Sample preparation includes all of the steps taken in the laboratory to render a sample into a form that is suitable for chemical analysis. Correct sample preparation results in sub-samples that are representative of the total sample.
Automated sample preparation significantly improves data quality and can reduce misclassification of ore as waste product. The substantial cost of irrelevant data variability is not easy to detect, quantify, or correct. So, the decisions taken are only as good as the samples.
Representative sampling can save substantial cost by eliminating incorrect ore grade analysis. Laboratory automation often reduces labour costs by half or even more. Thus, Integrated Sampling Solutions are fast becoming the preferred way of approaching testing, analysis and data collection.