Copper systems guide
Sampling, Assay and Laboratory Quality
Why representative samples and controlled analysis underpin grade and recovery decisions.
Systems note: examples are educational; exact performance depends on the site, material, equipment and applicable standards.
Where this fits in the copper system
Why representative samples and controlled analysis underpin grade and recovery decisions.
Core concepts
A precise instrument cannot fix a non-representative sample.
Sample preparation reduces and homogenizes material for analysis.
Duplicates and reference materials help reveal bias or drift.
What to watch in practice
Useful measures depend on the exact system, but operators and engineers generally combine material flow, quality, recovery or efficiency, equipment reliability, energy/water use, inventory and downstream requirements rather than optimizing one number in isolation.