Minerals
Minerals and mineral-based materials are fundamental to modern industry—supporting metals production, construction materials, electronics, ceramics, batteries, chemicals, and environmental systems. Mineral quality is driven by both chemistry and mineralogy: elemental composition, mineral phases, impurities, and particle characteristics can strongly influence beneficiation performance, process efficiency, product value, and compliance.
We provide analytical testing and materials characterization for ores, concentrates, tailings, industrial minerals, mineral powders, and process residues, supporting exploration and development, process optimization, quality control, supplier qualification, and root-cause investigations. Our multi-technique approach delivers clear, decision-ready results—from rapid screening to detailed phase and impurity identification.
Why Testing Matters for Minerals
Mineral materials typically require control of:
Elemental composition for grade, value, and specification compliance
Mineral phases that determine processing behavior and product performance
Trace impurities that impact downstream processes (e.g., deleterious elements)
Particle characteristics influencing reactivity, separation, and final product quality
Contamination sources affecting production consistency and customer acceptance
Our lab integrates elemental, crystallographic, and microstructural tools to deliver practical insights.
FAQs
Can you identify minerals in a mixed sample?
Yes. XRD is commonly used for phase identification, though very minor phases may be difficult depending on concentration and overlap.
Can you quantify phase percentages?
Semi-quantitative estimates may be possible in some cases. Accurate quantification often requires advanced refinement methods and suitable standards (project-dependent).
Do you provide trace element analysis?
Yes, method depends on matrix and required detection limits. ICP-based methods typically provide lower detection limits than screening XRF.
How important is sample representativeness?
Very. Minerals can be heterogeneous. Providing well-mixed, representative subsamples greatly improves confidence.
Can you identify the cause of scale or process solids?
Often yes. XRD + SEM-EDS is a common workflow to determine composition and likely origin.