantee that economic deposits can be found, well-planned, well-targeted and well-executed
exploration programmes are an obvious first step and virtually no South African geological services
company has more experience in this field than The MSA Group (MSA), which has now built up its
reputation to the point where it is verging on being a global brand.
Modern Mining’s
Arthur Tassell
recently spoke to three of the Group’s senior managers.
