Fire Assay — Platinum Group Elements (Pt, Pd, Rh via NiS Collection)
Comprehensive determination of Platinum Group Elements using advanced nickel sulphide fusion and tellurium coprecipitation for layered mafic-ultramafic complexes and PGE exploration.
Analytical Overview & Methodology
Unlike gold and silver, Platinum Group Elements (Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os) exhibit complex refractory behavior during standard lead fire assay. RVA Laboratories employs the globally recognized Nickel Sulphide (NiS) Fusion Method (FA-PGE-04) to ensure quantitative collection of all PGE species from ultramafic rocks and chromite-rich ores.
The Nickel Sulphide Pathway
The sample is fused with a custom flux mixture containing nickel carbonate and elemental sulphur. The resulting NiS button quantitatively extracts all PGEs. The crushed button is dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid, leaving insoluble PGE sulphides which are coprecipitated using tellurium collector. The residue is dissolved in aqua regia and aspirated into our Inductively Coupled Plasma spectrometers for multi-element quantification.
| Method Code | FA-PGE-04 |
|---|---|
| Element Coverage | Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), Rhodium (Rh), Ruthenium (Ru), Iridium (Ir) |
| Detection Range | Pt: 0.005 – 10.0 ppm | Pd: 0.005 – 10.0 ppm | Rh: 0.001 – 5.0 ppm |
| Sample Requirement | 30g to 50g pulverized sample pulp |
| Instrumentation | Nickel Sulphide (NiS) Fusion + Tellurium Coprecipitation + ICP-MS / ICP-OES |
| Standard Turnaround | Standard: 5-7 Working Days |
Laboratory Protocols & Execution Specs
- Collection Matrix: Nickel Sulphide (NiS) button fusion
- Sample Size: 30g - 50g pulverized sample
- Separation: Hydrochloric dissolution + Tellurium coprecipitation
- Instrument Finish: ICP-MS for ultra-trace exploration; ICP-OES for high-grade reef ores
- Target Rocks: Layered intrusions, chromitites, mafic-ultramafic complexes, nickel-copper sulphides
JORC & NI 43-101 Data Integrity Guarantee
Every batch tested under method FA-PGE-04 includes matrix-matched Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), analytical blanks, and duplicate splits at a minimum 20% insertion rate. Official digital Certificates of Analysis are digitally signed and traceable.