Applied Rigaku Technologies has published a new application report describing the analysis of lead-zinc ore using the empirical calibration technique with the the Rigaku NEX CG benchtop EDXRF analyser. The method is detailed in EDXRF application note #1495 and demonstrates the use of the Rigaku NEX CG benchtop EDXRF analyser in the trace elemental analysis of ores. Information regarding sample preparation, calibration and repeatability is presented in the application note.

From screening at the mine site, throughout the processing areas to final evaluation, elemental analysis is a critical part of the examination of ores, helping ensure proper extraction and process control. Trace elemental analysis, especially of precious metals, also helps optimise the value of the processing. In lead-zinc ores, the most profitable elements are lead, zinc and, in some ores, silver. Along the entire processing line, a fast and simple technique is required to monitor these and other elements.

For the application described in the report, 12 assayed ore samples were used as standards for empirical calibration and a single calibration method was created. Two standards were selected from the calibration and were analysed against the calibration curves to demonstrate recovery and repeatability.

Spectral analyses of each of the samples show clear isolation of the respective peaks. The results indicate that, given homogeneous samples and proper calibration, Rigaku says, the “NEX CG analyser is an ideal EDXRF tool for screening and characterisation of lead/zinc ore at the mine site or processing facilities for optimum product QA/QC.