The assay of antimony in mining concentrates is a vital component of the mineral processing industry. Antimony is commonly found in sulfide minerals, and its assay is typically performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The detection range for these methods is from parts per million to percent levels, depending on the complexity of the sample. Sample preparation is a critical step in the analysis of antimony as the presence of other elements in the sample can interfere with the accuracy of the results. The accuracy and precision of the antimony assay are crucial to provide reliable information to stakeholders in the mining industry. The results of the assay are used to assess the economic viability of the mining project and to make decisions about the use and disposal of the concentrate. The antimony assay is an integral part of the mining industry, and the accurate determination of antimony levels in concentrates is crucial for effective mineral processing and environmental impact assessments.

The following methods are applied in Xertek for antimony assays:

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): – 0.005% to 10%

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES): – 0.01% to 0.5%