An assay laboratory is usually an essential facility for an operating mine and mill. The extent of the assay laboratory depends on the type and nature of the operation. Requirements range from the minimum needed for gold-silver assays to include those necessary for chemical assays of metals, such as copper, iron, lead, zinc and related determinations for the control of the mine and mill operation. The needs and benefits from prompt assay returns in mine development work and in the control of milling operations more than offset the assay laboratory expense. The decision on the type of assay laboratory and its location when assaying for extensive prospecting, for mine examinations or for a mine in its development stages depends on the number of samples, the difficulties in sample handling and transportation and location of assay facilities. Such field work normally requires a large number of samples and immediate assay returns are of importance. It is often an advantage to have sample results when determining the extent of sampling necessary. Knowledge of sample results can reduce the number of trips into an area in case the assay reports indicate re-sampling or additional sampling is required. When many samples must be assayed […]
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