Proper sampling mixing and reducation on canvas

We are training our staff members to understand and execute proper sampling procedures. On these pictures and video you may observe how we have taken every third scoop from each bucket with gold concentrates, thereafter we have been using standard mixing methods and reduction of sample by quartering until we remained with just a kilogram or less. The final sample can be taken to the laboratory for assaying.

There are many technical factors to be observed while taking and preparing the proper sample for later assaying. Definition of “sample” is a collection of fragments or pieces from a deposit which contains exactly the same minerals in exactly the same proportions as they exist in the deposit.

The key is in understanding of the definition. One need to ensure that sample has exactly same proportions of the minerals just as they exist in the whole deposit or quantity.

In this example from February 9th 2019, in Busia, Uganda, we have been processing gold concentrates. Many buckets containing gold concentrates had to be accessed and every third scoop from each bucket has been transferred to the sampling buckets.

Would we simple take few scoops from one single bucket, that would be incorrect sampling.

Thus we have taken every third scoop from each bucket into sampling buckets to ensure the proportionality.

Thereafter we have used the reduction technique named “quartering” to reduce the sample with gold concentrate to laboratory size of half kilogram.

Every of our staff members must learn standard procedures on sampling and quartering as to avoid errors which often take place in all East Africa.