From Ore Sample to Assay Result: Why Quality Control Matters
"Reliable laboratory results depend on representative sampling, documented handling, suitable analytical methods and independent quality checks."
Representative samples support sound decisions
An assay can only describe the material that was sampled and prepared. Sampling plans should account for variation in the orebody and explain how material was collected, reduced, labelled and delivered to the laboratory.
Quality assurance may include blanks, standards, duplicates and independent checks. Reviewing these controls alongside the results helps identify contamination, preparation problems or analytical bias before data informs mine planning or commercial decisions.
Keep the record complete
- Use unique sample identifiers and documented custody transfers.
- Record preparation and analytical methods.
- Investigate quality-control results that fall outside accepted limits.
Key Executive Takeaways
- • Direct ion-exchange and closed-loop extraction models avoid environmental depletion of regional surface aquifers.
- • All commercial volumes are certified with cryptographic blockchain batch passports under IRMA and ISO 14001 audits.
- • Bilateral offtake customers benefit from guaranteed low Scope 3 carbon intensity certificates for battery regulations.
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