In the world of mining, laboratories are the unsung heroes. Every ounce of ore, every mineral extraction, and every investment decision relies on the data generated within. And for the past decade, STG Mining has been right at the heart of this process, bridging the gap between innovative equipment vendors and the laboratories that depend on reliable, safe, and efficient solutions.
Founded in 2015 by Managing Director Adrián Garcia, the company has grown from a small operation serving a handful of clients to a multinational group with offices in Canada, the United States, and across South America. This year marks STG Mining’s 10th anniversary, a milestone that Garcia sees not as an endpoint, but as an important turning point. “It’s been a beautiful time in terms of growth and what we’ve done, but there’s still more to come,” he reflects.
STG Mining’s origins are rooted in relationships. Garcia didn’t set out to disrupt the industry with a grand plan; he was invited into it. Friends and colleagues in the laboratory sector were looking for guidance as new technologies and equipment reshaped the industry, and Garcia recognized an opportunity to provide value. What started as a helping hand quickly evolved into a thriving business.
“In the beginning, we worked with just one vendor and a couple of clients,” he tells us. “That picture has completely changed in 10 years. Today, we have a wide network of vendors and clients who trust us to provide the right solutions.” The company’s model is simple yet effective: pairing vendors with end users. Rather than manufacturing equipment themselves, STG Mining curates technologies from leading suppliers and delivers them to mining laboratories. By positioning itself as a trusted partner rather than just a supplier, STG has carved out a unique niche, and it is this role as a connector, problem solver, and long-term ally that has underpinned its growth.
The past 10 years have brought tremendous change to mining laboratories, and STG Mining has grown alongside its partners. The most significant transformation has come from technological advancements that are revolutionizing how labs operate. “In the past, you might wait hours for a process to be completed,” says Garcia. “Now, thanks to new technologies, results are ready in minutes. It’s a game-changer.”
But technological evolution is only part of the story. Garcia is quick to emphasize the importance of relationships, with both vendors and clients. “Our relationships have changed completely over the decade. Vendors have trusted us with their products, and clients have trusted us to bring them the right solutions. That mutual trust has given us the standing we have today.”
These partnerships are mutually reinforcing. Vendors rely on STG to position their products in front of the right clients and to provide critical feedback from the field. Clients, in turn, know they can depend on STG to deliver solutions that are practical, reliable, and tailored to their needs. This role as an intermediary has become more vital as mining laboratories face increasing complexity, tighter timelines, and greater expectations for compliance.
Indeed, excellence is more than a catchphrase at STG Mining; it is embedded into every part of the company’s ethos, and the team operates closely in line with quality management principles. The goal is not just to sell equipment but to ensure clients can operate safer, cleaner, and more efficient laboratories.
“We don’t just sit at our desks,” Garcia explains. “We’re out there with clients, visiting remote sites, installing and commissioning equipment, and providing preventative maintenance. That full-service approach is what sets us apart.”
Excellence also comes from listening, and STG Mining actively collaborates with vendors to refine products and tailor solutions to client needs. This ongoing feedback loop ensures the company is always delivering value and staying ahead of industry demands.
For Garcia, the success of STG Mining is not only about technology or markets but about people. With 15 employees across two main Canadian locations—Vancouver and Sudbury—plus operations in Nevada, Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, the company remains lean but highly effective. “The team is the core of our success,” Garcia says. “We wouldn’t be here without their dedication. Everyone has the opportunity to share ideas, grow, and make an impact. That openness keeps us moving forward.”
While technical expertise is important, Garcia looks for something more when hiring. “I’m interested in people who are open to change, enthusiastic, and willing to see beyond the obvious. That mindset is what drives innovation and growth.” This emphasis on culture is especially important in a multinational environment, where consistency and collaboration are vital. STG Mining has built a culture that values initiative, adaptability, and a shared commitment to excellence.
One of the most exciting recent developments for STG Mining has been the introduction of onsite mobile laboratories. Traditionally, samples are shipped off to central facilities, causing delays in decision-making and adding costs. With mobile labs, testing can be conducted directly at the mine site, giving clients real-time results. “This is critical for the industry,” Garcia says enthusiastically. “Mobile labs allow for faster, more reliable data and can even move from site to site as exploration advances. It’s the future, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
The adoption of mobile labs is still in its early stages, but STG is already deploying solutions in locations like Elko, Nevada and Quebec. The speed and flexibility such labs provide could redefine how exploration and production decisions are made.
Mining is under increasing pressure to align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, and STG Mining plays a key role in supporting clients on this journey. “Our role is to supply efficient, fit-for-purpose equipment,” Garcia explains. “By helping clients reduce waste, improve reliability, and maintain compliance, we enable cleaner and safer lab operations.” But sustainability is not just about compliance; it’s also about trust. Mining companies know their reputations and licenses to operate often depend on responsible practices. STG Mining’s ability to deliver equipment that supports these goals gives clients confidence in meeting both operational and ethical expectations.
As STG Mining’s footprint continues to expand, opportunities are also multiplying. “Our aim is simple,” says Garcia. “We want to be where mining is happening. That’s why we’re expanding into new markets and staying close to the industry’s heartbeat.” And growth isn’t just about geography. It’s also about deepening partnerships with vendors and continually introducing new technologies to clients. By staying agile and responsive, STG Mining ensures it remains at the forefront of industry change.
If there is one defining feature of STG Mining, it is the team’s willingness to go wherever clients need them. Garcia recalls taking small planes into remote regions just to ensure clients received the service they required. “This is part of our DNA,” he says. “We visit clients wherever they are, no matter how remote. It’s not just about supplying equipment; it’s about being there with them, installing, servicing, and maintaining what we deliver.”
This hands-on approach has built a reputation that extends far beyond equipment supply. Clients see STG as a partner invested in their success, and vendors view the team as trusted representatives who will go above and beyond to deliver value.
As STG Mining reflects on its first decade, the future looks even more dynamic. Garcia foresees an acceleration of technological change, with innovations that once took years to gain traction now being adopted in a matter of months. “In the next couple of years, we’ll see more changes than we’ve seen in the last five,” he predicts. “It’s an exciting time for the industry.”
Mobile laboratories, digitalization, and further advances in safety and efficiency will all play a role. STG Mining plans to continue its growth, deepen its vendor relationships, and strengthen its presence in key markets.
Another priority will be continuing to attract and develop talent. As Garcia notes, the company thrives on people who are open-minded and adaptable. Fostering that culture will be key as STG navigates an industry that is constantly evolving. But above all, he emphasizes the company’s enduring mission: to be there for clients. “We’re here for them. Our goal is to provide the solutions they need, wherever they are. That’s how we’ve grown for 10 years, and that’s how we’ll continue into the future.”
10 years on, STG Mining is more than just a supplier of mining laboratory equipment; it is a trusted partner in an industry that demands precision, reliability, and innovation. From humble beginnings with a single vendor to a multinational presence, the company’s journey reflects a consistent commitment to excellence, people, and progress. As the mining sector faces new challenges and opportunities, STG Mining stands ready to meet them head-on, guided by the values that have carried it through its first decade: strong relationships, dedication to service, and a vision for what’s possible.
“The last 10 years have been an incredible journey, but it’s only the beginning. We’re excited about the future, and we’ll continue to be right there with our clients every step of the way.”
