5.1 In the primary metallurgical processes used by the mineral processing industry for copper bearing ores, copper and silver associated with sulfide mineralization are concentrated by the process of flotation for recovery of the metals.

5.2 This test method is a comparative method and is intended to be a referee method for compliance with compositional specifications for metal content or to monitor processes.

5.3 It is assumed that all who use this method will be trained analysts capable of performing 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. Appropriate quality control practices must be followed such as those described in Guide E882.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of silver in the range of 13 μg/g to 500 μg/g by acid dissolution of the silver and measurement by atomic absorption spectrometry. Copper concentrates are internationally traded within the following content ranges:

Element

Unit

Content Range

Aluminum

%

0.05

to

2.50

Antimony

%

0.0001

to

4.50

Arsenic

%

0.01

to

0.50

Barium

%

0.003

to

0.10

Bismuth

%

0.001

to

0.16

Cadmium

%

0.0005

to

0.04

Calcium

%

0.05

to

4.00

Carbon

%

0.10

to

0.90

Chlorine

%

0.001

to

0.006

Chromium

%

0.0001

to

0.10

Cobalt

%

0.0005

to

0.20

Copper

%

10.0

to

44.0

Fluorine

%

0.001

to

0.10

Gold

μg/g

1.40

to

100.0

Iron

%

12.0

to

30.0

Lead

%

0.01

to

1.40

Magnesium

%

0.02

to

2.00

Manganese

%

0.009

to

0.10

Mercury

μg/g

0.05

to

50.0

Molybdenum

%

0.002

to

0.25

Nickel

%

0.0001

to

0.08

Silicon

%

0.40

to

20.0

Silver

μg/g

18.0

to

8000

Sulfur

%

10.0

to

36.0

Tin

%

0.004

to

0.012

Zinc

%

0.005

to

4.30

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.

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.