The Geochemistry Division of Geological Survey Department consists of the following sections: Chemical laboratory, Mineralogy/Petrological laboratory, X-Ray Fluorescence laboratory and Geochemical mapping.

The chemical laboratory handles the analysis of different types of rocks, minerals and ores by various “wet” chemical methods. The chemical analysis of rocks for their common constituents is carried out partly in support of geochemical/geological mapping programmes and partly for assisting economically oriented projects.

The chemical laboratory also carries out gold assaying and testing for gold purity.

The Mineralogy/Petrology laboratory handles the physical examination of samples and issuance of permit for non commercial quantities of minerals, rocks and soil samples for analysis locally and overseas. The laboratory is to be equipped with modern instruments to undertake thin section and microscopic analysis of rocks and minerals, cutting and polishing of rocks and sample preparations for chemical analysis.

The X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) laboratory compliments the activities of chemical and mineralogical/petrology laboratories and is equipped with modern Energy Dispersive XRF spectrometer (Spectro X-lab 2000) which handles the analysis of major and trace elements in geological samples in support of mapping programmes. The instrument can also handle the analysis of ashes, sewage, sludge, slag, ceramics and refractories; screening of elements in waste and industrial effluents, screening of trace elements in water partly in support of environmental programmes.

The Geochemical mapping section undertakes the sampling of soils, stream sediments, rocks and water samples which are analyzed in the chemical and XRF laboratories. Detailed follow-up work in terms of closer sampling, pitting and trenching are also carried out.

The Geochemical mapping section in collaboration with the consortium for Geological Mapping, under the Mining Sector Support Programme (MSSP) is currently undertaking a regional geochemical soil sampling on a 1 km by 1 km grid.

The Geochemical mapping section is also actively involved in consultancy services for the Minerals Commission of Ghana and other private companies.