Radioactive and Rare Earth Element Analysis

SGS provides uranium, thorium and rare earth element (REE) analysis. There are a limited number of methods that can be used for these trace and ultra-trace elements and SGS has the stringent handling protocols in place to analyze them safely at specific designated sites.

SGS has extensive experience with the following analyses:

Rare Earth Elements (REE)

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) can be used for REE. The packages are:

• IMS95A, Lithium Metaborate fusion / ICP-MS finish
• ICM90A, Sodium Peroxide fusion / ICP-AES and ICP-MS finish
• ICM40B, Four-acid digestion / ICP-AES and ICP-MS finish

Uranium and Thorium

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and ICP-MS can be used for uranium and thorium. Packages are:

• IMS12B, 2:1 HNO3:HCl / ICP-MS finish
• IMS14B, 2:1 HNO3:HCl / ICP-MS finish
• ICM12B, 2:1 HNO3:HCl / ICP-AES and ICP-MS finish
• ICM14B, 2:1 HNO3:HCl / ICP-AES and ICP-MS finish

Uranium

The following analytical packages are specifically designed for uranium exploration and are offered at designated SGS sites.

Uranium in Low Mineralized Samples by Aqua Regia

IMS14B
36 elements by 3:1 aqua regia / ICP-MS
Suitable for soils and sediments with soluble mineralization
Elements and Ranges (see our Geochem Analysis Guide)

ICM14B
52 elements by 3:1 aqua regia / ICP-AES and ICP-MS
Suitable for soils and sediments with soluble mineralization
Elements and Ranges (see our Geochem Analysis Guide)

Uranium in Low Mineralized Soils using the MMI-ME Technology
MMI-ME
Up to 55 elements
Pb isotopes can be added upon request
Elements and Limits (see our Geochem Analysis Guide)

Uranium in Moderately Mineralized Samples by Multi-Acid Digest (Near Total)
ICM40B
49 elements by 4 acid digest and ICP-AES / ICP-MS
Suitable for rocks with oxide mineralization
Elements and Ranges (see our Geochem Analysis Guide)

Uranium in Highly Mineralized Samples by Fusion and ICP-MS
IMS95A
31 trace elements by lithium metaborate / ICP-MS
High temperature fusion to dissolve resistant minerals (such as apatite, zircon, monazite and sphene)
Elements and Ranges (see our Geochem Analysis Guide)

Uranium in Highly Mineralized Samples by Pressed Pellet or Fusion and XRF (Total)
XRF75F
Pressed pellet with internal standard
Range for U (0.002 – 3) %
Additional elements As, Sb, Sn, Ta, Th, W

XRF76B
Borate fusion with internal standard
Range for U (0.01 – 100 %)
Additional elements may be requested

SGS provides you with support as a strategic partner and technical advisor. Our experts provide the analysis and guidance you need to make well-informed exploration decisions for your radioactive or rare earth element project. Partner with us and benefit from our unique depth and breadth of expertise and experience.

Geochem Analysis GuideGeochem Analysis GuideA Guide to Geochemical Analysis Services at SGS ...

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  Geochem Analysis Guide

  published 02/01/13

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