Reference Materials (RM’s)
Reference materials, commonly referred to as “standards”, are an important element in exploration and mining best practice. They are samples, with a known grade, made from a specific ore, used as control samples to check results for specific methods from chemical analysis.They have been tested and found fit for their purpose, which can include the calibration of a measurement system, assessment of a measurement procedure, assigning values to other materials and quality control.
They are used to check on:
- accuracy from individual analyses
- method bias
- sample custody procedures
- sample traceability
- assay laboratory quality assurance
- the integrity of the mineral resource database
- the integrity of the mineral resource estimate
