Placement of sample from buckets into the center of the square canvas

In the gold mining industry, the preparation of concentrate samples is a critical step to ensure accurate analysis and quality control. Initially, staff members place the gold concentrate samples onto a square of plastic canvas, commonly referred to as a tarpaulin. This surface serves as an ideal platform for the mixing process, as it provides a clean, flat area that facilitates the uniform blending of the sample materials. Proper mixing is essential to achieve a homogeneous sample, which is representative of the entire batch. By evenly distributing the gold particles and other constituents, the tarpaulin helps prevent segregation and ensures that each subsequent sample taken reflects the true composition of the concentrate.

Following the mixing phase, the quartering process commences. Quartering is a systematic method used in the mining industry to reduce the volume of a sample while maintaining its representativeness. This technique involves dividing the mixed sample into four equal parts and selectively retaining specific quarters for further analysis. Typically, one quarter is retained while the others are discarded or further subdivided, depending on the required sample size. This process may be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired sample quantity. Quartering minimizes the risk of bias and ensures that the final sample accurately mirrors the overall characteristics of the original concentrate. By employing this method, mining operations can obtain reliable data for assaying and decision-making, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of gold extraction and processing.