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Sodium peroxide fusion for reliable determination of gold in ores and metallurgical samples
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Sodium peroxide fusion for reliable determination of gold in ores and metallurgical samples

L. Daniel, D.W. Laird and G.T. Hefter
International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol.168, pp.35-39
2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2017.09.001
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Abstract

A protocol based on peroxide fusion has been developed for the determination of Au in metallurgical samples and ores covering a wide range of concentrations and diverse mineralogies. The quantity of Na2O2 required was minimised, while maintaining lixiviant efficacy, by the use of mixed NaOH + Na2O2 fluxes. The method was shown to be particularly applicable to the determination of coarsely-particulate gold. Fusion cakes were dissolved in hydrochloric acid and then extracted using methylisobutylketone to provide concentrations appropriate for quantification by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy and to minimise interferences from dissolved salts. The protocol was tested on a variety of certified reference materials and produced results in excellent agreement (at Au concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 47 μg g− 1) with the traditional lead fire assay method, while avoiding the health and safety issues associated with that technique.

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Citation topics
2 Chemistry
2.209 Spectrometry & Separation
2.209.688 Preconcentration
Web Of Science research areas
Engineering, Chemical
Mineralogy
Mining & Mineral Processing
ESI research areas
Geosciences
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