In both exploration and mining, the laboratory is often seen as a cost rather than a profit centre. The aim in most mining companies is to increase profits by reducing costs, so the budget for the laboratory is under constant pressure._x000D_
There is another option; to see the laboratory as the brain of the operation. By lifting the status of the laboratory and treating it as a profit centre, mine costs may be reduced in other ways, e.g. reduction in milling costs. This change of status will require investing more capital in better equipment, more training for employees and more employees to carry out project research._x000D_
There are many examples of major costs being incurred because of inadequate laboratory work. Conversely, by spending more money on laboratories and their activities, overall costs can be reduced or profits enhanced.