Base Metal Assays
Base metals such as copper, zinc, nickel and lead are assayed to provide accurate determinations for high value materials.
At SGS we can provide analysis of base metals including:
- Ore-grade samples
- Concentrates
- Bullion
- Smelted products
- Recycled material
- Electronic scrap
- Other metal-bearing materials
Through our global network of laboratories, SGS experts offer a variety of instrumental and classical techniques to ensure accurate base metal assays. We will help you select a method that is best for your sample type to ensure you get the data you need.
We also offer ore-grade analysis for samples containing percent levels of elements. We can offer different techniques depending on the concentrations of base metals in the sample.
| Concentration |
Method/
instrument |
Type of sample |
In support of… |
| ppm - low % |
ICP-AES |
rocks & ores |
environmental, geochemical analysis |
| low % |
XRF |
ores & metal products |
metallurgical support |
| high % |
classical methods |
concentrates, metals |
commercial analysis (settlement, trade, umpire) |
The following table is a selection of analytical methods and instruments SGS offers for copper, lead, zinc and nickel assays from 1% to 100%.
| Base Metal |
Multi-Acid (4Acid) |
Sodium Peroxide Fusion |
Individual Methods |
| Copper |
AAS42S, ICP42S, AAS43B |
ICP90A, ICP90B |
CON13V |
| Lead |
AAS42S, ICP42S, AAS43B |
ICP90A |
CON07V |
| Nickel |
AAS42S, ICP42S, AAS43B |
ICP90A, ICP90B |
CON11V |
| Zinc |
AAS42S, ICP42S, AAS43B |
ICP90A |
CON12V |
Partner with SGS and have confidence that your important decisions are based on unparalleled geochemical sampling and analysis.
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