ANALYSIS OF GEOCHEMICAL SAMPLES FOR NICKEL MINERALISATION: ROUTINE EXPLORATION OR ORE BODY EVALUATION

INTRODUCTION Generally, most economically viable resources of Nickel are hosted in greenstone ultra-mafic rocks and stem from either sulfide rich deposits (eg Pentlandite, Millerite, Pyrrhotite) or from lateritic sources (eg garnierite, nontronite), which can often be associated with smectitic clays. As such, it is important to choose the correct analytical scheme that is best suited to the type of material being dealt with. For example, Nickel sourced from lateritic deposits, which can be associated with smectitic clays (eg nontronite), usually require sample drying prior to sample preparation and again prior to weighing. This extra drying step is necessary to facilitate removal of moisture which can affect the accuracy of the final assays, since some of these materials can be hygroscopic (and have been known to absorb as much as 10% (or more) moisture from the atmosphere by weight of the original sample in as little as a couple of hours). Generally, a typical analytical scheme used for this type of analysis involves: drying, pulverising, re-drying immediately prior to weighing of the sample for analysis, digesting the sample using a mixed acid digestion incorporating nitric, perchloric, hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids, followed by ICP-OES analysis. Elements most typically analysed for Nickel exploration samples include Al, As, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, S, Ti, V and Zn. Other elements can also be readily analysed as required from this analytical scheme. Gold, Platinum and Palladium are also often requested using lead collection fire assay followed by ICP-MS analysis. Appropriate measures have been taken at Genalysis to ensure that correct method development and quality protocols are in place to produce quality results for your analytical program. Genalysis is a NATA accredited laboratory for this type of analysis. (1) Total Acid Digestion (Digestion AT)

Multi-acid attack including Hydrofluoric, Nitric, Perchloric and Hydrochloric acids followed by either ICP-OES finish (for larger element suites) or AAS finish (for smaller element suites). Suitable for dissolving Silica and other refractory based matrices requiring lower levels of detection. This digest approaches total dissolution for most minerals. Best to use ICP-OES if more than approximately 4 elements, or major laterite rock forming elements such as Al, Mg, Ca or S, are required.
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Elements by ICP-OES (ppm unless indicated otherwise): Ag(1) Co(1) Mn(1) Sb(10) W(10) OR Elements by Flame AAS (ppm unless indicated otherwise): Ag(1) Bi(10) Fe(0.01%) K(10) Ni(2) Pb(5) (2) Cd(1) Li(1) Sr(10) Co(1) Mn(1) Te(10) Cu(1) Mo(20) Tl(10) Cr(5) Na(10) Zn(1) Al(20) Cr(2) Mo(2) Sc(1) Y (2) As(5) Cu(1) Na(20) Sn(10) Zn(1) Ba(2) Fe(0.01%) Ni(1) Sr(1) Zr(2) Bi(10) K (20) P (20) Te(10) Ca(10) Li(2) Pb(5) Ti(5) Cd(1) Mg(20) S (10) V (2)

Peroxide Fusion (Digestion D)

Alkaline oxidative fusion using Sodium Peroxide as the flux in Zirconium crucibles, Hydrochloric acid to dissolve the melt, followed by ICP-OES finish. Total dissolution for virtually all minerals. Elements by ICP-OES (ppm unless indicated otherwise): Al(0.02%) Cu(20) Ni(20) Sn(0.01%) Zn(20) (3) Fire Assay As(0.01%) Fe(0.01%) P (0.01%) Sr(20) B (50) K (0.02%) Pb(50) Ta(0.01%) Ba(20) Mg(0.01%) S (0.01%) Ti(0.01%) Ca(0.1%) Mn(20) Sb(0.02%) V (50) Co(20) Mo(50) Sc(20) W(0.01%) Cr(50) Nb(0.01%) Si(0.1%) Y (50)

Lead Collection Fire Assay, ICP-MS finish Elements by ICP-MS: Au(1ppb) Pt (1ppb) Pd(1ppb)

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Considerations (a) Generally Digestion AT is the most commonly used, and is adequate. However, if there is chromite present, dissolution of Cr may not be complete. In this scenario, Digestion D would be more suitable. If sulfur content is high (greater than 15%), then S may be lost from Digestion AT. The options here are either Digestion D or Leco Sulfur. If Digestion D is chosen, detection limits are generally ten times higher than Digestion AT. As highlighted previously, drying and desiccation is imperative for accurate assays on hygroscopic clay material. If Nickel grades are high, it is worth considering using Digestion AX, which is a modified version of Digestion AT to suit higher precision ore-body evaluation of base metals. Detection limits for this Digestion AX are generally ten times higher than Digestion AT.

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

For further information contact Terry Wheeler (Managing Director), John Flynn (Laboratory Manager) or Gary Wheeler (Business Development Manager).

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