Defining the Concentration of Valuable Substances

Content analyses are a part of the characterisation of raw materials

GTK’s research services enable the diverse characterisation of primary and secondary materials, which produces data on their raw material potential, concentrations of valuable materials, and possible applications as new products.

Content analyses are carried out on primary materials, such as ore samples, and on various secondary materials, such as tailings and side streams from mining and industrial activities. The goal is to generate a detailed description of the valuable substances contained in raw materials and their concentration, and of the binding of the valuable substances to different minerals.

Content analyses are needed throughout the life cycle of an ore deposit.

A content analysis targeting valuable substances typically starts with a characterisation of the raw materials in which the mineralogical composition of the sample is studied using various analytical tools, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a microanalyser (EPMA). The selection of methods and devices is based on the sample and the research challenge at hand.

Determining the concentration of valuable substances is relevant, for example, for the commercial usability of an ore deposit. In fact, content analyses on the raw materials are needed throughout the life cycle of the deposit.

After the content analysis is complete, the process can be continued by using different beneficiation methods to recover the valuable substances from the raw material.

Thanks to our professional employees and wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, GTK can offer customised research services targeted at valuable materials to suit the individual needs of our customers.