McPHAR
Nickel & Iron Ore Analysis Specialists
Intertek Minerals Services
Intertek offers world class service to Nickel Laterite and Iron Ore producers, supporting them through exploration, resource
definition, mining and production, to shipment and certification.
Intertek’s leading expertise and state-of-art facilities offer an extensive range of services. Industry experts in XRF and
XRD support local and global operations, producing quality reliable data with the reassurance of years of experience
and a proven track record. Dedicated teams offer turnaround times to meet grade control requirements and offer a
cost effective alternative to producers.
Your XRF Technology Partner
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) is the preferred method of analysis for Nickel and Iron Ore samples. Accuracy, long term
reproducibility and high throughput means that XRF is unparalleled in the modern geochemical laboratory for the analysis
of the major components of Nickel Laterites and Iron Ores.
Pulped samples are mixed with a borate based flux and made into fusion disks using high temperature furnaces. The use of
fusion disks eliminates physical effects (such as particle size) which can compromise the accuracy of other methods, such as
pressed powder XRF analyses. High quality data is produced using sequential wavelength-dispersive instrumentation. Single
point LOI is determined at 1000ºc.
McPHAR
Nickel Laterite Ore XRF Packages
The oxidised nature of nickel laterite ore and the low sulphur contents make XRF with a single point LOI an ideal technique
for the chemical characterisation of these ores. XRF can accurately quantify the nickel and cobalt contents of the ore,
important trace elements such as cobalt and zinc, as well as the major oxide components which are used to classify the
laterite ore type. Nickel laterite ores can be hygroscopic with high moisture contents, moisture is therefore corrected for
routinely and all results are reported on a dry basis (105ºc).
Nickel Laterite Ore XRF Package
Element
Range %
Element
Ni
0.005- 20
Fe2O3
0.01- 100
P2O5
0.002- 100
Co
0.005- 5
K2O
0.01- 100
SiO2
0.01 -100
Al2O3
0.01- 100
MgO
0.01- 100
SO3
0.002- 100
CaO
0.01- 100
MnO
0.01- 100
TiO2
0.01 -100
Cr2O3
0.005- 100
Na2O
0.01
LOI 1000ºC
0.01
Ni laterite package
Range %
-
Element
100
Li borate fusion / XRF
Range %
-
100
FB1/XRF40
Nickel Laterite Ore XRF Extended Suite Package
Suitable for exploration and resource modeling as well as quantification of additional accessory and deleterious elements.
These elements are less abundant in most iron ores however, they may affect the quality of the ore if present in significant
quantities.
Nickel Laterite Extended Suite – Standard Detection Limits XRF Package
Element
Range %
Element
Range %
Element
Range %
Ni
0.005- 20
Cu
0.005- 5
SO3
0.001- 40
Al2O3
0.01- 100
K2O
0.01- 100
SiO2
0.01 -100
As
0.005- 5
MgO
0.01 - 100
TiO2
0.01 -100
BaO
0.005- 5
MnO
0.01 - 100
V2O5
0.005- 10
CaO
0.01- 100
Na2O
0.01 - 100
Zn
0.005- 5
Cl
0.005- 5
Fe2O3
0.01
LOI 1000ºC
0.01
-
100
Co
0.005- 5
P2O5
0.001- 45
Cr2O3
0.005
Pb
0.005
-
Ni Laterite extended package
10
Li borate fusion / XRF
-
5
FB1/XRF141
-
100
McPHAR
Iron Ore Packages
Intertek offers expert chemical (X-Ray Fluorescence) locally and mineralogical (X-Ray Diffraction) analysis from our Perth
laboratory tailored to the Iron Ore industry. Intertek’s team of Iron Ore experts are leaders in their fields and are readily
available for client consultation and support. Power X-Ray diffraction (XRD) is a complimentary analytical technique
primarily employed for the identification of crystalline materials. Each crystalline solid has its unique characteristic X-Ray
power pattern which may be used as a “fingerprint” for its identification allowing identification and quantification of the
different minerals present such as hematite, goethite, magnetite, quartz. Additional mineralogy services include Davis Tube
Recovery (DTR) separations and testing are also available in Perth.
Intertek offers two packages for Iron Ore analysis - a Basic Suite and an Extended Suite. All results are reported on a dry
weight basis (105ºc).
Basic Iron Ore Package
Element
Range %
Fe 0.01
Element
Range %
MgO
0.01
Al2O3
CaO
0.01 -100
MnO
0.01 -100
Na2O
Cr2O3
0.005-10
K2O
0.01 -100
-
75
Fe ore basic package
Element
Range %
SiO2
0.01 -100
0.01 - 100
TiO2
0.01 -100
0.01 -100
V2O5
0.005 -10
P2O5
0.001
-
45
LOI 1000ºC
0.01
SO3
0.001
-
40
-
100
Li borate fusion / XRF -
100
FB1/XRF10
This basic XRF iron ore suite is intended to quantify the essential major and minor oxide components of an iron ore sample.
It includes the most important deleterious elements such as S, P and Ti. The V content can be used to infer the mineralogy
of the ore. A single LOI value at 1000ºc is determined thermo gravimetrically. Three point LOI and divalent iron (FeO) by
titration are optional extra analysis.
Data from the basic suite are suitable for exploration and resource modeling purposes.
Extended Suite – Standard Detection Limits
Element
Range (%)
Element
Range (%)
Element
Range (%)
Fe
0.01 -75
K2O
0.01-100
Sn
0.005-5
Al2O3
0.01 -100
MgO
0.01 - 100
Sr
0.005 -5
As
0.005-5
MnO
0.01 - 100
TiO2
0.01 -100
BaO
0.005-5
Na2O
0.01 -100
V2O5
0.005 -10
CaO
0.01 -100
Ni
0.005- 20
Zn
0.005 -5
Cl
0.005-5
P2O5
0.001- 45
Zr
0.005 - 5
Co
0.005-5
Pb
0.005- 5
LOI 1000ºC 0.01 -100
Cr2O3
0.005-10
SO3
0.001
-
40
Cu
0.005-5
SiO2
0.01
-
100
Fe ore extended package
Li borate fusion / XRF
FB1/XRF11
The extended iron ore suite offers a number of additional trace elements which may also be deleterious, including As, Ba,
Cl, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn, and Zr. A single LOI value at 1000ºc is determined thermo gravimetrically. Three point LOI and
divalent iron (FeO) by titration are optional extra analyses. Data from the extended suite are suitable for exploration and
resource modeling as well as quantification of additional accessory and deleterious elements. While such elements are less
abundant in most iron ores, they may affect the quality of the ore if present in significant quantities.
Lower detection limits option available at additional cost.
McPHAR
Robotics and Automated
XRD Analysis
Minerals Laboratory Systems To complement the XRF (X-Ray
Intertek is the leading provider of fully
automated iron ore mine-site and port
solutions with automation specialists
supporting both client dedicated and
commercial facilities, critical to the
minerals and mining industries facing
increasingly complex challenges.
Intertek’s automated and robotic sample
systems are purpose built, ranging
from individual cells to fully integrated
systems, providing complete end-to-end
sampling to analysis solutions.
Using advanced robotic technology
for minerals testing has distinct
advantages, including rapid
sample throughput, unparalleled
consistency, exclusion of human
error, a comprehensive audit trail,
synchronised process control, reliability
and fully programmable comminution
parameters. Programmable parameters
ensure that ores obtain the requisite
treatment consistently.
Fluorescence) service available
locally, Intertek offers expert
mineralogical (X-Ray Diffraction)
analysis from our Perth laboratory.
Intertek’s team of XRD experts are
leaders in their fields and are readily
available for client consultation and
support. Powder X-Ray diffraction
(XRD) is a complimentary analytical
technique primarily employed for the
identification of crystalline materials.
Each crystalline solid has its unique
characteristic X-Ray powder pattern
which may be used as a “fingerprint”
for its identification allowing
identification and quantification of
the different minerals present such as
hematite, goethite, magnetite, quartz.
Additional mineralogy services include
Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) separations
and testing are also available.
Minerals Inspection and Surveying
Intertek’s extensive global network provides independent inspection,
surveying and testing services to protect the quantity and quality of high value
commodities for Intertek’s clients.
Weighing and inspection for conformity, sampling, sample preparation and
commercial testing, are completed to international standards for certification.
Mine Site and Port Minerals Laboratories
Intertek designs, commissions and operates dedicated site laboratories in
remote locations, key mining regions and ports. Site laboratory services range
from basic sample preparation facilities through to full service analytical
laboratories and automated robotic facilities.
Intertek’s laboratories are run by experienced personnel with support from an
extensive global laboratory network offering fast, accurate and independent
analysis enabling clients to focus on their core business with the reassurance
of a recognised independent service leader.
Philippines Contact Details
Becky Torre
PAO Accredited Testing Laboratory
PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2005
www.intertek.com
Minerals Business Development Manager
Philcrest 1 Compound,
KM 23 West Service Road, Cupang, Munitiulupa City
Telephone: +63 2 842 3464
Fax: +63 2 842 5745
Mobile: +63 920 952 7102
Email: [email protected]