2014 cad fee schedule
DESCRIPTION
Schedule ofServices & FeesTRANSCRIPT
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2014 CAD
Schedule of Services & Fees
www.alsglobal.com
RIGHT SOLUTIONS
RIGHT PARTNER
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New technologies backed by proven science are being added to the
exploration toolbox faster than ever. But producing, integrating and
making sense of large data sets in disparate formats remains a
stumbling block for exploration companies of every size.
ALS Geochemistry offers a comprehensive suite of analytical services beyond traditional assay
results, paired with powerful data integration and visualization tools. Our global lab network and
strategic partnerships with developers of cutting-edge exploration technology enable you to make
quick and informed decisions on project viability, early in the exploration life cycle, like never before.
Spectral Mineralogy Partners
Modeling and Geostatistics Software Packages
Breaking boundaries: technology and tools to promote exploration success
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Breaking boundaries: technology and tools to promote exploration success
Keep up with the latest technical developments and partnership announcements on our website
www.alsglobal.com/en/our-services/minerals/geochemistry/news
UnloCK the fUll Power of SPeCtrAl MinerAloGy on Drill Core, ChiPS, CrUSheD roCK AnD MoreField and core shed observations can be supported by proven technologies in time for seasonal decisions. Imagine the ability to orient your position in the ore deposit system using mineral assemblages ahead of the drilling schedule. A variety of industry-leading hyperspectral technologies can be applied to your project, with next-generation interpretation software tying it all together.
inteGrAte AnD interroGAte with 3D MoDelinG AnD GeoStAtiStiCAl SoftwAreGeochemical and mineralogical data produced by ALS Geochemistry can already be exported into any file format appropriate for your database or information management system. Were taking it a step further and enabling you to one-click import your results into ioGas, the leading geostatistical software package in the industry, directly from ALS Webtrieve - no file downloads or tedious manual transfer required.
Its always important to check and double-check any geological model against the reality that underpins it. From inside your 3D deposit modeling program of choice, you can select a drill hole at any depth and open ALS CoreViewer to the same hole and depth instantly ready to compare core photos, mineralogy and key commodity elements against the model. Bringing it back to the rocks has never been easier.
CoMbine, viSUAlize AnD ShAre Core PhotoS, MinerAloGy, GeoCheMiStry AnD More onlineConduct a virtual core shed visit with colleagues across the world from the comfort of your own offices using ALS CoreViewer. Pair high resolution core photography with depth-registered data in an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for unparalleled visualization and interpretation, or compelling presentation graphics. Geochemistry, mineral statistics and maps from hyperspectral analysis, downhole geophysics and any other results that can be paired with depths on drill core or chips may be added to CoreViewer - all archived in perpetuity with secure online access.
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Core logistics and Archive Management y Shipping and logistics y Core yard/warehouse buildouts y Barcoded archiving systems y Online, searchable core inventory y Secure facilities and chain
of custody
Core logging y Bright, secure, comfortable y Rent space from ALS or install
on-site y Layout tables with excellent
lighting y Desk space and computer station
with internet access y Washrooms and kitchenette
You are a mining industry professional working in challenging and remote locations.
You may have little logistical support, but you must collect and interpret data that is meaningful and valuable. ALS wants you to focus your energy on exploration and resource definition, not the headache of chain of custody issues and managing multiple service providers.
To this end we offer a full spectrum of no-hassle Core Services that may be bundled in any combination and offered at any of our labs or on-site at your project as needed.
www.alsglobal.com
RIGHT SOLUTIONS
RIGHT PARTNER
AlS Core ServicesConvenient, Secure, Dependable
With ALS Core Services in place, online management through Webtrieve and CoreViewer allows you to spend more time on your deposit and more time generating value for your company.
enquire at your local AlS laboratory for more information.
Core Cutting y Fast, efficient, high quality y Any rock type from shales
to ultramafics y Highly trained technicians y Computerized saws for
precision cutting
Core Photography and in-Situ Analysis y Overhead mounted digital SLR
cameras y Permanent online photo archive
with CoreViewer y Portable XRF and TerraSpec
instruments available y Results uploaded to global
database, accessible through Webtrieve
y Bulk density and specific gravity on whole or half core
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www.alsglobal.com
This edition of our Schedule of Services and Fees describes a broad selection of our global services, but it is by no means a comprehensive list. For specific questions please contact our client services team or the lab nearest to you and we will be glad to help. Prices listed here do not contain locally applicable taxes. ALS Geochemistry reserves the right to alter listed prices at any time.
breaking boundaries: technology and tools inside Cover
Sample Preparation 4
Mobile Sample Prep and Mine Site Services 4Sample Submission and Storage 6Sample Preparation Packages 7Individual Sample Preparation Methods 8Specific Gravity, Bulk Density and Miscellaneous Methods 9
Precious Metal Analysis 10
Gold 10Silver and Platinum Group Elements. 12Concentrates, Bullions and Metallurgical Testing 13
Generative exploration 14
Super Trace Analysis for Soils and Sediments 14Ionic Leach 15Selective Leaches 16Hydrogeochemistry and Biogeochemistry 17
targeted exploration 18
Ultra Trace Level Methods18Trace Level Methods 20Low Grade Mineralized Materials 21Individual Elements and Miscellaneous Methods 22Stable Isotopes and Geochronology 23
whole rock Analysis and lithogeochemistry 24
Specific ores and Commodities 26
Ores, High Grade Materials and Massive Sulfides 26Santiago Mineral Services Center and Copper Methods 28Iron Ore Technical Center and Iron Ore Methods 30Rare Earths and Rare Metals 32Bauxites, Laterites, Phosphates and Other Commodities 33
Carbon, Sulfur, AbA and Concentrates 34
Carbon & Sulfur Methods 34Acid-Base Accounting 35Concentrates and Metallurgical Samples 36ALS Metallurgy 37
Quality Commitment and locations 38
Quality Statement and Accreditation 38Terms & Conditions 39ALS Geochemistry Global Locations 40
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Remote projects require a high degree of support and logistical consideration. Where project location creates a barrier to shipping large samples to the laboratory, or where the sample volume is such that it is more economical to process or pre-process samples on-site, ALS Geochemistry offers placement of customized, carefully designed mobile sample preparation facilities for maximum efficiency and convenience. Mobile solutions are available via experienced ALS manufacturing teams in Johannesburg, South Africa and Perth, Western Australia.
ALS Mobile Sample Preparation solutions consist of either a standard 10x20 foot or 10x40 foot shipping container which is converted into a mobile sample preparation facility. An ALS Geochemistry supervisor will be on-site for the installation of the facility after a suitable small concrete pad (or alternative site preparation) has been constructed.
Mobile sample preparation facilities can be easily expanded into a full service on-site analytical laboratory through partnership with ALS Mine Site Services.
Mobile Sample Preparation laboratory features y Primary jaw crushers y Pulverizers y Rotary and/or riffle splitters y Working stations y Dust collection y Electric drying oven including carts y Heavy duty air compressor y Core cutting y Core layout and photography y Diesel powered generator package (100 kVA, optional) y Secure Data Management LIMS, Webtrieve, CoreViewer
ALS Geochemistry can be contracted to provide training in most languages (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and others), either on-site or at an ALS laboratory. ALS Geochemistry is also able to operate such facilities on a contract basis, using ALS personnel.
Please contact your nearest ALS Geochemistry laboratory for details. A full list of locations can be found on page 40.
Customizable, expandable, mobile sample preparation solutions for remote project support
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world-class testing, inspection and certification expertise delivered right to your mine site
ALS Mine Site delivers the full range of ALS Minerals testing capabilities with signature ALS Quality, Service and Deliverables in key mining regions around the world. Partnering with ALS provides peace of mind that design, establishment, commissioning and daily laboratory management will be completed to the same high standard that is characteristic of ALS operations.
Fit for Purpose mine site laboratories are tailored to suit project requirements. Applying ALS principles, procedures and management experience to the operation of mine site laboratories offers clients the assurance and convenience of continuous analytical support without compromise.
Mine Site laboratory Services
y Design and build new mine site labs y Update, expand and optimize existing facilities y Operate, manage and maintain mine site labs - new and existing y Core cutting, core photo-archiving and core storage services y Sample collection and preparation y Moisture, bulk density, specific gravity, and particle size distribution y Fire assay, wet chemistry, and BLEG or LeachWELL digestions y Instrumentation including AAS, ICP-AES/MS, XRF, TGA, LECO y Secure Data Management LIMS, Webtrieve, CoreViewer,
3D mine planning integration y Laboratory audits and rigorous quality control procedures y Inventory management (consumables, purchasing) y Training and consulting
Auxiliary Supporting Services
y Metallurgical testwork for process optimization y Advanced mineralogy technologies y Commercial settlement analysis - inspection of concentrate, cathode or bullion y Environmental analysis for water, soil, tailings y Oil condition monitoring for the mining fleet
AlS Mine Site (Global head office)Level 2, 299 Coronation DriveMilton, Queensland, Australia 4064T: +61 7 3367 7900F: +61 7 3367 8156E: [email protected]
www.alsglobal.com
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DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Monthly archive of coarse rejects after the first 45 days.Monthly archive of pulps >250g after the first 90 days.
Longer term archiving of coarse rejects.Longer term archiving of large pulps.
STO-REJSTO-BLK
0.650.65
Monthly archive of master pulps after the first 90 days. Longer term storage of pulps. STO-PUL 0.25
Monthly archive of screening reject fractions after the first 45 days. Longer term storage of screening reject fractions. STO-SCR 0.25
Handling and retrieval of archived samples. Stored samples. RET-21 71.65/hour
Disposal of pulps and coarse fractions. Pulps and coarse fractions. DIS-21 By Quotation
Return of samples to client. Returned samples. RTN-21 By Quotation
DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe ($)
Sample pick-up service. All sample types. PKP-21 By Quotation
DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Samples received with barcode labels attached to sample bag.
Weigh raw sample and log into global tracking system.
LOG-21 0.60
Samples received without barcode labels attached. LOG-22 1.20
Pulps received without barcode labels attached.At least one out of every 50 samples is selected at random for routine pulp QC tests (LOG-QC). For routine pulps, the specification is 85% passing a 75 micron screen. Other specifications may be checked as per client requirements.
LOG-24 1.20
Workorder/administration fee applied per submittal. Single charge for each batch of samples submitted. BAT-01 33.10
Quarantine (heat treatment, storage.) Required for relevant samples imported into Australia. AQIS approved heat treatment and storage. QAR-01 1.25
Sample Storage
Sample Submission Confidence and security in the chain of custody for your samples as they pass through our system is paramount. To provide complete traceability, your samples are logged into our proprietary global laboratory information management system and given a barcode at log-in. We encourage clients to barcode samples prior to sending them to our laboratories. Our system will accommodate all major barcode formats.
Please send your samples to any of the addresses listed on the last two pages of this fee schedule. Preaddressed adhesive labels and sample submission forms are available on our website and can be sent to you on request. We can also offer advice on shipping your samples to any of our laboratories by surface carrier, air cargo and air express. Please enquire for detailed information on requirements and regulations for shipping from your jurisdiction.
Materials submitted for analysis are retained free of charge at our laboratories for a limited time, starting from the day we issue the final Certificate of Analysis. Prepared master pulps are stored for 90 days and coarse and fine reject fractions are stored for 45 days. Reasonable monthly charges will apply to samples archived for longer periods in our facilities. ALS Geochemistry sample storage facilities provide a secure and organized environment protected from the elements, and all sample archive locations are included in the laboratory tracking system. All of your samples across all your projects can be tracked to the rack and shelf location in any of our facilities world-wide.
Sample pick-up services can be arranged from any of our locations. Please contact your nearest ALS office for details.
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DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Preliminary coarse crushing of large drill core and rock samples. Large drill core and rock samples. CRU-21* 2.80 plus 0.48/kg
Crush to 70% less than 2mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns.
Drill core, rock and chip samples.PREP-31** 7.45 plus 0.70/kg
Crush to 70% less than 2mm, riffle split off 1kg, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. PREP-31B** 8.70 plus 0.75/kg
Crush to 90% less than 2mm, riffle split off 1kg, pulverize split to better than 95% passing 106 microns.
Drill core and rocks containing high-grade or coarse gold and/or silver. PREP-33D 10.20 plus 1.25/kg
Crush to 70% less than 6mm, pulverize entire sample to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Drill core, rock and chip samples up to 3kg. PREP-22 9.85
DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Login, dry at
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DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Fine crushing of rock chip and drill samples to 70% nominal -6mm or better.
Used if the material is too coarse for introduction into the pulverizing mill and as a preliminary step before fine crushing of larger samples.
CRU-21 2.80 plus 0.48/kg
Fine crushing of rock chip and drill samples 70% nominal -2mm. Standard preparation procedure for samples where a representative split will be pulverized. CRU-31 2.80 plus 0.48/kg
Fine crushing of rock chip and drill samples to 85% nominal -2mm. Option for when a finer grind is desired. CRU-36 3.15 plus 0.90/kg
Fine crushing of rock chip and drill samples to 90% nominal -2mm. Option for when a finer grind is desired. CRU-32 3.70 plus 1.20/kg
DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Drying of excessively wet samples in drying ovens. Default drying procedure for most rock chip and drill samples. DRY-21 2.45 plus 0.48/kg
Drying of excessively wet samples in drying ovens that are controlled to a maximum temperature of 60C.
Most soil and sediment samples that are analyzed for volatile elements. DRY-22 2.45 plus 0.48/kg
Air-drying of samples. Selective Leach procedures and others. DRY-23 2.45 plus 0.48/kg
DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Split sample using a riffle splitter. Standard splitting procedure. SPL-21 1.90 plus 0.38/kg
Split sample using a rotary splitter.Premium splitting procedure.
SPL-22 2.65 plus 0.85/kg
Split sample using a Boyd crusher/rotary splitter combination. SPL-22Y 1.90 plus 0.38/kg
Split a received pulp sample for various uses. Pulp splitting procedure. SPL-34 0.65
DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Pulverize a split or total sample up to 250g to 85% passing 75 microns.
Default procedure for samples that are finely crushed and split to 250g or less. PUL-31 4.30
Pulverize a 1,000g split to 85% passing 75 microns.Large sample size to mitigate nugget effect.
PUL-32 6.20
Pulverize a 1,000g split to 95% passing 106 microns. PUL-35a 7.10
Pulverize entire sample up to 85% passing 75 microns. Appropriate for samples up to 3kg. PUL-21 10.20
Riffle split sample to maximum of 3kg and pulverize split to 85% passing 75 microns. Retain and bag unpulverized reject. Appropriate for RC drill chip samples
not requiring crushing.
PUL-23 7.45 plus 0.90/kg
Riffle split sample to maximum of 3kg and pulverize split to 85% passing 75 microns. Dispose of unpulverized reject. PUL-24 7.45 plus 0.65/kg
Pulverize concentrate sample to 85% passing 75 microns. Cost includes careful cleaning of the pulverizing bowl after grinding. PUL-51 18.60
individual Sample Preparation Procedures
Splitting
After crushing, some samples may require splitting into representative sub-samples. In many locations automated rotary splitters can be attached to crushers to produce demonstrably superior precision in sub-sample analyses.
Pulverizing
While larger pulps offer better sub-sample representation and are required for metallic screen assays, 250g pulps are routine for low-grade or non-mineralized rock. All pulverizing procedures make use of flying disk or ring and puck style low-chrome steel grinding mills unless otherwise specified. Please enquire if you are interested in non-metallic pulverization media such as agate, tungsten carbide or zirconia.
Crushing
Jaw crushers may be used to reduce sample particle size prior to pulverization. Very fine crushing may be desirable when nugget effect and sample representivity is a concern. Other nominal sizes and fineness options are available on request.
The following procedures can be used either separately or combined in a package in order to meet specific needs regarding sample size and composition. Most of these procedures are charged at a rate that is based on sample weight.
Drying
Drying charges are only applied to samples that are excessively wet. Local laboratory managers will determine the applicability of such charges in consultation with the client when the samples are received.
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DeSCriPtion rAnGe CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Specific Gravity on solid objects - OA-GRA08 12.40
Specific Gravity on solid objects after wax coating - OA-GRA08a 16.05
Specific Gravity on pulps using pycnometer - OA-GRA08b 12.40
Specific Gravity on solid objects using pycnometer - OA-GRA08c 12.40
Bulk Density by water displacement 0.01 20g/cm3 OA-GRA09 12.40
Bulk Density after wax coating 0.01 20g/cm3 OA-GRA09a 19.80
Wax removal charge for SG and BG - OA-GRA08wr 5.65
DeSCriPtion APPliCAtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Compositing of two or more samples. May be done by volume/core length (CMP-21) or by weight (CMP-22). As requested.
CMP-21CMP-22
2.154.05
Clean crushers with barren material after every sample.As required. The standard procedure uses compressed air cleaning between samples and barren material between each batch.
WSH-21 2.45
Clean pulverizers with barren material after every sample.As required. The standard procedure uses compressed air cleaning or vacuuming between samples and barren material between each batch.
WSH-22 3.15
Transfer sample to drying tray or new sample bag.As required for samples received in containers unsuitable for laboratory storage, or requiring tray drying.
TRA-21 1.25
Bagging large pulps for storage. For large pulps/bulk masters. BAG-01 1.20
Double bag coarse rejects. As requested. BAG-06 1.20
Homogenize stored or composited samples by light pulverizing. As required. HOM-01 5.55
Screening of samples to any number of standard size fractions, as specified by the client. Weight of undersize fraction reported for each screen size.
Fraction sizing or custom screening as requested. SCR-51 6.20/screen size
Specific Gravity (SG) and Bulk Density (BD) of ores are often under-characterized in the determination of tonnage and grade of a deposit. Incorrect assumptions or inadequate characterization of these basic rock properties can lead to gross errors in deposit tonnage. SG is determined by weighing a sample in air and in water, and it is reported as a ratio between the density of the sample and the density of water. BD is the density of a material in weight per unit volume, and it is determined by the weight of a sample and the volume of water the sample displaces. Calculations for SG and BD are corrected for air temperature and the density of the wax coating, if a wax coating is used. Solvents other than water are available in some locations; please enquire for more information.
These procedures may be used when specialized preparation or sample compositing is required. An hourly labour charge may apply to time-intensive projects.
Specific Gravity & bulk Density
Miscellaneous Procedures
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AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm)* DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
trace level
Au 0.001-10Au by fire assay and ICP-AES. 30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
Au-ICP21 Au-ICP22
16.7019.75
Au 0.005-10Au by fire assay and AAS. 30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
Au-AA23 Au-AA24
16.0519.10
ore Grade
Au 0.01-100Au by fire assay and AAS. 30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
Au-AA25 Au-AA26
16.7019.75
Au 0.05-1,000Au by fire assay and gravimetric finish. 30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
Au-GRA21 Au-GRA22
21.0525.30
AuAg
0.05-1,0005-10,000
Au and Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish.30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
ME-GRA21ME-GRA22
27.2531.55
AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm)* DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Au 0.05-1,000
1 kg screen fire assay. Screen to 100 microns. Duplicate assay on screen undersize. Assay of entire oversize fraction.30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
Au-SCR21**Au-SCR24**
55.6561.75
Gold in rocks, Drill Core and Chip Samples
Selection of the best fire assay method for the accurate determination of total gold content in a sample is highly dependent on the nature of the sample matrix, the grain size and distribution of the gold and the objective of the analytical result. A wide variety of minerals and metals in moderate to high concentrations (such as chromite, base metal sulfides and oxides, selenides, and tellurides) can interfere with the fire assay process, generally leading to low precious metal recoveries. ALS Geochemistry uses an optimal flux recipe and rigorous quality control program to handle all but the highest concentrations of these problem materials. With prior knowledge of the presence of these minerals and metals, ALS Geochemistry can further modify the flux constituents to improve recoveries.
* 1 oz/ton = 34.2857 ppm
When samples contain very high grade or coarse gold occurrences, the screen metallic procedure is recommended to help avoid over- or under-estimating gold grades. Custom method triggers can be set up for your project such that gold over a certain concentration will automatically be re-run using a higher-grade method, including screen metallics. Client services at ALS Geochemistry can help you customize a gold assay program to meet your project needs.
* 1 oz/ton = 34.2857 ppm** Other screen sizes may be available - please contact your local office for details.
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AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Super trace level
Au 0.0001-0.1Au by aqua regia extraction with ICP-MS finish.25g nominal sample weight50g nominal sample weight
Au-ST43Au-ST44
17.3519.15
trace level
Au 0.001-1Au by aqua regia extraction with ICP-MS finish.25g nominal sample weight50g nominal sample weight
Au-TL43Au-TL44
14.9016.70
ore Grade
Au 0.01-100Au by aqua regia extraction with ICP-MS finish.25g nominal sample weight50g nominal sample weight
Au-OG43Au-OG44
14.4516.05
AnAlyte rAnGe (PPM) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Au and 53 elements
0.0001-0.1Ultra Trace, Various
Au by 25g aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS finish, paired with our most sensitive and lowest detection limit multi-element package. Best for exploring very subtle geochemical anomalies.
ST43L-PKG 37.50
Au and 51 elements
0.0001-0.1Super Trace, Various
Au by 25g aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS finish, paired with our standard multi-element aqua regia package for soil exploration. Suitable for all exploration surveys using soils and stream sediments.
ST43-PKG 31.95
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.2-40 Cd 1-5,000 Mn 5-10,000 Sb 2-10,000
ME-ICP43 (25g)
ME-ICP44 (50g)
12.40 complete package or 7.45 plus 0.65/element
As 1-10,000 Co 1-10,000 Mo 1-5,000 Zn 1-10,000
Ba 10-10,000 Cu 1-10,000 Ni 1-10,000
Bi 2-10,000 Fe 0.01%-20% P 10-10,000
Ca 0.01%-15% Mg 0.01%-15% Pb 1-4,000
Ag 0.01-25 Co 0.1-250 Se 0.2-250 U 0.05-100ME-MS43 (25g)
ME-MS44 (50g)
22.60 complete package or 9.85 plus 1.25/element
As 0.1-250 Hg 0.01-250 Sn 0.1-250 W 0.05-250
Bi 0.01-250 Mo 0.05-250 Te 0.01-250
Cd 0.01-250 Sb 0.05-250 Tl 0.02-250
AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Au 0.0001-10 BLEG ICP-MS finish BLEG extraction AA finishAu-CN12*Au-AA12 37.15
Au 0.001-10 BLEG ICP-MS finishBLEG extraction AA finishAu-CN11*Au-AA11 24.75
When only a few elements are required in addition to gold, single elements may be read from the same 25g or 50g aqua regia digestion using the ICP-AES or ICP-MS.
Cyanide leach for Stream Sediments
Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) or cyanide leach procedures are used where cyanide extraction from a very large stream sediment sample (up to 3kg) can sometimes detect small gold anomalies that otherwise would go unnoticed. Prices for cyanide leaching of samples greater than 1kg by quotation.
Gold and Multi-element Aqua regia Packages
Our gold in soils and sediments methods may be combined with multi-element packages to provide a complete, cost effective and meaningful data set for geologists and geochemists.
Gold in Soils and Stream Sediments
Aqua regia Digestion
The determination of gold in soils and stream sediments by aqua regia digestion offers very low detection limits, making it an attractive option for geochemical orientation surveys. Aqua regia effectively dissolves both native gold as well as gold bound in sulfide ore minerals. Depending on the soil composition, gold determined by this method may or may not match recovery from fire assay methods.
*Silver and copper may also be reported by these methods for an additional fee.
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AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
trace levelAg 0.2-100 Ag by aqua regia digestion and AAS. Ag-AA45 6.35
Ag 0.5-100 Ag by HF-HNO3-HClO4 digestion, HCl leach and AAS. Ag-AA61 8.85
Note: See also multi-element methods that include Ag in the Targeted Exploration section (pages 18-21).
ore Grade
Ag 1-1,500 Ag by aqua regia digestion, ICP-AES or AAS finish. Ag-OG46 (Ag-AA46) 11.15
Ag 1-1,500 Ag by HF-HNO3-HClO4 digestion with HCl leach, ICP-AES or AAS finish.Ag-OG62
(Ag-AA62) 13.70
Ag 5-10,000Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish.30g nominal sample weight50g nominal sample weight
Ag-GRA21Ag-GRA22
22.2526.55
AuAg
0.05-1,0005-10,000
Au and Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish.30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
ME-GRA21ME-GRA22
27.2531.55
AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
trace levelPtPdAu
0.0001-10.0001-10.001-1
Super trace Pt, Pd and Au by fire assay and ICP-MS finish.30g nominal sample weight PGM-MS23L 23.10
Pt Pd Au
0.0005-1 0.001-1 0.001-1
Pt, Pd and Au by fire assay and ICP-MS finish. 30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
PGM-MS23 PGM-MS24
20.1023.15
Rh 0.001-1 Rh by fire assay, gold collection and ICP-MS 30g nominal sample weight Rh-MS25 22.10
intermediate levelPt Pd Au
0.005-10 0.001-10 0.001-10
Pt, Pd and Au by fire assay and ICP-AES finish. 30g nominal sample weight 50g nominal sample weight
PGM-ICP23 PGM-ICP24
18.9022.05
Pt Pd Ir Os Rh Ru Au
0.02-100.02-100.001-100.01-100.005-100.05-100.001-10
Pt, Pd, Ir, Os, Rh, Ru and Au by fire assay with nickel sulfide collection and neutron activation analysis.
30g nominal sample weight
Note: Au is not quantitative by this method.
PGM-NAA26 By Quotation
ore GradePt Pd Au
0.03-100 0.03-100 0.03-100
Pt, Pd and Au by fire assay and ICP-AES finish. 30g nominal sample weight PGM-ICP27 22.90
Silver Trace level and low-grade silver samples may be analyzed by acid digestion for maximum sensitivity and precision. Because silver, like gold, can suffer from nugget effect, occasional duplicate analysis of silver acid digestion methods may help detect sampling error at these low levels.
Platinum, Palladium & other Precious Metals
Platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold may be determined by standard lead oxide collection fire assay and ICP-MS or ICP-AES finish. For the full list of platinum group elements, nickel sulfide collection fire assay and neutron activation must be used for a quantitative analysis.
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AuAgCu
0.03-500.03-3500.1-2000
Au, Ag, Cu by cyanide leach with AAS finish.30g nominal sample weight.
Au-AA13Ag-AA13Cu-AA13
9.85 plus 5.00/element
Au 0.01-200 Au by cyanide leach with AAS finish.1kg nominal sample weight. Au-AA14 30.90
Au 0.01-300Au by accelerated cyanide leach using LeachWELL Assay Tabs with AAS finish.1kg-3kg nominal sample weight.
Au-AA15 37.15
Au 0.03-500 Au Preg Rob Leach with Gold SpikeAu Preg Rob Leach without Gold SpikeAu-AA31Au-AA31a 11.15 each
Note: Cyanide disposal fees apply in some countries.
AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Au 0.001 - 2500 mg/L Au in cyanide liquor by extraction with AAS finish. Au-AA16 22.25
Au 1-10,000 Au on carbon by ashing, aqua regia digestion and AAS. Duplicate analysis. Au-AA44 39.65
Note: A range of elements can be determined on the ashed carbon by ICP-AES/ICP-MS. Please enquire for full details.
AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
ConcentratesAuAg
0.07-999,9850.07-995,000
Au and Ag by fire assay and gravimetric finish.30g sample weight required.
Au-CON01Ag-CON01 82.50 each
Pt, Pd, Rh 0.07-1,000,000 Pt, Pd and Rh by fire assay and AAS finish.30g sample weight required.
Pt-CON01Pd-CON01Rh-CON01
88.40 each
bullionAuAg
0.01-1,000 fineness0.01-1,000 fineness Routine bullion assays by fire assay with gravimetric finish.
Au-GRA24Ag-GRA24 126.00 each
AuAg
0.07-1,000,0000.7-1,000,000 Umpire assay for bullion samples by fire assay with gravimetric finish.
Au-UMP20Ag-UMP20 198.00 each
Pt, Pd, Rh 0.07-1,000,000 Umpire assay for bullion samples by fire assay with gravimetric finish.Pt-UMP20Pd-UMP20Rh-UMP20
185.65 each
Gold Cyanidation In mining and exploration applications, cyanide leach tests are used to establish the potential cyanide extraction efficiency for gold and silver. Various temperature and cyanide concentration configurations are available; please contact client services for more information. Specific to gold, the preg-rob leach test can identify the tendency of certain ores to re-adsorb gold from the cyanide solution, causing lower recoveries than anticipated. Graphite and certain sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite can cause preg-robbing behavior.
Gold in solution in cyanide liquor or captured on activated carbon may be determined for metallurgical purposes.
Precious Metals in Concentrates and bullion
High precision analysis and umpire assay of precious metals in concentrates and bullion are performed by the most senior fire assay technicians and checked by certified assayers to ensure accuracy.
Gold in Metallurgical Samples
13
mE
TA
LLU
RG
IcA
L S
Am
PLE
S A
Nd
bU
LLIO
N
-
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.001-100 Cu 0.01-10,000 Nb 0.002-500 Ta 0.005-500
ME-MS41L Aqua Regia
ME-MS41W Weak Acid Leach
28.70
Al 0.01%-25% Fe 0.001%-50% Ni 0.04-10,000 Te 0.01-500
As 0.01-10,000 Ga 0.004-10,000 P 0.001%-1% Th 0.002-10,000
Au 0.0002-25 Ge 0.005-500 Pb 0.005-10,000 Ti 0.001%-10%
B 10-10,000 Hf 0.002-500 Pd 0.001-25 Tl 0.002-10,000
Ba 0.5-10,000 Hg 0.004-10,000 Pt 0.002-25 U 0.005-10,000
Be 0.01-1000 In 0.005-500 Rb 0.005-10,000 V 0.1-10,000
Bi 0.001-10,000 K 0.01%-10% Re 0.001-50 W 0.001-10,000
Ca 0.01%-25% La 0.002-10,000 S 0.01%-10% Y 0.003-500
Cd 0.001-1000 Li 0.1-10,000 Sb 0.005-10,000 Zn 0.1-10,000
Ce 0.003-500 Mg 0.01%-25% Sc 0.005-10,000 Zr 0.01-500
Co 0.001-10,000 Mn 0.1-50,000 Se 0.1-1000
Cr 0.01-10,000 Mo 0.01-10,000 Sn 0.01-500
Cs 0.005-500 Na 0.001%-10% Sr 0.01-10,000
Aqua Regia
Ionic LeachTM
Increasing leach strength
Hot hydroxylamine-HCI
Cold hydroxylamine-HCI
Ammonium acetate
De-ionized water
Water soluble salts
Acetate soluble
secondary minerals
Mn oxidesAmorphous
Fe oxidesCrystalline Fe oxides
Resistatecomponents
Sulfides & Otherminerals
Wholerock
Carbonates
Surface absorbed
Weak Acid Leach
Exploration geochemistry utilizes trends and patterns in trace element distribution as indicators of concealed mineralization deep below the surface or at a great distance from the sample location. The trace elements that circulate in the overburden are often trapped on the surfaces of reactive minerals or weakly bound in weathering products, and they may be further transported by plants and groundwater acting to dissolve the secondary minerals hosting them.
There are a wide variety of partial leaches available that are designed to target different minerals and particle size fractions in soils and sediments, and novel sample mediums like surface water and vegetation can be used to vector towards blind deposits. ALS Geochemistry offers a number of these generative exploration methods, detailed in the next four pages.
Guide to Partial leaches for Soils
This graphic can be used to help determine which leaches will target particular mineral fractions in soils. The amount of a particular element taken into solution by these digestion methods will depend both on the sample matrix and the leach chemistry, and this information can only be used as a general guide for interpreting partial leach results.
The aqua regia digestion, in combination with sophisticated software and careful analysis by ICP-MS and ICP-AES, provides extremely low detection limits useful for exploration in soils or sediments requiring ultra-trace analytical sensitivity. Alternatively, a weak acid digestion using 1:1 nitric to hydrochloric acids at room temperature may be used for more selective digestion of oxyhydroxide minerals.
These methods can also be done on the clay fraction of soils; the preparation procedure for clay separation is detailed on page 7 in the Sample Preparation section. Minimum sample size is 1g.
Aqua regia and weak Acid Digestion for Soils and Sediments
Generative exploration Using Soils, Sediments, and other Sample Media
14
SU
PE
R T
RA
cE
mE
TH
Od
S f
OR
SO
ILS
AN
d S
Ed
ImE
NT
S
-
AnAlyteS & DeteCtion liMitS (ppb) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.1 Eu 0.1 Nb 0.1 Tb 0.1
ME-MS23 40.80 complete package
As 2 Fe 0.1 ppm Nd 0.1 Te 1
Au 0.02 Ga 0.5 Ni 1 Th 0.02
Ba 10 Gd 0.1 Pb 1 Ti 5
Be 0.2 Ge 0.1 Pd 0.1 Tl 0.5
Bi 3 Hf 0.5 Pr 0.1 Tm 0.1
Br 0.05 ppm Hg 0.1 Pt 0.1 U 0.1
Ca 0.2 ppm Ho 0.1 Rb 0.1 W 1
Cd 1 I 0.01 ppm Re 0.1 Y 0.1
ME-MS22 21.35 plus 0.80/element, 2.30 pH after leach
Ce 0.1 In 0.1 Sb 0.5 Yb 0.1
Co 0.3 La 0.1 Sc 1 Zn 10
Cr 1 Li 0.2 Se 2 Zr 0.1
Cs 0.1 Lu 0.1 Sm 0.1
Cu 1 Mg 0.01 ppm Sn 0.2 206Pb 1
Dy 0.1 Mn 0.01 ppm Sr 1 207Pb 1
Er 0.1 Mo 0.5 Ta 1 208Pb 1
ionic leach Ionic Leach is a static sodium cyanide leach using the chelating agents ammonium chloride, citric acid and EDTA with the leachant buffered at an alkaline pH of 8.5. This innovative leach technique is designed for near surface soils; sample handling is minimal and the material is digested as collected with no drying or sieving, so there is very little opportunity to lose or introduce elements during the partial leach process. It is designed to enhance the potential to detect and resolve geochemical anomalies for a range of commodity elements.
The procedure selectively solubilizes metal ions that have been leached from the primary source, migrated, and then redeposited near the surface. This approach is combined with advancements in sample introduction and analytical instrumentation to achieve the very low detection limits needed to produce high signal to noise ratios in partial leach surveys. Compared to other partial extraction techniques, Ionic Leach preferentially attacks weakly adsorbed metal ions, metals associated with carbonate minerals, and to some extent, metals associated with amorphous Mn and Fe oxyhydroxides. Most partial leaches are performed in an acidic medium, whereas the Ionic Leach method is alkaline. The presence of EDTA and cyanide means that metals, especially Au and Ag, are strongly complexed and stay in solution prior to analysis, preventing readsorption to undigested mineral surfaces.
Ionic Leach is particularly useful for the resolution of subtle anomalies over blind mineralization. It has been found that where mobile metal ions have been added to a soil horizon from deeply buried mineralization, aqua regia may obscure key geochemical signatures as it can be too aggressive. ALS Geochemistry highly recommends an initial orientation program to demonstrate the advantages of Ionic Leach over a traditional aqua regia digestion in a particular geological setting.
Minimum sample size is 50g (wet weight) of soil for Ionic Leach. Specially prepared vegetation samples may be leached at a 5g sample size.
15
ION
Ic L
EA
cH
Tm
-
AnAlyteS & DeteCtion liMitS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.002 Dy 0.0005 Mg 0.5 Sr 0.005
ME-MS03
ME-MS04
ME-MS05
ME-MS06
ME-MS07*
43.30/leach
Al 1 Er 0.0005 Mn 0.05 Ta 0.001
As 0.01 Eu 0.0005 Mo 0.001 Tb 0.0001
Au 0.001 Fe 1 Na* 5 Te 0.005
B 0.2 Ga 0.05 Nb 0.0005 Th 0.0005
Ba 0.01 Gd 0.0005 Nd 0.0005 Ti 0.05
Be 0.005 Ge 0.005 Ni 0.05 Tl 0.001
Bi 0.003 Hf 0.0005 P* 1 Tm 0.0001
Br 1 Hg 0.01 Pb 0.005 U 0.0005
Ca 10 Ho 0.0001 Pr 0.0001 V 0.05
Cd 0.001 I 0.05 Rb 0.005 W 0.001
Ce 0.0005 In 0.001 Re 0.0002 Y 0.0005
Co 0.001 K 5 Sb 0.0005 Yb 0.0005
Cr 0.05 La 0.0005 Se 0.02 Zn 0.05
Cs 0.0005 Li 0.01 Sm 0.0005 Zr 0.001
Cu 0.05 Lu 0.0001 Sn 0.005
other Selective leaches In addition to Ionic Leach, ALS Geochemistry offers a wide variety of other partial leaches so that our clients can select the leach that is most applicable to the geochemical environment being sampled. The different leaches are designed to target different parts of a soil or sediment sample. Leaches can be done individually or sequentially to best suit project needs. The minimum sample size for each leach or for any combination in sequence is 1g.
De-ionized water (Me-MS03)
The water soluble fraction contains the most weakly bound ions. This leach is not buffered and subject to pH variability during the leaching process due to buffering of the leach by the sample mineralogy.
Ammonium Acetate (Me-MS04)
Slightly stronger than a water wash, the ammonium acetate leach targets the most weakly bound ions and can be used in sequential extractions prior to stronger leaches. This buffered leach is used to extract exchangeable ions and carbonates.
Cold hydroxylamine-hydrochloride (Me-MS05)
The cold hydroxylamine-HCl leach has been used extensively by explorationists because it is selective for manganese oxides, long known to be powerful scavengers of heavy metals of geochemical significance. Manganese forms several oxidation states and exists in a variety of amorphous and crystalline forms. As a result, manganese oxide has an extraordinarily high cation exchange capacity, accommodating many different trace elements on its surfaces. This leach does not dissolve crystalline iron oxides but does dissolve very small amounts of amorphous hydrous iron oxide.
hot hydroxylamine-hydrochloride (Me-MS06)
The hot hydroxylamine-HCl leach, which combines a higher concentration of hydroxylamine with elevated temperature (60C) and a reducing acid environment, is capable of effectively dissolving amorphous hydrous iron oxide while leaving crystalline iron oxide substantially intact (typically < 1% dissolution). As amorphous hydrous iron oxide is a much more effective scavenger than crystalline forms of iron oxide, this leach can be quite informative about metal ion mobility.
Sodium Pyrophosphate (Me-MS07)
Organic matter in soils and sediments is capable of forming chelation complexes with metals. A solution of neutral (pH 7) sodium pyrophosphate liberates these organically-bound heavy metals. Variations in the concentrations of organically-bound metals such as copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, iron and aluminum have been used as indications of buried mineral deposits. Extraction with pyrophosphate does not attack sulfides, nor does it dissolve significant amounts of amorphous iron oxides.
63 elements, various leaches and iCP-MS
* Na and P not reported in ME-MS07
16
SE
LE
cT
IvE
LE
Ac
HE
S
-
DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
ALS Geochemistry can help you find resources on designing biogeochemistry surveys and special preparation for various plant tissues. Please contact client services for more information. PRP-VEG01 By Quotation
AnAlyteS & DeteCtion liMitS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.002 Cu 0.01 Nb 0.05 Ta 0.01
ME-VEG4125.95
Sold only as a complete package.
Al 0.01% Fe 0.001% Ni 0.1 Te 0.02
As 0.1 Ga 0.05 P 0.001% Th 0.01
Au 0.0002 Ge 0.05 Pb 0.01 Ti 0.001%
B 10 Hf 0.02 Pd 0.002 Tl 0.02
Ba 0.1 Hg 0.001 Pt 0.001 U 0.01
Be 0.05 In 0.01 Rb 0.1 V 1
Bi 0.01 K 0.01% Re 0.001 W 0.05
Ca 0.01% La 0.01 S 0.01% Y 0.005
Cd 0.01 Li 0.1 Sb 0.02 Zn 0.1
Ce 0.02 Mg 0.001% Sc 0.1 Zr 0.1
Co 0.01 Mn 1 Se 0.1
Cr 0.5 Mo 0.01 Sn 0.2
Cs 0.05 Na 0.001% Sr 0.2
AnAlyteS & DeteCtion liMitS (g/l) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.005 Fe 0.03 mg/L Re 0.005 Y 0.005
ME-MS14HR200.00
Sold only as a complete package
Al 3 Ga 0.05 Sb 0.01 Zn 3
As 0.05 Hg 0.05 Se 0.2 Zr 0.05
B 5 K 2 mg/L Si 0.05 mg/L TDS 3 mg/L
Ba 0.1 Li 0.2 Sn 0.2 Conductivity 2 uS/cm
Be 0.005 Mg 0.1 mg/L Sr 0.05 Alkalinity 1 mg/L
Bi 0.05 Mn 0.2 Te 0.01 pH 0.1 units
Ca 0.05 mg/L Mo 0.05 Th 0.005 Br 0.05 mg/L
Cd 0.005 Na 2 mg/L Ti 0.2 Cl 0.5 mg/L
Co 0.05 Ni 0.2 Tl 0.002 F 0.02 mg/L
Cr 0.5 P 0.3 mg/L U 0.002 NO2 0.001 mg/L
Cs 0.005 Pb 0.05 V 0.05 NO3 0.005 mg/L
Cu 0.5 Rb 0.02 W 0.01 SO4 0.5 mg/L
hydrogeochemistry high resolution iCP-MS on natural waters
Ground and surface waters are important media for the geochemical exploration of many different styles of mineralization. Trace metal analysis in water can reveal mineralization-related anomalies in areas where soil sampling is difficult or impossible, such as swampy terrain or desert. ALS Geochemistry offers a highly attractive analytical package, which includes everything required to carry out a hydrogeochemical survey: acid-washed, pre-labeled 250mL sample bottle pairs; ultrapure nitric acid in pre-measured ampoules; disposable 45 micron filters and syringes for field filtration; bottles of de-ionized water for field blanks; and coolers with optional ice packs for sample shipping and transportation.
Please note this method is not suitable for surface or groundwater with high dissolved solids or metals content, mine effluent, or brackish/salt water. The samples must be submitted in the bottles supplied with the package. For all other types of water sample analysis, please contact your local lab for options.
biogeochemistry Plants may be viewed as large-scale geochemical sampling devices, with root systems that can selectively adsorb elements from a large volume of soil, groundwater and even bedrock. Typically, the relationship between the chemistry of a plant and that of the soil the plant grows in isnt one-to-one due to biological effects.
Due to permit requirements, vegetation samples are not available for return to the client.
vegetation and humus Sample Preparation
REEs may be added on request.
65 elements in vegetation Package by nitric/hCl Digestion and iCP-MS
Minimum sample size is 1g.
17
WA
TE
R A
Nd
vE
GE
TA
TIO
N
-
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.01-100 Cs 0.05-500 Mo 0.05-10,000 Sr 0.2-10,000
ME-MS41 23.20
Al 0.01-25% Cu 0.2-10,000 Na 0.01%-10% Ta 0.01-500
As 0.1-10,000 Fe 0.01%-50% Nb 0.05-500 Te 0.01-500
Au* 0.2-25 Ga 0.05-10,000 Ni 0.2-10,000 Th 0.2-10,000
B 10-10,000 Ge 0.05-500 P 10-10,000 Ti 0.005%-10%
Ba 10-10,000 Hf 0.02-500 Pb 0.2-10,000 Tl 0.02-10,000
Be 0.05-1,000 Hg 0.01-10,000 Rb 0.1-10,000 U 0.05-10,000
Bi 0.01-10,000 In 0.005-500 Re 0.001-50 V 1-10,000
Ca 0.01%-25% K 0.01%-10% S 0.01%-10% W 0.05-10,000
Cd 0.01-1,000 La 0.2-10,000 Sb 0.05-10,000 Y 0.05-500
Ce 0.02-500 Li 0.1-10,000 Sc 0.1-10,000 Zn 2-10,000
Co 0.1-10,000 Mg 0.01%-25% Se 0.2-1,000 Zr 0.5-500
Cr 1-10,000 Mn 5-50,000 Sn 0.2-500
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.01-25 Hg 0.005-25 Se 0.2-250 U 0.05-250
(+)-MS42 12.40 plus 1.25/elementAs 0.1-250 Re 0.001-250 Te 0.01-250
Bi 0.01-250 Sb 0.05-250 Tl 0.02-250
Ultra trace level Methods Aqua regia Digestion for Drill Core and rocks
Method selection can be key to achieving exploration success. Sample type, target commodity, and pathfinder elements should all be considered when selecting the most appropriate method for your project.
Aqua regia readily dissolves many sulfide, oxide and carbonate minerals quantitatively while leaving silicates and resistive oxides untouched. Many volatile pathfinder elements, particularly mercury, are preserved during digestion. These considerations make aqua regia an excellent exploration tool for various deposit types that involve gold, silver and base metals hosted in sulfide and carbonate minerals.
Native metals such as gold and silver may not be representatively characterized by the small sample sizes used in these methods (nugget effect), and some refractory minerals and elements such as molybdenum are not brought into solution in aqua regia. In these cases, fire assay may be used in combination with ME-MS41, or a four acid digestion may be preferable. Please contact your nearest lab with any questions.
Minimum sample size is 1g.
51 element Package by Aqua regia and iCP-AeS/iCP-MS
* Gold determinations by this method are semi-quantitative due to the small sample weight used.
Single elements by Aqua regia and iCP-MS
An effective option when analytical results for one or only a few elements are required. You can create your own package of elements specific to your exploration program. Many more elements are available on request.
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
18
ULT
RA
TR
Ac
E A
qU
A R
EG
IA
-
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.01-100 Cu 0.2-10,000 Na 0.01%-10% Sr 0.2-10,000
ME-MS61
ME-MS61m
27.90
37.75
Al 0.01%-50% Fe 0.01%-50% Nb 0.1-500 Ta 0.05-100
As 0.2-10,000 Ga 0.05-10,000 Ni 0.2-10,000 Te 0.05-500
Ba 10-10,000 Ge 0.05-500 P 10-10,000 Th 0.2-10,000
Be 0.05-1,000 Hf 0.1-500 Pb 0.5-10,000 Ti 0.005%-10%
Bi 0.01-10,000 In 0.005-500 Rb 0.1-10,000 Tl 0.02-10,000
Ca 0.01%-50% K 0.01%-10% Re 0.002-50 U 0.1-10,000
Cd 0.02-1,000 La 0.5-10,000 S 0.01%-10% V 1-10,000
Ce 0.01-500 Li 0.2-10,000 Sb 0.05-10,000 W 0.1-10,000
Co 0.1-10,000 Mg 0.01%-50% Sc 0.1-10,000 Y 0.1-500
Cr 1-10,000 Mn 5-100,000 Se 1-1,000 Zn 2-10,000
Cs 0.05-500 Mo 0.05-10,000 Sn 0.2-500 Zr 0.5-500
Note: To include Hg by a separate procedure in the suite of elements above, please request ME-MS61m instead of ME-MS61.
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Dy 0.05-1,000 Gd 0.05-1,000 Nd 0.1-10,000 Tb 0.01-1,000
ME-MS61r 3.65 (add on price)Er 0.03-1,000 Ho 0.01-1,000 Pr 0.03-1,000 Tm 0.01-1,000
Eu 0.03-1,000 Lu 0.01-1,000 Sm 0.03-1,000 Yb 0.03-1,000
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.02-100 Ga 0.05-500 Se 0.5-500 Tl 0.02-500
(+)-MS62 14.90 plus 1.25/elementAs 0.2-500 Mo 0.05-500 Sn 0.2-500 U 0.1-500
Bi 0.01-500 Re 0.002-50 Te 0.05-500 W 0.1-500
Cd 0.02-500 Sb 0.05-500 Th 0.2-500
Ultra trace level Methods four Acid Digestion for Drill Core and rocks
Four acid digestion quantitatively dissolves nearly all minerals in the majority of geological materials. However, it may sometimes be necessary to use even stronger dissolution techniques such as fusions in order to achieve fully quantitative results for refractory minerals. These may include barite, rare earth oxides, columbite-tantalite, and tin and tungsten minerals.
Four acid digestion can also volatilize certain exploration pathfinder elements, in particular mercury. Mercury may be added to the package at a special price detailed below, or a custom suite of elements can be added using the single-element aqua regia method on the opposite page as well. Four acid digestions are not recommended for gold analysis; the fire assay methods described on page 10 may be paired with ME-MS61 for exploration purposes.
Minimum sample size is 1g.
48 element Package by four Acid and iCP-AeS/iCP-MS
A full suite of rare earth elements can be added to this package, keeping in mind that this data will represent the acid leachable portion of the rare earth elements only.
To include rare earth elements in the suite of elements above, please request ME-MS61r instead of ME-MS61.
Single elements by four Acid and iCP-MS
An effective option when analytical results for one or only a few elements are required. You can create your own package of elements specific to your exploration program. Many more elements are available on request.
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
19
ULT
RA
TR
Ac
E f
OU
R A
cId
-
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.2-100 Co 1-10,000 Mn 5-50,000 Sr 1-10,000
ME-ICP41
ME-ICP41m
11.15 complete package or 5.70 plus 0.65/element
17.35
Al 0.01%-25% Cr 1-10,000 Mo 1-10,000 Th 20-10,000
As 2-10,000 Cu 1-10,000 Na 0.01%-10% Ti 0.01%-10%
B 10-10,000 Fe 0.01%-50% Ni 1-10,000 Tl 10-10,000
Ba 10-10,000 Ga 10-10,000 P 10-10,000 U 10-10,000
Be 0.5-1,000 Hg 1-10,000 Pb 2-10,000 V 1-10,000
Bi 2-10,000 K 0.01%-10% S 0.01%-10% W 10-10,000
Ca 0.01%-25% La 10-10,000 Sb 2-10,000 Zn 2-10,000
Cd 0.5-1,000 Mg 0.01%-25% Sc 1-10,000
Note: To include Hg to a lower detection limit of 0.005ppm in this suite of elements, please request method ME-ICP41m instead of ME-ICP41.
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.2-100 Co 1-10,000 Mo 1-10,000 Pb 1-10,000(+)-AA45 3.70 plus 2.65/element
As 5-10,000 Cu 1-10,000 Ni 1-10,000 Zn 1-10,000
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.5-100 Co 5-10,000 Mo 2-10,000 Pb 5-10,000(+)-AA61 6.20 plus 2.65/element
As 10-10,000 Cu 2-10,000 Ni 5-10,000 Zn 5-10,000
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 0.5-100 Cr 1-10,000 Na 0.01%-10% Ti 0.01%-10%
ME-ICP61
ME-ICP61m
14.90 complete package or 8.20 plus 0.65/element
24.75
Al 0.01%-50% Cu 1-10,000 Ni 1-10,000 Tl 10-10,000
As 5-10,000 Fe 0.01%-50% P 10-10,000 U 10-10,000
Ba 10-10,000 Ga 10-10,000 Pb 2-10,000 V 1-10,000
Be 0.5-1,000 K 0.01%-10% S 0.01%-10% W 10-10,000
Bi 2-10,000 La 10-10,000 Sb 5-10,000 Zn 2-10,000
Ca 0.01%-50% Mg 0.01%-50% Sc 1-10,000
Cd 0.5-1,000 Mn 5-100,000 Sr 1-10,000
Co 1-10,000 Mo 1-10,000 Th 20-10,000
Note: To include Hg in the suite of elements above, please request method ME-ICP61m instead of ME-ICP61.
trace level Methods by Aqua regia
These methods are economical tools for first pass exploration geochemistry. Data reported from an aqua regia digestion should be considered as representing only the leachable portion of the particular analyte.
Minimum sample size is 1g.
35 element Package by Aqua regia and iCP-AeS
Single elements by Aqua regia and AAS
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
Four acid digestions are able to dissolve most minerals, but although the term near-total is used, not all elements are quantitatively extracted in some sample matrices.
Minimum sample size is 1g.
33 element Package by four Acid and iCP-AeS
trace level Methods by four Acid
Single elements by four Acid and AAS
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
20
TR
Ac
E L
Ev
EL m
ET
HO
dS
-
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 1-200 Cr 5-50,000 Mo 5-50,000 Th 100-50,000
ME-ICP41a 18.60 complete package or 11.20 plus 2.45/element
Al 0.05%-50% Cu 5-50,000 Na 0.05%-50% Ti 0.05%-50%
As 10-100,000 Fe 0.05%-50% Ni 5-50,000 Tl 50-50,000
Ba 50-50,000 Ga 50-50,000 P 50-50,000 U 50-50,000
Be 5-500 Hg 5-50,000 Pb 10-50,000 V 5-50,000
Bi 10-50,000 K 0.05%-50% S 0.05%-10% W 50-50,000
Ca 0.05%-50% La 50-50,000 Sb 10-50,000 Zn 10-50,000
Cd 5-2,500 Mg 0.05%-50% Sc 5-50,000
Co 5-50,000 Mn 25-50,000 Sr 5-50,000
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 1-200 Cr 10-100,000 Na 0.05%-30% Ti 0.05%-30%
ME-ICP61a 21.10 complete package or 13.70 plus 2.45/element
Al 0.05%-30% Cu 10-100,000 Ni 10-100,000 Tl 50-50,000
As 50-100,000 Fe 0.05%-50% P 50-100,000 U 50-50,000
Ba 50-50,000 Ga 50-50,000 Pb 20-100,000 V 10-100,000
Be 10-10,000 K 0.1%-30% S 0.05%-10% W 50-50,000
Bi 20-50,000 La 50-50,000 Sb 50-50,000 Zn 20-100,000
Ca 0.05%-50% Mg 0.05%-50% Sc 10-50,000
Cd 10-10,000 Mn 10-100,000 Sr 10-100,000
Co 10-50,000 Mo 10-50,000 Th 50-50,000
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ba 10-10,000 Nb 2-4,000 Ta 10-5,000 Y 2-4,000
(+)-XRF05 9.85 plus 2.45/elementCe 10-4,000 Rb 2-4,000 Th 4-4,000 Zr 2-4,000
Cr 5-4,000 Sn 5-5,000 U 4-5,000
La 10-4,000 Sr 2-4,000 W 10-5,000
low Grade Mineralized Materials
These packages can be used as an economical alternative to analyzing low grade ore or samples with known mineralization. The method precision is intermediate between exploration geochemistry and an assay procedure.
Minimum sample size is 1g.
34 element Package by Aqua regia and iCP-AeS
Data reported from an aqua regia digestion should be considered as representing only the leachable portion of the particular analyte.
33 element Package by four Acid and iCP-AeS
Four acid digestions are able to dissolve most minerals, but although the term near-total is used, not all elements are quantitatively extracted in some sample matrices.
low level resistive elements
Pressed pellet XRF is a suitable method for determining certain elements that are not easily solubilized by acid digestion techniques. A finely ground sample powder is mixed with a few drops of liquid binder, compressed in a pellet press then analyzed by XRF spectrometry.
Minimum sample size is 10g.
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
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AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Cl 50-20,000 KOH fusion and ion chromatography. Cl-IC881* 20.00
Cl 50-20,000 Specific to Cl in phosphates only. KOH fusion and ion specific electrode. Cl-ELE81a 18.60
Cl 0.01%-6% Lithium metaborate fusion and XRF. Cl-XRF20 18.60
Cl 0.01%-80% Nitric acid digestion and titration. Cl-VOL66 37.15
F 20-20,000 KOH fusion and ion selective electrode. F-ELE81a 18.60
F 0.01%-100% Na2O2 fusion, citric acid leach and ion selective electrode. F-ELE82 27.90
F 20-20,000 KOH fusion and ion chromatography. F-IC881* 20.00
BrClI
0.5-10,00090-10,0000.5-10,000
Halogen package by neutron activationBr-NAA05 Cl-NAA06 I-NAA07
By Quotation
AnAlyte rAnGe (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Hg 0.005-100 Trace level Hg by aqua regia and ICP-MS. Hg-MS42 9.90
Hg 1-100,000 High grade Hg by aqua regia and ICP-AES. Hg-ICP42 9.90
Hg 0.01-100 Trace level Hg by aqua regia and cold vapor/AAS. Hg-CV41 13.65
Hg 1-10,000 Hg in ores by acid digestion and ICP-AES. Hg-CON01 74.25
AnAlyte rAnGe DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Acid Insoluble 0.01%-100% Acid insoluble content. Requires 1g sample. OA-GRA04 14.90
pH 0.1-14 pH on 1:10 sample to water ratio. Requires 5g sample minimum. OA-ELE03 9.85
Conductivity 1-100,000 S/cm Specific conductivity on 1:10 sample to water ratio. Requires 5g sample minimum. OA-ELE04 12.40
Soil pH 0.1-14 Soil pH on 1:1 sample to water ratio. Requires 5g sample minimum. OA-ELE05 12.40
Paste pH 0.1-14 Paste pH on 10g sample saturated with water. OA-ELE07 7.45
AnAlyte rAnGe (%) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
H2O (Moisture) 0.01-100Gravimetric procedure after drying at 105C. Requires 5g sample. OA-GRA10 14.90
H2O + (Water of Crystallization) 0.01-100Combustion furnace and infrared Spectrometry. Requires 1g sample. OA-IR06 14.90
LOI @ 550C 0.01-100 Loss on ignition at 550C. Requires 1g sample. OA-GRA05a 12.40
LOI @ 1000C 0.01-100 Loss on ignition at 1000C. Requires 1g sample. OA-GRA05 8.40
individual and Miscellaneous Methods
halogens
Elemental analysis of the halide minerals containing chlorine and fluorine require specific instrumentation and special fusions or digestions that will completely dissolve and retain the elements in solution. For bromine and iodine, solid sampling by neutron activation must be used.
Minimum sample size is 5g.
* When F and Cl are determined together by Ion Chromatography the price per sample is $27.50.
Mercury
Mercury poses special analytical challenges and may be partially or completely volatilized by high temperature digestions. Aqua regia is the digestion of choice for a range of concentrations; ICP-MS and ICP-AES methods have superseded the traditional cold vapor-AAS instrumentation, but they are still available if desired.
Minimum sample size is 1g.
water Content and loi
other
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AnAlyte DeSCriPtion CoDePriCe Per
SAMPle ($)C and O in Carbonate Minerals
Newly developed method offered in partnership with the Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) at the University of British Columbia. Carbon and oxygen isotopic composition is determined specifically on carbonate minerals in whole-rock pulps using cavity enhanced absorption Spectrometry. Not available for high sulfide samples.
Price does not include sample preparation. Turnaround time 16 days.
LS-ISTP01 35.00
O and H in Silicate Minerals
Specific to clays and silicate minerals. Determination using a complex gas collection procedure and IRMS. Sample must be supplied as a single-mineral separate.
Price does not include mineral separation. Turnaround time 30 days.
OH-ISTP01 550.00
Sulfur
Specific to S minerals such as particular sulfides and sulfates. Determination using TC/EA and IRMS. Sample must be supplied as a single-mineral separate.
Price does not include mineral separation. Turnaround time 30 days.
S-ISTP01 100.00
Cu, Fe, Mo, Zn
Specific to minerals formed with one of these base metals. Determination using acid digestion and HR-ICP-MS. Sample must be supplied as a single-mineral separate. Use element symbol inplace of + when requesting this method.
Price does not include mineral separation. Turnaround time 30 days.
(+)-ISTP01 375.00/element
AnAlyte DeSCriPtion CoDePriCe Per
SAMPle ($)
Re/Os
Specific to molybdenite. Rock or drill core must be received whole as steel jaw crushing will contaminate the sample with Re. Age can only be determined for rocks of >0.5 Ma, and the molybdenite separate must contain >100ppm Re.
Price includes mineral separation and analysis by solvent extraction, column separation and TIMS. Turnaround time 70 days.
Re-ISTP01 2400.00
U/Pb
Specific to U-bearing minerals such as uraninite and davidite. Acid digestion and HR-ICP-MS measurement on mineral separates or laser ablation and HR-ICP-MS measurement on thin sections are available. Laser ablation averages 40 data points per day; minimum charge is day.
Prices do not include mineral separation or thin section preparation. Turnaround time 30 days.
U-ISTP01
300.00Digestion
By QuotationLaser Ablation
Pb/Pb
Specific to Pb-bearing minerals such as galena and other select sulfides including chalcopyrite. Measurement by acid digestion and HR-ICP-MS on mineral separates.
Price does not include mineral separation. Samples may require Hg separation at an additional cost. Turnaround time 30 days.
Pb-ISTP01 190.00
AnAlyte DeSCriPtion CoDePriCe Per
SAMPle ($)
Sm/NdMay be done on whole rock pulps. Measurement by column separation and HR-ICP-MS.
Price does not include sample preparation. Turnaround time 30 days.Nd-ISTP01 750.00
Ar/Ar
Done on whole rock samples. Rock and drill core should be submitted intact or crushed only, as sample prep is included in the price. Measurement by irradiation and step heating in a mass spectrometer.
Price includes sample preparation. Turnaround time approximately 9 months.
Ar-ISTP01 900.00
Geochronology
Radiometric dating determines the age of a particular mineral or rock by the measurement of an isotope and its radiogenic decay product. Knowing the age of certain lithologies associated with ore mineralization has wide-ranging application to exploration on established projects. These ages, in combination with other exploration techniques, may be used to refine the deposit model and vector towards potential new ore bodies.
Mineral Specific Geochronology
isotopic Analysis Mineral separation or thin section mounting is required for many of these methods. If the description indicates sample prep is not included, ALS Geochemistry can help you source high quality mineral separation and thin section preparation as necessary; please enquire.
Stable isotopes
Many important parameters of mineralizing fluids may be determined from stable isotope ratios including fluid temperature, geographic origin, and redox state. The isotopic alteration halo may extend beyond visible mineralogy changes, creating a bigger deposit footprint and allowing for more sophisticated exploration vectoring towards ores.
whole rock Geochronology
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AnAlyteS AnD rAnGeS (%) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Al2O3 0.01-100 Fe2O3 0.01-100 Na2O 0.01-100 TiO2 0.01-100
Fused bead, acid digestion and ICP-AES ME-ICP06 30.90BaO 0.01-100 K2O 0.01-100 P2O5 0.01-100 LOI 0.01-100
CaO 0.01-100 MgO 0.01-100 SiO2 0.01-100
Cr2O3 0.01-100 MnO 0.01-100 SrO 0.01-100
AnAlyteS AnD rAnGeS (%) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Al2O3 0.01-100 Fe2O3 0.01-100 Na2O 0.01-10 SrO 0.01-1.5
Fused disc XRF
Furnace or Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
ME-XRF26*
OA-GRA05xME-GRA05
30.90LOI determination must be done as part of the
procedure.
BaO 0.01-66 K2O 0.01-15 P2O5 0.01-46 TiO2 0.01-30
CaO 0.01-60 MgO 0.01-50 SO3 0.01-34 LOI 0.01-100
Cr2O3 0.01-10 MnO 0.01-39 SiO2 0.01-100
Loss on Ignition at 1000C
AnAlyteS AnD rAnGeS (ppm) DeSCriPtion CoDePriCe Per
SAMPle ($)Ba 0.5-10,000 Hf 0.2-10,000 Sn 1-10,000 Y 0.5-10,000
Fused bead, acid digestion and ICP-MS ME-MS81 29.50
Ce 0.5-10,000 Ho 0.01-1,000 Sr 0.1-10,000 Yb 0.03-1,000
Cr 10-10,000 La 0.5-10,000 Ta 0.1-2,500 Zr 2-10,000
Cs 0.01-10,000 Lu 0.01-1,000 Tb 0.01-1,000
Dy 0.05-1,000 Nb 0.2-2,500 Th 0.05-1,000
Er 0.03-1,000 Nd 0.1-10,000 Tm 0.01-1,000
Eu 0.03-1,000 Pr 0.03-1,000 U 0.05-1,000
Ga 0.1-1,000 Rb 0.2-10,000 V 5-10,000
Gd 0.05-1,000 Sm 0.03-1,000 W 1-10,000
Combination of Rare Earth & Trace Elements from method ME-MS81 plus whole rock package by method ME-ICP06. ME-MS81d 41.25
Ag 0.5-100 Co 1-10,000 Mo 1-10,000 Sc 1-10,000
Four acid digestion and ICP-AES ME-4ACD81Add-on only 7.45As 5-10,000 Cu 1-10,000 Ni 1-10,000 TI 10-10,000
Cd 0.5-1,000 Li 10-10,000 Pb 2-10,000 Zn 2-10,000
whole rock Analysis The nature of lithophile elements and the matrices in which they occur require fusion methods for complete dissolution. Both X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and ICP-AES instrument finishes can be used effectively for the major rock-forming elements when following a fusion.
These methods are suitable for generic crustal rocks and drill core that are not mineralized. Specific commodities such as iron ore, bauxite, and base metal sulfides should be analyzed with packages designed for those sample types. Please see the Ores & Commodities section starting on page 26 for more whole rock analysis options.
13 element Package by lithium borate fusion and iCP-AeS
Minimum sample size is 2g.
14 element Package by lithium borate fusion and Xrf
Minimum sample size is 2g.
*Other elements are available on request. Please enquire.
A lithium borate fusion of the sample prior to acid dissolution and ICP-MS analysis provides the most quantitative analysis approach for a broad suite of trace elements. This technique solubilizes most mineral species, including those that are highly refractory. Options for adding the whole rock elements from an ICP-AES analysis from the same fusion or base metals from a separate four acid digestion are available.
30 element Package by lithium borate fusion and iCP-MS
Minimum sample size is 1g, or 3g with add-on packages.
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AnAlyteS AnD rAnGeS (ppm) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
SiO2 0.01-100% MgO 0.01-100% TiO2 0.01-100% BaO 0.01-100%
ME-ICP06
Sold only as a complete package.
CCP-PKG0168.10
CCP-PKG03Includes ME-XRF26 instead of
ME-ICP06.83.10
Al2O3 0.01-100% Na2O 0.01-100% MnO 0.01-100% LOI 0.01-100%
Fe2O3 0.01-100% K2O 0.01-100% P2O5 0.01-100%
CaO 0.01-100% Cr2O3 0.01-100% SrO 0.01-100%
Ba 0.5-10,000 Hf 0.2-10,000 Sn 1-10,000 Y 0.5-10,000
ME-MS81
Ce 0.5-10,000 Ho 0.01-1,000 Sr 0.1-10,000 Yb 0.03-1,000
Cr 10-10,000 La 0.5-10,000 Ta 0.1-2,500 Zr 2-10,000
Cs 0.01-10,000 Lu 0.01-1,000 Tb 0.01-1,000
Dy 0.05-1,000 Nb 0.2-2,500 Th 0.05-1,000
Er 0.03-1,000 Nd 0.1-10,000 Tm 0.01-1,000
Eu 0.03-1,000 Pr 0.03-1,000 U 0.05-1,000
Ga 0.1-1,000 Rb 0.2-10,000 V 5-10,000
Gd 0.05-1,000 Sm 0.03-1,000 W 1-10,000
Ag 0.5-100 Cu 1-10,000 Ni 1-10,000 Zn 2-10,000
ME-4ACD81Cd 0.5-1,000 Li 10-10,000 Pb 2-10,000
Co 1-10,000 Mo 1-10,000 Sc 1-10,000
As 0.1-250 Hg 0.005-25 Se 0.2-250 TI 0.02-1,000ME-MS42
Bi 0.01-250 Sb 0.05-250 Te 0.01-250
C 0.01-50% S 0.01-50% ME-IR08
lithogeochemistry Analyses related to lithogeochemistry, alteration minerals, and trace element mobility are important tools for understanding ore-forming geological environments. Managing and interpreting large datasets generated by lithogeochemical techniques, while traditionally challenging, has been greatly simplified thanks to powerful software tools now available to geologists and geochemists.
No single analytical method is able to encompass the full range of elements required for effective lithogeochemical investigation. To this end, ALS Geochemistry offers two analytical packages that are designed to provide comprehensive information for these studies using the most appropriate techniques for every element; essentially, complete rock characterization.
Complete Characterization Package
By combining a number of methods into one cost effective package, a complete sample characterization is obtained. This package combines the whole rock package ME-ICP06 plus carbon and sulfur by combustion furnace (ME-IR08) to quantify the major elements in a sample. Trace elements including the full rare earth element suites are reported from three digestions with either ICP-AES or ICP-MS finish: a lithium borate fusion for the resistive elements (ME-MS81), a four acid digestion for the base metals (ME-4ACD81) and an aqua regia digestion for the volatile gold related trace elements (ME-MS42). Gold is analyzed separately see page 10 for methods.
This package is suitable only for unmineralized samples. Minimum sample size is 10g.
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AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (%) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ba 0.01-50 Ta 0.01-50 Zr 0.01-50
(+)-XRF10 14.90 plus 3.70/elementNb 0.01-10 Th 0.01-15
Sb 0.01-50 U 0.01-15
Sn 0.01-60 W 0.01-50
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (%) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 1-1,500ppm Co 0.001-20 Mg 0.01-50 Pb 0.001-20
(+)-OG62 11.25 plus 2.45/elementAs 0.001-30 Cr 0.002-30 Mn 0.01-50 S 0.01-50
Bi 0.001-30 Cu 0.001-40 Mo 0.001-10 Zn 0.001-30
Cd 0.001-10 Fe 0.01-100 Ni 0.001-30
Ag 1-1,500ppm Cu 0.001-50 Mo 0.001-10 Pb 0.001-30(+)-AA62 8.70 plus 5.00/element
Co 0.001-30 Fe 0.01-100 Ni 0.001-50 Zn 0.001-30
AnAlyte rAnGe (%) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Cu 0.01-100 Cu by Titration. Cu-VOL61 43.30
Zn 0.01-100 Zn by Titration. Zn-VOL50 24.75
Pb 0.01-100 Pb by Titration. Pb-VOL70 37.15
Fe 0.01-100 Total Fe in Concentrates. Fe-VOL51 44.30
FeO 0.01-100 FeO (Ferrous Iron). Fe-VOL05 22.10
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (%) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 1-1,500ppm Co 0.001-20 Mn 0.01-50 Pb 0.001-20
(+)-OG46 8.70 plus 2.45/elementAs 0.01-60 Cu 0.001-40 Mo 0.001-10 S 0.01-10
Cd 0.001-10 Fe 0.01-100 Ni 0.001-10 Zn 0.001-30
Ag 1-1,500ppm Bi 0.001-30 Fe 0.01-100 Pb 0.001-30(+)-AA46 6.20 plus 4.95/element
As 0.01-30 Cu 0.001-50 Mo 0.001-10 Zn 0.001-60
Procedures for the evaluation of ores and high grade materials are optimized for accuracy, precision and recovery of the target element. No single dissolution or analytical method is suitable for all cases, and ALS Geochemistry provides a wide variety of procedures so the preferred method can be selected. Choices include acid digestions with either ICP-AES or AAS finish; XRF determination for resistive elements and minerals that are difficult to decompose or retain in stable solutions at high concentrations; and classical volumetric methods for very high grade commodities.
These methods may be triggered automatically as over-range analyses added to multi-element geochemistry packages on request. Many other procedures are available; please contact ALS Geochemistry staff for information.
Aqua regia Digestion with iCP-AeS or AAS finish
Aqua regia is a powerful solvent for sulfides, which dissolves Ag and base metals but may not completely dissolve more resistive elements. Minimum sample weight 0.5g
ores & high Grade Materials
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
four Acid Digestion with iCP-AeS or AAS finish
Four acid digestion breaks down most silicates and all but the most resistive minerals. Minimum sample weight 0.5g
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
Xrf for resistive Minerals
Some resistive minerals, particularly those containing Sn, W, Nb or Ta require a fusion for complete recovery. This method is suitable for samples with 30%) base metal content over short intervals. Specialized digestions and classical chemistry methods are required to analyze these samples. Minimum sample weight 1g.
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AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (%) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Al 0.01-50 Cr 0.01-30 Mg 0.01-30 S 0.01-60
(+)-ICP81 36.75 complete package or 12.40 plus 2.45/elementAs 0.01-10 Cu 0.005-30 Mn 0.01-50 Si 0.1-50
Ca 0.05-50 Fe 0.05-70 Ni 0.005-30 Ti 0.01-30
Co 0.002-30 K 0.1-30 Pb 0.01-30 Zn 0.01-30
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (%) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Ag 5-1000ppm Co 0.001-5 Mn 0.005-20 S 0.05-50
ME-ICPORE 25.10 complete package, 5 elements 22.65
As 0.005-10 Cu 0.005-30 Mo 0.001-5 Sb 0.005-5
Bi 0.005-1 Fe 0.01-50 Ni 0.001-5 Tl 0.005-1
Ca 0.01-40 Hg 0.002-1 P 0.01-10 Zn 0.01-60
Cd 0.001-5 Mg 0.01-25 Pb 0.01-30
AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (%) CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Al2O3 0.01-100 La2o3 0.01-50 Sn 0.005-20
ME-XRF15b* 31.50 plus 3.30/element
As 0.01-10 MgO 0.01-40 Sr 0.01-5
BaO 0.01-66 Mn 0.01-30 Ta 0.005-20
Bi 0.01-5 Mo 0.005-2 Th 0.005-5
CaO 0.01-40 Nb 0.005-20 TiO2 0.01-30
Ce02 0.01-50 Ni 0.005-20 U 0.002-5
Co 0.01-7 P2O5 0.01-25 V 0.01-5.6
Cr 0.01-10 Pb 0.005-20 W 0.001-16.9
Cu 0.005-20 S 0.01-20 Zn 0.005-20
Fe 0.01-75 Sb 0.005-20 Zr 0.01-20
K2O 0.01-6.3 SiO2 0.01-100
Loss on Ignition Furnace orThermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)OA-GRA05xME-GRA05 5.25 plus 3.15/temperature
base Metals in Massive Sulfides
Assay determinations in massive sulfides present some specific challenges. ALS Geochemistry is able to offer a number of approaches including a strongly oxidizing acid digestion, a sodium peroxide fusion and an XRF package.
oxidizing Acid Digestion with iCP-AeS finish
This procedure is equivalent to the ICPORE method previously offered by OMAC Laboratories. The sample is subjected to a highly oxidizing attack with HNO3 , KClO4 and HBr and the final solution in dilute aqua regia is determined by ICP-AES.
Sodium Peroxide fusion with iCP-AeS finish
Sodium peroxide fusions are effective for the decomposition of sulfides, arsenides and many refractory minerals such as chromite, rutile, ilmenite and titanite. It is the method of choice for nickel sulfide deposits.
+ Add element symbol as prefix to method code.
oxidizing fusion with Xrf finish
High sulfide samples can be analyzed by XRF following a lithium borate fusion with the addition of a strong oxidizing agent. The following method is suitable for a wide range of elements in sulfide ores, and other elements are available to report on request please enquire.
* A method for sulfide concentrates, ME-XRF15c, is also available.
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A full range of geochemical, metallurgical and environmental testing with specialized expertise in copper and gold ores.
With state-of-the-art equipment and scalable analytical processing capacity for more than 2,000 specialty copper leaches and 6,000 fire assay samples per day, the establishment of the Santiago Mineral Services Center demonstrates ALSs long term commitment to the South American mining sector.
The ALS Santiago Mineral Services Center is not just about capacity it provides for a seamless transition from exploration to metallurgical process development testwork. A coordinated team, working with industry to ensure that knowledge is shared and processes are optimized.
Evaluation of copper prospects requires knowledge of mineralogy and mineral solubility for metallurgical considerations. The isolation of oxide/carbonate, secondary chalcocite and primary sulfide minerals from total copper is useful in determining leachability of copper in a deposit. This information can be obtained by sequential leaching of the sample.
The ALS Santiago Mineral Services Center houses a purpose built copper leaching laboratory with the capability to undertake specialty copper leaches.
Exploration Services: y Geochemical exploration services y Onsite sample preparation facilities y Geometallurgy y Advanced mineralogy y Scoping stage metallurgical testing
Process Optimization, Pre-Feasibility & Feasibility Services y Metallurgical testwork for flowsheet development & optimization y Continuous, bankable pilot plants y Ore variability studies y Geometallurgy y Advanced mineralogy y Marketing sample preparation
Production Support y Mine site laboratories for grade and mill process control y Inspection of concentrate, cathode or bullion y Oil condition monitoring for the mining fleet y Environmental analysis for water, soil, tailings y Routine process mineralogy
Santiago Mineral Services Center Hermanos Carrera Pinto 159Parque Industrial Los Libertadores ColinaSantiago, Chile
T: +56 2 2654 6100F: +56 2 2654 6163E: [email protected]
Santiago Mineral Services Center
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AnAlyte rAnGe (%) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Trace Cu 1-10,000 ppm Aqua regia digestion and ICP or AAS finish. Cu-ICP41Cu-AA45 6.35 each
Trace Cu 2-10,000 ppm Four acid digestion and ICP or AAS finish. Cu-ICP61Cu-AA61
8.85 each
Cu Assay 0.001-400.001-50 Aqua regia digestion and ICP or AAS finish.Cu-OG46Cu-AA46 11.15 each
Cu Assay 0.001-400.001-50
Four acid digestion and ICP or AAS finish. Cu-OG62Cu-AA62
13.70 each
Native Cu 0.01-100
Copper metallic screen assay by four acid digestion and AAS finish on 1kg pulp sample. Screen to 100 microns, duplicate assay on 0.25g of undersize fraction and assay of entire oversize fraction.
Cu-SCR21 79.25
Cu Concentrate 0.01-100 HNO3-HCl-HF-H2SO4 acid digestion followed by titration. Cu-CON02 done in duplicate.Cu-VOL61Cu-CON02
43.30 74.25
AnAlyte rAnGe (%) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Copper oxides & CarbonatesCu 0.01-10 Citric acid leach and AAS finish. 0.25g sample weight. Cu-AA04 12.40
Cu 0.001-10 Sulfuric acid leach and AAS finish. 1g sample weight. Cu-AA05 12.40
Cu 0.001-100 Sulfuric acid/Na sulfite leach and AAS finish. 1g sample weight. Cu-AA07n 12.40
Copper oxides & Secondary SulfidesCu 0.001-100 Sulfuric acid/ferric sulfate leach and AAS finish. 1g sample weight. Cu-AA08q 13.00
Cu 0.01-10 Cyanide leach and AAS finish. 2g sample weight. Cu-AA17 17.80
Sequential leach Packages
Cu Various Sequential leach using sulfuric acid, cyanide leach and four acid digestion on the final residue. 0.5g sample weight.Cu-PKG06LI 38.60
New and existing copper deposits are increasingly challenging to develop and mine due to lower grades and complex mixed ore types. Early geometallurgical investigation of the potential ore body is crucial for informed decision-making on the economic viability of many copper projects.
Mineral Selective Methods and Sequential leaches
Oxidized copper minerals such as malachite, azurite, chrysocolla and portions of cuprite and tenorite can be leached using sulfuric acid to identify the acid soluble content in copper ores. Cyanide leach will dissolve the oxides (with the exception of chrysocolla, which is only partially digested), secondary sulfides like chalcocite and covellite, and bornite. The chalcopyrite content in ores will remain largely undissolved by either sulfuric acid or cyanide leach. These mineral-selective leaches and others may be run in sequence on a single sample to semi-quantitatively identify the potential recovery by various copper ore processing methods. The actual amount of each mineral dissolved in each leach may vary depending on the sample mineralogy, grain size, and other physical characteristics.
ALS Geochemistry provides custom methods using different leach conditions upon request, including some uncommon leach chemistries with specific applications not listed below.
Copper Methods
total Copper Methods
Aqua regia is an effective solvent for copper oxides and sulfides, but copper occurring with other commodities like molybdenum can be analyzed by four acid digestion for consistency across data sets.
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Unique integration of analytical, metallurgical, mineralogical, and ancillary testing services, specifically focused on the iron ore sector.
Through the establishment of a large purpose-built facility in Perth, Western Australia, ALS has achieved a quantum expansion of analytical and metallurgical testing capacity in the global iron ore sector, enabling delivery of best practice standards for turnaround time and technical service.
The ALS Iron Ore Technical Center has been designed and built to accommodate scalable fused bead XRF processing capacity in excess of 10,000 samples per day, achievable through state-of-the-art equipment including the Automated Fusion and TGA system (HAG8).
With specialist expertise in processing hematite, magnetite and all forms of iron ore, the center provides extensive ore characterization, beneficiation, and agglomeration (sintering and pelletizing) testing and other specialty testing services. The experienced chemists, geologists, and metallurgists at the center combine to form a truly integrated team of specialists with globally recognized and respected expertise.
The ALS Iron Ore Technical Center allows a seamless transition from iron ore exploration to metallurgical process development testwork. We welcome the opportunity to provide comprehensive tours of the facility.
Iron Ore Testing Services: y Analytical services for exploration and resource definition y Metallurgical process development and optimization y Ore characterization and beneficiation y Continuous pilot plant testing y Advanced mineralogy including spectral imaging
Ancillary Services: y Environmental analyses y Used oil analysis y Shipment certification and inspection of concentrates y Mine site laboratories for grade/mill control
AlS iron ore technical Center26 Rigali WayWangara, Western AustraliaAustralia 6065
T: +61 8 9406 1300F: +61 8 6305 0367E: [email protected]
iron ore technical Center
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AnAlyteS & rAnGeS (%) DeSCriPtion CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Al2O3 0.01-100 K2O 0.001-6.3 Sn 0.001-1.5
Fused disc XRF
ME-XRF21n(normalized)
ME-XRF21u
(un-normalized)
39.40LOI must be done as part
of this procedure.
As 0.001-1.5 MgO 0.01-40 Sr 0.001-1.5
Ba 0.001-10 Mn 0.001-25 TiO2 0.01-30
CaO 0.01-40 Na2O 0.005-8 V 0.001-5
Cl 0.001-6 Ni 0.001-8 Zn 0.001-1.5
Co 0.001-5 P 0.001-10 Zr 0.001-1
Cr203 0.001-10 Pb 0.001-2 Total 0.01-110
Cu 0.001-1.5 S 0.001-5
Fe 0.01-75 SiO2 0.01-100
Loss on IgnitionFurnace orThermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
OA-GRA05xME-GRA05 5.25 plus 3.15/temperature
AnAlyte CoDe PriCe Per SAMPle ($)
Multi-stage sieving and pulverizing DTR-PREP
By QuotationWash time and mass recovery DTR-REC
Weight of DTR fractions WT-DTR
DTR iron recovery DTR-FeRec By Quotation
XRF analysis on various DTR fractions - Head - Concentrate - Tails
ME-XRF21hME-XRF21cME-XRF21t
39.40 each
Ferrous iron by titration (FeO; 0.01%) Fe-VOL05 22.10
Magnetic susceptibility MAG-SUS 25.00
iron ore Procedures With industry leading expertise in elemental analysis, metallurgy and mineralogy, the ALS Group can provide a wide range of iron ore testing, certification and inspection services to cover project life cycles from exploration, resource definition to process optimization, pre-feasibility, feasibility and production support services.
Xrf Analysis for iron ore
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is the method of choice for the analysis of oxide iron ores. The lithium borate fusion technique, coupled with XRF, offers a robust and repeatable method consistent with industry requirements. The relatively low flux to sample ratio offers good sensitivity for the majority of elements and creates a matrix which is not subject to particle size effects. With very few spectral interferences and high instrument stability, the XRF method delivers highly accurate and p