Bismuth is a relatively rare element that can occur in certain types of mineral deposits. In order to determine the concentration of bismuth in mining concentrates, several assay methods are available, including atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. These methods typically involve digesting a sample of the concentrate in an acid solution, followed by measurement of the bismuth concentration in the resulting solution. The working range for these methods can vary depending on the specific method and the instrumentation used, but generally ranges from low parts-per-million (ppm) to percent levels. It is important to accurately determine the bismuth content of mining concentrates in order to properly value the material for trading and processing purposes.

There are various methods for the assay of bismuth in concentrates, each with its own specific working range. Xertek common methods are:

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS): AAS is a sensitive and accurate method for the determination of bismuth. The working range for this method is typically 0.01-10%.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS): This is a highly sensitive and accurate method for the determination of bismuth in concentrates. The working range for this method is typically 0.001-0.1%.