Hydrometallurgical testwork

Here are some frequently asked questions

• How much sample mass do I need for a leach program?

  Well that depends on the type of sample material, ore or concentrate and the extent of the program, but some rough guidelines for leaching tests are as follows:

  • Head analysis 1-2 kg
  • Atmospheric Bottle Roll Test 0.5 – 1.0 kg (depending on % solids)
  • Leaching optimisation 1 kg per test so 10-50 kg usually suffices
  • Bulk Leaching piloting 10-50 kg per hour (typically 120h run time)
  • Heap (Column) Leaching 12 kg/m (100mm Ø) 70 kg/m (2400mm Ø)
• Will ALS treat hazardous samples?

  Generally, yes. ALS has facilities and procedures to treat fibrous and radioactive samples. Surcharges do apply, however, to cover safety equipment, monitoring, and decontamination.

• Our samples are from overseas, what do I do?

  ALS is a quarantine approved premises and treats many samples of oversea origin.  Strict regulatory requirements are in needed around packaging and paperwork, however.  ALS can advise you on these requirements.

• Can I send plant slurry samples?

  Yes, ALS can filter your plant slurry samples as required.

• Can I do my own testwork at ALS?

  Generally, no. Insurance and safety protocols typically prevent renting laboratory space, and this is not part of our business model. Clients are able to visit and witness testwork, but this is to observe only! Typically, clients may attend on 24/7 piloting campaigns and interact with senior staff members for Technical interactions.

• Can my associates and I view the testwork at ALS?

  Yes, clients are always welcome to visit our facilities and observe samples or tests in progress. Inductions are required and other rules may apply to visitors.

• Will ALS dispatch my samples to third parties?

  Yes, if a testwork program is in progress, ALS will happily dispatch testwork products and feed samples to vendors, third party laboratories, and customers as required. Fees apply.

• Does ALS do bulk pilot testwork?

  Yes, Generally piloting testwork follows a successful bench testwork program where the proposed process flowsheet has been selected. Continuous testwork will prove the viability of the selected flowsheet and confirm recycle streams and overall circuit kinetics which is not possible from only batch or bench scale tests.

• Does ALS do design engineering and consulting?

  No, as it is not our core business and would put us in direct competition with many of our clients.  We can, however, put you in contact with a range of reputable engineering providers and consultants.