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BLM Runs Check on Assay Services
May 2003 by Scott Harn
Most laboratories involved were sent 4 samples containing known values of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and 2 samples that were complex blanks. Prices charged for assay services varied from $60, for fire assays, to $2,250 for a “tin fusion method.” In our review of the report, price did not seem to be reflected as a determining factor for accuracy. In some cases, a lower cost for service provided a more accurate assay.
The results of assays conducted are compiled in a 34-page report, including 16 pages detailing the reasons for and methods used in the study, and 18 pages of results. The volume of the report does not allow for inclusion in this publication, but ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal has made the entire document available free on our web site:
Study preface (.pdf file) 0.8MB
Study results (.pdf file) 1.0MB
Many of the results published were well within acceptable limits, but some were so far out in “left field” that utilization could be disastrous. Substantial quantities of precious metals were reported in some blanks. Some samples that contained valuable quantities of precious metals were reported as “none detected.” As a result of this report, several assay labs were barred from advertising in our publication.
BLM should be applauded for conducting this badly needed study, and hopefully they will continue this public service. The resulting report should be a valuable tool as a validation for assay services.
The Verde Copper-Gold-Silver-Zinc District, Jerome, Arizona
When I was a student in the College of Mines at the University of Utah, the Verde district was used as an exploration model for “submarine volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits.” So I looked forward to visiting this district and the town of Jerome in central Arizona in the spring of 2012.
Picks & Pans: Miner Finds Heart of Gold
We started planning for this trip last year, after we left Ganes Creek, Alaska, and headed back to civilization. I found 4.75 ounces of very nice nuggets and the group had a total of 47.47 ounces for the week.
More On Gold Indicators—What to Look For
I am learning more about gold deposition in this area than I knew previously. I am passing this information on with the hope that many of you will be able to locate patches and lines a little easier in the future because of this article.
Editorial
Congressmen Richard W. Pombo and John E. Peterson’s Response to Planting of False Evidence by Environmental Extremists
Gold Miners Become Tungsten Miners
The story begins in the early 1940s in Vance County, North Carolina, on a farm that belonged to the Hamme family. During spring plowing in 1942, one of the brothers accidentally plowed up an odd looking rock and took it home to show his younger brother who was studying geology at Duke University.
Dredging Tips and Tricks: T-80 Air Compressor Maintenance
The next morning, I retrieved the compressor and again attacked the sticky head bolt. As if by magic (and some applied physics) the head bolt sighed and finally broke loose.
Ask The Experts: Nickel assays
Q: Our group has found a nickel deposit in the Yuma, Arizona area that is similar to the one that you wrote about...
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