This Web page has been archived on the Web.

2003 November Report of the Auditor General of Canada

November 2003 Report—Chapter 10

Photographs 10.3—Scientific equipment

Photograph - Powder x-ray diffractometer

There are two powder X-ray diffractometers located in laboratories on the same street. One was purchased in 1985 for $500,000. It has a dedicated staff and is used 70 percent of the time. The second one was purchased in 2001 for $216,000. It has no dedicated staff and is used about 20 percent of the time.

Photograph - Electron microprobe analyzer

There are five electron microprobe analyzers located in laboratories across the street from each other. They cost approximately $900,000 each. The newest one, purchased in 1995, is used only 20 percent of the time. Two older pieces, purchased in 1984 and 1985, are used only 10 percent and 40 percent of the time respectively. Two pieces purchased in 1992 are presently used 80 percent of the time, although this usage is expected to drop.

Photograph - Scanning electron microscope

Natural Resources Canada has four scanning electron microscopes located in laboratories close to each other. They were purchased between 1983 and 1994 at a cost of about $200,000 to $280,000 each. Those purchased in 1992 and 1994 are used only 50 percent and 60 percent of the time respectively. The oldest piece of equipment is used 20 percent of the time. The equipment purchased in 1989 is currently used 90 percent of the time; however, usage is expected to drop.

Source: Natural Resources Canada