5.1 In the metallurgical process used in the mining industries, gold is often carried along with copper during the flotation concentration process. Metallurgical accounting, process control, and concentrate evaluation procedures for this type of material depend on an accurate, precise measurement of the gold in the copper concentrate. This test method is intended to be a reference method for metallurgical laboratories and a referee method to settle disputes in commercial transactions. It is also a definitive method intended to test materials for compliance with compositional specifications and to provide data for certification of reference materials. It is essential that each performance of the method be validated by applying it to appropriate reference materials at the same time and in the same manner as it is applied to the unknowns.

5.2 It is assumed that all who use this test method will be trained analysts capable of performing skillfully and safely. It is expected that the work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory under appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide E882.

1.1 This test method is for the determination of gold in copper concentrates in the content range from 0.2 μg/g to 17 μg/g.

Note 1: The lower scope limit is set in accordance with Practice E1601.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see 11.3.1, 11.5.4, and 11.6.5.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.