ASTM E1915-07

These test methods are primarily intended to test materials for compliance with compositional specifications and for monitoring. The determination of carbon and sulfur in ores and related materials is necessary to classify ores for metallurgical processing and to classify waste materials from the mining and processing of ores such as leach spoils, waste rock and tailings according to their potential to generate acid in the environment. This information is useful during mine development to assist in mining and mineral processing operations and proper disposal of waste materials.

These test methods also may be used for the classification of rock to be used in construction, where the potential to generate acid under environmental conditions exists.

It is assumed that the users of these test methods will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory procedures skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal procedures will be followed. Appropriate quality control practices such as those described in Guide E 882 must be followed.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of total carbon and sulfur in metal bearing ores and related materials such as tailings and waste rock within the following ranges:

The test methods were tested over the following ranges: Total Carbon - 0.01 to 5.87 %Total Sulfur - 0.0002 to 4.70 %Residual Carbon from Pyrolysis - 0.002 to 4.97 %Residual Sulfur from Pyrolysis - 0.014 to 1.54 %Pyrolysis Loss Sulfur - 0 to 4.42 %Hydrochloric Acid Insoluble Carbon - 0.025 to 0.47 %Hydrochloric Acid Loss Carbon - 0 to 5.78 %Hydrochloric Acid Insoluble Sulfur - 0.012 to 4.20 %.Nitric Acid Insoluble Sulfur - 0.006 to 0.924 %Nitric Acid Loss Sulfur - -0.08 to 4.19 %Sodium Carbonate Insoluble Sulfur - 0.007 to 3.78 %

1.2 The quantitative ranges for the partial decomposition test methods are dependent on the mineralogy of the samples being tested. The user of these test methods is advised to conduct an interlaboratory study in accordance with Practice E 1601 on the test methods selected for use at a particular mining site, in order to establish the quantitative ranges for these test methods on a site-specific basis.

1.3 The test methods appear in the following order:

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning statements are given in Section 7.