When a company wants to submit a mineral sample for examination, it is necessary to handle the sample properly and ensure that all procedures are completed in a timely manner. Sample receiving is done at the receiving bay of the laboratory and the samples are usually from underground, exploration or the metallurgical plants. All these samples are accompanied by a submission form which has the sample type, date of sampling, sampler’s name and date the results should be produced. All the samples are logged and identified using unique identification numbers. Samples are given unique codes depending with the client. Logging of samples is important for identification, accountability and probably for future quest.
Most companies prefer to have the sample stored at the location where they intend to carry out the testing. This is so that they can easily access the sample in case they require more details regarding the sample. During storage, cross contamination of samples must be avoided. The sample collection is done on the site and this is followed by packing the samples before it is submitted to the laboratory. This is because a number of different types of samples need to be handled at the same time. Once the sample is prepared it is transported to the laboratory and then submitted for analysis. The sample that is collected needs to be shipped to the laboratory in a safe and secure manner.