Determination of precious metals in concentrate.
The anode samples consist ag and au, these are determined via fire assay.
The Palabora copper invests capital into the research and development of the latest techniques and sourceses the latest and most accuate CRMS.
The fire assay laboratory coists of two electric furnaces that have the capacity of accommodating 20 samples and ramp up to temperatures of 1200OC.
The laboratory makes up the samples which are measured via ICP and AA techniques.
The laboratory is segmented into three main functional areas:-
- The sample development department - all product and process concentrate samples.
- Analytical Services Department- determining of primary, secondary elemental analysis, plus trace elemental analysis, including fire assay.
- Research And Development - expanding the laboratory functions to meet supplier and customer requirements.