In primary metallurgical processes for gold bearing ores, gold is extracted with an alkaline cyanide solution. Metallurgical accounting, process control, and ore evaluation procedures depend on accurate, precise, and prompt measurements of the gold concentrations.

This test method is a referee method for compliance with compositional specifications for metal content. It is assumed that all who use this procedure will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal procedures will be followed. Follow appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide E 882.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of gold in ore processing cyanide solution in the range from 0.3 to 10.0 g/mL of gold by direct aspiration into an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

1.1.1 This test method may also be applied to cyanide leach solutions from metallurgical evaluation procedures.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautions are given in 8.3, 8.5, Section 9, and 10.4.1.1.