CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference of our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-2) and related Prospectus of SGI International
for the registration of 8,644,077 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 20, 1997, except
for Note 11, as to which the date is April 14, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of SGI International included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young
- -----------------------------------
San Diego, California
January 21, 1998