The new R49-million coal sampling laboratory opened at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal on Wednesday ensures faster sample turnaround times from a state-of-the-art facility built in partnership with leading sampling service provider SGS South Africa. SGS, which employs 2 500 employees in South Africa and 85 000 people across the world, focuses on assisting companies to protect their brand, SGS COO Africa Fred Herren said at the well-attended opening ceremony.