Intertek provides quality assay analysis of mineral samples for nickel deposit exploration projects. Most economically viable nickel resources are located in greenstone ultra-mafic rocks, from either sulfide rich deposits or from lateritic sources, which can determine the most appropriate testing procedures to use. Measures are taken by Intertek mineral testing laboratories to ensure that correct method development and quality protocols are in place to produce quality results for client analytical programs.

A typical analytical scheme used for nickel geochemical sample analysis involves:

• Drying, pulverising, re-drying immediately prior to weighing (for Laterite samples which may be hygroscopic), digesting the sample using a mixed acid digestion incorporating nitric, perchloric, hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids, followed by ICP-OES analysis.
• Elements most typically analysed for Nickel exploration samples include Al, As, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, S, Ti, V and Zn. Other elements can also be analysed as required from this analytical scheme. Gold, Platinum and Palladium are also often requested using lead collection fire assay followed by ICP-MS analysis.
• For more information regarding the analysis of geochemical samples for nickel mineralisation please contact Intertek.
• For a more detailed explanation of the analytical procedures used by Intertek, please download this nickel analysis .pdf document.

• Intertek Minerals Capabilities
• Global Laboratory Capabilities