ARSENIC (As) ASSAY

The assay of arsenic in mining concentrates is an essential process for assessing the economic viability of a mining project. Arsenic can be present in a wide range of minerals, and it is typically analyzed 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 crucial step in the analysis of arsenic as the presence of other elements in the sample can interfere with the accuracy of the results. The results of the assay are used to assess the environmental impact of the mining project and to make decisions about the use and disposal of the concentrate. Proper sample preparation and the use of appropriate analytical methods are essential to obtain accurate and precise results.

Reference methodologies

There are various assaying methods for arsenic in Xertek, and the working range of each method may vary depending on the specific conditions. Some commonly used methods for arsenic assay in concentrates include:

Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) working range: 0.01-10%

Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) working range: 0.001-100 ppm

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) working range: 0.001-10 ppm.