Ores & Minerals Testing

Independent verification of mineral composition, physical characteristics, and mineralogical structure to support processing, valuation, and compliance decisions.

Why Ores & Minerals Testing Matters

Inaccurate grade assumptions cascade through the mining value chain—leading to yield discrepancies, contract disputes, and sub-optimal recovery in processing plants. When material composition is mischaracterised, commercial negotiations weaken and operational efficiency suffers.

Processing efficiency is fundamentally dependent on precise material characterisation. Liberation characteristics, elemental distribution, and mineralogical phases directly influence process design, reagent consumption, and recovery rates.

Independent testing provides defensible, third-party verified data that protects commercial interests, supports regulatory compliance, and enables informed processing and investment decisions. Before signing off on material transactions, valuations, or process parameters—independent verification eliminates ambiguity.

Group

Ores & Minerals Testing

Testing Scope Overview

This testing group provides comprehensive analytical services covering the full spectrum of ore and mineral characterisation requirements:

Chemical Composition

Elemental and oxide composition analysis for accurate material grading and valuation.

Physical Properties

Physical property evaluation including particle size, density, and moisture content.

Mineralogical Structure

Phase identification and crystallographic analysis for process optimisation.

Chemical Analysis of Ores & Minerals

Accurate determination of elemental and oxide composition is fundamental to material valuation, grade verification, and processing decisions. Our chemical analysis services deliver the quantitative data required for informed commercial and technical decisions.

Group

Test Category

Ores & Minerals Testing

Chemical

Material

Type of Test

Ores, minerals, concentrates

Elemental and oxide composition analysis

Test Method

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Wet chemical analysis
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) / ICP-based methods (as applicable)

Physical Properties Testing

Physical properties directly influence handling, processing behaviour, and material classification. Our testing covers the key physical parameters required for material specification, process design, and quality verification.

Group

Test Category

Ores & Minerals Testing

Physical

Material

Type of Test

Ores and minerals

Physical property evaluation

Test Method

Particle size analysis (sieve analysis)
Bulk density determination
Moisture content determination

Mineralogical Analysis (XRD)

Group

Test Category

Ores & Minerals Testing

Mineralogical

Material

Type of Test

Ores, minerals, concentrates

Mineral phase identification

Test Method

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

Materials

Materials Commonly Tested

Metal ores

Industrial minerals

Mineral concentrates

Process feed and product samples

Standards, Accuracy & Reporting

All analytical work is performed using calibrated instruments maintained under documented quality control procedures. Testing aligns with applicable national and international standards, ensuring consistency, comparability, and regulatory acceptance.

Reports are structured for technical review, audit submission, and third-party validation. Each report includes methodology details, instrument parameters, quality control data, and clear presentation of results with associated uncertainty where applicable.

Results are factual, traceable, and defensible.

Why Companies Choose Microlab

When coating performance is non-negotiable, you need a testing partner that understands what’s at stake.

Independent and Unbiased

Third-party testing with no commercial interest in outcomes

Decision-grade clarity

Analytical precision that supports high-stakes decisions

Mining workflow expertise

Experience across exploration, processing, and trading contexts

Dispute and qualification support

Reports designed for commercial negotiations and compliance

Speak to an Ores & Minerals Testing Specialist

Get clarity on applicable analytical methods, sample preparation, turnaround time, and reporting scope.