Rapid, accurate assaying of metal concentrates (“cons”) is an essential, and often repeated, step in the flow of these critical materials from mine site to smelter. ColdBlock Technologies Inc. offers a proven sample preparation solution that sets a new standard for speed, accuracy, safety and operational efficiency in preparing a wide range of metal concentrates for assaying – ColdBlock technology can significantly speed up the assaying process with equal or better accuracy and precision.
Understanding Metal Concentrates
Metal concentrates are the final product coming out of many base metal and poly-metallic mining operations. They contain high concentrations of valuable metals such as copper, zinc, lead, nickel, gold, and silver. These concentrates are then shipped to smelter operations around the world, occasionally changing hands multiple times. Accurate elemental analysis of these materials is essential to determine the content and value of key elements of interest, as well as the quantity of penalty elements present.
ColdBlock: A New Standard in Digestion Technology
ColdBlock Technologies Inc. is driving innovation in elemental analysis through its patented digestion technology. ColdBlock uses focused short-wave infrared heating in combination with a cooling block to achieve rapid, uniform digestion of samples. The benefits are clear:
- Significantly faster digestion times
- Improved laboratory throughput and productivity
- Accurate, repeatable analytical results
- Improved operator safety
ColdBlock’s effectiveness is backed by rigorous testing across various concentrate types in the ColdBlock R&D Lab. The following application notes detail digestion performance and analytical results.
ColdBlock digestion results in excellent recovery of all key elements, including those highlighted in the table:
| Concentrate | CRM | Digestion Time | Key Elements Recovered |
| Copper Concentrate | AMIS-0566 | 30 minutes | Arsenic Bismuth Copper Selenium |
| Copper Concentrate | CCu-1f | 30 minutes | Antimony Arsenic Copper |
| Lead Concentrate | FRIENDS 0618 | 30 minutes | Antimony Arsenic Lead |
| Lead Concentrate | CPb-3 | 30 minutes | Antimony Lead Zinc |
| Nickel-Cobalt-Sulfide | OREAS 78 | 20 minutes | Nickel Cobalt Sulfur |
| Spodumene Concentrate | AMIS-0656 | 30 minutes | Lithium |
| Spodumene Concentrate | OREAS 999 | 30 minutes | Lithium Calcium Magnesium |
| Zinc Concentrate | FRIENDS 0620 | 30 minutes | Arsenic Iron Zinc |
| Zinc Concentrate | CZn-4 | 30 minutes | Lead Silver Zinc |
| Zinc Concentrate | OREAS-354 | 20 minutes | Lead Silver Zinc |
The Importance of Elemental Analysis
Elemental testing of metal concentrates such as copper, zinc and lead is essential to ensure accurate valuation, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient processing. Assay results determine both the content of payable metals, and also quantify impurities like arsenic or lead that may affect smelting operations (and as a result negatively impact the value of the con).
By providing reliable data on concentrate composition, elemental analysis supports fair transactions, optimizes metallurgical performance, and upholds industry standards. Fast, accurate assaying / elemental analysis is critical to maintaining smooth steady flow of these materials from the mine site, through ports, across oceans, and to the destination at the smelter.
Conclusion
As demand for metal concentrates continues to grow, and improved operating efficiencies remains key to improving industry profitability, the need for accurate, timely, and cost-effective elemental analysis of concentrates is increasing. ColdBlock delivers on all fronts—speed, precision, safety, and scalability—making it an essential tool for laboratories and processing facilities worldwide. By streamlining elemental analysis, ColdBlock empowers the metals industry to operate more efficiently, sustainably, and profitably.
