Mining Analytical Services

Geological major elements are defined as those elements that compose 95% of the earth's crust. They are Si, Al, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Ti, Fe, Mn and P. Major element (whole rock) geochemistry has traditionally been done by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) but such analysis can now be performed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) technologies. Throughout our global laboratory network, ECBH has the extensive expertise and equipment needed to analyze this suite by any method.

ECBH experts can help you determine what method is best for your samples, taking into consideration:

• The concentration of the target elements in your sample
• The presence of sulfide minerals that can cause extensive damage to XRF sample preparation equipment
• The limit of detection you require
• The accuracy and precision you require

ECBH offers the following packages for major element analysis:

Multi-Acid (4 Acid)	Sodium Peroxide Fusion	Lithium Metaborate Fusion	XRF
ICP40B, ICM40B, AAS42S, ICP42S, AAS43B	ICP90A, ICP90B, ICM90A	ICP95A	XRF76C

Accurate results from proximate and ultimate analysis of coal, coke and biofuel are an important step in mining and processing operations.

Ideally, these tests should comply with accepted international standards and be conducted under the strictest laboratory controls. SGS has the equipment and the experience - backed by a global team of independent experts - to give you the results you need to ensure:

• Compliance with international standards (ASTM, ISO, AS, D)
• Optimized plant operations
• Health and safety planning
• Contractual compliance
• Adherence to emission regulations

Proximate analysis tests conducted in SGS laboratories, along with applicable standards, include:

• Moisture (ASTM D3173, ISO 11722, AS1038.3)
  Moisture is the water that exists in the coal at the site, time, and under the conditions it is sampled. SGS experts determine the amount of moisture in your samples by measuring the loss in mass between an as-mined sample and a sample that has been heated under controlled conditions to drive off the water that is not contained within the chemical structure of the coal.
   
• Sulfur (ASTM D4239, ISO 351, AS1038.6)
  It is important to measure the sulfur content in coal samples to evaluate the potential sulfur emissions from coal combustion, or for contract specifications purposes. SGS has the facilities and the know-how to provide you with timely accurate results.
   
• Calorific Value (ASTM D5865, ISO 1928, AS1038.5)
  The calorific value of coal or coke is the heat liberated when the solid fuel undergoes complete combustion in oxygen.  In order to obtain accurate results, ECBH burns your fuel sample in a bomb calorimeter and measures the total heat energy.
   
• Volatile Matter (ASTM D3175, ISO 562, AS1038.3)
  Volatile matter includes the components of coal, except for water, which are liberated at high temperature in the absence of oxygen. Volatile matter is a key health and safety concern as coals high in volatiles have an increased risk of spontaneous combustion. ECBH determines the volatile matter in your coal sample by measuring the mass of volatiles before and after weight analysis under strictly controlled conditions.
   
• Fixed Carbon (ASTM D5142, ISO 17246)
  The fixed carbon content of coal is determined by subtracting the percentages of moisture, volatile matter and ash from the original mass of the coal sample: the solid combustible residue that remains after a coal has had the volatiles driven off. ECBH experts conduct a fixed carbon test to estimate of the amount of coke your coal sample will yield.
   
• ASH
  ECBH conducts a variety of fundamental ash analysis tests including ash elemental tests, ash fusion tests and coal ash analysis.

ULTIMATE ANALYSIS TESTS

Ultimate analysis tests produce more comprehensive results than the proximate analyses. ECBH uses the results from ultimate analysis tests to determine the elemental composition of the coal including moisture, ash, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen (by difference). We determine each element through chemical analysis and express it as a percentage of the total mass of the original coal or coke sample. 

ECBH provides in chemical analysis for the coal and coke industries. Proximate and ultimate analyses done in our state-of-the-art laboratories deliver timely, accurate and independent results from your coal, coke and biofuel samples.

The Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) is a measure of coal’s resistance to crushing.

 

Grinding studies, and the resulting HGI, allow many different types of coal users to evaluate how coals will perform in their mills, allowing them to estimate grinding power requirements and throughput capacities.

ECBH is a world leader in coal and coke testing services. Our coal testing procedures are completed globally by technical experts in state-of-the-art facilities. ECBH testing results are returned in a timely manner and comply with ASTM, ISO and other international standards.

HGI is determined through a multi-step procedure:

• A 50-gram sample of prepared coal that is uniform in size is placed inside a grinding unit
• The unit undergoes a standard number of revolutions under a specified pressure
• Steel balls within the unit crush the coal sample
• The coal fines are sorted and the quantity of coal less than a specified size is recorded and converted into a Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) value

Typical resulting HGI values lie between 30 (increased resistance to pulverization) and 100 (more easily pulverized).

Experienced ECBH technicians ensure your HGI testing is completed promptly and in accordance with global industry standards. Rely on the ECBH global team for the results that allow you to make accurate estimations of the power requirements and throughput capacities in your facilities, leading to optimized plant operation and an improved bottom line.

ECBH offers you an unparalleled level of analytical expertise. There are many different analytical methods available in the industry to develop geochemical targets. There are several digestion techniques that can be used depending on the end use of the data – from very weak extraction to complete dissolution. Aqua regia extractions are good for many elements including gold and base metals. ECBH experts are always available to assist you with selecting the gold (Au) analysis or assay technique that is fit for your purpose.

Aqua regia is a 3:1 mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. It is a strong oxidizing mixture that dissolves many base metal sulfide minerals as well as gold and platinum. However, it is a partial leach that leaves an undigested silicate and alumina residue as well as refractory minerals such as garnet and spinel. It is possible to vary the sample size from less than 1g up to 20 to 50g depending on the target elements and their expected concentration. Sub-ppb detection limits are possible and base metal detection limits of low ppb are common.

Aqua regia digestion can result in the partial loss of volatile arsenic and antimony. Insoluble barium and lead sulfates can precipitate when sulfide is oxidized to sulfate. This is common since aqua regia is a strong oxidizing agent.

ECBH has an intensive, ongoing program to monitor quality in all labs. Dozens of our labs carry internationally and industry recognized certifications and/or accreditations. Scopes vary among laboratories.

Partner with ECBH today and together we can see if aqua regia extractions are the best digestion technique for your gold assay needs.

ECBH is a leader in providing accurate, bankable results from a wide range of mineral tests. 

This includes the determination of the specific gravity (SG) and bulk density (BD) of rocks, ores and aggregates using the pycnometer and water and air method or wax method if required. These tests are conducted regularly in many ECBH laboratories. The independent results from our SG and BD tests are recognized worldwide and comply with various national and international standards.

The qualitative and quantitative results from these relatively simple tests provide information that is vital to the success of a mining, industrial or construction operation. Data generated from these tests can yield the:

• Precise and accurate identification of the mineral composition of samples, including pay metals and other elements that may complicate processing
• Support the most effective processing method for your ore
• Appropriate sizing of processing equipment   
• The exact weight of ores which is necessary to calculate shipping and storage costs

“Specific gravity” is the density of a material relative to water. Since rocks are comprised of several distinct mineral phases, they do not have a fixed specific gravity. Instead, a rock’s “bulk density” arises as a result of the percentage of all minerals in a sample multiplied by the specific gravity of each. ECBH has extensive experience determining these parameters, including identifying mineral phases using QEMSCAN®. 

ECBH experts work under carefully controlled laboratory conditions to determine the specific gravity and bulk density of your sample. Our SG and BD test procedures include the industry standard pycnometer, and when necessary, the water and air method or the wax method.

ECBH provides a full range of physical testing services to the mineral industry. Our specific gravity and bulk density tests provide key information you need to plan and design your processing operation.

Through our global network of laboratories, ECBH delivers a broad spectrum of geochemical analysis including multi-acid (4 acid) digests.

Multi-acid digestion uses a combination of HCl (hydrochloric acid), HNO3 (nitric acid), HF (hydrofluoric acid) and HClO4 (perchloric acid). Because hydrofluoric acid dissolves silicate minerals, these digestions are often referred to as 'near-total digestions'.

Multi-acid (4 acid) digestion is a very effective dissolution procedure for multi-element analysis at trace levels of detection. However, there can be a loss of volatile elements (e.g. B, As, Pb, Ge, Sb) during this type of digestion and some refractory minerals (especially oxide minerals) are only partially digested. Our experts will help you select a method that is fit-for-purpose.

ICP40B - 32 ELEMENTS BY FOUR-ACID DIGESTION / ICP-AES

LIMITS	LIMITS	LIMITS
Ag	2ppm	-	10ppm	Fe	0.01%	-	15%	Sb	5ppm	-	1%
Al	0.01%	-	15%	K	0.01%	-	15%	Sc	0.5ppm	-	1%
As	3ppm	-	1%	La	0.5ppm	-	1%	Sn	10ppm	-	1%
Ba	1ppm	-	1%	Li	1ppm	-	1%	Sr	0.5ppm	-	1%
Be	0.5ppm	-	0.25%	Mg	0.01%	-	15%	Ti	0.01%	-	15%
Bi	5ppm	-	1%	Mn	2ppm	-	1%	V	2ppm	-	1%
Ca	0.01%	-	15%	Mo	1ppm	-	1%	W	10ppm	-	1%
Cd	1ppm	-	1%	Na	0.01%	-	15%	Y	0.5ppm	-	1%
Cr	1ppm	-	1%	Ni	1ppm	-	1%	Zn	1ppm	-	1%
Co	1ppm	-	1%	P	0.01%	-	15%	Zr	0.5ppm	-	1%
Cu	0.5ppm	-	1%	Pb	2ppm	-	1%

The following elements can be added to above package:
Ce, Hf, Nb, Rb, Se, Te, Th, U

ELEMENTS WHICH CAN VOLATILIZE

As

Si

Se

ELEMENTS WHICH CAN PRECIPITATE OR HAVE LIMITED SOLUBILITY

Al	Mn	Ti
Ba	Nb	Ta
Cr	Pb	W
Hf	Sb	Zr
Mo	Sn

ICM40B - 49 ELEMENTS BY FOUR-ACID DIGESTION / ICP-AES AND ICP-MS

LIMITS	LIMITS	LIMITS
Ag	0.02ppm	-	10ppm	K	0.01%	-	15%	Sn	0.3ppm	-	0.1%
Al	0.01%	-	15%	La	0.1ppm	-	1%	Sr	0.5ppm	-	1%
As	1ppm	-	1%	Li	1ppm	-	1%	Ta	0.05ppm	-	1%
Ba	1ppm	-	1%	Lu	0.01ppm	-	0.1%	Tb	0.05ppm	-	1%
Be	0.1ppm	-	0.25%	Mg	0.01%	-	15%	Te	0.05ppm	-	0.1%
Bi	0.04ppm	-	1%	Mn	2ppm	-	1%	Th	0.2ppm	-	1%
Ca	0.01%	-	15%	Mo	0.05ppm	-	1%	Ti	0.01%	-	15%
Cd	0.02ppm	-	1%	Na	0.01%	-	15%	Tl	0.02ppm	-	1%
Ce	0.05ppm	-	0.1%	Nb	0.1ppm	-	0.1%	U	0.05ppm	-	1%
Cs	5ppm	-	0.1%	Ni	0.5ppm	-	1%	V	2ppm	-	1%
Cr	1ppm	-	1%	P	50ppm	-	15%	W	0.1ppm	-	1%
Co	0.1ppm	-	1%	Pb	0.5ppm	-	1%	Y	0.1ppm	-	1%
Cu	0.5ppm	-	1%	Rb	0.2ppm	-	1%	Yb	0.1ppm	-	0.1%
Fe	0.01%	-	15%	S	0.01%	-	5%	Zn	1ppm	-	1%
Ga	0.1ppm	-	0.05%	Sb	0.05ppm	-	1%	Zr	0.5ppm	-	1%
Hf	0.02ppm	-	0.05%	Sc	0.5ppm	-	1%
In	0.02ppm	-	0.05%	Se	2ppm	-	0.1%

The following elements can be added to the above package:
Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, Nd, Pr, Sm

HAS40B - HYDRIDE ELEMENTS BY FOUR-ACID DIGESTION / HYDRIDE AAS

LIMITS
Selenium	Se	0.2ppm	-	1000ppm
Tellurium	Te	0.5ppm	-	1000ppm

AAS42S - FOUR-ACID, (HYDROFLUORIC, PERCHLORIC, HYDROCHLORIC AND NITRIC ACID) DISSOLUTION TO QUANTIFY MAJOR ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS. AAS FINISH

LIMITS	LIMITS	LIMITS
Ag	5ppm	-	500ppm	Cr	50ppm	-	5%	Pb	20ppm	-	2.5%
As	0.025%	-	5%	Cu	10ppm	-	50%	Sb	100ppm	-	2%
Bi	50ppm	-	5000ppm	Fe	0.01%	-	40%	V	50ppm	-	5%
Ca	0.01%	-	40%	Mn	10ppm	-	5%	Zn	10ppm	-	5%
Cd	5ppm	-	5000ppm	Mo	20ppm	-	5%
Co	20ppm	-	2.5%	Ni	10ppm	-	5%

ICP42S - FOUR-ACID, (HYDROFLUORIC, PERCHLORIC, HYDROCHLORIC AND NITRIC ACID) DISSOLUTION TO QUANTIFY MAJOR ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS. ICP-AES FINISH

LIMITS	LIMITS	LIMITS
Ag	5ppm	-	250ppm	Fe	250ppm	-	100%	Pb	25ppm	-	2.5%
AI	250ppm	-	40%	K	0.1%	-	40%	Sb	10ppm	-	2%
As	20ppm	-	2.5%	Li	5ppm	-	2500ppm	Sn	20ppm	-	2%
Bi	50ppm	-	2.5%	Mg	50ppm	-	40%	Ta	50ppm	-	2.5%
Ca	0.01%	-	40%	Mn	20ppm	-	10%	Ti	20ppm	-	5%
Cd	5ppm	-	2%	Mo	20ppm	-	2.5%	V	5ppm	-	2.5%
Co	10ppm	-	2.5%	Na	100ppm	-	40%	Zn	10ppm	-	5%
Cr	20ppm	-	5%	Ni	20ppm	-	2.5%	Zr	10ppm	-	5%
Cu	10ppm	-	2.5%	P	0.01%	-	25%

AAS43B - FOUR-ACID (HYDROFLUORIC, PERCHLORIC, HYDROCHLORIC AND NITRIC ACID) WITH HIGHER ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS. AAS FINISH

LIMITS	LIMITS	LIMITS
Ag	50ppm	-	4%	Cr	0.03%	-	40%	Mo	0.02%	-	40%
Al	0.1%	-	100%	Cu	0.01%	-	100%	Na	0.01%	-	50%
As	0.02%	-	40%	Fe	0.02%	-	100%	Ni	0.01%	-	50%
Bi	0.05%	-	4%	K	0.01%	-	50%	Pb	0.01%	-	40%
Ca	0.01%	-	50%	Mg	0.01%	-	50%	Sb	0.05%	-	10%
Cd	50ppm	-	4%	Mn	0.01%	-	40%	Zn	0.01%	-	100%
Co	0.01%	-	2.5%

ECBH has a unique depth and breadth of expertise and experience to help guide your analytical method selection and give you confidence in your analytical results. 

Chemical analysis is the basis for many important decisions. Sample drying is one step in the sample preparation of materials for chemical analysis.

ECBH prepares samples of geological materials, industrial raw materials, scrap materials and other products for chemical analysis. We have the expertise and standard procedures to ensure representative samples that lead to reliable results.

Many of the samples received at ECBH laboratories are wet. They must be dried before they can be crushed or pulverized for analysis. Our laboratory staff uses drying procedures that avoid contamination and ensure that the drying temperature is suitable for your sample and the analysis that you want to perform on it. Improper drying is known to result in the loss of target elements, for example mercury.

ECBH is flexible when it comes to sample drying. We have drying protocols to accommodate drying at 105oC or 60oC. If you need a custom temperature, we can work together to achieve this as well.

We can also dry excessively wet samples and dry and macerate vegetation for analysis.

ECBH sample drying, sample reduction and sample pulverizing are crucial steps that lead to reliable results from chemical analysis. Call us today to discover more.

Fire assay is the industry standard process for obtaining gold and platinum group element (PGE) concentrations from high-grade ores.

Lead collection gold fire assay is considered the most definitive technique for gold analysis. Platinum and palladium can also be determined by this method, but the full PGE six-element suite is best determined by nickel sulfide collection fire assay. ECBH experts are always available to help you select the analytical technique that is fit for your purposes.

Most of the laboratories in the ECBH global network offer fire assay gold determinations with an unparalleled level of analytical expertise.

Lead collection fire assay is used to determine gold in all sample types, including rocks, drill core, soil and chip samples. ECBH can use various sample sizes (15, 30 and 50 g), depending on anticipated gold contents and degree of homogeneity expected. This time proven, industry standard method has several steps:

FUSION

The pulverized sample is weighed and mixed with a fluxing agent. Lead is added as a collector. The sample is then heated in a furnace at about 1000 degrees. After about 20 minutes, the sample has fused and the precious metals and lead have separated from the silicate slag to form a ‘button’ in the bottom of the crucible. This button contains the precious minerals.

PRECIOUS METAL EXTRACTION

Once the sample is removed from the furnace and cools, the lead button is separated from the silicate slag. The precious metals are then extracted by a process known as cupellation.

During cupellation, the lead in the button oxidizes and is absorbed into the cupel leaving a precious metal bead known as a prill. The gold content of the prill is determined either by weighing (gravimetrically) or it is dissolved in aqua regia.

ANALYSIS AND DETECTION

Once in solution, gold, platinum and palladium can be analyzed by several methods:

• Flame Atomic Absorption (AA)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

Partner with ECBH today for reliable fire assay results.

Whole rock analysis is the determination of major element oxides of a rock sample. This will total approximately 100% in non-mineralized samples. Our experts can help you select the package that is the right fit for your purpose.

Fusion - XRF is the industry-standard sample preparation technique for major element analysis. Fusion involves melting the sample with flux and casting it into a glass disc.

FUSION	WHOLE ROCK ANALYSIS
XRF76C	Majors by Borate Fused Disc / XRF Al2O3, CaO, Cr2O3, K2O, MgO, MnO, Na2O, P2O5, Fe2O3, SiO2, TiO2, LOI Lower reporting limit: 0.01%

Additional elements can be added to fused disk analysis.

Partner with ECBH when you need to be sure of procedures, protocols and laboratory practice. We have the experience and technology to help you with your research or exploration programs.

Laboratory Quality Services International (LQSi) helps auditors test the quality control capabilities of laboratories, equipment or personnel by supplying:

• Certified reference materials (CRMs) for use on-site to assess auditable results tested in the presence of the auditor 
• Blind proficiency testing program (PTP) samples to be sent as unknowns to the labs of interest

CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALS

LQSi offers certified reference materials (CRMs) that are manufactured and certified according to stringent industry standards. We have a wide range of minerals with well-characterized chemical and physical characteristics.

PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAMS (PTP)

LQSi PTP were established to help laboratories meet the ever-increasing demands of laboratory quality management systems defined by international, national, and industry standards development bodies (such as ISO, ASTM, ANSI / ASQ and automotive and steel-making organizations). Samples generated by LQSi’s PTP meet stringent homogeneity and statistical requirements.

LQSi invests heavily in our technical experts, equipment, and software to ensure that our services are technically superior in all areas, our samples homogenous and we meet or exceed ASTM, ISO, and industry requirements. LQSi can help your laboratory meet the ever-increasing demands for technical performance required by laboratory quality management systems. Contact us today for auditor support you can trust.

The erratic results that arise from visible, nuggety gold are a problem around the world.

ECBH can help you address this issue, also known as nugget effect, with precious metal analysis and assays in any of the laboratories in our global network.

Our unparalleled level of analytical expertise means we know how to sample and treat such materials. The screen metallics method, also known as pulp metallics, is used to obtain better reproducibility when metallic gold is present in the ore. 

In this method, a 500g sample is screened to 106 microns. The plus fraction is fire assayed for gold and a duplicate assay is performed on the minus fraction. The size fraction weights, coarse and fine fraction gold content and total gold content are reported.

Screened metallics can also be used with samples containing other native metals such as copper, silver, palladium and platinum.

ECBH has an intensive, ongoing program to monitor quality in all our labs. Dozens of our labs carry internationally and industry recognized certifications and/or accreditations. Scopes vary among laboratories.

Partner with ECBH to get more reproducible gold results on samples containing visible gold.