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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.
Melman on Gold & Silver
Last month we witnessed numerous news items that appear to confirm a new, and perhaps ominous, trend in America’s relationships with the rest of the world. We are referring to a visible increase in America’s vulnerability to foreign actions.
PLP Gets the Key!
I am an electrical contractor and a Board Member of Public Lands for the People (PLP). I have clients, a husband and wife, who own private property in the Los Padres National Forest. There are two ways to access their property. Both are pilots and able to fly in via small plane or helicopter, which for me was an exciting perk of working at this property.
PLP President Intervenes on Behalf of Dredgers
Jerry Hobbs, president of Public Lands for the People, is taking action to prevent undue restrictions on miners utilizing suction dredges in California.
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Melman on Gold & Silver
Putting it all together, we have indications that the petroleum price increases could continue and we believe that if that is the case, the impact on precious metals would be positive.
Working the Belmont Mine, Butte, Montana—1953 (Part 2)
During the two weeks that Jack had been hanging around the dump, no more than a dozen words had passed between us. As far as I knew, he didn’t know any more about me than I did about him. Consequently, I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard Jack ask, “Would you like to come and work with me?”
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