KAT Exploration Inc (KATX)

[falon]

Gold Assay Services


http://www.intertek.com/minerals/gold-assay/


Industries serviced: Minerals


Mineral Assay of exploration samples for Gold, including routine exploration and ore reserve samples.

Intertek Genalysis are experts in providing Gold exploration and production assay data to clients on a global basis.

The primary criteria for selection of the most appropriate and cost effective Gold Assay method include:

* Type of Sample
* Mineralogy of Sample
* Presence or Absence of Coarse Gold
* Other Element Testing Required?

For Gold Assay, there are two basic testing options, Aqua Regia or Fire Assay:

Aqua Regia Assay testing for Gold is generally more accurate at lower levels, less than 0.2 ppm. In addition, many other elements can be analysed at the same time for little incremental cost. However, with Aqua Regia, Gold associated with graphitic shales may not be dissolved, and massive sulfides can be difficult to completely digest both situations require pre-roast or fire assay. Gold associated with, or encapsulated in, acid insoluble minerals may not be dissolved. Some of the analytes may only be partially extracted, depending on mineral type. Thus, Aqua Regia is not suggested for all sample types when conducting gold assay testing.

Fire Assay or Lead Collection Fire Assay testing for Gold has the advantage of being good for almost all mineral types, though it is more expensive than Aqua Regia testing. Highly mineralized samples require specific fluxes, and/or reduction in sample weight significantly below the nominal charge, for correct fusion and quantitative recovery of Gold. Very experienced assayers are required when analysing a variety of sample types.

To avoid related Fire Assay problems of disposal of large volumes of lead pots, generally pots are recycled. The use of recycled pots creates a potential problem of carry-over from previous sample in that pot. Intertek discards pots where the sample was greater than 5g/t. Use of new pots once only adds to cost. Health risks for operators and new industry amendments will increase lead monitoring in blood, adding to the cost of using Fire Assay. Fire Assay produces waste products containing Lead, causing issues with ever increasing restrictions and higher costs of disposal. Lead collection fire assay likely to become very expensive in the future.

Intertek mineral assay personnel are experts with years of mining and mineral industry experience. Please contact Intertek to learn more how we can assist you with your mineral Gold Assay requirements.