Services
Geochemical Analysis by ICP-OES and ICP-MS
Multielement Geochemical Analysis
ICP-OES and ICP-MS are modern instruments designed to determine a large array of analytes in a wide variety of samples. These instruments provide precise and accurate readings for analytes used in generative exploration. They have modern hardware and software that delivers reliable analytical results and has built in systems to assist technicians in maintenance and refine interferences. This cutting-edge technology allows our chemists and quality control team to provide results with super trace detection limits. We run over a dozen ICPs at our facility, allowing us to streamline our processes so that large sample volumes are analyzed in a timely manner. With decades of experience, our team is able to use this multielement analysis technique to provide comprehensive geochemical data for exploration projects. AAL provides a variety of digestion methods, each uniquely optimized to quantify different elements of interest.
Digestion Methods:
• Four Acid Digestion
Our 4AB digestion includes nitric acid (HNO3), hydrofluoric acid (HF), hydrochloric acid (HCl), perchloric acid (HClO4), boric acid solution (H3BO3) and deionized water. This digestion is considered to be a “near-total” sample decomposition. This digestion is great for most silicates and oxide minerals. Therefore, this method is suitable for a wide range of elements. Digested samples are then subsequently run on either the ICP-OES or ICP-MS. These instruments provide incredible accuracy at very low detection limits for a wide range of analytes. AAL also offers 4AB ore grades in which a smaller aliquot is digested in a greater volume of acid for analytes in large concentrations. 4AB ore grades can be used as overrange analysis if requested. Overrange analysis is necessary for analytes that may exceed the upper detection limits from initial pass on ICP-OES.
• Two Acid Digestion
Our 2A digestion, also known as an aqua regia digestion, includes hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3) and deionized water. Aqua regia digestions are considered a “partial” sample decomposition because some silicates remain undigested in solution. This is particularly beneficial for volatile elements such as mercury (Hg). Base metals and gold are usually dissolved during this method. The digested solution is then read on either ICP-OES or ICP-MS. Again, 2A ore grades can be available for overrange analysis.
• Sodium Peroxide Fusion
Sodium Peroxide (Na2O2) Fusions are used to primarily break down refractory minerals that are otherwise insoluble in typical acid digestion procedures. This digestion breaks down many silicate and oxide minerals, and is particularly useful for rare earth elements (REE), uranium (U), thorium (Th) and other metals. The sample is fused with Na2O2 pellets using graphite (carbon) or Zirconium (Zr) crucibles. Once the sample has cooled, it can be added to beakers containing hydrochloric (HCl) and nitric (HNO3) acid. The resulting solution is later poured into test tubes to be read on ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The ratio of aliquot weight to flux/acid volumes can be adjusted for varying concentrations upon request.
• Hydro-Geochemistry
Water, lithium brine or acid solution samples may be submitted to AAL. These samples are typically run on the ICP-OES or ICP-MS without preparation but clients may provide special instructions if necessary. AAL also offers running cyanide solution readings. Please specify the type of solutions provided so that faculty can analyze the solutions on the proper instruments either in the production or cyanide laboratories. Safety is a top priority for AAL. Solutions received must be properly packaged and labeled to ensure that there are no mix ups of different types of solutions received; nor hazardous leakage.
• Copper Ore Analysis
AAL offers a variety of copper leaching methods. Sulfuric (H2SO4) acid leaching can be used to extract copper from copper oxide ores; i.e. is our CuOX (copper oxide) digestion. AAL also offers sulfuric acid (H2SO4) in combination with ferric sulphate (Fe2(SO4)3) acid. This is considered our Cu-QLT (Copper Quick Leach) digestion. The Fe2(SO4)3 acid, in addition to the H2SO4 acid, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of copper ore leaching, especially when dealing with copper sulfide ores due to the role in which the ferric iron acts as an oxidizing agent. Solutions from both CuOX and Cu-QLT are both analyzed using ICP-OES. A copper concentration titration can also be provided upon request. This is used for quantifying copper when the concentration is exceptionally high (10-60%). AAL also offers a sequential copper leach, in which the copper oxide (CuOX), copper cyanide (CuCN) and a 4AB digestion are all used sequentially.
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