ASTM E1898-13 - 1.4.2013
 
Significance and Use

5.1 In the primary metallurgical processes used by the mineral processing industry for copper bearing ores, copper and silver associated with sulfide mineralization are concentrated by the process of flotation for recovery of the metals.

5.2 This test method is a comparative method and is intended to be a referee method for compliance with compositional specifications for metal content or to monitor processes.

5.3 It is assumed that all who use this method will be trained analysts capable of performing skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal procedures will be followed. Appropriate quality control practices must be followed such as those described in Guide E882.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of silver in the range of 13 μg/g to 500 μg/g by acid dissolution of the silver and measurement by atomic absorption spectrometry. Copper concentrates are internationally traded within the following content ranges:

Element

Unit

Content Range

Aluminum

%

0.05

to

2.50

Antimony

%

0.0001

to

4.50

Arsenic

%

0.01

to

0.50

Barium

%

0.003

to

0.10

Bismuth

%

0.001

to

0.16

Cadmium

%

0.0005

to

0.04

Calcium

%

0.05

to

4.00

Carbon

%

0.10

to

0.90

Chlorine

%

0.001

to

0.006

Chromium

%

0.0001

to

0.10

Cobalt

%

0.0005

to

0.20

Copper

%

10.0

to

44.0

Fluorine

%

0.001

to

0.10

Gold

μg/g

1.40

to

100.0

Iron

%

12.0

to

30.0

Lead

%

0.01

to

1.40

Magnesium

%

0.02

to

2.00

Manganese

%

0.009

to

0.10

Mercury

μg/g

0.05

to

50.0

Molybdenum

%

0.002

to

0.25

Nickel

%

0.0001

to

0.08

Silicon

%

0.40

to

20.0

Silver

μg/g

18.0

to

8000

Sulfur

%

10.0

to

36.0

Tin

%

0.004

to

0.012

Zinc

%

0.005

to

4.30


1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to its use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

E1763-06

Standard Guide for Interpretation and Use of Results from Interlaboratory Testing of Chemical Analysis Methods (Withdrawn 2015)

E135-23a

Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 7/17/2023).

E882-10(2016)e1

Standard Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory (Includes all amendments and changes 10/27/2017).

D1193-06(2018)

Standard Specification for Reagent Water

E29-22

Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E50-17

Standard Practices for Apparatus, Reagents, and Safety Considerations for Chemical Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials

E1601-19

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Analytical Method