5.1 In the primary metallurgical processes used by the mineral processing industry for gold bearing ores, gold is extracted with alkaline cyanide solutions and adsorbed onto activated carbon for recovery of the metal. Metallurgical accounting, process control, and ore evaluation procedures for this type of mineral processing plant depend on accurate, precise, and prompt measurements of gold concentrations in the activated carbon.

5.2 This test method for gold in activated carbon is intended primarily as a referee method to test such materials for metal content. It is assumed that those who use these procedures 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 must be followed, such as those described in Guide E882.