Background

Measurement of silver (Ag) as well as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) in barite (BaSO₄) concentrates and final tails is demonstrated using the empirical method. Elemental analysis is important in the analysis of mining materials, from screening at the mine site and throughout the processing areas to final analysis. Majors and minors are important during processing, to ensure proper extraction and process control. Trace elemental analysis, especially of precious metals, is also extremely important to ensure the value of the processing is optimized. Along the entire processing line, a fast and simple technique is required. Rigaku offers the NEX QC EDXRF elemental analyzer to meet these industry challenges. The NEX QC analyzer utilizes 50 kV direct excitation and a high performance semiconductor detector to provide excellent sensitivity and lower detection limits and is a powerful, yet simple and low cost tool for the elemental analysis of rocks and ores.