CMA Annual Conference Technical Papers

1. Automated Flux Dispensing Machines - Automated and Semi Automated
Bill Clifford, Director-Mining & International Sales, Anachemia Science

Both of these pieces of equipment will deliver a measured amount of flux to each assay crucible and reduce exposure to lead dust. Eliminates wrist fatigue (Carpal tunnel syndrome) that is associated with “hand scooping” of flux.

2. Laboratory Workflow Design: Ideas and Examples from the Minerals Industry
John Winterbottom, Technical Manager, AssayNet Canada Inc.

“Same labs” – different workflow”. Many minerals laboratories that analyze similar materials for similar suites of elements have adopted different task management methodologies. This paper examines the diversity of operations the author has encountered, discusses the dynamics and rationale behind their development and illustrates how a single data management system, (LIMS), can be used to accommodate these heterogeneous workflows.

3. Update on the B.C. Assayers Certification Program
Scott Daniels, Chair of the Advisory Council to the B.C. Assayer Certification Program

This presentation will provide an update on the B.C. Assayer certification Program, its successes and challenges.

4. Advances in the Use of Compton Ratio Method for Nickel Ores and Other Ores
Mike Martin, XRF Applications Specialist, Rigaku Americas Corporation

This paper applies to an improvement in quantitative elemental analysis by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (WDXRD) spectroscopy.

5. Application of the Atomic Spectroscopy Techniques for Determination of Complex PGE Sample Matrices
Eric Vanclay, ICP-OE Product Manager, Varian Australia, Melbourne. Australia

This presentation includes results for complex matrices measured using Fast Sequential AAS and Internal Standardization; trace elements in platinum and rhodium matrices measured using the Varian ICP-OES; and gold in geological samples measured using Laser ablation ICP-MS.

6. Evolution of Metals Digestion
Nancie Copeland, Technical Sales Director, Environmental Express
Joe Boyd, Technical Specialist, Environmental Express

Much has changed in the way laboratories handle samples for metals digestions. Older Technology such as the hotplate have been replaced with newer technology such as block digesters. The following presentation addresses the benefits of the HotBlock and the AutoBlock and gives supporting data to validate their use for metals digestion.

7. Solving Problems of Fine Crushing
Ian Devereux, Managing Director, Rocklabs Ltd.

Incorporating a CRM (continuous ring mill) in sample preparation to reduce crusher repairs.

8. Measuring Low level Sulphur in Waste Rock
Richard Simms, University of Waterloo

The waste rock from Canadian Shield has a small sulphide component. Mines sort the waste rock based on measured sulphur content, treating higher contents with more care. This helps control the environmental impact of their operations.

9. New Products to Help with Your Sample Preparation Needs
Bruce Weakland, North American Sales Manager, Herzog Automation Corporation

Herzog has recently developed an automatic milling machine for large samples, a semi-automatic milling machine for smaller samples, a mill and press combination system, a low pressure press for XRD samples, a dosing machine for weighing flux and new fusion machines.

10. The Use of Statistical Process Control (SPC) for the Optimization of Laboratory Performance
Joe Mastroianni, Lab QA/QC Executive Consultant, Scientech

A well defined and formulated Quality Assurance Program ensures the laboratories ability to produce competent results i.e. results that are capable of meeting the Laboratory’s customers needs. This level of competence is easily demonstrated through the use of Scientech’s Lab Stats Pack statistical Quality Control Product.

11. Full Pattern Cluster Analysis of Multiple X-Ray Diffraction Data
Jennifer Anderson, Applications Specialist-XRD, PANalytical
Daniel Raymond, General Manager, PANalytical
Allan Ball, Sales Representative, PANalytical

Modern X-ray diffraction equipment allows the rapid collection of hundreds of scans. Collecting large amounts of data it is impossible to analyze every single measurement. Cluster analysis drastically reduces the amount of data which has to be processed. This presentation will introduce the theory behind cluster analysis. Examples from cement and mining applications will demonstrate some of the benefits.

12. A High Productivity Solution for Routine ICPMS Analysis
Tim Freeman, PerkinElmer LAS Canada

The advantages of combining a FAST ESI sample introduction system. A PerkinElmer ELAN ICP-MS will be discussed will be discussed.

13.The Canadian Mineral Analysis Testing Program: Criteria for Performance and Excellence; the Steps to Accredit a Laboratory.
Rassoulou Diallo, Senior Program Officer, Conformity Assessment Division, Standards Council of Canada (PALCAN-SCC/CNN)

The criteria for performance and excellence.
The steps necessary to accredit a laboratory.

14. Spectrochemical Analysis of Trace Elements in Metals and Minerals by the DC Arc Technique
Paul Dalager, Analytical Reference Materials